Tag Archives: Jason Harris

Dec 3 2012

My Time at the Rhode Island Comic Con

My Time at the Rhode Island Comic Con

by Rob Watts

Myself, Jason Harris, Stacey Longo, Scott Goudsward and Kristi Petersen Schoonover began the task of painstakingly arranging our table in a manner of which patrons would … oh, who am I kidding? We threw it all together and if something fell on the floor, then it probably didn’t belong there in the first place. Our booth did look pretty diversely kick-ass! In addition to our own books, we had action figures, DVD’s, movie adaptation novels and of course, comic books. We were prepared for anyone and anything that came our way that weekend. Or were we?

Well, nothing could have prepared me for the 9am stroll through “Celebrity” alley just prior to the show’s opening. Stacey and I took it upon ourselves to stalk a couple of former stars while attempting to flee from a couple of others. “Oh boy, time has not been generous to that one” was uttered more than a few times. But there were a couple of highlights during that brisk wander. For instance, did you know that Mitzi Kapture (of TV’s Silk Stalkings) is married to Seinfeld’s The Soup Nazi? Well, she is and they are both wonderfully kind people. Also wonderfully kind, yet extremely happy, was Gil Gerard of the classic 1970s sci-fi series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. He was very gentlemanly as he reached out to shake both our hands but was quick to point out that he was selling Buck Rogers coffee mugs, baseball caps, lunch boxes, toilet paper and anything else you could put the name Buck Rogers on. As big of a turn off as this might have been, I still couldn’t believe “Buck Rogers” was in front of me, talking to me and trying to sell me a bunch of worthless crap. I couldn’t wait to see what other surprises were in store.

The doors opened to everyone at 10am and within 15 minutes, the aisles were flooded with convention goers. The booth blocking rule had a moratorium placed on it for the weekend due to the fact that people were streaming past us left and right all day long. We were perfectly happy behind the table all day, in our “safe haven.” People watching was a perfect ten as every super hero, comic book, anime, movie or TV character you could ever imagine was represented. To my delight, a different Captain America walked by me on an average of every 22 minutes. Star Wars characters were high in attendance and Jason Harris and I spent much of the two days debating on which guys at the con wore the best Bane character get-up. Of course, I can’t forget to mention the best dressed guys at the convention. Kristi’s all-time favorite tribute band, KISS Forever!

Venders were plentiful, and although their tables became repetitive after a while, they did have some amazing items for sale which could make even the least sentimental person nostalgic. I for one was tempted to plunk down fifty dollars for a near-mint Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle, but don’t judge me. The toy venders, however, had some competition at the NEHW booth. Scott unloaded a fair amount of his action figure collection throughout the event’s two-day run.

Some cool cars were on display in the lobby such as the Ghostbusters Mobile, the Adam West era Batmobile and two Delorians from the Back to the Future films. Speaking of Back to the Future, I got to meet and chat with actress Claudia Wells who played Michael J Fox’s girlfriend in the first film. She’s still very lovely and very cool. Speaking of cool, we got to chat it up with former pro wrestler Hacksaw Jim Duggan. He had some interesting stories about his glory days in the ring, including the “Montreal Screw job” and his relationship with Vince McMahon. Bottom line, he was very likeable.

Word at the convention was they had sold around 5000 tickets in advance. 12,000 people attended the convention just Saturday alone. This was RICC’s first year and it went off with a bang. Although it was a long two days for us in Providence, I think it’s safe to say we all had a great time. Kristi finally got to meet Dirk Benedict, I met my now-current co-writer on an upcoming project, Scott finally sold his giant King Kong action figure, Stacey got to hang out with Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Jason learned never to order a 30 dollar Filet Mignon from McCormick & Schmick’s when he’s starving. That’s a different story for a different day.

Nov 27 2012

My Time in Billerica

My Time in Billerica

by Rob Watts

As me, Jason Harris and Stacey Longo entered the doors of a tiny little church on a quiet side street in Billerica, MA; we were slightly confused as to where we were having our NEHW book signing. The address was correct, our GPS’s sent us to the same place, yet this wasn’t our usual style of venue to promote ourselves and our work. We called out “hello?” a couple of times but our calls went unanswered. Finally we saw a door to our right which read “No shoes allowed in the studio.” Of course, it only felt right to walk right through the door, shoes on and all. Upon entering the room, the three of us stood with our mouths hanging open, completely dumbfounded by what had laid before us. It was a room full of chairs, Halloween decorations, candles, a podium and a table full of food. A few seconds later, we were happily greeted by Alan Kessler and his wonderful family who were lovingly setting up the room for our arrival. ‘This is too nice for the likes of us’ I thought.

