For those of you who don't follow comic book movie news as closely as I do, Warner Brothers (who owns DC Comics and all its characters) recently announced at New York Comic Con its slate of films for the next several years. Here it is:

• “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” directed by Zack Snyder (2016)
• “Suicide Squad,” directed by David Ayer (2016)
• “Wonder Woman,” starring Gal Gadot (2017)
• “Justice League Part One,” directed by Zack Snyder, with Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, and Amy Adams (2017)
• “The Flash,” starring Ezra Miller (2018)
• “Aquaman,” starring Jason Momoa (2018)
• “Shazam” (2019)
• “Justice League Part Two,” directed by Zack Snyder (2019)
• “Cyborg,” starring Ray Fisher (2020)
• “Green Lantern” (2020)

I see ALL kinds of problems with this announcement. Let's go through them one by one and see if I'm correct in guessing that DC/WB is going to have an EPIC FAILURE on its hands in two years:

1.  DC, you aren't MARVEL. Marvel is owned by Disney, including Marvel Studios, which is in charge of all the Marvel heroes [except for Spider-Man, X-Men, and the Fantastic Four]. Marvel recently announced its film plans for the next several years, but only AFTER (count them) 10 successful films: Iron Man 1, 2, 3, Thor 1 and 2, Captain America 1 and 2, Hulk, Avengers, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Up until then, they were announcing 2-3 upcoming films at a time. DC hasn't proven anything yet. They have Man of Steel and a Green Lantern FLOP (which is why they're rebooting his film in 6 years!) Why are they so intent on jumping the gun and copying Marvel? But that's not all you're copying, is it, DC/WB?

2. DC, you haven't learned from Sony, have you? Sony owns the film rights to Spider-Man (which is why Spidey hasn't appeared in an "Avengers" film ... yet. But Sony has completely effed up Spider-Man. Describing this would take a whole post, but suffice it to say, the reboot of Spidey hasn't gone well. So poorly, in fact, that they don't plan to release Spidey 3 until at least 2018! In the meantime, what does Sony want to do with its Spider-Man properties? Make VILLAIN movies! Movies no one wants to see: Sinister Six and Venom/Carnage? WITHOUT SPIDER-MAN? No one cares about that, yet here is WB wanting to roll out a Suicide Squad film, when no one except comic book nerds even know what the crap the Suicide Squad is!

3. Why, oh why, won't you at least copy Marvel's TV/Film marriage, Warner Brothers? The only thing that kept Agents of SHIELD afloat last season before Captain America 2 was released was the fact that it was tied to the Avengers films. Now, however, season 2 is doing very well. People love the fact that Nick Fury, Sif, or other big Marvel characters could appear at any time. But guess what? DC already has one hit show on its hands (The Arrow) and a very high potential for a second (The Flash). Yet rather than capitalize on this, they want to introduce ANOTHER Flash instead of doing much bigger, cooler crossovers with their current properties. Which brings us to the last problem ...

4. Casting choices? WTF!?!?! Ezra Miller as Barry Allen [The Flash]? Not only is he the creepiest actor alive, but he looks EXACTLY like Legend of Korra's Tahno, leader of the Wolfbats. Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman was a headscratcher. Ben Affleck as Batman is a wait-and-see pick. But this...? I think DC/WB is setting itself up for total failure.

I hope I'm wrong because seeing so many superhero films has been a lot of fun.

I can't speak for all authors, but I read reviews. I enjoy them. Even the bad ones. During my four years as a self-published author, I've been fortunate to read over a thousand reviews of my books. Some have been scathing, some mediocre, and some glowing. It took some time to build up a thick skin, and I admit that even now some still get under that skin, but I think that's part of the process and cost of putting your work out there.

What's interesting is how diverse they can be. Take these two for example, both written about Psion Beta, and both less than a month ago:

"....I have ever read anything that was so powerful in action and character development.
It was beautifully written with few flaws.
But all together brilliant."

"... The characters had no real depth to them. By the end, I couldn't really tell you much about them...aside from the fact that Sammy's love interest is not a likeable character."

