By Kenton Erekson, Jennifer Mustoe, Kathryn Olsen, Caden Mustoe, and Hannah Mustoe
My First and Definitely Not my Last Con By Kenton Erekson
FanX19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City is a place of unity and camaraderie. There are very few places left in the world where labels are left at the door and all attendees unite under one banner. Whether you love Star Trek, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, or are a passionate Flash fan, FanX is your new home. This was my first comic convention and I went to panels that informed and excited.
Androids, Cyborgs and Robots, Oh AI!: This panel of sci-fi authors debates the age old question of, will androids be created and what effect will this implementation have on the balance and progress of society? The conclusion they reached was not if they will be created, but when. Complete with extensive discussions on which cyborg is more powerful, replicants vs the Terminator, and droid noises galore, this panel is perfect for all sci-fi lovers.
Anxiety and Creativity: How the Two Work Hand in Hand: This panel offered some interesting insights on the relationship between anxiety and creativity. Though initially appearing unrelated, creativity can function as a channel to dispel anxiety. However, sometimes this channel can become blocked leading to more anxiety. The panelists suggested having more than one means of stress relief, whether it’s an outdoor adventure or a relaxing day inside, these methods serve to recharge your batteries and prepare for the tasks ahead. Michaelbrent Colings shared that, “asking for help is one of the hardest things we will ever do.” In those moments of exasperation and disillusionment, we need to swallow our pride and recognize our reliance on others to help us make it through the difficulties.
Carlos Valdes Spotlight: This was an incredible chance to see the man behind the character. Most known for his role as Cisco in The Flash, the Carlos Valdes Spotlight provided everyone present with the understanding that actors are people, too. We tend to elevate celebrities because of their different lifestyle and prominence in entertainment, but this character spotlight provided the audience with a genuine look at who Carlos Valdes is as a person. He has the same worries that we do as well as the same insecurities. Each of us is just struggling to make sense of this world and provide for the ones we love and care about.
Lucifer Spotlight: Inbar Lavi: Having binged the entire Lucifer series in a few weeks, I was more than a little excited to meet the woman behind one of the most anticipated character reveals, Eve. Inbar Lavi played Eve in season four of Netlix’s Lucifer and it was incredible to see how busy her schedule was. Not only is she hard at work on season five of Lucifer, she is also busy with a music recording and traveling around the globe for other projects. She shared some kind details about her cast members as well as her favorite moments from Lucifer season four.
The Fall (and Rise?) of the Triple A Game: This panel offered unique insights and a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most controversial Triple A video game launches in the past five years. From loot boxes and gambling practices in FIFA to troubled development cycles for Anthem and Mass Effect: Andromeda, this panel made from designers, bloggers, and journalists answered my questions as to why some games which promised so much gave so little. If you love video games and are curious about how they are made and what factors influence key decisions in development, then this is the panel for you next year.
Power Rangers Spotlight: The one show that encapsulates my childhood is Power Rangers. Full of Kung-Fu, heroic deeds, and the battle of good vs. evil, this show captured my little boy imagination and engrained itself in my memory. It was a privilege to see the actors who played Power Rangers from different seasons come together and share their behind-the-scenes experiences as well as new projects that they are currently working on. Power Rangers served as a springboard for their careers but continues to be the one show that unites them 20 years later. As the fans were trickling out, we all turned back to see them execute their morphing stances, which was followed with thunderous child-like applause.
The Wolf and the Crows: Life on Set of Game of Thrones: This panel passed way too fast. Barely giving his partner a chance to speak, Andy the Wolf captured the audience with his thick Irish accent and a passion for expressive story-telling. We learned what it was like to film for 55 nights in a row in the dead of winter to film the Battle of Winterfell and his first experience on meeting the Lady Melisandre, played by Carice Van Houten. His exuberance for his role as an extra in Game of Thrones played into every punchline and every minute detail used as he wove his stories like the story-tellers of old.
Social Media Marketing: How to Use Social Media to Reach a Wider Audience: Although this panel focused on social media training for artists, the principles discussed can apply to every business type. The panelists mentioned the five C’s to always follow in social media marketing. You need content, consistency, a community, context, and a caption. They also highlighted the importance of using popular social media trends to gain followers. They suggest looking to recent trends and coming up with content that relates to those trends to give your posts more exposure to people unfamiliar with your page. This panel is great in helping both experienced and unexperienced social media users.
Good Movies, Bad Descriptions: Unfortunately, the night ended on a bit of a sour note with this last panel. Before the game started, almost every panelist had used language inappropriate and banned by the requirements and stipulations set by FanX. Language reminiscent of the high school locker room, this start to the game pulled audience members out of what would have been a fun and enjoyable experience. I left early, disappointed. FanX is very strict with their standards, knowing this to be a family-friendly community with many children attending with their parents.
For my first con, I was more than pleased and look forward to many cons to come.
