"WE MISS ALL THE GREAT PARTIES" AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

My short story collection — WE MISS ALL THE GREAT PARTIES — is now available on Amazon, both paperback and Kindle ebook editions. Support the indie author in your life (that would be me). You'll be surprised. Indie authors look and sound like real authors, except they get a larger percentage of the sales revenue! It's amazing.

Actually, I don't know if this is true. However, I do know that I'm not handing over a percentage of my book's revenue to a publisher to tell a distributor that I'm good enough for them to list my book, and I'm not paying an agent 10% to tell the publisher that I'm good enough for them to read. And I'm not paying a publicist to tell readers that my book is worth their time. I'm just giving a huge chunk to Amazon, and they're selling my book.

Welcome to the outland territories of American literature. I can't promise you I will ever be legit. But I won't stop writing, and rudely shoving it in your face. Thus, we're at an impasse. You will simply have to take a chance on my book. It's scary. It's reckless.

http://amzn.to/1DaYueW

The book contains 10 stories about odd encounters and personal exploration. More specifically:

A young man in search of meaning connects with his dead girlfriend's son. A group of men in Wisconsin start a poetry group while waiting for their favorite bar to be rebuilt. A woman discovers her husband has been hiding a secret. He also wants to rob a bank. A basketball player continually relives the last six seconds of his worst game. An amateur chess player encounters greatness. A girl attempts to leave a small town. But before she goes, she learns the story of one who stayed.

These stories span a variety of genres, technical approaches, and perspectives--one story is a parody, another is written entirely as a series of conversations, one story is a family melodrama, another is a contemplation of pro sports and time travel.

This 10-month project, which turned into a two-year project, represents what I love most about short stories: the opportunity to experiment and play, to expand a condensed world.

[tweet "You will simply have to take a chance on my book."]

BADASS WRITING INTERN WANTED

I'm looking for an intern. I need someone who can think and write. The writing must be concise, balanced, purposeful, and artful. The thinking can be messy or organized, gut-driven or analytical. As long as you don't indulge in idiotic behavior or spurn intellectualism, you're good. You will be writing for Imaginuity. It's a great place with great people.

What will you get out of the experience? You'll get paid. And I'll pick up the tab on lunch from time to time. Mostly, you will get the benefit of my mentorship. After three months, you will be so damn employable that any creative agency would be crazy to pass on you. It will be hard work, but you're a writing badass. You can handle it.

Contact me, if you're interested.

ASTRONAUT DAD ON COMIXOLOGY

Today is the launch of Comixology's "Submit" program. ASTRONAUT DAD was included in the beta. For anyone reading this from a computer, tablet, or smart phone (I don't know how else you would see these words), congratulations! You can click here, and be among the first to purchase ASTRONAUT DAD via Comixology. http://cmxl.gy/XRiW04

Only $5.99 to download our 160 page graphic novel. It's a story about suburban life for three NASA families during the Cold War--art by Brent Schoonover (also artist for MR. MURDER IS DEAD, HORRORWOOD, and Surly Brewing Company's Darkness beer) and written by me (also writer for KARMA INCORPORATED, EMILY EDISON, and this blog post).

Why are you still here? Go here! And thank you for your support of independent and local (if you live near the Dallas and/or Saint Paul greater metropolitan region of this country) comics.

http://cmxl.gy/XRiW04

THE ORAL FIXATION SHOW

What are you doing on Tuesday, November 6th? Voting, yes, yes, of course. But after you vote, are you just going to sit in front of your TV and watch the networks try to predict an outcome for four hours? You deserve better than that. You should go to the McKinney Avenue Contemporary and watch me talk candidly about my divorce, This American Life style. It's the Oral Fixation Show. I'm really excited to be included and to work with director Nicole Stewart. This live storytelling series features different takes on a theme. November is "Baby Steps."

