Fandom Fest "Four" the Win!

Authors Melissa Goodman and Amy McCorkle

Wow! I can't believe this was my fourth year at Fandom Fest. Over that time, I've met some wonderful artists, authors, editors, and publishers.

This year I participated on two panels: "Stephen King" and "Grimm Fairy Tales to Disney Character Evolutions." In both panels the audience interacted with the panelists, which made for some interesting and thought-provoking discussions.

What made this year special was I had a print book for sale. All other years, I handed out swag - postcards, pens, trading cards, etc. I still had free promo, and I even made a sale because someone saw my display. So that was pretty cool.

And the print book? I brought five copies of The Ripper's Daughter (my leftover stock from previous book signings), and sold all five. Also sold a copy at the BlackWyrm Publishing table, making it six altogether. I know, it doesn't sound like a lot, but I'm still happy. Yes, it's the little things. LOL

Had a great time with fellow authors and friends, Missy Goodman and Amy McCorkle, and a special shout out to Stephen Zimmer, who helped organize the literary track.

Overall, Fandom Fest proved to be quite a successful year. Looking forward to Imaginarium this September.

Anthology Call for Submissions: "Reel Dark: Twisted Fantasies Projected on the Flickering Page"

Authors, check out this call for submissions to an anthology I'm editing with L. Andrew Cooper .

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: BlackWyrm Publishing is opening several positions in its spring short fiction  anthology for general submissions. We offer professional rates (typically $.05/word) for full members of  professional organizations such as the HWA, MWA, RWA, and SFWA; other stories accepted through  general submissions receive a flat semi‐professional rate of $25. All contributors receive copies. The  collection, tentatively titled Reel Dark: Twisted Fantasies Projected on the Flickering Page, focuses on  the infection of (prose‐fictional) worlds by movies. We want innovative approaches: if you think endless  references to films or characters stepping into or off of the screen is innovative, reconsider submitting.  Although the anthology as a whole will be dark in tone, it will speak to a range of audiences interested in  horror, science‐fiction, fantasy, and/or romance (particularly paranormal). Stories should not exceed  3,500 words. Submissions are open now and close November 1, 2014. We intend to launch the  collection at the World Horror Convention in May 2015. Submit stories in standard manuscript format  via movieantho@blackwyrm.com. Direct questions about the focus, rates, etc. to Editor‐in‐Chief L.  Andrew Cooper via landrewcooper@blackwyrm.com. Submissions sent directly to the editor will be  deleted unread. Authors accepted or invited to submit may join the group at  www.blackwyrm.com/movieantho for more information.

Night Risers Expo

Zombies roamed the streets of Elizabethtown, KY on September 27-29, during Night Risers, a film festival and expo presented by Izzy’s Little Creepers.

While the zombie walk wasn't new, the film festival and expo was. There’s always a risk when embarking on a new venture. Will people show up? Will the event go without any hitches? Will the vendors be happy and willing to return?

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I have to give kudos to organizers, John Thompsett and Terri Pfeiffer for organizing a well-run expo. They and the staff were knowledgeable and friendly, and the overall atmosphere was positive. Unless I have a scheduling conflict, I plan to return next year.

There were only two authors, me and L. Andrew Cooper. Although we weren't scheduled to, Andrew talked to John, and he let us read from our stories. Andrew read from his novel, Burning the Middle Ground (BlackWyrm Publishing) and I read from my published short stories, “Family Tradition” and “It’s in Your Blood” (Bites - Ten Tales of Vampires).

Entertainment included “Darshwood, the Conjuror Magic Show,” a “Brain Eating Contest,” and “MakeOff!” (a make-up artist turned her subject into the Invisible Man). 

I had an oracle reading. The intuitive  confirmed something I’d suspected, and told me I needed to be more confident and meditate more. I also had my aura photographed. Without going into detail, I’m happy to say my aura is balanced, and I’m a creative/artistic person. Like the intuitive, the aura reader said I needed to meditate more, among other suggestions.

I hope Night Risers takes place again next year. I met some wonderful people and had a great time. The Pritchard Community Center was easy to get to, and there was ample parking (always a plus). Thanks also to Amy McCorkle for this opportunity. I’m glad I took it. :-)