Jonathan Fesmire's Blog, page 4
June 24, 2017
My Smashwords Interview
Yesterday, curious about how well my short ebook, Bodacious Success: Funding My Kickstarter Novel Project, is doing, I noticed that Smashwords has a great interview system. Basically, any writer can pick and choose from questions to answer and have a pretty good interview up quickly.So, here's mine. You can also read it on my Smashwords author page, of course, and I answer one more question specific to their platform there.Before you read the interview, you should know that Bodacious Success: Funding My Kickstarter Novel Project is free. If you'd like to use Kickstarter to well, Kickstart, a novel, you'll find the information priceless.Jonathan Fesmire: The Smashwords InterviewHow do you approach cover design?
I like simple, artistic, and compelling covers. Before the Internet, it seems to me that the best covers for science fiction and fantasy were paintings showing several characters, perhaps a castle, and perhaps a beautiful outdoor scene. Not anymore.Now, the first time a reader sees a cover, it usually as a thumbnail. The cover has to be something eye-catching at a small size. I've learned that images of people usually work best. The author's name and title should also be easy to read. A thumbnail that grabs the reader's attention will get more clicks, and if they like what they see on the main page, more sales.What are your five favorite books, and why?Give me an easy question, why don't you!This is a tough one. To make it easier, I'm going to consider one particular series as one book.My very favorite would have to be "The Dark Tower" by Stephen King, which encompasses eight books. It also includes many graphic novels and at least one novella about the main character. "The Dark Tower" is the story of Roland Deschain, a gunslinger from another world, where gunslingers are knights, and descendants of Arthur Eld, also known as King Arthur. As the last gunslinger, Roland's quest is to save the entire multiverse by protecting the linchpin of existence, which, in his world, manifests as a literal tower. In his adventures, he travels to different versions of Earth in different time periods, trains new gunslingers, and faces villains that have appeared in other Stephen King novels, including The Stand, Eye of the Dragon, and Insomnia.Another, also by Stephen King, but so far as I can tell not directly related to "The Dark Tower," is "The Green Mile." It's one of the best woven stories I've every read. King wrote it in eight parts, released as a serial, and Afterword sections of the early books, claimed that how it would end was far from certain, even for him. However, it becomes clear that, even though he was releasing it as he was writing it, he knew very well what was going to happen. The first part, "The Two Dead Girls," covers the entire timespan of the novel and gives clues about what's to come, without giving anything away. It even misleads readers in some ways, though without lying. The characterization throughout the book is excellent, and the ending, while sad, resonates powerfully.Next, "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin, meaning all of the "Game of Thrones" books. People have pointed out how this reads like a history, and it does, but Martin brings us deep into the psyche of many major characters. When history gets personal, it becomes story, and this epic story is amazing. I like how there is magic in his world, but the world is also gritty and realistic. The magic grows as the story continues. This is sword & sorcery, but with serious rough edgesHave you heard of the bizarre genre? It fits within fantasy and science fiction, but is far crazier than any other speculative fiction out there. One of my favorite authors is Carlton Mellick III. His writing is straightforward. He doesn't go for fancy prose (and I do often like fancy prose), but the thing is, his stories are just so weird and compelling! For this top five books list, out of his work, I'm choosing "Zombies and Shit." Take a world that has suffered a zombie apocalypse, where the remnants of humanity live on zombie-free islands according to their level of wealth. Next, take reality television competitions, and imagine what would happen if the richest people watched a show in which the poorest people had to fight for their lives on a zombie-infested island. That's "Zombies and Shit," and it's brilliant.The last book I'm going to share is non-fiction, and I love this book because it has turned around the way I market myself as a writer. "Your First 1000 Copies," by Tim Grahl, covers how to build a platform as a writer. The basics: share great content and build an email list of people who appreciate what you do. Of course, the book helps get you started.What is your e-reading device of choice?Currently, I have a $50 Kindle that works great, and I love it. However, I also have a Samsung Galaxy tablet that I love. If I had the money to repair the screen, I'd probably read off it more often.Describe your deskMy desk has a lamp on the left, my computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse in the center, and cosplay patterns, comic books, and paperwork all over.Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Santa Cruz County. My first creative writing teacher influenced my writing a lot. I really learned all the basics from him, and have continued to write and study writing since then.In time, I decided to use Santa Cruz as a full-blown novel setting. There's a twist, though: it's an alternate version of Santa Cruz, California, in 1876. In my steampunk universe, Santa Cruz closely resembles the modern day city in attitudes, street layout, and more. There are a few historical figures from that time in the book as well. That novel, "Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western," is due out in August, 2017.When did you first start writing?I have been writing for a long time! The funny thing is, I didn't start reading until I was nine years old. So, how long did it take for me to start writing after that? I was ten or eleven. One thing led quickly to the other.Some of my early influences were Madeleine L'Engle and Lloyd Alexander, as well as J.R.R. Tolkien with "The Hobbit." That should explain why I write fantasy for many years before eventually falling in love with steampunk.What's the story behind your latest book?Oh boy. Got a minute?
Honestly, I've talked about this a lot in various interviews, so if you want the long version, look for my interviews on the YouTube channels "Old Dog, New Tricks," and "Radio Retrofuture."To sum up, in graduate school, I majored in Animation & Visual Effects with a focus on 3D modeling. For my thesis (all A&VF grad students create a demo reel thesis), I came up with this idea of a steampunk zombie lawman, a brothel madam who is secretly an inventor, and a cyborg coyote. The title for this collection, "Bodacious Creed," came to me in a dream. I knew when working on it that it would make for a great book, or book series.I graduated from Academy of Art University in December 2011, with the demo reel finished. In mid-2013, I came back to the idea of writing the novel, and had another idea. What if I made it a Kickstarter project? That would allow me to get reader interest as well as involvement and could lead to something amazing. The Kickstarter did great, and I began writing the book.As of June 2017, the novel, much longer than I expected it to be, is nearly finished. I just need to do some polishing, and will publish the book in August. You see, I need to set up a proper book launch, seek more interviews, and get the word out.So yes, that's the basic story behind what I believe is my best, and most ambitious, novel to date.What motivated you to become an indie author?I love writing. I enjoy coming up with characters and seeing what they'll do when I put them in conflict.But you mean indie specifically! I realized that traditional publishers, as gatekeepers, were keeping a lot of great stories out of readers' hands. Why send a book to a traditional publisher or agent when, odds are, even if your book is fantastic, it will get rejected? Why send it when it will take months or even years to hear back, and even then, you'll probably just get a form letter? I'm not immortal. I want to write books, polish them, make them amazing, and then publish them my own way.Here's another thing many don't know about traditional publishers. They make most of their authors market themselves. If you have to do that part of the job anyway, why not self publish?What do your fans mean to you?My fans mean everything to me! I've met some and love it when they contact me and tell me they've enjoyed my books. They're free to email me via my website or respond to any of my newsletter posts as well.What are you working on next?Well, "Bodacious Creed" is just about finished. Let me put a date to this answer: June 23, 2017. The next step for this novel is to read it aloud and make final tweaks. Those will mostly be grammatical fixes, word choice changes, and the like, and that step shouldn't take long.Next:1. I'm seeing out influencers in the science fiction and steampunk spheres who might want to interview me. That will help me get the word out about the book, but it will also help the interviewers. I have a large Twitter following and a growing email list, so it will get the word out about their blogs and podcasts. I'm