Gen Con 2006 Photos

Wizards of the Coast has posted photos of some of the authors who signed novels at their booth at this summer’s Gen Con. Alphabetically, I’m the first one, it seems, and I look tired. Since this is the morning after the Diana Jones Award party, perhaps that’s no surprise.

You may notice that Bob Salvatore is so busy signing that he didn’t have the time to look up at the camera. My fellow Eberron authors and I saw the Power of Salvatore first-hand after our first group signing. While we had a few people venture into Authors’ Alley to meet us and have us sign their books, the line for Bob’s signing had already started before we sat down. By the time we left, it stretched down the width of the exhibit hall.

I’ve known Bob for several years. Troy Denning introduced us at a TSR Freelancers’ Party, the spiritual predecessor of the Diana Jones Award party. Bob’s a great guy, and I’m thrilled to see him continue to be such a phenomenal success.

The Dragons Revealed Already Out

This is what I get for not checking on Amazon regularly. Originally–at least as far as I recall, The Dragons Revealed–was due out on August 29. Now it’s listed as having been released on August 8.

So, if you’re interested in reading the final chapter in the Knights of the Silver Dragon series, you could have been doing so already for almost three weeks! Get yourself to a bookstore and snatch up every copy you can find–if it’s not already too late.

I’m told that a major chain or two may not be carrying the book because the line has been ended. If that’s so, I recommend ordering the book through your friendly local bookseller or your favorite online outlet.

I’m looking forward to hearing what people think of this book and it’s immediate predecessor, Prophecy of the Dragons. They represent a huge shake-up in the city of Curston, and a major turning point in the heroes’ lives. I had a blast writing them too.

Last Chance to See

If you’re interested in a private d20 adventure designed by one of the most talented experts in the field, you still have a chance to step up and sponsor Wolfgang Baur‘s first Open Design project, “Steam & Brass.” As Wolf writes, the adventure has firmed up well and now:

– Includes one new monster (the steam golem) and two 3.5 updates (flayed man, possessor)
– Features clockwork magic, elite kobolds, and the Mouse King
– Designed for 12th, 8th, and 6th levels
– Roughly 64 pages long
– Color player handouts and professional maps
– Two mysteries and strong tactical combat, plus zombie angels.

Each of the original patrons got to request certain things they’d like to see in the adventure, long before we knew what it would be about. “Zombie angels”? That’s me, all the way.

Our Kids in the US News

As I mentioned a while back, the fine people at Rockford Memorial Hospital asked to feature our family in an advertorial they placed in the Midwestern edition of US News & World Report. The ad ran in the July 17 issue, I believe. For those of you who don’t live around here or missed that issue, though, the hospital has granted me permission to post a PDF of the ad here.

It’s just a glimpse into what the whole experience was like, but I thought you might enjoy it. If you read the article, you’ll notice they had 25 medical professionals in the delivery room for the quads’ birth. As the team rolled my wife into the room, one of the nurses brought me a chair and said, “If you feel yourself starting to feel faint, sit down. You see all of these people? None of them are here for you.”

And that’s just the way I wanted it.

Gen Con 2006, Day 1

The “Day at a Time” format seemed to work well for my Comic-Con report, so I’m going to stick with that. Here, then, is my account of the first day of Gen Con 2006, August 9. (This is actually set-up day, the day before the show officially opens.)

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Writing Advice

Brett Rubin wrote me a note a while back and asked me some excellent questions about becoming a published writer. I thought some of you might be interested in the answers, so I’ve posted the bulk of the conversation here.
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