H. David Blalock

Jennifer Mulvihill

David Nora

Herika Raymer

M.R. Williamson

 

Date: October 31, 2009

Location: The Fine Arts Center in Hot Springs, MS

Occasion: Waypoint 4 – Imagicopter’s Fourth Event

By Herika R. Raymer

Once a year, for most people, there is a chance to dress up - either as a favorite character in a story or simply as outrageously as possible for the sheer fun of it. This year, in the beautiful city of Hot Springs, Imagicopter participants find themselves in the breathtaking Arts District of the historic tourist town. Surrounded by the majestic Ozarks, the locals have dressed up for the occasion and the shop clerks are out on the sidewalk offering treats to the children visiting their stores, providing a festive atmosphere that Imagicopter enjoys so well. In the Fine Arts Center, the authors set up and prepare for the event.

Though attendants to the event are few at the start, by the time the authors have introduced themselves and begun their short biographies the seats are beginning to fill. Attracted mostly by the fine art on display in the store, the visitors discover that Imagicopter authors are approachable and animated about their goal of promoting small time writers and artists. In addition to reading some of their own works, tailored to the theme of Halloween of course, some read from fellow authors who were unable to attend. For example, David Nora read his short story from Dragon's Composed while Herika R Raymer read a short story by P. S. Gifford from his anthology Curious Accounts of an Imaginary Friend. Then the floor was opened to questions from the audience.

There were some intelligent questions posed, as well as intriguing questions asked as to the general face of Imagicopter. One visitor posed the question of "if an Imagicopter author misbehaves, how is it handled?" A good question, and one that was answered as best as possible. "If you find any behavior offensive, please do not be afraid to complain. Imagicopter is meant to be a friendly face, and we will endeavor to ensure it meets that expectation. After all, it is not just one author we promote, but many." Seeing that Imagicopter was not affronted by the frankness of the question, it seemed to encourage yet more questions, and unfortunately there was not enough time to get to them all. However, the authors present were sure to encourage any and all aspiring writers in the audience to not be afraid to take a chance at publishing their works. After all - nothing ventured is nothing gained.

Who knows? Imagicopter just might be having them behind the table next time, instead of in the audience.

Imagicopter thanks Patricia Collins and the staff of the Fine Arts Center for the generous use of their space and time. It is the sincere hope that this will be an annual stop. Please, see the RADIO TOWER for possible recordings of this event.