I had a great time at the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival last weekend! I met other wonderful indie authors and introduced many new fans to the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and my new fantasy read, The Last Magus. I signed many copies of all four books and, even those who didn’t buy one, I spoke to them about my novels and where to find them. A couple of people were more interested in ebooks or audiobooks (for convenience) and I was happy to accommodate them as well.

This was my first book festival EVER so I learned a lot from my experience; about what to bring, table set-up, formulating my pitch to potential readers, and even what pen to use when signing my books. My steampunk attire went over well, catching the attention of many passersby’s, just as I intended. Overall, I would chalk this up as a success and ready for my next one.

So, I’m happy to announce that I’ll be attending the Southern Maryland Comic-Con on Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf, Maryland, from 10am to 4pm. The convention is operated by Nerd Street USA who says, “Our cons are a celebration of comics, toys, TV, film, art, cosplay, games, and all things nerdy. If you’re a fan of Batman, the Avengers, Doctor Who, Star Wars, LEGO, Disney, Star Trek, the Walking Dead, Power Rangers, Game of Thrones, etc., you’ll probably fit right in at our events!!” So, I’m a shoe-in for this con!

You can purchase tickets for the convention from their ticketing website, https://www.nerdstreetusa.com.

And that will be a busy weekend, because the very next day, I will be attending the 2nd Sundays Arts and Music Festival on Sunday, Nov. 14 (400 & 500 blocks of Prince George Street and 100 & 200 Blocks of N Boundary Streets) near Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square from 11am to 4pm. This is a street fair of over 100 unique artisans, musicians, street performers and food vendors in 5 Blocks along N Boundary Street & Scotland Street in Williamsburg, VA on the 2nd Sunday of each Month (March- December)!

I am trying to schedule and set-up events at least once a month so please keep an eye on my Events calendar for these scheduled appearances.

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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers. Get ready for The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series, coming soon, and the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates.

An author lives, and dies, on book reviews. It’s how we gauge the interest of the audience, how we write and develop our stories, and what works. Its essential for authors to get reviews, both good and bad.

To give you an example, here is a review of my first novel, Forever Avalon, when it was first published in 2009.

“Nice try, but the book seems to be the effort of someone truly not gifted in the art of writing. Skip this one and save your money.“

Yeah, that hurt a lot. It made me wonder if I even had a future as an author; but I didn’t waiver. I forged ahead, corrected my mistakes, and strived harder to be a better writer.

Did you know that reviews on Amazon determine if you get a higher placement and “pushes” by the algorithms built into the Amazon search engine. That makes reviews even more important.

To be frank, I’ve invested a lot of money in my writing career, from publicity and marketing, to art, editing, and publishing. I consider it an investment in my future career, although my wife has a different opinion. This is why reviews are more important, especially to self-published authors like me.

We are making phone calls, setting up our own book signings, sales, and other events to promote our books. Getting reviews is how we can grow as an author, good or bad. That bad review was really the worst one I ever got, but I took it to heart to make myself a better writer.

I would like all my reviews to be “5 Star” glowing reviews, praising my work, but that’s not the case. I want people to experience the world I created and enjoy it as much as I do. I’ll take the good with the bad, just please, leave a review!

In a final note, I will do exchanges for reviews… book for book… to support my fellow independent authors. Leave a comment or email me to exchange books. Thanks for your support!

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Mark Piggott is the author of the Forever Avalon book series. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iUniverse publishing. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is coming soon from Austin Macauley Publishing.

I may or may not have mentioned it before, but I work as a writer-editor for a government agency. It’s what pays the bills. It also, as I’ve found out in the past year, helps my growth as a writer as a whole.

I also help friends of mine, who are also aspiring writers, edit their work. It has been an eye-opening experience all around, but it’s also part of my own personal growth.

Normally, many people rely on the ever-present and evil “spell check” to keep them on the straight and narrow. The problem with that is it doesn’t always work. When you write “he” and you meant to write “her” it won’t make that change. I also believe that spell check makes you lazy as a writer. As much as I love auto-correct, it sometimes allows me to skip spelling it right as I know it’ll do it for me. Even now, as I write this blog, it’s doing my job for me.

Some say this is the benefit of technology, but I disagree. I started my career as a Navy Journalist, learning on a manual typewriter and editing in pencil. That’s how it was done for decades, and it worked then, so why change now?

