Logospilgrim's Blog, page 15

Outlaw in the Land of Perfection: the cover

Kind readers,

I now have the new cover of Outlaw in the Land of Perfection!

Here they are, my two heroines: the Reverend Kristopher Silverheart and her companion Heaven.

I am so happy with the gorgeous art that Nezumi and her daughter Selene did for me. It truly captures the heart of the novel. I can’t thank them enough for doing this :-)

The book is set to be published at the beginning of June!

 

Your devoted

Logospilgrim, the quiet professor

Tagged: Outlaw in the Land of Perfection

Flashback Weekend 2014 and other tidbits

Kind readers,

it doesn’t exactly feel like spring around here yet, but thankfully there are many things that are raising my spirits these days.

Apart from Ottawa Comic Con, and Montreal Comic Con, another thrilling event is now part of my 2014 schedule: Flashback Weekend.

This will be my first horror con, and I’m very excited. It’ll also be my first trip to Chicago. I love the whole concept of this particular con: regular convention by day, horror film fest by night. The films are screened at the gorgeous Mulvico Rosemont 18, which also has a full restaurant and bar, Bogart’s. There will be a Phantasm reunion. A Zombie Pinup Beauty Pageant.

Not to mention, this splendid man:

Meaning that I won’t be meeting him twice, but three times in 2014. My cup runneth over! And this convention sounds like it’ll be a complete blast in every respect.

I’ve already book my room at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare, and am waiting for the tickets to go on sale.

Here’s a few more cool things I’ll share with you…

The letter Fangoria sent me when I won Freddy’s sweater in 1987:

And the Fangoria issue that featured my winning entry…

I’ll be bringing it with me to Flashback (it goes without saying, eh?). And I’ll be bringing copies of Outlaw.

It’s good to be part of the horror fandom again! These past ten years or so, my attention was elsewhere, but my re-embracing horror feels like a celebration; I love the subversive zaniness of horror. It’s like when Ian Essko says “Do I suck or what?!” and laughs in Zombie Strippers: to me, there’s something wonderfully Taoistic or Zen about his words. It’s a joyful acceptance of absurdity. The absurdity of life isn’t meaningless by nature; that much, I’m glad to say, I’ve come to know.

The magnificent ink portrait I got last week at Planet Ink has been healing very well. I can hardly believe that Ottawa Comic Con is almost only a month away now. Eep!

In other news, I am now halfway through my second draft edit of Outlaw in the Land of Perfection. It will be finished on schedule, right at the start of April, at which point it’ll be entrusted to my skilled editor.

I’ve decided to write a horror novel this summer. The story has already begun percolating inside my brain.

I also want to start writing short stories in the same genre. To get back into the game, I ordered a giant anthology that will teach me much and refresh my memory, as it were:

So, despite the lingering cold and snow, I’m feeling good.

Your devoted

Logospilgrim, the quiet professor

Tagged: conventions, Fangoria, Flashback Weekend, Freddy Krueger, Freddy's sweater, Outlaw in the Land of Perfection, Robert Englund, The Weird, writing

ink worthy of the man

Kind readers,

so I was at Planet Ink tuesday, and Tiffany did the most amazing portrait on my right calf… I still can hardly believe this stunning piece is on my leg now! I keep having to look to make sure, and goodness, yes, there it is

She took this photo right after the portrait was finished—the inking lasted about seven hours.

And here’s a quick shot I took the next day, after I removed the bandages… You can see how marvelous his hand looks, and the fantastic details on his bracelet:

As the piece heals, it will look lighter and softer. His beautiful wrinkles, eyes and beard will pop.

Everyone at Planet Ink is amazing. Matt, the shop owner, even brought me a bowl of his homemade Spanish rice, which was delicious. Heartfelt thanks to everyone there, especially the über talented and lovely Tiffany Thornton, who has been gracing my body with top notch art for at least three years now.

My next appointment with her is on April 1st. She’s going to check if Mr. Englund needs any touch ups, and she’s going to turn me into a Visitor. Remember when Willie got the fake skin at the back of his left hand ripped off during The Final Battle, and his green scales were revealed? That’s what we’re going to do; the ink will be based on a screengrab of a closeup shot. This ink will also have mystical significance (surprise!). Willie, at the time, was being despised and rejected, so the ink will mean, “Look, if you’re going to be despised and rejected for what you are, then I am what you are too.”

Needless to say, I am looking forward to Ottawa Comic Con more than ever! My cosplay preparations are going very well, too. I got my Mr. Confab hat the other day, and it’s perfect.

