Kevin David Anderson's Blog, page 7

Everything is Better with Cosplay!

An Interview with Three Talented Cosplayers

Its been said that everything is better with Pirates, everything is better with Zombies, but when it comes to events I believe - and take it from a guy who had his wedding on Halloween -everything is better with costumes!
And when I say everything, I mean everything, weddings, parties, meetings, and even non-genre conventions. I took my wife, then girlfriend, to an incredibly mundane hospitality convention (she married me anyway) and we still talk about that event because we got to meet the Procter and Gamble mascot, Mr. Clean. Since then I have been to many a dull event that has been brighten and made memorable by some amazing, creative, wacky human taking the time and energy to dress for the occasion. Now in 2015 we have a diverse culture of cosplayers that dress up at genre conventions, bringing to life characters that could only come from the human imagination. Their tenacity, courage, ingenuity, and yes skill in bringing our favorite pop culture icons to life is what I enjoy most about conventions.
But besides the few seconds required to snap a picture, I’ve never had the opportunity to ask the many questions I have regarding why they do what they do, what’s involved, and how does one even get started in cosplay? As the San Diego Comic Con approaches, I thought it would be a great time to try and get some answers. Three talented cosplayers took the time to answers my queries on the subject. Here is a bit about them first, and at the bottom of this post you'll find links to follow them on their ongoing cosplay adventures.  
Jessica Edmonds has been involved with cosplay all her life and is best known for her Punk Harley Quinn and Scarred up Helena from Orphan Black. Her favorite convention is the San Diego Comic Con which she will be at this year along with other appearances at Comikaze and Star Trek Vegas. 
Jessica Edmonds - Punk Harley QuinnLord Vishus Cosplay (Chris Meador) is relatively new to cosplay having been involved for two years now. He's best known for his Agent 47/Hitman and Sith Lord Vishus to name just a few. His favorite con is Comicpalooza, and you can see him at STCE Laredo and Del Rio Comic Con.
Lord Vishus Cosplay - MagnetoChristina Tellifson / Booba Fett has been dressing up in costume for events like movie premiers since she was a kid. She is known for her Apocalypse Alice in Wonderland, Luke Skywalker, Darth Fenris, and many others. Her favorite con is Star Wars Celebration. She will be at the San Diego Comic Con this year rocking Elena from Uncharted 4, Star Lord, and Cid Highwind from Final Fantasy VII. Then later this year at Dragon Con as Ms. Marvel. 
Christina Tellifson - Apocalypse Alice in Wonderland
Interview
KEVIN: There sometimes is a moment or an event that motivates people to try something new. What inspired you to try cosplay?
JESSICA: I was pretty much born into it. My mother is a costumer so childhood was full of playing dress up. Costumes weren't just for Halloween, if we wanted a replica costume she made it for us. My family also ran a game booth at Ren Faires up and down California. I was two weeks old at my first Ren Faire, so costuming is in my blood. 
LORD VISHUS: I was attended Amazing Arizona Comic Con in 2013 and saw all the amazing costumes and the people having fun and wanted to be a part of it. 
CHRISTINA: I have always loved costuming and pouring my creative soul into characters I love and have an affinity for. When I realized there was a whole community of people who love to do the same, I was sold. I was super nervous to wear a costume to my first SDCC in 2009, but was so thrilled when people complimented me and got excited by what I was wearing (Celes from Final Fantasy VI). Christina - Rebel Pilot
 KEVIN: What impact has cosplay had on your life?
JESSICA: As a super shy kid costumes gave me the chance to be someone else. Someone, well, not shy. By taking on attributes of strong, brave, and confident characters you slowly find that those attributes are now your own. Cosplay let me explore different people, and in that, different parts of myself. And I know that greatly influenced my interest in acting.
LORD VISHUS:  I now have some of the best friends that I have ever had in my life. 
CHRISTINA: Cosplay and the con circuit has hugely impacted my life. Not only is it a creative outlet for me and a stress reliever, but I've made long lasting relationships with friends that I otherwise wouldn't have. I've learned so many skills sewing and prop building wise, so it keeps me sharp. It is also an extremely wonderful confidence booster. 
KEVIN: What is your most elaborate and or expense cosplay project? Success?
JESSICA: Several come to mind. One would be my Punk Harley Quinn. While it wasn't super costly it has a lot of pieces and I worked on it with several people. Working off a sketch I made the mallet with my buddies at Foam Junkies and my buddy Maurio took on the bulk of the armor. My mom took on the bulk of the sewing. And my roommate shaves the diamonds on my head the day before any con. And also all of my Tank Girl costumes. My mom put in tons of time and effort into making me several exact replicas of Tank Girls costumes as well as costumes for Jet Girl, Booga and Richard for a photo shoot.

