I never pictured myself attending the Hugo awards, but I was there last night. I got to see Mary Robinette Kowal win the Campbell. I got to see John Scalzi win for his Whatever blog. I got to be sad that Phil Foglio did not win for best artist. I got to laugh at Robert Silverberg’s comments, which are surely available on You Tube by now. I was delighted when “Blink” from Doctor Who, won for best short form dramatic presentation. Now I want to re-watch Doctor Who. After the event was over, we went down to the front to congratulate the winners. Howard got to hold John Scalzi’s rocket.
Phil and Kaja were charming and cheerful about their loss. We sat at a table with them and Alice and Mike, swapping funny stories. Howard related the tale of Gleek’s woeful phone call earlier in the day. Then Phil made me laugh until I cried by offering horrible ways I could have responded to my daughter. “I’m sorry you’re sad, but mommy loves science fiction more than you…” It went on from there. I wish I could remember more of it, but I was laughing too hard to retain any information. The words played right to all the back-brain guilt I felt about not being there when Gleek needed me. I needed that laugh. It was wonderful to have all my hidden guilt dragged out into the open and made funny. Both Phil and Kaja Foglio are wonderful people. If you’re not already reading Girl Genius, you should be.
We walked Phil and Kaja to their after party, then we went in search of the the Baen Books party. Howard had been invited to go by Toni Weiskopf. I finally got to meet her, but didn’t really get a chance to talk because the party was so loud and crowded. I can tell I’d love to talk with her at length. All the Worldcon parties I attended were crowded, hot, and noisy. It was a little frustrating because the room was full of interesting people, but it was hard to talk to anyone. Fortunately we found space to sit and the rooms cleared out after awhile. That was when we were able to relax and really talk to people. I have many people with whom I want to keep in touch. Thank goodness for business cards. Once I’m home I’ll go through my stack.