Archives for June 2013

The WHC convention in New Orleans is over. So sad. The Bram Stoker awards have been announced (Special congrats to Jonathan Maberry and Charles Day), the parties are memories, and only the after taste of the fine Creole cuisine lingers. Conventions, especially horror conventions, are times of unrestrained fun with informative panels and readings interspersed. If you can’t find fun in New Orleans, you can’t find fun anywhere.

In the early 70’s I lived way south of NO on the Miss. River in Buras. I had to drive to No for good food, partying, and guitar strings. I spent much of my paycheck there, but dining at K. Paul’s, Commander’s Palace, Brennan’s, and many other restaurants was a lasting memory and helped shape me as a chef in Atlanta. Even the small dives had excellent food. One great place across the street from the Hotel Monteleone was the Checkered Parrot. Great gumbo, jambalaya and Po Boys.  The Crillo Room in the hotel was pricy but excellent. My fish was delicious and my asparagus just the way I like it, with a bit of crunch.

I concentrated on meeting people, hanging out in the dealer’s room with Angelic Knight Press and Damnation Books, both of whom are selling my books, but my wife explored the city. The River Walk and its River Trolley were a great way to see the river and visit the Aquarium. The Charles Street Trolley allowed a nice ride to the city’s western wards and their picturesque homes. The city, at least what parts of it I saw, seemed to have resurged from Hurricane Katrina quite well. Our view of the river from the hotel was excellent. I have to admit, after seven years in Tucson, the humidity in NO almost killed me.

Back to WHC. The panels this year ran from C0-Authoring, Anthologies, and Characters, to the Zombie Apocalypse and YA markets – something for everyone. There were parties by Heather Graham and her band, Dark and Bookish, and Dead Dog Press, not to mention the Stoker Awards banquet and party. Between the meet and greet party and the free luncheon on Friday, some bucks were saved on food, saving more for fine dining.

Many authors had readings. Unfortunately, mine was at 9 pm Friday night during the Heather Graham bash. After ten minutes and no one showing up (Sad face), I joined Heather’s party and had some fun. I don’t blame anyone. I would have preferred heather’s party too. The Mass Autograph session was a huge success. The room was packed.

My main two reasons for going to WHC 2013 were meeting friends and making new acquaintances, and the pitch sessions. I pitched a novel to Blood Bound Books. They’re reading it now. I also pitched to Samhain Publishing. I’ve made three sales from pitch sessions, so they’re worth the effort.

I probably won’t make it back to NOLA very soon. Our trip from Tucson to Miss. to see friends and have a book debut and on to New Orleans and back to Tucson, took ten long days. I arrived home exhausted from the ordeal but happy I made the effort. My last royalty check just about covered the trip. I guess I’ll have to sell more books!

Tomorrow, we’ll be beginning our journey to the World Horror Convention in New Orleans, LA. I haven’t been to NOLA in many years. It’s a beautiful city. I used to live down the river a ways in Buras in Plaquemine Parish. I would go to New Orleans to party, to eat, and to buy guitar strings, which I couldn’t find in Buras. The food is exquisite and the nightlife is enchanting. I’m looking forward to the journey – sort of.

Before we go to New Orleans, we’re headed to Corinth, MS. to visit family and for a book signing. That’s good. The problem is preparing for such a long journey – 10 days. First – my cat was bitten by a rattlesnake and almost died. We thought we would have to postpone, but she is better. However, I don’t feel right leaving her and her brother alone for so long. One of our friends offered to watch them but she can’t be there all the time. We chose a pet sitting service. After meeting Anna, I feel better. Still, that’s $200.

Let me preface all this with what’s been happening to us. I’ve been finishing a novel for Severed Press, a sequel to Ice Station Zombie called Chill Factor. I’ve also been finishing a novel to pitch at the convention, a Navajo creation myth horror title Ye’iitsoh. During this time, we have had our house painted, a tree cut, sun screening installed, people giving estimates for flooring and a new patio. We destroyed our old patio to prepare, but our first contractor didn’t show up, or call or apologize. Our second one delayed us two weeks. It still isn’t done. I’m only hoping they will show up eventually. A handyman we hired to put up racks in the garage blew us off as well. I was in sales for several years. I can’t understand people who don’t follow through or call. If I tried to sell novels the way they operate … well, I wouldn’t sell any. Needless to say, I’ve told everyone I know to avoid them. It has been a hectic month. I need to relax.

I probably won’t. I have sleep apnea, so I have to lug a compressor, a C-PAP machine, and a sleep mask everywhere I go. I carry oxygen for emergencies. That makes it difficult to fly, so we drive – 1500 miles. Then there’s luggage, books, computers, Kindles, a cooler, snacks, CDs. Two long days to Corinth and  a day from Corinth to NOLA. I’ll be exhausted before I even arrive. The convention usually taxes me (parties, readings, signings, more parties), and then two long days back to Tucson. It will take weeks for me to recover, but it’s worth it – I think.

I love conventions, especially WHCs. I meet new writers, old friends, learn a great deal, explore new places, and attend pitch sessions. I’ve sold a couple of novels that way and I’m hoping for one more. This year I’ll have a reading and attend the Mass Autograph session. Two of my publishers will be there. It will be great. If you can attend only one horror writer’s convention, make it WHC. I’ve been to New York, Salt Lake City twice, and now NOLA. It’s worth every penny if you treat it as a vacation. I’m hoping we’ll have a WHC in Aruba or The Cayman Islands, but we’ll see.

Finally, there’s the Bram Stoker awards banquet. The best of the best receiving honors. I have friends up for awards in different categories and I’m rooting for them all. The Stoker Award is a great honor. I’ve had a blank spot on my shelf for one for years. Looks like I may have to buy a lamp or Kachina doll.

The WHC is in New Orleans from June 13-16. If you can make it, do. I’ll see you there.