Phil Giunta's Blog, page 11
December 3, 2022
After Action Report – Lehigh Valley Comic Con
Enjoyed a fantastic day at the final Lehigh Valley Comic Con of 2022. It was a bleak and soggy day and attendance seemed lower than the August show, but I sold a few books, caught up with old friends, and as always, the cosplayers were outstanding. Looking forward to returning next year, hopefully with a few new titles.
November 22, 2022
After Action Report: Philcon 85 – In the Presence of Giants
In GPS we trust and that’s precisely what I did on my way to Philcon when my usual route through the City of Brotherly Love turned into a parking lot. If you know the area, you probably guessed the Schuylkill Expressway and you would be correct.
So instead of ol’ Ben Franklin, it was Walt Whitman what got me into New Jersey this time. I landed at the Cherry Hill Doubletree around 4PM, checked in, schlepped my baggage to my room, then proceeded to con registration to collect the usual accoutrements (badge and program book) before I was sent up four floors to con ops to pick up my tent card and free drink tickie for the opening reception.
In the lobby, I reunited with friends Ef Deal, Serg Koren, and Susanna Reilly. It was wonderful to catch up with them before my 7PM panel, Writing: The Long and Short of It adroitly moderated by writer pal, Hildy Silverman. Fellow panelists included Elektra Hammond, Marilyn “Mattie” Brahen, and Jim Stratton. We discussed such topics as developing short story plots, number of characters and points of view, and crafting short stories as standalone works versus passing off the opening chapter of a novel.
Photo credit: Michael Ventrella
As that was my one and only panel of the evening, I stopped by the freebie table where I picked up a few gems including a copy of Nate Segaloff’s authorized biography of one of my literary heroes, Harlan Ellison.
At 9PM, I attended an edifying panel on Finances for Creative Professionals led by veteran writer Susan Shwartz with James Stratton, Nate Hoffelder, David M. Axler, and Russell J. Handelman. The discussion went beyond tax deductions and touched on wills, trusts, long term care insurance, and literary executors. I walked out of there with a short list of items to take care of in the coming year.
Later, I meandered over to the opening reception where I used my drink ticket for a Pepsi (no booze for me) and chatted with writer buds Aaron Rosenberg and Russ Colchamiro from Crazy 8 Press and Neil Clarke, founder and editor of Clarkesworld Magazine before calling it a night.
Since I didn’t have a panel until noon on Saturday, it was time for more book shopping. Philcon’s dealer room never disappoints when it comes to vintage SF as you can see…
My noon panel was also my second and final one of the con (they took it easy on me this year). Horror Without Gore was moderated by Bram Stoker award nominee Carol Gyzander and included Amy Grech, Gary Frank, and Martin Joseph Berman-Gorvine. Through a lively discussion, we determined that yes, you can write a fine horror story without graphic blood and guts through the use of suspense, atmosphere, and psychological terror. Photo credits (below): Alp Beck.
The rest of the afternoon was spent sitting in on such panels as State of the Short Fiction Market moderated by Stephanie Burke with participants Neil Clarke and Margaret Riley followed by We ARE Living in Philip K. Dick’s Future, Aren’t We? with Michael Swanwick as impromptu moderator (in lieu of Gregory Frost), Ken Altabef, Lawrence Kramer, and Anatasia Klimchynskaya. The group analyzed aspects of contemporary society in the context of how it compares to Philip K. Dick’s dystopian vision. The short answer to the panel’s title is… yes we are.
After that, it was time for a delightful dinner in the hotel restaurant with friends Susanna Reilly and Francis Barron after which, fatigue set in and a power nap was in order. By the time I awoke, it was well past 8PM and I decided to stay in my room, write for a bit, watch some TV then call it a night.
The highlight of the con occurred on Sunday during my noon autograph session when Nebula-award winner Michael Swanwick invited me to his home in Philly for a small after party. I grew up in the section of the city where he has lived for decades but never knew it until we connected on Facebook three years ago. While there, I was honored yet again to meet SFWA Grand Master Samuel R. “Chip” Delaney. Michael and Chip are legends in science fiction literature and beyond and for two and a half hours on Sunday evening, I was in the presence of giants much in the same way as when I met another literary hero, Harlan Ellison, back in 1999. I drove home that night with treasured memories and an invitation from Michael to return next year. I look forward to it!
