Darren Lamb, aka the Worst Buddhist, and I have been connected ever since a fateful Free Comic Book Day in Salt Lake City. I was going from store to store getting the free comic books, and he was at one selling his regular book - Transubstantiation. The story was so amazing that I didn’t even mind the errors. Later, he told me that I accidentally got an author’s copy. Never mind, when I read an amazing story, I want people to know about it.
We’ve connected on social media since then and I’ve tried to support him as I can. Being an author is hard work, especially when you’re publishing independently. There may or may not be any royalty checks in a given month. People rarely give feedback or leave positive reviews, and sometimes, it just feels like you’re writing for yourself. Not that there’s anything wrong with writing for yourself. It’s just that writers who publish typically want to find a wider audience. The best of writers have something to say, mediocre writers want to make money and are good at their craft, and the worst writers… I don’t know that there are any worst writers… At any rate, the whole point of this rambling expose is that Darren has had a story accepted into an anthology called “Weird Wasatch.” So, if you ever wanted to try a new author but are afraid of the investment, this anthology features many probably-new-to-you writers, including Darren. If you like a particular short story, chances are you’ll like other things they’ve published. For those who like eBook format, the book is less than cheap. Congratulations to Darren and to those of you who are about to find a new (2nd) favorite author! Okay, he can be your 1st favorite author; I don’t mind. After all, it’s not a contest and just like you can have more than one friend, you can have more than one cool author that you love! Until next posting, go out and penguinate! |
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When Michael Tanner and Greg Smith from the Junior Braves of the Apocalypse talked to me at Lilac City Comicon 2018 about becoming more creative, Tanner suggested that you plunge headfirst into anything so that you can know what’s out there if you want to be more creative. Filling your head with what others are doing will help your brain come up with ideas to fill in the gaps. This sounds a lot like Steve Jobs idea that creative people aren’t smarter than less creative people. They just have thought more about the experiences they had, and they have more experiences to draw from. Creativity happens at the intersection, at the place where different domains, different disciplines, different subjects come together -- just like all the lands at the original Disneyland came together at The Hub. Smith said that you should jump on your projects and do them. How many times have you sat there and seen an idea flash on the TV screen that you had a decade ago. It could’ve been your idea, but fear, lack of belief or drive, or something else held you back. Walt Disney didn’t let anything stop him when he wanted to build Disneyland. His wife, his brother, and even Art Linkletter questioned Walt’s dream of building a place where parents and children can have fun together. Walt went all in and created a game-changing franchise that has expanded beyond the borders of the U.S. See the full video of Tanner and Smith talking about creativity below. Get more creative tips using Disneyland’s structure and history in my book “Disneyland Is Creativity: 25 Tips for Becoming More Creative.” If you look at my coverage of Lilac City Comicon 2017, you’ll see that that I made it to a lot more panels, and I published a lot more videos. At this year’s Lilac City Comicon (2018), I came as a vendor instead of a member of the media. That made all the difference. As an author, it is important to stay at your booth because people will want to get your book and have you sign it. They may buy it if you’re not there, but the chances are much smaller. Of course, there are acceptable reasons to leave your table, like giving a panel, getting lunch or using the restroom; however, I felt like I needed to be there more than I wasn’t. Fortunately, I was able to roam the floor a little, and you can see what I got with this video! My panel went well (check out the video below). I even had one person come up to me and tell me it took her down memory lane, which is exactly what I wanted to do. My books sold decently, and we even sold a few penguins (one to an unnamed celebrity)! All in all, as a first foray into the vending world of comic conventions, I think we did well. I still have books left, so if you want one, you can order Disneyland Is Creativity from me and the rest from Amazon. Penguins are available to, check them out in our store or at Penguin Emporium1 on Facebook. I’m looking forward to next year’s Lilac City Comicon! WOO HOO! Tomorrow is the day that “Disneyland Is Creativity: 25 Tips for Becoming More creative” releases! I am so excited. We are getting set up at Lilac City Comicon 2018, and I am preparing to present my book during a panel discussion. “Disneyland Is Creativity” is a culmination of more than 2 years research and work. I have taken science backed observations about creativity and put the in a context that is fun and readable. Using descriptions of Disneyland’s structure and history, you’ll be able to access more information about creativity and how to be more creative. If you can’t make it to Spokane, you can get an electronic copy at Amazon.com or order a paperback from my website. Let Walt’s dream bring you greater joy and inspiration! My book release isn’t the only thing happening at our table, D14, Lilac City Comicon. We have books from Drue M. Scott and Brian C. Baer. We also have amazing penguins from Jenya and posters based on the books and penguins! Come visit us and get your favorite book and penguin! We look forward to seeing you. Be sure to follow me at @shadexaminer on Twitter or follow @jenyaengkilterra on Instagram for more updates from our experience at Lilac City Comicon 2018 as they are released! |
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