World Horror Convention redux

We're back, after a very pleasant time in Brighton. The con itself was quite low-key, though there were some thought-provoking programme items and more free alcohol than the mind can comfortably encompass (there seemed to be a book launch with wine every hour on the hour). The launch of The Bitten Word went particularly well, with lots of sales and interested questions. This was my only programme commitment, so we spent much of the rest of the time hanging out with lj user="fjm"> and chilperic, along with the Ians (Watson and Whates), Helen and Sissy winolj, and palecast. And looking at Brighton...
Brighton, as we all know, is a Snare. The marquis paid his first visit to The Lanes Armoury on Friday, along with several of the above and Steven Erikson and family (who are lovely). And came away with a late 18th century heavy cavalry officer's sword. We went back on Saturday and he acquired a mid-17th century officer's sword to go with it. He denies that sword shopping was his sole reason for going to Brighton in the first place. I was good and resisted swords, but the Cambridge Skirt Mountain has grown by two (one black and gold, one purple). And another blue necklace. (Like skirts, it is impossible to have too many blue necklaces.)
I had the privilege of a long chat with Tanith Lee on Sunday. It's always amazing to get to meet her and hear her talk about her work.
Oh, and we stayed in the Metropole, because we could. They were charming.