LORD VISHUS: My Sith Lord Vishus costume has cost me over $1500, due to having almost the entire costume remade and upgraded. 
CHRISTINA: I would say Harley Quinn was my most expensive costume project. I was a complete noob and purchased the body suit online. I also had to buy two sets of boots and gloves so I could have alternating colors. Currently, Captain Phasma from Episode VII will be my most expensive and time consuming project. All the chrome!!!!
KEVIN: What is your best cosplay convention celebrity meeting story? Ever meet your idol?
Jessica and Lori PettyJESSICA: My all time favorite character is Tank Girl. Lori Petty as Tank Girl to be exact. It's the character that helped me break out of my shell, not care what people thought, and embrace my weirdness. The first time I met Lori my knees buckled and I nearly fell over shaking. I mean it's her! It's freakin Tank Girl! She was absolutely amazing and every bit as cool as I thought she would be. The thing is, now I see her around all the time. Probably about twice a year I work a con with her. Sometimes only a few tables down. She is just a really cool and chill person to talk with I sometimes stop and think "Omg, I hanging with Tank Girl!" I'm still not sure she gets how much that character means to me and how much she influenced the person I grew to be. Maybe she does, but at least she never makes me feel weird about it Chris and Philip J. Fry
LORD VISHUS: If I had to pick one then I'd have to say that meeting voice actor Billy West who voiced Phillip J. Fry on Futurama is definitely my favorite moment. 

CHRISTINA: My favorite con story is meeting George R.R. Martin at SDCC. I was having a miserable time and my friend tapped me on the shoulder and told me to turn around. He was standing there waving me over and I couldn't believe Christina and George R.R. Martinit. He asked me to walk with him to his panel so we could chat. I remember asking him some questions regarding some theories I had and asked if I could hug him.  He said, "I would never say no to a beautiful woman being a weapon." Gave him a huge hug and as he turned to enter the panel room he says, "You know, you're just how I pictured Val."

KEVIN: If you could drop one piece of sage-like wisdom on someone interested in getting into cosplay, what would it be?
JESSICA: Have fun! Don't let people make you feel like it's some elite club. Do what makes you happy and have fun with it! 
Chris - HitmanLORD VISHUS: For a first timer here in Texas, I'd say start off in a small convention like Texas Comic   Con in San Antonio or Heart of Texas Con in Waco. It will give you a really good entry level taste of the fun of conventions and cosplay.

CHRISTINA: My advice to new cosplayers is JUST DO IT! *insert Shia LeBeof's inspirational video* Pick a character you love and pour your heart into it. You CAN do it, and you'll be so proud of what you can accomplish.  And remember, have fun and don't worry about anyone else. Reach out to the community for advice and help - there are so many forums and threads for all skill levels!
KEVIN: It seems there is a real genuine cosplay community, a network of craftspeople and artist, supportive, social, talented, and very outgoing. What do you love about the cosplay community?
JESSICA: I love that it creates instant camaraderie. I almost enjoy cosplaying a subtle/lesser known/minor character more than a big attention grabbing one. That way you know the few people that get who you are, are also big fans. You instantly have something in common to geek out about and I've made some amazing friends that way. I also love that it puts makers in the spotlight. Often costumers, fabricators and prop makers are unsung heroes. But in cosplay they are rock stars.
Christina - THORLORD VISHUS: I love the openness of the cosplay community.  I love how people are so willing to share tips and techniques for working on various aspects of props and costumes.  
CHRISTINA: Trying to pick just one thing I love most about the cosplay community is rough. It's so multi faceted for me. I suppose if I had to pick one thing, it would be the passion we all share and the over all support and love we all have for each other and the craft. Geeks unite! 
KEVIN: All communities change over time. What changes, good or bad, have you noticed in your time as a cosplayer?
JESSICA: I love that it helps people step out of their comfort zone and have fun. And the bigger it gets the more people are included in that, which is nice. But along with that comes the bullies. Elitists who seem to go out of their way to belittle the work of others. They are divas who think they have reached some higher level of cosplay. And it takes something fun and turns it into a environment of judgment and alienation.

