2012 Appearances and Plans
Here’s what’s going on thus far for 2012; subject to change, so check back often!
BOOK LAUNCH: Book Three of the “Children of the Desert” series will launch at MarsCon 2013, and Book Four will launch at RavenCon 2013! It’s unfortunate that we missed a year due to various catastrophes, but believe me, both books coming out within a four month stretch will make it worth waiting for. And hang in there, because I have more stuff planned for the intervening six months that will make the wait a little easier… such as….
APRIL
Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 15: RavenCon of Richmond, VA–one of my favorite yearly events! This year, Glen Cook is the GoH–which I’m madly excited over, because he’s one of my formative influences, if you will. His Black Company series is one of the things that set me on the road to becoming a writer of fantastic literature myself. Hopefully I won’t go totally fangirl and squee all over the place (because that’s just embarrassing, and often messy)–but you won’t know if you don’t show up! End of convention note: Yeah. I did. I totally did. Very, very embarrassing. I’m still mad at myself about it. Ehhh, well… :-/
Sunday, April 22 AND Sunday, April 29: World-Building Seminar at the Muse Writer’s Center –Yes, it’s true. I’m teaching another writing class. Runs across only two days, you gotta be there for both of ‘em, and you’ll have to sit through a solid two and a half hours each session. And it’s a workshop, not a straight lecture, so you’ll be busy the whole time. Aw, that’s so rough. 
Note: Class wound up with ten students and went amazingly well!
MAY
May 5: “Setting the Stage in Fantasy Writing”, a presentation at Writer House of Charlottesville, to be followed by “Fantasy Food: Potluck and Discussion”. The first part is scheduled for 1-5 pm (and costs $55 for members of Writer House, $60 for non-members), with the followup potluck beginning at 6:30 (and that part is open to the public–bring a dish to share!). Note: another fantastic event! Lots of people showed up, there was terrific conversation and great food. I’m looking forward to going back for another presentation!
May 20: “Writing the History Invisible”, a presentation at Chop Suey Books of Richmond, from 1-3 pm. How much of your research really needs to show up in your novel? Come to the presentation and find out. Free to all, but space is limited, stairs are steep, and there is no handicap access. Sorry about that! 
May 27: Balticon Launch Party for “Galactic Creatures”! Yes, I will be there–hey, they put my story up to bat first in the anthology, how could I not at least show up for the party? And of course I will have copies of my other books for sale. Sadly, I will only be attending the party–not the whole convention. So make sure to come out and see me there! (schedule not yet posted on the BC12 site as of 4/26; stay tuned for details on time!)
JULY
Saturday, July 7: FantaSci, at the Chesapeake Public Library, from 10 am-5 pm. Free to all, and always a ripping good time! Not sure yet what panel I’ll be creating this year–I’ll post that information as soon as I sort it out myself.
Saturday, July 14: POTENTIAL ONLY: Local Author Day at the Newport News Grissom Library. This is not yet confirmed; I note it here so that you can plan to go regardless of my status. A great day to come out and support your local authors!
Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28: COYOTE RUN FINAL CONCERTS at the Kimball Theatre in Williamsburg, VA. By all that’s holy, even if you’ve never seen CR perform before, you absolutely must come out to see this show. They are fantabulous, and this will be your very last chance to see this amazing act.
AUGUST
Sunday, August 5 and Sunday, August 12: World Building Seminar at The Muse
I haven’t even taught the first class yet and they invited me back for another go at it! How fun is that? And seats are starting to fill up for THAT class, too! I must be doing something right…
After August: I’m open to relatively local book groups, teaching opportunities, and small-scale events within a two hour drive; but after how seriously I burned myself out in 2011, I’m taking it easy on traveling for a while. July through December will be about adding to my writing output, not my marketing efforts…it’s time I focus on what I’m actually here for: being the best damn writer I can possibly be–not neccessarily the most popular. Although hopefully one will follow the other…
If you have any events you want to invite me to, or questions about my current schedule, please contact me at: leona@leonawisoker.com. I can also be found on Facebook, Google+, and Goodreads. And I’m working on adding to my Shelfari presence, but I’m having some trouble with lining the various pieces up just at the moment. That should get sorted out soon!
