The Magic of My First Worldcon: Elevating the Writer’s Journey

There’s a unique magic that sparks when writers gather, traveling from near and far to celebrate creativity, craft, and courage. I recently experienced this enchantment at the Nebula Conference in Pasadena, California, and again at Lavender Con in Washington, DC. After each event, I left rejuvenated—equipped with fresh perspectives on my writing journey and connected with a new circle of author friends whose paths I’ll eagerly follow in the months and years ahead.

Attending my first Worldcon was a spontaneous, last-minute decision, prompted by a window of opportunity after lots of recent work travel. I’m grateful it wasn’t too late to sign up. The convention was well worth it.

For those unfamiliar, Worldcon—short for The World Science Fiction Convention—is an annual celebration of the imaginative minds behind sci-fi and fantasy, drawing a vibrant mix of creators, artists, musicians, and fans.

As a writer, immersing myself in this environment underscored the profound power of shared creativity and connection among peers. Here are a few of my highlights from the convention:

1. The Collective Power of Fandom

One of the highlights of my Worldcon experience was the affinity gatherings, including one focused on A Song of Ice and Fire (the series that inspired Game of Thrones). The gathering was buzzing with energy as enthusiasts shared lingering thoughts, theories, and opinions on George R.R. Martin’s epic series, as well as the shows. Conversations ranged from the intricate details of characters’ ancestries to the moral complexities of characters in House of the Dragon. There’s something special about being in a room with so many people who love a book—or series of books—just as much as I do. Each perspective adds a new layer to the narrative, deepening our collective understanding of the story.

But it’s more than just fun. Engaging with fellow fans, especially in such a passionate environment, highlights the power of shared inspiration. Writers often work in isolation, but it’s in these moments of connection that we find renewed energy for our creative endeavors. Discussing the intricacies of George R.R. Martin’s world reminded me that storytelling is as much about community as it is about the solitary act of writing.

2. Learning from the Masters

Worldcon isn’t just about fandom; it’s also a series of master classes. I had the privilege of attending readings and talks by celebrated names in the genre—Martha Wells, Garth Nix, Nnedi Okorafor, Holly Black, Amal El-Mohtar, and Lev Grossman, to name a few. What struck me was not just the brilliance of their work but the openness with which they shared their experiences, offering invaluable insights into the craft.

Nnedi Okorafor’s story, in particular, resonated deeply. Her journey from a promising athlete to a celebrated writer is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of creativity. After a devastating surgery left her temporarily paralyzed, Nnedi turned to writing as a way to process her life-altering experience. It is no coincidence that her stories center around topics like flight, freedom, and robotics; they have emerged from deeply personal explorations of her own journey. Hearing her speak was a powerful reminder of how our personal narratives can shape and inform our fictional worlds.

3. Practical Knowledge for the Writing Journey

While creative inspiration is crucial, Worldcon also offered a wealth of practical knowledge that is essential for any writer’s journey. I had the chance to meet literary agents, publishers, and authors who shared their insights into the complex and ever-evolving world of publishing. The rise of independent publishing was a particularly hot topic, with discussions on how it has become a legitimate and increasingly popular route for writers to bring their work to the world.

The advice and experiences shared by these industry professionals gave me a clearer understanding of the various paths available to writers today. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional publishing deal or considering the indie route, the key takeaway is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What matters is finding the path that aligns with your goals and being open to learning from those who have walked it before you.

4. The Joy of Connection and Celebration

Of course, no convention would be complete without a bit of fun. The convention kicked off with a spectacular one-man performance of Dune! The Musical, where we were treated to the entire saga of the Muad’Dib himself, Paul Atreides, told through song. It was an electrifying start that set a creative tone for the rest of the convention.

The social events are a blast—dancing, drinks, and late-night conversations that stretch into the early hours. These moments of relaxation are just as important as the panels and workshops. They remind us that, at the end of the day, our writing journey is enhanced by the connections we make along the way.

And speaking of celebration, the Hugo Awards are the crowning jewel of Worldcon, honoring the best in science fiction and fantasy from the previous year. The excitement surrounding the awards is palpable, and it’s inspiring to see how this community comes together to celebrate the achievements of its members. One of this year’s winners, T. Kingfisher (who won Best Novella for Thornhedge), brought down the house with an educational speech about sea cucumbers and their anal teeth. Emily Tesh, who won Best Novel for Some Desperate Glory, a story about a small group of humans who survive the destruction of Earth, challenged us to do our part in advancing a utopian and loving vision for our future.

5. Messages for Progress

Worldcon took place against a backdrop of significant turmoil, with anti-immigration and anti-refugee protests occurring throughout the United Kingdom and the ongoing horrors of war in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and other regions. Just this week, Israel committed a horrific atrocity by bombing a school sheltering displaced people in Gaza, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 100 Palestinians. This is the fifth in a chain of school bombings throughout the month of August.

The level of brutality we’ve grown accustomed to is shocking—reminiscent of the dystopian worlds we often explore in science fiction. But this is our reality. Throughout the convention, a pressing question emerged: Is science fiction uniquely positioned to challenge such inhumanity? Many in the community believe it is. The genre’s strength lies in its ability to critique and confront these tendencies through the power of imagination. However, imagination alone cannot bring an end to these practices. It takes collective action and a shared commitment to envision a world where we overcome our differences and recognize the humanity in one another.

This theme resonated throughout the week, and several Hugo Award winners (check them out here) spoke to the importance of combating genocide, war crimes, racism, homophobia, and transphobia. The convention fosters an environment where individuals can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment. It’s a testament to the power of community—a space where acceptance and understanding thrive.

I can’t help but wonder what might happen if our world leaders adopted this mentality. If their imaginations could truly envision a better future for all, particularly for those who have been historically marginalized, perhaps we could take meaningful steps toward a more just and compassionate world.

The Power of Shared Creativity and Knowledge

Worldcon has been a whirlwind of inspiration, learning, and connection. It’s a powerful reminder that while writing may often be a solitary pursuit, the moments of collective inspiration and practical exchange can truly elevate our craft. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, there’s immense value in being part of a community that shares your passion and your journey.

So, if you ever have the chance to attend a convention like Worldcon, I highly recommend it (next year’s is in Seattle!). The experience is more than just a gathering; it’s a celebration of creativity, a hub of knowledge, and a source of inspiration that will fuel your writing and reading for years to come.