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.
The convention center was very big. There were certainly enough rooms to host tons of activities going on at one time. There were three floors of activities going on at any one time, with the main Exhibit Hall being located on the ground level. The exhibit hall has very well laid out with the art show as you entered. There were several exhibits, the dealers room, as well as the different Con bidders tables. They also had the ballroom in use. The panel and reading room were always quickly turned over by the staff of the convention center getting everything ready for the next event is a short amount of time.
The Rivercenter Hotel was beautiful place to stay. The rooms were comfortable and clean. The staff was very helpful. The one time I had a problem in my room the staff was very quick to reach a resolve and took care of me to make the remaining time I stayed there comfortable. The only complaint I had was that I was not allowed to use the luggage carts. When I was ready to check out, I attempted to get a luggage cart from the lobby and I was stopped by one of the employees. They told me that an employee had to use the luggage carts and that I had to call them when I was ready. Of course, after several days at a convention I was fairly broke, and I really didn’t want to tip a bellman. I know this sounds cheap of me, but I was simply out of money. In any case, that is really a minor issue from such an phenomenal hotel.
All the facilities were located within walking distance on the magnificent River Walk. I never had to set foot on any busy downtown streets. The river walk led to everything I needed to go to, including shops and dining. It made for beautiful scenery to start and end my days at the convention. However, once the weekend really started, the river walk became a congested mess. to make matters worse they had set up these tacky displays that took up the walkway. Then people stopped to look at these booths and the whole thing became a mess. I was really surprised no one was knocked into the river. Now keep in mind none of this is anything that the 
The exhibit hall was a huge facility. They had a mock up of the Starship Enterprise bridge. It had been put in the program that there would be times we could take pictures in the Captain’s chair. I really looked forward to that. However the display never had a schedule listed, and every time I was in there (which is a lot of time) there was never anyone staffing that display.
hey also had a great display of Hugo awards and other items from the WorldCons in the past.
Off to the side, where in my opinion they should have put the dealers, was the Con voting and booths. Each year WorldCon members get to vote for the next Cons, in this case 2015. I voted for Spokane, for the main reason that I can drive there easily. Spokane won and I was excited to hear that. We also voted for the NASFiC, which is held when WorldCon will be over seas. WorldCon in 2014 will be held in London. So I voted we have the NASFiC in Phoenix (again because I can drive). However, Detroit won. I also bough a supporting membership for Loncon 3 (London), in the small dream that I might be able to go next year.
There were a lot of panels to attend. I really wish I could get to them all, but I had trouble even getting to all the ones I wanted to go to. The two social media panels were outstanding. I learned a lot and I will be significantly changing the way I handle my social media pages.
The childcare facility, Kiddiecorp, was a nice. There were not a lot of children there and my kids had a blast while I enjoyed a date night with my wife. As a member, the kids each got six free hours, though I think we only used three. I am always a bit nervous about leaving my kids with any babysitter, but the Kiddiecorp staff was great.
