Looks like 2011 is just about wrapped up for The Elephant and Macaw Banner, and a busy year it was.  At the start of the year, I only expected to participate in four events, but I ended up participating in nine.  Here’s a quick recap:

RioContentMarket (March) – Not much to say here.  I went to make some contacts, and this was the only event all year in which I wasn’t invited to speak.

Nebula Awards (May) – What can I say about this?  I never expected to be nominated for a Nebula, and being there was a dream come true.  Beyond the banquet and speaking with all the wonderful attendees, I got to participate in a panel with Joe Haldeman, N. K. Jemisin, Michael J. Sullivan, and Jack McDevitt.  Unforgettable.

GamePad (May) – This was an academic event, but I did present my first paper on digital narratives, something I’ll be working with more in the future.

Game Craft (June) – I keynoted the event, and while my speech wasn’t specifically about EAMB, I did discuss it.

Fantasticon (August) – This event is bigger and better every year, with a large percentage of the Brazilian specultaive fiction writers in attendance.  This year I had an autograph session and a panel with Roberto de Sousa Causo, Max Mallmann, and Ana Cristina Rodrigues.  This is one of my “must attend” events every year.

Worldcon (August) – Six panels, one reading, and an autograph session.  This convention was work and fun all rolled into one, and I plan on doing it all again next year.

Jornada Nacional de Literatura (Nacional Literary Journey) (August) – This and the Nebula ceremony were not just the highlights of the year, they were the highlights of my entire writing career.  Over two days I spoke in front of 12,000 adolescents, and it felt like magic.

Feira do Livro de Torres (Torres Book Fair) (September) – Gave a nice outdoor panel on sword & sorcery to a few dozen people, along with friends Duda Falcão and Cesar Alcázar.

Feira do Livro de Porto Alegre (Porto Alegre Book Fair) (October) – Another chance to talk about sword & sorcery with Duda and Cesar, and a book lauch for Sagas 3.

I also had two book launches in Porto Alegre for the series Duplo Fantasia Heroica.

For 2012, I once again start the year planning on just four events (so we’ll see what happens):

Odisseia de Literatura Fantástica (Fantastic Literature Odyssey) (April) – I’m one of the organizers for this event in Porto Alegre, which will bring together over fifty writers and editors from around Brazil.

Festival Literária de Paracatu (Pracatu Literary Festival) (May) – This event got held over from 2011, which should make it bigger and better.

Fantasticon (Augsut) – I can’t confirm until I know the dates, but as long as there’s no conflict, I’ll be there.

Worldcon/Chicon 7 (August) – My only foreign trip planned so far.  I hope to be on the programming once again.

Here’s hoping to see you all in 2012!