This evening, I’ll be at the meeting of the Madison chapter of the IGDA. Our speaker is James Gee, a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. If you’re a local member, I hope to see you at the Casbah tonight.
Another Complete Idiot–For D&D!
I’ve been authorized to reveal that I’m in the middle of writing The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Creating Dungeons & Dragons Characters via IDW Publishing and Alpha Books, a division of Penguin. I hadn’t written any D&D or d20 material for a while, so this is a welcome return.
As a part of this project, I’m collecting a list of online resources and computerized aids that can help with creating D&D characters. I’m also collating a CD full of such things to go along with the book. If you’d like to share your favorites, please post them here–and send this notice far and wide too. Thanks!
Origins Awards Deadline Extension
I’m told that the deadline for submissions for the Origins Awards has been extended to March 1. See the press release after the cut.
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Manga in May
My next book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Manga Fantasy Creatures Illustrated, is scheduled for a May 1 release. Here’s a shot of the cover by the talented Tomoko Taniguchi (my co-creator on the book) to whet your appetite.
It’s one of the most colorful books I’ve ever worked on, by far. Given my list of credits, that’s stunning–in many ways.
The Carpal Tunnel Martyrs Brigade
One of the regular commenters around here–Brian Bird–and his friends have set up a writer’s group called the Carpal Tunnel Martyr’s Brigade. They started out as a Google group but now have set up a snazzy new website to promote themselves and their upcoming science-fiction zombies anthology, Dead Space. Stop by and check them out–or join if you’re so inclined. I’ve been checking on the Google group from time to time, and they’re a fun pack of people.
Progressive Minnesotan Candidates
Al Franken declared his candidacy for the US Senate today, as a resident of the great state of Minnesota. Much more interesting–to me, at least–is the fact that my good pal John Nephew of Atlas Games also declared his candidacy for the city council of Maplewood, Minnesota.
It’s always great to see smart, articulate people get involved in the civic arena, and I applaud both John and Al for stepping up to these challenges.
R.E.V.ing Up
Today, while staying home with three sick kids, I saw the new commercial for R.E.Vs. on Cartoon Network. Every time it came on, Marty used our ReplayTV to stop it and yell for me to come and watch. They look pretty slick and will hopefully help sell truckloads of these toys.
I’d love to help create more toys for the line and come up with more characters and stories for it. I still get a kick out of watching the animated comic that comes on the CD included with each toy, and I want to see more of that soon. In the meantime, MasterCollector.com has a page filled with photos of new Playmates toys due out this year. Scroll down to see some R.E.V.s, including Anarkist, who didn’t make it into the first batch.
Free Prayer for Prey
My article in Escapist Magazine #83 hits screens today. According to the website’s front page, “A Prayer for Prey” is the issue’s featured article, and it’s available for free right now. Be sure to check it out, then stop back here and let me know what you think.
Gamer Chicks Do, In Fact, Rule
Mike Bohlmann tells me that he and his wife have started a new gaming website: Gamer Chicks Rule. While it’s aimed at female gamers, they happily accept readers and writers of all genders. Check it out.
Energy Drinks, Wisconsin Style
Here’s something that we drink in my house that’s apparently only available in the Midwest and (for some reason) parts of Florida: Water Joe. It’s just what it sounds like: bottled water suffused with the writer’s wonder drug of choice, caffeine.
I’ve had some problems with acid reflux over the years, and doctors often advise me to restrict caffeine intake when that happens. Of course, one of the problems with caffeine isn’t the compound itself but what comes along with it. Sodas and coffees come with all sorts of other acids that can irritate your stomach too, so it’s hard to tell what’s actually causing the trouble. Water Joe is just pure, Wisconsin water with caffeine mixed in, and it’s as gentle as can be.
Otherwise, I often turn to coffee for my fix. Other than the occasional sip (or a ridealong with the police in Bell, CA), I didn’t start drinking coffee until a trip to Castellaneta, Italy, a few years back to celebrate my sister Jody’s wedding to her husband Nanni. While there, I did as the Italians did and knocked back enough espresso to kick my jet lag back across the ocean. I liked it, and when I got back home, I picked up a cheap espresso machine.
It sucked. I didn’t want to spend a fortune on a proper one, though, so I took up with regular coffee. I ended up back in Italy (in Bolzano) the next fall, after attending the wedding of my great friend Bill King in Prague. While there, I picked up one of these little aluminum coffee pots I saw in every household I visited in Italy: a Bialetti Moka Express.
Actually, I got a cheaper knock-off. As Jody said, “Would you like the Bialetti or this one, which is identical and 10 euros less?”
I grind my own beans, usually an Italian roast, and use the little machine to make a tasty, homestyle Italian espresso that doesn’t bother my belly a bit. I take it like I take my scotch: with not one other blessed thing.