It was the last day of the workshop and people began to fly out of LA as early as 4am. My flight wasn’t until 6:30pm in the evening so I got the rare privilege of hanging out in the lobby and saying goodbye to people as they left.
Fiona and I ended up having lunch in the more-expensive-than-average burger joint in the hotel, where we were joined by Joni LeBacqui, who despite being at the center of the WotF hurricane for most of the evening, was looking remarkably chipper.
After that, there was some last minute advice from Tim Powers and much joking about the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, for which I am now eligible (but unlikely to win, since I am neither a novelist, nor as omni-present as Jay Lake and Mary Robinette Kowal). Tim’s advice? Do it for the art. My response: when I’m rich enough. Until then, I plan to sell out like crazy.
Anyways, there were many tearful goodbyes and reunions planned, but it’s my feeling that the twelve of us might never be in the same room together. Still, I look forward to reading everyone, and following their careers. I know there are amazing things in store for all.
12 Comments(+Add)
“Do it for the art. My response: when I’m rich enough. Until then, I plan to sell out like crazy.”
Excellent plan! Mind if I borrow it?
I just want to know one thing – how did the emu story end?
I’d love to sell out a little. For that matter, I’d love to sell a little. For now, I’m stuck doing it for the art.
Maybe soon I’ll get a chance to sell out.
Sounds like a great experience!
Also, I want to hear more about those Philip K. Dick stories…
My copy of WOTF XXV arrived today. Soon I shall read your story. (grin)
Dr. Phil
@Chris You may borrow it, so long as we purchase mansions within a block of each other and race our Ferraris up sunset boulevard!
@Cheryl Oh god, the emu story. I’ll have to post about it on the blog, because it’s so awesome… but first I must ask Tim Powers for permission!
@Oso 99% of us are doing it for the art, but secretly longing for the money. I’m just not so secretive about it.
@Siobhan This’ll have to be over coffee one day because Tim has strictly forbidden anyone to publish them… for legal reasons
@Dr. Phil Because of the weird release date, Vol XXIV was the only one of the past five tomes that I haven’t read (I’ve been reading work by Clarion West instructors and WotF judges since January). I’ll read it over the weekend, and maybe we can exchange reviews on Amazon!
I recently picked up XXIV as an audiobook on iTunes. The first story was great (but I don’t think it even placed). I tried to listen to the second while I was writing. Ha! I’ll have to try again.
I’ll get XXV eventually. I must read your story, Jordan. It sounds great.
But now is time to buff my Q4 story (still waiting on some trusted readers feedback) and get that puppy in the mail. I intend to be the second person to win WotF and then attend CW. Call me a copycat.
Oso,
The first story was written by Dr. Phil who is two comments above you on this thread. He’ll be happy to hear that you loved his work. He was a published finalist, which means that he has the rare pleasure of attending the workshop twice (you are invited again when you win).
Please work on your own WotF story instead of reading my piece. My story will always be there, but the quarter deadlines are fleeting!
Sorry, Jordan, I’m more of a Caribbean Island/yacht kind of guy.
Chris,
Just make sure your island has an airstrip for my private jet, and we’re cool!
Jordan, (a) loved your story, (b) pimped it on John Scalzi’s “I Am A Bastard Who Never Helps Others, Or, A Very Special Pimping Thread”.
Oso, thanks for the comment! (grin)
Dr. Phil
@Phil, re: Oso, Man, those accidental compliments are the best, aren’t they?
I noticed your pimpage. Not only was it Awesome TM, but very much appreciated. I can’t wait to read your piece!