Master the Art of Monthly Goals Worksheet

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

 

Goals aren’t fleeting whims or lofty dreams; they’re the cornerstones of long-term success. If you’re like most creatives, your mind is a buzzing hive of aspirations and objectives. So, how do you wrangle these into a coherent plan? Enter the Monthly Goals Worksheet—an effective but often overlooked tool that I’ve found invaluable for streamlining productivity and realizing visions.

The Goal vs. Purpose Dichotomy: A Philosophical Foundation

 

I discovered the intriguing difference between ‘goals’ and ‘purposes’ during my junior college years, in a class that today’s lingo would probably dub a “life hack philosophy class.” A goal is a concrete milestone you aim to reach, like completing your next novel. A purpose is your broader life mission—like becoming a beloved and influential author. The exciting part? Goals and purposes can intermingle seamlessly. Your overarching purpose often breaks down into a series of actionable goals, and in a philosophy class during junior college, I learned the difference between ‘goals’ and ‘purposes.’ of his Writer MBA courses, including the eye-opening “Build a Superfandom.” The course featured a strategic goals worksheet that revolutionized how I plan my months and years. I can’t provide the exact file here, but I’ll share its foundational concepts, which can make goal-setting a walk in the park for anyone.

A Month in Review: The Structure of My Goals Worksheet

Celebrate Your Achievements

 

I kick off every month by revisiting my last month’s goals file. After saving it under a new name for the upcoming month, I dedicate the first section to celebrating my victories. In my monthly goals worksheet, list every achievement, big or small, and it’s always invigorating to recognize my progress. For instance, last month, I beefed up my series bible, The Creedverse, by an astonishing 90,000 words!

Self-Perception and Others’ Views

 

Next up, I delve into perceptions—both my own self-perception and how I believe others see me. Understanding these perspectives is not just a theoretical exercise; it actively influences how I interact with people both in personal and professional settings.

Envision Your Milestones

 

This section is all about visualizing where I want to go. I list down my milestones, framing them within various timeframes—five years, three years, one year, and then down to months and even the next day’s targets. This cascading approach creates a roadmap that is both expansive and detailed, making my journey less intimidating.

Uncover Your Unique Strengths

 

Finally, I focus on what I call my “unfair advantages”—those unique traits that give me an edge. These can range from your social skills to your writing pace, but identifying them is crucial. These advantages act like an extra set of gears in your vehicle, accelerating your progress toward your goals.

Confronting and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

 

A structured approach to goal-setting is not just a planning tool; it’s an antidote to imposter syndrome. Doubts and insecurities often plague us, but when you document your monthly progress, these fears become less formidable. Each small win provides validation, proving that you are more than capable of achieving your dreams. Even if you miss some targets, reviewing your monthly goals worksheet will show that you’ve made significant strides forward.

Parting Wisdom

 

Whatever your creative endeavor, your trajectory is yours alone to shape. A well-plotted course makes navigating to your destination far more manageable, and a monthly goals worksheet can offer you that invaluable roadmap. While I do highly recommend diving into Russell Nohelty’s Writer MBA courses for advanced techniques, my simplified framework should provide a starting point for those seeking structured progress. So, are you ready to convert your dreams into actionable plans and measurable milestones?

“Success will be within your reach only when you start reaching out for it.”
~ Stephen Richards

Strong Women of the Creedverse

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

Meet the Strong Women of the Creedverse

 

For those unfamiliar, the Creedverse is what I call the fictional world where my novel trilogy, The Adventures of Bodacious Creed, takes place. There will be additional series in this world. In fact, I’m writing a new Creedverse series currently: The Anna Lynn Chronicles.

The Creedverse is an alternate timeline where advanced technology began changing the world in the early 1870s. So far, the stories have taken place in a wild west version of my hometown of Santa Cruz, California, and San Francisco, California. I’ve done a lot of research and world building. In fact, my series bible on World Anvil, where I keep information about characters, settings, technology, and a whole lot more, is longer than 350,000 words already. That’s a ton of information! Don’t worry, though. The books are easy enough to follow.

So far, those novels are Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, Bodacious Creed and the Jade Lake, and Bodacious Creed and the San Francisco Syndicate. The current novel-in-progress is Anna, Daughter of Creed.

Now that we have that brief explanation out of the way, let’s get into what I’d like to share today. I’m highlighting three strong women in the Creedverse.

During the time of the Wild West, women lacked many rights they have today, and life could be tough. I write women the same way I write men: as individuals, as people. And, many have praised my portrayal of women, I’m happy to say. It probably helps that my mom is a strong person, and I’ve been close with lots of people of the female persuasion my entire life.

