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Have Fun With Your Fandom
How to Celebrate Your Fandom is an interactive guidebook structured around 52 activities designed to help fans of any age dive deeper into their chosen fandoms, showing readers that you are never too old to find your passion. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea at the center of the book?
NICHOLAS SEIDLER: We had an experience at a convention, in which we went to a panel on fanzines, and the presenters at the front of the room were talking about how difficult it is to make one. I was honestly totally disappointed in the panel, because doing a fanzine is as simple as writing down your thoughts on a piece of paper, making copies of it, and sharing it with others who are interested in the same topic. The point of entry should be so simple and available to everyone, but the fanzine editor presenters — in an attempt to make themselves a bit self-important – were giving bad advice to the audience. It actually demotivated the new and younger fans in attendance. After that panel, we had a conversation about how we needed to give fans better advice and encourage anyone to be a part of whatever fandom they are interested in!
STEVEN WARREN HILL: Together, we all became friends through our shared interest in several fandoms. We sought to express our enthusiasm for promoting “best practices” among fans by fostering positivity, encouragement, representation, and camaraderie, while rejecting the negative aspects of certain portions of fandom.
LIBBY SHEA: When I was brought into the project, the original idea for the title was “How to Be a SuperFan.” To me, that felt like we were setting a “higher level” of fan, which could very easily be used to separate and discourage those that may already feel excluded. All I could think of is 8-year-old me being told “Oh, you aren’t a superfan because you haven’t done everything in the book” and that set a negative tone for something that we all wanted to be very positive. So, we transitioned away from putting a label on fans to focusing on how to be more involved in what you enjoy. All of us (the authors) have become friends by being in the same fandom and celebrating what made our friendship as strong as it is, is the core of what inspired this book.
ROBERT WARNOCK: We’ve seen too much negativity in fandom over the years. We wanted to write something that was inclusive and non-judgmental, especially if someone was just starting out in their fandom.
What were some ideas that were important for you and the other writers to share in this book, and how did you come up with the activities you suggest?
ROBERT WARNOCK: It was important to keep the activities at the beginning fairly simple, so we didn’t intimidate new fans. We started thinking of activities in a brainstorming session at a convention.
LIBBY SHEA: Because this is a book aimed primarily at kids, teenagers, and those just entering into the fandom space, we really wanted it to be a guide of how to be an overall positive influence in fandom. So often you hear of fans taking it too far and forgetting that everyone they interact with are still people. The activities are there to give you a starting place. We originally came up with over 100 ideas, but wanted to focus on 52, so that you could do one a week for a year and allow yourself to deep dive into your fandom. They are in order from easiest to (our perceived) most difficult to complete. When coming up with our final list of ideas, we tried to keep in mind what it would actually look like for a younger child to complete them. We kept the ideas generic enough so that if you had limited money or resources, you could still have fun and feel like you’re a part of something.
STEVEN WARREN HILL: Coming up with the ideas was a lot of fun. Some of the ideas stemmed from odd things we did ourselves when younger. Once we had a long list of ideas, we grouped them in several different ways (such as by difficulty, and how much we liked each one) and also eliminated the ones that were too similar to others. As Libby said, we decided the final list should number 52, so they could be weekly goals, adding another functional facet to the book.
NICHOLAS SEIDLER: We also realized that fandom was a very broad topic – and we wanted to give advice that applies to them all. Whether someone is a bibliophile, a sci-fi fan, interested in gaming, likes to cheer for a sports team, enjoys horseback riding, music, or whatever, the advice in the book applies to their interests. We chose to select activities that everyone can do, regardless of ability, and they become more complex further into the book, as a person’s fandom and experience grows.
What are some tips you have for older generations that are just now learning to embrace the world of fandom and feel behind the curve from the younger generations, or even like a fraud for not being involved sooner?
LIBBY SHEA: It’s okay that you found your fandom when you did. It’s not about younger or older, and it’s not about how long you’ve been in the fandom. Everyone walks different paths to get to where they are. What matters is how you show up to engage today. Feel safe and confident in the knowledge that you are a fan now and that’s all that matters.
STEVEN WARREN HILL: I used to bristle somewhat at younger people joining the same fandom that I’ve been in for decades, for the usual flawed reasons, until I realized that without young people joining my fandom, the fandom would just keep aging until it died. We need to remember, first and foremost, that if someone says they are a fan of something, then they ARE, even if they enjoy it in a different way. Conversely, for older people who have privately been fans of something and are only just stepping into fandom, my number one tip is to treat all your fellow fans as equals, regardless of anything, especially their age or the extent of their knowledge.
ROBERT WARNOCK: It’s never too late to get started. Your involvement can be as immersive as you want it to be. Be observant early on in your involvement to get a lay of the land, so to speak.
NICHOLAS SEIDLER: Be your authentic self. If you love something, own it – most people will love you for it. It’s our interests and fandoms that make us interesting.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from How to Celebrate Your Fandom?
