Publishing Notes

Posted by Bob Greenberger on August 30, 2006

Whenever you write for a licensed publication, there are two sources of feedback – the editor and the license holder. Sometimes, comments for the latter can be mind-boggling. And then there are days when they make you smile.

This morning I got word from Moonstone Books’ head honcho Joe Gentile: “GHOST HUNTERS by Robert Greenberger. Excellent. Plot approved.” Now, they meant the finished story for Moonstone’s two-volume Phantom prose anthology, not just the plot, but it was a thrill.

Also, yesterday I received the go ahead from Leah Wilson, BenBella’s editor for the SmartPop line of essay titles, to write my third essay for the company. For a change of pace, I’ll be tackling a television show, Grey’s Anatomy and concentrating on Christina Yang. Deb gave me the initial idea for the essay so I’ll be relying on her help and insight as I research and write the piece.

The Demolition Derby

Posted by Bob Greenberger on August 29, 2006

The RTM Sub Committee met again last night and we spent another two-plus hours digging through the need for ordinances and the like. Once again, I came away with the pleased feeling that our town departments are committed people, willing to share their knowledge and opinions. Fairfield residents don’t realize how fortunate they are to have so many long-serving town officials, who have a collective race memory that helps the town plan and grow.

So, last night we tackled the issue of Demolition Delays. The idea here is to make certain that historic structures are not taken down without due consideration or that neighbors have sufficient warning to voice any safety concerns. Many towns have the ordinance and from what we saw from samples around New England, it made a lot of sense.

Until we spoke with Jim Gilleran. Jim strongly opposed the delay simply because there are enough checks and delays built into the Demolition Application that follows both state and local guidelines. Turns out there are a laundry list of departments and services that need to sign off in addition to adjoining home owners needing notice by registered mail. We debated whether or not historic homes were suitably protected under these guidelines and based on Jim’s experiences, we were well served. We were rather surprised, then, to learn Jim had not been asked before the Blue Ribbon Task Force whose report led to our sub committee being created.

When he was done, we reviewed where we were and how we were to proceed with our assistant town attorney, Eileen Kennelly. She provided some much needed guidance especially since Paul Fattibene once more raised the issue of what exactly our charge as a committee was. This was something I thought we discussed and disposed of at our July 24 meeting but he still had it on his mind. Eileen looked over Julie DeMarco’s draft for a stone wall ordinance, which once more led us along a merry discussion about the need for that or the tree ordinance – both of which I had thought we settled at the last meeting.

Our night ended with a review of calendars and some determination for the number of meetings we need to complete our work. With RTM business once more consuming two of our Mondays each month, we’re switching to Wednesdays for the end of September through October with the hopes of being done before Halloween.

My personal guess is that we’ll wind up writing and submitting several ordinances, none of which will contain the scope that the Blue Ribbon Task Force might have envisioned, largely because they seem not to be needed, nor do we feel it necessary to further hem in what home owners can and cannot do on their properties. I’ll say for our band of legislators, we’re asking good questions and listening to each other with great interest and respect.

Rained Out

Posted by Bob Greenberger on August 27, 2006

Well, that was certainly frustrating.

In order to enjoy our waning days with Robbie, we secured tickets to the Mets-Phillies game for today. We got up, prepped sandwiches and rain gear and headed out to Shea. The trip down was moist but not threatening and the radio reported the teams hoped to get this, their final meeting of the year, in before the serious thundershowers arrived.

We zipped down from Connecticut in about an hour. Since we were early, we loitered a bit and noticed New Era had a truck set up and was taking digital photos of people, instantly printed onto mock baseball cards. For free. We got on line, of course. There was a nice 22-point display showing how they make baseball caps along with multiple flat screens showing two different World Series games from days gone by (1978’s Orioles-Pirates, for example). Deb demurred but Rob and I got our pictures taken and they didn’t turn out too bad at all.

Clearing security, we entered the stadium, received seat cushions as the promotion du jour and proceeded to our seats. Turns out we were in the exact same section where we sat during the 2000 Mets-Braves playoff game, just Row K, not Row Z. The foul pole was blocking part of the view, but we’d adjust.

The rain changed from misty to heavy and back again during the hour we sat and kibitzed in our seats. Clearly, the game wasn’t starting at 1:10 but they finally admitted to a rain delay at 1:14.