all about those win-win situations.2. I'm going to write some Creedverse short stories! The Creedverse is the world in which "Bodacious Creed" takes place. This may include some prequel stories to the first novel. I also have an idea for a prequel story to the sequel novel. All these short stories will be freebies for my newsletter subscribers.3. At some point, James "Bodacious" Creed, the main character of the series, gets this incredible gun, unlike any they actually had in the 1870s. Of course, they didn't have thinking robots back then, either, and those exist in the series. This is steampunk! The only thing is, I don't know if he gets this gun in the first book, or in the sequel. Or maybe in a "post credits" type scene. That last could work. It works for Marvel movies. My uncle John and cousin Rita know a thing or two about gunsmithing, so they designed a gun that they had enough scientific know-how to create in the 1870s, but didn't. It would also take more power than they could have generated to work, but that's not a problem for my steampunk world. So, they created some schematics, and I'm creating a 3D model of Creed's new guns, which I will use to create new schematics. That will be yet another newsletter freebie.4. I'm thinking of using NaNoWriMo this year to crank out the first draft (or maybe half of the first draft) of the sequel, then finishing it at the same pace after that. NaNo takes place in November. I used previous NaNoWriMos to write the first 30,000 words of "Bodacious Creed," then the last 60,000 words.Who are your favorite authors?There are some wonderful authors out there. Some of these I've just read, others are personal friends, and I just love their work.Stephen King, Carlton Mellick III, George R.R. Martin, Steven Savile, Kevin Andrew Murphy (who I must thank for being really tough on my early writing, which helped me improve greatly), Clive Barker, Rayne Hall (who is not only an excellent fiction writer, but has a fantastic series of writing instruction books for journeyman to master level writers), Neil Gaiman, and many others.When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I have a full time job... writing. So there's that! I'm also a single father, so there's taking care of my son or going out and taking him to dinner, to Disneyland, or to other fun places. I also read every day, mostly for an hour or so before I go to sleep, watch some really good television, mostly speculative fiction related, and play a few rounds most days of Hearthstone or Heroes of the Storm.Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?When I was very young, in Kindergarten or preschool, I drew pictures of myself traveling and meeting a series of monsters. I believe my teacher at the time wrote the text for me. That's the earliest story I remember writing.What is your writing process?Once again, got some time? Does this refer to how I write on any given day, or the process of creating a work of fiction?I'll cover the basics, the absolute basics, of writing a novel.It may start with an interesting character, a setting, or a "what if" idea. I then brainstorm, coming up with the missing parts, so that I end up with characters in conflict in a specific setting. I may tweak it further, seeing if I can push the ideas into something even better.Next, I outline a beginning, keeping in mind character motivations and personalities. What does each character want and what will he or she do to get it? How does that pit them against each other?Before I write each scene, I brainstorm about that scene. One thing I like to do is run Dragon NaturallySpeaking and to talk out what happens. I come up with what the characters will do, how they react to each other, and so on. When finished, I can then actually write the scene.I do the same for the next scene, also taking into account everything that has come before.And basically, this is what I do for the rest of the book, until the first draft is finished.Video UpdateMy latest WriteTip video is now live! In it, I explain the one thing every writer must do after the final draft of a manuscript. I also read the first two pages of Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, which is, for sure, coming out in August!For updates on that and more, subscribe below.
I like simple, artistic, and compelling covers. Before the Internet, it seems to me that the best covers for science fiction and fantasy were paintings showing several characters, perhaps a castle, and perhaps a beautiful outdoor scene. Not anymore.Now, the first time a reader sees a cover, it usually as a thumbnail. The cover has to be something eye-catching at a small size. I've learned that images of people usually work best. The author's name and title should also be easy to read. A thumbnail that grabs the reader's attention will get more clicks, and if they like what they see on the main page, more sales.What are your five favorite books, and why?Give me an easy question, why don't you!This is a tough one. To make it easier, I'm going to consider one particular series as one book.My very favorite would have to be "The Dark Tower" by Stephen King, which encompasses eight books. It also includes many graphic novels and at least one novella about the main character. "The Dark Tower" is the story of Roland Deschain, a gunslinger from another world, where gunslingers are knights, and descendants of Arthur Eld, also known as King Arthur. As the last gunslinger, Roland's quest is to save the entire multiverse by protecting the linchpin of existence, which, in his world, manifests as a literal tower. In his adventures, he travels to different versions of Earth in different time periods, trains new gunslingers, and faces villains that have appeared in other Stephen King novels, including The Stand, Eye of the Dragon, and Insomnia.Another, also by Stephen King, but so far as I can tell not directly related to "The Dark Tower," is "The Green Mile." It's one of the best woven stories I've every read. King wrote it in eight parts, released as a serial, and Afterword sections of the early books, claimed that how it would end was far from certain, even for him. However, it becomes clear that, even though he was releasing it as he was writing it, he knew very well what was going to happen. The first part, "The Two Dead Girls," covers the entire timespan of the novel and gives clues about what's to come, without giving anything away. It even misleads readers in some ways, though without lying. The characterization throughout the book is excellent, and the ending, while sad, resonates powerfully.Next, "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin, meaning all of the "Game of Thrones" books. People have pointed out how this reads like a history, and it does, but Martin brings us deep into the psyche of many major characters. When history gets personal, it becomes story, and this epic story is amazing. I like how there is magic in his world, but the world is also gritty and realistic. The magic grows as the story continues. This is sword & sorcery, but with serious rough edgesHave you heard of the bizarre genre? It fits within fantasy and science fiction, but is far crazier than any other speculative fiction out there. One of my favorite authors is Carlton Mellick III. His writing is straightforward. He doesn't go for fancy prose (and I do often like fancy prose), but the thing is, his stories are just so weird and compelling! For this top five books list, out of his work, I'm choosing "Zombies and Shit." Take a world that has suffered a zombie apocalypse, where the remnants of humanity live on zombie-free islands according to their level of wealth. Next, take reality television competitions, and imagine what would happen if the richest people watched a show in which the poorest people had to fight for their lives on a zombie-infested island. That's "Zombies and Shit," and it's brilliant.The last book I'm going to share is non-fiction, and I love this book because it has turned around the way I market myself as a writer. "Your First 1000 Copies," by Tim Grahl, covers how to build a platform as a writer. The basics: share great content and build an email list of people who appreciate what you do. Of course, the book helps get you started.What is your e-reading device of choice?Currently, I have a $50 Kindle that works great, and I love it. However, I also have a Samsung Galaxy tablet that I love. If I had the money to repair the screen, I'd probably read off it more often.Describe your deskMy desk has a lamp on the left, my computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse in the center, and cosplay patterns, comic books, and paperwork all over.Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?I grew up in Santa Cruz County. My first creative writing teacher influenced my writing a lot. I really learned all the basics from him, and have continued to write and study writing since then.In time, I decided to use Santa Cruz as a full-blown novel setting. There's a twist, though: it's an alternate version of Santa Cruz, California, in 1876. In my steampunk universe, Santa Cruz closely resembles the modern day city in attitudes, street layout, and more. There are a few historical figures from that time in the book as well. That novel, "Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western," is due out in August, 2017.When did you first start writing?I have been writing for a long time! The funny thing is, I didn't start reading until I was nine years old. So, how long did it take for me to start writing after that? I was ten or eleven. One thing led quickly to the other.Some of my early influences were Madeleine L'Engle and Lloyd Alexander, as well as J.R.R. Tolkien with "The Hobbit." That should explain why I write fantasy for many years before eventually falling in love with steampunk.What's the story behind your latest book?Oh boy. Got a minute?Honestly, I've talked about this a lot in various interviews, so if you want the long version, look for my interviews on the YouTube channels "Old Dog, New Tricks," and "Radio Retrofuture."To sum up, in graduate school, I majored in Animation & Visual Effects with a focus on 3D modeling. For my thesis (all A&VF grad students create a demo reel thesis), I came up with this idea of a steampunk zombie lawman, a brothel madam who is secretly an inventor, and a cyborg coyote. The title for this collection, "Bodacious Creed," came to me in a dream. I knew when working on it that it would make for a great book, or book series.I graduated from Academy of Art University in December 2011, with the demo reel finished. In mid-2013, I came back to the idea of writing the novel, and had another idea. What if I made it a Kickstarter project? That would allow me to get reader interest as well as involvement and could lead to something amazing. The Kickstarter did great, and I began writing the book.As of June 2017, the novel, much longer than I expected it to be, is nearly finished. I just need to do some polishing, and will publish the book in August. You see, I need to set up a proper book launch, seek more interviews, and get the word out.So yes, that's the basic story behind what I believe is my best, and most ambitious, novel to date.What motivated you to become an indie author?I love writing. I enjoy coming up with characters and seeing what they'll do when I put them in conflict.But you mean indie specifically! I realized that traditional publishers, as gatekeepers, were keeping a lot of great stories out of readers' hands. Why send a book to a traditional publisher or agent when, odds are, even if your book is fantastic, it will get rejected? Why send it when it will take months or even years to hear back, and even then, you'll probably just get a form letter? I'm not immortal. I want to write books, polish them, make them amazing, and then publish them my own way.Here's another thing many don't know about traditional publishers. They make most of their authors market themselves. If you have to do that part of the job anyway, why not self publish?What do your fans mean to you?My fans mean everything to me! I've met some and love it when they contact me and tell me they've enjoyed my books. They're free to email me via my website or respond to any of my newsletter posts as well.What are you working on next?Well, "Bodacious Creed" is just about finished. Let me put a date to this answer: June 23, 2017. The next step for this novel is to read it aloud and make final tweaks. Those will mostly be grammatical fixes, word choice changes, and the like, and that step shouldn't take long.Next:1. I'm seeing out influencers in the science fiction and steampunk spheres who might want to interview me. That will help me get the word out about the book, but it will also help the interviewers. I have a large Twitter following and a growing email list, so it will get the word out about their blogs and podcasts. I'm all about those win-win situations.2. I'm going to write some Creedverse short stories! The Creedverse is the world in which "Bodacious Creed" takes place. This may include some prequel stories to the first novel. I also have an idea for a prequel story to the sequel novel. All these short stories will be freebies for my newsletter subscribers.3. At some point, James "Bodacious" Creed, the main character of the series, gets this incredible gun, unlike any they actually had in the 1870s. Of course, they didn't have thinking robots back then, either, and those exist in the series. This is steampunk! The only thing is, I don't know if he gets this gun in the first book, or in the sequel. Or maybe in a "post credits" type scene. That last could work. It works for Marvel movies. My uncle John and cousin Rita know a thing or two about gunsmithing, so they designed a gun that they had enough scientific know-how to create in the 1870s, but didn't. It would also take more power than they could have generated to work, but that's not a problem for my steampunk world. So, they created some schematics, and I'm creating a 3D model of Creed's new guns, which I will use to create new schematics. That will be yet another newsletter freebie.4. I'm thinking of using NaNoWriMo this year to crank out the first draft (or maybe half of the first draft) of the sequel, then finishing it at the same pace after that. NaNo takes place in November. I used previous NaNoWriMos to write the first 30,000 words of "Bodacious Creed," then the last 60,000 words.Who are your favorite authors?There are some wonderful authors out there. Some of these I've just read, others are personal friends, and I just love their work.Stephen King, Carlton Mellick III, George R.R. Martin, Steven Savile, Kevin Andrew Murphy (who I must thank for being really tough on my early writing, which helped me improve greatly), Clive Barker, Rayne Hall (who is not only an excellent fiction writer, but has a fantastic series of writing instruction books for journeyman to master level writers), Neil Gaiman, and many others.When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?I have a full time job... writing. So there's that! I'm also a single father, so there's taking care of my son or going out and taking him to dinner, to Disneyland, or to other fun places. I also read every day, mostly for an hour or so before I go to sleep, watch some really good television, mostly speculative fiction related, and play a few rounds most days of Hearthstone or Heroes of the Storm.Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?When I was very young, in Kindergarten or preschool, I drew pictures of myself traveling and meeting a series of monsters. I believe my teacher at the time wrote the text for me. That's the earliest story I remember writing.What is your writing process?Once again, got some time? Does this refer to how I write on any given day, or the process of creating a work of fiction?I'll cover the basics, the absolute basics, of writing a novel.It may start with an interesting character, a setting, or a "what if" idea. I then brainstorm, coming up with the missing parts, so that I end up with characters in conflict in a specific setting. I may tweak it further, seeing if I can push the ideas into something even better.Next, I outline a beginning, keeping in mind character motivations and personalities. What does each character want and what will he or she do to get it? How does that pit them against each other?Before I write each scene, I brainstorm about that scene. One thing I like to do is run Dragon NaturallySpeaking and to talk out what happens. I come up with what the characters will do, how they react to each other, and so on. When finished, I can then actually write the scene.I do the same for the next scene, also taking into account everything that has come before.And basically, this is what I do for the rest of the book, until the first draft is finished.Video UpdateMy latest WriteTip video is now live! In it, I explain the one thing every writer must do after the final draft of a manuscript. I also read the first two pages of Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, which is, for sure, coming out in August!For updates on that and more, subscribe below.
June 21, 2017
Novel Finished, Steampunk Gun Schematic, & More
I’m so excited to share my news with you today. I’m also dead tired, and you’ll learn why shortly. So, as I write, stopping every twenty seconds or so to get ahold of my thoughts… what was I saying? Oh yes. As I write, I’ll be stopping every twenty seconds or so to get ahold of my thoughts. Wait, is that right? I am tired. On we go.Bodacious Creed NewsAs of yesterday evening, I had five chapters left to edit in my soon-to-be-published novel, Bodacious Creed: A Steampunk Zombie Western. It came to about 10,600 words. I’ve been working on this novel for nearly four years. Why has it taken that long? First, it’s the longest novel I’ve written. The first draft was 140,000 words, and the finished draft is 117,000 words. Second, until about two years ago, I was really struggling financially and much of what could have been writing time, I spent looking for freelance writing work. I have a full-time job now that I enjoy, and I’m a single father (as I have been for eight years), so… well, I think you get the picture. I’ve been busy, but writing novels is my passion, and I’ll keep them coming, even if it takes a couple years or so for each one.Anyway, since Tuesday and Wednesday are my days off from work this week, I decided to finish editing this final draft last night, if I had to stay up until past dawn. And I did. I was up all night editing those last five chapters. Some sections needed heavy work. Others needed just minor tweaks.I mentioned I’m excited. Wouldn’t you be? Of course you would, if you were me! I just finished the final draft of Bodacious Creed!So, what’s next?
