Leonardo Ramirez's Blog, page 32

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From Previous PostsMy Incredible Father's Day – Original Post -6-20-11

This weekend I got to see what it means to be a husband and a father to my wife and daughter. To some this may not seem like a big deal but to me this was incredibly humbling. My wife and daughter simply asked me to take the day off on Friday which I did, not knowing what was in store. First off, my nine-year old-daughter took me out to breakfast. As she paid for the meal I could see out of the corner of my eye a father whispering to his son, "Will you look at that, that little girl is buying her daddy's breakfast." He wasn't condescending to his son but thought my little girl was a great example of the honor that a child is bestowing upon her father. I was really proud of her.

While we were gone (and unbeknownst to me), my wife packed up the car. When we got home from breakfast they simply asked me to sit in a chair and then they blindfolded me to where I couldn't see a thing. I was led to the car and 4 hours later (yes, I kept the blindfold on the whole time) they ripped it off and there we were in Pigeon Forge, TN at the entrance to Dollywood Theme Park, If you've never heard of the park, please look it up. The rides are amazing.

Needless to say, I was pretty surprised. Soon after we checked into our hotel and then went on to the park to get out season passes. I wore a bandana in the id picture. We only had a couple of hours to ride some rides so we took advantage of what we could. After a few hours of fun we went back to the hotel and my girls handed me two presents. This went on all weekend. We'd go to the park, come back and I'd get two presents. It seemed like every time we had to leave the park and go back to our room I was getting presents.

One of the rides we rode was called the Barnstormer. It's essentially a giant swing that catapults you about 100 feet in the air. My daughter became addicted to that one. I couldn't ride it first thing because I was had a bellyful of pancakes but I did go back and what a thrill. They also have something called Adventure Trail. You put on a harness and climb about 75 feet up and walk across ropes and ledges. I can't believe my daughter braved that one with no problem.

By the way, if you're in Gatlinburg be sure to stay at the Red Roof Inn. What an amazing and friendly group of people.

This may all sound like a common every day thing in a lot of families and having a great time IS a common thing in ours but here's the thing; my wife and daughter went through a TON of planning to pull all of this off and me (the detective as my wife refers to me as) not noticing any of it. That is very humbling to me. It's the little things. As I kept telling my daughter, you don't have to try – just be who you are and have fun and that's good enough for me.

For that advice, I got two books, two mugs, 3 shirts, and one iPod alarm clock.

The biggest present was time away with the family. And that's what made it incredible.

Love you my honies.



How Martial Arts Helps My Writing – Original Post – 3-12-11

Everyone knows that in martial arts and more specifically the style that I study (American Karate) in order for you to climb the ranks to obtain your black belt the student has to learn a series of cumulative "katas".

For some who may be unaware a kata is a series of moves that includes kicking, blocking, punching, etc against an imaginary opponent. Some katas, like ours, have names such as Seoung Wu 1, Seoung Wu 7, Basai, Hengetsu, Kata of Darkness, etc. There are short katas for the beginning white belt that may only consist of about 50 or so moves but for the higher belts the katas become more complicated.

Although we are taught that the mind retains the moves by repetition (practice) it can at times become daunting to have to remember all of those moves in all of the katas. In light of that, teach what I'll call "sectioning" which is to practice a section of the kata until you know it like the back of your hand and then move on to the next section. Keep going and before you know it you'll begin to know the kata as a whole. I say "begin" because it is also taught that you can practice one kata your whole life and never master it. I can vouch for that one.

In any case, this is how I'm approaching the writing of the novel I'm currently working on. While obviously maintaining flow and continuity I'm proceeding in sections so as to have a goal of completing a section of the book one-two chapters at a time. That way I continue to feel good about my progress. Too many times, writer get to the middle of the book and lay it down because of mental exhaustion, distractions or some other reason but if you look at it in sections (like we do when we study kata) you can feel good about accomplishing a small goal while trying to achieve the greater one.

Plugging Away – Original Post – 3-12-11Even with the flu this week (which totally bites, btw) I'm still plugging away at the full-length novelization for Haven. I'm about 20k words into it and although I feel like I should be further along its still coming together nicely. I'm writing it in such a way that it will complement the graphic novel and not take away from it while enhancing the already existing storyline.

Will keep posting as things progress.

Chat soon!Lenny

Sad News – Original Post – 2-20-11

I just received word that my good friend, Janice Keck passed away today. Janice was the Director of the Williamson County Public Library System and was a remarkable lady. From the first time we met we became good friends and I will miss her terribly. Thank you Janice, for believing in me and my work and for bringing me into the fold. I will miss you.

Merry Christmas! Original Post 2010-12-22

All,

In this holiday season I wanted to say thank you for putting up with all of the Haven updates and encouraging me along this journey that started just prior to the release. It was a lot of work but holy cow was it fun but even more importantly, it was humbling. A lot of people gave of their talents to help shine a light on Haven and to you I say thank you.

