It’s that time of the year again! Scares that Care is my favorite convention in the game, and not just because it’s an author-friendly show that books incredible literary talent. Most importantly, it’s well run by people who give a damn and the whole thing supports a great cause, meaning its proceeds help families in need.
I’m headed south with partners in crime Adam Cesare and Scott Cole, and the three of us will be selling/signing our books all weekend long. Beyond that, I hope to find a few minutes to geek out over the appearance of John Skipp and finally work up the courage to tell Edward Lee just how much his brand of literary perversity inspired me while I was building my first book.
This marks my third consecutive year going. It’s a damn long drive, especially on the way back, but the camaraderie of the weekend more than makes up for it. If you’re on the fence and it’s in your orbit, I can’t recommend it enough. The Doubletree Hilton is a fantastic venue staffed with pleasant and courteous people, and the convention volunteers themselves are even better. Most conventions tend to feel like the inmates are running the asylum, but that’s the furthest thing from the truth at Scares.
It’s also a great place for authors to gather, earn a few new readers, and swap war stories with their fellow writers. My first year there, I had the opportunity to knock a few stiff drinks back with personal heroes, so when I say that Scares that Care affords the experiences that I’ll treasure forever, I’m not being hyperbolic.
If you’re reading this and are planning on attending the show, please stop by my table and say hello. I promise not to give you the hard sell on my entire back catalogue. That’s what Adam is there for.