C2E2 Panel - Video

(Thanks to Beth for her excellent camerawork despite the less-than-ideal setting; also thanks to Cristal, Dawn, Daina & Michi for being excellent panellists) 

C2E2 Doctor Who Panel Update

Your Monthly Summary of Online Shenanigans

If you've been following this blog, you know I've been busy with convention appearances, panels, and all sorts of fun...but now that things are starting to die down, I thought I would highlight some of my online appearances and writings.

For example - for many of you, I appear to be "crushing it", or "the favorite phrase of egotistical douchebags everywhere". Here's my recent Chicago Now post about the myth of "crushing it".

Not only am I proud of my recent C2E2 Doctor Who panel (thanks Dawn, Shira, Karlyn & Phil!), but it's also been written up by Culturess and FangirlBlog. I'm always proud to see my name in print...yes, I am that egotistical.

(A note to Russian hackers - if you're going to contact me via my personal website, please don't write in Cyrillic. It's a dead giveaway that you're looking for me to send my password to you. I'm not that dumb, you know)

In case you missed them - my answers to Sean Taylor's Writer Roundtables on "literary pulp" and "classic tropes".

Also, when I'm not writing or speaking on panels, I'm discussing content creation and thought leadership in #ContentWritingChat on Twitter. Enjoy the transcripts!

Finally, if you missed my appearance at DePaul's recent Celebration of Slashers, click the link and order my essays. Trust me, you'll enjoy them.

Some C2E2/Windy City Pulp Panel Thoughts

From Left to Right: Phillip Salomon, Dawn Xiana Moon, Gordon Dymowski, Shira Raider, and Karlyn Meyer

(Note: some content originally appeared on personal Facebook posts...and it's kind of long).

Moderating panels is a challenge; organizing and moderating even more so. As many of you are aware, I've been busy organizing a C2E2 Doctor Who panel as well as moderating a Windy City Pulp and Paper panel..and my schedule continues to be full.

Check Out My Doctor Who Panel At C2E2

Yes, I know I've been away from the blog for awhile....but I'm really happy to announce that I will leading a Doctor Who-themed panel for C2E2!

Please join me and friends Shira Raider and Phillip Salomon from Chicago Doctor Who Meetup; Dawn Xiana Moon from Raks Geek, and Karlyn Meyer from Chicago Nerd Social Club as we discuss female representation in Doctor Who.

Details are in the graphic, and don't forget - I can also be a presenter or panelist at your event!

My Weekend Plans

After a week of working, writin' and election judgin', guess where this guy's heading....

That's right, C2E2! And not just as a convention attendee - I'll be leading a livestream panel around 11:00 am on Twitch, as well as the "Timey Wimey Guide to Doctor Who" Fan Meetup in S101. Look, I even have a cool Speaker's Badge....

Your Belated Doctor Who Day Present

Sylvester McCoy shenanigans at C2E2:

C2E2 2015: The Aftermath

I will probably be in the minority when I say this, but I thought this year's C2E2 was a bit....meh, as the kids say.

Let's put this in context: Friday morning was spent at a training, meaning that I didn't arrive until mid-afternoon, and I left early on Saturday because I had caught a bug and felt crappy. (Which meant that I treated and regarded several casual friends with a lousy attitude....and I'm going to have to apologize). But all the same, this year's conference left me feeling a little cold.

Part of it was a change in policy - there was no more Podcast Alley (meaning no Comic Related table), meaning that I didn't have a central check-in point to meet up with friends. Although this meant more space for retail/selling (and several pals did buy a booth), ReedPop's refusal to allow shared tables (and believe me - Chicago Nerd Social Club tried) really put a dent in that "convention community" feeling. Of course, it helped that several publishers offered free books (read: unproofed galleys), but it somehow felt a little less than inspired.

(It also didn't help that....well, did we really need a glorified food truck providing free samples of energy drinks? Or a poorly run - from what others have said - experiential booth from the third installment of a "found film" horror franchise? If you're going to expand anything, expand Artist's Alley - that was a really positive experience, and one which I think reiterates the need to support local artists)

But something did happen that made my C2E2 experience much better....and which should provide some great lessons for ReedPop. Sunday's panel featuring Sylvester McCoy and Neve McIntosh from Doctor Who was supposed to go smoothly....but McCoy, ever the anarchist, decided to leave the stage and take questions directly from the audience. I was fortunate enough to take video (see below), but I think C2E2 organizers would do well to realize.....conventions are all about those spontaneous moments as they are planned activities. And leaving more room for the unexpected would have made this year's convention much better.

This Week in Blogging Goodness

Don't worry - I haven't forgotten to blog; I'm playing catch-up with some freelance work. Starting tomorrow, I'll be posting my C2E2 review, a little bit about the latest Second City review, and some other information.

