Keyan Bowes

Sixteen years... that's how long Tachyon Publications has been in business, "saving the world one good book at a time."  They had their party at Borderlands, as usual, and announced the Emperor Norton Awards. I went back for the fourth time. They had a great turnout, good food, and a brilliant cake. (Of which more later.)

But the real point, of course, is the wonderful authors who always attend. Yesterday's turnout was spectacular -- Peter Beagle was there, and Nancy Kress and Jack Skillingstead all as special guests, together with Kathleen Bartholomew (sister of the late Kage Baker). Ellen Klages was there, in a terrific tie-dye dress she said was her Sweet Sixteen dress, except that her mother would never have let her buy tie-dye when she was 16. And Terry Bisson, who introduced me to Rudy Rucker and his wife Sylvia. We found a bunch of Terry's books on a high shelf, but they reached me down one, which I bought and got Terry to sign. I'm reading my first Rudy Rucker book now, and I'm glad I have a bunch to look forward to. Pat Murphy was there, and said she's likely to make it to Fogcon 2 (which is at Walnut Creek). So was jeweler-artist laurieopal, and I got a chance to tell her how much I love  her blog, especially with the photographs of the jewelry she's made. And Emily Jiang... I'm sure I've forgotten people. But it was a great turnout.

Besides the Emperor Norton awards, there was a short presentation by and about Peter Beagle, whose work is being republished -- including in graphic novel form -- and whose film "The Last Unicorn" is being reissued in an improved version. Among a ton of other things.



The Emperor Norton Awards went to Steve Boyett and to Rudy Rucker.

Tachyon also launched an awesome little book by the late Kage Baker -- a compilation of her reviews of a bunch of old silent films. Her sister read out an excerpt and told us some of the backstory. In the last year of her life, Kage lacked the energy to do much of anything else; she watched these films and critiqued them. They're insightful and very funny, even if you haven't -- like me -- seen any of these movies. [Edited to Add: It's called Ancient Rockets: Treasures and Trainwrecks of the Silent Screen.]

And the cake: It was a Sweet Sixteen cake, and it was pink, very pink. But the piece de resistance was the little bespectacled rhino-with-typewriter that topped it. It's Tachyon's logo.

Tachyon Publications celebrated its 14th birthday at Borderlands Books , a jewel of a spec-fic store San Francisco. As has become the tradition, they also gave out the two Emperor Norton Awards. I went last year, so knew what to expect: Interesting people, wonderful bookstore ambiance, great food.

Two of my writing group buddies were there, and a number of authors and people from the spec-fic community. We were surrounded by more good books than were good for us. All around me, people were looking for specific titles, and trying to stick to resolutions to buy only a reasonable number. (Pre-party, my reasonable number was one; post-party it was six. I suppose it meets some definitions of 'reasonable.)

Rina Weisman had put on a great spread, much of which she made herself. I could hardly believe someone could have that quantity and variety of snacks without potlucking or catering it. It was all delicious. Too delicious, including the grand finale, which was Tachyon's birthday cake. I hereby report I did full justice to all the snacks.


Alan Beatts, owner of Borderlands, told the story of Emperor Norton, and explained why the award was named after him. There are two: One for a book set in the Bay Area or by a locally resident author; and the other for significant contribution to the community.

The first went to Doug Dorst for his book Alive in Necropolis, set in Colma. (A friend collected it for him; he was out of town.)  The second went to Charlie Jane Anders. She's best known for her "Writers with Drinks" series of "spoken-word variety shows" but is also an author and community figure.


I wore this necklace I had bought at the Art Show at Wiscon this year, and a lot of people admired it. I couldn't recall the name of the artist. If anyone recognizes it and lets me know, I'd be happy to put a link here. [ETA: It's called "Morrigan's Moon" and it's by Susan Hastings. The medium is porcelain, grey moonstone, blue goldstone, pearls, GF, seeds beads.]


The only problem I had was that there was very little seating. I'm not so good at standing around, so was pretty tired by the time I left. Still, it was a great afternoon.