Once again hubby and I manned a booth at Northeast Comic Con, Summer Edition ( June 18&19 ), held as usual at Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington MA ( right off Rt. 93 ) We aren't professional collectors; collecting is strictly a hobby with us. And as the author of four published science fiction/ space adventure novels, I also sell my books. This gives me a great opportunity to discuss my work with readers and scifi fans.
Across the aisle from us was a booth dedicated to Doctor Who, complete with a life-sized "Ood" ( If you aren't a fan, look that up.) Everyone who came by had to have their picture taken with the Ood! Then "Who" should roll by but a realistic, talking Dalek. Quite a surprise!
This year's celebrity guests included Mickey Dolenz of Monkees fame and Barry Bostwick ( Rocky Horror Picture Show, etc. ) We're usually too busy for celebrity-spotting, but we did manage to get a glimpse of Reb Brown, the original Captain America, in full costume.
There were costumes galore: lots of Doctor Whos, a Batman or two, a Superman, Darth Vader, Ghostbusters, Ghostrider, Deadpool, The Joker, Indiana Jones, Aladdin, Ariel, etc., etc. It's a lot of fun to see how much effort goes into making these costumes so realistic. But for me the highlight was meeting a dead-ringer for Chris Hemsworth; I admired his beautiful Thor costume, and we chatted for some time. When he left, he shook my hand--almost as good as shaking hands with the real Thor! I loved it!
We also met a couple guys from the Star Trek Association of the Northeast who are planning a Trek convention in NY. Of course, we were excited to hear that. It's been a long time since we were able to attend a Star Trek con!
As usual, we partook of Wild Bill's Soda Stand--always excellent. We got into a discussion with a fellow Babylon 5 fan. If you've never seen this TV show, you need to check it out. Excellent scifi with a superb cast. It seems to be undergoing a resurgence of popularity.
We made many people very happy with their purchases from our booth; one young lady in particular was ecstatic to get her hands on a Katniss doll ( Hunger Games.) A gentleman was eager to purchase a book on John Wayne; he and my hubby are both huge fans of the Duke! And kids are always happy to get a new toy.
We're already committed to Northeast Comic Con's Winter Edition ( Dec. 3&4 ) and this time we're planning a big celebration of Star Trek's 50th Anniversary. We have collectibles of all kinds, from jewelry to scripts, records to costumes. As a huge Trek fan, I can't wait. Also, Dean Cain ( Superman in Lois and Clark ) will be appearing!
Maybe we'll see some of you there. Keep on reading and keep on writing!
MRTighe
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
What's In A Name?
A major challenge all fiction writers encounter is that of naming our characters. Choosing the right name for each individual is important, even vital. A name is the first indication of who your character is. A name gives hints to his/her personality, background, attitudes, etc. For instance, readers would expect a character named Tootsie to be far different from one named Carstairs.
One baby-naming book famously advised that if you want your son or daughter to go into law enforcement, for heaven's sake don't name him or her Rob or Robyn Banks! I realize that I may be a bit more aware of the impact of a name. When I was a kid, some of my classmates were saddled with unfortunate names. There was a girl named Jessie James and boys who were named Peter Abbot and Paul Lockwood. ( If you don't get it, say those last two aloud, fast! )
So where do I look for appropriate names for my characters? Sometimes a suitable name just pops into my head; at other times I search through one of the above-mentioned baby name books. Believe it or not, I've also searched old cemeteries looking for unique or outdated names. I once came across a man named Dearbun Blackwell who died in the 1700s, and a woman named Sadilla. ( No, I haven't used either of those names, so feel free! )
Other common resources are phone books, TV and movie credits, history books, and magazines such as The National Geographic. I would suggest Googling a name before using it to make sure you don't inadvertently use the name of a living individual who might object to the hijacking of his/her name!
To give you a concrete example of how I name my characters, in my current WIP I have a boy named Hiro Orion Watenabe. Yikes, that's a mouthful! It gives the impression of a rather dull, stodgy character. But I quickly bestow the nickname "Howie" upon him, which is more in line with his true personality: an informal, light-hearted goofball!
So don't be afraid to have fun naming your characters. Be thoughtful; be playful. After all, they are your "babies!"
Keep reading and keep on writing!
