"The Sad Day the Cat Wore A Mask"

Thirty-One years ago today, I put a mask on my cat.

I had only been reading comic books for a couple of years, if that, but had fallen in love with all the super heroes. One of the earliest books I picked up was a reprint of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #100 which had dozens and dozens of heroes in it. I reread that story over and over, and I tried to learn about all of heroes.

I had only begun to draw them. (I've long destroyed those pictures.) Once I drew a hero I called "Captain Combo" (dumb I know), whose costume was made of every single one of the super heroes I knew about.

In my childish thoughts, Captain Combo needed a sidekick. What better partner could there be than my cat Sunshine? So I drew a mask with all the hero emblems on it, cut it out the eye holes and tried to put it on the cat's face. To say Sunshine didn't like the idea would be an understatement. Don't know why the cat wouldn't wont a secret identity. Wouldn't you?

I never got a second chance at putting the mask back on Sunshine because we had to take my grandfather to the doctor's office, and that day would change our family's lives forever.

The day was already strange, and for those of us who believe in the supernatural side of the universe, sometimes things happen all at once and you wonder what else is going to happen.

We had been living down at my grandparents house to take care of Dad for a while, as my grandmother had passed away only nine months earlier.

That was the day of the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana; it was also the day that our cousins left to become missionaries in Taiwan. It had two major things happening, for us a third thing was about to happen.

We took my grandfather to the doctor's office. Being my mother (his daughter), her brother, and my father. My sister and I were basically tagalongs, we went everywhere as a family.

Less than a mile away, us kids waited in the waiting room. As stated, I was on my way to becoming a comic book artist and so had a pad of paper and a pencil.

The doctor examined Dad and even said something like 'this is the best I've seen you in a while.'

Then we guided him back out to the car and my father and uncle helped him get into the car. That's when it happened. My father, who had his arms around my grandfather at the time and half way into the car, swears he could feel the soul leaving.  My grandfather was dead.

What was I suppose to do? This was now the third family death in a very short time.

I was angry, but didn't have the strength to even break the pencil I was holding. I so wanted to, but couldn't. It was like my hands were numb.

So with the world celebrating a royal wedding, our family had very little to celebrate. Yet we did celebrate in a way, that my grandfather was now reunited with his love. For nine months earlier he had told her "Keep the gates open."

He died of a broken heart.

I couldn't draw a super hero to save him from that, I couldn't draw one to save us from the pain of loss.

We would have to be each other's heroes to get us through the days, weeks, months, and years to follow.

Sunshine the cat never did wear the mask, but became a source of comfort as I held it and it purred back. So in a way he became the perfect sidekick when needed.

SDCC - Pre Con Blog 2012

When I first attended the San Diego Comic Convention, I couldn't believe there would be that many people interested in comic books and get together in one location. That year there was this shocking number of over 5000 people in attendance.

This year the Convention Center has capped the attendance at 130,000 people.

That's quite a bit of a difference, and that's a whole lot of years in-between.

Through those years my goal has been work in the industry; first as a comic book artist, then as a writer both in comics and in animation, and pursuing a career in production as both.

As Image Comics is celebrating a major anniversary in its existence I remember how it was through them I got my first professional credits (though my name only appears in one of the books I worked on), that year I got to sit in the company booth and I even signed my autographs on a few items.

I've only missed one year over all these year.  And though I have never completely gotten over all my nerves each year I get better and better at talking with the professionals as I am one of them. I am.

So once again, I am heading down to San Diego to schmooze with my fellow script writers, authors, artists, editors, actors and producers. And Mission 818 is going with me.

This is the third year that I am taking the train down and riding it back home each night. It's a relaxing trip, and it is a whole lot cheaper than any hotel you'll find (or not find) in the entire city this weekend.

Can't promise that I'll be blogging all through the weekend, but check out my twitter feed  at @Kevinpsb00 I'm sure I'll have something to say.

Kevin Paul Shaw Broden

Four Names of Professional Creativity

What is #Mission818?

UPDATE - Sept 17. 2012 - See bottom of post.

What is #MISSION 818?

The name of my blog is "Four Names of Professional Creativity" and I have posted about my writing, about my artwork, about comic books and movies. I've also given suggestions and guidance to new writers on how to find ideas out of the world around them. I've promoted my novels, and written reviews of the novels of others. This week I'm writing about employment and my continued long-term career search and what I call Mission 818.

For over a year I have been in a part-time job with the Fullerton College Foundation where I design, assemble, and write content for newsletters, event programs, and advertisements that have increased the Foundation and it's scholarship programs. They tell me I do a good job.