But first, Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy engages in some audience anarchy. Enjoy!

Where I'll Be This Weekend....

...photos forthcoming.

Adventures in Editing: Between Windy City Pulp & C2E2

Getting back into the groove after Windy City Pulp....and I had a blast. Next year, no split weekends for me - reading went well, had a chance to connect with my publisher, met some cool people and....well, basically jump-started my writing career. So much so that Monday morning, I was hired for a really short-term consulting gig. Things are starting to percolate....but I thought it would be cool to highlight some of my other writing and editing work.

The Shadow of Her Smile Shadow of Her Smile by Jack Beddows. It's a nice, taut novel about a man involved with a woman during World War I. The fact that she's a vampire....complicates matters. Shadow of Her Smile does a great job of evoking that early style, while telling a pretty intricate tale. Available in both softcover and Kindle formats, Shadow of Her Smile is an enjoyable read available via Airship 27 Productions.


If you're looking for a great short story, why not check out Pro Se's Single Shot The Eye of Darkness (The Adventures of Dr. Shadows Book 1) by Teel James Glenn? It's good, it's relatively inexpensive (only a buck), and quite honestly - it's a pretty good story. Short, to the point, but more importantly - entertaining as heck.

And so now, back to the grindstone - as well as preparation for C2E2. So yes, pals, it's going to be awhile before you hear from me again....

C2E2: The Verdict....

After a busy time at C2E2, I have to admit that heading to a local pulp show actually served as a kind of palate cleanser. Although I had a great time at C2E2 hanging with my Comic Related pals (as well as Chicago Nerd Social Club)....I have to admit that I wasn't all that crazy about the show this year. In fact....I actually felt that there were some really disappointing and frustrating aspects. (One of which was....well, my own darn fault).

• First, on the positive front - both of the Chicago Nerd Social Club panels went exceedingly well. (Saturday's panel on sexism was standing-room only). Despite all of the back-and-forth on the Janelle Asselin controversy (and yes, more on that later on in thie blog), it's heartening to see a segment of fandom willing to discuss these issues openly.
• Guest-wise....I have to say that I felt many complaints about the lack of media guests was rather out of line. (After all, it's a comic convention - focusing on that might not be such a bad idea). I did think that there could have been slightly more diversity....and I did think the comments about the increasing number of wrestlers with booths was a bit out of line. (At the risk of gatekeeping, wrestling might not be so much a "nerdy" thing as a "comic" thing....and it was worth an effort.
• Saturday...was probably the worst day. It didn't help that one shuttle bus pulled up, was full (but announced another was coming), a second one drove straight by, and a third pulled up to take in a large crowd. Although more regular, this is...not good.
• My big complaint about Saturday morning - despite holding a press pass and having a 10 am appointment, I was herded into large line, and was kep waiting. (I had arrived at approximately 9:55 am). As the third line, I watched as two larger ones were let in around 10:00 am, and we were kept waiting for 10 minutes. As our line progressed, I could see that we were being recorded by a staff member with a video camera at the head of the line...walking backwards. I don't mind waiting until officially opening....but delaying a large group to "get the shot right"? Not cool.
• Not being allowed in early (despite having Press credentials) had a knock-on effect, meaning that I missed two scheduled appointments, was late for my Doctor Who panel (which had a bumpy start due to my lack of preparation), and ended up missing one of my Comic Related pals entirely. Yes, I am whining and claiming privilege for a complimentary press pass, but if I wanted to be herded like cattle, I would have attended Wizard World
• Yes, bags were checked, and I realize the need for heightened security. However, I question that strategy when several vendors sell prop and real weapons (including swords and guns) for cosplayers. (This is not anti-cosplay; I realize safety is an issue, but it seems like C2E2 is sending a very mixed mesage).
• Note to self and to fellow CNSC board members: we should do a bit more planning when having our booth manned. Working two booths is a bit tiring on my part, and I'm willing to spearhead that effort.

Admittedly, my experience at C2E2 was overall....OK. Unfortunately, I think the show this year was hampered by a bit of misscheduling due to Easter (having this and Windy City on the same weekend meant that one effectively "stole" attendees from another - I'll write more on Windy City Pulp tomorrow). I will say this - I was very disappointed in C2E2 this year. In talking with a fellow blogger, he mentioned that C2E2 was started because they could be an altenative to Wizard World
Although it provides a much healthier fan experience, C2E2 needs to work harder on providing value, because just claiming "We're Not Wizard World" is no longer enough.

Your Post-C2E2 Third Coast Comics Moment of Zen

No, this isn't a mistake - this was rescheduled for today. Be sure to head there at 3:00 pm today!