LIBBY SHEA: Everyone has to start somewhere. When you finally get to the point of feeling fully immersed in your fandom, embrace others who are just starting out, pass this along to them, and join in their journeys.
ROBERT WARNOCK: That anyone can be involved in whatever fandom they choose, at whatever level they choose.
STEVEN WARREN HILL: That it’s okay to focus on positivity! Not just the positivity of your specific interest, but positivity among your fellow fans and across other fandoms.
NICHOLAS SEIDLER: And have fun. We interviewed over 30 fans from ages 5 to 101 years old (their interviews appear in the book) and that was the advice they each shared with us — have fun! I think that’s what our book is all about.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Fandoms build friendships and communities through many engaging activities. With the help of this book, you can learn new ways to enjoy being a fan. Inside are numerous pathways that one can connect with others with similar pursuits! Whether it is through starting a collection, dressing in cosplay, writing a blog, or attending a convention, each of these brings happiness to those who participate.
This book also contains interviews with fans of all ages (5 to 101), who tell their stories and share how they participate in their hobbies. Celebrate your fandom and the things that you enjoy the most! Fun Things to Do! New Things to Learn! Cool Things to Try!
How To Celebrate Your Fandom
How to Celebrate Your Fandom is both a guidebook and a love letter to the communities that form around shared passions. It is structured around 52 activities designed to help fans of any age dive deeper into their chosen interests. From writing an elevator speech about your fandom, to hosting watch parties, making crafts, or even creating charity projects, the book celebrates creativity, connection, and joy. The later sections include interviews with fans of all ages and backgrounds, showing just how wide and welcoming fandom culture can be. The tone is encouraging, lighthearted, and inclusive, with constant reminders that there is no “wrong” way to be a fan.
I loved the spirit of this book. It feels like a big hug from the fandom world, the kind of thing that makes you smile while reading. The writing is simple, but it’s clear that the authors want everyone to feel included and safe. I especially liked the emphasis on kindness and respect, because fandoms can sometimes get messy. The little tasks are fun and surprisingly practical. Even something as small as decorating a bag with fan art or sending someone a compliment reminded me of why I fell in love with my own fandoms in the first place. It’s not just about stuff. It’s about joy, and that comes across on every page. The charming sketch artwork scattered through the book gives it a playful, handmade feel that makes the whole thing warmer and more inviting.
Some of the activities, like “put a photo of your fandom on your phone wallpaper,” made me smile because I already do that without thinking twice. But then I realized that’s part of its charm. The book isn’t about reinventing fandom, it’s about celebrating even the small things. It’s almost childlike in tone, but there’s a sincerity here that cuts through cynicism, and in a world that’s often harsh, that kind of sincerity is refreshing.
I think this book would be a wonderful fit for younger fans just starting out, or for families who want to share fandom activities together. It’s also a sweet pick for anyone feeling jaded and looking for a reminder of why being a fan matters. If you’ve ever cheered too loudly at a game, cried at a show finale, or stayed up way too late talking about your favorite character, you’ll find something here that sparks a smile. It’s not heavy reading, but it is heartwarming, and sometimes that’s exactly what we need.
Pages: 135 | ASIN : B0DGN4VSLK
Educating and Encouraging
Not Everyone Walks the Stage follows a young girl who is about to start kindergarten, and while she is excited, she is also nervous about fitting in because she is different. What was the inspiration for your story?
Sierra: The inspiration came from a joke that Nick made about myself working on my university’s commencement planning committee. He said something along the lines of “She helps people walk the stage but she won’t ‘walk’ the stage herself” and a friend of Nick’s thought that it would be a wonderful book idea. He and I both agreed and now here we are!
Nick: Sierra was the Lead Commencement Assistant (student worker) at our university, the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and she never let her disability or her being in a wheelchair stop her from anything We worked together to make this wonderful story about a girl that goes to school for the first time and is concerned because she hears at school that at the end of the year ‘not everyone walks the stage” and graduates. The readers do not know exactly why she is worried, and at the end of the book we discover that she is in a wheelchair and has been taking the phrase literally rather than as an idiom meaning to graduate. Sierra’s own drive as a person is reflected by the character of Sophia who makes sure she does well in school so that she can cross the stage at graduation like everyone else!
The art in this book is fantastic, representing diversity so that all children can find someone with whom to relate. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Alisa Tverdokhleb?
Sierra: It was amazing! I have never been good at art myself and it was so cool to learn more about the creative process and watch her bring the ideas and words to life while adding her own unique voice. She did a fantastic job and I had a blast getting to know her more as well. She’s an absolute sweetheart.
