Steamcon in Review

This past weekend was a buzz of excitement as we packed our bags and headed north to Steamcon II in Seattle, the second annual celebration of all things Steampunk. Apart from a brief foray into the city (because even we professionals have to pause to watch Harry Potter), we spent the entire weekend between the two hosting hotels - the Marriott and the Hilton - just outside of the Seatac airport.

Altogether, we were on seven panels discussing the future of Steampunk in publishing, the process of a book's publication from page to shelf, and the importance of an editor in a book's preparation. We sat with Nick Valentino, our own author of the Thomas Riley sequel being released in 2011; and Lisa Mantchev, author of the Theatre Illuminata series - a fascinating surrealistic leap into the magic of the ultimate theatre.

Just for fun, we also sat on some panels unrelated to publishing (because we do have a few other interests). From the Victorian Industrialization to the Crimean War to Steampunk as Modern Myth, the topics ranged widely. There was quite a lot to see as well. Costumes and crafts, books and bands, original artwork, inventions, and a host of other delights. If you couldn't make it this year, be sure to mark your calendars for Steamcon III. You won't want to miss it!

Steamcon or Bust . . .

It's only two days till we fly up to Seattle for Steamcon, and we are abuzz with excitement. Check out the schedule of panels and parties on the website for the delightful details of our upcoming weekend, and look forward to the updates as they come. We're doing all our last minute reading, packing, and general prep work in eager expectation of three full days ahead. Wish us luck - or meet us there!

Headed into the Holidays

The coming months are full of more than the usual holiday bustle. Between Teresa Burrell's full signing schedule, and the growing line-up of promotions and events for Jeff Sherratt's new release, we're almost full to the brim. There's always room for a little more, of course, which is how we're also able to work on editing multiple manuscripts for our 2011 releases while preparing to head to Steamcon 2010 in just over a week.

Here's a small list of some of the things we've been looking at lately:

Steven M. Thomas dropped a lovely review for Detour to Murder over at the OC Metro.

Jeff Sherratt's holiday newsletter is out, and it includes a rather intriguing giveaway from yours truly.

The Advocate's Betrayal has its very own website. Why? Because it's just that good.

If you haven't already listened in on Suspense Radio's interview of Alan Dershowitz and Jeff Sherratt, you'll find it here.

Riverside's Examiner took a look at Detour to Murder prior to Jeff's signing at the Tyler Galleria last week.

Join Jeff over at the famous Mystery Bookstore in Westwood tomorrow for an exclusive signing and discussion of the new release.

Steamcon or Bust!! There is no expressing the level of our excitement over the fast approaching steampunk convention in Seattle.

International Thriller Writers is hosting an online thriller roundtable for writers and readers of the genre. Jeff Sherratt is posting this week and next, but you'll also find our own Teresa Burrell and Mike Sirota joining in the coming months.