Thrillerfest Will Have To Wait
After weeks of thinking and budgeting and planning and talking (but mostly just thinking), I've decided not to go to Thrillerfest this year. And it's pretty much a financial decision. Unfortunately, July is too soon to get the cash together to turn the Thrillerfest event into a full-blown holiday.
I could use credit and I could go on my own, but I have a bucketload of debts that really need a chunk taken out of. The thought of adding to that debt is enough to make veins burst in my forehead, like popcorn in a saucepan.
While my main reason for going to Thrillerfest would be to meet all the fine people that I've only known through words, I can't financially justify spending thousands of dollars to do so, at least this year. The way I would do that would be with a novel that's worked over and ready to show to agents or, better still, a novel out or on the verge of being published.
That's just not going to happen in the next six months.
My first novel is my chance to make a name for myself and I want to make sure I do it right. Debut authors have that chance simply because they are debut authors, filled with the promise of even better and bigger books to come. New kids on the chopping block, rebels without a pause, underdogs to root (or barrack) for.
I know I've said I would come to Thrillerfest, but I was always a little iffy about it. I hope no one will cry if I don't show up.
Just remember, there's always next year!
9 comments:
There will be a next year and we can save this year to DEFINITELY go next year!
Yes, mucho stress relief. After all, one does have to ORGANISE these things. ;P
Actually, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who must save for conferences. Good on you being responsible to your writing and your pocketbook!
Well, that kinda sucks. Then again, I'm still not sure if I can pull together the cash for T'Fest, either. Last year was a little easier, 'cause it was in Phoenix - only 2 hours away from where I live. NYC, though. I dunno. Airfare, hotel, conference fees & oh yeah, food. Adds up pretty damn fast.
Whatever, glad to hear you're doing what you need to for the writing AND the budget. Isn't it weird when you start making those responsible, pseudo-grown-up decisions?!
Completely understand. It's too goddamn expensive for me and I've got a lot less flying to do than you do.
Sorry I won't be seeing you there, but I think your decision is a sound one. Get that book written and sold and then you get to write the conferences off as business expenses.
Oh, and send me your shipping address. I got a bottle of Springbank with your name on it.
i don't blame you, daniel. new york is going to be waaaayy too expensive. i'm waiting for the next one.
I'm sorry you won't be there, bud. I'm only able to swing it because it's under $200 to fly and I have a place to stay once I get there. A lot cheaper than Phoenix, especially when you count the cost of that hooker Blackmoore absolutely had to have.
Then you add the price of the Biltmore booze, the black tar heroin Rhoades' bought, the bail, and Pat Mullan's dancing midget and we're suddenly talking big money.
Come to think of it, why do I expect NYC to be any different?
Damn psuedo-grown-up decisions. Grumble, grumble.
And David, now I REALLY am missing out! Aaarghh. S'pose I'll just have to get hold of a similar crew down here and emulate the activities.
Stephen Blackmoore's hooker and my dancing midget, David? What the hell were you imbibing in Phoenix? God, I'm glad I went to dinner in Donovan's - otherwise McGillicuddy (that's my own leprechaun - he rides around on my shoulder) and I would still be lost way out in Sedona or somewhere...
Slan, Pat.
www.myspace.com/patmullan
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