The Tennessee Book & Reader’s Convention (TBRCon) returned to the Knoxville Expo Center on September 13–14, and so did I. This was my second year with a booth—another chance to meet readers, talk about The Art of the Compromise, and keep a good conversation going about what American democracy still gets right, and how we can make it better.
I always enjoy this event. The energy in the room is steady and genuine—hundreds of authors, independent presses, and readers who still believe books matter. The best part isn’t the sales tally; it’s the exchange of ideas. A few minutes of real dialogue with someone who’s curious about compromise in politics or tired of the shouting can be worth more than a signed copy.
My booth this year was simple and sharp: red and black Warped Minds colors, clean lines, and a table that sparked plenty of good conversations. People stopped to ask about the title, about the Reagan quote on the banner, and about how compromise became a lost art. Some stayed to debate, others to thank me for writing something hopeful. That’s why I show up.
Each event like this one is a step forward—not a transaction, but a connection. A way to meet new readers, to learn what resonates, and to keep the message alive: that democracy is not broken beyond repair; it’s just waiting for us to do the harder work of listening again.
I left TBRCon encouraged. Not because I sold out of books, but because the idea behind them keeps finding new ears.
Compromise is never easy and it ain’t for the weak. Stay strong.
David L. Page, Ph.D.