Podcast of The Dragon Hunters, Chapters One and Two

I've finally learned how to do a podcast and just recorded chapters one and two of The Dragon Hunters. There are a few photos and some music in there as well. The Music is by Matt Heider and the images are of course by my cover artist, Ciruelo Cabral.

Click on this link to go to the page where the podcast is located.

http://web.me.com/paulgenesse/Site/Podcast/Entries/2009/5/29_________The_Dragon_Hunters______Chapters_One_and_Two.html

Let me know what you think.

Best wishes,

Paul Genesse
Author of The Dragon Hunters
www.paulgenesse.com

My Writer Friends

Sunday, May 24 at ConDuit was a lot of fun. I got to hang out with a bunch of my writer friends—all cool guys. Pictured here are: me, Paul Genesse, Howard Tayler (just having eaten a chocolate nugget—hence the funny look), L.E. Modesitt, and Dave Wolverton.

We had such a good chat near my display table for The Dragon Hunters. I showed up to see my table and they were all gathered there eating chocolate nuggets. Yes, the power of chocolate is strong. It even attracts bestselling writers.

So, I was on three panels on Sunday, with these writers (except Dan Willis). One panel on “Red Herrings” (plot devices designed to throw off the reader from the truth) where L.E. Modesitt picked on me until I cried. Just kidding. We had a good time and it turned out great.

Then I was on a panel about what we writers are reading now. Very fun. The last one was a Q & A for aspiring writers. We had an excellent chat about how to break in and what to do to get published.

Overall, ConDuit was awesome. My favorite one ever. I met so many cool people and it was great. Here are some links to the pics from the con and the book release party.

On Facebook

Book Release Party:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=113955&id=583339135&l=bffa58f1ed

The Rest of the ConDuit pics:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=114076&id=583339135&l=867bbe57c1

Best wishes!

Paul Genesse
The Dragon Hunters
Book Two of the Iron Dragon Series
www.paulgenesse.com

JAWA ROBS FANTASY AUTHOR REBECCA SHELLY AT CONDUIT CONVENTION

JAWA ROBS FANTASY AUTHOR REBECCA SHELLEY AT CONDUIT CONVENTION

There we were, Rebecca Shelly( http://www.rebeccashelley.com/) and I doing our book signing on Saturday, May 23, (4:00 PM) at the ConDuit convention. Then this blaster toting Jawa appears and takes all of Rebecca’s cash and all of her books! He took the last copy of The Red Dragon Codex (http://www.amazon.com/Red-Dragon-Codex-Dragonlance-Adventure/dp/0786949252/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243235480&sr=1-1), and her remaining copies of The Brass Dragon Codex (http://www.amazon.com/Brass-Dragon-Codex-Codices/dp/0786951087/ref=pd_sim_b_2).

The Jawa didn’t want my books, which was kind of embarrassing. Anyway, we got through it and no one got hurt. Rebecca is fine, just a little shocked at being robbed by a freaking Jawa.

Anyway, Rebecca and I are offering a reward for anyone who identifies the Jawa. Whoever brings them to justice will receive an autographed copy of my new book, The Dagon Hunters. Rebecca will also offer a book, but not now. She’s all out . . .

Description of Jawa: 4 feet tall, beady orange eyes, brown cloak, black gloves, blaster rifle and carrying a large sack of Brass Dragon Books by R.D. Henham (Rebecca Shelley). Report any sightings here or to Rebecca on her website (http://www.rebeccashelley.com/).

Damn Jawas. They’re almost as bad as gnomes.

Paul Genesse
Author of The Dragon Hunters
Book Two of the Iron Dragon Series
www.paulgenesse.com

Gollum Crashed the Book Launch Party!

Gollum was very upset and claimed that I was a hobbit loving thief! I kid you not!
He did allow one photo after he ate all the raw salmon.

In the picture above are James and Allyssia Holland—two of my favorite kids.
If it ever becomes necessary, I will totally adopt them. (grin)

Anyway, the party was in the Presidential Suite at the Radisson Hotel Downtown, Salt Lake City. The ConDuit sci-fi/fantasy convention was the host and got me the room. The party was on May 22, 2009 from 3-6 PM, though more people came and we hung out there until into the evening . . . doing what fanboys do . . . talking about Lord of the Rings and all sorts of geeky stuff. Yes, there was swordplay.