The most important next step will be reading the book aloud. If you’re a beginning writer, take this as a tip: read your final drafts aloud before you call them absolutely final. You should catch most of your grammatical, spelling, usage, and punctuation mistakes that way. I intend to correct any such problems in this manuscript, and to ensure that everything in the story is consistent. It’s possible there are a few minor, easily corrected inconsistencies in Bodacious Creed at the moment, and I’ll be able to smooth those over.Meanwhile, it’s time for me to reach out to influencers in the science fiction and steampunk spheres, to ask if anyone would like to interview me, or to have me on their podcasts, or in their blogs. You can take this as a marketing tip. I need to get the word out! One good thing is that I have a lot to offer to influencers as well, namely, that I have a growing platform and can spread the word about their blogs and shows. I’m all about those win-win situations.Finally, the book launch! I have a few things to figure out about this, and if you’d like to comment and offer ideas, I’d appreciate that. Do I make Bodacious Creed available for preorder? How soon before it’s published do I announce to look for it?Also, I should have enough time and energy to post a more blog posts and maybe record some YouTube videos.On to the next thing.Bodacious Creed’s Powerful GunsWhether you’re a fan of guns in the real world or not, I think most of us love seeing them in science fiction, from that huge machine gun Gamora fires in Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2, to blasters in Star Wars.So, I thought that people might be interested in seeing how Creed’s guns work. My uncle John, who studied gunsmithing, and my cousin, Rita, who learned from him, came up with a way for Bodacious Creed to have some powerful guns carrying more than six bullets, with a blend of real 1870s technology and the steampunk physics from the novel. They both created some diagrams for me, and I’m making a 3D model of Creed’s final pair of guns to share with all of you.It’s going to be a free item for anyone and everyone who subscribes to The Wild Steampunk newsletter. You can do that below! Plus, you’ll get a prequel story to the novel to whet your appetite for the larger story.
As of yesterday evening, I had five chapters left to edit in my soon-to-be-published novel, Bodacious Creed: A Steampunk Zombie Western. It came to about 10,600 words. I’ve been working on this novel for nearly four years. Why has it taken that long? First, it’s the longest novel I’ve written. The first draft was 140,000 words, and the finished draft is 117,000 words. Second, until about two years ago, I was really struggling financially and much of what could have been writing time, I spent looking for freelance writing work. I have a full-time job now that I enjoy, and I’m a single father (as I have been for eight years), so… well, I think you get the picture. I’ve been busy, but writing novels is my passion, and I’ll keep them coming, even if it takes a couple years or so for each one.Anyway, since Tuesday and Wednesday are my days off from work this week, I decided to finish editing this final draft last night, if I had to stay up until past dawn. And I did. I was up all night editing those last five chapters. Some sections needed heavy work. Others needed just minor tweaks.I mentioned I’m excited. Wouldn’t you be? Of course you would, if you were me! I just finished the final draft of Bodacious Creed!So, what’s next?The most important next step will be reading the book aloud. If you’re a beginning writer, take this as a tip: read your final drafts aloud before you call them absolutely final. You should catch most of your grammatical, spelling, usage, and punctuation mistakes that way. I intend to correct any such problems in this manuscript, and to ensure that everything in the story is consistent. It’s possible there are a few minor, easily corrected inconsistencies in Bodacious Creed at the moment, and I’ll be able to smooth those over.Meanwhile, it’s time for me to reach out to influencers in the science fiction and steampunk spheres, to ask if anyone would like to interview me, or to have me on their podcasts, or in their blogs. You can take this as a marketing tip. I need to get the word out! One good thing is that I have a lot to offer to influencers as well, namely, that I have a growing platform and can spread the word about their blogs and shows. I’m all about those win-win situations.Finally, the book launch! I have a few things to figure out about this, and if you’d like to comment and offer ideas, I’d appreciate that. Do I make Bodacious Creed available for preorder? How soon before it’s published do I announce to look for it?Also, I should have enough time and energy to post a more blog posts and maybe record some YouTube videos.On to the next thing.Bodacious Creed’s Powerful GunsWhether you’re a fan of guns in the real world or not, I think most of us love seeing them in science fiction, from that huge machine gun Gamora fires in Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2, to blasters in Star Wars.So, I thought that people might be interested in seeing how Creed’s guns work. My uncle John, who studied gunsmithing, and my cousin, Rita, who learned from him, came up with a way for Bodacious Creed to have some powerful guns carrying more than six bullets, with a blend of real 1870s technology and the steampunk physics from the novel. They both created some diagrams for me, and I’m making a 3D model of Creed’s final pair of guns to share with all of you.It’s going to be a free item for anyone and everyone who subscribes to The Wild Steampunk newsletter. You can do that below! Plus, you’ll get a prequel story to the novel to whet your appetite for the larger story.
June 16, 2017
June, 2017 McCall's Patterns: Eventide, Red Reign, and Cloak: Phantasy
This Month's PatternsWhy the belated post? I mean, the last one was from May 8. Well, I've been working hard editing my upcoming novel, Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western. It's almost done! The current draft is about 115,000 words long, and I'm 101,000 into that. Not much more to go, and it will be published soon!I think that's worth delaying a bit on blog posts, and I think you'll all love it. You can read a prequel story to the novel by signing up below this post.New June Cosplay PatternsThis month, I have six new Cosplay by McCall's patterns to review. I'm doing three here, and will do the other three in the next post.Eventide
Eventide is the sort of coat you may expect to see on a fantasy noble or sorceress, frilly, fancy, and regal. There are two back drape variations, and two sleeve variations, including one with long drapes.With the right detailing, you could easily give this a steampunk flare. The tips section on the inside sleeve explains how to add jewelry embellishments and couching with a chain. Do you have any old steampunk jewelry you'd like to repurpose? Any interesting gears? Any mechanical animal pendants? Use those for the embellishments.This pattern is for intermediate level costumers. Suggested fabrics include damask, silk dupioni, velvet, and satin. I'm amazed at the price, honestly. The pattern for this gorgeously complex jacket is just $14.95.
Red Reign
With this cosplay, Ichigo Black comes through with another detailed ensemble, where the Red Queen from Wonderland meets sexy. Red Reign comes with patterns for the jacket, corset, skirt, and hoop. Pleats, lacing, boning, and webbing come together to make a cosplay that will turn heads.With its Wonderland look, Red Reign is a great match for steampunk. Add a crown with steampunk designs, a pair of brass goggles, or whatever turn of the 19th century machinery you can imagine. How about a compact jetpack, or an extendable telescope at your hip?The skill level for this pattern is intermediate. Some of the materials you'll want are synthetic suede, brocade, silk, and moderate stretch lace. Red Reign retails for $16.95.
Cloak: Phantasy
There are capes, and then there's Cloak: Phantasy. With this pattern, you can create two types of capes. The first is a short cloak with fancy drapery and pleating, the second, a long cape with a chest harness. To me, the first looks more regal or ceremonial, the second, what one might expect to see on an adventurer. Are you thinking fantasy with steampunk elements yet? Add Victorian-inspired jewelry or trip, a belt with various gadgets and a replica nineteenth century pistol, goggles or manacle, and a pocket watch.Suggested fabrics include silk, rayon, poly blend, and synthetic leather. See the website for more. Cloak: Phantasy ios rated intermediate in skill level and retails for just $14.95.
The Wild Steampunk NewsNew Write Tip VideoI love wikis, from Wikipedia, the grandfather of them all, to individual wikis dedicated to my favorite shows and books. Did you ever think about using a wiki for something else? In my latest WriteTip video on YouTube, I talk about how I created my own wiki to keep track of characters, locations, events, and more in my fiction. Want to try this for your own writing? Watch the video here.Also, subscribe to my channel, The Wild Steampunk, on YouTube.Finishing Bodacious CreedI do hope to write blog posts and create videos with greater frequency. The problem? Like the rest of you, I have a busy life. This is by no means a complaint, just a statement of fact. It includes a full time job and being a single dad. Also, I've been working hard--really hard--on finishing Bodacious Creed. I have just about 13,000 words left to edit!What's funny is that as I've been getting through this final draft, some sections are written pretty much to my standards already and don't need much editing, while others need heavy editing. So, one chapter will go quickly, the next, not so much. Anyway, with all the focus on the book, I've neglected my other media. I'm at the point where I just want to get it done, and there's an end in site.So, look for Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, in the next month or two! Watch this space. Better yet, subscribe to my newsletter below. Intrigued with the title? You'll get to read a prequel story to the novel within minutes of signing up.Subscribe below!And I'll see you soon.
