Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: Larry Correia...Bringing Out The Big Guns

 In our local literary universe, you've got moons, and planets. Some planets are bigger than others...it's just the way of it. And one of the bigger planets in our solar system is our latest Writers Cantina presenter spotlight: Larry Correia.

Larry is a true literary success story. He is proof that with hard work and dedication to the craft can pay off big time. His success story is fascinating. 

Larry and another presenter, Steve Diamond host the Writer Dojo podcast where the two (and invited guests...) deliver valuable information on how to not only be a better writer, but all the other things new writers don't know they don't know.

If you've met Larry, you know he's a straight shooter, to use another gun analogy. It's apt because for years Larry worked as a writer covering the firearms industry. He knows his stuff, and that knowledge has helped him build an incredibly loyal fanbase. Plus, when you attend any panel in which Larry is involved, it's not your average panel. You never quite know what's going to happen.

Larry has a huge personality and in exactly sixty days, you can attend the inaugural Writers Cantina writing convention on July 8th, 2023 in West Valley City, Utah and find out for yourself.

We'd love to see you there.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: Jay Barnson...Gentleman, Author

 Jay Barnson is an author and computer programmer and another featured presenter at this year's Writers Cantina Writing Convention taking place on July 8, 2023 in West Valley City, Utah...exactly sixty-five days from today.

He's also a great guy.

I remember first meeting Jay at a steampunk convention almost ten years ago. I was attending my very first event--even got to participate on a panel. I was there trying to sell books, specifically my first published work, a short story in a steampunk anthology called, Mechanized Masterpieces.  My Story, Little Boiler Girl changed my life.

The table was set up and Jay stopped by along with his family. They were all decked out in awesome steampunk garb...they cosplayed and did a wonderful job at it, too. I remember talking to him about the publisher and how they were looking for authors and they used their anthologies to mine for talent. Fast forward a couple of years and Jay and I were both in another anthology. Then, because apparently Jay can't stop writing, he's published a series, then he goes and starts another.

I've gotten to know Jay better in those ten years, as well as his family. They are great people. Before the great shutdown, we used to see each other several times a year. It was always fun catching up. If you attend this year's inaugural Writers Cantina convention, be sure catch any panel in which Jay in involved. It'll be well worth your time. You can access the convention's website by clicking: HERE, and find out more about Jay at the convention by clicking: HERE.

Jay Barnson...gentleman, author, all-around great author and even better person.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: Steve Diamond...Honestly, Great

 Steve Diamond has been announced as a presenter for the Writers Cantina Writing Convention taking place exactly seventy-five days from today on July 8th.

Believe me...if you're into horror writing and how to do it well, Steve is one presenter you won't want to miss.

Steve's literary stock is rising with current and future projects on many bestseller lists. What makes Steve so successful is he's put in the work. I first met Steve when, in addition to his writings, he was a much sought-after reviewer. I asked if he'd review my book and he said he would, but he gave me a warning. He told me that if my novel was chosen, I'd better be prepared for an honest review, and not just honest, but brutally honest. He told me that good reviews from him can very much help a book, but the opposite an be said if they find my words less than adequate.

I ended up passing on the review, not because his words scared me. It's just something I didn't do. Even thought I didn't know Steve well at all, that little conversation told me one thing--he is honest. What you get from Steve is the real article. He is who is says he is, no matter the consequences.

This is not only a fantastic trait for a reviewer, but for an author as well. 

Check out Steve at the Writers Cantina website by clicking: HERE, and Steve's page specifically by clicking: HERE. Steve and the other presenters are well worth it.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: Jana S. Brown...She Loves The Written Word

 I've never read any of Jana's books, but from doing a little research, there's one thing I can say about her...

She loves the written word.

I mean, she must considering how much time and effort she's put into writing, editing, collaborating. To do that, you have to be dedicated to the craft. Otherwise, you'd throw in the towel a long time ago. 

In exactly 79 days, Jana will be among other writers and editors gathering at the Writer's Cantina writers convention, held on July 8th, 2023 in West Valley City, Utah. You can learn more about the convention by clicking on her webpage on the convention's website: HERE. You can also access Jana's Amazon page by clicking; HERE.

What I've found while researching these presenters is a kinship, common bond among writers. When I see the number of titles, the collections under her name, I respect what she's done. It's not easy to create that amount of work.

If you go to the conference, you'll learn more about her and the other excellent presenters scheduled to attend. I hope to get to know them better myself.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: D.L. Campanile...She Knows Her Business

 News dropped recently of another presenter at the Writers Cantina writing conference. D. L. Campanile will be included with other excellent presenters at the inaugural event taking place exactly 87 days from today.

You can find out more about D. L. on the conference website by clicking: HERE. On the author's page, we learn about D. L.'s background in business. If you know anything about being a writer, you understand the importance of knowing the fundamentals of business. In many ways, much of an author's success depends on this knowledge.

One thing I learned early on about being a writer is that you're also by default the owner/operator/sole proprietor of a business. Your product is not just the words you put on paper/digital paper, but your image, your brand, your style...pretty much anything associated with you and what your produce. It's something most authors don't consider, but should.

