David P. Forsyth's Blog: The Sovereign Spirit Saga, page 3
January 27, 2013
Z-Day (The Ultimate Aprils Fools Prank)
Well, you know how I always come up with off the wall ideas for promoting my books? This time I may have struck gold. I was pleasantly surprised when people ran the Z-Day simulation on Apocalypse Whenever last year. So I was thinking of a way to make it bigger and better this year...
I came up with the idea of zombie flash mobs showing up unexpectedly in cities across the nation as an April Fools Day prank. The kicker is that one member of each group will video their "outbreak" on a smart phone and email it to CNN, MSNBC, Fox, and local TV stations. I'm hoping for an effect similar to Orson Wells radio broadcast of War of the Worlds. Sounds like pie in the sky, right?
Well, I set up a private group on FaceBook called Z-Day HQ a few days ago at http://www.facebook.com/groups/122074... and it has really caught on. The ZSA (Zombie Safe Area) organization loves the idea and is mobilizing their chapters worldwide. Several "zombie walk" groups are on board. Other zombie authors and fans are joining too. We need to keep it relatively quiet to preserve the element of surprise, but I do want to let my fans know about it. Please join Z-Day HQ to watch it unfold. And feel free to share your thoughts here too.
If you want to be part of an outbreak, the list of locations is growing and includes LA, San Diego, San Francisco, New York, Houston, Dallas, New Orleans, London (and other towns in the UK), etc... I hope you will consider being part of this global happening.
PS: We are establishing safety protocols to ensure that nobody gets shot in the head. This is intended as a harmless, or as I say, a "safe and insane" prank to promote zombie fiction and culture.
I came up with the idea of zombie flash mobs showing up unexpectedly in cities across the nation as an April Fools Day prank. The kicker is that one member of each group will video their "outbreak" on a smart phone and email it to CNN, MSNBC, Fox, and local TV stations. I'm hoping for an effect similar to Orson Wells radio broadcast of War of the Worlds. Sounds like pie in the sky, right?
Well, I set up a private group on FaceBook called Z-Day HQ a few days ago at http://www.facebook.com/groups/122074... and it has really caught on. The ZSA (Zombie Safe Area) organization loves the idea and is mobilizing their chapters worldwide. Several "zombie walk" groups are on board. Other zombie authors and fans are joining too. We need to keep it relatively quiet to preserve the element of surprise, but I do want to let my fans know about it. Please join Z-Day HQ to watch it unfold. And feel free to share your thoughts here too.
If you want to be part of an outbreak, the list of locations is growing and includes LA, San Diego, San Francisco, New York, Houston, Dallas, New Orleans, London (and other towns in the UK), etc... I hope you will consider being part of this global happening.
PS: We are establishing safety protocols to ensure that nobody gets shot in the head. This is intended as a harmless, or as I say, a "safe and insane" prank to promote zombie fiction and culture.
January 13, 2013
A Tribute to my Mother (1923 - 2013)
I don't want to submerge you in my grief at losing my Mother last week, but she was a very special lady that touched many lives and leaves a void in mine. I was very proud yesterday when our hometown newspaper, The Santa Barbara News Press, published a feature article celebrating her life. Her death was featured on A-6 as News, instead stuck with the obituaries in the back. I could go on and on about why she deserved every tribute possible, and will at the funeral, but I think her life and accomplishments speak for themselves. Without further ado:
LOCAL WRITER, CIVIC LEADER DIES AT 89
By
Scott Kaufman, News Press Correspondent
Gloria Forsyth
COURTESY PHOTO
January 12, 2013 12:09 AM
Family and friends were saddened by the death of Gloria Brooks Forsyth, onetime society writer for the Santa Barbara News-Press and a local civic leader.
Mrs. Forsyth, 89, died peacefully from natural causes at Palomar Hospital in Escondido, said her son, David Forsyth, in a statement.
A Santa Barbara native, Mrs. Forsyth attended Stanford University during World War II, where she received a bachelor's degree in journalism and was the first female editor of Stanford's student newspaper, the Stanford Daily, Mr. Forsyth said.
At Stanford, Mrs. Forsyth met her husband, James A. Forsyth, and the couple returned to Santa Barbara after marrying in 1945, Mr. Forsyth said.