Come and Play and Shop! by Caden Mustoe and Hannah Mustoe
My wife and I spent a predominate amount of time going to see special celebrity guests, niche panels for gamers, and playing board gamers with other board game nerds like us in a huge room set up just for that. There were games galore and people who wanted to just chill and play a fun game with other nerds. Of course, the Merch Floor, with its thousands of items of all kinds, from swords to art to clothing, is one of the best places to see costumes. This is our second con as a married couple. We came as students from Ravenclaw (from the Harry Potter series) and it was fun to see how many other Potterheads were there. We are already looking for new cosplay options for next year. Though the Con can be tiring (wear a comfortable costume!), we love it and love the people who come and make this such a memorable, entertaining, and family-friendly activity.
Through the Eyes of Cosplay Dolores Umbridge By Kathryn Olsen
As someone who has not been able to attend for some time, I came to FanX19 to check out if the family feeling that I remembered from earlier editions endured. It’s no surprise to find that it did. When killing time before a panel, there was always time for a dance party with anyone from a Hufflepuff to Harley Quinn. In lines, it was no challenge to find someone to share excitement with for a few minutes. I always had my press pass on hand in case people thought it inappropriate to want a picture, but cosplayers were always willing to strike a pose and ask for a picture of me in turn.
The guests of honor had nothing but great things to say. Tom Holland thanked fans for “really turning it up,” while Once Upon A Time’s Rebecca Nader called us “really the best fans in the world.” I learned about Neville Longbottom’s deep-rooted love for his Harry Potter character, that Daniel Radcliffe (who played Harry Potter) was his favorite on set, and his sadness that scenes with his mentor, the late Rik Mayall who played the poltergeist Peeves, were cut from the final product.
Tom Holland/Spider-man talked about the weight of responsibility he’s felt for representing a kind and selfless character, but also joked about the putting green in his trailer. (Holland spent a bit of time talking about his obsession with golf.)
When wandering into a smaller panel or presentation, I found people giving intelligent predictions about the upcoming Star Wars movie or sharing hilarious anecdotes about their work on Game of Thrones. One of the most affective events for me was the charity crowd participation of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, hosted by the Utah Browncats in support of several charities, and involving a few hundred fans who sang themselves hoarse for a good cause at the end of the last day.
I only had time for one day of FanX19 this year, but have vowed to be there next September for more of the same.
Living as Cosplay Molly Weasley By Jennifer Mustoe
Because I dressed as Molly Weasley, I felt I needed to go to every panel that involved Harry Potter. My first panel in this vein was Badass Witches, The Women of Harry Potter with panelists Alex Degraw, Lindsey Goodwin, Stephanie Lisman, Taylor Proctor, Sequoia Thomas, and Adreinne White. This got me way in the mood to be Molly all weekend. These panelists were very conversant regarding all of Harry Potterland and mentioned quotes from all the books.I attended another panel on Saturday, Why We Love Neville Longbottom with September C. Fawkes, Kevin L. Nielsen, Susan Phelan, Cindy Phippen, Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, and Caitlin Sangster, which was good, but there was a slight discord about whether certain characters were good or bad (yo, Snape’s a good guy, so there!) and boy, those panelists were a little feisty at times. I also attended a fun Harry Potter Wheel of Fortune that played to a huge crowd in one of the larger classrooms. And 20 Years of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with Fawkes, Melissa Howland, Valynne E. Maetani, Lehua Parker, Phippen, and Amanda Taylor was again, filled with so many knowledgeable Harry Potter aficianados, I was inspired to go re-read the books—all of them.
I went to several of the writing panels that are reviewed in FanX19’s Wonderful Writing Con Within a Con by my husband, Craig Mustoe. All were so very helpful for writers and want-to-be writers and I learned so much—as a long-time novelist and freelance editor. I scooted around the Merch floor a bit and briskly walked through the row of stars, where many super fans were standing patiently in line to get an autograph or photo with their faves.
But by far, my favorite part of FanX19 were the wonderful spotlights. I came in late to Carlos Valdes Spotlight and I freely admit I don’t watch Flash. But I will now. Valdes is charming, very authentic, funny, very real, and frankly, inspiring. The next spotlight was my very, very, very favorite as it was my very, very, very favorite actor on this planet: Jason Isaacs, who regaled us with oodles of stories about being Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, as well as stories from his many other projects. This actor is the whole package—a wonderful actor, of course, whose many voices and mannerisms, and his ability to improv in the moment on film, as well as a truly good guy. I could have listened to him for hours. If I were to purchase a photo of a star at a con, it would be his.
On Saturday, I saw the headliner Tom Holland in his spotlight, we sat in an overflow—the grand ballroom which holds about a million people was packed full. Holland, who is British, is again, so genuine, real, and let us know in no uncertain terms his love of all things golf.
After the Con was over, I found many friends on their Facebook pages and I am already planning on a new Molly Weasley costume for next year. This is a great event that shouldn’t be missed.
