Comfy Chair Home Of Myth Ink Books

Support Animal Rescue: Tails from the Other Side Anthology Now Available

2016-11-20T21:18:00.000-05:00

In August 2015 we were approached by Paranormal Investigator/Director of Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue Christopher Mancuso to create a book that combined his two passions: the paranormal and animals. We were very open to the project and as a fundraiser for Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue we knew this book had to happen. We solicited a number of celebrities in the paranormal field, spoke to friends, and launched a Call for Papers.
There was such a huge response to this project and we cannot thank everyone enough, to those who contributed and everyone who helped spread the word of this project.

It has been a long road since the initial concept and launch of the project, which became Tails from the Other Side: Pets and the Paranormal. The book contains incredibly heart felt, loving stories from pet guardians. Each author shares "Tails," of pets in life, and paranormal experiences after the pet passed away. Our In-house illustrator, Luke Spooner of Carrion House, created our cover image, which is an incredibly beautiful and loving tribute to our beloved animal companions who have passed to the other side. All of the stories in the collection are non-fiction, unique, and wonderfully told from each contributor.

We are happy to announce that Tails from the Other Side: Pets and the Paranormal is now in stock; orders shall begin shipping this week. We will be launching the book at an upcoming event, Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue's "Catsgiving" on Saturday November 19th, 2016. If you are interested in attending, please click to visit the event page.
The original book abstract is below with a full table of contents, and a button to order. Further details can be found on this website via our page dedicated to this project
Tails from the Other Side: Pets and the Paranormal

"At one time, we have all benefited from the loving nature of our animal companions. Whether cat, dog, bird or other, our pets have provided much needed love and support. However, it is a heart wrenching, devastating loss when our pet passes away. This project is dedicated to the paranormal experiences you may have had after your animal companion has crossed over to the Other Side. After our pets have passed, many of us can swear we have felt a familiar brush against a leg, heard a familiar bark or meow, or maybe we’ve been witness to another companion left behind play as she once used to with the companion who has passed on. Our animal companions also have a heightened sense of awareness and can track something which we cannot see. Sometimes we’ve been witness to a pet experiencing and reacting to the paranormal. Or sometimes the pet’s ability to sense something Other Worldly precedes our own paranormal pet experience.

This project is supported by, and has contributions from Demonologist, Haunted Collector’s John Zaffis and Brian J. Cano, groundbreaking author/speaker & researcher Rosemary Ellen Guiley of Visionary Living, Inc. ,a leading authority on psychic and supernatural topics, author of Conspiracy of Angels, Michelle Belanger, Occult Researcher, “The Ghost Boy of Geneseo,” Chris DiCesare, Artist and Paranormal State’s Eilfie Music, Tim Shaw, Blair Murphy, Patrick Burns, and Sam Baltrusis, read their bio, chapter titles and excerpts here.
FULL TABLES OF CONTENTS SEE BELOW (or Click Here)

Introduction by Christopher Mancuso
A Few Words about Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue by Christopher Mancuso
People & Pets: Past & Present by Christopher Mancuso
Forming bonds with pets that transcend into the afterlife. An Interview with John Zaffis conducted by Christopher Mancuso
Animals in the Afterlife by Rosemary Ellen Guiley
Dusty & the Bean by Jessica Burke
Tail The First by Dale Who
A Different Kind of Stray by Michelle Belanger
Shadow by Gina Ferrell
His Name Is Beadie by Brian J Cano
Bella’s Passing by Debra Hoffmann Knowles
Tardy’s Legacy by Lizzie Holochwost
The Cat Came Back by Eilfie L. Music Edwards
Blare  by Maureen Carroll
Louie’s Legacy by Emily Gear
Emily Girl by Debbie Lanz
A Car Full of Waffles by Christopher Di Cesare
Murray & Sasha by Tim Maile
Smudge & Phoenix by Marilyn Deniston
Casey by Stephanie Bingham
Pepper by Colleen Graves
Followed Home by Gina Ferrell
One More Time by Sherry Louise Stoll
Sending a Tweet by Patrick Burns
Peaches by Wendy Swick
  I Live in a Haunted Hotel with Ghost Cats & Dogs by Blair Murphy
Check-In Cat by Brooke Haramija
Caesar by Julie Betts
Storm’s Gift by Suzanne Sorrell
Velckie’s Journey by Lizzie Holochwost
Macy by Patti Speed
Forever First Pet by Marley Harbuck Gibson
Cookie by Anthony Simonelli
The Big Black Dog by Cathy Young
The Story of Zeus aka White Buffalo by Lisa Terio
Tails of the Unexpected: Banner by Dale Who
Ghost Tails From Salem: Phantom felines at Bunghole Liquors & Salem’s Stephen Daniels House by Sam Baltrusis
Fur Ball by Rosanne Doerbecker
Salem by Boni Bates
 He Made it Home to Maine, After All by Sue Heins
Lady by Kristie Stecco
Taja by Sandrine Barbour
Frodo by Jen Devillier
Rhett by Debbie Elward
The Laundry Specter by Tim Shaw
Isis by Athena Cameron
The Road to Rescue by Christopher Mancuso
Afterword by Anthony S Burdge
Nationwide Pet Rescue Rescue Index

Please consider purchasing this book to support Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue

Pre-Order Tails From the Other Side & Support SI Hope Animal Rescue

2016-09-12T14:40:00.000-04:00

Greetings Everyone,

We are very happy to announce that Tails from the Other Side: Pets and the Paranormal is Now Available for Pre-Order from our Independent Press Myth Ink Books

Edited by Jessica Burke, Anthony Burdge & Christopher Mancuso Illustrated by Luke Spooner of Carrion House

Read Excerpts from our Guest Contributors (Click Here to Read)

The book will have 40 contributions overall from pet guardians, leaders in the paranormal field and a nationwide pet rescue directory.

This project is supported by, and will have contributions from Haunted Collector’s John Zaffis and Brian J. Cano, groundbreaking author/speaker & researcher Rosemary Ellen Guiley of Visionary Living, Inc. , leading authority on psychic and supernatural topics, author of Conspiracy of Angels, Michelle Belanger, “The Ghost Boy of Geneseo,” Chris DiCesare, Occult Researcher and Paranormal State’s Eilfie Music, Author, Photographer and Filmmaker Tim Shaw, Owner of the Grand Midway Hotel Blair Murphy, Haunting Evidence Paranormal Investigator Patrick Burns, and Paranormal Expert and Author Sam Baltrusis, read their bio, chapter titles and excerpts here.

To Be Published and shipped by Halloween 2016. Pre-Ordering Now you are assisting with printing costs and begin fundraising for Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue.

ALL PROCEEDS TO BE DONATED TO STATEN ISLAND HOPE ANIMAL RESCUE

ABOUT TAILS FROM THE OTHER SIDE: PETS AND THE PARANORMAL At one time, we have all benefited from the loving nature of our animal companions. Whether cat, dog, bird or other, our pets have provided much needed love and support. However, it is a heart wrenching, devastating loss when our pet passes away. This project is dedicated to the paranormal experiences you may have had after your animal companion has crossed over to the Other Side. After our pets have passed, many of us can swear we have felt a familiar brush against a leg, heard a familiar bark or meow, or maybe we’ve been witness to another companion left behind play as she once used to with the companion who has passed on. Our animal companions also have a heightened sense of awareness and can track something which we cannot see. Sometimes we’ve been witness to a pet experiencing and reacting to the paranormal. Or sometimes the pet’s ability to sense something Other Worldly precedes our own paranormal pet experience. This book will highlight stories from our guest contributors and pet owners who have had paranormal experiences with pets.

Join Us at Star Trek Mission New York in One Week!

2016-08-26T11:18:00.000-04:00

STARDATE 2016.08.26.11

Hailing Frequencies Open:
It is my hope this finds you all well and that the summer has offered you lots of fun stuff to do. The summer is nearly over and we have had a ton of things going on. We have been looking forward to a major Star Trek event coming to New York all year long, and the time is almost here. In one week we will be joining hundreds, if not thousands, of fan at Star Trek Mission New York taking place September 2nd-4th at the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan. New York City will be the epicenter of Star Trek fandom with this major 50th Anniversary celebration event.

As our readers may know we have posted on several occasions about our love for Star Trek and various fan things we have been involved in. We will be in attendance all three days and look forward to meeting Trek Alumni, Authors and filmmakers.
Star Trek Mission New York is the ultimate destination for Star Trek fans, filled with interactive exhibits, exclusive merchandise, celebrity guests, panels, screenings and will be an immersive experience featuring props and replicas from the TV shows and films, exclusive screenings, celebrity guests, panels featuring creators and film stars and much more.

We were honored to be able to attend the Star Trek Ultimate Voyage Symphony earlier this year and meet the Conductor Justin Freer. It was an incredible experience and the Press Coordinator published our review on their site, which can be found here. The Ultimate Voyage Concert was the only other major Trek event we have attended this year celebrating Trek's 50th Anniversary.

I will be writing more here on Comfy Chair about the event, and you can also follow my adventures from another fansite I write for, Galactic Hitchhikers, which I will be doing a Facebook Live series from Star Trek Mission New York for them. Earlier this morning I posted this article Have Towel, Will Travel: Star Trek Mission New York and shall keep readers here and there updated on what to expect from us at the event next week.

LLAP
Anthony

Myth Ink Books News: New Anthology, 20% Off Titles and $1.99 Audio Book

2016-08-09T14:09:00.000-04:00

Illustrated by Luke Spooner

Good Day Readers!

We hope your summer has been going well! We last wrote of the NY Tolkien Conference, which went off very well and you can follow up about the event here.
If you have not already seen the news over on our Independent Press site, Myth Ink Books, we have announced the next stage of development for Tails from the Other Side: Pets and the Paranormal. This is a collection of real life encounters from paranormal experts and pets owners about their deceased animal companions.
The proceeds from this volume will benefit Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue. Whether you are a paranormal investigator, a fan, or not even a believer in the paranormal, the chapters in Tails from the Other Side will warm your heart as they are loving tributes to beloved pets, which will benefit a great cause once it is released.

Please click here to read more about the project

Silas Illustrated by Luke Spooner

On another note, the end of the summer is almost here :-(
The heat may be too oppressive to venture to far afield so perhaps our horror titles, and audiobook will be the perfect items to stay inside with the A/C. We are offering 20% off all our titles over at our store.
Use the code "MYBCUSTTY" to get 20% off on all items by Visiting our Store Here

Lastly, we are extraordinarily proud of the work done for our audiobook of "The Friendly Horror," which was read by Mars Homeworld and Illustrated by Luke Spooner of Carrion House.
We are offering the 30 Track Album of our modern day follow up to HP Lovecraft's The Shadows Over Innsmouth through August for a $1.99

THE FRIENDLY HORROR read by Mars Homeworld by Myth Ink Books & Mars Homeworld

Available titles at the NY Tolkien Conference & Myth Ink Books Horror Schwag

2016-07-05T14:25:00.000-04:00

Greetings!
It has been a while since our last post and wished to update you on current events and projects. We have been extraordinarily busy organizing the upcoming New York Tolkien Conference, hence the lack of timely updates. In addition we are currently editing forthcoming titles from Myth Ink Books.

Firstly, the New York Tolkien Conference will be taking place at Baruch College on Saturday July 16th 10am to 5pm. We recently update the Conference website with new programming and the Conference Schedule, which can be found by clicking here. This article also cites the availability of Conference T-shirts and products with the 2015/2016 Conference logo designed and illustrated by Luke Spooner of Carrion House. If you would like to support the New York Tolkien Conference by purchasing a t-shirt, coffee mug or other items please visit our store here.

