DL Warner -- A Work in Progress: WonderCon, The Book of Craig and Month of Fun 2014!

WonderCon 2014

We're trying to be more proactive at Sybpress this year by getting out into trade shows beyond what we've

done previously. We had an opportunity to assist a fellow indie publisher at her table at

WonderCon, a ComicCon event in Anaheim, CA (literally across the street from Disneyland). I think this is easily the biggest comic convention I've been to. It may be larger in area than Dragoncon. It's hard to tell, because the latter is so spread out. It was huge and full of wonderfully geeky stuff everywhere the eye could see. And we had to indulge a little shopping. And there were throngs and throngs in every aisle of the convention floor. There were enough attendees to give us hope that even our very specialized niche would have enough of an audience to do well. The question was whether or not the sales could offset the amount of spending we were likely to engage in or the price of food at the venue.

The answer was yes and no. Sharon's Yaoi Revolution attracted a surprising number of people to her table with the gorgeous illustrations she had made into banners. She was selling at quite a nice clip every day. We were selling prose at a comic convention. Some of the potential buyers were outright dismissive of a book that just had words in it. That was insulting. However, Sunday was terrific. I was selling my titles in sets of four at a clip. It was awesome. I even got to sign autographs. We even sold some of the Octavia Butler collection. That dug us out of the hole a little and restored our faith in comic book fans. We learned that these are not the trade shows for us. It wasn't even much use to cover for YGG Magazine. The cosplayers were all doing comic book heroes. There was very little anime costumes seen. And there was only one actual yaoi character. So, for our purposes, we need to go to an anime convention at the very least if we're going to make any sales.

Now, don't misunderstand. We had a great time. It would be impossible for big geeks like us not to have a great time. And then there was the company. Sharon at Yaoi Revolution and her family are charming and

very funny. And then there was Marie's Sister and niece (a zany toddler) and nephews (both brighter than their ages). Funny children was a recurring theme for the weekend. They were everywhere in geeky finery with their parents in similarly themed costumes. Jon and I saw a pair of little tourists heading toward the hotel pool and literally bouncing off the corridor walls. We were very fortunate to dine with Marie's niece and younger nephew on one night and Sharon's cheeky 13 year old son on another night. My favorite conversation that weekend was the one where Marie's nephew was talking about the robot army he planned on having someday and how we would use it to take of us in our old age. That was comforting.

A grand time was had by all, and I'm sure we'll go to ComicCons in the future, We just won't be going for Sybpress or YGG business.

The Month of Fun 2014

We are about to begin the month of May, my birthday month. This means that it is also the beginning of The

Month of Fun. For those new to the blog, welcome! The Month of Fun began the year I turned 40. I celebrated my birthday for an entire month by practicing the philosophy of Agent Dale Cooper. Of Twin Peaks. Basically, every day, you should give yourself a little present – even if it's just 'a damn fine cup of coffee.' It's difficult for busy women to pamper themselves. So, that month, I make an effort to do that in the hopes that it will become a habit. Some of them have. In recent years, the MoF has been filled with foods. I make an effort to try a lot of local restaurants or high end food trucks. And I try new recipes. This year, my dear friend Sarah has sent me a gorgeous little cookbook from her Sister's Premium Olive oil and Balsamic Vinegar Business, F. Oliver's. She also sent a gift card for me to get gadgets I've long had my eye on. I have some English muffin rings and a few other things along the way. Meanwhile, my good friend, muse and editor, Yvonne, sent me all kinds of seasonings from Germany where she and her husband are stationed. I have made some amazing dry rubs with some of these packets. I can't wait to try out this new lot. There is another recipe with croissant dough I'm keen on trying – and eating. Among them are lamb and duck dishes.

Another goal of the MoF is to see good friends that I don't get to see much of the rest of the year. That usually means becoming embroiled in an adventure. The number one conjurer of adventure I know is Craig. I think it's been a year since I've seen him. This cannot go on, especially since we've decided to publish him. I really should let him know about that.

The Book of Craig

One of the most talented people Jon and I have met out here in Los Angeles is former Jersey boy, Craig. He can spin yarns in extemporaneous fashion that are insightful, profane and hilarious all at once. Like many who write at his level, he makes me often feel that I am wasting my time. And as if that weren't enough, beyond that gruff and sometimes terrifying exterior, is a very kind soul – especially to women folk. When I got this email from him this week, I decided it was high time that Jon and I do what we have long threatened to do – put together a collection of his works. The Book of Chet (long story) will feature Craig's writings and writings about Craig by various souls who he has touched.

Jon wrote this apt bio:

Craig Charles Fischer, or 'Skreech' as he is called by absolutely no one, is a librarian, hiker, aspiring hobo, and part time Frank Miller impersonator. He has spent his life being forced to endure the incomprehensible spewings of the top Hollywood Elite that insist on infesting his neighborhood. Only the love of a good woman has prevented him from unleashing a bloodbath of carnage and retribution of the type so often covered by Dateline, CNN, and Bon Appetit.

And here is a typical ditty from the man himself:

Ragnorok

by Craig Fischer

When the moon shines of blood and seas roil in contention, so is the advent of RAGNOROK!

Participants in this millenium's RAGNOROK are reminded to dress warmly and not to forget pocket change for tolls. Bring Snacks! Make sure all unaccompanied children have necessary permission slips.

Unbelievers will be stripped of their flesh by lashing winds! Serpents will arise from the earthquake riven earth to torment the weak and drive them toward the sacrificial fires. The vengeful Gods show no mercy!

Just a reminder, where the name tag included in the orientation packet. There will be a pre-mixer at the recreation center(BYOB and cheese). Come see all your friends! Also, fill out the slip included in your packet for the raffle.

Let the gates of perdition fall upon the unshriven. Their broken toothed and blood clogged cries call forth reviled denizens of the underverse! Their mewlings will be crushed beneath the juggernaut of the worm!

Anyone who hasn't received their orientation packet, please contact Judith Halcomb from the women's auxillary. Judy will have a booth near the starting line, and is still looking for volunteers to help man the booth. C'mon by and help out!

The innocent's blood will boil when mixed with the fetid afterbirth of the all consuming beast.

See you there!

Updates

Three quarters of my novel is with the editor. I'm furiously pushing through the last part. Mostly, I'm furious most of the time. It seems that I just can't get anything near what I need to finished. It's very frustrating. Many things are in the works with the writing career.

Stay tune.