New (micro)review of I, Crimsonstreak and II Crimsonstreak

Nerds of a feather, flock together reviewed both Crimsonstreak novels!

Overall, they liked what they saw.

This is superhero fiction more in the vein of The Incredibles than The Dark Knight....With the end of the first novel and the start of the second (which follows neatly on from the plot of the first), I was becoming a fan of Adams and a fan of Crimsonstreak.

Read the full--well, it's more of a "micro" review, actually--here.

Cautionary Crimsonstreaking: Don't submit until you're ready

Note: the following is re-posted from a guest post on Candlemark & Gleam's website

Don’t submit your stories before they’re ready… or before you’re ready.

Just… don’t.

I originally wrote I, Crimsonstreak in 2007. Back then, the book had no appendices and consisted of about 50,000 words. The basic framework of the story—an imprisoned superhero busts out of prison to find his father in charge of a fascist world government—was there. From a very basic structural standpoint, many elements of the original draft are recognizable when compared to the published version.

Over a period of four years, from 2007 to 2011, I whipped it into shape, polishing things, adding scenes, tweaking dialogue, etc. I even queried agents. I laugh at that now—Crimsonstreak wasn’t ready. There are no fast tracks to publication, even if you’re the Fastest Man on Earth.

By 2009, I came to my senses and stopped querying. I realized the book wasn’t ready. More importantly, I wasn’t ready. You see, young writers tend to think their first book is absolute gold. They think someone should recognize their talent and dispatch a dump truck full of money to their driveway. I was young, I was creative, and I thought that’s how it would work. Looking back, I now know that’s a clear indication of how ready I wasn’t.

Truly, Crimsonstreak didn’t start to take shape in its current form until late 2010. I set fire to the manuscript and made radical changes. More importantly, I sent it to a beta reader, a ruthless colleague who isn’t afraid to use phrases like “this doesn’t work” and “that doesn’t make sense” and “where in the hell is the character arc here, Adams?” and “you realize this whiny Warren Kensington IV character is terrible, don’t you?” We bounced ideas back and forth. I made more changes.

Our conversations were pivotal. Whiny Warren Kensington IV became a stronger character. The legacies of Crimsonstreak, his parents, and the Crusading Comet became intertwined. I found a way to introduce tension among Warren, Morty, and Chris—tension that was far more personal than it was in prior drafts.

I sank four years into Crimsonstreak. After giving it another three months, I felt it was as good as it was going to get.

I sent it to Candlemark & Gleam in the summer of 2011. Make no mistake: this was Crimsonstreak’s last stand. Had there not been a request for the full manuscript, Crimsonstreak and company would likely be sitting on my hard drive as “crimsonstreakcometrevision.doc.” I would’ve moved on.

To my utter delight, Kate Sullivan saw potential and requested the full manuscript. We made more changes—if there’s anything you need to understand about writing, it’s that there are always changes. Overall, though, the published version of I, Crimsonstreak isn’t much different from the version submitted in May 2011.

On the other hand, it’s worlds apart from the 2007 version with the file name “Hero.doc.”

Now here’s the funny thing. While a young writer gets a little full of himself or herself for no reason, an “experienced” writer does, too. When I started writing the sequel, I produced a first draft, showed it to my beta reader, made some revisions, and then sent it off.

II Crimsonstreak was not ready. There’s no way I should’ve sent the book away. I had character arc problems, I had an excess of plot aerobics, I had an “ending” that relied too heavily on shock with no real resolution or reflection.

I know that now. I should’ve known it then. Maybe, deep down, I did, but thought my newly acquired skills as Published Author would override any issues with the book.

It doesn’t work like that.

The development cycle for the sequel was much shorter. This isn’t to say you can’t write a good book in a short amount of time. It’s certainly possible, and some authors can pull it off. I wasn’t that guy yet. I just thought I was.

I concocted this story about multiple realities and rival factions. I forged ahead with an outline that touched upon basic plotting, character arcs, and scenes. Then I went to work. A thousand words a day. Then, 2,000 words a day. Sometimes even 5,000 words a day. First draft. Boom. Done.

Back up the dump truck full of money.

My “outline” was a couple of pages written in my trusty “idea notebook.” It didn’t actually outline anything. I was planning a road trip that marked the start and end points without considering things like road construction, speed limits, rest stops, or scenic routes.

Even worse, I made a major change without re-plotting the story. The result was a muddled mess. Characters’ goals were unclear. The motivation of the villains was unclear. Jaci Graves, a terrific character, got pulled into “token love interest” territory, a role that she would absolutely punch me in the jaw for assigning her.

My beta reader brought up these issues. I “fixed” them. Even though I needed to do more work, I sent II Crimsonstreak to C&G. Part of it was eagerness—I wanted Kate to read the story. Part of it was stubbornness—I didn’t want to miss a self-imposed deadline. Part of it was brashness—I figured the book’s strengths and my strengths as an author would carry it through.

I was partially right about the last part, but not because of the book.

If II Crimsonstreak had been the first thing I’d ever sent to C&G, it would’ve been rejected. However, Kate and I had a good, collaborative relationship from when we polished Crimsonstreak, so she had confidence that I could take that mess and turn it into a good book.

