Happy birthday, Mr. Anderson...Here's To Many Many More

 It's Kevin's birthday...one of the big ones. 

If you don't know who Kevin J. Anderson is, that's too bad. For he is a man of many talents.

I first met Kevin at the Salt Lake Comic Con, as it was known back then. I was a panelist at the event and I really had no right to be on panels with multi-national best-selling authors, but in a twist of fate, that's what happened. When I found out I was going to be on a panel about writing in the steampunk genre with Kevin (I had published two steampunk short stories at that time...), I arrived early. I did this so I could do a little trickery. The volunteers for each panel place name cards on the stage. After they placed the cards, I re-arranged them so I could sit next to the panel's most famous participant.

I know it's a bit tacky (it's nothing compared to what my friend Dave Butler did on the same panel...), but I wanted to introduce myself to him and chat a little.

I can't remember how many Salt Lake Comic Cons or FanX cons ago that was, but it was many. Since then, I've tried to take a moment to at least say, "Hi" to him and his wife when she accompanies him across the mountain range at the many events he's done in Utah. I feel honored to call him a friend.

But, I'm not alone. It seems everyone who knows Kevin can say the same thing. He is personable, kind, generous with his time for his fans, and a prolific writer. He's always positive, always helping those of us with less writing experience (pretty much everyone...) to become better writers.

The writing world can seem immense, but in many ways, it's made up of many small worlds. People get to know each other and friendships are formed and cultivated. I'm glad I can wish Kevin a very happy birthday to a man who is a better person than a writer...

And he's an amazing writer. Here's to yet another trip around the sun!

A Plug For Wordfire Press...One Of The Good Ones

I've been a published author since 2013--that's recent in comparison to others. I've been fortunate enough to see first-hand the inner workings of several small press publishers. I know because they've published things I've written.

I got an e-mail from Wordfire Press (WFP) today (because I subscribe to their newsletter...). Writers Kevin J. Anderson and his wife, Rebecca Moesta run WFP. I first met Kevin around 2014 at what was then called Salt Lake Comic Con. He was the first multi-bestselling author I personally met. I'm not sure what I expected a multi-bestselling author to be like, but Kevin was personable, encouraging, approachable, and even humble. At least, that's how he came across to me. 

What I've loved about Wordfire is it appears the purpose of the company is not first-and-foremost profits. They're important, of course, but it seems WFP really want to preserve great stories and find an outlet for other authors to do the same with their works. In the e-mail Kevin brought up all the things WPF is doing, the authors they publish, the projects they've taken on, even though they didn't need to. There's even series of Kevin's you can't find anywhere else.

You can find more about WFP on their website by clicking: HERE. You can find all their titles, as well as tips to be a better writer. That's one thing I've noticed about Kevin--he goes to convention and events not just to sell books, but also to help other writers--no matter where they are on the success ladder--to be better at the craft of storytelling. 

Check out Wordfire Press. If you love the written word, you'll definitely find something written just for you.

A Fantasy Story Bundle...A Fantastic Deal!

I think I read my first fantasy series before I reached Jr. High School, although, it could have been once I reached those middle grades. Goodness knows I needed something to take me away from the reality of those tough years. I remember the first fantasy series I read, Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain series, followed next by Stephen R. Donaldson's The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant series. From there, well, Tolkien, and everything else.

Fantasy was an escape, an adventure, a way for a boy who didn't know exactly who he was or what he wanted to be to imagine life being something other than what he saw everyday. 

I've not read much fantasy lately. It's not that I don't like it--I still do, but finding enjoyment in other genres, getting a graduate degree in English and finding what else is out there...well, there's only so many hours in the day. 

Today, however, I've been given a wonderful gift--the gift of stories. A friend, author John D. Payne--you can access his Amazon page: HERE--contacted me to see if I'd be interested in a Fantasy story bundle containing his book and twelve others.

