The Man From Georgia Was Right...There's A Mountain At The End Of Every Street

One of the cool things about attending writing conventions and comic cons (and I haven't been to that many...) is getting to know people from around the world. Having spent most of my life in Utah, I'm always interested to hear what people think of our little state.

A few weeks ago I drove east getting to my home. The road appeared to go straight into a mountain. It reminded me of something a visiting writer said about Utah. We were at one of the early Salt Lake Comic Cons (back when it was called Salt Lake Comic Con...). A guest writer came in all the way from Georgia to attend the event.

The writer was James Ray Tuck Jr. Not only is he a writer, he's also a tattoo artist. Very cool guy. In between selling books, I struck up a conversation with him. I found out where he lived and so I asked him what he thought of Utah.

"It's beautiful here," he said. That's a common response I get when asking people about our state, especially those who are visiting for the first time. Perhaps it was the writer in him, but what he said next has stuck with me.

"It's like there's a mountain at the end of every street."

I asked him for clarification because it was the first time I had ever heard anyone put it that way.

"Yeah, when I was downtown walking around, I'd look up and down the streets and every time, there was a mountain at the end--no matter where I looked, I always saw a mountain."

I knew what he meant, of course. I had just never looked at it that way. But when I was driving home a few weeks ago, I looked at the straight road ahead of me and it reminded me of James's perspective. At the end of my road, there was a mountain.

Posing With Plastic...

There's an office in the valley that houses a lot of amazing things. It's the headquarters for the FanX Comic Convention. There's posters on the walls and various statues. I've taken pictures with some in the past--Han Solo encased in carbonite, Gollum, or if you prefer Smeagol. The last time I was there, they had a few new ones I hadn't seen before.

I just had to take some selfies.

I am not a selfie person. As you can tell from these shots, I don't do them well. As a photographer, composition and set-up are important, so are lighting and expression. I can look at each of the four and find faults. We all know people who take and post a lot of selfies. And most of the time, they do a good job with their shots. Maybe practice makes perfect. Then again, maybe they're just better subjects to look at.

The question is, should I take more selfies, or just get by with the ones I do take? Personally, I'd prefer the latter. After all, these pictures give you a sense of what I was trying to do, have a little fun showing off the awesomeness of their office.

Salt Lake Comic Cons And FanX...Amazing Experiences, Lives Changed!

There's no other way to look at this--I'm one incredibly lucky fella! Last week I did a little cleaning in my room. I have a spot on a bookshelf where I put my convention lanyards and passes. I've kept every Salt Lake Comic Con and FanX pass I've been given since 2013. Tonight I spread them out and just looked at them.

There's a lot of amazing experiences packed into those plastic passes.

Back in the summer of 2013 I was asked by a friend if I'd like to help out with the first Comic Con in Salt Lake. I was beyond honored. But even I had no idea just what that simple question would mean to my future, to the future of my family, and my career. Had I known, I might have been even more excited (if that were possible...). 

Because of these conventions, I have meet people who I may not have met otherwise, people who have helped me with my writing, helped me get stories published, helped me secure my first novel contract. The book comes out a week from today. I've been on panels with world-famous authors, filmmakers, artists. I've met some of the most beautiful people at these events. 

I know some who diss comic cons. They make fun of the people who go, the people who spend hours of time creating costumes--be they good or not so good--all in the name of fun. They can't understand how people would spend their hard-earned cash for the opportunity to wait in long lines to spend five minutes with their favorite celebrities, leaving only with a signed photo. They can't understand it--it doesn't compute in their minds, and it probably never will.

I feel a little sad for those who think this way. But the great thing about these conventions are those who go couldn't give a flying flip about what others think. Personally, these shows have changed lives--mine included. In years past, the next convention would be a few weeks away, but not this year. We'll have to wait until September. I've been fortunate enough to help out and be a special guest at each one so far. I hope that streak continues, but if it doesn't, I'll always be grateful to Blake, Ryan, Dan, Bryan, and the literally thousands of others who have helped me become a better writer, a better salesman, a better communicator, a better person. 

I can't wait for the next one!

To Celebrate Spencer's Birthday...Here's Some Lightstick FX Photos!

I met Spencer on a train going to Salt Lake Comic Con--I forget which one. He had with him a large piece of luggage and he looked like someone who was headed to the event. As was I. We stuck up a conversation and I learned he was from Arizona and it was his first time attending Salt Lake's largest geek convention.

I decided to look him up once everything got going. He's a very engaging person. We chatted and he showed me what he was peddling. The thing that impressed me the most was what he called Lightsticks. They're small thin plastic rods of various colors. Then he showed me what they did. 

I'm still blown away by their simplicity. 

You turn on your phone's flash, have a person strike a pose, either holding a lightsaber or if they have a weapon, they can pose with that too. Then the photographer holds the plastic rod in front of the camera lens, adjusts it just right, then takes a picture. If you're interested in getting some for yourself, just click HERE for the website. As you can see in these photos, some turned out better than others. The ability of the photographer plays a huge part in making it look just right.

