Motivational Monday: Observe

Where and When to Find Me at Dragon*Con

Outside of these panels/events, I'll most often be outside the Writing Track in Embassy. But I will be in the following panels at the listed times.

Also, look for me at the Fantasy Gather.

Title: 15-Minute Mentor Sessions

Time: Fri 01:00 pm Location: Embassy G Hyatt (Length:1 Hour)

Description: A chance for budding Authors to talk one-on-one with a successful industry professional about business, promotion, the writing process, & career advice. Sign up in the Writer's Track. (Embassy E/F)

Panelists: Drew Hayes, Megan Mackie, Sean Hylton Taylor, S. M. Stirling

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Title: You're So Eighties: What We Read & Watched in 1986

Time: Sat 05:30 pm Location: L401-L403 Marriott (Length:1 Hour)

Description: Labrynth, Landover, Amber, Conan, and more. The Eighties were a decade of adventure and discovery for High Fantasy fans. Some of our most beloved classics were released in 1986.

Panelists: Sean Hylton Taylor, Arrash Rezvan, Christina Goodman, Marc A Childs(M), Greendragon

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Title: Battling Yourself -- Fighting Imposter Syndrome

Time: Sun 10:00 am Location: Embassy EF Hyatt (Length:1 Hour)

Description: Many Writers suffer from Imposter Syndrome: the feeling of not being qualified, good enough, etc. It can strike anywhere on our journey, even if we've been doing it for ages. Come hear our panelists talk about how they combat this common experience & maybe even learn how to use it to your advantage!

Panelists: Rachel A. Brune, Judy Black, Sean Hylton Taylor, Milton J. Davis, Paige L. Christie(M), Tamsin L. Silver

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Title: AI & the Future of Writing

Time: Mon 10:00 am Location: Embassy EF Hyatt (Length:1 Hour)

Description: It's here, & it's not going away. In many aspects, AI is a danger to writers & other creatives. We'll discuss this as well as what parts of this technology we might use to our advantage, if any. Please come with a mind open to ideas you may not have considered, whichever side of the fence you're on.

Panelists: James P. Nettles, Les Johnson, Gini Koch, J.D. Blackrose, Tony Sarrecchia(M), Sean Hylton Taylor

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Title: Writing Tiny: Flash & Micro Fiction

Time: Mon 01:00 pm Location: Embassy EF Hyatt (Length:1 Hour)

Description: Don't know what Flash Fiction is? You're about to find out! Panelists will talk about the unique challenges in writing Flash/Micro Fiction, markets that accept them, and give you a chance to try it out!

Panelists: Darin M. Bush(M), Sean Hylton Taylor, David Boop, Ian Randal Strock, Wayland Smith

Motivational Monday: Become a Great Writer

 

Motivational Monday:

AIRSHIP 27 PRODUCTION PROUDLY PRESENTS BEYOND 175 RETURN TO THE LOST CONTINENT

AIRSHIP 27 PRODUCTION PROUDLY PRESENTS BEYOND 175 Return to the Lost Continent, A Sequel to Beyond 30 by Edgar Rice Burroughs By Harding McFaden

In 1915, Edgar Rice Burroughs, the master of adventure fiction, wrote “Beyond 30,” a prophetic vision about our world locked onto a course certain to lead us to a horrendous World War. That global nightmare became a reality in ways the brilliant Burroughs couldn’t imagine, and so he never returned to the apocalyptic setting he’d created. This was a rarity for a writer who loved to pen series, à la Tarzan, Barsoom, Pellucidar and many, many others.

Now, after a hundred and ten years, writer Harding McFadden, himself a devoted Burroughs fan, has picked up the thread of “Beyond 30” and offered up a powerful sequel that would have made the Master proud. Filled with bizarre creatures, barren wastelands and insane villains, “Beyond 175” explores the frigid, barren landscape of the once mighty Russian Empire. Here is a novel filled with excitement, thrills, and adventure that pays homage to the great Edgar Rice Burroughs.

