Monday, September 30, 2013

Sky Jumpers: The Launch Party, Water on Mars, Real Lightsabers?, and Introducing - Dauntless Authors!


Last Thursday, I received an unexpected email from a fellow author/ local friend, Erin Summerill, asking if I would like to join her and our old critique group if I'd like to help introduce Peggy Eddleman for her Sky Jumpers launch party. How could I possibly turn that down?

*following images courtesy of Ilima Todd.

So there we were, Rob, Erin, and myself, waiting to introduce our good friend when people started to show up. Clearly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into (and it's a miracle that I managed to get out of the building unscathed). You may be asking, why? Well, I'll tell you why! Just take a look at who showed up!


The library had no sitting room and there were people standing outside! I can't remember the last launch party I've been to - for a debut author - that was this categorically amazing! This is what happens when you reach out to your base by visiting three schools before your launch party (I'm taking notes, as should you). My space helmet goes off to Peggy for her avalanche of a successful book lunch, with prizes and goodies for all. My only regret is not getting my copy signed that night (if you saw the line, you'd understand).

I'll get your signature soon, my pretty ... and a little photo with you, too! Congratulations, Peggy!

If you haven't already discovered Sky Jumpers yet, click here!

*     *     *

Have you heard the news? There's been a couple of cool discoveries!

First, Curiosity, our operating rover on Mars, has discovered water in it's surface layers. That's right. Water! With the fact that traces of carbon were also discovered previously, this makes space geeks like me excited about the possibilities of what Mars used to be, and could be. We led a robot to water and it sipped every drop. Who's thirsty for more?

And, if that isn't exciting enough, MIT researchers have recently claimed that they have created (or discovered) a new form of (photonic) matter that would make it possible for light to, literally, "push against and deflect" other sources of light. Say what! It may be some time before we'll have actual light sabers to slice our toast with, but this is nonetheless exciting news. Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Spock?

*     *     *

 We are authors. We are entrepreneurs. We are Dauntless!


A few weeks back, I was invited to contribute to a new and exciting online presence that is bound to take the indie publishing world by storm: Dauntless Authors! What's Dauntless Authors? A group of leading independent authors, banding together, to share news and their experiences in the world of all things self-publishing. We're still getting our feet wet, but I have to tell you, there are some real powerhouse names behind this thing, which may become a major resource for writers everywhere. Go have a look around here!

*     *     *

Updates: This is it ... the last day of September. This means we're going into the final quarter of 2013. I must admit, this year has been a wild ride - but enough of that later. I'm still trucking away at The Undead Road, and taking into account a few personal setbacks and life-stuff, I still have about 15K left to go. It's time to finish this!

No new news on the Woven front, but rest assured, I'll blog about something the moment I'm able. Great things are happening!

Things will be getting back on track here on The Laire this month, so keep coming back for another installment of IWSG and a game review that's been a long time in the making. Keep serving awesomesauce!

Who's ready to "dive" into Sky Jumpers? Heard any cool science news lately? What do you think of this new Dauntless operation?

I'm David, and "the snow queen cometh!"

Friday, September 27, 2013

Al "Father Dragon" Diaz: Knight of the Cosmic Table!


Today is an unprecedented day in the history of knight/dragon relations. After many countless centuries of misunderstandings, princess eatings, some village burnings, and dragon slayings, one reptilian ally has stepped forward to show us that even the most common of enemies have their virtues. I present to you a dragon with an immense heart that constantly battles the ills of the world by finding the joys in life - and he isn't shy when it comes to expressing his gratitude or giving thanks to those who never saw it coming. This Cosmic Knight is pleased and honored to dub thee, Sir Al "Father Dragon" Diaz, Knight of the Cosmic Table!