So, let’s get to these characters!

Anna Boyd: The Inventive Genius

 

Anna Lynn Boyd is one of the prime movers of the Creedverse. She’s the daughter of James Creed, also known as Bodacious Creed, the protagonist of The Adventures of Bodacious Creed.

Anna is a brilliant inventor who overcame a tough childhood. Raised by her aunt and uncle, who faked her death and convinced her father that she was gone, Anna left home when she learned of this, at age 16, to cross the United States from Virginia to California, working as a fix-it person. Eventually, she settled in Santa Cruz. There, after a lot of research, she created an amazing new material called celestium alloy. However, she was broke and at the time, the only work she could find, at age 17, was as a prostitute at a local brothel. Fortunately, the place was decent and the madam better than most.

Once she had her celestium alloy material drawing in power from the luminiferous ether, Anna shared her work with local mogul and technology pioneer Miles Morgan. She was savvy enough to get a contract that would make her rich. She left the prostitution business and went to work for Morgan. Her celestium alloy revolutionized steam engines and industrial tech.

But Anna’s not all about gadgets. She also cares about people. Returning to public life in 1875, she transformed her old workplace, the House of Amber Doves, into a brothel that was much more fair and protective of the women working there.

In 1876, when her father came to town and was shot, she found a way to bring her him back to life using her celestium alloy. While she may not be famous in the novels (yet), Anna’s impact on the Creedverse is undeniable.

Heidi Nelsen: The Community Anchor

 

Now, we move to a very different person, Heidi Nelsen. Since James Creed is the protagonist of the first trilogy, all the women mentioned here have a close connection with him.

Heidi represents the kind-hearted Christian soul of Santa Cruz. However, her religiosity cuts both ways. She has good intentions, but is judgmental of Anna and the sex work business in the area. Keep in mind that back then, there were far fewer women than men, and prostitution allowed men to enjoy companionship they might not otherwise.

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Heidi spent time living with her husband, Bennet Nelsen, in Texas, where Bennet and Creed were U.S. Marshals working together. Before Ben and Heidi were ever a couple, she had a romantic relationship with Creed. After that fell apart, she ended up with Ben. Later, Nelsen was stationed in Santa Cruz.

Heidi is deeply involved in her local church and always lends a hand in the community. When James Creed came back to life, thanks to Anna, Heidi gave him a place to stay. In time, Heidi accepted that Anna had saved Creed and came to be more tolerant.

Heidi’s legacy of kindness and community service endures.

Selena Moreno: The Jack-of-All-Trades

 

While I introduced Anna and Heidi in Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, Selena first appears in the sequel, Bodacious Creed and the Jade Lake. Señora Moreno is one of the few female members of the fraternal organization E. Clampus Vitus in San Francisco, a group that Creed gets involved with, and who help him solve some tough crimes.

Selena is a nurse, a skilled markswoman, and even runs a bakery. Born in Mexico, Selena lives in San Francisco with her husband Guillermo and other members of their chapter of E. Clampus Vitus, the Brotherhood of the Golden Cog. She’s participated in risky missions and is both caring and courageous. Creed regards Selena, who is in her mid-sixties, as the sister he never had.

Back to the Creedverse

 

So there you have it—three strong women, each remarkable in her own way. Anna is a technical genius; Heidi’s strength is her kindness and dedication to the community; and Selena is brave, supportive, and multi-talented. All three know James Creed and contribute in unique ways to the tapestry of the Creedverse.

So, the Creedverse isn’t just about steampunk gadgets and thrilling adventures. It’s also home to complex and unique characters, including these three women. They show that heroism, strength, and femininity can come in many forms. I think that makes the Creedverse a richer, more interesting place.

“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” ~ Audre Lorde

A Beginner’s Guide to Crafting and Printing Resin Miniatures

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

Crafting and Printing Resin Miniatures: A Fantastic Hobby

 

In recent years, 3D printing technology has evolved tremendously, allowing hobbyists and professionals alike to bring their imaginations to life with remarkable precision. I got into resin 3D printing when covid was at it’s peak, and this is one covid hobby I’ve stuck with.

One area where this technology shines is in the creation of miniatures for RPGs and personalized book characters. Crafting and printing resin miniatures is a fun and relaxing hobby. Especially during the painting process, it’s easy to get into a medative, Zen state. If you’re a writer or RPG player keen on designing and printing your unique miniatures, this guide is for you. Let’s delve into the exciting world of resin 3D printing.

