It was a sunny, warm afternoon in Guadalajara when I got to the airport for my trip to Seattle. Unlike what is typical for most of the US, the hottest months here (Jalisco, Mexico) are April, May, and June – before the rains come and cool everything down. The Guadalajara airport wasn’t too busy, despite a bunch of construction.
Note: The city has been doing a big expansion of the airport itself, the parking structure, and the main road that goes to the airport. This is theoretically to accommodate increased travelers because of the World Cup this summer, but the problem is that there’s no way they’ll be finished in time, so, ironically, the construction will make the traffic even worse.
Mexican immigration1, airport security, and boarding all went smoothly. The only major issue I had was being masked for the nine hours straight, including airport, the flight, and getting through US customs and immigration on the Seattle end. Nobody masks anymore, but the truth is that even though the pandemic has become endemic, even though I’m vaccinated, I can still get Covid, and if that were to happen, pass it to Karawynn, who is immune compromised. Thus, staying masked in indoor crowded spaces is super important.
US customs in Seattle was packed. There were probably upwards of 3000 people in the general passport check area, which is more than I’ve ever seen waiting to get through. That said, the line for US passport holders was moving pretty fast, and when I got to the front I realized why. Instead of a customs agent checking passports, there was face recognition system. I didn’t even have to show them my passport because apparently big brother is watching, and they know all about me. I looked into the camera, and the little screen below showed my face and a green checkmark, which meant that I could go through. Boom! Fast and done. Creepy but convenient.
I was struck by the cold when I exited the airport. And the rain. Brisk and chilly and wet. So different, coming from the warm, sunny weather. However, despite only bringing two long sleeve shirts and no jacket, I enjoyed the cold. It was only 20 minutes, and as hard as it is to believe, I missed the Pacific Northwest weather.
On the personal front
I’d arranged to share a hotel room with my friend and collaborator, Jonathan Bond. And, honestly, I was anxious about seeing him, because it had been decades since we’d met up in person, and in the interim we’d only been in intermittent contact.
Back in 90s, Jonathan and I had collaborated on a ton of short fiction (much of it published), including the novella that was the first professional sale for both of us — Deadwise. Later, we also co-wrote a novel set in the Shadowrun universe. But we lost touch after that; life happened - I moved away, had kids, and got caught up pursuing a solo writing career (that resulted in some novels, but never a breakout book). Jonathan, too, had a life - seemingly full of joys and hardships (all of which are his stories to tell).
So, yeah, it was weird seeing Jonathan after so long. Weird, but really, really good. We’re both older, wiser, and mellower, I think. And now, we are collaborating on a new Shadowrun novel, a book we’re both excited about—it’s really fun and ambitious with some interesting and unique characters. But mainly, I’m really happy that we’re working together again, staying in touch as friends.
We’re collaborating on a new Shadowrun novel, a book we’re both excited about—it’s really fun and ambitious with some interesting and unique characters.
The next morning, I met up with my other attending collaborator, Shannon Page. To talk about our book of course (a cozy mystery!), but also writing in general, publishing, and life, the universe—everything! Shannon and I have been great friends for a long time. We were introduced by her then-partner Jay Lake years ago, after which we grew close both personally and professionally (I edited and published several of her novels for Per Aspera Press). And this year, I credit (or blame?) her for my decision to attend Norwescon since she was invited as a panelist and encouraged me to consider the idea.
One of the things about living in semi-rural Mexico: not only is there no significant writing community, but it’s very far away from friends and family. It’s easy to feel isolated and get lonely for friends. And even though I know that maintaining (long-distance) connection is really important, I have not historically been very good at this. Many of my previously local friends haven’t heard from me in years.
But that’s why a big convention on what used to be my home turf was such a good idea. So many of my friends were (and still are) writers and fans of SFF media. It was fantastic to see and chat with so many of them. I even got to sit down with another long-time friend (who was an editorial intern at Per Aspera Press long ago) Erin M. Evans. She’s now a successful author (with over ten books in print) as well as the co-host of a hilarious writing podcast - Writing About Dragons and Shit.
On the professional front
Even though the activities of the convention itself were secondary for me, I did find them well-run and interesting. I might have even learned one or two things! That said, my current professional goal is to find a good agent, even though I didn’t expect to succeed at that at the convention itself. And, yeah, I made zero progress there.
I’ve heard from a few agents that, currently, science fiction is harder to sell than fantasy (or even horror).
I did meet a friend who is also an agent (and a writer), and it was a great visit on a personal level. Professionally, she’s closed for submissions, and in any case, when she read the query for my near-future science fiction novel, Mind Share, last year, she wasn’t jazzed about it.
The problem for me is, she’s not alone; I’ve heard from a few agents that, currently, science fiction is harder to sell than fantasy (or even horror). Anyway, I’ve taken that book out of the query trenches for the time being while I focus on getting other manuscripts finished up.
At the convention, I did also make the acquaintance of a senior editor at Orbit, albeit with the caveat that it was at a party, and he had met probably 500 people over the course of the convention… And yeah, maybe he’d remember me down the road (it was a positive, if fairly brief, conversation for both of us), but it’s impossible to quantify an interaction like that. And I was able to connect with a few people at the convention who will probably invite me as a professional next year, so basically nothing bad to report on this front but also not anything substantial or celebratory.
After the convention
After I checked out of the hotel, I got to visit with my daughter as well as some non-SFF friends who live in the area, including my ex-wife (yes we are on friendly terms and it was great to see her), and an old crush of mine who now finds herself interested in returning my affection.
Overall, I spent six days away from home, relishing the cool Seattle weather as well as slaking my thirst to connect with friends. The trip home went smoothly, again despite the discomfort of masking for 10 hours. My flight left at midnight Pacific time and landed at 4:45 AM local time. I’m starting to get too old for red-eye flights, but I still think it’s better than changing planes with a 2 to 5 hour layover. Unfortunately, there’s only one direct flight to choose from.
My trip was excellent and fulfilling, but it was good to get home to see Karawynn. She had been holding down the fort – taking care of the house, the dog, the garden, and everything else while I was gone. Thank you, sweetie! ❤️
Until next our storylines meet, thank you for reading.
-Jak
When a foreign resident with a Residente visa (like me) leaves Mexico, they must inform the INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) at the airport window. Sometimes there’s a long line.