Prepping for World Fantasy Con 2012

I’m preparing for World Fantasy Con 2012: pulling out the suitcase, deciding what to pack, what to wear. I’m almost always cold, so I pack layers and sweaters–thick, bulky clothes that don’t like to pack nicely. And scarves, to keep my neck warm. Yes, really, I love scarves. (Looking for me? I’ll be wearing a scarf around my neck; there won’t be that many of us, I’m sure, so your odds of finding me this way are quite good.) I try to pack light, but with sweaters, it’s more difficult to take a small bag. It makes the ‘efficient traveler’ in me grumpy, but it seems I’ll be taking a wheeled bag, not my shoulder bag.

I downloaded the program guide from the website today, printed it out and have taken a first look at the panels and readings. Now I have to decide what I must see, what I can bear to miss. Lots of wonderful things are offered up this year, and lots of wonderful panelists, as well. Who is on the panel is often as important to me as the panel’s topic. An author I love, one who’s work really speaks to me, will draw me in even if the topic seems a bit of a stretch. I’m counting on the fact that she/he will put a spin on things and show me things I didn’t know I needed to know–until I heard it.

My Columbus writer’s group is banding together to caravan up to Toronto. They’ll pick me up along the way (another reason I’m lamenting a larger suitcase!) and we’ll all be jolly fighting the effects of Hurricane Sandy that, even now, have stalled rain and winds over the region. Oh what joy, seven writers (or spouses) road-tripping in a storm. Sounds like a great setting for a horror/comedy story, don’t you think?

I’ll be attending the awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon–the first one I’ve ever attended. I have no idea what the dress code may be, but I’m guessing not too formal, since a) it’s a luncheon, b) I’m not a nominee, and c) there’s a five-plus hour road-trip on the backside. Still, there’s an allure to being able to dress nicely. Where did this come from? I grew up a tomboy, and still love playing in the dirt, but I dearly love having an occasion and reason to dress up. Packing compactly means no ‘wasted’ clothes…sigh…so don’t expect to see me too fancily clad. Guess I’ll save that for the day someone I know is up there, accepting an award. 🙂

I’ll try to get another post in before I leave, but if not, Happy Halloween everyone!