September 28, 2008

• BOOK TOUR TIME

   

  Besides having the 2 daughters now, all of my time this past year has been directed towards putting this book together.  That corkboard on the right, with all the stories laid out in order on index cards, has been my life. 

   

  But there’s nothing like delving into an original creation that you believe 110% in.  We’re finally in the home stretch and I’ll soon have more images to share.  But one of the multitude of things I’ve learned in the publishing business these past 2 1/2 years is… once the book’s done, it’s all about publicity and banging the drum – mostly by yourself. 

   

  A great book that our publisher’s publicist suggested was: ”The Savvy Author’s Guide To Book Publicity” by Lissa Warren.  It’s a really interesting read about all the things that go into that small window right before AND after the book’s out (ex: not having any media done on your book until AFTER the book is in stores — otherwise folks will get frustrated when trying to find it and most likely won’t come back to try again.)

   

  One of the cool things I’m busy with now is converting some of the book’s stories into mini movies – editing them panel by panel, adding music, foley, voices to ultimately use them as teasers in the approaching months online. 

   

  But the biggest thing right now is setting up a tour to bring the book out into the public.  It’s funny, of the three editors that will be traveling – all three of us have had babies born while putting this book out — so I feel like the aging Rolling Stones putting out a tour or something.  

   

  It used to be so easy to just take off and tour the country with the biggest concern being: whether or not to check-in or carry-on my luggage. 

   

  Now it’s all about finding coverage for child care.

   

  But… what has to be done, has to be done.  We’ve worked too hard and come too waaay too far to half-a** it now.  So without further adieu, below is the SI Book Tour press release and programming info.  Please forward to organizations you think would be interested — thanks!

   

  SECRET IDENTITIES: The Asian American Superhero Anthology – 2009 BOOKTOUR

   

  September 29, 2008 – SECRET IDENTITIES: The Asian American Superhero Anthology to be published by The New Press in April 2009 — has begun seeking opportunities at universities/colleges to host a book event during Asian American Heritage Month from April to May 2009. 

   

  Possible programming includes: 

   

  - Showcasing a traveling gallery of original artwork from celebrity contributors (James Kyson Lee, Sung Kang, Kelly Hu, Aaron Yoo, Beau Sia, Yul Kwon) that will be auctioned off for Cartoonists Across America – a literacy program.

  - A 30 min documentary, highlighting a sampling of the stories as animated films.

  - Discussion on the stories inspired by actual events/people (internment camps, Atomic bombs, Vincent Chin, Wen Ho Lee, Transcontinental Railroad, Vietnam Airlifts).

  - An interactive workshop where participants “audition” for roles portrayed by AA’s on film/tv to demonstrate the need for projects, like SI — to create strong, 3-dimensional heroes and role-models.

  - Q&A panel with editors/local contributors and book signing.

  Interested parties may fill out a request form under the “THE TOUR” at www.secretidentities.org or inquire at info@secretidentities.org.  An interactive tourmap is also available there for organizations to view existing events to minimize travel expenses.

   

  About SECRET IDENTITIES:

   

  SECRET IDENTITIES uses the conventions of the superhero comic book to expose the real face of the Asian American experience, usually hidden behind the mask of misperception and stereotype.

   

  This groundbreaking anthology brings together top Asian American creators in the comics industry—including Gene Yang (American Born Chinese), Bernard Chang (Wonder Woman), Greg Pak (The Hulk), Sonny Liew (Liquid City), Greg LaRocque (The Flash), Christine Norrie (Black Canary Wedding Special), and Francis Tsai (Heroes for Hire)—as well as new and established creators from film (Mike Kang), television (Keiko Agena) and literature (Jamie Ford), to craft original graphical short stories set in a compelling “shadow history” of our country: from the building of the railroads, to the Japanese American internment, atomic bombings, the Vietnam airlift, the murder of Vincent Chin and the groundless incarceration of Dr. Wen Ho Lee.

   

  For more info: http://secretidentities.org/preview.pdf  or http://secretidentitiesbook.blogspot.com/

  • 3:41 pm
  • 6 Comments