Tim Patterson
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tradeshowguy.bsky.social
Tim Patterson
@tradeshowguy.bsky.social
3.5K followers 1.8K following 220 posts
Certified part 107 drone pilot. Radio, rocker, drummer, guitarist, author, photog, novelist. Owner of TradeshowGuy Exhibits & Salem Realty Media.

All of my stuff: https://linktr.ee/timothypatterson
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tradeshowguy.bsky.social
Love this photograph. Would have been her 59th today.
December 9, 2025 at 6:45 AM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
Serializing my urban fantasy novel, Forged In Ancient Fire, on Substack.

Chapter 52: Bloodlines and Burdens

Ancient lore, hidden relics, lost guardians — Jia learns the truth about her magic and the burden tied to her name.

Read 🔽
forgedinancientfire.substack.com/p/chapter-52...
A tired teenage Irish-Korean girl stands at a small bathroom sink, leaning toward the mirror as she studies her reflection. Her long dark hair frames her weary face, and the pale blue-green tile walls create a quiet, introspective mood. She appears thoughtful and drained, as if trying to recognize the person staring back at her.
December 7, 2025 at 12:36 AM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
The serialization of my urban fantasy novel, Forged in Ancient Fire, just hit its halfway point!

I put together a reflection on the process — the readers, the rhythm, the surprises, and how it feels to watch this huge story unfold piece by piece.

Read on Substack:
open.substack.com/pub/timothyp...
A young East Asian woman stands in the middle of a crowded, lantern-lit night market, her attention fixed on a glowing orb hovering just above her open palm. She wears a cream-colored turtleneck sweater and a short red skirt, her dark hair falling softly around her face. Warm golden light from the floating orb illuminates her features, contrasting with the hazy, teal-tinted atmosphere of the bustling market around her. People blur into the background, unaware of the magical moment unfolding in their midst, as neon signs in Chinese characters glow overhead.
December 5, 2025 at 12:38 AM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
Chapter 51 of Forged in Ancient Fire is up—and we’re officially past the halfway mark. 🙌

“The Key of Life” dives into Jia’s connection to music, her mother’s subtle magic, and a piano piece powerful enough to blur the line between life and death.

Read it here:
open.substack.com/pub/forgedin...
A teenage East Asian girl in a brown leather jacket sits at a grand piano, her head bowed and expression intent as she plays, long hair falling over her shoulders in a quiet, focused moment.
December 4, 2025 at 12:29 AM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
New Roots Rock Reggae replay is up!

A mix of classics, lovers rock gems, dub cuts, and modern roots from the likes of Bob Marley, Julian Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Culture, Jimmy Cliff, UB40, and Jr. Thomas & The Volcanos.

Listen here:
www.mixcloud.com/timothyepatt...

Perfect soundtrack for today! 🌴
A black-and-white photo of Bob Marley smiling and leaning back while holding a lit spliff. He is seated indoors, with two other people blurred in the background. Overlaid text reads “Roots Rock Reggae — Monday 7–9 p.m. PT — Listen on KMUZ.org.” In the lower right corner is the KMUZ Community Radio logo with the frequencies 100.7 FM and 88.5 FM.
December 3, 2025 at 5:10 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
Chapter 49!

In The Watcher Returns, Jia’s moment of calm is interrupted by a revelation that shakes Dae-Won to his core. The mysterious man she saw isn't random — he's someone powerful, dangerous, and connected to a past Dae-Won hoped was buried.

Read it here:
open.substack.com/pub/forgedin...
A dimly lit, mystical study filled with old books and warm lamplight. An elderly Korean man with long white hair and a flowing robe holds an open ebony box that emits a faint glow. Beside him stands a teenage girl with long dark hair, wearing a black leather jacket and a glowing golden triquetra pendant. Shadows swirl around them as they stand over a miniature train layout, giving the scene a magical, cinematic feel.
November 26, 2025 at 11:58 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
Just shared one of the most fun Substack posts I’ve made in months — Roger Steffens’ time-exposure photos of neon artist Brian Coleman’s glowing, hand-bent sculptures.

It’s art, craft, color, and a 40-year creative friendship all wrapped in light.

