I see where the Horror Writers Association is having its annual Stoker Awards this coming weekend. For the third year in a row, I plan to watch the Awards online. For at least the third year, Jeff Strand will be the host. I have not read any of the man's fiction, but if it is half as funny as his witty repartee is, then I am missing out on a treat.
They are already teeing things up for future Awards. The guest of honour in 2017(!) will be none other than George R. R. Martin, writer of the Game of Thrones series (and much, much more). I am sure that people are hoping he will have published the sixth volume in the GoT series by then. I am not holding my breath.
The Awards are great fun to watch. Putting a face and a voice to the authors whose work I enjoy is a treat for me. The vast majority of these writers barely make a living at it, though. Brian Keene, whose website I check out a lot, and several of whose books I've consumed, and who is a guest of honor this year, is likely the best known horror writer of his generation. But he makes on average about $40 000 dollars US per year. The guys who wrangle shopping carts at Costco make that much or more. Sad, So, these awards are important if for no other reason, it affirms what these writers do.
If you want to watch the awards, which I plan to live tweet, then go here.
I have been saying nice things so far. It pains me to point out a mistake that I fear may be repeated. There is an excellent chance that during the evening the MC will abandon the lectern for a few moments while presenters stroll up to it and do their thing once they're there. Then, when the presenters are done, they will simply walk away, abandoning the lectern again until Jeff Strand has had a chance to return to it.
In any meeting, it is important to make sure that the information flows through the lectern. When it is abandoned, what happens? People fill that gap by talking amongst themselves. The buzz becomes a walla group until someone finally takes over the lectern and starts speaking.
To avoid all this crap, just make sure someone is always at the lectern. Jeff Strand should stay there until the latest batch of presenters comes up to him. At that time, he will shake their hands and retreat into the background or sit down or something. When they are done what they were there to do, they should remain at the lectern until Jeff Strand comes up and relieves them. They go back to their seats and Mr. Strand does his next piece of shtick or announces what the next award will be and who the next presenters are. The process repeats. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
I hope that I am wrong and that they do not continue this horrid practice. I hope that I am right that Jeff Strand will be the Master of Ceremonies; it is hard to find that information on the website. And I hope that the awards are as much to watch this year that they have been in the past. And, and, I further hope that some day I will be able to attend the Stokers. I would be, uh, stoked to do so.
You guys have a good evening. And I'll see you tomorrow.
Bevboy
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