Comic Con has a lot more going for it than just comic books.
Alongside Hollywood, gaming, collectible, and artist personages, science fiction and fantasy authors also invade San Diego. They do this for various reasons that usually interlock with one another. First, they are fans of this stuff just like you and me, and they go to geek out whenever possible. But secondly and perhaps more importantly, they go to promote their own work through panels and interviews, to meet their fans, to network with other people in the industry—and hopefully have a great time doing it all.
Comic Con 2010 had a lot to offer this year. Yesterday I posted pictures taken from an empty sales floor; today I am posting pictures of authors doing author-type things. From interviewing, to signing, to chatting, to playing pool, authors have a great deal of promotional work to do on their own.
Here are some of those pictures accompanied by little notes:
The Del Rey booth in the Random House aisle at Comic Con 2010, featuring newly released or upcoming books!
Another segment of the Del Rey Books booth at Comic Con! The table there is used for professional meetings between agents, editors, and writers, as well as relaxing!
Promotional items are handed out to Con goers every second of the weekend, like this Terry Brooks bookmark featuring his upcoming book, Bearers of the Black Staff!
Justin Cronin, author of the amazing book THE PASSAGE, signed books for Con goers at the Random House booth!
Justin Cronin listening to a fan about THE PASSAGE at the Random House booth.
Author Alex Irvine signs copies of his book BUYOUT for Con goers at the Random House booth!
After his signing, Alex Irvine kicks Shawn Speakman's ass at the Random House party!
A super cute picture of author Lauren Kate standing next to the cover for her next book, TORMENT!
The TV series creator of HEROES Tim Kring stops by the booth for an interview and to chat with fans in support of his forthcoming book, SHIFT.
Lynn Flewelling, author of THE WHITE ROAD, stopped by the booth to sign books for her fans.
Suvudu blogger Matt Staggs interviews THE PASSAGE's Justin Cronin!
Authors Naomi Novik and Justin Cronin pause for a photo during their after-panel signing!
Authors Naomi Novik and Justin Cronin busily defacing their own books for fans at an after-panel signing!
Naomi Novik signing copies of HIS MAJESTY'S DRAGON to adoring fans at the Random House booth.
Bestselling author Christopher Paolini meets Justin Cronin.
Mike Macauley, author of the upcoming THE INHERITANCE ALMANAC, taking a picture of a fan!
Authors Brent Weeks, Christopher Paolini, and Patrick Rothfuss arrive early for their Epic Fantasy panel.
Brandon Sanderson signing Advance Reader Copies of his forthcoming book, THE WAY OF KINGS!
Christopher Paolini meets Brandon Sanderson, who at the time was signing ARCs of his forthcoming book, THE WAY OF KINGS.
Christopher Paolini shares a laugh with the wonder known as Patrick Rothfuss during their interview!
Patrick Rothfuss shows off a copy of his new NOT for children's book, THE ADVENTURES OF THE PRINCESS AND MR. WHIFFLE.
Author R.A. Salvatore and World Series winner Curt Schilling pose in support of their forthcoming game, RECKONING.
A statue of Salvatore and Schilling's Rock Troll from the game RECKONING!
Authors Diana Rowland and China Mieville in deep discussion with editor Anne Groell looking on!
Artist Keith Thompson signs and remarques my copy of LEVIATHAN by Scott Westerfeld. One of three things I wanted to get signed at Comic Con this year.
An after-day fireworks show! Several authors and I watched it from the hotel restaurant we were staying at. The end of Saturday night!
The end of my Comic Con 2010, a relaxing and hard-earned glass of wine. This was taken after my four-hour delay return to Seattle at Lola, a Tom Douglas restaurant and a fine one at that!
More pictures next year from San Diego!
Time to prepare for NY Comic Con!
Cheers!
I look like a turtle in that pic.