Long, long ago, I hosted a disastrous costume party. Instead of an action-packed night of hilarity, it turned out to be a group of eight almost-strangers sitting quietly in my living room as if we weren't dressed as witches and werewolves. Someone yawned and everyone went home early. As I stood in my empty hall and let the weight of disappointment that comes with failure settle over me, I swore to myself that next time would be different.