Revisions lasted three more months as I waded through notes and added new touches. I scrapped some self-indulgent passages, streamlined the plot, wrote an actual ending (well… kind of), and developed clearer character arcs.

It all worked out in the end, but I learned some valuable lessons along the way—proving that Published Author doesn’t know anything.

Let’s use some bullet points to hit my main ideas:

• Don’t submit anything before you’re truly ready; for the most part, you get one shot
• Outlines are good and can focus you; they don’t have to be super-detailed chapter-by-chapter summaries, but they should have some substance
• If you make a major plot or character change, adjust your outline so you have a good idea where that change will take you; you’ll burden yourself with a lot of work otherwise
• In some ways, the second book is harder than the first; development time will be shorter, you may be overconfident, and the resulting novel could very well get messy
• Revisions are a major part of the process; you don’t have to like them, but you sure as heck had better get used to them if you want to put out a good book
• Building a good relationship with an editor and working hard for them will buy you some goodwill when your novel doesn’t quite turn out as well as you’d hoped
• Do not turn Jaci Graves into a token love interest; she will punch you in the jaw

A little local pub for Crimsonstreak

A pleasant surprise for Christmas...local paper the Palladium-Item featured I, Crimsonstreak in a piece on gifts from local authors.

Here's a scan of the article (you should be able to click to enlarge):

You can also read the article here, but be forewarned that the Pal-Item is a Gannett newspaper, which means you can read 30 articles a month for free...and if you're over the limit, you won't be able to access it.

Crimsonstreaking past 40,000 words

The blockbuster sequel to the blockbuster sequel to the original blockbuster hit I, Crimsonstreak is Crimsonstreaking onward!

I've hit the 40,000 word mark in III Crimsonstreak: Subtitle Undetermined. It follows II Crimsonstreak: Subtitle Undetermined and the first book, I, Crimsonstreak, which had no subtitle.

Currently, our hero is trapped in the 1970s, an era that confounds and frustrates him because no one gets his pop culture references. To reveal more--such as the reason he's there or who he's with--would spoil both the book and its predecessor.

I should probably add that its predecessor has neither been released or its existence confirmed in the form of a binding contract.

Comic Attack interview

Over at Comic Attack, Andrew Hudson interviewed me about I, Crimsonstreak, my writing process, and a whole lot more. Here's a snippet:

CA: It looks like Crimsonstreak took quite a few influences from the Flash, but are there any other characters that influenced the creation of him?

MA: The Flash comparison is unavoidable since Crimsonstreak is a super-speedster who wears red. I have a side character called Scarlet DashBoy who’s intended to poke fun at that comparison (the Flash, after all, is also called “the Scarlet Speedster”). I’m also a big fan of the Tick. I thought that series did a terrific job of playing with superhero conventions and turning them upside down. It had a madcap energy to it that heavily influenced the book’s style.

Be sure to check out the whole interview right here.

You'll find the original review here.

Comic Attack Review

Andrew Hudson at Comic Attack reviewed I, Crimsonstreak, and it seems he liked it. His favorite thing about the book? I'll let him take it from here.

Speaking of characters, Matt Adams’s greatest strength here is the characters’ chemistries and dialog, with many of the lines being used for well done humor. One of my favorite chemistries is between Crimsonstreak and Mortimer. Mortimer is Crusading Comet’s butler, essentially what Alfred is to Batman. Mortimer’s dry, backhanded remarks which drive Crimsonstreak insane always make for good comedic relief.

Check out the full review here.

Interview at Inkproductions

The awesome Elle at Inkproductions.org asked me a few questions about I, Crimsonstreak over at her website.

We talk about a lot of things--my road to publication, my preferred superpower, and what inspired me to write the novel:

Simply, I love superheroes. I may not be the most rabid comic book reader out there, but the world of tights and flights, capes and cowls fascinates me. I’ve always loved them, from Batman to Superman to the X-Men and Spider-Man (a lot of “man” in there, isn’t there? Geez!), and wanted to put my own spin on superheroes–something that was bright, splashy, and fun.

You can find out more (including my biggest writing quirk) right here.

Take 5 with Zeus Caesar

Matt: A first today for our Crimsonstreak Tour 2012 Take 5 series...a bona fide supervillain. Zeus Caesar joins me on the blog to...um...I guess we'll find out. Thank you for joining us today.

Zeus Caesar: Who is this "us" you speak of? Are there others listening in? Are they hidden? Have they powers?

Matt: It's a blog...you know what? Never mind. Thanks for joining me.

Zeus Caesar: Do you wish to take over the world? Do you wish me to join you in this bold endeavor?

Matt: (facepalm) Tell me about your upbringing. Where did you grow up?

Zeus Caesar: I was suckled by the gods themselves, raised up high on Olympus and privy to the glory and honor of the highest powers. With my mighty hammer I crushed all comers and became worthy of renown, forging mine own army of Legionnaires to sweep across this tainted sphere and restore the full glory of the Roman Empire.

[Editor's Note: Zeus Caesar was born Arthur Roman in 1973. He grew up in New York. This story about being "suckled by the gods" on "Olympus" is his usual delusional rambling. It is included for entertainment purposes only. Note how he mixes in some Nordic lunacy. To my knowledge, he never carried a hammer.]

Matt: That's quite a story. This Legionnaires Army...where did it come from?