We have announced what Myth Ink Books publications and items will be available at the New York Tolkien Conference 2016. The announcement can be found here The most recent publication by our indie press is Forgotten Leaves: Essays from a Smial, which is a Tolkien essay collection by fans and scholars alike and can be purchased via our storenvy shop by clicking here

Have you registered for the NY Tolkien Conference yet? The preregistration online price is currently $11, however at the door will be $15

Lastly, want some creepy wearable horror art? Now you can! A selection of illustrations from our horror anthologies Dark Tales from Elder Regions: New York and The Friendly Horror and Other Weird Tales are available as T-shirts, hoodies, Coffee Mugs and other items.
We have launched a RedBubble store and all proceeds go to support operations of our Indie Press Myth Ink Books
Click the image or here to visit the store

Silas from The Friendly Horror

Hg2g Live Readings and Interviews: A Galactic Hitchhikers Update

2016-06-12T13:29:00.002-04:00

Greetings Hoopy Froods!

On May 8th I reported on the upcoming LIVE Readings of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy on Towel Day May 25th via Galactic Hitchhiker's Sub-Etha Channel 42. The event was a great success and the entire Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was read by various fans from start to finish! This includes 2 chapters, and a bit from The Salmon of Doubt read by your resident Geek blogger here, me! (Anthony Burdge). All things Douglas Adams was celebrated to honor The Frood.

Our Galactic Hitchhiker's Douglas Adams fan community is rapidly growing and expanding each day, with nearly 4000 members on our facebook group, new articles being posted on the main website each day (such as my recent For the Love of Star Trek article), a new bookclub and Sub-Etha Channel 42, which I have been contributing to alongside the Galactic Hitchhikers Founder Zaxley Nash and Audio Engineer Jared McLaughlin.

Galactic Hitchhikers Presents:
Sub-Etha Channel 42
If you’ve done six impossible things this morning, why not join us for a slouch as we meet and chat about Life, the Universe, and Everything on Google Hangouts? Weekly talks, special events, guests, and more! Grab a Pan-Galactic Gargleblaster, and your towel and get ready for Adventure, Excitement, and Really Wild Things!

Galactic Hitchhikers https://www.facebook.com/groups/Galactic.Hitchhikers/

Sub-Etha Channel 42 on Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/110455191734315105911

Website

http://galactichitchhikers.com/sub-etha-channel-42

We started meeting via Google Hangouts with the community each Sunday night. The Google Hangout community continues to meet where we all chat Life, The Universe and Everything, which shall soon host guests to discuss their work with everyone. However, between Zaxley, Jared and myself we have been developing a Sub-Etha Channel 42 show. We have two guest interviews recorded who have both worked on the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, radio and televised series. Last week we interviewed Mark Wing-Davey who portrayed Zaphod Beeblebrox on the radio and television series.

Have a listen to Zaphod himself from our interview!

Last night we had the great honor of speaking with Kevin Jon Davies who worked under Rod Lord on the animations we love and enjoy from the televised Hitchhikers series. Kevin went on to work on the last series of Blake's 7, documentaries on the Making of The Hitchhiker's of the Galaxy, Doctor Who Thirty Years in the TARDIS, later expanded and re-titled as More than Thirty Years in the TARDIS. Kevin He was Douglas Adams' pick to produce a photo-illustrated edition of the first Hitchhiker's novel which came out in 1994, The Illustrated Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy a "digitally illustrated coffee table size version of his famous novel (art directed by Kevin Jon Davies"

A Review of The Illustrated Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy posted via Kevin Jon Davies Youtube Channel

The interviews and shows will be posted via Galactic Hitchhiker's very soon, and we are scheduling future guests related to Hg2g productions. We are also seeking to celebrate Star Trek's 50th Anniversary with related guests.

Kevin Jon Davies intro's Sub-Etha Channel 42

Lots of great new things happening at Galactic Hitchhikers, which was first founded to celebrate and honor the work of Douglas Adams. But it is has become a place to celebrate many different fandoms, Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Blake's 7 and other Sci-Fi/Fantasy we have come to love and enjoy. To whet your appetite for the show, and get a taste of what is to come you can stay tuned to the main Galactic Hitchhikers Website, join the Galactic Hitchhiker's Facebook Group, and give Sub-Etha Channel 42 a like on Facebook

Stay Hoopy Everyone!

Celebrate Towel Day with Live Readings from the work of Douglas Adams

2016-05-08T12:06:00.000-04:00

Howdy Froods!

In a mere 17 days, on May 25th, Douglas Adams fans worldwide will be celebrating Towel Day, THE annual celebration of all things Douglas Adams, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and Life the Universe and Everything (that should about cover the Whole Sort of General Mish Mosh)! Many hoopy froods from around the planet will be getting together at pubs, local parks, empty barstools, unmanned teasers and other empty spaces to raise a pint..errr...towel to The Frood, Douglas Adams.

What's that you say? There aren't any local events planned for your neck of the galaxy?
Well fear not!
There is a vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big online event taking place on Sub-Etha Channel 42 (more on that in a moment). A large percentage Galactic Hitchhiker's 3500 members community (that's a whole lotta froods), and anyone beyond will be rambling, showing off trinkets from visits to Betelguese, Risa, and other tourist areas from beyond the Western Spiral Arm, PLUS participating in live online readings of selections from the work of Douglas Adams.

This is event will be hosted on the Galactic Hitchhikers Google Hangout channel, Sub-Etha Channel 42. If you do not wish to be seen on a live video feed, and rather hide behind your towel and listen you may also do that. However, this does not mean you will escape the Ravenous Bug-Blatter Beast of Traal for not participating--I may not escape it either after writing a double negative in this sentence....

Ok escaped. Now, all the details can be found in several areas online, and Sub-Etha Channel 42 is generally open for live chat and run daily in four 6 hour blocks (GMT 0000,0600,1200,1800) and open all of Sunday. Usually the Long Dark Teatime of the Soul happens around GMT -7 on Sunday

Firstly, our main Galactic Hitchhiker's community can be found on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Galactic.Hitchhikers/

The main Galactic Hitchhiker's website with chunks of info on Towel Day and Sub-Etha:

http://galactichitchhikers.com/

Sub-Etha Channel 42 Google+ Community Page with direct link to Hangout: https://plus.google.com/u/5/communities/110455191734315105911

Sub Etha Channel 42 Facebook Page: (where all detailed instructions lurk in a locked file cabinet)

https://www.facebook.com/Sub-Etha-Channel-42-1339220029427490/

Sub-Etha Channel 42 Towel Day Event Page https://www.facebook.com/events/468273966710391/

If you tune into one or all of those pages listed about you are guaranteed not to miss the announcements, join one or all--or stay hidden behind your towel and soon regret missing out on the wild, strange and all together hoopy celebrations of all things Douglas Adams.

New York Tolkien Conference 2016 Program Update and Registration

2016-04-20T11:24:00.001-04:00

Hail and Well Met Travelers of Middle-earth!

The second annual New York Tolkien Conference is taking place

Saturday July 16th, 2016 at Baruch College 10am-5pm.
One Bernard Baruch Way
(55 Lexington Ave at 24th St)
New York, NY 10010
There are 2 entrances for the Conference, which are located at: 25th between Lexington and 3rd Ave or Lexington and 24th st

The Conference organizers announced Guests of Honor earlier this year (see below), the theme of "The Inklings and Science," and more recently ticket registration and programming update.

TICKETS:

$11 admits one and is non-refundable. All ticket sales go to Conference operations.
No children under the age of 5. All children over the age of 5 must be accompanied by an adult.

Pending registration Tickets may not be available at the door

PROGRAMMING:
The Conference has announced an initial set of programs to be featured at the Conference found here:
https://newyorktolkienconference.com/conference-programs/

GUESTS OF HONOR

Scholar Guest of Honor: Dr. Kristine Larsen

Dr. Kristine Larsen is Professor of Astronomy and Faculty Coordinator of the Copernican Planetarium at Central Connecticut State University. Her teaching and research focus on the intersections between science and society, including science and the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. She is the author of Stephen Hawking: A Biography and Cosmology 101, and co-editor (with Anthony Burdge and Jessica Burke) of The Mythological Dimensions of Doctor Who and The Mythological Dimensions of Neil Gaiman. Her work on Tolkien has appeared in Tolkien Studies, Mallorn, Amon Hen, Silver Leaves, Lembas Extra, The Classroom Astronomer, Mercury, and a number of book-length collections of essays.

Author Guest of Honor: Dr. Jared Lobdell

Dr. Jared Lobdell turned 21 the day C. S. Lewis turned 60 and was a long-time correspondent and friend of Professor Tolkien and his son Christopher. Dr. Lobdell had already read The Lord of the Rings when it first came out in 1954/5 because “Numinor” was mentioned in That Hideous Strength. Lobdell was a member of the University of Wisconsin Tolkien Society, to whom Dick West turned over the papers from Jan Finder’s First and Second Conferences on Middle Earth for publication. They were published, with Professor Tolkien’s “Notes on the Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings,” in 1975 as A Tolkien Compass. He published England and Always: Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings in 1981 (reprinted with an additional chapter as The World of the Rings in 2004). His Rise of Tolkienian Fantasy came out in 2005. He contributed more than twenty pieces to the J R R Tolkien Encyclopedia (2006) and an essay to Paul Kerry’s two-volume collection on Tolkien’s Religion in 2009. Recently he has been working on studies of “the other Inklings” — notably those who came to the Inklings from “The Cave.”

Lobdell’s An Irish Friendship in English Lit and More: Nevill Coghill, C.S. Lewis, “The
Cave” and What Came After was published in 2015 by Myth Ink Books in Forgotten Leaves: Essays from a Smial.

You and 42: A Douglas Adams Fan Anthology

2016-03-26T11:59:00.001-04:00

We are excited to announce that we will be editing a new book(s) about the life and work of Douglas Adams. This is part of the You and Who range by Watching Books, which proceeds will be donated to charity.

If you are a fan of Douglas Adams, Towels, Babel Fish and Thumbs then please read the follow details on how to contribute.

Be Sure to visit the official project page for YOU and 42

Edited by Jessica Burke & Anthony Burdge

Do you know where your towel is? Do you often ask if there is tea aboard a spaceship? Do you find difficulty with your lifestyle or can’t get the hang of Thursdays? Or, rather than consulting a map, do you find someone who looks like they know where they’re going and follow them? It very rarely gets you where you wanted to go but always where you needed to be.

If you hadn’t guessed it, YOU AND 42 is going to be a volume of essays about the life and work of Douglas Adams. The format, as per usual, will be a series of essays each focussing on a particular area or production, through which the authors can talk about their personal experiences of Adams and his work. We are not looking for reviews, rather the kind of essays we prefer are those that take a more autobiographical or anecdotal slant; this book is about the “YOU” as much as it is the “42”. Having said that, we appreciate that Adams is a popular and complex author, and this time we’ll be happy to mix it up a bit, by including essays of all kinds as long as they encompass the theme of Douglas Adams touching our lives in some way.