I am blessed by this job, and glad to help to the Foundation and my alumni of Fullerton College, however I know it is time I turn my focus towards the future.

I am engaged to one of the most – no, make that the most – wonderful woman in the world. We've been together for years and we share so much including a lifelong passion for television animation. It is time we get married and I become the best husband she deserves.

To make that happen, I need to find a full time job and join her in the 818.

With that intent, I can't continue the way I have. Whether it be at an animation studio or not, I must find employment now and it must be near her in the Burbank area, hence the 818.

So, what is Mission 818?

It is my quest to find employment, be married, and live in the 818 area code.

As I've mentioned before, since heaven knows when I have wanted to work in comic books and animation. My goal was patricianly achieved in comics, but I still intend to do more with it and I keep my hand in with the webcomic "Flying Glory and the Hounds of Glory" (now in it's eleventh year). As for animation I got my first script writing credits on several episodes of a show called "Midnight Horror School" in Japan. Unfortunately it has never aired in the U.S. I have also professionally written and developed series.

Additionally I have worked with numerous studio executives and producers as a contracted assistant from time to time over the years (read temp.) With every job, no matter how small, I have gained experience, which I bring to the next one.

Though my dream is to be a scriptwriter on a long running animated television series, or better yet, create my own show that runs for multiple seasons with fantastic rating numbers (I really am dreaming), for now that's not what Mission 818 is about.

I will not to give up that dream (even those ratings) and will keep fighting for it. Yet, right now, I need a concrete foundation to build that dream upon. I am seeking a "day job," a secure position in the production offices of an animation studio or prod co. Yes, I know there is no such thing as a long-term secure position in our industry, especially now, but that's what I'm after. Receiving a regular paycheck while helping produce the best animated television series.

So what type of position am I looking for? It would be so easy to say, I want to get my foot in the door. Well, that's not enough any more; I need to get my entire body in the door and down the hall. A Production Assistant or Coordinator on a show would be great start, and wouldn't turn it down, but with my experience and skills I'm looking for something more.

The assistant position I am seeking is in the Television Animation Series Development department of a major studio. A few years ago, I had a temp job in the development department of one such studio, and even though I was there for a short time, it was an extremely thrilling experience as new and potential shows passed across my desk. I fell in love with those offices and am looking to return and be part of that work on a long-term basis.

Additionally, working in a studio's development department may have a whole lot more stability than in the production of a show.

As much as I would like the above jobs and working in animation, I won't say no to other positions in or out of the entertainment industry. My only requirement is that should be in the 818, preferably Burbank/Glendale area.

So Mission 818 has begun, seeking employment, and planning for marriage.

Part of this is asking my friends in the industry if they know of or could keep an eye out for any job opening inside or outside of television animation.

All help is appreciated. Know that this isn't just for me but for the woman I love.

Who knows, one of the studios might need someone to work on their newsletters. I've been told I'm pretty good at them.

UPDATE - Sept 17. 2012 - I'm still pursuing employing with in the 818 Area code and the studios. This coming Friday I will be visiting the offices of an Animation Production Company and have the opportunity to pitch a television series. I've prepared a pitch bible for a action adventure series, and a pitch for a short, and have also have a back up in case the producers ask "What else you got?"  This is very important.

I've had the opportunity to pitch before, and even if the shows are bought or turned into successful series, the experience is always good. A little scary, a little fun. It's a great learning experience.

Hope to write a blog about the experience next weekend.

My #Mission818 continues.

Thanks for the support.

Book Review - Frostbite: Demonically Tempted by Stacey Kennedy

As I reached the final pages of "Supernaturally Kissed", the first book in Stacey Kennedy's Frostbite series, I thought I saw something in the story that was being over looked; little clues being dropped that I expected to have answered by the end of the book. Those answers didn't manifest themselves. By the end of "Demonically Tempted", the second book in the series, those clues were answered, and I was thrilled to see I was right. The answer turned out to be something important and leads into the third book of the series "Mystically Bound." (No SPOILERS, go read both books to find out what it was.)

After her experiences with the police, Tess finds herself working in their Cold Case department. What better witness can they have than to interview the victim of a murder? That's what Tess does; talk to the ghosts. So along with her ghostly hunk of a boyfriend Kipp, she helps solve crimes.

This time, Tess may have gotten into something she can't handle when the ghosts come to her because something is terrifying them. On top of that Kipp has vanished, and Tess worries that she sent him away.

"Demonically Tempted" is a fun paranormal mystery follow up to the original "Supernaturally Kissed." Though it doesn't have the same mystery, and even the ghostly erotic romance of the first, it remains an enjoyable and loving tale of a woman and the man she should never be able to have.

