No Tea this evening--I promise I'll brew you a cup soon! I've been a bit busy--writing, tinkering with a brand new TTRPG project that I'm excited to see come to fruition, and more--but I wanted to let you know:
I'll be in New Orleans this weekend for the World Fantasy Convention! I am a Special Guest yet again this year, and I'm very excited to meet you all and consume all of your wonderful words in person and virtually. So, in brief, here's what I'll be up to at and around the con:
Dream Foundry WFC Reception
Thursday 3rd November, 7 PM CT
Café Istanbul, 2372 St. Claude Ave. (directions from the Hyatt Regency)
Join us on Thursday, November 3, at 7pm for a Dream Foundry party at Café Istanbul. We’ll have snacks, a cash bar, and great company. We’ll also have a photographer on hand to take complimentary headshots for PoC attendees who want them, courtesy of our Con or Bust program.
RSVPs are optional, but appreciated so we can prepare. If you include your email address, we’ll contact you if there are any updates or changes about the event.
Opening Ceremonies
Thursday 3rd November, 8 PM CT
Celestin D, Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Welcome to New Orleans! Our Chair opens the convention with flair, bringing the New Orleans spirit to World Fantasy. Toastmaster Ursula Vernon will add her greetings then introduce our guests. Join our Mardi Gras Krewe for fun, festivities and Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Brandon O'Brien's Fantastical Speculative Open Mic Night
Thursday 3rd November 10 PM CT
Celestin ABC, Hyatt Regency New Orleans
WFC is full of wonderful writers telling amazing stories, and that includes YOU! Hosted by Special Guest Brandon O'Brien, this open mic event is a safe space to share your speculative poetry, short fiction and more with other fans. Whether you're an aspiring novelist or just scribbling words for fun, whether you've read in front of a crowd before or this is your first time, take a chance and let everyone discover your brilliant words!
Brandon O'Brien Reading
Friday 4th November 11:30 AM CT
Imperial 12, Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Brandon O'Brien Spotlight
Friday 4th November, 2 PM CT
Celestin ABC, Hyatt Regency New Orleans
The Rise Of Speculative Poetry
Saturday 5th November 10 AM CT
Celestin D, Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Speakers: Akua Lezli Hope, Brandon O'Brien, Lynne Sargent, Holly Lyn Walrath, Jo Walton
Poetry has seen an explosion in popularity. What markets now accept poetry? Are there good resources that support the speculative fiction poet? Who are the exciting poets to follow?
Alternative Story Forms: Game Design
Saturday 5th November 1 PM CT
Celestin D, Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Speakers: Aaron Canton, Christopher M. Cevasco, Brandon O'Brien, Miyuki Jane Pinckard, Steve Saffel, Gregory A. Wilson
Game playing is one of the finer forms of interactive storytelling. The games feature robust and intricate setting, characters and plotting while also allowing the players scope and choice. What goes into this meld of technology and storytelling? And what about the complexity of the reader entering the experience as a character?
Plus, I will also be at the World Fantasy Awards Banquet and Ceremony on the afternoon of Sunday 6th! And look for me on Friday 4th starting at 8 PM CT at the autograph session at the Celestine Foyer with copies of (I still can't believe I get to say these next words) my Elgin Award-winning debut chapbook Can You Sign My Tentacle? in tow! (Interstellar Flight Press will also be present at the dealer's hall, so come say hi to Holly and get your hands on the other 2022 Elgin winner, Amelia Gorman’s Field Guide to Invasive Species of Minnesota!)
I think that's it...
wait!
Also, you know the drill: if you're gonna be there, physically or virtually, don't hesitate to say hello! And if you're local to NOLA, feel free to tell me where I can get the spiciest food in town! Like, I wanna burn my face off.
Can't wait to see you all!
--Brandon