My story is titled: "One Request Before You Leave: How a road trip, the Beatles, and a motel in Missouri made me a better ex-husband." I promise no ex-wives were harmed in the making of this show. I talked with Melissa about it yesterday and received her full support.

It will be more fun than politics.

Tickets are $15 if you pre-order. Go here. $20 at the door.

BLOGGING FOR THE BIG READ

I'm part of D Academy. We're collaborating with the Friends of the Dallas Public Library to host BIG READ DALLAS. What is the Big Read?

"...a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with Arts Midwest. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment.

The Big Read answers a big need. Reading at Risk: A Survey of Literary Reading in America, a 2004 report by the National Endowment for the Arts, found that not only is literary reading in America declining rapidly among all groups, but that the rate of decline has accelerated, especially among the young. The concerned citizen in search of good news about American literary culture would study the pages of this report in vain.

The Big Read aims to address this crisis squarely and effectively. It provides citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities. It includes innovative reading programs in selected cities and towns, comprehensive resources for discussing classic literature, and an extensive website providing comprehensive information on authors and their works.

Each community event lasts approximately one month and includes a kick-off event to launch the program locally, ideally attended by the mayor and other local luminaries; major events devoted specifically to the book (panel discussions, author reading, and the like); events using the book as a point of departure (film screenings, theatrical readings, and so forth); and book discussions in diverse locations and aimed at a wide range of audiences."

The Big Read begins April 2013. In anticipation of this event, we have a blog, a blog destined for greatness. Krista Nightengale and Michael Mooney already posted to it (both amazingly talented writers and both involved in planning Big Read Dallas).

I offer my first contribution today. Check it out: Bradbury Knew that Being a Nerd Takes Courage http://bigreaddallas.org/2012/10/bradbury-knew-that-being-a-nerd-takes-courage/

Add the Big Read Dallas blog to your RSS feed, and we'll try to keep it interesting.

NEWS AND GOODS

Every night, when my family eats dinner, we play "news and goods." We go around the table to share what happened that day and what we're happy about. Here's my news and goods for Friday: * I just submitted a feature story to Arlington Magazine about homebrewing. I also wrote a profile on J.R. Bentley's for the fledgling publication. The two pieces will appear in the September/October issue.

* Tomorrow, I will have a booth at Strip: The Dallas Webcomics Expo. It takes place at the Southfork Hotel in Plano. I'll be selling copies of ASTRONAUT DAD: THE COMPLETE EDITION and taking subscriptions for the SHORT STORY OF THE MONTH CLUB. (I think) I'm participating in a panel on "Print Media With the Pros" at 1:30 PM.

* Also tomorrow, starting at 4 PM, Lakewood Brewing Company (owned and operated by my friend Wim) will celebrate its "first tapping" at Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House. They will release two beers: Hop Trapp, a Belgian-style IPA, and Rock Ryder, an American Rye Wheat. I've had both, or earlier non-commercial scale versions of these beers, and both are very, very good.

* Upcoming stories for D Magazine? I have two. Right now, I'm working on a profile for the October issue. Since it's not finished, I won't announce anything yet, but it's "geek culture" related.

* The other story? I finished it a week ago. It's a concise 400-word piece about the Viridian housing development in North Arlington.

* The August short story "Lolito" should be available soon to all subscribers. I need to write the ending and edit. April is working on the front page artwork, and it looks great.

That's it for me. Do you have any "news and goods?" Feel free to share in the comments section.

ONE WORD: POSTCARDS

A month ago, I had a few beers with Matt Cobb, neighbor and renown writing champ. He suggested that I print some postcards to promote my freelance work. Good idea.

And whenever I want good ideas to look good, I call Paul Milligan. He designed the postcard. (Thanks Paul! Great work as always.) And I liked the illustration so much that I decided to use it for the site.

Ahem -->

In other news: I'm working on two stories for Arlington Magazine. Look for them in September/October issue.

