Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Salt Lake Comic Con Recap, The Mysteries of Cove's Epic Launch Party, and Self Publishing Progress!


Before I start on what was a most excellent weekend at SLCC, there's an epic book launch happening this week (tomorrow, actually) for J. Scott Savage and his new book, Mysteries of Cove: Fires of Invention. 7 PM at Mountain View High School, Oct 1st. There will be a live show of local authors and other awesomeness, and it's FREE! I'll be there.

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Comic Con. Where do I even start? This was the biggest convention I've attended yet. Records were broken left and right, including the world's record for most comic book costumes. Each of my panels went well. My favorite moment? Singing the Mystery Science Theater 3000's opening theme with my fellow MST3K panelists. Meeting many of my author friends and absorbing their sage advice was a most welcome plus, too. Here's some cool news: I'm told that Woven sold out at the book store! Over all, this was an exhausting experience in the best possible way. Btw, I finally took pictures. Wanna see?

 "Seen any Gelflings?"
 Critique Partner Lindzee Armstrong boothing it up!
 Peggy Eddleman and Jennifer Jenkins at their signing!
 DOOM!
 "Look into my eyes!"
 Harry and Lloyd
 Jennifer Nielsen at her signing.
Michael Jensen (and some guy's) Woven signing!
 Cinderella was first in line!
 Yes, we had a line. Awesome turnout!
 We got photobombed in this one...
 This guy ate my banana!
 Raptor riding, anyone?
 My vote for cutest couple (Kiki!)
 Someone's hunting the Evil Dead!
 Got to love Final Fantasy VII
 
 Commando Spider-Man should be a thing.
 Ruffnut and Toughnut!
 The Shining Twins (creep!)
 Spaceballs? There goes the planet!
 Keeping our distance from that possessed painting.
 A full sized LEGO Thor - awesome!
 Belle fleeing from the Iron Monger.
 Johnny Worthen, Utah Writer of the Year!
 Legend of Zelda is the stuff of Legend!
 
 View from the Green Room

I'd like to thank everyone who attended and made this Con possible. At long last my area has a comic con that it can be proud of. And it should. I don't know the final numbers yet, but I hear it's rivaling San Diego in numbers. I'm already having withdrawals. That means I'll look forward to the next one with great interest. Until next year!

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How's the self-pub zombie book coming? Better than I first imagined, actually. Still waiting on edits but the cover is close to finishing up, and it's a cover I'm proud of. Not sure when the reveal will be, but I'll be sure to let you know. A late January release in 2016 is happening. It's been an adventure finding the balance between what to self-pub and what to submit traditionally. I'll get more into that in next week's IWSG post. Until then, keep writing like there's no tomorrow.

Who's excited for the Mysteries of Cove? Which costume was your favorite? If you're part of IWSG, what's your topic for next week?

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Interview and Giveaway at Read is the New Black, New Release: The Afterlife Academy, and My Con Schedule!


Hey guys! Before we get started, there's an interview and giveaway for a signed copy of Woven happening over at Read is the New Black. Today is the last day to enter! Head over there for more details.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Afterlife-Academy-Frank-Cole/dp/0385744811New Release: The Afterlife Academy by Frank L. Cole!

Walter Prairie knows how to deal with bullies. He just has to beat them to the punch. But he doesn’t see the biggest hit of his life coming when he is struck dead by a bolt of lightning. Before Walter even knows what’s happened, he is sent to a Categorizing office, fast-tracked through the Afterlife Academy, and assigned as a Guardian Agent to protect a High-Level Target.

Walter's HLT, Charlie Dewdle, isn’t exactly the most popular kid in school. He’s what you might call paranormally obsessed. When Charlie finds an ancient book with spells that can be used to open the Gateway for demons to wreak havoc on earth, it’s up to him and Walter to fight an eclectic horde of enemies and protect humankind at all costs ...

(From Goodreads)

I look forward to receiving my copy of this soon. Congrats, Frank!

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Look alive! The Salt Lake Comic Con schedule is up and running.

Here's the complete schedule where you can find Michael and/or myself during this awesome three day event next week. If you're planning on going to the con, I sincerely hope to see you there.

Comic Con Schedule:

Thursday:

3:00 PM - The Legacy of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra (D) - Room 250A
5:00 PM - Book Signing - Shadow Mountain Booth 1401 (M&D)

Friday:

11:00 AM - Killing Your Darlings: When Authors Turn Homicidal (M) - Room 151A
1:00 PM - The Universality of Hayao Miyazaki's Storytelling (D) - Room 255E
5:00 PM - Next Sunday A.D.: The Impact Of MST3K On Our Culture (D) - Room 255E
7:00 PM - Write Stories Like a Master Composer: Using Musical Concepts to Make Your Writing Sing (M) - Room 255E

Saturday:

11:00 AM - Writing MG/YA Fantasy (M) - Room 255F
1:00 PM - Book Signing - Shadow Mountain Booth 1401 (M&D)

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What else am I up to this week? Probably going to catch a screening of The Scorch Trials and get a head start on winterizing. And writing. Always more writing. The good news on the zombie novel front is I have a cover designer! Now to keep working and let all the elements settle into place. Thank you for stopping by. Until next time!

Check out the interview and giveaway today! Who's up for studying at the Afterlife Academy? What are you doing this weekend?

