Category Archives: Announcements

News, Announcements, Blog

COVER REVEAL – ‘The Worlds of Nathan Marchand, Vol. 2: Tales of the Lost and Lonely’

After a few too many years, I’m publishing a new collection of rare and unpublished short stories! While Volume One was all science fiction and fantasy stories, this book will be all literary stories with the occasional thriller. Many could even be called “romantic comedies.”

This cover is a photograph taken and edited by my sister, Sarah Marchand. It was snapped in a back alley in the small town of Columbia City, Indiana. The cape, which is part of a Christopher Reeve Superman costume I own, factors into my favorite story in the collection, “The Discarded Gift.” Appropriately, it’s a Christmas story.

The (current) promo copy for the book reads:

FOR THE HOPELESS ROMANTIC IN ALL OF US…

Nathan Marchand dipped into his story vault to take you to fantastical worlds in his first collection, and now he takes you to…your neighborhood.

These (mostly) down-to-earth literary stories feature lost souls in search of redemption and lovelorn romantics in search of, well, love. They look in a graveyard, Washington, D.C., a WWII airplane hangar, an arcade, and the small Midwestern town of Vienna. Their problems range from flat tires to a discarded Superman cape to a kidnapped daughter. At every turn in every story, loneliness and love wage battles for the seekers’ hearts and minds. These everyday heroes never come out unscathed, but their very human quests for connection, no matter how unattainable it seems, cannot be denied. Each story includes a short introduction by Marchand, which gives readers insight into his creative process.

So, get cozy in your favorite reading spot for 15 Tales of the Lost and Lonely, many of which are published for the first time in this little volume!

The tentative release for the book is December 16. Watch for more announcements!

News, Announcements, Blog

ANNOUNCEMENT: ‘Worlds of Nathan Marchand, Vol. 2’ Cover Reveal Monday and Short Stories Removed from Website

In case you noticed, the posts with my short stories on this website are no longer accessible. That’s because I’m publishing them in my new collection, The Worlds of Nathan Marchand, Vol. 2: Tales of the Lost and Lonely. I did the same thing when volume one was published. Fret not! This collection will include those and previously unpublished stories–including a sequel or two to some of the ones posted here.

More importantly, I will post the cover for Volume 2 Monday, December 1. It will be here and on all of my socials. It’s a photo cover created by my sister, Sarah Marchand, although I did add text.

My goal is to have the book published before Christmas. I need to get into the habit of publishing a new book every year. I’m sure I’ve said that a few times on this website.

In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving!

Announcements, Blog, News

Works in Progress, Website Updates, and Possible Substack Coming Soon

Hello, friends, fans, foes, and everyone in between! It’s been a while since I’ve posted an update, but that’s mostly because I’ve been keeping myself busy. I have an uncanny talent for trending toward workaholism. There’s a lot I need to tell you, and a bit I’m keeping close to the vest for the time being.

First, I’ve been thinking that, while I’ve used this website as a blog to post both updates and opinion pieces, I may shift the latter to a Substack. I’m still looking into that platform, but if it seems viable, I may start a new blog there in the next few months. If I do, this website will focus more on updates pertaining to my book and fiction projects.

Speaking of which, I’ve finished editing my next short story collection, The Worlds of Nathan Marchand, Vol. 2: Tales of the Lost and Lonely. The next step is to create the cover, which I’m doing with my photographer sister, Sarah, this week. Hopefully, this book will be out before Christmas. It’s a collection of mostly unpublished literary short stories (although some have appeared on this website). My goal is to get back into the habit of publishing at least one new book every year, starting with this.

On the podcasting front, I continue to record and publish episodes for both The Monster Island Film Vault and Henshin Power V3. However, I am neck-deep in production for a special audiodrama episode I’m co-writing with my friend Joy Metter called Gamera Saves Christmas. In this fanfic, an angry teenage girl and her younger twin siblings are swept up into an adventure where they must help Gamera defeat a reindeer kaiju at the command of Santa’s evil brother, Krampus, who has invaded the North Pole with his Goblin horde. The script should be finalized and sent out to the actors this week. My plan is to release the episode Christmas Eve.

The next book projects for 2026 will be sequels to Destroyer. The first is my current WIP, Apollyon: Body and Soul (working title), which will be followed by Apollyon: Haunted Legacy (working title). I have one publisher who is interested in picking up these and the first book (which may get retitled). I have a second publisher to whom I’ll send proposals for these books.

Amidst all of this, I’ve updated my website with my portfolio. This is an ongoing project, as many of my online articles were on websites that no longer exist, or they were only published in print. A key part of this is the redesigned “Books“ page. It looks much better now and includes all the anthologies I have short stories and essays in.

All of that to say, you have a lot to look forward to from me in the next year! Stay tuned!

