Preparing for Gencon Indy 2014

Gencon is a destination I've been going to for years. It's the largest gaming focused convention in the Midwest. Every year I go and report for FantasyLiterature.com, and this year is no different. I usually only do a post show article, but I thought I might start this year a little different by telling you what I'd like to do at Gencon, and share some the cool things that will be going on. There are 11,000 scheduled events during the show, so let me know if there is something specific you want me to report on while I'm there.

2014 Exhibit Hall Map of Gencon

The first priority for me is to hit the exhibit hall  or show floor, and check out the booths for all the companies. Last year I discovered some unexpected surprises, and some familiar ones too. I plan to keep to the same strategy and try to discover new things while checking in on my favorites.

Framed Minotaur print, the snake was added by my daughter.

One of my favorite places to go is the art show section. There is a world class Fantasy artist every 4 feet in this area. I am always amazed at the beautiful art there. I usually try to stop and say hello to Emily Fiegenschuh. I did an interview with Emily a few years ago for FanLit, and I've been a fan ever since. I even bought a print from her that is now one of my most favorite things.

Author Ally is another great place that I like to cruise through. This year's Author Guest of Honor is actually my favorite author, Jim Butcher. While I would love to get a few minutes of Jim's time, the GoH is very busy, and Jim is a rock star of the Fantasy genre. Getting a chance at a hello and a handshake will be nigh impossible. I am also quite awkward when meeting individuals I am fan of. I never know quite what to say, or I'm really afraid that I might be bothering them if approached outside of a sanctioned time. I find myself trying to unsuccessfully pretend like I have no idea who they are or that maybe make like I see really awesome people I adore everyday. I tend to make it a rule of not approaching anyone who isn't "on the clock". On the occasions that I do gather the nerve to approach someone I'm a fan of, I fumble around and say something not impressive. Like asking "How's business?" to Pat Rothfuss author of two NYT Best Selling Fantasy books, whose business is very likely quite good. Pat just made another blog post asking fans to please "not touch his kids" if they spot him with them at a convention. The fact that he even has to say this to his fans makes me sad. It also makes me not want to be associated as a "fan", because they are obviously crazy.

There will be tons of game companies to visit, and I have a couple I wish to go out of my way to see. I recently reviewed Achtung! Cthulhu for Modiphius games, and would love to swing by their booth and see what they have to show. There will be others I seek out, but many more that I will just stumble upon. The vendor booths are endless, and full of surprises.

My recently painted Ashlynn D'elyse for Warmachine.

The best part about Gencon is obviously the games. Massive rooms filled with tables where every board game you can possibly imagine is being played. My focus in this area is Warmachine by Privateer Press. It's the only game I regularly play and have invested in a lot of time in. Gencon is the only time of year I actually get to play it. I'm looking forward to getting in a few rounds between explorations into the convention events.

That's all for now, if I find out about anything worth noting I'll post it up before I leave. My post convention report will go up on FantasyLiterature.com like always. Hope to see you there.