Tonight I learnt something about managing a party.
I've ended up with a lot of homework this con, so I had a little homework party in my room – I invited a couple friends, Amara brought a friend too when she showed up, and we worked.
Then a couple more of Amara's friends showed up wih homework. And they showed up with friends who were not there to homework – they were there to party.
Things got louder and tackier and louder. People showed up who both me and Amara thought the other wanted there, and we both retreated into our shells instead of saying HEY THIS IS A HOMEWORK PARTY CAN PEOPLE LOOKING FOR A PARTY PARTY PLEASE GO ELSEWHERE.
Next time, I will know to stand up for this need of the Introverted Artist to have Quiet Time to work and maybe chat a bit while working. I probably would have gotten at least one more piece done if not for all that CHATTER going on, which is really not something I need after a day sitting at the table talking to people!
Ah well. It's a learning experience. And when I got enough done that I let myself be off to the dance, the dance was being run by someone who thinks that turning the bass all the way up and playing a relentless, I changing bass beat is a good dance. Me, I just heard a big pile of boring mud, and left. But then I ran into Neogeen, who I haven't seen in ages – we wandered around for a bit and chatted, and it was pretty cool.
When I got back, I decided to chase everyone out. Politely but firmly. It is now quiet, aside from the occasional person passing outside, and the noise of the AC. It is also dark. It is wonderful.
Anyway. If there's a next time, I'll try to remember his, and very politely but firmly say “hey who are you people please leave so I can concentrate on drawing, and have time to dance”.