Jessica EdmondsLORD VISHUS: The good thing is the fact that cosplay hasn't been a "fad."  It's definitely not going away.  The bad thing would be so many people wanting to be a cosplay "Pro."  Some people are forgetting why they got into cosplay in the first place, which is to have fun.  They get hung up on the need to have a booth and sell prints and be a huge cosplayer  in the community.  
CHRISTINA: The cosplay community is ever changing. I love seeing new costumers emerge and seeing the con floors littered with people sporting their newest costume. The community is growing, that's for sure. The only negative things I can really say are people who say they want to be famous or "cosplay famous." Stop it. Do it because you love it. The notoriety will follow on its own. 
KEVIN: In the past few years several conventions like PAX, and some Tech cons, have put the kybosh on “booth babes,” and some think this may have some overlap into the cosplay community, possibly placing new restrictions on costumes. Do you see the eliminating of the babes in the booth as having repercussions on the cosplay community?
JESSICA: The "Booth Babe" issue is kind of tricky. I have no problem with booth babes, in fact I've worked as a booth babe a few times. I think the real problem is when both booth babes and cosplayers think they can walk around nearly naked (sometimes actually naked) but it's ok because "It's just a costume". There needs to be a standard of decency. If you are walking around showing more skin or being more sexual than would be allowed on basic cable we have a problem. Especially when kids are present, which is the case at most conventions. Removing booth babes isn't the answer, implementing common sense decency guidelines is. 
LORD VISHUS: Not all.  PAX is "PAX."  It's not a fair example of the average convention.  More and more artist are picking cosplayers to help lure people to their booths, and I don't see that ending any time soon.  
CHRISTINA: As someone who works and attends expos such as E3 and PAX, I believe there is a place and time for models or "booth babes" to work. It certainly has caused controversy and unrest with some. I think, as long as the models know their product and are professional, they are a valid con/expo existence. These companies hiring them need to realize there are real sexy, geeky models who can do just that. But I've seen people treat these models badly and humiliate them, and that's not okay, ever. Christina -  Darth Fenris
KEVIN: Many events like WonderCon are promoting the Cosplay is NOT consent slogan in an attempt to protect cosplayers from unwanted attention at events. But still there seems to be a problem. Recently Cosplayer Luna Lanie had a disturbing experience at MomoCon and has been speaking out about the incident? Have you run into this problem, and what techniques can you share to help keep new cosplayers safe.
JESSICA: And this is where I show some of my contempt for PC bandwagons. Let me be clear. Inappropriate touching, comments, and actions are NEVER acceptable. That being said, if you willingly engage in certain behavior or a ridiculous state of undress you are making yourself vulnerable. If I walked into a poor neighborhood waving around cash I'm increasing my chances or being robbed. If I walk around with my boobs pushed up to my chin I'm increasing my chances of oogling stares and comments. Am I saying that behavior is ok? No. But if you actively put yourself in a vulnerable position you share the responsibility of the outcome, good or bad. This isn't victim blaming. It's a matter of being smart and responsible for your own actions. When I dressed as Slave Leia in the notorious gold bikini I was very aware of the attention I would receive when walking into a convention with thousands of geeks who most certainly had serious crushes on that character. That was the cosplay where I received the most inappropriate looks, comments and physical contact. And while none of that behavior was ok, I knew it was a strong probability. So to help ensure my safety I did a couple's cosplay with my over 6 foot tall boyfriend at the time who was dressed as Lando. Before we even got in the front door he physically pulled someone off me. He ran interference for me all day. You can never predict exactly how a stranger will behave. If you don't want that kind of attention steer clear of provocative costumes. And make sure you are always with someone who is able to protect you if need be.

