The Book Rack

I want to thank everyone who visited my table at The Book Rack in Mesa on Saturday, July 21^st. And super thank you to Patti for setting up another fun signing, and to Shaun for being my resident pirate! It was great to have familiar faces and some surprise guests too! Welcome Jodi to the crew! I hope you enjoy the story!

The owner of The Book Rack also creates short trailers for books and films as well as Public Service Announcements. His prices are very reasonable and I am actually really interested in giving this a shot. Pun completely intended. How many out there actually pay any mind to book trailers though, is my concern. Is it really something that draws an audience to read a book? Let me know what you think. I so do not want to create something that will serve little purpose.

This was the second trip out to the other end of the world for me in as many weekends. I do not enjoy the drive in the heat, but at least it is an adventure. The Book Rack is a super cute little shop too. And, as much as I have a deep love for the semi-musty, mysterious ambiance of some most book stores, The Book Rack was a nice balance between Barnes & Noble commercial quaintness and homespun local consignment shop. It is bright and clean and peaceful. To some, the absence of ‘old book smell’ and appearance of more consumer knick-knacks might not set the mood of the classic bookstore but it works well for them. 

There is a shocking amount of media packed into the small space too and it does an amazing job of not seeming to be cluttered or overstuffed. The eye is drawn too, to the walls of crafty art pieces which helps make the single room look larger than it is. 

I loved the layout and that they work to showcase local authors with two full racks at the entrance. This is also where I was placed, directly in the line of traffic. So much better than being in the back corner somewhere. There are still a few more weeks of their Author Appearances remaining, I will not be offended if you make it out to see other great local writers even if you missed my visit. 

I completely recommend checking out this adorable little book store if you are in Mesa. They do store credit on those completed summer reads, it might be a good way to get some early holiday shopping done without spending a dime. 

The Book Rack

1752 South Signal Butte Road #108

Mesa, AZ 85209

(480) 380-0044

www.bookrackonline.com/

Hot Ace Comics and Storms!

A huge thank you to Hot Ace Comics for hosting Patti Hultstrand, Todd VanHooser and I, on Saturday, July 14^th. It was definitely eventful!

I had a great time chatting with Patti and Todd, and with store proprietors, Anna and Joe, but I must say the best was hanging with Spiderman! Thank you to everyone who braved the storm to come out to say hi. I am really sorry to those who missed us and I hope to see you next week at the Book Rack also in Mesa.

I cannot talk about this day without mentioning the amazing storm! Good gods of air and water that was crazy! I love wild weather though! I almost hope next Saturday’s signing is just as stormy. It will be like living it up on the ocean! 

In with mentioning upcoming events, rumor has it The DREAD Fleet and the dancers of bint Hazine will be dropping in to Hot Ace Comics for a full day of pirate shenanigans, No date yet, but keep a weather eye on The DREAD Fleet page and Facebook for more information!

See you Saturday at the Book Rack! 

Hot Ace Comics

10839 East Apache Trail #131

Mesa 85120

(480) 582-6642

www.hotacecomics.com

Patti Hultstrand

www.pjhultstrand.com

Todd Van Hooser

www.toddvanhooser.com

Pirates, Hot Ace, and Mermaid Birthdays

The story of Captain Blackstrap Gennie is full of strong female characters and men, real, hardcore men, willing to accept them. Complete fiction, right? Of course not! Historically as well as presently, there are power females gallivanting about, and they pal around with some pretty tough guys.

Her part in His-story

Some of the most prominent pirates throughout history were of the fairer sex. When I use fair in this case, I mean to say firm, level-headed and enforcers of the pirate code.

Most fans of pirates know the name Jack Rackham, better known as Calico Jack. If you have not heard of him, look him up, he is one of my favorites! By default that makes him one of Blackstrap’s heroes. Calico Jack is in some ways similar to Marrick, Blackstrap’s loyal first mate and best friend. And, if Marrick is anything like Calico Jack, then one must be lead to compare Anne Bonny and Mary Reed’s relationship to that of Maggie Pye and Blackstrap Gennie. The historical trio, as well as the fictional, wrought havoc in the golden age of piracy and did so by breaking the cardinal rule of Western sailors – no women allowed.

Captain Hook…err

Exiling women from ships was not a hard and fast rule in all traditions though, thank goodness (badness) for Ching Shih. Think the idea of Gennie becoming the Korsana of the sultana and training the harem girls to take up the banner of piracy is a bit far-fetched? Well, then do a bit of research on the prostitute turned pirate queen. The men surrounding her learned right quick that Shih had dropped her former profession in pursuit of greater gains. Bedding any woman while on duty was grounds for execution.

Enforcing the rules in the ranks of her 400 ships was not this little “lady’s” only claim to fame. Ching Shih was also a top notch strategist and general. Maybe Shih and Gennie should set down to a game of chess?

Today

Still think that having a broad aboard, if not leading the battle, is beyond reality? How about this one? Most of the stories and characters in Blackstrap’s Ecstasy are based on actual events and people. Czep has a fair number of smart, strong, stunning female cohorts at her side and, while these women can hold their own in a confrontation they do have a few good men willing to come to their aid.

Visit the crew of The DREAD Fleet to see the inspiration in action! This Saturday, July 14^th, they make port at Hot Ace Comics (Mesa) from 11:00AM – 3:00PM and then the Phoenix Zoo for Moon Mermaid’s Birthday from 6:00PM – 9:00PM.

Captain’s orders, mate!