CONFLUX 2007 and 2008

Conflux is a science fiction and fantasy writer's convention which was held in Canberra at the end of September. It was the first one I've been to and a fascinating experience. The days were full of panels and guest presenters, with famous writers attending like Garth Nix, Simon Brown, Kevin J Anderson, Rebecca Moesta and many others who generously and often humorously shared their writing and publishing experiences.

I had the happy experience of being part of a debate on whether the evil overlord was more interesting than the hero, on two panels - on the cross-over between creative and other types of writing,podcast and on the worst heroes in story, and presented on the particular characteristics of the female hero. My piece on the same topic also made it into the Conflux 4 Book which was a thrill. I still get a kick from seeing my writing in 'official' print.

If you are a fantasy fan - either as a writer, or reader, or both, conventions are a fun way to really immerse yourself in the genre with others who are keen to share their knowledge and interest. 'Cons' occur all over Australia (and the world for that matter). Googling 'fantasy/sci fi conventions' should bring up the next one.

Conflux 5 is coming up on October 3.

I had no hesitation in signing up for a second one. Since the last Conflux, my second book in the Kira Chronicles - The Song of the Silvercades has been released, and I've sent the third book The Cry of the Marwing off to Allen and Unwin - for their first look at it. Going to Conflux made me realise how important it is to link in with people writing/and or interested in the same area. It's just so great not to have to explain that fantasy is not escapism for the weak-minded. It's also great to see how other people manage their writing careers. Most of us - me included - fit writing in around the jobs that support us, and as a result, really aren't very good at driving our own careers. More of that else where on this blog.