Just another run-of-the-mill con? NO…
This small but mighty Con brought together some of the finest up and coming writers, artisans and artists and put them in an area that was totally accessible to everyone. A person could walk up and get to talk at length to the writers, artisans and artists about their craft gain useful insight into the “how” that eludes most of us. This is also amazing for the people on the other side of the table to see how much their creation is enjoyed by everyone.
Mal Con brought to the Fans many awesome guests, including an author who has written over 20 Novels. Jim Butcher, author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. A relatively quiet and seemingly shy, soft spoken and very humorous man gladly met, signed books and spoke to every one of his fans with a genuine smile.
For the RPG lover, there were many games of all types of genres. There were also many different panel discussions going on at all times, ranging from Age Appropriate Reading: Too Young, Too Old, to Writing the story is the easiest part! Topping off with a Harry Potter style Yule Ball.
This sort of accessibility to writers, artisans and artists is not something that happens at every convention. MALCon’s intimate setting and overall fun feel makes it easy to see that the future of this CON is bright, to say the least.
By John Root