Understanding Resin 3D Printing

 

Resin 3D printing leverages liquid resin which hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light in a process called photopolymerization. This process allows for intricate details and smooth surfaces, making it a favorite for miniature printing. That’s the basic explannation. If you’re curious about exactly how it works, YouTube has a lot of good videos on the topic.

Why Choose Resin 3D Printing for Miniatures

 

When it comes to miniature printing, the high resolution and fine details achievable with resin 3D printers make them an excellent choice. They can recreate delicate features, like the facial expressions of a book character or the intricate armor of an RPG hero, bringing depth and realism to your miniatures.

If you get a resin 3D printer, you’ll want a mono printer with a high resolution for the fastest printing and the greatest detail.

Designing Your Miniatures with Hero Forge

 

Hero Forge is a top platform in creating your own unique miniatures. It is a website that facilitates the design of your custom 3D character minis. You can craft unique characters by selecting from a wide range of options for physique, clothing, accessories, and poses, tailoring your miniature to exact specifications. You can even pose your characters yourself and now, it allows you to sculpt face details and create large or subtle changes in a character’s expressions.

While you can order the physical version of your designed miniature from Hero Forge, an economical alternative is purchasing the 3D file of your design for less than half that price. This file can then be used to print your miniature via a 3D printer, saving you money while affording you the joy of physically printing your creation.

You can also change the print size. Personally, when I print Hero Forge minis to use in Dungeons and Dragons, I print them at 115%, as their minis are at 28mm size, and I like mine at 32mm. I also print larger versions at 300% or 400% size so I have beautiful figurines of my favorite characters, which I then paint with miniatures paints.

Getting Started with Resin 3D Printing

 

Before you start printing, you’ll need a resin 3D printer, and appropriate resin, and a well-ventilated space to work in. You’ll also require protective equipment like nitrile gloves and masks to safely handle the resin, including the printed figures, until they’re cured. Here are the steps to get you started:

1. Design Your Miniature: Begin by designing your miniature on Hero Forge. Once satisfied, purchase the 3D file.
2. Prepare Your Printer: Ensure your printer is clean and calibrated correctly to avoid any printing issues.
3. Supporting and Slicing the Model: Before printing, you will use slicing software to prepare your 3D model. This software allows you to create supports, which are easy to remove after a print and allow the model to print properly. It then slices the model into layers and translates it into instructions for the printer. I highly recommend Lychee Slicer. It makes creating supports a snap (pun intended) and gives lots of options for how to slice the file so your print looks incredible.
4. Printing: Load the slice into your printer and initiate the printing process. This could take several hours depending on the complexity and size of your miniature.
5. Post-Processing: After printing, your miniature will require post-processing, which includes washing in isopropyl alcohol (unless you use water washable resin, which I do, and which works great!) and curing under UV light to harden the resin. I also recommend getting a washing and curing station, which makes this step much easier.

Painting Your Miniature

 

Once your miniature is printed and cured, it’s time to bring it to life with colors. Use acrylic paints to detail your figure, bringing out the intricate designs and features.

Start by using a primer. I like Citadel spray primer and tend to stick with White Scar. Once it dries, paint with acrylic miniatures paint. There are many brands, including Reaper, Army Painter, Citadel, and others. When finished, use a spray matt sealent. Remember to do your mini spraying outside!

Crafting and printing resin miniatures offers a fantastic opportunity to create detailed and personalized miniatures for RPG and book enthusiasts. With platforms like Hero Forge, even those with no design experience can create detailed 3D files ready for printing. Embarking on this journey not only saves you money but provides a rewarding experience as you bring your visions to life, one layer at a time.

“Learn how a 3D printer works. Get inspired. Make your own stuff. It is a wonderful time to be innovative.” ~ Bre Pettis

 

Modern Society Through a Steampunk Lens

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

 

The steampunk genre, a fusion of Victirian-era history and futurism, presents not only thrilling adventures but serves as a mirror reflecting our modern world. This is the case with all science fiction, fantasy, and horror, but as an author of steampunk westerns, I’m especially interested in exploring current issues through a steampunk lens. What makes steampunk a rich medium for exploring contemporary issues? Let’s unearth the layers that make this genre a mirror reflecting today’s society.

Call it Steampunk, or Retro Futurism

 

Steampunk creates colorful worlds where we imagine what the past would have been like with advanced technology. We also call this “retro-futurism,” in other words, imagining a futuristic past. This provides a foundation to explore where our society could be heading. By using a mix of history and imagination to look at our world from a different angle, it gives us a chance to rethink the choices we are making today. It can serve as an optimistic look at what we could accomplish, or serve as a warning. The comparison between the past and present encourages readers to think more deeply about modern society.