THE GIRL WHO COULD LIVE IN YESTERDAY

It looks like I'm not the only person with a story-of-the-month club. My friend Jason Rodriguez announced the release of his short story "The Girl Who Could Live In Yesterday" for free on Amazon.com. I just read the story, and it's great. Here's all the information:

A couple of months ago I started writing sci-fi and fantasy shorts aimed at 2-4 year-old kids. I was jokingly calling them "Stories I'll Tell My Future Children." I recently decided to start distributing them via Amazon on a monthly basis - some illustrated, some not illustrated. Each story will be free for the first week and then go up to ninety-nine cents. I opted out of Digital Rights Management so that they can be passed around and shared by whoever might want to read them. And they will always be free in the Kindle Owners' Lending Library.

The first story, The Girl Who Could Live In Yesterday, is now live and free on Amazon.com at the link: http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Could-Live-Yesterday-ebook/dp/B008I3I576. It's a modern-day fable about the immutable past. If you don't have a Kindle, you can still read digital books from Amazon on your computer, Droid phone, web browser, etc - you can download any necessary apps here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=sa_menu_karl3?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771 . If you want a more detailed intro to the project along with some previews of future stories you can check out my blog post here: http://thebombbag.tumblr.com/post/26903435277

Please check the book out. If you like it, please let folks know about it. As mentioned, I plan on releasing one story a month, like the upcoming Little Particle That Could, an illustrated children's story about particle physics. And this is a promise: every story will be free for the first week, only cost 99-cents after that, and be DRM free. I want folks to read them.

SMART POP AT SAN DIEGO COMIC CON

From the wonderful people at Smart Pop:

We're excited to share that Smart Pop is exhibiting at San Diego Comic-Con again this year—we’ll be front and audience-left-of-center in the exhibit hall at booth #4300 (we’re also listed as either #J5 or #J7 in the guide, but the table there will just direct you to #4300). If you’ll be at the con yourself, please come by, say hello, and get a free Smart Pop pin!

We also wanted to fill you in on everything we have going on. You can check out the more extensive rundown over on our blog (http://www.smartpopbooks.com/san-diego-comic-con-2012/), but here are a few highlights:

• Free copies of our preview volume, featuring essays and excerpts from our 2012 titles (and info on backlist titles) • 2012 title giveaways, including Ender's World and Shadowhunters and Downworlders galleys • Signings with Claudia Christian (Babylon Confidential); Harrison Cheung and Nicola Pittam (Christian Bale); and James Lowder, Myke Cole, and Caroline Spector (Beyond the Wall)

If you're at San Diego Comic Con, you should visit the Smart Pop booth. Say hi for me. They publish great books for all varieties of geeks.

ASTRONAUT DAD ON AMAZON

The past few weeks, I've been busy finishing out the school year and getting my classroom cleared. We also had a family road trip. In all the rush, I haven't had a chance to make an important announcement. Brent beat me to it. ASTRONAUT DAD: THE COLLECTED EDITION is now available on Amazon. See for yourself.

This paperback graphic novel includes volume 1 and (previously unreleased) volume 2. All 162 pages. If you've read my blog, you have followed the ups and downs of getting this story published. Brent and I decided to publish it ourselves through a print-on-demand company and sell it online. We're very proud of what we created.

To order: http://www.amazon.com/Astronaut-Dad-David-Hopkins/dp/1105542491/

If you live in the Dallas Fort Worth area, I'm planning a store signing at Zeus within the next few weeks. I'll have copies of ASTRONAUT DAD available. More information coming soon.

YOU GAVE 110%

Today was my last day teaching at Martin. It was also the last day of the pledge drive for SHORT STORY OF THE MONTH CLUB--and officially my first day as a full-time freelancer. I'm happy to say that the Kickstarter project was successfully funded. It also means I made $5,545 (minus Kickstarter fees, minus Amazon fees, minus taxes, minus expenses for printing and shipping the books) on my first day as a full-timer. Not bad, right? I want to thank all 120 of you who pledged. You literally gave 110%. I also want to thank everyone who spread the word about it. Over this busy month of fundraising, the project accumulated 236 "likes" on Facebook. That's a lot of buzz! And I want to thank everyone who didn't pledge who patiently waited through all the Kickstarter-related postings on Twitter and Facebook... thank you for remaining my friend, even if I came across as a huckster.

