readercon and on

[jazzfish]

Sitting in Boston Logan airport, listening to Mingus Ah Um on headphones because the alternative is listening to Newt Gingrich on CNN talk about the Zimmerman trial.

I'm rather annoyed that I got here three hours before my flight, but at least it's air-conditioned and has free wi-fi and a power outlet, which puts it two up on Readercon.

So, Readercon.

First things first: I doubt I'll be going back next year. I said that last year, and I'm saying it again this year. Burlington MA sucks if you don't have a car and doesn't seem to be much better if you do. I am three hours early for my flight because it's an hour and a half transit (350 bus - Red Line - Silver Line) ride from hotel to airport and the 350 bus could pick me up at 10:30 or 12:30, and 12:30 put me at the airport at 2 PM for a 3 PM international flight, and I did not feel that lucky. The Burlington Marriott is the worst overpriced hotel I've ever stayed in: overpriced restaurant (only one this year, usually there are two but the hotel's being renovated), expensive flaky internet, no hotwaterpot for tea in the room, uncomfortable bed, clogged shower, etc etc. And Wiscon successfully scratches my 'literary con' itch. It doesn't scratch my 'seeing people who don't go to Wiscon' itch but one can hope that will solve itself.

HAVING SAID THAT. The con itself was fun. I went to some fascinating panels (including one on Avram Davidson who I shall have to look more into), revelled in the dealers' room full of books, heard nineweaving read from Ben Jonson, P.I (aka 'Cry Havoc In A Small Voice') which was entirely delightful, and generally enjoyed myself. Saw a bunch of people I don't see nearly often enough; waved at a couple of others but was feeling insufficiently sociable to either talk to or interrupt them at the time. Got hit with a pulp-fantasy story idea that may be worth writing anyway. It's been a long time since an idea smacked me this hard in the back of the head.

Edit: and how on earth could I forget: while registering I ran into Saira Ali and picked up my lovely handprinted business cards, which was part of the impetus for going to Readercon in the first place.

Not taking a Thursday night redeye was a mistake; I feel like I missed half the con by getting there Friday night.

Now to Toronto, and then homeward, to fight with stupid workstuff. Bleh. The trouble with cons is, they feel so much more right and real than work that it's difficult to readjust. Doubly so when I've been having trouble motivating myself anyway.

Comments

[aamcnamara]

Not physically devoured, anyway...