My latest feature article for Capital Gains is now online, I interview someone who moved to the Lansing area from China.  I have two more stories in the hopper, I’ll post when those get put online.  I also have two new assignments–one of which deals with being single in Lansing.  Should be interesting.

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I had the pleasure of being a guest at the science fiction and fantasy fan convention, ConClave once again this weekend.  I had a great time like always,  running into  Jim C. Hines, who was there promoting his latest release, Mermaid’s Madness, and the always entertaining M. Keaton.

It is fun to reconnect with writer friends and to make new ones at these conventions.  I was a part of nine events, including the Writer’s Workshop (I read and critiqued stories), panel discussions (ranging from zombies to werewolves to comic books) and I was even a contestant in a Last Man Standing Sci-Fi/Fantasy Trivia Contest–and I came in 2nd place.

My prize for coming in second is that my name will be used for the name of the president of the CDC in an upcoming zombie novel (The Ravening) by Stewart Sternberg. Stewart said that there will be a quote at the start of a chapter, which will be attributed to said CDC president, so something along these lines perhaps, to give you an idea:

“I see no reason to panic. As long as none of them bite you, you’ll be just fine.  Oh, and wash your hands.  Seriously, people.”

- Daniel Hogan, President of the CDC.

I’m excited to see what Stewart comes up with–he’s threatening to make it something that will cause an angry mob to show up at my door. Hey, I can use the publicity.  The novel will be available in stores and obviously I’ll do a post once that happens.  The grand prize winner will be made into a character that gets ripped apart by zombies.  Lucky.  Amusingly, I lost my shot at first place by not knowing the name of Barbara’s brother in the original Night of the Living Dead (Johnny).

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Speaking of Mr. Sternberg, we were on a panel about werewolves at ConClave, which I recorded for this week’s podcast.  Check it out. I’m glad I recorded it, because between late nights at work this week and getting ready for the con, I didn’t have the next episode of the Magic of Eyri finished. Hooray for filler. Give the panel a listen, it is a fun time. Jon David, Rick Moore, Charles Zaglanis and William Jones join us as well.

Mirrored from Daniel J. Hogan. If something doesn't look right or show up, view the original blog post. Feel free to comment here or on the original post

A Fistful of Costumes: Part One – Danny, Get Yer Gun

Days Until Halloween: 30

I decided the heck with it and ordered the non-firing Colt Single Action Army replica, the leather gun belt/holster and the brass dummy rounds for my Man with No Name costume.

After a lot of searching online, I found a site where I got everything for about $130 (including shipping). Pricey I know, but one of my recent freelance articles more than pays for that (which is the whole reason I write the freelance stuff to begin with–to pay for goofy things like this). Plus, I was part of a focus group for the Lansing State Journal on Monday night, earning me a bounty of $25 for an hour of my time.

When I realized I could use the gun/holster for future costumes (I already have several ideas), I decided it would be a good investment. If anything, it will make for a good show piece at home, how’s that for a conversation starter?

The first website I was found had what I wanted for a few dollars cheaper (sequel pun not intended), but when I went to their shopping cart I kept getting warnings from my browser that their security certificate was expired and/or unreliable. I sent the website an email in regards to this, but I ended up finding a different website to go through and pulled the trigger on the deal (pun intended). I’m glad I did–it is looking like I might get my gear as early as tomorrow, which we be great because I could wear some of it to ConClave next weekend.

Only at a fandom hotel convention can you get away with wearing a gun belt all day. I may wait and wear it only when moderating panels or giving critiques for the Writer’s Workshop. We’ll see.

The website I contacted eventually responded, saying they were in the process of overhauling their site and said I could just pay with Paypal and directed me to their new URL. But the new site had next to nothing on it. I ended up paying a little bit more by using the site I did (maybe $10, if that) but the peace of mind is priceless.

I opted for the Cavalry model over the Peacemaker (the website’s names, as both are technically Peacemakers)–the only difference is the barrel length. The Cavalry has a 6 and 1/4 inch barrel, while the Peacemaker has a 4 inch barrel (start with the Freudian jokes). The shorter barrel was the favorite for trick shots and quick draws in the films and wild west shows (and was more popular with civilians), but since I’m not getting into any quick draw contests, I wanted the gun that had a better ‘look.’

Honestly, when I think of a Single Action Army, I visualize the longer barreled versions, because they had a more distinct look. Eastwood’s SAA in Fistful of Dollars had a barrel length of just under six inches.

I’ll take pictures of the gear once I get everything. I’m excited. I even watched Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More last night as research/inspiration.