FD: You're making me blush. That's difficult to see in a red dragon. Thank you for your kind words. Wow, Sir Dragon, uh? After all the knights I've eaten or charred in eight centuries, a knighthood is like the last thing I expected to receive. Of course all those were dark knights, not like the world missed them much. I suppose now you'll touch my shoulder with your blade? Should I ask for Tassin to bring you the ladder or would you mind me just picking you up? I warn you though, when I pick up people, I tend to hug them breathless.

DPK: I've got the latest plated armor, pre-tested by mountain giants - the same that gave old Jack and his harp a hard time - so I'm good if you want to pick me up. Just don't drop me; this stuff is heavy!

FD: Mountain giant-tested? Cool!

*taps the tip of a claw on the breast plate*

DPK: Careful ... My squire just polished it.

FD: Is this armor available to all members of the Cosmic Table?

DPK: Standard issue - we'll have to put in a custom order for you.

FD: Do you have Avenger-type of cards too?

DPK: If there's room in the budget, maybe ...

FD: *gives Sir David an amused grin*

DPK: So, umm ... Not that I want to hop onto your back this very second, but I'm curious. Just how fast can you fly?

FD: Ah, already talking about flying, I see!

I knew you wouldn't be able to help yourself. I still remember you said you always wanted to ride a dragon.

To answer your question, it depends on the size of the dragon and the weight of his loot...I mean, cargo. In any case, we're talking about 0 to 100 mph ... *picks Sir David up to weigh him*

DPK: Whoa! Not too fast, Al!

FD: Hmm, optimal travel speed is considered about 70 mph. In my best days I could reach 450mph in a dive. Of course this is just me. Carrying a knight like you would make the speed vary, mostly with a heavy armor. My wings are a bit rusty these days, but if you really want to try, a short flight wouldn't hurt. Not much chance for flights these days anyway.

DPK: That's fantastic! Tell you what; if you can still drive to a speed of at least 88 mph, I'll be sure to bring along my flux capacitor so we can do a bit of time traveling ... you know, when we conclude this honorable occasion ...

FD: For time traveling, I would be willing to try even faster!

DPK: You entered the blogging scene about a year ago, and it didn't take you long at all to make great strides (as I would expect of a dragon) among the writing community. What's your secret for connecting with so many writers and readers so quickly, or is this some magical ability that we humans have yet to harness?

FD:  My first blog-iversary will be on November 24th. The secret? You'll have to ask those who read me because I'm still trying to figure it out. All I can say is that last year, Jeff Hargett at Strands of Pattern did something called Awesome August. He featured many writers but two posts in particular were especially helpful. One was yours, the power in a name. The other was blogging tips by Alex Cavanaugh.

Ring any bells?

DPK: Alex who?

FD: Mysterious guy with guitar, dressed all in black, so not mentioned everywhere?

DPK: I'll have to look him up ... *first thing on Google*

FD: Anyway, that's it. A name and blogging tips I half understood. How did I connect with people so fast totally beats me. I basically pour my heart out about the philosophy of life from my dragon point of view.

DPK: I say you have a gift, my friend! And let me tell you, it's a contagious gift, something we can all learn from you, me thinks. I had no idea that I contributed to your blogging, so consider this a triple honor! And yes, that elusive ninja guitar guy ... I see what you did there!

Who is your favorite dragon, literary or otherwise?

FD: The first that come to mind are the dragons from Here Comes the Grump, Falkor from The Neverending Story and from Monster Hunter Legion, there is Management. They all have things in common with me. Yet, if I must name only one, it has to be Falkor. I also strive to become a luck dragon.

DPK: Management! Now that's a dragon I'd like to meet in person.

I understand you share a cave with dwarfs. What's that like?

FD: As fun as it can be to live with fifty four hard-duty, dragon-proof, dwarves. They are devoted minions but they are not always efficient. Mostly if they drink Jezebel's punch. Sessin somehow charmed her into "donating" several bottles to their wine cellar. Now the strangest things may happen. Last month, he and the rest of the Cheering Squad built a cloning machine that exploded after they cloned Mark Koopmans. I believe his madness was too much to duplicate. Precious treasures were lost, like the Dark Crystal and the Palantir replicas. Believe me, it's difficult to get intelligent dwarf-power these days.