Overall, the book release party was awesome! Thank you very much to all of you who came. I’m sorry it wasn’t on a better weekend to hold a party, as I know a bunch of people had other plans for Memorial Day. A special thanks to those who delayed their trip out of town to come by. I really appreciate it and I loved seeing you all. I’m sorry the line was so long and I apologize for the wait.

Anyway, tons of people came, over a 100, and I got to see lots of old friends. I also made some new ones. Patrick Tracy was my guest of honor and Tammy was in charge of the party, which went really well. I wish I would have taken more photos, but you can see some of them on either Facebook (a public link below) or another gallery with high resolution photos.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=113955&id=583339135&l=bffa58f1ed

Or see the pictures in an online gallery, where they can be downloaded as high quality images. Look here:

http://gallery.me.com/paulgenesse#100182&view=grid&bgcolor=black&sel=15

I wish we would have taken pictures of how the room was set up. I had hung a bunch of fantasy art on the walls (okay, three, all by Ciruelo Cabral—my cover artist); I had a real longsword displayed on the armoire with the name BLOODGUARDIAN posted as a reference to the first book; a replica of a Kukri knife (which was my inspiration for Drake’s Kierka knife in the Iron Dragon books); displays of all nine of my short stories with a large copy of the first page/paragraph beside them so people could read the beginning while they waited in line; statues of a griffin, a blue dragon, big ceramic dragon claws, and various other dragon items; plus lots of food and drink; free posters and bookmarks; a lengthy slideshow on my computer of images from the book trailer which will be finished soon; and of course lots of copies of The Dragon Hunters, Book Two of the Iron Dragon Series.

The stress of the party is over now, but I’m glad we did it. The book deserved a launch party and I wanted to give my best friends and fans a cool party.

Check out the pics if you get a chance. And don’t worry. I’ll be doing a book signing again in Salt Lake City in the Fall, probably in October, before I go on the book tour. My next event is June 5, in my hometown of Beatty, Nevada, where I’ll be the speaker for my old high school’s graduation.

Wish me luck!


Paul Genesse
Author of The Dragon Hunters
Book Two of the Iron Dragon Series
www.paulgenesse.com

The Dragon Hunters Released Today!

Hello Friends and Fans,



The Dragon Hunters, Book Two of the Iron Dragon Series came out today!



Thank you all for sending me your well wishes and for making The Golden Cord (April 15, 2009) the bestselling fantasy that Five Star Books has ever had. I’m extremely thankful that the book connected with so many people. Thank you again.

The best place to hunt for book two is on Amazon.com ($20.76) or get an autographed copy from my website ($23). At my book release party the books will be $20, plus, if you get a copy of book one AND book two, a copy of book one will cost $15, each additional copy will be $20. All six of the DAW Books anthologies that feature my stories will be only $5 each. The three Blue Kingdoms anthologies that feature my Pirate Witch stories will be $10 each.

Even if you’re able to buy a copy, please ask your library to order The Dragon Hunters. The most important thing though, is to tell your friends about the series.

If you live in the Salt Lake City area, please come to my book release party in the Presidential Suite at the Radisson Hotel Downtown. Here’s the details:



THE IRON DRAGON RETURNS!

You and your friends are invited to

The Dragon Hunters Book Release Party Friday May 22

When? Friday May 22, from 3:00-6:00 PM

Where? The Radisson Hotel Downtown, in Salt Lake City, 215 West, South Temple.

Across from Energy Solutions Arena.

Enjoy food and fun in the Presidential Suite on the 15th floor. The ConDuit Science Fiction & Fantasy convention will be going on in the hotel, conduit.sfcon.org and anyone can go into the art show or dealers room for Free. Books are $20 and everyone who goes gets a free Dragon Hunters Poster and bookmark.

Take TRAX, park at the hotel or across the street for $5 or less.

In The Dragon Hunters . . .

The last of an order of dragon hunters must track down the Dragon King’s daughter and stop her from getting the Crystal Eye, an ancient artifact that will destroy their world.

Read the first chapters of the novel for free at www.paulgenesse.com



Paul Genesse

Author of The Golden Cord and The Dragon Hunters

Join me on Facebook

The Dragon Hunters Released Today!

Hello Friends and Fans,



The Dragon Hunters, Book Two of the Iron Dragon Series came out today!



