Imaginarium is cool

For the past three years, I’ve made the 90-minute drive south on Interstate 65 to Louisville, Kentucky, on the first weekend of October to participate in Imaginarium. This convention focuses on writing, gaming, film making and other arts. There are panels, workshops, authors selling books, locally made movies to screen, games to play, an awards banquet, high-quality entertainment and probably more I don’t know about.

Every year, I learn way more by being a guest expert on these panels than whatever knowledge and experience I’m able to share. I also sit in on some of the other panels to learn more about topics that I really need to learn more about.

This year, which was the fifth anniversary event, I was on the panels for Book Signing Etiquette, Non-Fiction and Tips to Become a Freelance Magazine Writer. I also attended How Introverts Can Spread Their Wings and Facebook Advertising. I also watched a screening of “Rayden Valkyrie: Saga of a Lionheart,” written and directed and acted by friends of mine right there in Kentucky. Hopefully, a major will pick it up and want to do a series.

I usually go to more panels, but this year, I spent more time in the book fair, talking to lots of authors, some friends from previous Imaginariums or other events. Many were people I’d never met before, and I found some really cool authors, artists, game developers and publishers to talk to. We’re really all there to support one another, which is the coolest part of the experience.

And who doesn’t want to see a really good musician and a belly dancer while having an amazing meal and cheer on your friends who have won awards?

I’m already looking forward to 2019 and plan to set up a table with my wife to offer our books, talk with readers, writers and other artists at our table, while still being involved in panels and the other activities.