DPK: Hey, we could use a cloning machine here. Ours just burned out. Let me know when you have another one up and running!

FD: Certainly. You just have to sign the agreement of limited responsibility.

DPK: Done and Done. So! Done any dwarf tossing lately?

FD: Two hours every day, at least. Some people practice yoga, some people lifts weights, some practice Zumba. Father Dragon tosses dwarfs everywhere. It keeps me in shape, focused and in balance. Something goes wrong? Toss one dwarf. Virgin snacks are not well done? Toss another dwarf. Someone is making me angry and messing with my Zen? Toss several dwarves at them!

It works marvels and you can catch them in the second bouncing.

Would you like to try free lessons?

DPK: Free lessons? Picking up dwarfs is easier said than done ...

FD: Just be careful because a ricocheting dwarf might hit you in the head if you're distracted.

DPK: You know, for the likes of me. Those things are heavy! And, sadly, not every dwarf is the Smoked Mountains are into the hottest sport since the 100 Meter Grab-The-Maiden's-Lost-Shoe Dash ...


Get a "grip", Gimli ...

Tell me, after a long day of dragon affairs, helping damsels (instead of eating them), and you're nestled yourself away into your man ... err ... your dragon cave, I suspect that you're adding words to a great story? What do you write? How do you go about writing it?

FD: As a matter of fact I do have an excellent story; a paranormal thriller. Each time I tell someone about it, they listen in fascination and ask me when the book will be ready. No, dragons are not modest creatures but this dragon in particular has a bigger problem than my ego. The WiP has been stalled on the second rewrite for a year now. Blame it to my other lovers. I like writing, but I also love painting, and sculpting. I tried but focusing on one thing doesn't make me happy. I can't stop thinking on the other two neglected muses.

Tired of unfinished projects and guilt trips, I came up with an integral solution to my problem. Instead of presenting the story as a book, I'm working to present it as a comic, so I can be both writer and artist. It's a tough dragon-size challenge, but challenges make me happy. It will take a lot more time than just writing the story, but I don't care for time. I care for a goal that makes me feel true passion about what I'm doing. I'm seeking for that "once in a lifetime" ride, and I suspect this is it.

DPK: You had me at "paranormal," and I love comics! Ever read Schlock Mercenary? I know a few excellent comic artists myself. I'd be way interested in seeing your stories come like that. And with web comics rising like never before, that's not a bad route to consider.

One more question: what does it mean for you to be a knight, both in life and in the writing community?

FD: Honor is an important directive in this dragon's life and I believe it a priority in any knight's code. That's one thing we already had in common. Another one is I am all set up to defeat true demons and evil forces, such as prejudice, ignorance, fear, hate and selfishness.

There is light and darkness in everyone, but we are also born with the potential for greatness. In order to reach it, one has to stand up and fight our personal demons. A knight cannot change people, but a knight understands that by changing oneself, and stand up and fight for what one believes is right and true and good, one can change the world. A knight inspires others, not to wait to be rescued, but to believe in themselves, in their capacities, to have faith on possibilities and reach out for their dreams. The only difference between a knight and someone who is not, is that the first one is an individual with a mission. Knights are courageous enough to not let their fears stop them, and with determination enough to keep moving forward, no matter how hard they fall, how painful their wounds are or how deep in mud they are. Even with their guts in their hands, knights will always strive for one more inch closer to their goal, one inch closer to victory. This is the definition of a knight for Father Dragon.

This is what I am and what I believe.

DPK: Then you have met your appointment with much excellence, Father Dragon. Your words have touched us deeply and the centuries of wisdom behind you will be most welcomed among our table of knights.

Congratulations! Help yourself to that super-massive chair next to "Evil Queen" Argyle and Sir Di Gesu. We'll bring out the celebratory roast in a minute. Until then, while it may not be in your likeness, please accept this badge and use it however you would like as proof of your knighthood.

