Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books


I was going to post this a few days ago but I got caught up in Steamcon V and somehow didn't have any time. I saw on Twitter that Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books did a review on Thomas Riley and The Maelstrom and what a sweet one it is!

I won't post the review here so you can discover the awesomeness of Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books yourself so here are a few movie-esque teasers:

"told in fantastic great detail"

 

"high octane action"

 

"it will have you gripped to the airships steering wheel on a straight course to the deadly perils ahead." 

Pretty awesome, eh?!
Check out this and a bunch of other awesomeness at Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books HERE.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Steamcon V

It's been a while since we've been to a big event so it was super nice to be able to be panelists, and vendors at the magnificent Steamcon V. We had some great panels and as usual, met some really great people and caught up with old friends as well. This year we took the kids for two days and I think they had a great time. It was really their first time at a full blown con and they were excited to be at a steampunk themed one. Kaya was extra excited about meeting Abney Park's Captain Robert as well as collecting passport stamps and ribbons.

We had a table in Artist Alley and we had the pleasure of having J. Cunningham and Gearhearts Steam-punk Glamor Revue Magazine as our neighbors. The entire Con was a huge success and every aspect of the three day event ran absolutely seamlessly. Big kudos to everyone putting it on, it was such a great time!

It was super great to see Kevin (Airship Ambassador), Diana, Martin, and fans that came out to see us and buy books. We love you! Also, big thank yous to awesome authors and panelist friends, J.R. Boyette, Jonathon Burgess, and Lisa Mantchev. You all rock!

We're very excited for next year! Hope to see you all there.

Now for pictures!

Lizzie and I at the table
 

Lizzie wants  steampunk shoes in the vendor room
 
Kaya with Captain Robert
 
Lizzie autographing fan's jacket
 
Me signing a fan's jacket
 
Lizzie at her reading for Reclaiming The Throne
 
The kids in costume
 
Tea samples in the vendor room
 
Lizzie's reading on the screen

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Steamcon Itinerary



Steamcon is the premier steampunk con on this side of the country. It's a great time for all and offers a huge variety of things to do . The best bands, great panels and unique events unlike any other con. This year Liz and I are honored to be guests and vendors at Steamcon V. Running Oct. 25-27, we will be in Artist Alley with our books. You'll be able to get your copy signed and this will be the first time you can get Thomas Riley and The Maelstrom and Her Majesty's Mysterious Conveyance signed in person!

Also, be sure to get your passport book stamped at our table.

We're very excited to be on panels this year and we'd love to see new and old friends, so come say hi! Here's our schedule:

Nick

Friday: 6PM-7PM What makes a novel Steampunk? Regency
Our authors will debate if there is a prescribed list of requirements that go into a steampunk novel.
J.R. Boyett, Nick Valentino, Elizabeth Valentino

Saturday 11AM-Noon Becoming a Writer Regency
A rather opinionated overview, we will examine beginning steps, unions, podcasts, writers groups, guilds, 'Writers minimums' & challenges.
Johnathan Burgess, J.R. Boyett, Nick Valentino

Elizabeth

Friday: 6PM-7PM What makes a novel Steampunk? Regency
Our authors will debate if there is a prescribed list of requirements that go into a steampunk novel.
J.R. Boyett, Nick Valentino, Elizabeth Valentino

Friday 5PM-5:30PM Reading: Reclaiming the Throne Regency
In an era when steam rules the sea and skies, the monarchy struggles to maintain control. Sophia has one immediate goal; eliminate the treat to the throne...
Elizabeth Valentino

Sunday: 1PM From Page to Shelf Regency B
Learn what is involved in the publication process.
Linn Prentis, Elizabeth Valentino, Lisa Mantchev

We look forward to seeing you all!
For tickets, rooms, and lots of info check out: http://www.steamcon.org/steamcon_v/index.php

Friday, October 4, 2013

Sausage Fest


As funny as it sounds, a few weeks ago, Lizzie and I went to Sausage Fest! No, not that kind of sausage fest. This one was put on by the fine folks at the Red Hook Brewery at the actual brewery in Woodinville, WA. Mainly, it was Beer, Brats and Bands. Triple B!

The Red Hook Brewery is such a cool place. It consists of two enormous main buildings that look like Bavarian palaces on a finely landscaped property in the middle of Washington State wine country.

The food was shockingly good and consisted of authentic Bratwursts and sausages with a twist. I had the chorizo Brat and Lizzie had the French Onion Brat both of which were amazing. I haven't had brats that good since attending Oktober Fest in Munich. They also had a special hemp beer which yes, smelled like hemp without the effects. There were also a multitude of bands that played a big professional outdoor stage but I was mainly interested in Lizzie's company, beer, and food.

Although we only stayed for a few hours, it was a great time and I'd go back in a heartbeat. Maybe next year we'll get there in time for the tap room to be open.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Steamcon Bound!



After quite some time away from the con/event circuit, Lizzie and I are going to be at Steamcon V this year signing books and having a blast! We have a table in artist alley and will have a bunch of new and old titles for sale. In addition to the two Dreams of Steam anthologies I'm in, we'll have Her Majesty's Mysterious Conveyance in which both Liz and I have stories in as well as the re-issue of the first Thomas Riley book and the brand spanking new Thomas Riley and The Maelstrom! We're also taking part in the Steamcon Passport shenanigans so stop by our table to get your passport stamped for Libertania! So, if you're in the Northwest or want to fly up for an amazing time, check out the Steamcon website here: http://www.steamcon.org/steamcon_v/index.php There's still time to get rooms for the discounted rate!

We're very excited to see our steampunk friends again if you get a chance, pop by our booth and say hi!

Random notes:
The steampunk RPG game is coming along nicely. We've been working on a variety of famous airships, gangs and next famous criminals!

For my hockey friends, the Predators open the season in St. Louis tonight! Go Preds!