As the delay dragged on, Robbie got antsy so he and I strolled the entire Mezzanine level, browsing at the gift shops, sharing a pretzel and killing time. A little while after we got back to our seats, I called members of the family, wasting more time and staying in touch with the world.

Finally, around 2:10, I noticed they had cleared the scoreboard. Then I spied equipment being taken out of the Phillies’ dugout so I knew it was being canceled. Sure enough, minutes later, they announced the postponement. We can’t use the rain checks for tomorrow’s makeup game since Deb and I have work. Fortunately, they can be exchanged for nay game this season or next so we’ll try again in the spring.

Deb and Robbie napped as I drove us home. Between the rain and the volume, it took twice as long to get back to Fairfield but we got home dry and safe.

At least we have a whole day together, which was the point.

Talkin’ Baseball

Posted by Bob Greenberger on August 24, 2006

First of all, Kate arrived safely in Cairo. We spoke with her yesterday and she sounds thrilled and delighted to be there. For those at all interested, she’s posting her exploits here.

Secondly, as August winds down and the talk of the baseball post-season heats up, I thought I’d share some views on my guys, the Mets.

Fortunately, they had a terrific April, which propelled them to the forefront of the NL East. This allowed them to withstand being swept by the Boston Red Sox and other bumps in the road without panic setting in.

The other fortunate thing the Mets have done is let GM Omar Minaya do his thing, which is to bring aboard players who can help with the team’s immediate needs. In the past, previous GMs would bring on players past their prime (Eddie Murray, Mo Vaughn) and overpay, usually by depleting the farm system.

This time, when necessary to go outside the farm for help, he brings to the team guys who can genuinely help now and hopefully later. Roberto Hernandez and Ricky Ledee are starting points but the arrival today of Shawn Green is a solid step forward. (Although I note Green’s arrival heralds Ledee’s departure.) Had Duaner Sanchez not gotten hurt in the taxi accident, Minaya would not have been forced to part with Xavier Nady. If he still had Nady today, the need for Green would have been non-existent. But, since he needed to shore up the bullpen, he got Hernandez who he knew would be a good immediate fit but he also got Oliver Perez, who might finally live up to his potential. His last few starts at AAA Norfolk have certainly shown his talent.

Not giving away the farm, after the debacle that was the Victor Zambrano for Scott Kazmir trade two years ago, has been as smart as signing veterans like Julio Franco. When needed, the Mets were able to bring up Brian Bannister, John Maine, and Alay Soler to fill gaps. Maine has been a revelation, and I look forward to watching him progress.

The commanding lead the Mets had by the All-Star break meant they didn’t have to panic when they got hammered here and there. It meant they didn’t have to make rushed, hasty or ill-conceived deals at the trading deadline. It means they can coast into September, allowing rookies to come up as rosters expand and provide rest for the regulars so they’re ready for the post-season.

Unless they flop worse than Philly did in 1964, the Mets are seeing the post-season. The preview this week, with the Cardinals series, shows it won’t be a cakewalk. Both the Cards and Reds play the Mets hard and presumably the Dodgers who are no pushovers either will represent the NL West.

I still suspect, in a severely weakened NL, the Mets will prevail and make it to the Fall Classic. My prediction: they’ll face Detroit.

While I’d love to see another Subway Series, Detroit seems to be this season’s team of destiny with a balanced mix of rookie and veteran and a rejuvenated skipper in Jim Leyland. Should be a lot of fun.

Kate’s Great Adventure Begins

Posted by Bob Greenberger on August 22, 2006

You anticipate something for so long, you discuss it, plan for it, and prepare then it’s upon it with a great suddenness. Kate’s been talking about her junior year aboard for ages now and once she came home for the summer, it was the Next Big Thing in our lives.

Throughout the summer, we did prep work, adding to her wardrobe, arranging tickets, the visa, and vaccinations. We all read through the manual that the American University in Cairo sent us.

Then, there was but a week to go. While Kate had many things on her mind, I was trying to get her focused on finishing things. Finish her reading; finish cleaning out her room, finish assembling things. The goal was to get all that settled so the weekend could be focused on packing.

Additionally, her personal goals were to complete the Economics course and spend time with friends, many of whom were preparing for their own sojourns abroad. Fortunately, she found the final easy enough and got lots of quality time with friends the last few nights.