John's book, The Crown and the Dragon, is the first one I want to read, followed by Kevin J. Anderson's Selected Stories. The other authors (and there works...) included in this bundle are:

Lindsay Buroker (Warrior Mage)
Andrea Pearson (Forsaken Prince)
Patricia Burroughs (This Crumbling Pageant)
Craig A. Price, Jr. (The Crimson Claymore)
Todd Fahnestock (Wildmane)
A.M Rycroft (Into the Darkness)
C.E. Murphy (Magic & Manners)
Kelly Lynn Colby (Tarbin's True Heir)
Simon Haynes (A Portion of Dragon & Chips)
Jason Henderson (The Iron Thane)
L. Deni Colter (The Halfblood)

The bundle's STILL AVAILABLE! And you can pick it up by clicking: HERE. You too can read the books, too! It's such a great deal, you can literally get these books for only a few dollars each.

I haven't read as much fantasy lately. Maybe this bundle is just the thing I need to fall in love with the genre all over again.

The Unseen Price Of Publishing...

For an unpublished--or, barely published--author, just seeing a convention booth like WordFire's is impressive. All those titles, all those best-selling authors, all that publishing experience in one place--it exudes success.

But it's what you don't see that makes their booth in particular so much more impressive.

Today Kevin Anderson, WordFire's creator and owner, posted in Facebook a "year-end-roundup" for the WordFire Press booth (I also lifted the photo he used--I hope he doesn't mind...). Here's some stats he mentioned in his post.

In 2016 the WordFire Press booth appeared in twenty-two shows, almost two per month. 

They calculated one and a half million people had access to their books and authors. 

With shows, interviews, and social media exposure, they reached around four million people.

The van that transported the booth traveled over 53,000 miles in the past eighteen months.

They also included a list of authors that signed autographs at their booth in 2016. The names include some of the biggest names in the publishing world today. If you've even been to a show and seen the booth in action, it's like a beehive of activity with authors and volunteers alike scrambling to feed the public something that will at least quell their insatiable hunger to read. Those at the booth work their butts off and in a manner of days, many of the same people along with new replacements will do it all over again, same booth--different city. It is so much work.

I've chatted with Kevin a few times over the years--he's got great stories. And I've asked him many questions, but I've never asked him specifically why he puts so much time and resources into WordFire. Then again, I don't think I need to. I've heard enough of his lectures and panel discussions to formulate a guess. Kevin not only has achieved success as an author, but the man loves to see great stories on a printed page, so much so, he's willing to go through all the trouble of creating his own publishing house and all that that involves. The man doesn't have to...heaven knows he could use all that time for more writing or to enjoy the fruits of his previous labors, but to him, it's important...it's worth all that hard work.

We see the finished product, or at least what many of us feel is a finished product, but if you know the process, seeing their booth in action is not just the finished product, but also the beginning and middle as well. If you get a chance to see their booth in the coming year, take a step back and just look. Look at the activity, look at the crowds, the authors and you'll see it's more than just a place for fans to pick up a great read including an author's signature, it's a testament to one man's love of great stories.

The Book At The End Of My Desk...

If you work in a place that has cubicles, you'll see different things that adorn the walls, desks (and sometimes floors...) of the work spaces. We humans like to show our individuality any way we can. I'm working in a new building and I'm getting to know my co-workers in part by the things they've surrounded themselves with while at work.

A co-worker at my part-time gig asked to read some stories from my book. I happily agreed and loaned it to him for a couple of weeks (he had some kind words about the stories he read, and he gave me an awesome review on Amazon, the reviews you can read: HERE...). He gave the book back after the last shift we worked together and I decided to put it at the end of my desk as a way to show a little of my individuality. So far no one's asked about it or even taken notice, as far as I can tell.

Maybe they'll just see it as another book, something that I'm reading during my breaks. If they take a closer look, they'll see the the author's name and that it matches the name hanging on the cubicle wall letting everyone know the name of the person assigned to this particular cubicle and the one currently sitting in the chair staring at the twin computer monitors and typing away at the cubicle.

