May 16, 2016

Wizard World Des Moines 2016

A.R. Miller books, Conventions, Events, Highlights, Interviews, Life, News, Panels, Uncategorized Aaron Bunce, adam j witlatch, dennis w. green, elves, free book, james wylder, jed quinn, second run reviews, wizard world des moines 2016 0 Comments

All setup for Wizard World!

I’m still half-asleep as I write this, a long weekend at Wizard World combined with a 6:45 am dental appointment leaves little room for sleep. Bear with me as I chug coffee and attempt to tell the tale of Wizard World 2016.

Dennis & Aaron setting up on Friday.

So many exciting things happened, but I’ll hit the highlights.

We had so much fun with our panel last year, it was a no brainer when they asked us back for three panels this year. I mean seriously, how could we not say yes? Unfortunately, Tammy Jones and Rachel Aukes couldn’t join us, but Adam Whitlatch agreed to take their place, leaving me surrounded by boys. Not that I’m complaining, I love my boys! This time we decided to snag a couple of tables on the show floor, leading to many hours of shenanigans.

My babysitters for the event were, the prettier than me, Aaron Bunce and his beyond beautiful wife, Becca. Yes, the old lady needs a babysitter. She needs to be reminded to eat and her caffeine monitored, so she doesn’t get cranky. And I don’t get to spend nearly as much time with these two as I would like, a win, win situation. In the end, it was Becca keeping Aaron and I in line, except for one small thing, but we’ll get to that later.

My babysitters making sure I’m caffeinated.

Jed Quinn amazes me, so laid-back and relaxed no matter what the situation. We spent the entire Con giving him crap and he didn’t skip a beat! I wish I had half an ounce of his easygoing attitude. The dude is a social media star, it was too cool how he remembered to take pictures with each and every one of his fans. I love this big bear of a man like a brother and treat him as such.

I was delighted, the always suave, Dennis Green was able to join us on Friday and Saturday. I didn’t get to spend as much time chatting as we usually do, but enjoyed every second we did have. We might have been separated at the panels and on the show floor, but Popcorn and Potato Chips are still the greatest duo around. Speaking of which, TSF is still free until the 17th!

And now we come to my table partner, Adam Whitlatch. I’ve known him for a couple of years, but never spent any quality time together. That all changed the moment he setup on Friday. Holy moly, the dude is funny online, but even funnier in person. We were so goofy, when we caught sight of Kevin Sorbo, we wished he would’ve walked by our table so we could clap and chant Hercules, Hercules. What can I say? We had a blast with every situation, especially when I found out I was cosplaying. I didn’t realize I’d come in costume, but apparently I came as his wife, Jessica. We eventually got tired of telling people, “Yes, we’re married, but not to each other.” This is where my babysitters dropped the ball, I got married, again. So many people confused me with Jess, by the end of Sunday, I’d become Adam’s Con wife.

Besides hangin’ with my boys, there were a few other major highlights to the weekend.

First up, dancing delight, James Wylder. The poet and playwright was at the table directly across from us. Anytime there was a lull in the action, James would start dancing, and it was hard not to join in. He is so sweet, kind, and fun, I hope I get to see him again in the future. If you enjoy Doctor Who, you really need to check out his book. I HAD to get a picture with him for my coffee buddy, Terri, she loves Doctor Who.

The Amazing James Wylder!

Second up, the lovely elves. I was so moved by their costuming, I actually asked if they would take a picture with me. Those who know me, or have read my books, know I’m in love with all things elvish and these two were PERFECT! What I wouldn’t give to have them follow me around, from event to event, dressed as Keely and one of my gents, Alric, Teiran, or Vereinen.

Elves in Iowa!

The amazing fans are last, but certainly not least, on the list. A wonderful mother, daughter duo who stopped by to say hi everyday and attended all, but one of our panels. Gotta say, I was a bit smitten with the mother’s German accent. The lovely Lindsey, who purchased a book from each of us and allowed us to take our picture with her. And Pamela, what can I say about a fellow lover of Jim C. Hines? I adored talking about the Princesses with you, can’t wait to do it again!

Wizard World Des Moines 2016 was an awesome experience and now that my fifteen-seconds of fame are over, it is time to crash.

April 15, 2015

Iowa Author Events

A.R. Miller Events, News, Reading, Writing #AuthorSigning, #Booksigning, #IowaEvents, #NIAE, Aaron Bunce, adam j witlatch, author event, book signing, Cheryl Corbin, clear lake iowa, door prizes, fey creations, goodie bags, jed q peterson, mac viva glam, north iowa author event, Prairieland herbs, scissors, shears, Tamara jones, Tamara Siler Jones 0 Comments

Last Saturday, I attended the Ankeny Author Fair. What a blast! Lots of people, lots of energy. Old friends and new reads stretched out before me and I got to meet some incredibly enthusiastic readers. If you want to see a recap in pictures, check out Malynda McCarrick’s post.

