HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2015! Year in Review

Well, it's been quite a year. Ups and downs, ins and outs, and all of it survived to bring us to this holiday season. It's amazing. My wife and I just celebrated our four year anniversary and I couldn't be happier for that. It was a great day. She's been by my side for so much that is GZ. She's the editor and proof reader for the stories and my morale support.

I put two books out this year; Chaos Rising and GZ Tales 2. I haven't been able to keep any stock on my person or send to all the people on my list to send to, but there is so much in process that such will change. I'm listed as a guest for a great convention coming up in Spring (Southern Geekfest) and there will be more on that as the date gets closer.

Early in the year I tried my hand at Kickstarter, but a severe concussion ended that. I don't know if it would have been successful or not, but it really doesn't matter at this point. The work goes on. Putting the board game out with The Game Crafter has been excellent exposure for the game. People who have played it have reported it as a fun game and it made an appearance at Geekonomicon this month with the help of a good friend and supporter at the con, Steve Huckabee.

So the official score is two books and a board game. That's pretty darn good for a year's work.

Guest artists have stepped forward this year too and I couldn't be more grateful. Billy Barnette helped out with several illustrations that will be in the expansion set for the board game. Other artists are in consideration for the upcoming year where most of the work will take place to put the expansion together.

The art you see in this post is holiday art from last year, but it still holds up to festive theme and I am working on new art as well as improvements.

I look forward to blasting into a new year with a wonderful fan base of people all around. So happy holidays and every other way you look at this time of year. May all of you be blessed, happy and safe. See you next year!

End of summer update

Lots of promising things going on as Summer draws to a close. I didn't give away half as many things as I wanted to, but there was no helping it. This summer's accomplishments have been few but very good. Releasing Chaos Rising (novel) and the board game were no small potatoes. Both were long in the making. Now it's time to get the next book of short stories done along with some artwork for the first game expansion.

Recently there has been a lull in development as I get my son ready to go back to school. I get the feeling this is going to be a big year for him. Primarily he's in 8th grade, but the school works with him where his actual strengths are. His math is back a couple grades, but the plan is to catch him up so he can go on to high school. If that means another year at the school he's attending, it will be worth it.

Sports season is coming in full swing and my wife will be doing scoreboards at the radio station. Weekends are going to be fairly closed off for a lot of things. But I'll use the extra time to keep on creating and writing. I have plenty to do.

Come January, we hope to make a trip to New Orleans for a new place that's opened up there. I've med the owner on Facebook and I'm excited about checking it out. It's called the Bad Wolf Bar and Grill. They are going to have gaming and other nerd geek ventures going on there. My game may be making an appearance. Be sure to check them out.

In the coming months I will be getting my game out into people's hands and into cool places. Exposure is promising. Speaking of exposure, my books got into people's hands this summer with three freebie specials. I can only do a freebie giveaway like that once every 3 months for each book, but it was a success.

It is not easy to be seen in the endless ocean we call the internet. I strive to learn all I can about acceptable ways to market myself and my work. Sometimes I think it would be easier to defuse complicated explosive devices, but one can never give up. You give up and guarantee you'll be invisible before you know it.

With my son at school, I'll be taking advantage of some quiet time to really get some stuff done. At least that's always the plan up front. You never know what's going to happen to challenge your efforts. Best laid plans right?

Writing: How to choose an idea and go forward

It's the creative's curse. You have so many ideas in your head for a story that you just can't sort them by thinking. So what do you do? I had this awesome question recently and realized I needed to put it here to help others. Here's my suggestion.

When you have so many ideas crashing around in your head that you can't sort them just with thought along, you need some writer's tools to help you out.

Get a notebook and label it "For Writing Ideas Only". Feel free to decorate it, color on the cover, whatever. But inside, is only for your writing ideas. Keep it where you can always find it.

Make a list. Jot notes on each idea as you remember them. You don't have to make it long winded half story length stuff, just notes. That way, when you do pick a project and complete it, you can come back to your notes and pick another one.

But how do you choose? That's on you. There is really no best way to choose what your first project is going to be. All of them are likely begging you in your head to be completed. You will have to make your choice and then focus. Yes, focus. One of the hardest things a creative can try to do. But do it you must in order to make any headway on that first project or any after it.

One thing I suggest, after you've brainstormed all those ideas and written them down; is to put them away and leave them be for a few days. Come back and look them over later after writing them down. You may find new perspective on your ideas that needed time to gestate. You may find the act of writing something down as a resolve to the mind storm. You've given your ideas a kind of tangibility that allows them to be dealt with easier.

