Jaime Rush and hubby Dave

When I arrived Friday late afternoon, the first thing I noticed were people in costumes, with makeup, or at the least, gothic T-shirts and black pants. This was the standard for attire throughout the convention, and it went on from there, including some very inventive costumes. Checking in was definitely different, having to produce ID and sign a conduct waiver. Hm, could I refrain from damaging the hotel? Brandishing real weapons? Acting outside Pinellas County decency laws? I'd give it my best shot.

As an author who's not in the sci-fi/horror/fantasy world, there was a lot that was foreign to me. In fact, I was foreign! As a romantic urban fantasy writer, I was definitely the anomaly, as odd as the Cthulhu was to me.

There were panels of workshops going on throughout the day and night, some relating to the business of writing. I was on "The Seven Biggest Mistakes Writers Make" and "Women in SF/F" panels. Others included "You Say Self Publish Like It's a Bad Thing," "Day Jobs for Writers," "You Don't Have to be Screwed up  to be a Writer--but it Helps," and "How to Grab Your Reader" with author Patricia Briggs. One interesting workshop I came in at the end of was the "Medieval Martial Arts Workshop" where sword maneuvers were being taught.

Zombie Girl Scouts

There were other workshops that had nothing to do with writing, and some I had no idea what they were even about, like "Got Filk?" Others were "Amateur to Pro Game Creation," Gay Issues in Fandom," and "Intro to Meditation." Side events included two scavenger hunts, one of which required participants to find bones that were hidden all around.

Another fun event was the midnight showing of Joss Whedon's "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" with actors playing the parts on stage and the audience singing the songs. Author Catherine Asaro put on a concert. Saturday night was a costume competition followed by the Necronomini-Prom, the theme being, "Enchantment Under the Sea."

All in all, if you're in the Tampa-St. Pete area in the fall and are up for an unusual goth experience, I'd recommend Necronomicom!

Monday Giveaways

From Cindy Proctor-King:  Tuesday, November 3rd, historical romance author Anthea Lawson has two give-aways at Muse Interrupted.  

From Lori Foster:  Opening your heart to those in need will put you in the running for a gigantic prize package. Like most of us, I have my favorite causes, and children are always at the top of the list. Local to me is "The One Way Farm," a wonderful, caring home for abused and abandoned children.

The holidays are fast approaching, so I hope you'll join me in giving to the "One Way Farm." To thank you, for every dollar donated you'll be entered in a special drawing to win fantastic prizes.

First prize includes:
* Registration for the 2010 Readers and Authors Get Together
*2 nights stay at the Get Together hotel, for the weekend of the event
*An ARC of Back in Black, as soon as Lori gets one (It will be before the release of the book, but the time often varies)
*Plus the rest of the SBC fighter series, autographed by Lori, including:
single titles: Causing Havoc, Simon Says, Hard to Handle, My Man Michael.
*A T-shirt
* tote bag

Go to the Lori Foster Website to see all the prizes.

From Lynn Franklin:  Twelve thousand years ago, the relationship between humans & dogs forever
changed – a process explored in the ground-breaking nonfiction mystery, The Wolf in the Parlor.  Throughout November author Jon Franklin presents a series of free articles to teach your dog how to fulfill its unique role in your family.  This week learn the foundation techniques for effectively communicating with your dog.  Available November 2 thru 7 only.  Click here for more information.

As always, email with any news or giveaways to be added to the blog at barbaravey@gmail.com.

Bottom Line:  Snickers bars all gone, but please pass the M&Ms.