richard kadry – Casey Poma

Hey everyone, how are you doing?!

I am completely knackered while writing this, but thought I would drop in. Last week, I told you all about how I worked at the Los Angeles Times Fesitval of Books (which was awesome) and, going on the next loop of the independent-bookseller-event roller coaster, I worked WonderCon this last weekend. For those of you unfamiliar with WonderCon, it’s a three-day convention for comics, science fiction, fantasy, video games, movies, television shows, and everything geeky! Think San Diego’s massive Comic Con, just a little smaller.

On the first day, I totally got to geek out at Amy Talkington (yes, geek out at her) about her debut book, Liv, Forever, which I was in the middle of (right in the depth of all the mysteries and intrigue and wondering WHAT IS HAPPENING AT WICKHAM HALL?!) If you guys haven’t read it, you should seriously totally go to your independent book shop and GET THE FUCK ON IT (blurb by Casey Poma). I have since finished it, and will now write her a lengthy e-mail of what I thought about the ending (as she requested!).

Liv, Forever cover — Seriously, ppl! It has mystery AND ghosts!

When I wasn’t freaking out at authors, I was stationed at our bookselling booth and was deemed the line-management dude (official title, for sure). This meant that I could stand right by the table with the authors and moderate the line, which also meant that I could totally chat with the authors and and pick their brains about the business, creativity, or just anything in general. I learned tips and tricks from all types of writers, from the those who write urban fantasy, to middle-grade stuff, to funny books with lots of sex in them. Some of them were also bloggers, others animators, and musicians, and everyone had something cool to say, and was supportive when I told them of my own writing goals (which is pretty damn great).

When I wasn’t curating knowledge (and bznz cards!), I wandered around and experienced just some of the things there was to do (seriously, there was so much stuff). Tommy Wiseau was there at his booth for The Room. A minute later, I nearly had to be resuscitated when I saw a Jurassic Park booth with ORIGINAL concept art drawings. The man who obviously didn’t see how faded my shirt and shoes were was trying to sell them all to me for 100 bucks. I had to politely decline, but opted for a classic JP logo shirt. Fuck yea. On my way back, I stumbled upon Larry Thomas, aka the Soup Nazi, and scored a picture (and made sure not to ask for any extra bread).

wondercon2 — No hoverhand for the Soup Nazi

All around, WonderCon was a pretty amazing experience, and if anything, solidified that yes, this nerd world is a world in which I could continue to work. Last week, I mentioned how Rome wasn’t built in a day, and how my empire of Creative Career won’t be either. I also mentioned that I am starting to feel like I am laying bricks, and have now realized that business cards kind of look like bricks, don’t they? Let’s build this city!

What about you? Share your WonderCon experience!

Until later,

Casey of Obsessed-With-Books-Land

More pictures!