My next big task is finding cowboy boots and a hat that is at least somewhat similar to Clint’s. Luckily, I saw that the local TSC store sells spurs at an affordable price. I was on the fence about wearing real spurs at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized it would be a cool addition (especially the sound of me walking around with them on).

The local costume shop has plastic spurs, but again, I want stuff that’ll last. I’m sick of spending money on cheap props that break easily (as I’m sure these plastic spurs would).

Boots could be an issue, as a I don’t want to spend a lot on them, but if I can find a pair of real boots for under $40, I might get those. I will hit up the Goodwill and the like first however–you never know what you’ll find there. Eastwood’s boots in Fistful aren’t anything fancy (which I’m thankful for), they are more or less basic cowboy work boots. Again, if I do additional Western themed costumes, buying a pair of boots would be a good investment (as would the spurs).

Stay tuned, I will keep blogging as I put the rest of this costume together and will have photos. I’ll probably do another Flickr set like I did for my Ghostbuster costume.

Mirrored from Daniel J. Hogan. If something doesn't look right or show up, view the original blog post. Feel free to comment here or on the original post

There was one part of the film THE WRESTLER that I really connected with.

It was a scene where Randy (aka The Ram) went to an autograph signing with other old wrestlers. Watching him set up his little table with all of merch and swag to sell reminded me of myself whenever I set up shop at conventions or signings. I've been there. Lugging all my stuff with me, hoping to sell a few books or even that at least a few people talk to me.

I have it a bit harder than The Ram because I wasn't super famous in the '80s and I'm still trying to break into the scene. But, the scene hit home for me, because I've been there. Thankfully, I've been pretty successful at the cons. Being on panels certainly helps too. I'm hoping to be on panels again this year at Penguicon (I have a few ideas, I still need to email them about those).

Ever wonder what it costs me to do a con? Well here ya go:

Books to sell: $114.37 (includes printing and shipping of books)
Convention Registration Fee: $40.00 (however, if I am on panels, some of this will be reimbursed).
Hotel: $94x2 nights = $188 (not counting 14% tax and other things)
New business cards: $32.82

Total: $375.19

Now the fun part: If I sell all seven books I'm bringing, I'll make $140. So, $375 - $140 = $235 in costs. I'm still in the red, even if I sell all my books. And that doesn't include what I'll spend on food, gas and perhaps stuff in the Dealer's Room (a "My Other Car is a TARDIS" bumper sticker, for example).

Obviously, I don't go to cons to make money. I go for the exposure, the networking and to hang with my fellow sci-fi/fantasy fans. Not to mention the opportunity to talk shop with folks like Jim C. Hines (jimhines ). Sure, I could possibly make more money if I brought more books to sell, but that would drive my costs up--and I usually average between 5 to 7 books sold per con anyway.  Also, I'm a cheap skate and I don't want to dump a few hundred dollars in books up front.  And more importantly, seven books (or less) are easier to carry around than 20 (which I did once, it wasn't fun).

My biggest expense, other than the books, is my hotel room.  I saved a bunch of money at ConClave this fall by not staying at the hotel, but I won't have that option this time.  Sure, I could stay at my parents' place and drive to and from the con every day/night, but that can get old fast--especially if I'm on a panel that starts later in the evening (which has happened before).

But I'll be honest, I missed staying at the hotel while at ConClave this fall. Granted I was thankful to save the almost $200 in room costs, but at the same time it felt like I was missing out on stuff.  And being able to get out of bed, shower and walk to your first panel of the morning is nice--as is being able to spend more time in the Dealer's Room selling books.

I'm very much looking forward to Penguicon.  May can't come quick enough. And don't misunderstand me here, going to a convention is worth every cent.

The rest of the Con went really well. I sold one book on Saturday and three more on Sunday (thus selling all of my copies, as few as they were). The panels went pretty well on Saturday for the most part, although the panel on Evil went into areas that I had not anticipated. I went in expecting to just talk about the roles of 'baddies' in literature and other media or why people like evil characters (like Darth Vader for example). Instead, those in the audience directed it more towards defining what is and isn't evil in real life, and should people be blamed for 'evil' things or not even if their 'evil' traits are the result of a chemical imbalance or other disability.  Yeah, not what was I expecting.   Shrug.

Thankfully, the panel on Humor in Sci Fi and Fantasy that followed right after was a hoot. I had a great time on that one.  Each of us was asked to read a sample of our humor writing and I read a very brief scene of mine that is a favorite.   And thankfully, the audience laughed. Phew. Personally, I think jimhines had the best bit, from his book Goblin War (I think it was that one). I'm a sucker for jokes about someone getting kicked in the groin.  The Online Publishing and Where Do You Get Your Ideas panels were equally fun. 

