This and That

Jer and I attended William Gibson's reading at UW Kane Hall last night. He read chapter two of Zero History, answered audience questions, and signed books. Very enjoyable.

The University of Washington bookstore has done a great job hosting authors this summer. (They may have always done, but recently I've paid attention.) In the last two months, I've had the opportunity to hear the following authors read: Paul Park, Nancy Kress, L. Timmel Duchamp, Margo Lanagan, Minister Faust, Charles Stross, Neil Gaiman, George R.R. Martin, and William Gibson. About a month earlier I also saw/heard John Scalzi read.

And I've reserved tickets to see Neal Stephenson on September 20. This is pretty much the best summer ever.

Most of the events were free or only cost $5. The free events I attended were part of Clarion West's Summer Reading Series.

Next week will be the first Tuesday in a long time I won't have a reading to attend. Lucky for me, it looks like Dungeons and Dragons might be starting up again.

Tomorrow I'm going to the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association Conference in Bellevue, WA. I've printed out a schedule from the web site and some business cards. I bought some mints, granola bars, and black tights, just in case. (You never know when you'll have a tights emergency.) Charged my phone... My goal is to have a good time, meet some people, and learn some stuff. Wish me luck.