World Fantasy was different than other conventions or conferences I've been to. The panels here debated what the genre should be, not how to write it. Continuing those conversations outside the panels was part of the fun. Usually at conferences, I marathon through presentations, but here I took breaks -- both to talk to industry professionals I admire and get to know others.
I got to speak on the "Exploring the Americas" panel, probably because of my epigraphy experience. Someone asked for nonfiction suggestions for researching the Maya, so I'm listing them here. The first title, Reading the Maya Glyphs, I read as a teenager. I'd encourage anyone interested in researching to start there. It seems fitting to read what the Maya wrote about themselves, first.
Reading the Maya Glyphs, by Michael D. Coe and Mark Van Stone
Popol Vuh, translated by Allen Christensen (This excellent translation also contains extensive footnotes, which give insight into ancient, post-conquest, and modern Maya)
Chronicles of the Maya Kings and Queens, by Simon Martin and Nikolai Grube
The Maya, by Michael D. Coe
Michael D. Coe also has a book on the history of Maya decipherment, Breaking the Maya Code, and one with Rex Koontz on northern Mesoamerica, entitled Mexico. I've listed a lot of Coe's books because they're excellent and highly accessible to a non-academic audience. There are other books, of course, but these are a great starting point.
I didn't get to attend it, but I'm also looking forward to watching Moses Siregar's recording of the Founders of Steampunk panel.
It was a pleasure meeting you at WFC 2011. I enjoyed our conversations. I regret I couldn't make your panel, the references look great.
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Dale
Thanks for stopping by! I enjoyed meeting you, too. Thanks for introducing me to your friends as well. It was great to get to talk to so many people who love this genre.
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