FantastiCon was, ostensibly, a
book launch by Fantastic Books Publishing (top that, London literati).
The books, four novels and an
anthology of short fiction, are based in the universe of the SF Elite series of combat and trading
computer games. Back in the 1980s the late Robert Holdstock wrote a novella The Dark Wheel to accompany the initial
launch, and gaming and fiction have gone hand-in-hand ever since.
This
may come as an eye-opener, as to many the stereotypical gamer equates to a
pale-faced bloke in a black T-shirt staring at a screen, often wearing full 3D-immersion
goggles and headphones. There were some of those in attendance, and a friendly
lot they were, too, but believe me, they read books. Helping with the bookstore I watched as an eye-watering
amount of cash changed hands for the printed word. Even I sold books and I’m
writing Contemporary Mythic Fiction, almost as far from SF gaming as it is
possible to get. As one buyer quipped ...a
good read is a good read... How fantastically refreshing.
At
any –Con, authors and books means panels and they were all extremely
interesting: actors from the earlier episodes of Dr Who rubbed shoulders with the cast of anime Vampire Wars. The Q&A session with the writers of the Elite: Dangerous novels was funny and
inspiring, and one of FBP’s audio downloads from the anthology
made the busy room hush – the sound effects were extraordinary.
And
then, at just gone 8pm, Stuart Aken and I were asked to the
stage to talk about our different Fantasy novels, and give a reading. By this
time there were around ten in the room; hey, I’ve spoken to less. But when we’d answered our introductory questions our audience had grown
substantially, and very appreciative they were, too. JS Collyer followed with
her debut SF novel Zero, launched
that day, and she handled the spotlight as if she’d been doing it all her life.
Throughout,
Dan Grubb, FBP’s CEO, acted as compere with a
never-ending supply of enthusiasm, insightful questions and seemingly no
script. The surprise video tribute to him was hilarious and for once left him
speechless.
At
midnight I bowed out for the drive home, leaving
the event still going strong, and that was before it closed for the night and
everyone headed for the bar. Now I understand why these things are held in
hotels. Next year... or even before. I feel quite privileged that an entire new
and welcoming world has opened up to me.
