Over the last few months, maybe even years, I’ve been saying I’d get back into blogging more regularly. There was a time where I was really good at doing this and for some reason or the other, I’ve let it slip away. I’ve intentionally kept my life busy and the result is that sometimes there isn’t the time. And sometime there isn’t the desire either. I blame depression for that.
Factor Four Magazine is a passion of mine and I’ve put my creative time into that. Two issues are under our belt now and I’m really feeling positive that I have good systems in place to handle it. I am still the only one on the magazine staff, so I do it all. Social Media posts, readings, editing, layout, advertisement, subscription management, and more. But you know what, despite all that I’m thinking of putting together another publishing project: An anthology for 2019 release. No details yet. But I figured you all could have the early “scoop” since you still come by and read my blog.
The moral here is that time goes by a lot faster than it used to. Publishing has become my focus when I am not at my day job or being with my family, and some of my writing has slipped by the wayside. I’ve not abandoned it by any means. I still have four short stories looking for a home. Plus I still have so many novel ideas to get out. The final book (maybe) of The Serenity Saga, a new novel, and possibly a sequel to Volition Agent (I was asked about a prequel too). I just don’t think it will be in 2018. I mean, fuck it is August already!
Speaking of August, it will be a busy one for me. 2018 has been the year of Conventions, both in my day job and writing. I don’t think I will have traveled so much in one year. I went to Norwescon this year, that was amazing and I hope they will invite me to be a panelist in 2019. Also, later this year is OryCon. I haven’t heard if they’ll invite me as a Panelist, so ask about me! But August brings two more writing conventions that I am excited to attend.
SpoCon – Spokane, WA – August 10 to 12
I am really excited about this one because I will be a panelist, and moderator, on several panels. You can see my whole schedule below, or you can click here. I’d really like to see you if you’re there, so please come say hello. I’d like to do a signing, but I’ve not committed to that yet, but both issues of the magazine, as well as my books will be on sale there. Space is still available, and you can register at the website.
Title: Should Kids Self-Publish?
Date/Time: Friday August 10th @ 4PM:
Official Description: What should young writers, artists and musicians (and their parents) be aware of before they distribute their work to the public?
Other Panelist(s): Kaye Thornbrugh
My thoughts: I am excited about discussing this. My regular followers know of my son’s children’s book, Daddy is Tired. But as a Self-Pub author, I am also planning to provide insight on that avenue of publishing.
Title: Flash Fiction: the Genre
Date/Time: Saturday August 11th @ 11am
Official Description: How do you define flash fiction — strictly by word count, or is there more to it? Our panelists reveal the ins and outs of this relatively new literary form.
Other Panelist(s): Voss Foster, S. Evan Townsend, Dawn Vogel, Stoney Compton, Dean Wells
My thoughts: Oh, boy. I love flash fiction. I love writing it, and I love reading it. Of course, you know I took that passion into publishing it. I’d debate the concept of “new literary form”, but certainly under recognized for the true art form that it is. As moderator, I plan to focus on not just what is flash fiction, but why is it unique compared to other short fiction. We will also touch on common pitfalls and how to address them.
Title: The Iron Writer Competition
Date/Time: Saturday August 11th @ 1pm
Official Description: The pen is mightier than the sword! Our contestants will take on the challenge of improvisational writing through several rounds of battle, each with a secret writing prompt. Watch writers test their story skills under time and pressure, for a chance at the title of Iron Writer!
WorldCon 76 – San Jose, CA – August 16 to 20
I had wanted desperately to be a panelist at WorldCon, but I got to that party a little late. Though, I haven’t has very good communication from the folks there to know why. I won’t get into the controversy here. I will say that to redo programming of a WoldCon this late in the game is not easy and I appreciate that effort for sure.
But, I am very excited to attend. I haven’t attended at WorldCon since my first one in San Antonio. San Jose is well know place for me. I am originally from the Bay Area, and I visited San Jose very regularly when I lived there. Of course you all know my fan status of the San Jose Sharks. You also likely know that I am big fan of John Picacio, the Art Guest of Honor. He also created the Mexicanx Initiative. I, along with so many others, donated a membership to this cause. In total 50 memberships were sponsored so that we can ensure that the “World” part of WorldCon is represented.
All things aside, I am excited to attend WorldCon again. I likely won’t get to Dublin next year, but I hope to attend the year after that as well.