We are looking forward to welcoming Markus Heitz again at FANTASYDAYS^® for a book reading and subsequent book signing. Just like the last few years, he will also be available for a Question & Answer session. Markus Heitz, who was born in 1971, is one of the most successful German fantasy authors and is considered a "grand master", not only since his series about the dwarves. Currently living in Zweibrücken, he worked as a journalist for a time after studying German and History at university, but is now making a living from his writing.

On their debut album "The Violet Tribe’s Ravishing Collection of Curios", the Violet Tribe fuses crafty electro beats, wild Middle Ages-inspired tribal sounds, danceable catchy tunes and oriental melancholy into a glamorous, extraordinary and faintly haunting collection of curiosities. Music and dance are equal ingredients of this extravagant entertainment cocktail! The Violet Tribe is a group of notable and innovative musicians and dancers that cater for an adventurous show. Tribal fusion, steampunk and Goth'n'Roll meets Andalusian folklore, circus romance and Burlesque. Goosebumps are guaranteed!

We are happy to present to you again the members of Saberproject with their 12-strong Jedi and Sith group who only just celebrated their fourth anniversary. This group ocuses on the best known weapon of the STAR WARS Universe – the lightsaber. At its stall the group will present various models of lightsabers, such as properly working sabers, a number of replicas by various manufacturers and creations of some of their group members. The group is also going to inform visitors about equipment for and some modifications of these sabers. One example is the conversion of the Force FX lightsaber, which is goinig to be presented and explained.

Oliver Plaschka, born in 1975, studied English and ethnology in Heidelberg. He is publisher and translator of a large number of memorable writings and spins out novels when no one is looking. His heart beats for fantasy and he is proud to state that all books he has held in his hands have at one time or another been disreputed as nonsense. In his dark moments he would rather be a better musician or a space pilot. If he had a cat, it would be black. He loves Italian food and old British rock music. He spends his money preferably on travels and margaritas. He thinks of the new German spelling rules as an unatoned crime, but will use it if paid for it. If he is not traveling somewhere in the world, he lives in Speyer, a rather small and old town that he regards as underrated.