The haul from FantasyCon, and a statement of intent

As I said before, FantasyCon was a blast, but it was also a drain on my wallet. I didn't buy as many books as I might have, but I still managed to come home with a suitcase loaded with volumes. True, some were my contributor copies of books I worked on in one fashion or another, and of course I was also carting home copies of my own book (which have pretty much disappeared from my larder in a mass mailing last week) but still it was a decent enough haul. Listed here are the books I received during the trip (though I ought to disclose that one was mailed to my home while I was away ... but it still counts, I think!)

In no particular order ...

THE LAND AT THE END OF THE WORKING DAY — Peter Crowther
THE REACH OF CHILDREN — Tim Lebbon
THE APPETITE — Nicholas Royle
WE FADE TO GREY - Gary McMahon (ed.)
GLYPHOTECH — Mark Samuels
BULL RUNING FOR GIRLS — Allyson Bird
PASSPORT TO PURGATORY — Tony Richards
HOW TO MAKE MONSTERS — Gary McMahon
THE BLEEDING HORSE — Brian J Showers
THE SECOND HUMDRUMMING BOOK OF HORROR STORIES — Ian Alexander Martin (ed.)
THE UNSETTLED DUST — Robert Aickman
TEATRO GROTTESCO — Thomas Ligotti

Of these, I've read one completely, and am working on another. It's quite a lot to get through, but I aim to try. I may be slowed though by my decision to recommit to my writing this week. I've been far too lax for far too long, and after my trip to Fcon I find I've far more projects in the queue than I thought I did, and thus I'd better get a move on producing words. I'm hoping I can meet all my obligations by the end of the year so I might resume work on my novella, but that only gives me three months. If I really put my shoulder to it, three months is plenty of time ... but, well ...

One of the inspirations to recommit was my dinner last night with the local HWA members in Toronto. We have these somewhat regularly throughout the year, and I try to attend so I might catchup with old friends and new friends and prove how much of a jerk I can be to those I like. I had a great time, but it's also a bit frustrating to hear others with plans that are starting to gel while knowing I've nothing very solid in the near future. I have hopes, and nibbles on the line, but nothing I can really announce, let alone fairly announce that I might announce. Bah! It's all inconsequential. Best to focus on the positive: a fun time with people I like. That's what these dinners are all about.

Lastly, let me remind you (especially you Blogger users) that you can "follow" my blog by clicking the link at the far bottom of the right-hand column. I know there's more than three of you out there, so why not be part of the fun? What are you? Embarrassed?

Hm...