TGIF
One of the fun things we did during my visit to Maria Zannin's home in Texas was attend ConDFW. This is a conference I probably wouldn't attend on my own - it's geared to SciFi and Fantasy and I'm a mystery/suspense kind of gal (even if I do slip in a bit of paranormal here and there). But I'm very glad I went. It was a bit of an eye opener for me.
For example, you don't see a lot of costumes at mystery writer conferences. The odd crime scene, sure. And some cool forensic evidence. But nothing like this...
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| Ramon & Radha Fagan |
or this
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| Orvis Bloodletter |
The actors were very gracious, explaining how each element of their costume fit the "world" they came from (mostly steampunk). The creativity was quite impressive.
Not just costumes, there was some very serious makeup, as well.
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| Orvis, again. |
Can you believe those teeth?
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| I am so sorry I didn't get this lady's name. |
This ear puts Mr. Spock to shame.
There was also a different...well, atmosphere there. Panels were less structured. Dress was more casual. Everything seemed more laid back than at other conferences I've attended. I found myself wondering if this was just ConDFW or if it's a genre thing.
How about you? Have you attended writing conferences geared to different genres? Do you think there are difference atmospheres, attitudes, dress styles, etc. from one genre to another? How would you describe the ones you've attended?
Have a great weekend.
Joke of the Day:
Mike walks into his favorite bar and says to the bartender, "Pour me a stiff one, Charley. I just had another fight with my wife."
Charlie serves him the drink. "Well, you look a sight better than you did after the last one."
"Yeah, I decided I wasn't going through that again. This time I had her crawling to me on her hands and knees."
The bartender, knowing Mike and his wife was openly skeptical. "Really? On her hands and knees? And what was she saying?"
"What do you think she was saying? 'Come out from under that bed, you spineless chicken.'"
18 comments:
I've been to a Star Trek convention. It's a completely different world! And no, I didn't dress up.
I've been to three conferences - none like that one!
That was wild, wasn't it? But very cool. Those actors were just as passionate about their work as we are about ours. And I really enjoyed listening to their stories.
Dragon*Con - casual (like ConDFW, most likely)
Romantic Times Convention (RT) - business casual if you're perusing the writers panels, casual if you're just a reader. Lots of parties, though (and people dress up in themes for those).
RWA Nationals - business casual
Lori Foster Reader Author Get Together - casual
I don't think it's necessarily a genre thing, but whether or not the conference is geared toward writers or fans (or whether your attending as a writer or fan). I think that's the difference.
Although the Con was a little less than expected, these costumed folks really made the attendance that much more worthwhile. Being in the company of two great writers added to it...and yes, I'm talking about you LD and Maria :-)
I can totally see sci-fi conventions being less dressy. The sf crowd does tend to be more casual than most! :)
Alex - Okay, confess - if you did go in costume, who would you be?
Carol - Do you do more mystery or romance?
Maria - It was fun, and very different. Thanks again for everything.
Stacy - Sounds like romance writer conferences are more like mystery one.
Angela - You said it, Blister Sister.
Jemi - It makes sense, although it did catch me off guard.
Karen - Yes, it was fun. I'm glad I had a chance to go.
Loved the joke but Brit reserve would draw the lines at weird ears and full make up...although there are a few weird Brits about, so it's probably just me : )
Hey, I just awarded you the Liebster Award on my blog.
I was planning on attending a couple of Writers Conventions this year, but I had to put that on hold. I would REALLY LOVE to attend Comic Con in San Diego at least once though! :)
Mike - Aw, I bet you'd look great in weird ears and full makeup.
Murees - How nice. Thank you. I'll be by later today.
DL - Comic Con would be a kick to attend. Sorry you had to put your convention plans on hold.
I bet you saw some wild costumes.
I've never been to a writing conference where costumes were involved but, I must say, it probably would have made at least half of them way more interesting! :)
ha!
and those costumes are fabulous! i need to go to a con one of these days!
Oh, that looks so fun! I might be persuaded to attend a writer's conference if there was dress up!
Diane - Wild would be an understatement.
Liz - Yes, I've been to one or two that could have used some costumes.
Tara - Oh, definitely. So much fun.
Nicki - Ah, you'd go in costume, wouldn't you?
I just recently learned about the steampunk movement at an art walk. The artist who was showing his pieces was awesome. Oh, by the way, I just love the joke:)
Jamie - To be honest, I still don't "get" steampunk - but the artwork/costumes are fun. Thanks for coming by.
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