FanX19’s Wonderful Writing Con Within a Con By Craig Mustoe
I went to my first Con in Salt Lake City and was in for a wonderful surprise. As a retired high school English teacher and hope to be novelist someday, I went to the Writing Convention portion of FanX. I did not dress up (unless you could say I was Sherlock Holmes incognito as a retired English teacher, as my wife suggested.) I went with clipboard and pad of paper in hand, ready to go to all the Writing Panels I could.
I have been to many writing seminars and conventions during my teaching career, and thought that this would be more of the same. I am happy to report that it is not. Not only are the halls and classrooms filled with any number of Fat Thor’s, Spider-men, witches, wizards, and some of the most outlandish and clever costumes I’ve ever seen, the panels were staffed by knowledgeable, engaging, informative writers and publishers that inspired me. I found that a few even wrote in the genres I hope to pursue.
What I found most helpful was the amount of information and support they freely shared. Yes, these authors are promoting their books. And most of the novels fell in the fantasy/sci-fi categories, as this was, after all, at FanX19—a most fantastic event. Many of the authors attend the same panels, but discuss different aspects of the writing process. With panels like these, there’s something for every writer, from someone who’s only thought about writing a novel to someone who’s had a few manuscripts accepted for publication. Here is a selection of what FanX19 offered:
~Fractal Narrative: Why You Need Story Structure with Christopher Husberg
~What I Wish I’d Known as a New Writer with Darci Stone, Rebecca Rode, Larry Correia, James A. Owen, DJ Butler, C.S. Ferguson
~Alternate History: Creating Stories by Changing the Past with J.L. Gribble and Jay Whittaker (My wife, Jennifer, went to this one and couldn’t stop talking about it. She came home ready to start writing an alternate history novel that night!)
~Fill-in-the-Blanks Plotting: Outlining: A Road Map to Completing Your Novel and Avoid Plot Holes with James Sabata
~Writers of the Future: Writing Short Stories that Sell with Kevin J. Anderson, Brian Lee Durfee, Jody Lynn Nye, Todd Mccaffrey, Emily Goodwin, John Goodwin
~Ask a New York Times Bestselling Author Anything (About Writing) with Jonathan Mayberry, Jennifer A Nielsen, Jody Lynn Nye, Kevin J. Anderson, Timothy Zahn, John Jackson Miller, Brandon Mull
~Anxiety and Creativity: How the Two Work Hand in Hand with Jaclyn Weist, Kyle J. Steenblik, Jill Bowers, Michaelbrent Collings, C.B. Lee, Jemma M. Young, Ryan Templeman
~Fantasy Worldbuilding: Beyond Swords and Horses with Larry Correia, J.R. Johansson, Jennifer A. Nielsen, Tricia Levenseller, Gama Martinez, Sara B. Larson, Erin Summerill
~Fablehaven to Dragonwatch and Beyond9ers): The Writings of Brandon Mull with Brandon Mull
~Writing the Perfect Action Scene with Brian Lee Durfee, Neo Edmund, Brian McClellan, Frank Morin, Julie Frost, Jonathan Maberry, Larry Correia
~How To Create Your Own Novel with Todd McCaffrey, Brianna Winner, Brit Winner
~Breaking into Publishing with Tricia Levenseller, Dustin Hansen, Erin Stewart, Crystal Smith
~Act Like a Writer with Jonathan Maberry, Chad Morris, Charlie Holmberg, Brian McClellan, J. Scott Savage, James A. Owen
~YA ROCKSl Teen Voice: Reaching The Teen Audience with Jeffrey Stagg, C.K. Johnson, Valynne E Maetani, Steve Diamond, J.R. Johansson, Sara B. Larson, Tricia Levenseller
~Writing From Life with DJ Butler, Brian Lee Durfee, Peggy Eddleman, Todd McCaffrey, Christopher Ruocchio, Kein RA DeCandido, Timothy Zahn
As I walked the halls in my non-costume garb, I felt inspired to start mapping out the novels I’ve thought about for years. My advice to anyone who is interested in being a writer, go to FanX events, even if you aren’t interested in spending the next 11 months coming up with the most fantastic cosplay costume. There is very much here for bookish folks like me.
Summing up…
For all the reviewers at Front Row Reviewers who attended FanX19, we found it fun, informative, surprisingly relaxing, inspiring, and a great place to wave our freak flags. The Con people (and some come from all over the country!) are some of the most affable, giving, validating, kind, and patient people we’ve seen. Rarely can you go anywhere that has that many people and not see some who are just grumpy or intolerant. But not at this Con! All are eager to participate, snap and pose for photos, and jump in for the experience.
FanX19 took place at the Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101. It is scheduled for Sept 17-19, 2020 at the same venue.
Keep up to date on next year’s FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention event on their website, Facebook Page, FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention Cosplay FB page, and several off shoot Facebook groups.
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