Find the Crest: Kilpack and Catlin Bring Books, Magic, and Community to FanX Salt Lake Comic & Pop Culture Convention

Salt Lake City, Uta. — Utah science-fiction and fantasy authors, W.D. Kilpack III and James Catlin, will be returning to the same place to make magic at this year’s FanX Salt Lake Comic & Pop Culture Convention at the Salt Palace Convention Center Sept. 24–26, 2026.

Kilpack and Catlin will be sharing Booth 1774 in the newly returned Author Alley on the exhibition hall floor, hosting a giveaway of books, signing and selling books and other merchandise. To find it, look for the crest on the black pennant.

They met at a couple book signings where they were both in attendance, but the real momentum came when their wives met. It was their wives who got the ball rolling for them to coordinate their efforts at FanX last year and, earlier in 2026, at StoryCon. Kilpack said, “We are both blessed to have such supportive wives. I am very happy to say that our wives made that magic.”

Kilpack has published nine novels, six in the epic fantasy New Blood Saga, two in the dystopian military sci-fi Battle Calm Cycle, and the standalone Navajo science-fiction novella, Pale Face. Between them, they have earned 69 book awards, including Book of the Year, the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, and the International Impact Book Award, 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 currently in development.

Catlin said, “FanX was fun last year and will be even better this year, now that I know what to expect! I'm really looking forward to meeting even more readers face-to-face, hearing what parts of the story resonated with them and seeing the excitement in their eyes. 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! I’m so humbled by their support and comments. They often send me pictures of themselves holding my books. I never expected that! I can’t wait to meet more of them at FanX!”

About Kilpack

W.D. Kilpack III, PSMC, MPC, is an award-winning author of science fiction and fantasy known for emotionally intense storytelling and richly built worlds. Readers praise his vivid world-building, complex characters, and themes of duty, fate, and sacrifice. With a background in screenwriting, scholarship, and qualifying to represent the USA in Greco-Roman wrestling, Kilpack brings depth and authenticity to his work, offering gripping battles, intricate politics, and emotional resonance. Kilpack 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 later earned a Master of Professional Communication with a writing emphasis. He is happily married to his high-school sweetheart and helped raise five children and five step-children. 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 FanX

FanX® Salt Lake Comic Convention is Dan Farr Productions’ annual event. It’s the most attended convention in the State of Utah and the largest comic convention in North America per capita. The conventions have attracted celebrities like Stan Lee, Chris Evans, Mark Hamill, Jeremy Renner, Elijah Wood, Dick Van Dyke, Tom Felton, Jason Momoa, Matt Smith, William Shatner, Sir Patrick Stewart, Buzz Aldrin and more. Dan Farr Productions was co-founded by Dan Farr and is an event and marketing group devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium celebrities and brands in the pop culture arena. Dan Farr Productions is dedicated to producing spectacular celebrations of popular culture that lead the market in providing exceptional and rewarding experiences for our consumers, fans, celebrity guests, vendors, and partners. For more information www.FanXSaltLake.com.