Originally posted to my LiveJournal – links are to LJ accounts.
I feel like writing out my thoughts bullet style rather than a day to day synopsis sort of post. Here goes!

*nyssap was a lovely house guest and roommate. Without her, I don’t think I would have made it to the con nor met many of the awesome people I met.

*I took a different approach to this conference than I have to cons in the past. I was there as a reader and reviewer, but also in a professional role representing www.pumpupyourbook.com That in and of itself helped me to feel more confident when talking to people. It also helped me to relax about schedules, where I had to be, etc. I was less focused on me as the writer trying to get to all the panels and more focused on me as a woman with multiple sides beyond being a writer. Taking a more relaxed approach was truly the way to go.

*I found all the panels I did go to fascinating and well worth the time spent sitting. With the exception of one panel that almost became a battle royale between the feminists and the lone male participant, everyone got along fine, were well-spoken and interesting. I can’t think of a panel where I didn’t wish we could stay longer and talk more.

*Listening to Russell Kirkpatrick talk about maps is fascinating. The block lasted two hours and I still wished it could have gone on longer.

*I do wish I would have had a little more time for socializing. Getting a big hug from eneit in person and being able to sit down with gillpolack for a chat was all made of awesome.

*I had a lot of fun on the last day shedding my professional and writer sides to become pure fan girl. Garth Nix, Narrelle M. Harris and Trudi Canavan were all wonderful enough to sign my books. I had extended chats with Nix and Harris, which were both excellent. I love listening to authors talk about their work and their inspirations.

*Frankly, I am still in shock that I didn’t get sick during the convention and I’m not sick now. Could it be that Australia has well and truly cured me of all my ills? Or could it be…

*According to rumours going around, chuckmck1 thinks that is very possible I am one of the undead, as I do not snore or even make breathing sounds when I sleep (he crashed on the floor of Nyssa’s and my room after the horror ball). All I have to say to that at this point is: No comment.