Utah Wrestler and Coach Spinning Yarns at StoryCon Convention

Salt Lake City, Uta. — Utah science-fiction and fantasy authors, W.D. Kilpack III and James Catlin, will be coming together in the same place to spin yarns and meet readers at this year’s StoryCon Convention at the Salt Palace Convention Center Feb. 27–28, 2026.

Kilpack and Catlin will be sharing Booth 124 on the exhibition hall floor, where admission is free. They will be hosting a giveaway of books, signing and selling books and other merchandise. To find it, look for the crest on the black pennant.

They worked together previously at FanX and it was "so much fun, we decided to do it again," Kilpack said.

StoryCon is a national convention celebrating readers, writers, and the power of story, with educational and entertainment tracks for adults, teens, and tweens. StoryCon is presented by the nonprofit organization, Operation Literacy.

Kilpack has published eight novels, five in the epic fantasy New Blood Saga, two in the dystopian military sci-fi Battle Calm Cycle, and the standalone sci-fi novella, Pale Face. Between them, they have earned 50 book awards, and Pale Face is currently in movie development.

Catlin is the author of the sci-fi trilogy, A Home Among the Stars. Book one, Trials of the Elected, earned him “Author to Watch” recognition. Book two, Awakening, is coming soon.

Catlin said, “StoryCon will be fun! I look forward to meeting more readers, hearing what parts of the story resonated with them and seeing their excitement. That’s what keeps me going. Every handshake, every conversation, every smile reminds me why I write in the first place: to connect.”

Kilpack said, “I love meeting my readers! Their support and comments always amaze me. They often send me pictures of themselves holding my books. I never expected how much I would enjoy it. I can’t wait to meet more of them at StoryCon!”

About Kilpack

Kilpack is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy author recognized for his works across various media, including print, online, radio, and television. His writing journey began at the age of nine when he won an award for a poem. As an adult, his first six books — Crown Prince, Order of Light, Demon Seed, Rilari, Pale Face and Battle Calm — each won the International Firebird Book Award and The BookFest Award, with Crown Prince also receiving the International Impact Book Award and, in the Outstanding Creator Awards, won Book of the Year, the Ultimate Championship Trophy, Super Champion Medal, Best Fiction Writing, Best Book in the following categories: Fiction, Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Myths/Legends, and Romance; Best Character for Natharr, Most Beautiful Character for Darshelle, and Best World-Building. His works Demon Seed, Rilari,and Vengeance Borne were featured as Editor’s Choice on BooksShelf, and both Order of Light and Rilari were named Top Picks. He earned an Honorable Mention from L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest for his novella Pale Face. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Westminster University, where he double-majored in communication and philosophy and completed the Honors Program. He went on to earn a Master of Professional Communication with a writing emphasis. As a high-performing athlete, 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 resides in Utah, where he is happily married to his high-school sweetheart. For more information www.Kilpack.net.

About 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 Operation Literacy

Operation Literacy believes that literacy unlocks a successful future for every child. Operation Literacy is a 501c3 nonprofit on a mission to elevate children's literacy with an emphasis in reaching underserved populations by inspiring a love of reading, fostering creativity, and providing young writers with the tools they need to tell their own stories. For more information www.OperationLiteracy.org.