Michael Hammersky, Stacey Aragon and Mark Poe - thanks for your awesome pre-release reviews. I'll never forget your kind words and may your words (and podcast) reign supreme. Anthony King, Marc Ballard, Rick Parman, Janice Keck, Brooke Williams, and Tammy Derr: thank you for the wonderful experiences that are cons, libraries, and retail shop signings. Lyda Morehouse, thank you for keeping Haven alive post release via Ann Wilke's review blog. Giovanni Gelati you are an amazing ally with an equally amazing blog.

Matt Stonerock and Helaina Persinger..you two worked so freakin' hard for GMX. The panels would not have worked without you at all. The experience of the whole con was fun because of you.

My publisher, Harry Markos. What can I say. You are a good man who gave me a good shot and I'm forever grateful for the journey that you've started me on. Davy, my friend and brother...you just plum rock. Thank you buddy. To Anthony Annucci who encouraged me through this process. Thanks for being there the whole way.

My sweet wife Kristen and my daughter Mackenzy (who dressed up as Haven for GMX). You make writing fun and worthwhile for me. I love you and thank you with all of my heart not just for who you are but for the amazing support and encouragement.

Finally for the Army of Haven members who were kind enough to send in your pictures, create videos (thanks Ron!) and share the experience, I am so honored by you. I'm forever grateful to all of you and my hope for you is that all of your dreams come true and your gifts shine forever as the brightest star in the nighttime sky. Thank you all so so very much and I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Lenny

P.S. As some of you may be aware I've been asked for a prose version of Haven so I'll be sure to keep you updated on the process. Tell your friends!

-----------------Original Post 2010-11-01

In just a couple of days I'll be travelling to see my dad whom I've not seen in over 15 years. Around this time last year he was on his own and working and then the pile of bricks hit when I was told he has Alzheimer's and will have to be moved into a home. He's been there for a little bit and I have no earthly idea what his condition is, what meds he's on, what kind of place he's living in but I'm soon about to find out. The extended family that I have down there have been taking really good care of him but with me being so far away and not being there the anxiety level is heightened.

I'm struggling with a lot right now..leaving my girls behind for the first time with no extended family to watch over them. Some neighbors have offered (which was really kind of them) to hang out with them which I'm really glad for.

One of the things I'm struggling with is anger and angst. He could have met my family a long time ago but it just wasn't a priority. Maybe it's my fault. I don't know. Parents are supposed to be there emotionally for their kids and our parents have been quite the opposite. I think I'm supposed to let that go. I'm trying. Someday I will. I know I won't repeat the same mistake for my daughter.

The angst comes in that I have no idea what I'll find, what he'll be like, what he'll look like, etc. I don't want to leave my girls behind but I have to for now because I have to see him again. Even if he doesn't remember.

I'm hoping that in a week I'll feel better.

Original Post -2010-05-03

This weekend I went to my first showing of "Haven" our graphic novel releasing this August. I was a little nervous going in not knowing what to expect so after meeting the owner I quietly set up my spot which one in a line of about 5 other creators there. Kudos to the creator who walked in from the street while in town on vacation and was offered a seat. It takes guts to walk in not knowing anyone there and ask if he could sell his book. I wish him well. Nice guy too. There was a guy from Marvel there as well. At first I thought to myself, "Why would Marvel need to send someone to Nashville when us little guys haven't even sold one copy yet??" but then I thought of the store owner who is doing what he needs to do to sell comics which I applaud him for.

It was storming out and there was a beauty school graduation going on next door (reminds me of the Grease song, "Beauty School Dropout" so traffic was not all that great to begin with. Two guys stopped by the Marvel table and stayed for close to an hour I think. To answer your question, yes I did roll my eyes.

But then people started coming. When I spoke to them about our book they seemed genuinely interested. Heck, got four commitments to buy so that was great. But as people came by to say hi my angst quickly abated and my nervousness faded into nothing the more I got to know people and I was able to figure out that it wasn't about selling books at all it was about relationships. People came by and stayed not because I persuaded them to but because they wanted to stay and talk and that means more than selling a million copies. They assumed I won't remember their names. Tim, Greg, Emily, Chris and Elise you're wrong. I'll remember you. Thank you for coming by.

I learned a lot at my first event. Some of what I learned scares me, in fact. Creators not showing up for their signings after the retailer has spent hundreds on promoting them, retailers who only order from a distributor who only has eyes for the big guns, and overall people who have been slided at one point or another by someone in the industry make for one big dysfunctional family. What is a new creator to make of the dysfunctions of the comic book industry.

The word to focus here on is family. I have to remember that...or die trying. All of us have to get past what someone has done to us and not be complacent with the status quo. Newbies will never make it without the support of the retailer. Retailers will never make it without the support of the publisher. Distributors will never open their doors until consumers pry it open. Otherwise another 20 years will go by and we'll be forced to endure reboots of reboots of comic characters and there will be nothing fresh on the table to partake from.

The only reboot that is worth making is within ourselves.

Start over....

