The big celebration is over. I’ve had 24 hours to recover. Now is when I re-hydrate and consider all that happened.

As the weekend progressed, a growing sense of pride threatened to overwhelm me. There are so many smart, incredible people who are part of the Apex family that it astounds me. I’m nobody special, but what Apex Publications has become is more than a book company—it is a nexus for a collection of fans, friends, authors, artists, and editors.

The proceedings began around 5pm when we kicked off the event with the Apex panel and Q&A. Myself and two of my longtime editors, Janet Harriett and Lesley Conner, joined our facilitator Geoffrey Girard to share some ‘worst of the slush’ experiences, good memories, bad memories, and ‘why we do what we do’.

After the panel Apex Magazine poetry editor, Bianca Spriggs performed some FANTASTIC poetry. Her piece about Pluto being demoted from a major planet really hit a chord with the crowd.

Then horror and dark fantasy icon Gary A. Braunbeck provided an introduction that had several amusing and clever anecdotes.

Then a nervous and excited redneck stood in front of the crowd and read an excerpt from FOR EXPOSURE: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A SMALL PRESS PUBLISHER (Chapter 9: Stoned and Delirious).

Then we signed books. Afterward, we gathered for a group photo.

The bookstore has a bistro where we gathered for the Apex dinner. Plenty of book gossip and industry whispering happened.

After the dinner, we converged at a hotel suite and engaged in social activities and alcoholic beverages. Cameras were not allowed for this portion of the festivities.

The following morning, the stragglers gathered for breakfast at Ramsey’s. We committed coffee-fueled omelet-based gluttony.

Lots of hugs and well-wishes commenced. I took photos with some folks. Here is one.

Bear with me while I express gratitude to a large group of people who helped make this weekend happen: Patricia Murphy, Susan Sizemore, Lesley Conner, Janet Harriett, Gary A. Braunbeck, Geoffrey Girard, Hannah Krieger, Douglas F. Warrick, Mari Adkins, Maurice Broaddus, Jerry Gordon, Amanda Weaver, Judi Davidson, Nicole Platania, Damien Angelica Walters, Elizabeth Massie, Jettie Necole, and Bianca Spriggs.

Thank you to everyone who took part and attended!