ARISIA, the Boston sci-fi/fantasy con in January, kicked off yesterday at 3 PM, though things don’t really start to roll until after 5. Because E.J. Barnes, whose illustrations you’ve seen on my blog, is selling some of her art there, we went early to set up her display, as pictured. Recognize the pictures of the dragon-head walking stick and the CPD Vampire Bureau badge?

I spent the evening at panel discussion on “magickal traditions,” on urban fantasy (broadly defined), and on online sci-fi/fantasy magazines. While a good time was had by all, I found them only modestly helpful for my own purposes. The magickal traditions session briefly raised the subject of magic in fiction, only to bury it immediately. I did get to meet a writer at the urban fantasy panel whose first book I picked up a few years ago, which was fun. And I got some pointers for online magazines, but much of the discussion focused on poetry, which has a distinctive market structure.

Have to dash: must get ready to get to a 10 AM session today!