Sorry, I got off track there. Technology is a blessing in disguise for writers. It makes it easier for people to edit your manuscript and comment on why these changes are important. It helps in the overall growth of a writer.

At the same time, being a writer and editing another writer’s work has its benefits. You see how others write–a similar benefit you get from being an avid reader–but you also see things from a different perspective.

For example, how many different words are there for the word said and when is it appropriate to use them? These are things that can drive a writer crazy, but it’ll make an editor a little loopy too. I just edited a friends manuscript, and everytime his characters thought something, he wrote “he thought” or “she thought” down. I got to the point I stopped editing it and just made a comment to remind him to use other words for thought, like “wondered” or “pondered” for example. You learn as you edit.

That’s my advice to all my fellow independent and self-published authors out there… Connect with your fellow authors and offer to edit their work. Do it for reviews, exchange manuscripts for editing, what ever it takes. It’ll help you as a writer and your efforts will help someone else in the long run.

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Mark Piggott is the author of the Forever Avalon book series. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iUniverse publishing. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is coming soon from Austin Macauley Publishing.

There is an age old question that has haunted people since the 80s… Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? It takes place at the holidays, there Christmas decorations, Christmas music playing, so doesn’t that make it a Christmas movie? Bruce Willis himself answered this question at his celebrity roast earlier this year when he said:

“‘Die Hard’ is not a Christmas move! It’s a God Damn Bruce Willis movie!”

I know many who would disagree with that sentiment, but that’s where this idea originated. Besides an obvious holiday theme, what makes a movie a Christmas movie?

A great example is the classic Gremlins. It has all the elements of a Christmas movie, just like Die Hard, i.e. it’s Christmas time, decorations, music, etc. The cute little Mogwi is a present for the main character. So what if they turn into deadly little gremlins that kill, maim, and destroy everything in sight. It’s still Christmas, right?

Tim Burton likes making non-Christmas movies at Christmas time. How can you forget Batman Returns with “the Bat, the Cat, and the Penguin” amidst the Gotham City Christmas tree lighting. Then there’s Edward Scissorhands and his freakish hands carving ice to make it snow every Christmas. These have that holiday feel, but are never really considered a holiday movie. I could list dozens more… Trading Places, Lethal Weapon, Rocky IV, and You’ve Got Mail to name a few.

Is it weird to watch movies like this at other times of the year or does it make you one of those Christmas weirdos that watches White Christmas in June? (Hint, I live with one of those weirdos so I know what I’m talking about.)

There are even classic movies that have nothing to do with Christmas but are usually only seen at the holidays. This is because they are family movies and, since families gather at the holidays, it’s the best time to air them. The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory are some of the movies regularly seen this time of year.

So if you’re tired of watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas for the tenth time since Thanksgiving, I’ve got four words for you… “Yippee Ki-Yay Mother Fucker!”

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Mark Piggott is the author of the Forever Avalon book series. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iUniverse publishing. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is coming soon from Austin Macauley Publishing.

I am happy to report that The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is progressing nicely through Austin Macauley Publishing and I have my first update.

For the book interior, I requested the Coat of Arms of Lord Bryan MoonDrake, the Gil-Gamesh of Avalon. This is the rendering they sent me. It’s a good likeness, similar to what I had in mind when I created it. Their first rendition had traditional medieval long swords, but I explained the importance of Twlight and Dusk, the Twin Swords of the Dragon Knight. They replicated them beautifully.

The Coat of Arms represents the three tenants of Lord MoonDrake: The swords are the symbol of his title as a Knight of Avalon and the Gil-Gamesh, the Eternal Champion of Avalon; the dragon is a symbol of his magical prowess as a DragonMage and, combined with the crescent moon, represents his name MoonDrake.

This artwork is a first step in working with the artists at the publishers for both interior art and cover art. They responded to my request for changes and came back within a week with the updated drawing. This is what you want to experience in that writer/publisher relationship.

More updates to come as the publishing process continues. I’m still waiting for them to finish editing and send me my manuscript back with red line edits, and cover art. I will keep you I formed as it progresses. Any questions on my publishing experience, please ask in the comments below.

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Mark Piggott is the author of the Forever Avalon book series. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iUniverse publishing. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is coming soon from Austin Macauley Publishing.

So, we’re five episodes into the new season, and a new Doctor, of Doctor Who. I thought I’d take the time to give my opinion on what’s right, and what’s wrong, with the new season. I know that a few of you out there will have your own opinions, so please leave them in the comments and let’s discuss.