Crazy, huh? Part of the process of being a writer is learning that once your work is available for consumption, you lose some ownership over it. Whoever buys it owns their own interpretation of it. They become a part of the artistic process in that they are the end receiver. And ultimately, their opinion matters. That doesn't mean it's the authors fault, necessarily, what they think of it, but that it matters nonetheless.

I have learned that reviews should be discarded and forgotten individually. Some people will love it too much, some people will hate it too much. But through them collectively an author can learn. Here's some things I learned from Psion Beta reviews:

1. I was not successful in conveying the Jeffie I saw in my mind. I like her as a character. I like her flaws and her strengths. Many readers did not. That is on me.

2. People's political and religious opinions will impose themselves upon the material that they read. Some people think Psion Beta is anti-American. Others think it is pro-American.

3. Some readers hate cliffhangers (even going so far as to be offended by them), others don't mind them.

4. While I thought Psion Beta had a fast awesome start, many readers struggled with the beginning up until chapter 3.

These nuggets of info came from reading hundreds of reviews, something many writers aren't fortunate enough to receive. However, there is another way to receive feedback, and that is to ask people to read your work and give it to them for free. I've found measuring feedback to be a very delicate matter. A writer can't take every piece of feedback to heart, because he will give up some level of control over his work. On the other hand, when receiving the same piece of advice from multiple people, serious consideration should be given to their counsel.

Speaking of writing, Psion Omega is going well. I'm closing in on 50K words!

Greetings, fellow bookworms! Starting tomorrow is Salt Lake Comic Con. If you want to get a copy of A Tale of Light and Shadow, or have some books signed by me, this will be your chance! I will be there Thurs, Fri, and Sat, and doing three signings and doing 4 panels here is the schedule:

Thursday September 4, 7:00 pm 
Han Shot First: Character Defining Moments, Room 255E

Saturday September 6, 12:00 pm
Why the Hero's Mentor Has to Die, Room 255C

Saturday September 6, 6:00 pm
The Teen Hero Room, 150G

Saturday September 6, 7:00 pm
Dystopian Control Schemes: Discussions on Government, Freedom and Paranoia, Room 255F

I hope to see some fans there! Recently I finished the 5th draft of Tale 2 and am now doing the final draft. Then I hope to buckle down and finish the first draft of Psion Omega by the end of the year. That means 2015 will be the definitive year when the beloved Psion series comes to an end. A few people have asked about an audiobook for the Psion series. All I can say is that there are no plans right now to record an audiobook. I was talking with a friend about this, even asked him to record a demo, but I haven't heard anything back in months. I've considered doing one myself, but the time isn't something I really have to devote to it.

The launch party for A Tale of Light and Shadow will be held at the American Fork Utah Public Library on Wed. Sept. 10, at 7pm. I'll be doing a reading and signing books. If you can't make it to Comic Con please come to the launch party. I'd love to meet some fans.

The more I hear about Robin Williams, the more saddened I am by his passing. Robin Williams was an actor I "grew up" with, watching films like Jumanji, Hook, Dead Poets Society, Patch Adams, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Good Will Hunting, great films that became larger than life to me because they shaped my worldview in some ways. Often, when a celebrity passes on, we start to hear more stories about that person, and with Robin, we hear only stories about what a kind, generous person he was: cheering up the sick, paying for peoples' education, and other types of philanthropy. So to have an image of a lonely 63 yr-old man hanging himself in his apartment, brings tears to my eyes.

No one should have to die like that. I wish this had been a story of intervention, where Robin's kindness and generosity had been repaid and someone called him to cheer him up. But that didn't happen. Robin Williams suffered from depression and years of substance abuse. Who knows what one phone call or visit from a friend might have done? I'm going to try to make more of an effort to be a friend to those who need one. Not just by being nice to them, but going out of my way to know they're loved and needed. I hope Robin Williams' death won't be in vain. Even funny people need a friend to tell them "I love you" or "Thanks for being in my life" sometimes.

