Putting things together for Mythcon 40
I really enjoy getting people I know connected to each other, especially when I think they will get along well.
Last night, my friend James A. Owen (coppervale ) was doing a book signing at Vroman's in Pasadena. Usually, I like to make it to his signings because (1) it's fun to watch him charming people, and (2) just to catch up on latest doings. But yesterday, I'd made a committment to spend the evening with Sherwood Smith (sartorias ) and sundry others (and a lovely evening it was), so I was going to miss this signing. And then I recalled that friend Diana Pavlac Glyer was within driving distance of Pasadena, so I suggested she try and make the signing (and take her daughter, since James has a talent for engaging with the junior contingent).
Happily, Diana took me up on the suggestion. The results of which are posted here.
The reason I wanted these two to meet is that in addition to their shared interests in the Inklings, they will both be Guests of Honor at the 40th Mythopoeic Conference that I will be attending next summer. From the moment I fell into insanity decided to volunteer to put together the conference, I wanted these two as the GofH. I suspected they would generate a lively synergy of discussion during the weekend. So I have really wanted them to meet, ideally before the conference itself.
Now I just have to continue beating the bushes, to convince people to REGISTER to attend the conference. It should be a really good event. More papers submissions too would be wonderful - the Call for Papers is HERE. You don't have to be an academic scholar to present a paper at Mythcon -- just someone who has something solid to say - about the Inklings, fantasy in general, or genre matters.