Since I found out that World Horror Con was coming to Europe for the first time and it was being held in a town only a couple of hours drive from me, (Brighton), I knew I had to get tickets. Unfortunately I left it too late and when I went to buy them the event was sold out. Luckily they had a waiting list and I was number 21. Most of the peeps on Twitter thought it was unlikely that I would get tickets, but a week or so before the event I received an email telling me two places had become available! Yippee! I was so excited as horror is my favourite genre and the line up of authors to attend was just amazing. I’m so glad I went as World Horror Con ROCKED!!!
My hubby and I drove down to Brighton Saturday morning and checked into our hotel. When we arrived at the Albion hotel, where WHC was being held, we were given our registration badges and a goodie bag each. Now these weren’t normal goodie bags… these were HUGE goodie bags! They were so big and so heavy we had to take them back to the hotel before continuing as I knew I wouldn’t be able to carry it around with me all day!
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Awesome Goodie Bag!
Back at WHC I bumped into Adele from UnBound and briefly said hello, it’s a shame we didn’t get to chat for longer but she was rushing off for a panel and I was about to meet Ms Armstrong!!
MEETING KELLEY ARMSTRONG
To add more awesomeness to the event, I was offered the chance to interview Kelley Armstrong Saturday morning by Orbit and of course I jumped at the chance. I will be doing a separate post on this interview in the next week or so, but just as a little taster:
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Me & Kelley Armstrong!!
MEETING JAMES HERBERT
After my interview with Kelley, we had time to have a good look round. Unfortunately, I missed the interview with James Herbert by Neil Gaiman but I heard that it was very interesting. However, as James Herbert was a guest of honor, he held a two hour signing, so in the queue I went! I am a BIG fan and James Herbert’s attendance was one of the main reasons I wanted to go to WHC. Meeting the master of horror was such a highlight of my day. Not only did he sign three books but he asked me to sit down and we had a little chat.
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James Herbert asking how to spell my name
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James Herbert signing my copy of THE RATS and asking why I love horror
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“Love & Kisses” *hehe*
As he signed THE RATS, I told him it was the very first book I ever read of his and he said “what made you read horror?” to which I replied, “I’m not sure, I just love it” I think he was surprised that a girl was reading his books and looking by the line of people waiting for their books to be signed I can understand why as most were guys, and the woman that were there were actually getting books signed for someone else rather than themselves.
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James Herbert signing my copy of OTHERS
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In the HUGE goodie bag was a Brighton Shock WHC Souvenir Book with pages at the back especially for autographs. James also signed that for me:
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He also had a drink in front of him and offered me one, which I thought was sweet, unfortunately it was a little early for me to be drinking, what looked like 60% proof Absinth (my hubby thought this very funny). James Herbert was a lovely man and his signed books are prized possessions and are now safely tucked away on my designated “signed books” shelf!
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James Herbert & Me!!
MEETING SUZANNE MCLEOD
Inbetween interviewing Kelley Armstrong and meeting James Herbert *can’t get over how cool that sounds*, I also met and had my book signed by the lovely Suzanne McLeod. When I first came across her books (which I have on my shelves but haven’t read yet), I thought she was an American urban fantasy writer. It was only recently that I discovered she’s actually a Brit chick, like me! We bumped into each other several times throughout the day, but I can’t believe I didn’t get a photo! (I am going to Odyssey 2010 *eastercon* this Saturday, so maybe I can ask her for one then).
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‘EVOLVE’ BOOK LAUNCH
“The intriguing vampires appearing in Evolve all share a common link to the iconic character DRACULA“- Dacre Stoker
During the afternoon I went to the book launch for EVOLVE, which includes short stories by Kelley Armstrong and Tanya Huff among many others. I was lucky enough to get my book signed by some of the authors (sadly Tanya Huff was not in attendance). Unfortunately, due to the amount of people who wanted their books signed I didn’t get to ask who was who – so if you can identify the authors then drop me an email and I can update post. Obvioulsy I know which one is Kelley Armstrong 
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Kelley Armstrong and some of the other authors
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Waiting in line for Kelley Armstrong to sign my book
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Kelley signing my book! We’ve met so often, I think we’re buddies now! 
Signings (L-R) Kelley Armstrong, other authors, Sandra Kasturi
I also won the raffle!! I never win anything, so I was really excited to see what my prize would be. This is what I won:
Mmmm, yummy!