Sunday I had the Cover Art panel at 11 AM and unfortunatly it wasn't well attended (we had only a couple people) -- However this did not stop all of us from having a fun time chatting about our own experiences with cover art. I was in the unique position of being (I think ) the only one on the panel to have the most control over my cover, the result of my book being self published.  It was interesting to learn how things worked with the big publishing houses, that the author rarely had any say on what was on the cover and that it was up to the marketing department (there were exceptions though).  Very interesting stuff.

That panel ended early and I hopped over to the Dealer's Room to try and sell the rest of my books.  I had fun hanging out with Deb (and William) from Elder Signs Press.  I actually just ordered one of their books tonight when I got home (Hardboiled Cthulu) because I was silly and forgot to buy it there (I need it for research for my Novel Writing Month project).  At least I bought it through their site and not Amazon ;) I'm sure they'll appreciate that. I was able to chat with other writers and fans while in the Dealer's Room, and did my part to help sell books by other independent or small press writers (including M. Keaton's newest release, Calamity's Child. Firefly fans, check it out).  And better still, I sold the rest of my copies.  It is always nice not having to take any books home.  Yes, I only brought four copies but as I've said before, I'm trying to cut down on my expenses and get out of writing related debt by the end of the year.  Besides, four is around my average for con sales anyway (which in itself is still pretty good).  That puts me at 138 copies (that I know of) sold.

On my way out I chatted one last time with author Guest of Honor Michelle Sagara.  We were on at least three panels together and she had a lot of great information about the industry--not only as a writer but as someone who works at a bookstore too.  Before I left, she asked me if I have writing samples on my website.  I estatic (and probably sounded like a moron when I offered to just send her a copy of my book), but quickly told her that the first four chapters of The Magic of Eyri are online.  Later on I thought that maybe I should have a Writing Samples page on my websites and perhaps throw something else up there, or at least a scene or two from my short stories.  I am considering making the sample of the book four chapters from different parts of the book, as I think the later stuff is much stronger.

So to sum up, ConClave was a blast and I hope to do it again :)

 First day at the con went well--I got there without any problems and had plenty of time to kill before my first panel at five.  What a difference a year makes--this was the first con I went to (as a guest author) last October.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into, didn't know anyone and even went so far as to research fan conventions on the Internet before hand. 

Now I'm a seasoned vet and recognize faces from con to con.  People remember me too, which is great. I've already had a few people today come up and talk to me (including folks I've been on panels with in the past). 

I was upset with myself at first because when I arrived I realized I had not printed out my panel schedule and would have to look through the program to find when and where I needed to be (and being on seven panels, that's a bit of work).  Well thankfully when I checked in I had a folder with my name on it waiting for me.  The Con Programming folks not only printed out my schedule for me, but included a map of the hotel and a very nice hand written thank-you card.  Very nice. 

And what's also nice is that it appears that I'm signed up for enough panel hours to get my full registration fee back ($40).  I think I may not have needed to pay in the first place, but whatever. 

After chatting with several of my con friends and fellow panel regulars, I had my first panel at five PM on Blogging.  Michelle West, the Guest of Honor, was on this panel as well, which was neat.  We were joined by two other panelists, including Matt Arnold who is chair of Pengucion.  We shared our various experiences about blogging (and yes I realize the humor in my blogging about a blogging panel) and why we do it.  I had a great time. 

A tasty sushi dinner with the Girlfriend followed and I was back at the hotel in time to sit in on the Writer's Workshop for a bit. I read a story by a young writer and left some comments (I'm pretty good at suggesting story stuff/changes, not so much when it comes to the grammar end though). More time killing followed (made more difficult by the hotel's lack of free WiFi) and then I had my last panel of the night at 9 PM--Find a Publisher. 

I talked about self-publishing and my personal experiences with it, and hopefully I made some sense to the audience. 

Speaking of self-publishing, I checked my email tonight and saw that someone in Lansing wants to interview me for an article about self-publishing. Hopefully we can connect tomorrow over the phone before I'm locked in panels all day, as they are on a deadline.  Looks like Sara over at the Delta Township District Library mentioned me to the writer and passed on my contact info.  See kids, making connections helps out!

Today starts the weekend long fan convention known as ConClave.  I'll be there as a guest author and on seven different panels, ranging in topics from Online Publishing to Humor in Sci-Fi and Fantasy.  It'll be a hoot.  You can see which panels I'm on by reading this post. So if you're in the Detroit area, swing on by.  I will also have copies of The Magic of Eyri for sale, for a reduced price too.

And keep an eye on my Twitter page.  I'm going to try and use that to keep track of what's going on (I can update it via text messaging, neato).