Upon her return, Mrs. Forsyth worked at the News-Press for several years as a society writer before publishing a children's novel in 1956 titled "Pelican Prill."
She and her husband then created and published a magazine, "This Week in Santa Barbara," into the early 1970s, Mr. Forsyth said.
Widowed in 1975, Mrs. Forsyth devoted the rest of her life to her two children, David Forsyth and Frances Baker, and philanthropy.
For Mrs. Forsyth, public spirit dates back to her father, Ralph Brooks, who founded the Valley Club of Montecito.
Mrs. Forsyth held numerous leadership positions in the Junior League, served on the boards of the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation and the Lobero Theatre, was president of the Santa Barbara Garden Club and vice president of the Montecito Trail Riding Association.
She also was involved with the Santa Barbara United Way, the Crane Day School, El Presideo Gift Shop, Santa Barbara YMCA, Family Service Agency, Music Academy of the West, Visiting Nurses Association, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, All Saints Church in Santa Barbara, the Little Town Club and Old Spanish Days, Mr. Forsyth said.
Mrs. Forsyth established a scholarship in her late husband's name at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., where he attended preparatory school, and funded Forsyth Field at Besant Hill School of Happy Valley in Ojai, where she was a trustee and contributed to numerous Santa Barbara institutions.
Mrs. Forsyth moved to Oceanside in the 1990s to be closer to family.
She will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Santa Barbara Cemetery on Channel Drive. The graveside service will be open to the public at 1 p.m. Thursday.
email: skaufman@newspress.com
PS: I was blessed to spend the last few days of her life at her bedside. It was peaceful. On her last day I read her children's novel, "Pelican Prill," out loud to her from start to finish. She left us about an hour after I finished reading the final chapter.
Rest in Peace, Mom. I know Daddy and your sisters and your own parents have been waiting a long time to be reunited - and that you will be waiting for me someday too.
LOCAL WRITER, CIVIC LEADER DIES AT 89
By
Scott Kaufman, News Press Correspondent
Gloria Forsyth
COURTESY PHOTO
January 12, 2013 12:09 AM
Family and friends were saddened by the death of Gloria Brooks Forsyth, onetime society writer for the Santa Barbara News-Press and a local civic leader.
Mrs. Forsyth, 89, died peacefully from natural causes at Palomar Hospital in Escondido, said her son, David Forsyth, in a statement.
A Santa Barbara native, Mrs. Forsyth attended Stanford University during World War II, where she received a bachelor's degree in journalism and was the first female editor of Stanford's student newspaper, the Stanford Daily, Mr. Forsyth said.
At Stanford, Mrs. Forsyth met her husband, James A. Forsyth, and the couple returned to Santa Barbara after marrying in 1945, Mr. Forsyth said.
Upon her return, Mrs. Forsyth worked at the News-Press for several years as a society writer before publishing a children's novel in 1956 titled "Pelican Prill."
She and her husband then created and published a magazine, "This Week in Santa Barbara," into the early 1970s, Mr. Forsyth said.
Widowed in 1975, Mrs. Forsyth devoted the rest of her life to her two children, David Forsyth and Frances Baker, and philanthropy.
For Mrs. Forsyth, public spirit dates back to her father, Ralph Brooks, who founded the Valley Club of Montecito.
Mrs. Forsyth held numerous leadership positions in the Junior League, served on the boards of the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation and the Lobero Theatre, was president of the Santa Barbara Garden Club and vice president of the Montecito Trail Riding Association.
She also was involved with the Santa Barbara United Way, the Crane Day School, El Presideo Gift Shop, Santa Barbara YMCA, Family Service Agency, Music Academy of the West, Visiting Nurses Association, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, All Saints Church in Santa Barbara, the Little Town Club and Old Spanish Days, Mr. Forsyth said.
Mrs. Forsyth established a scholarship in her late husband's name at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., where he attended preparatory school, and funded Forsyth Field at Besant Hill School of Happy Valley in Ojai, where she was a trustee and contributed to numerous Santa Barbara institutions.
Mrs. Forsyth moved to Oceanside in the 1990s to be closer to family.