First off, let me say that Arrow is a great show for what it is: a superhero TV show, and certainly the best one out there. That being said, there isn't a whole lot of competition. That will change very soon (see "Gotham," "The Flash," "Constantine," and Marvel's Daredevil project w/ Netflix), and Arrow may very well get left in the dust if these forthcoming shows can fix improve on what Arrow has started. Those who have watched the show remember that Arrow started pretty weak, very much like a stereotypical CW show. But it quickly improved by raising the stakes and toning down the relationship drama.

Season 2 had the same idea by raising the stakes even more and keeping the drama to a minimum. One of things I enjoyed most was seeing the universe get expanded with the mention and addition of several new stories and characters: Ra's & Talia Al Ghul, the Flash, Amanda Waller/ARGUS, Doctor Ivo, the Clock King, Red Arrow/Speedy, etc. However, this is also where the Arrow seemed to stumble. It failed to really develop some of these ideas. The League of Shadows felt half-baked, especially Sarah/the Canary's connection to it. It was never fully explained, and we were never given a plausible reason why Sarah decided to return to them.

Another strong point of the season was the Island flashbacks. While I'm wary of how long they can keep it going, the flashbacks did well to explain what was going on in the present. We learned more about Sarah, Ollie's Russian connection, Slade's fate, and Ollie's connection to ARGUS. My biggest and only gripe about the flashbacks was that Ollie blamed himself for Ivo's ridiculous dilemma. I got very very tired of hearing him say, "It's my fault. My choice. Blah blah blah."

Character wise, we saw some interesting things happen: the secrets kept from Thea came home to roost, Roy made his choice between Thea and Ollie, we finally got rid of Mrs. Queen (FINALLY!) and she even went out a solid note, and Ollie continues to evolve in his crime fighting. I find it interesting that he struggles to define where his line is that he won't cross: kill, don't kill, kill ... I don't want to see that struggle go on forever, but I hope the evolution of his decisions continues. Diggle came to see Deadshot as a person, and not just a mindless criminal. And of course we saw Laurel struggle with drug/alcohol abuse, a semi-interesting, semi-grating character arc. It's fun watching Ollie try to juggle all the women in his life. Some of these character choices didn't quite add up, however:

1. Why did Thea choose to go with Malcolm? I get that she felt betrayed by her family and Roy, but why go to her father? I never felt the writing/story justified that decision.
2. How on earth has Laurel's dad never figured out that Ollie is the Arrow? They did write in a scene where he says he doesn't care and doesn't want to know, so maybe he really DOES know, and that's his answer, but ... it's still odd.
3. Why did Sarah go back to the League after fighting them for so long? Again, it didn't make sense. There was no real development there to justify that choice.

Other minor quibbles:

1. There seemed to be a lack of consistency with the strength of Mirakuru victims. If they can punch through solid stone, they can snap a person's head clean off. People got tossed around and punched with no lasting damage. That stuff bugs me.
2. All the kidnappings. Can we stop with all the kidnappings? EVERY major character has now been kidnapped and saved. Can we please move onto something else? It's to the point where people aren't even really that upset anymore when it happens (see Det. Lance in the final episode where Slade takes Laurel). It's gotta stop.

Things I'm excited to see more of:

1. The HIVE
2. Robert Knepper's Clock King
3. Cyrus = Solomon Grundy?
4. The Flash/Arrow crossover in Season 3
5. Red Arrow/Arsenal
6. Thea becoming Speedy or Artemis
7. Ra's Al Ghul

Prediction for which major character will die next:

Office Lance

Yesterday I met with Chris at Shadow Mountain. Besides going over some of the manuscript for Tale 2, he also showed me the new author video that went live yesterday on Youtube. You can check that out here:

http://youtu.be/dMUl3QJmobQ

Do I enjoy watching myself on camera? No. Not really. It takes some getting used to. But I do think Shadow Mt. did a great job with it. Please share that with your friends.

While at Comic Con, a couple of guys with LOTH TV stopped by and shot a little spot about A TALE OF LIGHT AND SHADOW. You can see that bit here:

http://youtu.be/lWw9hHhPdRs

Sadly, they did get my web address wrong at the end. Oh well. Onto some more good news. Chris said that Shadow Mt is working on the next book deal. I'm not sure if that will cover the rest of the Tale series or just the next book, but hopefully it will cover the whole series. I'll post updates on that when it happens.

