It’s funny how the same type of event can cause such diametrically opposed reactions.

Normally when I hear the word ‘conference’ I cringe a little inside.  It’s the same way I feel when I hear the word ‘meeting’. Maybe it’s from 15 years of sitting through educational lectures, but that’s how it works, right?

I had a conference this weekend. But instead of that slightly cringing reaction, I’m jubilant heading back to work today. 

Why? I attended a conference about books!

(Que the dream where Homer is imagining beer or doughnuts, but replace that with books.)

If you’re reading this, there is a decent chance you can relate to that feeling.

It’s only the second time I’ve been, but Calgary has been having Where Words Collide for nine years already. It’s an excuse for authors and lovers of literature of all genres to get together and talk about what we love best.

Our imaginary friends, of course!

The weekend was rainy and as summer feels like it’s getting older and weaker, I’m again feeling things slip away. As I drove to the conference, I noticed the leaves have already started to change to yellows and gold, and I recall feeling sad last year.

It’s a strange and deja-vu sensation because along with this year’s wistfulness I re-experienced the sadness from last year and the year before. It was like I was standing in a funhouse, with multiple mirrors around me and the echoes of all the years I’ve felt this way reflected back at me.

It’s an interesting thought, and one I want to pull out and examine in more detail later. Right now I’m gonna go to work and talk about books 😉

Have a wonderful week! I hope there’s some good reading in your future. Like oh I don’t know, my next release which launches tomorrow!!!

Ciao for now,

H. M. Gooden