That’s pretty much the con report. Had a lot of fun, got too little sleep (not for fun reasons, either. Mostly.) Talked to a lot of old friends. Made some new ones.

Kinda went … like this:

My first YouTube video! Archon 35 Con Report from the Doubletree Lobby

That’s pretty [...]]]> … As well as the Masquerade.

That’s pretty much the con report. Had a lot of fun, got too little sleep (not for fun reasons, either. Mostly.) Talked to a lot of old friends. Made some new ones.

Kinda went … like this:

My first YouTube video! Archon 35 Con Report from the Doubletree Lobby

That’s pretty much all I have to say. (For a report on the first day of the con, click here.)

Except: thanks Steve Norris and the Archon Con Committee, Pro Liaisons Alan and Lynne DeVaughan, Masquerade Masters Sheila and Scott Corwin and Kevin Dulle, the wonderful Archon Volunteers and unparalleled Masquerade Staff, plus all the fans, for a fabulous time.

Because this year’s original Toastmaster, Rusty Hevelin, had health problems and couldn’t make it, the Con Committee asked me to step in. Which made sense since I was already a guest of the con as Masquerade MC. Since our Guest of Honor couldn’t attend in person either – but appropriately for [...]]]> So Archon 35 has begun!

Because this year’s original Toastmaster, Rusty Hevelin, had health problems and couldn’t make it, the Con Committee asked me to step in. Which made sense since I was already a guest of the con as Masquerade MC. Since our Guest of Honor couldn’t attend in person either – but appropriately for an SF writer, is attending in telepresence via Skype – that meant I got to introduce “the disembodied head of Spider Robinson.”

(And if you think I didn’t say exactly that – well, you just got to know me a little better, didn’t you?)

So when I got back to my room after Opening Ceremonies, I found my Bag o’ Guest Goodies awaiting. It thoughtfully contained apples, Diet Dr Pepper, plus my one Rock Star Demand:  a 40-ounce jar of cashews. All of which I can consume (cashews being sort of my go-to snack, since I mostly avoid starch and sugar.) But they’d added a wonderful touch: sitting on the table next to the bag was a foot-long toy Tyrannosaurus rex.

Wearing a purple robe trimmed in white fake fur, and a gold cardboard crown. Seriously.

It’s an awesome gift. Since I don’t currently have a camera with a flash I’ll try to prevail on some friend who does to get pics.

Went to do my one panel, the traditional annual reading of an epically awful (and bizarre) sword and sorcery novella called “The Eye of Argon.” (Why, yes, it does have its own Wikipedia entry.) Which I’d gotten dragooned into this year, and just between you and me I kind of dreaded, but turned out to be fun. After which a friend, who in this blog’s comments section goes by the netonym Meowlin, gave me a bag containing two colorful plastic toy knights on horseback, which quite thoughtfully appeared to be of a scale similar to the dinosaur museum replicas I already have; and a Lego mini-figure of a dude in a T. rex suit. Which looks like something Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes would wear. It’s pretty cute.

So: an awesome day for gifts. Rawr!

Then we did tech rehearsal for the Masquerade and I hung out with friends.

I had a bit of nasty resurgence of some of the respiratory problems that have plagued me since the wildfires last summer. That seems under control. I’ll be fine.

And now it’s already later than it needs to be, and so to bed. Big day tomorrow.

Could happen!

Or maybe I totally will. Depends on what’ll get me the biggest audience reaction. Because that’s just how I roll.

To find out which I do, click this handy link to check out my con schedule.

Of course having done so (does anybody else hate screwing [...]]]> Come see me at Bubonicon and I won’t do this*:

Could happen!

Or maybe I totally will. Depends on what’ll get me the biggest audience reaction. Because that’s just how I roll.

To find out which I do, click this handy link to check out my con schedule.

Of course having done so (does anybody else hate screwing with pdf files as much as I do?) you’ll notice right you’re not seeing just my schedule. Because you’re smarter than other people, which is why you read this blog.

