So I did have a great time at this year’s DC, even if I only got to go for a single day. There were some great moments from the ‘Con. For one, I got to spend some time with Anne and Rick Stringer, who were still in glow from their Parsec win for Best Magazine or Anthology, for Variant Frequencies. This means VF has won a Parsec three years in a row.

I think the VF crew are a great example that humility and decency can accomplish amazing things. Anne and Rick, and Matt Wallace, are some of the nicest, most laid-back people you can ever hope to meet. This is doubly impressive given their accomplishments. I also found out Anne has a hard time listening to her own work. Say what? But again, that does reflect that humility.

I also got the chance to hang out with Norm Sherman and Kendall Marchman (hope I got that last name right), 66.6% of the creative team behind my favorite paying Podcast market, The Drabblecast. Norm put up with my ridiculous schedule that week, and in the end I am very grateful he did. Once again, another laid-back, humble group of guys. Did I mention they ran a story of mine earlier this year?

I also grabbed a hand-shake from Steve Eley, whom I’ve never met in person, and whose trifecta of podcasts was somehow passed over for the Parsecs. I truly don’t understand that. I had thought some of their work was outstanding this year. Ah, well. Steve’s a very welcoming guy and a natural host, with a very friendly wife. And his kid is friggin’ adorable.

Interspersed amongst this all I got to shake hands with Edward James Olmos, Michael Hogan (who seemed tickled-pink that Michelle and I love his performances), a host of other fine folks, and generally wander around in and amongst a cavalcade of art, culture, and costumed hilarity.

All told, a fine day, and very energizing for my writing. Take care, all of you out there!