She will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Santa Barbara Cemetery on Channel Drive. The graveside service will be open to the public at 1 p.m. Thursday.
email: skaufman@newspress.com
PS: I was blessed to spend the last few days of her life at her bedside. It was peaceful. On her last day I read her children's novel, "Pelican Prill," out loud to her from start to finish. She left us about an hour after I finished reading the final chapter.
Rest in Peace, Mom. I know Daddy and your sisters and your own parents have been waiting a long time to be reunited - and that you will be waiting for me someday too.
January 6, 2013
My Review of Ragnarok Rising: The Awakening
When I learned that another zombie apocalypse book released last year also set Z-Day as April 1, I just had to read it. I'm glad I did. See my review below.
Ragnarok Rising: The Awakening by D.A. Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In “Ragnarok Rising: The Awakening” DA Roberts offers an exciting and fresh take on the tried and true story of a zombie apocalypse as seen through the eyes of a correctional officer who discovers the best place to be is inside a jail. This action packed thrill ride is full of horror, suspense and gun-play. The protagonist, along with a strong female sidekick, discovers that zombies are not the only threat they face when humanity consumes itself. Yet even in the face of trigger happy rednecks and military atrocities, they rise to the call of duty and rescue civilians, fellow officers, and family in a story that displays both the best and worst sides of mankind and leaves you wanting more. Five stars for this outstanding addition to the genre!
Review by David P Forsyth (Author of Voyage of the Dead, Flotilla of the Dead, and Deluge of the Dead)
View all my reviews
Ragnarok Rising: The Awakening by D.A. RobertsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
In “Ragnarok Rising: The Awakening” DA Roberts offers an exciting and fresh take on the tried and true story of a zombie apocalypse as seen through the eyes of a correctional officer who discovers the best place to be is inside a jail. This action packed thrill ride is full of horror, suspense and gun-play. The protagonist, along with a strong female sidekick, discovers that zombies are not the only threat they face when humanity consumes itself. Yet even in the face of trigger happy rednecks and military atrocities, they rise to the call of duty and rescue civilians, fellow officers, and family in a story that displays both the best and worst sides of mankind and leaves you wanting more. Five stars for this outstanding addition to the genre!
Review by David P Forsyth (Author of Voyage of the Dead, Flotilla of the Dead, and Deluge of the Dead)
View all my reviews
December 21, 2012
Apocalyptic Freebies! (12/21-23/12)
It's great to see too of my books in the Top 100 lists of Kindle Sci-Fi-Adventure again at the same time. Deluge of the Dead is hanging in the Top 80 Paid at the moment, and Voyage of the Dead is in the Top 20 Free this weekend.
Now would be a good time to tell all of your Facebook and Twitter friends to grab a FREE copy of Voyage of the Dead at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006Y3XF4A I'd like to give them all a little gift to enjoy over the Holidays.
Let me also recommend two more apocalyptic Kindle freebies this weekend. My friend Paul Jones is offering Extinction Point and Toward Yesterday for free too. We are in a race to the #1 spot (and he is winning at the moment).
Thank you to everyone who has purchased Deluge of the Dead this week. It certainly made a splash, climbing above the Top 4000 in Paid Kindle Store. Now it's time to lure more readers into the saga!
Now would be a good time to tell all of your Facebook and Twitter friends to grab a FREE copy of Voyage of the Dead at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006Y3XF4A I'd like to give them all a little gift to enjoy over the Holidays.
Let me also recommend two more apocalyptic Kindle freebies this weekend. My friend Paul Jones is offering Extinction Point and Toward Yesterday for free too. We are in a race to the #1 spot (and he is winning at the moment).
Thank you to everyone who has purchased Deluge of the Dead this week. It certainly made a splash, climbing above the Top 4000 in Paid Kindle Store. Now it's time to lure more readers into the saga!
December 13, 2012
Deluge of the Dead is Online Now
FYI: Breaking News! Deluge of the Dead (Sovereign Spirit Saga #3) is now available at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ANFW7KS Thanks for your interest in the series.
December 6, 2012
Deluge of the Dead (Release 12/12/12)
It's taken longer than planned, but I hope you will find it worth the wait. "Deluge of the Dead" is set for release on 12/12/12 (Amazon Kindle only). The 3rd book in the Sovereign Spirit Saga expands the scope of rescue operations and reveals that there are worse threats than undead cannibals facing survivors of the zombie apocalypse.
