We haven't been to an OryCon in three years and the con is in a different hotel, the Porland Downtown Marriott on the waterfront. The rooms were expensive (compared to the old hotel), plus guests have to pay for parking, so we decided to skip Friday night and go up there Saturday morning, thus saving money on the hotel stay. Good call.

Most con-goers, I think, hate the new hotel. I see advantages and disadvantages and think I just have to get used to it. Then it will seem like OryCon.

Anyhoo, we saw many of the same Pacific Northwest people we saw in Austin during World Fantasy. Many Wordos were in attendance as well.

I had a reading--which had several people in the audiance--and one panel. That was plenty for me.

I talked briefly with Ellen Datlow. I also pitched my novel to a small press. The great buisness card holder was a hit once again.

Plus, Ximena hit off with a metalsmith (Angelwear) in the dealers room. She came away with a great contact and great metalsmithing tips. Everyone at the Angelwear booth were helpful and supportive.

Other details: we enjoyed the brunch in the restaurant on Sunday morning. There is video footage of Frank Wu and I doing the tango--it isn't a pretty sight. :-)