Omegacon - Sunday

I think the convention came to a much better close than it did at opening. The early problems were addressed, and for the most part handled. This was the first Omegacon, so bugs are to be expected. For those interested, I'd suggest trying it next year. It does have nearly one of everything.

I had no panels on the last day, so I managed to prowl about. I regret that my camera malfunctioned, so I can only a couple of pictures. The rest, I'll try to summarize.

First, I need to mention the group of alien musicians who marched throughout the convention halls. While they didn't actually play their instruments, they did have a CD playing. Folks who put on shows such as this are often overlooked at conventions. But they do create a pleasant mood. If the events are the plot of the convention, then those who perform and entertain are the theme.

Also, Alan Dean Foster did drop by several times, and he kindly submitted to have his picture taken. I can't imagine that anyone reading this blog hasn't read his books. But if you haven't, do try them. He is a talented writer, and a very friendly man.

Overall, the fiction related panels at Omegacon seemed to be focused on writing. I was on panels such as "Reading like an Editor," "How to Edit Yourself" (related to writing, not speaking), "Marketing Your Book," and "Blogging."

I'm not sure how I ended up on the "Blogging" panel. I suspect it is because I am always telling writers to create blogs, and that was passed through the chain of command during scheduling. Yet, it was good to be with a group of others who also say the same thing about blogs. The panel had Joy Ward, Lou Anders (moderator), J. F. Lewis, Allen Gilbreath, and me. It seems that Lou Anders, editor at Pyr, strongly urges his writers to use blogs, and he had many valid reasons why. I'd say the most compelling argument produced by the panel was that blogs help writers connect with an audience, and build an audience.

From the above titles, it is obvious there was plenty of content for writers. Such panels are common at conventions. But I would have liked panels related to enjoying fiction, or discussing it. Much can be learned from hearing an author speak about her or his work. Or hearing two readers discuss their takes on a book. This is helpful for readers and writers. In fact, if you haven't tried it, give it a shot. Discuss a book with someone and see how that person responded to the book. And make sure to get out to a local convention.