Take a look:
open.substack.com/pub/timothyp...
November 26, 2025 at 5:43 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
A burning tow truck.
A missing doll.
And a man who knows more than he should.
Read Chapter 47 of Forged in Ancient Fire — The Watcher by the Wall
👉 open.substack.com/pub/forgedin...
A painterly, cinematic image of a teenage girl disguised as an elderly woman walking through a chaotic street. She wears an oversized brown coat, a floppy hat, and a thick scarf, her expression downcast and determined. Behind her, a tow truck erupts into a massive fireball, sending thick black smoke into the sky as crowds flee in panic. The scene is dimly lit and smoky, blending urgency, magic, and danger.
November 20, 2025 at 9:48 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
New Roots Rock Reggae is now spinning on Mixcloud!
Featuring classics from Bob Marley, Ken Boothe, Burning Spear & Black Uhuru—plus Buju Banton, Dub Syndicate, The Scientist, Rebelution, Arkaingelle, and more.

Vibes for your week:
www.mixcloud.com/timothyepatt...
November 20, 2025 at 5:53 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
If you love atmospheric mysteries with real moral weight, Arkady Renko is one of the genre’s unforgettable detectives.
I wrote a full tribute to Martin Cruz Smith—his novels, his craft, the film adaptation...

Plus, my ranking of all 11 Renko books.

Read it here:
open.substack.com/pub/timothyp...
November 14, 2025 at 6:24 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
The Mystic Alliance trembles as Sofia Dragomir defies both reason and spirit.

She calls upon her ancestor through a black mirror—and rejects his counsel.

The result? Fate tilts toward chaos.

⚡️ Read Forged in Ancient Fire Chapter 45: “The Sorceress Must Fall”

open.substack.com/pub/forgedin...
November 12, 2025 at 1:53 AM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
Reality hums beneath the surface as Jia learns that magic isn’t about control—it’s about harmony.

Chapter 43, Threads of Energy Currents, is now our from Forged in Ancient Fire. Read for free!
open.substack.com/pub/forgedin...
A silver-haired man in a black suit and fedora walks beside a young woman with long dark hair through a busy Seoul street. They move purposefully amid morning sunlight and a crowd of commuters. Bright shop signs with Korean lettering line both sides of the street, blending the old and modern city atmosphere. The man’s calm, enigmatic expression contrasts with the young woman’s alert, thoughtful gaze, hinting at an unfolding mystery.
November 5, 2025 at 6:24 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
A one-eared wanderer.
A granddaughter of a sorcerer.
Breakfast—and revelations.

Chapter 42 of Forged in Ancient Fire: “Breakfast with Ji-Won.”

open.substack.com/pub/forgedin...
An older East Asian man stands in a narrow, brick-lined alleyway, wearing a black fedora, black suit coat, and dark shirt. His long gray hair is tied back in a ponytail, and his serious expression and confident stance give him an air of quiet authority and mystery. Soft daylight filters through the alley, highlighting his face and the texture of the bricks behind him.
November 1, 2025 at 8:26 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
I first heard Chicago when Chicago Transit Authority dropped in ’69 — that horn section & Terry Kath’s guitar blew me away.

55 years later, I rediscovered their full discography & wrote about their changing sound, rotating lineup, and remarkable endurance.

Read: open.substack.com/pub/timothyp...
October 31, 2025 at 12:14 AM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
‼️ Modern Rock & New Wave lovers: my KMUZ pledge-drive special has landed! 🎛

Kate Bush’, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Jam, Big Country, Depeche Mode...

▶ Listen now:

www.mixcloud.com/timothyepatt...

And while the pledge drive’s over, you can still donate anytime at KMUZ.org. #ModernRock
October 28, 2025 at 5:46 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
A ragged man. A cart full of secrets.

And a riddle that could change everything.

✨ Forged in Ancient Fire — Chapter 40: “Riddles in the Street”

➡️ open.substack.com/pub/forgedin...

#urbanfantasy #novelserialization
A realistic oil painting of an elderly man standing on a dimly lit city street at night. He wears a dark jacket, beanie, and backpack, and pushes a worn metal shopping cart piled high with boxes, bags, and tattered cloth. The warm glow from a single window in the background contrasts with the cool, shadowy surroundings, highlighting his weathered face and gentle, knowing expression.
October 24, 2025 at 11:26 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
Writing about writing isn’t about teaching—it’s about learning. Each essay is a conversation with myself, shared out loud.

🖋️ New on my Substack: Why I Write About Writing

open.substack.com/pub/timothyp...
A black-and-white photograph of a dimly lit writing desk featuring a vintage typewriter with a sheet of paper loaded. A small lamp casts a soft glow on the scene, illuminating scattered objects—a pair of scissors, a film roll, a notepad, and a coffee mug—creating a nostalgic mood that evokes the quiet concentration of a writer at work decades ago.
October 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
Let the riddim carry you.