Nick: Alisa Tverdokhleb is the behind-the-scenes hero of this project. She is a master visual storyteller who listened to what the writers needed and added her own creativity. Her unforgettable vibrant and beautiful artwork gave an even more resounding voice to Sierra’s story.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Sierra: I would say the most important part for me was educating people on life in a wheelchair while showing encouraging others to go out and live their life to the fullest. I think it’s easy for anyone of any age to get caught up in the ableist belief that your life is “over” after becoming wheelchair bound for any reason and that simply isn’t the case. However, it is still a commonly held belief that is hard to shake for multiple reasons and it’s why the Q and A portion of this book is the most important educational aspect to include.
Nick: Sierra and I agreed that this book could be more than just a wonderful book for kids, but an opportunity to educate people of all ages about what it is like to be in a wheelchair, or how one can support wheelchair bound people. We agreed that helping and educating others is what we wanted to do. On our website there’s even free lesson plans for how teachers and parents can use the book to teach concepts in school. We also wanted every to just smile and realize that no matter how different we are we are all the same.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Sierra: I’m gonna leave this one to you to answer Nick, LOL.
Nick: I am hoping that this question means that people want more of Sophia’s story, or our style of book. We have talked about continuing Sophia’s adventures, but want to find the right story to tell. I think we also want the whole team back together for this if we can.
If you think we should do a sequel, please leave a comment here or on our social media pages and let us know. We love hearing from readers more than anything!
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Sophia is excited about kindergarten and just wants to fit in. She is worried that at graduation at the end of the year she won’t walk the stage like everyone else. Join her as she learns about — how things work at school, how to make friends, how sometimes we all struggle, how learning is fun, and how she is exactly like her friends!
Sophia’s has a mobility impairment that makes her think that she might not succeed in school. Her literal misunderstanding of “being able to walk the stage” at the end of the year worries her. We follow her journey through her first year in school, where we discover that her experiences are identical to all other students. Sophia’s wheelchair is hidden in the book until the very end to emphasize her common experiences with other students. This wonderful book is perfect for all students to learn important broad lessons about how we are all the same, yet all different at the same time.
The book includes an interview with author Sierra Andrews who herself is in a wheelchair due to a car accident at 18-years old. She gives information about being wheelchair-bound to parents, educators, and students. She answers questions people want to ask but are often afraid to do so. It also includes special sections called Can You Find, Other Ways to Use This Book, Fun Things to Do, and Fun Facts that give readers additional activities that they can do to learn and enjoy themselves. An interview with illustrator Alisa Tverdokhleb gives advice to those who want to be artists.
“A story so full of delightful surprises from the unexpected ending to the detailed attention given to the whole-child development. Not Everyone Walks the Stage is a book so inclusive and informative that no classroom, library, school, or home should be without a copy. Not Everyone Walks the Stage shares an essential story that highlights valuable lessons for both kids and adults on how to acknowledge and respect our differences. This is a graduation ceremony you really won’t want to miss. Zepo Publishing takes the good that already exists in the world and amplifies it. A common thread in its books is its message of inclusion and acceptance of our individual differences that connect us in unique ways to one another.” – Dr. Janet Canino Ph.D., LMFT
Not Everyone Walks The Stage
At first glance, Not Everyone Walks the Stage looks like a simple children’s book about a girl named Sophia starting kindergarten, learning new things, dealing with tough moments, and preparing for graduation. But as the book unfolds, it becomes clear that there’s much more going on beneath the surface. We watch Sophia grow in confidence, navigate her struggles with school and classmates, and ultimately find her own strength. Then comes the twist: Sophia uses a wheelchair. That reveal adds a whole new layer to the story and makes the title resonate in a deeply personal way.
I found the storytelling refreshingly gentle yet brave. The authors let their message simmer quietly until you’re hit with it, and it stays with you. The writing is warm and simple in the best way. It invites kids in, and leaves space for adults to reflect too. I liked how real Sophia felt. She wasn’t a “perfect” kid. She was nervous, unsure, and sometimes afraid. But she worked through it. She learned. She helped. And she tried, even when she didn’t feel ready. That made her journey feel authentic and meaningful.
The book is also clever. It uses familiar moments like the nervous excitement of the first day of school or the build-up to a graduation ceremony to introduce bigger ideas about kindness, disability, and perseverance. I especially liked how it never made Sophia’s wheelchair the center of her identity. The reveal is subtle, and by the time it arrives, you already love her for who she is, not what she uses to get around. The bonus content at the end, including the author’s own story and Q&A, adds a lot of heart and insight. Every page is bursting with color and emotion, like a comic book. The characters’ faces are so expressive that you can tell what they’re feeling. The background is packed with fun little details too.
I’d recommend Not Everyone Walks the Stage to parents, teachers, and really anyone looking for a book that’s thoughtful, inclusive, and quietly powerful. It’s perfect for classrooms and storytimes, and it’s a wonderful way to talk with kids about differences, empathy, and determination. It reminded me that the bravest stories are sometimes the ones that start quietly and end with a cheer.
Pages: 55 | ASIN : B0DVLH26YH
LITERARY TITAN 