TropiCon 2025 – Part One: A Reader’s Paradise
I’ve done several book signings before, but never a book convention. I’ve had readers come to meet me at bookstores, and I always think how sweet it is that someone takes time out of their busy life to meet a cozy mystery author, a little ol’ “Fluffy Murderer.”
But nothing prepared me for the joy and magic of my first book convention: TropiCon Pensacola Beach 2025.
From the moment I arrived, I felt like a star. Fellow authors greeted me with smiles, laughter, and stories about characters who had gone rogue, taken unplanned sabbaticals, or refused to cooperate on the page. We joked that we spend more time with our fictional friends than with our families, and it’s probably true!
And then there were the readers.
Oh, the readers! Some had followed my work, others had just discovered it, but every single one was excited to be there. They asked thoughtful questions, shared their favorite tropes, told me where they grew up, and most importantly, where to find the best cup of coffee nearby.
Many readers even paid extra just for the chance to hang out with us. Their enthusiasm was contagious.
One of my favorite memories was meeting a mother-daughter duo celebrating the daughter’s birthday. Happy birthday, Brittney! They had designed the most incredible author autograph bags, pink and patterned like old-school library checkout cards. Each author signed their bag, and they plan to have our signatures embroidered so they’ll last forever. I was honored (and a little nervous!) to be the first to sign. Thankfully, my signature was large and legible enough for embroidery, crisis averted!
Another group of readers created an autograph book featuring each author’s name, photo, and book cover with a blank space for signatures. I was touched by the creativity and effort they put into it.
Over four unforgettable days, I met so many wonderful people who made me laugh, inspired me, and reminded me why I write.
During the Mystery & Thriller Panel, I accidentally or maybe fatefully coined the term Fluffy Murder. I explained that my stories don’t have gore, and I never harm kids or pets. “I write what you’d call a Fluffy Murder!” I said. The room erupted in laughter. Now, my new friends from the Whiskey Women Book Club insist that “Fluffy Murderer” is my official title. (I’m not arguing!)
For the Birthday Book Bash we all dressed up like princesses heading to a royal ball. The evening was enchanting, filled with laughter, sparkle, and the shared joy of stories. My table might’ve been small (I even ended up signing books while kneeling on the floor!), but my heart was full.
Then came the last day, and I met someone I’ll never forget. His name was Bubba, a prostate cancer survivor with a heart full of hope. During his recovery, he began reading his wife’s romance novels and discovered a new love for books and for all things fiction. Now he runs a blog to review stories and help new authors find their readers. He picked up Party Planning for Murder, and I truly hope he enjoys it. As Bubba told me with a smile, “Real men read romance.” Thank you, Bubba, for being such an inspiration.
That final day was long, wonderful, and a little bittersweet I didn’t want it to end. I was in my element talking to readers, hearing their stories, and feeling so grateful to be part of this big, beautiful book-loving world.
TropiCon wasn’t just an event, it was an experience I’ll never forget.
✨ Stay tuned for Part Two—coming soon! I’ll be sharing what I learned behind the table as an author: tips, surprises, and what I’ll do differently next time.
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin
As always, thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations!
