By - Melissa Jones Mcginnis How did you get into the nerdy realms? What were some of your earliest nerdy memories? I can’t remember a time that nerdy things weren’t around me. My mother always read to me and of course, I favored the fantasy style. Something about escaping to another world that only exist at the peak of my imagination fascinated me. However, it wasn’t until Lord of the Rings books and then soon after Harry Potter that my interest reached new levels. Magic, dragon, fantastical beasts, and abilities. How could anyone not fall in love with such wonder? My earliest memories would, of course, be reading through my fantasy style books but that’s not what set with me. My best friend and I used to pretend we lived in Atlantis where there were all sorts of magical beings. We each played a certain character. Mine was Lynx shapeshifter Jade. She had long white hair with bright red eyes. She was my first unique creation and the starting point to my nerd/fantasy journey. What genre(s) do you write? What is/are the title(s) of your book(s)? I write young adult/clean adult fiction. Although I have stretched my reach to epic fantasy. My current titles are “War of Souls” and “War of Blood.” “War of Minds” should release some time this year. Then it will be a completed trilogy. What did you get into first, cosplay, or vending at events? What are some of the different bits of satisfaction you get from these? I was first introduced to the nerd community as a vendor. For years I had wanted to go to cons and nerd events but honestly, I didn’t know what to expect and I have social anxiety so I didn’t go. I missed out. Being an author and trying to push my books forced me into the vendor world. It's incredible! I never feel more welcome than when I go to cons or nerd events. Everyone loves each other and 100% support whatever you are into. Plus being a vendor, you get to see the behind the scenes stuff like a famous guest that they bring in before the crowds get there. What is your favorite con story? So, I was a vendor at the Geek’d Con in Shreveport LA last year. The biggest con I have ever done. Samantha Smith (aka Mary Winchester) was a guest. No lie, I watched her come in before everyone else and I got the chance to talk to her one on one. She, of course, signed a photo for me and after I gave her signed copies of my books, she pulled out her ebook library and suggested a few books I should read. I of course still have both the picture and the paper she wrote her favorite book on. It was incredible and a moment I will never forget. What are some of your favorite events? Geek’d Con is my top because of Samantha but also because of the unique people I met. Geekmas was fun and I’m looking forward to Kilgore Geekend. Who are some of your favorite local authors? What are other local authors doing that you appreciate and/or admire? To be honest, I haven't read any local author's stuff. Simply for the lack of time I have. With the crossover of Cosplay and Modeling with the increased focus of Body Positivity, who do view how Cosplay has dealt with this subject? I fully believe cosplay was upholding body positivity way before it was popular to do so. The geek community is so supporting I could never see anyone shaming someone else because they dressed as a character they loved. I am grateful that the modeling industry finally came around to the idea of uniqueness. In terms of body shape and personal style. What is your opinion on the aggressive growth of all the nerd conventions and events in North and East Texas? FINALLY! Too long has there been a lack of representation for the large group of geeks. We have been forced to play our games and like our nerd lore in the confines of our homes. Or we would have to travel to larger cities to be with our people. However, I think the nerd stigma has become the next fashion scene, and now the people who would have never given it a chance to realize that its more than space ships and magic spells. It’s a family and a way to escape into your world. Who are some of your favorite local non-author vendors? What are some clever vendors out there local that you think, “I wish I thought of that!”? Tipsy Travelers Troupe and Mettlen Design, but Wood your Meme is the most creative thing I have ever seen. Any final thoughts? Thank you for allowing me to be part of your blog and thank you to the entire geek community for showing me so much love and teaching me what it means to love myself. There is nothing more powerful than being happy and content in your life. And the best way to do that is to enjoy the little things. |
AuthorNorth Texas Nerd is a site for news, reviews, interviews, and opinions about all pop culture and geeky things happening and being made in North Texas. Archives
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