FD: Thank you, Sir David. Being part of your mighty order is my pleasure. I am glad of this friendship between dragon and knights. May this be a sign for a greater understanding and strong alliances the world needs so much. This badge will have a place of honor back at the Dragon Cave. Now to the roast!

Are there any Virgin snacks?

DPK: *whispers* ... We'll discuss the menu later ...

*      *     *

Hey, guys! Thanks for stopping by for this epic, hilarious, and heartwarming interview. As you can see, new posts are up, which means the console is fixed and ready for more writing and posts!

October is going to be a fantastic and fully active month here in The Cosmic Laire, and, hopefully, there will be some excellent news to share with you. So until next time, keep being awesome!

I'm David, and do you know if Walmart carries dragon snacks?

Hmm ... That'll work!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

All Systems Down: Main Console Undergoing Repairs


Hey, guys!

I'd normally have another post up today, but during the weekend my PC decided to take a nap - one of those long, permanent naps ...

And my old notebook isn't fantastic at drafting blog posts ...

The good news is much of the PC is salvageable, and with the help of a computer wizard, I will have all systems up and running (upgraded and better than ever) without breaking the bank. So consider this a repairing hiatus until the parts show up and assembling is complete.

Stuff happens, and I appreciate your understanding. See you soon!

I'm David, and for all your computer parts needs, click here!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Breaking News: Voyager 1 Enters Interstellar Space In Time For The Anticipated Release of CassaStorm!


September 2013 is turning out to be an epic month in the course of human history.  A few days ago, scientists have confirmed that the Voyager 1 spacecraft, launched 36 years ago, has left our solar system and has entered interstellar space. Isn't that exciting?!

But for more than that, it would seem that space is not as void as we once thought. Apparently, a kind of plasma built up around the space-craft. Thanks to an unexpected burst from our sun in 2012, a solar wind hit the plasma and caused a vibration that recording devices picked up. You should hear it!

So there's plasma beyond/between solar systems? Interesting ...

This could change the way we think about deep space travel - but before we do that, let's hear it for the highly anticipated CassaStorm, the final act in the Amazon Best Selling series by Alex J. Cavanaugh!

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…



*     *     *

A major congratulations to you, Ninja Captain Alex! I look forward to reading this novel, fresh out of the mailbox. Break some records! 

And in case you missed them, here's CassaStar and CassaFire.

Are you excited about CassaStorm's release? What are your thoughts on the Voyager 1 space probe? Think anyone will pick it up soon?

I'm David, and "a storm is about to break ..."

Friday, September 13, 2013

Star Citizen: The Massive Space Sim by Chris Roberts That May Change The Face of PC Gaming Forever!


By show of hands, how many of you know who Chris Roberts is?

In case you don't know, he's a game developer and a filmmaker, and I'm a mighty big fan of his work - I have been since I was kid when I picked up Wing Commander in 1990. That was a fun game. Even though the graphics aren't anything beyond what a SNES can do, it's still a very enjoyable space sim, given that it was among the first space sims to have interactive characters and also consequences for your actions, good or bad - kinda like an RPG. This title went on to have sequels and spinoffs. Each outdid the last, and the final characters were very cinematic as it featured cut scenes with real actors and you could decide how the conversation went.

Before Elder Scrolls, and before Grand Theft Auto, this was the hot ticket in gaming. It felt like an RPG, plus you could jump into a star fighter and wreck some havoc on the Kilrathi. That's "kill-wrath-e" for all you kids reading at home. Unlike Star Wars or Star Trek, this series of games put the story's focus on the pilots who fight interstellar wars. The controls were so complex that you literally had to use most of the buttons on your keyboard AND use a joystick. It takes a while to get used to, but after a while, you become an ace in what is the closest experience to being a star fighter we will experience. Coupled by reading Ender's Game, these influences drove me to write for the first time - and it's no wonder that my first story takes place in space and the hero is a pilot!