Eventide is the sort of coat you may expect to see on a fantasy noble or sorceress, frilly, fancy, and regal. There are two back drape variations, and two sleeve variations, including one with long drapes.With the right detailing, you could easily give this a steampunk flare. The tips section on the inside sleeve explains how to add jewelry embellishments and couching with a chain. Do you have any old steampunk jewelry you'd like to repurpose? Any interesting gears? Any mechanical animal pendants? Use those for the embellishments.This pattern is for intermediate level costumers. Suggested fabrics include damask, silk dupioni, velvet, and satin. I'm amazed at the price, honestly. The pattern for this gorgeously complex jacket is just $14.95.Red ReignWith this cosplay, Ichigo Black comes through with another detailed ensemble, where the Red Queen from Wonderland meets sexy. Red Reign comes with patterns for the jacket, corset, skirt, and hoop. Pleats, lacing, boning, and webbing come together to make a cosplay that will turn heads.With its Wonderland look, Red Reign is a great match for steampunk. Add a crown with steampunk designs, a pair of brass goggles, or whatever turn of the 19th century machinery you can imagine. How about a compact jetpack, or an extendable telescope at your hip?The skill level for this pattern is intermediate. Some of the materials you'll want are synthetic suede, brocade, silk, and moderate stretch lace. Red Reign retails for $16.95.Cloak: PhantasyThere are capes, and then there's Cloak: Phantasy. With this pattern, you can create two types of capes. The first is a short cloak with fancy drapery and pleating, the second, a long cape with a chest harness. To me, the first looks more regal or ceremonial, the second, what one might expect to see on an adventurer. Are you thinking fantasy with steampunk elements yet? Add Victorian-inspired jewelry or trip, a belt with various gadgets and a replica nineteenth century pistol, goggles or manacle, and a pocket watch.Suggested fabrics include silk, rayon, poly blend, and synthetic leather. See the website for more. Cloak: Phantasy ios rated intermediate in skill level and retails for just $14.95.The Wild Steampunk NewsNew Write Tip VideoI love wikis, from Wikipedia, the grandfather of them all, to individual wikis dedicated to my favorite shows and books. Did you ever think about using a wiki for something else? In my latest WriteTip video on YouTube, I talk about how I created my own wiki to keep track of characters, locations, events, and more in my fiction. Want to try this for your own writing? Watch the video here.Also, subscribe to my channel, The Wild Steampunk, on YouTube.Finishing Bodacious CreedI do hope to write blog posts and create videos with greater frequency. The problem? Like the rest of you, I have a busy life. This is by no means a complaint, just a statement of fact. It includes a full time job and being a single dad. Also, I've been working hard--really hard--on finishing Bodacious Creed. I have just about 13,000 words left to edit!What's funny is that as I've been getting through this final draft, some sections are written pretty much to my standards already and don't need much editing, while others need heavy editing. So, one chapter will go quickly, the next, not so much. Anyway, with all the focus on the book, I've neglected my other media. I'm at the point where I just want to get it done, and there's an end in site.So, look for Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, in the next month or two! Watch this space. Better yet, subscribe to my newsletter below. Intrigued with the title? You'll get to read a prequel story to the novel within minutes of signing up.Subscribe below!And I'll see you soon.
May 8, 2017
May, 2017 McCall's Patterns: Hat Madders & Abigail
This Month's PatternsHere they are, McCall's new cosplay patterns for May, 2017. If you're a frequent reader of this blog, you may notice that there's no "B&S" in the title. That stands for "Bodacious & Sundry," and it seems to me that these patters need no longer fall under that. I've done many Cosplay by McCall's reviews, this is a regular column. This is my way of acknowledging that fact. As usual, though, I'll give an update on my own work at the end of this post.This month, McCall's has a hat right out of Wonderland and a dress, including vest, skirt, and petticoat, out of Victorian-era Scotland. Will the right accoutrements give you a killer steampunk look? You bet!Hat Madders
Do steampunk and Wonderland go together? Of course. Steampunk goes well with just about anything. Do a Google search on "steampunk Wonderland" and you'll see what I mean.With that in mind, you'll see that Hat Madders is perfect for such a cosplay. The pattern is for more than just the hat. It also includes bow tie, choker, cuffs, and headpiece instructions. The hat has a wireframe look with a scarf for adornment. Make the cuffs and bow tie match, and you have the start of a great cosplay. Or, you can wear the headpiece--which you can adorn with flowers--instead of the hat and add interesting accessories.
In fact, Hat Madders comes with tips for incorporating accessories such as charms, feathers, buttons, and hat pins. While the hat itself already has a steampunk vibe, here's where you can really play that up with gears or Victorian designs.Hat Madders is by a designer McCall's frequently works with, IchioBlack, and is rated as a Very Easy pattern, so this one is great if you're just getting started in cosplay. It's exclusive to the Cosplay by McCall's site, and costs $13.95.
Abagail
What does the Victorian-era mean to steampunks? Perfect. Abagail is ideal for a Scottish woman in Victorian times, but would honestly work for any British cosplay, or for the American Wild West. This skirt, vest, and petticoat pattern is listed as of Intermediate difficulty, and comes tih tips for underlining.Fabrics McCall's recommends for the vest and skirt include damask, taffeta, cotton sateen, and silk, with cotton voile, batiste, or organdy for the lining, and cotton or cotton sateen for the skirt. One way to gear this toward steampunk is to choose fabric with patterns that reflect the culture. Another is to add accessories. The Hat Madders hat, for instance, could work well. Or, add goggles, a steampunk-style prop gun, and the like. Here's where you get to let your imagination run wild.
Abagail was designed by Anachronism in Action, and retails for $15.95, only on the Cosplay by McCall's site.
NewsThe Wild Steampunk PodcastNow that I have a new computer, I'm able to make videos again!The first new Wild Steampunk Podcast video in a long time is now live. You can watch it right here. Then, head to YouTube and subscribe to the Wild Steampunk channel.NovelProgress on Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western is chugging along! Keep an eye out here for news. Better yet, subscribe to the newsletter below. You'll get a free prequel story to the novel and will know that Bodacious Creed is available just as soon as it goes live on Amazon!Subscribe below!
