I was told by the Lord this is the year to take action. I know you've heard the harvest is plenty and the laborers are few. Now this more true than ever. Now is the time we need to put our foot to the plow and work. How are we suppose to lead people to the Lord if were not in the streets. How are we suppose to lead people to the lord if we don't tell them. My goal this year is to personal lead at least 20 people to the Lord. At my conventions i plan on passing out free comics to the first 10 people who aren't saved. if you haven't told someone about the Lord today email, my space, or facebook someONE and tell them that Jesus loves them. You don't know who needs to hear that, the important thing is that you put in work. so lets keep punching that time clock people. stay blessed. LOVE OUT.
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Monthly Harlequin, a manga-style magazine for girls http://tinyurl.com/8b5znn********************************************Baen Books and The National Space Society have announced the third annual Jim Baen Memorial Writing Contest. The word limit: 8000 words. Near futuristic. No space opera or paranormals. Deadline April 1 http://williamledbetter.com/contest"Tir Na Nog [Press] will be launching a new incarnation of 'Fantastic Stories' as a quarterly magazine, with Warren Lapine as the editor. The first 8.5" x 11" issue will have a January 2010 cover date, andshould be available in September 2009...Fantastic Stories will start reading unsolicited submissions in March or April of this year, and will be paying, on acceptance, 4-10 cents per word for new fiction (2 cents per word for reprints of storiesthat first appeared on the web). Checks will go out with contracts. While Lapine, personally, prefers hard sf and magic realism, he'll be reading all sorts of sf/f/h for the magazine."http://sfscope.com/2009/01/warren-lapine-returns-to-sf-wi.htmlRead more…
Posted by Jimmy Stewart on February 3, 2009 at 6:42pm
Greetings to my brothers and sisters in Christ!Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes regards my recent surgery. It was an extensive repair of my abdominal muscles and so far seems fine. Jesus has also blessed with an increase in my energy levels and motivation.I sincerely hope none of you ever has to endure these health problems. But whatever takes place, good or bad, you have to know that God is allowing it for His purpose (yeah, just like with Job). So in spite of all, give thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour!Picked up some additional fonts from Comicraft during their annual January 1 sale. Am currently working on lettering for John Pierce's Jonni Star #4. Also a last minute re-write of the Captain Miracle Halloween story and associated changes in artwork. I know, Halloween is passed but I want to finish this before working on a new story.Keep well and safe all. Prayers esp. for our brothers and sisters in the deep freeze from last week's ice storm.In Christ,Jimmy Stewart
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I ran across this today on Phil Cooke's blog and thought there is wisdom here that applies to us all, so here you are...
February 1, 2009
I watched the HBO documentary “The Trials of Ted Haggard,” produced by Alexandra Pelosi, (daughter of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi) Thursday night with an incredible sense of sadness. No matter what your opinion about former mega-church pastor Ted Haggard and his startling fall from grace, I believe it’s one of the tragic stories of our time. After graduation from college, Ted started a small Bible study in his living room, which grew into a vibrant, 14,000 member church in Colorado Springs. He became President of the National Association of Evangelicals, virtually being the representative for evangelical Christianity in America. He skyrocketed to success, and then gambled it all away with a meth-fueled extra-marital dalliance with a guy masseuse.
Whatever demons Ted has been struggling with since age 7, when he says he experienced his first same-sex encounter, how such a promising career in ministry could come crashing down on the rocks is a lesson worth considering. Regardless of his mistakes, I wouldn’t wish his last two years of shame, upheaval, criticism, and frustration on my worst enemy.
Pelosi first met Haggard when she filmed her previous HBO documentary “Friends of God” – an agenda-driven and rather inept attempt to explore the Christian “sub-culture” in America. As she cruised across the country interviewing every oddball Christian she could find, she somehow stumbled across Ted (before his fall) and struck a goldmine. Ted was 100% open and inviting, virtually allowing Alexandra access to both his personal and professional life. What she found gave me pause, even back then.
That’s why her new film, “The Trials of Ted Haggard” is ultimately a documentary about the Christian community’s continuing ignorance of the media, and how that ignorance disastrously damages our perception in the culture.
A previous generation of Christian leaders were skeptical or openly hostile to the news media. Christian leaders throughout the 70’s and 80’s were convinced the media was out to get them, so they gave no quarter, and closed that door whenever possible. That thinking became a self-fulfilling prophecy, because what they didn’t realize is that it doesn’t matter. The media is going to create a story, so by not talking to them (even when it’s risky), allows them to frame the conversation. As a result, over and over, when it came to that generation, the media version of stories rarely reflected the actual truth.
