One might say that writing is the thing that ultimately brought me into the furry fandom. I remember watching videos on Youtube one day in my college dorm room, when I stumbled upon videos of fursuits and seeing one realistic suit in particular that reminded me so strongly of Cassidy, one of my characters, complete in a medieval dress. It was amazing! It was as though I was watching one of my own characters literally come to life off the page. 
It was only to be expected that I fell into the fandom pretty hard after that, though not without a certain amount of self-conscious dragging of heels, but I soon found myself at my first convention, during which I commissioned my first fursuit. 
My writing, nearly always animal in nature, is my pride and joy. If I am proud of anything, it is the way I am able to enjoyable put words to paper, or words to screen. It's been the one thing I've been good at, and that thing I knew I was good at growing up.  So imagine my hesitation in bringing this beloved thing I do into the often-scrutinized microscope over the furry fandom. I see myself putting this part of my life out for everyone to see, and and all I can see is lost job opportunities, publishers who will refuse to work with me, and an uncertain future.  
Granted, now I realize none of this is new and nothing writers before me haven't faced in their own times. How dare I think that I am any different or that my obstacles are more than theirs. 
Thus today, at least for today, I think I'll swallow a bit of my stubborn pride, be honest with myself and everyone else as to who I am. And if my parents were right in the philosophy of "honesty is the best policy," I'll be alright. 

This past weekend was Grand Rapids Comic Con. It's a decently-sized con I attend every year, due primarily to its close proximity to my place of residence. As much as I would love to suit every hour, every day of the con, it is not practical. A lack of a headless lounge or a hotel room, as I would find myself with such luxuries, gradually take its toll. Having no proper place to cool off is a bother. Even taking off the suit head and upper half of the body suit only does so much. 
In addition, my boyfriend was visiting this weekend. My primary reason for not suiting the entire time was that  I might spend more time with him. As much fun as I do have suiting in Epi, with a long distance relationship, every second is precious. 
Epitome made her debut at Comic Con for a few hours on Saturday. Despite not being a furry or even a cosplayer in the slightest himself, I find my lovely boyfriend to be a natural handler: Asking frequently if I need breaks, offering those who pause to admire the suit, if they'd like him to take a picture on their phones and cameras. As I don't speak in suit, as a general rule, an innate understanding of my own body language is a huge advantage, when it comes to being a fursuit handler. In many ways, he even has my mom beat. Perhaps I do not give her enough credit, as I've explained the limitations and mannerisms resulting of such in vastly more details to my boyfriend.  The primary example of this is my lack of peripheral vision. To compensate in large crowds, I swing the head back and forth, as I walk. It looks a bit like a foxy dinosaur, but it gives me a fuller picture of my surroundings. (Special attention paid to the area below my eyeline this time- a lot of children at this convention.)
I did manage to have a few memorable photos taken, again, courtesy of boyfriend. Shown in this entry is Epitome and One Punch Man. The cosplayer, poor fellow, seemed very confused by the fursuit, or at least unfamiliar with its concept. He was gracious enough to humor me with this photo. 

Planning on November:
November marks the beginning of National Novel Writing Month. 50,000 words in 31 days. Out of college this time around, so I hope that will help make it a little less painful. November also marks Thanksgiving. I'll be travelling South to visit my boyfriend and his family for the holiday this year. And at the end of the month, MFF will be coming around yet again. Seems like it was just here. My, this year has flown by! But what a year it's been! I am very excited for what the future will bring. 
I've a good feeling.