Saturday arrived and it was time to get serious. I did her laundry only to accidentally include a recently tie-died sock in with the whites, which meant a new white shirt for the trip was now pink. It got some treatment but I was warned, a replacement would have to be acquired. That afternoon, we ran to Norwalk to pick up superior microphones for the computers (Deb, Kate and Robbie) to facilitate communications from around the globe. Next door happened to be a Marshall’s so not only did Kate find even more clothes for the trip, but also I picked out a nice top for Deb that Kate also fell in love with so we ended up with two. In the end, of course, the pink came out and the new clothes became superfluous.

On Sunday, the morning was spent on final details: the mikes worked wonderfully so with the webcams and skype, everyone can keep in contact. Deb the Packer took all of Kate’s stuff and packed it in the two suitcases with a lot of weighing of bags to insure that it all fits. The good byes began at Church; there happened to be coffee and doughnuts after Mass and Kate got a chance to say good bye to a lot of folks. Both Kate and the mother of her friend Allie totally broke down, but that’s because Patty started crying first. The packing went well. It took all afternoon, but it all fit with no problem. The weight was more of an issue, but everything that she intended to bring went with her. We already know that Taylor’s parents are going for Thanksgiving and volunteered to bring her a bag.

Kate had the Sunday dinner she wanted and then picked a movie for us to unwind with. As the day progressed, the choice kept changing from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade to Fred Astaire to Singin’ in the Rain to, at last (and most obviously) Casablanca. Now Robbie has finally seen it and actually got caught up in it despite his protests.

Monday involved final details/errands for Kate so Deb started a new project for her to bring — a small foldable fabric box using scraps from the dance bag she made Kate for Christmas (said bag now known as “The Beast”). Kate saw one last friend, watched a bit of TV with Deb and Robbie and then got rather quiet about half an hour before we were scheduled to leave. Robbie, in the meantime, had made a trip to the mall to procure the “traditional jelly beans.” (As a side note, in our experience, if you do something with kids twice, it’s automatically a tradition.) He spent about $15 on two bags of the good ones, tucked little notes into them and presented them to Taylor and Kate at the airport.

Deb and the kids got stuck in lots of traffic, but avoided even more traffic, so they still made it in plenty of time. I took a bus from Manhattan, arriving just minutes before them. Once we got to the airport, everything was really smooth. We met up with Taylor and family, stood on line for a little while chatting and their security check in was literally a five-minute process. I think the line wait was fine because the parents were aware that it was the last time we’d be chatting with the girls like that in a while.

So far the flights are on time, Deb’s been keeping an eye on them and they should be landing in Cairo by early afternoon ET, early evening Cairo time.

The house felt emptier and quieter last night, just as if she were back in D.C. The true distance and length of her absence will be made manifest in the weeks ahead, which is why Deb is perfectly okay with filling our social calendar for September.

Quick Publishing Notes

Posted by Bob Greenberger on August 18, 2006

Star Trek: Constellations, the 40th anniversary anthology, has already gone back for a rush second printing prior to the first printing hitting the shelves. Essentially, that means Pocket received a higher than anticipated number of orders from retailers and exhausted the print run. The second printing should be following on the heels of the first printing so those intrigued to see what we all came up with should be able to find a copy without any trouble.

Webslinger, BenBella’s essay collection celebrating — who else? — Spider-Man, has gained a guest editor. Gerry Conway, the man to inherit the title when Stan Lee stopped writing the monthly, has agreed to write not only the introduction but pen short intros to each essay. The book will be out in March and it’s nice to have Gerry once more associated with comics material. One of the most prolific writers of the 1970s and 1980s, Gerry had some terrific runs on titles for DC and Marvel before moving into television where has worked on series from Father Dowling to the Law & Order franchise.

Bob the Freelancer Update

Posted by Bob Greenberger on August 16, 2006

It’s been two months since I moved from the freelancer’s life back to the full-time professional’s life. While I haven’t been idle at home, the pace of my output has certainly shifted. So, this morning, I did a quick review for myself of where I am and share the results.