November 9, 2022
My Philcon 85 Schedule
My Philcon schedule is below. They went easy on me this year. When not speaking on a panel, I’ll be in the audience, perusing the book dealers, or hiding in my room writing. If you’re going, I hope to see you there!
Friday, November 18 at 7:00 PM in Plaza 4 – Writing: The Long and Short of It
Saturday, November 19 at 12:00 PM in Crystal 3 – Horror Without Gore
Sunday, November 20 at 12:00 PM. Autograph Table – Autographs: Robert E. Waters, Phil Giunta
November 8, 2022
Book Review: Successful Self-Publishing by Joanna Penn
Joanna Penn provides a slim but informative overview of the tools, processes, and mindset needed to self-publish and market your books. If you want more detailed information on these topics, however, she provides links to her own website and refers you to her other books and weekly podcasts. Nevertheless, this is a solid starting point for burgeoning writers or even experienced authors who are self-publishing for the first time.
November 6, 2022
Book Review: My Runaway Summer by Larry Schardt
Escaping his abusive father, fifteen-year-old Larry Schardt runs away from his Pittsburgh home in the summer of 1970 and hitchhikes with a friend to Ocean City where he finds love, kinship, and a sense of belonging all while sleeping on back porches and under boardwalks. Larry’s ultimate goal is to continue on his journey to freedom all the way to Haight-Ashbury, a hippie haven in San Francisco but it isn’t long before he learns that you cannot run away from your problems. All told, Dr. Schardt presents a fast-paced coming of age memory that carries the reader away on an adventure of peace, love, and rock ‘n roll!
October 16, 2022
Book Review: Robert Heinlein’s Double Star
When the leader of the Expansionist Party, John Bonforte, is kidnapped, unemployed actor Lorenzo Smythe is hired to take his place just before an important ceremony that will serve as a peace treaty between Mars and Earth. Should he fail, however, the results could be interplanetary war.
While the resemblance between Lorenzo and Bonforte is remarkable, the actor undergoes intense training to learn the politician’s background, thought process, manner of speech, and body language as well as the Martian phrases he must utter with impeccable precision during the ceremony. Coached by Bonforte’s team, Lorenzo delivers a flawless performance.
Shortly after, the real John Bonforte is found, but his mind and memories have been scrambled, leaving him in no condition to resume his responsibilities until he is fully recovered. Even his personal physician is uncertain how long that will take. Thus, Lorenzo must continue his impersonation, fearing that at any moment, the charade will be revealed.
As one of my favorite Heinlein novels, Double Star is a thoroughly entertaining, fast-paced romp with likeable characters, witty dialogue, and constant tension.
October 14, 2022
After Action Report: Mindful Writers Retreat
As I write this, the sun is rising on the final morning of the 2022 Autumn Mindful Writers Retreat. As always, it was a magical week at the Ligonier Camp and Conference Center nestled in the Laurel Highlands in western Pennsylvania.
Mother Nature blessed us with five days of clement weather and vivid fall colors. I managed to finish three more chapters of my novella-in-progress and when I wasn’t writing, I hiked through the woods and joined my fellow scribes in afternoon meditation.
On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, I stole away from the retreat to participate in two Zoom sessions with fellow members of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group. The first was a discussion panel on Writing Genre Fiction with Dianna Sinovic, Michael Daigle, and Rachel Thompson. The second was an Author Dialogue with Dianna wherein we enjoyed an informal discussion about various aspects of writing. Both Zoom meetings will be included in the programming for the upcoming Easton Book Festival.
On our final evening of the retreat, the group gathered around the fire for a few hours of relaxation and socializing. Now, it’s nearly time for our final brunch together and then I’m on the road home with fond memories, some lessons learned about book marketing, and solid progress in my current project.
Deep gratitude to retreat organizers Kathie Shoop and Larry Schardt and to the staff at the Ligonier Camp and Conference Center. I look forward to future retreats!
My home during the retreat.
