It’s amazing how different a convention feels when you know, well, what to do at conventions. The rules of engagement, as it were. What a panel is, what cosplay is. When the parties are and whether you can just show up or need an invitation.
That’s what I was thinking as MarCon wound down, comparing my first MarCon experience to my latest. My advice to past me might be to seek out and attend the “So this is your first convention?” panel. And also to talk to older women, they aren’t scary, they’re awesome, and they’re mostly running everything.
My dear friend and mentor Mary Turzillo was guest of honor for this MarCon, and that made it very special. Mary took me under her wing when I was a geeky teen. She has sold many stories and poems and her novella “Mars is No Place for Children” won her a Nebula award. The sequel novel “Mars Girls” sold out at Marcon! She has a new short story collection just out called “Cosmic Cats and Fantastic Felines” — highly recommended for the speculative fiction fan who also loves cats, a rather large Venn diagram overlap, I think.
We had a (free!) table in the dealer’s room that we manned with books by all Mary’s writing workshop members in attendance. (We call ourselves The Cajun Sushi Hamsters from Hell.) In addition to successfully selling some books of Mary’s and her husband Geoff’s, I sold more books than I have ever sold at any event, ever. In hindsight, I shouldn’t be surprised. Instead of a library or bookstore with readers of all genres present, this was a fandom convention where most everyone is a speculative fiction reader.
I even got to use my Square for the first time and take a credit card. 😀 I bought that two book fairs ago!
Patty Substelny hosted a magnificent Tea Party Reception for our Guest of Honor with such amazing good food. (I am partial to cucumber sandwiches and ate at least a dozen.) It was lovely to hear her heartfelt speech about Mary, who is, indeed, a positive influence and mentor to many.
The hotel was swank – it had a pool. I am a big fan of pools. I only wish I hadn’t quite so thoroughly scheduled myself all weekend. Still, the bed was nice and soft for the few minutes I slept. DoubleTree always has good pillows. mmm pillows.
The parties were far too much fun. I attended an absinthe tasting that was chill and a karaoke night that was anything but, and went a full hour over its planned time. NO REGRETS.
The panelists and moderators were very good and informative. This was honestly the first con I’ve done where there was not one incident of a troublesome panelist — someone talking too long or not enough or saying Plain Falsehoods or Only Talking About My Novel. My moderating stint was easy-breezy. The Climate Change panel in particular was very well-informed and we actually ran out of time with plenty more to say.
Oh and the cosplay! There was so much lovely cosplay! In particular a Yellow Diamond and Blue Diamond and Prada Paracha knocked me off my eyeballs.
And there were food trucks! What a clever idea. I mostly was content with the offerings in the con suite, myself, but everyone enjoyed having the variety close at hand.
The con suite itself was so well-stocked. They had a delicious red pepper hummus and carrots, celery, and cucumbers to snack on with it. nom nom.
One thing they had that all cons should have: A box of travel-size deodorants! Yes, friends, we’re meeting people in person again. Tend your stink!
So, yes. Marcon was magnificent. I hope it happens again next year. They need new runners, but as I understand it, there are three bids in competition already. I wish them the best of luck! I’ll be there, and maybe bring my Pearl cosplay. 😀
