Breaking news: Skeptics converted! LegendHaven is officially the friendliest con, Event Recap (+ Sneak Peak for Next Con!)
Find out what people had to say about the weekend, the exciting projects they plan on tackling next, and what we can improve
LegendHaven 2025 proved that storytelling matters. Over two days, writers, readers, and creators gathered online to celebrate creativity and explore the theme “Healing the Storyteller.”
Attendees described LegendHaven as “a place where principled and creative minds finally meet” and “a community that feels like home.”
The convention reignited writing goals, launched collaborations, and led dozens to join new challenges like the 30K Writing Month.
Panels on faith, gaming, and fantasy drew record engagement, and a recurring message stood out: that “storytellers are the first responders when culture crashes.”
After-event feedback was amazing: participants left more confident, connected, and committed to creating stories that matter. They asked for longer panels, more workshops, and ongoing meetups — clear demand for year-round engagement.
And two members shared heartfelt messages that made all the effort worth it… and exactly the reason why you’ll see a sneak peek of the next con, slated for April 2026.
“I was surprised by how central the theme of being healed by storytelling, and healing others with our stories, kept repeating itself.”
That line, echoed by dozens of attendees, became the heartbeat of LegendHaven 2025. The theme “Healing the Storyteller” turned into a shared realization that the act of writing, reading, and sharing stories can restore something meaningful in both writer and world.
“The idea that when culture crashes, storytellers are the first responders,” one participant said. “This touches on so many things. I’m going to be chewing on this for a while.”
Even long-time writers said they left changed. “I learned more about why I write, which was very helpful,” another reflected. “It helped me remember that stories lead people through darkness into light.”
Finding the Tribe
“Really, what surprised me most was how many people came together, all the different kinds of creative people—and how well everyone got along.”
Over and over, participants mentioned the warmth of the community. The mix of faith, imagination, and creativity felt rare—and necessary. “The fact that LegendHaven even exists,” one person wrote, “a place where other principled and often religious artists and academics gather to specifically meet up with each other on the creative path, is amazing.”
Panels like Faith and Fantasy, Gaming for Good, and Future Fantasy Trends helped make that connection real. “Fr. Roderick’s questions and comments really encouraged me,” one attendee said. “The other panelists helped me understand how faith impacts fiction, and how fiction can strengthen faith.”
For many, it wasn’t just about learning—it was about being seen. “Broadly, this was my first opportunity to interact with other members of the community beyond the group chat,” someone wrote. “It was just nice listening to everyone talk and share their thoughts.”
Rekindled Sparks
LegendHaven reawakened inspiration. Some attendees said it restored their confidence to create again. Others discovered new ways to approach the craft, like shorter novels and serialized storytelling.
“It got me back into wanting to read and write.”
“I think I’ll be sharing my work a bit more after this.”
“I was surprised by how many people are interested in telling stories that matter.”
“Anjanette Barr mentioned that a novel was only 30,000 words,” one writer said. “That led me to brainstorm out-of-the-box options for my own book. Does a story have to be a certain length? Maybe not anymore.”
Six Months from Now
We asked attendees what they hoped to have accomplished by the next LegendHaven, the answers were exciting:
“I really hope to have completed the first draft of my main project.”
“I’ll hope to have written more stories.”
“Finished my fantasy novel with a wilderness setting.”
“My goal is to have a first draft of an anthology, set in my mythical city.”
Dozens mentioned joining the LegendFiction 30K Challenge, starting new collaborations, or deepening friendships formed during the con.
“More LegendHaven friends means more collaboration, storytelling, encouragement, sharing, and ridiculously epic fun!!!” one participant wrote.
A special message from an attendee, shared with permission:
I attended Legend Haven for the first time this past weekend - and loved every minute. I must confess, I was skeptical of the website’s claim that Legend Haven is the galaxy’s most friendly writing con. But that is exactly what I found! But that’s not the only thing. I also found the story I’ve been wanting to tell for more than 20 years.
After 2 decades of false starts, trying to create alone & in a vacuum, I had gotten nowhere. I found the limitless possibilities afforded an author left me feeling overwhelmed; where to even begin? Numerous writing books, blogs and videos just made me more indecisive. Word files continued to stack up, incomplete…I attended as many con sessions as I could during the weekend, just soaking up everything. And by Sunday afternoon, I unexpectedly fell down the rabbit hole; discovering my first tale, and the potential for many more.
So, thank you. You and everyone at Legend Haven fanned the storytelling ember I’ve held onto for so long. It so nearly died out!Steve G, 2025 Attendee
A second special message, also shared with permission:
Dominic, LegendHaven was the best online conference I’ve ever attended. (And I’ve attended many). Everything was technically smooth. Talks were plentiful and interesting. And most importantly, it was easy to connect with attendees I vibed with outside of the talks and expo events.
I also liked how it was easy to set up events (readings, demos, etc.) or tell others about my writing. That made it a good promotion opportunity as well.
I’ve been in dozens of writing communities over the past 5 years. Most exist (or existed) just to amplify or enrich the founder(s). Yours feels different. It’s real.
Keith H, 2025 Attendee
What Comes Next
The feedback shared a common refrain: keep going. Attendees want longer sessions, more practical workshops, and more chances to hang out between panels. Several asked for deeper dives into LegendHaven’s own lore and worldbuilding.
“I’d love to hear how different people approach worldbuilding.”
“A talk about the business of writing and publishing (going pro) in the AI age would be good.”
“I want to see a panel about horror and how to lead people toward the good.”
Our Plans for Future Events
Build on the central themes that define our community’s identity.
Extend the con’s life through follow-up meetups, writing sprints, and six-month reunion sessions.
Offer more skill-building workshops on craft, character, and publishing.
Feature more attendee stories and creative progress
Keep the intuitive platform design that made the con easy to join and enjoy.
Invite returning storytellers to share what they’ve built since.
If LegendHaven 2025 proved anything, it’s that storytellers aren’t alone, and that gathering together can be healing. And fun.
The next LegendHaven is already scheduled for April 2026, returning with panels, fellowship, and proof that when storytellers come together, stories can save worlds.
We’re looking forward to having all our newfound friends join us again.
Check out this breathless, full-weekend breakdown of Caroline’s experience at the con:
Lovely. So happy for you all.
Thanks for helping put this on and summarizing it!