ConCepting Change

It's been a long time since I last posted here, mainly due to the insane schedule of working full time, having a family, writing the next novel and promoting the current ones. Now I'm no longer working full time and this has been a MAJOR adjustment that I'm still not comfortable with. I'm a person who likes certainty, especially when it comes to finances, so I'll flip and flop about the fact that I am currently staying home and writing.

My husband and I decided that if he hasn't found full time work by the beginning of March I'll jump into the job searching mix. Personally, I'm itching enjoy to jump in right now even though I LOVE being at home writing, etc.

One of the highlights since I was laid off was being at ConCept in Montreal as a Author Guest/Panelist. Because my husband and son could not join me I went with a friend. It was a weekend well worth it. Lots of things came up from being there that has made me think of things I was refusing to think about. I also had one of the best, most relaxing times (except for missing my son's Tae Kwon Do test and some other stuff)since being laid off.

Friday night I went to my friend, Violette Malan's book launch party. http://violettemalan.com/ She's the author of the "Dhulyn and Parno" series published by DAW. Wine was served and I really enjoyed being there, supporting my friend.

Then it was off to my first panel where Violette was the moderator. She brought wine. Jo Walton and Marie Bilodeau http://www.mariebilodeau.com were part of the tipsy panel. I swear, it was one of the most fun I've had on a panel, at least until Marie took my 3rd glass of wine away.:)

Later that night was out for drinks and snacks with some friends before turning in wayyyyy to late.

Saturday was another day filled with fun. More panels - 2 of them about Vampires. One other was about time and writing, which was excellently moderated. I went out to dinner with another author friend, Nancy Kilpatrick http://www.nancykilpatrick.com, who is the editor of 'Evolve' which is an EXCELLENT anthology of Canadian Vampire writers (no, I'm not in it.:)

Sunday I had a great time. Went to the panel 'Killing your babies' where my author friends were on the panel. It was great enjoying a panel by not being on it. Lots of great information from it that got me thinking about my book 'Shadow of Death' that's due to come out in March.

One of the main highlights for me was meeting Tad Williams and his wife Deborah. What wonderful people they are. Hugs and kisses were exchanged before I had to drive the 6 hours home. I hope that they do come to Toronto in 2012 for the World Fantasy Convention as I'd love to possibly spend more time with them.

All in all, ConCept was an amazing experience, one that I plan on repeating next year when I bring my husband and son.

Cheers,

Karen Dales
http://www.karendales.com