Essays should be approximately 1,000 to 2,000 words long, although this isn’t compulsory. If they come in longer or shorter, so be it – as long as they justify their length. We’re also willing to take multiple submissions on particular subjects, given how certain projects are undoubtedly more affecting in their reach. However, due to the expected popularity of this volume, we cannot guarantee all submissions will be accepted – so we would recommend that prospective authors consider carefully the subject they think they’d like to write about before getting to work. Perhaps try and find a less popular project to write about, or if you’re going to write about one of the popular ones, try and find a way to approach it that will mark your essay out; for example, if you attended one of the Memorial Lectures you might write about that, or you could choose to write an essay on the Hitchhikers radio series by concentrating on a particular character or sequence. Remember, just because you’ve chosen to write about one project in particular, that doesn’t preclude you from including passages about the others.

Completed essays should be formatted as Word Documents or included in the body of your email, and should include the following:
Title of Essay
Subject of Essay by Author of Essay, Author’s Age, Author’s Location
Name of Author’s Favourite Douglas Adams Project
Prospective authors should also include the following disclaimer as part of their email when submitting:
<< I [name of author] do hereby give permission for the attached essay to be included in any and all publications of the volume You and 42. I retain all copyright in the essay, and the right to subsequently use it how and when I please. >>

Essays should be submitted to the following email address:
youandfortytwo@gmail.com
The deadline for essays submissions is 5th June 2016. Extensions may be available upon request, but please try and make your submission by this deadline if you wish to have the best chance of getting in the book!

We are open to suggestions, the following list of works by Douglas Adams is our starting point. If you have an idea you are passionate about within the life and work of Douglas Adams, and do not see it on the list below, please by all means write and tell us about it.

As we begin to receive submissions, the names of the people who’ve written about each subject will appear next to the subject they’ve written about in red. Once any submissions have been accepted for publication as part of the volume, those names will appear in green.

Fit the First: “Surely You Know It’s Number Four!”
(Early Comedy 1972-1977)

Footlights Revue
Monty Python
The Burkiss Way
The News Huddlines
Doctor on the Go

Fit the Second: “Is There Any Tea On This Spaceship?”
(1978)

BBC Radio 4 Primary Phase Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy First Series 1978 (Fits 1-6)

Fit the Third: “Ford, What’s This Fish Doing In My Ear?”
(1978-1980)

Doctor Who: The Pirate Planet (1978)
Doctor Who: City of Death (1979)
Doctor Who: Shada (1980)
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy 1979 novelisation
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe 1980 novel
BBC Radio 4 Secondary Phase The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Second Series (Fits 7-12)

Fit the Fourth: “Ford... You’re Turning Into A Penguin. Stop It.”
(1981-1992)

The Hitchhiker’ Guide to the Galaxy 1981 BBC 2 Television Series
Life, the Universe and Everything 1982 Novel
The Meaning of Liff (with John Lloyd) 1983
So Long and Thanks for all the Fish 1984 Novel
The Utterly Utterly Merry Comic Relief Christmas Book 1986
Young Zaphod Plays It Safe
Supplement to the Meaning of Liff
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency 1987 Novel
The Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul 1988 Novel
Bureaucracy 1987 InfoCom Computer Game
Last Chance to See 1989 BBC Radio 4 Documentary
Last Chance to See 1990 Book
Hyperland 1990 BBC Two TV Documentary
The Deeper Meaning of Liff 1990 Book (with John Lloyd)
Doctor Who: Shada VHS: 1992

Fit the Fifth: “I’d Far Rather Be Happy Than Right Any Day.”
(1991-2001)

Mostly Harmless 1992 Book
The Illustrated Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy 1994
Douglas Adams’ Starship Titanic (Terry Jones) 1997
Starship Titanic computer game 1998
Digital Village “hg2g” website 1999
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Future Radio Series 2000

Fit the Sixth: “So Long And Thanks For All The Fish.”
(2001-Present)

Conservation work and Founder Patron of Save the Rhino
Douglas Adams on Technology and Religion
The Salmon of Doubt 2002
Doctor Who: Shada BBCi: 2003
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Tertiary to Quintessential Phases by Dirk Maggs 2003-2005
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency BBC Radio 4 Production 2007, Dirk Maggs
The Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul BBC Radio 4 Production 2008, Dirk Maggs
The Douglas Adams Memorial Lecture Series by Save the Rhino
Dirk Gently Television Series starring Stephen Mangan 2012
Doctor Who: Shada Novel: 2012

Fit the Forty-Second: “A Towel, It Says, Is About The Most Massively Useful Thing An Interstellar Hitchhiker Can Have.”

Books About Douglas Adams:
Don’t Panic: The Official Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Companion, Neil Gaiman 1988
The Frood: The Authorised and Very Official History of Douglas Adams and the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Jem Roberts 2014

Fan Communities and Events:
Towel Day
ZZ Nine Plural Z Alpha UK Based Fan Organization
Galactic Hitchhikers Douglas Adams Fan Community

Join Us Live Tonight on the Tribbles in Ecstasy Podcast

2016-02-12T15:11:00.002-05:00

Hailing Frequencies Open:
Stardate 150212. 3

Good afternoon readers, you may recall from prior articles on this blog, perhaps this one from last year, of our being brought aboard to write for Star Trek Anthology. We have written the pilot for their series "Mother," and are in final tweaks of the script.

Tonight on the Tribbles In Ecstasy Podcast we will be guests alongside our fellow Star Trek Anthology Series Writers to chat of our contribution to the production, 6 writers in total will be causing chaos on the bridge of the USS Tribble!

The writers of Starship Challenger, Assignment: Earth, and us for Mother, Rift, and Series Creator Jim Bray will be aboard for the show

Anthony & Jessica on location scout for ST Anthology

If you would like to listen in to the live show tonight at 8pm EST then CLICK HERE to be brought to the Twitch TV channel for Holosuite Media

The hosts have also posted the details of tonights show via the Tribbles in Ecstasy website where you can also listen to past shows.

FROM Tribbles Home page:
This week the USS Tribble’s crew discuss this week’s gaming news and events from Star Trek Online and Star Trek Timelines. We then talk about conventions and all the news updates from unofficial Star Trek productions including Star Trek Axanar‘s Alec Peters‘ comments on Facebook and more!
The gaming topics discussed this week are:

Star Trek Online Events and Sales,
Featured Episode ‘Time and Tide’ review,
STO stops support for Apple Macs,
Star Trek Online’s Release Notes,
and Star Trek Timelines

The Star Trek and Unoffical Star Trek Production topics discussed this week are:

The Worf Chronicles,
Star Trek Renegades,
Star Trek Anthology,
Star Trek Axanar,
Michael Hinman’s post on Star Trek Axanar,
Alec Peters’ comments on Facebook,
Star Trek Axanar Captain’s Blog,
Star Trek: Horizon,
Starship Farragut: Homecoming,
Convention news,
and more!

New Year, New #Lovecraft inspired #Horror ebooks!

2016-01-25T08:30:00.001-05:00

Good Morning Cultists, Happy New Year!

We hope you are all recovering, and digging out, from the wrath of Saturday's big winter storm. Looking for something to read on your Kindle app as you stay warm inside?

We have launched two new Kindle ebooks only previously available in trade paperback:

(Click on Cover image of either title to be taken to Amazon Kindle Page)

Dark Tales from Elder Regions: New York ($7.00 via Kindle) with Color Cover and 20 full color illustrations by Luke Spooner This is the first time the color versions of Luke's illustrations have been available in this title

The Friendly Horror & Other Weird Tales ($3.99 via Kindle) with Color Cover, 3 black and white, with 1 internal color illustration by Luke Spooner We now have dedicated pages to each title under our "Fiction Anthologies," drop down menu on the Myth Ink Books website, check out early press and reviews!
We hope you enjoy these new ebook releases and not go entirely mad reading them. Please be sure to leave us a review on Amazon, and on GoodReads

Boldly Going Where No Star Trek Has Gone Before

2015-11-16T13:16:00.000-05:00

Boldly Going Where No Star Trek Has Gone Before

STARDATE 20151116.11
by Anthony S Burdge

Star Trek Anthology is a series of TOS Trek-related stories. Where Star Trek was Gene Roddenberry’s “Wagon Train to the Stars,” Star Trek Anthology is more of an “Express Train to the Twilight Zone.” The plan is to explore the strange, weird and perhaps even uncomfortable subject matter. Think Trek + Twilight Zone + a pinch of Galaxy Quest = Star Trek Anthology. Let’s have some fun making Trek! Get ready for the Launch of Star Trek Anthology.

In this article I will explore being a writer for Star Trek Anthology & introduce our readers to the project as a whole (see above) and each series being produced

For as long I can recall I have been a fan of Star Trek. No matter what series was airing at the time I loved each and everyone as a child. Of course as an adult I became a bit more analytical of what episodes were better than the other, but I still enjoyed the exploration and challenges humanity, As a Whole, faced and overcame, Together.

Now, later in life, I am a writer and have to honor of being a part of something wholly new, very inventive, incredibly creative and ultimately brilliant in its concept: Star Trek Anthology. In my personal files I have stories and attempts at scripts from my teenage years that were set in the Next Generation timeline. However, never did I imagine being part of a family of Star Trek fans, an actual Star Trek production, dedicated to exploring the Star Trek universe, and Gene Roddenberry's vision of humanity, with my wife, and writing Star Trek.

"The various TOS-era web series under the Star Trek Anthology banner give us the opportunity to continue creating new adventures outside the mission of the flagship Enterprise. We will build upon the solid foundation Gene Roddenberry laid, and introduce new cultures and conflicts to the Star Trek universe." ---Executive Producer Scott J. Smith

There are numerous independently filmed fan productions of Star Trek, and I am a fan of a number of them. But as someone who has written weird and strange fiction for print publications I really felt a call to explore what Star Trek Anthology was about. This production not only cites being an "Express Train to the Twilight Zone," but have 3 separate Trek shows in production, hence the "Anthology" part of their title. You can read the Star Trek Anthology About Us Page Here that contains a statement from Series Creator James A. Bray about the whole of the project.

One aspect about this production that is humbling its support of Autism Awareness. In all the independently film Star Trek productions out there, I am only aware of one that not only supports several charities and causes, but tells stories of characters that are on the spectrum, and that is Star Trek Anthology. Click here to read more of the charities Anthology Supports

Or you can watch Series Creator Jim Bray speak of this in this video below, entitled "What Makes Star Trek Anthology Unique?"

So, a year or so later my wife, Jessica Burke, and I have been a part of this very loving family of dedicated Trek fans and have produced a script for the pilot of their show, "Mother." There are currently 3 productions within Star Trek Anthology, "Challenger," "Assignment: Earth," and "Mother."

Now that I have introduced a bit of our involvement with Star Trek Anthology allow me to offer you a bit on each production, some non-spoilery insight into our story for Mother further down, and looking ahead at what to expect.

STARSHIP CHALLENGER

The "tent-pole" production of the entire Anthology project, “Starship Challenger,” focuses upon
the story of Captain JM Colt and the crew of the Challenger, a Miranda-Class Starship, as they explore the outer rim of the galaxy. Does the name "Colt," ring a bell? Well it should as this is the very same, Yeoman J.M. Colt, as seen in "The Cage," and serving under Captain Pike. In "The Cage," Laurel Goodwin portrayed Colt, and now as Captain is played by Jodi Ballinger Bray.

Bray's stunning performance as Colt, in footage I have seen thus far, not only honors Goodwin's portrayal of Colt, but offers us a seasoned, experienced Captain who has not only furthered the goals of StarFleet and the Federation but has seen tragedy and loss.

However, Captain J.M Colt is Ready, Ready to Command and ready for anything put in her way.