Chris MeadorLORD VISHUS: In my opinion just highlighting the problem isn't going to make it go away. The guys that are acting in this manner do not care if people make an issue out of it.  They see a pretty girl and they flirt and act inappropriate towards them.  You may be able to catch the odd individual and maybe "name and shame" them, but it's never going to fully go away.  I by means support or justify their behavior.  I just know that the problem will continue to rear its ugly head at every convention regardless of how much awareness is placed on it.  Some guys simply do not care.  
CHRISTINA: The Cosplay is not Consent movement was actually started by Ellie Schweizer from my old site, 16-bit Sirens.  The idea was that harassment is never acceptable and cons should help provide a safe environment for all attendees. I've experienced lewd comments and people trying to grope me, yes. I make it clear verbally and physically that I am not okay with the situation.  If this ever happens, tell someone right away. It's also always good to have friends around. Not only can they help you get around with better ease while you're in costume, but safety in numbers will hopefully detour any creeps from bothering you.  Don't be afraid to speak up if you're uncomfortable or nervous. There's always someone there to have your back.
KEVIN: Anything else, final thoughts?
JESSICA: For the newcomers to cosplay I really just want to stress that the whole experience is suppose to be fun. Designing, researching, construction, convention. All of it. Don't ever feel like your cosplays are somehow not good enough. Always be excited about improving, always enjoy what you do. Remember the details. You can have a huge elaborate costume, but it will be the tiny reference to a single joke or episode that will make it memorable. Make sure it's something you can function in for long periods of time. Think of the silly things too, can you go to the bathroom in it? Can you carry your phone/wallet in it? Can you get through a crowd in it? Are you going to need people to assist you throughout the con, or help dress and undress you?
 And one final note. If you have a huge cumbersome cosplay that limits your vision or movement, don't even think about walking through a crowd or walking down vendor isles. If I see you running into people and merchandise I will yell at you, tell you to leave, and make you realize how scary a chick with a mohawk and a 6 foot mallet can be.
Christina - The CrowLORD VISHUS: The only thing I would like to add is what I say to most people when I do panels on costuming and cosplay at conventions.  Have fun!! Pick characters you are passionate about and make the costume to the best of your ability.  It doesn't matter if your body isn't cartoon/movie/game accurate.  All that matters is that you are doing something you love, and I promise you that the majority of people out there will love the fact that you are doing something you love.  
CHRISTINA: I just want to say, whoever you are reading this, if you want to express yourself creatively through the form of cosplay, please do! I, for one, wholly welcome you. Jump on in, the water is fine. 
 ______________________________________________
Jessica Edmondsis an actress living it Los Angles, Ca. If you put Tank Girl and Carol Burnett into a martini mixer, then added an actual martini, and shook it up she would be the result. You can find her on the random film set, comic con or autograph convention, or at her apartment running her youtube channel while watching netflix. Though acting is her primary focus, she has an extensive background in technical theater. Having worked for years in set construction, props, stage crew and even general construction for a time. When she is not nerding out over her favorite shows and making prop and costume replicas for her and her niece, she is sleeping. Which she enjoys very much.YouTube channel  www.youtube.com/howireact Photos on Cosplay.com   http://www.cosplay.com/member/155179/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessi.edmonds?fref=tsTwitter and Instagram @little_ewok
Lord Vishus regularly appears as a guest at Cons across Texas, and has started his own comic book/costuming convention called Hero Con in Austin. Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LordVishus Twitter:  @LordVishus Instagram:  LORDVISHUSCOSPLAY 
Hero Con on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HeroConATX
Christina Tellifson is an actress, gamer, cosplayer from central California, and believes Han shot first! Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: BoobaFett83, and her cosplay page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ctellifson

