A Time For Everything

I'm planning to go back next year. Absolutely. The whole thing was super fun. Panels or break out sessions started at 10am and went generally to 10 or 11 at night. There were also a couple of groups that rented suites and offered alternative events as well as just a place to go for a break if needed.



Panels ranged from discussing all incarnations of Sherlock Holmes since Arthur Conan Doyle collectively to discussing individual versions such as CBS's Elementary. There were a ton of writing workshops, which I loved. There was a panel for folks to share how/when they came to fandom in general and Sherlock specifically. Other panels included how to pod cast, discussions of plays that various actors perform in between seasons of Sherlock, a London Travel Guide, and book club type discussions with authors who have written pastiches.

In addition, David Nellist who plays Mike Stamford in the BBC's Sherlock, was a special guest. He's very charming.



And if all of that wasn't enough, more people than not were in costume. Most of it Sherlock Holmes related, somehow or another, but not all.



I thought about taking a costume, but it was my first con and I wasn't sure what to expect, so I just took my Sherlock-related t-shirts and left it at that. I bought two (maybe three) new tees while I was there. Next year I may go for a costume, although I have no idea at this point what it might be... But I have plenty of time to come up with something.

I didn't take many pictures, honestly. I was too busy soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying myself.

Ever been to a non-work con? Did you love it? What was it?

As you may or may not remember, I attended my first fan con(vention) this past weekend. I traveled to Atlanta on my own to attend 221B Con.

Let me just say--BEST TIME EVER!

I found my tribe. :) But more about that later...let's start at the beginning.

It started at about 4am last Friday morning. DH and had discussed when to leave for the airport and due to various factors decided that 4:30 was best. I dragged myself out of bed, ate breakfast, drank reheated leftover tea (even though I really wanted fresh), and made and drank my arthritis elixir (cinnamon and honey). I packed the last few items like deodorant and toothpaste and was ready to go. The drive was fine, though there was more traffic than one expects at that time of day. But it flowed fast and fine all the way to the airport.

Arriving that early was definitely a good thing. The line to check baggage (no curb-side check-in for Spirit Airlines) was long and it took about 45 minutes to finally get through. The security check on the other hand was quick and painless. I chose the good line and sent my purse and jacket through the X-ray machine and walked through the people screening machine. I didn't even have to take my shoes off. Woot!

After that I hunted down a restroom, some water for my water bottle, and some hot water in that order, and sat down to wait for my flight. I people watched a bit and then it was time to board. The flight was only an hour and a half or so and I spent the time with my eyes closed listening to the deep baritone of Benedict Cumberbatch reading Sherlock Holmes to me. :)

Navigating Hartsfield-Jackson Airport wasn't terribly difficult, but it took me half an hour to walk from the gate to the baggage claim. It really did. Don't get me wrong, it was a lovely walk as the corridor was filled with all manner of lovely art and historic information. I could have taken the tram, but I wasn't sure about it and opted for the exercise instead.


Once my suitcase was in hand, it was time to tackle the MARTA, Atlanta's rail system. I found the station and was on my way across Atlanta without further issue. I loved seeing all the wisteria growing like weeds along the way.


It took a little orienting to find the hotel from the MARTA station, but only because there was a taller building between me and the hotel and I didn't immediately see it. But once I located it, off I went. I reached the hotel without incident despite construction and checked into my 9th floor room.



I had a westerly view and was able to enjoy the late afternoon sun and the sunset.

Anyway, I navigated myself all the way there and back (DFW to Atlanta and back) on my own. :) Quite a feat for me.

Con details and a few pictures on Friday, although I didn't take many.

TTFN!

Three weeks form today, I'll be winging my way to Atlanta for a fan-run Sherlock con. It's my first trip to Atlanta and to a con. I'm both excited and a bit anxious. I've flown enough in the last couple years (thanks, Sonshine) for that part of the trip not to be a worry. But the hotel is across town from the airport, so I still need to research and plan for traversing the city somehow.

Attending such a popular con by myself is a bit daunting, but I've wanted to experience fandom on a larger scale than just reading and writing fan fiction and from my side of keyboard and monitor. So I'm doing it.

There are going to be tons of people wearing costumes (basically dressing up as characters from various universes of Sherlock Holmes), and I thought about it, but the one unique costume I came up with would have been a bear to travel with. I decided to just stock up on Sherlock t-shirts and just be what I am, a fan girl.

Along with all the cosplay going on, there will be panels just like at any con. I need to look up the topics and decide what I want to attend and if I want to do any sightseeing while I'm there.

Anyone been to Atlanta? Did you like it? Any must sees?

• Con registration bought & paid for...
• Hotel reservation made...
• Plane tickets bought...

Come April, I'll be winging my way to Atlanta--a city I've never been to. It's going to be a grand adventure.

I'm excited about going--passing up a chance to learn from one of the big names in writing conferences to do so.

But I'm nervous too. Walking into an event like this knowing no one is a bit daunting. On the other hand, there's obviously the reason we're all there--Sherlock Holmes.

Have you ever gone to a fan-type convention? If so, what for/what type?