Alan Kessler, a NEHW member mentioned back in August during his first NEHW event in Middletown, Connecticut, that he’d like to contribute to the organization in some way, shape or form. He didn’t want to just be a stagnant member in good standing. He wanted to organize a different type of event for us to participate in; one that would cater more towards us as authors rather than exhibitors at trade shows. It was a nice gesture on Alan’s part, but although his intentions sounded sincere, it was unsure if such an event would take place. Three weeks later, sure enough, Alan had sent word that his event was a go and invited any NEHW member to participate. I am not lying when I say; Alan and his family went above and beyond what we might have expected. In addition to the above mentioned ambiance, Alan invited many of his neighboring book lovers, as well as a reporter from a local Billerica newspaper to cover the event. Every seat in the converted old church (and Alan’s current karate school) was filled with bodies. It was nice that people had come to see us, rather than just stumble upon us.

The event began with the participating author’s conducting a live reading from their books in front of the audience. I read a short story of mine called “Carman.” Tracy Carbone read from her latest book Restitution, followed by Stacey Longo reading from her children’s book Pookie and the Lost and Found Friend. We had a newcomer to the event that day as well. Author Rob Smales joined us for his first event and read a short story of his which is featured in The Ghost is the Machine. Alan, who very well could have shed a little spotlight on himself by reading from his own book A Satan Carol, graciously declined, as the event was about us, not him. We all thought that was a thoughtful and unselfish gesture.

After the readings, the audience was encouraged to visit our table at the back of the room to browse our book selections. It was an overwhelming rush of people at one time, who kindly purchased books and spoke to the authors. Food and beverages were available to the visitors which allowed for more interaction before the day drew to a close. I must really give Alan big thanks for what he and his family did for us that day. He opened up his place of business to us and his friends and gave us a beautiful venue to present our work. We’ll never forget that day.

Nov 20 2012

Author Speaks to Students

On Nov. 8, Stacey Longo, author and Co-chair of the New England Horror Writers, spoke to a couple of groups of students at the Putnam Middle School. She read her children’s book, Pookie and the Lost and Found Friend, to them.

Author Stacey Longo signing a book for a young fan. Photo by Jason Harris.

Author surrounded by readers. Photo by Jason Harris.

Photo by Jason Harris.

Author Stacey Longo reading her book, Pookie and the Lost and Found Friend. Photo by Jason Harris.

Photo by Jason Harris.

Along with writing stories and books, Longo is the co-owner of a bookstore, Books and Boos, which opens its doors Tuesday, Nov. 20. The store is located at 514 Westchester Road in Colchester, Connecticut.

Nov 18 2012

Pictures from Anthocon II

Pictures from Anthocon II

by Jason Harris

Half of author Jan Kozlowski and author Scott Goudsward.

Photobucket

Writers Stacey Longo, Andrew Wolter, and Barry Dejasu.

Photobucket

Artist Danny Evarts and editor Mark Wholley.

Shock Totem staff Sarah Gomes and K. Allen Wood at the Shock Totem table.

Author Rob Watts.

Author Gregory L. Norris.

Authors Stacey Longo, David Price, Craig D.B. Patton and Dave Goudsward.

The Goudsward brothers.

Author Tracy L. Carbone.

Authors Peter Dudar, L.L. Soares, and Scott Goudsward.

Author G. Elmer Munson (right) waits on a fan whose looking at the books on the NEHW table.

NEHW members Matt Bechtel and T.J. May talking.

Author Jack Haringa.

Writer Barry Dejasu.

Authors K. Ken Wood and Robert J Duperre behind the Shock Totem table.

NEHW members Stacey Longo, Tracy Carbone, Barry Dejasu, and Scott Goudsward.

Author T.T. Zuma (a.k.a. Tony Tremblay).

Author Stacey Longo.

Authors Bracken MacLeod and Andrew Wolter.

Author K. Allen Wood.

Author Kevin Lucia.

Authors Errick A. Nunnally and Stacey Longo.

 

Nov 13 2012

Anthocon 2012 Recap

Anthocon 2012

by Jason Harris

The second Anthocon presented by Shroud Publishing and the Four Horsemen happened in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, this past weekend. Once again, it was a good time. There were less attendees and vendors this year, but that didn’t impede the people who came to the convention from having a good time.

Once again, the Four Horsemen: Timothy Deal, Danny Evarts, Mark Wholley, and jOhnny Morse, put together a great convention. There were the usual panels and readings. This year brought some new program delights that included a film festival, art show, art demonstrations, and gaming.

The newest delight, which pleased a number of convention-goers, were the pitch sessions put on by Evil Jester Press and Post Mortem Press. A few New England Horror Writers’ members had a great response to their pitches.

Mark Wholley. Photo by Jason Harris.

The first Anthocon anthology, Anthology: Year One, debuted. Every author in this collection was at the first Anthocon. When Wholley announced the readings from this new anthology, he told everyone they would be able to submit to year two since they were attending the second Anthocon.

The after hour parties definitely had that Neconesque feel to them, which I know will make Deal happy since that is what he was hoping for when the Horsemen created Anthocon.
Hopefully, there will be many Anthocons to come.

Nov 7 2012

Final Pictures from Rhode Island Comic Con

Final Pictures from Rhode Island Comic Con

by Jason Harris

Author and NEHW member Don Franklin (on the right) with Kristina Gehring, his marketing manager, next to him at his table.

