Last night I went to SF in SF for the first time
The Hobart building is gorgeous, and it's right near bart, as advertised! I'll be the first to admit that I've got a bit of a thing for SF architecture. As soon as you've got patterns on the ceiling and a few chandeliers I'm happy as a clam. The theater itself was a nice size, not to big, but not too small.
The people were amazing.
I admit unashamedly that I was there to hear Mira Grant read. I can report that she is at least 85% more awesome in person than anyone has a right to be. The short story she read from was wonderfully and inventively written, enough so that I'm more than tempted to abandon A Wizard of Mars (By Diane Duane) and go after more by her.
I think I'll spend a little more time rolling around in my childhood though. Speaking of my childhood, Mira had an epictastic My Little Pony (of the Apocalypse) shirt. I think I may have experienced more unhealthy shirt envy last night than I have since I saw that Doctor Who shirt on shirtwoot....
Alright. Back from browsing shirtyouknowwhat. That place is dangerous.
Where was I? Ah yes. So, Seanan Mcguire is a wonderful person. She's approachable, hilariously funny and very much who she is. In this case "very much who she is" is one of the best qualities out there. There's something awesome about meeting an author who is as much of, if not more of, a fan of the genres as you are.
I spent most of the night talking semi-confidently to strangers and looking at pictures of people's gorgeous feline companions. I had to inform the Professor that Seanan's cats have much fuzzier, fluffier bellies. I think he was less than impressed.
Also she has a book collection that a folklorist would (and probably have) killed for. ("I couldn't help myself, your honor, it was such a thorough index!") After being very good and not snapping up a big, beautiful collection of celtic folklore motifs and an interesting used dictionary of superstitions at Greenapple books, I can't help but feel the burning need for information packed into prettily bound paper format. Booklust will forever be one of my deepest flaws.
I did booksplurge a little and picked up a few John Shirley books, including his new short story collection. With that and Diane Duane lined up, life should be fun!
All in all, I'm very glad I went, and fully intend to drop in on some other events.
SF in SF programming and podcasts are available on their website.