Yes, it's about the money. And no, it's not about the money. It's possible for both statements to be true.

Yes, the money will absolutely help me and my family as I transition to this new full-time endeavor. I'm fortunate. I have some things going for me. I have experience and a few contacts. I've read plenty of books on freelancing, and I have friends who are freelancers, ready to share their wisdom. (April, skip the next two sentences.) But I still have no clue how this is supposed to work. I'm confident I'll figure it out, and this project bought me some time to get it together. (Hi April!) I know how to write stories, how to put one word in front of another. So, that I can do. And you've allowed me to do that without worrying I should devote my time elsewhere. Thank you.

No, it's not about the money. Even if this Kickstarter project failed, I would still be on the freelance path. April and I made our decision last summer, and we've been working towards this goal for a long time. This Kickstarter project is about a creative outlet. It's about doing something I love and getting it to you, for your enjoyment. Why not give it away for free? I truly believe (even in this new digital marketplace) that putting a price on something adds value. If you commit to a subscription and if it's well presented, I think you'll get more out of it. I've given stuff away for free before, and it's scary to see how people disregard it. These stories will be worth your time, and they are worth my effort. I want to be a better writer, and what better way than this? You should be mad if I deliver something that's no good. And I should work in fear of your disapproval. On the other hand, there's no greater feeling than connecting with a reader. I love the risk/reward aspect of creative pursuits. You take a chance, and it's exciting. Once again, thank you.

What's next?

If you pledged to Kickstarter, you will get the first short story on June 5th. You'll receive an email with a link to download the pdf version and/or epub version. (Make sure you add my email address to your contacts list, so the email doesn't get tagged as spam. That would stink.) Please don't share the links. You'll spoil the fun, and I'll have to find another way to deliver the goods. The story is titled "If You Could Be." In its current state, it's 3,163 words long.

What if you weren't able to subscribe before the fundraiser ended? On my website, check the right margin. I have a PayPal button to purchase a digital subscription ($10 for 10 months). However, I won't do any pre-orders for softcover and hardcover books on my site right now. My friends and family who pledged via Kickstarter get first dibs at the lowest price, plus any other rewards offered. I might also offer individual stories for sale at $2. It's always cheaper to subscribe.

That's the plan. Let me know if you have any opinions on the matter. Since you're part of the club, you certainly have a say.

April and I are working hard on all facets of this project: the story, the art, the design, and even how to best deliver everything. I hope you enjoy your subscription. It should be a good year.

A MESSAGE FROM MY WIFE

Originally posted here. Hello Friends,

My husband of just one year has decided to take a leap into the unknown. Having taught high school English and Creative Writing for 12 years, he has decided to leave the classroom and become a full-time writer. I am fully supportive of this decision, one that we made together, as I recognize his amazing talent and discipline as a writer and creative person. This decision is not a complete blind leap, as he has been working towards this goal for a few years now. He has had a successful run with D Magazine, winner of this year's "Best in Nation" award from City Magazine Awards. (You can read one my favorite pieces by David here: Six Flags Mall Is Still Open)

To "kickstart" his work, so to speak, he is devising a SHORT STORY OF THE MONTH CLUB to give him a creative boost during this first year. If you subscribe, you will receive one short story a month (hence the project name). The stories will be coupled with an illustration by me, the supportive and equally project-hungry wife. I'm very excited to see his stories come to life, but also I am excited to embark on my own creative opportunity as his illustrator side-kick.

