Geeking Out

Summer has finally arrived and I have the next two months off. Let's see what I can do this year.
Just as final exams were wrapping up in May I was able to attend Leprecon, a small, local science fiction convention. Due to its timing I haven't been able to spend much time there the two times I have gone, but I do like supporting the con. This year the author Guest of Honor was Jack McDevitt. There are two of his books in my library: The Engines of God (a novel) and Standard Candles (a collection). The con's meet the author session was pretty empty so he invited those present to pull up some chairs and talked with us for just over an hour. All present swapped stories about what got us reading science fiction. For me it was Star Trek, classic horror films, Japanese monster movies, and bad 1950s science fiction movies that were a Saturday afternoon staple. As mentioned elsewhere I was (and still am) fond of old radio programs. I didn't think of it at the time but as I write this I also have to credit my interest in science and the space program.

Star Wars was a big influence too but not really until The Empire Strikes Back was released and my parents spoiled the snot out of me with lots and lots of Star Wars Toys. That's where it really started and likely responsible for me reading somewhere around 1000 books so far. That said, I confess here to not reading much other than short fiction and comic books the past couple of years.

After the author panel I visited a few of the tables set up and took a walk through the art room. When I left for the day I felt inspired to try and find some novels to read. I promise to get on it as soon as I clear out the unread books on my shelves!

Someone could (and should) write a dissertation about why there are so few young people at these types of events. I am over 40 and I was on the lower end of the age range of the attendees I saw. There are many young writers so what will it take to get the young fans to attend a con?

I'll contrast the small science fiction convention with Phoenix Comicon, which I attended for the first time this year. Now I am not expecting Leprecon to attract over 40,000 people, but it was sad to me when only about a dozen people showed up to meet their guest of honor.

Phoenix Comicon was fun. I was able to attend some meet the author sessions and a few other panels. I was happy to take pictures of Stormtroopers and Darth Vader! Though I was very put out by the Mos Eisley cantina area where you could have your picture taken with Greedo shooting. GAH! Talk about revisionist history. I enjoyed just walking around and checking out all the costumes. These people need to share their talents with me. Please! It was also good see friends and even some former students during the weekend. Based on the positive experience I am likely to attend next year too.

So far, this summer vacation, I have attended a science fiction convention, attended Phoenix Comicon, and am registered for this year's Coppercon. This will be my first time at Coppercon which will be right before the fall semester begins. This means I will have attended a con just as the spring semester was ending and will attend a con just before the fall semester begins. The physicist in me finds the symmetry appealing.