The first day of summer has officially arrived and, as Don Henley would say, “the heat is on.” Family vacations, sprinklers, popsicles, and swimming pools are all on the menu and I’m there for every bit of it. But for me this summer will have something more. Because this week I am taking a trip to St. Louis, Missouri for the Realm Makers expo, June 26-27 at Union Station!
I’ve heard an awful lot about this conference over the years, but have never attended. If you’re not familiar with it, it is a writing conference that recently expanded to incorporate an expo. Realm Makers aims to promote faith-friendly fantasy and science-fiction and they do that not just at their conference, but throughout the year. I’ve actually seen their booths at other conventions where they sell books by authors who have won one of their awards.
Pulling out all the stops
So, if by some amazing happenstance you are will be at the convention or in St. Louis, please stop by to see my booth. Honestly, this will be quite the production. I’m pulling out all the stops!
I’ll be there with hard copies of all my books as well as replicas of the weapons from the first three books in the Swordspeaker Saga.
Not only that, I’ll be giving away small replicas of Truesilver to anyone who buys a copy.
And, for added epicness, I printed out a gigantic map of the lands of Warding from the series that you will have to see to believe. Here’s a partial preview, but the real map shows parts that will not be revealed until later in the series.
Gathering of the Fellowship
Beyond just the chance to share my works with any and all who wander by, I am even more excited because I’ll be meeting some old friends there, some for the first time.
My wingman in the booth will be an old friend back from my days as a missionary in the inner city, Aaron Mcnutt. He is my Samwise Gamgee, my great encourager. And if you know how much I think of Sam, you’ll know what a compliment that is. While I think of him more as a musician because he is so talented in that area, he is also an author in his own right, having written a pair of lovely children’s books.
I’m also hoping to connect with my dear author friend, the Realm Maker award-winning author, Jenelle Leanne Schmidt. In fact, if I’m not mistaken she’ll be sharing the booth right next to me. How wonderful is that? She and I started publishing around the same time and we’ve known each other online for over 10 years, but we’ve never met and I’m so glad to finally see her face to face, as well as meet some of her family, who I think will be there as well.
And last, but not least, my editor, Deborah, O’Caroll will be there. Can you believe it? So much talent and goodness in one place. I’m not sure St. Louis can hold it! I’ve known her only online and for many years as well. What a blessing to be able to spend time with so many dear people in one place.
Make a new plan, Stan
I do not do a lot of conventions. In fact, this will only be my third as an author. The reason I decided to make the long drive cross-country and attend Realm Makers this year was because someone who I actually met at another convention told me the expo would be free to the public. Turns out that is not quite true. There is a fee if you’re not going to the writing conference, but you can get in for a single day for free using the following code:
RMX26PASS
If you do make it to the expo, just a quick head’s up that my booth is listed under “Giraffix Media,” my publishing imprint.
Unlocking my hoard
So to Realm Makers I shall go. I don’t have a many expectations other than the hope of meeting my friends and few new readers. There is a joy that comes from simply making things and sharing them, though. And whatever happens I will, as Beowulf of old, arrive on distant shores and unlock my word-hoard and see what adventures my come. Perhaps I shall slay a Grendel, or perhaps even a dragon. But whatever lies in store, I am grateful for the chance to pursue the far horizon and see what God has prepared for me.
And if you are part of that adventure, so much the better.
Until next we meet, I’ll see you between the pages.