Do steampunk and Wonderland go together? Of course. Steampunk goes well with just about anything. Do a Google search on "steampunk Wonderland" and you'll see what I mean.With that in mind, you'll see that Hat Madders is perfect for such a cosplay. The pattern is for more than just the hat. It also includes bow tie, choker, cuffs, and headpiece instructions. The hat has a wireframe look with a scarf for adornment. Make the cuffs and bow tie match, and you have the start of a great cosplay. Or, you can wear the headpiece--which you can adorn with flowers--instead of the hat and add interesting accessories.In fact, Hat Madders comes with tips for incorporating accessories such as charms, feathers, buttons, and hat pins. While the hat itself already has a steampunk vibe, here's where you can really play that up with gears or Victorian designs.Hat Madders is by a designer McCall's frequently works with, IchioBlack, and is rated as a Very Easy pattern, so this one is great if you're just getting started in cosplay. It's exclusive to the Cosplay by McCall's site, and costs $13.95.AbagailWhat does the Victorian-era mean to steampunks? Perfect. Abagail is ideal for a Scottish woman in Victorian times, but would honestly work for any British cosplay, or for the American Wild West. This skirt, vest, and petticoat pattern is listed as of Intermediate difficulty, and comes tih tips for underlining.Fabrics McCall's recommends for the vest and skirt include damask, taffeta, cotton sateen, and silk, with cotton voile, batiste, or organdy for the lining, and cotton or cotton sateen for the skirt. One way to gear this toward steampunk is to choose fabric with patterns that reflect the culture. Another is to add accessories. The Hat Madders hat, for instance, could work well. Or, add goggles, a steampunk-style prop gun, and the like. Here's where you get to let your imagination run wild.Abagail was designed by Anachronism in Action, and retails for $15.95, only on the Cosplay by McCall's site.NewsThe Wild Steampunk PodcastNow that I have a new computer, I'm able to make videos again!The first new Wild Steampunk Podcast video in a long time is now live. You can watch it right here. Then, head to YouTube and subscribe to the Wild Steampunk channel.NovelProgress on Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western is chugging along! Keep an eye out here for news. Better yet, subscribe to the newsletter below. You'll get a free prequel story to the novel and will know that Bodacious Creed is available just as soon as it goes live on Amazon!Subscribe below!
May 5, 2017
Cosplay Event at Schweinfurth Art Center
Happy Revenge of the Fifth and Cinco de Mayo to all! I recently received a press release from Cosplay by McCall's which should be of interest to anyone who enjoys cosplay, especially if you live in New York. As you know (or can see with a cursory look at this blog) I review a lot of Cosplay by McCall's patterns. Have you made any? Do you have any other awesome cosplays? You might want to take part in this event. Go out there and represent steampunk!Here's the press release from the Schweinfurth Art Center.
NEWS RELEASEContact: Deirdre Aureden, Director of Programs & Special Projects(315) 255-1553 • daureden@schweinfurthartcenter.org205 Genesee St., Auburn, NY 13021Date: May 3, 2017Museum Hosts CosplayCosplay Invades Auburn!Syracuse’s Salt City Comic-Con and Cosplay by McCalls have teamed up with the Schweinfurth Art Center to host a cosplay event in Auburn, NY. The event will be held at the Schweinfurth Art Center on Saturday, June 10, from 4-7pm. CNY cosplayers are invited to show off and compete in Auburn’s first ever cosplay contest! Entry to this family friendly event is free for both cosplayers and non-costumed participants.Cash prizes ($100 each) will be awarded in four categories:Bronze: Kids –Age 12 & underSilver: Teens & Twentysomethings - Ages 13 to 25Gold: Adult - Ages 26 and upPlatinum: Team Cosplay - Any ages: groups of three or more The event will include make-up demonstrations, cosplay photo stages, super hero selfies (where all fans can take pictures of themselves with cosplayers), a cosplay costume "tune-up" station, and snacks and refreshments.“Cosplay Invades Auburn” is a preview event in anticipation of Syracuse’s Salt City Comic-Con, Central New York’s largest summer celebration of pop culture. Salt City Comic-Con will offer a free raffle for all attendees to the Auburn event. The prizes include pairs of two-day tickets to Salt City Comic-Con (four prizes) and pair of VIP tickets to Salt City Comic-Con (one prize). One lucky winner will be awarded the special “Convention’s Choice,” a copy of the limited collector’s edition Syracuse Salt City Comic-Con exclusive comic starring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Batman. The cover is illustrated by comic legend Neal Adams, and features a local landmark, the Niagara Mohawk Building, to celebrate this artist’s return to Central New York for the convention.The Auburn event on Saturday, June 10 will include registration from 4-5pm, photo time from 5 to 6 and the costume awards ceremony at 6:30. The festivities will end at 7pm. Cosplayers are encouraged to participate in Auburn’s Sizzlin’ Summer events that same evening, which will include live music and food vendors a few blocks from the Schweinfurth in downtown Auburn.About Salt City Comic-ConSyracuse’s Salt City Comic-Con celebrates Geek Culture in Syracuse, the Finger Lakes and all of Central New York. This growing convention, designed for both hardcore collectors and everyday pop-culture fans, stuffs myriad marvels into two action-packed days this year on June 24th and 25th. This comic convention is celebrating its fourth year, and moves to the Oncenter’s War Memorial building in downtown Syracuse. This pop-culture convention focuses on comics, toys, games, cosplay and collectibles. Pre-sale tickets are available online . Additional information on schedules, guests, tickets and cosplay can be found at www.SyracuseComicCon.com.About the Schweinfurth Art CenterThe Schweinfurth Art Center is a multi-art center that offers a range of exhibits, classes and programs for all ages throughout the year, located at 205 Genesee Street in Auburn, New York. The Art Center is open Tuesday- Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 1 – 5 pm. For more details about exhibits, classes, programs and the Schweinfurth, please visit www.myartcenter.org or call 315-255-1553.
NEWS RELEASEContact: Deirdre Aureden, Director of Programs & Special Projects(315) 255-1553 • daureden@schweinfurthartcenter.org205 Genesee St., Auburn, NY 13021Date: May 3, 2017Museum Hosts CosplayCosplay Invades Auburn!Syracuse’s Salt City Comic-Con and Cosplay by McCalls have teamed up with the Schweinfurth Art Center to host a cosplay event in Auburn, NY. The event will be held at the Schweinfurth Art Center on Saturday, June 10, from 4-7pm. CNY cosplayers are invited to show off and compete in Auburn’s first ever cosplay contest! Entry to this family friendly event is free for both cosplayers and non-costumed participants.Cash prizes ($100 each) will be awarded in four categories:Bronze: Kids –Age 12 & underSilver: Teens & Twentysomethings - Ages 13 to 25Gold: Adult - Ages 26 and upPlatinum: Team Cosplay - Any ages: groups of three or more The event will include make-up demonstrations, cosplay photo stages, super hero selfies (where all fans can take pictures of themselves with cosplayers), a cosplay costume "tune-up" station, and snacks and refreshments.“Cosplay Invades Auburn” is a preview event in anticipation of Syracuse’s Salt City Comic-Con, Central New York’s largest summer celebration of pop culture. Salt City Comic-Con will offer a free raffle for all attendees to the Auburn event. The prizes include pairs of two-day tickets to Salt City Comic-Con (four prizes) and pair of VIP tickets to Salt City Comic-Con (one prize). One lucky winner will be awarded the special “Convention’s Choice,” a copy of the limited collector’s edition Syracuse Salt City Comic-Con exclusive comic starring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Batman. The cover is illustrated by comic legend Neal Adams, and features a local landmark, the Niagara Mohawk Building, to celebrate this artist’s return to Central New York for the convention.The Auburn event on Saturday, June 10 will include registration from 4-5pm, photo time from 5 to 6 and the costume awards ceremony at 6:30. The festivities will end at 7pm. Cosplayers are encouraged to participate in Auburn’s Sizzlin’ Summer events that same evening, which will include live music and food vendors a few blocks from the Schweinfurth in downtown Auburn.About Salt City Comic-ConSyracuse’s Salt City Comic-Con celebrates Geek Culture in Syracuse, the Finger Lakes and all of Central New York. This growing convention, designed for both hardcore collectors and everyday pop-culture fans, stuffs myriad marvels into two action-packed days this year on June 24th and 25th. This comic convention is celebrating its fourth year, and moves to the Oncenter’s War Memorial building in downtown Syracuse. This pop-culture convention focuses on comics, toys, games, cosplay and collectibles. Pre-sale tickets are available online . Additional information on schedules, guests, tickets and cosplay can be found at www.SyracuseComicCon.com.About the Schweinfurth Art CenterThe Schweinfurth Art Center is a multi-art center that offers a range of exhibits, classes and programs for all ages throughout the year, located at 205 Genesee Street in Auburn, New York. The Art Center is open Tuesday- Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 1 – 5 pm. For more details about exhibits, classes, programs and the Schweinfurth, please visit www.myartcenter.org or call 315-255-1553.