Also, tucked away secretly in the EVOLVE flyers for the launch I found ONE MILLION DOLLARS:
I’m rich!!
As I was mooching around looking at all the books I could buy *and drooling a little* I met Danie Ware (@Danecea from Forbidden Planet) who was working so it was just a quick hello. Also met author Sam Stone, who gave me two of her books to review: KILLING KISS & FUTILE FLAME – nice to meet you Sam!
These look pretty good!
There were many other authors that I saw wondering around WHC: Brian Lumley, who I am also a big fan of, but was too shy to go and ask for an autograph. Already mentioned Neil Gaiman (sadly missed his signing). A few others authors I never even got to see: Thomas Emsen, Tim Lebbon, Wayne Simmons, all of which I would loved to have met.
We did manage to meet up with the very lovely Sam (publicist from Headline) and author Dan Wells (I AM NOT A SERIAL KILLER, which I have reviewed here) and had lunch at a Japanese place, which was yummy. Another highlight was resting my poor aching feet in the afternoon in one of the bars and having a glass of wine with Sam, her partner and Lynsey (publicist from Transworld – who I met for the first time) and of course my hubster.
Then we all dispersed to do out own thing for the evening. Hubby and I went to Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant, which was very nice, but not sure it was worth the hour and a half wait! Then it was back to the hotel and off home the next day.
There were so many people I didn’t get to meet, publicists, bloggers and authors, but I’m onto Odyssey (EasterCon) next, this weekend in fact, so hopefully I will meet some of them there!
WORLD HORROR CON was an awesome event and I had an *amazing* time!
•••••••••••••••••••••••
As I received two goodie bags, I am going to give away some of the duplicates, along with some swag *’cos I’m a lovely chickie*
There are two prizes to win, which means two winners: one from the UK and one international. All you have to do to enter is fill out this form! [NOW CLOSED]
BATCH 1
• Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
• Anno Mortis by Rebecca Levene (Tomes of the Dead)
• Extract booklet from Coldbrook by T. J. Lebbon
• Chapter sampler of I Am Not A Serial Killer & Mr Monster by Dan Wells
• Chapters sampler from ASH by James Herbert
• Fantasy Tales Magazine
• Bookmark – The Nocturne by Steve Gerlach
•Bookmark – Lake Mountain by Steve Gerlach
• Bookmark – Kumiho by Peter Mark May
• Bookmark – Evolve edited by Nancy Kilpatrick
BATCH 2
• Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
• El Sombra by Al Ewing (Pax Britannia)
• Extract booklet from Coldbrook by T. J. Lebbon
• Chapter sampler from Crawlers by Sam Enthoven
• Fantasy Tales Magazine
• Kitsune by John Paul Catton (Novella)
• Bookmark – The Nocturne by Steve Gerlach
•Bookmark – Lake Mountain by Steve Gerlach
• Bookmark – Kumiho by Peter Mark May
• Bookmark – Evolve edited by Nancy Kilpatrick
This giveaway ends Saturday 10th April and the winner will be announced on the Sunday!
Good Luck!
53 Comments
That swagbag, wow, I am drooling
And you got so many cool people. Too bad no Gaiman, I would love to meet him one day
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Dude, it looks like you had an amazing time! Love the signed books and author pics
So glad you got to meet James Herbert – again I say wow!
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"I think he was surprised that a girl was reading his books"
Yeah, I bet he's never seen that before.
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Blodeuedd – I know, how great is it!! That's why I thought I would share the goodies!
Jenny – It was *amazing*
Anon – Haha, funny how you took me so literally – it's called having a laugh, a joke, tongue -in-cheek!
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Looks like you had a great time! Thanks for sharing your swag.
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Hey, beautiful, are you coming to the Odessey scifi con? The London Book Fair? I might if I can get time off work
I've filled in your contest form. *crosses fingers*
Re-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogs.....-city.html. Also re-twitted your contest too.
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Wow, so glad you had such a fantastic time! And you're going to yet another con on Saturday?? I applaud your ability to handle a week filled with such awesomeness
You look gorgeous in all the photos. Have fun spending your million vamperific dollars
Seriously awesome goodie bag you snagged and thanks for giving away equally awesome prize packs!!
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Sounds like you had such a good time!! Great post!!
