New ‘Ex Occultus: Wakefield’s Journal’ mini comic now live (and FREE!)
It’s that time of the month again for the next installment of the Ex Occultus: Wakefield’s Journal series of stories. Basically, if you haven’t checked these out yet, these are off-shoots of the Ex Occultus series I write for Saint James Comics, which follows the exploits of famed 19th-century occultists and treasure hunters Wakefield and Hollander. These monthly (FREE) mini-adventures are drawn by various artists and attempt to fill in the gap between the full issues, shining more light on the characters and the world they live in.
Anyway, the newest story, entitled “A Drink with Friends,” is now available to read. The plot:
1875. During some downtime between adventures, Wakefield stops into a local pub and swaps tall tales with four friends, recounting their glory days in the world of the occult.
Written by myself and Jesse Young, and drawn by Chris Martinez, this is a fun little story that’s a bit of a departure from the more action-heavy entries so far. Check out the story here, and if you haven’t done so, here’s a list of the other Wakefield’s Journal stories, all available to read for FREE. FREE FREE FREE!
FREE.
http://whoissaintjames.com/2009/02/20/ex-occultus-a-drink-with-friends
A Savannah for the ages, or: The greatest fan in the world
Just got this picture from Savannah Ervin of Colorado, artist extraordinaire on the Saint James series MinuteMen and all-around badass. She was kind enough to purchase my new book of short stories, College: Two Stories, and wanted to show me proof she had done so (as if I’d ever doubt her!):
Follow the wonderfully talented Miss Ervin on Twitter here, and check out her artwork (via Deviant Art) here. And, if you haven’t already done so and fancy a quick, good read, you can purchase my book here.
Thesis advisers have feelings, too
Decided it was time to post another bit of my novel, Impossible Monsters, so…here we are.
This chapter is narrated by Liz Damon, thesis adviser to American graduate student Richard (one of our protagonists), an Irish lass (well, woman, technically) who’s been living in England for most of her life, and seems rather apathetic toward the niche she’s carved out for herself. Inspiring, I know!
This is Liz’s only narrative section in the novel, although she does pop up in some other characters’ sections at various points, and, personally, I think it’s one of the strongest in the book. I really wanted to give her a voice that spoke volumes in a short amount of time, and I think I accomplished that. The overall idea/theme of the book, if I had to answer that rather simplified question, would have to be, “What if?” — the idea that at many points in our lives, we tend to ask ourselves this very question about who we are and where we’re at, wondering what would’ve happened if we had made one of numerous other choices at various points of our lives. I think it’s important to ask these sorts of questions, and I think the idea that some people don’t until it’s too late isn’t so much a depressing thought as it is inspiring (at least for those of us who do stop to check on our trajectories). Liz represents the type of person who maybe sees herself doing something else, being somewhere else, but can’t quite allow herself to follow through.
Anyway, happy reading!
—
LIZ
I catch a glimpse of myself in the small mirror on the adjacent wall and find myself becoming shy at my own reflection, which is ludicrous in theory, shying away from oneself, but as I lock onto the few freckles I have spread neatly on both cheeks I can’t help but redden a bit. I wasn’t even aware until first stepping foot in Wellington some nine years ago that I was even what some would call a walking stereotype, however with far fairer hair and more olive-hued skin than the Irishmen depicted in literature and children’s books, but I was, as was pointed out to me rather egregiously after a night of drinking, a stereotype nonetheless and if nothing else exclusively because of those dark specks on my face. And it bothers me that even though it’s no longer a negative connotation to be Irish, and hasn’t been in my lifetime, I still find it absurd that as loud and brash as I can be in most social situations, exaggerated of course by the type and quantity of spirits present, that I, myself, am the greatest cause of my own timorous conduct.
Buy this book!
So, I decided to take a plunge and self-publish two of my stories through the self-publishing giant Lulu.com. Why? Why not…might as well put my stuff out there and see what people think, right? Anyway, the collection is called, simply, College: Two Stories and features two tales about university life. Why only two stories? Don’t really have an answer other than I thought it would be a nice (and cheap) read, and a great way to introduce people to my style of writing and (typically) preferred subject matter.
Anywho, if you’re so inclined to support something I love, and to check out the craft I’ve devoted most of my adult life to, then you can click the little Lulu icon below to purchase your very own copy! A paperback version is only $6.17 and you can download a PDF for $3.37. Yay!
Bathroom Graffiti – Cass Cafe | Detroit, MI | 2.05.2010
Last comic shop in Oxford to close :sadface:
Bummer.
Even though I was still a year or so away from really getting back into comics when I was studying in Oxford, I did go to Videosyncratic quite regularly to rent movies and peruse their comic section (which was really pretty great, actually). Now, word comes they are closing their doors for good, which is a shame, considering it was the last comic shop in Oxford.
It’s odd they’re going out of business, considering there’s a decent comic book community in Oxford (including Caption, the UK’s longest standing comics convention), and that the trend world-wide seems to be in favor of comics these days…but what can you do. The good news is, though, that they’ve decided to go out with a bang, putting on a series of in-store concerts and whatnot. At least that’s something, right?
For more information on the festivities, click here.
Interview with comic book legend Guy Davis
This is another one of those moments I get so giddy working in comics I can barely stand it.
I got a chance to meet one of my most favorite comic book artists/writers Guy Davis last year at the Motor City Comic Con in Detroit, Michigan, and it was a treat. The talent behind B.P.R.D. and The Marquis has been influential in the medium for quite some time, with his bold, innovative style and penchant for drawing beautifully grotesque creatures.
Guy was kind enough to answer some questions about his projects, his inspirations, and the comic industry in general, which you can check out (via the Saint James site) right here.
For more info on Mr. Davis, check out his personal site here.
Eternity at the party: A chapter from ‘The Absurdist’
Two things: Yes, I am actively trying to get my novel Impossible Monsters noticed by a literary agent (or two), and I am still actively writing my butt off–can’t seem to go a day without putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys, actually), which I guess is a good thing since I fashion myself a writer anyway. And, anyone who knows me on an intimate level will agree I like to keep myself busy, thus, I tend to have a few projects going on at once. Whether or any of them will materialize beyond a chapter or two is anyone’s guess, but I think it’s important to stay sharp, keep me on my proverbial toes.
That being said, I started working on a book a while ago, a sort of non-sequel sequel to Impossible Monsters about a writer in his early thirties who’s trying to gain some sort of widespread acclaim with the publication of his first book, but can’t seem to find the fame/fortune he thought he might. Thus, he’s regulated himself to working on what he considers his masterpiece, a Western novel called The Horse and his Thief, which he can’t seem to find the motivation to work on.
Anyway, here lies the first chapter, so read at your own peril. Warning: There are graphic words present in the text, words that could be described of a debauched-nature, so if you have a weak stomach/eyes/ears/brain, or want to continue seeing me in the innocent light you do (bless you!), then read no further. Oh, and this is a very rough version, so please take that into consideration. Woo!
Continue reading Eternity at the party: A chapter from ‘The Absurdist’
Bathroom Graffiti – Oakland Community College | Farmington, MI | 1.23.2010