Thank you all for sending me your well wishes and for making The Golden Cord (April 15, 2009) the bestselling fantasy that Five Star Books has ever had. I’m extremely thankful that the book connected with so many people. Thank you again.

The best place to hunt for book two is on Amazon.com ($20.76) or get an autographed copy from my website ($23). At my book release party the books will be $20, plus, if you get a copy of book one AND book two, a copy of book one will cost $15, each additional copy will be $20. All six of the DAW Books anthologies that feature my stories will be only $5 each. The three Blue Kingdoms anthologies that feature my Pirate Witch stories will be $10 each.

Even if you’re able to buy a copy, please ask your library to order The Dragon Hunters. The most important thing though, is to tell your friends about the series.

If you live in the Salt Lake City area, please come to my book release party in the Presidential Suite at the Radisson Hotel Downtown. Here’s the details:



THE IRON DRAGON RETURNS!

You and your friends are invited to

The Dragon Hunters Book Release Party Friday May 22

When? Friday May 22, from 3:00-6:00 PM

Where? The Radisson Hotel Downtown, in Salt Lake City, 215 West, South Temple.

Across from Energy Solutions Arena.

Enjoy food and fun in the Presidential Suite on the 15th floor. The ConDuit Science Fiction & Fantasy convention will be going on in the hotel, conduit.sfcon.org and anyone can go into the art show or dealers room for Free. Books are $20 and everyone who goes gets a free Dragon Hunters Poster and bookmark.

Take TRAX, park at the hotel or across the street for $5 or less.

In The Dragon Hunters . . .

The last of an order of dragon hunters must track down the Dragon King’s daughter and stop her from getting the Crystal Eye, an ancient artifact that will destroy their world.

Read the first chapters of the novel for free at www.paulgenesse.com



Paul Genesse

Author of The Golden Cord and The Dragon Hunters

Join me on Facebook

Terribly Twisted Tales

Terribly Twisted Tales, edited by Martin Greenberg and Jean Rabe


My newest story just came out (May 5, 2009) in the new DAW Books anthology, Terribly Twisted Tales. I’m looking forward to reading all the stories and seeing what the other writers did.

I decided to TWIST the story by Hans Christian Anderson called, The Little Match Girl. She was the innocent street urchin who sold matches on the street. In the story she had her shoes stolen, was thrown out of a shelter by a mean merchant, and proceeded to freeze to death and die while lighting the last of her matches and seeing visions of what her life could be like. It was an incredibly sad story and made me cry as a child. I couldn’t believe how sad the ending was.

In my story, titled: Revenge of the Little Match Girl, the girl learns a better use for her matches. That’s right, I took the most innocent character I could imagine and turned her into a homicidal pyromaniac.

I hope you enjoy the stories!


Paul Genesse
Author of The Dragon Hunters
Book Two of the Iron Dragon Series
May 2009 from Five Star Books

A Story in Fellowship Fantastic Wins the Nebula Award!

Fellowship Fantastic


Trophy Wives by Nina Kiriki Hoffman won the Nebula Award!

This is a very cool short story and it won the Nebula Award for best short story of 2008. I’m so thrilled that my story, the lead story in the DAW Book anthology, Fellowship Fantastic, is in there with Nina’s. I’ve met her a few times and she’s a very nice person with some serious writing skills. I recall a breakfast I had with her a few years ago at a World Fantasy Convention, and I also recall a story she read at a reading at the con. I still remember it today. I thought she as very witty, though humble, and intelligent. Those qualities show in her writing and I think reading her work is a good idea.

I just reread Trophy Wives yesterday and really enjoyed it. The writing is smooth, so interesting and original. The story is set in the distant future and is about a woman (actually a few women) living out their lives and dealing with the intricacies of their culture and their lot in life. The story was just so damn original and I don’t want to spoil it here. Please check it out.

There are lot of great stories in the book. I also enjoyed Cirque de Lumiere by Brad Beaulieu, which I also just reread. It’s a fascinating science fiction story about a group of traveling circus performers.

My story in the anthology is called Almost Brothers, and is about Finn, a 12 year old boy who is an orphan and a refugee. Finn and his best friend, Owen are taking care of a group of ten refugee orphans. It’s dark fantasy and I very much hope for it to be the first chapter of a novel that I write someday.

Anyway, please pick up a copy of Fellowship Fantastic. If you know me and live around here, I sell them for $5, or on my website for a little more because of shipping. I’ll have them for sale at my book release party on May 22. I hope to see you there.

