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John W. Wells III

@johnwellstheauthor

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Helping writers master emotional storytelling | Author & writing coach ✍️📖 Follow for tips!

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Four years ago, when I first pitched the idea for a Diversity in Fantasy panel, I never imagined it would grow into what it is today.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with incredible authors, artists, and creators, each bringing their own unique voice and perspective to the conversation. I’ve also been blessed with phenomenal moderators who have consistently elevated the discussion and helped make every panel something special.

Earlier this year, I mentioned the panel to a fellow writer at a conference. To my surprise, she smiled and said, “The big one?!”

I don’t know that I’ll ever forget that moment.

It reminded me that this panel has grown beyond an idea. It’s become a space where creators and readers can come together to celebrate fantasy that reflects the richness of our world and the many people who call it home.

To every moderator, every panelist, every attendee, every journalist who covered us, and everyone who has supported this journey over the past four years—thank you. You’ve helped build something I couldn’t have imagined when I first submitted that proposal.

The greatest privilege has been watching each year’s panelists inspire one another as much as they inspire the audience.

Here’s to four years of incredible conversations… and to many more to come.

Thank you @eggdropramen @tiffiestarchild @starlionbook @pamuelahalliwell @benniewritesbooks @dalilacaryn @lillyluwrites @k_sanzo for another spectacular year! by @johnwellstheauthor

It started as a random thought that popped into my head over lunch—and then refused to leave.

Eri and the Gods started as one of those random lunchtime ideas that refused to leave me alone. Now it’s become an entire universe.

What if every pantheon in history was real—and somehow connected?

What if there was a hidden system that kept track of power, balance, and who was winning?

What if the gods had banded together to hunt down and exterminate monsters?

And what if the monsters weren’t the bad guys?

What if there was a school where monsters learned how to survive it all?

Sometimes the best ideas really do show up over lunch.

What’s the most random idea you’ve ever had that just wouldn’t let go? by @johnwellstheauthor

Did I say underrepresenteded? 😅😂😅😂

One thing became very clear after my last video…

When most people think of mythology, they immediately think of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, or Norse mythology. Those pantheons have had an enormous influence on modern fantasy, movies, TV, and books—and for good reason. Their stories are incredible.

But the world is full of equally fascinating mythologies that rarely get the spotlight.

As I’m researching for my fantasy series, Eri and the Gods, I’m trying to look beyond the usual suspects and learn more about the traditions that don’t get nearly enough representation in modern fantasy.

So I’m curious…

Which mythology or pantheon would you love to see explored more in books, movies, TV, or games?

Maybe it’s Yoruba, Igbo, Polynesian, Māori, Japanese, Hindu, Celtic, Slavic, Inuit, Aboriginal Australian, Filipino, Mesoamerican, Persian, Arabian, or something I’ve never even heard of.

Tell me which mythology you’d choose—and if there’s a particular god, monster, legend, or story that you think deserves far more attention.

I’m genuinely looking for recommendations, and there’s a good chance some of your suggestions will send me down my next research rabbit hole.

Let’s build a fantasy world that feels a little bigger than Olympus. 🌎⚡

#Fantasy #FantasyBooks #Mythology #Worldbuilding #WritingCommunity BookTok FantasyAuthor MythologyTok Folklore Storytelling EriAndTheGods by @johnwellstheauthor

Alright peeps! I need your help again—this is for story research. 😄

In your opinion, what are the five most popular mythologies in the world today, ranked by their impact on modern culture, books, movies, TV, games, and general public awareness?

For example, Greek mythology would probably rank pretty high because of things like Percy Jackson, Disney’s Hercules, God of War, etc.

I’m curious which mythologies you think have the biggest presence in modern media and storytelling.

