JordanCon is off to a great start! The first day has come and gone, but Day 2 is already underway with plenty of panels and events to choose from.

First off, the Opening Ceremony was hosted by Peter B. Slayer.

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Of course, TWoTCast tired to hijack the event.

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As is tradition, Harriet McDougal was presented with gifts from the various fansites--this year Dragonmount and Ta'veren Tees had the honors. Ta'veren Tee's gift was a beautifully crafted stained glass window depicting the Dragon. It's gorgeous!

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Dragonmount's gift was the idea of member Nynaeve, the head of the Yellow Ajah in the White Tower Social Group. She put together a campaign to appeal to Wheel of Time fans all over the world to send in postcards to Harriet, expressing their love and respect for the series, and for Robert Jordan,. Postcards were collected from thirteen different countries!

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The highlight of the day, in my opinion, was sitting down with Author Guest of Honor, Saladin Ahmed, for the kaffeeklatsch. Harriet was also in attendance, which made it extra enjoyable. Mr. Ahmed was fascinating to listen to, and our conversation went in very interesting directions. Not only did he share his updates for the sequel to Throne of the Crescent Moon, but we also talked about the nature of the writing industry, and how race, religion, and gender play a part in it. I was so impressed by the end of the hour, and wished I had more time to speak with him and the other attendees.

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Today's schedule includes the Costume Contest--a fan favorite--and the Two Rivers Hoe Down dance in the evening. More on both of those later.