Follow Scott, Carl and their companions as they struggle to defend a stronghold of civilization in the face of overwhelming odds. You may be surprised at which of the characters you have come to know and love (or hate) fall victim to the apocalypse and you will be shocked at the depths of cruelty and inhumanity to which some of the survivors descend.
There will be one more promotional giveaway for "Voyage of the Dead" before Christmas to introduce new readers to the series, as well as a limited time price reduction on "Flotilla of the Dead" to promote the release of "Deluge of the Dead." And don't forget that all of these books are great electronic stocking stuffers! You can buy them "as a gift" on Amazon and set the digital delivery date for 12/25/12. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
Follow Scott, Carl and their companions as they struggle to defend a stronghold of civilization in the face of overwhelming odds. You may be surprised at which of the characters you have come to know and love (or hate) fall victim to the apocalypse and you will be shocked at the depths of cruelty and inhumanity to which some of the survivors descend.
There will be one more promotional giveaway for "Voyage of the Dead" before Christmas to introduce new readers to the series, as well as a limited time price reduction on "Flotilla of the Dead" to promote the release of "Deluge of the Dead." And don't forget that all of these books are great electronic stocking stuffers! You can buy them "as a gift" on Amazon and set the digital delivery date for 12/25/12. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
November 24, 2012
Damned Spam!
Maybe it's a sign of success, but it sucks. I have over 8,000 pending messages on www.DavidPForsyth.com right now! The problem is that all but a few seem to be SPAM. I don't suppose any of you want links to generic prescription drugs, or fake designer products, do you? So know (after just a few days) I need to sift through this landslide of SPAM looking for any real comments...
How the heck can I wrap up the 3rd book with all of these distractions? So... If you want to post on my website, please start by commenting here (or sending an email to "me" @ davidpforsyth.com) I already deleted one legitimate message/post by accident and don't want to repeat that blunder.
Anyway, Happy Holidays to all! Deluge of the Dead will be released in time to stuff into your stocking. Any advice on how to block all this damned SPAM is welcome. Anyone know how to add "captcha" to a Wordpress hosted website? A little help from tech savy fans is always welcome! ;-)
DPF
How the heck can I wrap up the 3rd book with all of these distractions? So... If you want to post on my website, please start by commenting here (or sending an email to "me" @ davidpforsyth.com) I already deleted one legitimate message/post by accident and don't want to repeat that blunder.
Anyway, Happy Holidays to all! Deluge of the Dead will be released in time to stuff into your stocking. Any advice on how to block all this damned SPAM is welcome. Anyone know how to add "captcha" to a Wordpress hosted website? A little help from tech savy fans is always welcome! ;-)
DPF
October 28, 2012
ApocaCon was Awesome!
I had a great time yesterday promoting my books at the 1st ApocaCon during the 5th Long Beach Zombie Walk. I was joined by Saul Tanpepper (author of the "Gameland" series, etc...) and Daniel J. Williams (author of "Mace of the Apocalypse") as we faced 15,000+ "Walkers" in an historic confrontation.
Thanks to a suggestion from Saul, I included QR bar codes on my business cards and promotional materials. This allowed the "walkers" to buy "Voyage of the Dead" from Amazon with their smart phones. As a result, "Voyage of the Dead" jumped up more than 60,000 spots in Amazon rankings during the event!
I passed out close to a thousand cards and had some great interactions with zombie fans. I'm expecting some word of mouth buzz in Long Beach too, considering "Flotilla of Dead" is set in the Port of Long Beach and Terminal Island. All in all, it was a great experience for my first public event as an author. Thanks to everyone who helped make the 1st ApocaCon a success!
Note: Photos and more info are available at http://www.facebook.com/ApocaCon (which you can Like to follow my future events and promotions of apocalyptic fiction).
Thanks to a suggestion from Saul, I included QR bar codes on my business cards and promotional materials. This allowed the "walkers" to buy "Voyage of the Dead" from Amazon with their smart phones. As a result, "Voyage of the Dead" jumped up more than 60,000 spots in Amazon rankings during the event!
