Writing

Today was Breaking Dawn day. One of the hottest days in the book business. A day that compares to a Harry Potter day. Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight series, released book four today. Just to give you an idea the number of people who wanted to stand in line to get a copy, my wrist band said number 800, and that was just at one book store.

Needless to say, I was not going to stand in line while I watched 799 other people complete their purchase. So I did some reconnaissance. I found that several smaller stores were carrying the book, and so early this morning I trekked to a Wal-Mart and purchased 4 copies, and there was no line, and no one to fight.

The reason it was so important for me to get this book, was a daughters insane attachment to the story characters. The male character, Edward, is apparently hot. Every woman whose read the book wants their man to be Edward. It’s hard to live up to.

The reason I’m telling you this story, is that word of mouth has basically driven the success of this book series. In the tween age group its a hot story. Vampire love stories are all the rage. Every author should be so lucky as Stephenie Meyer. Don’t get me wrong, she is a very good writer, and tells great stories. But the readers have created the frenzy. Its been truly amazing to see it happen.

It’s August 1st. We are in the dog days of summer. The time where you’re just about fed up with hot weather, and ready for the fall cool down to happen. Not to mention you’re ready for the kids to go back to school. Pools are your best friend, and you get up early just to go for a run

NaBloPoMo theme for August is HOT. So, I’ll be writing post about things that are hot. And they won’t necessarily be about the weather.

Play along if you would like, visit the web site here.

Photo by PieterMusterd

Last year I watched Randy Pausch give his Last Lecture, a lecture series (re-named) from people who were asked to give a lecture as if it were going to be your last. It just so happened to be Randy’s. I’ve been very interested in his ability to remain so positive while facing certain death.

I love watching this video, and will soon be reading his book with the same title, The Last Lecture (which is sold out everywhere), as soon as my copy is shipped from Amazon.

There are only a handful of people who face the end of their life as if they have for ever to live. Randy sets a great example for everyone, sick or not. Please watch this video and get his book, and then remember to smile.

Joseph Scott mentioned to me at PodCampSLC that he was interested in having a WordCamp here in Utah. I thought it was a fantastic idea. So over the past few weeks we’ve talked about it and it looks like the event is going forward.

Because this is a community event, it’s important that everyone get involved early. We only have a few months to put a great camp together. Please join us on April 10th at 6:30, Applebees in Draper, for a first draft WordCamp Utah meet-up. There’s a lot to cover and we need as many people as possible to help out. Let us know you’re coming on upcoming.org.

Another thing we want is bloggers to present topics at WordCamp. There will be a spot on the WordCamp Utah site to register and sign up to present.

This is a great opportunity to meet other WordPress bloggers, learn more about the platform, network, and get some great ideas to succeed.

Unfortunately I had some health problems that kept me away from the convention Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. I’m very disappointed because I was having a blast getting to know a lot of writers, editors and attendees.

I want to thank Charlie Harmon for putting together a wonderful convention. I know that its a pretty big deal to host an international event. I also want to thank everyone who volunteered for the WHC.

I’m a sucker for a good book and there were plenty of those at WHC. Here are the ones I walked away with:

(These books are linked through my Amazon affiliate. If you would prefer not to click through please search for the author or title.)

I also picked up a couple of convention only books; a short story called Little Boy Blue by James A. Moore, a convention only anthology called Desolate Souls, and an anthology called Love and Sacrifice. I also picked up a convention shirt; kind of like going to a rock and roll concert and getting a T.

I want to thank nightshadebooks.com for the excellent FREE T-shirt; can’t wait to see the pics.

There were also some pretty interesting publishers in attendance like Bloodletting Press and Bones and Casket Press. I also saw some pretty interesting book titles which I would not share with anyone, even in a dark alley.

Some of my final thoughts

• There were plenty of panels and there seemed to be a good mix of topics
• The Hotel was very nice and had FREE WiFi, which is very cool, no code needed
• The dealer room was exceptional
• The art gallery was terrific; lots of great paintings, photos and drawings
• There were plenty of volunteer staff and they were easily spotted
• There were so many guest authors I felt overwhelmed
• Registration was a snap, and they had my pre-registration information

Things that weren’t a big deal but a tiny bit annoying

• Some of the panelists were a little obnoxious and detracted from the topics
• It would have been nice to see someone shooting video of the sessions and the crowd
• There were too many Stoker and HWA events in the middle of the time blocks, making it difficult for those not attending the Stoker awards or not an HWA member to stay engaged. At least that’s how I saw it
• I know the conference volunteers have no control over travel issues with guest speakers, but there were times when the speaker didn’t know he or she was supposed to be presenting. Frustrating for the audience

I guess you could say I had a really good time. I know this is a once in a very long time event in Salt Lake City, and while I’m not a huge Horror fan, I think WHC 2008 was a great success.