The premiere episode currently in production is "Another Door Opens," which will be followed by "A Logical Solution."
My wife and I were in attendance last Spring to meet with the cast and crew of Challenger, and were honored to be a part of a location scouting venture for "A Logical Solution," and really cannot wait for you all to see not just "Another Door Opens," but its second episode.

What I equally love is the history this production offers on each of it's characters, and Colt is not just seen on screen later in her career, but you can read more of what she has been up to since serving aboard the Enterprise right here.

I also highly encourage you to visit the Starship Challenger: Another Door Opens page, which not only offers a synopsis of this Anthology pilot but a brand new video aside from the one below FOUND HERE

Here you can watch the opening credits narrated by Captain J.M. Colt herself:

ASSIGNMENT: EARTH

"Based on the Star Trek episode “Assignment: Earth,” created by Gene Roddenberry (teleplay by Art Wallace), interstellar Agent Gary Seven’s mission is to assist Earth to develop into a peaceful society, protecting the planet and preserving its timeline. To honor Gene Roddenberry's vision and retain the overall "look-and-feel" and spirit of the original Assigment: Earth (Click to read more) concept, the cat's name in the 1968 episode, Isis, possibly inspired by the name of an ancient Egyptian goddess, has been preserved, despite an early 21st century militant group adopting an acronym with the same letters. Any perceived similarity between the two, no matter how far-fetched, is entirely coincidental.

My wife and I are not involved in this series as we are with "Mother," and "Challenger," but seriously were blown away by the preliminary introduction sequence, which is being developed by James A. Bray and Executive Producer Bill Lutz.

This series will be frelling AMAZING!! Not only are we getting more Gary Seven, but it is continuing and expanding upon Gene Roddenberry's vision.

Watch the prelim opening sequence below:

MOTHER

The 3rd of the Star Trek Anthology productions is MOTHER, and where the work of my wife and I come in. Series Creator James A. Bray brought my wife and I aboard and asked us to write the pilot episode "Mother Knows Best," and under his guidance and honoring his vision we have a 1st draft completed for "Mother."

We have two incredible writers working on Mother; Jessica Burke and Anthony Burdge who have written an amazing script and it gives us the chance to discuss our other big interest which is autism awareness."

The two children on the Mother ship have Asperger's Syndrome and is something we've never seen within the Star Trek universe before. It's a theme that does also run into Challenger where the helmsman's son is said to have severe autism and wants to send him to a Vulcan master to help sort his mind out. ~~James A. Bray in an Interview via Some Kind of Star Trek

"About MOTHER: A story about a family-run merchant cargo ship, “URSA MARU.” A lumbering beast of a vessel, it’s been cobbled and retrofitted a hundred times over from countless Federation vessel parts. The family is a hard-scrabble bunch that works the shipping lanes that come in close proximity to Orion pirates and other renegades. LOTS of potential for high space adventure/morality play stories, in a similar vein to Firefly. In the pilot, Orion pirates storm the vessel in search of valuable cargo and MOM takes a dim view of the invasion."

We fiercely latched onto this idea and looked into each of the characters, developing their stories behind the scenes with Jim Bray. Here I offer a synopsis of the characters and Ursa Maru Crew from the Anthology website with small commentary within:

The father, Max Roberts, is the captain. Strong and no-nonsense and folksy. He’s fiercely committed to his family and livelihood. Captain Roberts is played by Paul R. Sieber and has a backstory, which we wrote and is feature on the Anthology website by clicking here

The daughter, Madelyn “Maddi” Roberts, flies the ship, very cocky and a bit tomboyish. The son, Arthur “Arti” Roberts, is very tech-savy, nerdy and likeable. Both the teenagers have Asperger’s Syndrome, making them super smart, quirky and highly focused.The challenge for us as writers of Mother was to expand our knowledge base on Autism and Asperger's and offer unique challenges and character development for Maddi and Arti. Plus it was also a big help meeting the actors behind these characters, Ethan and Kaylee Bray, who are on the spectrum, the children of Series Creator James A. Bray and Jodi Ballinger Bray who portrays Captain Colt,

The Grandfather of Maddi & Arti, father to Max, Deke “Gramps” Roberts, is the chief engineer, crusty and temperamental, but big-hearted and is portrayed by Pat Evans. When we visited Jim and Jodi Bray, we had a "Mother" Script read through with Pat and WOW, did he deliver on the quirky, funny lines we wrote for him--he probably will steal the show :-)

The Captain’s sister, Grace Roberts, sees to the medical and culinary needs of the crew. She’s tough, but kind… but don’t get in a fight with her… it will be your last. In the "What makes Star Trek Anthology Unique?" video above James A. Bray explained his desire to have strong leading female roles in Anthology, which in Challenger we have Colt, with "Mother," we have Grace Roberts portrayed by Wendy Maquera. Writing for Grace was hugely fun, my wife Jessica did most of her scenes, with a bit from me, but Grace kicks butt!! You can read her backstory, which we wrote for Jim Bray on the Anthology website here

The kids’ mother, Donna, or “MOM,” had studied at the Daystrom Institute, was killed in a raid on the ship a number of years back, but lives on in the form of the ship’s computer; having had her mental engrams impressed on the computer’s circuitry, (much like the M-5 computer, but without the crazy) so, in a way, the ship is always looking out for her family… She can also be a little sassy. Max wears a computer interface for private communications with MOM, which makes for some interesting arguments.

For us, writing for the ship, "Mom," was a very interesting process, I will not spoil what happens, only leave you with the above details--but introducing her and her story was not only fun, but educational on various forms this type of computer has taken in the past.

Lastly, Jim wanted some Sci-Fi fun within the story, so as a fan of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Red Dwarf, Blake's 7 and of course Star Trek we seasoned the story with nods to these classics within this story

The story of Mother is a TOS story set during the time of Starship Challenger, and we may see a crossover or two.

So there you have it, a look into this forthcoming, currently in development, series, Star Trek Anthology.

"Jim Bray has assembled a dream team of talent, writers and crew, with years of experience in television and film, including independent film, specifically Star Trek fan film production. In addition to the passion all fans have for Star Trek, the Anthology team, thanks to their extensive work on other web series, has the ability and know-how to get the job done right."
~~Executive Producer Scott J. Smith

This is the first in a series of articles looking at varied aspects of the Star Trek Anthology and offer non-spoilery insight in writing Star Trek. If you like what you have read and seen in this article I cannot encourage you enough to share, tweet, and post from the Anthology website everything you like about it. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter to be amongst the first to receive production updates from the cast and crew.
VISIT STAR TREK ANTHOLOGY TODAY

2016 New York Tolkien Conference: 1st Update

2015-11-16T10:54:00.001-05:00

Hail and Well Met Friends,
It is our hope this finds you all well. We are preparing a series of updates concerning the 2016 New York Tolkien Conference, which this is the first.

Our 2016 Conference will be dedicated to the memory of Tolkien/Inklings Artist Jef Murray. Stay Tuned for further announcements on what we planning to honor our dear, late friend.
Our theme is chosen, our Guests of Honor selected, but currently are in discussion with another venue to host the Conference. We are aiming for a mid-June to late July 2016 date to hold the Conference, which all depends upon the hosting venue.
This week we shall be announcing the theme and Guests of Honor, but first we are in need to build a team for 2016.
We were very grateful to a number of our attendees who offered to volunteer their time and skills for the next Conference. If that offer still stands we can certainly use the help.

Here is what we are seeking (if you do not see something you can help with but have applicable experience/skills to offer then contact us at email below):

Bilbo by Jef Murray

Prior to the Conference-
Graphic Design (to assist with web and printed images)
Social Media/Public Relations (to work directly with Anthony on getting word out--some experience would be a plus, especially if you work for an applicable news outlet, agency and/or publication)
Writers (to write articles related to Tolkien, our theme and the Conference, conduct speaker interviews, etc for our website--must have prior writing experience)

On Site at the Conference:
Room Coordinators: Keep programs running in timely fashion and ensure all presenters are in attendance

Guest/Speaker Liaison: Coordinate with Guest of Honor/Speakers on individual needs and rendering assistance where necessary

Information/Registration Staff: We would like to have a rotating staff be in charge of the information/registration table(s) -- by having a rotating staff we can have everyone enjoy the Conference throughout the Conference and not be the only one stuck at the table all day.
These lists may be amended in future updates but for now these are the basics of a volunteer staff we seek to build.

If you are interested to be a part of the 2016 NY Tolkien Conference Team, please write to Anthony and Jessica at mythinkbooks@gmail.com

Fan of Douglas Adams? Rest your thumb & hang your towel at GalacticHitchhikers.com

2015-11-07T17:47:00.001-05:00

Just like Space, the Internet is big, really big. I cannot believe how vastly hugely mindbogglingly big it is. But now, for all within the interwebs there is a hub, a frellingly HUGE and vast Spaceport for all Galactic Hitchhikers to rest their thumbs and hang their towels.

Fan of Douglas Adams, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and all things 42? Then read on: the highly celebrated Towel Day Ambassador, Field Researcher, Dudeist Priest and GalacticHitchhiker.com Founder Zaxley Nash has focused all his energy in bringing to life a new fan based community for all towel bearing hoopy froods.

About Galactic Hitchhikers

Galactic Hitchhikers is a fan based community about Life, the Universe, and Everything.
We're the place for those who hitch the length and breadth of the galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds to share and enjoy off beat observations on life the universe and everything.

We see the Guide as a filter to see the universe through, it reminds us that life is far too ridiculous to be taken too seriously; We are science and science-fiction fanatics, social activists, and hopeful futurists. We are space-hippies and dreamers, we are gamers and geeks.....We are hoopy froods that always know where our towels are.

Galactic Hitchhikers…

Ready for a slouch with fellow travelers? Need to find that perfect Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster recipe? Or Learn the Way of Frood and be a highly balance Jedi Hitchhiker Dudeist?
Then don't stop here, go on over to Galactic Hitchhikers.com and Join the Party!

[Review] Get on the Case with The Three Pillars: A Paranormal Card Game

2015-08-12T18:34:00.000-04:00

Get on the Case with The Three Pillars: A Paranormal Card Game

by Jessica Burke & Anthony Burdge

In September 2014 we wrote our first review of The Three Pillars Paranormal Card game, which you

can click here to read. The prior review covered the game basics, about the creators of the game, and now we go a bit more in depth about the game, which as had 2 subsequent expansions, Allies and Adversaries and Batteries Not Required. We were game testers for those expansions as well as the forthcoming, highly anticipated Extreme Haunting, which we will have a bit about at the end of the following article.

The following review was originally published in the TAPS Paramagazine March/April 2015 issue, which unfortunately our article went uncredited within the magazine itself. However click here or on the side image to purchase your copy.

Have you ever wanted to investigate paranormal hotspots like the Grand Midway Hotel, Sailor's Snug Harbor, or the Westminster Burying Ground, but haven't been able to?

Well, now you can, thanks to TheThree Pillars: A Paranormal Card Game.

For years, the world of Collectible Card Gaming has offered players the chance to delve realms of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror, from casting spells at mythological creatures, to flying starships to distant planets, to destroying Lovecraftian Elder God Cults. But, what about the fan, the dedicated researcher, the investigator of the paranormal? Where's the card game for us?

The Three Pillars: A Paranormal Card Game opens a unique card game genre and is the brainchild of veteran gamers, Paranormal Investigators, and filmmakers Brian J. Cano and Christopher Mancuso.