So many Christian leaders in Ted’s generation have done the opposite - but found out it’s been just as big a mistake. Ted thought the answer was to allow the media 100%, unfettered access. As a result, in both documentaries Ted is interviewed in the most casual – even bizarre – settings: working out, with the kids, in church, – and even in bed. I remember when the original news broke about the meth and sexual encounters, I cringed when Ted stopped his car at the end of his driveway, and rolled down his window to talk to reporters about the homosexual accusations – with his wife and kids in the car. 100% access may be well intentioned, but it usually doesn’t help your case – especially when it’s driven by pride. Being caught in awkward, unprepared, or embarrassing moments – especially when the subject is so serious – doesn’t help anyone. It simply continues the perception of incompetence and dubious behavior.
The better answer is a more strategic and respectful approach to the media, like I discuss in my new book “The Last TV Evangelist.” But that subject is another post.
As a result, the documentary is really a heartbreaking film about the conflict between two mutually destructive identities: a married, former evangelical leader who’s orientation is apparently not exclusively heterosexual. Two years after he went public (while at the top of his game), he’s still struggling with who he is, and what he should become. It’s also a tragic look at how the Christian community reacted to the news, and our lack of resources and concern for re-building the lives of fallen leaders and their families.
I don’t know the terms of Ted’s separation with New Life Church, but one of the great faults of the movie was using the term “banished.” As Patton Dodd, a former church staff member confirms at Christianitytoday.com: “The overseers of New Life Church — four pastors from other churches — asked Haggard to sign a contract agreeing to keep quiet and leave Colorado in exchange for a generous parachute: a year's severance for Haggard and his wife, a vehicle, counseling expenses, and moving expenses. Haggard took the deal.”
In one of the many ironic and weirder moments, Alexandra (a less than brilliant interviewer) asks Ted “How does it feel to be in exile?” He answers, “Miserable” – as he takes a swing on the golf course.
In its favor, the film does point out that many of the misunderstandings and “leaks” about Ted’s counseling program have actually been incorrect. By all accounts, Ted recognizes the seriousness of what happened, and genuinely wants to do the right thing. But when you can’t get a job, the struggle to survive and provide for your family supersedes almost everything else.
You can’t help but feel incredible sadness watching his wife and children move boxes from house to house. Reduced to selling insurance door to door, the family has lived for nearly 2 years by the good graces of friends, moving from place to place about every 4 months because money is running out. When he applies for a job, he desperately hopes the interview will go well – at least until the employer Google’s his name. Seeing the impact on the wife and kids – who never did anything wrong in the first place - is tough to watch.
One of the thoughts that occurred to me watching the show was that there is a generation of pastors and Christian leaders out there who have experienced great success by the power of their personalities, motivation, and personal Charisma. In a Christian celebrity culture, they excite and inspire audiences, and become leaders based on external abilities. But what they lack is sober responsibility. They are not personally disciplined leaders, forged in the fires of adversity. They don’t have to make the hard choices (they have “executive pastors” to do that). They have an attractive exterior package, but a shallow, empty interior. They don’t carry the “gravitas” of the position – or apparently even care about it.
As a result, they have thousands of “fans” – but no real disciples.
When that happens, risk seems manageable and even easy, because in most cases, they’ve never really experienced the consequences of bad choices. They begin to assume their charismatic personalities, loyal followers, or financial situation will help them weather any storm. So they take on building programs, mortgages, or private jets they want but can’t afford, dabble in sexual or financial indiscretions, take doctrinal shortcuts to help sell books, or in this case, assume that a gay encounter or experimenting with meth isn’t really a big deal – after all, I’m under a lot of stress, and I’m not accountable like everyone else.
If Ted’s story does nothing else, I would hope it would remind pastors and Christian leaders just how just how much their actions impact the lives of others – sometimes, thousands and even millions of others. Taking on the role of pastor or spiritual leader is far more substantial than being a motivational speaker or “life coach,” and how often we forget that the scriptures hold pastors to a higher standard of accountability.
On a somewhat different note, I was also saddened by the acclaim that Mike Jones, the gay masseuse who “outed” Ted has received. Because “outing” (either with or against a victim’s will) is held in such high esteem by the gay community, Mike now has an impressive book deal, and is talking about running for public office. How being a meth-dealing gay masseuse prepares you for public office is a testament to a celebrity driven culture where being in the news is more important than actual accomplishment.