Blog, News, Announcements

COMING SOON – ‘The Worlds of Nathan Marchand, Vol. 2: Tales of the Lost and Lonely’

This summer (and hopefully before Gen-Con), I plan to release another short story collection that will be titled The Worlds of Nathan Marchand, Vol. 2: Tales of the Lost and Lonely. It’ll be another anthology of unpublished stories spanning my entire writing career, from college to today (well, close enough).

Unlike in Volume 1, these stories won’t be speculative fiction (with one possible exception), but many will involve “nerdy” things. For example, the flagship story involves a young man in a small town trying to return a collectible Superman cape he found in a dumpster on Christmas Eve. You may recognize some of the stories because many were once available on this very website.

As with Volume 1, I’m including short intros for each story that explains their origins. Some stories were written for college classes; others were the products of prompts from a writers group I used to attend.

Currently, my sister, Sarah, is editing the book and working on a photographic cover. Once those are done, it will be in print quickly.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Blog, Podcast, News, Announcements

MY FIRST FULL-LENGTH AUDIODRAMA – “Origins: Rito Bandora”

Rito Revolto from Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers.

In case you didn’t know, I’ve been part of Scyther Podcasts’ stable of actors for a few years now. This is a group run by Karl Dutton that makes fan-produced audiodramas, most notably for X-Men and Power Rangers. While I’ve played (of all people) Deadpool on X-Men: The Audiodrama and as Johnny Storm (The Human Torch) on its spin-off Avengers: The Audiodrama (which is run by Mitch McFarland), my first claim to fame at Scyther was playing the darkly funny supervillain Rito Bandora (aka Rito Revolto in his original incranation) on Power Rangers: The Audiodrama (see image to the right). Unbeknownst to me, Scyther’s Rito became a fan-favorite.

Because of this and some…spoiler-ific events in PRAD, I pitched an idea to Karl to write and produce a bonus episode that expands on the background for Rito that’s briefly discussed in a few episodes of the main show. He approved the outline, and after a few months of drafting the script, I went into production for my first full-lnegth audiodrama. I say, “full-length,” because I’ve produced shorter drama segments on my flagship podcast, The Monster Island Film Vault, but the longest any of those got was about 20 minutes. This special clocks in at 55 minutes. I Mel Gibson’d the snot out of this; writing, directing, editing, producing, and starring in it. I even commissioned my friend Rebecca Hudgens to do the cover art and purchased the rights to a metal song to use as the episode’s theme song. I’ve joked that the episode should be retitled, “Nate’s Vanity Project.”

So, sit back and enjoy this dark science fantasy comedy!

You can also listen to it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Be sure to watch me be interviewed about the background of this special on The Power Chamber Podcast.

News, Announcements, Blog

Website Update: Several Short Stories Removed

As an FYI to my readers, I have removed several of my speculative fiction stories from my website. These include “Bow to Your Sensei,” “Baptized in Fire,” and several others. I did so because they’ve been published in my short story collection, The Worlds of Nathan Marchand. You can always read them there. I appreciate your readership and support. Thanks!

You can purchase and review The Worlds of Nathan Marchand on Amazon.

The cover that CreateSpace kept refusing to approve.
Blog, News, Appearances, Announcements

My Upcoming Book Signings and Conventions 2023

My book signings have been few and far between since the pandemic, but now I’m finally getting back into the swing of things! The next six months or so will be quite busy for me when it comes to conventions, and I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be back in my element (well, my other element). So, here’s a quick rundown of my upcoming appearances.

Local Author Fair – Eckhart Public Library in Auburn, IN
DATE: April 22, 2023.
TIME: 10am-2pm
LOCATION: Eckhart Public Library – Auburn, IN

I’ll be one of 15 local authors from northeast Indiana selling books at the Eckhart Public Library. I’ll also be part of the fiction writing panel (the other two are on nonfiction and poetry). The Brown House Foodmobile and Hoosier Mama food trucks will be there.

Learn more about the event on the library’s website.

Days of the Dead – All Monsters Attack 2: Chicago S.O.S.
DATE: May 7-9, 2023
TIME:          Friday: 5pm-10pm
                        Saturday: 11am-7pm
                        Sunday: 11am-4pm
LOCATION: Crowne Plaza Chicago Ohare Hotel & Conf Ctr. Rosemont, IL

I attended this upstart spin-off convention last fall as a con-goer, but this year I’ll be tabling there to promote Kaiju Ramen Magazine, a publication for which I edit and write. It’s a kaiju-focused con with a guest list that goes on for days. Check out the convention’s website for more details.

JAFAX
DATE: June 9-11, 2023
LOCATION: DeVos Place Convention Center – Grand Rapids, MI

My friend Eric Anderson of Nerd Chapel is in the process of acquiring a table that he will share with me and our friends Tim and Becky Smith of the Redeemed Otaku podcast. This is an anime convention. I’ve never attended it before, so I don’t know what it’s like. Because we don’t have a table guaranteed, my attendance is uncertain, so stay tuned for more. Read more about the event on its website.

