I got a Shiney.

George R. R. Martin was the author guest of honor at TusCon this year. I got a children's book M picked up for me at Bookmans, signed. I've never stood in line for a book signing for such a high profile author before. They were very organized and efficient, even had a guy to snap pictures for you with your phone if you wanted, but standing in a line that long made me feel a little silly. Possibly adding to my embarrassment, I was dressed up as the Red Woman from Game of Thrones. It was a hastily assembled cosplay, after M found me a discounted Halloween costume of a long, flowy, red dress a week before the convention.

When it was my turn, George R. R. Martin asked, "How are you?" I struck a pose, and replied, "The night is dark and full of terrors." He then looked up, paused, smiled, and said, "The Red Woman, impressive." After signing my book, he fished in his pocket, pulled out a coin and set it on the table.





I got a shiney! It made everything absolutely worth it.