Secular reviewers look at the film and are frustrated by what they believe is Ted’s refusal to accept his homosexuality and change this view of scripture. But believers understand Paul’s frustration in Romans 7: 15: “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Faith isn’t about giving up because of the struggle, but continuing in spite of it. Or as a French philosopher put it: “God hasn’t called us to be successful, he’s called us to be faithful.”
The end of the film makes note that the Haggard family has returned to Colorado even as new allegations have surfaced about another encounter previous to Mike Jones. But as in all cases of sin, redemption, and restoration, we can only hope that Ted continues to work it out with fear and trembling.
Read more of Phil's stuff at http://www.philcooke.com.
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Posted by Warrior4Jah on February 2, 2009 at 8:17am
This is a email Ive sent to Image Marvel and DC and they have not got bck to me please read and maybe you can help or send this to someone who can thank you(________ are were I inserted Image Marvel and DC in)Dear _________My Name is Cameron Hortenberry. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio and I am a Sr. in Scarlet Oaks Career Developent Campus. I am doing Sr project on the whole processes in making a comic book. If you could give me info on it I would greatly appreciate if you did. Also I need to have some type of interview with some one that is involved in this process, email interview or phone or what ever it may be. So if anyone could get back with me it would help me a lot. If no one at _____ can help me then if you could direct me to someone who could.Thank You so muchCameron Hortenberry
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Posted by Mike Bullock on February 2, 2009 at 7:30am
As you may have noticed, I'm too busy to keep up this blog, however, I do have a blog elsewhere I try to update semi-regularly. So, if you're interested, check here periodically:http://mike-bullock.livejournal.com/God bless!
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Posted by Warrior4Jah on February 2, 2009 at 5:00am
Ok I draw all the time and write stories and try to draw and make comic books but I cant do it on my own so basically I want to know if any one needs a cover art done or something i dont want money i just want to do it money wouldn't hurt but I just want to draw!!! so if anyone reads this and you want me to do something or you know of someone forward it cuz i really love to draw!
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Posted by Kris Bather on February 2, 2009 at 2:00am
My interview for the on-line Christian magazine Sight, with Scott A. Shuford can be found here.Scott discusses his new role with CCAS and how God uses him to bring creative people together. Give it a read!His,Kris
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To all my friends at CCAS, I am so stoked. Last year was my first year experiencing comic book conventions and I loved it. I am so looking forward to this year, Lions.12 will be attending Megacon, Applecon, The Black age comics, and more. My friends please believe by faith with me that I will be able to attend Wondercon. I've heard stories and I really want to go. Lions.12 mission for this year is to get 200 copies in every unbelievers hand. I want to change as many lives as I can this year, so if you come to my booth prepare to be ministered too. I thank the Lord for these skills and this vision that he has given me and I plan on taking it to the next level. I want christian comics to be as main steam as the conventions we go to. With help from CCAS and other I believe this dream might one day be possible. I told myself I was going to be more active this year in CCAS so watch out for more blogs and pics every week. If you like my work please check out more at(www.lions12.com). The first issue and more items are available there. Keep being creative fam, stay blessed. LOVE OUT.
