I realize I’m kinda breaking one of the rules I learned about digital publishing t a seminar at Gen-Con, but I want to apologize for not updating my website for a while. Life has kept me busy. I finished writing a novella that will be serialized on a webfiction website some writer friends and I are starting (more on that later), and I’ve started writing more regularly on Examiner. I may also post a new story on this site.
However, this post isn’t about any of those.
I mentioned that I was going to do a vlog (or video podcast or whatever people call it now) about what I learned about selling books at conventions. I fully intend to do that. In fact, I’d like to make the vlog a recurring feature of this website and my Youtube channel. It would be interactive and yet another way to get myself out there to promote my work and the works of others. Plus, it’d be fun. I learned about an online video editing program called WeVideo that would be perfect for this.
I plan to call the show “But I Digress…”. I’m going to film the first episode this week.
Stay tuned for more details. I don’t want to promise too much right now.
Day three at Gen-Con wasn’t quite as eventful for me. That’s not to say the convention had slowed down. Not at all! But since there was so much more going on, not as many people (surprisingly) were perusing the exhibitors’ hall.
My day started with me checking out the life-size Dalek the Who North America had on display. Then as I entered and walked by their booth (I arrived an hour before the hall opened), I had the privilege of meeting Nick Briggs, the producer of many Doctor Who audio dramas, but he’s most famous for providing the voice of the Daleks. I talked with him for a while and got a picture with him:
Here I am with Nick Briggs, the heart and soul (and voice) of the Daleks on “Doctor Who.”
It’s a good thing I saw him when I did because I heard he was swamped later.
Next, I went back to the table of what looked to be a Christian ministry that reached out to the nerd/geek subculture, specifically gamers. It’s called GameChurch. I had seen their table the day before at closing time, so nobody was there. I talked with their rep, Rich Clark, for a while, learning more about their ministry. I also got a free “Jesus Loves Gamers” T-shirt and their tracts and business cards. I was very happy to see someone reaching out to a subculture the Christian church generally ignores or shuns. I learned by the end of the weekend that there are several others, but they have different niches. More on that in part four.
I spent most of the day selling books. I met some cool cosplayers while I was there. Not all of them bought books, but they were awesome nonetheless. My favorites were a young family. The dad was dressed as Captain America and his toddler son was Bucky! Check it out:
The dad dressed as Captain America.
Here’s his little son dressed as Bucky, Cap’s sidekick.
Cap is one of my favorite comic book characters, so I was excited to see them. The mom was wearing homemade fairy wings she made with green yarn and a coat hanger. (See the gallery when it’s posted).
Then there was this interesting character:
The crazy “God-woman.”
Where do I begin with her? For one thing, she jokingly said she was “God” since that was what her hat said. (I’ve sadly forgotten her name. If you see this, “God,” leave a comment and let me know your real name). She said her friends at the bar got it for her ten years ago. She oozed snide confidence. Regardless, she was cool and bought a copy of Pandora’s Box, as you can see.
I went to another Michael A. Stackpole seminar that afternoon. This one was called “21 Ways to Kill Your Novel.” Unfortunately, not only did I get to it late, Mr. Stackpole wasn’t able to list of 21 items before his hour was up. I did get notes on what I missed from a woman who sat next to me.
After killing some time photographing cosplayers and exploring, I went to the Westin Hotel for a TV writing seminar. I spent some time reading Trigun in the manga library. Then I attended a seminar called “Writing for Television,” which was taught by prolific screenwriter George Strayton. You may not recognize his name, but you’ll know his many credits, which include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Xena: Warrior Princess, and the new Star Trek movie, among others. Not only did I learn how to break into the TV writing business, I got some…interesting inside info on some very popular creators and shows in Hollywood. It was great.
Afterward, I decided I’d go to Gen-Con’s film festival, which was being held at the Westin. So, I went to a screening of an Australian superhero comedy called The Justice Squad. I went into it not knowing what to expect—and was pleasantly surprised. It was hilarious! A documentary film crew follows Australia’s only superhero team as they prepare for comic book tryouts, which is the ultimate prize for a superhero. I would describe it as The Office with superheroes. I met the director, David Lawrance, afterward. He said the American audience laughed more than the Australian one did, so he was pleased. I asked him what his favorite comic book was, and he said it was Watchmen by Alan Moore (because you all wanted to know that). The film isn’t on DVD yet, but he hopes to make it available soon. Here’s a photo of us:
I pose for the camera with David Lawrance, the director of the Australian superhero comedy, “The Justice Squad.” (I apologize for the photo’s poor quality).