Zeus Caesar: I was granted these charges by Olympus himself, who sent me an army of powerful warriors to crush the armies of this mortal realm and remake the Empire.

[Editor's Note: Here, Caesar refers to Olympus a god. It's a mountain. The "warriors" sent from Olympus were mostly disaffected extras from a Hollywood epic. Surprisingly, he actually did train them well for combat.]

Matt: Are you Greek or Roman?

Zeus Caesar: Yes.

Matt: I see. So, what's with the lightning?

Zeus Caesar: As the son of Zeus and Caesar, I command the heavens. I strike with the mighty roar of my forebears, unleashing energies of untold power.

[Editor's Note: Translation: he controls lightning. Again, he was born in New York. His parents were immigrants, although he seems to believe Zeus and Julius Caesar created him. He might mean this literally...but then again we are talking about Zeus Caesar. He's...unbalanced.]

Matt: What's going on up there? In your head?

Zeus Caesar: This question baffles me.

Matt: This interview baffles me. Let's say you kill someone in battle. What happens to them?

Zeus Caesar: (nods and smiled broadly) Yes, now I understand. I am afflicted with the souls of those whose lives I have taken. They continue to live within me, as if I am Charon guiding their souls across the river Styx. I fear they may never reach home.

Matt: That actually explains a few things.

Zeus Caesar: What things?

Matt: It's not important. Thank you for joining me.

Zeus Caesar: Cura ut valeas.

Matt: Read more about Zeus Caesar in I, Crimsonstreak, available in a variety of formats from these fine retailers:

Candlemark & Gleam Website
Amazon Paperback
Amazon Kindle Edition
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble NOOK Book

GO TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

In Madison Tomorrow!

If you're in the Southern Indiana/Louisville area, I'll be signing at That Book Place tomorrow. We'll go from 11am to 2pm or so. Would love to see you there...I'll literally sign anything.

Here's the address:

337 Clifty Drive
Madison, IN 47250

Take 5 with Warren Kensington III

Matt: We've already interviewed his son...now we welcome Warren Kensington III to the blog for Take 5.

Warren III: Thanks for having me, but I'm in uniform.

Matt: You want me to call you the Crusading Comet?

Warren III: Please.

Matt: We talked about this. You know what you have to do.

Warren III: (grunts) Do I have to?

Matt: I can call you "Trip" or "Trey" if you like, Mister Kensington.

Warren III: (defeated sigh) I'm Batman.

Matt: (claps) Thank you. The Crusading Comet joins me today. First question. Where do you get those wonderful toys?

Crusading Comet: I don't think I like the direction of this interview.

Matt: What about those toys?

Crusading Comet: I don't have toys. I have tools. Gadgets. Weapons. Not toys. Most of them are assembled in-house with supplies appropriated from different markets. Mortimer is my acquisitions expert.

Matt: What about the acronyms? Why CIGAR (Comet Intrusion Glider for Aerial Reconnaissance)? Why the Comet Aerobic Recreational Drilling and Intensive Athletic Center (CARDIAC)?

Crusading Comet: It's our way of putting our mark on our tools.

Matt: You could just...stamp them with a Crusading Comet logo.

Crusading Comet: We do.

Matt: You mentioned Mortimer P. Willoughby just a minute ago. A charming man, for sure. What role does he play?

Crusading Comet: The question really is "what role doesn't he play?" Mortimer is everything you could ever ask for. Mentor. Confidant. Chauffeur. Pilot. Craftsman. He was like a father to me...and like a father to Warren.

Matt: Let's delve into your relationship with your son, who will one day take up the mantle of the Crusading Comet. How would you describe your relationship with him?

Crusading Comet: Warren has a lot to live up to. His father is a superhero. His grandfather was a superhero. His great-grandfather was a superhero. For better or worse, it's part of being a Kensington man. It isn't always easy. While other trust fund kids were going on expensive trips and getting designer clothes, my son was learning hand-to-hand combat and working on his computer skills. Leading a double life is hard enough when it's just one of you. Bringing a son into it...complicates things.

Matt: I imagine that's where Morty is a big help.

Crusading Comet: He doesn't like being called "Morty." But, yes, Mortimer is the unofficial teacher and trainer of future Crusading Comets. My responsibilities often keep me out of the penthouse. Mortimer always picked up the slack. I can't imagine what we'd do if he left.

Matt: Shifting gears a bit here, but what can you say about Colonel Chaos?

Crusading Comet: Chaos is a super-powerful, super-intelligent man. I think, if the world were ever in danger, he's the person I'd want in charge. He's fair-minded and sees the big picture. That's a actually a hard thing to admit. We haven't always seen eye-to-eye...my family had dealings with him before he became a good guy. Chaos could've plunged our world into an abyss we'd never be able to claw our way out of. He's changed. Our mutual distaste subsided during a crisis in the Heroic Legion.

Matt: You're talking about the Trial of Demonspawn.

Crusading Comet: That's correct. Some of our prominent heroes, mostly Samson Knight and Great Alexander, wanted a summary judgment. Chaos felt a fair trial was in order. I agreed. It was one of the few times we found common ground on anything. Subsequently, our views began to align.

Matt: That's all we have time for today. Thank you for joining us.