Get over it.---------------------Original Post -2010-06-01

I think I've finally figured out what it is that I seem to be slipping into and it's a state of perpetual grieving. All of a sudden memories of when I was a boy and went to spend time with my dad are viciously more vivid in my dreams and when I'm awake. Even his Old Spice haunts me. As of this writing he still remembers me but what I am horribly terrified of is calling him and he not having any recollection of who I am. It normally takes me about 3-4 days to work up the nerve to call him because of that fear. Once I do then I feel better but then the process starts all over again. I feel like I'm turning into someone else.

Man, I hate it that this blog is starting to sound like it's all about me. I don't mean it to sound that way because he's the one being tormented right now. He's been moved into a home now and I can't fathom what he must be going through. For someone so independent and self-reliant this has to be torture for him. We're hoping that we'll get to see him this summer. Certainly hope so but with that comes a fear that he won't recognize me. Sorry, there I go again. Can't help it. This is hell for everyone involved.

I don't know what else to say.....

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Original Post 2010-02-09

Yeah I know...took me long enough right? Anywho, hope everyone is well and have had their fill of building snowmen, sledding down steep slopes, and calling off school. Well, I haven't so here's to more of that.

Just wanted to quickly let everyone know that we have will be releasing the trade collector's edition of "Haven" in paperback in August consisting of issues 1-4. I know it's still a bit away but it will be here before you know it and while Davy is slaving away at the canvas board I'm starting to talk to retailers and pretty much whoever will put up with me so with that said...

I'll be posting an order form once we have a cover and an ISBN number so stay tuned. Thank you so much for staying with us through the process!

In the meantime, have fun in the snow!

Chat soon!

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Original Post 2009-11-12

Ok so today is my little girl's birthday and as she turns a ripe young 8 I'm choosing to push aside everything else and focus on the joy of being her daddy. I remember very clearly the day that we found out that she was going to be a girl. That night I annoyed the heck out of my wife because right then and there she had to be named. I got on one of those websites with the 10,000 (I think they're at 100k now) and started my list. I was up until 2am and I wasn't going to stop until she had a name. I'd mention what it is but I promised myself not to place that anywhere on the net. Let's just say her name is not Frank.

My wife made the comment this morning that had she been born the day she started labor that she would have been a veteran's day baby which would have been cool but then again I thought that she's so cool she needs her own day. After 40 hours of labor she came by caesarian. The poor doctor was so short that she had to stand on a platform to dig her arms into my wife to pull our daughter out. It was worth it because the first time I laid eyes on her was life-changing. I went into the room one person and came out another one.

There is no joy on this earth greater than that of being a daddy. I love how goofy and silly she can be while at the same time wise and beautiful. When she looks up at me with those big brown eyes my day is done and whatever it was that happened that day just doesn't seem to be that important.

We have a small tradition of ours which is that the night before her birthday she and I go out to dinner by ourselves. We laugh, have fun (last night we played blow the wad of paper across the table soccer) and at the end of the night I tell her what she means to me, how beautiful she is, and how grateful I am to have her in my life. She always blushes. That's how I know it sticks. Yes, of course I tell her that all the time but it carries more weight when we're sitting down at dinner and I tell her these things at an appointed time.

I've heard it said that you come to realize what love is and how much you want it when you get married. I contend that you realize not just how much you're capable of loving when you have a child but how deep that love goes. It really does go so deep that you can't see the bottom.

I like it that way.

Original Post 2009-09-18

I could blog about swine flu, politics (for lack of a better word), ambitions, traditions, conditions, etc. but the only thing that settles my mind in the midst of the toil are the few minutes that I have before I hear her scream, "Daddy!"

It's Friday afternoon and like every other, I think of my girls and the solace they bring when I walk through the door. Every day is different, sometimes my little girl is outside playing while others she's indoors watching TV but the carving of the mind that remains for all time is the sight of her big brown eyes as she catches sight and her little legs that carry her as fast as they can to open arms. I pray she doesn't trip on her way to me and every time my prayer is answered I cannot hold her tight enough.

She wants to show me something. Doesn't matter what it is because it's important. Yesterday it was a bracelet made of toilet paper roll and wrapped in string made just for me and covered in kissies. She tells me that when I put her down to make sure that I give her cuddles. She falls asleep quickly but somehow she knows that I did.

I gently place my hand on her head and say a prayer to protect and guide her.

In the morning, it's pancakes and cheese eggs. And don't forget the bacon.

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Original Post 2009-09-13

Spoke to Dad. He asked me how the girls were doing which was great…means he still remembers them. Then I asked him about my half-brother. He asked me how I knew him. I simply replied, "He's my brother." I told him that we would try and go see him next summer if the finances work out. There's no driving to Puerto Rico and we have no one there to stay with so we would have to do a hotel. We're talking some major mula here. I wish I could see him so that whatever questions I have lingering in the recesses of my mind about why he left could simply vanish in the moment of a hug or an "I love you." I don't want to care about the past anymore. I just want to hold him and tell him that I turned out all right despite the cards and that he doesn't have to be sorry anymore. I want him to know that laughing really does a body good.