Most fantasy fans don’t realize how magical and crazy organizing a themed event really is. Brianna, creator of Tea and Tropes, reveals how she built a thriving community and turns her passion into epic live experiences, from her first Comic-Con BLAST to her upcoming Nashville and Arizona events that sell out in YEARS. In this episode, Brianna shares the rollercoaster journey from starting a niche podcast about fantasy tropes to planning multi-day conventions that attract bestselling authors and thousands of fans. She reveals the insider secrets on securing top authors like Stephanie Garber and Pierce Brown, even pulling off appearances from Ireland’s Sarah Reese Brennan, all while managing a $20,000 personal loan to launch her first event. You'll discover how her wedding planning background taught her to adapt on the fly and how she’s creating fully themed, Greek-God-inspired festivals that mix bookish market stalls, carnival games, and live performances. We break down the meticulous planning that goes into booking venues two to three years out, overcoming venue rejection, and building trust with the author community, all without a big team. Brianna shares her unexpected challenges, like navigating brutal venue negotiations and handling walkie talkies, all to create immersive, outdoor experiences that readers dream about. Plus, you'll hear her tips on reaching out to authors, dropping rejection fears, and the surprising support from her community that made these dreams a reality. Why does this matter? Because building a thriving author-reader world outside conventional publishing is a game-changer. Brianna’s story shows that with boldness, resilience, and a sprinkle of fairy-tale magic, you can create events that unite passionate fans and authors in ways digital alone never can. Whether you're a paranormal author, aspiring event planner, or fantasy enthusiast, this episode unlocks the blueprint to turning your passion into a legendary community experience. Perfect for indie authors looking to level up, readers craving themed gatherings, and entrepreneurs dreaming of crafting their own legendary festivals, this is the story of turning raw passion into spectacular reality, one Greek-inspired carnival at a time. Tune in to get inspired and learn how to make your own event magic happen. Upcoming 2026 Tea and Tropes events: FORBIDDEN LOVE in Nashville, TN: July 31st-August 1st Tickets Here: https://www.teaandtropes.com/forbiddenlove SNOWED IN in Mesa, AZ: December 4th & 5th https://www.teaandtropes.com/snowed-in-home Stay in touch with Tea and Tropes events! Social Media: @teaantropesevents Website: https://linktr.ee/teaandtropesevents?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=f77ab942-ccfb-4ddb-9488-ec8d7abab5b7 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teaandtropesevents/ 📖 Join our Virtual Book Club: https://fable.co/club/two-chicks-and-a-plot-twist-with-two-chicks-and-a-plot-twist-487984389220 **Be sure to check out the All Things Book Related Facebook group for more bookish fun: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17qrT2kDux/ 💬 Let’s Connect: Follow us on social media for updates and more bookish content and giveaways: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twochicksandaplottwist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567707466670 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TwoChicksandaPlotTwist?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 🎧 Subscribe & Stay Tuned: Don’t miss our upcoming episodes where we’ll discuss more of our book club reads and chat with amazing authors. Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications! Interested in being a guest? Sign up using the link below! https://forms.gle/PKrwrwJihdf7Jhgu6 💫 A Note From Us At Two Chicks and a Plot Twist, we believe stories are for everyone. While we may feature books by authors with varying views, our platform is rooted in respect, curiosity, and the joy of reading. Thanks for being here. Let’s keep it cozy, curious, and kind. 💛