RIGHT — Jodie Whitaker — The casting of Jodie Whitaker as the Doctor was spot on. She has the right spunk, sarcasm, honesty, and inspiration of the past actors who have portrayed the Timelord. She is brilliant and has made the role her own. Watching her is like the series never left off. I like how she really gets into explaining things to her companions, not expecting them to get it like past Doctors. Again, RIGHT casting by Chris Chibnal, however…

WRONG — Writing — The current writers of Doctor Who are not keeping things up to the standards we Whovians expect. I think part of the problem is Chibal’s edict not to use classic Doctor Who villains. We like something new to be afraid of, but we also like the hits. I want to see Jodie take on the Daleks, the Cybermen, the Weeping Angel’s, and more! In addition, the plot holes in these episodes are big enough for a Mack Truck to drive through. I mean, what alien travels back in time to stop black people from getting equal rights? It was a powerful statement, but full of holes. Sorry.

RIGHT — Companions — These three companions work, enough said! I love the interaction between them, from the fawning romance between Yaz and Ryan, as well as Graham trying to get Ryan to “fist bump” with him every episode so far. The dynamic between them is great and I hope they can keep it up. Just watching two men be birthing coaches to another man is hilarious to watch. More please!

WRONG — No Christmas Episode — The best gift I get, each and every Christmas, is the Doctor Who Christmas special. After a long day of presents, food, and obnoxious family members, I always looked forward to a great night of television… But not anymore. They have decided to end the holiday specials because “they’ve run out of ideas.” I doubt that. I just think they’re being lazy. We love our Doctor Who Christmas Special and I hope they change their minds.

RIGHT — Everything Whovian — We are seeing the crazy banter between the Doctor and companions, talk about past exploits of previous Doctors, great use of the sonic screwdriver, the awesome new Tardis and theme song, even curious parents about why their daughter is with the Doctor. We are getting a lot of great stuff that is prime Whovian fare.

And finally, WRONG — Showrunner — I am going to give Chris Chibnal the benefit of the doubt for the rest of the season, but as of right now, I really think he’s the wrong fit for the show. I loved Broadchurch but a crime drama is not Doctor Who. He’s trying to be political, a little controversial, and emotional… Which is okay for Doctor Who, but he needs a better ratio in the mix.

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Mark Piggott is the author of the Forever Avalon book series. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iUniverse publishing. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is coming soon from Austin Macauley Publishing.

Who doesn’t like a juicy sex scandal, messy Hollywood break-up, or a political witch hunt? It makes for good theater and a good story. There have been books, movies, and TV shows based around any one of those themes. The question is, does it add or take away from a story?

I think most authors will say “it depends on how it progresses the story,” which I tend to agree with. But, to be honest, I didnt always think that way.

When I wrote my first book, Forever Avalon, I wanted to stay away from controversial issues. I just focused on a fantasy story, nothing for shock value or out there for a fantasy story. I had teenagers at the time and I wanted them to be able to read my novel.

Now, 10 years later, I’m working on my fifth book, and I am looking at more adult themes. I’m adding a little more sex into my stories, some controversial issues (rape, murder, etc.) and I don’t feel bad about it. I thought I would. I question myself with every chapter I write, but I’m sticking with it.

Currently, I’m almost done with the first book of a new fantasy series called The Last Magus about a man who discovers his magical power and the journey he goes on, from apprentice to adventurer. I have plenty of things going on, including a beating and attempted rape of a young woman. I didn’t know how to write that. I was afraid I was being sexist and a misogynist as I wrote that scene, but it was an important part of the story. More recently, I wrote a group sex scene between a male and female magic caster and three Naiads, not for shock value but to fill a hole in the story. In the end, it all worked for my storytelling.

I think watching anime has affected my rationale a little bit. One of the new anime’s I’m watching, Goblin Slayer, started off its first episode with a rape and murder of two female adventurers, and was quite graphic and controversial. It shocked me a bit too, but it did seem more real to me than other anime I’ve watched previously. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve watched some pretty vivid anime (Tokyo Ghoul, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress) in my time. It’s just, Goblin Slayer started out like a regular adventuring-style anime and went to left field. But in doing so, I understood the story and the characters a lot more.