Will this make the ideas stop whirling through your head? Um, no. I'm afraid there is no cure for that. You can only hope to organize them a little and find a path to move ahead.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your notebook and get to jotting down those ideas!

Building your workspace

For the longest time, I've been doing my typing and art in the dining room that we don't use for anything else. The office was split diagonally for my actual work space and my wife's computer. Then my wife made me an offer to go ahead and just move my artistic stuff to the dining room. I went a touch further and converted it to an official space.

I don't know about you, but when it comes to being creative it helps to surround yourself with your creations. Past that, things that inspire your imagination. Heroclix, for example, is my favorite game. I put quite a few on display as inspiration and my collection will actually be moved under the table soon. You can see the heroclix all over the two white shelf units on the right side of my work space. Those shelves also hold dictionary, thesaurus and art books. I'm not done with the organization yet, but you can see where it's headed.

On the left side you can see my geek shelf. It has all sorts of cool geekiness that has been randomly collected. Some are gifts, like the Monty Python rabbit and some are from Loot Crate. There's a giant heroclix figure because he doesn't fit anywhere else. But then we

get to the most important parts of this arrangement. That would be the creations of the Galaxy Zento universe. In the white shelves there is a copy of the role playing game. You can see the art posted all around.

Then there's the table. I built that table from a solid wood door and banquet table legs some 10 years ago. I burned a mural of my universe in the top of it. It was in the office but I had two strong guys from across the street move it for me. No way I can move it myself anymore. It's blasted heavy. A hundred pounds easy. When I work at my table, it's like being there. It's a solid piece of my creativity. It inspires.

Now on to the shadow box you see on the left wall. That's also very special to me. In it are custom heroclix figures of my characters. Yes, it's a little known dream that one fine day I can have a heroclix set of Galaxy Zento. Alas, my characters need to be a lot more popular for that to happen. Still, it was fun to make them back when I could do that sort of thing. And they are for my own enjoyment, not meant to infringe on Heroclix in anyway. The cool thing  is how tangible it makes my characters. Sadly, it's not their exact features, but pretty darn close.

It did wear me out to do all this, but it sure feels worth it. Today I'll finish sprucing it up and then I'll getting to more creative work.

(click on images for closer view)

For better views of the table go HERE.

New Year update 2015!

Plans are big for the new year! I have lots of work to get done and I've even put new deadlines in the works. In this blog you'll see some recently done artwork. Where it's used depends on "other things to come". So consider them mystery sneak peeks.

The novel, Chaos Rising is on delay. I'm hoping to have it available for February.

GZ the Boardgame: Chessmen Edition is in art stage as last reported. Deadline is set for April or early May so manufacturing has time to get it ready. Why? Because we'd like to take the game to Geekonomicon in December! We will likely have a kickstarter between now and then for the manufacturing. That means a chance to get your hands on a copy before it makes it's official debut! So stay tuned this year!

GZ Tales Volume 2 is still slated for this year. Hopefully by Summer!

Chessmen 2 is planned for late Summer or early Fall.

Lots of new artwork is coming as I update old pics and practice with new ones.

Guest Artists! Yep, I'll still do guest artists. Anyone who draws a GZ character will have it posted as the main illustration for the article and then more of their work will be showcased. I may even have the first of this year for next week!

Other books in planning are, The Arconian Chronicles and the yet untitled book that will follow Chaos Rising. So much story history, so little time!

I really am excited about the new year. It looks like there's going to be a lot happening and lots to build towards. With some effort and a bit of luck, we'll be set up for and explosive 2016! Always forward!

GZ Legends 59: Shell Shocked

            

As Blacktide opened his eyes, fluorescent lights overhead stung them. He clenched his eyes shut and took a deep breath. To his surprise, he felt no pain. It relieved him greatly that he could breathe without searing agony. Slowly, he opened his eyes and saw the office ceiling. He lay on a table with an assortment of blankets under him and a pillow. The sound of loud chewing made him slowly turn his head toward the source of the sound.

            Nyhtwulf sat on a tall stool with a clawed hand filled with foil wrapped cream cheese squares. Several were being chewed in his canine mouth, foil and all, as Blacktide looked over at him. As Blacktide stared, Nyhtwulf noticed his gaze.

            “Oh good, you’re awake!” Nyhtwulf jumped up and moved next to his partner.

            “How?” Blacktide asked.

            “I can’t help it. I like them this way.”

