How I survived Games Day 2008!

This post feels somewhat belated (much like many of the birthday greetings I've received this week - my thanks to one and all for their kind wishes), given that it was all over on Sunday evening.

However, I couldn't simply let it pass by and not mark it on the blog.

Having read the Black Library forum fairly extensively, it seems a lot of folks are doing some truly wonderful and well detailed reports on what they did on the day. I'll spare you that, as my day was pretty much confined to the Black Library signing area where I was at work in my capacity as editor.

I don't know what it is about Games Day (this last one was my sixth, I do believe, having done three for White Dwarf as a journo, and the same again for Black Library), but on the Saturday before I always approach it with a sense of foreboding and dread. I suppose it's just the monstrously early start and the desire to do a good job throughout what is an energised and frantic day.

This year, for some unfathomable reason, was different, and although I had very little sleep the night before, I approached the convention with a certain optimism I hadn't felt before. That said, even in previous years, as soon as I was in Birmingham and off and running, the day flew and I had a great time.

This was pretty much how it panned out this year. I had no time at all to wonder at the clock. It was non-stop.

2008 was the first Games Day in which I had something to sign - in this case Assault on Black Reach: The Novel. I was very pleasantly surprised by the number of folks who approached me about it. There was even a couple of guys who wanted me to sign Oathbreaker and Grudgelore, and talk about new dwarf books. To those people, I can reiterate here - Honourkeeper is coming in April 2009 (with hopefully more dwarf tales after that - I certainly want to write some...).

Another hot topic was, of course, Salamanders. This, somewhat sidelined, First Founding Chapter will be appearing in the Heroes of the Space Marines anthology (which I believe comes out in July of next year), and then will be followed by the novel a month later.

It was truly great to speak to fans of the Chapter first hand who regaled me with their thoughts and ideas, but generally their delight that the 'Sallies' (as they are affectionately known in some circles -Xhalax, if you're reading this, you know who you are...) were finally getting some attention.

Special mention must go to David Johnston (hope I got that right, David - please correct me if I didn't as I'd like to name check you in the book's dedication), aka Brother Argos of the Bolter & Chainsword. David and I discussed at some length how we saw the Chapter and what we liked about it, sharing our passions for the sons of Vulkan. It was actually very inspiring and gratifying speaking to such a dedicated fan of the Salamanders. Vulkan's Forge, which David put together, is simply a superb site and a real testament to his love of the Chapter. I hope to do you and the Salamanders justice.

I also want to say how touched and genuinely moved I was at receiving a wonderful piece of original art from Kevin Chin. As I'm sure you can see, this is simply stunning stuff and I must also add Kevin, if you're reading this, how humbled I was regarding your very kind words about Oathbreaker. I shall endeavour to live up to your high esteem of me and my works.


I dare say I could go on at some length, but I think I'll cut it short there.

Sometimes, chained to your desk, staring at the blank screen or fighting with that synopsis you can't quite get right yet or lamenting about the faults you perceive in your published words, writing can be a lonely pursuit. How gratifying and reaffirming is it then when you meet genuine fans who have a real interest and enthusiasm for what you do.

I relished meeting each and every one of you at Games Day, and I do hope I'll see you all again next year. Thank you so much for making this year's event a truly special one for me.