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!

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Promised Sands Kickstarter


It's no secret at this point that Liz and I are working on the story book for an RPG game being made for the Harsh Realities game company. This particular game won't be out until 2014 but in the meantime, (Ok, I just had to stop writing and go listen to Helmet) I think it's about time to give a signal boost to their current project, an amazing RPG game called "Promised Sands" which I may have a very small part in as well. Part of that requires a touch more funding though. They've done a sweet job getting over $3000 in funding but need more for some really cool stretch goals. So if you like top notch RPG games, take a peek at the Kickstarter for Promised Sands... Gamers beware, once you get into this, you'll totally be hooked.

Just working with these guys gives me a profound respect for the intricate detail and passionate care that goes into Harsh Realities games. Seriously, it's literally like stepping into a new amazing world where everything is viewed in gaming high definition.

See the Kickstarter here:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1299187159/promised-sands-for-sixcess-core

Like Harsh Realities Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/HarshRealities6S

Check out the Harsh Realities website: http://harshrealities.org/

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Forks Washington

I have no shame in my game. Two years ago, we took our oldest daughter to Forks Washington because she loves all things Twilight... I mean really loves all things Twilight. Now honestly, I was never a fan myself, but her pure love for it reminds me of my love for all things Star Wars... So her excitement is infectious and fun. Before the whole Twilight craze totally dies, we wanted to take her and the rest of the kids to the place where it all takes place one more time, Forks Washington. I mean who am I to tell her what to like and not like, if she likes it, then I'm going to support her happiness.

For all the hype that surrounds the town, it's a tiny place with a few hotels, one primary road, a few diners and a smattering of essential shops. But packed in this three thousand person town is a myriad of tourist destinations made famous by the books and movies. For those in the know, there's the Swan's house, The police station, the high school (sign), the hospital, Bella's workplace, and the Native American Indian reservation of  La Push, to name a few.

We went with all three kids, Liz's sister, Jen, her daughter Autumn, and her son, Noah. Oh and we brought Luna. So everything was crazy, all the time. But you know, for all the craziness that went on, it was a great time and no one had any issues or problems... it was somehow a pretty stress free trip (yes with five kids and a puppy) and we had a wonderful time seeing the cheesy landmarks, shopping for the last hold outs of Twilight souvenirs, and eating at the places that were either in the movie or had Twilight themed food. (I will say that the Bella Burger and Twilight punch at Sully's is the best thing to eat in town.)

So in short, our trip went like this: We arrived on Friday around dinner time, we ate at the diner where Bella and Charlie ate in the first movie, Liz and I went to the Grocery/Hardware store where Bella apparently worked to get some snacks and beer. The next day was Twilight mania day. We visited and  took pictures at Bella's truck at the Chamber of Commerce, visited Dr. Carlile's parking spot at the hospital, back to both of Bella's apparent workplaces, the high school, the last two remaining Twilight-esque stores, the police station, the "Cullen's house" (which is a B&B) lunch at Sully's Burgers, then to First Beach in La Push where Jacob is from. We spent some time at the beach then went to the "treaty line" where we had dinner. By Sunday, we were pretty worn out but went to Port Angeles to have lunch where Bella and Edward had their first date but sadly it was only open for dinner, so we went to the apparent bookstore where Bella got vampire books and had lunch at a surprisingly pretty good spot called Smuggler's Landing. A whirlwind of a mini-vacation but a great time had by all. And we have pictures to prove it!
 
The Grown Ups in front of Bella's Truck

 
Luna Running on First Beach at La Push
 
The kids at Dr. Cullen's parking spot at the hospital. Noah is doing his own thing.
 
Lizzie, Luna and I at First Beach
 
At the "Treaty Line"
 
The kids at Bella's truck
 
There are two hardware stores in Forks. Both claim that Bella worked there... This one had her vest, so naturally, Kaya posed for a picture.

 
Trystan at First Beach in La Push.
 
The view at first beach. I think it looks like a scene from The Goonies.