On the road again: Denvention, day 4 - con stuff and Jennie

After work, some time on the treadmill, a shower, and more work, I headed to the convention center for my first panel. I was moderating a discussion on writers' workshops. Everyone on the panel had solid credentials for being there, the audience of 50 or so folks stayed engaged, and it went about as well as these things do. I repeatedly made what I consider the key point: do all the workshopping you want, but write. Doing the work is the most important thing.

Later in the day, I attended the Baen preview show and talked about my upcoming books for the large and enthusiastic audience. I signed a few books afterward and generally enjoyed the preview.

I also had a good time at the masquerade, which I've been attending as a fan since my first Worldcon in 1978. Quite a few of the 31 costumes were entertaining, and several were also beautiful.

Before I forget: some folks at Baen's Bar let me know about a nice review of One Jump Ahead at io9. Check it out if you're interested.

I hadn't gone to a single con party prior to tonight, so I decided to sacrifice some sleep and attend a few this evening. In the course of doing so I was lucky enough to experience the funniest (well, at least to me) moment of the day.

Jennie and I were standing at the entrance to the SFWA suite, part of a group of people waiting for a break in the incoming tide so we could leave. Jennie was wearing a pair of jeans, a low-cut teal top that revealed a considerable amount of cleavage, and a blue fabric duster. Her con name badge was turned the wrong way, so you couldn't read her name. She was talking to someone, and I was standing behind her, minding my own business and working on staying calm while waiting in a crowd.

A man walked by, stopped, stared at Jennie for a moment, and then leaned close to me and whispered, "Is she a movie star? Would you turn her badge around? Who is she?"

Now, a sensible person would simply give her name. Instead, I stared at him in silence as I considered a multitude of options, including:

* "Yes, she's Meg Ryan. It's her first appearance since the hair dye and the augmentation."

* "Yes, but she works in porn."

* "No, she's the editor of Playboy scouting for bunnies."

Instead, I chose this option. I leaned a bit closer, then whispered, "She's..." dramatic pause, "Jennie." I leaned back as if that explained it all.

The man stared in wide-mouthed surprise and darted into the party.

I'm a bad person.