Last week, I was honored to be a Guest of Honor at Convergence (http://www.convergence-con.org), in Minneapolis.

In all honesty, I was dreading it a wee bit. I was exhausted from Origins, and I was fantasizing about how a weekend at home (what a concept) in the hammock (aaaaah) would feel. I go through stage fright before appearances, and I don't do well around people I don't really know.

However, this was one VERY well run, fun con. Folks there are incredibly nice to begin with, and wow, did people go out of their way to make sure I had a good time.

And I had an amazing time.

If you're interested in ANY aspect of fandom, leave within a few hours of the cities, and you haven't hit Convergence yet, you really must. It's both relaxing and wild, and it couldn't be run by a better group of folks.

Within minutes of our arrival (the lovely and talented Judith came along), another guest (irrepressible British actor Michael Sheard) was foisting whiskey on us. It was a good sign.

Convergence takes up most of the Bloomington Radisson hotel, and ALL of its rooms surrounding the indoor swimming pool! These are then converted into theme party rooms -- probably about 40 or more in all, I'd guess, meaning that the craziness that goes on Friday and Saturday nights really does rival Bourbon St. as far as sheer spectacle goes.

This is a convention where almost 2,000 people showed up, so there was plenty of programming to go around. Between the various film rooms, seminars, dealer tables and art displays, there were always two or three events at any one time that you'd have LOVED to have seen, and another half-dozen or so vying for your attention that weren't too shabby either.

Special mention has to go out to a really hilarious comedy troupe that performed at the closing ceremonies: Soylent Theater, a sketch comedy troupe known for its "twisted science fiction geek comedy." I was fortunate to be on a panel with them the day after I watched them perform for the first time (it was geek humor at its absolute best. I can't find a web page for the group, but in the Real World they seem to go by the name Look Ma No Pants, and are related to The Scrimshaw Brothers http://www.scrimshawbrothers.com/).

The Great Luke Ski (http://www.lukeski.com/)was also on the panel, and the audience was packed. I mean, it was huge and raucous and a blast. The Dork Tower panel I was on was also full -- standing room only, in fact. And to top everything off, the hour-long signing I was scheduled to do lasted two full hours, as the line kept going, and going...

I had to miss the Dead Dog party on Sunday, which was a shame, since the Convergence gang really are folks you wanna hang out with. I haven't been able to make it to previous shows, as its dates have always conflicted with those of Origins. But honestly, if they conflict again in the future, it'll be a REALLY hard decision for me. I have to make it back to Convergence at some point!

Thanks to EVERYONE who made it such a great time for Judith and me. Photos will be on the web site later today!