MRTighe
One baby-naming book famously advised that if you want your son or daughter to go into law enforcement, for heaven's sake don't name him or her Rob or Robyn Banks! I realize that I may be a bit more aware of the impact of a name. When I was a kid, some of my classmates were saddled with unfortunate names. There was a girl named Jessie James and boys who were named Peter Abbot and Paul Lockwood. ( If you don't get it, say those last two aloud, fast! )
So where do I look for appropriate names for my characters? Sometimes a suitable name just pops into my head; at other times I search through one of the above-mentioned baby name books. Believe it or not, I've also searched old cemeteries looking for unique or outdated names. I once came across a man named Dearbun Blackwell who died in the 1700s, and a woman named Sadilla. ( No, I haven't used either of those names, so feel free! )
Other common resources are phone books, TV and movie credits, history books, and magazines such as The National Geographic. I would suggest Googling a name before using it to make sure you don't inadvertently use the name of a living individual who might object to the hijacking of his/her name!
To give you a concrete example of how I name my characters, in my current WIP I have a boy named Hiro Orion Watenabe. Yikes, that's a mouthful! It gives the impression of a rather dull, stodgy character. But I quickly bestow the nickname "Howie" upon him, which is more in line with his true personality: an informal, light-hearted goofball!
So don't be afraid to have fun naming your characters. Be thoughtful; be playful. After all, they are your "babies!"
Keep reading and keep on writing!
MRTighe
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
The Case of the Disappearing Cons
This year the after-holidays blahs set in with a vengeance. This was due to several factors. At this time of year hubby and I start looking forward to attending our favorite conventions, usually scifi or other related genres.
First, we learned that Pi-con ( Enfield CT ) would not continue. It was a small con we greatly enjoyed attending. Our fond memories of Pi-con include the extra night we spent after the con due to Hurricane Irene. We had fun at the impromptu panels held for those who stayed over.
Then, due to circumstances beyond our control related to hubby's job, we discovered that we'd be unable to attend Readercon for the forseeable future. Bummer! We've gone to Readercon ( Burlington MA ) faithfully for many years now. We enjoyed the venue, the people, the panels and other activities. We were especially fond of the notorious "Bad Prose" contest. It was hilarious!
Next, we found out that AnthoCon 5 ( Portsmouth NH ) had been canceled; we were devastated! We went to every AnthoCon since it began. The con was very good to us, and we met some of the nicest human beings on the face of the planet.
In spite of our terrible disappointment, we look for bright spots in the year ahead. Of course, there will be both the Spring and Winter editions of Northeast Comic Con, ( Wilmington MA ) and we are interested in Megafest ( Framingham MA )--another, larger Comic Con. Then, this week, I discovered online that a Harry Potter convention will be held in May of 2017 ( Laconia NH ) It's to be called MistiCon.
Now, I am a huge fan of Harry Potter, both the book series and the movies. I love JK Rowling. So I have something to look forward to next year. Hubby is not a fan, but since he's long-suffering, I'm sure he'll go with me. In the meantime, we're keeping our eyes open for other local cons and our fingers crossed.
Keep on reading and keep on writing!
MRTighe
First, we learned that Pi-con ( Enfield CT ) would not continue. It was a small con we greatly enjoyed attending. Our fond memories of Pi-con include the extra night we spent after the con due to Hurricane Irene. We had fun at the impromptu panels held for those who stayed over.
Then, due to circumstances beyond our control related to hubby's job, we discovered that we'd be unable to attend Readercon for the forseeable future. Bummer! We've gone to Readercon ( Burlington MA ) faithfully for many years now. We enjoyed the venue, the people, the panels and other activities. We were especially fond of the notorious "Bad Prose" contest. It was hilarious!
Next, we found out that AnthoCon 5 ( Portsmouth NH ) had been canceled; we were devastated! We went to every AnthoCon since it began. The con was very good to us, and we met some of the nicest human beings on the face of the planet.
In spite of our terrible disappointment, we look for bright spots in the year ahead. Of course, there will be both the Spring and Winter editions of Northeast Comic Con, ( Wilmington MA ) and we are interested in Megafest ( Framingham MA )--another, larger Comic Con. Then, this week, I discovered online that a Harry Potter convention will be held in May of 2017 ( Laconia NH ) It's to be called MistiCon.
Now, I am a huge fan of Harry Potter, both the book series and the movies. I love JK Rowling. So I have something to look forward to next year. Hubby is not a fan, but since he's long-suffering, I'm sure he'll go with me. In the meantime, we're keeping our eyes open for other local cons and our fingers crossed.
