Last year I attended World FantasyCon in Brighton, my first proper book convention. Given that I had a largely wonderful time, it was only natural that I’d go back. This year, FantasyCon returned to its traditional form (though it will be partnering with World FantasyCon again next year), and was held in Glasgow. after a somewhat arduous trip from the depths of Wales, I made it in time to spend the whole weekend at the convention.
What I Said
This year I once again volunteered myself for panellist duty, and somehow wound up on two panels. One on what precisely reviewing is all about, and one about how social media and reviewing intertwine. The fact that I, a bumbling amateur, can sit alongside people who have been reviewing for decades, or have been published in some of the world’s most significant magazines and literary journals, is mind-blowing. I like to think I held my own, but the absolute thrill of faking it until I make it is an utter joy. I think the general consensus to emerge from these two panels is that reviewing is fun, authors are lovely, fandom can sometimes get a bit much, and that there is no way to tell when or why the almighty algorithm will bless you with a larger audience.
What I Heard
FantasyCon panels are always a varied batch. There was a lot of horror and Scottish-themed panels (as one would expect), but I don’t think I was ever left without something interesting to sit in on. Though more fantasy-oriented, panels on worldbuilding are universal in their applicability. I’ll also definitely be looking into WorldAnvil for my next roleplaying game.
More directly in a science fiction vein, there was an interesting early morning discussion on the future of Doctor Who, some thoughts on how First Contact might really go down, and a fascinating glimpse into the tricky world of writing tie-in novels. Throw in a few industry panels about the state of modern publishing, and it’s no surprise I came home with a lot of ideas for my own writing projects.
One of this year’s guests of honour was Peter F. Hamilton, an author I have a mixed history of reading. I sat in on his main stage interview, and found the talk of his earlier work fascinating, as well as his range of influences. His justification for writing such long books also made me look at them through a new lens. His upcoming Heavy Light sounds incredibly interesting, not least because it’s short (by his standards) and a standalone. However, he also appeared to misread the tone of the entire convention, and happily announce that he’s partnering with an AI firm to adapt one of his novels into animation. The backlash I’ve seen to this online was slightly more muted at the convention, though mostly to to British politeness. Personally, I think generative AI should be kept as far away from human creativity as possible (ideally the other side of a black hole), but I also think we’re going to see more well-intentioned but misguided attempts to incorporate the new technology into the creative arts before the bubble (hopefully) bursts.
To end on a more positive note, I did get to spend some of Saturday evening chatting with Black Library rock stars Victoria Hayward and Marc Collins (as well as a few others whose name badges I couldn’t quite read). The future of Warhammer fiction is looking bright, and I am happy to be a very peripheral part of it.
What I Bought
The Dealers’ Room is always the highlight of a convention, and Glasgow did not disappoint. Conventions are the only chance I get to p[ick up books by small presses, so I indulged in a pair of Donna Scott-edited anthologies from Slab Press, while at the Cathaven Press table I snagged Warbird by Jilly Paddock, and got it signed by the author herself. As a standard part of FnatasyCon, registration includes a bag of goodies, which in my case included a complete fantasy trilogy by Juliet E. McKenna. Finally, while wandering Glasgow, I found an Oxfam bookshop that offered up a pair of Ben Bova novels I didn’t own yet, so I had a great deal of fun lugging my backpack home to Wales.
What I Ate
It might sound like all I did over the weekend was sit and listen, but I got a fair bit of exercise in. Not least because Glasgow has never heard of flat ground. The Crowne Plaza Hotel hosting the convention did an excellent macaroni and cheese, but if you’re looking for a place to eat in Glasgow, I have to recommendations. Sweet and Sour is a phenomenal little Chinese takeaway that was conveniently located between the train station and my hotel, perfect for late night food. If you have more time for a proper sit-down meal, Curry Cottage is definitely worth a look. The garlic paratha alone was worth the visit. There might be a whole lot to do in Glasgow that I could find, but you won’t be short on good places to eat
What Next?
FantasyCon was my last public appearance for the year, though I do have a small bookshop trip planned for next month. Much as I would like to attend EasterCon next year, I fully expect it to clash with lambing season as it usually does. There’s a slightly larger chance I’ll be able to make it to Nottingham at the end of March for Fair Realms, but time will be the judge of that.
As I said earlier, next year’s FantasyCon brings World FantasyCon to Birmingham, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be attending. That’s moving forwards to September, so there’s even a chance I can attend BristolCon the month after. We shall have to see. If only conventions could be held more locally to me!
One way or another, I’m hoping to keep going to conventions and getting more involved in the community over the next year.