Crusading Comet: This was...better...than I thought it would be.

Matt: Glad to hear it. You can learn more about the Crusading Comet and his world in I, Crimsonstreak, available from these fine retailers in a variety of formats:

Candlemark & Gleam Website
Amazon Paperback
Amazon Kindle Edition
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble NOOK Book

GO TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

Take 5 with Scarlet DashBoy

Matt: I'm pleased to welcome Scarlet DashBoy--one of the lesser heroes in the I, Crimsonstreak universe--to the blog today.

Scarlet DashBoy: What do you mean, "lesser?"

Matt: I mean you're not in the book as much as some of the others, obviously.

Scarlet DashBoy: Oh, okay.

Matt: DashBoy, what's your ability?

Scarlet DashBoy: I'm a super-speedster, like Crimsonstreak.

Matt: Do you do anything else? Shoot laser beams from your eyes?

Scarlet DashBoy: No.

Matt: Fly?

Scarlet DashBoy: No.

Matt: Jump high?

Scarlet DashBoy: No.

Matt: Just a super-speedster, then?

Scarlet DashBoy: Yeah. Now wait a second...I'm just like Crimsonstreak. He can't do any of those things.

Matt: His parents can.

Scarlet DashBoy: But how's that--

Matt: Next question, then. What is your fascination with Crimsonstreak? I've asked you two questions and you've mentioned his name twice already.

Scarlet DashBoy: You've asked like seven questions.

Matt: I didn't know you could count that high. Just answer the last one.

Scarlet DashBoy: I've always looked up to Crimsonstreak. Like, he's the best superhero out there. He's funny, he's fast, he wears a red costume. I love red.

Matt: I think he prefers people to refer to his uniform as crimson. You've kind of taken the same approach to fighting crime as Crimsonstreak, then?

Scarlet DashBoy: What do you mean?

Matt: Not to put too fine a point on it, but you basically ripped off everything about him.

Scarlet DashBoy: So I wear red. I run fast. That doesn't mean I'm just like Crimsonstreak.

Matt: There's that name again.

Scarlet DashBoy: You made the comparison.

Matt: You call yourself Scarlet DashBoy. Your power is super-speed. You don't see any similarities?

Scarlet DashBoy: I guess he did kind of rip off my style.

Matt: I see. He says you took his super-suit once and made everyone think you were him. Is that true?

Scarlet DashBoy: Sometimes you have to help those lesser heroes make a name for themselves.

Matt: You didn't answer the question.

Scarlet DashBoy: There was a big crisis. I wanted people to think Crimsonstreak was there to handle it.

Matt: Are you sure you didn't want to save the day and have everyone give you the credit?

Scarlet DashBoy: I don't think I like you.

Matt: I don't think anyone likes you.

Scarlet DashBoy: That's not very nice.

Matt: Neither is stealing another hero's identity. (sighs) Are you going to be in the next book?

Scarlet DashBoy: Will there be a next book?

Matt: I don't know.

Scarlet DashBoy: You're not much help.

Matt: You wanna do the plug?

Scarlet DashBoy: Sure. I, Scarlet DashBoy is available at a variety of fine retailers...

Matt: The book is called I, Crimsonstreak.

Candlemark & Gleam Website
Amazon Paperback
Amazon Kindle Edition
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble NOOK Book

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

Take 5 with Miss Lightspeed

Matt: We're set for another Take 5 today. Joining me is Karen Jo Fairborne, better known to the world as Miss Lightspeed. Thank you for being with us.

Miss Lightspeed: My pleasure, Matt.

Matt: Your husband is famous and infamous, your son equally so. How do you keep it all together?

Miss Lightspeed: Some days I don't know the answer to that one. Bill [William Avery Fairborne AKA Colonel Chaos] and Chris [Christopher Gregory Fairborne AKA Crimsonstreak] are a handful. When you add saving the world to that equation...life gets tricky. I try to do the typical "mom" things, you owe that to your children, but I have another set of responsibilities to juggle. I've learned how to prioritize over the years, and I hope I've taught my family that injustice and poverty are just as important to fight as the average villain of the week.

Matt: Do you think your husband and son have gotten that message?

Miss Lightspeed: For the most part, I believe so. It was much harder on Chris when he was younger. Now that he's getting older, I believe he really understands why I have to be away from home sometimes. And Bill...well, my husband is like me in many ways. He doesn't love it when I'm gone, but he knows I'll go where I'm needed when I'm needed.

Matt: Let's talk a little bit about the Super Diplomats Corps. This has been a controversial undertaking for a woman who's been so beloved worldwide.

Miss Lightspeed: Is there a question in there? Or are you going to browbeat your viewers with opinions disguised as questions?

Matt: (bites lip) What can you tell us about the Super Diplomats Corps?

Miss Lightspeed: (smiles) The Corps is one of my passions. Superheroes shouldn't be limited to stopping bank robberies and taking down supervillains. There's a bigger picture we have to see. We have to take a look at society and see where things are going wrong; where injustices go unnoticed. I had the idea for a team of heroes that would look at these international crises and find ways to solve them. I was fortunate enough to encounter like-minded individuals who joined the cause. Our primary goal is humanitarian aid and social justice. It may not get as much attention as throwing a bad guy through a window, but I argue that it's more important.

