Last month I took a little break from my reading of cult books and instead let myself relish some of the other nominees for the Philip K. Dick award. While the whole list looks like a good set of reads, I especially wanted to make sure I had read the books of the two other authors that are scheduled to be at NorWesCon this April, so I listened to the audio book of Sunward by William Alexander and read the e-book of Uncertain Sons by Thomas Ha. I do hope to read the other nominees soon, but reading these two, I feel absolutely humbled that Casual is listed among them. These writers are serious masters of their craft, and reading their books was a joy. I am excited to meet them in person.
Going to NorWesCon is a big decision for me. Financially, it is perhaps irresponsible for me to blow money I don’t have on a trip to the United States. But I combined this with my children’s first visit to the states. Going to a con is exciting, but it’s put into perspective by having my 9yo daughter meet her grandparents for the first time. I was fortunate enough to be able to combine the two events. I’m also a bit nervous about flights – global war, the shutdown and TSA… flying is complicated these days. So, hoping for uneventful flights for me and my children. Additionally, you may know I have social anxiety. Last year I had to cancel going to Bulgacon last minute due to increasing panic attacks leading up to the event. But I’m happy to say that, three weeks out, I am feeling good about NorWesCon. The volunteers coordinating the event for speakers and PKD nominees have been so kind and helpful with the process from accommodating my food intolerances to helping with info about the hotel and con. I feel welcomed and wanted… and maybe it’s American hospitality or maybe it’s because I am nominated for an award, but it’s been a long time since I felt that way attending an event. Still, my goal is to not press myself. I want to meet people. I want to make memories. But I also want to honor my body and mind. So I don’t know exactly what NorWesCon will look like, but I am excited for the opportunity to attend and look forward to meeting some of my fellow writers, readers, and enthusiasts.
Housekeeping out of the way… what am I reading? Today I started Godshot by Chelsea Bieker. I have read literally one page of the book and I am already in love. I am sucked into the place of it. The voice. The young-girl-yearning: to belong, to be part of something, and to be by her mother’s side. I have high hopes for this one. I’m returning to religious cults and I am excited about it. The more I read religious cults, the more I examine my own wandering relationship with religion and spirituality. How ironic if reading about cults will eventually draw my agnostic, wounded self back to the concept of god?
Well, we’ll see.
