LonCon: general summary

I don't have all the notes I took, because I wrote some of them in the 'pocket' (ha) program, and threw it out before I remembered that. Oops. So here's an overview of some of the program events I went to from memory & the notes I did manage to bring back.

1) I went to some great panels. One was on blogging, with Liz de Jager (formerly of 'My Favourite Books') and others, where they discussed the uses of book blogs and things to include in reviews.
2) While discussing subverting genres, Pat Rothfuss pointed out that you "can't subvert something that doesn't exist yet. You can't get stuck in a rut that isn't there." The panel were discussing aspects of fantasy novels which might/might not have been overdone. In a similar panel later, a panelist said that "No new stories" might actually mean "lots of old plots." I think that's a great way of putting it - there are so many old stories that its hard for a book not to have something vaguely relating to a predecessor in it.
3) I went to a fascinating panel about food in fantasy. Every place has food rituals, regardless of what the food is or how its prepared, said a panelist, which I think would be something really interesting to think about in future stories I write.
4) On Friday night there was a sff version of radio game I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, which was very funny. I've listened to the show for years and it was great seeing a fantasy twist on the answers.

5) Another interestibg thing called 'What do you mean you don't watch...' Convinced me I need to watch Grimm. I'm now on episode 4, safely hooked! :)

There were so many great things, and great panelists to listen to (Joe Abercrombie & Scott Lynch being two of my favourites). There was also an interesting fan area where they held parties, and other things. I liked hanging around there in the evening, just soaking up the atmosphere.
Overall, it was a great experience but I think I might try to make my next con a smaller one!