I have also determined what gifts I am going to give Robert to express my gratitude for his kindness and celebrate his upcoming birthday. Frankly, he deserves to be showered with gifts. One of them is this very cute and funny Heart of Gold plush by a company aptly named I Heart Guts. In “Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer,” his character is forced to swallow a terrible black heart of evil, but I think that a heart of gold is what Robert Englund has…

In other news, I am almost halfway through the second draft of Outlaw in the Land of Perfection. It’s all good

And speaking of writing, how’s this for bad ass encouragement?

Every writer needs a mug like that, I’d say! You can get yours at The Rumpus.

Also, I have been making excellent friends over on Twitter. One of them is Sv Bell, whose kickass comics I now receive in the mail. Wonderful art, great stories. I also now have a banner here on logospilgrim.com that links to his website, where you can see awesome B movies and independent films 24 hours a day:

I had lots of fun stuff to share with you!

Today, I’m going to rest a bit more… Getting the ink was wonderful, but also exhausting, whew. And it’s freezing again outside. I can’t wait for spring.

Your devoted

Logospilgrim, the quiet professor

Tagged: BlackFlag.TV, I Heart Guts, ink, Ottawa Comic Con, Planet Ink, Robert Englund, Sv Bell, tattoo, The Rumpus, Tiffany Thornton

free-spirited exuberance

Kind readers,

I just added this to my profile over on Livejournal:

I am stepping away from the very formal way of writing I’ve been using lo these many years. The time has come for me to express my thoughts in a looser, more exuberant and free-flowing manner. I’m at a different stage of my life, and experiencing new things. I have new realities to share

I’ve definitely been going through a rollicking period of change. But, it’s a natural evolution based on my previous life experiences…

I’m coming out of another cocoon.

I’ll be sharing this process in my upcoming book of essays, A Princely Calling: The Mystical Secrets of Severus Snape. I have been thinking of his influence as I emerge from one state into another; it’s there, but different in a number of ways. He has been following me throughout my transformations, and he’s going through his own transformations in my mind as well—I see him in a new light. This is yielding fascinating insights for me. It’s exhilarating.

I plan to have this book ready in time for MISTI-Con 2014. It’s going to be another fabulous gathering.

In two weeks, I am going to get this portrait of dear Mr. Englund inked on my outer right calf (I changed my mind and opted for this photograph, which captures his mischievous spirit so beautifully, even as he has aged, also beautifully):

This is going to be very fun ink, and will symbolize the free-spirited exuberance I’ve been embracing. Something before is becoming something after.

I was listening to a song by Urban Myth Club last night, and it expressed my joy, my way of seeing life, the universe and everything so well…

We’ll be together

I feel it in my heart

I don’t need to hear you say

You don’t have to say a word

This is my love song to everything.

Or, to quote Alan Watts, “The mystery of life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.”

Your devoted

Logospilgrim, the quiet professor

Tagged: Alan Watts, body art, MISTI-Con, Robert Englund, symbolism, Urban Myth Club, writing

not in Kansas anymore

Kind readers,

I am hard at work on the second draft of Outlaw in the Land of Perfection, and it is going well. I want this draft finished by the middle of April, at which point I shall place it in my editor’s competent hands. I am set to publish the book by early summer; it will be available as a print edition, and a Kindle edition (I shall be asking someone to format it for me).

Nezumi is coloring the cover illustration… Here is the inked version:

She has captured the bond between Heaven and Silverheart perfectly. This image makes me so happy. It is magical.

I am still counting the days until spring. Mercy! But, in the middle of January, I was told the most amazing and excellent and encouraging of news, and it made our harsh winter much less terrible all of a sudden. At the start of May, I shall be going to Ottawa Comic Con, where an old dream of mine will at last finds its fulfillment: I shall have the chance to meet a man I have admired and frankly adored since I was fifteen years old, the inimitable, lovely and wonderful Robert Englund.

In 1987, I participated in a writing contest held by Fangoria Magazine, and to my great astonishment, not to mention my unending delight, won the first prize… The red and green sweater he wore in the first three Nightmare films:

I was also sent an autographed photo…

I have two more autographed photos of him, one that he sent me when I was fifteen, and another that he sent me when I was at university in the early 90s. You can read more about this here. He is such a sweet man; the thought that I shall be able to thank him face to face for being so kind is a bit overwhelming.

Yes, I shall be bringing the sweater with me, and I shall be wearing it. Wee!

I also intend to do some cosplaying, and I have got my sights set on a role he played in The Moleman of Belmont Avenue, Mr. Confab. Spirit gum, here I come

And needless to say, I shall have some ink for him.

Even more fantastic news: he is coming back to Canada in September, to Montreal Comic Con, and I am going to go to that convention too. I want to give him a copy of Outlaw there… I just want to give him a copy, without expecting him to read it or anything. I shall be ecstatic just seeing him holding it in his hands.

