Communion.

I was fortunate enough to catch up with Whitely Strieber last week, which makes it sound like we're old friends and we had organised to get together.  That, of course, wasn't the case. I was just in a position where I knew I would be able to say hello to him. I have met Whitley once before. On that occasion he was seated with friends, and he was happy to talk and sign my copy of Communion.  But he was with some friends, and I made a point of not interrupting or taking up too much of his time.

On this occasion, we were able to talk a little longer.  (I would have kept him for hours, but I didn't want to monopolise him!)  He kindly signed my Communion DVD (He was played by Christopher Walken) and a couple of books, listened to a couple of my experiences, offered suggestions and advice, and answered a couple of questions I had.  He even remembered me from last time.

Whitley is lovely. A gentleman who has had many years of strange experiences. People have accused him of doing it all for money, but the truth is there was no money compared to his previous writing career.  These experiences also cost him a great deal, personally. Yet to hear him say he wouldn't change them if he could is remarkable.

I first read Communion in the late 80s, shortly after it was published. I don't recall why I picked it up - maybe it was simply because I'd always been interested in UFOs.  But I know that me, back then, reading it in a shared house, would have been stunned to know that I would get to meet and talk with the author a couple of times.

He is an engaging speaker, and I loved every minute of his presentation. He even went overtime, but unfortunately he had to finish as we had to be out of the space by a set time. He then said he could happily speak for five hours. Whitley, I could happily listen to you for five hours.

And anytime you're up around this part of the UK, I'd love to buy you a drink or two. Hmmm. How many could you drink in five hours?

Cool Cons.

I was supposed to be at the Awakening Expo  last weekend. I bought a ticket at the beginning of the year, but the conference was unfortunately cancelled.

While I understand things happen, I am disappointed by the lack of transparency here.  I was told second hand (and I did check to see a refund had been issued), but the Awakening page and website never even referred to the cancellation.  The following issue of Phenomena magazine (connected with the conference) mentioned problems, which was why it hadn't been published for a couple of months. It then stated that they were all resolved and the best thing was not to mention them anymore.

That is disappointing. I had to change plans and fight to get a refund on my hotel booking. I am aware some people didn't get one. Perhaps we deserve some explanation.

But I will continue to support Awakenings, and look forward to future events.

In the meantime I am excited to be going back to Edge-Lit next weekend. This is a writing convention up in Derby, and I've enjoyed the times I have attended. This year Charlie Higson is a guest, and while he is known for his writing, I'm more of a fan of his days in The Fast Show.  Ah yes, the memories of sitting with my friend in Tokyo in the 90s, sipping beers and laughing at tapes sent over from the UK.  I'm sure he'll be fantastic.

And then the following weekend, I'll be up at the OLM conference in Hull.  And, as a superb bonus, they've announced Whitley Strieber has been added as a guest.  I met Whitley a couple of years ago at the Awakenings conference, and he was wonderful to talk to.  His presentation was superb as well. I can't wait to see you again, Whitley.

All in all a couple of good weeks lined up.  Will I see you there?