I passed out close to a thousand cards and had some great interactions with zombie fans. I'm expecting some word of mouth buzz in Long Beach too, considering "Flotilla of Dead" is set in the Port of Long Beach and Terminal Island. All in all, it was a great experience for my first public event as an author. Thanks to everyone who helped make the 1st ApocaCon a success!
Note: Photos and more info are available at http://www.facebook.com/ApocaCon (which you can Like to follow my future events and promotions of apocalyptic fiction).
October 1, 2012
Sovereign Spirit Giveaway Contest on AW
The Sovereign Spirit Saga is the featured October giveaway on the Apocalypse Whenever group at http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1... I hope that all of you will participate in the contest which is based on the Roll Playing Blog at www.sovereignspirit.net Winning status reports will be included in Deluge of the Dead and the winners will also get two of my books for free. Here's how the event is described:
"This is a special giveaway in which you can not only win a couple of books, but also a few lines of fame in The Deluge of the Dead, 3rd book of the Sovereign Spirit Saga! (You do not need to have read the first books in the series to participate.)
David will select at least one member's message to be inserted into the book (minor edits at his discretion); winner(s) will also receive his/her choice of 2 books from the series, Kindle or PDF. Books include: Voyage of the Dead, Flotilla of the Dead, and Deluge of the Dead (planned for the end of this year).
How to Play:
• In 250 words or less, describe your zombie PA status. The scenario: It's two weeks past Z-Day, in a world full of fast zombies infected with Super Rabies. You are sending an email to a ship that is gathering survivors off the coast of California — you can ask for help if you are close by, or just describe the conditions where you are. Examples of what others have written can be seen at www.sovereignspirit.net. Please avoid giving spoilers if you have read any of these books.
• Sign your message with the name you want to appear in the book.
• Contest will be open from now until Gertie's bedtime on the 16th of October. Or the morning of the 17th. :-P
Note: Should you win, you will of course need to release the right to use your post in the book.
For more information about David P. Forsyth visit www.davidpforsyth.com."
"This is a special giveaway in which you can not only win a couple of books, but also a few lines of fame in The Deluge of the Dead, 3rd book of the Sovereign Spirit Saga! (You do not need to have read the first books in the series to participate.)
David will select at least one member's message to be inserted into the book (minor edits at his discretion); winner(s) will also receive his/her choice of 2 books from the series, Kindle or PDF. Books include: Voyage of the Dead, Flotilla of the Dead, and Deluge of the Dead (planned for the end of this year).
How to Play:
• In 250 words or less, describe your zombie PA status. The scenario: It's two weeks past Z-Day, in a world full of fast zombies infected with Super Rabies. You are sending an email to a ship that is gathering survivors off the coast of California — you can ask for help if you are close by, or just describe the conditions where you are. Examples of what others have written can be seen at www.sovereignspirit.net. Please avoid giving spoilers if you have read any of these books.
• Sign your message with the name you want to appear in the book.
• Contest will be open from now until Gertie's bedtime on the 16th of October. Or the morning of the 17th. :-P
Note: Should you win, you will of course need to release the right to use your post in the book.
For more information about David P. Forsyth visit www.davidpforsyth.com."
August 29, 2012
VotD FREE on 8/30-31
Looking for a book to take to the beach this weekend? One that that goes well with crashing waves and screaming kids, while surrounded by mindless vacationers?
Voyage of the Dead will be FREE on Thursday and Friday!
Welcome aboard and please spread the word.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006Y3XF4A
Note that "Voyage of the Dead" and "Flotilla of the Dead" will be featured at ApocaCon during the Long Beach Zombie Walk on Oct. 27 too. Please take a moment to Like http://www.facebook.com/ApocaCon
Voyage of the Dead will be FREE on Thursday and Friday!
Welcome aboard and please spread the word.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006Y3XF4A
Note that "Voyage of the Dead" and "Flotilla of the Dead" will be featured at ApocaCon during the Long Beach Zombie Walk on Oct. 27 too. Please take a moment to Like http://www.facebook.com/ApocaCon
The Sovereign Spirit Saga
This blog will focus on the "The Sovereign Spirit Saga" - including "Voyage of the Dead" and "Flotilla of the Dead" (coming soon). Fans are encouraged to comment or message the author.
...more
- David P. Forsyth's profile
- 150 followers