A Critique of Modern Technological Dependence

 

While we rely heavily on technology today, steampunk challenges this deep connection by showcasing a world run on steam power and clever machinery. Authors can raise real questions about our current dependence on digital tools. Steampunk invites us to think about how humans and machines can work together harmoniously, drawing inspiration from imaginary inventions. Essentially, steampunk opens up a conversation about our current tech habits, encouraging us to critically assess the choices we’ve made and to consider different, potentially better, paths forward.

Gender Roles and Equality

 

Steampunk goes beyond its characteristic old-fashioned machinery and explores deep-seated issues around traditional gender roles, similar to those from Victorian times. Female heroes break free from old-fashioned expectations, bringing a modern viewpoint to the forefront. Steampunk authors often write about empowerment and equality, and not just as ideas, but sas lived experiences of the characters, offering a strong message of gender equality.

Environmental Concerns

 

Steampunk fiction can also reflect how we treat the environment. It’s short stories and novels take us back to a time of rapid industrial growth, showing the serious environmental problems that can come from letting industries grow without control in stories that stress the importance of taking care of our environment through sustainable habits. It encourages us to think about the negative effects of not protecting our natural surroundings today. By looking at a period affected by the early negative impacts of industrialization, we can become more aware of the need to embrace green practices now.

Social Injustice and Class Stratification

 

In steampunk stories, readers often encounter detailed descriptions of communities where there is a big gap between the rich and the poor, showcasing issues that we see in today’s society. It’s a time of rober barons, similar to our world of the struggling poor versus billionaires.

These stories urge readers to question the deep-seated systems and beliefs that maintain this kind of inequality. By highlighting these issues through imaginative tales, steampunk invites readers to picture a world where fairness and justice are more important than a person’s class or background. It nudges people to think more deeply about the problems of our current society and to imagine a world built on fairness and respect for everyone.

Inclusivity and Diversity

 

As more authors explore the steampunk genre, their stories echo with messages of diversity and inclusion. Steampunk opens up a vast world where different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives come to life, encouraging readers to embrace a wider and more compassionate understanding of others. This genre doesn’t just offer tales; it presents a reflection of the varied and complex world we live in today, helping readers appreciate the beautiful tapestry of diverse experiences and narratives. Thus, steampunk showcases the ever-changing styles of storytelling, celebrating the deep diversity that characterizes our modern society.

Authorship and the Trend Towards Inclusive Narratives

 

The beliefs and ideas in a book or story reflect what the author thinks and feels. We tell stories through our own personal filters. Our tales are shaped by our beliefs and experiences. This is true for all types of stories, and steampunk is no exception.

However, there’s been a clear trend in recent books, especially in genres like steampunk. More and more authors are writing stories that celebrate equality, acceptance, and the rich mix of different people and cultures. Instead of just sticking to one perspective, writers are exploring many different viewpoints and experiences. This is a big change from older stories that mostly stuck to the usual way of thinking.

Steampunk is a perfect example of this. The stories in this genre are full of diverse characters, each with their own unique backgrounds and stories to tell. That’s one of the things I find the most enjoyable about writing my steampunk westerns. I have a large and diverse cast of characters from a variety of backgrounds, often working together. This doesn’t just make the stories more interesting, but it also helps readers connect and understand people from all walks of life. The result? Books that appreciate and celebrate our diverse world.

So, while every story is influenced by its author’s beliefs, steampunk these days shows a bigger picture, embracing all sorts of different people and ideas. This isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a move towards books that represent our colorful, diverse world. It’s about celebrating all the different stories out there and the value of being open-minded and inclusive.

In short, steampunk dives deep into modern issues by mixing history with imagination. It invites writers to be detailed and readers to think critically. This blend of past and future lets readers escape to an exciting world while also reflecting on our own.

“Individual science fiction stories may seem as trivial as ever to the blinder critics and philosophers of today – but the core of science fiction, its essence has become crucial to our salvation if we are to be saved at all.” ~Isaac Asimov

The Art of Crafting a Novel Series Timeline

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

 

Ah, the novel series. A towering mountain of story arcs, characters, and subplots, and you, fellow writer, are the architect behind it all. It’s a lot to keep track of, but you don’t have to keep it all in your head, or even just in your fiction. When you’re juggling multiple storylines that span across different books, timelines can get muddier than a rain-soaked wild west road. That’s why you need a novel series timeline, your go-to roadmap for keeping track of every essential detail. Let’s explore how you can create and manage your own timeline like a pro.