April 27, 2017
Weekly Steampunk Update #5
Welcome to the Ignore Weekly Steampunk Update. Yes, I did take my time getting this one out, but here it is with a bunch of stories to keep you entertained. I'll also cover some happy news on my end and updates about my upcoming steampunk zombie western novel.The StoriesTales of a Broken RealityFirst, let me draw your attention to Tales of a Broken Reality Fragments: Blood in the Circus International Special Steampunk Web Series. My friend and fellow steampunk Bonsart Bokel is involved with this series, partly inspired by L. Frank Baum's Oz books. This is part of the larger Tales of a Broken Reality web series, also on YouTube, and created by R.A.G.-T.A.G. 113th.Acaratus
Like steampunk? (Of course you do. You're here, aren't you?) Like fantasy/medieval stories? Like strategy games? I like all those things, too, and that's why the medieval steampunk tactics game, Acaratus, by Sweden's Nodbrim Interactive looks so fun to me. With customizable armor, multi- and single-player modes, and card decks, it sounds quite promising. It's due to launch on Steam on May 25.Viktor, a Steampunk AdventureFor fans of steampunk games, Steam is adventure central, and perhaps that should be no surprise. I mean, Steam. C'mon. Here's an intriguing game for you: Viktor is a 2D, hand-drawn cartoon game that recounts the tale of an anthropomorphic wild boar and his quest to become emperor. So, we have steampunk, humanoid animals, puzzles, mini-games, historical figures (as animals), a collectible soundtrack, and more. Sounds like great fun to me!Wild West Steam Fest
This amazing event is practically in my back yard! Seriously, it's less than ten miles away, but alas, this year, my son and I couldn't afford to attend. What I can tell you is that it featured the band Deus Ex Vapore Machina (DEVM) several times during the day, with Steam Powered Giraffeheadlining in the evening. It took place at the historic Heritage Museum of Orange County, which has a wonderful Wild West look and feel. The picture is of D.A.G.O.N., the event's attending automaton.Coldwater Steampunk Festival
Coming up on August 12 to Coldwater in Ontario, Canada, is the Coldwater Steampunk Festival. You have to love this bit: it's free to attend! Among other events, this year, Professor Wick and assistant Lady Beconcall will perform feats of magic. If I could travel more, this is one I'd definitely want to attend. If you live nearby, mark your calendar and head over, preferably in your best steampunk cosplay.Action Figure LampHere's a project that I've been wanting to do for awhile, and now that I have a new desk for my lamp, I just might. The amazing thing is how great these look. If course, I want to make one with a steampunk theme, if I can manage it. Of course, I'm taking about action figure lamps. You may have seen these shared on social media.Take a simple houselamp (my new one coast $19.95 at Target). Gather up old action figures from around the house, toys you no longer use, and superglue them to the base of the lamp. Once the glue is dry and you have an arrangement you like, spraypaint the toys and the base with your favorite color. Gold looks amazing.This video will show you how.Wild Steampunk NewsHere's the brief update covering what I've been up to.New ComputerMy tax refund finally came! Because of that, I was finally able to purchase a new computer, and this one seems to have no problem at all running XSplit Broadcaster. That means I'll be able to start making new YouTube videos again soon, including my #WriteTip videos giving tips for writers of all levels, and The Wild Steampunk Podcast. I've got a pretty bad cold this week, but I'm going to get everything in order and start on those new videos soon, so check out the channel and subscribe!NovelI'm more than half way through the final draft of Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, so you can expect that to be available in trade paperback and for Kindle in the next few months. I'm so eager to get it done, I can't even tell you. I'm sure you'll all love the adventure. Once it's out, I plan to write at least a few Creedverse short stories, which will be available to my newsletter subscribers.Want those, plus the existing Bodacious Creed prequel? Sign up below!
Like steampunk? (Of course you do. You're here, aren't you?) Like fantasy/medieval stories? Like strategy games? I like all those things, too, and that's why the medieval steampunk tactics game, Acaratus, by Sweden's Nodbrim Interactive looks so fun to me. With customizable armor, multi- and single-player modes, and card decks, it sounds quite promising. It's due to launch on Steam on May 25.Viktor, a Steampunk AdventureFor fans of steampunk games, Steam is adventure central, and perhaps that should be no surprise. I mean, Steam. C'mon. Here's an intriguing game for you: Viktor is a 2D, hand-drawn cartoon game that recounts the tale of an anthropomorphic wild boar and his quest to become emperor. So, we have steampunk, humanoid animals, puzzles, mini-games, historical figures (as animals), a collectible soundtrack, and more. Sounds like great fun to me!Wild West Steam FestThis amazing event is practically in my back yard! Seriously, it's less than ten miles away, but alas, this year, my son and I couldn't afford to attend. What I can tell you is that it featured the band Deus Ex Vapore Machina (DEVM) several times during the day, with Steam Powered Giraffeheadlining in the evening. It took place at the historic Heritage Museum of Orange County, which has a wonderful Wild West look and feel. The picture is of D.A.G.O.N., the event's attending automaton.Coldwater Steampunk FestivalComing up on August 12 to Coldwater in Ontario, Canada, is the Coldwater Steampunk Festival. You have to love this bit: it's free to attend! Among other events, this year, Professor Wick and assistant Lady Beconcall will perform feats of magic. If I could travel more, this is one I'd definitely want to attend. If you live nearby, mark your calendar and head over, preferably in your best steampunk cosplay.Action Figure LampHere's a project that I've been wanting to do for awhile, and now that I have a new desk for my lamp, I just might. The amazing thing is how great these look. If course, I want to make one with a steampunk theme, if I can manage it. Of course, I'm taking about action figure lamps. You may have seen these shared on social media.Take a simple houselamp (my new one coast $19.95 at Target). Gather up old action figures from around the house, toys you no longer use, and superglue them to the base of the lamp. Once the glue is dry and you have an arrangement you like, spraypaint the toys and the base with your favorite color. Gold looks amazing.This video will show you how.Wild Steampunk NewsHere's the brief update covering what I've been up to.New ComputerMy tax refund finally came! Because of that, I was finally able to purchase a new computer, and this one seems to have no problem at all running XSplit Broadcaster. That means I'll be able to start making new YouTube videos again soon, including my #WriteTip videos giving tips for writers of all levels, and The Wild Steampunk Podcast. I've got a pretty bad cold this week, but I'm going to get everything in order and start on those new videos soon, so check out the channel and subscribe!NovelI'm more than half way through the final draft of Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, so you can expect that to be available in trade paperback and for Kindle in the next few months. I'm so eager to get it done, I can't even tell you. I'm sure you'll all love the adventure. Once it's out, I plan to write at least a few Creedverse short stories, which will be available to my newsletter subscribers.Want those, plus the existing Bodacious Creed prequel? Sign up below!
