June 30, 2016

Updates & Stuff

A.R. Miller Conventions, Events, Life, Uncategorized carroll iowa, carrollcon, carrollfest, Ericon, ericson public library, Fey Creations series, meadowlarks, signs of the zodiac series, vegas, vicki pettersson 0 Comments

Wow, it’s summer already! Where did spring go?

This month I was invited back to ERICON and gladly accepted, we all know I have a soft spot for libraries. Last year was good, but this year Matt and the staff of the Ericson Library out did themselves and it will only get better each year. I love getting to do these smaller conventions, it gives me time to connect with sci-fi and fantasy lovers, other vendors, and readers. I’ve got to say the highlight was chatting with my Meadowlarks.

The week before, I tagged along on one of the Breadwinner’s work trips. I love Vegas, but June is not the most hospitable month, weather wise. I like it hot, but temperatures well over a hundred every day…that’s too much, even for me. We did make a pilgrimage to the Neon Boneyard. Yep, I took a little ‘book’ tour through the land of Vicki Pettersson’s Signs of the Zodiac series. I love those books and Vicki. Though I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting her in person, she’s a blast online.

This week I had a little dental work. Removed a cracked tooth and replaced it with an implant. It hurts a bit, but I’m managing, the worst part is the lack of crunchy food for a couple of months. No potato chips!

Book four finally has a title! Shadow Play is in the stages of being stitched together, then off to the editor.

Some of you may have noticed the Meadowlarks Facebook group. It’s for you, my awesome Meadowlarks! A place where you can gather and chat with other like-minded people. I can’t guarantee I’ll be around, but the lovely, Lynn offered to maintain it and make sure I get any messages or questions you all post.

I have two more planned events coming up, in August I’ll be in Carroll Iowa, but the September event isn’t ready for prime time. It’s going to be a doozy, lots of authors and an unusual venue. I’ll get all the details up on the site as soon as possible.

Time for me to get back to work, so I’ll leave you with a few pictures from both ERICON and Vegas. Yes, the Breadwinner had a lot of fun with the Vegas shots.

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ERICON 2016

: Ericon had the droids you were looking for! R2 and his creator.

: There is nothing better than chatting with my fans, except getting to take a picture with them!

: Super fan, Leah stopped by to see me at Ericon!

Vegas

: I did do some work in between all the shopping, sight seeing, and parties.

: The view from our room at the Westgate.

: Most expensive used car lot sign, ever...

: Steiners Cleaners. The Breadwinner's favorite sign. Come on, doesn't it make you smile too?

: Fans of the Signs of the Zodiac series, take note!

: Liberace's signature in lights...

: The designer of the Yucca Motel sign is unknown, but the intricate weaving of the neon is beyond compare.

: I can't remember the history behind this one, but it was too cool not to post. Maybe someone out there can jog my memory.

: Considering the heat, water was the cocktail of choice.

: One of The Breadwinner's favorites...

: Bet ya can't guess which casino this one came from.

: The City Center Motel was located on Fremont Street, and the sign was designed by designer Betty Willis of Western Neon.

: The Breadwinner & I at the Boneyard

: Benny Binion was the first to replace sawdust covered floors with carpet.

: A Golden Nugget!

: Why do I always want to start signing Barry Manilow when I hear Tropicana?

: Look it's the sign for the Silver Slipper!

May 16, 2016

Wizard World Des Moines 2016

A.R. Miller books, Conventions, Events, Highlights, Interviews, Life, News, Panels, Uncategorized Aaron Bunce, adam j witlatch, dennis w. green, elves, free book, james wylder, jed quinn, second run reviews, wizard world des moines 2016 0 Comments

All setup for Wizard World!

I’m still half-asleep as I write this, a long weekend at Wizard World combined with a 6:45 am dental appointment leaves little room for sleep. Bear with me as I chug coffee and attempt to tell the tale of Wizard World 2016.

Dennis & Aaron setting up on Friday.

So many exciting things happened, but I’ll hit the highlights.

We had so much fun with our panel last year, it was a no brainer when they asked us back for three panels this year. I mean seriously, how could we not say yes? Unfortunately, Tammy Jones and Rachel Aukes couldn’t join us, but Adam Whitlatch agreed to take their place, leaving me surrounded by boys. Not that I’m complaining, I love my boys! This time we decided to snag a couple of tables on the show floor, leading to many hours of shenanigans.

My babysitters for the event were, the prettier than me, Aaron Bunce and his beyond beautiful wife, Becca. Yes, the old lady needs a babysitter. She needs to be reminded to eat and her caffeine monitored, so she doesn’t get cranky. And I don’t get to spend nearly as much time with these two as I would like, a win, win situation. In the end, it was Becca keeping Aaron and I in line, except for one small thing, but we’ll get to that later.

My babysitters making sure I’m caffeinated.

Jed Quinn amazes me, so laid-back and relaxed no matter what the situation. We spent the entire Con giving him crap and he didn’t skip a beat! I wish I had half an ounce of his easygoing attitude. The dude is a social media star, it was too cool how he remembered to take pictures with each and every one of his fans. I love this big bear of a man like a brother and treat him as such.

I was delighted, the always suave, Dennis Green was able to join us on Friday and Saturday. I didn’t get to spend as much time chatting as we usually do, but enjoyed every second we did have. We might have been separated at the panels and on the show floor, but Popcorn and Potato Chips are still the greatest duo around. Speaking of which, TSF is still free until the 17th!

And now we come to my table partner, Adam Whitlatch. I’ve known him for a couple of years, but never spent any quality time together. That all changed the moment he setup on Friday. Holy moly, the dude is funny online, but even funnier in person. We were so goofy, when we caught sight of Kevin Sorbo, we wished he would’ve walked by our table so we could clap and chant Hercules, Hercules. What can I say? We had a blast with every situation, especially when I found out I was cosplaying. I didn’t realize I’d come in costume, but apparently I came as his wife, Jessica. We eventually got tired of telling people, “Yes, we’re married, but not to each other.” This is where my babysitters dropped the ball, I got married, again. So many people confused me with Jess, by the end of Sunday, I’d become Adam’s Con wife.

Besides hangin’ with my boys, there were a few other major highlights to the weekend.

First up, dancing delight, James Wylder. The poet and playwright was at the table directly across from us. Anytime there was a lull in the action, James would start dancing, and it was hard not to join in. He is so sweet, kind, and fun, I hope I get to see him again in the future. If you enjoy Doctor Who, you really need to check out his book. I HAD to get a picture with him for my coffee buddy, Terri, she loves Doctor Who.

The Amazing James Wylder!

Second up, the lovely elves. I was so moved by their costuming, I actually asked if they would take a picture with me. Those who know me, or have read my books, know I’m in love with all things elvish and these two were PERFECT! What I wouldn’t give to have them follow me around, from event to event, dressed as Keely and one of my gents, Alric, Teiran, or Vereinen.

Elves in Iowa!

The amazing fans are last, but certainly not least, on the list. A wonderful mother, daughter duo who stopped by to say hi everyday and attended all, but one of our panels. Gotta say, I was a bit smitten with the mother’s German accent. The lovely Lindsey, who purchased a book from each of us and allowed us to take our picture with her. And Pamela, what can I say about a fellow lover of Jim C. Hines? I adored talking about the Princesses with you, can’t wait to do it again!

Wizard World Des Moines 2016 was an awesome experience and now that my fifteen-seconds of fame are over, it is time to crash.

November 4, 2014

Makeup Demo From Icon 39

A.R. Miller Uncategorized