jblum's Journal

Well, all those of you who were having a wonderful time at SwanCon... we missed you, but we were too busy having the time of our lives at Conjunction in New Zealand.

More coherent thoughts once I put my brain back in the right way around. But Elizabeth Moon is a living legend, Pip Ballantine is a darling, Daena and Cat kept us so well looked-after, we met so many new friends who we're already trying to figure out how to get back to... but the most important thing is what this con did for both of our states of mind.

Over recent years, Kate's been developing quite a lot of anxiety when it comes to travel, as well as a general social phobia about public speaking and dealing with fans... but by the end of this convention, after sailing through it (with plenty of breaks), running glorious panels, and putting on a bravura performance at the auction, she was positively joyous about the whole thing. We hesitate to use the word cured, but I haven't seen her so happy about spending time with fans in years.

And me? After years of seeing fandom as primarily a source of arguments, backbiting, and stress, suddenly I'm reminded that fandom is really about silly poetry at room parties at three in the morning. Thanks to Sean McMullen for triggering that little epiphany!

We gave a storming guest-of-honor speech which we hope to write up from our fragmentary notes, which was a summation of all the amazing things that have happened in the past decade. Arthur C. Clarke was remembered at great length. I played Nicholas Parsons at the "Just A Minute" panel. And Kate sold my body at the auction! (I came up in full suit with tuxedo jacket to auction off free breakfast with me, with special bonus backrub, and hilarity ensued. There would be photos, but my parents were laughing too hard to take them. Yes, my parents were at the con, due to a long and complicated story which I hope to get into in the comments.)

In other news, Paul Cornell and some Moffat bloke got another Hugo nomination each. And Cath Tregenna for "Captain Jack Harkness" over in Torchwood. Congratulations, ya bastards. This con has reignited our determination to join you one day...