I recently attended a panel at a writing symposium where the incredibly talented and multi-New York Times Bestselling Author Kevin J. Anderson spoke. I've heard him speak several times, but this time he talked about success. The term "Don't quit your day job" came up and I was impressed by his response. The man had several books on the bestseller list before he quit his day job. Thinking about this, I wondered what the end of my cubicle desk would look like with a string of books with my name on them on my desk, books that are in libraries and on sale at book stores. I wonder if anyone would notice them then.

Kevin J. Anderson's And Neil Peart's "Clockwork Lives"...A Book Review

Many of my author friends take the opportunity at Comic Cons and other writing symposiums to buy as many books from their friends as they can afford. I suppose you could say I do the same thing. Unfortunately, many of us authors don't have the disposable income to buy all the books we'd like to buy. 

Such is life.

What does this have to do with Kevin Anderson's and Neil Peart's Clockwork Lives? That's a fair question. At the last Salt Lake Comic Con back in September, I bought my most expensive work I've ever purchased at one of these events; it was this big red book. It's such a great read!

I have not yet read Anderson and Peart's Clockwork Angels. In Clockwork Lives Kevin Anderson explains how the book came be. There were just too many untold stories that needed a voice. The book is a collection of short stories that takes place in this world. We meet Marinda Peake, daughter of a man with a mysterious past. After her father's death, Marinda inherits a book full of blank pages. Her charge, if she wishes to inherit her father's fortune and remain in the home she adores, is to fill the book with stories. To do this, a drop of blood unlocks the secrets of the one giving up that drop, and the blood magically writes the person's story in the book. The greater the story, the more pages are filled. And since Marinda's charge is to fill the book as quickly as possible, her quest is to find the most interesting people possible to share their live's tales.

There's intrigue, terrorism, personal redemption, death, betrayal, revenge, inter-dimension travel--even a spelunking story added to the mix. Each story is fascinating and as varied and colorful as the characters themselves. Which is the point, after all. I can definitely understand why the authors needed to write this book. 

I'm glad I was able to read this book. I'm also glad I could buy it from one of the authors and have him sign it for me. It's an honor, really. I follow Kevin on social media and he has several times mentioned what this book means to him. He also expressed as much within the pages of the book. I knew if was important to him before I started it and as I read it, this thought kept going through my mind. It's hard to explain, but I think I understand why it means so much to him. The stories are honest, the characters real. They hurt, they feel, they love and, perhaps most importantly, they bleed. And through that blood we learn of them.

Yes, this book was one I usually wouldn't buy, choosing instead to go the Kindle route or wait for it at the library. But I'm glad I bought it. I 'm glad I have it signed because I now know it's more than just a book to my friend. As always, Kevin--excellent job!

Superstars Writing Seminar Scholarships Announced...

News was announced today that I was looking forward to hearing. In fact, I was more anxious to hear about this news than I am seeing the new Star Wars film.

Today the scholarship winners to Kevin Anderson's Superstars Writing Seminar received their good news. I applied for this earlier in the year.

I was not chosen as one of the five. That honor went to: Jacqui Talbot, Holly Roberds, Scott Parkin, Karen Pellett and Barbara Nickless. Of these, I only know Scott Parkin. He and I (and a few others...) were on a Philp K. Dick panel at this year's LTUE Conference. Great panel!

Good for them! I'm happy for them. When I sent in my application, I had no idea the level of competition I'd be facing. Nor did I know if my application letter was what it needed to be. I'm so out of practice in preparing documents like that.

I would like to thank two people, Dave Butler and Jennifer Greyson Rasmussen for taking time out of their busy lives and writing character references for me. That was a class thing of them to do. I feel bad I wasn't chosen for their sakes.

