Concarolias- Day One
Hola! It is my first day at ConCarolinas and so far it's been very interesting. Many people think this is my first con ever because I'm so excited. You all know this isn't my first con. I've been going to sf cons since 2000. But, there's something about being around people who sport bumper stickers that say "Klingon by choice," and "Something Wiccan this way comes." that makes me feel at home, happy, giddy with glee.
Yes, this is my element, my people, my place in the world.
Concarolinas is held in Charlotte, so unlike many of my other con experiences, I'm not the only African American here. Though this should comfort me, it actually puts me off a little. We observe each other from across the room, nod, and move on, never really talking. Part of me believes it is because we are so used to being the only at these things that we are slightly in shock.
The other part of me feels that we're sizing the other up. Competition. As if only one African American author can work a con at a time. Silly. Stupid. Beneath all that--fear. So, my goal tomorrow is to connect with those authors, close the distance between us, both physically and mentally.
Other than that, I have four panels tomorrow that I am super excited to be apart of. Harry Potter being the biggest one. The others, urban fantasy and writing are fun too, but HP is my favorite, as you know. *See blog for pictures of me in my Muggle shirt*
Anyhoo, I'll be in touch. I'm did manage to get a really cool poster of Ichigo and the gang from BLEACH. I also hope to snare a few wonderful delights in the dealer's room. I spied some niffty tee-shirts and the like.
Don't forget to grab a copy of SILENCED on Sunday. It becomes available then!
Whoot!
Best,
Nicole Kurtz
Yes, this is my element, my people, my place in the world.
Concarolinas is held in Charlotte, so unlike many of my other con experiences, I'm not the only African American here. Though this should comfort me, it actually puts me off a little. We observe each other from across the room, nod, and move on, never really talking. Part of me believes it is because we are so used to being the only at these things that we are slightly in shock.
The other part of me feels that we're sizing the other up. Competition. As if only one African American author can work a con at a time. Silly. Stupid. Beneath all that--fear. So, my goal tomorrow is to connect with those authors, close the distance between us, both physically and mentally.
Other than that, I have four panels tomorrow that I am super excited to be apart of. Harry Potter being the biggest one. The others, urban fantasy and writing are fun too, but HP is my favorite, as you know. *See blog for pictures of me in my Muggle shirt*
Anyhoo, I'll be in touch. I'm did manage to get a really cool poster of Ichigo and the gang from BLEACH. I also hope to snare a few wonderful delights in the dealer's room. I spied some niffty tee-shirts and the like.
Don't forget to grab a copy of SILENCED on Sunday. It becomes available then!
Whoot!
Best,
Nicole Kurtz
I've yet to go to a sci-fi con, but I'm somewhat surprised and then not so surprised. It's good that you're reaching out, though. Maybe when they see you across the room they feel threatened, or embarrassed or not so special anymore.
Posted by
six blocks east of mars |
10:20 PM, June 01, 2008
You're so right. I did go to them and say hello, but they were freaked out. *smile*
Nevertheless, I am happy I went. I met some great people and some even greater vendors that I hope can be parlayed into other sf sales.
Posted by
Nicole Kurtz |
10:56 PM, June 01, 2008