On SyFy's Haunted Collector, alongside Demonologist John Zaffis, Cano was the Tech Specialist. The second in command of the Haunted Collector Team, Cano has been known for mixing old and new investigative techniques, and we often saw him in the physical role investigating cobwebbed crawl-spaces and dingy, cramped attics, or breaking out the ground-penetrating radar. Several years ago, Cano was a Volunteer Representative at Decipher, Inc (Star Wars CCG, Star Trek CCG, LotR TCG), often demonstrating games at conventions, such as GenCon.

Mancuso, a writer of supernatural fiction (Remembering Peter in Dark Tales from Elder Regions: New York), is a seasoned Paranormal Investigator with a team he co-founded with Cano: SCARED!, screenwriter filmmaker, (See IMDB), and urban explorer. Often sought after for his insight and knowledge of investigative techniques and history, Mancuso has appeared on Haunted Collector, Ghost Adventures, and other paranormal programs (television, podcast, and radio).

As founders of SCARED! and CORE FILMS, and the Executive Producers of an award winning paranormal documentary series, Mancuso and Cano (See IMDB) often appear on the lecture circuit at Paranormal Conventions and College Campuses nationwide. SCARED! began in 2002 and has always maintained three important views to paranormal investigation: Scientist, Skeptic, and Psychic.

The Three Pillars: A Paranormal Card Game simulates the landscape of the modern paranormal investigator applying the core SCARED! philosophy of Scientist, Skeptic and Psychic. Unlike other card games, The Three Pillars is grounded in real-world historical locations, genuine skills needed by paranormal teams, and realistic events applicable to the paranormal investigator. The Three Pillars game-play is all drawn from the vast experience of Cano, Mancuso and the SCARED! crew.

The Core Set of The Three Pillars premiered in 2014 and features six members of the SCARED! crew, on three double-sided cards. There are two Scientists, two Skeptics, and two Psychics from which to assign to each Case. Each game consists of three cases in three different locations —either historical or inspired by actual SCARED! casework. Each Pillar —played by one player or a team of two players— must collect enough evidence to close each case. The player or team with the most evidence presented wins the game. However, your opposing Pillar has the same goals while sabotaging your investigation. New cases start with an Event. During our own game-play, it's known as the “Sh*# Happens Card” and it's one of the things, along with the sheer level of quality that's gone into the cards themselves, which gives a real-world flavor to the game. Anyone who has been on an investigation knows that in reality, “Sh*#t” really does happen to flub an investigation. Players can cause other misfortunes on opponents from busted equipment to demonic possession all aimed at slowing down or ceasing an opponent's investigation. Whether newbie or veteran investigator, forward thinking and a good offense are ideal for each case and there are opportunities to gather Preparedness and Protection Cards to help in game-play.

September 2014 brought the first expansion set, Allies and Adversaries, with six locations, different event cards, and another level adding to game-play: the Support Team and Personalities. These new cards integrate into the Core Set; swap them out, mix them in, it's up to each gamer. The Support Team ally with the Pillars and introduce new abilities. The Personalities, names familiar in the paranormal community, add to the Events to either help or hinder the team's ability to close cases.

Earlier this year we game-tested the second expansion, Batteries Not Required, which was released March 2015. This set further supplements the Core Set and Allies and Adversaries by focusing on the metaphysical— another major aspect of the paranormal. Not everything can be measured via technology. As Mancuso and Cano state: “The paranormal by nature is intangible and at times must be investigated via intangible skills.” Batteries Not Required targets Psychic skills and phenomena with new Events, Pillars, and Cases. Moving full steam ahead, Cano and Mancuso are currently developing the third expansion set, Extreme Hauntings.

Within the last few weeks we made a pilgrimage to the home base of The Three Pillars Co-creator Christopher Mancuso to game test Extreme Hauntings, and it was indeed EXTREME!! Malevolent spirits, entities, curses and devastating events filter through the latest expansion. WOW! This expansion as a whole new depth, flavor and dimension to the game. If you have been following the SCARED! Crew on twitter then you may have caught a glimpse of what to expect. If you do not follow these updates then how will know you know what will be around the corner, the best investigative equipment will not save you!

SCARED: August 5, 2105 - Announcing the third expansion to THE THREE PILLARS: A Paranormal Card Game focusing on entities and curses: Extreme Hauntings (READ ON THE SCARED SITE HERE)

The stakes are about to be raised - the cases have gotten more dangerous as have the things that await you at each one All-new card types challenge your team to the extreme! Entities appear when least expected to try and do more than just scare off your Pillars. Access the new Extreme Deck to search for Objects to help in the battle but there is a grave risk in doing so...the potential to be cursed!

This double set is compatible with all prior expansions or can be played without them. The release date is September 29, 2015.

Expansion set includes:

4 new Pillar Cards

9 Entity Cards

10 Curse Cards

10 Object Cards

9 Cases

24 Event Cards

1 Support Card

1 Multi Evidence Card

Complete Rulebook

Coming in March 2016, the next expansion, focusing on the haunted items: The Haunted Museum

For those new to card gaming, The Three Pillars is easy to learn. The ability to harmonize the familiar with the unexplored is what makes this one of the most enjoyable card games we've played, to date. Folks in the Paranormal community will appreciate the nuance that makes each game different, but also the key detail that sets The Three Pillars apart from other card games: it utilizes real life skills, phenomena, locations, and history. These elements are not only brilliant fun, but have an educational value for paranormal investigators who can't necessarily run amok in the halls of the Knickerbocker Hotel or Fort Mifflin.

Grab your friends and your paranormal team, investigate mysterious phenomena and haunted locations. Get on the case today: visit the SCARED! store at www.neverstopsearching.com for The Three Pillars: A Paranormal Card Game.

(Call for Submissions) TAILS FROM THE OTHER SIDE: Pets and the Paranormal

2015-08-01T16:13:00.000-04:00

TAILS FROM THE OTHER SIDE:

Pets and the Paranormal

Call for Submissions

Paranormal Investigator/Animal Rescuer Christopher Mancuso and Myth Ink Books are teaming up to benefit Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue with a project dedicated to pets and the paranormal. The following details the project, submission requirements, how to submit and guest contributors.
CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL PROJECT PAGE

At one time, we have all benefited from the loving nature of our animal companions. Whether cat, dog, bird or other, our pets have provided much needed love and support. However, it is a heart wrenching, devastating loss when our pet passes away. This project is dedicated to the paranormal experiences you may have had after your animal companion has crossed over to the Other Side. After our pets have passed, many of us can swear we have felt a familiar brush against a leg, heard a familiar bark or meow, or maybe we’ve been witness to another companion left behind play as she once used to with the companion who has passed on. Our animal companions also have a heightened sense of awareness and can track something which we cannot see. Sometimes we’ve been witness to a pet experiencing and reacting to the paranormal. Or sometimes the pet’s ability to sense something Other Worldly precedes our own paranormal pet experience.

We’re happy to announce that this project is supported by, and will have contributions from Demonologist, Haunted Collector’s John Zaffis and groundbreaking author/speaker & researcher Rosemary Ellen Guiley of Visionary Living, Inc.

John Zaffis has over forty years of experience studying and investigating the paranormal. Zaffis spent his first years studying under his uncle and aunt Ed and Lorraine Warren, both demonologists. Mr Zaffis starred in the SyFy paranormal reality TV show, Haunted Collector, and runs the Paranormal and Demonology Research Society of New England, which he founded in 1998. Click here to read more of his work and the Museum of the Paranormal

Rosemary Ellen Guiley is a leading expert in the metaphysical and paranormal fields, with more than 60 books published on a wide range of paranormal, spiritual, and mystical topics, including nine single-volume encyclopedias and reference works. She has worked full-time in the field since 1983. Rosemary runs her own independent publishing company, Visionary Living, Inc., and also publishes an e-newsletter, Strange Dimensions. She lectures internationally and makes numerous media appearances. Click here to read more of her work.

Requirements, How to Contribute, and Compensation:

In order to contribute to Tails from the Other Side you do not have to be a paranormal investigator, part of an investigation, a member of a paranormal team, nor do you have to be a published writer.
What is required is your real life paranormal experience of a deceased pet, your having been witness to your current animal companion having a paranormal experience, or an experience of a similar nature involving a pet (past or present). We do NOT want secondary or tertiary accounts and NO FICTION. We DO WANT firsthand accounts.

We ask that the experience be documented in written form. If you are interested in submitting your experience to this collection, please send us a query with a brief description of your experience (no more than 200 words). If your submission is of interest, we will discuss with you how we will proceed. If you need assistance with the completion of your contribution we will work with you. You do NOT need to be a writer to contribute.
All finalized contributions should be a minimum of 1000 words and should be no more than 5000 words. However, if your contribution exceeds 5000 words we are open to discussion.

We are not offering contributors monetary payment as a portion of the proceeds will benefit Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue. All contributors will receive a copy of the final published book and a contributor’s discount on purchases for additional copies.
Please send all inquiries and completed submissions to mythinkbooks@gmail.com

The Deadline is February 1, 2016.

An Evening with Star Trek Author Michael Jan Friedman

2015-06-19T14:07:00.000-04:00

The New York City Chapter of the International Star Trek Fan Organization Fleet 31, the USS Growler NCC – 76369 invites you all to a VIP event aboard the Growler.
We are happy to present:
“An Evening with Michael Jan Friedman.”

Saturday July 25th 2015 5pm
Tir na Nog
5 Penn Plz, New York, NY 10001
CLICK HERE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Michael Jan Friedman has an extensive resume of Star Trek publications and he co-wrote the Star Trek Voyager episode “Resistance.” In 1992 Friedman wrote Reunion, the first Star Trek: The Next Generation hardcover, which introduced the crew of the Stargazer, Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s first command.

SEE BELOW FOR A COMPLETE “ABOUT MR FRIEDMAN
Visit his website:
http://www.michaeljanfriedman.net/

This is an informal gathering with Mr. Friedman, to honor, celebrate and discuss with him not only his extensive contributions to Star Trek but his more than 70 works of fiction, comics, non-fiction and television.

***NOTE ABOUT THIS EVENT***
We shall be discussing with Mr. Friedman his work with Star Trek, past and present, plus his non-Star Trek work.
Mr. Friedman will have copies of his Star Trek and non Star Trek books on hand for sale and to sign.
If you can definitely make this event then please click “GOING.”
We have a reservation for 20 people and can accommodate more but need to know you can definitively attend.
Please be sure to order a meal as we shall all be dining with Mr. Friedman.
Everyone is responsible for their own check. Please be sure to ask for your own check upon ordering your meal.

ABOUT MICHAEL JAN FRIEDMAN
Michael Jan Friedman is the author of more than 70 books of fiction and non-fiction, about half of them set somewhere in the wilds of the Star Trek universe.
In 1992 Friedman wrote Reunion, the first Star Trek: The Next Generation hardcover, which introduced the crew of the Stargazer, Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s first command. Over the years, the popularity of Reunion has spawned a number of Stargazer stories in both prose and comic book formats, including a six-novel original series.

Friedman has also written for the Aliens, Predator, Wolf Man, Lois and Clark, DC Super Hero, Marvel Super Hero, and Wishbone licensed book universes. Eleven of his book titles, including the autobiography Hollywood Hulk Hogan and Ghost Hunting (written with SciFi’s Ghost Hunters), have appeared on the prestigious New York Times primary bestseller list, and his novel adaptation of the Batman & Robin movie was for a time the #1 bestselling book in Poland (really).
Friedman has worked at one time or another in network and cable television, radio, business magazines, and the comic book industry, in the process producing scripts for nearly 180 comic stories. Among his comic book credits is the Darkstars series from DC Comics, which he created with artist Larry Stroman, and the Outlaws limited series, which he created with artist Luke McDonnell. He also co-wrote the story for the acclaimed second-season Star Trek: Voyager episode “Resistance,” which guest-starred Joel Grey.
As always, he advises readers that no matter how many Friedmans they know, he is probably not related to any of them.

