To Costume or Not to Costume: That Is The Question

How do you decide if you want to come in costume to Dragon*Con? Some participants do and go to great expense in doing so. Others come in t-shirts and jeans just to attend the panels and parties. Is there a right answer?

After eight years, I decided I would come in costume. It is my first time planning and coordinating outfits. The first thing I did was decide on a theme; I chose steampunk. It was a good thing I started in June because it took some time to pull it all together. Then it was time for the con.

I have always had fun at past Dragon*Cons—after all, look at the people I get to meet. But what a difference a costume makes. Even though mine was not as elaborate as numerous others, wearing a costume made things so much more fun!

My recommendation: dress a part. Pick something and run with it. It will make a difference.

Author of the article

Award-winning author Amanda Faith may have been raised in Dayton, but her heart and home is in the South. With a lifelong love of teaching and writing, she had plenty of encouragement from teachers and friends along the way. Loving a good puzzle has always been a fascination, and writing gives her the outlet to put all the pieces together. Being adventurous and loving to try new things, it wasn’t long before her characters found themselves in unusual situations. She loves to put people from two different worlds into new situations and to see how they interact, taking them on journeys they would never have normally experienced. Her current adventure working as a high school English professor turned Media Specialist, writing, and doing paranormal investigations doesn’t slow her down from having a great time with a plethora of hobbies. Her published credits include several short stories, poetry, several journal articles, her doctoral dissertation, and her award-winning book Strength of Spirit. With multiple degrees, she has a passion for learning and exploring new venues. She is a staff writer for The Daily Dragon at Dragon Con. Check out her new website (www.amandafaith.net) or on Instagram (@dramandafaith)