The Whys and Wherefores of a Novel Series Timeline

 

A timeline is not just a fancy tool for procrastination, and believe me, I understand how it can feel like that. I just finished getting all the major, and many minor, events from my trilogy, The Adventures of Bodacious Creed, into a tineline on my World Anvil site for my fictional world, the Creedverse. And now, I feel prepared to continue with the fourth book set in that world. Yes, I put off writing the novel for a bit to get this done.

This is your weapon to fight against continuity errors and plot holes. We’ve all scoffed at that glaring mistake in a book series where the hero somehow has two different birthdays. With a well-crafted timeline, you dodge these blunders. Your timeline will become the spine of your series, ensuring consistency and adding layers to your storytelling. Trust me, your readers will thank you, and you can weave your events together confidently.

A Timeline is Not an Outline

 

If you’re the sort of writer who creates a comprehensive outline and sticks to it, then you may be able to put the major events, and exactly when they happen, into your timeline before you even start the first book. However, you may be a pantser and figure your plot out on the fly. Or, you may be like me, an outliner who figures out the between sections as the writing unfolds and sometimes modifies the outline.

I add events to my timeline after a book is finished, edited, and ready to publish (or, that’s what I’ll do going forward!). That way the events are set. Then, when I write future books, I can refer to my timeline when I reference when an event happened. In some cases, you may create a narrative that takes place at the same time as a former novel, and your timeline will help ensure you don’t contradict anything that you wrote about before, and even link events that happened around the same time.

For example, in my novels, Bodacious Creed and the Jade Lake, and Bodacious Creed and the San Francisco Syndicate, it’s revealed that a character in Santa Cruz has been dealing with some difficult circumstances, but they’re not specified. Also, she visits San Francisco a few times. Now, I’m writing the novel in which those events take place, Anna, Daughter of Creed, and I need to make sure they line up with the other books.

Chronological vs. Narrative Order

 

Alright, here comes a big decision—when crafting a novel series timeline, will yours follow the chronological order of events, or the order they’re revealed in the narrative? Each has its own pros and cons. A chronological timeline keeps everything neat and tidy, but a narrative timeline can help you track pacing and tension. It might be helpful to maintain both; this way, you understand not just what happens, but also how it’s presented to the reader. Double the timelines, double the insights!

While, in your novel, you may want to skip around the timeline for the best narrative, I recommend keeping your timeline chronological.

Tagging Your Entries

 

I recommend tagging your timeline entries, too. In the timeline for the Creedverse, I do this. At the bottom of each entry, I tag it based on the book or short story in which the event takes place. For example, “In: BC1,” for Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, or “In: TOE,” for The Obstructed Engine. (You can read that short story for free, by the way. Check the sidebar of this blog!)

Timeline Software Tools

I highly recommend using World Anvil not just for your timeline, but for your entire series bible. You can sign up for free, and even create a world. On the free tier, your world will be public, so to keep information private, get a paid subscription. The prices are very reasonable. I have one of the highest levels and it’s less than $10 a month. Plus, the awesome folks who run World Anvil are helpful and absolutely dedicated to making the site as great as it can be for writers and game masters.

Revise, Revise, Revise: The Never-Ending Cycle

As you write new stories in your world, keep adding them to your timeline. It’s also Okay to edit it if you realize you made a mistake, if you’d like to add information, or you’d like to add a feature within the text, like the tags I use.

The Holy Grail: Consistency

Let’s get something straight: consistency is your best friend when writing a series. A timeline enables you to track every nuance, from character birthdays to the phases of the moon, should that be important in your world. It’s all too easy for small inconsistencies to creep in when you’re writing multiple books over several years. Your timeline becomes your reference point, ensuring that every detail aligns from one book to the next. As you’re writing, when you want to remember exactly when something happened, you can check your timeline instead of riffling through your prior books.

The Series that Maps Together, Stays Together

And there you have it, fellow scribes, the secrets to crafting a novel series timeline. Yours is more than just a useful tool—it’s an indispensable asset that can make or break the coherence of your work. So go forth, map out your series, and may your timelines be ever accurate!

Alright, I’ve dished out my two cents. Take these nuggets of wisdom and craft your timeline. Once you’ve got it down, not only will you breathe easier, but you’ll also find that your series comes together in a way that’s both satisfying for you and your readers. Happy writing!

“This tremendous world I have inside of me. How to free myself, and this world, without tearing myself to pieces. And rather tear myself to a thousand pieces than be buried with this world within me.” ~ Kafka Franz

Steampunk Aesthetics in the Creedverse

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

 

This week, I’d like to share the steampunk design and artistry that defines the Creedverse. I can’t wait to tell you about the inspiration behind the unique look of my series, The Adventures of Bodacious Creed, which comes from my ongoing world-building journey.y.

