Going to ComicCons has been top of the list of things I’ve missed these past two years. Now that they are up and running, I’m delighted to be surrounded by all my lovely nerds once more. Here are some highlights from the most recent batch:

SciFi Valley – Altoona, PA

This little gem is one of my regular haunts, and it’s always a lovely experience. This year, I asked everyone who visited my table what their favorite convention memory was. I got everything from, “I met [insert celebrity] and they were really cool,” to “I won a cosplay contest,” to “I just like hanging out with my friends.”

It was just really heartwarming to see everyone light up when they talked about those special memories. And it’s lovely that we have this safe space for us to relax and talk about the fandoms we love with other people who love them just as much.

Mahoning Valley – Youngstown, OH

One of the visitors to my table asked me which of my books I found most difficult to write. First off, that’s a neat question, and not one that I’ve gotten before. I told them about Sisters, a Sorceress, Curses, and Songs, and how I used the writing style to convey curses, but since the characters aren’t self-aware, they don’t know how to describe what’s happening to them.

As it turns out, these two fantastic readers also love stories that push the envelope, and we enjoyed a lovely talk about our favorite books. Experimental fiction is an acquired taste, and not everyone likes it. But every so often, I get the chance to place my books into the hands of people who are looking for exactly that breed of weirdness, and that feels amazing.

Also. I saw the McMandolorian. I love people.

OMG!Con – Owensboro, KY

I drove all the way out to Kentucky for this anime con, and it was worth every one of the 1602 miles I put on my car! The table next to mine was selling absolutely precious baubles and jewelry, all handmade by the whimsical Kitty.

On the first day, Kitty asked her classic icebreaker – “What sandwich describes your soul?” Well, obviously, I needed to take some time to think about that, but here’s what I came up with:

I would be a grilled cheese with pickles. Grilled cheese is classic and comforting and feels like a warm hug. But then every so often, you get a pickle in there, so there’s just a bit of tang and excitement.

Good answer? I certainly thought so. But my pink-clad neighbor just stared before admitting that I’d stolen her answer. She was also a fancy grilled cheese. And that’s when I decided that we were Sandwich Soul Sisters.
Here’s a picture of us. If you would like to check out her seriously adorable wares, her website is here. (And seriously, how friggin cute do our tables look side by side?)

So, I feel it’s only fair to ask – What is your soul sandwich, and why? Post in the comments. Perhaps YOUR sandwich soul sibling is waiting for you!

Upcoming Conventions:
Philadelphia Comic-Con, July 31st, Philadelphia PA
Big Lick Comic-Con, August 6-7, Roanoke VA