Geek Speak – Penguicon 2011
by Daniel
I had the joy of being a guest at Penguicon once again. This was my fourth visit to the fandom convention in metro Detroit. And like the previous three years, I was once again on a few panels: how to promoting your writing via social networking, humor in writing, podcasting, and print vs. e-publishing vs. audio books.
"Dude...DUDE, don't stare. C'mon, man! Don't stare!"
Speaking of podcasting, don’t forget to check out last week’s Ginger and the Geek Podcast–now with more shameless self-promotion. Ahem. I had a pleasant surprise while checking out Artist Alley. Gordon McAlpin was a guest and he is the creator of one of my favorite comic strips, Multiplex (which I mentioned previously in a blog about webcomics). We chatted for a bit and I (happily) bought his collection of Multiplex strips–and after looking at the first few, I realized I have been a reader for about five years. Time flies.
That is Kurt, one of my fav characters.
Gordon signed and drew in my copy, and of course when he asked who my favorite character was (for the drawing), my brain shut down. This always happens when I meet artists and get a sketch. But, my brain started up again and I said “Kurt.”
Speaking of autographs, Stewart Sternberg was also at the con and I had my copy of The Ravening signed.
He always says the nicest things.
This is the novel I have a “cameo” in (my name was used for a quote at the start of a chapter). If you enjoy tales of zombie survival horror, check it out. One of the main reasons I keep going to conventions is to visit with the folks I’ve met in previous years, Stewart being one of those–as well as the rest of the guys and gals from Elder Signs Press (William, Deborah, Chuck, Christine, and Rick).
And speaking of shamelessly promoting Ginger and the Geek, a free podcast and blog at gingerandthegeek.com–I was on a panel about podcasting. Joining me on the panel were a bunch of great podcasters, including Luke Ski from Luke & Carrie’s Bad Rapport, Jared Ringold from The Scope, Devo Spice, and Nathan Gerber from Possible Oscar–and most of these guys are involved with the Funny Music Project, or FuMP. I quickly regretted not recording this panel.
But, I did record the Humor in Writing Panel, however, featuring Jim C. Hines–and a very helpful Howard Tayler in the audience. I have yet to listen to the recording, but if it turned out OK, I shall post it here. You will enjoy the parts where I am the target of Jim and/or Howard’s jokes. I sure did.
And thanks to there being a pool, I was able to get some triathlon training done. The swimming went pretty good. On Saturday, I did laps for a bit followed by six miles on an exercise bike. Woof.
Now, it is time to catch up on a few days of sleep.
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Daniel J. Hogan is the geek half of Ginger and the Geek. He is also a photoblogger and host of the Magic of Eyri Podcast. He is very tired. Follow him on Twitter, @danieljhogan.