            “No.” Blacktide groaned. “How am I alive?”

            “After you defeated Maniac, he teleported away. No one knows where. Galose said you did severe damage. I caught you and healed you. I had to keep you intangible to reset your bones. Many of them were broken.”

            “I’ve never ever hurt so bad.”

            “You will be alright now.”

            “I’m not so sure of that.” Blacktide slowly sat up and Nyhtwulf reached out to help him. Blacktide naturally flinched.

            “Your powers are back under control. Apparently my being in another dimension severed our link until I returned. I am sorry. That will not happen again.”

            As Blacktide sat up he leaned forward on his knees, taking slow deliberate breaths. “Is everyone else okay?”

            “Well, yes and no.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “While we were out against Maniac, Commander Larratus was attacked. Professor Zombie and the Vagabond have escaped.”

            Blacktide shook his head. “This just never ends.”

            “No it doesn’t.” Sandstorm entered the room. “How are you doing?”

            “I really don’t know. My body is healed but I don’t feel right.”

           

“You look shell shocked to me.” Sandstorm observed. “Can’t blame you. You aren’t used to the idea that anything can hurt you, never mind kill you.”

            “I know I can be killed.”

            “Not be anything solid. Maniac had you in his fist even though you were burning him.”

            “Yeah.” Blacktide said, devoid of emotion.

            “Take a break in here as long as you need to. We’re talking about our next move in the conference room.”

            Blacktide thought for a long moment. “No. I have to do something, anything. I can’t just be stagnate.”

            “Are you sure?”

            “Yeah. Besides, I’ve got Nyhtwulf with me.”

            Nyhtwulf nodded with a mouth full of cream cheese and foil. It was a sight his friends were becoming used to.

            In the conference room everyone but Commander Larratus waited for them. The Commander was under treatment for the damage done by Deformer. Galose nodded to Blacktide in respect. Blacktide nodded back not understanding why.

            “Hey man!” Anubis said. “Great to see you walking!”

            Nightfall’s first instinct was to go hug Blacktide, but she knew better. Blacktide was not the hugging sort. Everyone seemed okay, but Blacktide couldn’t miss the expressions of concern.

            “Has your armor finished its repairs?” Sandstorm asked Galose.

            “Yes. I am ready for our next course of action. I believe you want to liberate the White House?”

            “I think it’s way past time we did that.” Sandstorm said. “As I understand, the military is all around the property. They don’t dare move in for safety of the First Family. Commander Larratus was communicating with the military about our moving in. We need to go there and take back the White House.”

            “What about Professor Zombie and Vagabond?” Anubis asked.

            “I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of them.” Electrode said.

            “Has everyone had enough rest? Have you had something to eat?” Sandstorm asked.

            “I sacked out for several hours while we were waiting for Blacktide.” Atomizer said. “No offense. I was worried, but if we didn’t take advantage of down time, we’d be fools.”

            “No problem.” Blacktide said.

            At the White House, the criminal called the Bagman sat in the Oval Office with a cruel smile on his face. Outside the fence of the White House property, soldiers, jeeps and even tanks lined every street. Military Special Ops teams tried to infiltrate the building twice. None of them lived.

            “Are you ready?” Stormy appeared in the room without warning, but Bagman was used to it.

            “Always. We’ve held this building for days now. I’m sure we can fend off the crew you told us about.”

           

“Just remember the plan and stick to it.” Stormy vanished as quickly as he had appeared.

            “Always so talkative,” joked Bagman as he put up his feet and examined his black silk bag. “Everything’s in the bag.”

            All around the White House, the other members of Bagman’s team stood guard. Bagman had been receiving reports of the heroic activities of PAC and felt sure they posed little threat. The plan was strange to him, but none-the-less he would follow it.

            “Let them come. We’re more than ready.”

            A few hours later a Lieutenant approached the General in charge of the scene around the White House.

            “Sir, they’re here.”

            “Who’s here?”

            “Agents of PAC.”

            “Good. Send them over.”

            The General scrutinized the motley looking mix of people as they approached. Sandstorm stepped forward and offered a hand. The General accepted a hearty shake, testing his grip.

            “You’ve got a good handshake, son. I just hope you have an even better plan.”

            “Nothing less than taking back the White House, rescuing the First Family, freeing hostages, and stomping those responsible into the dirt.”

            The General cocked a bushy eyebrow. “Sounds like the start of a good plan.” 