If you attend the Writers Cantina conference on July 8th in West Valley City, Utah, D. L.'s knowledge of both writing and business is only some of the excellent advice you can glean from our presenters and other attendees. Click: HERE for conference information above to learn more about registering, as well as the other announced presenters. 

D. L. Campanile...she knows her business.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: J.C. Chambers III...A Writer Of Fun Stories

 I've heard said that the hardest thing to pull off, is comedy. In theater, film, if you can nail the comedy, you've accomplished a lot. If an actor is successful in comedic roles, they can almost always succeed in dramatic roles. Robin Williams, Melissa McCarthy, Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, Steve Martin, Jim Carrey are but a few of highly successful dramatic actors who were once only known for their comedy.

The same can be said for authors.

Comedy is tough.

But, if you can make people laugh, you've reached them in a way that few others can. J.C. Chambers III is a writer who admits he, "decided to write fun stories. And much to the exasperation of literally everyone around him, he never stopped trying to write fun stories."

Take, for example, his Cocoon Chronicles series. As Book One (Begrenesh Initiate) on the book's Amazon page has been described as, "The Cocoon Chronicles are a high-flying, action-packed, and comedic romp through a completely new fantasy world filled with fantastic locations, original creatures, and secrets just waiting to be discovered." You can access the Amazon page by clicking: HERE.

In only 96 days from today, you can attend the Writers Cantina writers conference and hear from J.C. himself. Find out why comedy is so important and get tips on creating more humor in your own writing. Or just attend to hear some great stories. You can access the conference website by clicking: HERE, or learn more about J.C. by clicking his presenter page: HERE.

Register today.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: Jared Garrett...A Fascinating Author

 As I got to know my local writing community, a name kept popping up. This is a testament to this person's persistence as a self-marketer. A few years ago at a League of Utah Writer's conference (held at the same hotel where my wife and I had our wedding reception...) I finally met Jared Garrett.

Since then, I've gotten to know more about Jared.

The more I learn, the more fascinating a writer and person he's become.

Check out Jared's bio on his website. After reading that, you'll agree with me that he's not your average Utah writer (and that's a good thing...). You can access the bio page by clicking: HERE.

When you don't know someone but share many friends, you sort of get an opinion of the person--it's difficult not to. Since meeting and getting to know Jared I've found him to be as fascinating as I thought, but also a fun, upbeat, thoughtful person who is generous with his time.

In just 103 days, you can have the opportunity to attend the Writers Cantina conference and hear Jared as one of our presenters. You can access the conference website by clicking: HERE and more information about Jared as a presenter by clicking: HERE. If you're on the fence about attending, Jared is one other excellent reason to show up.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: Holli Anderson...Wearer Of Many Hats

 The Writers Cantina writer's conference announced more presenters this past week, included among them is Holli Anderson. Holli is an accomplished author...

And so much more.

I first met Holli almost a decade ago at the first Salt Lake Comic Con, now FanX. She was one of several authors representing Curiosity Quills Publishing. They had published a few of her books with more on the way. A few years later, I never hear of Curiosity Quills, but I definitely have heard of Immortal Works.

An independent publishing house Holli and a few other authors created.

In 109 short days you can attend the inaugural one-day writer's conference and hear from Holli and the other excellent presenters. You can access the conference website by clicking: HERE and learn more about Holli by clicking her Writers Cantina page: HERE or her Amazon author page: HERE.

Yes, Holli wears many hats, and wears them extremely well.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: John M Olsen...Gentleman, Author

 The Writers Cantina announced yet another presenter this week, John M. Olsen, the writing conference that begins in just 115 short days.

The local writing community seems big, but actually it's a small group. Yes, there are hundreds, even thousands of authors, but when you gather for local conventions and conferences as often as they do, you get to know everyone, or at least you get to know someone who knows someone (sort of a few degrees of separation situation...). Ten years ago, no local author knew of John...he hadn't written/published much...

What a difference a decade can make.

I met John when both he and I were published in some of the same anthologies from the same publisher. Because of this, we'd spend many hours talking as we tried selling books at various conventions and conferences around the state. We also found out we had other connections. He went to high school and was friends with my brother-in-law back in the day, and his wife and I attended the U of U at the same time and participated in the LDS fraternity/sorority functions. After a decade of seeing each other several times a year, I consider them both good friends.

John has thrown himself into the writing world. He's produced novel after novel and even ascended to president of the League of Utah Writers. As a presenter, John brings a lifetime of practical experience, including that of an author, editor, and leader. If you want to know how to succeed in the confusing and sometimes overwhelming world of writing, John is an incredible resource.

You can find out more about the Writers Cantina writers conference by clicking: HERE, and more about John specifically by clicking: HERE.

I know many authors personally, not as many as some, but more than most. I can honestly say John is a great writer/editor/collaborator...but he's an even better person.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: Lance Conrad...Apparently, You Can't Stop Him

 Lance Conrad will be in the house (the Writers Cantina house...) in just 117 short days.

And based on the bio on his website, he can't wait.

I have never personally spoken with Lance, but I did see him in action last summer. Our local library has an open house in the spring to kick off their summer of reading. It was my first year participating and even though I only sold one book, I had a great time.