And I know, right? You’re wondering why they’d clutter up the beautiful simplicity and symmetry of my schedule with all that extraneous stuff, like panels and auctions and Guest of Honor presentations. Because I’m a big guy, though, I am able to admit: there’s a lot of cool people attending and stuff going on that isn’t me.

But this is still about me. Because it’s my blog. And because you’re reading it, you’ll be gratified to know that if you search the pdf for “victor” you will find me! At least, when my location can be determined by science. Which, thank Heisenberg, isn’t that frequently.

Just a quick rundown, for the pdf-impatient (or challenged):

Friday, August 26th at 5:00 PM in the Main Room – Chaco – which everything will be unless otherwise specified – I’ll be moderating a panel called NAME THAT BABY: Fantasy, SF, Mainstream? Or None of the Above? Panelists will be Suzy M. Charnas, Betsy James, Stephen Leigh, and David Lee Summers.

Then at 9:30 PM (because sleep is for the weak, baby!) I’m doing FOR THE LOVE OF CHEESE with those kill-crazy kids from Cheese Magnet, a blog celebrating all things B-movie and pulp culture. Which they omit to have me write for, so I’m taking my participation here as a signal honor. And also a sign that they don’t have enough actual contributors available to flesh out a panel. But they do have Scott Denning, John Jos. Miller, moderated by the Cheese Monster himself, Scott Phillips! This isn’t in the Main Room, as it happens, but in Bandelier. No, I have no more idea where it is than you do. But I’ll find it! So what’s your excuse?

Next up, Saturday, August 27th, 1:00 PM:  RE-INVENTING YOURSELF: The Use of Pseudonyms with Ty Franck, Stephen Leigh, and Carrie Vaughn. Moderator: Daniel Abraham.

Then, huh, I lied – turns out if you search for “victor” you also get STEAMPUNK DEFINITIONS: More than Victorian Clothing at 3:00 PM. Which, given that you’re attending a con whose theme is Steampunk, probably ought not surprise you. Then again, given you’re attending a Steampunk-themed con, it might also be of interest to you.

But back to me … and, well, everybody: MASS AUTOGRAPHING SESSION, 4:00 PM. Yes, including that guy. (As I said yesterday … what could possibly go wrong?)

7:00 PM it’s the Big Showpiece: the BUBONICON COSTUME CONTEST, Emceed by me! Got some great costumes and fun presentations here, people! You really oughta come. You might even get to see me vamped by hot babes! (Which should at least make you happy on my account, yes?)

Onto Sunday, August 28th (already?): 1:30 PM, back in Bandelier (nope, still no idea): it’s 25 MINUTES WITH VICTOR MILÁN. Wait! That’s me! As the name suggests, it’s 25 minutes in which you, the audience, subject yourselves to whatever happens to come out of my face. Which, I dunno – you think – may possibly concern … dinosaurs? Indeed it might even entail a reading from the first volume of my epic fantasy trilogy, The Dinosaur Lords, due out from Tor at the beginning of 2013!

After that it’s pretty much over for the shouting. Thanks for coming out, hope you enjoyed yourselves, be sure to tip your authors bartenders and servers, drive safely, and see you all next year!

And naturally – thanks for reading!

*Full disclosure: Craig Calcaterra linked to this image today over on HardballTalk, and I get such a colossal hoot out of it I had to inflict it upon share it with my beloved fans and friends!

Bubonicon 43, that is. August 26–28, 2011, at the Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel.

And, of course, I will be there. You can’t have Bubonicon without me!

Well, yes. You totally can. But it wouldn’t be the same without me. Certainly not for me.

But Co-Chaircritters Craig [...]]]> Board up the kids and pets and hide the windows, because it’s coming!

Bubonicon 43, that is. August 26–28, 2011, at the Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel.

And, of course, I will be there. You can’t have Bubonicon without me!

Well, yes. You totally can. But it wouldn’t be the same without me. Certainly not for me.