“I was bowled over reading it,” says Airship 27 Production Managing Editor Ron Fortier. “It is simply astounding how McFaden has captured the gut-feel of a Burroughs adventure. It’s there on every page. We are really thrilled to be bringing this one to all our fans and Burroughs enthusiasts. They won’t be disappointed.”  Award-winning artist Rob Davis provides the art for this amazing novel.

 AIRSHIP 27 PRODUCTION – PULP FICTION FOR A NEW GENERATION!

 Available now from Amazon in paperback and soon on Kindle.

Award-Winning Indie Author Sean Taylor Announces Release of Raw and Rhythmic New Poetry Collection, Tracks for the Troubadours

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Award-Winning Indie Author Sean Taylor Announces Release of Raw and Rhythmic New Poetry Collection, Tracks for the Troubadours

Atlanta, GA — August 10, 2026 — Independent publisher Taylorverse Books has officially announced the upcoming release of TRACKS FOR THE TROUBADOURS AND OTHER POEMS, the highly anticipated third volume of poetry by acclaimed author and editor Sean Taylor. Slated to debut ahead of Dragon*Con, this evocative collection blends high-energy rhythm with heavy, provocative commentary on modern life. 

Following the success of his previous works, Taylor’s newest 55-poem collection takes readers on a lyrical journey through the topics society often shuns in polite conversation: identity, political anxieties, religion, and shifting cultural landscapes. Influenced heavily by iconic 1960s wordsmiths like Bob Dylan and David Crosby, Taylor structures his collection like a musical setlist designed to evoke movement while delivering punchy emotional truths.

In the book's flagship piece, "Tracks for the Troubadours," Taylor perfectly captures the heart of this collection: "Say something, yeah, that’s important too, but hide something heavy inside something fun, something easy to sing, so simple minds dig it straight."

The volume transitions seamlessly between deep introspection and social critique, featuring poignant individual pieces such as: 

• "First Star I See Tonight": A stark, romantic exploration of love thriving in a landscape darkened by greenhouse gases and industrial smog.
• "Bicycles, Blocks, and Plywood": A nostalgic reflection on childhood limits and uncrossable chasms from the perspective of adulthood.
• "NSFW": A raw, confessional breakdown of human imperfection and the exhausting demand for corporate conformity.
• "Crazy Times": A sharp political allegory observing a world where "the jester has taken the throne" and normalized societal chaos.

Media Contact:
Editor, Taylorverse Books
Email: editor@tayorversebooks.com
Website: www.taylorversebooks.com

Currently available at www.taylorversebooks.com and on Amazon:
Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HDZX6W2X
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HF7H1STX/

For media inquiries, review copies, or interview requests, please contact: editor@.taylorversebooks.com

About Sean Taylor:
Sean Taylor writes short poems, nonfiction, stories, novellas, novels, graphic novels, and comic books. In his writing life, he has directed the “lives” of zombies, superheroes, goddesses, dominatrices, Bad Girls, pulp heroes, for such diverse bosses as IDW Publishing, Gene Simmons, and The Oxygen Network. Visit him online at www.taylorversebooks.com and www.badgirlsgoodguys.com or his video writing tutorials at www.book-talk.us. 

About Taylorverse Books:
Taylorverse Books brings readers exciting adventure stories, contemporary and charged poetry, and non-fiction books about writing and reading. For more information, visit www.taylorversebooks.com.

Motivational Monday: Walking Away

AIRSHIP 27 PRODUCTION PRESENTS AMONGST THE CROOKED STARS

Ten years ago, intergalactic thief Neroy Sphinx was an operative for a highly sophisticated deep space exploration combine headed by Cleric Griffin. He and an amazing female android named Fenris were part of a team that discovered a mysterious orb left behind by an alien race. In the course of investigating it, something went wrong, and Griffin had to sacrifice the souls of his colleagues to save them. Fearing Neroy would go mad from the experience, Griffin sealed off his memories until the time he felt he was ready to deal with them.

