Held in the cold heights of Colorado Springs in February, this incredible series of seminars gave me an in-depth view of the mechanics of publishing. Some of Jim Butcher’s craft information led me to some epiphanies. David Farland’s discussions have directed me toward some new courses. It also allowed me to connect and re-connect with other writers that has given me more a sense of community than other events. Their sense of tribe has been immensely helpful.

I’ve already registered for 2021 and will put this in my calendar. Looking forward to learning more.

I initially focused on the business side of the schedule this year. Working on pitches, query letters, and a synopsis has brought new challenges. There were certain opportunities at the conference to develop some of those areas along with craft, diversity, and marketing.

The genre breakfasts are still a favorite of mine. Having the opportunity to sit down with others who write fantasy is priceless. Looking forward to 2020.

There is a satisfaction in attending SteamPunk events that surpasses other cosplay opportunities. I always am vending with my wife during these events, but the interaction with makers and artists brings out the creative side. The opportunity to forge our reality is real.

Plenty of mixed emotions over this year’s workshop with Jody Nye. First, it is always exciting to meet new writers and learn of their perspectives on the craft. There is also the learning experience of having a score of people actively looking to critique your work in such a condensed amount of time.
This year Dorian added to the excitement sending us back to South Florida to prepare for a storm that is still sitting out on our doorstep days later. I would have preferred listening to the many authors in the writer’s track, especially Brandon Sanderson.
Here’s looking to DragonCon 2020.

Longleaf Writer’s Conference is a week long event on the beach at Seaside in the Florida panhandle. Authors, faculty, and agents join to present a week of seminars and workshops in a relaxed atmosphere that normally ends each day with a sunset at the beach. I attend the fiction workshop though often my genre is off topic considering the other works that we critique. #longleafwriters

JordanCon is easily one of the most enjoyable events of the year with so much focus on writing, books, and all the arts. Even though it is a small event, I still did not get to see everything I wanted including the art show. Spending time with other alternative/fantasy fiction writers is priceless. As exciting is interacting with publishers and editors such as Diana Pho in smaller settings compared to the larger cons or conferences. There is a lot to be said about getting to cosplay as well. #JordanCon

I’m finishing up my spring semester here in our local community state college as one of top 1% of the oldest students. And I love it. The chance to be around other literary students and faculty has been adding to my life’s experience. Today in class we will do a peer review on two short-story drafts and it will be fun.

Later this month JordanCon is back on the schedule with a small writer’s track that is something I look forward to. The cosplay and guests are a huge bonus. More about that later…

In October, 2018 at the FWA Conference I took a chance with some one-on-one meetings where I had the opportunity to talk with an author and editor about some of the projects I’ve been working on. This has led me to a wonderful editor that is helping me develop one of my projects, as well as a number of short stories that I will be looking to offer up. Once I build up sufficient nerve; and stop editing them.

The days spent in August of 2018 at DragonCon in their writer’s workshop were invaluable to me. The in between times where I got to people watch will never be forgotten. The sheer number of people is overwhelming to me. However, most of my time was spent in the basement with a group of writers at Jody Nye’s infamous workshop. It was the highlight of my writing year.

This immersive Steampunk event was a great time to view so many elements of the culture. In 2018 it was held in the beginning of July. I was able to dress up for the event while perusing the many different makers there from the Assassin’s Guild to the Storyteller’s Guild. This was a timely event considering the setting of one of my novels that I had been working on.