Reunion Party

Jeanine Smith, Sally Brush, Paul Genesse

Here I am at the Utah Artificial Heart reunion dinner last weekend. Since I’m a cardiac nurse, I take care of patients with artificial hearts and mechanical heart devices, LVADs (left ventricular assistive devices). The people who run the program at the hospital I work at have a big dinner for the patients, families and staff once a year.

This year I was recognized and given an award, as were two other nurses (Jeanine and Sally, pictured above), for contributions and care for mechanical heart device patients. It was fun going to the dinner with my wife, and seeing a bunch of patients I’ve taken care of who now have heart transplants. I also saw some family members of patients who have passed away. It was really good seeing everyone and was an inspiring night.

We had several speakers (patients, doctors, and nurses), but the last one was a nurse who was in a medical helicopter crash and survived, while the other two people died. He spoke about his injuries and his recovery. He can finally walk again, but it’s been a huge struggle. Stein and his wife Michelle spoke about the ordeal and their main point was: focus on the things you can do.

I remember the night when the helicopter crashed. Stein was on the chopper and his wife was working in the ICU on my floor. When we found out what happened it was a huge blow to everyone’s morale. We all just felt sick. But Stein lived and two or three weeks after the crash he left the hospital with Michelle. They spent their last full day in the hospital in adjoining beds. She was giving birth and he was in a bed holding her hand in the delivery room. They took their new son home with them and the real struggle began.

Listening to them speak was great.

Paul Genesse RN BSN
Point of Care Manager
Cardiovascular 3 at Intermountain Medical Center
Salt Lake City, Utah

Gen Con 2008

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Marc Tassin and Paul Genesse at a book signing.

Marc is such a cool guy. He and I are in an anthology together and Marc wrote my favorite story in the book, Freedom's Toll (about two lovers imprisoned together--and oh, they're gerbils). The story is in the Furry Fantastic anthology, which has my meerkat mafia story, The Mob.

So, I heard Marc read Freedom's Toll at Gen Con and he has the most amazing voice. I found out he has a degree in Voice Performance and Opera. I've asked him to read the prologue of The Golden Cord so people can download the audio file from my website. I could read it, but Marc's voice is awesome. He also has the lead story in Pirates of the Blue Kingdoms, which is really good. I'm looking forward to reading Marc's Shadowrun story coming out next year.

Paul Genesse
Author of The Golden Cord
Book One of the Iron Dragon Series

Gen Con 08

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Kelly Swails and Paul Genesse at their book signing at Gen Con 2008.

Gen Con 08

Kelly Swails and Paul Genesse at their book signing at Gen Con 2008.

World Con--Day 2, and The Dragon Hunters--Due September 2

I'm posting this the next morning, but here's what I wrote last night:

Today was an eye-opening day. I found out from my editor after interrogating him for a while (grin) that Book Two of the Iron Dragon Series was due on September 2, 2008. That's in 24 days. He had to call his office and have someone look at some dates on a spreadsheet and report to him some info. Once he had that info he knew the date, September 2. This date is when the editor, John, will read through the manuscript and make his comments, and get it back to me a few weeks later. Then I will have to go through it again and create the final draft that is going to the publisher for copyediting on October 28, 2008.

I'm a little stunned, as I was thinking the date would be more like January, but I can do it. Also, they're letting me choose the release date for book three, which will be in 2010, between August and September--I believe. I have to think about it.

Anyway, I know I can do this, but I'm feeling a little daunted. So, I'm going to stop writing this blog and start working on the book. Right now. Then I'll work on it every day from here on out. Diving into the work is going to be so cool. I'm going to just go after it and immerse myself in the process. Three weeks of rewriting is going to be great.

Paul Genesse, Author of The Golden Cord

Book One of the Iron Dragon Series

and The Dragon Hunters, Book Two of the Iron Dragon Series

www.paulgenesse.com

World Con 2008, Day 1

 

Denver, Colorado

Hello,

Life is good. I really believe that if you work hard and manifest good things, you can reach your dreams. I've managed to reach mine after years of hard work and diligence.

Wow, things are going great here. I found out today that my publisher wants to give me a contract for book three. My editor told me when I arrived. They just signed me for book two a couple of weeks ago, so this is a great step. The book is selling really well and is about to go into its fourth printing. I'm the fastest selling fantasy author they've ever had and I am their best selling author.

Then I went to a panel presented by the folks at DAW Books. They mentioned three of the anthologies I have stories in and discussed upcoming releases. I love DAW Books. They are awesome.

After the panel, my editor made the introduction, then I pitched The Golden Cord to one of the major editors at DAW, a woman I've met before a couple of times--Sheila. My hope is that they will pick up the paperback rights and The Golden Cord could go nationwide in every bookstore in America. That would be fantastic. I'm going to send Sheila a copy of the book when I get home.

Then I went to dinner with friends, one of whom is an agent. She really wants to talk about signing me on as her client now. Sweet.

The pressure is off now. I don't have to worry about the rest of the con. However, I did hear from my editor that he wants me to get him book two very soon. No deadline yet, but soon. So, I have to kick ass and get it done quick. Then he wants book three as soon as I can get that to him. Right after I finish rewriting book two I'll dive right into book three--rewriting it. The old manuscript will need lots of work.

When I get home I'm going to hit the book hard and get lots done. I'm 60% done with the rewrite and need to redo the last half, then get it off to my alpha readers, then my editor.

World Con has been wonderful. Seeing friends has been great and everything is falling into place. The promotion won't stop, but I really need to get to the writing now.

Best wishes,

Paul Genesse, Author of The Golden Cord

Book One of the Iron Dragon Series

www.paulgenesse.com

World Con 2008

 

I'm off to World Con in Denver! Over 3,000 fans, writers, editors, agents, and publishers of science fiction and fantasy will be gathering. I'm doing some signings--times to be determined when I get there--and I'll be meeting with a couple of my editors. I'll also be rooming with my buddy, Brad Beaulieu, a great writer.

I'll be at the Magnolia Hotel August 7, leaving August 10. Anyone in the Denver area who wants to hang out please get in touch and we'll do lunch or something. My cell is 801-651-668seven. Hope to see you there.

Paul Genesse, Author of The Golden Cord

www. paulgenesse. com