In addition to writing for young adults and being a teen librarian, I am also the Guest Relations coordinator for the Auburn University Society of Anime and Manga's annual convention, AUSAM-Con. In February 2010 we're hosting our third annual con, AUSteAM-Con. The name was changed in honor of next year's theme, steampunk. (I'm sneakily there on the staff page, listed under my married name.) Maybe I'll dress as a character from Scott Westerfeld's new book . . .

Here are photos from last year.

The first year I wasn't able to make it so I did a bunch of the karaoke songs for Anime Karaoke. But in January of this year I went up to Alabama with my husband and friends and had a blast meeting all kinds of wonderful people and helping run the con. I think I slept a total of 8 hours the whole weekend, ha.

Why do I enjoy doing this?

Because I like stuff that is both cool and free. I think it's awesome (pun intended) that we're in our third year of hosting a free-admission con. I do it for the broke teens and twentysomethings (and thirty-, forty- . . .).

Because my brain requires constant stimulation and this is like the best shiny toy. I <3 projects. I work well under pressure and I am a people person. It is amazing what a bunch of people can do when they get together and decide "Hey, let's do this thing."

Because I love running events. I love writing and library related conferences, but I tend to find other large events kind of boring. But I love running them and knowing other people are enjoying themselves because of my hard work.

Because it's an excuse to take a road trip and spend a great weekend with my husband and friends.

So . . . come to AUSteAM-Con in February! Come say hi! Eat some Pocky, drink some Ramune and enjoy the parade of great costumes.