So, these days, when I am not writing, I am busy catching up with his filmography!

Oh, and here is a picture of me sporting a beautiful red tie.

Two more haircuts or so, and my hair will be gleaming with silver amidst what’s left of my light brown color. I can hardly wait to see that. I want to do real photo sessions, but I am waiting until I have finished growing out the black dye.

I want to cosplay Silverheart when I go to Montreal. I shall definitely be cosplaying her at MISTI 15.

Many good things in store!

Your devoted

Logospilgrim, the quiet professor

Tagged: MISTI-Con, Montreal Comic Con, Nezumi, Ottawa Comic Con, Outlaw in the Land of Perfection, Robert Englund

hibernation

Kind readers,

my decision not to go to Leaky 14 was a good one, especially considering how brutal winter has been so far. The relentless cold weather has been draining me of energy and demoralizing me, to be honest.

But, thankfully, LUSH has come to my rescue! I visited the shop while wandering on the market the other week, and since then I have been turning my bathroom into a LUSH spa. Using their products has been helping me to relax, and has uplifted me… So far, personal favorites would include the Butterball bath bomb, Fairly Traded Honey shampoo, and Sympathy for the Skin body lotion. Marvelous things they are.

In other news, here is a detail of the first sketch Nezumi did for the image that will adorn the cover of Outlaw in the Land of Perfection:

I love the way she is bringing my two heroines to life! Her artwork is amazing.

I have begun working on the second draft. This book, my first novel, is my current priority.

Lately, apart from A Princely Calling: The Mystical Secrets of Severus Snape, I am finding myself reluctant to write non-fiction. My tarot deck project is on hold at the moment; when I do get back to it, I shall probably redo the first three cards.

I have had a tendency to take on too much at once without fully realizing it. But I have been endeavoring to adopt a healthier, less draining approach, and have been tackling less projects.

Those who have been curious about Blessed: How to Be a Joyful Mystic can now read the first half of the book here. In that book, I share my spiritual journey, and describe the process that has brought me to where I am at this point in my life.

Your devoted

Logospilgrim, the quiet professor

Tagged: Blessed: how to be a joyful mystic, LUSH, Outlaw in the Land of Perfection, writing

a new year

Kind readers,

here we are already: 2014.

To begin with, I have had my hair chopped off, and feel quite happy about this.

I am about to spend the winter and spring working on Outlaw in the Land of Perfection and A Princely Calling: The Mystical Secrets of Severus Snape.

My dearest friend Nezumi is going to be illustrating a new cover for Outlaw, and I have found an editor for the novel as well.

I have decided against going to Leaky this summer. Those conventions are just not my thing, and I already have enough of my plate. I want to get plenty of writing done, then rest a bit during the summer months, then write some more and prepare myself for MISTI 15. Leaky intrigued me, but not enough to justify an exhausting trip. The event itself will be crowded, loud… So, nah.

This year, I am going to continue following my heart and sharing my heart. I am going to write, buy more ties, laugh, get more ink, and be joyful.

Your devoted

Logospilgrim, the quiet professor

Tagged: writing

the fearsome first draft

Kind readers,

this month, I have been working on the first draft of my upcoming novel, Outlaw in the Land of Perfection, and have been participating in NaNoWriMo to do so. A writing marathon was about the only way to squeeze the draft out of me, I believe.

Right now, I am 33 000 words into it. After the first draft is finished, there will be at least two more drafts, which will involve extensive editing, rewriting, and spell-checking, and I shall have the book ready in time for Leaky 14.

All of my time, heart and soul is going into this book.

Your devoted

Logospilgrim, the quiet professor

Tagged: Leaky Con 2014, NaNoWriMo, Outlaw in the Land of Perfection

Leaky Con 2014

Kind readers,

I have a number of new developments to share with you.

First and foremost, I have registered for Leaky Con 2014. I have never been to a Leaky Con before -the size of their conventions had seemed too overwhelming- but it seems I am now up for a new adventure, and am no longer worried about the scope of the event or doubting my ability to handle it. Rather, the prospect of attending Leaky is intriguing and exciting me.

I have also made my hotel reservations, and shall be staying at the Hilton Orlando, which is linked to the Orange County Convention Center, where Leaky will be held, by a covered walkway.

I plan to do this convention my way. I shall rest whenever needed, I shall abstain from activities that do not suit or interest me, I shall eat leisurely meals and not rush to or from anything. Sunday, the last day, will be spent for the most part lying in the shade with a book and a cocktail, near one of the Hilton’s many pools, where I shall gaze at the sky and palm trees.

I shall likely submit a lecture proposal, and if it appeals to the organizers, I shall ramble. Whether or not I ramble, I shall sign books.

