Give Thanks...Smiles From The Writers Cantina Con

The smiles told the story. In the morning I saw people descend the stairs excited for the event to begin. Eight hours later, the same people ascended the stairs, tired but happy...

The smiles told the story.

Yesterday the inaugural Writers Cantina finally arrived. The idea began last year, a few writers wanted to create an event where writers could gather to discuss writing...not other things found at other writing conferences, but the art of writing--what is is and how to improve the craft. The con's main cheerleader was Nathan Shumate. His determination and passion pushed the idea forward. He created the non-profit, booked the venue, and organized the volunteers.

I helped, but mostly I sat and BS'd with good friends and new acquaintances. Nate's vision was to have a writers conference where everyone--panelists and attendees alike--were treated like special guests. The "Green Room" was unlike any I've ever seen. The room was open to everyone complete with snacks (good snacks...) and tables where a novice writer could sit and talk shop with an Internationally known bestselling author.

Nate's vision turned out to be just what we wanted and just what we needed.

It was only a one day affair. We're hoping to double the days next year. That's the goal, anyway. But since Nate's goals for this year's show appear to have turned out, I have faith it'll get done. We have other plans for next year as well.

I'm grateful to be involved (albeit to a small degree...) with this event. I'm grateful for friends who gave up their time and talents to help writers who, a few years earlier, sat in the audience chairs instead of a panelist's chair. I'm grateful to have found such an amazing group.

Yes, the smiles--excited at the beginning of the day, tired at the end, but smiles none the less--told the story, the story of storytellers sharing a Saturday together. See you next year!

LJ Hackmeister...Gone Too Soon

 I first met LJ at FanX, our local comic con, several years ago. I was fortunate enough to work in a vendor floor booth with her selling books. I had one title to sell, she had many many more. I met several authors that weekend and I've kept in touch with them, at least through social media. I took an interest in LJ's post, mostly because of her health situation.

I felt bad such a young, talented author was having health issues.

I was rooting for her.

She passed away two days ago. 

I followed her posts and sometimes reacted to them. What interested me was the fact she was a nurse with access to knowledge about her condition. Every time she posted about a potential fix, she'd post an update with the the good and the bad results. I remember discussing the issue with my wife several months ago that even with a person in the medical field with access to the best information available, they couldn't fix the problems. All that knowledge and still all that pain.

Last week her posts talked about a procedure she hoped and prayed would work. The next post I saw was from another author friend saying how much he was going to miss her. He's not alone.

LJ's last project was an anthology called, Instinct: An Animal Rescuers Anthology. The proceeds go to an animal rescue in Colorado. The collection has some excellent authors and if you're interested in supporting this wonderful project, click: HERE.

As I followed LJ's progress the past couple of years, she was in so much pain...it didn't make sense, nor was it particularly fair. I'm sadden by the news as are many of us. Gone too soon.

Saw This Making The Rounds On Social Media...Worth A Share

 I am probably like a lot of writers...the more you get into the craft, the more writers you meet, and the more writers you meet, the more books you want to read.

To compound this problem (because it's difficult to read everything your author friends write...), as time goes on, you produce books and stories for others to read. So, not only are you overwhelmed by all the new stories to read, you're out there trying to get others to check out your stuff.

I learned quickly that I would not have enough time nor money to purchase and read everything from the authors I've met and become friends with. As a writer I so desperately want to read these stories--I mean, it's incredibly cool to read a novel and you know the author.

When I saw the above photo floating around on social media today, it hit home because I feel so bad when I am unable to purchase all the books I want. I'm always wanting to support my friends (and have them support me...) in ways that are not strictly financial. There are other ways to help. 

Some of my writer friends love statistics. They can tell you the how well a book can do based on Amazon reviews. I've heard symposium speeches where writers will break down the stats on reviews. Once a book hits so many reviews, the algorithms change and it helps increase the book's visibility.

There are other things a person can do to help an author--most of them focuses on letting as many people as possible know about the book. Basically, spreading the word. Following the author on social media helps as well.

Because it's relatively simple to get a book published (after it's written...) nowadays, there are literally millions of new books out there vying for attention. Because of all this noise, it's hard to have your written words be seen. By doing some simple things, you can help an author's words reach more people...

And it only will cost your time.

Author Spotlight...Candace Thomas

 

  Last year I attended my first convention, Salt City Steamfest. It was there I met several authors, one of those authors was Candice Thomas.

Candace has two books out now, Vivatera and Conjectrix. She's also a published short story author. Her story, The Hawkweed is included in the fantasy anthology, Moments In Millennia, all three published by Xchyler Publishing.

 

Since that first conference I've meet so many amazing authors! And, unfortunately, I haven't had the time to read their works. I have started budgeting reading time into my daily routine. Hopefully, I'll be able to read Candace's books. I really want to.

Having said that, I'd like to introduce you to her and what she's written. Also, she's a local author who has proven she has what it takes to be a successful writer, or in other words, the ability to stick with a project until it's done. I'm also trying to help her out because as good of a writer she is, she's a better friend. I asked her to write a little about herself and her books, and here's what she had to say!

Vivatera is a young adult fantasy/adventure. I like the epic aspect of fantasy. I like complicated stories with characters directing the decisions. In writing fantasy I wanted to have clever, strong female characters as the leads, since that is my target audience and that is what I love to read. It centers around a girl named Naomi, who has a secret branding on her neck, a six pointed star, which she always hides behind a scarf. Vivatera has really fun, vibrant characters that complement each other’s weaknesses. It’s tremendous fun to write. 

  I like writing fantasy, because it lets me explore world building, which I love to do. I like to think about the rules which govern it and its history. I think I have more fun doing that than actually writing out the adventure. I think of the world as a character, and by understand its rules, it has a voice. And I love adventure and I waste no time and start the reader out running. First chapter... ZOOM! 

Parbraven is a world of complicated elemental magic. Magic is not a good thing to have in this world. It works like a poison, or a virus that will never leave. When you die, a ghost of yourself stays within the world, never allowing you to die. They are trapped. In Vivatera, Naomi discovers this magical world that she never knew existed, but in the Conjecxtrix I explore the haunted side of Parbraven and how the dead seek a peace beyond. Naomi is the pivot between both worlds. It’s thrilling to see it unfold. 

About me: I love everything that expands my imagination—anything with a twist I never expect. I have always wanted to be a writer, but never thought it would happen. I wanted to try and I’m so glad I did.

If you'd like to read any of these books, or pick them up as gifts, please PLEASE go to her website, CandaceJThomas.com (you can reach it: HERE) and they can be ordered. Or, if you're ever at a convention or bookstore and you see her signing books, go up and introduce yourself. She doesn't bite and she's really nice. Thanks Candace for the info!

Photos used without permission from Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4190734.Candace_J_Thomas?from_search=true