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scop (noun): Old English – bard, minstrel, storyteller

Genre is a State of Mind:
Books and Authors @ In Your Write Mind

The genre stars came out on Saturday night for the latest installment of the In Your Write Mind book event – a massive gathering of science fiction, horror, fantasy, mystery, romance, and YA writers that’s held each June at Seton Hill University.

This was my first time back at IYWM in four years. June is always such a busy month. But this year provided a chance to swing through Greensburg on my return from Fantastic Fiction at KGB … and I’m glad I did.

Held in Seton Hill’s new Performing Arts Center, the event featured over 35 genre writers and hundreds of titles. It also gave students in SHU’s graduate writing program the opportunity to mingle with alums, residency writers, publishers, and other genre professionals.

Among the publishers were John Edward Lawson and Jennifer Barnes (left) of Raw Dog Screaming Press and Dog Star Books. Now in their fifteenth year of publishing, Jennifer and John have been taking part in IYWM events since their inception. As in past years, they were joined at the event by many of their writers, including Michael A. Arnzen – the four-time Stoker Award winner who was instrumental in starting the Writing Popular Fiction program at SHU.

Also present with a long list of titles was William H. Horner (right) of Fantasist Enterprises. Now in their sixteenth year, FE is known for books that combine the work of genre writers and graphic artists to create anthologies, collections, and novels with a focus on strong writing and dynamic design. After taking a hiatus on new titles in 2014 (which allowed Will time to focus on teaching and conducting workshops), FE has returned with a new edition of my collection Voices: Tales of Horror (one of five titles that I worked on with them) and plans for some exciting web-based content in the months ahead.

Among the writers present at the event were Albert Wendland, who was signing advance copies of his forthcoming science fiction novel In a Suspect Universe; and Scott A. Johnson, who arrived with his fresh-off-the-presses horror novel Shy Grove: A Ghost Story.

Indicative of the diversity of authors and books featured at IYWM were Priscilla Oliveras (romance) and Genevieve Iseult Eldredge (fantasy) with their contrasting red and black displays.

Priscilla and Genevieve are among the many graduates of SHU’s Writing Popular Fiction program who returned to Greensburg to take part in IYWM.

In all, this year’s book event was the perfect place for genre writers and readers to gather on a summer evening.

Special thanks go out to Deanna Sjolander, who successfully wrangled the participating authors and publishers and made it all look easy. That’s Deanna in the photo to the right, purchasing a book from Dog Star author J. L. Gribble. Deanna is currently working on programming for the upcoming World Fantasy Convention in Baltimore, and her involvement has me thinking seriously about registering for the con before it fills up.

There’s more, of course. I’ve barely scratched the surface. If you attended IYWM and feel like adding to this recap, please feel free to post a comment. It’s always good hearing from people who visit this site, and getting feedback on particular stories helps gauge the kind of posts that best connect with readers.

I hope to be posting again soon with some previews of the rapidly approaching Fantasia Film Festival and the premiere of Nightmare Cinema. Until next time … scop on!

Images

  • In Your Write Mind banner from the organization’s Facebook Page.
  • John Edward Lawson and Jennifer Barnes of Raw Dog Screaming Press and Dog Star Books.
  • William H. Horner of Fantasist Enterprises.
  • Priscilla Oliveras (romance) and Genevieve Iseult Eldredge (fantasy) with their displays.
  • Writer wrangler and author Deanna Sjolander with J. L. Gribble.
  • Michael A. Arnzen and the 21st-Century Scop hanging out at the Fantasist display.
  • All photos (with the exception of the IYWM banner) copyright © 2018 bt The 21st-Century Scop. 

2 responses to “Genre is a State of Mind:
Books and Authors @ In Your Write Mind

  1. Priscilla Oliveras Avatar

    It was so wonderful to see you and catch up during the event, Lawrence! Wishing you much success and joy with your writing and hoping to see you back on campus next year!

    Abrazos/Hugs,
    Priscilla

    1. Lawrence C. Connolly Avatar
      Lawrence C. Connolly

      Thanks, Priscilla. I had a blast. Definitely going to try making it again next year. Safe travels back home … and I’ll hope to see you again real soon!

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