From Bob Marley & The Wailers to Sugar Minott and beyond—this week’s Roots Rock Reggae is a journey through roots, rock, and revival.

🎧 Listen → www.mixcloud.com/timothyepatt...
Black-and-white photo of reggae legend Bob Marley smiling and holding a lit cigarette while relaxing with friends in what looks like a casual studio or backstage space. Overlaid text reads “Roots Rock Reggae – Monday 7–9 p.m. PT – Listen on KMUZ.org.” The KMUZ Community Radio logo appears in the lower right corner, showing the station’s frequencies 100.7 FM and 88.5 FM.
October 17, 2025 at 5:55 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
A golden South Salem evening.

A drone.

A two-million-dollar home with a secret.

📸 Read my latest Substack: A Rare $2M Home in South Salem

👉 open.substack.com/pub/timothyp...
October 17, 2025 at 2:38 AM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
Jia wakes before dawn, guided by a map, an old photo, and something deeper.

Chapter 37 of "Forged in Ancient Fire" is live: Doubts in the Dawn.

📖 open.substack.com/pub/forgedin...

#UrbanFantasy #ForgedInAncientFire #SerializedFiction
A teenage girl with shoulder-length dark hair and a brown jacket holds out a worn photo to a middle-aged man in a suit on a quiet Seoul street at dawn. She looks determined but uncertain; the man appears skeptical. A ghostly white dog with faint, mist-like edges stands at her side. The street is dimly lit with bluish twilight and a few glowing streetlamps, evoking a cinematic and mysterious atmosphere.
October 17, 2025 at 12:00 AM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
Chapter 35 of Forged in Ancient Fire is out now — “Beneath Unseen Hands.”

Jia uncovers a decades-old photo that mirrors the missing girl she’s been chasing… and a warning she can’t ignore.

Read here: forgedinancientfire.substack.com/p/chapter-35...

#Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #SerializedFiction
In a dimly lit, decaying kitchen, a teenage girl stands across from an elderly woman. The girl, with shoulder-length dark hair and wearing a worn leather jacket, holds a few old comic books close to her chest. A small black-and-white dog stands alert beside her, watching the exchange. The older woman, gray-haired and slightly hunched, grips the edge of a weathered counter as she studies the girl with suspicion and concern. A single bare bulb casts warm light over cracked tiles and peeling cabinets, creating a tense yet intimate atmosphere filled with mystery and quiet emotion.
October 8, 2025 at 8:29 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
Before YouTube, before MTV — TV shows like Ed Sullivan and Ready Steady Go! made rock & roll visible.

My latest Substack reflects on missing those moments the first time around and rediscovering them now.

🎶 Read: open.substack.com/pub/timothyp...

#MusicOnTV #Sixties #PopCulture
October 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
A Pika guide.

Two Flintstones comics.

And the chilling stillness of an abandoned home.

Jia’s search for Ji-Won deepens in Chapter 34 of my novel, "Forged in Ancient Fire."

Read it for free here:
🔗 open.substack.com/pub/forgedin...
A young East Asian woman stands in a dark, decaying hallway of an abandoned building. She looks back over her shoulder with a tense, wary expression. Beside her floats a glowing golden orb that softly lights the peeling walls and open doorways around her. Farther down the corridor, a dim lamp glows in a sparsely furnished bedroom. The mood is eerie, suspenseful, and mysterious.
October 3, 2025 at 10:08 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
New on Substack...

Picked up Nobody’s Fool by Richard Russo from a library sale pile. Sully, the stubborn 60-year-old with a bum knee, might be one of my favorite characters in years. Reflections on the book, the movie, and why small-town stories matter.
👉 open.substack.com/pub/timothyp...
October 1, 2025 at 5:32 PM
tradeshowguy.bsky.social
Shadows stretch, windows break, and Jia steps deeper into mystery with Reena as her guide.

Read Chapter 33 of my #Urbanfantasy novel, Forged in Ancient Fire: Through the Broken Window
🔗 open.substack.com/pub/forgedin...
A realistic oil painting of a young East Asian woman crouching on the floor of a dim, worn kitchen beside a yellow Labrador Retriever. Both are focused on a small brown mouse sitting on the cracked tile floor. The woman wears a brown jacket, dark pants, and boots, with a backpack on her shoulders. A single overhead bulb casts warm golden light, highlighting the aged cabinets and countertops in the background.
September 30, 2025 at 9:35 PM