Matt: You've taken some heat for intervening in certain countries. How do you respond to those who are critical of your efforts?

Miss Lightspeed: I'm assuming you're referring to our operations in places like Cuba, Iran, and North Korea?

Matt: That's correct.

Miss Lightspeed: To look at the leaders of a country and then assume all the people are the same way just isn't right. Those people need just as much help--probably more--than anyone else. How is a disaster in Paducah, Kentucky, or Las Vegas, Nevada, any different than one in Pyongyang or Tehran? Do those people suffer any more? Any less? Why refuse to provide humanitarian aid in a crisis? How does that improve the world? The Super Diplomats Corps sees the global picture. We're all in this together. I know that's a simplistic way of looking at things, but superheroes are here to help. If that means extending an olive branch to countries that aren't "in the club," so be it.

Matt: Clearly, this is a passion for you. I suppose anyone who gives you flak for this would have to deal with your husband.

Miss Lightspeed: They'd have to deal with me first. Bill could take whatever's left.

Matt: Let's get to the last question now. What do you think of the Heroic Legion?

Miss Lightspeed: (inhales deeply) Well...that could be five questions on its own. The group means well, but sometimes they're too bureaucratic for my tastes. They make a motion, they take a vote, they make a motion about the vote, vote on the motion, and then, if we're lucky, they take action. It's not that I don't have respect for governments and policies, because I believe that's where everything starts. In a crisis, people need to see their leaders take quick and effective action. Sitting in a room and delaying what you know to be the right response doesn't help anyone. I wish the Legion understood that. I think, deep down, they do.

Matt: Thank you for joining me today, Miss Lightspeed. You can read more about her and the Fairborne family in I, Crimsonstreak, available at these fine retailers:

Candlemark & Gleam Website
Amazon Paperback
Amazon Kindle Edition
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble NOOK Book

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

News and Notes for the Week of June 4

• The first draft of 17th Parallel, my latest novel, is almost finished! It currently clocks in at 98,000 words and is well on its way to 100,000. I already have some major changes in mind, but I have to complete the draft before I can take care of those.

• I'm getting ready to re-read the sequel to I, Crimsonstreak. Once that's finished, I expect to make some significant tweaks to the narrative. The book seems a little overstuffed at the moment, so I need to streamline some plot points and characters. A few of the main characters are underwritten and underdeveloped.

• Another superhero novel, The Franchise, is almost ready for beta readers. I've polished the book over the last two months and plan to do another read-through to see if I can solve a few of the problems with the manuscript.

• My second book signing for I, Crimsonstreak is this Saturday in Madison, Indiana. I'll be at That Book Place to talk about the book and sign a few copies. Would love to see you there if you're anywhere in the Madison/Louisville area!

• I will have another signing at Hastings in Richmond, Indiana, on June 30.

• I may dust off some of my short stories and submit them to some different markets. I've been concentrating primarily on novels over the last few months, but I have some short fiction I'd like to place. Perhaps I'll devote next week specifically to my short stories.

Take 5 with Warren Kensington IV

Matt: Another Take 5 to share with you today. Joining me on the blog, Warren Kensington IV. Thanks for being here.

Warren IV: Whatever.

Matt: You're sometimes referred to as the "Once and Future Crusading Comet." What does that mean?

Warren IV: You tell me. It's a stupid epithet. What does it mean...that I'm King Arthur? It doesn't make any sense.

Matt: I hear you're quite the technological marvel. Show me something that will wow me.

Warren IV: (takes phone from pocket, makes a series of quick button presses) Check out your Twitter stream.

Matt: (pulls out phone, checks Twitter) "I'm a Nancy boy who loves the Patriots and that one Selena Gomez song." That's very mature.

Note: The following Twitter mini-war then erupted:

Matt: You promise you'll stop with the Twitter hacking?

Warren IV: If you'll stop calling me the "Once and Future Crusading Comet."

Matt: You haven't read the sequel, have you? (Warren shakes his head) Sure. I'll stop calling you that.

Warren IV: Next question.

Matt: When did this turn into a Drew Rosenhaus press conference?

Warren IV: What?

Matt: Never mind. Third question. What can you tell me about Mortimer P. Willoughby?

Warren IV: Mortimer's been like a second father to me. Well, maybe a first father; it's hard to say. Dad says Mortimer's been with me since the day I was born. It certainly feels like it, anyway. He's a great teacher and mentor, although sometimes I can't stand to be around him. He gets all...uptight sometimes. He's always talking about rules and etiquette and protocol. Like a living Threepio...with sarcasm.

Matt: You just compared your father figure to a droid from Star Wars. What are you, kid? Like fifteen?

Warren IV: I'm seventeen years old.

Matt: That's pretty young.

Warren IV: You keep up this interview style, I'll outlive you.

Matt: Point...taken. We've touched on Morty and your knack for computer wizardry. Let's talk a little bit about Crimsonstreak. You guys didn't get off to a good start, did you?

Warren IV: Hmmmm...let's see. The guy left my father at the Clermont Institution for the Criminally Insane. His father took over the world and started a war on superheroes. My father never thought too highly of him and neither did Mortimer. I was skeptical of his motives and his methods, but a funny thing happened on the way to saving the world. It turned out he was one of the good guys after all.