Completed and Awaiting Publication

Cool Careers Without College for People who Love to Organize (Rosen Books)
“The Landing Party”, Star Trek: Constellations (Pocket Books)
“What Teens Can Do in Fairfield”, Fairfield Magazine
Cutting Edge Careers: Artificial Intelligence (Rosen )
Profile for The Cooperator
Profile for The New Jersey Cooperator
“Things that Aren’t”, Analog Magazine, early 2007

Delivered to Editor and Awaiting Edits or Proofs

In the News: Suicide Bombers (Rosen)
“Troubleshooting”, Star Trek: Corps of Engineers (Pocket eBook)
14 essays in You Said What? (William Morrow), saw edited ms., awaiting galleys
“Ghost Hunting” in untitled Phantom anthology (Moonstone Books)
“Steel and Chrome” in untitled BattleTech anthology
Essay for untitled Wonder Woman collection (BenBella Books)
Essay for Webslinger – Spider-Man collection – copy edited ms. arrived yesterday, due back Monday
Media tie-in comic book – script in, awaiting approval before announcing
“Winter in Fairfield”, Fairfield Magazine

Writing Projects

“Things That Aren’t”-sequel — awaiting brainsatorming time with Michael A. Burstein
Actionopolis novel – currently being written
Media tie-in novel collaboration – awaiting Licensor comments on plot
Custom comic book – samples with editor (now likely dead)
Media tie-in novel – first pitch nixed, researching to try again
Media tie-in book – Publisher investigating license
Media tie-in book 2 – Publisher investigating license
Media tie-in book 3 – Awaiting contract and details to announce my participation
Media tie-in book 4 – Both licensee and licensor have told me they want me to work on a project, with little in the way of details as of now, but it’s nice to be wanted
Original novel – revising proposal
Non-Fiction book collaboration – prepping outline and sample chapter

Editing Projects

Dark Forces — first attempt with talent rejected, project brought in house
7 unannounced Platinum Studios projects – all need artists, offers out to artists; all in various stages of development

Report from the Sub Committee

Posted by Bob Greenberger on August 15, 2006

Last night our sub committee met for the second time and we spent a good 2 and a half hours talking mostly about trees.

It’s amazing once you dig into a subject how much there is to know, and how dedicated our public servants can be. Ken Placko, our tree warden, attended the meeting and talked about his experiences with homeowners, public property and the town’s laws with experiencing dating back to the waning days of John Sullivan, Fairfield’s First Selectman for a large part of the 20th century.

Thanks to Ken’s experience and insight, we learned that we didn’t need to do much to augment his existing authority. We spent some time talking about trees on private property that grew so they touched public right of ways and whether or not we should even enact any regulation that might constrict what a home owner can do on his property.

On a related issue, we also spent time talking about the historic stone fences that once separated land and provided some measure of defense against the British. To preserve the town’s “character”, we talked about an ordinance to retain the existing walls especially those visible from the roads and streets.

As you may recall, our sub committee was formed to act on recommendations of a Blue Ribbon Task Force that looked into ways to ensure the town’s “character” could be retained. It’s a hard trick given how much reconstruction of older homes has already been accomplished in addition to the arrival of sub-divisions and condo complexes that have shrunk the open space that reminded people they were in New England not Long Island. To understand some of the thinking that went into the Final Report, we also spent an hour hearing from the Task Force chair, Ken Flatto, who also happens to be the First Selectman.

Overall, it was an enlightening conversation that touched on all five recommendations and then some. It was a freewheeling conversation as all five of us on the sub committee poked and prodded. The five of us are being polite to one another and our guests while taking the task before us quite seriously. I see consensus on some points already forming which should make the actual ordinance writing a lot easier. It’s also a nice case of bi-partisanship working for the good of the town.

There’s a lot more to dig through and we’re many meetings away from adjournment but I like our progress and collegiality.

The One Day Family Vacation

Posted by Bob Greenberger on August 14, 2006

Busy, tiring but ultimately good weekend.

On Saturday, we were on Long Island celebrating the engagement of Chuck Rozakis, son of the famous Bob Rozakis, to the delightful Rebecca Gillespie. They’ve actually been engaged a while now but this was the official celebration.

It was also a mini-DC alumni reunion as I got to play catch up with former editor Janice Race, her husband former proofreader Gary, ex-production whiz Rick Taylor and former editor and officemate Alan Gold. That was certainly fun and it’s good to see everyone not only thriving but hale and hearty as well.