Book Signing Event & 2014 Awards

In a couple of weeks I'll be joined by World Fantasy Award winning author Dennis Etchison , Bram Stoker Award winner Eric J. Guignard , Southern California author and screenwriter Taylor Grant, and editor Marc Ciccarone at the world-famous Dark Delicacies book store this Valentine's Day, signing copies of NIGHT TERRORS III, from Blood Bound Books 2/14/15 from 2-4 PM. Come on by if you're in the area (Southern Ca, Burbank).
Its my first time going to the all horror book store, and from what I've been told, I'm going to want to get there early so I can shop. I'm already making a list of things to look for. ---------------------------------------------------
AWARDS - 2014 Well, we are right in the middle of the awards season, People’s Choice, Golden Globes, Oscars, Razzies, etc…and I’d like to issue a couple of awards of my own for 2014. There is no academy involved with the issuing of these awards, no ballots, no studio backed lobbying, just my own reflections on 2014. So without further ado, here we go.
Biggest Wussy – 2014 This award goes to a Mr. Lee Palmer a resident of Portland. Although Palmer is identified as a male, the following story cast serious aspersions on that identification. So what happened, well, Mr. Palmer called 911 because he had barricaded himself and his family in his bedroom to protect everyone from the family cat. Not a bobcat or a mountain lion, but a household cat. Albeit a large cat (22 pounds) he required an emergency response to save him and his family from a house cat. An update on this story, NORM (National Organization of Real Men) has since revoked Mr. Palmer’s man card and he is reportedly no longer allowed to attend any of our meetings. 
Article - Man Calls 911 After "Hostile" Cat Traps Family in Bedroom
Most Unnecessary Freebie—2014If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard an iTune user say—“What I really want for Christmas is a bunch of geriatric Irishmen to be automatically downloaded onto my digital device,” –I would have exactly, zero nickels. But that is exactly what rock band U2 did with their latest album, Songs of Innocents. ITune subscribers were taken aback to find that Apple had decided to force feed the album down their digital throats with very little regard for their users musical tastes. The album was reported to be difficult to delete and everybody I talked to about the freebie seem to greet the album with all the enthusiasm of a newly contracted STD. “Oh, man, my phone's got Bono.”  A few updates: U2 issued an apology for the spam-like roll-out, Rolling Stone declared it The Album of the Year, and millions of Katy Perry fans still can’t get that old-man-musicoff their phones.Article - U2 and Apple Face Backlash after Force Feeding New Album to iTune Users
Most Narcissistic Device – 2014I have absolutely no data to back this up, but I believe we are living in the most narcissistic times in human history. We live in an age in which every routine and impolite passage of gas is thought to be so amazing, so divine, so life altering, that it must be shared, tweeted, posted, instagrammed, uploaded, commentated upon, then re-tweeted to the world. And at the center of this mundane firestorm is the selfie—the DIY red-headed stepchild of meaningful, worthwhile photography. But sometimes while trying to take those self indulgent snapshots we can’t quite get the angle or the framing just right. No need to worry, here comes the Selfie Stick, and although not invented last year it really took off in 2014. Just attach your smartphone to one end and increase your ability to be monotonous. Another added bonus of the Selfie Stick is that you no longer have to interact with other human beings while traveling. Having to ask a stranger to take your picture while you make duck lips in front of that historic structure is a thing of the past. 

The Selfie Stick has already spawned an unholy offspring just right for the all around, full-body narcissist. The “Belfie Stick” which will help people take photos of their own asses. True story. 
Speaking of asses…
Biggest A-hole / Douchebag – 2014Yes, yes I know that there is a world of difference between an asshole and a douchebag, but it has been my experience that if an individual is one of these things, they also tend to be the other as well. Which of coarse is the case with this year’s winner, and reigning king in the douchebag / a-hole department, Kanye West. Hail to the king. There are others that gave Kanye some competition for this award, Donald Trump (for installing his name in 20 foot high letters on one of his buildings for all Chicagoans to enjoy), Justin Bieber (DUIs, abusing innocent eggs, continuing to sing, refusing to return to Canada). But Kanye West is truly their King, and it wasn’t hard awarding his royal douchiness with this honor, what was difficult was choosing a single moment last year to highlight. But after some thought, this one incident really stood out for me. During a concert in Australia Kanye stopped the show and refuse to continue until every member of the audience got to their feet, including members of the audience that were handicapped. When a wheelchair bound fan dared to defy Kanye, refusing to rise in order to praise Kanye in the manner befitting Mr. West, security was dispatched at Kenya’s insistence. That will certainly teach the differently abled community not to disregard the healing power of the divine glory that is Kanye. 
Article - Kanye West Demands Fan in Wheelchair Stand UP!
Kanye on Kanye
"I am Warhol! I am the number one most impactful artist of our generation. I am Shakespeare in the flesh. Walt Disney, Nike, Google. Now who's going to be the Medici family and stand up and let me create more?" Kenya West on Sway in the Morning
"I am so credible and so influential and so relevant that I will change things."
"I think what Kanye West is going to mean is something similar to what Steve Jobs means. I am undoubtedly, you know, Steve of Internet, downtown, fashion, culture."