Understanding Steampunk

At its core, steampunk is more than just a genre—it’s an evocative blend of history and vivid imagination. Steampunk is all about steam technology and typically takes place in Victorian England or the Wild West. Engineers are like wizards, creating cool things that are grounded in reality, but still feel magical and strange.

Steampunk Aesthetics in the Creedverse

 

But this is about steampunk aesthetics in the Creedverse! So, I designed the Creedverse with the steampunk retro-technology as a key component. It’s a deeply interconnected world where the essence of steampunk is tied to its narrative and characters. From the upscale, sexy atmosphere of the House of Amber Doves to the intricate machinery dotting the landscape, each element is integral to the story.

Crafting the Design Elements

 

In the Creedverse, the gears and gadgets aren’t just an aesthetic choice. They make up functional machinery. The bodies of automatons are made of steel and hickory for durability. Machines created by Anna Boyd use thick glass, steel, wood, and leather straps..

While writing is my craft, I enjoy creating art as well. Alas, I’m not a terrific graphic artist. I’ve found Midjourney a great help in actualizing the look of my world. I’ve been using it to illustrate my entire series bible on World Anvil, in fact, and you can check out the publicly-available articles there.

Seeing the Creedverse’s visual language embraced and celebrated by so many has been profoundly moving.

Creating the Creedverse continued to be a challenge and a joy. Using steampunk style, I created a world that blends the past with imagination. I’m grateful for the shared journey, and I anticipate the many adventures and discoveries we have ahead. Join me, and let’s keep exploring the wonders of the Creedverse together!

“I’m not going to tell you how to start a bug-powered vehicle, I’m just going to put you inside one with somebody who knows how, and send you off on a ride.” ~ Kameron Hurley

Steampunk Zombies: the Science of the Creedverse’s Undead

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

 

In crafting the Creedverse, one of my core goals was to provide readers with a fresh, imaginative take on a time-honored horror figure: the zombie. By blending Victorian aesthetics with the intrigue of steam technology, a new type of undead emerged: the steampunk zombie. Let’s peel back the layers and explore the thought process and science-inspired foundation behind these unique beings.

The Genesis of Reanimation

 

We’re all familiar with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, which brought the notion of reanimating the dead to generations of science fiction readers. In the Creedverse, I wanted to pay homage to this foundational work, but also to introduce a new paradigm. This led to a shift from Shelley’s galvanism to a more intricate interplay of metallurgy, steam mechanics, and neural circuitry, to create steampunk zombies.

Introducing Celestium Alloy

 

At the heart of the reanimation process is celestium alloy, a fictional metal I created for the Creedverse with properties that make the impossible seem plausible. While the intricate workings remain part of the Creedverse’s mysteries, the vision was of an alloy capable of bridging the gap between life and death, perhaps by reigniting long-silent neural connections. (Note that there are various formulations of this alloy, and here we’re talking about the type capable of healing dead tissue.)

Shades of Consciousness

 

An intriguing challenge was addressing the spectrum of outcomes post-reanimation. While some entities retain their essence, others spiral into a maddened state. This duality serves as a narrative tool, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such experimental endeavors and the inherent risks of tampering with life’s natural order.

Ethical Dilemmas of Resurrection

 

Through the Creedverse narrative, I’ve sought to raise questions about the moral implications of reviving the dead. Where do the risen dead fit in to society? If there’s too great a chance patients will return psychotic, is it worth it to attempt to resurrect them? How will people treat these steampunk zombies? Though some answers remain elusive, the intent was to prompt reflection on the bounds of scientific exploration.

The Ripple Effects on Society

 

With the undead reintegrated, societal dynamics inevitably evolve. So far, the only resurrected character to reintegrate into society, the only successful human resurrection, is James “Bodacious” Creed himself. If there will be others, they won’t just be fascinating scientific experiments; they’ll also represent the quandaries posed by rapid tech advancements. Right now, Creed serves as a lens, allowing us to examine the challenges of a world undergoing profound transformation.

In developing the zombies of the Creedverse, my intention was not just to entertain, but to foster contemplation about the intersections of life, death, and science. While rooted in fiction, the dilemmas and wonders presented invite readers to and question the very fabric of existence.

Ready to read some Creedverse fiction? Check the sidebar and the homepage!