As is usual at Chez Rozakis, the food was plentiful and the company eclectic. Seeing Bob’s brother Richie was nice since we only get together at Thanksgiving. This year is the exception – engagement party, wedding then Thanksgiving. We were also introduced to the Gillespie parents, who proved to be wonderful people and a great addition to the Rozakis clan. Interestingly, both parents had heard of the “Greenies” and apparently Rebecca looks upon us as extended family, which is definitely neat.

Sunday, though, was the eagerly awaited family vacation. Normally, we take a week or so every summer and go somewhere and indulge each member of the family in some activity. Given four work schedules, Kate’s economics class and August 21 departure date, and hoarding our vacation time for the winter trip to Cairo, everything got compacted into one day. Or so, Kate proclaimed when we scheduled our trip to the New York Renaissance Faire.

So, we all had the mindset that Sunday was our vacation. As a result, it was decided to start the day with a rare treat: breakfast at IHOP. Not that IHOP is necessarily the best place on earth for breakfast, but it seemed to fit the bill.

Our trip to the faire was swift and uneventful, arriving just in time for the gates to open. Robbie arrived in full regalia: kilt, loose white shirt, leather boots, carryall pouch, flagon and knife. Kate chose to leave her costume in the closet. Deb and I have been coming to Faire, every few years, since she was pregnant with Katie and it was nice to return.

The sun was out, it wasn’t too hot and there was plenty to do and see. Being fans of the music, we made it a point to attend two of the three performances by the Crimson Pirates which did not disappoint. As we arrived early for the second set, we caught the tail end of a new-to-us group that clearly had their following and we could see why. Three Pints Shy are four very talented singers who harmonize quite well.

We didn’t see as many performers or comedy acts as I had expected but the silent comedy stylings of Danny Lord was a silly, bawdy 45 minutes. He made frequent, clever use of the audience including my Mets hat (but not me).

The highlight was the final thirty minutes: the pub sing as all the show’s performers took to the stage and were individually spotlighted as well as sang together. It was more performance than the sing-along we experienced last summer in Maryland but it was also tightly coordinated and a heck of a lot of fun. They were clearly enjoying themselves as well as cracking one another up from time to time. Musically, with four guitars, three bodhrans, and assorted other percussion devices, it was a treat. We left quite satisfied and happy.

Which turned out to be a good thing as the trip home was elongated thanks to an accident on the Tappan Zee Bridge, which had us crawling for miles. By the time we got home, all thoughts of dinner were gone, replaced with a return to reality.

Still and all, as one-day family vacations go, this was pretty terrific.

Kate wound up finding herself a lovely ring while Deb bought a leather pouch for some use or another. Robbie felt he completed his outfit with a Scottish hat and was most pleased.

Comics Convergence

Posted by Bob Greenberger on August 11, 2006

It used to be the San Diego Comic Con was just for comic book and animation fans. Then, a while back, DelRey and Pocket Books figured this was a chance to reach the diehard fans and get the word out about related projects that might catch the fans’ interest.

At San Diego this year, most every publisher was there either on display or on the prowl, recognizing what a terrific marketing opportunity the con had become.

I noticed a similar presence at the New York Comic-Con in February and can only imagine the long overdue convergence between books and comics was getting closer.

We’re seeing another sign of that this month as Justice League of America #1 will contain a sample chapter from author Brad Meltzer’s latest political thriller, The Book of Fate, releasing next month from Hachette (formerly Warner Books). (An aside: I’ve read the book and it’s another fun, exciting ride from Brad, who continues to explore fresh ground with each offering.)

Tokyopop’s Star Trek manga is out and fans find a story — by my pals Kevin Dilmore & Dayton Ward — sampling the Star Trek: Constellations anthology due in bookstores within a few weeks. Those buying the anthology (and please do, I’m very proud of “The Landing Party” contained within) will get a story from the manga.

This bit of cross promotion makes perfect sense and is way overdue. Since the 1960s, there have been prose books featuring the DC and Marvel heroes, but fans of the comics or visitors to the websites would be hard pressed to discover the books exist. Similarly, if you buy the books, you’d never know they were based on comic books since there were no ads.

How many realize that Pocket Books has the Marvel novel license and has released many good books, such as the latest Spider-Man novel from Jim Butcher or that Devin Grayson wrote a nifty DCU novel called Inheritance? I’m not sure why the comic book publishers have neglected this avenue of reaching potential new readers, but I am heartened to see the barriers finally start to crumble.