The seminar is held February 4-6, 2016 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a town where we lived for one year back in the 1990s. It's a beautiful place to be. I can still go, of course. I'd just have to pay full-price. That may still happen if some things fall into place. However, those "things" are beyond my control so we'll see.

And, there's always next year...

Kevin J. Anderson's "Clockwork Lives"...One Of The Best Books He's Ever Written!

I should say from the outset that the quote, "One of the best books [Kevin J. Anderson] has ever written," is not my quote.

It's Kevin J. Anderson's.

That made me sit up and take notice when I saw his post on Facebook yesterday. Because if you know anything about Mr. Anderson, that's quite a statement. Sure, the author could be tooting his own horn, but he really doesn't need to--he's earned the right to be able to judge what's good and what's not as good when it comes to writing.

I've written about Kevin before. Back in 2012 I heard him give a keynote address at the LDS Storymaker's Conference in Provo, Utah. As he spoke of his accomplishments I was amazed at how many books he had written and the incredible experiences he had while writing them. His stories of dealing with George Lucas and his contributions to the Star Wars world alone will blow your mind.

I had no idea that a few years later I would be having lunch with him in the Green Room at a Salt Lake Comic Con. Each time I've seen him since then he's been more than gracious to me--always friendly with a smile and a strong handshake.

I've read several of his books since first hearing him speak. If you've also read his books you know how good they are, and I've only read a few of the genres in which he writes. Few authors writing today can be successful in more than one genre. Kevin has mastered a dozen or so.

The announcement on Facebook was for us fans to help spread the word about his latest project. He wants to paint the internet Red! I'm trying to do my part. And I haven't even talked about the co-author, Neil Peart! The man's a rock god!

Hopefully in a few weeks I'll be able to get a signed copy of this book when Mr. Anderson comes to town. If you're attending the Salt Lake Comic Con this month, I would highly recommend doing the same. Even though I haven't read this book, from what I do know about the man, when he says it's one of the best books he's ever written, I believe him and I know I'm in for a great reading experience.

Kevin J. Anderson's "The Dark Between The Stars"...A Book Review

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If reading were like eating, I feel like I just finished a buffet dinner, complete with appetizers, main courses and desserts.

I just finished Kevin J. Anderson's The Dark Between The Stars and I am full! 

But not the "I'm full and I never want to eat anything like that again," or "I'm glad that meal is over full." I'm full and glad that I'll be able to feast yet again.

I follow the talented Mr. Anderson on various social media sites and was fortunate enough to "win" an audiobook copy of his book. The usual length of audiobooks I choose is somewhere between eight hours and 12 hours. This book takes over twenty-one hours to finish. And now that I've finished it, it never felt like I've been listening that long. I don't know if "It's a fast listen," is a recognized phrase, but for me, in this case, it's true.

From the very beginning, I was hooked. A kidnapping in space lets us know that humans will not change even hundreds of years into the future. We're also provided a slew of human (and other species...) weaknesses that create the various story lines that run the length of the novel. I also feel the need to include that I'm reading this as the first book in Anderson's The Saga of the Seven Suns or The Saga of Shadows worlds. I was not familiar with these worlds when I began this epic, but I don't believe I needed to. I did not feel like I was missing anything by not reading the previous books in the saga. So if you're in the same situation, don't let that stop you from picking up the book.

I haven't included specifics in this review, maybe because there's a lot to digest. It's been a long time since I've jumped into a big story like this and even longer since it's been a science fiction story. Even though I'm full, I know I'll be going back to this particular buffet as soon as I can.

* Photo used without permission from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18490735-the-dark-between-the-stars?from_search=true

Jack London's "The Sea Wolf"...A Review

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My wife got the audiobook for Jack London's The Sea Wolf for our kids school and when I saw it, I just had to download it.

I'm glad I did!

But, to be honest, I was a little apprehensive about reading it. The last time I read a book about a sea voyage (not counting Kevin J. Anderson's excellent novel Nemo...) was Herman Melville's Billy Budd, Sailor and I had a really tough time getting through that.

