Indie Authors Making a Big Splash at FanX Salt Lake Comic & Pop Culture Convention

Salt Lake City, Uta. — A consortium of award-winning and best-selling Indie science-fiction and fantasy authors from six states have joined forces to make a big splash at this year's FanX Salt Lake Comic & Pop Culture Convention at the Salt Palace Convention Center Sept. 26–28, 2024.

The group was organized by Robert Zangari, who co-writes with his father, Dan. Robert said, "I wanted to make FanX more accessible for Indies. I’ve been in the Artist Alley once and we sold only 10% of what we did when in the vendor spots. Most Indies I know had only ever done Artist Alley. So I had a few author connections and decided to go for the mega booth!" The authors live in Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, Arkansas, and Virginia.

The authors in the consortium include (listed alphabetically with their primary genres) Shaun Barrowes (science fiction), Hyrum W. Hawkes (science fiction), J.C. Kang (epic fantasy), Alyssa P. Kelso (urban fantasy), W.D. Kilpack III (epic medieval fantasy and sci-fi), A.L. Lorensen (epic fantasy), Tori Diederich Lundell (fantasy romance), Beauregard NeVille & Cole NeVille (science fiction), Michael NeVille & Roman NeVille (historical fantasy), Joanna Reeder (fantasy romance), Rachel Rener (urban romance), Lichelle Slater (fairytale romance), Taisha Speters (paranormal fantasy), David Andrew Trotter (epic steampunk), M.H. Woodscourt (high fantasy), and Dan Zangari & Robert Zangari (epic fantasy).

Kilpack said, "I met Robert and Dan a couple times at FanX, but the real connection came last spring at the LTUE conference, where Robert and I were in the audience for the other's panels. We've stayed in contact since and I really appreciate the opportunities he has brought to my attention, particularly being invited to contribute to his anthology."

The consortium of authors will be sharing a 20x30 booth space on the exhibition hall floor, hosting a giveaway of books, signing and selling books and other merchandise, including the launch of an anthology of works from Utah authors.

Robert Zangari said, "For FanX 2024, I’m pleased to announce the next installment of the anthology series, Rising Wonder II: Demons, Devils, and Dark Gods, a fantasy anthology featuring the finest independently published authors in Northern Utah. Rising Wonder aims to showcase new voices in the genre and help elevate careers. In it, you’ll find diverse stories from multiple sci-fi and fantasy subgenres. The first installment of this anthology series was a hit at FanX last year and we sold out of every copy."

Kelso said, "What I am most excited about this year at FanX is the release of the second Rising Wonder anthology, connecting with my readers and being part of a fun and energized hive of authors determined to provide a unique and memorable experience for FanX attendees."

Reeder said, "This is my third year at FanX. I love seeing the unique cosplays and connecting with fans while meeting and getting to know new fans. Plus, the energy in the booth with the other authors is incredible."

Kilpack said, "I love hearing from my readers! They send me pictures of themselves holding my books, send messages with their comments, and I am so thankful for all of their support. I can't wait to meet more of them at FanX! That said, I would also love to meet some young aspiring writers. If I could help a few people pursue their own literary passions, even just a little by sharing some bit of what I've learned thus far, then that would really make everything that much better."

Learn More About the Authors

About FanX

FanX® Salt Lake Comic Convention is Dan Farr Productions’ annual event. It’s the most attended convention in the State of Utah and the largest comic convention in North America per capita. The conventions have attracted celebrities like Stan Lee, Chris Evans, Mark Hamill, Jeremy Renner, Elijah Wood, Dick Van Dyke, Tom Felton, Jason Momoa, Matt Smith, Sir Patrick Stewart, Buzz Aldrin and more. Dan Farr Productions was co-founded by Dan Farr and is an event and marketing group devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium celebrities and brands in the pop culture arena. Dan Farr Productions is dedicated to producing spectacular celebrations of popular culture that lead the market in providing exceptional and rewarding experiences for our consumers, fans, celebrity guests, vendors, and partners. For more information www.FanXSaltLake.com.