I’m a little late with getting this onto my own website, but I really should mention that I went to yet another convention this month: Levitation, the 75th Eastercon. Not only did I have a marvellous time, but I won an award! And yes, that was the cherry on a rather delicious cake.
Levitation took place at the Telford International Conference Centre, and I thought as a venue it was incredibly good. Large, spacious, accessible… Great amenities all around… plus not far from other things to do. If another convention wants to go there, well they have my vote.
Tremendous thanks to all the organizers and volunteers who worked tirelessly to put on such a good event. Going to the whole thing was a late decision: I was only going to attend on the day I performed. However when I heard the utterly surprising news that I was up for a BSFA Award, I booked myself and Neil tickets for the weekend.
Whilst I missed a lot of my usual crowd this year, I thought this was one of the most fun and engaging conventions I’ve ever been too. I enjoyed hanging out with Ian Whates and Helen, Chris Baker, Phillip Irving and Helen Cooper, Adam Osborne, and Tej Turner, plus making new friends. There were as ever a few people I only saw a couple of times, snatching a quick convo, like Anne Sudworth and Gareth Powell, but promises have been made to catch up later in the year.
I attended some excellent panels on publishing and audio, and missed the wine at a couple of book launches (don’t worry, I caught up, then overtook somewhat).
I don’t have many photos because the phone charger we took broke, so I’m reliant on what’s in my head, plus other people’s pictures.
A real highlight was a 7 am walk of 7 miles to Ironbridge, picking out the green man markers on the way, finding a barn that King Charles 2nd once hid in, standing on the bridge itself, and then having a lovely breakfast at Truffles.
Then, of course, the BSFA Awards, where Best of British Science Fiction 2022 won in the Best Collection category. What a total delight! I so thought it wouldn’t be me! Thank you everyone who nominated me and voted for me. Congratulations to all my writers, and to my fellow nominees and winners.
And here is my book haul from the last 2 conventions. I’d best get reading!
Voting is still open until April 15th for the Locus Magazine Awards. Please consider voting for me (for Best Editor) and my book in Best Anthology (Best of British Science Fiction 2022).
