Reflecting on my first literary convention, the 1996 World Fantasy Convention.
I was able to have Dennis McKiernan sign my copy of The Dark Tide (Book #1 of the Iron Tower Trilogy). I'd get to meet him again in Columbus OH at the WFC 2010, where he spent a good portion of his life.
The Alan Lee covers really drew me into that series, as well as the Foul Folks, especially the Ghuls. I read that series before Toliens Lord of the Rings (which inspired McKiernan to write his work).