Of course, I read Melville's book as I was just beginning grad school and I'll bet if I read it again, it wouldn't be as difficult. So I thought maybe this book might be similar even though they were written roughly a century apart.

I was wrong.

I found The Sea Wolf had an incredibly contemporary feel, at least to me. The story was engaging, even  considering the different styles of today's adventure tales. If I lived in 1904 when this work was published, it would be the equivalent of the latest summer blockbuster. Imagine, people excited to read a new novel the same way we think about wanting to see a new movie. There's an innocence in that.

If you haven't read The Sea Wolf, I highly recommended it. London packs his relatively short story with adventure, intrigue, betrayal, and even a love story. So, if I do go read Billy Budd, Sailor again, I think I'll also re-read this one.

* Photo used without permission from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43049.The_Sea_Wolf?from_search=true

Kevin J. Anderson's "Captain Nemo"...A Book Review

I didn't know what to expect when I started reading Kevin J. Anderson's Captain Nemo. At the Salt Lake Comic Con last April I was honored to be on a panel with the prolific international bestselling author and, of all the books of his we discussed, I was intrigued by this one most of all (don't worry--he left his nameplate after the discussion and "somehow" it ended up with me...

I bought his book. He signed it. I read it, and today I finished it.

As I dug deeper into the story, I was impressed by the way Anderson invited me into a world we all know, and yet, hardly know at all. The story centers on three characters, Jules Verne, André Nemo, and Caroline Aronnax. We meet them as children and as the last page turns, the three have each lived amazing lives. We experience their joys, heartaches, triumphs and failures, each flawed, each having overcome their demons.

What I liked most about this story is the seemless way Anderson weaves fact and fiction and fictional facts into a tale that, though spellbinding, makes sense--especially in the worlds created by Jules Verne. 

I think someone with the success of Anderson can understand what it must be like to put himself into the mind of Verne, a man able to produce amazing amounts of work, but in this story, still wishes he could be the man he idolizes, the man he creates and elevates to almost God-like status. Personally, I don't know if Anderson wishes he could live within the adventures he creates. Then again, I think we all dream of changing reality and becoming the hero of our own imaginations.

I believe fans of Jules Verne's fantastical adventures will have the most fun with this book. However, you don't have to have read them all to understand the book's charm. I don't know if I'll ever have the opportunity to visit with Mr. Anderson in person, but if I do, I'll be sure to thank him for a very enjoyable 462 pages of reading enjoyment.

Rush...Timeless, And Simply Amazing!

I met an international best selling author and Rush fan at the Salt Lake Comic Con FanX last month. I knew Kevin J. Anderson was a best selling author. I had no idea what music he liked.

Back in the day I used to listen to a lot of music. In fact, I even attended many, many rock concerts, back when I was younger and when concerns didn't cost a lot of money. I even found some of my concert tickets from some of the Rush concerts I attended 30 plus years ago.

Can you believe it used to only cost $10 or $12.50 to see live acts?

Yes, there was a time when this was true.

During the week I listen to something almost all day long. When I figured out how to download and play podcasts, I went a little crazy. And when I realized how much I could "read" by listening to audiobooks, I went crazy again. Basically for the past few years, I've only listened to audiobooks and podcasts.

But at Comic Con I attended a talk given by Kevin and he talked about how he became a best selling author. He explained how much the band Rush influenced him, so much so, he's now collaborating with Neil Peart on literary projects. 

How cool is that?

Answer--pretty cool!

Because I've got a goal to get a novel written by next September, I decided to put on the Best of Rush and do some writing.

Listening to that music transported me to my childhood when we'd put the albums on my mom's record player and listen to Rush in my mom's front room with my friends, the speakers my dad made blasting the poetry and sheer art that is Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart.

Thanks Kevin for the suggestion!

Apparently, 30 years ago from this upcoming Wednesday was a Monday...