Macartney Lane
October 4, 2022
Easton Book Festival Schedule of Events
As part of the Easton Book Festival, I will have a table at the Easton Farmer’s Market from 9AM to 1PM on Saturday, October 29. Story readings are scheduled between 9AM and 10AM.
The festival will be held live and virtually from October 21 through October 30. The schedule is on the website now and includes online discussion panels, author interviews, story readings, in-person book signings, and a plethora of other events for all ages.
I will also be a panelist on Writing Genre Fiction along with Michael Daigle, Rachel Thompson, and Dianna Sinovic. The discussion will be pre-recorded and posted on the festival website on Thursday, October 27th at 10PM as shown in the schedule.
On Friday, October 28th at 6:30PM, Book and Puppet Company, the organizers of the festival, will celebrate the grand opening of their local author bookcase in their shop in Easton’s Center Square. I have a few titles on their shelves along with fellow members of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group.
This will be best EBF to date so we hope you’ll join us!
September 25, 2022
Magic, Folklore, and Otherworldly Encounters at the Beach!
Looking for the perfect read for the end of beach season or a trip to your own back yard? Check out SHELL HOUSE, the latest anthology by Year of the Book Press with stories by members of the Mindful Writers Retreat. Print and ebook versions are available everywhere and the ebook is on sale for $0.99!
Proceeds benefit the Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute in Lewes, DE.
Several SHELL HOUSE authors will be signing copies at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, DE on October 1, 2022 at 4PM. If you’re in town, stop by, say hi, and grab a copy!
Browseabout Books
133 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE
SHELL HOUSE is also available from:
Each piece in the anthology takes place at SHELL HOUSE. The famous historical home on Rehoboth Beach provides the backdrop for stories of every genre, spanning from the roaring 20’s to present day. Beach life is magical in so many ways whether you live there or stop by for a short trip. The following stories beautifully bring magic, fantasy, and science fiction to the page.
The inspiration for Stephanie Keyes’ “Wren and the Sea Captain” came from an old, black and white movie, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. It’s one of her favorites—spooky, very romantic, with sweeping vistas and sporadic comedic moments. There was a lost, forgotten quality to that film that came back to her as she reviewed the pictures of Shell House and the sea beyond. Read her story to see just how life meets the afterlife.
When Hilary Hauck began researching the Shell House for “The Heart of the Home,” it didn’t take long for a rather cheeky little character to be born. You know the kind, those often found in folklore, the ones who steal odd socks and knit dust bunnies to spread beneath furniture. With all the mischief these folkloric characters create she began to wonder what if they’re really sending a message to pay attention? What if their real quest is to encourage people to value what they have?
Michele Zirkle’s story, “Seashells and Cockle Tales of High Magic” was partially inspired by her experiences and those of a friend. Mysterious symbols appeared in the hands of her shamanic mentor and those serendipitously connected her with a group from around the world who were seeing them in their palms too. This led to an energy healing modality called Belvaspata and featured into her Shell House tale.
What exactly inspired the “magic” in Madhu B. Wangu’s story “Life in the Mirror?” As she studied the Shell House, the one hundred-year-old sprawling mansion with balconies, corridors, Victorian furniture, manicured gardens, beach in the front and wilderness at the back she began to hear the haunting sounds of a sorrowful voice as if searching for itself. And she hadn’t even written the story yet! Written in a day Madhu felt as though the character, Jada, was feeding her the tale, drawing her to the mirror… There’s nothing like a beautiful mirror to draw a person in.
Denise Weaver’s “Molly’s Magic” was largely inspired by her sweet aunt and her own life in the kitchen. But Molly is so much more than a simple cook in an enormous, historic beach house. She seems to have been the Shell House cook forever… Denise’s inclination to show love through food was the impetus for Molly’s role. What if Molly somehow always made the right recipe to create just the right experience for those who are searching—searching for love, for peace, for a new beginning? The magic of a lovingly prepared meal can work wonders.
