# Sunday, July 27, 2008
Nbsp
Posted by Scott

 
Rough day at the Con.


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Sunday, July 27, 2008 4:18:12 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Nbsp
Posted by Scott

 
Peter David does his famous Stan Lee impression.


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Sunday, July 27, 2008 4:14:00 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)  #  Comments [0] 
# Saturday, July 26, 2008
Comic Con Saturday
Posted by Scott

It's Saturday morning and I'm getting ready to head to the Con. Yesterday was a whirlwind... lots of great stuff going on. 

We kicked off the day with a signing from Peter David, author of Writing for Comics with Peter David, who was great fun. IMPACT Books Publicity Manager Greg Hatfield got a chance to interview Peter--an interview which I'll share with you once I get time to post it (I'm kind of in a rush this morning)

I also got a chance to chat with Zombie Haiku author Ryan Mecum, who is signing in our booth this morning--I'm planning to see if Ryan has any advice for creating book trailers, because he did such a cool one for his book.

Plus, I talked with academy-award winning film concept artist and designer Doug Chiang, author of Mechanika. Doug has worked on movies like Star Wars episodes I & II, Beowulf, Polar Express, War of the Worlds.

Finally, I interviewed John Howe, renowned Tolkien artist about his thoughts on Comic Con, and creative inspiration.

I look forward to sharing some of the great interviews I taped... sorry for the teaser... I hope to post them soon.

 

 



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Saturday, July 26, 2008 3:50:12 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)  #  Comments [0] 
# Friday, July 25, 2008
Comic Con Day 1
Posted by Scott

Yesterday was the first actual day of Comic Con. I spent a lot of time selling books in the IMPACT books booth, and trying to interview authors.

I attended a panel by renowned comics editor Andy Schmidt who runs www.comicsexperience.com where aspiring comic writers and artists can take classes to learn the ropes and find out what it takes in the comic business.

I also met with 100 Days of Monsters author Stefan Bucher, who does a lot of great work to promote his book. Check out his website at www.dailymonster.com

Lots of cool stuff going on at the show. I had dinner with legendary Tolkien artist John Howe, conceptual designer for the Lord of the Rings movies who talked about designing the gates of Mordor, which on screen are big enough for an army to walk through. John talked about his creative approach to researching and conceiving the images he comes up with, which are amazing.  Check out his book Fantasy Art Workshop: http://www.fwbookstore.com/product/1609/1

Here are some pics:

 
Andy Schmidt gives advice to aspiring comic creators.
 
 
Stefan Bucher talks with a fan.


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Friday, July 25, 2008 5:15:17 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)  #  Comments [1] 
# Thursday, July 24, 2008
Comic Con Preview Night
Posted by Scott

Yesterday was the first day at Comic Con. Spent the day setting up the IMPACT Books booth.

Preview night at the con was insanely crowded. The show is sold out everyday and the floor is packed with people. I mostly worked at our booth last night. Comic writers Peter David and Marv Wolfman stopped by the IMPACT Booth and I also got some of my comics signed by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. Here's some fun pics:

Ironman lords over everyone. Because he can.

F+W marketing coordinator Justin Combs puts finishing touches on the booth.

Skrulls invade the IMPACT Booth. Situation dire.

Today there are tons of author events lined up so I hope to get some cool stuff to share. Off to the show...



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Thursday, July 24, 2008 2:07:56 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)  #  Comments [0] 
# Tuesday, July 22, 2008
On a Plane Tomorrow
Posted by Scott

Hi Writers,

Again, I must apologize for my lack of posting this week. I've had lots to do at work in preparation for my Comic-Con trip. I'm getting on plane tomorrow to head out to San Diego to commune with comic fans, artists, writers and... well, nerds (I can say it, because I am one).

Of course, right before my trip I ended up catching a raging cold, so I've been sniffling through the day at my computer here at work trying to get caught up enough on emails and the like so that I won't be snowed under too badly when I return.

I'm mostly packed and hope to get some nice pics, video clips and short podcasts that I can share with you. 

Best,

Scott



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Tuesday, July 22, 2008 7:56:14 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)  #  Comments [1] 
# Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Comic Con, Anyone?
Posted by Scott

Hi writers,

Sorry I haven't posted yet this week. It's a pretty busy week for me because I'm getting ready to go to San Diego Comic Con next week. I'm really excited about it. I think everyone needs to pay attention to Comic Con. It's become more than just a comic convention... it's really a popular culture expo. Check out this article about why Comic Con is cool.

Artists and writers can make connections at the show whether your goal is to work for comics or for movies or television. It's a great place to try to rub elbows (of course, everyone else is doing that too...)