Because I have decided to go to Leaky 14, I have altered my book writing schedule. Next on the agenda are A Princely Calling: The Mystical Secrets of Severus Snape (a series of meditations on Professor Snape’s characteristics, how I understand them, and how my interpretation of them relates to my life’s journey), and my first novel, Outlaw in the Land of Perfection, both of which I want finished in time for the convention.

My tarot deck and book may be done in time for MISTI-Con 2015, but if not, they will be available in time for Quietus 2016. I shall definitely have more new titles to sign at MISTI 15.

I have been having an especially wonderful autumn. My joy will be overflowing into my upcoming titles!

I have continued wandering around the Byward market on a regular basis, which has been very good for me on many levels. It is a magical place; it nourishes me, body and spirit.

I have also been adding yet more ties to my collection. This has been more gratifying than words can express.

Emporio Armani trunks are now part of my personal wardrobe as well. The sense of fun, adventure and empowerment such things have given me had, I have no doubt, a great impact upon my sudden belief that going to Leaky was not only possible, but that it would be stimulating and positive. I am eager to enlarge my horizons and experience new things.

When I am at the convention, I shall be carrying a few copies of my most recent books with me, in case I come across someone who would like either or both. I plan on giving copies of Outlaw to authors whose works I shall acquire (I have a General/Lit registration).

Halloween has been particularly joyful to me this year. I even treated myself to an extravagant and delicious pumpkin caramel apple made by the talented folks at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. It will be a new and welcome addition to my holiday celebrations:

It can be good to indulge oneself. I want to pour indulgence and joy over the world.

In other news, I have been reading a fantastic book of short stories that I would like to share with you now:

It contains truly riveting, original and well written tales. Click on the cover above to obtain your own copy! I highly recommend it. Thoroughly Modern Monsters is like a trick or treat bag filled with chocolate, candy and all manner of delicious things. Every time I started reading one of the stories, I had to know how it ended; I devoured them one after the other.

Another book I recently added to my magical library can only be described as a perfect repository for one’s mystical explorations:

Rik has a most helpful segment at the beginning, and I love the way he laid out the journal. I also love its dimensions (7.5 X 7.5 inches). The categories pertaining to the readings are not only useful, they are inspiring. Rik, who is a gifted teacher, knows how to give the right amount and kind of guidance. My copy is sure to become a personal treasure.

Next month, I shall be participating in NaNoWriMo to flesh out Outlaw.

I am looking forward to a creative winter, and a wondrous summer.

Next week, I shall be seeing Eraserhead at the By Towne Cinema, and I am so excited. I saw this surrealistic film many, many years ago on VHS, and it will be amazing to see it on a big screen -especially on Halloween night. Not to mention that the By Towne is a happy place for me, and simply going there warms my heart.

Your devoted

Logospilgrim, the quiet professor

Tagged: Leaky Con 2014, Rik Potter, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Thoroughly Modern Monsters

Four of Swords

Kind readers,

I am not yet writing full speed ahead… I have been following my instincts, which seemed to indicate that I required a longer period of rest.

I have been taking advantage of the glorious fall weather we have been having. I have been wandering around the Byward market fairly frequently, filling my basket with fruit and vegetables, and enjoying the sights and sounds of the market. I have been celebrating life.

The market has always been a special place for me, a comforting refuge. I have told myself that I need to go there more often. It is important to take care of oneself… Takin’ ‘er easy.

I have also been reveling in my genderqueerness, and have begun accumulating men’s trunks -so much more comfortable and awesome and affirming than any other undergarment I have ever worn. During one of my forays, while I was at it, I added another tie to my collection.

As I strolled in the market one morning, a very lovely and cheerful fellow named Mark asked me if he could take my picture for his Street Portraits project. I immediately agreed!

Here I am, squinting in the sun:

You can see all the other beautiful, soulful photos he took of fascinating people here: Marksworld.

And here is a picture I took of Mark (with my Blackberry!):

In other happy news, the gracious owner of Singing Pebble Books will be making room on her shelves for copies of Blessed: How to be a Joyful Mystic! This should happen in the coming days (I need to bring them over there). So, if you live in the Ottawa region and would like a copy of the book, feel free to pay Singing Pebble a visit -they have so many exquisite things, stones and crystals, statues, cards, notebooks, tarot and oracle decks, soap, and of course, a fantastic selection of mystical books… And also a cozy little coffee shop, Café qui pense, where one can relax, read and scribble. I have been going there for years, and I can tell you that it is a warm and magical place.

Autumn is off to a glorious start!

Your devoted

Logospilgrim, the quiet professor

Tagged: Byward market, Café qui pense, genderqueer, Mark the photographer, Singing Pebble Books