Ten years later, Neroy is hopping from one planet to another, sensing his own elusive memories are about to resurface. Meanwhile, various systems have reported brutal alien incursions threatening the entire civilized empire of stars. Griffin believes somewhere in Neroy’s buried memories is the solution to thwarting the ancient horror. And so he and Fenris race to find their old ally and together face the coming challenge. If it is not too late to do so.

Writer Daniel Whiston spins a fantastic sci-fi adventure as the second book in his exciting new Crooked Stars Trilogy.

AIRSHIP 27 PRODUCTION – PULP FICTION FOR A NEW GENERATION!

Available now from Amazon in paperback and soon on Kindle.

Schedule for the Colletive (Inklines Creative Expresssions)

Motivational Monday: Write Plain

Sunday Funnies: Browser History for Writers

My (tentative) Dragon*Con schedule

NOTE: This is a tentative schedule. The final will not be sent until later this month. 

Title: 15 Minute Mentor Sessions

Description: A chance for budding authors to talk one-on-one with a successful industry professional about business, promotion, the writing process, & career advice. Sign up in the Writer's Track. (Embassy E/F)

Time: Fri 01:00 pm

Title: You're So Eighties: What We Read and Watched in 1986

Description: Labrynth, Landover, Amber, Conan and more. The eighties were a decade of adventure and discovery for High Fantasy fans. Some of our most beloved classics were released in 1986.

Time: Sat 05:30 pm

Title: Battling Yourself - Fighting Imposter Syndrome

Description: Many writers suffer from imposter syndrome: the feeling of not being qualified, good enough, etc. It can strike anywhere on our journey, even if we've been doing it for ages. Come hear our panelists talk about how they combat this common experience & maybe even learn how to use it to your advantage!

Time: Sun 10:00 am

Title: AI and the Future of Writing

Description: It's here. It's not going away. In many aspects, AI is a danger to writers & other creatives. We'll discuss that as well as what parts of this technology we might use to our advantage, if any. Please come with a mind open to ideas you may not have considered, whichever side of the fence you're on.

Time: Mon 10:00 am

Title: Writing Tiny: Flash and Microfiction

Description: Don't know what flash fiction is? You're about to find out! Panelists will talk about the unique challenges in writing flash/micro fiction, markets that accept them, and give you a chance to try it out!

Time: Mon 01:00 pm

Motivational Monday: Goofing Around in Indiana

Sunday Funnies: Book Blurb Translations

The Power of Writers

I saw this on social media the other day, and I fell in love with it immediately. It captures so well to me how important it is for us writers to keep at the work, no matter how much politics and culture may get us down, may beat us down. Viva la resistance!

Monday Motivation: TBR of Friends

Sunday Funnies: Three... Two... One... Write!

New appearance announced! Acworth Book & Storytelling Festival

Acworth Book & Storytelling Festival Saturday, October 10
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tanyard Creek Overlook

Motivational Monday: Book Recommendations

Sunday Funnies: First Editions

This goes for book authors too. 

THE TERRORS 2 is LIVE!

THE TERROR TWINS ARE BACK!

A forgotten pharaoh revives in Raceway City, announcing his return with a series of grisly murders.

But when the city falls under the Pharaoh's mind control… when his eyes and ears are everywhere… when trusted allies can become enemies… when one of their greatest champions is rendered powerless…

How can the Terror Twins stop an evil older than history itself—and save Raceway City… or the world?

The answer lies in this thrilling sequel to the Pulp Factory Award-winning The Terrors*. Brian K. Morris is back with a menace that raises the stakes with every chapter.

*Best Cover: Jeffrey Hayes/Plasmafire Graphics 

On Amazon. (You can also pick up the first book while you're at it.) 

Motivational Monday: Editing

Sunday Funnies: Walking Into Things

Rest in Power, Jim Ritchey

Notice from Facebook:

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved uncle/brother, James “Jim” Ritchey, who passed peacefully in the early morning hours of July 8, 2026.

