I always like to look ahead to my Tolkien projects in the new year on January 3rd, Tolkien’s birthday, which is also the date of the Tolkien Toast celebrated around the world at 9 p.m. local time.

One of my plans for this year will be to venture into the west — the American west, that is — to speak at Westmoot in Kansas City. This is the first time that the Tolkien Society is sponsoring a conference in North America, and I’m hopeful that it will be a success and the foundation for many more. I’m also hoping to meet old friends and make new ones at this event. It’s been exciting to hear various people already making plans to attend the conference, which will be held from May 9th to 11th.

I’m honoured to have been invited to be one of the keynote speakers. I’ll have to do my best in the company of the other keynotes, Janet Brennan Croft, and Donato Giancola. You can find out more about them and the conference on the Tolkien Society Westmoot page. There are also further details about the people involved in organizing the event on the Westmoot Facebook page.

If you are interested in giving a paper or engaging in other activities such as the art show or entertainments, the deadline for submitting your proposal is February 7th. Details about registration and how to submit a proposal can be found on the Tolkien Society Westmoot page.

I’ll be posting more information about the event as the weeks roll by. Stay tuned!