Well that about does it for 2014. Looking forward to a prosperous 2015 filled with acceptance letters and the opportunity to work with new and talented editors. 

Night Terrors III, ZomBEEs, and more...

Blood Bound Books has just released their latest anthology, Night Terrors III, which includes my story, Home Care, and others from Jack Ketchum, Dennis Etchison, Steve Resnic Tem, and many more. Available currently as an e-book on Amazon, the trade paperback version should be coming soon.
NIGHT TERRORS III - Amazon

It looks as if the fate of my new novel Night of the ZomBEEs (working title) will not be decided on until early next years. Its been a long road for this one as the first draft was finished in 2011, but 2015 will be the year. I hope.

I recently noticed that on Halloween an audio version of one of my stories was reissued as part of the award winning Drabblecast's new series, Drabbleclassics. Its one of my favorite episodes with host Norm Sherman doing his best Crypt Keeperish jokes, followed by a reading of my story The Box Born Wraith. And with a Drabbleclassic episodethere is a discussion that follows with some very astute horror editors and fans.


Have a happy holiday and a peaceful new year.
LINKSNight Terrors III on Amazon
Drabbleclassics - The Box Born Wraith  

The Fall of the Feast

Just a warm, seasonal yarn I penned a few years back. First published in the anthology Barnyard Horrors (2013) from JWK Press.

The Fall of the Feast
by Kevin David Anderson

For a hundred generations they waited for the messiah. When she finally arrived her genetically engineered size was commanding, formidable. She encountered no resistance to her authority, but eventually there were challengers. When two robust males tried to depose her, she quickly snapped their necks, and threw their carcasses into the seething crowd.
Her subjects circled the dead challengers, unsure what to do. But with the messiah’s encouragement, they began to feed. Slowly at first, like children sampling the taste of new food. Then in a furious swell of bloodlust the crowd swarmed in, ripping mouthfuls of flesh from the corpses. The first part of her plan was complete. The messiah’s army now had a taste for blood.
Forming them into platoons, she taught them to hold ranks, and attack in waves; thrusting deadly talons at the enemy’s weak spot – the eyes. When the butchers arrived to begin the annual slaughter, she assembled her troops at the gates, marching them with military precision. They held positions, waiting for the messiah’s signal – the signal that would start a revolution. This year they would not go gently. This year no human would be thankful. This year the turkeys would feast. -end-

Hacked

I understand that having your most intimate moments passed around the internet must be a horrifically upsetting situation, and I feel for Jennifer Lawrence, Kirsten Dunst, pop star Ariana Grande, and the others, but there is no one to blame but themselves. There is one basic rule of the world wide web regarding privacy, and it has existed, without change, since Al Gore invented the internet. It’s the rule I teach my children and it’s the rule that if Ms. Lawrence, Dunst, and Grande would have taken to heart they would not be experiencing their current embarrassment. Simply put it is this: Unless you are 100% comfortable with the idea that whatever you are about to upload to the internet (picture, video, comment, email, post, status update, etc…) will be available to everyone on the planet, forever – if that idea makes you hesitate, even for a moment, then don’t do it. It’s that simple. And if there was a second rule to internet privacy, it would just read: See rule number one.
It’s unfortunate that iPhone and internet users believe that they are entitled to some form of privacy on the internet. Most of the terms of service agreements that we all agree to without reading, basically confirm the opposite. Although entities like Apple state that privacy is a top concern, they make no guarantees and claim no responsibility when your intimate photos end up on TMZ. 
But many still insist that privacy laws are on their side and are entitled to privacy on the internet. And that argument would really mean something, if the internet was governed by a united front of globally agreed upon regulation and enforcement. But since that is not our reality, the internet will continue to be the wild wild west, the kind of place in which privacy laws have all the enforcement power of well meaning suggestions. Every internet gunslinger riding on the world wide web today needs to employ something already at their disposal before pressing that send button – Common Sense.  See rule Number one.