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Late last year, I filmed an interview with 100 Huntley Street, a Canadian news/Christian living program.On Monday, January 26, they aired the interview.For those who are interested, you can find a link to the interview (along with some more information) here:DATELINE: AVERY -- my news blogThe interview occurs about 16 minutes into the program and runs for about 10 minutes.Thanks!~ Ben
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Well, what do you know! I'm going to graduate in just over half a year! It's been a great 2 years in animation school, and I thank the Lord for the opportunity to study there. It's a long story how I came to walk this path, but I can confidently say the Lord's timing is best and He has done great things.To cut a long story short, I graduated from university with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering in 2003. I was in the IT industry for a year or so before the Lord led me out and showed me that that wasn't what He created me to be. I learned the hard way what it was like to conform to the norm instead of stepping out for what the Lord has made me to do, and it took a big change in mindset to accept that He made all of us different, and had a different plan for me than what I spent 4 years studying.However, the training I received in Computer Engineering did not go to waste. I think it balances my artistic tendencies and makes me more systematic and analytical, and also helps me process information and pick things up faster, which proved helpful in animation school. It also gives me an edge in that I've learned programming before and can pick up scripting for animation programs more easily than those who have no IT background.As graduation arrives and I work on my final project (which, incidentally, is a Christian themed project), it's time to think about the future.I've always wanted to do Christian comics to tell people the Lord's stories. Animation was and is a means of training for me, which is why I took my course. I always felt that comics are less expensive, less resource intensive, faster to produce, and more easily distributable (imagine rural villages in third world countries trying to afford a DVD player, or having electricity for that matter!). Animation has its pros, and I'm open to the possibility of working in that area, but there's a struggle: The best and most advanced technology, and the biggest progress in this field is in Hollywood and entertainment - places where moral values have little value. Education, on the other hand, often can't afford good quality, and in many cases, do not have the experience to discern good quality. I'm not sure if that is true everywhere, but it's more or less the case where I come from. So the question for me is: If I should do animation, where should I be looking at and apply for? Or should I just try to go into Christian comic production? What are my options, and where does the Lord want me to be?In this economic low, I guess one can't be too choosy. But then again, one has to be discerning. Jumping at any opportunity may solve financial woes - temporarily - but may put us out of God's will and result in many heartbreaks. So now I guess it is a time of prayer and seeking His will while looking around at the possibilities and opportunities that are available. If anyone can point me in the right direction or has some insights, I am more than willing to listen too.
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Posted by Bob Luedke on January 28, 2009 at 8:48am
Since entering the realm of what I guess is known as, "Christian entertainment," six years ago, with the publication of my first graphic novel, Eye Witness: A Fictional Tale of Absolute Truth, I wondered aloud....why weren't there any organizations which attempted to throw a spotlight on all the wonderful ways Christian comic book & graphic novel creators are honoring the kingdom, (as well as the people involved in many other forms of diverse entertainment)? Wouldn't that sort of thing be instrumental to helping expose many more people to this creative output who may not know about these kind of works currently?Sure, there is the annual Christianity Today book awards, but their categories seem far to limited and restrictive to cover the broad nature of what's being published outside of standard prose only books...and they focus specifically on published works, not the entire spectrum of entertainment. Outreach Magazine seems like a natural to tackle this type of thing (since this is all about creativity in sharing the Gospel and/or the Biblical narrative), but likewise they just focus annually on a very narrow handful of publishing only categories, in their, Resources of the Year Awards.A few weeks ago, I was approached by a gentlemen at a DFW area business to business networking group, (Professional Business Networking...www.pbnetworkinggroup.com), who was one of the founding fathers of an annual awards contest/show, that though originally conceived to honor only those who've made a mark in world of Christian Music, had now expanded it to cover the wider spectrum of the diverse nature of "Christian Entertainment."Now in their second year, The Christian Entertainment Awards, are now featuring awards in the categories of: Commercials, Film, Journalism, Literature, Live Entertainment, Music, Online (websites), Radio, Stage and TV. Within each of these main categories are subcategories. For example, within the Literature category, are sub-categories, including: Biography/Autobiography, children's books, fiction, non-fiction, poetry and graphic novels (which include comic books).As with most awards contests (outside the major ones), there is a nominal fee to have your work considered, but the good news here is, that the fees go to the parent non-profit charity dedicated toward building a Christian Music Hall of Fame and Museum.Here's a link to an overview about the awards and the charity.Another unique wrinkle to these awards are, that anything published (in the case of graphic novels and/or comics) since Jan. 1, 2008 through the final deadline of May 31, 2009, is eligible for the 2009 awards. You can submit your works anytime up to that deadline. Each month an independent panel of judges will select a Gold Medal Award Winners from that month's submissions. The