But Co-Chaircritters Craig Chrissinger and Kristen Dorland and the Con Committee keep asking me back, somehow, some way*. And also I seem to be MC for life of the senses-shattering Bubonicon Costume Contest. Which may have something to do with the fact I’m also perpetual Master of Ceremonies at the Archon Masquerade – which is bearing down on the Midwest in late September like a New New Madrid Quake (too soon?)

Our Author Co-Guests of Honor – two for the price of one! Such value! – this year are Stephen Leigh and his partner in crime S. L. Farrell (whom I’m reliably informed wouldn’t be anything at all except for Steve.) Toastmaster is my good friend (in hopes he remembers that come Opening Ceremonies time) and big booster and couldn’t-have-done-it-without-him help on The Dinosaur Lords, Ian Tregillis. Our Artist GoH is John Picacio, who among other things has done some covers and a calendar or two for an obscure little fantasy series by equally obscure NM author George RR Martin.

(And yes, kids, That American Tolkien Guy will be attending too. No way that adds up to any logistical nightmares!)

Included in the stellar guest cast will be many of our Usual NM Suspects. Including me. As you suspected! And our customary contingent of the world’s friendliest fans.

Plus we tend to attract a certain number of pros and SMOFs from other states – possibly more this year, with Worldcon happening just a bit West of here this last weekend. That usually perks up attendance.

Oh – and as for that attendance thing: this year we have an unbreakable fire-code capacity of 650. So if you’re Unlucky Number 651….

So if you find yourself at loose ends this weekend – if you don’t, drop that crap and get loose! – be there. Aloha.

*Just as I keep comin’ up with funky-ass shit ‘most every single day. Just, you know, FYI. It’s a living.

As I mentioned last time, this Saturday, July 9th, 2011, I’ll be signing the latest Wild Cards “mosaic novel” at Page One Bookstore, 11018 Montgomery Blvd NE, 87111 here in Albuquerque, commencing at 2:30 PM.

Also taking part will be Melinda Snodgrass (who co-edited as well as having a story in the book), [...]]]> Fort Freak, that is!

As I mentioned last time, this Saturday, July 9th, 2011, I’ll be signing the latest Wild Cards “mosaic novel” at Page One Bookstore, 11018 Montgomery Blvd NE, 87111 here in Albuquerque, commencing at 2:30 PM.

Also taking part will be Melinda Snodgrass (who co-edited as well as having a story in the book), John Jos. Miller, and Our Esteemed Editor, George R.R. Martin. (Probably.*)

It should, of course, be swell. You should make plans to attend, yes? Also attend.

Important Public Service Announcement: George WILL NOT be signing A Dance with Dragons: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book Five at this session. He wants it to be about  Fort Freak. Thanks!

In other, yet related news … please check out the nice review of Fort Freak at SFRevu Review. Also read the exclusive interview with a mess of our fine, fine Fort Freak contributors (including me.)

And last, though far from least: you’ll notice in the review, my story is listed as “…And All the Sinners Saints” by Victor Milan and Ty Franck. Now, you may wonder why, for the very first time, I co-authored a Wild Cards yarn.

You may be aware I ran into a spot of unpleasantness last year.  The two facts are not unconnected.

I was going to write a post here telling the story behind the story. But Ty himself (whom you may recognize as a sometime commenter here on Sense of Adventure, and also as George’s invaluable assistant) beat me to it. So if you’re interested, go read “How I became a freak” over at fellow Wild Carder Danny Abraham’s blog. Ty does a great job. As he did as co-author of “Sinners/Saints.”

So now I need to wrap this up and see if I can actually get some sleep tonight. I need to be brisk and bright-eyed for Saturday, after all! (Plus I got a boatload of writing to do.)

See you at the signing, Fellow Freaks!

*Full disclosure:  last I heard there seemed to be some question as to whether That American Tolkien Guy will actually be showing up. But the Page One website says he is, so that’s what I’m going with. However, please adjust your expectations accordingly.

It's gotta be great! Look at how thrilled this little guy is!

As you can see if you clicked on the image above, or the link above that, it’s got [...]]]> So commencing Friday, June 23rd (that’s tomorrow, for those as calendrically challenged as I tend to be) I shall be manifesting at the Albuquerque Comic Expo.