In two weeks I'll be in New York City for the first time ever promoting ATOLAS at the Book Expo America. We'll be focusing on getting people to sign up for the free short story prequel, THE FOOL AND THE DRAGONOX. Apparently everyone who signs up there will be entered into a contest to have me come and do a signing. That was news to me, but exciting news!

Meanwhile, I'm working on Psion Omega, Tale 3, and Super Six. Most of my focus right now is on Tale 3. I've almost hit 10,000 words there and I have the whole book plotted out. Should be a lot of fun!

For those who haven't heard, I've been invited to sit on a couple of author panels at Salt Lake Comic-Con next weekend. I'll also be doing some signings of A Tale of Light and Shadow. So if you have ANY books you'd like to get signed, bring 'em! This is the official Comic-Con website with all the entry/ticket/schedule info you need:

http://saltlakecomiccon.com/

And to save you some time, here's the info on when and where you can see and meet me. Comic-con is Thurs, Fri, and Sat. I'll be there Fri and Sat:

4/18 10:00 am: Character Creation in Sci-Fi & Fantasy for Writers
4/18 12:00-1:00 pm: Book Signing
4/19 3:00 pm: Amping up Your Novel or Screenplay with Killer Characters
4/19 6:00-7:00 pm: Book Signing

Don't forget that you can pick up a free ARC of A Tale and Light and Shadow while supplies last. I think Shadow Mt is allotting 200 copies. So the earlier you get there the better. In fact, it may even be 100 per day. I hope to meet lots of fans of both series. Let me know in the comments, on twitter, or on Facebook if you plan on attending!

Long Live Sammy!

Hello Fellow Bookworms. I'm taking a short break from re-writing Tale 2 to post an email I received from the woman who "discovered me." She just received her ARC (Advanced Review Copy) of Tale 1 and sent me an email explaining how it all happened. She gave me permission to post it here for you to read.

Here you go:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Jacob, 

Today is a MARVELOUS day because I spied an advance reader’s copy on Chris and Heidi’s desk of “A Tale of Light and Shadow.”  It’s real!  It’s here!  I’m so excited!  I've been dreaming of this day for over a year---ever since I devoured your book “Flight from Blithmore.”  I’m Nada Midkiff, the person at Deseret Book who first read your book and then began a campaign to be your “secret agent” inside Deseret Book (little did you know that you had an agent all long.  LOL).  Yup, I’m the one who touted your book loud and clear.  I thought you might enjoy hearing the story. . . . .

My family and I moved 14 times in our lives.  During one 5-year phase we moved every year to a different state.  My kids quickly learned that their best friends were their own siblings!  They became exquisitely close.  During all of these moves I made wonderful friends and connections throughout the U.S.  When I began working here at Deseret Book I was soon contacted by various friends saying “Hey Nada, could you recommend a book on the topic of ___.  My child is really struggling and I need all the help I can get” . . or. .  “I’m looking for a great fiction book to give my spouse.  What would you recommend?” I received so many emails like this that I couldn’t keep up with them.  To solve this, I decided to send out a semi-annual email called “Nada’s Top Picks” and it contained my ranking of the new products at Deseret book (with a brief review of each title).  I sent it to all my friends and family (and I have a HUGE family---over 75 cousins alone!)  I would also get similar requests for my “picks” from bishops, stake presidents, Relief Society Presidents and other leaders that I worked with all over the world---so I also began a “Bishop’s Library” that had topics they were interested in and my recommendations.  Interestingly enough, my contacts take my semi-annual emails and forward them on to their friends, family and ward members (like a “calling tree”).  I get emails from people all over the world.

My friends and family know that I am an avid reader (I read 2-3 books a week).  I purposely try to read as many of Deseret Book’s publications as I can so that I can review them.  I read every topic---doctrinal, self-help, fantasy, mysteries, histories, sci-fi, BYU titles, etc.  Because I read so much, I am quite picky.  If I don’t like something I will mention it in my review (people trusted that).  Or, a title may not even make my “top picks” at all.  (In my mind I give authors an A, B, C, D or F grade).

