Confusion is listed as a science fiction con, but also embraces fantasy and is what is known as a fandom con. For the most part, in this type of con people who love science fiction and fantasy (books, movies, television series, graphic novels, etc.) congregate to discuss their favorites. But there is a lot more to Confusion than just the fandom aspect. There are several different tracks which have talks and events for multiple interests: Art, Comics, Costuming, Fandom, Film Room, Gaming, KidFusion, Literature, Media, Music, Science, and TeenFusion.
"My inner geek is excited, but where does the author in me fit in?" you might wonder. Well, of course your first stop is to check out the panels on the literature track. Based on what you like to write, do you feel like any of those could help you in your writing? But don't stop there. There is a lot of cross-over between panels and there may be authors speaking on topics in the Media track or the Science track as well. But, even if you'd rather have more fun at a convention than "work", you could certainly run into another author or editor or publisher or just lover of stories like the ones that you write while you are competing in the costume contest. In fact, my suggestion, especially if you have never been to a con before, is to go to one with the goal of having fun and seeing what it is all about, and then decide if it seems like a good match in the reader and networking department. If it is a good match, then go ahead and put yourself forward for participating in a similar con either on one of the panels or as a volunteer. Participation not only has the benefit of networking, and recognition, but many cons also give compensation on your registration if you volunteer or participate in a certain number of panels.
One word of warning though: DO YOUR HOMEWORK as far as researching a con and what it is all about before you commit to it. Not all cons are the same. Some cons don't have multiple tracks or may only be vaguely related to your genre (i.e. The con is mainly a horror con and you write steampunk). Another example, some cons are more than happy to have you distribute flyers about your upcoming novel or sell your books out of your backpack to other convention-goers while others strictly prohibit such actions (GenCon allows NO SELF PROMOTION/ADVERTISING unless you have an authorized dealer booth).
Confusion is a great local con to begin with that is still fairly small but chock full of goodness. They are generally pretty reasonable about flyer distribution and welcoming to those willing to participate in the con. I will be there this year participating on three panels (Forensics and the Science of Crime, Hell Hath No Fury: Ways to Motivate, Impede, and Change Female Characters, and Writing About Science) and in the Autograph Session 2. Personally, I choose to wear costumes at conventions to make myself more memorable, but other writers prefer a more professional look when networking. Whichever you decide, I hope to see you there next weekend!!!
I Write, I Edit, I Write Again. Witness!
We're Making Better Words, All of Them, Better Words.
I Write to Burn Off the Crazy.