Back Chat #4

It's been a long time coming...

Hello you beautiful people!

I'm pleased to say that the lag between updates has largely been because I'm actually doing things, both within and without the land of Rhye ... but often enough within it.

This year, given that I now have a completed core trilogy to show off, I have made my first forays into the world as an author in the public space. Festivals and pop culture conventions have have come and gone; each one has been a heart-warming experience, a chance to get to know other bookish people and Queen fans, and of course to introduce them to the Rhye Saga and Seven Seas of Writing at large.

The first, on June 6, was the Sugar Pop Con in my hometown. I figured it would be good to first dip my toe in at a local event ... and I was right. I got to work on my spiel, get handy with doing transactions on my Square device, and in general get a feel for the convention circuit.

Flying solo at Sugar Pop Con - had a good time, jammin' away!

The second was FraserPop, on 18-19 July. Yes, TWO massive days of culture, creatives and cosplay craziness. It was exhausting, but in that deeply satisfying way. Are we ever truly made tired by doing the things we love?

Hanging out with Kira, aka 'Hard Life' Freddie!

A goodly Wearer of Midnight Blue stopped by to ensure the Adept are well-represented in 'Metropolis'

The King of Rhye x Monster High - the crossover you never knew you needed.

Last, but certainly not least, came the mighty Childers Festival, only one week after FraserPop at the tail end of July. I absolutely felt that my exposure to events as a vendor had been building towards this one. With around 30 000 attendees passing through in just six hours, it was an experience like none other. This time around, I had a trusty sidekick in the form of Ziggy - some of you may recognise her as being named in the Dedication for 'The King of Rhye.'

Thanks for dropping by, Ashlee!

Woman-in-Charge

Dad and daughter ready to face the masses at Childers Festival.

All in all, it was a really good trip!

As far as bookish events are concerned, I have just one or two school appearances on my schedule for coming months. The students are always so enthusiastic - I'm looking forward to getting back amongst them, to discuss all things writing.

Only two other things should be mentioned here, though each will hopefully score an entry of its own (if I have my act together!) One is the imminent release of 'Rise of the Black Queen' (see front page) ... the other is my long-awaited pilgrimage to the shores of Lac Leman in Montreux, to join thousands of other Queenies for Freddie's 80th Birthday celebrations. The trip of a lifetime, fleeting though it will be, is just around the corner.

Massive posts and photo dumps inbound...

Best wishes,

Craig