The word got out at Deseret Book that I was doing this (I actually work in the legal area preparing contracts).  I was soon asked to read and vote on various books created by LDS authors/publishers which were being nominated for various awards.  You have to be a fast reader because you only have a couple of months to complete them all.  When I do this, I purposely will not read the title, cover, publisher, title page, or marketing text!  I don’t want to even know who wrote the book because I don’t want to be prejudiced.  Whoever receives my vote, did so because they were the best (not because of “who” they were).

In 2013 I had volunteered to read 15 titles for the Whitney Awards.  I had completed reviewing 14 of the 15 books when I was given “Flight from Blithmore” to read.  Within pages I was totally captivated.  I began thinking. . . “This is REALLY good!!  Can this author keep it up?  Will it bog somewhere?”  When I turned the last page I sat the book down with a sigh and said in my heart, “Wow, I don’t want this story to ever end!  I wish this person was our author.  He writes the kind of stories that I LOVE to read and recommend.”  Then, I flipped the book to the front cover to discover who the author was and read Jacob Gowans.   I then looked to see who the publisher was (hmmm none was listed).  Next, I read the introduction and the very last words gave me hope---you had no agent or publisher!   You didn’t know it, but at that moment your “secret agent” was born.  (LOL)

Two seconds later I burst into Chris Schoebinger’s office and said, “Chris, you know how picky I am and how good an author must be to get an “A” from me.  I just discovered an “A” author.  I liked him better than [a certain national best-selling author].” (Shhh don’t tell [same author] this.   LOL.  But that is truthfully what I said to Chris.)  Chris incredulously replied, “REALLY?  An “A”?”  I said, “Yup, it was so good I stayed up all night to finish reading it in the wee hours of the morning.”  Chris then said, “Nada, that is high praise coming from you.”  (He knows how picky I am).

I then replied, “This author deserves every bit of my praise.  He got my Whitney vote for the category his book appeared in and he was up against some tough competition.  Frankly, he is the best of all the categories I read.  He has a variety of characters that play off each other.  For example, I found myself roaring with laughter on the TRAX train.  And, when I remembered where I was, I looked up and could see everybody on the train craning their necks to try to figure out what I was reading!  They are delightful characters!  One moment you are laughing and the very next moment you are gripping your seat as you wonder if the characters will ‘get out of the mess they are in.’  The plot is incredible with clever twists and turns. . . and I couldn’t put it down.  You get nabbed early and it just keeps building until the end.  Talk about political intrigue and fun back stories!  He has kings, queens, fight scenes and love.  Both men and women will like this title. . . it has everything in it.  Then, best of all, he creates an incredible twist and a cliff-hanging ending that makes you instantly want to buy the next volume so you can find out what happens next.  There is something else in it Chris. . . I found many scenes that subtly teach duty to friends, repentance, honor, good versus evil, etc.  The characters actually grow in the plot.  Trust me Chris, you’ll want to read this one.”

A week later, Chris officially reported that he had read the book and was going to contact you.  I WAS THRILLED! 

Now, imagine my fun when I just happened to be in Chris’ office the day you came to Deseret Book.  I asked him, “Chris, would you mind if I went down to the foyer to get Jacob and bring him up to your meeting?  I’d like to meet him.”  Chris grinned and said, “You discovered him Nada. . . you deserve to meet!”  

Today, as I gently picked up the new Advanced Reading Copy of “A Tale of Light and Shadow” I was spellbound.  It was here at last!  The cover was amazing.  An “A” cover for an “A” book.  Chris and Heidi had exceeded a “secret agent’s” expectations.  Then as I was casually flipping through the book I saw the “Acknowledgements” in the back of the book and read “. . . I was able to attract the attention of Shadow Mountain Publishing and receive my first book deal.  For that deal, I’d like to thank Heidi Taylor, Chris Schoebinger, and especially Nada Midkiff (gulp, did I just read that correctly?!), who pushed my book to them in the first place.” (Double take and re-read that sentence about five times.  Holy cow, it is my name!) 

