NZ Comics Weekend 2007

This year's New Zealand Comics Weekend should be a wonderful event. I'm cursing the fates that I won't be able to attend in person, since all indications are it'll be a riproaring two days of comics, art and socialising. So please, if you're anywhere near, go along and have a beer and buy some comics on my behalf!

Here's the details: 
New Zealand Comics Weekend 2007
Southern Cross Garden Bar & Restaurant
39 Abel Smith St, Wellington
Weekend of April 21 and 22
10:00am till late each day
Opening Night 6:30pm Friday 20 at Graphic comics shop and launch of Pictozine 2 with Originals art show

I've contributed a story to Pictozine 2, the original art from which will be included in the art show. Man, I wish I could be there...

As always, more news can be found at the wonderful www.comics.org.nz

Conspiracy II: the NZ science fiction convention

I will be in Wellington over Queen's Birthday weekend (1-4 June) as a guest of Conspiracy II, a science fiction convention. As well as giving a talk or two (on comics, gaming, fantasy, etc) and joining in on some panels, I'll also be taking a workshop on writing and drawing comics. Other guests include writers Isabelle Carmody, Eric Flint (who is also one of the brains behind the wonderful Baen Free Library) and Marianne de Pierres, webcomic creator Fred Gallagher and the inimitable Barbara Clendon (founder of Auckland's legendary Barbara's Books). For more information, check out the convention's website.

Back from sunny Gamesville

Recently got back from a really enjoyable trip to Gainesville, Florida, where I attended two linked conferences at the University of Florida: Space and Community and Seriality and History. The shared theme was Worldbuilding, and the conferences looked at games, digital media, comics and graphic novels. Totally up my alley, in short. Had a great time, thanks to the conference organisers, other guests and participants, including Dr. Donald Ault, Jeff Smith, Tom Hart, Leela Corman, Steph Boluk, Travis Fristoe, Jeff Mason and the whole UF gang. I discovered 'Alternate Reality Games,' had some great conversations about gaming, digital art, fiction and, of course, comics, with all kinds of fascinating people, and ate some terrific pan-Asian meals! Even got to play a very entertaining and fascinating one-off RPG run by Tof Eklund, which kept us all guessing right up to the end, and has led to many interesting discussions with other RPGers since. So thanks again, guys, for such a fun and stimulating working holiday in the most alligator-infested university I've ever had the privilege to visit...!