Become a NY Tolkien Conference Sponsor

2015-04-27T15:06:00.000-04:00

Hail and Well Met Friends!

Become a Sponsor for the New York Tolkien Conference. By becoming a Sponsor you are helping the organizers of the NYC Tolkien Conference organize a free conference for every Tolkien fan to attend for years to come.

What can be better than an all day Free celebration of all things J.R.R Tolkien?

The New York City Tolkien Conference is a FREE, one-day event that will take place at Baruch College on June 13^th 2015. We have set up an IndieGogo Campaign to assist in our first year initial budget, which will help us with supplies and overheard for this year and a few years to come Read Below for more Details and Click Here or the Button to visit the Campaign Page

A Free Event!

Not Final Cover

It's important to us that we offer this event to the general public for free. But there's a reason that most cons charge entrance fees, anywhere from $20 and up. The costs involved in running such an event really does add up. And, if you’re planning on publishing a conference proceedings—which we are going to do—then the costs can skyrocket. Only with your help can we make sure that we're producing a first-class event that will be 100% free to attend and participate in. And, only with your support can we offer a published collection of the conference proceedings: Friends & Fellowship: New York City’s Tolkien Conference Proceedings. Together, we can build a great event that's based on community, creativity and exploring our love of Tolkien. This campaign would help us ensure that we have a solid foundation to keep the Conference as a free event for years to come.

The Fundage

We're seeking $3500 to produce this event. That money will be used for four primary purposes:

Conference Materials. We'll need to print programs, produce maps and signage for the con itself, produce identification for attendees, presenters, and con staff, and other miscellaneous items to effectively run a great Journey to Middle-earth.
Promotion. The more people we can get to an event like this, the more fun it is! We need to print posters and flyers, host websites and more to get the word out about this event.
Conference Proceedings. To make this event something truly memorable, we’re going to publish the conference proceedings in a single volume. This will be a print-on-demand title, available via Myth Ink Books and Amazon. But, supporters of this campaign will receive the book before it’s made available to the public.
Campaign & Volunteer Perks. Offering physical perks adds to the cost that we’ll need for this event. Read more about the awesome perks we’re offering below. In addition, this campaign will help us offer some perks to the folks on the ground volunteering on the day of the event. We’ll be offering them a copy of the con proceedings and a successful campaign will allow us to offer them another thank you gift—and as you know Hobbits love gifts. Whatever we offer the volunteers will be offered in some levels as well.

Risks & Challenges

The risks to hosting this event are minimal. If we don’t reach our funding goal, we’ll still put on an event, it just won't be nearly as cool and we might not be able to as easily publish a proceeding after the event. All of the funds will be collected and spent under the proven stewardship of Myth Ink Books and the organizers (and founders) of Heren Istarion: The Northeast Tolkien Society (previously known as the New York Tolkien Society). Baruch College and CUNY are unaffiliated with this campaign or the organization of the event. You can be sure that 100% of the money raised will be used appropriately. You can also be confident that the event will be executed as promised.

The Perks for Supporting the NYC Tolkien Conference

Mellon Support level ($5): We’ll list your name as a supporter on our website, and give you a shout out on our social media
Hobbit Support level ($10): We’ll list your name, as before, but you’ll also receive TWO E-books from Myth Ink Books. You’ll receive a digital copy of the conference proceedings, Friends & Fellowship. But you’ll also receive a digital copy of Myth Ink’s other Tolkien title, Forgotten Leaves: Essays from a Smial, which will have it’s official book launch at the NYC Tolkien Conference.
Dwarf Support Levels ($20 and $30): As with the earlier levels, we’ll list your name on our site, give you a shout-out, and you’ll receive both e-books. But, for this level, you’ll receive a paperback copy of Friends & Fellowship. AND, you’ll be thanked in print. Your name will be listed on a support page in the text. This level is offered for Domestic ($20) and International ($30) shipping.
Ent Support Levels ($20 and $30): As with the earlier levels, we’ll list your name on our site, give you a shout-out, and you’ll receive both e-books. But, for this level, you’ll receive a paperback copy of Forgotten Leaves. Your name will be listed on a support page in the text. This level is offered for Domestic ($20) and International ($30) shipping.

Elf Support Levels ($60 and $80): As with the earlier levels, you’ll have your name listed as a supporter. But for this package you’ll receive BOTH e-books, BOTH paperbacks, and have your name listed in Friends & Fellowship but in the acknowledgements. As if that’s not enough, you’ll also one CD from The Lonely Mountain Band and our artist guest of honor, John DiBartolo. You'll get to choose from 3 titles. You’ll also receive two other digital titles from Myth Ink Books, Dark Tales from Elder Regions: New York and The Friendly Horror and Other Weird Tales. And, we’ll add another special thank you gift. This level is offered for Domestic ($60) and International ($80) shipping.
Wizard Support Levels($120 and $140): You’ll have everything from the previous packages: paperback copies of Forgotten Leaves, and, Friends & Fellowship. You’ll be listed as a sponsor on the website and in the acknowledgements of Friends & Fellowship. You’ll receive all 3 CDs from The Lonely Mountain Band. You’ll receive a complete digital collection of Myth Ink Books. Plus, we’ll send you a few more paperbacks for your bookshelf: Tales from Elder Regions: New York and the second edition The Friendly Horror and Other Weird Tales with exclusive artwork by Luke Spooner. You’ll receive a print of the NYC Tolkien Conference artwork, the brilliant painting of Bag End by Luke Spooner. And, we’ll add another special thank you gift. This level is offered for Domestic ($120) and International ($140) shipping.
Valar Support Level ($300 and $400): You’ll have everything from the Wizard Support level, but we’ll include paperback copies of all of Myth Ink Books’ titles through to the end of 2015. You will be listed as a sponsor of the conference and the Conference Organizers will buy you a Pint (or 3) after the Conference. This level is offered for Domestic ($300) and International ($400) shipping. Please note, the international items will be shipped as they become available, hence the higher shipping and handling fee.

Become a Sponsor for the New York Tolkien Conference. By becoming a Sponsor you are helping the organizers of the NYC Tolkien Conference organize a free conference for every Tolkien fan to attend for years to come. What can be better than an all day Free celebration of all things J.R.R Tolkien?

New York Tolkien Conference Update

2015-04-26T10:35:00.003-04:00

Hail and Well Met Friends!
It has been sometime since our last article, and we apologize for the lack of new content. We have been incredibly busy organizing the New York Tolkien Conference:

Saturday, June 13th 2013

10a.m. – 5 p.m

Baruch College One Bernard Baruch Way (55 Lexington Ave at 24th St)
New York, NY 10010

The Conference will have 2 Guests of Honor, 20 Speakers, 3 panels and 1 Live Concert, which adds up to a huge one day celebration of all things J.R.R Tolkien

What has been going on with the Conference? We discuss Free Ticket Registration, Programming, community comments and Volunteering for the Conference

FREE TICKET Registration began on March 30th. Every attendee must be registered, which is due to security measures at Baruch College.

You can register for your Free Ticket by Clicking the button below

The Call for Papers ended April 7th, and we have been posting a few selected presentations to the Conference website, which you can click here to read

We are so grateful to everyone for the enthusiasm, and kind comments we have received since announcing the Conference. The fantastic and brilliant reporter for Middle-earth News, Myla Malinalda, did a great write-up about the Conference, which you can click here to read.

Members of the Silmarillion Writers Guild will be on hand either presenting or attending, with special thanks to Dawn Walls-Thumma for discussing the Conference in the SWG newsletter.
Click here to read more

The New York Tolkien Conference seeks Volunteers. We are seeking any and all adventurous Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves and Humans, No Orcs Please–to be a part of our New York Tolkien Conference Volunteer Fellowship.

If you are interested in Volunteering please read all of the following.

There are two Conference Staff members who will be coordinating the Volunteer Team: Rachel Kambury and Jessica Burke

All of our Volunteers will receive several perks for their help TBA, one of which will be a copy of the Conference Proceedings upon publication.

We have several areas that we will need volunteers for:

Set Up/BreakDown:
Arrive 8:30 a.m to assist setting up and breakdown when the Conference ends at 5pm. The team that sets up in the morning may not necessarily be the same team that breaks down in the evening.

Assist with the flow of traffic:
We will need a few volunteers on each conference floor, Main Lobby 1st Floor, 6th & 7th Floor to be able to direct attendees to Conference areas as they enter the Conference and instruct them if they get lost trying to find a particular programming room.

Programming Rooms:
In order to keep the programming schedule going as timely as possible we will need volunteers to monitor each room as programs begin and end. We will have signs outside of each room cluster of programs taking place in that area, and volunteers can assist everyone with information as necessary and each presenter to ensure they have all they need.

Sign In/Information Table:
At the start of the Conference attendees will be directed to the 7th Floor Main Conference Hall, after check in with Security in the Main Lobby, for the Opening Address. Outside of that room will be a few tables. The Main Table will be a Sign In Table. We will need at least 3 Volunteers to Welcome Visitors and check them off so they can receive their Conference wristband and Program book. All Conference Information will be at this table.
We will also have a table for a Silent Auction & for Myth Ink Books that two of the Conference Organizers will need a few volunteers for.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL Volunteer positions will be rotated so every volunteer has a chance to enjoy the Conference.

These are the major areas we will need volunteers for, we will update this post and Volunteers Section as we get closer to the Conference.

If you would like to Volunteer you can send an email to MythInkBooks@gmail.com
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Thank you for reading! We hope to see you at the Conference.

Zombie Survival Weekend: Prepare for the Apocalypse

2015-03-08T15:38:00.000-04:00

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What would it take for you to survive a Zombie Apocalypse? What choices would you make to ensure not only your own personal safety, but the safety of your team members as well? If you prepare for any kind of disaster, whether natural or man-made, have you considered how to refine your skills for a surviving a Zombie outbreak? (Zombies can mean the undead, or those humans unprepared to weather a SHTF scenario.)

We have just the event for you to test your survival skills. The Zombie Survival Weekend.

Do you have what it takes to survive? Find out October 9th-11th 2015 at Camp Ramblewood, MD with 36 hours on continuous gameplay and simulated combat. Nerf Style weapons, whether pistol, rifle, knife, sword or axe will be available to take on the undead.

You can choose to attend as a survivor or a zombie. Keep in mind, the question of survival is applicable if you choose to play as a Zombie, which has numerous perks, including training by Zombie Expert Michael Hoske, a featured Walker on AMC's The Walking Dead. I shall cover more of that below.

The organizers of the Zombie Survival Weekend are two well respected leaders in the field of urban exploration and paranormal research and investigation: Brian J Cano and Christoper Mancuso.

On SyFy's Haunted Collector series, Cano worked alongside Demonologist John Zaffis as the Tech Specialist. Over a decade ago, Cano founded SCARED! along with partner Mancuso.

