Tuesday, January 31, 2012

My own "Happy Place"

















I miss my friend Howard Hopkins. His sudden and unexpected passing has left a painful void in me.

A day hasn't gone by when I haven't unconsciously expected one of his frequent messages in my email, or find myself reading one of his witty posts on Facebook, or to share a joke, some news, or discuss our own personal troubles. Howard was never a fair weather friend. He was always supportive and a strong shoulder to lean on no matter what.

Some folks say that a remedy for sadness and mourning is to imagine your "Happy Place" in your mind and visit there for a while. I suppose this would be mine.













And if you can't seem to find your own "Happy Place" when you're feeling down, this is proof positive that sometimes it will come to you.














My own "Happy Place" visited me when I was a kid, in the unlikely spot of a shopping center parking lot in Louisville, Ky. Plus, it was free, and perhaps was my most awesome day, changing me forever.









































I experienced real magic that day, setting me on the imaginative path I've followed ever since.

Not sure where all this nostalgic meandering is leading to. Nowhere, maybe. I suppose I'm just thinking out loud, keeping myself company, and trying to blanket my pain and loneliness with a warm, thrilling, and life-defining memory.

Yes, I suspect that's all it is. Not too important really, and probably impossible for those uninitiated to fully understand, but Howard would certainly have known exactly what I mean as he walked this same wild and wondrous trail.

Following your Muse is fraught with fears and insecurities. It's not ever easy nor anywhere close to a so-called normal life. But, as Howard and I frequently affirmed to each other regarding normalcy: "Where's the fun in that?"

No doubt about it, all things considered, I've been a very lucky guy. Luckier than most.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Cartoonist Terry Beatty's THE PHANTOM Debut!













Check out Eisner Award winning cartoonist Terry Beatty's debut on Lee Falk's classic THE PHANTOM Sunday comic strip!

One of my all-time favorite characters, and one of my best friends together, at last! I feel like celebrating! Congratulations, pal!

Sensationally colored by Tom Smith.

http://dailyink.com/shared_comics/31226620-3a39-4c44-98d2-1d9ea422a0c6

Monday, January 23, 2012

R.I.P. Dick Tufeld















Sad news. Dick Tufeld, one of the most beloved voice actors on television, has passed at age 85.

Mr. Tufeld was active as a professional actor, announcer, and narrator from the 1950s onward, and is best known as the voice of The Robot on Irwin Allen's classic sixties sci-fi series, LOST IN SPACE.

Trying to imagine my childhood without him simply..."Does not compute."

Rest in peace, sir.

Friday, January 20, 2012

THE HALLOWEEN LEGION Nominated for Awards













A terrific surprise!

My book THE HALLOWEEN LEGION has been nominated for three Pulp Ark Awards, including Best Novel, Best Author, and Best Cover by Danny Kelly.

My little group of Trick 'r Treat Weirdos, and I, wish to thank each and every one of our devoted readers, especially our publisher, Wild Cat Books, for giving us this chance!

The Halloween Legion ™ Martin Powell. Logo by Ver Curtiss. Graphic Design by William Carney

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Three Award Nominations for Howard Hopkins















My dear friend Howard Hopkins may be gone, but his work lives on. The late, great author has been nominated for no less than three Pulp Ark Awards.

Howard's tireless work as editor for THE AVENGER: THE JUSTICE, INC. FILES has been nominated as the Best Anthology; his "Sting of the Yellowjacket" in THE GREEN HORNET CASE FILES is nominated for Best Short Story; and Howard is also nominated for Best Author.

































I know who I'm voting for.

http://allpulp.blogspot.com/2012/01/pulp-ark-award-voting-has-begun.html

Congratulations,
Kemosabe.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

R.I.P. Howard Hopkins















I am utterly heartbroken.

Howard Hopkins, my good friend, and the author of over forty western novels, has passed away at the age of 50, apparently from the result of a heart attack while shoveling snow. He and I have been friends for years, and we were talking, joking, and complaining together just a few days ago.


















I loved Howard not only for his unmatched devotion to his craft, but because of his wit and gentle charm. He was one of the real good guys. I cannot believe he is gone.

Happy Trails, my dear pal.