It's gotta be great! Look at how thrilled this little guy is!

As you can see if you clicked on the image above, or the link above that, it’s got a frog-ton of guests from comic books and other media, from Peter “Chewwie” Mayhew and LeVar “Geordi la Fram Oil Filter Visor” Burton to Bernie Wrightson and Stan “the Man” Freakin’ Lee. (The “Freakin’” is legally part of his name.) (I’m lying.) Although to see Stan Lee you have to get special tickets, and they’re probably sold out, so lotsa luck there, trooper.

Also they’ll feature a couple of media guests of particular interest to me, ’70s martial-arts movie god and tennis pro Jim Kelly and the inimitable Ernie “Ghostbusters” Hudson.

They’re also showcasing local-creator luminaries, from comics artists Andy “Firebreather” Kuhn and Aaron “Green Hornet” Campbell to indie-film mavens Kurly “Burning Paradise” Tlapoyawa and my boon pal Scott “Cheese Magnet” Phillips.

Other guests abound – too many by far for me to link – some I’ve heard of, others whom you’ve doubtless heard of if you follow comics or series TV, neither of which I do.

And last but very far from least, there are your Literary Guests, who enjoy somewhat surprising pride of place on the Guest List right below the Celebrity and Media Guests (i.e., the ones people have actually heard of): Robert E. Vardeman, who’s written even more novels than I have, and who co-edited and contributed to the indie anthology A Career Guide To Your Job In Hell (which I’m also in, and which you totally ought to buy.) And there are Wild Cards writers – and not just Wild Cards writers, but Original Wild Cards Mafia members: Melinda Snodgrass, John Jos Miller, Walter Jon Williams, and Victor “Dinosaur Lords” Milan. Who, for the confused, is me.

Also there’s one Ian J. Spector; I have no idea who he is, although he’s credited with inventing the “Chuck Norris Facts” meme, but he’s the only other Literary Guest, and I’d feel like a dick if I left him out.

So us Wild Carders will be throwing a Wild Cards panel on Saturday, June 24th, at 1:30 PM in Panel Room A. We’ll be pimping a little something we like to call the brand-spanking-new Wild Cards anthology (and start of a new triad) Fort Freak, edited by George RR Martin and Melinda. (Of which expect more anon. And on, and on.) Except Walter – he’ll be on the panel, but he’s not in the latest book. So look for him to flog his latest SF novel Deep State instead.

(Sadly, That American Tolkien Guy will not be joining us. He and his trusty assistant Ty Franck are currently gadding about Eastern Europe reaping the adulation of the masses.)

We’ll also have a Wild Cards Exhibitor Table set up somewhere in the presumably vast Exhibitors Hall, so, you know, look for us.

Also feel free to wander around and, you know, spend money.

You really ought to know that Greg Derrick and Mike Thompson, who are bravely if foolishly running this extravaganza, are seriously good people. They took Melinda, John, and me to lunch to talk about the show, which automatically puts them in the good-guy category with us (there is no such thing as an author so successful she or he will turn down a free feed.)  They are making an effort to showcase us local talents. They are also working closely with Craig Chrissinger, co-chair with Kristen Dorland of our fine local SF con Bubonicon, which they’re also supporting strongly. They have also been quick to seek advice on running a con smoothly from our local experts – and have also recruited a mess of our excellent Bubonicon volunteers to gopher for them.

They are seriously trying to put on a good show – a primo experience for both participants and attendees. I think they will.

All this crunchy goodness is transpiring through Sunday at the Albuquerque Convention Center, 401 2nd Street NW Albuquerque, NM 87102, where there is ample room to house the no doubt thundering throng who will attend this senses-shattering mega-event. (Exaggerate much? Me? Not in a billion trillion years!) There’s also allegedly ample parking, although I gather it’s $6 a day. On the assumption parking will be slammed as well as cost money I may park on the street a few blocks away and hoof it. Then again, given temps are allegedly expected to hover near 100° here in the Nuke City the next couple days, I also may not.