I couldn’t believe it.  That acknowledgement was the perfect ending for the perfect day.  I was touched beyond belief.  (Truly!)  Thank you for your kind acknowledgement. It REALLY touched me.  And. . . believe me. . . I’m so thrilled to see my favorite “A” author in print.

So that is my tale. . . Ruther would call it the “Tale of Jacob Gowans and the Secret Agent.”

I hope I see you soon again at Deseret Book!  Please tell your wife that I’m grateful that she allows you to write and bless the world.

Best regards,

Nada Midkiff
Copyright Specialist
Deseret Book

Last night I got an email from Chris at Shadow Mt that my short story was officially published (and had been for a week) and that I had permission to go ahead and share the covers. Why I was not informed the DAY my short story launched, I have no idea. I wasn't expecting this to happen for another month. However, it's out there, it's FREE, so READ IT!

At the end of this post, I'll add the covers in their full glory so you can see how awesome they are. Brandon Dorman did an amazing job, and I hope it leads to lots of people checking out the book and buying it. Now, some of you might be wondering "Why the change? What was wrong with Flight from Blithmore? Why the fantasy stuff?"

Here's the story:

During my talks with Shadow Mt, they had discussions with their buyers who consult them on how to sell various books. These people read the stories and let them know what they think they can expect to sell in certain genres. The buyer for my book, Flight, didn't know what genre it fit in and how they would market/sell it. Frankly, I'd worried about the same thing when I wrote it. It doesn't really belong in a genre. The other problem was the title didn't really tell anyone anything. Yes, "flight" signifies people running from something, so adventure is implied. But what the heck is "Blithmore?" That was the issue. We brainstormed and came up with this, which is a good title for reasons I'll explain.

It's not historical fiction, because it's not based around actual history. It's not historical romance. It's not fantasy because nothing "fantastical" happened. And so on ... So, the talks of a book deal hit a wall. Until I proposed that I edit the book and add fantasy elements. I invented a magic system, added fantastical creatures and characters, and decided to slowly build the fantasy elements over the course of the series.

In other words, the first book will have some small elements of magic and fantasy, and that aspect of the book will build in each novel. The magic system is called THE PATH, and there is the path of light and the path of shadow. So how does this effect you awesome people who've already bought the book? Should you purchase the book again? Well, here's the deal.

I would LOVE for you to buy the book again because I need your support, and the sales of this book will determine if SMP sign me to further books. So far, I'm only under contract for the first. Second, there are some additions, though small, that play a big part of future books. So if you buy ATOLAS (A Tale of Light and Shadow), it will read like ALMOST the same book, with some changes. However those changes will impact the future books. So I leave the decision in your hands.

The second book is finished and being workshopped. I expect to deliver it to Chris at SMP next month after I've revised it one more time, which, of course, will delay Psion Omega. However, I can't say I expect Psion Omega out this year anyway. A bummer, I know and I'm sorry, but I can't rush the finale to my series.

Now here's the covers:

I recently organized my board games and put them all away, so I thought I'd take a picture to remember that one moment when we didn't have board games strewn throughout the house. There are only three things I care to spend my money on:

Movies, books, and board games.

I'd guestimate that I've dropped a 2-3K dollars into my board game collection, but I absolutely love games. I rarely play with just my wife. Which is fine, because I'm glad she has her own thing. However, she does play with me if I ask. I'm not much of a solo gamer. I will play by myself rarely or if it's an ipad app, but beyond that I much prefer social, interactive games with great themes. Some of my current favs are:

Descent 1st Ed. My number one game for almost 3 years. A wonderful 3-5 hr dungeon crawl featuring 2-4 players squaring off against 1 Overlord.

Letters from Whitechapel - a hidden movement game where one player plays Jack the Ripper, the others play detectives trying to stop him.

Resistance Avalon - a team bluffing game where good guys try to outsmart bad guys who are trying to figure out who Merlin is and assassinate him.

Sentinels of the Multiverse - a 3-5 player co-operative card game where each player takes on the role of a superhero trying to defeat a supervillain. Decks are predetermined. Not a Magic-type deck building game.

Here's some photos of my collection: