Gatherings and Cons

Calculating Engine

So the Gaslight Gathering is taking place here in San Diego on the 18th-20th and I am so trying to go!  It looks like a lot of fun and its STEAMPUNK!  I don't know about you, but when I find a group of people that like the same thing I do...I get happy.

I'm not only an avid reader of the genre, I also write it, so I love seeing all the inspirational cosplay ideas and creative twists on favorite characters.

Attending these events can be a shot in the arm if you're struggling with a current project or if you just want to geek out.

Some more cons to consider this next year are Dragon Con which focuses on fiction/fantasy as well as comics and gaming.

Anime Expo of course has manga, anime, and other graphic novels. If you write for these genres you don't want to miss this one.

And finally, the biggies...Comicon and Wondercon are both great places to both fangirl (or guy) out AND get your writer fix for pure creativity.

The reason I bring these conferences up now is because you should start now if you plan to attend any of these as a vendor or a fan.  Particularly the big ones, you need to get a member ID as soon as...well, now.

What do you do to get back in the creative groove?

EDIT: Some of you have pointed out that I overlooked Scare-A-Con. It focuses on horror, movies, and pop culture. They have a "Massacre-ade Ball" complete with zombies. You can be a vendor there or go as a fan to hobnob with horror movie writers and actors. Sounds fun!

+Raquel Byrnes 

Cosplay and Writing

I recently had the opportunity to help organize a Steampunk Formal for my daughter's high school prom. It was tons of fun and allowed for many creative projects. From a giant clock to transforming NERF pistols into copper-patina colored weapons. 

My daughter was inspired by my research for the YA Steampunk novel I recently wrote and I have to say that it was such a wonderful bonding time.

Plus, as a writer, I often do tons of research, but when I try to share it with others I can literally see the glaze pass over their eyes...sigh.  So this was awesome for me both as a mother and a writer.

She has since moved on to other cosplay themes. A huge Bioshock Infinite fan, she sewed her own 'Young Elizabeth' costume that she wore to an Adventure Ball this summer. It was so fun talking about the dirigible and airship nomenclature with her.

I'm looking forward to SteamCon and ComiCon this upcoming year...my other daughter is a HUGE anime fan so I may be heading to an anime convention as well. Yes, apparently my family is just a giant brood of nerds...but we're fun ones!

For those of you interested in cosplay, I post tons of tutorial and DIY project links over at my author website: Raquel Byrnes Books.com.

What about you? Is there something you share with a friend or family member that crosses over into your writing world?

by +Raquel Byrnes