 Neat graphics, eh?

Then, shortly after the Wing Commander film came out (a guilty pleasure of mine), Roberts went on a break - a ten year break. This is about the same time when console gaming started to rise like never before. Some have claimed that the PC game is dead, but I'm here to tell you, reports of its death are greatly exaggerated. Here's why:

Welcome to Star Citizen!
 
*jaw drops* ... words fail me ...

Like the comeback of a legend, Chris Roberts has returned with a stunning, fully integrated universe that may change the face of PC gaming (and maybe all gaming) forever, just as Wing Commander did, but this time, with a little twist. There's no gaming conglomerate behind this. Technically, this is an Indie game, crowd funded, and the game improves and adds new features as gamers continue to play.

Unlike the modern MMO, monies earned goes to expanding this universe. Once they reach their 20 million goal, players will be given the ability to fly to other worlds, land on them, and go wherever!

Barkeep, a round for my friends here! 

There is character interaction, opportunities to make a virtual fortune, and consequences for reckless behavior - including (in rare instances) permanent player death. While you can skirt around this death by having all your assets given to a backup character as an "inheritance," you'll want to think twice about taking on a non-AI fighter pilot ...

I have GOT to get me one of these!

Instead of feeling like a star fighter pilot, this game has the potential to make you feel like a citizen in an interstellar universe. Buy. Sell. Trade. Build a career. The possibilities are almost without limit. There will be about 100 worlds, almost 10,000 different faces to choose from, and loads more ... a better value for your money than any MMO I know. Also, it's not limited to MMO - you can go on single player campaigns. The game is not yet available, however, but by pledging (depending on the package you want), you will secure a spot for yourself when the game goes online - like a kickstarter project!

I know this has time suck written all over it, so I promise that I will behave myself by pledging as a scout (low level entry), which is long enough for me to swoop in and see what all the commotion is about. Having said that, this is the first kickstarter I've ever supported.

You know something ... this is all reminding me of a very excellent series of novels that I know of, and the last book in the series comes out next week! I'll have more to say about that on Monday.

Until then, have a great, Vanduul free weekend!

What do you think of Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO) games? Are you familiar with Roberts or his games? Want to me my wing man?

I'm David, and sign me up with Squadron 42!



Note: in researching this game, I noticed a lot of information about the details that wasn't consistent from source to source, so if I said something that's not factual, it wasn't intentional.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Sacrifice Her: Cover Reveal, The Spirit Of Christmas: Pick Your Favorite Cover, and inkPageant Is Back!


This may look like a Monday post, but that's because there's so much great stuff happening this week! And today, I'm pleased to announce the cover reveal for Sheena-kay Graham's Sacrifice Her. Sweet!

Deidra Moore goes on the run after escaping from a group of human sacrifices for Bane: God of War. She doesn't believe he exists and she sees uncertainty in the scorching desert as a better alternative. But Faux City isn't finished with her. Their leader, Lord Brinn, has ordered Bane - through one of his maiden worshipers - to bring Deidra back or face dire consequences.

Lost in the desert, Deidra meets a wanderer named Kane, and as feelings spark, can they find a safe place to lead a new life before Lord Brinn and his soldiers catch up with them? Yet the question remains: does Bane really exist? And if he does, what will happen if either side succeeds or fails?

 Save the date, crew! Sacrifice Her is coming - December 2013!

Blog     Facebook     Twitter     Goodreads

*    *    *

Did you guys know that I participated in an anthology recently?

Yep, the rumors are true! J.A. Bennett invited me to spread some Christmas cheer this year by joining forces with her and the amazing Kelley Lynn, Jessica Salyer, and Becca Ann, and we're calling it The Spirit of Christmas: An Anthology (for a charitable cause). However, we cooked up a few covers and can't decide which one we like best:

 #1                        #2                          #3

If you'd please, would you chose your favorite and "like" it here.

