Feencon 2026: A Warm but Wonderful Gathering

The FeenCon event remains a cherished gathering for fans of fantasy and sci-fi, where like-minded enthusiasts come together to enjoy Kirschbier and indulge in delicious Käsespätzle. This year, however, I was only able to attend on Sunday, which felt a bit quieter than usual, with fewer cosplays on display.

After the convention, I unexpectedly encountered a pair of prepper enthusiasts in the wilderness, who were preparing for a future dominated by killer robots, cannibals, and climate change.

Regrettably, I forgot to ask if I could showcase their impressive post-apocalyptic outfits on my blog. If you two happen to see this, please let me know if you'd prefer to keep your creative craftsmanship under wraps.

Traditionally, I strolled through the event with my favorite FeenCon companion, Cirdan, who is renowned as Germany's leading expert on The Lord of the Rings and also a self-proclaimed bastard son of Tolkien from herr-der-ringe-film.de. It's always a joy to share inspiring anecdotes, engage in Pen & Paper discussions, and endure the almost painful puns together!

Authors and Readings at FeenCon

For the first time, I attended an author reading this year. My esteemed colleague Moritz Böger, humorously known as “the Choker” (an inside joke about misunderstood surnames), read excerpts from his new novel, “Der Geisterspeer.”

Not only did he read, but he turned it into a multimedia event. His teaching background was evident as he skillfully explained the world of his novel and its characters using maps and drawings on a digital board. The reading, which featured a scene aboard a boat, was atmospherically enhanced by the sound of a passing sea.

This inspired me, as I've never sat down to read from one of my own novels in front of an audience. It's an achievement I still lack, and the thought of it remains somewhat daunting.

Perhaps I’ll collaborate with Moritz and others for a booth at FeenCon 2027, allowing me to finally check that nerve-wracking experience off my list.

Speaking of nerve-wracking, while this year's event on Sunday couldn't compare to the infamous and grueling “macabre group sweating of 2015,” it was still so stuffy and warm that attendance at readings was disappointingly low. It’s always tough to see authors sharing their creative worlds with just a handful of listeners.

"Do You Read Fantasy?"

Have you ever been approached at a convention with the question, “Do you read fantasy?” It’s often followed by an enthusiastic pitch from an author eager to share their passion, hoping for a chance to have their book read. When the connection doesn’t spark, it can lead to an awkward situation for both parties.

As an author myself, I feel particularly uncomfortable in these moments, knowing it could just as easily be me standing there promoting my work. However, with the ever-growing stack of unread books at home and my own writing commitments, I can’t always accommodate requests to feature a book on my blog. I simply have too many self-published authors on Amazon whose works take precedence.

These author-reader interactions at conventions are likely why I’ve never had a booth myself, but perhaps it’s a rite of passage for writers that one must eventually endure. On the flip side, it’s also a chance to meet many interesting and kind people.

For instance, I met Daniel Deflieze, whose novel sounds incredibly intriguing. Grandmothers seem to harbor mysterious secrets in their homes; in my book “Liams Labyrinth – Der Todes-Dungeon,” one lurks in the cellar, while in “Die Herrschaft der Farben,” it’s hidden in the attic. There, a fifteen-year-old discovers a magical color that brings their imagination to life. If you enjoy exciting “portal fantasy,” consider checking out Daniel’s book.

Highlight of FeenCon: Leo's Dioramas

Yes, you read that correctly: DioDRAMAS. The miniature scenes crafted by this artist are pure dramatic art encapsulated in dioramas. I almost walked past his booth and missed out on numerous stunning scenes from The Lord of the Rings, which would have been a shame. My amateur photos fail to capture the love and detail of his works, but here are a few of his masterpieces:

For more of his dio"dramas," follow him on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube!

And just like that, another FeenCon has come to a close. I wrapped up my visit with a refreshing Kirschbier at my favorite tavern, content to head home after a delightful day.