Aside from being a seasoned paranormal investigator, screenwriter, filmmaker, and urban explorer, Mancuso, is a writer of supernatural fiction, and is often sought after for his insight and knowledge of investigative techniques and history. Mancuso has appeared on Haunted Collector, Ghost Adventures, and other paranormal programs

In addition to foundering SCARED!, Mancuso and Cano also created CORE FILMS, are the Executive Producers of an award winning paranormal documentary series, and Cano appear on the lecture circuit at Paranormal Conventions and College Campuses nationwide

I recently spoke to Cano and Mancuso about Zombie Survival Weekend:

Cano: We've always wanted to push the boundaries of what an event could be. It's not enough for us to hold an event...we want to provide an experience.

Mancuso: Hopefully by attending Zombie Survival Weekend people will become aware of how really unprepared they are for the epidemic... remember, it's not "if the zombie outbreak happens" it's "when the zombie outbreak happens"

This will not be any ordinary event. It will be an "experience," as Cano states. Mancuso gave us some food for thought when he told us that it is not a matter of if, but when a zombie outbreak happens. Below you will find some initial information to survive the outbreak, where to go to buy tickets and the first two parts from a recently found video diary featuring some characters that might be familiar to you....

From Zombie Survival Weekend Survivetheweekend.com

Nestled safely in the comfort of your living room, you've watched every zombie movie and apocalyptic television show you can get your hands on. You know every frame of every Romero movie by heart. You can quote the Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks by chapter and verse. You fancy yourself to be athletic and yell at the screen any time someone falls down or makes what seems to be a tactical mistake as the hordes of zombies close in on the cinematic victims. You even have your friends convinced that if the zombie apocalypse ever does come that you'd be the one to follow, who will have all the answers..

THE TIME HAS COME TO PUT UP OR SHUT UP

This is not your ordinary Zombie event. It's not for the weak or the faint of heart. This is an intense, immersive weekend experience full of fear and adrenaline. Your wits will be tested. You will be challenged mentally and physically. You can run. You can hide. You can even fight back.
But can you stay alive?

My wife and I are devout watchers of The Walking Dead and we confess, we're sometimes guilty of critiquing the actions of those characters seeking to survive. As preppers and survivalists, evaluating what the survivors could have done better to not only equip themselves (weapons or gear), take advantage of natural healing methods, but also for each other gives us pause as we re-evaluate our own preps and survival plans.

This event is a game, and we are meant to have fun, but it will push each individual to the limits mentally and physically. As a Survivor you can rely on prior combat and survival training, prep your skills as much as you can prior to the event, but will it be enough? On the ground training, adaptability to any situation and initiative will be key in a situation such a this.

By choosing to be a Survivor in the game you have several professions to choose from, and advantages each comes with, by selecting a particular ticket level.

Law Enforcement, Scrounger, Bio Chemist and Medical Technician. These are extremely limited and are on a first come, first served basis.

Click here to choose your Ticket Level Profession

Right from the start as a Survivor there is a HUGE chance you will not be able to fend off a Zombie hoard and get infected. There is a set time as to how long it will take for you to TURN and then you will play the rest of the event as a Zombie.

Click Here to Read the Zombie Survival Weekend FAQs on attending the event and Gameplay

Whether you choose to start the game as a Survivor or Zombie, there are various perks for each, the Survivor Professions and perks are cited and linked to above. But what if you TURN or start off as a Zombie?

Don't Worry, being one of the undead is not all that bad. Unlike the survivors, you have nothing to fear. Hunt the Survivors, infect them and turn them all into the living dead, just like you. Learn how to act like a zombie from a pro -- Michael Koske from THE WALKING DEAD *Zombies Only (starting off the event as a Zombie) Get "Zombified" by a Make-Up Artist.

These are but a few of the Zombie perk highlights. As with the Survivor options: CLICK HERE to read of all the advantages you receive as a Zombie

Lastly, some video diary footage has surfaced and features us in a Zombie survival situation. See Parts One and Two below.

CLICK any highlighted text above or image to visit the Zombie Survival Weekend website

Help Create Star Trek Anthology With Us

2015-03-03T10:22:00.001-05:00

Hailing Frequencies Open!

*****STARDATE 150303.09****

Star Trek Anthology KickStarter Now Live Click Here

By now many of our readers have seen the article concerning our involvement as Series Writers with the production of Star Trek Anthology. We are very busy finishing up our first draft of the pilot for "MOTHER," and are humbled to be writing not only Star Trek, as it is a lifelong dream, but to be a part of a show that is helping expand Autism Awareness. Two of the characters we are writing are on the Autism spectrum and will be a highlight of the story. For information regarding Anthology's involvement and support of Autism Awareness click here

We are fans of all the Independently filmed Star Trek productions that are out there whether audio or film. However, regardless of our involvement in Star Trek Anthology what makes me a fan of the concept is that it is a different format, and different way of storytelling with a bit of other genres in the mix:

“Star Trek Anthology” is a vignette/anthology series of TOS Trek-related stories. Where Star Trek was Gene Roddenberry’s “Wagon Train to the Stars,” Star Trek Anthology is more of an “Express Train to the Twilight Zone.” The plan is to explore strange, weird and perhaps even uncomfortable subject matter.Think Trek + Twilight Zone + a pinch of Galaxy Quest = Anthology.

The tentpole production, "Starship Challenger," features a Captain who is directly connected to the first Star Trek TOS pilot, "The Cage." We get to see Yeoman J.M. Colt later in her career as Captain and learn more of her character through Star Trek Anthology.

The second episode of "Starship Challenger," A Logical Solution, currently in production will be dedicated to the later Leonard Nimoy whom we all loved as Mr. Spock.

For a full list of planned episodes Click Here

Help Us Make some great Star Trek stories by clicking here to support this production via KickStarter, pledge today to receive some great rewards. If you are a writer and wish to pitch a story, a few of the reward levels include a "Writers Perk" Special. As a part of the writing team we will be reviewing your treatment for a Star Trek Anthology story.

Check out the video on the STAR TREK ANTHOLOGY KICKSTARTER PAGE & also watch the video below for their proof of concept

Call for Stories: Legends of Sleepy Hollow

2015-02-09T16:39:00.001-05:00

Recently we featured news concerning the work of Sleepy Hollow, New York Storyteller David Neilsen and his one man Call of Cthulhu show at the Lovecraft Bar. We have worked with David on two projects thus far, his story “Leaking” was published within our latest anthology Dark Tales from Elder Regions: New York and his creepy story Lovely Island was the second in our line of chapbooks.

David Neilsen is a prolific writer and storyteller, and has created a new short story anthology that will be published this Fall via Myth Ink Books, LEGENDS OF SLEEPY HOLLOW.

Below you will find the Call for Stories Submission Guidelines, please read through them and if you have any questions send all inquiries to the email indicated below.

Legends of Sleepy Hollow

Submission Guidelines

Ever since Washington Irving published The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in 1820, the region has become synonymous with ghost stories. But there’s a lot more horror in Sleepy Hollow than what’s in Irving’s story, and more demons at play within this idyllic land than just a single headless horseman.
We’re looking for original horror stories set in Sleepy Hollow, New York. The time period for your story is up to you– past, present, future, alternate history– but it must take place whole or in part within Sleepy Hollow. Sleepy Hollow is a real place, with a real history, so do your homework. For example, while it has always been an unofficial name of the region, the Village itself was not officially named Sleepy Hollow until 1996.
Scare us, creep us out, give us the shivers, make us laugh. Be Gothic, modern, Lovecraftian, Victorian, Steampunk, whatever. Just set your story in Sleepy Hollow.

RULES:

1. Any & all submissions must be set in & around Sleepy Hollow, New York.
2. No gratuitous sex, violence, or profanity
3. No pornography of any kind. If you include sex in your story, it must be important to the story– and must abide by rule #2.
4. No stories centered on rape, torture or child molestation. We’re not interested.
5. No fan fiction (stay away from the world of the TV show and the Tim Burton film).
6. Your story must be a complete story– we’re not interested in excerpts.
7. It must be your ORIGINAL work.
8. Do NOT include any artwork

Interested? Sweet! Read on.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Stories should be between 2,000 and 8,000 words.
All stories must be titled
Edit and format your work according to MLA standards. And, please use only American Standard English punctuation and spelling. We will reject your work if it has not been edited or proofread for language.
Also, please use a standard size black font when submitting your work.
Include your name, contact information, and word count on the first page of your story. If you submit your story using a pseudonym, you MUST note that it is a pseudonym AND include your full real name.
No reprints, simultaneous, or multiple submissions.
Please include a short bio in your cover letter.
Send your story as an attachment to your email. We accept .DOC, .DOCX files only. NO .PDF or .txt files please.

Email your submission to mythinksleepyhollow@gmail.com

with the subject of: “SUBMISSION- [your story title].”

PAYMENT:

We plan to offer a token $5 payment and ONE contributor’s copy of the final anthology (upon publication of the volume). We will also offer a contributor discount on any additional copies you wish to purchase when purchased through us directly.

DEADLINE:

To be considered for this volume, we must have received your submission no later than May 1^st 2015.

RESPONSE TIMES:

We’ll try to get back to you within 30 days from the close of submissions, please do not email us with regards to the status of your work until after that time.

Any other questions can be directed to mythinksleepyhollow@gmail.com.

CLICK HERE FOR A .PDF DOWNLOAD/PRINTABLE COPY OF THESE GUIDELINES

Star Trek: Anthology Series Writers

2015-02-07T13:00:00.000-05:00

Hailing Frequencies Open!

Stardate 15027.12

We are very happy to announce that we have been brought aboard the new Star Trek Production: Star Trek Anthology as Series Writers. This is a fantastic opportunity and we are incredibly grateful, and humbled, to be a part of this family of Star Trek fans and filmmakers.

This article will serve an an Introduction to Star Trek Anthology and our roles within the production, which are Series Writers (credited on IMDB and the Star Trek Anthology Cast & Crew Page). We are currently working on the Script for MOTHER, a Pilot Episode of Star Trek Anthology detailed below

As our readers may know we are also members of Fleet 31, a Star Trek Fan Organization, and are Senior Staff of the USS Growler, the NYC Chapter of Fleet 31, which is supporting and endorsing Star Trek Anthology

Star Trek Anthology is a new unique and exciting webseries in the world of Trek based in the TOS STAR TREK universe. Think Trek + Twilight Zone + a pinch of Galaxy Quest = ANTHOLOGY.

From Jim Bray, Chief Executive Producer and Creator of "Star Trek Anthology:"

You may remember in the 1970’s, NBC had an interesting anthology series called the NBC Sunday Mystery Movie. Each week, it would feature a different detective story. There was “Macmillan and Wife” starring Rock Hudson and Susan Saint James, “Heck Ramsey” starring Richard Boone, “McCloud” starring Dennis Weaver, and who can forget “Columbo” starring Peter Falk.

The concept for “Star Trek Anthology” will be very much the same. Each segment of the series will take place primarily in the original Trek series period. Our premier episode will feature our tent-pole production, “Starship Challenger,” the story of Captain JM Colt and the crew of the Challenger, a Miranda-Class Starship, as they explore the outer rim of the galaxy…but that is where Trek canon ends.
Where Gene Roddenberry’s “Star Trek” was a “Wagon Train to the Stars,” Challenger is more of an “Express Train to the Twilight Zone.” Throw in a pinch of “Galaxy Quest” and “Outer Limits.”

(click here to read more from Jim Bray at StarTrekAnthology.com)

What episodes of Anthology are In Production and Development?