All the information: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davidhopkins/short-story-of-the-month-club

If you pledge $10, you will receive a full-year subscription (10 short stories). If you pledge more, you can get a softcover or hardcover print edition. You can get original artwork, book dedications, or ad space for whatever. No money will be collected unless he reaches his pledge goal.

It all starts here. To pledge: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davidhopkins/short-story-of-the-month-club

Thanks y'all, and I'll be in touch. I hope you are doing well!

Best, April (Wenzel) Hopkins

AND NOW, WITH A FLIER

Paul Milligan has been very supportive of my Kickstarter project: SHORT STORY OF THE MONTH CLUB. Not only is he one of the top pledges, but he's been spreading the word on a weekly basis, and even created this lovely flier to promote the cause.

We have 51 backers, and we're 26% funded with 24 days to go. It'll be close. I've reached out to almost all my contacts, and now I need to get creative in order to reach those extra subscribers. I appreciate everyone's support. If we reach our goal amount, it will help tremendously during my first year as a full-time freelancer. I'm excited to start sending some short stories your way.

SHORT STORY OF THE MONTH CLUB

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davidhopkins/short-story-of-the-month-club Yes, it's Kickstarter. And yes, there is a certain hat-in-hand/pass-the-hat quality to this website. If you have a lot of creative friends, you've probably gotten a fair share of tweets and Facebook updates about this pesky website. However, I really do believe in Kickstarter's mission to "fund and follow creativity." Since 2009, I've backed 17 projects (12 successfully reached their goal). People have their own quirky dreams, and it's exciting to support crazy people.

I launched a successful Kickstarter project a few years ago. And now, I'm at it again--this time, with a much more ambitious idea. I could use your help.

The SHORT STORY OF THE MONTH CLUB will be a lot of fun. If you pledge at least $10 to this project, you will have purchased a ten-month subscription. Each month you'll receive an email with a new short story written by me, with illustrations by the artist (my wife April). The stories will be available in pdf and epub formats. At the end of the year, I'll collect these stories into a single book.

Ten stories, ten months, ten dollars (minimum pledge).

I've had this idea for quite a while, but I wanted to time it to coincide with my retirement/resignation from teaching. In June, I will be working full-time as a writer. This short story project will be a kick start to my freelance ambitions.

And here's the link one more time.

ANTIGONE FOR ALL

A month ago, I sold my last copy of ANTIGONE, an adaptation created by Tom Kurzanski and me. I talked with Tom, and we decided to make the comic available online in its entirety. Go to my published work page and scroll down. It's there, all 32 pages. A few times every year, I will have a teacher or college student contact me about obtaining a copy. I'm glad that people have shown interest in it. However, I quickly remind them this is an adaptation. While the story is all there, I did condense each scene. And like a director, I took a few creative liberties based on my own interpretation of the material (the most obvious: Antigone kissing Ismene as a way to humiliate and exert power over her). Also, I remind teachers that I never intended for this comic to be used in the classroom.

I'm proud of what Tom and I created. It's always a pleasure to work with him. Tom's shown me a tremendous amount of trust and has helped me become a better storyteller. ANTIGONE was honored as the "Indie Pick of the Month" by the Comics Buyer’s Guide. People said nice things about it, which makes me feel good.

“The comic does in 32 pages (all story) what most adaptations of such plays don’t manage in far lengthier productions: tell the story adeptly. Not only does it cover the main points and convey the themes, it also maintains a pleasant and page-turning pace — and it does all of this while keeping the entertainment goodness. As someone who has studied and taught Sophocles (including Antigone), I give serious kudos to the creative team here, especially writer David Hopkins.” — Ray Sidman, Comics Buyer’s Guide

“Silent Devil’s Antigone is a great adaptation of an ancient play that is both entertaining and powerful, making for a morality play that resonates centuries after the original was penned.” — Matthew McLean, The Comics Review