Nevertheless, I'll be at the show promoting books and plan on reporting on some cool things. Just a few teasers:

  • Ryan Mecum, author of Zombie Haiku will be there and his book is kickin' butt right out of the gate (I'll chat with Ryan about promotional ideas and maybe get some advice on making book trailers
  • The IMPACT UNIVERSITY panel from IMPACT Books will feature artists and comic writers giving advice on how to make it in the biz (writer Peter David, whose titles include a comic adaptation of Stephen King's Dark Tower, numerous comic titles and Writing For Comics With Peter David will speak; as well as Orson Scott Card, author of Ender's Game).

I'll also be cruising around the floor and will try to let you know about news I find out about cool movies, TV shows and other great stuff... not to mention posting cool photos from the show.

If you're coming to the show, there will be some great events sponsored by F+W... check out our schedule below:

  • F+W is proud to announce that worldwide fantasy artist John Howe, concept artist for the Lord of the Rings films, will be a Special Guest of the Con.  John will be the subject of his own Spotlight Panel on Saturday, July 26, at 12:00 Noon, in Room 3.  John's acclaimed artwork spanning his career will be featured, including never-before-seen concept art from LOTR.  Immediately following his panel, John will be signing his Impact book, John Howe Fantasy Art Workshop at the IMPACT Books booth (#1415) at 2:00 p.m. Plus, find out how to get a signed copy of our limited edition John Howe Comic-Con exclusive poster (only 1,000 available)! Visit the booth for details.
  • Don’t forget to attend our popular IMPACT University: How to Write and Draw Comics and Graphic Novels panel (Saturday, July 26, at 6:00 p.m., in room 7AB)
  • Stop by the IMPACT Books booth (#1415) to check out signings by authors Peter David (Writing for Comics with Peter David), Doug Chiang (Mechanika), Colleen Doran (Girl to Grrrl Manga, Manga Pro Superstar Workshop), Brian and Kristy Miller (Hi-Fi Color for Comics), E.J. Su (Mechaforce), Stephan Bucher (100 Days of Monsters) and Ryan Mecum (Zombie Haiku). 

*Check booth for schedule of signings.

 

 



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Wednesday, July 16, 2008 8:48:28 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)  #  Comments [0] 
# Friday, July 11, 2008
And the Bad News...
Posted by Scott

An important skill to have when promoting your writing is dealing with rejections or bad news well. It's easy to become frustrated or even angry when you have a manuscript rejected, get some negative feedback about your work, or if you have a scheduled public speaking event or some bit of coverage in the media postponed or canceled. These things are simply going to happen--it's part of the business of writing. It's important to take them in stride and handle bad news professionally. You don't want to close any doors or burn bridges. When an opportunity falls through, be understanding and express an interest in pursuing it at a later date. Showing disappointment is okay, but keep it in check and put forth an optimistic face.

Remember: if writing is your career, then relationship building is an important part of that and having a good attitude in the face of set backs is essential. Always think long term.



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Friday, July 11, 2008 2:21:42 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)  #  Comments [2] 
# Thursday, July 10, 2008
Book "Trailers" are all the rage
Posted by Scott

Hi Writers,

As you probably know, online videos are extremely popular. Posting a video promo for you book on Youtube is a great way to generate some buzz about your book.

Many of the authors I work with are creating video "trailers" for their books and posting links to them on their websites and blogs, as well as forwarding them along with emails and news releases. With nothing but a little creativity and a home video camera you can create a fun and inexpensive marketing tool.

Check out this video by Ryan Mecum, author of Zombie Haiku, a fun horror-movie style book of poetry recently published by HOW Books.

Here's a trailer for a cool screen printing book called Print Liberation, and another one for a book of money saving ideas called The Cheap Book.

Each of these videos show a wide variety of approaches and personalities, but they are all great examples of how to use home video to create a great promo for your book. Not to mention that they look like they were fun to produce.

 



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Thursday, July 10, 2008 3:59:23 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)  #  Comments [2] 
# Wednesday, July 09, 2008
You Can't Fake It
Posted by Scott

Have you ever heard advice to the tune of "If you don't know, then fake it?" That advice only gets you so far. In today's fast paced, over advertised environment, being honest will get you a lot farther than faking it. People are looking for things that are authentic and genuine... not looking for someone to tell them what they want to hear.

When promoting your work, rely on your true areas of expertise and present your strengths to your audience. You're much more likely to get a good response to your message.



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Wednesday, July 09, 2008 4:32:33 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)  #  Comments [1] 


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