If there is anything that it suffers from, it's what many Act Two stories of a trilogy do. While telling the story at hand, while Tess fights to save lives and ghosts, the book sets up a lot of foundation of the book to follow. The supernatural threat here doesn't feel as dangerous as the human threat in the climax of the first book.

That said, "Demonically Tempted" and Kennedy's writing, remains to be enjoyable ride all the way through to the end even when we're told what Tess must do next and we must wait for the next book "Mystically Bound."

As I said at the start of the review, what I, myself, enjoyed the most was to discover what I had been guessing at was true. Go find out what it is.

Enjoy this book, be "Demonically Tempted"

Review by

Kevin Paul Shaw Broden

Four Names of Professional Creativity

"Beyond the Grave" - Book Review

Beyond the Grave by Mara Purnhagen

As the daughter of famous paranormal investigators Charlotte Silver's life has always been interesting. Then when real ghosts came to her for help, all things went crazy, and now an evil spirit is hunting her family. Not exactly the best way to start college.

It doesn't seem that long ago when I wrote my very first book review about Mara Purnhagen's first book in the "Past Midnight" trilogy (plus two novellas that filled in the gaps between the novels,) and now we have reached the conclusion with "Beyond the Grave".  (Though from the text on the cover, this might be an on going series, but I don't think it is.)

The consequence of "One Hundred Candles," the second book in the series, comes back to haunt Charlotte. A demonic like spirit is following her family and has already done severe damage.

One of the things I mentioned in the first review was that I really liked how Charolotte had her friends to help, and yet they never came off as a 'Scooby Gang' that many of these types of stories could be. Instead, her friends are supporting her through her struggles in her day-to-day life as she helps them with theirs. It's only natural that they would be there for her when the supernatural gets angry. A greater example of this is a fellow student, that was practically a schoolyard enemy in the first book, now becomes an important close friend. The growth of friendships and family is what make's Purnhagen's stories enjoyable and successful.

I did have a little trouble with the explanation of what and where the evil force came from, and those who are granted abilities to stand against it. Yet, the Paranormal of this story only helps to support telling Charlotte's tale.  It's her story and greatly worth the read.

Reading all of the "Past Midnight" series has been very enjoyable to read for all ages. I look forward to Mara Purnhagen's future stories.

Wrong Price, but You Win...

Okay, I thought I had fixed this a couple of weeks ago...

Amazon and Barnes & Noble have my novel CLOCKWORK GENIE at 99 cents. It's not going to last, it's $2.99 everywhere else.

So you better go pick it up today, and SHARE with your friends before the big guys find out their mistake.

Buy it and lets see how far up the charts we can get it to go because of this mistake.

CLOCKWORK GENIE
Her Master has been murdered, can the Genie's new master restrain her power? Find out and discover is magic can make a family.

See the links to the right and get the book now!

The End of the World came on Good Friday.

The End of the World came on Good Friday.

A million wings flaps and the sounds of thunder rolled across the horizon. The Heavenly Host was so massive that their very angelic presence blocked out the sun sending the entire world into darkness.

Each Angel drew their sword that sparkled like lightning and fire. The first of these flaming swords had blocked reentrances in to the paradise garden and access to the Tree of Life. Now a million more such blades were about to do the deed for which they were forged.

The world is full of sin. There was no one righteous, not even one.

For man had abandoned the ways of God, and even now rejected him when he walked among them.

The mission of the angelic army was to bring the Wrath of God upon the world and to destroy all sin.

This time they would not Passover, their command was irrevocable. There must be payment for man's sin. It would be total, it would be ultimate, and it would be finished. It would be the end of the world.

The order was given, they moved out. Their very approach towards the world brought forth earthquakes.

One was sent ahead, it was the very same angel that had blocked the way towards the Garden, now used its burning blade to cut the curtain in the temple. Access to the holy of holies was now open but there was no longer anything inside. God was not there.

Their eyes burning with anger and wrath the angels approached the city, none would be spared.

But then a shout came from below: "It is finished!"

Suddenly their wings altered direction, and a million angelic torpedo's with blazing swords ahead of them all dove towards one location; towards one man, one man hanging upon a cross.

Did they know that the man their blades were striking, one for every sinful soul upon the earth, was their own God who had sent them on this mission?

They could not hold back their blades, even if they wanted to.

In seconds, their mission was complete, the man was dead, sin and evil was defeated.

The world of sin came to an end.

A new world would dawn three days later.



Kevin Paul Shaw Broden