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I am so jealous. I would love to have come to World Horror Con, it looks like you had a wonderful time. Meeting Kelley Armstrong and James Herbet is just amazing. They are my favourite authors. Plus giving away some of your swag. You are the best. x
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Another Daydreamer – It was great – first 'Con' I'd ever been and it was so much fun! Can't wait for the next one
Cherry – Yes!! But only for the Saturday, but should still get a lots done
– thanks for re-posting!
Brodie – Hehe, I love my vamp dollars
Glad you like the swag, it's the least I can do after just an awesome day to spread the love! 
Dot – I really did have a great time. I think my hubby did too!
Susan – I know, meeting Kelley & James (we're on first name basis now as we're friends
) was the highlight of my day. Such great people! 
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Wow it looked like so much fun and meeting Kelley Armstrong
all your pics are fab and love your raffle prize x
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I love your blog, but boy, do I get jealous most of the time!
I can't wait for the interview with Kelley Armstrong.
And another goodie bag?! It's really nice of you to share it with your readers.
I went through a horror phase and read some Herbert (and King and Koontz) but not for some time now. It would be fun to read one of his books again.
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Wow that sounds amazing! I'm jealous lol
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elaine – Thanks! Glad you like the pics… hubby was photographer for the day lol It was great meeting Kelley Armstrong, a big highlight!
Ines – Hehe, sorry… don't mean to make peeps jealous, just sharing my fun
I go through phases like that too. Recently I've been reading a lot of urban fantasy but I think I want to get back to reading my horror, it is my favourite genre after all 
Ket – It was amazing, I'm very lucky
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That must have been a fantastic con! I am so jealous, but sad to hear that Huff was not in attendance.
Wish I could have been there…if it ever comes to England again, I may have to make that my vacation trip…two birds…one stone!
Absinth that early….HERBERT is a crazy man! No wonder he writes horror.
I'm going to fill out your form and hope I win some swag!
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Looks like you had a blast!
I think I spy Kim Harrison at that table with Kelley. Since Kim is one of my FAV authors I'm so envious!
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Scratch that Kim comment – enlarged photo and that's not her.
Sorry!
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it looks like you had lots of fun. great contest
meandi09@yahoo.com
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Wow…it sounds like you hd a fantastic time! Can't wait to read your interview with Kelley Armstong…..and those goodie bags? WoW! Kind of figured they would be bookish in nature, but that's quite a selection there. Thanks for sharing your spoils and your experience. It was a blast to relive it with you… ^_^
Happy reading!
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I'm so jealous! I'm a huge fan of Herberts! Looks like you had a great time!
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Serena – Actually, WHC is usually held in the States, next year it's in Texas. That's why i really wanted to go as it may never come back to the UK again. Love your comment about Herbert – I know, why too early for me… well at all when in comes to 60% proof spirits LOL
CheekyGirl – Hehe, I wish it was Kim Harrison that would have been awesome. Haven't heard of any other authors who are included in Evolve
Jennifer – I did have a lot of fun!
GMR – I was really excited to interview Kelley armstrong but nervous as well. I used a digital dictaphone so it will take a bit of time to transcribe it. Hopefully will get it done for a post next week, fingers crossed!
Jenn – It was brilliant, and from one horror girl to another, you would have loved it! Next year it's on your side of the pond in Texas – live near there?
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Great to meet you too! I was delighted to sign your book, and I hope you enjoy the read! Look forward to seeing you again at E/con (and of course you can have a pic
). You've got some fab ones here. Sadly I had total camera-fail at WHC, and only managed to get a lovely pic of Tanith Lee.
Suzanne
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Sounds like an amazing experience. Can I ask you translate something – what does Econ stand for? I know its a daft question but I have no idea… What about fantasy con? Are you going to that?
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That looks like so much fun! I wish I could have gone!
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Glad you had fun Carolyn! And whoa, Absinth that early would be deadly! lol
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Suzanne – thanks for stopping by. Will be good to see you again on Saturday and I'm definitely getting that photo!
Becky – Econ = Eastercon (Odyssey), which is the science fiction conference over easter weekend. I did have a great time, I would go every year if it remained in this country, but alas it's usually the States
And yes, I think I will be going to Fantasy Con – I'm hooked!
TJ – Next year it's in Texas I think so maybe you can go then if you live near? It was a great weekend!
WickedLPixie – Thanks! I know, a little early for me on the Absinth front, although probably would never even drink it, would be like drinking paint stripper I'm sure
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Great swag!! so cool that your husband could go with you, sounds like you had a great time i'm definetly going to try to go to next years
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Wow, I'm jealous – it looks like you had a great time! Meeting Kelley Armstrong one of my fav authors – look forward to the interview. Well, in all honesty it looks like you met soooo many amazing authors.
