Top Ten List of New Things to do at LexiCon

LexiCon4 is just a few days away! Our “mini” comic convention this Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. is a whole lot less “mini” this year with activities to do in three locations along Duck street.  To make sure you get to see and do it all, check out our list of the top ten new highlights at LexiCon.

10. Superhero Storytime. Mr. Incredible will be in the library storytime room at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. so that comic-con tots and their families can take pics and hear superhero stories. It’s a good way to start your little ones on their path to master-geekdom!

9. Foam Weapon Sparring. The Tripoint Sparring Association will be set up in the library courtyard for interested swordsters to test their skills – with safe, light foam weapons, of course. Rounds are priced at $1 and $5.

8. Super Smash Bros. tournaments. Join Game X Change in the library’s room 119 for their free SSB tournaments or join the champion’s tournament for $5. Test your skills against other SSB enthusiasts.

7. Shop ‘til you drop! With almost double the number of vendors and artists, there will be something that everyone will want at the community center. Be sure to bring some spending money for original art work, buttons, toys, t-shirts and other collectibles.

6. Use your library card! Make sure to have your Stillwater Public Library card on hand and you may just be visited by the Library Fairy! Our fairy has gifts for people who can produce their SPL card.

5. Learn to draw. Artists at the Prairie Arts Center will be giving free instruction on drawing. A new Nintendo character will be featured every hour. While you’re there, screenprint your own LexiT ($10 kids; $12 adults) or join in on their other fee based crafts.

4. Anime Theater. Head over to the community center if you love anime or want to see why it has become such a hit. We’ll be showing family friendly anime programs throughout the whole day.

3. Actually venture outside. In years past, LexiCon days have been scorchers and you daren’t step outside. Right now the radar looks clear and the temp should be in the mid-90s, so you’ll still be hot walking between the venues. But, the Stillwater Medical Center nurses have your back! Visit their zombie quarantine themed first aid hut at Tenth and Duck for free water or to report heat related illness. Be sure to dress in cool clothing and wear sunscreen!

2. Eat up! Two food trucks will be located at the Stillwater Community Center: I Don't Know, I Don't Care (with an array of dishes) and D's Down Home Bar-B-Que. In addition, Prairie Arts will be selling drinks, popcorn and popsicles and candy and drinks will be available for purchase in the library lobby.

1. Get more chances to win! Once again attendees will have a chance to win tickets to the Tulsa Wizard World comic con just for showing up, but this time the ticket package is huge and worth approximately $320. You’ll get more chances to win by filling out a drawing entry at all three LexiCon locations (the library, Prairie Arts Center and the community center). The winner will be announced immediately after the cosplay contests in the library auditorium.

For more information on LexiCon, visit us at http://library.stillwater.org/lexicon.php.

Local Harlequin author discusses creativity at Aug. 18 workshop

On Saturday, August 18, at 1 p.m., the Stillwater Writers and Stillwater Public Library will host “Creating Your Inner da Vinci” with local author Liz Tyner. The program is free and part of the Stillwater Writers’ series of programs on writing and publishing.

Tyner is the author of eight books published through Harlequin, a division of HarperCollins. Her latest book, “Saying I Do to the Scoundrel” came out Aug. 1. Tyner writes in the Regency romance genre, which includes novels set during a very narrow time period in early 1800s England when the Prince of Wales became Prince Regent after King George III was declared unfit to rule. The category was made popular by authors like Georgette Heyer and Mary Balogh, and more recently, Christina Dodd and Amanda Quick.

“While Regency is a popular genre, Harlequin is a difficult market to break into,” said Judith Sexton, Stillwater Writer President. “The authors must follow strict guidelines while having original stories and a fresh, creative voice. Liz will discuss creativity, a topic of interest to writers in all areas. It will be inspiring to hear how she gets her ideas and how she keeps herself motivated.”

According to Tyner, participants at the program will learn how to reduce writer’s block and how to keep writing despite a lack of motivation.

“Without creativity, a writer is lost,” said Tyner. “The answer to this problem might lie in creative research, both for your novel and your life. This workshop will help you visualize your successful path and take the steps you need to keep the stories flowing.”

Tyner will answer questions following the presentation. Sexton advises hobby writers and those interested in getting published to take advantage of Tyner’s experience.

“Liz always finds time to write, while continuing to work full time, said Sexton. “The discussion period after the program, when Liz will answer questions, is a great opportunity to visit with a writer who is selling in the current market.”

Tyner’s novels and other popular Regency titles will be on display in the library and available for check out. Links to Tyner’s books are located on the library’s Local Author webpage at http://library.stillwater.org/local_authors.php. With the assistance of author Susan Walker, the library keeps a list of published Stillwater and Payne County writers and details about their books on the site. Books from these authors, including Tyner’s, are located on a special shelf across from the Help Desk.

For more information on the program, contact the library at (405) 372-3633 x8106 or email askalibrarian@stillwater.org.