On two separate occasions I have hit for $100. Both times I collected $0. The joining thread? I didn’t spend enough credits to get the prize. Vegas is like that. It is also less of that writer’s getaway than I imagined. Though only in day two, I am not seeing much of an opportunity to tuck myself away and be the writer. I have had the time to be the guy who stumbles back to his room half-awake only to write a post that numbers 36 words. That took me fifteen minutes. True story. I was asleep for 14 of them.
I am enjoying Vegas, enjoying time away from responsibilities, and enjoying the chance to just be around writers. I had occasion to speak to Sherman Alexie today as well as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. The thread between the two is as clear as identity discovery. Both are also tremendous authors who speak to a world that needs their voice to hold it in check. I intend to be such an author once I discover my story. In the meanwhile I continue to develop my voice through a series of works including some great stuff for Shadowrun.
Tomorrow I expect to do a bunch of writing and finally watch a FB game in Vegas, Vegas style. Tonight is more about cocktails and reading hour. I think I’ll finally finish My Name is Memory. I’m enjoying that read.