I was wrong.

Not something I say too often, but I will when I am, and I was. In the months leading up to AuthorCon VI, I tried to temper expectations, given that — for the last six months — horror conventions and literary horror events have been trending downward, attendance and sales wise, due to the economy and overall global uncertainty. I am happy to report that AuthorCon VI bucked that grim trend. As many folks said to me throughout the weekend “I think we all needed this.”

And that makes me happy, because — for me personally — there’s always a physical crash and an emotional comedown after a charity event on the scale of AuthorCon, but never more so than after this, our sixth one. I heard it repeated by attendees and authors alike throughout the weekend that for most, this was the best show they’ve ever attended, and indeed I believe that to be so for most of them, but as with any successful event, there is stress and multiple crisis triage going on behind the scenes. If we do our jobs right, then none of it ever impacts the floor. And like always, none of it ever did. After over two decades of doing these events together, our team is a well-oiled machine. From long time veteran volunteers like Doug Thew and Pam Blazi to this year’s first time volunteers like Laurel Hightower and Erica Keisling, every single member of the team is an essential part of the apparatus, and the machine ran wonderfully this time. The only things we couldn’t fix were the dread and uncertainty that came with the knowledge that both our floor manager, Jake, and author and long-time supporter L. P. Hernandez are both in the path of Iranian missiles right now (and boys, if you are reading this, we standby with whatever your families need).

But yes, overall, one of the most successful events the charity has ever held.

The Women’s Writing Symposium was a hit — and watching it unfold and hearing the feedback and excitement from those that attended (both the speakers and the audience) was truly the highlight of my weekend, personally. Add to that the sheer number of women attending the event as authors… more than I think I’ve ever seen at any horror con — well, what a way to kick off Women In Horror Month.

Some of the participants in the first annual Women’s Writing Symposium

Another personal highlight was the fact that, because of you, we were able to present a check for $10,000 to this year’s breast cancer recipient, Mindy Rhone, at the event itself. To be able to do that this early in the year, particularly in this economy, was wonderful and personally satisfying.

Recipient Mindy Rhone with Board of Directors member Andrew Ely, Joe Ripple, Angel Holman-Gaston, and myself.

Some other personal highlights:

Mary, myself, Lisa Kroger, and Melanie Anderson managed to sneak off for dinner together one night, and had a great time. Being the horror fiction history junkie that I am, I’m a big fan of Lisa and Melanie’s work, including their podcast (which the algorithm has failed to let me know there are new episodes of). Was a thrill to share a meal with them and geek out a little bit.

Laurel and Steve acted as security for the Bra Walk this year, following Joe, Grim, and myself with cash bags to empty the bras into, and before the event, we checked in with Laurel’s son (and my best buddy) “Tiny” to see what he thought of Mister Brian’s get-up. He said, quote, “Sparkles are not for you, Mister Brian.”

Tiny offers his fashion review. Photo copyright Paul Michael Anderson.

Joe, being as tired and exhausted as we always are at these things, accidentally called five different people by five incorrect names Thursday night. Rather than letting him be embarrassed throughout the weekend, the staff and volunteers began calling him and each other by the wrong names Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Much hilarity ensued.

Indeed, as relaxed as we were this time, there were a lot of laughs between the staff and volunteers.

Clowning around with Volunteer Coordinator Steve Lessner.

The art show — spearheaded and coordinated by Red Lagoe, was a big success, and something we’re bringing back again next year. Mary entered, which was a first for her, and sold several pieces. (She makes scale model buildings and scenery for D&D, Warhammer, etc — all of them by hand using recycled materials, rather than 3D printing). Erica Keisling, who also had entries in the show, was essential in staffing the room throughout the weekend and keeping an eye on things. I am grateful to her and Red both. Like the Women’s Symposium, this is an eveat will absolutely return.

Erica, me, and Laurel at the art show. I did not realize until someone pointed it out online that the table gives me a Ming the Merciless look, which is fine by me.

Of course, one of the personal highlights of any event like this is catching up with dear friends. I was grateful for every quiet moment I got with folks like Gemma Amor, V Castro, Shane McKenzie, Wrath James White, Ronald Malfi, and so many other folks. Malfi and I h an unintentl heart-to-heart based on a miscommunication that both of us probably needed to hear anyway, so that was hilarious. And it was great to see Wrath for his first time back to the States since becoming an ex-pat.

Another personal highlight spent with friends was the Gross-Out Contest, which Mary and I went to with Steve and Sarah and Vince and Angel. Sort of a fucked up triple date night thing. It was nice to sit back in the audience and just watch, rather than participate, judge, or emcee. Wile E. Young and Stephen Kozeniewski did the latter — their second year doing so — and were great. Mary commented that they reminded her of Douglas E. Winter and Craig Shaw Gardner hosting the Necon Talent Show back in the day, which is just about as high of a compliment as you can give anyone in that position.

Anyway… I am back home now. Today will be spent unpacking and catching up on email and such. Tomorrow I’ll be back into the fray with writing.

Have a great day!

Daily Journal 3/3/26 - STC AC VI Wrap Up

Daily Journal 2/26/26