ValleyCon postscript

I just got home from a trip to ValleyCon in Fargo, North Dakota. It was my first visit. Highly recommended. Go there next year if you can.

I enjoyed the panel discussions -- lots of writers there, talking lots about writing. That's why I went, to hear from other writers and to make some contacts. I was pleased with the results.

I picked up a steampunk roleplaying game, Gaslight, which looks like it'll be great fun. I spent hours by the pool, playing Cards Against Humanity, the funniest party game I've ever played. Definitely for adults -- well, adults who refuse to grow up.

I learned about this awe-inspiring project to bring back the carrier pigeon. Extinct species might not have to stay dead.

The con suites rocked. Special mention for Inarra's Shuttle and the Star Wars cafe, though they were all great. The butter beer in the Hogwort's teachers' lounge was the best I've ever had.

For me, the highlight of the trip was the two long private conversations I had with C.E. Murphy. She is vivacious and outgoing, generous with advice and encouragement, a truly delightful lady. She has the best story ever about the Irish tendency to be laid-back. They could teach the Spanish a thing or two about mañana -- but not today.