Jim was a lifelong artist whose passion for comic books and illustration touched countless people. Throughout his career, he published artwork that reached audiences around the world, leaving behind a creative legacy that reflected his incredible imagination, talent, and love for the arts. In addition to his remarkable artistic abilities, Jim was also an avid music lover, finding joy, inspiration, and comfort through music throughout his life. Whether creating art or listening to his favorite songs, Jim embraced creativity in all its forms. He never stopped creating, and those who knew him understood that art wasn’t just something he did—it was who he was.

Jim is lovingly survived by his sisters, Lisa Naffis, Jan Shipskie, and Mimi Ritchey, along with dozens of nieces and nephews who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia J. Chastain; his father, Jim E. Ritchey; and his beloved sister, Lynn Ritchey. We find comfort in knowing they have been reunited.

A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held in the near future. Details will be shared with close friends and family as they become available.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider honoring Jim’s memory by making a donation to one of the following organizations that reflect the passions and compassion he carried throughout his life.

Hero Initiative is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping comic book creators in need. It provides emergency financial assistance, medical aid, and career support to comic artists, writers, inkers, colorists, and other creators facing financial hardship. For someone who devoted his life to comic book art, this is a meaningful way to celebrate Jim’s legacy while helping fellow artists continue their creative journeys.

Donate in Jim’s honor:

https://www.heroinitiative.org/hero-initiative-merchandise/donation-certificates/honoree-donation/ 

You may also choose to donate to Atlanta Mission, a nonprofit organization that has served the Atlanta community for more than 85 years by providing emergency shelter, nutritious meals, addiction recovery programs, job training, housing assistance, and long-term support for men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. Every donation helps provide hope, healing, and a path toward a fresh start for those in need.

Donate in Jim’s honor:

https://give.atlantamission.org/give/227142#!/donation/checkout?c_src=site&c_src2=main_nav

Thank you for keeping Jim, his artwork, and our family in your thoughts and prayers. His creativity, kindness, and passion will continue to live on through every life he touched and every piece of art he shared with the world.

Work from things Jim and I collaborated on:

Motivational Monday: A Story Lies

A Story Lies

William Blake said

In every spark,

A story lies,

And he was right.

Every story lies,

Not only hiding

In every spark,

But in telling true untruth.

The colorfulness

Of language allows

Both to exist

In the shifting of meaning.

And that, friends,

Shines brighter

Than any tyger's

Symmetry could frame.

(c) 2026 Sean Taylor

Motivational Monday: Book Buying

Sunday Funnies: Drinks and Canapes (and Books!)

My Brothers Have Not Read Little Women (poem by Scarlett Curtis)

Progress Report

Currently at appr. 28k words on this one. 

What's it about? 

A medium detective, a yurei, and an escapee from a mental hospital walk into a mystery. Blah, blah, blah, a cursed postcard collection that could trigger the arrival of apocalyptic evil.

How to Write Powerlessness

Motivational Monday: If I Were a Book

If I Were a Book

If I were a book

And not a man

I would like to be

An exciting one.

I would also

Like to be true

In the way that

Only stories can.

And I would wish

To be hollow in parts,

Incomplete without

Communion with a reader.

(c) 2026 Sean Taylor

Sunday Funnies: Writer Questions

[Link] New literary podcasts to add to your queue

by Brittany Allen

Say you’re no newb to the literary podcast. You’ve got Brad Listi’s “Other Ppl,” “Between the Covers,” and “The Maris Review,” sitting pride of place in your digital library. And—perhaps inspired by this very website—you’ve been tickling your cochlea lately with episodes of Merve Emre’s new show, “The Critic and Her Publics.” But maybe these offerings are but a first course to what might ideally be a banquet. After all, if you can’t actually be reading every hour of the day, listening to smart people talk about reading may be the next best thing.

In case you agree with the previous statement, I’ve rounded up a few literary podcasts to add to your radar. You can check out these fine shows on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your own sneaky means.

