A Bittersweet Return

     After a week of being away in San Jose, I have returned to sunny Southern-California, where the temperature on arrival was eighty degrees and the sinus just punched me in the nose. It feels good to be back in my own bed, with my laptop whirring underneath my fingers. I missed it, and I certainly missed my usual writing schedule.

     The convention went very well. I arrived anxious and stressed, making sure my itinerary was followed to the margin, but ended up relaxing and resting my eyes on the train. Eventually, I met up with a friend's boyfriend in San Francisco. We dropped off our things at the house, then hung around the city until my friend came home from work. Until the late hours of the night, we worked to help prepare her art table for the weekend.

     We arrived in San Jose the next day, and my blood-pressure was through the skylights. The convention takes place within a hotel, and throughout the many corridors, elevators, and the large, adjacent Convention Center next door, the energy of excitement flows through each guest. When the next day came, that feeling was multiplied, and it continued to grow.

     The artistry I see at these events is amazing. Each year, no matter what location, I find myself surprised, excited, and entertained with the things people create, whether in fiction, or digital art and paintings. I look at my friend, Christine Knopp, and constantly question how she does half the things she does. I remember that people the same way about us writers--I don't even know how I do what I do.

     During the day, I met with the folks at Sofawolf Press, the team who has welcomed me to their literature magazine with open "paws." I discussed a bit with Jeff Eddie, and can't wait to work with him on my short-story. I also had to pick up a copy of Divisions, by Kyell Gold--signed, too!

     But with the weekend over, everyone returned home to their family, pets, and loved ones, I'm back to work and writing. My novella is towards the end, and will need heavy revision when the time comes; some of the big plot points need to be looked at and decided whether or not they fit. I have several short-stories revised and edited, too. I'm not sure where to send them, but I'll find somewhere, even if it means I pay Duotropes new fee policy. 

     It's always a hard time returning back to reality, but I plan to return to the convention with high expectations, and maybe with a few more stories published.

     

2013: Good Vibrations

     Being a little late never hurt anyone, or that's at least what I'm told constantly. The holidays went well, and New Years started off on a great note: dental appointments are half-way taken care of, my novella is close to having its first draft completed, and my life is just brimming with positive vibes.
     A couple of things are coming up, though. School has once again started at Mt. San Antonio College, so I've been brought back to the Writing-center as a tutor; I'll be working morning shifts, keeping my head in the game of writing. Also, starting next week on Wednesday, I will be out of town at Further Confusion, a fan-driven arts convention in San Jose, California. The event hosts writers, artists, costumers, and musicians, all within the convention-center and adjacent two hotels. I've also submitted one story to the con in their program book; I won't be told if I'm in it until I have the book in my possession and can read my story. If so, I'll bring a few copies home. The convention hosts panels, too, where attendees can learn, instruct, or introduce themselves. I plan to attend several writing ones, just to get names out there and talk shop. The convention lasts until Monday, and is open to the public; however, membership to visit the dealer's hall, panels, shows, and dances is around 50$!
     Other than that, I'm keeping life at a low hum of energy. Classes for the next Spring semester start February 25th, and until then I will keep busy by writing, of course, and keeping fit. The family's interested in getting a membership at the YMCA, and I'm all for it--I live better in the swimming pool than I do on dry land. My mail will play host to monthly-or-so care-packages between me and my girlfriend in Florida, so I will also spend time looking through my knick-knacks for various Disney themed trinkets.
     The year's started off so well, but let's work towards a brighter tomorrow!