Keep on reading and keep on writing!
MRTighe
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Another Northeast Comic Con is Coming!
The Winter Edition of Northeast Comic Con will be held Dec. 5&6 at Shriner's Auditorium in Wilmington, MA. The fun-filled event is billed as "the holiday shopping show for nerds and the people who love them!" As a self-proclaimed nerd, I can't wait to meet some of this year's guests.
The movie A Christmas Story is a classic and one of my favorites. Zack Ward (Scut Farcus ), Ian Petrella ( Randy ), Yano Anaya ( Grover Dill ), and Scott Schwartz ( Flick ) will be guests, and there will be a re-creation of the famous "Santa" set.
Other scheduled guests include Annie Potts of Ghostbusters and John Wesley Shipp of The Flash. Also, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lost in Space, Marta Kristen ( Judy ) and Mark Goddard ( Major Don West ) will appear.
Besides Guest of Honor George Perez, many other comic artists will be in attendance. A great opportunity for those who love comics!
If you're looking for more photo ops, we'll have replicas of Ecto-1, Lost in Space's Robot and Chariot, a full-size Tardis, and a Starship Horizon Bridge simulator.. In addition, there'll be costumes galore, contests, panels, and a voice-over actor's workshop. Also video games, collectibles, food, etc.
I'll be among the authors selling and signing their books. My hubby will once again be selling off a portion of his extensive collection of comics, costumes, toys, etc. You're sure to find gifts for every nerd on your list! As our flyers promise: "Guaranteed not boring!"
Come in costume; meet the guests; bring the whole family for a day of fun! More info, times, etc. available at www.NEComicCon.Net.
Hope to see you there!
MRTighe
The movie A Christmas Story is a classic and one of my favorites. Zack Ward (Scut Farcus ), Ian Petrella ( Randy ), Yano Anaya ( Grover Dill ), and Scott Schwartz ( Flick ) will be guests, and there will be a re-creation of the famous "Santa" set.
Other scheduled guests include Annie Potts of Ghostbusters and John Wesley Shipp of The Flash. Also, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lost in Space, Marta Kristen ( Judy ) and Mark Goddard ( Major Don West ) will appear.
Besides Guest of Honor George Perez, many other comic artists will be in attendance. A great opportunity for those who love comics!
If you're looking for more photo ops, we'll have replicas of Ecto-1, Lost in Space's Robot and Chariot, a full-size Tardis, and a Starship Horizon Bridge simulator.. In addition, there'll be costumes galore, contests, panels, and a voice-over actor's workshop. Also video games, collectibles, food, etc.
I'll be among the authors selling and signing their books. My hubby will once again be selling off a portion of his extensive collection of comics, costumes, toys, etc. You're sure to find gifts for every nerd on your list! As our flyers promise: "Guaranteed not boring!"
Come in costume; meet the guests; bring the whole family for a day of fun! More info, times, etc. available at www.NEComicCon.Net.
Hope to see you there!
MRTighe
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Conventioneering!
In 1969 I attended my first science fiction convention with a group of friends. It was a Boskone, fittingly enough held in Boston. Almost instantly, I fell in love with "cons." Over the next several years I traveled far and wide to attend cons in Toronto, San Francisco, L.A., New York, etc.
After getting married and starting a family, my con-going became more sporadic and closer to home. I even took my infant son to a Boskone, then my son and daughter #1. But once I had three to take care of, several con-less years passed until the kids were old enough to stay with relatives. That's when hubby and I were able to attend our first Worldcon. Ever since then, we've attended as many cons as our time and budget will allow.
Here are a few of the many reason I became addicted to conventions:
#1. They are fun!
#2. Creative, intellectual folks find them stimulating.
#3. You meet and make friends with other people who share many of your interests and passions.
#4. If you're like me, you'll love staying in hotels and eating in restaurants: no cooking, no cleaning!
#5. You get to meet famous people. ( I've met authors like Isaac Asimov, Ben Bova, Ray Bradbury, and Poul Anderson. Also actors like the late Michael O'Hare and Leonard Nimoy. )
My latest foray into--ahem!--"con-dom" has been going to Comic Cons, not as an attendee, but as a vendor of books and collectibles. Comic Cons are quite a bit different from fan-run conventions, more like a cross between book signings, movie openings, and regular sci-fi cons.