Number one thing blurted out? You’re the scissor lady!

By now you’ve all seen the profile picture, the one with me holding the shears. Never in a million years, did I think it would create so much chatter. I’m not complaining, it was a great icebreaker. Let’s hope it holds true this weekend at the North Iowa’s Author Event.

The North Iowa’s Author Event is a new endeavor created by the BF Bookies, a trio of fabulous ladies. Lori, Micki and Rachel have worked their fingers to the bone to make this event possible. They’ve managed to wrangle twenty-four authors—including Micki and Rachel—together in one place. Not an easy feat, kind of like herding cats.

I’m excited to see a few of the members of my—affectionately dubbed—East Side Gang, Aaron Bunce, Jed Q. Peterson and Adam J. Whitlatch. Fellow Saturday Writer, Cheryl Corbin will be there and the lucky Tamara Jones is hitching a ride with me. Feel pity for this woman, lots of pity. None of you would want to be trapped in a small space with me for that long. You may see tweets about her harrowing escape.

On top of all that awesome are the new writers and readers I’ll be meeting.

Lori, Micki and Rachel have put together goodie bags for the first 100 attendees—make sure to get there early—and there will be door prizes!

The winner of this little beauty receives:

Keely’s favorite MAC lipstick, Viva Glam I
Enchanted solid perfume and body spray (an exclusive scent created by Prairieland Herbs for the Fey Creations series)
Shears charm
Bookmark

I hope you’re one of the many who will be joining us at the North Iowa’s Author Event on Saturday!

January 2, 2015

Farewell 2014, Hello 2015!

A.R. Miller Life, News 2014, 2015, 9/11 museum, Aaron Bunce, adam j witlatch, ankeny authors fair, cosmetics, dana beatty, Dennis Green, holiday, icon 40, jed q peterson, lettie prell, makeup, Maria Watson, meadowites, New year, New York, on the town, Rachel Aukes, saturday writers, second run reviews, Tamara jones, terri m. leblanc, the fey creations series 4 Comments

2014 was a banner year and I almost hate to see it over, but can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store.

The year started with some unexpected, but greatly appreciated help that opened a door to a whole new world. Rachel Aukes was the key of knowledge and experience that not only unlocked the door, but gave me a push. I will be forever grateful for her shared experiences and introductions to people and places.

Through Rachel I met Dana Beatty, king of publicity in the Iowa sci-fi and fantasy convention world and his lovely wife, Jill. With her recommendation he added me to the list of writers he graciously spends his free time promoting.

At last year’s Ankeny Author Fair I met another key, one who’s work I’d admired from afar, The Slaughterer of People on the Page, Tamara Jones. I’d attended an appearance by Tammy years ago—sponsored by what has evolved into the Saturday Writers—now, I’m lucky and honored to call her friend.

Because I took that step—or stumble, after Rachel pushed me—I was welcomed into a new community. Not only the sci-fi fantasy community, but a community of writers here in the great state of Iowa and a couple from across the boarder in Nebraska. They are fabulous caring and sharing people. People I admire for their talents and aspire to continue passing knowledge and help forward. They know who they are, but Dennis Green, Jed Q. Peterson, Aaron Bunce, Lettie Prell, Terri M. LeBlanc, Maria Watson and Adam J. Witlatch are a few of the wonderful writers and bloggers I met and you should check them out.

2014 also brought changes on the home front. We—by that I mean the Breadwinner, with a tiny bit of help from me—finished the outdoor fireplace and pizza oven project. The backyard, aka Paradise, is one step closer to being the perfect getaway.

I was also lucky enough to tag along with the Breadwinner to New York. What an experience, so many people, so much noise, so many things to see. Total sensory overload. The biggest thing that will stick with me forever is the 9/11 museum. I know it’s my job to put things into words, but I can’t do it justice. It’s something everyone must experience for themselves. The pain, the sorrow, the fear and the anger. Being there has left a heaviness in my soul that can only be eased by my belief in our great nation and the people who live here.

On a lighter note, we did see On The Town and had dinner with a member of the orchestra. A delightful evening was had by all. Both the Breadwinner and I love the arts, but his background in theater made the night extra special.

Our travels wrapped up with a visit to family and friends in northern Iowa. It was nice to catch up over the holidays with everyone back home. And 2014 wrapped with our traditional seafood feast on New Year’s Eve as we watched the countdown to 2015.

All in all, 2014 was a pretty great year and I’m excited about 2015.

I’ve already made plans to attend the Ankeny Authors Fair and Icon 40. I also have a few plans for my Meadowites and changes on the website, including more chat about cosmetics, possibly some step by step tutorials and Q&A sessions. Book 4, in the Fey Creations series, is in the works. No, it doesn’t have a title, but I’m sure something will come to me. With any luck I’ll also have some of the background stories of various characters finished. So, yes, 2015 will be a busy year.

I wish all of you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2015.