Meet Lynessa Layne | Indie Author & Event Coordinator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lynessa Layne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lynessa, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
As an Indie author, I attend many signing events and expos, but I also attend writing conventions as a means of continuing education.

TropiCon came into existence because I wanted to cultivate a family-friendly environment for all types and genres of readers, while also getting a light educational experience.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As far as Indie author book shows go, I learned very quickly romance reigns, and with that most shows aren’t typically family-friendly. Before I created TropiCon, I signed at over 40 such events, loved every one of them, but not having to have talks with my kids when we were unexpectedly met with mature themes and merch.

When we couldn’t find all-genre, family-friendly events, we created what we needed. At TropiCon we have modest book cover requirements and swag and goodies must be clean. All naughty items are required to be in opaque packaging and kept strictly between the author and their customer, as in, if you have them, I don’t want to see them, and I don’t want anyone else to either.

So, Mommy, if you want to get your read on without a babysitter, TropiCon is the place for you.

But, we don’t stop at reading. As an author and writer, I’m a believer in continuing education and sharpening one’s skills. I try to attend at least one major writing convention per year. However, as an Aspie (person with Asperger’s), I tend to get overwhelmed by too many classes in one day, too many rooms, too much information, to the point I sometimes shut down and stay in my room to recover.

In terms of conventions, TropiCon is very light and mostly laid back.

The typical schedule is as follows: Thirsty Thursday has one aspiring writer/author-centric learning day in one large room, rather than multiple classrooms. The guests and topics vary by location and teacher, but they’re designed to be easily digestible to even those with sensitivities and overstimulation.

We break any built up tension with a fan/reader-centric Friday fun day before the Signing Saturday.

I am an avid reader and always was one long before I became a writer, especially once I became a mother.

At TropiCon even children’s authors are welcome and my favorite repeated compliment is “thank you for bringing class back to romance”.

I’m most proud of creating a family business based on my passion for reading and writing. My favorite compliment has to be, “Thank you for bringing class back to romance.” While every genre is welcome to sign and attend, including children’s authors, as a romantic suspense author, the compliment is close to my heart.

I’ve learned that with support, I can handle a lot more than I thought possible. That even with Asperger’s I can overcome and pace myself to the point of pure joy I obtain from each reader and author I meet, the reunions I look forward to, and the more I do these, the less I’m running for my quiet space for breathers.

While none of this is easy, in fact it’s a full-time job juggling all the moving pieces, it’s the passion I never knew I had and I’m so grateful to have found my calling beyond writing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d take them to TropiCon Branson, MO for a week. We’d stay at the Hilton Convention Center so we could be nice and close to the event, but we’d also go to Silver Dollar City, then we’d watch a stage production at Sight & Sound Theatre. I’d buy us Bigfoot swag and stickers for our cars that we could use like best friend necklaces. We’d eat Sushi and take a scenic train ride through the beautiful Ozark Mtns.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give a huge shoutout to my husband, A.J. He is the mastermind behind all of the logistics that help my visions and dreams become a reality. He also calms the chaos when I start to doubt whether I can handle the more stressful segments of the business. He makes me brave, and I love him so much.

To our children who throw themselves enthusiastically behind the scenes to help me with all the prep work, stocking supplies, set up, and then step out in person to work registration, raffles, and keep everyone comfortable.

Another huge shoutout to all of the volunteers and hotel coordinators without whom I couldn’t accomplish the high quality of service and hospitality readers, authors, and vendors have come to expect.

Website: https://Tropiconbookexpo.com

Instagram: @tropiconbookexpo

Twitter: LynessaLayne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tropiconreadersgroup

Other: https://LynessaLayne.com