At my age I realize that my con-going days may eventually come to an end, but I'll always have wonderful memories of the places I've been and the extraordinary people I've met. I intend to keep going to cons 'til I drop. If you've never attended a sci-fi convention or a comic con, please give it a try. You don't know what you're missing!
Keep on reading and keep writing!
MRTighe
After getting married and starting a family, my con-going became more sporadic and closer to home. I even took my infant son to a Boskone, then my son and daughter #1. But once I had three to take care of, several con-less years passed until the kids were old enough to stay with relatives. That's when hubby and I were able to attend our first Worldcon. Ever since then, we've attended as many cons as our time and budget will allow.
Here are a few of the many reason I became addicted to conventions:
#1. They are fun!
#2. Creative, intellectual folks find them stimulating.
#3. You meet and make friends with other people who share many of your interests and passions.
#4. If you're like me, you'll love staying in hotels and eating in restaurants: no cooking, no cleaning!
#5. You get to meet famous people. ( I've met authors like Isaac Asimov, Ben Bova, Ray Bradbury, and Poul Anderson. Also actors like the late Michael O'Hare and Leonard Nimoy. )
My latest foray into--ahem!--"con-dom" has been going to Comic Cons, not as an attendee, but as a vendor of books and collectibles. Comic Cons are quite a bit different from fan-run conventions, more like a cross between book signings, movie openings, and regular sci-fi cons.
At my age I realize that my con-going days may eventually come to an end, but I'll always have wonderful memories of the places I've been and the extraordinary people I've met. I intend to keep going to cons 'til I drop. If you've never attended a sci-fi convention or a comic con, please give it a try. You don't know what you're missing!
Keep on reading and keep writing!
MRTighe
Thursday, August 6, 2015
What Do You Write?
One of the questions I'm asked most frequently is: "What do you write?" Well, that question's not easy to answer in a few words. When I try, it always seems inadequate. I usually respond that I write science fiction novels because the vast majority will have some idea of what I'm talking about. To those who instantly reply, "Oh, I don't read science fiction!" I try to communicate that I write science fiction for those who don't usually read science fiction. I'd like to say, "So you don't enjoy a good mystery or a love story or an adventure?"
My "brand" of science fiction isn't hard science fiction, which is what most people consider "science fiction." That genre features a load of technical jargon, futuristic hardware, and scientific theory. Let me assure you, I have nothing against hard SF; on the contrary, I grew up reading Asimov, Heinlein, Hal Clement, Poul Anderson, etc. But my specialty is writing "soft" science fiction. I most enjoy writing character-driven, well-plotted, and exciting stories about the future, blending several genres into one.
My latest novel isn't science fiction, but space opera. Think Star Wars, Flash Gordon, and Buck Rogers. It's my homage to pulp fiction, with a healthy dose of humor and tongue-in-cheek. Galaxy Rand has proven to be one of my most popular books so far.
My first three books ( Judgment on Tartarus, True Son of Tartarus, and Ransom of Tartarus--also known as the Tartarus Trilogy ) are all soft science fiction. They've been reviewed as fun, easy reads featuring a strong, complex female protagonist. If you're seeking deeper meaning, it's there if you look for it.
For instance, you may notice the many "twin" references: Twin Moons, twin pillars, double-bladed dueling knives, etc. Two of my characters are referred to as "two sides of the same coin"--yin and yang. As Malkis, one of my heroes, says at one point, the villainess is "the dark side of my own being." In other words, duality; we all suffer from it.The never-ending battle between good and evil takes place all around us, as well as within us. But my books are far from preachy; I'm just trying to be truthful
Okay, try communicating all this in a few words and in a time-span of a minute or two. Impossible! But I always try my best. My readers are free to ignore the messages and just enjoy a vicarious adventure--or two.
Keep on reading and keep on writing!
MRTighe
My "brand" of science fiction isn't hard science fiction, which is what most people consider "science fiction." That genre features a load of technical jargon, futuristic hardware, and scientific theory. Let me assure you, I have nothing against hard SF; on the contrary, I grew up reading Asimov, Heinlein, Hal Clement, Poul Anderson, etc. But my specialty is writing "soft" science fiction. I most enjoy writing character-driven, well-plotted, and exciting stories about the future, blending several genres into one.
