Well, we're back from our fourth consecutive Starfest convention, and for the fourth time, I can report with all honesty that I had a total blast. Where the hell did the weekend go?

If I could only list one reason why I love going back to this con each year, it would be the staff. As always, the Walker family and their intrepid crew of volunteers hosted a wonderful con. Also, and as they have each year, they took great care of us (and our wives) all weekend long -- making sure we had a great table in the dealer's room, inviting us to their staff after party, and generally just treating us like members of the family. Despite our very-much accepted status on the con guest food chain and considering the sheer number of tasks, issues or even flat-out crises with which the staff must contend during a typical con weekend (What the hell is a "typical" con weekend, anyway?), they always stand ready to help us at the drop of a hat.

It was great to see friend and fellow writer Christie Golden and her husband Michael again, as well as getting reacquainted with our friends, be they members of the con staff or just good ol' regular folks who coughed up their hard-earned dollars to attend the convention, and took a few minutes out of their busy schedules -- as well as chances to get photos and autographs with favorite stars or attend whatever other activities had drawn them to the show -- to come by our table or check out one of our panels. The number of faces we see from one year to the next continues to grow...far beyond my ability to remember all those names, so once again I thank you kind people for tolerating my eroding memory when you ask me to sign your book.

Speaking of panels, we did two for the Strange New Worlds writing contest, and two more showcasing what Pocket Books has on tap for the rest of 2006 along with a peek into 2007. Both panels seemed to go over pretty well -- despite what we knew was stiff competition from folks like Tricia Helfer, Joe Flanigan, and so on. Ours is a small, but extremely loyal, group of fans, and we love hanging out with ya!

Though circumstances prevented me from actually getting to meet her, I'm still giving props to writer Carrie Vaughn, who also was in attendance and participated in a large part of the con's Horror programming track. Kevin got to talk with her and it's my understanding that she was busy pretty much from start to finish. And for whatever the hell my opinion's worth, I'm also giving a big thumbs-up for her novel, Kitty and the Midnight Hour, and if you're into vampires and werewolves -- particularly when they're pissed at each other -- this might be a book for you. I'm actually very bummed that I wasn't able to say "Howdy!" and get my copy of her book autographed.

Yes, I'm a fanboy, too.

Once more, we shout out to Rex and the crew of I-Sci-Fi.com, who have always been big supporters of us and our work. Be sure to check out their weekly Internet radio show each Thursday!

We tip our hats and offer our thanks to Stephen, KathE, Steve, Mike, Gayle, Susan, Treecy, Phil, Carol, Judy, Kelley, Joseph, Kevin Atkins, and everyone whose name I'm forgetting for once again treating us far better than we deserve. As we told those of you who asked us on Sunday night, we'll keep coming back as long as you keep inviting us.

And when you quit doing that, we'll sneak in the back door or something.

And for those of you reading this and who are looking for a con that brings in great guests, is hosted by a top-shelf staff of dedicated volunteers, and offers up a long, fun weekend of non-stop SF/Fantasy/Horror activities, Starfest might just be the con for you.