My CAN-CON Schedule

CAN-CON, one of my favourite cons, is happening this weekend at the Sheraton smack in downtown Ottawa. This con is always a lot of fun, informative and full of great networking opportunities, so you won't want to miss it!

Here's where I'll be:

Saturday, October 4

12:00 pm
Romance: Learnings that can be Imported into any Genre
Marie Bilodeau (m), Linda Poitevin, Coreene Callahan, Leslie Brown, Lynne MacLean
These ladies are fun. I offered to moderate.  I'm a big fan of how other genres can inform any writing.

1:00 pm
Taking the Next Step in a Creative Career
Jay Odjick, Gabrielle Harbowy, Linda Poitevin, Marie Bilodeau (m), Robin Riopelle
This one is near and dear to my heart.  Finding resources and advice when trying to become published was easy. Now, trying to take the next step... it's all a bit blurry.  A bunch of cool people will talk about their thoughts on taking the next step!

2:00 pm
The Engaging Author Reading – Techniques of the Stage for Writers 
Hayden Trenholm, Marie Bilodeau, Erik Buchanan
I don't even know what I can add considering who else is on this panel, but I'm certainly looking forward to it!

3:00 pm
Marie Bilodeau and Nicole Lavigne host the Can-Con Chocolate Fountain for All!

Need we say more?  In the con suite. Don't miss it!

5:00 pm

Fantastic Weather Slapdown  

Mark Robinson, Erik Buchanan, Julie Czerneda, David Nickle, Marie Bilodeau (m)

This is new.  It's going to be fun.  Come on out!

8:00 pm

A Comparison on the Building Codes of the Northern US States, Chapters on Plumbing and Wiring 

Marie Bilodeau

So, Derek Künsken, who's organizing the programming, is anti-fun and anti-airplane competition. He told me he'd make it sound like the most unappealing panel ever. I laughed, saying there was nothing he could call this that wouldn't appeal to a sub-section of geek culture.  I stand corrected. But don't be fooled - come one out for some paper airplane fun!

Sunday, October 5

10:00 am

GOH Interviews: Marie Bilodeau interviews Gabrielle Harbowy, and Gabrielle interviews 

back!

Gabrielle was the editor of the Destiny series.  She's funny, ambitious and the right kind of twisted.  She's come all the way from California for this, so let's show her that 10 am isn't scary in Ottawa!

11:00 am

Reading: Erik Buchanan, True Magics and Marie Bilodeau, Destiny's War

Erik is a good reader.  I may tell a story instead - not yet decided. Only way to find out is to come on out!  

12:00 pm

What does a publicist do 

and what can a publicist 

do for you? 

Beverly 

Bambury 

(publicist),Marie 

Bilodeau (author)

I worked with Beverly on the release of Destiny's War.  She's great and has lots of good ideas.

1:00 pm

Talking about your Sonic Wrench and Other Tricks for Flushing Out the Nerds Who Are Hiding As Muggles: 

M. Bilodeau (m), S.M. Carriere, Erik Buchanan, Timothy Carter, Mark Shainblum

I requested fun. I believe my request has been met.

This is packed, but packed with awesome.  See you there!!!  

How a Story Comes to Own an Orgy

Last night I told stories of Dangers of the Sea, with Nicole Lavigne, at the Tea Party. The fun thing about storytelling, unlike stories in print, is that stories can continue to evolve, fed by your mood and the audience's mood.

For example, here's how my story The Last Siren evolved:

First showing, 5 years ago, at a fundraiser in Montreal:  "It's gonna be sexy. It's gonna be super dark. And there's gonna be singing. Awesome.  Oooh, there are a lot of kids here for a late night show.  Oooh.  Maybe less dark.  And definitely less sexy. But totally still singing. Maybe without the swearing. Maybe."

When selecting stories for this show: "I'm gonna tell that dark, sexy siren story. Totally."

Rehearsing for the show: "It's dark. Too dark?  Am I in the mood for dark? ... am I ever not in the mood for dark?"

Still rehearsing: "My second story has man-eating rats in it. Do I need to be that dark in both stories?  Really? I mean, yes for the rats. That's just freaky. But the last siren?  Two really dark stories? Maybe I'll lighten it up."

Day of show: "Good. Lighter.  Funnier.  More charming. That'll balance out man-eating rats nicely."

During show itself: "Let's get everyone in this story nekked! Ha ha ha!!"

After the show: "...I just totally told an orgy story.  With my mom in the audience."

Don't miss the second telling of this fun show on Friday, October 10, at The West End Well (969 Wellington Street West, Ottawa), at 7 pm.  Let's see how this sucker evolves this time! 

Upcoming Show: Dangers of the Sea!

The lovely and talented Nicole Lavigne and I are teaming up once again for a show on Dangers of the Sea. There's going to be myths, legends, ghosts, pirates, maybe some ghost pirates (yar)...  you won't want to miss it! We've been invited by the Ottawa Storytellers to hold the show twice, at two very different venues:

Tuesday, September 9, 7 pm
Tea Party (119 York Street in the Market)
You can grab some treats and nummy tea while you listen to stories!  This is a "pass the hat" event ($5 suggestion).

Friday, October 10, 7 pm
"Tellers at the Well"
The West End Well (969 Wellington Street West)
This is a brand new series for the Ottawa Storytellers.  It's a licensed establishment, so you can grab a beer, cocktail or glass of wine (preferably not all three) as you listen.  Recommended price of $5.

Hope to see you there!