Does that make me a bad person? Am I a pervert deep down inside and venting that through my own stories. Well… maybe that last one a bit, but to be honest, you wouldn’t know it if you met me. I’m quite “old fashion” in many ways, but I love to tell stories. Sometimes, you have to be a little naughty, a little gritty, and sometimes controversial to make it real for the reader. Is that so bad?

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Mark Piggott is the author of the Forever Avalon book series. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iUniverse publishing. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is coming soon from Austin Macauley Publishing.

If it hasn’t been obvious to people reading my blog, I am a diehard Whovian for life! Tom Baker is my Doctor, that says it all! Doctor Who is the best television series in the history of television (sorry I Love Lucy fans). It teaches us history, science, life lessons, and important things like “always bring a banana to a party!”

With more than 50 years and 13 Doctors to choose from, it’s hard to pick a BEST MOMENT from the monumental TV series, but I’m going to give it my best. Apologies in advance if I don’t mention one of your favorites, but please include them in the comments below.

11th Doctor’s Introduction — Matt Smith will go down as one of the great Doctor’s in the series. His introduction after a very sad departure by David Tenant was hilarious as he kissed his legs and checked for ten fingers, eyes, and nose like a father checking over his newborn baby. He even complained he still wasn’t ginger. However, I’m referring to the end of the episode, The 11th Hour, when he walked through a projection of all 10 previous Doctors and introduced himself. From that point on, you had no doubt that he was the Doctor and the universe better pay attention. “Basically, run!” showed us he was not one to be trifled with. After all, he was wearing a bowtie.

Missy Means Mistress — Throughout the first year of Peter Capaldi’s run as the Doctor, we were I reduced to the mysterious Missy. This crazy woman seemed to be wrapped up in the Doctor’s affairs, but no o e knew who she was, until the episode Dark Water when we learned her name was Missy, short for Mistress, the female nomenclature for THE MASTER. This was a huge reveal, shocking all of us to the core. I really think that the fans reaction to Missy was one of the reasons they went with Jodie Whittaker as the 13th Doctor. In any case, Missy ranks right up there as an awesome villain and a perfect foil for the Doctor.

The Titanic in Space — It was wierd enough that they built the Titanic, in space, but then you throw in the Doctor and expect everything to come out okay. This was a fun episode, but the thing that really stands out to me is David Tenant’s speech when asked who he was. He had such a serious look on his face and it really stuck as such a big moment in the history of Doctor Who. In those few seconds, we got everything we needed to know about the Doctor. It was a masterpiece in writing that any Whovian can recite. That’s what makes it memorable.

Don’t Blink — One of the best monsters introduced since the Daleks, and I know I’m going to get some flak for saying, but it’s TRUE. The Weeping Angels are a mystery unto themselves. “The Lonely Assassin’s” have been a part of some of the best episodes in recent memory. They were the cause of Rory and Amy’s death. How do you not get chills up your spine when you hear the laughter and fluttering wings of the “babies” in The Angels Take Manhattan? Or the voice of Angel Bob talking so monotone and scary as he describes dying to the Doctor in Flesh and Stone? I wish they would have made an earlier appearance in the series. Can you imagine Tom Baker taking on the Weeping Angels? I would watch that in a heartbeat.

10’s Long Goodbye — David Tenant had a great run as the Doctor, and his ending was even better. I’m not talking about his final speech… Well, “I don’t want to go” really isn’t a speech. I’m talking about his trip to visit everyone he met in his time as the Doctor. Seeing Rose a year before he met her, Mickey and Martha as married alien bounty hunters, saving Sarah Jane’s son, getting Captain Jack a date, etc. It was a great way to end it all. They wrapped it up neat and tidy, as “his song ended” but the story continued.

The last of my favorite moments in Doctor Who is courtesy of my Doctor, the 4th Doctor, Tom Baker.

Do I Have the Right? — I don’t think there’s a person alive who hasn’t thought “would I go back in time and kill Hitler as a child?” In retrospect, it was Doctor Who that gave life to that question. In the classic Genesis of the Daleks, the Doctor had the chance to end the Daleks before their reign of terror began, but did he have the right. He debated the issue with his companions as he held two wires inches apart. It is a memorable discussion in the philosophy of life and death in a sci-fi TV series.

So, the new series starts Sunday, October 7th. Let’s see if the 13th Doctor can make the list!

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Mark Piggott is the author of the Forever Avalon book series. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a book/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides is available for purchase as a book/ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iUniverse publishing. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is coming soon from Austin Macauley Publishing.