Or, if you don't Facebook, comment your pick and I'll do the rest. Thank you so much, guys! There'll be more details coming soon.

*     *     *

After a very long break, I'm glad to say I'm back on inkPageant!


For those of you new to The Laire, inkPageant is a host site for posts about writing, book and movie reviews, publishing news, writing conferences, and so much more! If you have a special topic to share, or maybe a fantastic post you found that you'd like to share, enter it into our site and anyone who wants to find that topic will be able to do so in our massive database. We do cool giveaways, too!

I look forward to reading your posts. Come join the parade!

*     *     *

That's all I've got, but be sure to come back Friday for an overview of something totally awesome that I discovered the other day, which may change the face of PC and indie gaming forever. See you then!

Doesn't Sheena's book sound awesome? Which Christmas cover is your favorite? Care to sign up for inkPageant? Want a cruller?

I'm David, and "this is the future of American justice ..."


Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Through The Bomb's Breath: A Review of Sky Jumpers!


I don't normally post on Tuesdays, but when I do, it's something important - or it's at the request of a Random House publicist. This was bound to happen since the amazing Peggy Eddleman allowed me a read of her ARC months ago. And furthermore, I really liked it! We were critque partners for a while as well and I've already sneaked a peek at book 2. This, my friends, is the next rockin' MG series!

Here's my review for Peggy Eddleman's debut novel, Sky Jumpers!

Twelve-year-old Hope Toriella lives in White Rock, a town of inventors struggling to recover from the green bombs of World War III. But Hope is terrible at inventing and would much rather sneak off to cliff dive into the Bomb's Breath—the deadly band of compressed air that covers the crater left by the bombs—than fail at yet another invention. When bandits discover that White Rock has priceless antibiotics, they invade. With a two-day deadline to finish making this year's batch and no ingredients to make more, the town is left to choose whether to hand over the medicine and die from the disease that's run rampant since the bombs, or die fighting the bandits now.

Help lies in a neighboring town, but the bandits count everyone fourteen and older each hour. Hope and her friends—Aaron and Brock—might be the only ones who can escape to make the dangerous trek through the Bomb's Breath and over the snow- covered mountain. Inventing won't help her make it through alive, but with Aaron and Brock's help, the daring and recklessness that usually gets her into trouble might just save them all.

(From Goodreads)

 *     *     *

Based on the description, there's no spoiler in saying that this is a post-apocalyptic story. That's been a rather popular topic in books in the last few years, often based in a dystopian setting. What makes Sky Jumpers refreshing isn't a collapsed government after the wake of global disaster - it's the portrayal of the good that comes out of adversity. With a name like Hope, the likable protagonist is the embodiment of the spirit of White Rock, a town in a crater, surrounded by green gas that will kill you in one breath.

And the kids get their jollies by jumping into it ... Say what!?

Don't worry, it doesn't kill them, if they hold their breath ...

Sky Jumpers reads fast. Really fast! I literally downed the book in one sitting, laughing at the jokes, gasping at the suspense, and cursing when our heroes made mistakes ... everything we've come to know and love about MG! The sound science and grounded bandits made the story and the tension smooth and believable page after page.

The message that this book brings to young readers is an important one: what do you do when you're unable to be what society expects of you? What if your perceived weakness is your greatest strength? Hope takes this journey and manages to overcome what I don't think I could've done if given her shoes. Facing the main antagonist at the end was as gripping as the final standoff with Harry and Voldemort ... without the magic and all that stuff. In a word, breathtaking!

"Sky Jumpers is a smart post-apocalyptic novel that I wouldn't hesitate to share with kids of any age or the young at heart."

Cosmic Cruller Rating:

Here's a portal through the Bomb's Breath for you to check out!

I'm David, and I'd rather jump into the deadly Bomb's Breath ...

Monday, September 9, 2013

Cheers! Blogfest 2.0 Announcement and Salt Lake Comic Con 2013: A Recap In 30 Pictures Or More!