Matt: It seems like you guys eventually became friends, which is pretty cool. Last question. What was it like going through the Comet Accelerator?

Warren IV: (Smiles...yes, actually smiles) Oh, man. That was one wild, righteous ride. It was like being squeezed through a tube while simultaneously being wrapped in a warm blanket of your memories. I saw kids I hadn't seen since kindergarten, communed with cartoon characters, and re-watched every movie I'd ever seen. The experience lasted an eternity, but it was no more than a blink of an eye.

Matt: Thanks for joining me today, Warren. Do you want to wrap up with the book plug?

Warren IV: Why would I want to do that?

Matt: Mortimer did it. So did Colonel Chaos.

Warren IV: I'm not them.

Matt: All righty, then. I, Crimsonstreak is available in a variety of formats from these fine retailers:

Candlemark & Gleam Website
Amazon Paperback
Amazon Kindle Edition
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble NOOK Book

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

Take 5 with Colonel Chaos

Matt: I'd like to welcome another guest to the blog today. We're still Crimsonstreaking...and today Colonel Chaos joins us. Thank you for your time.

Colonel Chaos: Enemies of the Common Wealth must die!

Matt: Um...good day to you, too, sir.

Colonel Chaos: That was a joke, Matt. I'm not that one.

Matt: That's kind of a spoiler.

Colonel Chaos: I think you're losing some people here. We'd better get on with it.

Matt: Right. So, you established the New World Common Wealth. Where did you get that idea?

Colonel Chaos: Nice opening salvo. I thought this was going to be about promoting the book.

Matt: It is. Just...tell us a little bit about the New World Common Wealth.

Colonel Chaos: A few years ago, my wife, Miss Lightspeed passed away. Murdered, actually, by Zeus Caesar. There was so much death and violence in the world, so many different squabbles among countries. I wanted to find a way to make everyone play "nice." I sketched out an idea for a new world...one where the people of Earth would join together as one. It was a John Lennon thing, I suppose. "Imagine all the people living life in peace." A noble idea.

Matt: That's not how it played out, unfortunately.

Colonel Chaos: We're not really going to talk about this, are we?

Matt: I suppose it's best for the Heroic Legion tribunal to hash this out. We'll move on, then. Tell me about your relationship with your son.

Colonel Chaos: I can divide this into two distinct periods, Matt. When Chris was growing up, before he went to college, we were close. He was a bit of a mama's boy at first, but as he entered junior high, we became closer. Chris understood what life was like for a superhero family, and we bonded. We were best friends, watching sports together and playing a lot of catch. After Karen [Chaos' wife and Chris' mom, Miss Lightspeed] died, we grew apart. My son will tell you that it was all my fault, and I can't argue. I worked tirelessly to find a way to bring Karen back, and I neglected him. It's something I'm not proud of. We had a falling out, both going our separate ways.

Matt: Did you try to reconcile?

Colonel Chaos: (shakes his head) I wish we had. Sadly, though, I was completely engrossed in finding ways to bring back Chris' mother. I tried everything--lookalikes, shape shifters, clones. Nothing could replace her. Chris, well, he went his own way. Being the son of two great heroes--two famous heroes--is a burden no child should bear, yet he went out to make a name for himself.

Matt: Anyone who's read the Dawn Magazine article knows that you coined your son's superhero name, but not everyone has heard the story. How did "Crimsonstreak" come to mind?

Colonel Chaos: The son of some two-bit villain of the week invaded our home seeking revenge. He got the drop on us, and nearly escaped. Chris went chasing after him...moving in this red blur. He was wearing an Indiana University sweatshirt...and I said something to the effect of "he was like a cream and crimson streak." It was just an off-the-cuff remark, but Chris loved it. I was surprised when he adopted it as his superhero name. I thought he'd go for something flashier.

Matt: All right, you've survived so far. Last question here, Colonel.

Colonel Chaos: You know that's not a real rank, right?

Matt: I had my suspicions, but "Mr. Chaos" sounds stupid. Agreed?

Colonel Chaos: Agreed.

Matt: Last question, and this one backtracks a bit, and for that I apologize. Do you get tired of the villains from "the old days?" The ones who think you're "still in the game?"

Colonel Chaos: (scratches his head) Oh, man. Those guys. Wow. Some of them haven't accepted that I turned my back on that life. They keep coming up with grandiose plans that just happen to need a device or gadget that only I can make. One guy--Fourth-Reich Rich--is absolutely obsessed with the idea of turning everyone into Nazi zombies. I don't even know what that means. For the most part, it's amusing...and most of my former colleagues are locked inside the Clermont Institution for the Criminally Insane. Out of sight, out of mind, I hope.

Matt: Thanks for joining us, Colonel.

Colonel Chaos: Can I do the plug?

Matt: Excuse me?

Colonel Chaos: Willoughby got to do the plug at the end. You know, for the book.

Matt: Go for it.

Colonel Chaos: I, Crimsonstreak is available in a variety of formats from these fine retailers:

Candlemark & Gleam Website
Amazon Paperback
Amazon Kindle Edition
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble NOOK Book

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

Take 5 with Mortimer P. Willoughby

Matt: He is perhaps the breakout character of the superhero novel I, Crimsonstreak, and today, I'm honored to be joined by the irrepressible Mortimer P. Willoughby. Welcome, sir.

