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Back home after Calgary. Very nice show. Figured out how to solve a problem I was having with the new novel, and in the process discovered a new character who I quite like. Not sure how she’ll play out, but she’s fun to write, and she’s keeping Atticus on his toes.

The Russia/Georgia thing is continuing to get virtual ink. kali921, thoughts?

And then there’s the big event this weekend, what Gabo herself calls “the happiest day of the year”, Free Comic Book Day. Bride, myself, and the children will be at Gabi’s Olympic Cards and Comics from noon until…until rather late, I expect. Dashiell and Elliot are both intending to come in costume. I may post pictures. I may not. I may dare to eat a peach.

I’m not a big fan of posting reviews of my work. Figure if I post the good ones, I should maybe give equal time to the bad ones, right?

Well, I’m breaking my rule. These two reviews, in particular, of mercuryeric’s and my last issue of Checkmate, are ones I feel worth sharing. This first one, from IGN, and this one from Hannibal Tabu at CBR.

The ComicBloc chat tonight was terrific, and lasted four hours, with short breaks for Eric and myself. Something that Eric and I are hoping to do again when Final Crisis: Resist hits the stands.

So, this story has been slowly escalating over the last week. Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and this…I’m really hoping I won’t have to tag a disclaimer on the new novel saying “This was before the war.”

And in entertainment news, the new Bond film is having "http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7356916.stm">consistent car trouble.

I’m leaving for Calgary at oh-dark-thirty tomorrow morning, to attend the Calgary Comic Expo. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this show from everyone I know who’s ever attended it, and I’m quite looking forward to it. Hoping to score some Avatar: The Last Airbender swag for the kids, maybe a sketch or two.

Of course, this means I’ll be missing the Stumptown Comics Fest for the second year in a row, which means, once more, I’ll be out of town while Matthew Southworth is actually here. I’m getting a little worried that he thinks I’m avoiding him.

Last note — Checkmate chat with meself and mercuryeric at ComicBloc tonight, don’t forget!

There’s an interview with me up at Newsarama right now about the next thing with my name on it that’ll be coming out from DC, Final Crisis: Revelations. Look for a companion interview with the amazing Philip Tan, as well. If you’ve seen any of his art, then you’ll understand why I’m willing to use the word “amazing” to describe it.

So we have an official announcement, now, of at least one of the things I’m working on, Final Crisis: Revelation, five issues of 30 pages each, Crispus Allen and Renee Montoya sharing pages again, though each of them in a much-altered form. The Spectre and The Question. Has to go down in history as one of the all-time oddest team-ups ever, which is probably one of the reasons why I’m enjoying writing it so much. First issue is out in August, I believe, so yes, it’s a wait, but I think it’ll be well-worth it.

Here’s a little taste of what Philip’s doing.

I just realized that, by 15K words in the new novel, I’ve already racked up a body-count of 8.

Not sure what to make of that, frankly.

My brother sent me this link this morning. Disappointing, but, I suppose, not surprising. Thing is, I’ve been a fan of the Lonely Planet guides for years now, ever since I realized that the chances of me actually getting down to the Ice while researching the first Whiteout were pretty much nil. They had the only guidebook on Antarctica that I ever found.

Ever since then, I’ve relied on their titles pretty heavily to provide broad secondary research for the many travels of Atticus, Chace, and others.

Another reminder of the need to practice due-diligence, I suppose. Gonna have to read this guy’s book, I think….

Edited to add: Accusations refuted, though I’d think that’s to be expected.

Unbelievable.

Liar.

Here.

Along with a slew of other local Portland crime and mystery type writers, I’ll be at the Powell’s Books in Beaverton this evening, from 7:00pm until around 9:00pm or so. It’s looking to be a very relaxed signing-slash-Q&A, with questions moderated by the Very Tall John Walsdorf, of Friends of Mystery, an Oregon mystery fan association. Friends of Mystery give out the Spotted Owl award. I’ve never won, but I like John, anyway. Couple of my favorite local writers will be there, as well, including Ed Goldberg and Lono Waiwaiole, amongst others.

I know it’s short notice — I’ve been remiss in promoting this (hell, I haven’t said ANYTHING about my participation in this new anthology published by the MWA and edited by the terrifyingly good Michael Connelly).

Anyway, for a write-up of the Powell’s event and a full list of attendees, take a clicky-click here.