April 19, 2017
B&S #38: New McCall's Patterns: Wayfaress and Thirst
BodaciousIt has been a busy week and a half. My son has an extended spring vacation, so we’ve been spending extra time together. I’m busy with my day job, and the blog has endured a sort of hiccough. That’s manifested as last week’s Weekly Steampunk Update missing, but no worries. Yes, we’re skipping one week, and I’ll have more for you this week.Today, I have something else exciting to share, two new Cosplay by McCall’s patterns! If you enjoy steampunk cosplay, as I do, I think you’ll be excited about the possibilities these patterns offer.Wayfaress
Pirates and steampunk! Sounds like a great combination to me. Wayfaress is pirate/seafarer costume for women. The pattern consists of britches, with three possible styles, and an overskirt. Suggested material includes gabardine, synthetic suede, twill, and lightweight will for the pants, and synthetic suede for the skirt.As always, make it your own with your choice of configuration and fabric, and make it steampunk. You might add gadgets and a model nineteenth century pistol to the belt. How about a compass on a chain for a necklace, or a spyglass with swirly symbols along the sides. Octopuses and squids are often associated with steampunk, so perhaps add a squid ring, or add steampunk-related leatherwork to your boots.This pattern is for intermediate level costume makers. It includes tips for trimming with various types of ribbons and on adding decorative topstitching. Wayfaress retails for $17.95 exclusively on the Cosplay by McCall’s site.
Thirst
For men, McCall’s latest offering is Thirst, a billowed shirt and vest combination excellent for eighteenth and nineteenth century classical vampires. Yes, I do think that a steampunk vampire costume is a bloody good idea.For the vest, McCall’s recommends fabrics like brocade, cotton sateen, damask, and lightweight wool, with satin and silk for the lining. Suggested shirt materials include cotton and silk. The tips section covers creating a unique look using appliqués. Also, the pattern is listed as easy skill level, so if you’re new to sewing, you shouldn’t have much trouble with this one.As for ideas to give this a steampunk twist, consider metallic-colored contact lenses, copper or gold colored fangs, or rings with gears. Sometimes such small details can shift a costume toward a steampunk aesthetic. The appliqué advice can help you create your own steampunk-inspired pattern for the vest as well.Thirst sells on the Cosplay by McCall’s site for $14.95
SundryNew ComputerI finally have a new computer! Yep, my tax refund came yesterday, at last, so I had the money to upgrade. You know that new-computer feeling, where you’re still used to your previous machine, and you’re in awe of how well everything runs on the replacement? That’s how I feel now. My previous computer (now running Linux Mint—I always wanted a Linux computer to use along with my Windows box) is four years, seven months old. I needed to replace it in order to start creating videos for YouTube again.Subscribe to my channel, The Wild Steampunk, for the podcast, writing tips videos, and more, coming soon!I’ve already tested XSplit on this new machine and it’s running well. My previous machine, while still going strong, just doesn’t have the processor power for that and other programs I need.Bodacious CreedGreat news in the novel front. I’m half-way through the final draft of Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western! That will be out in the next few months. If you want to get the news when it’s available, just enter your email below. You’ll also get a Bodacious Creed prequel story free. Plus, I’m working on other Bodacious Creed bonus material.What are you waiting for? Just scroll down and enter your email address. I never send spam and I consider my mailing address sacred. In other words, your email address stays private.PatreonIf you enjoy these cosplay reviews, my weekly steampunk updates, my interviews with various amazing people in the steampunk community, book reviews, and more, you can easily help me keep it going. Become a patron! For just $1 or more per month, you can help me continue to bring you great content.Check out my Patreon, here!
Pirates and steampunk! Sounds like a great combination to me. Wayfaress is pirate/seafarer costume for women. The pattern consists of britches, with three possible styles, and an overskirt. Suggested material includes gabardine, synthetic suede, twill, and lightweight will for the pants, and synthetic suede for the skirt.As always, make it your own with your choice of configuration and fabric, and make it steampunk. You might add gadgets and a model nineteenth century pistol to the belt. How about a compass on a chain for a necklace, or a spyglass with swirly symbols along the sides. Octopuses and squids are often associated with steampunk, so perhaps add a squid ring, or add steampunk-related leatherwork to your boots.This pattern is for intermediate level costume makers. It includes tips for trimming with various types of ribbons and on adding decorative topstitching. Wayfaress retails for $17.95 exclusively on the Cosplay by McCall’s site.ThirstFor men, McCall’s latest offering is Thirst, a billowed shirt and vest combination excellent for eighteenth and nineteenth century classical vampires. Yes, I do think that a steampunk vampire costume is a bloody good idea.For the vest, McCall’s recommends fabrics like brocade, cotton sateen, damask, and lightweight wool, with satin and silk for the lining. Suggested shirt materials include cotton and silk. The tips section covers creating a unique look using appliqués. Also, the pattern is listed as easy skill level, so if you’re new to sewing, you shouldn’t have much trouble with this one.As for ideas to give this a steampunk twist, consider metallic-colored contact lenses, copper or gold colored fangs, or rings with gears. Sometimes such small details can shift a costume toward a steampunk aesthetic. The appliqué advice can help you create your own steampunk-inspired pattern for the vest as well.Thirst sells on the Cosplay by McCall’s site for $14.95SundryNew ComputerI finally have a new computer! Yep, my tax refund came yesterday, at last, so I had the money to upgrade. You know that new-computer feeling, where you’re still used to your previous machine, and you’re in awe of how well everything runs on the replacement? That’s how I feel now. My previous computer (now running Linux Mint—I always wanted a Linux computer to use along with my Windows box) is four years, seven months old. I needed to replace it in order to start creating videos for YouTube again.Subscribe to my channel, The Wild Steampunk, for the podcast, writing tips videos, and more, coming soon!I’ve already tested XSplit on this new machine and it’s running well. My previous machine, while still going strong, just doesn’t have the processor power for that and other programs I need.Bodacious CreedGreat news in the novel front. I’m half-way through the final draft of Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western! That will be out in the next few months. If you want to get the news when it’s available, just enter your email below. You’ll also get a Bodacious Creed prequel story free. Plus, I’m working on other Bodacious Creed bonus material.What are you waiting for? Just scroll down and enter your email address. I never send spam and I consider my mailing address sacred. In other words, your email address stays private.PatreonIf you enjoy these cosplay reviews, my weekly steampunk updates, my interviews with various amazing people in the steampunk community, book reviews, and more, you can easily help me keep it going. Become a patron! For just $1 or more per month, you can help me continue to bring you great content.Check out my Patreon, here!
May 17, 2015
This Is Not A Blog Post
That is to say, I have a blog. Quite an extensive one, in fact! It's just not here.
I've spent weeks centralizing my Web presence, and my blog is a big part of that! I think it's pretty awesome. I write about topics I love, for my enjoyment, yes, but also because I enjoy sharing those things I find and that I think of with people who love the same things.
In it, I cover ideas, news, and more related to steampunk, science fiction, the wild west, fantasy, writing, and art. I also keep people updated on the progress of my projects. Currently, that means my upcoming novel, Bodacious Creed.
So, if you want to read about sexy steampunk cosplayers, the latest addition to Disneyland's Haunted Mansion, Game of Thrones fan theories and how they can help your writing, and a ton more, all you have to do is check out my actual blog.
Oh, and if you want incredible extras, you should join my mailing list!
I've spent weeks centralizing my Web presence, and my blog is a big part of that! I think it's pretty awesome. I write about topics I love, for my enjoyment, yes, but also because I enjoy sharing those things I find and that I think of with people who love the same things.
In it, I cover ideas, news, and more related to steampunk, science fiction, the wild west, fantasy, writing, and art. I also keep people updated on the progress of my projects. Currently, that means my upcoming novel, Bodacious Creed.
So, if you want to read about sexy steampunk cosplayers, the latest addition to Disneyland's Haunted Mansion, Game of Thrones fan theories and how they can help your writing, and a ton more, all you have to do is check out my actual blog.
Oh, and if you want incredible extras, you should join my mailing list!