Bonus points if you rank them #1–#5 and explain why! by @johnwellstheauthor

GIRL. Did you know you can find all these indie authors in the Orange Zone at #latimesfestivalofbooks? Come check us out! I’m at Booth 734 🧡 @latimesfob #latfob2026 #bookstagram #indieauthorsofinstagram #bookfestival by @johnwellstheauthor

🎤✨ The “Diversity in Fantasy” panel was powerful.

Panelists shared real, honest experiences about representation, diversity, and inclusion—what it means to be seen, to be different, and to create space in an industry that hasn’t always reflected everyone’s stories.

They spoke about opening doors, challenging the “default,” and making sure more voices are heard and represented. 🌍

Because the truth is—every story matters, and every voice has impact.

🎧 Watch from start to finish—you don’t want to miss these conversations.

👏 Incredible job to everyone who shared their truth and inspired others.

#WonderCon #DiversityInFantasy #RepresentationMatters #InclusionMatters #YourLegacyWithAlex by @johnwellstheauthor

🎭✨ WonderCon Anaheim 2026 was one for the books!

From incredible cosplay to inspiring panels and nonstop creativity — there was something around every corner. 🎨🎮
From comics and collectibles to Artist Alley and gaming, the energy was unforgettable.

But what made it even more powerful? The conversations. 💬

🎤 Stay tuned to hear directly from the Diverse in Fantasy panelists as they share their thoughts on diversity, inclusion, and representation in the industry. 🌍✨

Part 2 is coming… you don’t want to miss this. 👀🔥

#WonderCon #WonderCon2026 #CosplayCommunity #ArtistAlley #YourLegacyWithAlex by @johnwellstheauthor

by @johnwellstheauthor

This is how I celebrate my black pride! Having fun at the @menifee_daapac event.

And always nice to see my cousin @dannielle_cosby ! by @johnwellstheauthor

We need YOU to show up for our kids. 🖤❤️💛💚
Join us Thursday, February 26th from 5:30–7:00 PM at Menifee Valley Middle School as we celebrate 100 Years of Greatness at our Black History Program. This night is about honoring legacy, celebrating culture, and pouring into our children. We need people in the seats. We need the community present. Our students have worked hard and they deserve to look out and see us cheering them on.

✔️ Free author book signing
✔️ Free book giveaways
✔️ Food
✔️ Student performances
✔️ Character dress-up
✔️ Special Double Dutch performance

At this event, we are highlighting Black-owned businesses with VIP seating as we thank them for investing in our community. A heartfelt thank you to our community partners for your donations and support: In the City Beauty Supply, Lakeshore Beauty Supply & Retail, Fishbone Menifee, Mechelle Hooper, Joyce Hayes, John Wells, 40+ Double Dutch Club, Red Robin, Buffalo Wild Wings, Menifee Mailbox, and more,@lifeafternonprofit Because of you, we can create moments like this for our families.

You have a few hours to be fed, entertained, and inspired. Let’s show up strong.
@40plus_doubledutchclub by @johnwellstheauthor

Yesterday, I had the honor of speaking at the Canyon Crest Writers Conference — and I left feeling incredibly grateful.

Receiving the Jonathan Maberry Award was both humbling and deeply meaningful. As a kid who once struggled to read, speak, and often didn’t feel fully seen, moments like this feel especially surreal.

If you’re a young writer wondering whether your voice matters: it does. Keep writing. Keep telling your stories. Someone out there needs them. ✨
#creativewriting
#writingcommunity
#authorlife
#writinginspiration
#LiteracyMatters by @johnwellstheauthor

@HollyShorts After Parties. Good friends, great energy, and a night full of starry night vibes ✨

We danced, laughed, and hung out with fellow filmmakers and actors while the gourmet food kept coming (seriously, never-ending 😍🥂).

Every corner of the after-party was buzzing with creativity, fun, and that magical festival energy you only get during film season.

Definitely one of those nights you wish would never end! 🌙💫
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#hollywood #hollyshorts #jeanbooknerd #film #filmfestival by @johnwellstheauthor