My latest novel isn't science fiction, but space opera. Think Star Wars, Flash Gordon, and Buck Rogers. It's my homage to pulp fiction, with a healthy dose of humor and tongue-in-cheek. Galaxy Rand has proven to be one of my most popular books so far.
My first three books ( Judgment on Tartarus, True Son of Tartarus, and Ransom of Tartarus--also known as the Tartarus Trilogy ) are all soft science fiction. They've been reviewed as fun, easy reads featuring a strong, complex female protagonist. If you're seeking deeper meaning, it's there if you look for it.
For instance, you may notice the many "twin" references: Twin Moons, twin pillars, double-bladed dueling knives, etc. Two of my characters are referred to as "two sides of the same coin"--yin and yang. As Malkis, one of my heroes, says at one point, the villainess is "the dark side of my own being." In other words, duality; we all suffer from it.The never-ending battle between good and evil takes place all around us, as well as within us. But my books are far from preachy; I'm just trying to be truthful
Okay, try communicating all this in a few words and in a time-span of a minute or two. Impossible! But I always try my best. My readers are free to ignore the messages and just enjoy a vicarious adventure--or two.
Keep on reading and keep on writing!
MRTighe
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Had A Blast at Northeast Comic Con!
Bob and I, with the help of a few friends, manned a dealer's booth at this summer's Comic Con and Pop Culture Expo. A large and lively bunch attended, including a lot of kids from infants on up. The Guest of Honor, Batman's Adam West, was the main draw, so of course the predominant theme was Batman. The original Batmobile from the TV show was on display. Fans had several opportunities to have their pictures taken in the Batmobile with Adam West and to get his autograph.
Also on display were the DeLorean from the Back To The Future movies and a Tardis from Doctor Who. Throughout both days frequent costume contests were held, so we were treated to many fantastic costumes, among them several Doctors, Disney's Frozen characters, and a notable Thor and Loki duo. But the costumes I particularly enjoyed were the pirates; one man was dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow with all the accompanying mannerisms. Another was Captain Barbosa. The attention to detail and exquisite fabrics that went into the pirate costumes made them magnificent. But then, who doesn't love pirates?
Many attendees came dressed in unusual T-shirts that kept us entertained. There were a wide variety of things to shop for: comic books, costumes, toys, and all kinds of collectibles. I thoroughly enjoyed partaking from Wild Bill's Soda Stand!
Bob and I had a great time connecting with old friends as well as making some new ones. Our booth received lots of compliments for being attractive and colorful, as well as for our good prices. In fact we had such a good time that we signed up for December's Comic Con. Guests of Honor will be cast members of A Christmas Story and Marta Kristin, celebrating the 50 th anniversary of Lost in Space.
In the meantime I'll be selling and signing my books at the New England Authors Expo and mini-Comic Con, July 29 from 4-9 pm at Danversport Yacht Club, Danvers, MA. If you're local, come on down and meet me. It should be a fun evening.
Keep on reading, and keep on writing!
MRTighe
Also on display were the DeLorean from the Back To The Future movies and a Tardis from Doctor Who. Throughout both days frequent costume contests were held, so we were treated to many fantastic costumes, among them several Doctors, Disney's Frozen characters, and a notable Thor and Loki duo. But the costumes I particularly enjoyed were the pirates; one man was dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow with all the accompanying mannerisms. Another was Captain Barbosa. The attention to detail and exquisite fabrics that went into the pirate costumes made them magnificent. But then, who doesn't love pirates?
Many attendees came dressed in unusual T-shirts that kept us entertained. There were a wide variety of things to shop for: comic books, costumes, toys, and all kinds of collectibles. I thoroughly enjoyed partaking from Wild Bill's Soda Stand!
Bob and I had a great time connecting with old friends as well as making some new ones. Our booth received lots of compliments for being attractive and colorful, as well as for our good prices. In fact we had such a good time that we signed up for December's Comic Con. Guests of Honor will be cast members of A Christmas Story and Marta Kristin, celebrating the 50 th anniversary of Lost in Space.
In the meantime I'll be selling and signing my books at the New England Authors Expo and mini-Comic Con, July 29 from 4-9 pm at Danversport Yacht Club, Danvers, MA. If you're local, come on down and meet me. It should be a fun evening.
Keep on reading, and keep on writing!
MRTighe
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