My Weekend Itinerary (And Online Mentions)

Ok, so I'm going to be away from the keyboard for a few days....since my weekend's going to be mega-busy. However, I'll be listing some of the highlights...meaning that even if you can't make either C2E2 or Windy City Pulp and Paper - of if we cross paths - you'll still have one heckuva time this weekend.

• On Friday, April 26th, I'll be working the Comic Related Booth (for the most part) at C2E2 - just feel free to swing by D1, D2, and D3 in Artist's Alley. Even if you miss me, say "hi" to Chuck Moore, Decapitated Dan, and the other Comic Related crew. 
• That Friday evening at 6:45 pm, I'll be attending the Opening the Clubhouse Doors panel put on by Chicago Nerd Social Club. (Yes, I'm on their board). Please feel free to come...and come early, because I think this is really going to be a great panel).
• Come to C2E2 on Saturday, make your way to Room S100A at 11:45, and catch the "Whose Doctor Is It Anyway?" session in the Fan Village. (Special thanks to Laura at Challenge by Geek for helping get the word out). It's meant to do what the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup does
  
  best - get people together and talk Doctor Who.
• After rushing around like a madman, I'll also be attending the Glass Ceilings, Missing Stairs, and Gatekeeping panel put on - once again - by Chicago Nerd Social Club. Saturday afternoon, 2:45-ish.
• On Sunday, I'll be heading to lovely, scenic Lombard to moderate the Publishing New Pulp panel at Windy City Pulp & Paper. Be sure to say "hi" to pal Ron of Zone 4 and Airship 27 Productions while I annoy a potential publisher about release dates....

But that's going to make me a busy guy this weekend, and yes, I'll try to upload photos when I get a free moment. Otherwise, hope to see all of you this weekend. 

Your Pre-C2E2 Support Your Local Comic Shop Moment of Zen

Heads up - event rescheduled for Monday. I'll repost this on Monday.

I Know Cool People - THE TROUBLE W/LOVE

I met writer Victor Dandridge years ago - at the first C2E2, if memory serves (other than frequent cries of "Sketch Battle!", I merely remember us hanging out at the Comic Related booth). So reconnecting with him at various other venues (including the most recent Dan Con) has been a sheer joy....and when I had the opportunity to purchase his graphic novel The Trouble w/Love , I did so gladly to support his writing efforts. Plus, it's what cool people do.

And I'm also very grateful I did so, because this book - available through Vantage:Inhouse Publications - is a real gem, mixing emotional complexity with some great superheroic action.

Most of the book focuses on a conversation between a superhero and his son....a very intense conversation, in fact, as the son is holding a gun on his father. It leads to a conversation about love, family, and the necessary sacrifices people have to make in order to protect the ones they care about. Most of the conflict in the issue is between the father and son....and the writing never hits a false note. Simple and poignant, the book's tone is very heartfelt, possessing an emotional core which is lacking in other comics. (Note - there is plenty of profanity, but used judiciously. If you don't mind characters dropping the occasional F-bomb, you'll be OK).

Thanks to Harold Edge's art, this is also a really great looking story as well. Moving between flashback and flash-forward, Edge is able to connote the passage of time and experience without relying solely on visuals (so it's more than just "current Apex Prime has a mustache/past Apex Prime doesn't"). There's a nice sense of pacing in this book, and there's a nice sense of layout. Thanks to Ryan Carter's coloring, The Trouble with Love always feels grounded in reality - it's a story where emotional stakes take priority over physical ones, and drama is created through a frank conversation over punching and flying.

(Although, to be perfectly fair, The Trouble With Love has plenty of those as well....) 

When it comes to reviewing my friends' work, it's rare for me to be super-critical....but I also try not to provide superlatives. So it's in that spirit that I say that The Trouble With Love is one of the few genuinely moving reading experiences I've had in comics for a long time. It's not easy, nor does it shock, but is one of the best-written comics I've read in quite awhile.

(Also, it's available in both hard copy and on Kindle - if you don't own a Kindle/mobile device, Kindle does have a browser-based reader - simply head to http://read.amazon.com after ordering, sign in, and enjoy!)

This Week In Online Content

This has been an incredibly busy - and slightly stressful - week, dealing with online attacks (I hope I've proven that I'm no spammer); losing a freelance contract while maintaining my professional efforts; and feeling a bit shagged out. But that hasn't stopped me from my writing efforts, and this week sees quite a bit that's been "in the hopper" for awhile, including

• This review of Thomas Goetz's The Remedy for I Hear of Sherlock. Not coincidentally, if you're a writer looking for books to review, you might want to check out NetGalley;
• Pal Michi has a cool write-up of my Doctor Who-themed session for C2E2;
• A rewrite of a Comic Related column for your consideration at Chicago Nerd Social Club;
• And, of course, the latest Chicago Now One Cause At a Time post

Have fun, stay warm....and I'm going to go see Captain America: Winter Solder...because I need a bit of fun.

