Chicago HWA Attends FanExpo In Rosemont

From left to right: John Everson, Christopher Hawkins, Brian Pinkerton, Lauren Bolger

The Chicagoland chapter of the Horror Writers Association attended FanExpo in Rosemont, Illinois this past weekend. FanExpo is a pop culture convention for fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming. We got a chance to add a little horror to the mix, speaking on panels and selling books on the convention floor.

I had the pleasure of being part of Saturday’s “Writing Horror” panel, where we talked about the creative process, emerging trends in horror literature, and the things that scare us personally. I was joined on the panel by John Everson, Lauren Bolger, and moderator Brian Pinkerton.

On the show floor, we had the chance to talk to lots of horror fans and aspiring writers, and had a front-row seat for some amazing cosplay and an elaborate Halloween haunted house that was generating screams all weekend. When I wasn’t manning the table, I spent the day exploring the convention floor, catching glimpses of celebrities, taking in some amazing art, and buying Dungeons & Dragons-themed tea (I am completely powerless against themed teas.)