Meet Some UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial)

Last year, I featured some of the amazing people I finally met in person at UtopYA 2014 (see post here). This year, I promised myself I would meet more people and put myself out there. And I did.

Starting Wednesday, July 29, I will feature the following interviews from some of the amazing people I met this year.

The schedule:

July 29 -- Snowa Fox
July 31 -- Mindy Ruiz
Aug. 7 -- Ethan Gregory
Aug. 12 -- PM Hernandez
Aug. 14 -- Eva Pohler
Aug. 19 -- Morgan Wylie
Aug. 21 -- Laura Howard
Aug. 26 -- CJ Pinard
Aug. 28 -- Ashley Bodette
Sept. 4 -- Christina Marie
Sept. 9 -- Desiree Williams
Sept. 11 -- Misty Provencher
Sept. 16 -- ER Arroyo
Sept. 18 -- Ginny Gallagher
Sept. 23 -- Michelle Miller
Sept. 25 -- Kristen Bauer
Sept. 30 -- Delphina Henley
Oct. 2 -- Felicia Tatum
Oct. 9 -- Kelly Martin
Oct. 14 -- Tricia Copeland

And don't forget to buy your tickets to the 2016 Utopia conference here. Tickets sell out fast, and you don't want to miss it. This year's theme is #fightforyourwrite. For more details on this year's theme, go here. 

Here's the pretty new banner...

As interviews go live, I'll update this post with links. Please stop by and find out about these amazing Utopians. 

The Debut Collective

This year at the end of Utopia--during open mic--many attendees expressed an interest in writing their first novel. Or, maybe it was even their first time declaring they wanted to be a writer. Many left pumped up to publish by the 2016 conference.

To that end, several Utopians came up with a plan--The Debut Collective. It'll be a five-book series of short stories focusing on the #fightforyourwrite theme of Utopia 2016 which will debut at the conference next year. 

Victoria Faye and Colleen Nye Shunk are heading up the project with the help of Shantele Summa Martin as the fearless leader of this amazing group. Crystal Bryant is leading the editing team (of which I'll be a part), and Elizabeth Kirke is leading up the formatting. Finally, Victoria will also be making the logo, branding, and heading up the cover designs.

In addition to first time authors, these anthologies will include previously published authors. The five categories/books:

1. Act of Bravery
2. The Underdogs
3. Insurrection / Hostile Takeover
4. Secret Identity
5. Love against all odds

I chose #3 because it's not my usual genre. I'm so excited.

Over the next several months, I'll share more information about this exciting series.

* Note: this is a project inspired by Utopia and featuring many Utopia authors and attendees. However, it is not an official Utopia-affiliated project.

UtopYA is now Utopia

The last day of UtopYA is always full of mixed emotions. Part of me wanted to stay forever with the most amazing group of people I've ever known, but part of me missed my family. This year was even more magical than last, although I wasn't sure that was possible.

So, as I sat there, I wondered what the theme for 2016 would be... the fifth anniversary of UtopYA. How could it be even better?

Then, Janet Wallace told us.

First, UtopYA is now Utopia. Why? Because it will include both middle grade and Adult novels and genres. How exciting!! Then, came the even more exciting announcement of next year's theme... #FightForYourWrite.

Yes, someone immediately shouted out that the theme song should be the Beastie Boys hit. And I'm okay with that.

For authors and bloggers who've never attended, please consider coming next year. In addition to amazing panels with awesome advice on publishing, marketing, blogging, writing, and so on, next year there will be people covering topics on how to nurture more than just our blogging and writing. There will be life coaches, nutritionists, and more. 

Who isn't enriched when they feed their soul in addition to their brain?

Over the next couple of months, I will have many UtopYA/Utopia-laden posts. First, I will be featuring Meet Some UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial), a series of interviews with people I hung out with at the con. (See the 2014 edition here) Plus, I'll also be sharing my experiences at this year's event.

So, what are you waiting for? Until June 30th, there's even special pricing. Check it out here. Dates: 6/22-26, 2016. I hope to see you there.