“A compelling mashup unlike anything else on the stands. It’s always a comfort to see a creator like David Hopkins trying new things with the form.” — Miles Gunter, writer for NYC Mech, Zombee, and Bastard Samurai

“Plot-wise, nothing is altered from the source material, yet what Hopkins has altered is just this side of brilliant.” “Antigone is a superior work that bridges the gap between comic books and literature.” — Dave Baxter, Broken Frontier

“Antigone is a classicist’s dream, a great example of how relevant and exciting these stories really are. It’s a comic fan’s delight, as it’s got a nice fresh look, a great sense of design and a witty and refreshing writing style. Whether you’re into Aeschylus or Action Comics, you’ll love it.” — Leah Moore, writer for Wild Girl, Albion, Tom Strong’s Terrific Tales

Also, Leah apparently gave a copy of ANTIGONE to her dad, which is pretty cool.

So now, ANTIGONE is available to everyone. Feel free to share, retweet, repost, and remind.

[tweet "Read the comic book adaptation of #Antigone for free"]

SMITTEN, NOT SMITING

My fifth contribution to D Magazine appears in the April issue of D Magazine: Behind the Curtain of Scarborough Renaissance Festival.

Unlike what outsiders may assume, Scarborough’s staff doesn’t actually think they’re from 1533 England. They don’t wear chain mail over their airbrushed t-shirts, quote Monty Python incessantly, or get lost in World of Warcraft. They’re actors, professionals. The cast presents guerilla theater: no stage, no script, and no separation from the audience. With their help, Scarborough offers the closest thing we have to a magic kingdom in Texas.

I had a lot of fun working on this one. It's hard not to be smitten by the people who work at Scarborough. They are funny and talented people. What's not to love?

In other news, my Ready Writing students competed in our district tournament this week. Every one of them placed -- 4th, 5th, and 6th. Not too shabby. It's a good way to end my tenure as their writing coach.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

After teaching at Martin High School for twelve years, I'm resigning at the end of May. My plan is to work as a full time freelance writer. This decision wasn't made lightly. April and I discussed everything last summer, and she has been incredibly supportive. In fact, I doubt I would've had the courage to make this decision without her constant belief in me. Teaching, if nothing else, has always been stable; it can be tempting to stick with the safe and familiar. Freelancing is a new challenge.

I've leaned heavily on the Freelancers Union , several books on freelancing (thank you Michelle Goodman), and the wisdom of my rogue entrepreneurial friends. Expect more news about my freelance plans in the coming months, including a possible Kickstarter side project. It will be awesome.

I sent a resignation letter to my principal. I had my exit interview with the personnel department. Right now, I've been tying all the loose ends, trying to find teachers to take over Chess Club, UIL Ready Writing, and Creative Writing. Tomorrow, I'll let my students know. Unless they follow me on Twitter, then they'll get the information a little early.

And no, my departure isn't part of some protest against the public school system or a stress-induced reaction to the occupation. I believe in public education and the teachers who make it work. I'll miss the people at Martin, especially the students. Over 1,800 students have endured my rambling lectures, my offbeat theories on Twain and Fitzgerald, and my writing assignments that didn’t always fit our curriculum guide (which ironically, I helped write). I would like to think that on my best days I was able to connect with students and persuade even the most apathetic among them to appreciate good writing.

I leave teaching with a deep reverence for this profession. As a child, I remember on several occasions waking up late at night. The living room light would still be on. I knew my mother was grading papers. What crazy person would do that? I love being a teacher, but it’s time. I’m ready for a new challenge.

ASTRONAUT DAD, DEBUT AT STAPLE

I don't really want to talk about the ups and downs with publishing ASTRONAUT DAD... again. Here's part of the story, but it doesn't end there. We just moved from CreateSpace to Lulu. Long story short, the Lulu proofs will arrive in a few days. ASTRONAUT DAD will be available on Amazon soon... once again. And you can expect the digital version sometime this summer. Hopefully. At this point, Brent Schoonover and I aren't taking anything for granted.