GZ Legends 58: More than a handful

           

 Blacktide only knew pain and lights floated before his eyes. He couldn’t even process a cognitive thought. Without thought or control his power began to pulsate.  The Cyborian armor in the hand of Maniac burned.  Maniac refused to relent.  He was sure he could crush Blacktide to death before any real damage was done.

            Far across the burning field, Electrode leaned on a tree near the resting bodies of Redeagle, Atomizer, and Nightfall. He barely pulled all three of them to a safe distance before the field was destroyed. Earlier, he barely evaded a massive blast that threw him as he tried to run from it. As he leaned against the tree, he was too out of breath to speak. The whole situation looked like it was falling apart. He had no idea how Galose fared in the blast, where Anubis landed, or if Sandstorm was even alive. He saw Blacktide in the grip of the monster and felt helpless to do anything about it.

            “Thanks for saving us.” Atomizer said as he slowly sat up, rubbing aching body parts. “You okay?”

            Electrode only shook his head in response.

            Anubis fought to regain control of flight as his body hurled across the country back toward the Gulf of Mexico. To slow himself, he drew his arms and legs in and concentrated hard. Thanks to the terrible disorientation, not only did he manage to slow, but dropped out of the air. His armored body tore branches off as he fell through the tree that failed to catch him. Anubis hit the ground with a thud and his lance stuck into the ground next to him. Anubis slowly put his hand on a tree root. He gave a loud groan as he pushed himself up to his knees.

            “Oh, that was not a fun ride.” Anubis said in a low growl. He knelt with his eyes closed and an ache in his chest. “I would really like to see him take on the Hearse.”

            Anubis grabbed onto his lance and used it for leverage to get to his feet.

            “You’ll never win.” The voice of Stormy Knight caught Anubis off guard.

            Anubis gripped his lance and yanked it from the ground.

            “Don’t bother. You’re almost senseless and nowhere near ready to fight me.”

            “Seems worth a try to me.” Anubis snarled. “You must be Stormy.”

            “Guilty as charged,” Stormy grinned and tipped his top hat. “You know, I actually didn’t plan on Maniac. He’s a nice surprise.”

            “Why don’t you get thrown by him then? And what do you mean? I’ll win just fine after I go back and drill a hole in his head.”

            “I wasn’t talking about Maniac. I’m sure you’ll barely stop him in time. As for me, I’m the one you won’t be stopping.”

            “And you just stopped by for a nice pep talk, huh?” Anubis concentrated on making his world stop spinning so he could take a swing at Stormy.

            “Just keeping a close eye on you, Anubis. You may not believe it, but you’re my ace in the hole.”

            “I’ll show you a hole.” Anubis lunged with his lance but Stormy was gone.

            “You better hurry, Anubis. Your friends are in grave danger.” Stormy’s disembodied voice said.

            Anubis shook his head and took to the air. “Fine, but you and I aren’t done, Stormy Nut.”

            Sandstorm’s entire body hurt as he slowly started to pick himself up. The shock of Maniac’s attack actually separated him from the elements and back to human form. From where he was, he could only see one of his allies; Blacktide. Sandstorm stayed on one knee and put his hands to the ground.

            “I’ve got to shake this off and knock this thing off my planet.” Sandstorm said to himself through gritted teeth. “I can’t let him start heading for the Earth’s core.”

            A disintegration pulse is a bizarre thing to behold. It’s not loud or explosive, though its burst makes you expect a thundering shout. Its effect is filled with shadows and shades of gray and black. It leaves only smoke in its wake. If it weren’t for the glow of Maniac’s eyes, none of the heroes may have noticed it. Parts of Maniac’s fist burst with sparks and flames from the damage that took everyone by surprise. The first burst opened gaps in giant fingers and set off alarms all through Maniac’s systems. The sound of Blacktide screaming was next. It was so primal, filled with rage and pain, that no one was unscathed from hearing it. Electrode fell to his knees at the thought that a living being could make such a sound. Tears streamed down Redeagle’s face. Atomizer took off his hat and Nightfall covered her face.

            The next wave of disintegration tore at Maniac’s face in a burst twice the size of the first. From deep within the armor, so many alarms were going off, Maniac didn’t know what system to work with first. The blasts were breaching the dimensional boundaries of the armor. That alone was dangerous enough to kill him. To the genocidal serial killer, it was no comfort that he would take his current enemies with him.

            The bursts grew to a nonstop assault as Blacktide lost all control. A howl of rage was added to Blacktide’s primal scream. A burst of light blinded everyone and then there was silence. Blacktide felt himself falling amidst the mind numbing pain and then nothing.