Optimize THIS, Pal!

Right now, my life is getting "crazy busy", as the teenager say - between handling a part time freelance gig, calls for potential future work, organizing for some upcoming events, and potential C2E2 news (don't worry, I'll make an announcement when details are conformed)....things have been happening.

However, in an effort to maintain the high quality of blog writing, and to work my search engine optimization mojo for "Gordon Dymowski" and "blog this pal" (because there's a cybersquatting blog with a similar domain - seriously - but more on that later), here are some recent writings in various other outlets that you might enjoy.

• Knowing how many of my fellow fans like to complain about works that they don't like, I decided to look in-depth at two of them for Comic Related - two works which, in retrospect, contain a very heavy emotional charge for me. This past month, I focused on reviewing Star Trek: Into Darkness (as well as two fan productions), and in February, I took on the task of examining Sherlock Series Three and Elementary. (Special thanks to BBC Home Entertainment for providing a complimentary copy of Sherlock for review). And speaking of Holmes & Watson....
• For I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere, I wrote a really strong review of Fight Card: Sherlock Holmes. If you like Victorian-era Holmes, this one's a must-read. Seriously.
• A few weeks ago, I volunteered with some fellow Chicago Nerd Social Club members for Chiditarod, a "mobile food drive." Thankfully, fellow CNSC board member/pal Michi did a really cool write-up (with shout-out!) on Geek Melange. And there's nothing I can add except "Superman underwear"....and no, you don't want to know the context. 
• Prepping for some potential rewriting/editing on some soon-to-be projects; and
• Various and sundry other networking opportunities.

So if the devil truly makes work for idle hands....OK, Satan, I get it. Now, can I have some time off? 

Blog THIS, Pal - The Networking/Convention/Panel Roadshow!

Right now, even though I'm freelancing and still seeking work (more on that in another post), I am glad to see that, on the networking/social site, I'm beginning to develop a bit of a schedule. So if you're in the Chicago area between now and May-ish, here are some suggested events where you might be able to catch a glimpse of me.

(And don't be afraid to say "hello")

• This Sunday, March 16th, I will be attending Almost Pi(e) Day 2014, an event put on by the Chicago Nerd Social Club. (Note: I'm a board member). Whether you enjoy mathematics or baked goods, I think you'll find this a really great event. Details (including RSVP information) at this link.
• On Saturday, March 23rd, I'll be attending Day One of the two-day Dan Con, put on by pal Decapitated Dan. Mostly, I'll be apologizing to Dan and begging his forgiveness for missing Dan Con 2013.  So in other words...if you want to see me grovel, please be sure not to miss Dan Con this year!
• On Thursday, April 10th (and every second Thursday of the month until November), I'll be running the Chicago Geek Breakfast, a very informal/no pressure hangout/networking/get-to-know-you event. If you would like to RSVP, please check out the Eventbrite page for details. 
• On Friday, April 26th/Saturday, April 27th, I will be hanging out around the Comic Related table at C2E2. (Thankfully, I have a press pass). I'll also be attending two panels run by pal Michi of CNSC and Geek Melange, so I'll be making my way throughout the event. Of course, I won't be there on Sunday, because....
• On Sunday, April 28th, I'll be running the "Publishing New Pulp" panel at Windy City Pulp & Paper, where I'll be meeting with three writer/publishers whom I greatly admire....and fellow Zone 4 co-host Captain Ron (and yes, I'm kidding). If you're into the pulp fiction, you'll want to attend (and I'm hoping to pick up Altus Press' Inspector Allhoff 
  
  anthology)....
• Activities around the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup Group will definitely be picking up, since I have many plans in the works. Be sure to click and check out the site for details in the next few weeks, and finally....
• Just found out that I am fortunate enough to sit on a panel at Joss Whedon: A Celebration happening at DePaul University (my alma mater), on Saturday, May 5th. Clicking on the link will take you to a Facebook evite with further details; once I know more, I'll share them via the blog.

So although I will be blogging more, you can be rest assured that any prolonged absence isn't due to being too busy....it's due to actually enjoying the spring.

Upcoming Important Personal Appearance Pulp Announcement

Just a heads-up, I'll be running at panel at this year's Windy City Pulp and Paper convention - details can be found here.

(Here's hoping that it doesn't interfere too much with C2E2 - both are on the same weekend)

And now, preparing for Snomageddon: 2014 - Phase Two. Writing story for publication in the summer. Freelance work. And waiting news on publication (got an early heads-up, but want to wait for details)