And … enough on this: I still have major Seekrit Projekt rewriting to do. More soon on Fort Freak, and also a not-so-secret little project I like to call The Dinosaur Lords. Stay tuned!

And, as always – thanks for reading!

First things first:  Saturday, April 9th, commencing at 2:30 PM, the ever-helpful Page One Bookstore in Albuquerque and Craig Chrissinger (also ever-helpful) will be hosting a book signing by a number of fine local writers.

Some days it just ain't worth [...]]]> Plus Lost (yes, that Lost) in Wild Cards (yes, that Wild Cards.) Or vice versa…

First things first:  Saturday, April 9th, commencing at 2:30 PM, the ever-helpful Page One Bookstore in Albuquerque and Craig Chrissinger (also ever-helpful) will be hosting a book signing by a number of fine local writers.

Some days it just ain't worth getting out of bed. These stories are about when that's every day.

That’s the book we’ll be autographing: A Career Guide To Your Job In Hell, an anthology of short stories edited by Scott Phillips and Bob Vardeman. Both contributed tales as well, along with such seasoned writers as Nathan Long, John Jos. Miller, and Scott Phillips (not a stutter; the guy who wrote The Ice Harvest), as well as newcomers Brandi Tarvin, Scott Denning, and Axel Howerton. Indie film director Don Adams wrote the Introduction, which is worth a read in itself.

Yes, I wrote one too.

Not all of us are gonna be there. But Bob, Scott Phillips (our Scott), Scott Denning, John, and I will be. And that’s ample coolness to draw anybody out – right?

And just in case it’s not – wait, there’s more! Albuquerque’s own Daniel Abraham will also be there signing his senses-shattering epic fantasy novel, The Dragon’s Path (The Dagger and the Coin), which, as of tomorrow, will be newly released. So, more chunky goodness!

Clearly, too much to resist – right? So, see you there.

Now, back to the cryptic note at the beginning of this post.  My friends at Westeros.org over on Twitter alerted me to this: ‘Game of Thrones’ author slams ‘Lost’: Damon Lindelof gives EW his response.

I didn’t only link it because of Lindelof’s magisterial slam about how long it’ll take GRRM to render his  “feud response.” It’s that he says, “The stuff of his [George's] that I grew up on was this series that he wrote/edited called Wild Cards.” Then the interviewer asks, “Was the Wild Cards series an influence on Lost?”

Go check out the answer. Seriously. I’ll wait.

Read it? How cool is that? I’ll tell you: it’s cool.

So now I’ll have to seriously consider going back and watching the damn show – since I may have had an influence on it, however minor.

In other news: you’ll have noticed, bright, perceptive person that you are, that it’s been a while since I posted here. Also you might reasonably expect the tidings above would provide pretext substance for a good two blog posts instead of just one. The reasons for both are allied.

The weather has been somewhat on top of me again. I’ve been running some lower-GI distress for a spell, now. Briefly last week and again a couple days ago it flared up into making me feel actively sick, plus interfering with my already sometimes sketchy sleep. Accordingly this somewhat slammed me; and has contributed to my falling a bit behind in my writing, here with deadlines bearing down.

And writing blog posts (especially since I, ahem, tend to spend way too much time on them) tends to burn up some of the same creative energies that goes into writing things I actually, you know, get paid for. And time, of course.

And with time pressing on the signing – and the Entertainment Weekly thing having, presumably, a short shelf life – I reckoned I ought hit ‘em both today.

Fear not: I shall return. I seem to be climbing back on top of the health annoyances (and I’ve started sleeping better: huge help.)

Indeed, you can shortly expect a spankin’-new installment of An Adventurer’s Guide to the Dinosaurs of Paradise. Plus the usual wackiness you’ve come to love and expect from Sense of Adventure.

And if you haven’t done so, please do yourself a favor and check out the free preview of my epic fantasy novel The Dinosaur Lords. And please, tell your friends about it.

And as always – thanks for reading!