It's easy to talk about how great a collaboration is when everything runs smoothly. However, it speaks volumes about Brent's professionalism that he hasn't gone insane with all these revisions and corrections. Without hyperbole, we've spent hours talking on the phone about this book and easily 1,000 emails from 2003 to today. I've lost it at times, and he's been fairly zen about the whole situation. So, thank you Brent. I owe you a Lakewood.

I read through the ASTRONAUT DAD pdf file earlier today. It's a good book, and it deserves to be in print, to be fought for. I no longer feel like the writer... I'm this comic book's advocate. For those going to STAPLE!, we will have copies at the show. $15, cash or credit (via Square). If you bring your copy of ASTRONAUT DAD VOL. 1, I'd be happy to give you a $5 discount.

TAMMI TRUE AND OTHER UPDATES FOR A NEW YEAR

For 2012, my writing time will be divided between one major project and (hopefully) more work with D Magazine and maybe a few other outlets. The major project? I'm glad you asked. You may remember the feature I wrote in March about Tammi True. I'm expanding the article and writing a full biography about this darling of Dallas burlesque. I've been meeting with her on a regular basis, and we've developed a nice friendship. (I also helped her get in touch with Katie Dunn at AMS Pictures. They're working on an exciting television property. I've asked, just short of begged, to sit in on the filming.) With comic books, I have a collaboration with Brent Schoonover that we're soliciting. I'm trying to not overwhelm myself with too many comic books projects. Brent and I are still fine tuning the collected ASTRONAUT DAD, and soon we'll investigate some digital opportunities for the graphic novel. I have a short story in OUTLAW TERRITORY VOLUME 3. It's finished, just waiting for this Image Comics anthology to be released. I've tried to find a new home for WE'VE NEVER MET, possibly retitled INKLINGS, without much success.

I'm also brainstorming a prose fiction project, which I probably won't even start until the summer. The plan is to use Kickstarter and make it available to the backers, like a subscription. It would be released in ten monthly installments over the year. I still need to figure a few things out, but it should be a lot of fun. Something different.

MARLOW GRAPHIC NOVEL AVAILABLE

My friend Aaron Nelson has his graphic novel MARLOW available for pre-order. The details are posted below:

The graphic novel will soon be available in Previews, and is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and other book retailers. "Marlow" collects two stories: "Soul of Darkness" and "River of Symbols" as one complete story arc.

* The graphic novel is 119 pages * Retail price of US$14.95 * Diamond Code SEP118014 * The ISBN Number is 978-1897548301 * Release date is February 28, 2012.

Summary Marlow is a zombie story inspired by Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness". It's about one man's journey into the darkness of his soul, and his discovery that perhaps we're all zombies. Marlow is an ex-Marine caught in a dilemma impossible to solve: commit atrocious acts for a global corporation in order to receive medicine that keeps him from reverting to a zombie state, or walk away and suffer the fate of becoming some terrible creature. Struggling with his fears of his affliction and the monster he might become, Marlow abandoned his wife and young daughter, losing his dignity and freedom as he chose a nihilistic life. It is only during this journey told in the story that Marlow realizes that perhaps by avoiding suffering he has become like the zombies he so fears to become and that the only way out is to suffer his fate and become one. "Marlow is a zombie tale about suffering and its part in our humanity.

Reviews of "Marlow: Soul of Darkness"

“Not your typical zombie tale, and surely one that will stick with you given the war-torn state the world is in today, MARLOW is definitely worth seeking out.” — Ain’t It Cool News Comics

“Marlow may be a zombie himself but he is still all to human. It is easy to feel connected with him. You will feel drawn to him this man who could be you if you lived in his world. His world filled with action, excitement and zombies.” (4/5 Stars) — Jazma Online “This issue read like a script of a movie. This story would make an action packed ride on the silver screen, just a thought. Report Card- A-” — Comic Book News #132