Apart from all the work on scripts and beginning the process of entering my short into film festivals, I’m currently getting ready to attend Comic-Con in San Diego.

First time going, and pretty psyched about it. This is one of those events I’ve always wanted to attend, but never had the opportunity. So when a friend offered me a badge, my ever-supportive sweetie said “You should go”, I decided to take the plunge.

For those unfamiliar, Comic-Con is a HUGE event that takes over that part of San Diego over the course of several days. All things comics, movies, TV, video games, toys, games, and beyond. Not to mention the vast number of cosplayers. Hundreds of thousands will be in attendance, including yours truly.

(Full disclosure – it was always a dream/fantasy that the first time I’d get to go would be to promote a movie that I’d written. Not the case, but still thrilled to be going.)

I’ve been putting together a list of panels I’d like to attend, books and maybe some merch I’ll try to get, and creatives of all sorts I’m hoping to meet – especially writers.

I originally considered panels about writing-oriented careers in various industries, but I’d also like just enjoy myself, so swapped some of those out for Q&As with industry vets and topics I like.

One thing I won’t be doing – waiting in line for hours to get into the canyon-esque Hall H (although I would do it for the Spaceballs 2 panel in the event that Mel Brooks shows up, which I suspect he will), or seeking out “exclusives” (i.e. specialty items only available here). I found a “first-timers” group on Facebook, and 95 percent of the posts were all about that sort of stuff (e.g. “We need somebody to hold a spot in line for the Marvel panel!”), so no thanks. That’s not why I’m going or how I want to spend my time there.

I just like the idea of attending this massive event that features a lot of things I’m interested in. No doubt it’ll be initially overwhelming, but the primary goal is to simply enjoy myself while taking it all in. Anything beyond that is a bonus.

And if you spot me out and about, feel free to say hi.