bubonicon 2026

I was on three panels at this year’s con and I had my very first solo reading.

So, I was late to the panel I was on with Martha Wells moderating. I was talking to T. Kingfisher’s husband about Pizza Barn in Edgewood. I ran in there as they were doing introductions and had already moved my chair behind everyone. I pulled it back to the table just in time to introduce myself. I was beside Ms. Kingfisher so I passed her a note that my tardiness was her husband’s fault, which made her snort. After the panel I apologized to Martha. This, my most embarrassing con moment.

As for my reading, which was in direct competition with the discussion between the Toastmaster and the Guests of Honor, I would have been happy if 5 people showed up, but it was more like 15, and even a few I didn’t know. And I sold some books on the spot.

Also sold some books at the mass signing. The book cover for SKIES OF FIRE AND SMOKE really does the trick. Never underestimate the power of a solid cover. Thanks to my publisher, Inkd, for nailing it.

I said hi to Walter Jon Williams in the hotel bar, who was seated with several other folks. He introduced me as one of his former students at the Taos Toolbox workshop (RIP dear workshop) and I didn’t know who anyone was except for his wife. Later, while chilling in the smoking area outside, one of the guys from the table comes out, looking dapper in a vest, and asks if he can sit at my table. I said sure and as he sits, I note his name tag — it’s Daniel Abraham. So, we chatted for about half an hour. The subject of book covers came up so I whipped mine out, which he politely admired. So, that was cool.