Russell Kirkpatrick's Journal
Conjunction National Convention
24-Mar-2008
Just spent Easter weekend at the New Zealand national convention in Wellington. The lovely and talented Donna Maree Hanson from Canberra came over for the con, and I drove her down from Auckland.
The con was generally well organised, though I found it disconcerting not to know which people were on what panels. Elizabeth Moon was an excellent Guest of Honour, and I was fascinated by her thoughts on environmental management. I enjoyed the company of New Zealand fandom, but particularly enjoyed spending time with Ross Temple, Lucy Sussex and Julian Warner. Ross won a Julius Vogel award for his blog, and Lucy won one for a short story. And, as mentioned in the news section, Path of Revenge won a Julius Vogel for Best Novel - Adult.
Back home now, exhausted and ready for bed. More thoughts tomorrow, perhaps.
Truth be told, they announced the winner as 'Path of Revenge' by Linda the Donkey. I had to remind them I helped write it too. But don't worry, Linda, I did receive the award on your behalf, and explained that you couldn't attend as you had a sore hoof. Part of the prize was a bale of hay and some thistles, so I'll bring them over.
I had fun. The drive and the commentary was awesome. I was thrilled to be at Conjunction and see you win the award. Well done! And thanks from the bottom of my heart. The whole trip and convention was cool!