Day: February 14, 2008

Like so many before him, the man meandered near our table covered with Schlock merchandise. I recognized the body language of “just browsing” and didn’t speak up from my seat behind the table. A person sitting behind a table of merchandise becomes amazingly invisible. He did not even notice me as I watched him. I saw him look at the covers of the books, then his head made a near imperceptible movement. I wasn’t sure I’d seen it, except that he did it again several more times as he read the schlock posters. He disapproved of what he was seeing and the minute movement of his head showed it. At that point I spoke up and offered him a URL card, telling him he could read online for free. I’m not sure why I did so, when I’d already figured out he wasn’t likely to want to read. He took the card to be polite and then left. I watched him leave, and realized that nothing I could say or do would make him like Schlock. Some people just won’t, no matter how much I might wish they would. But at least this guy was extremely polite. If I had not been watching so closely, I would never have known what he thought.

The exchange with Mr. Disapproval was a huge contrast to nearly every other interaction I had at LTUE. Dozens of people came up to me, already knowing my name, interested in what I had to say. I always expect everyone to know Howard, but I did not expect so many people to know me. I guess that happens when you attend the same convention multiple years running. This was our first year really running a merchandise table. During the hours I was there, Howard and I traded off. He would go listen to a panel, or be on a panel and I would sit at the table. Several times I handed out business cards or explained what Schlock Mercenary is to people who were interested. I’m very pleased to notice the huge contrast between today and my experience at a different convention three years ago. I have learned a lot about making conversation with strangers since that time.

I even got a chance to meet some of the folks who belong to the same online writer’s forum as I do. There were good conversations to be had there. Hopefully I’ll run into them again tomorrow. I also hope I get a chance to speak with Orson Scott Card, who is one of the guests of honor. I don’t need anything from him, but I would like to thank him for the books he has written. His writing had a huge impact on me when I was in my early twenties. I still feel some of the effects of that impact. Today, for example, I felt nervous when I realized that he had taken a seat across the room from me. I considered going over there, but did not want to be just part of the flock of people around him, hanging on his every word. It seems silly to be nervous, but I guess it is hard not to be in a situation like this.

Tomorrow is also the day of my panels. I’m looking forward to that. I have some great co-panelists. It should be fun.