“It is only when they go wrong that machines remind you how powerful they are.”
 ~ Clive James

Summer 2023 Adventures: A Season to Remember

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

Father and Son Summer 2023 Adventures

 

Summer’s winding down, and if I could describe it in one word? “Epic!” From show-stopping musicals to diving into the wild, wild west, my son Clark and I took this summer by storm. Let me share with you a wrap-up of our summer 2023 adventures.

A Day with Beetlejuice

 

Thanks to a fantastic gift from my mom (she’s the real MVP), Clark and I hit the Pantages in Los Angeles to catch Beetlejuice: The Musical. Dark humor, horror, and toe-tapping tunes? Yes, please! The fun didn’t stop there; we made it to the Funko Pop store, a place that’s more of a museum than a shop. Dragons, Time Lords, and Star Wars Aliens!

San Diego Comic Con: Into the Weird West

 

Guess who got to be part of the “Welcome to the Weird West” panel at the famed San Diego Comic Con? This weird west author, that’s who! Clark and I spent two amazing days shopping, signing, and scoring some outstanding books, dice, and tees. We had an absolutely fantastic time.

Adventures in Santa Cruz

 

SSanta Cruz isn’t just the backdrop for my novel, Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, it’s home. A weekend with friends, Dungeons & Dragons, and beachy vibes? Pure bliss. The traffic on both 101 and I-5 was terrible, but to see everyone and have so much fun, it was worth the added driving.

School, Novels, and World Building

 

With summer wrapped and school back in session, I’m diving headfirst into my latest novel, “Anna, Daughter of Creed.” Plus, keeping the Creedverse straight with World Anvil (highly recommended for authors and game masters).

Final Thoughts

 

From the Tardis to tee shirts, the Boardwalk to DnD, Clark and I made the most out of Summer 2023. Now, with a heart full of memories and a playlist full of Beetlejuice, we’re gearing up for the next adventure.

“A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking.” ~ Earl Wilson

A Weird West Author Turns 54

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

 

Reflecting on a Year in Writing

 

Well, folks, in just three days, I’ll be turning 54! I’m excited about it. A lot has happened since my 53rd birthday, with so many achievements to celebrate and lessons learned along the way.

Publishing and Writing

 

Where to start when reflecting on a year in writing? Well, one of the biggest highlights of the past year was publishing the final installment in the first Bodacious Creed series, Bodacious Creed and the San Francisco Syndicate. It required a lot of perseverance and dedication, but the satisfaction of getting the book finished, published, and in the hands of readers is priceless. The process, as always, had its challenges, especially tying up all loose ends while introducing new characters and elements. The response from readers has been fantastic.

As one project concluded, another began. I embarked on writing the next Creedverse novel, Anna, Daughter of Creed. Juggling events that coincide with those in Bodacious Creed and the Jade Lake and Bodacious Creed and the San Francisco Syndicate, has been tricky but enjoyable. It’s a puzzle that has stretched my abilities as a writer in a way that I find incredibly exciting.

Story Bundle

 

Another huge milestone was having Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western included in a Story Bundle that sold over 400 copies. As my first experience with Story Bundle, I was thrilled by the response. It was an honor to be in the company of other talented authors like K.C. Grifant and Tammy Salyer, and I can’t wait to collaborate with them more in the future.

World Anvil

 

Working with World Anvil has been an absolute game-changer for me this year. I’ve been able to develop and organize a vast and detailed bible for the Creedverse, complete with beautiful illustrations and in-depth articles. What I love the most about World Anvil is how it enhances my writing process, turning world-building into an interactive, engaging, and visually appealing task. How much information is in my series bible? So far, it’s at about 275,000 words!

I had the pleasure of meeting World Anvil creators, Janet Forbes and Demitris Havlidis, at the World Anvil meetup in Long Beach this year. The get-together was an exhilarating experience. They are amazing creators, entrepreneurs, and people who have shown me immense kindness and support. Our interactions have only deepened my appreciation for the platform and its impact on my work.

A particularly memorable moment was joining the World Anvil podcast to discuss “Creating Autistic Characters.” Being able to share my insights as an author, autism parent, and a neurodivergent person myself was a significant milestone. The questions we fielded from our audience, many of whom are also on the spectrum, were thoughtful and provocative. I’m glad to contribute to an important conversation about representation in fiction.

San Diego Comic Con 2023

 

This year also marked my first foray into the exciting world of San Diego Comic Con, where I had the honor of being part of a panel, “Welcome to the Weird West.” Besides the books, dice, and tees we bought, the real highlight was the wonderful people we met and the wealth of knowledge we shared. It was thrilling to see our fandom growing and having the opportunity to share my love for the weird west genre.