I left the Westin, navigated the Indiana Convention Center, and went back to the parking garage. Once again, I learned why I hate the things. I got lost, spending 10-15 minutes (maybe longer) wandering around trying to find my car. It wasn’t worth the hassle, I decided.
I’ll be at Table Z in Author’s Avenue at Gen-Con Aug. 16-19 in Indianapolis.
I’ve received my table assignment for Gen-Con’s Authors’ Avenue. As you can see above, I’ll be at Table Z. I’ll be selling and signing copies of Pandora’s Box, Destroyer, andThe Day After. Gen-Con is August 16-19 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Author’s Avenue is open each day of the convention from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
I’ve been neglecting to announce this for months. Forgive me, readers, especially if you own a Kindle.
Cover Art by Zach Hayden
The Day After, a short story collection that includes my story “Suicide Soldier” (a companion piece toPandora’s Box), is now available on Amazon.com as a Kindle download for $1.99. This is thanks to my friend, fellow writer, and fellow contributor Nick Hayden.
Natalya is an American mom and wife with a Russian name working as a spy for the Brazilian government in a Midwest American town. Balancing dual identities is dangerous–and sometimes comical–especially when her husband hasn’t a clue.
Morana is on a suicide mission to transmit a bestial virus to her enemies when she encounters a smalltown family with the potential to break through her boundaries of hatred. But in the end, will it make a difference, or is it too late for redemption?
Peter, a photojournalist, returns home late to meet his newborn son…but just in time to rescue his family from a national zombie infestation. As they travel toward safer ground, trying to maintain a modicum of normalcy, Peter has the urge to document the disaster, but at what price?
Jacob is trapped in an endless maze of a house that appears to have no exits to the outside world except for a noose in his bedroom. He meets a mysterious stranger in the darkness and discovers pieces of letters he doesn’t remember writing. Who knows how long he’s been there? The noose is tightening.
Four stories, four writers, four genres…one connecting thread. What happens when the main focus of your life is stripped and all that’s left is the day after?
I’m proud to announce that once again my brother Jarod Marchand has created an illustration for one of my stories. This time it was for “Wrestling,” which is about a down-on-his-luck small-time pro wrestler is assailed by a mysterious opponent after a match. Here’s Jarod’s artwork:
Artwork by Jarod Marchand
He takes some creative license, I admit. The wrestler’s opponent wears a hoodie in the story, while Jarod makes it look like a cloak. Other than that, it’s more or less what happens in the story. I don’t mind Jarod’s changes. It showcases his unique style and flair for drama.
I’ve gone through the poems I wrote for NaPoWriMo (National Poetry Writing Month) last month, editing them and selecting the ones I consider the best of the lot. These will be added to the poetry section of the “Nathan’s Works” section of this website. So, without further adieu, here are the best of NaPoWriMo:
I learned on my friend Karen’s blog that April is National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo). The challenge is to write one poem a day, thereby having 30 completed poems by the end of the month. I’m going to participate even though I’m five days behind. So, for the next five days, I will write two poems a day so I can catch up. I’ll be posting each poem as the month progresses. I can’t promise that all the poems will be good. First, because I’m still refining my skill as a poet. Second, the tight deadline (and my schedule) leaves little time for editing. So please bear with me, readers. The poems I do like from this month will be added to the main list of poems in the “Nathan’s Works” tab.
I’m sorry, readers. I meant to post this story Friday, but life happened, and I was so busy all weekend. But better late than never.
The new story is entitled “Wrestling.” It’s a 1,000-word “magical realism” story about a small-time professional wrestler who is assailed by a mysterious opponent on the eve of going to court for a lawsuit. It was inspired by the movie, The Wrestler, starring Mickey Rourke, and by the story of Jacob wrestling with God in the Biblical book of Genesis. It came about because of a writer’s group challenge. I hope you enjoy it. Click here to read it.
I may post a few more poems this week. Stay tuned.
Yesterday, the server that hosts this website inexplicably shut down. It was down for over a day. My apologies to you, my readers. Thankfully, it seems the problem(s) have been corrected.
Anyway, I wanted to announce I’ve posted another poem, as promised. This one is entitled “A Psalm,” and that’s exactly what it is. If you’re familiar with the Book of Psalms in the Bible, you’ll know what to expect. I wrote it in the style of a psalm translated into English, however it’s certainly not divinely-inspired Scripture. But then again, I’m sure there were many psalms that were written but not included in the Bible. Regardless, like many of the Biblical psalms, mine is a prayer for deliverance.