Tonight at rehearsal (in between acts...), I asked several of my fellow cast members to pose for me. More wanted to, but we ran out of time.

 Happy birthday Spence! Hope it was great!

Someone Asked Me What Panels I've Been On...So I Counted Them

Next month another convention rolls into town. Actually, it doesn't really "roll." It's more like a mass of people assemble and the magic happens. Because of my schedule, I didn't think I could attend. So when I found out I could, I e-mailed those in charge of next month's convention and asked if I could attend as a panelist, even though I was late to the party.

She e-mailed me back and she asked me a question.

What panels have you done in the past?

That was a good question. I answered back and gave her an overview. I told her in which conventions I've been fortunate enough to participate. I gave her my educational background as well as some awards I've won through my writing. I wasn't sure if I'd hear back, but I did. This time she asked another good question.

Can you give me some of the specific panels you've been on so we can see how we can use you at our convention?

That made me think. Just how many panels have I been on since I began this little writing adventure? It took some digging, but I went back to 2013. It's one of the advantages of keeping a daily blog since before then. Turns out I've been on over forty panels, forty-one to be more specific. I've also helped out on a panel here and there.

I e-mailed her back with my list. I knew it was probably more than she asked for, but just putting the list together brought back some wonderful memories. I've met some amazing people and developed many lasting friendships. Thanks to all who've been a long for the ride. See you at the next convention!

My Forty Panels (Plus 1...)

Salt Lake Comic Con FanX 2016:

Steampunk: Beyond Goggles

Video Game Design Pioneers

Being a Resilient Writer: Not For the Faint of Heart

Salt Lake Comic Con FanX 2015:

Harry Potter: Why HP Needed Hermione to Survive Every Time

How to Get Past Writer’s Block

How to Writer Middle Grade/YA to Specific Audiences

Beyond the Deathly Hallows: The Past and Future of Harry Potter

Sometimes it’s Okay to Kill the Good Guy

Salt Lake Comic Con FanX 2014:

Paranormal Stories: The Case for the Supernatural at Wal-Mart

Brainstorming for Writers and Artists

The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Films as Adaptations

Steampunk for the Ages

Downtown Abbey: How a Stuffy British Drama Became One of TV’s Most Addictive Shows

World Building for Dystopian, Utopian, and Apocalyptic Futures: How to Do it Right

Salt Lake Comic Con 2015:

Orphan Black—discussed the hit TV show

Cutting the Cord: Media Options in the 21^st Century

Saucy or Gory: Discussion on Writing Sex vs. Violence

Salt Lake Comic Con 2014:

Geek Parenting: Raising the Next Generation of Geeks

Steampunk, Cyberpunk, and Punk Rock

From Graphic Novels to Feature-Length Films

Structuring Life to Support Creativity

Salt Lake Comic Con 2013:

Making a Film On a Shoestring Budget

Managing Your Artistic Career While Working a Full-Time Job

Steampunk: What Is It? Is It Here to Stay?

Life, The Universe, And Everything (LTUE)

LTUE 34, 2016:

Learning the Lingo: Understanding Writing Terms

Science Fiction vs. Science Fantasy

LTUE 33, 2015:

Philip K. Dick as an Example of Adaptation

Everything is Awesome! The genius of the LEGO Movie

Finding Your Muse

Learning From Failure

Publishing With a Small Press

LTUE 32, 2014:

Small Press Publishing

The Screenwriting Process

E-Publishing Short Stories

Writing For Film

Salt City Steamfest, 2014:

Space Balrogs: Choose Your Own Apocalypse

Salt City Steamfest, 2013:

Getting Your Steampunk Writing Published

Conduit/Westercon

Conduit 2015:

Geek Parenting

WesterCon 2014:

Turning Fantasy in Reality: The Art of Adapting Comics and Art to Film & TV

Tag Team Jeopardy & the Avenue of Awesomeness

E-Publishing Short Stories and Poetry

Comic Cons Are Supposed To Be About Fun...Right?

I think most knew it was coming, the lawsuit over a name.

Now, I'm not a lawyer, but I know enough to know that a lawsuit between San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) and Salt Lake Comic Con (SLCC) is not a trivial matter. It's about dollars--lots and lots of dollars. For those of us in the Utah camp, it seems silly, unnecessary and a bit spiteful.

So, why single out SLCC when there's so many Comic Cons across the country and the world?

The only reason I can think of is Salt Lake's amazing success. In less than one year the SLCC organizers have created the third-largest convention in America, and I believe the lawsuit filed by SDCC will only fuel the fire beating in the chests of the local nerds. I'm no prophet, but I believe all the hoopla surrounding the lawsuit will propel SLCC to surpass New York as the #2 comic con in the country, and could possibly become the biggest in the nation. I have no hard data to support this prediction--just a hunch.

