[Jon Sprunk]

My wife and I are heading out to the con tonight. If anyone from the SFFWorld-pack happens to be there also, please come up and introduce yourself.

[Hobbit]

Sorry, Jon: can't make it, but would love to hear how it goes and what you thought about it.

Mark

[Jon Sprunk]

Well, we just got home after a long day of traveling. Wish we could have stayed for the awards banquet today, but life intruded.

WFC was a blast. For a major conference, it had an intimate, almost cozy atmosphere. Everyone was very welcoming to a newcomer. The dealers' room was mind-blowing -- racks and racks of books to pour over, including some rare (and expensive) editions. Had fun watching a British colleague gush as Peter Straub signed her copy of Ghost Story (first UK print edition). I chased down Steven Erikson and got his J. Hanock on Gardens of the Moon, a fine new addition to my library. (fyi, Mr. Erikson is a really nice guy.)

The best part was the Fairmont Hotel's massive lobby bar. Every night it became a huge mosh pit of writers, agents, publishers, and artists.

Between panels discussions and people-watching, I managed to get in a little business. We had terrific meals with my UK publisher and my agents, and I did a webcast interview with "Adventures in SciFi Publishing," which was fun after I got over a mild case of the jitters.

I don't know if I'll be able to get to next year's WFC, but I'm going to try.

[Hobbit]

Sounds wonderful Jon, and you had a good time.

Agree with you: Steve Erikson is a lovely man: met him at FantasyCon this year and he was one of the most obliging chaps I've ever had the chance to meet.


Thanks for the update. Sounds wonderful, am very envious!

Mark

[Mithfânion]

Lifetime Achievement: Ellen Asher & Jane Yolen
Best Novel (tie): The Shadow Year, Jeffrey Ford (Morrow) & Tender Morsels, Margo Lanagan (Allen & Unwin; Knopf)
Best Novella: “If Angels Fight”, Richard Bowes (F&SF 2/08)
Best Short Story: “26 Monkeys, Also the Abyss”, Kij Johnson (Asimov’s 7/08)
Best Anthology: Paper Cities: An Anthology of Urban Fantasy, Ekaterina Sedia, ed. (Senses Five Press)
Best Collection: The Drowned Life, Jeffrey Ford (HarperPerennial)
Best Artist: Shaun Tan
Special Award – Professional: Kelly Link & Gavin J. Grant (for Small Beer Press and Big Mouth House)
Special Award – Non-Professional: Michael Walsh (for Howard Waldrop collections from Old Earth Books)


Good to see my favorite, Jeffrey Ford, pick up a double win here.