icon 40

October 20, 2015

ICON 40

A.R. Miller books, Conventions, Events, News, Panels, Writing Aaron Bunce, ann leckie, Barnes & Noble, David Gerrold, Dennis Green, Gay Haldeman, icon 40, Iowa scifi convention, Jamie Robyn Wood, jedd quinn, Jim C. Hines, Joe Haldeman, lettie prell, michael koogler, patty templeton, Rachel Eliason, scifi convention, second run reviews, Tamara jones, tammy jones, terri m. leblanc 0 Comments

ICON 40, what can I say? In a nutshell, it was fantabulous!

I felt more comfortable than last year, less nervous about being on panels, and not quite as starstruck by all the talent around me. It helped that I had a huge support group. Thank you, Writers Anonymous, for bringing me into the fold.

Speaking of talent and panels, I was on five—if you count DreamCon—with some wonderful people. Most of the panels I participated in revolved around my favorite part of writing and story, characters. I hope my rambling was helpful and the participants understood my point of keeping your characters grounded in reality by questioning what ‘real people’ would do, no matter the race of your character. I’m also hoping they understood my views on how it’s not just females who are objectified in fiction. Someday, I’ll write a post with my thoughts on the subject.

On to my esteemed co-panelists. Yes, this is where I start dropping names. Take notes, you’ll want to check out their work.

I was lucky enough to share tables with many of the usual suspects, R.J. Eliason, Tambo Jones, Aaron Bunce, Jed Quinn, and Dennis Green. We all know each other so well our words flow together as if we’re of one mind. Yet, we manage to hold true to our individual thoughts and opinions, never judging, always discussing in an adult manner, even when we don’t ‘act’ like adults.

Stepping outside the comfort zone, I was honored to be on panels with the likes of Jim C. Hines, Ann Leckie, Patty Templeton, David Gerrold, Michael Koogler, Tara Tolly, Gregga J. Johnn, Anna Kathryn Davis, and Terri M. LeBlanc. They were all gracious and welcoming.

Michael has been added to my Eastside Boys, along side Aaron, Jed and Dennis. I wish I could have chatted with Ann more, she’s fascinating, intelligent, and absolutely wonderful. Her Ancillary series is going on my TBR list, along with Patty Templeton’s There Is No Lovely End. Patty and I were seated next to each other at Barnes & Noble. I’ve got to say I was a bit intimidated, but she quickly had me laughing and enjoying her company. There is nothing like books and library chat to bring people together. My other B&N buddy was the petite, Jamie Wood. So damn delightful and sweet your teeth might hurt, but her fairy tale based stories will have you coming back for more.

As great as spending time with these people was, what stood out the most was the convention attendees. I met people who read, or are reading, the Fey Creation series. It always astounds me when writers and reviewers read my fluff, but to have readers say they enjoy the books…that’s an entirely different feeling. Even more astounding was watching one lovely lady hesitate to approach me. I know I have resting bitch face syndrome, but seriously, I don’t bite. Never be afraid to come up and say hi, or ask a question. More than likely, I’m more nervous than you.

I have to thank the organizers for all the work they put into the convention. Adam, Lettie, Erin, Terri, Dana, those I didn’t have the pleasure meeting, and Amanda Zhorne, from Barnes & Noble, you ROCK!

Now that the weekend is over, along with my fifteen-seconds of fame, I go back to being Amy from the block.

I’ll leave you with a few pictures The Breadwinner took.

Patty pretending to listen to me gab. Yes, that’s Joe Haldeman on her right!

Patty, Jamie, and I chatting with book lovers.

Look at all the people! And a candid shot of the lovely, Gay Haldeman.

Without the flux capacitor, it’s just a car!

January 2, 2015

Farewell 2014, Hello 2015!

A.R. Miller Life, News 2014, 2015, 9/11 museum, Aaron Bunce, adam j witlatch, ankeny authors fair, cosmetics, dana beatty, Dennis Green, holiday, icon 40, jed q peterson, lettie prell, makeup, Maria Watson, meadowites, New year, New York, on the town, Rachel Aukes, saturday writers, second run reviews, Tamara jones, terri m. leblanc, the fey creations series 4 Comments

2014 was a banner year and I almost hate to see it over, but can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store.

The year started with some unexpected, but greatly appreciated help that opened a door to a whole new world. Rachel Aukes was the key of knowledge and experience that not only unlocked the door, but gave me a push. I will be forever grateful for her shared experiences and introductions to people and places.

Through Rachel I met Dana Beatty, king of publicity in the Iowa sci-fi and fantasy convention world and his lovely wife, Jill. With her recommendation he added me to the list of writers he graciously spends his free time promoting.

At last year’s Ankeny Author Fair I met another key, one who’s work I’d admired from afar, The Slaughterer of People on the Page, Tamara Jones. I’d attended an appearance by Tammy years ago—sponsored by what has evolved into the Saturday Writers—now, I’m lucky and honored to call her friend.

Because I took that step—or stumble, after Rachel pushed me—I was welcomed into a new community. Not only the sci-fi fantasy community, but a community of writers here in the great state of Iowa and a couple from across the boarder in Nebraska. They are fabulous caring and sharing people. People I admire for their talents and aspire to continue passing knowledge and help forward. They know who they are, but Dennis Green, Jed Q. Peterson, Aaron Bunce, Lettie Prell, Terri M. LeBlanc, Maria Watson and Adam J. Witlatch are a few of the wonderful writers and bloggers I met and you should check them out.

2014 also brought changes on the home front. We—by that I mean the Breadwinner, with a tiny bit of help from me—finished the outdoor fireplace and pizza oven project. The backyard, aka Paradise, is one step closer to being the perfect getaway.

I was also lucky enough to tag along with the Breadwinner to New York. What an experience, so many people, so much noise, so many things to see. Total sensory overload. The biggest thing that will stick with me forever is the 9/11 museum. I know it’s my job to put things into words, but I can’t do it justice. It’s something everyone must experience for themselves. The pain, the sorrow, the fear and the anger. Being there has left a heaviness in my soul that can only be eased by my belief in our great nation and the people who live here.

On a lighter note, we did see On The Town and had dinner with a member of the orchestra. A delightful evening was had by all. Both the Breadwinner and I love the arts, but his background in theater made the night extra special.

Our travels wrapped up with a visit to family and friends in northern Iowa. It was nice to catch up over the holidays with everyone back home. And 2014 wrapped with our traditional seafood feast on New Year’s Eve as we watched the countdown to 2015.

All in all, 2014 was a pretty great year and I’m excited about 2015.

I’ve already made plans to attend the Ankeny Authors Fair and Icon 40. I also have a few plans for my Meadowites and changes on the website, including more chat about cosmetics, possibly some step by step tutorials and Q&A sessions. Book 4, in the Fey Creations series, is in the works. No, it doesn’t have a title, but I’m sure something will come to me. With any luck I’ll also have some of the background stories of various characters finished. So, yes, 2015 will be a busy year.

I wish all of you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2015.