The Horrorfind Weekend is my favorite convention. Granted I've never been to NECON, World Horror, KillerCon, or The Stokers. I'm positive that I'd have a great time at all of them, just as I'm sure that I'd love the numerous cons that are devoted to horror and cult films.

The great thing about Horrorfind is, it pretty much equally focuses on fiction and film. I love both, even if I am more interested in books these days. I love the spectacle of it all. Seeing the costumes and the crazy people all there for one thing: To celebrate horror.

It's lonely being a horror fan. I don't get a lot of chances to talk to fans in the real world. It's nice to interact with everyone on the internet, but it's not the same as being in company with others. I feel at home at Horrorfind.

Let's face it: People don't understand us. They may distrust us. Or, as James Newman might say, they might even feel animosity toward us.

Last night I was hanging out with a local friend. I've only known him for about a half a year, but we've known a lot of the same people for ages. He told me that he would hear my name dropped a lot, and a while back he asked a mutual acquaintance who I was. He was told something like Mark Sieber is an asshole who is into all kinds of sick shit.

I've known the guy that said that for a long time. I'm not offended. To tell the truth he's kind of a pinhead. Prejudice comes in all shapes and forms. I met the other guy (who I was hanging with last night), and he found out that I am not an asshole.

Like I say, it's lonely. The people I know in my town don't really dig horror. We mostly talk about and listen to music.

That's why the conventions are so important to me. It gets me out and in the company of people who like the same things I like. I consider it family.

Brian Keene is a big part of why Horrorfind is so special. He's mostly responsible for the focus on writers and fiction. It's a great thing where writers can hang out with each other, meet their fans, sign editions of their books, and also to sell copies to fans. Few writers live extravagant lives and any chance for them to make some extra cash is a good thing.

Then there are the movie people. They tend to be more outrageous. My hope is that some of them pass by the writers' tables and become interested enough to take a chance on a book or two. We can never have enough readers.

I just got back from the convention and I'm still reeling from it. I'm also still completely exhausted. These things take a toll on a guy. I wouldn't trade it for the world though. I had such an amazing time and I won't even bother calling out any names because I'm sure I'd forget someone.

I didn't even do any convention events. No readings. No panels. No movies. I go to Horrorfind to get up with some of the best friends I've ever had. I make new ones every year. Friendships like these last lifetimes.

And where else can you find yourself sharing an elevator with John Waters? Or sit and eat breakfast and have Dee Wallace or Ken Foree or Sid Haig at the table next to you?

I wish I could afford to go to some of the other conventions. If I was a wealthy person I'd do 'em all. I hit a couple of the small cons that are nearby, but for me the big one is Horrorfind.

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