\ud83d\udcda Our First Tropicon: More Than Just a Con<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This was not only mine and Trinity\u2019s first time in Branson<\/strong>, but also our first time attending Tropicon<\/strong> \u2014 and let me just say, it did not disappoint. With over 100 authors<\/strong> in attendance, the atmosphere was electric with creativity, passion, and support for the indie book world. Readers came from all over to meet their favorite authors, discover new ones, and participate in some seriously fun activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On Thursday<\/strong>, we jumped right into action. Trinity and I had the honor of being \u201cKronks\u201d (aka assistants) for the fabulous Paula Webb<\/strong>, an incredibly talented author of historical fiction and nonfiction based out of Mobile, AL. Her workshop, \u201cPursue, Capture, and Release,\u201d<\/strong> was a crowd favorite \u2014 informative, insightful, and empowering for aspiring writers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Later that night, the real fun began…<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thursday night, a group of us \u2014 Paula Webb, Rochelle Bradley, CJ Warrant, Trinity, K. Rose<\/strong>, and a few other brave souls \u2014 embarked on our flagship trip to Full Throttle Distillery<\/strong>. This wasn’t just a casual outing; it turned into a taste-testing adventure none of us will soon forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rochelle and Mandie volunteered as our official moonshine guinea pigs<\/strong>, boldly ordering their first ever moonshine mixes<\/strong>. Rochelle went with the Strawberry Desire<\/em>, while Mandie tried the one called (appropriately) Gummy Bear<\/em>. Let\u2019s just say the reactions were priceless \u2014 part delight, part \u201cwhat even is<\/em> this,\u201d and a whole lot of laughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This was just the beginning of our Full Throttle love affair, but more on that in a minute…<\/p>\n\n\n\n Friday was all about reconnection and good times. We met up with our dear friends Sara Cunningham<\/strong>, Nat<\/strong>, and fellow authors before heading back to Full Throttle for more espresso moonshine<\/strong> and mouthwatering burnt ends<\/strong> \u2014 so good, they might\u2019ve ruined all other BBQ for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We also set up our traveling bookstore that evening, getting ready to show off new releases, sparkly merch<\/strong>, and everything in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saturday brought a steady stream of readers, and it was an absolute joy to introduce them to our books. Trinity looked incredible cosplaying as Selina from The Left Hook<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 and she didn\u2019t just look amazing, she also won the social media challenge<\/strong> with author Sammie Trinidad<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We also attended panels and games. Paula and Trinity were especially hooked on Blackjack for Bookstacks<\/strong> and Book Cover Bingo<\/strong>, which brought out everyone\u2019s competitive (and hilarious) side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the best parts? Meeting so many new and rising authors<\/strong> \u2014 including Thia Mackin, S.D. Sampley, Sammie Trinidad & Stone, T.L. Brooks<\/strong>, and more. Watching them step into their power and their passion was truly inspiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even with a full con schedule, we managed to squeeze in a little sightseeing. Trinity, my dino-loving partner in crime, was thrilled to visit the Dinosaur Museum<\/strong> near our hotel. Her joy over prehistoric creatures? Pure magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then there was Death Valley Hill<\/strong> \u2014 aka the insanely steep climb to the Farmhouse Restaurant<\/strong> that Trinity \u201ccasually\u201d led me up. Not once. Not twice. But three<\/strong> times. My legs still haven\u2019t forgiven me. Worth it? Honestly, yes. Their comfort food was that<\/em> good. I highly recommend the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We also had a standout waiter at Full Throttle \u2014 a total character we nicknamed \u201cGummy Bear\u201d<\/strong> after Mandie’s drink. He kept us laughing all evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most heartwarming detours was our visit to Mocha\u2019s and Meows<\/strong>, a cozy cat caf\u00e9<\/strong> where we were surrounded by warm drinks, warm-hearted staff, and even warmer purring fluffballs. We were joined by authors Thia Mackin, Rochelle Bradley, CJ Warrant, Paula Webb<\/strong>, and our incredible PAs Sara, Nat<\/strong>, and my favorite human, Trinity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udf53 Moonshine, Mixes, and Our First Taste of Full Throttle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udda4 Friday Shenanigans & Bookish Bonding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcd6 Saturday: Cosplay, Covers, and Community<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\ud83e\udd95 Sightseeing & Shenanigans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc3e Mocha\u2019s, Meows & Magic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mandiethompson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_46191-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"