Kimberly Kurth Gray’s “A Sunday Séance at Sea” was inspired by Kim’s Aunt Evelyn Norton. Auntie Ev, with her bleached blonde hair and kitten heels, was the perfect model for the character of Linda Porter. Like Auntie, Linda is fascinated with the afterlife and spirits. Auntie could spin frightening tales, and once even moved from her home because she was convinced a loved one would make good on his promise to haunt her. When Kim began to read more on Spiritualism she found that the actress Mae West was also a believer. Who better to help the spirits move from one existence to the next? It gives a whole new meaning to, “Come up and see me sometimes,” don’t you think?
My own tale of science fiction comedy, “See You Around the Cosmos, Sweet Cheeks!” originated on a sweltering July evening while walking the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. Dramatic lights in the night sky almost convinced me that I was witnessing experimental military crafts or even extraterrestrials. But the silent light show was nothing more than kites laden with LEDs. Nevertheless, my writer’s brain began conjuring a story idea and I ran with it all the way back to autumn of 1983 when Rehoboth was less developed and the Shell House property would have been dark and deserted on an off-season night. This tale of a cynical college student and a snarky alien takes elements from my science fiction novel in progress, which is set in Wyoming. However, when the Shell House anthology was announced, I realized that I could carve out the opening scenes and rewrite it as a beach adventure.
September 23, 2022
Ghosts, Aliens, and Bootlegging at the Beach
Looking for the perfect read for the end of beach season or a trip to your own back yard? Check out SHELL HOUSE, the latest anthology by Year of the Book Press with stories by members of the Mindful Writers Retreat. Print and ebook versions are available everywhere and the ebook is on sale for $0.99!
Proceeds benefit the Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute in Lewes, DE.
Several SHELL HOUSE authors will be signing copies at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, DE on October 1, 2022 at 4PM. If you’re in town, stop by, say hi, and grab a copy!
Browseabout Books
133 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE
SHELL HOUSE is also available from:
Each piece in the anthology takes place at SHELL HOUSE, a historic mansion that once stood on the border of Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches between the Atlantic Ocean and Silver Lake.
The famous site provides the backdrop for stories of every genre, from the roaring 20s to present day. There’s nothing like the beach to bring out the fun in life. Read on to see what inspired some of the more lighthearted tales in the collection. In later posts, we’ll explore some of the other tales in various genres.
“A Sunday Séance at the Sea” by Kimberly Kurth Gray was inspired by her bleach blonde, storytelling, obsessed with the afterlife, kitten heel wearing Auntie Ev. Drawing from flamboyant relatives and researching Spiritualism, Kimberly found the pieces of her Shell House story falling together in the perfect, otherworldly way. She even discovered that the actress Mae West was a believer in Spiritualism. And who better to help the spirits move from one existence to the next? It gives a whole new meaning to, “Come up and see me sometimes,” don’t you think?
Kathleen Shoop offers two lighthearted tales set nearly a century apart and connected by champagne and pineapple upside down cake! The first story, “Flora & George” was inspired by the 1920s bootlegging that sprouted up along the Delaware coast. The roaring 20s was the perfect back drop for witty banter and insta-love to bloom. The inspiration behind “Frannie & Eli” is the story of Flora and George and the illicit party that brought them together. A message in a bottle, a secret hidey hole, and a century of fabulous Shell House stories. Oh, if the walls could talk …. Sometimes they do.
Cindy Moldovan’s “Love Dawns at Shell House” was inspired by, well, love! Main character Lacey is taking an early morning stroll when she realizes that she is in love. But this fun story explores more than romance. Lacey is soon tasked with finding a way to save Shell House from demolition. Conflicts arise threatening Rehoboth’s beloved home and the guy who has captured her heart! Can love win out?
My own tale of science fiction comedy, “See You Around the Cosmos, Sweet Cheeks!” originated on a sweltering July evening while walking the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. Dramatic lights in the night sky almost convinced me that I was witnessing experimental military crafts or extraterrestrials. But the silent light show ended up being nothing more than kites laden with LEDs. Nevertheless, my writer’s brain began conjuring a story. I took the idea and ran with it, all the way back to autumn of 1983 when Rehoboth was less developed and the Shell House property would have been dark and deserted on an off-season night. The perfect location to encounter a massive alien ship? You’ll have to read to find out!
