*from Joe’s Crab Shack
Last year I watched the StokerCon from the sidelines. I was jealous. Very jealous. My jealousy was like a rattlesnake trapped in my belly. I refreshed Twitter with gritted teeth, swallowing live mice on the hour to keep the rattlesnake satiated.
There was only one way to remedy the injustice and that was to go this year. I bought tickets (plural, but my wife was unable to attend) as soon as they went on sale, and then the wait began. I did not know what I wanted to ‘get’ from StokerCon, only that I wanted to be there. Now that the dust has settled I can take a non-con high perspective on the event.
Personally and professionally, it was wonderful. I got to hang out with friends I had only ever met on Twitter (Katrina, Tim, C.B., C.W., and many more) in addition to a couple real life friends like Agatha Andrews, Danger Slater, and Johnny Compton. I hung out with “con friends” I might never see outside the setting of a con, like Gemma and Chris. I met and had my picture taken with a literary hero of mine, Catriona Ward. I talked (podcast) shop with Neil McRobert. I had my ego fluffed at regular intervals and attempted to return the favor.
Oh, I also met Gabino and asked him about the anabolic window (weight lifting stuff).
Brian Keene talked to me about my book. Todd Keisling agreed to be a guest on my podcast. I got to pick the brain of my future publisher, Kevin Lucia. I got crabs from Joe’s (hence the title).
Financially, it’s not feasible for everyone to attend. I understand that. I feel fortunate I was able to. From the career perspective, I suggest you try to go. As with any profession, symposiums, workshops, and cons are where connections are made. Movement happens in person that is not possible over Twitter. It may not be feasible for me to attend every year, but I am glad I did this year.
See you in San Diego.
Horror Stories by LP Hernandez 