Author Rob Watts

Director Ryan Convery

Authors Stacey Longo and Kristi Petersen Schoonover with the Addams family.

Comicbook writer Craig Marier

Actress Lee Meriwether

Actor Dirk Benedict signing his book.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan signing his book

Author and artist Jason Robert LeClair.

Nov 6 2012

More Pictures from Rhode Island Comic Con

More Pictures from Rhode Island Comic Con

by Jason Harris

NEHW member Rick Silva at his Dandelion Studios table at Rhode Island Comic Con.

Author Stacey Longo behind the NEHW table, which had a different set-up on Sunday.

Author Rob Watts with Psylocke.

Actors Felix Silla and Gil Gerard at the Buck Rogers panel.

Gil Gerard

 

Nov 6 2012

Rhode Island Comic Con Recap

A Great Weekend at Rhode Island Comic Con

by Jason Harris

The New England Horror Writers participated in the first ever Rhode Island Comic Con, which from the crowds that were there this past weekend it will not be a one-hit wonder.

I heard from a lot of people that were happy that Rhode Island now has a comic con to go to. This weekend these convention attendees received an excellent convention with celebrities from movies, television, paranormal investigators, and even wrestling stars.

This convention had more people on Saturday then Rock and Shock had its entire weekend a couple weeks ago. There were two reasons for this. The first reason its the first ever Rhode Island Comic Con and the second reason is the celebrities they had. They had John De Lancie, who played Q on three different Star Trek series, Robert Picardo, who played the Doctor on Star Trek:Voyager and in Star Trek: First Contact, Nicholas Brendon, who was Xander in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and lately was the boyfriend of Penelope Garcia in Criminal Minds, Gil Gerard, who played Buck Rogers in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century and Dirk Benedict, who played Faceman on the television series The A-Team. There were plenty of other stars too. It was just too many to name, but you can always click here to see the other guests.

The crowds were like the ocean; never-ending and unrelenting. There were so many people I decided to just take pictures and not get names so a lot of the pictures won’t have captions. It was hard enough taking pictures with the crowds let alone trying to get names.

The NEHW table at Rhode Island Comic Con.

Actor Dirk Benedict signing his book, Confessions of a Kamikaze Cowboy: A True Story of Discovery, Acting, Health, Illness, Recovery, and Life for me.

Author Stacey Longo and wrestler Hacksaw Jim Duggen.

Author Rob Watts standing behind the NEHW table.

Raymond Ramos as Blade.

 

There will be another post of pictures from Rhode Island Comic Con, maybe even two.

Oct 29 2012

Pictures from the NEHW Reading/Signing Event at Alan Kessler’s Karate Center

Alan Kessler, the host of the NEHW event. Photo by Jason Harris.

The Podium for reading. Photo by Jason Harris.

Author Rob Watts reading his Kindle story, “Carman.” Photo by Jason Harris.

Robert T. Smales talking with Tracy Carbone and Stacey Longo. Photo by Jason Harris.

Robert T. Smales talking with Tracy Carbone and Stacey Longo. Photo by Jason Harris.

The NEHW table. Photo by Jason Harris.

Author Stacey Longo reading from her children's book, Pookie and the Lost and Found Friend. Photo by Jason Harris.

Author Stacey Longo reading from her children’s book, Pookie and the Lost and Found Friend. Photo by Jason Harris.

Journalist and author Louis J. Salome talking about his book, Violence, Veils and Bloodlines. Photo by Jason Harris.

The NEHW table being swamped by readers. Photo by Stacey Longo.

Author Tracy Carbone reading from her new novel, Restitution. Photo by Jason Harris.

Author Robert. T. Smales reading his story, “Photo Finish,” in the anthology The Ghost is the Machine. Photo by Jason Harris.

Rachael, an audience member, tells a scary ghost story. Photo by Jason Harris.

Author Rob Watts talking with reporter Angie Orenstein. Photo by Jason Harris.

NEHW members talking. Photo by Jason Harris.

Another shot of the NEHW table. Photo by Jason Harris.

Oct 23 2012

Two Authors to Appear at Marlborough Shop this Saturday

Two Authors to Appear at Marlborough Shop this Saturday

By Jason Harris

This Saturday, authors Stacey Longo and Catherine Grant will be appearing at The Shops at the Marlborough Barn in Marlborough, which is located in Marlborough, Connecticut. They will be reading and signing from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Longo will read from her story, “Private Beach,” which is in Epitaphs, the first anthology created by the NEHW. This collection will be on sale at the event. Longo is the Co-chair of the NEHW, a former columnist for the Block Island Times and the co-owner of Books and Boos, a bookstore.

Grant will read from her story, “Three Fat Guy Soap.” Along with being a NEHW member and writing fiction, she also runs a writing critique group, Central Connecticut Writers Group.

The Shops at the Marlborough Barn is located at 45 North Main Street in Marlborough.