I set up my table between two of my author friends, one of which knows Lance very well. He told me to watch Lance in action, saying the man can sell books like few others. I watched and can confirm...my friend was right. He's engaging, fun, knowledgable, and personable...everything a successful author needs to be but few actually are.

I'm excited to get to know him better at this year's Writers Cantina writing conference. It'll take place on July 8th in West Valley City, Utah. You can find out more about the conference by clicking: HERE and find out more about Lance by clicking: HERE. If you'd like to visit his website, click: HERE.

Writers are a strange breed...

Of course, some are stranger than others. ;)

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: Brad R. Torgersen...Military Man

 Another presenter for the Writers Cantina Writing Convention has been announced, and now, you can read up on our next guest author.

Brad R. Torgersen.

If you are not familiar with Brad's work, you're missing out.

I've read several of Brad's works. Torgersen's name has been compared with giants in the science fiction world...Heinlein, Clarke, among others. I agree. His stories are deep, thoughtful, introspective. His novel, The Chaplain's War, mixes themes of philosophy, religion, self-reflection, and the role the military plays in not only our culture, but that of other sentient species as well. I loved the novel, as well as other anthologies he has created.

In addition to his writing career, Brad is a National Guard reservist. My father served in WWII as did four of his brothers. I have the upmost respect for anyone willing to serve and put their lives on the line for people they've never met. I believe this experience has given Brad a valuable and important perspective and it shows in his writings. I've attended several conferences where Brad presented. If you're interested in learning more about writing in general and science fiction writing specifically, Brad alone is definitely worth the price of admission.

In just 124 days, the doors of the Utah Cultural Center in West Valley City, Utah will open and (hopefully...) many will attend a day of learning, presenting, networking, and overall good times. If that interests you, click: HERE to access the conference website and click: HERE to read more about presenter Brad Torgersen.

Writers Cantina Presenter Spotlight: D.J. (Dave) Butler...Esquire

 Sure, it's months away, but why not get excited about the event now?

Exactly.

On July 8th, 2023--a mere 127 days from today--authors will gather, stories will be swapped, relationships formed and strengthened, and most important, knowledge will be both given and received. That's where D.J. Butler comes in. He, along with others, will be presenting at the Writers Cantina Utah writers convention.

One of many,

And they're looking for more.

Click: HERE to access the event's webpage. Click: HERE to read more about the amazing Mr. Butler. Yes, it is the conference's inaugural voyage. I remember hearing about the Salt Lake Comic Con's inaugural show. They booked a hall, then booked William Shatner...

Then they booked the state's biggest vendor space to handle all the people who wanted to attend. It was nuts. Now, will the same thing happen to this little gathering? Possibly. I mean, once the masses hear that they booked D.J. (Dave), well...who knows what can happen?

Exactly.

Introducing Writers Cantina...Utah's Newest Writing Conference

 This summer, by the shores of a huge (and dwindling...) dead lake, an event where people of all ages, sizes, backgrounds, and abilities will gather for enlightenment, enrichment, and most of all, to get together and have a great time.

It's called, Writers Cantina, and its inaugural voyage takes place July 8, 2023.

I don't know how things go in other parts of the country, but I'd imagine other writers have access to in-person conventions and conferences. They're important for writers. There needs to be places where writers can get together for their own sanity. 

I'm fortunate enough to live in an area where there are many events that allow us to congregate. And up until covid hit, there were half a dozen or more conferences each year where we did just that. I think covid made us all realize how important these are.

You can access the website and register to attend by clicking: HERE.

How will it go? Time will tell. I'm planning on attending and if you're a writer in the Utah area, please check it out. We'd love to have you join us.

Almost A Month To Go...Until Fyrecon 3!

I heard a couple of radio ads for next month's Fyrecon 3 today. They're great and they got me excited for the event. The third incarnation happens June 20 - 22 at the Weber State University Davis Campus in Layton. It's such a perfect place to hold a conference.

Of course, I'm biased to the location. It's where most of the classes for my master's degree were held. Back then (and it was only ten years ago...) there was only one building. Now there's two. Another reason I like the location is because it's only 10 - 15 minutes from my home. After attending a slug of conferences in Utah County, I'm all for holding more up north.

I know I hype this particular conference each year. As a writer with some success, I like attending events where ego doesn't drive everything. Truth be told, most of the conferences I attend there's not a lot of ego involved, and if there is, I usually don't feel it. With Fyrecon, there's a real sense that you can hang out with successful writers and artists. You can also spend time with people just like you who have normal questions about writing, publishing, editing, and marketing. There's not a lot of opportunities for your average person to have access to this much information. It's unique and wonderful.

Schedules are being finalized now. You can, by accessing their website (click: HERE for the Fyrecon website), to see the Master Guests who will be teaching at the conference. I've attended panels with many of them--they're knowledge and experience is amazing! Definitely worth the cost of admission.

I plan on writing more blog posts as the conference gets closer. But, if you're looking for a good conference to attend--even for your children who are interested in writing and art to attend--please check out Fyrecon. We're almost a month away!