Post-BLL!2012 Reflections and Such

This past weekend was, of course, Black Library Live! 2012, wherein I was a guest, which was strange on a number of levels. Mostly because I was very aware of (a) being a representative of Black Library and (b) how often I forgot that fact around the general public.

What I'm trying to say is, that, if you met me and enjoyed the experience, great! If you thought I was a hack or a money-motivated word mercenary not fit to share couch space with folk like Sarah Cawkwell or Bill King? Also great! Because that's the truth, frankly, and better I smash those rose-tinted glasses now than later.

From my point of view, however, everyone was lovely. There were several folks I wish I'd gotten to chat to, but all and all, I talked to who I wanted, in the quantities required. Mostly editors. See 'money-motivated-word-mercenary' above for further information. Anyway, I got my marching orders on a few new projects, including what shall henceforth be dubbed Project: Horsefeathers, Project: Pygmy Lizard and Project: Dead Man Walking. Two of those are still in the pitch/propose stage, which is what I've been working on today in light of finishing up Project: Beardy Beardsley.

My signings were, as to be expected, infinitesimal, but enjoyable nonetheless. I amused myself at the expense of other, more popular writers because I'm both spiteful and easily bored. There's likely a picture somewhere of my attempt to balance a pen on my nose.

I was not successful in that regard, by the way.

The panels were quite interesting, with the audience questions ranging from the intriguing to the groan-worthy. I displayed my ignorance of both the source material and basic social niceties on several occasions, though, in my defence, the latter involved provocation from certain parties who shall remain nameless.

I've said it before, but there's an energy at these things that I find quite cool. The people who come to Black Library Live, as someone said, are the folks who genuinely enjoy the books. They're there to read and see and learn and gossip about something that they honestly, truly enjoy and it never fails to leave me in a state of befuddled awe.

Anyway, if you're looking for in-depth coverage of what went on, give a look-see here, here, here, here, here and here. Oh, and here. Possibly more linkage later, if I come across it.

All in all, a good time.