Best wishes,

Paul Genesse
Author of The Dragon Hunters
Book Two of the Iron Dragon Series
Five Star Books, May 2009

Star Trek

Hello Friends,


I just got back from seeing the new Star Trek (2009) and this movie was incredible--as the majority of professional movie critics have said already. The writing, casting, acting, and special effects were amazing. The only thing I found difficult was the constantly moving camera, which caused a slight motion-sickness effect, since my wife and I were sitting too close at first. We moved to the back row of our small theater and the effect almost went totally away.

Purists will always find fault, as they did with the Lord of the Rings movies, but now is not the time for Star Trek fans to turn on their franchise and quibble about how Kirk shouldn't be Captain of the Enterprise at this point in time. The old show and movies will always be there and they can enjoy them forever.

This movie will bring a legion of new fans to Star Trek--and that was the point--to energize a new generation and bring back the excitement. Kids who see this will beg their parents to rent the old movies so they can see the "alternate universe" that Star Trek used to be.

I predict that there will now be a renaissance of all things Star Trek. This movie is going to be huge and we can only hope the sequels will be as good or better.

I have one more thing to say about the new Star Trek franchise . . .

Live long, and---wait, how about this instead (wink to old Spock) "good luck."


Paul Genesse, Author and Editor

Author of The Dragon Hunters
Book Two of the Iron Dragon Series
(Five Star Books, May 2009)

Website: http://www.paulgenesse.com/
Blog: http://paulgenesse.blogspot.com/

Join me on Facebook, www.facebook.com
Editor of the Writer's Symposium Ezine
www.paulgenesse.com/writerssymposiumezine

The Dragon Hunters Contest Winners

Three people won The Dragon Hunters contest and will receive advance reader copies (ARCs) of book two. Several others won autographed posters and bunches of bookmarks.

The winners are:

1. Tiffany S. in Texas
2. Mason H. in Utah
3. C. Wong in New York

Thank you to everyone who entered and the offer still stands for free bookmarks and posters. Just send me your name and address and I'll send you as many 11x17 posters and bookmarks as you want. I'm trying to get the word out and thank you all for your support.

Best wishes,

Paul Genesse
Author of The Dragon Hunters
Five Star Books, May 15, 2009
www.paulgenesse.com

White Star--Excellent Book!

White Star by Elizabeth Vaughan

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent book!





White Star by USA Today Bestselling author Elizabeth Vaughan is an excellent book. I was hooked from the very beginning and finished reading it at 4:18 AM. Ouch! The writing is fantastic the Vaughan got her hooks into me right away with tense scenes and snappy dialogue. She has so many great opening lines, and closing lines of chapters, which really impressed me.



Most importantly, the main characters: Lord Orrin and Lady Evelyn are very well done. Orrin is one of those bad guys who the girls fall for. He’s dark, handsome, brooding and someone you do not want to make angry. Lady Evelyn, a High Priestess and a Mage, has serious power. She can throw down with the best of them and burn people to a crisp if need be. She’s one of those really cool characters that you love to read about.



The secondary characters are great too. Lord Orrin’s men are very entertaining, especially Archer, who can’t use his real name because of the things he’s done. I especially liked the fact that he had certain proclivities . . . no spoiler here.



The plot of the book involves the fall of Lord Orrin’s barony, and the repercussions of what the Baroness did—which involves undead zombie-like creatures—which Vaughan calls odium. Lady Evelyn, “Evie” is right in the middle of it all and Orrin can’t help but fall for the beautiful woman with white hair and piercing blue eyes.



The world was well thought out and I really liked the magic, especially the portals, which allow people to travel far and wide. It all fits together in a realistic way that I truly appreciated, as I can always tell when writers don’t do a thorough job on world-building.



This book is sort of a sequel to Dagger Star, but you don’t need to have read Dagger Star to get White Star, which should be considered a stand-alone novel. There are quite a few characters who appeared in Dagger Star though, so readers of that book will enjoy seeing some of their favorite characters return.



The ending of White Star was satisfying, and another storyline was opened, involving different characters. I look forward to the next installment and I’m definitely hooked on Vaughan’s writing. I loved her Warlands trilogy, War Prize is the first book.



Happy reading,



Paul Genesse

Author of The Dragon Hunters

www.paulgenesse.com






View all my reviews.