Con or Bust - Calling at Morganville, the Discworld, and Sixes
Well, at this point it's no big secret: I really, really, really like going to conventions.
And why wouldn't I? I learned how to be an author at a con.
And also how to be a fan.
I've met amazing new friends at cons.
And had once-in-a-lifetime experiences with old ones.
Going to cons has become the absolute highlight of my probably-shouldn't-call-it-a-career-yet. I seriously live for the weekends when work and writing and wifing all get kicked to the curb while Cinderella goes to the ball.
So naturally, I want other people to get to enjoy this weird, wild, nothing-else-like-it phenomenal good time that we call fan conventions. I want a world where everyone has the opportunity to have a Disneyland-Hogwarts-Woodstock-carnival-prom experience of their very own.
We don't live in that world yet - but we are incredibly fortunate to have Con or Bust, a non-profit initiative that provides funding for fans of color attend conventions. That means a great time for them, bigger and more inclusive events for con-goers in general, and ultimately a richer, stronger, greater community for everyone.
"SWEET," I hear you say. "How does it work?"
Well, Con or Bust raises money by accepting donated items - books, crafts, services, you name it - and auctioning them off. This year, I am pleased as passionfruit punch to have goodies of my own to donate - and stoked as strawberry sangria to have a partner in crime. Rachel Caine, New York Times bestselling author of the Morganville Vampires series and all-around phenomenal human being (seriously, guys, you are NOT prepared), has generously contributed a collection of rare, limited-edition books and merchandise to help further the cause - and all of it is going to the highest bidder!
Here's what we have (click each title link to go to its auction page):
The Morganville Vampires Superfan Swag Bag
Everything but a vampire's kitchen sink! (Cat not included.) You get:
Prince of Shadows Special Gift Set
Buddy, this ain't your granddad's Romeo and Juliet. This is dark, thrilling, historical YA at its murder-in-the-alleys finest. You get:
One Night in Sixes - Rare Annotated Misprint Edition
This isn't just one of the rare first-edition British copies that got pulped and reissued when we (by which I mean my super-diligent Uncle Sandy) discovered a missing page. This is a rare first-edition British copy that I've lovingly annotated with never-revealed series secrets, research notes, character trivia, and lore galore. It's cowboys-and-fishmen fantasy like you've never seen it before - with DVD director's commentary!
Manuscript Critique - Up to 10,000 Words
Want some help with your own magnum opus? I'll critique up to 10,000 words of your original fiction, with your choice of either content, line, or copy-editing (see auction page for details). Come, ambitious writers of the world - marinate your masterpiece in my delectable brain-juices!
And last but not least, in tribute to the late, great Terry Pratchett:
2015 "We R Igors" Discworld Diary
This is a new copy of the 2015 “We R Igors” Discworld Diary. It's a wonderfully designed hardcover book, featuring day-planner-style blank calendar pages alongside excellent illustrations and fun “flavor text” entries revealing the inner lives of the Igors – a true collector’s item.
Can you beat that? At the risk of sounding competitive, I would submit that you cannot. And you know what they say: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em before the auction ends on Sunday, May 3rd. Now go, gentle reader - visit the auctions, learn how to place your bids, and help make the world a better place for fandom!
And why wouldn't I? I learned how to be an author at a con.
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| For my first-ever reading, it went pretty well! |
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| My endgame cosplay scenario: Pam Poovey with a portal gun. |
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| This is my legendary 16-bit buddy and pixie-lated musical genius, Lauren the Flute. Under Merriam-Webster's revised definition of the word "literally", she is literally a flute. |
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| WorldCon 2013, DFW Writers Workshop contingent. My first and sadly only time getting to hang out with Paul LaMarr. As usual, Gabe stole the show. |
So naturally, I want other people to get to enjoy this weird, wild, nothing-else-like-it phenomenal good time that we call fan conventions. I want a world where everyone has the opportunity to have a Disneyland-Hogwarts-Woodstock-carnival-prom experience of their very own.
"SWEET," I hear you say. "How does it work?"
Here's what we have (click each title link to go to its auction page):
The Morganville Vampires Superfan Swag Bag
Everything but a vampire's kitchen sink! (Cat not included.) You get:
- an autographed copy of The Morganville Vampires, Volume 1
- a pair of vampire bunny slippers (a.k.a. the “Rabbit With Big Pointy Teeth” slippers)
- the Morganville: The Series paper doll book
- “Common Grounds” coffee mug
- lenticular double-wide Fall of Night bookmark
- Morganville: The Series souvenir postcard
- set of six Morganville temporary tattoos (all different designs)
- Morganville Resident Identification Card
- green rubber Morganville wrist band
Prince of Shadows Special Gift Set
Buddy, this ain't your granddad's Romeo and Juliet. This is dark, thrilling, historical YA at its murder-in-the-alleys finest. You get:
- a hardback copy of Prince of Shadows, signed by the author
- a decorative hard-backed journal, with lined pages and a magnet flap
- black and gold novelty book box with red faux-velvet interior (inside storage dimensions 11.5″ x 7″ x 2.25″)
- blue ballpoint quill pen
- 6″ heavyweight ‘rapier’ letter opener
One Night in Sixes - Rare Annotated Misprint Edition
This isn't just one of the rare first-edition British copies that got pulped and reissued when we (by which I mean my super-diligent Uncle Sandy) discovered a missing page. This is a rare first-edition British copy that I've lovingly annotated with never-revealed series secrets, research notes, character trivia, and lore galore. It's cowboys-and-fishmen fantasy like you've never seen it before - with DVD director's commentary!
Manuscript Critique - Up to 10,000 Words
Want some help with your own magnum opus? I'll critique up to 10,000 words of your original fiction, with your choice of either content, line, or copy-editing (see auction page for details). Come, ambitious writers of the world - marinate your masterpiece in my delectable brain-juices!
And last but not least, in tribute to the late, great Terry Pratchett:
2015 "We R Igors" Discworld Diary
This is a new copy of the 2015 “We R Igors” Discworld Diary. It's a wonderfully designed hardcover book, featuring day-planner-style blank calendar pages alongside excellent illustrations and fun “flavor text” entries revealing the inner lives of the Igors – a true collector’s item.
Can you beat that? At the risk of sounding competitive, I would submit that you cannot. And you know what they say: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em before the auction ends on Sunday, May 3rd. Now go, gentle reader - visit the auctions, learn how to place your bids, and help make the world a better place for fandom!