Give Thanks...Getting To Know A Few Authors

 Friday, the family checked out an estate sale a mile or so from our house. They hired a company to hold the sale. That was a little different than the usual estate sales held around here. Let's just say we were not prepared for what we experienced when we walked through the door.

I've seen Deseret Industries with less stuff to sell.

They had...everything. Appliances, DVDs, clothes, collectable dolls, dishes, at least seven fax machines (that I counted...), food storage, and books. Lots and lots of books. I noticed one right off the bat, Robison Well's The Counterfeit. I've read a couple of Robison's books. Never heard of that one. I had to get it.

I've been doing this author thing for about a decade. In that time I've met many authors. I know some better than others. Robison and his brother Dan are local favorites. It's strange that I didn't know these people a decade ago and now the authors I've met are some of my favorite people.

Something that surprised me from the start is, at least the authors I've met, is how nice and genuine they are. Almost all of them want you to succeed, to finish those WIPs, to be bold in the words you produce. I'm thankful for those friendships. I'm thankful for the help they've given not only me, but so many others. I'm thankful that when I enter a home with literally hundreds of books from both big and small, I found one written by someone I've met and done panels with and who I can call a fellow Utah author.

It's a cool feeling.

This Year's Writing Cantina Conference Will Have Some Amazing Panelists...And I'll Be There, Too

In little over a month, I'm going to do something I haven't done in a long time...

Be a panelist at a writing conference.

I've missed it.

Back in 2013 I started my panelist journey, and when I look back on it, it's still hard to believe. In a matter of months, I went from never having participated on a panel, to being part of the state's largest conferences and conventions. 

It was a rush!

I was sitting with best-selling authors, artists, filmmakers. I had a blast and made several life-long friends. Over the next couple of years I was able to remain on panels, but then something happened...I sort of stopped getting asked, and I didn't want to be one of those "needy" authors basically begging to participate. If anyone's to blame, it would be me. I stopped producing, stopped creating content. And when you do that as a writer, you sort of run out of things to sell...ah, I mean, say.

Last month, I re-committed myself to the craft, and I've gotten a lot done since then. This year's Writers Cantina writing conference takes place June 28-29 in West Valley City, Utah. I will be on a screenwriting panel with Blake Casselman, a good friend who I credit with helping me become a panelist way back when.

If you'd like information on the event, click: HERE for details. I'd love to see you there. I can't wait to just back in.

This Year's Writers Cantina Conference...Is Only Nine Weeks Away

With longer days and warmer temperatures, it means one thing..

Actually, it means lots of things, but one of the things it means is that Utah's newest and awesomest writing conference is only two months and one week away. It's called the Writers Cantina Writing Conference and it takes place June 28-29, 2024 in West Valley City, Utah. You can get all the information on the event by clicking: HERE.

If you're a writer in the Intermountain West, or if you live farther away and you want to learn the basics as well as some of the finer points of how to become a better writer, I think this conference has something for you. We're trying to make an event where you can feel comfortable at whatever level you're at, be it a bestseller or a newbie.

The event began last year. It was only one day--since it was our first conference, we had no idea how it would go. We felt it was such a success so we doubled the time this year. Double the time, double the fun and learning. 

Before covid it seemed I could go to a different writing conference in Utah almost every month. We're slowly returning to those good old days. If you're in the area and you'd like to check us out, or if you came last year and would like to return, go to the website, register, and we'll see you in nine short weeks.

Writers Cantina...Registration Is Now Open!

 As sure as winter turns to spring and those who live in colder climes venture out from their hibernated states, a writer's mind turns to other things...creative things. It's perfect then, that we're about to enter the season of gatherings. Or, in other words...

Writing conventions.

Last year a group of friends and colleagues decided there ought to be yet another destination for those who want to improve their craft, and so the Writers Cantina Writers Conference was born. The newborn entity took its first steps last summer. This summer, we're seeing if it'll speak.

What will those first words be, I wonder.

If you're in the area June 28 - 29, 2024, check us out. For more information, check out the website by clicking: HERE. You can also register to let us know you're coming.

Writers Cantina focuses on providing practical and useful knowledge to both the novice and experienced writer. What I love about smaller conferences is the access you have to some incredible talent. There's something for everyone--those with the knowledge and experience helping those looking for help. 

Last year, was great. We're working to make this year even better.

New Year...New Conventions - Time To Prepare For Writers Cantina Symposium

 We had such a great time last year, we decided to go it again.

It's a time to look forward, to events and gatherings the upcoming twelve months. In our pre-covid life, there seemed to be so many writing conferences, writing conventions, writing symposiums. Every other month, we could attend an event where authors and artists met and exchanged ideas, jokes (both good, and terrible...), and most of all, good times. 

We were definitely spoiled.

But, to quote the incomparable Ian Malcom, "Life...finds a way." Slowly, steadily, the cons are returning, starting small, but having passion, the passion needed to start something wonderful and important and fun.

Get ready for The Writers Cantina writing event, returning to Utah June 28 - 29, 2024. Yes, we've doubled the days, doubled the fun.

We're in the beginning stages, dusting off the "How to Run an Extremely Successful Writing Symposium" pamphlet to organize another high-quality experience for both the attendees and the presenters. 

If you're interested, check the Writers Cantina website by clicking: HERE. There will be more information about this year's event as time goes on. Of course, the best time to prepare is now. Spread the word, save the date, don't let your kids (or you...) get married on that particular weekend because there's a kick-butt writing conference you should consider.

See you there.

Join Us...Won't You?

 At 9am tomorrow morning, a group of hardy authors will gather at a convention hall in West Valley City, Utah.

You should join us.

To be honest, I have no idea what's going to happen tomorrow. It's new for everyone...for the organizers, for the panelists, for the attendees. I do know, however (because I know most of the people involved...) that it's going to be a lot of fun.

I mean, how could it not be?

There will be intellectuals, gamers, nerds, science fiction enthusiasts, fantasy enthusiasts, and others. They'll be under one roof for one day, the first and only day of the Writers Cantina Writing Conference. I will be there to help facilitate the activities and hopefully help others have an amazing time. 

The event is relatively cheap--since pre-registration has come and gone, it's only $20 for people 13 and older, $5 for anyone 12 and under. That's a steal--don't let anyone tell you differently. We'll have best-selling authors, gamers, video game creators, but mostly writers who can't wait to share the "tricks of the trade."

The location: The Utah Cultural Celebration Center, or UCCC. It's at: 1355 W 3100 S, West Valley City, UT 84119. Registration and check-in are from 9am to 9:50am. Then, the fun really begins.

You can learn more by clicking: HERE. I'd love to see you there.