Read the full article: https://lithub.com/new-literary-podcasts-to-add-to-your-queue/

AIRSHIP 27 PRESENTS BARRY BASKERVILLE AND THE RARE COIN

BARRY BASKERVILLE AND THE RARE COIN

By Richard Kellogg 
Art by Gary Kato

Airship 27 Production is proud to present the 10th adventure of Barry Baskerville, the boy who wants to group to be Sherlock Holmes. While at a carnival fair with his parents, Barry saves his father from being swindle by a man fraudulent attempting to sell a worthless coin as something valuable. The story is by Prof. Richard Kellogg with art by Gary Kato and book design by Rob Davis.

AIRSHIP 27 PRODUCTION – PULP FICTION FOR A NEW GENEARTION!

Available now from Amazon.

Motivation Monday: So I wrote it.

Sunday Funnies: Details & Devils

[Link] How librarians saved the day in World War II

by Brittany Allen

In her new book, Book and Dagger: How Scholars and Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II, scholar Elyse Graham explores the secret history of U.S. intelligence and lays out yet another reason why you should thank a librarian today: their top-tier spywork.

The nascent Central Intelligence Agency—then called the Office of Strategic Services (OSS)—had a lot of high profile help during World War II. Actors like Marlene Dietrich, Cary Grant, and Josephine Baker worked their connections to gain information for the Allies, ferret intel through Vichy, and tamper with German morale.

Ian Fleming, author of the Bond books, pioneered the nutty Operation MINCEMEAT while serving with MI-5. And Julia Child, who you may know better for her butter addiction, helped develop a recipe for shark repellent in her first life at the OSS.

But the intelligence game didn’t start so glamorous. Well before the organization got into fancy “operations,” an initial fleet of motley pencil-pushers were tasked with analyzing raw data. And as Graham’s book shows—and contra to Hollywood’s determined interventions—this kind of spy work was generally low octane. More puzzle-solving, less planting of bombs.

In a New Republic review of Book and Dagger, Greg Barnhisel observes that “humanists and their comma-hunting, cross-referencing, collecting, and cataloging ways” were especially suited to this kind of spying. Which is why the OSS sought out “librarians, archivists, mathematicians, and anthropologists” to do its first dirty work.

These were the so-called “chairborne,” of the Research and Analysis division. Hitler called them the Tintenritter, or “ink knights.”

Read the full article: https://lithub.com/how-librarians-saved-the-day-in-world-war-ii/

Levar Burton Reads 11 of the Most Beautiful Sentences in the English Language

AIRSHIP 27 PRODUCTION PRESENTS JAMIE RAMOS’ STREETS OF GOLOGTHA

The word Golgotha means "the city of skulls," and "the place of Christ's crucifixion.” Late editor Jaime Ramos thought that a city based on this meaning, which was founded by French monks in the 1800s, would be an interesting place to set noir and detective stories. Ramos wanted the city to be hard-core, filled with dirty cops, the Mafia, corrupt religious figures, and a TV psychic named John Normandy. He wanted the city to be laid out with French catacombs underneath and urban Gothic design on the surface.

Designing landmarks for the city, Ramos had a friend create a map, placing the city in upper Wisconsin, where it always seemed to be raining or snowing or both. Crime would be mixed with mysticism and darkness. Inviting several author friends to contribute, Ramos created an omnibus of collected stories about the city of Golgotha. Assembled here for your enjoyment is the fruit of his editorial desires and the loving labors of Jaime Ramos' friends: Teel James Glenn, Nancy Hansen, Lee Houston Jr. Wayne Carey and Bobby Nash. Illustrations by Rob Davis and cover by Adam Shaw. Take a walk down the shadowy, dangerous, and mysterious STREETS OF GOLGOTHA.

PULP FICTION FOR A NEW GENERATION!

Available now from Amazon and soon on Kindle.

Shakespeare & Co., the best little bookstore in the world!

 I was able to visit the coolest and most awesome bookstore in the world while in Paris.