Before we get into the details of the 1st Annual Salt Lake Comic Con, I have an important roasting announcement from the one and only topical Irish islander superhero dude, Mark "Madman" Koopmans:

Aloha!

Wow! It’s been a year already and we are about to launch Cheers! 2.0. Here’s some basic info - should you feel led to share:


What: CheersFest! 2.0. Someone deserving will be roasted like a little, brown coffee bean.

When: December (Exact date TBD)

Who: One person will be roasted via popular vote. This someone is a constant presence, is positive, possesses integrity, is involved in the online community (participating and hosting), is supportive of others and is a major force in the blogging community.

How: Once launched, each host has seven days to review comments and the selections made via their comments and pick one. We then present our selections and the co-hosts vote. The recipient (Roastee) is announced at least two weeks out and folks can join a Linky ahead of their roasting posting. Logistically, we have five co-hosts this year:


Save the month! Watch for more details coming your way soon!

*     *     *

Few events have happened in my life that have taken me by surprise; Salt Lake Comic Con is one of them. I've always wanted to go to a comic con. Growing up in LA, you would think I would've gone to San Diego long before now (didn't have the money). I then moved to Utah and wound up with a good job and a hot wife, but not much money to leave the state for a comic con (I'm cheap). And then this con happened. The guests were impressive, but I didn't think it would amount to much more than other local conferences I've been to.

Man, was I wrong!

According to fire marshals, some 70K to 80K people showed up on Saturday, making Salt Lake Comic Con the largest cultural event in the history of Utah AND the most attended first year convention in the nation - and I was part of that ... like taking a bite of history!

Tasty, tasty history ...

While I wasn't able to get a photo with either Stan Lee or William Shatner (sold out - and I'm cheap), I was able to let my inner geek out and enjoy the sites and sounds of an enormous crowd. I also got to hang out with some great writers, including some of my heroes like James Dashner, Brandon Mull, Larry Corriea, and others. Having my co-author with me made all the difference - rock the buddy system!

Now, as some people say, "photos or it never happened," so instead of telling you what I saw at Comic Con, I'll SHOW you. Here we go!

Salt Lake Comic Con: 2013
Bonus points if you know these characters!
 Who you gonna call?
A legendary trio!
Where's Waldo?
 Nice ... jacket ... (run!)
 
A Mighty and Amazing Widow Sandwich!
 Genre bending, perhaps?
 That costume is SMASHing!
They're taking the LEGO hobbits to Isengard!
 To the second floor, please?
Gotta catch'em ... MATH!
 Why's the rum gone?
 ROAAAAAAR!
Impressive ... MOST impressive ...
 I guess Ariel IS a water bender ...
 The next generation of Ecto!
 Black Cat - enough said ...
 The casting search for Wonder Woman is OVER!
 The joke's on Master Chief ... tee hee ...
 Rockin' the western steampunk!
 ... this dude made a kid cry ...
Livin the vida Loki!
 Best couple award!
 No soup for me!
 I can't tell what these guys are saying ...
 Get to da choppa!
 Brandon Mull signing - Series accomplished!
 
  They should move the conference into that Tardis ...
 
 Most complete ensemble!
 
 Everybody MOVE!
 
Who needs X-Men when you have X-Women?
 
Vintage ... got a couple hundred bucks?
 
 Robin just got Riddled!
 
 And for the grand finale ...
The Godfather of comics - Mr. Stan Lee!

I think this is the beginning of a new and beautiful tradition. I have no other comic con to compare this with, but given a few hiccups, I say the SLCC team did a great job. Take that learning curve and make next year an even better one! And me, with a better camera ...

If you couldn't make it this year, I hope you found enough in this post to participate vicariously. And until next time ... Excelsior!

Oh, and if you comment today, you could win a signed book!

Winner to be announced this Wednesday

Did you make it to the con and I missed you? Are you thinking of going next year (it'll be bigger!)? Who's down for some lunch?

I'm David, and Dean says "Hi!"