Mortimer: (bows deferentially) I would like to thank you for having me on this program today.

Matt: It's really more of a blog.

Mortimer: Pardon?

Matt: Never mind. May I call you Morty?

Mortimer: That's a rather detestable nickname favored by those of an inferior station.

Matt: Mortimer, then?

Mortimer: If you would be so inclined.

Matt: No problem, Mortimer. Let's start off easy here. What's it like being the "go-to guy" for the Crusading Comet?

Mortimer: I would prefer a term such as "aide-de-camp," if you please. It is quite a thrilling vocation, and I have many stories to tell. I will not bore you with those stories, however. As befits your format here on this...blog...I shall endeavor to keep my responses short. Life as an assistant to a billionaire superhero never becomes dull. I am often relegated to sidekick duty, sometimes thrust into combat, and, on at least one occasion, it has been my duty to rescue the Crusading Comet. This I do gladly.

Matt: It's so nice to have a civilized conversation. I interviewed Crimsonstreak earlier, and that was brutal.

Mortimer: (Harrumphs) Yes, Crimsonstreak. A hero of...dubious distinction.

Matt: I sense a rivalry of sorts between you two. Can you tell me what's behind that?

Mortimer: It is difficult to say what attracts one person to another, and that which draws two people apart. I'm sorry to say that Crimsonstreak and I simply do not, what the devil's the word I'm searching for..."click?" Yes. We do not, as you Americans say, "click." Oil and water, the two of us. I am older, more refined, reserved, and content in my role. He is younger, crude, brash, and constantly complaining. They say opposites attract, yet sometimes it seems more fitting to say that opposites wish to murder one another.

Matt: Whoa. Murder? Really?

Mortimer: I mean that in the most respectful, figurative way imaginable.

Matt: I'll try to keep that in mind. You've worked with the Crusading Comet for decades now, having served four men named Warren Kensington. Which one is your favorite?

Mortimer: A correction, if you'll allow me. I have served three men named Warren Kensington. The fourth is still yet a boy. Asking a question such as this...it is dreadful. Could you, for instance, pick your favorite brother?

Matt: Actually, I can. I only have one. So, by default, he's my favorite.

Mortimer: You're missing my point, perhaps knowingly. Were I to ask you to pick your "favorite" friend, it would be a difficult task. The Kensington family has been so kind as to make me part of their family. They have entrusted me with their secrets and their lives. Thus, I'm afraid it is impossible for me to answer that question.

Matt: Fair enough. I'll move on, then. I think our readers would like some more insight on Mortimer Willoughby, the man. What drew you into this life? How did you come to America?

Mortimer: (smiles warmly) I grew up in a fine family in a fine community across the pond. I attended schools of good standing, and a university of good standing. As any young man so endeavors, I wished to branch out, and visited New York City. It was a much different place in those times. I happened across an advertisement in the local paper looking for a servant to help care for a local family. While I wished to return to England, I wished more to remain in America. I found a second family and camaraderie with Warren Kensington, Senior, and his lovely wife. And so it came to pass that I accepted their employment. I did not know at that time that I would soon be thrust into a world full of mystery, espionage, and intrigue. I expected to serve--to cook, to clean, to educate. Jet-fueled cars, night vision goggles, bulletproof armor, and Comet spikes were nowhere in sight.

Matt: This interview is much more enlightening and less painless than the last one.

Mortimer: (puts a hand on my shoulder) I lament that your experience with Crimsonstreak is quite common among those...fortunate...enough to encounter him.

Matt: Thank you. This helps. I'm sad to say this...but we've reached the final question of the interview.

Mortimer: That is news I regret to hear as well.

Matt: You're too gracious.

Mortimer: Likewise.

Matt: Of your many duties, which do you find the most challenging?

Mortimer: (laughs) Mr. Kensington...the third Mr. Kensington...has a certain admiration for the ladies. Attempting to juggle the many different facets of his life...business meetings, social events, stakeouts, luncheons, formal dinners, criminal takedowns...is difficult enough as it is. His insistence on juggling different female admirers and keeping his operations as the Crusading Comet secret is perhaps the single most difficult of them all.

Matt: Very interesting. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention your book, Mortimer P. Willoughby's Guide to Superhero Etiquette. What can you tell me about it?

Mortimer: A bonus question! How delightful! The Guide is in its Twelfth Edition. It serves as a guidebook for all superheroes, instructing them how to behave in public and deal with all aspects of superheroism.

Matt: Thank you so much, Mortimer. That's all we have time for today, folks. You can...

Mortimer: (holds up a hand) Might I be so bold as to do the "plug?" I have always fancied doing such a thing.

Matt: I would be honored, Mortimer.

Mortimer: (clears throat, rubs hands together) I, Crimsonstreak is available at these fine retailers in a variety of formats:

Candlemark & Gleam Website
Amazon Paperback
Amazon Kindle Edition
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble NOOK Book

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

Take 5 with Crimsonstreak

Matt: Thanks for joining me on the blog today.

Crimsonstreak: Sure. A question, though. Haven't you written enough about me by now?

Matt: I'm asking the questions here, pal.

