THE EVENT
September 25, 1999
6:06 p.m.
  The alarm went off in our room at 7:00 am this morning. I almost remember it. We've got the thing set to crank classical music, but when it went off it just added to what I'm calling my Clockwork Orange sensation. I let it play. Bruce got up and turned it off. As far as I could tell, he was just this big, looming monster in my room, but I was so tired, and in such a state of sleeplessness that I just couldn't get up the energy to care. The awards were great. Scott Nicholson won the big prize for "The Vampire Shortstop." And we all got to get up on stage and give a little talk. I had just the best time in giving mine, and apparently a few others thought it was pretty good, too. Among the best surprises of the night was the fact that my very good NAW friend, Vera Nazarian slipped into the fray and checked us out. I could hear her in the audience during my talk. :) Let's just say that my talk inspired a little jeering, and calling from the audience and leave it at that for now. Before they called my name, they made a point of commenting on the fact that my story in the last edition was residing on the preliminary Nebula ballot, and I had one of those really weird moments when your head clogs up and your thoughts just spill out over your ears. Everyone cheered--or at least a lot of people cheered, anyway. Then came booksigning--the best of which was one I did for a boy named Nichholas who wants to be a computer person like his mom. But they were all wonderful. The evening closed with an interview, which was pretty fun. Then a trip back to the hotel, where four or six of us sat around and discussed futures. Scary, eh? This morning was filled with a breakfast, a trip to the hubbard museum, and then signing books. It's what, 4:00, and we finally have a few spare moments. Being here is something hard to describe. Being here a second time is even harder. But someone asked me the difference between how I felt this year and last. I wish I remembered who asked, but I don't. Here is what I said. "Last year, I left feeling like I could write if I really wanted to. This year I will leave feeling like a writer." Now, I think it's time I proved that. I've got an hour before dinner. A story awaits.  
 Daily Persistence is © Ron Collins | ||||
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