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

New Release: A Night Divided, Self Publishing Decision and What I'm Doing, and My Comic Con Schedule!

http://www.amazon.com/Night-Divided-Jennifer-A-Nielsen/dp/0545682428Hey, guys! September's here, and with it the Fall season of book releases. I'll post books that have caught my attention and then add to my TBR list, starting with this new historical fiction by best selling author, Jennifer A. Nielsen:

With the rise of the Berlin Wall, twelve-year-old Gerta finds her family suddenly divided. She, her mother, and her brother Fritz live on the eastern side, controlled by the Soviets. Her father and middle brother, who had gone west in search of work, cannot return home. Gerta knows it is dangerous to watch the wall, to think forbidden thoughts of freedom, yet she can't help herself. She sees the East German soldiers with their guns trained on their own citizens; she, her family, her neighbors and friends are prisoners in their own city ...
(From Goodreads)

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Last week I mentioned the possibility of giving self publishing a try. Several things have gone into motion since then that will make this decision a reality. The date isn't set yet, but I'm looking at a January release for my zombie novel. Why January? I planned this story as a series, so giving me a few months will help me get acquainted with the process and get the other books underway, so there won't be a huge gap between releases. Plus I'm balancing this project with the work I'm doing on the traditional front. I'll have more info later.

The Undead Road: My Zombie Summer, Part One - coming soon!

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http://saltlakecomiccon.com/portfolio-item/david-powers_king/Salt Lake Comic Con is just around the corner, and my schedule is live! Check out the panel schedule for all the special guests. I'm especially excited for the ones I will be on:

Thursday 24th - Legacy of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra - 3:00 PM, room 250A

Friday 25th - The Universality of Hayao Miyazaki's Storytelling - 1:00 PM, room 255E

Friday 25th - Next Sunday A.D.: The Impact Of MST3K On Our Culture - 5:00 PM, room 255E

Book Signing - TBA

If you're able to make it to America's fastest growing comic con, it would make my day to see you there. Do it for Captain America!

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Before I sign off for the week, I'd like to thank my readers and the blogosphere for the outpouring of support you've shown me this last week. I was extremely anxious about sharing that post, but I'm glad I can put my serious hat on every now and then. Thank you for your comments and emails. Because of your help, I'm on the upswing.

Until next time, keep it tight.

Who else is picking up A Night Divided? Are you ready for my first zombie novel? Is anyone planning to visit Salt Lake Comic con?

I'm David, and ... I could use a bag of jerky right about now.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

IWSG: A Summer of Depression, Overcoming Demons While Facing New Ones, and Self Publishing Thoughts

It's that time again! Special thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for creating and hosting the Insecure Writer's Support Group, a monthly forum for writers to share insecurities without fear of reprisal ...

What I'm about to say goes against the grain of the joy and jubilation this season usually conveys: I'm glad this summer is over. Before I'm dismissed as a warm-weather hater, let me explain. The reason why I haven't been very active on this site or in social media is because the worst bout of depression I've had in years decided to creep in without any plans of checking out. And it got bad. Like really bad. So bad that I've hardly written a thing and played way more video games than is healthy.

Natalie Whipple echoed exactly what I was experiencing this summer, and her post gave me the courage to come forward about it and not hide in a dark corner with a thumb in my mouth, Prince John style.

It's hard to pinpoint all the triggers and I'd rather not revisit them, but I will say that my perception on publishing is going through a paradigm shift (say that five times fast). I love it, but man, it's hard. I never imagined just how hard publishing is after the first book. With our combined efforts, we covered five states in three months. The reception's been wonderful, lots of great reviews on Goodreads and Amazon, and we have international fans asking for more. Thank you!

So, we've been asked, "When's the next book coming out?" We did write Woven as a standalone with series potential for a reason. To be clear, yes, we are writing the next book and we intend to finish it. I can't really say when the next book will release, but it will, in time.

As far as dealing with depression is concerned, what I know for sure is that I need to keep writing. Yes, it helps if writing can pay the bills, but as of now, for me, I have financial needs to meet for my growing family. This is why I've considered taking a shot at self publishing. If I decide to do so, you will see the zombie novel fairly soon. The trick is to stay busy and not allow myself to get distracted. I allowed gaming to be my distraction this summer, for too long. When I overheard my kid's concern, I deleted everything. I've since written three chapters for three new stories, set up a newsletter, and did a load of dishes.

A load of dishes doesn't sound like a big deal, but it really is.

This adventure is far from over. Some challenges have been overcome while new ones have taken their place. As cliche as this may sound, the adventure is just beginning. There will be some changes to the way I blog, and I hope you like the change all through September.

Now for a shameless plug: If you know someone who might enjoy a fun, medieval ghost adventure, please recommend Woven to them. The hardbacks are $12 on Amazon right now. And if you've read it, Amazon could use some more reviews too. And if you would like to keep up with what I'm up to on a more personal level, and be eligible for exclusive news/giveaways, please subscribe to my newsletter.

You guys have my greatest appreciation and thanks for your support this summer. Let's make the best with what we have - each other.

What are some ways that you combat depression? Any tips for self publishing you're willing to share? What books are you reading?

I'm David, and "this is our home, they will not possess it."