But, aren't these conventions supposed to be about the people? Shouldn't SLCC and SDCC try as hard as they can to satisfy the people paying good money to get inside the doors? That's what I thought and while I meandered among throngs of people at the Salt Palace Convention Center last September and April, I saw happy people. I've never been to SDCC but I hope their patrons enjoy their show.

Then again, this might all be about a car...Darn Germans!

Hi...I'm Will

At work today, while on a break, I watched the YouTube trailer for the second Hobbit film, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and it reminded me of something that happened at Salt Lake Comic Con. It's where I met William Kircher.

Comic Con was a surreal experience. You're crammed in a space with incredibly talents writers, actors, directors, artists and thousands of us normal people wanting to have a good time and to be in their presence. The entire back wall of the convention hall was reserved for the celebrities, but a few of them were scattered among the masses.

By the Weta Digital display, one of the event's celebrities had a table set up and he was signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans. Many of the celebrities charged for both autographs and photos and the money raised was donated to various charities.

Sitting with Mr. Kircher (Bifur in The Hobbit films...) was an assistant, a beautiful blond woman who's job it was to keep the fans orderly, making sure we were acting according to Comic Con protocol. Since I wasn't really there to "bug" the celebrities (and better yet, lacked funds for pictures of autographs...), I approached the table and looked at something I could take as a memento, something I could save.

"Take one." I heard a voice say. I looked over and Mr. Kircher saw I was looking at a stack of business cards. "Thanks," I said and picked up a card. I took a step back checking out the card when I heard someone to my left say, "Hi. I'm Will."

I turned and saw that Mr. Kircher had left his chair behind the desk, walked over to me and extended his hand. I shook it and said something like, "Hello... ah, thanks." I was a little in shock that he would want to shake my hand. Now, he wasn't the biggest celebrity there as far a popularity goes, but he was an invited guest. People paid good money to see him and others. He didn't have to make that extra effort to make me feel like he was generally glad that I was there for him.

Watching the trailer it reminded me of a kind gesture one person did for another. I'm sure he doesn't remember me--nor would I expect him to. But I hope I don't forget the way a small act can mean so much.

Meet Dave Butler...

*

This is Dave.

Dave is an author.

Dave's a musician.

Dave is tall.

Dave is also a very cool guy.

Last Thursday I entered the halls of the Salt Palace Convention Center nervous and a bit overwhelmed. In a few hours I would be sitting in front of people (who paid good money...) and talk about subjects I felt unqualified to discuss.

I arrived early and decided to check out the vendor hall. It was there I ran into a friend and author, Michaelbrent Collings. That's him on the right, next to Blake Casselman, Comic Con organizer extraodinaire. If you google "Michaelbrent" he's pretty much the only one with that name--genius for an author...). We chatted, caught up. He's such a nice guy.

"Have you met Dave Butler?" he asked. Of course I had not. "You should go meet him. You can't miss him. He's like 6' 8'. He's really funny and he's got an guitar."

Intrigued, I ventured on until I found the only tall person holding a guitar on the vendor floor--most likely, the entire building.

"You're Dave Butler!" This he knew. We introduced each other then had a little chat. I knew he would be on the steampunk panel with me. It took only a few minutes before I knew I had nothing to worry about as far as the panels went. Maybe it was his sense of humor, or the comments he made, or the free music CD he gave me (that he usually charges for...). I don't know. But after leaving the booth where his books were sold, I felt different. I felt better.

So, thanks Dave for your help. You may not have realized it, but you made my Comic Con experience so much better! 

If you want to know more about the talented Dave (I could have mentioned his profound knowledge about Steampunk, but I didn't...), check out his website and buy his book, for he is the world's only Mormon Steampunk author--a title he will most like never have to give up.

Dave's Website: HERE.

* Photo borrowed from Craig Nybo's Facebook photos without permission. Thanks Craig!

A Little Lesson In Crowd Control...

It's interesting how large crowds need controlling. And they can be controlled with items as small as a two pieces of paper and a threat.

I, and what feels like half the state of Utah, are attending a little event held in downtown Salt Lake City this weekend. Yesterday I arrived early to help set up and there were few people in the convention hall. I was able to ride my little scooter around and take pictures and chat with people. It took less than a minute to get from one end of the huge space to the other. And every twenty feet or so, a large red door allowed us to leave.

After the crowds were allowed in, only the vendors used the red doors. They were convenient because you could go to the red door by your assigned booth and come and go as you wanted. That's what I did all day yesterday.

Today it was more crowded. I got to the booth where our books are for sale and I looked for the closest red door by which to leave so I could get to where I was going quickly. Low and behold a sign now appeared on the door. EMERGENCY EXIT ONLY. I almost didn't see it and I wondered as I opened the door if it was truly an emergency.

Apparently, the sign was not sufficient enough to achieve the desired effect. I guess too many of us deemed what we were doing "emergencies." I walked past a red door later and now an alarm had been installed on each door. I'm pretty sure this latest piece of paper did the trick.