Better late than never? Maybe…
Keep in mind I am writing this approximately four months from next StokerCon..Late?
Understatement.
I’ve been trying to write this third part for months and each time I start, something awful happens. It’s a post that in retrospect doesn’t really require a ton of exposition except from the point of identification, so in lieu of a windy verbose pile of writing, I’m going to post pictures from the event and the historic Stoker Awards. If there’s a story, I’ll write about it, but it’s mostly gonna just be a picture collage.
First, there are pictures of friends that go back more than a decade. Friends and acquaintances that over a decade ago were all in a much different place in our perspective writing careers. A bunch of us had all met at a retreat and bonded and some of had all started under the flag of a now defunct press not mentioned for reasons. (Those of us pictured know it and I do not wish to say anything derogatory or negative about it. I have enough bad karma for decades and do not wish to invite more on anyone. Besides, moving on is badass.) When appropriate, we will refer to it as #BFY and not by another name.
Anyway, here we go.
with Paul Michael Anderson (the three named devil) and Kenneth W Cain of the unmentioned (but mentioned) #BFY days. We’re all still in this!
with Sara Tantlinger, one of my favorite people on the planet and a favorite poet as well-Stoker winner for the killer “The Devil’s Dreamland” (although I lament frequently that “Love for Slaughter” is my favorite.)
with Sara and Gwendolyn Kiste who is an amazing human being and a good friend.
With Cynthia “Cina” Pelayo and Lydia Peever! In the box is Cina’s history making Stoker award for her collection “Crime Scene!” All three of us are alums of #BFY and it was a really strong proving ground for all of us still writing and thriving.
Me, Lydia and Jessica McHugh. StokerCon 23 was the first time meeting Lydia in person and it was awesome, but I’ve known Jessica for well over a decade. (nominated this year AGAIN.) BFY for life!
Lydia and I literally minutes after meeting each other in person for the first time. She’s an amazing writer and a great friend. I have often referred to her as my favorite Canadian, she really is one of my favorite people.
This is Scott Bradley (aka S. A. Bradley) and I. Met him on day one and he’s an absolute badass. Really cool and funny. His book “Screaming for Pleasure” is fantastic!
Pittsburgh HWA Chapter Panel about Pittsburgh (what else?) In order, Douglas Gwilym, Michelle Renee Lane (looking at) Stephanie Wytovich and Gwendolyn Kiste, actually looking at the camera after hearing “Hey let’s take a picture!” These guys are awesome.
Jessica and Paul. Between the three of us, we have said the “f” word more than anyone in recent history. (This is probably not true)
with Francesca Maria! We met at the mass book signing and became new pals. She’s a great writer-her book “They Hide” is fabulous!
with LP Hernandez! Really cool guy and recommended meet up from our mutual friend Alexandra Cruz
With the great Owl Goingback and his awesome wife Nancy. Although we hadn’t worked together directly, the podcast I created did a few episodes with him and it was really nice to meet him. A fun and charming guy who hung out for a while in the lobby just chatting it up. A total highlight!
This is Joe R Lansdale. Joe is my favorite author and I don’t say that lightly because I love a lot of author’s work. Joe’s work is so vast and diverse and he hardly needs a cheerleader in me, but he really helped me in finding my own voice as a writer. I don’t write like him-hell, nobody write’s like him, but that’s the whole point. I had narrated two of his short stories for that podcast I had mentioned and remembered me from our correspondence. (A side note-PGH HWA chair Ben “No Social Media Boy” Rubin and I absolutely fangirled when we heard he was coming to the hotel.)
BONUS PICTURE I really love this picture of Stephanie and I. She’s been quite a good friend over the years and I love that I am one of the first (if not the OG) horror friends she’s made and I am absolutely thrilled by that little fact. It’s always a good thing to see this amazing and talented writer and I’m very proud to be her friend!
I did not get to take pictures of everyone I met and hung out with-I didn’t get to take a picture with the great Gabino Iglesias and CC Adams after a killer breakfast and even more killer conversation.
But, that’s what this year is for I reckon. I’ll try to be faster with the camera and I am looking forward to hanging out with the spooky gang in San Diego. Again, sorry this is late, but that’s what happens sometimes. I’ll be back soon!
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