Below you will find details on current episodes In Production and Development. Currently my wife Jessica Burke & I (Anthony Burdge) are writing, with series Creator Jim Bray, the Pilot for MOTHER (see details below)

Starship Challenger: Another Door Opens (Pilot)

Written by Jim Bray

After surviving the battle of Parellax II, Commander J.M. Colt is promoted to the rank of Captain and given command of the USS CHALLENGER. Enroute to their patrol sector, the CHALLENGER stumbles into a spatial anomaly inside of which they discover another ship, and energy-devouring creatures try to keep them both there.

Starship Challenger: Logical Solution
Written by Jim Bray

While traveling to the Outer Rim, CHALLENGER is ordered to investigate a malfunctioning subspace transceiver on planetoid P-14-J. While beaming down Carmichael and the Vulcan ensign, Sokaal, the ship is attacked by the D’Karr; a warrior race who have laid claim to the planetoid. Colt Leads the D’Karr on a merry chase. Meanwhile, Carmichael is injured during the beamdown, and it is up to Sokaal to make some very mature decisions if the repair mission is to succeed.

Starship Challenger: Calling Home (Vignette)
Written by Jim Bray
As the CHALLENGER prepares to leave Federation space beyond the range of subspace communication, Admiral Sinclair advises Captain Colt to have her crew call their loved ones, since it will be a long while before they’re heard from again. We watch as each of the command crew calls home from their quarters, and the results are a mixture of comedy and poignancy.

Assignment Earth: Case 0300 Floodgates
Written by Jim Bray
Gary Seven and Roberta Lincoln rush to Washington D.C. and are caught up in the Watergate scandal. While considering if it should happen or should be undone, they stumble across the mysterious and intimidating Agent Smith, who may not be as he appears. Miss Lincoln confronts Gary about his over-protectiveness and holding back information from her.

Mother: Mother Knows Best (Pilot)
Written by Jessica Burke, Anthony Burdge, & Jim Bray

A story about a family-run merchant cargo ship, “URSA MARU”. A lumbering beast of a vessel, it’s been cobbled and retrofitted a hundred times over from countless Federation vessel parts. The idea here is that the family is a hard-scrabble bunch that works the shipping lanes that come in close proximity to Orion pirates and other unsavory characters.

LOTS of potential for high space adventure/morality play stories, in a similar vein to Firefly. In the pilot, Orion pirates storm the vessel in search of valuable cargo and MOM takes a dim view of the invasion.

Who is starring in Star Trek: Anthology? Who are the Cast & Crew involved in the Production?

Here are a few highlights from the Cast and Crew of Star Trek Anthology, for a full listing of the extensive Actor & Production Credits Click Here

James A. Bray (Series Creator / Chief Executive Producer)

An accomplished stage director, James A. Bray has worked in theatre for nearly 40 years. He has acted, produced, directed, designed and built sets and props as well as done special FX makeup. He has owned his own theatre company; “Stage Door Productions” and has also produced several short films. He lives in Northern Vermont with his wife, Jodi and their two kids, Ethan and Kaylee. Even their cat, “Shadow” is involved in production, playing the character, “Isis”; Gary Seven’s black cat, for Anthology’s segment of Assignment: Earth.

James has worked with Starship AJAX and Star Trek New Voyages Phase II as a makeup artist, set designer and prop maker. He’s very grateful and excited for this opportunity to produce a new show through Retro Film Studios.

Jodi Ballinger Bray (Captain Jamie Mia "JM" Colt)
Jodi has been involved in theatre since The Music Man in high school and on and off for the past 30 years. This is Jodi’s first foray into the film arts, and she finds the differences in being in front of the camera and on stage to be at opposite ends of the spectrum. She’s excited about playing a StarShip Captain – an honor bestowed upon very few – and promises to keep her portrayal of JM Colt’s character very true to canon of what a StarShip Captain should be. Jodi’s biggest and most important role is that of Mom of a son and daughter.

“I was too young to really understand Star Trek when it first came out. Too cerebral for a little kid. I got into TNG in the beginning as a way to have similar interests with my husband – a semi-rabid Trekkie – so we could spend time together. It kinda grew on me. I got involved with Star Trek: New Voyages/Phase 2 with Jim and loved what they were doing. We were previously involved in another Trek fan film production out in Oklahoma (StarShip Ajax), but when those plans fell through we decided to do our ‘own thing’.” Jodi is gainfully employed in the healthcare profession and resides in northern Vermont with husband Jim and family, their obese beagle/dachshund mix Chloe and Shadow, their black kitty.

Alex “A.J.” McDonald (Director of Photography)
Alex is a 20 year, retired Navy Veteran, and lifelong Star Trek fan. Currently pursuing his BFA in Digital Media and Film production at Long Island University. Alex became involved in Anthology, when he met series Creator James Bray while working on Star Trek: New Voyages/Phase II. After hearing the project details, he knew he would get involved, in any capacity needed.

“I wasn’t really thinking about being DP, it just kind of fell into my lap”, said McDonald. “Working with this crew, in particular Kent Schmidt, Scott Johnson of G&E, Bill Lutz and the rest of the team, we will strive to give all the classic shots, as well as some new and different looks.” he continued. “I’m just thrilled to be a part of this team, it’s going to be exciting. I grew up with TOS, in grade school, we’d play Starfleet and Klingons, not Cops and Robbers.”

Brian Covault (Consulting Producer)

Brian Covault is a consulting producer and 2nd Assistant Director for Star Trek: Anthology. Brian learned about Anthology through Star Trek: Phase II, where he has been a member of the Grip and Electric team since 2010. Brian has been a fan of Star Trek TOS since the 70’s and is a fan of sci-fi in general.
When he isn’t helping make Star Trek, Brian works as a database developer and system administrator. Brian enjoys computer programming, watching baseball, writing and spending time with his two families – his biological family and his Phase II / Anthology family.

Where can you read more about Star Trek Anthology and Sign up for their Newsletter?
Click here to visit the Star Trek Anthology website

Is there a trailer or videos available for Star Trek Anthology?

Yes, below is the Master Trailer & Playlist for Star Trek Anthology

Stay Tuned for More Updates from us concerning Star Trek Anthology

NY Tolkien Con Guest Announcement: John DiBartolo

2015-01-21T13:57:00.000-05:00

“I would draw some of the great tales in fullness, and leave many only placed in the scheme, and sketched. The cycles should be linked to a majestic whole, and yet leave scope for other minds and hands, wielding paint and music and drama…”
— John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, from a letter written to Milton Waldman, ca. 1951

We are excited to announce our 2nd Guest of Honor for the New York City Tolkien Conference, Lonely Mountain Band Singer/Songwriter John DiBartolo.

We previously announced our 1st Guest of Honor, the Keynote Speaker, Janet Brennan Croft, who will open the Conference with her address.

John DiBartolo will close the conference with his music and take us Beyond the Western Seas as the Conference ends.

John is the Founder of the Middle-earth Network; Middle-earth Network Radio, SwordSong Records, Legendarium News & Media, Oloris Press, MyMiddle-earth and Co-Founder of the Mythgard Institute.

Writing & recording hundreds of songs, John tours nationally with the Celtic Rock bands FATHOM & KING KELTIC, which has culminated in the Lonely Mountain Band music project. Lonely Mountain Band focuses on a self-styled genre called “Folk Fantasy; ” songs built with an acoustic skeleton, digital flesh, and in the spirit of Tolkien & Lewis.

Beyond the Western Seas is an album inspired by the epic literary world of J.R.R. Tolkien, and the debut album for The Lonely Mountain Band, created by minstrel John Di Bartolo. The scope of Beyond the Western Seas covers the early days of Tolkien’s world, however, giving its intricately detailed history a unique musical life. As a lay Tolkien scholar in his own right, an acoustic and independent body of work in tribute to Tolkien’s lore began to grow in John’s songbook, he decide to consolidate these new songs into a new sub-creative entity.

Beyond the Western Seas is an album inspired by the epic literary world of J.R.R. Tolkien, and

While Di Bartolo’s Celtic roots are clear throughout Beyond the Western Seas, The Lonely Mountain Band is a separate musical experience infused with fantasy. Fans of Tolkien’s work will find many details in the album to enjoy from the familiar poetry and name of heroes and battles right down to the cover art provided Ted Nasmith, an artist renowned for his interpretations of Tolkien’s work. The catalyst for this new collection of songs was the recording of “Let Us Sing Together,” a re-worked cover of a song from the soundtrack to The Lord of the Rings Online written by composer Chance Thomas.

Beyond the Western Seas had its worldwide release on September 22, 2010, with a virtual release party held within the world of The Lord of the Rings Online. Tolkien Societies, scholars, artists and Tolkien fan groups worldwide have received the music of the Lonely Mountain Band with glowing reviews and growing enthusiasm.

John’s various musical projects have garnered hundreds of thousands of downloads, listens and views through iTunes, and all mainstream digital outlets. There are dozens of viral videos and machinima on YouTube featuring music from the Lonely Mountain Band and John’s other projects. John’s fan base extends to the online gaming world through the widely popular gaming guild in Lord of the Rings Online that he founded also named the Lonely Mountain Band. Fans of the music have even gone to the lengths of converting John’s music into a format that can be played within the virtual game world. This Lord of the Rings Online gaming guild has been featured on multiple news outlets including the BBC.

“…of the folk genre so often informed by traditional Celtic culture…music is professional, tasteful and competent…a real gift for composing and melancholy, atmospheric styling.” – Ted Nasmith, Tolkien Illustrator

“It practically brought me to tears as it brought me right to the pages of Tolkien and his spirit.” – Anthony S. Burdge, Heren Istarion: The North East Tolkien Society

Toast to The Professor! NY Tolkien Conference Launches

2015-01-03T16:16:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Professor J.R.R Tolkien!

J.R.R. Tolkien was born on 3 January 1892. Today marks the 123^rd anniversary of Tolkien’s birth. The Tolkien Society has invited Tolkien fans all over the world to participate in their annual Birthday Toast.

At 9pm your local time, The Tolkien Society invites Tolkien fans to raise a glass and toast the birthday of this much loved author.

The toast is simply:

The Professor!

Many of our readers may know for several years we ran “The Northeast Tolkien Society,” which held numerous meetings and events in the New York City area. We placed the group on hiatus for a time as we were under contract to complete our first 2 books via the Independent Press Kitsune Books. Since then local Tolkien fans have established their own regular meetings to discuss all things Tolkien.

Unfortunately, our editor, the Tolkien Scholar and Author Anne Petty, closed Kitsune Books due to illness and passed away shortly thereafter. Since then we have been busy using her guiding principles to establish Myth Ink Books.

Now we are working with Baruch College Librarian and Author, Chris Tuthill to establish an annual Tolkien Conference in New York City.

WHEN: Saturday June 13^th, 2015 12pm-5pm

WHERE: Baruch College

One Bernard Way

55 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010

Keynote Academic Speaker: Janet Brennan Croft

Janet Brennan Croft is the Head of Access and Delivery Services and Assistant Professor at Rutgers University Libraries. She is the author of War in the Works of J.R.R. Tolkien (Praeger, 2004; winner, Mythopoeic Society Award for Inklings Studies). She has also written on the Peter Jackson films, J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Lois McMaster Bujold, and other authors, and is editor or co-editor of five collections of literary essays. She edits the refereed scholarly journal Mythlore and serves on the board of the Mythopoeic Press. Her current project is the edited collection Baptism of Fire: The Birth of British Fantasy in World War I.

We have launched a NY Tolkien Conference Website, which includes the Call for Papers & Presentations, Venue Information and Media Contact.

BEST OF ALL ADMISSION IS FREE!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE CONFERENCE WEBSITE