What are your thoughts? Do you think you are entitled to some form of privacy on the Internet, and if so, why? 

ZomBEEs on Hold!

Due to interesting and unexpected news the release of Night of the ZomBEEs - a zombie novel with BUZZ! has been put on hold. Nothing has gone wrong, in fact this is good news, which may turn into fantastic news.
BUZZ, BUZZ...
I think one of my favorite things about life on this planet (just below ice cream) is that you really never know with absolute certainty what tomorrow will bring.
I will post updates as they come in. 

Katniss Everdeen Must Pee!

I mean, don’t you think?But no. Two, three weeks in the woods, and not once did she pee.
If you don’t know who Katniss Everdeen is, where have you been, and what have you been doing with your life? No shame in it though. Ms. Everdeen is the heroin of the Hunger Games trilogy, YA novels that center on a violent blood sport in which children are forced to murder one another for the entertainment of a futuristic dystopian society. If you can get past the kid-on-kid violence and the fact that the novel’s main idea was surreptitiously borrowed from the Japanese novel Battle Royal and or its film adaptation, then it’s a pretty entertaining read.
My daughter started the books this summer and I though I’d tag along for the ride. We are both enjoying the novels, but one thing really bugged me. No one ever has to pee. Going to the bathroom is never all that relevant to a story, so I understand why us writers tend to give it a pass in our pros, but our heroin, Katniss Everdeen, is in a life and death struggle, not only against her fellow competitors but the elements of the great outdoors as well. Food, water, shelter, all the basics a human needs to stay alive are given great time and detail as Katniss hunts, gathers, cooks, and eats her way through the forest - almost as much detail as when Hemingway chronicled Nick Adam’s fishing trip. (Big Two-Hearted River)  But what we never see, although I’m sure it happens, is Katniss answering nature’s call. Why is this important, you ask? Because, so much of Katniss’s strategy involves staying out of sight, hiding, always being alert and never getting caught in a vulnerable position. Other than being caught asleep, can you think of a more vulnerable time then when you’re crouched behind a rock with your pants around your ankles pushing out some business?  I can’t, and as I read I kept wondering how this dilemma would be dealt with. It never was. Just to make sure I’m not crazy I asked my daughter if she had the same thoughts while reading. She did. So we are either both crazy or…people in the future no longer have to pee. I did enjoy the novel and am looking forward to reading about Katniss Neverpeein’s next adventure in The Hunger Games: Breaking Wind.  
That being said, I promises that in my new novel, Night of the ZomBEEs – available July 15th, there will be peeing. Not a lot, just the right amount I think. On page 70 Sam Campbell, tomboy and self proclaimed daredevil, stomps off to pee. The book is not really about peeing…here read the promo copy.  
It’s Founders Day in Honeywell Springs, a day residents dress up in black-and-yellow costumes to celebrate the insect that gave the town its prosperity, the Honey Bee. But when a mad scientist releases a contagious swarm of mutant bees, it turns the townsfolk of Honeywell Springs into the walking dead, in bee costumes.
It’s thirteen-year-old Shaun Ripley’s worst nightmare. Plagued with apiphobia, asthma, and panic attacks, Shaun must draw on his knowledge of his hero, James Bond, to stay alive. With his best friend, Toby, a fellow 007 enthusiast, and Sam, a bullying tomboy, Shaun must overcome his bee phobia and find a way to escape Honeywell Springs. Terrified, surrounded, and running out of time, the three must work together if they are to survive the Night of the ZomBEEs!
More on this as the release date approaches. In the meantime, May the Buzz be with you.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsMy rating: 3 of 5 starsThe concept of The Hunger Games, much like the novel and film it was borrowed from, Battle Royal, is hard to swallow. It centers on a violent blood sport in which children are forced to murder one another for the entertainment of a futuristic dystopian society. I can say as a parent that no way in hell would I allow this, oppressive government or not. Unless my kid had a really, really really good chance of wining, but other than that, no way. But if you can overlook the kid-on-kid violence then its a fast and fun read. Sad, moving, often thrilling, The Hunger Games is worth your time. One thing did bug me as I read. Our heroin, Katniss Everdeen, is out in the woods for 2 or 3 weeks and not once does she have to pee. Oh well, I look forward to the next adventure of Katniss Neverpeein' in The Hunger Games: Breaking Wind. 
View all my reviews

