One of the earliest conventions I ever set up as a vendor was at the Monster Rally in 1999. Formerly known as Fanex, an annual fan gathering in and outside of Baltimore, Maryland, focusing on classic horror and science-fiction films, the event changed its name and relocated to Crystal City, Virginia. There is a lengthy history to why and how Monster Rally came to be, but the long gist of it was that the convention promoters had an opportunity to get Christopher Lee among the celebrity guests.
The event was hosted by Gary and Susan Svehla, owners of a publishing company known as Midnight Marquee, who secured the publishing rights to Christopher Lee's autobiography. Lee was willing to travel to the United States to autograph copies of his book, and the event was as large and ambitious as the turnout. After all, who wouldn't want to meet Christopher Lee in person? Well, I did.
Not being old enough to drive a car yet, my father proposed I pay for a vendor table and set up at the convention. This would allow me the opportunity to recover the costs involved to attend. My first two books were published by that time and it made sense to set up as a vendor and sign copies of my own books. The turnout was impressive and the book sales were equally -- if not more -- impressive. Before the end of the three days I sold over 130 copies of my Suspense book and over 50 copies of my Cavalcade of America book, along with other collectibles. In the end, I not only paid for the expenses (hotel, food, gas, tolls, vendor table, etc.) but I went home with enough to buy my first computer. Who remembers Gateway computers?
But the highlight of the weekend was not just selling books. It was meeting Christopher Lee in person, buying the autobiography, and having Lee sign the inside title page. There was a rule that the actor could not pose for photos with fans because they wanted to get the autograph line moving as fast as they could. It was autograph only.
Just last week I found my book and the photograph inside where the man who stood behind me in line was kind enough to take my photo with Christopher Lee. In return I used his camera and took a photo of him with Lee, which he asked me to do. And that kind individual (thank you, whoever you are) sent me the photo in the mail afterwards. Few people that weekend had their photo with Christopher Lee so this is one of the few times I can brag about my brush with fame.
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| (Left to Right) Martin Grams, Gary Svehla and Christopher Lee. |
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| Michael Ripper and Christopher Lee at Monster Rally in 1999. |
