Conventions & New Beginnings

Welcome back, my Creative Critters!

Oh, do I have a story to tell you…

I’ve been to countless writing conventions and ComicCons over the years, soaking up the atmosphere, learning from incredible panels, and meeting amazing people. But honestly? I’ve never truly been part of the heart of the action, until now, and let me tell you, it’s been a complete game-changer! My LTUE experience was nothing short of mind-blowing! It was a whirlwind of energy, inspiration, and connection that completely reignited my passion for storytelling.

LTUE 44 was like stepping into a vibrant, creative universe where ideas collided, and friendships blossomed in the most unexpected ways. The event was a perfect blend of intimate moments and electrifying energy, an incredible mix of deep, meaningful conversations with old friends and new, exciting encounters with fellow writers, artists, and fans. The panels were absolutely packed, overflowing with valuable insights and tips that I’ll carry with me forever. Everything from craft techniques to marketing magic and storytelling secrets. And the classes? They were full of gold, tailored for creators of all kinds, whether you’re just starting out or already deep in your journey.

Of course, chaos was part of the fun—probably mostly because my pregnancy brain was in full swing and my thoughts kept bouncing in a million directions. I’d find myself in the middle of a panel, then suddenly remember a thousand other things I needed to do, or get sidetracked by a spontaneous chat with someone I just met. But honestly, that’s part of what made it so memorable. It was real, raw, and alive. My second year at LTUE, but my very first on the committee, and I can honestly say it was one of the most rewarding, inspiring, and downright fun experiences I’ve ever had. Seeing the behind-the-scenes work, the dedication of the organizers, and the passion of all involved truly made me appreciate this event even more.

And here’s the big news I’m beyond excited to share: I am now the Vice Co-Chair for LTUE 45! Jenna Allen and I are bubbling over with enthusiasm, ideas, and plans for next year’s event. We’re dreaming big—bigger panels, more interactive experiences, even more opportunities for creators to shine and connect. Our goal is to make LTUE 45 the most unforgettable yet. We want it to be a place where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and inspiration flows freely. We’re working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this vision to life, and I promise you, it’s going to be absolutely epic. So, stay tuned, because Release the Kraken Within! is our rallying cry for next year, and we’re determined to make it legendary.

But wait, the excitement doesn’t stop there. Just recently, I had my very first adventure as an exhibitor at a major event, StoryCon, and wow, what a ride! I can’t even begin to describe how much fun I had during those two days. Meeting new fans of my work, hearing their stories, sharing laughs, and introducing them to the Ethereal Intervention series was pure magic. It was honestly one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve ever had at a convention. The energy on the vendor floor was contagious, and I felt like I was part of something truly special.

Every conversation, every handshake, every smile etched into my heart. It wasn’t just about selling books; it was about building a community and connecting with people who share a passion for storytelling, creativity, and imagination. The thrill of talking about hyperfixations, favorite characters, and future projects made every moment unforgettable. I left each day feeling inspired, renewed, and more determined than ever to keep creating and sharing stories. And honestly? I owe all of this to YOU. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and enthusiasm have been the fuel propelling me forward on this incredible journey.

Now, looking ahead to March, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be participating in Rom-Con—the second annual “For The Love Of Romance”—at Newgate Mall in Ogden, Utah! It’s happening on Friday, March 27th, from 3 PM to 8 PM, and Saturday, March 28th, from Noon to 9 PM MST. I’ll only be able to attend for the few short hours on Friday, but I would love to see your friendly faces there!

If you’re interested in panels and presentations, tickets are available now, and I encourage you to grab yours early so you don’t miss out on all the fun.

This year has already been a whirlwind, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds. Every event, every new connection, every piece of feedback from you all continues to inspire me to push boundaries, explore new ideas, and grow as a writer and creator. Your support means everything. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to do any of this. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming along with me on this adventure. 

The journey is far from over. Whether it’s LTUE, StoryCon, Rom-Con, or future projects I haven’t even dreamed of yet, I promise to keep creating stories that excite, inspire, and bring us closer together. The best is yet to come, and I can’t wait to share every moment of this wild, wonderful ride with all of you. Stay tuned, stay excited, and let’s keep making magic happen!

-E.L. Dawn