Night of the ZomBEEs

Night of the ZomBEEs - New novel coming out this month and its about time. I finished the first draft in 2011, just a few months after Night of the Living Trekkies was released. After a half dozen drafts later, handling by several agents and publishers, it will finally see the light of day this month on Amazon. More on this as the date approaches.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley JacksonMy rating: 4 of 5 starsThis has been on my to read list for more than 20 years. I'm a big fan of the first film based on this novel (The Haunting 1963) and now I'm a fan of the book. Jackson's story about an unsettling house and the four people that spend a week within its walls is a character driven slow burn that by today's high gore standards might not make an impression. But I can imagine that 60 years ago it was extremely terrifying. And I think every haunted house story that has come after has been inspired by The Haunting of Hill House. 
View all my reviews
Doctor Sleep by Stephen KingMy rating: 4 of 5 starsAs you may have heard, this is a follow up to The Shinning, one of King's best, if not the best, novels. It isn't the follow up I wanted, but when I got past that, King delivers a terrifying story with a repulsive new monster - part vampire, part succubus, and all evil.  
View all my reviews
Death Troopers by Joe SchreiberMy rating: 3 of 5 starsI'm a Trekkie first, but I am also a Star Wars fanboy, so this was a must read for me. Zombies in the Star Wars universe, why the hell not? Bit of a slow start as characters are developed, and I can see how zombie fans might be put off, but if you give it sixty pages or so, Death Troopers does not disappoint. About halfway through some very familiar SW characters pop into the story and things really get moving. Lots of fun. Lots of blood. Fun and blood really. 
View all my reviews

Free Kindle Download

3 DAYS ONLY
Between February 17th and 19th, the kindle edition of my collection, Blood, Gridlock, & PEZ will be available as a free download.

Visit a post apocalyptic world where it becomes difficult to distinguish friends from food. Experience the dead reaching forward from the past to influence the future of the living. Summon nerves of steel to remove the spiders living in a human brain. Conspire with malevolent jack-o’-lanterns to stop a mad man. And stand up to death in the middle of a traffic jam with only your wits, and PEZ. 



Blood, Gridlock, & PEZ on Amazon

Night Terrors III

Its official! Blood Bound Books has added me to the TOC of the new edition in their Night Terrors anthology series. My short story "Home Care," will appear somewhere in Night Terrors III. I don't think they have released a complete TOC or a NT3 cover design, but when they do I'll share. Blood Bound Books is a small genre press publishing out of Arizona, and even though they have only been around for a few years, they already have an impressive catalog. 
My short story collection, Blood, Gridlock, & PEZ: Podcasted Tales of Terror, got a little makeover recently. Little nip and tuck on the cover design and to celebrate I'm going to offer it as a free download sometime in February. Just waiting for the paperback to get proofed then I'll change the prices on Amazon. And if all goes well, I should have my new novel available around the 1st of April. No Fooling.   I've been asked to speak to an interesting class, via Skype, at Mansfield University (Pennsylvania). Professor Dan Mason teaches a course on the Zombie Apocalypse. Jeez, where was this course when I was at University? The students have an undead reading list and Night of the Living Trekkies is on it. This should be fun. I'm really looking forward to it. My co-author on Night of the Living Trekkies is diving back into the zombie pool with a new novel Boomtown Baby which he is putting online as he writes it. Go check it out on Jukepop, and let him know what you think. 
Boomtown Baby by Sam Stall on Jukepop
Blood, Gridlock & PEZ: Podcasted Tales of Horror on Amazon