Crimsonstreak: (smirks) We'll see about that.

Matt: What's your favorite movie?

Crimsonstreak: You're really going in-depth, Katie Couric-rabid-reporter for this one, aren't you?

Matt: We're trying to help people get a character snapshot of you.

Crimsonstreak: Sounds more like you're trying to sell some books to me. Anyway, what do I know?

Matt: I said I'm asking the questions here.

Crimsonstreak: Whatever you say, buddy.

Matt: This is supposed to be a five-question interview.

Crimsonstreak: Can I help it if you're a crappy interviewer?

Matt: You're right. I can't help it if you're a crappy interviewee.

Crimsonstreak: All right, now you're playing ball. Favorite movie of all time...gotta say Return of the Jedi.

Matt: Interesting choice. Most people consider that the most inferior of the Original Trilogy.

Crimsonstreak: I'm not most people.

Matt: I'm getting that impression. Second question here: how fast can you run?

Crimsonstreak: (looks around the room) Who let this guy in? Man, I've gotta get a publicist. I'm fast. Faster than fast. Fastest man on earth. (now seated with food) I just ran to New York for shwarama. You didn't even know I was gone. So, dude, fast.

Matt: You can't pull out a shwarama reference. You haven't even seen The Avengers. Your book's set in like 2010. The sequel isn't even finished yet. I haven't decided if the Marvel Studios movies happened in your timeline.

Crimsonstreak: Sounds like somebody enjoys playing God.

Matt: This is intolerable.

Crimsonstreak: Yes, yes you are.

Matt: (sighs) Let's just try to get through this. Third question: what's with you and Jaci Graves?

Crimsonstreak: That topic is off limits.

Matt: That's right. You only answer "softball" questions.

Crimsonstreak: You're awful, you know that? We used to be a thing, then we weren't. Now...maybe we are again.

Matt: Does she know that?

Crimsonstreak: I don't know. Ask her.

Matt: We do have her scheduled for an upcoming Take 5.

Crimsonstreak: (waves hands) Don't ask her.

Matt: Of course. I'll respect your wishes.

Crimsonstreak: You could at least pretend to sound like you meant that.

Matt: We're rounding third here on this interview.

Crimsonstreak: If this were a four-question interview, that might make sense.

Matt: I'm going to ignore that. Fourth question: from a political standpoint, how will the Heroic Legion help the country recover from the New World Common Wealth? Keep it as spoiler-free as possible.

Crimsonstreak: You are the world's worst interviewer.

Matt: Thank you.

Crimsonstreak: (shrugs) I guess they'll redraw state borders and establish a provisional government or something. Find some lawmakers to help everything get back in balance. Work on the different levels of local government to bring everything back to the way it was. Then there will be elections...and something about the Constitution.

Matt: Don't ever run for office. Please. Okay, last question: who's your least favorite superhero?

Crimsonstreak: In comic books or real people?

Matt: By "real people," you mean people you know, right?

Crimsonstreak: You're a genius.

Matt: Just answer the question.

Crimsonstreak: Did you even read the book you wrote? Don't answer that. My least favorite superhero is Scarlet DashBoy. That little...

Matt: This is a family blog.

Crimsonstreak: (grumbles)...pipsqueak...is very off-putting. Wears red, runs fast...does that sound familiar?

Matt: Actually, it does sound familiar.

Crimsonstreak: (points emphatically) Thank you.

Matt: I mean...it kind of sounds like the Flash.

Crimsonstreak: (leans forward in chair) You know where you can stick your book?

Matt: At one of the fine retailers listed below?

Crimsonstreak: Well played, Adams. Well played.

I, Crimsonstreak is available at these fine retailers in a variety of formats:

Candlemark & Gleam Website
Amazon Paperback
Amazon Kindle Edition
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble NOOK Book

BACK TO CRIMSONSTREAK CENTRAL!

New TOUR STOP Announcement

I have a new tour date to announce for I, Crimsonstreak! I'll return to Richmond, Indiana, to a store I spent a lot of time (and money) at as a kid. Very happy to let everyone know I'll be at the Richmond Hastings on National Road East on Saturday, June 30.

The store will also stock copies of the book, although I imagine you won't find 80 copies there!

And don't forget about my other signing in June...I'll be at That Book Place on June 9 from 11am-2pm. So if you're in southern Indiana...be there!

Superhero Etiquette

Here's the final cover for Mortimer P. Willoughby's Guide to Superhero Etiquette.

I believe Morty would be proud...although he would likely protest the cover's crimson highlights.

Mortimer P. Willoughby Blog Post

Intrepid man of taste and style Mortimer P. Willoughby drops by Bibliognome today to describe the various roles he plays as butler to the Crusading Comet.

Chauffeur/Pilot. “Oh, a chauffeur,” some of you are probably thinking. “Isn’t that something all butlers do?” Many butlers indeed perform this function. Yet, I ask, how many of those butlers must learn how to pilot the Comet Intrusion Glider for Aerial Reconnaissance (CIGAR)? How many have experience filling up the jet-fueled Comet Cruiser and traveling at speeds that would make Formula 1 drivers blush? Not many, I would wager.

To learn more--including Morty's least favorite role as aide-de-camp to the Crusading Comet--check out the rest of the post here.