Also, 'The Rats' was the first James Herbert book I read too
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That is so cool! I am jealous– In the good way, of course. *Grin* I am glad you had an awesome time over there! =)
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Rockin' event! Thanks for sharing the info and hosting this giveaway! I am so jealous! Nothing big like this ever comes to my stinkin' corner of the planet!
Thanks!
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Wow! It looks like you had so much fun! Those goody bags are ridiculously awesome. I'm jealous
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Congrats on all the fun you had and on winning something! I'm absolutely giddy when I win something, no matter how big or small the item is. And thank you so much for letting us in on some of the party experience through this swagalicious giveaway!
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
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FSoM – It was actually really nice that hubby came. I think he enjoyed himself which is good! Next year it's in Texas I believe
Laura – I really enjoyed The Rats did you? When I read it, the book was already pretty dated but still creeped me out a little bit LOL
Yummy – Thanks, it really was a fab weekend!
YzhaBella – It was totally rockin'
Nothing like that happens much over here either, that's why I HAD to go! 
Elizabeth – The goodie bags were ridiculous LOL My eyes nearly popped out when they handed them too us!
Joder – Thanks! I was totally stoked when I won the raffle – I never win anything so was a very happy bunny, even if it was fake blood in a bag LOL
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Awesome on the book signing!! I'm totally jealous!!!
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Jackpot! Sounds like you had an amazing time! That swag bag alone is worth it! Loving your event posts!!
I'm going to have to start going to some of these. If only I didn't work full time…jobs really get in the way of life.
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The author photos for the Evolve launch are:
#1 – Natasha Beaulieu; Sandra Kasturi; Sandra Wickham; Kelley Armstrong; Gemma Files
#2 – Bev Vincent (male)
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What a great day for you !
And great two batches of goodies
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That sounds like so much fun! I’m glad you were able to get tickets.
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OMG!! Wicked freakin cool!!=) What an amazing experience. I enjoyed your blog post and all the great pictures.
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Fredamans – It was awesome!
Mary – These things usually include the weekend, so you could go then. Also planning in advance is a good idea. I didn't but was lucky with WHC. I'm definitely going to book Fantasy Con in advance
Nancy – Hi – thanks so much I will update my post!
Mariska – It really was a great day. Getting two goodie bags 'cos my hubby was there was great! It means I can share the loot!
Mama – It was loads of fun! I wish I could go every year but it's normally in the US, so I'm really pleased I managed to get in this year!
ck – Totally cool!!! I'm glad you like the post and pics!
THANKS SO MUCH FOR STOPPING BY EVERYONE!! BOOD LUCK WITH THE GIVEAWAY!!!
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Yes I did enjoy 'The Rats' I think it's his best book to be honest. That and 'The Others' is another good one
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Sounds awesome and very cool swag!
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Woah, that goody bag is ginormous, no wonder you had to go back to your hotel to leave them there.
I giggled at the fact that you seemed to be the only girl there who loved horror books, because your just so cute and adorable and so do not look like a stereotypical horror reader. HA.
And you got to interview Kelley, YAY that is amazing, I love her books so i'm incerdibly jealous.
Glad you and the hubby had a brill time!! I need to go to one of these conventions very soon me thinks, though maybe a girly one :-p
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What fun you had. I enjoyed your post. Does international incl. Canadaians. If so, hope I can enter.
dorcontest at gmail dot com
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What a fantastic giveaway. I don't get the chance to visits such conventions, being a hillbilly and all, so this is a nice way to live vicariously.
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You must have been in heaven!! That is so awesome that you got to interview Kelley Armstrong!
Are you going to try the blood?
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When I see pictures of you IRL, I keep expecting you to have pink hair
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WOW! It looks like you had a great time!! Thanks for sharing:)
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Thanks for sharing your lovely experience with us and thank you so much for the giveaway
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Thanks so much for the AWESOME giveaway and wow I am oh so very jealous!!
Glad to hear you had a great time 
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So awesome! I'm glad that you had a good time. Thanks for sharing your goodies!
-Jess.
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Awesome to hear you had a great time! Wish they had events like these in my country
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You lucky, lucky girl! Looks like you had a great time. I love James Herbert's horror writing.
Thanks for the giveaway!
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