Reflecting on this past year, the lesson that resonates with me most is the power of perseverance. As long as I continue to write, to share my stories and welcome more people into the world of my fiction, I’ll keep moving forward in my career.

Onward to 54!

 

Looking ahead to my 54th year, I have big plans. I’ll be running a Kickstarter for “Anna, Daughter of Creed,” finishing and publishing the book, and starting “Anna, Sister of Doves.” I’m also looking forward to vending at LosCon in November and hopefully attending San Diego Comic Con in 2024. It’s going to be an exciting year, and I can’t wait to bring you all along for the journey.

As I stand on the precipice of another year of life, I am filled with gratitude for my experiences, for the incredible people I’ve met, and for the chance to do what I love—writing.

Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to many more shared stories, shared adventures, and shared years to come. Here’s to 54, and to the new adventures it brings!

“It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.” ~ Gabriel García Márquez

An Epic Adventure at San Diego Comic Con 2023: Unforgettable Moments and Treasured Encounters

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

 

Hello everyone!

It’s been quite the adventure recently, one that took us on an epic journey to the hub of pop culture – San Diego Comic Con 2023. As a fervent fan of all things comic, fantasy, and science fiction, this experience was amazing. Today, I’m excited to share the magic of my journey, the unforgettable moments, and the treasure trove of memories my son and I collected along the way.

It was only two days at the bustling, energetic San Diego Comic Con, but boy, did it leave an impression. This was not just an event, it was a whirlwind of experiences, a mecca of creativity, a platform for the ingenious minds of our era, and a space where fantasy comes to life.

The Journey to San Diego Comic Con 2023 Begins: Thursday

 

Our adventure kicked off on Thursday, July 20, with meeting my long-time friend, Kevin Andrew Murphy. With 15 years (or so!) since our last face-to-face encounter, it was a heartwarming reunion. We headed to an Irish pub for a hearty meal before indulging our sweet tooth at Ghirardelli Square. The day concluded with the Comic Legal Defense Fund party, where another friend, Russell Nohelty, made a welcome appearance. Both Kevin and Russell are talented writers who breathe life into their characters and stories, making the worlds they create compellingly real.

Friday’s Frenzy: The Weird West Panel

 

Friday was a whirl of excitement as I got to participate in the “Welcome to the Weird West” panel. I found myself surrounded by talented authors, each with their unique perspective on this intriguing genre the group of us have chosen for our stories. Post-panel, we headed to the autograph hall for signings. It was here I got to meet readers and fans, a humbling experience that reminded me of one reason I write – to connect with you all!

The Dealers Room, or The Exhibition Hall?

 

In any other convention, it’d be the dealer’s room, but the enormity of the exhibition space at SDCC seems to call for a grander title. Yes, those of us who’ve been to a lot of smaller cons still called it the dealers room. Here, however, it’s officially known as the exhibition hall. It was breathtaking, and gigantic. Hearing about it doesn’t prepare you for the enormity of this place. A guidebook and the Comic Con app helped us navigate the space, leading us to books, merchandise, and fascinating people.

Treasures Galore: A Shopping Spree

 

SDCC wouldn’t be complete without bringing home souvenirs. From graphic novels to tees and dice sets, we found treats for both my son and me. I traded a copy of the first novel in my steampunk zombie western trilogy, Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, for Phil Foglio’s first Girl Genius graphic novel. I’ve been a fan of Phil for a long time and was delighted to meet him in person. I also got to meet David Lucarelli, author of Tinsel Town. I purchased Russell Nohelty’s Cthulhu is Hard to Spell series, and bought my son a huge, hardcover The Flash omnibus. (He loves graphic novels!)

Cosplayer Encounters

 

Among the whirlwind of experiences, the sight of cosplayers brought the characters we all adore from page and screen to real life. Although I didn’t manage to capture many, I snapped a few pictures that encapsulate the incredible creativity and passion in the cosplay community.

Looking Ahead: Future SDCCs

 

Having had a taste of the SDCC experience, I am eager for more. I’ve applied for a pro pass for future years, and though I’m uncertain about the process, I’m keeping my fingers crossed. The opportunity to immerse myself in this fantastical realm again is too enticing to pass up!

Closing the Chapter

 

And so, our journey at San Diego Comic Con 2023 ended, leaving us with memories to cherish and experiences to look back on fondly. I hope this recounting brought you a piece of the magic that is Comic Con.

 

“If the world was a bit more like Comic Com, we’d all be a little happier.” ~ Matt Smith\

Finally, here are some pictures from our panel, taken by Jason Liu.