mariness

So this is the part where a tactful, friendly person would say that the best part of the con was getting to meet and hang out with friends. But as I think we've well established by now, I am not a tactful, friendly person. So let me be honest: the marvelous conversations and meetups with friends and writers were only the second best part of the con*.

This was the best:

Oz illustrator Eric Shanower did not just sign my books.

He put little Oz pictures in them!!!!!! LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Tin Woodman :)

Ozma :) ("I know you don't like Ozma," he told me. It's not that I don't LIKE Ozma; it's that I question her governing style.)

And best of all, my own little Scarecrow!!!!!

SQUEE!

First, I have been a major fan of Eric Shanower's work for years (not just Oz; his Age of Bronze illustrations are amazing.). Second, I didn't even know Eric Shanower would BE at the convention, so that was a delightful surprise -- and also, he and David Maxine of Hungry Tiger Press? Amazing people. (David even helped me with an upcoming Oz essay pointing out several bits that I completely overlooked. And since Oz fan and brilliant Harry Potter translator Gili Bar-Hillel was there, it was almost like an Oz mini convention. I just hope I didn't offend David by squeaking so much about how much I love Eric's work and how I couldn't believe I was actually getting to meet him.) Third, I just assumed that Eric would be doing what everyone else does, you know, just signing his name, which would have been more than enough, but --

SCARECROW!

So, er, yes.

Damn it, now I want and need to go to the Winkie Convention this year....gulp.

*I'm kidding. The friends/conversation really were the best part of the con. As the next post shows.