Utah Indie Authors Making a Splash at RomCon
Salt Lake City, Uta. — A consortium of Utah Indie authors have joined forces to make a big splash at the 2nd Annual RomCon Book Convention at the Newgate Mall March 27–28, 2026.
The group was organized by award-winning science fiction and fantasy author, W.D. Kilpack III, and historical fantasy author Scott Bryan. Kilpack said, "I attended RomCon last year last minute and it was great. I just knew that, had I not left it to last minute, it could have been so much better. So, this year, that’s what I’m doing! I had a few author connections and decided to see what we could do to leverage all of our strengths to make this year a great experience for all of us!"
The consortium of authors will be spread out through the Author Alley (along with other authors and artists), hosting a giveaway of books, signing and selling books and other merchandise.
RomCon is sponsored by For the Love Of to create a platform for readers to celebrate their love of classics, discover new authors, and connect with writers, publishers, and fans. To this end, there will booths for authors creating an Author Alley accessible to the public free of charge. Within the For the Love Of studio will be discussion groups, author panels, crafting activities, and dramatic readings. Admission to the in-studio events is $15 for an all-day pass or $20 for a weekend pass. RomCon will run from 3-8 p.m. on Friday and Noon-9 p.m. on Saturday. To purchase passes online, click RomCon
For The Love Of Owner Janika Byington said, “It’s my goal to help creators make a living from their work. I create events to help them connect with audiences.”
The authors in the consortium include some that Kilpack met through the League of Utah Writers and at other author events. They include (listed alphabetically with their primary genres)
Scott Bryan (alternative history/fantasy) Diana Pepperdine Catlin (parenting/relationships) James Catlin (science fiction) W.D. Kilpack III (science fiction/epic fantasy) K.D. McManis (young adult/middle grade) Sean Nathan Ricks (fantasy) Logan Sidwell (science fiction)
McManis will also be participating in one of the author panels, where he will discuss the characters of the book Wicked by Gregory Maguire and how they relate to real life and disabilities. He said, "It's a great opportunity and privilege to be counted among other women and men wordsmithing at RomCon. The panel will be truly, wickedly delightful discussing Maguire's book!"
Bryan said, "I love going to RomCon! Janika is amazing and it's always a wonderful opportunty to visit with fellow story lovers!"
Ricks said, "RomCon is a great place to connect with fans. Janika is amazing and puts on a great event."
Kilpack said, "I love hearing from readers! They send me pictures of themselves holding my books, and send messages with their comments. I am so thankful for all of their support. I can't wait to meet more readers at RomCon!"
About Kilpack
Kilpack is a critically acclaimed science fiction and fantasy author residing in Utah. He has received 52 book awards, including the International Firebird Book Award, The BookFest Award, the International Impact Book Award and, in the Outstanding Creator Awards, Fiction Book of the Year, the Ultimate Championship Trophy, Best Fiction Writing, Best Book in these categories: Fiction, Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Myths/Legends, and Romance. He received Honorable Mention from L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degree from Westminster University. He qualified to represent the USA in Greco-Roman wrestling. For 25 years, he was a communication professor and a nationally recognized wrestling coach. He is happily married to his high-school sweetheart. For more information www.Kilpack.net.
About Bryan
Bryan is the author of the Foresight Chronicles series available on Amazon from Big World Network. Currently he’s spending a lot of time as the scribe for a 300-year-old vampire child, sharing tales of her endless battles with Dracula across history. He also searches the Multiverse, looking for fascinating narratives to share with this world. He’s met lost fantasy creatures, demonic beings, time travelers and Multiversal agents, each of whom have offered him stories to tell. Scott is the Volunteer Chair of the League of Utah Writers, as well as a member of the Infinite Monkey chapter of that group. For more information www.authorfcscott.wixsite.com/authorfcscott.
About Diana Pepperdine Catlin
Diana is the proud mother of nine children. With a lifetime of experience navigating the many paths of parenthood, she has learned to appreciate the unique strengths each child brings to the world. Alongside her neurodivergent spouse, she finds humor in the everyday moments that make their life together an adventure. Her love for gardening grounds her in nature, where she finds peace and inspiration. In her spare time, she cherishes moments with her grandchildren and dedicates herself to helping others explore their family histories, combining research with field trips that bring stories of the past to life.. For more information www.AuthorDianaPepperdineCatlin.com.
About James Catlin
Catlin is a master model builder renowned for his meticulous recreations of model railroad trains, capturing every detail with precision and artistry. An autistic creator, he has faced and overcome unique challenges, channeling his determination into his craft and storytelling. In his workshop — a space filled with tools, imagination, and the melodies that inspire his creativity — he brings his passions to life. Music becomes his muse, facilitating not only his intricate model-building but also his ability to craft the captivating stories he shares with his seven daughters. Trials of the Elected marks his literary debut, introducing readers to his vivid imagination and keen eye for detail. Catlin’s dedication, resilience, and creativity shine through in all he does, offering a powerful reminder of the beauty that comes from pressing forward and creating something extraordinary. For more information www.JamesCatlinBooks.com.
About McManis
In 2024, after two years of being a disability assistant, McManis was diagnosed with aggressive multiple sclerosis and developed even deeper compassion for those with physical and mental limitations. This became the impetus for self-publishing twelve young adult and middle-grade books featuring characters with disabilities. He stresses that the love and support of his wife makes a challenging life great. For more information www.instagram.com/kelseymcmanis.
About Ricks
Ricks is a fantasy and science fiction author whose work blends mythology, speculative ideas, and character-driven storytelling into rich, immersive worlds. Drawing inspiration from classic fantasy, ancient lore, and modern speculative fiction, his stories explore power, choice, sacrifice, and the unseen forces that shape history and humanity. In addition to writing novels, Ricks is a visual artist and world-builder, often developing interconnected settings that span books, art, and games. He is also an accomplished Martial Artist, and Blues Guitarist, as well as the creator of the "I, Magi - Kingdom of Thor Card Game." For more information www.BuyMyNovels.com.
About Sidwell
Sidwell is a science fiction and fantasy writer from Utah. He started as a writer and director in Ed-Tech. He now strives to marry his background in Computer Science and his years of storytelling to create fun, compelling ideas that explore new ground in technological and fantastical settings. For more information www.logansidwell.com.
About Byington/For the Love Of
Byington has a degree in psychology and hopes to help people understand their potential through writing and reading — especially with fiction, because “we learn more from stories than we do with textbooks.” Creating fun and helping local authors build their presence is the small beginning of the For the Love Of mission to promote arts and entertainment that has a positive impact on emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual well-being — for individuals and communities. For more information www.4theLoveofGood.com.
