CopperCon30 opened Friday, September 3, 2010 with attendees waiting anxiously in the registration line collecting their badges and filing into various conference rooms to hear panels discussing everything from GHOSTS, sci fi, literature to media. There were many workshops and panel discussions going on in several rooms and here are the highlights of a few of the day’s events.

The media panel titled Does Action/Adventure have to be Dumb/Mindless discussed which books or movies can be fun and supercharged, and still include some provoking ideas. Star Wars was used as an example: It was fun, required little or no thinking, yet it had a good story line. Some media venues make you just want to watch for the entertainment, but there is always that option to go deeper in thought. Sometimes the key to Hollywood action adventure stories is obtaining a big name actor or director to carry it over the mindless factor.

Everyone wants to sell that ghost tale or scifi story on the web. A panel of authors offered marketing tips on how to sell your books, poetry, short stories, and audio books on the Internet. Marketing is the key—be sure you know your market. They suggest that authors create a web page featuring your books. Add a blog and get on all the social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and do your networking. Discipline yourself and limit on line minutes on the social networks so you have time to do your research and writing.

Debe Branning headed a session on Ghost Hunting: Fact or Fantasy. Movies and SyFy channel TV shows depict paranormal investigators as proton pack carrying demon fighters and gateways into the world of the dead. Real life ghost hunter, Debe, compared vintage horror movies to the present ghost flicks with what it is really like the paranormal field today. She explained just what happens when a film crew comes to shoot a 60 minute TV episode.

A group of Buffy enthusiasts gathered to ponder if Buffy and crew were Anti-Heroes. There seemed to be definite times when they did fit into the role of anti- hero. Award winning author, Yvonne Navarro, who wrote 7 Buffy spinoff novels discussed why some of the characters flaws could cause us to love and hate these troubled heroes.

The Friday activities ended with dancing and a late night body painting demonstration.
Saturday morning, September 4, 2010, the attendees were up early to listen to readings from various authors. The morning activities included several events for the children such as costuming and origami. The Sensei’s of the Sabaku Henkei Dojo presented a demonstration of Japanese swordsmanship outside in the courtyard lawn.

Ever wonder how to keep that favorite ghost novel looking like brand new on your bookshelf? A Book Repair Workshop showed the guests how to repair, clean, and restore your treasured library. Many everyday household items can be used in the restoration process such as acid free glue, rubber bands, lighter fluid, Windex and the good old kitchen knife

Many wonder how we will all survive the Zombie Apocalypse. Authors Weston Ochse and Yvonne Navarro discussed how to be the last person among the world of the dead. The current situation of the world seems to have put a fear in the people of some sort of viral infection worldwide. One CopperCon guest suggested: Have a good plan complete with guns, food and a fortified home, have a couple of good friends to watch your back, and if you do see a zombie, aim for the head.

What is a scifi convention without a game of SciFi Jeopardy.  The United Federation of Phoenix led this exciting game show take off using movie and TV scifi shows as the basis of the "questions and answers".

A few of the guests particiated in a drum circle to learn Arabic Drum Rhythms.  They learned the difference between a African Jumbey and an Arabic Dhoumbek.  They say a drummer's spirit becomes one with the drum and the earth with the enchanting musical beat.

The Mascarade is always a big hit for the guests and the participants.  This years winners varied from space aliens, vampires, to steampunk designs.  Some of the costumed guests in the audience should have entered the competition and paraded on stage as well.

Time to check tomorrows schedule and see which CopperCon sessions to feathure for Sunday and Monday!  You still have time to come to the event and join in all the fun. Until then, Nanu Nanu!

 The Windemere Hotel is located at: 5750 East Main St. Mesa, Arizona 85205 - Phone: (480)985-3600 - Toll Free: (800) 888-3561 -Reservations by phone ONLY- Rooms include: FREE Deluxe Continental Breakfast, 24 hour pool, Ample FREE parking, and FREE wireless internet.

CONTACT CopperCon 30, PO Box 62613, Phoenix AZ 85082

e-mail: info@coppercon.org , website: http://www.coppercon.org  
 

Debe Branning  nazanaza@aol.com