Tuesday, June 1, 2010

BALTICON FUN


This year I gave my World Building workshop to kids at Balticon. Balticon is a science fiction lovers weekend conference sponsored by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society. As an author of Young Adult science fiction, I was so excited to attend and be a part of this event.

The event starts the Friday before Memorial Day weekend and last all weekend until Monday afternoon. They have renowned science fiction authors, speakers, events, film makers and games. Definite fun for science fiction lovers in which they have all different types of events that include gaming, dressing up, kids programs, film festivals, art auctions, costume contest, young writer's contest and more.

My World Building workshop was well received and the young people I worked with had great world ideas that they asked if I could put in my next book, lol! I was delighted. The group was cozy enough for me to give each participant my undivided attention as they described the species of their world. Each child left with a signed book, pin and key chain. They gave me hugs and thank you of appreciation. Needless to say, I love kids and this is the best part of being an author. When they look at you and smile as you sign their name in a new book.

After my event, I finally got to meet the artist, Shoshana Epsilon (http://www.redbubble.com/people/shoshanaepsilon/) for the cover of The Pack, face to face. I gave her a big hug. We chatted about her art, her work in Second Life (the topic she spoke on) and our kids. She showed off her copy of the book to the other guest and was so ecstatic to see her finished product in her hands. That was also one of the best moments for me at Balticon.

Lastly, I just had to purchase books, artwork and movie posters after I attended some of the film festival. If you love science fiction and plan on coming to Baltimore, find out more about balticon at http://www.balticon.org/

3 comments:

E. Arroyo said...

Sounds like you had a blast! Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Great stuff, LM.

I think getting to meet your cover artist would be a thrill beyond words! It's often such a strange collaboration (for both the writer and artist I'd imagine), yet it so profoundly impacts the identity of a book.

Just try picturing Harry Potter without the art of Mary GrandPre; I find it almost impossible to consider one without the other.

Can't wait to hear other stories from the Con ...

LM Preston said...

It was my first one and now I'm hooked. Will so be there next year.