G-Fest XXVIII
DATE: July 14-16, 2023
LOCATION: Hyatt Regency O’Hare – Rosemont, IL

The biggest kaiju convention in North America returns to the Hyatt in Rosemont. I’ll be part of several panels on various subjects and attending many events. The details of the panels are still being worked out, so stay tuned! Learn more about the show at the G-FAN magazine website and the event’s new website.

Gen-Con 2023
DATE: Aug. 3-6, 2023
LOCATION: Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN

After taking a year off, I return to the “best four days in gaming” in Authors Avenue. I may also look into hosting some events. This is my flagship convention, and I can’t wait to see my Gen-Con friends again! Learn more about the event on its website.

The next few conventions are events I’m interested in attending or have been offered a spot by friends, but details are still being worked out. I’m including them so you know where I might be. Watch for updates!

-Ramencon (Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2023)
-Bangor Comic and Toy Con 2023 (Oct. 13-15)
-Fantasticon Fort Wayne 2023 (Oct. 28-29, 2023)

Like I said, I’m gonna be busy!

I look forward to seeing all of you! Bring your books to be signed or come to buy some!

News, Appearances, Announcements, Blog

My Upcoming Book Signings (as of 9-15-19)

I will be tabling at a small convention, and I have applied to table at another local author event. Both will be in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The first will be Fantasticon Fort Wayne, which is being held September 21-22, 2019. Eric Anderson, founder of Nerd Chapel and my co-author on the 42 books, will also be there, but we’re not tabling together. The con announced that they would be selling five heavily-discounted tables last week, so I jumped at the opportunity. I wasn’t sure I’d snag a table, but I got lucky (or was “blessed,” if you’re the religious type). I’ll be selling and signing my books (although Eric will be selling the 42, so get them from him) and promoting my upcoming podcast The Monster Island Film Vault, which is launching September 25.

According to the convention’s website,

Fantasticon is a mid-size show created for true comic book and pop culture collectors and fans. The fans that come to our shows are true collectors that are looking for those rare items for their personal collections. Most leave very satisfied as we pride ourselves on having great dealers and artists at our shows. If you collect it, you will find it at a Fantasticon Show.

Fantasticon is proud to have a presence in multiple cities throughout the mid-west. Currently we are in five different cities, in three different states including Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.

We also, are very proud of the fact that our admission price is the lowest of any other comparable shows. And the cost for being an exhibitor or artist at the Fantasticon is far less than any comparable comic cons out there.

While I haven’t received a confirmation yet, I have applied to table to table at the annual Local Author Book Fair, which will be held November 30, 2019, from 10am-4pm at the main branch of the Allen County Public Library. Find out more info here on ACPL’s blog.

Be there or be square!

News, Appearances, Announcements, Blog

My Toho Screenwriter Panel was Accepted by G-Fest!

It’s been a while, hasn’t it, True Believers? I know I say this a lot, but please accept my apologies. I was hard at work finishing my first year as a graduate student. If you’ve been following me on social media, though, you know that I’ve picked up on writing Hope’s War and editing my novella for Children of the Wells. That and a secret project will be my primary works this summer. Stay tuned for more!

Speaking of summer….

A few months ago I wrote that I would be going to G-Fest XXVI but as a panelist and not a vendor. I’ll once again be part of “The Art of Kaiju Writing” panel and joining the panel discussion of the upcoming Godzilla: King of the Monsters. More importantly, though…

Promotional image for G-Fest XXVI. (Courtesy of www.G-Fan.com).

I’M HOSTING MY OWN PANEL!

I and my friend/fellow writer Danny DiManna of the Godzilla Novelization Project will be presenting on Toho screenwriters Shinichi Sekizawa and Takeshi Kimura, who wrote many of the studio’s tokusatsu films from the 1950s-1970s. (You probably heard me talking about them a lot on Kaijuvision Radio). The fandom talks a lot about directors, actors, and composers, and rightfully so, but almost never about screenwriters, which is a shame. Danny and I hope to fill in that gap.

Here’s the description of the panel you’ll see in the convention program:

Most of Toho’s classic tokusatsu films started with scripts penned by the Showa era creative team’s unsung heroes, Shinichi Sekizawa and Takeshi Kimura. Join Nathan Marchand (professional writer and co-creator of Kaijuvision Radio) and Daniel DiManna (creator/author of the Godzilla Novelization Project) as they explain how these polar opposite storytellers revolutionized the kaiju genre.

I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am about doing this. Danny is a tremendous writer and one of the most infectiously enthusiastic fans I’ve ever met, so it’ll be a great presentation. Be there or be square!

Here’s my panel schedule:

Friday 12pm (Kennedy Room): Sekizawa and Kimura: A Tale of Two Screenwriters
Saturday 3pm (Ballroom 1): Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Saturday 4pm (Kennedy Room): The Art of Kaiju Writing

Learn more about G-Fest here.