Gold award will be given to any entry the judges believe deserve special recognition within their category. There is no limit to the amount of Gold Award winners the judges can name, but to qualify the big prize, The Platinum Award, (what the judges consider the very best of all entries within each category), you must be named a Gold Award Winner, first.This not only gives the publishers and creators a chance for multiple exposures and publicity on their exemplary titles, (since the Gold Award can be given out anytime between now and September 2009), but adds prestige and credibility to their works, to boot, through being named an award-winner!The Platinum Award winners will be announced on September 1, 2009 and I believe there will be a ceremony at the 2009 Christian Music Hall of Fame awards, on Nov. 14th, 2009.For more information, visit their FAQ page.Personally, I think this kind of thing is a long overdue and it can only help develop more and better public appreciation of our works. I hope all my brother and sister creators here at CCAS (no matter what their chosen vehicle is) will help support this idea, by entering their books, graphic novels, music, tv shows, commericals, websites and comics in this inaugural season.Hey...who knows, you might even get some TV exposure, as the CEAwards people are currently in negotiations with several cable networks to broadcast the awards ceremonies!R.J. LuedkeHead Press PublishingRead more…
Posted by Sean Taylor on January 27, 2009 at 11:26am
Come out this sunday to the atlanta comic convention! The best one day comic show in the south! Showcasing 1000's of Comics, Cards, Prints, Gaming, Artwork, Videos, Toys, Japanamation, Statues, and More!!!Guest include:• Wrestling super star RAVEN signing 1pm-3pm• Comic book writer Bobby Nash (Demon Slayer, Domino Lady)• Comic book artist Jason Flowers (RIPPED, Splatter Cinema Poster Artist)• Comic writer Sean Taylor (Gene Simmon's Dominatrix)• Comic book pin-up artist Ariel• Comic book artist James Burns (Grumbles weekly newspaper strip)AND MANY MANY MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!For more info and directions visit these websites:www. myspace. com/atlantacomicconventionwww. atlantacomicconvention. com
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Posted by Sean Taylor on January 26, 2009 at 6:00pm
I could post another "woe is me" post about how the job situation still sucks and I don't have regular writing gigs like I need to make freelancing work, or how I'm not finding job leads in writing/editing/copyediting or anything remotely suited to what I spent six years in college (went part time a few years after I got married) in order to do, or how most of my bills (if not all) are behind, and how we keep barely squeaking by to save the car and the house, and how we haven't had hot water in our house for two months (microwave water baths, yay!), but you know what?I'm kinda tired of dwelling on that. (Even if I did mention it already above. Heh.)I want to mention the positive things going on at the moment.1. I have a call with a representation company on Tuesday, hopefully to talk about one of my story ideas they had expressed an interest in.2. I have a job interview for a regular paying job that actually matters to the people I'd be serving, one that will still allow me the freedom to write part-time on the side. This is the kind of job the old me would have probably scoffed at, but I see it now as a real opportunity to put my faith to work and truly serve the least of these in a senior care center as a member of the maintenance/housekeeping staff. Praise God for that change in me.3. I have all 22 pages pencils (and the cover) of Jesse James in the Mayan Underworld from artist Kurt Belcher. Now all I need is inks and colors and letters, and the book will be ready to print for Arcana.4. I have several projects in varying stages BUT WITH artists working on them.a. The Tantalizing Ti-Girl with Willie Jimenz for Mini-Komixb. Last Chance School for Girls with Jesus Antonio for Arcanac. Body Dumper pitch with Taki Somad. Gomer pitch with L. Deaghaigle. Bengal Cat (go iHero!) with Clayton Murwin for UK comics magazine serializationf. Quinn: The Reckoning pitch with Martheus Wadeg. Jesus Manson: Agnostic at Large pitch with Oliver TriaAnd several others not as far along...5. I have my editor at IDW contacting a toy company this week about an idea I pitched that he really likes.6. My editor at IDW wants me to pitch some ideas for comics based on a hit cable TV show they're talking with.7. My boss at VLE is ready to move ahead on the Shan: Be My Hero graphic novel.8. I still owe Campfire Comics the script for Aphrodite, which is a paying gig.9. I just had a great phone call with my buddy Steve Scott (always cheers me up).10. The creator of the universe still loves me in spite of all my pride and stupidity and the ugly stuff inside me that I don't typically let other people see so they'll still think I'm cool and personable.11. My friends are true. You know who you are, even if I don't keep in touch like I should.So there. Life isn't really good at the moment. It's pretty hard and confusing and trying and testing and scary, but you know what, life is good anyway somehow in spite of it.I'm still here. And to quote Elton John, I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah.
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I recently took another perusing through my papa's ol' paperback comics collection, and I've discovered I'm quite fond of the older drawings of snoopy, when he was more lean and mean (literally!)...I especially love the ones where his facial features or whole body are pushed to some really humoruous extremes! I've selected a few here to showcase my personal favorites:
These'll never go old for me, which is a very rare pronounce ment I make on most stuff I expose myself to...
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I had a great conversation today with Doug Weiss at Campus Crusade, strategizing a bit around their Global Short Film Network and some ideas for expanding beyond what they've already built. Doug is invovled with Visual Story Network as well, another group I'm involved with.
The GSFN is for filmmakers, writers, directors, producers, etc., or even just for film fans who love the power of story on film. They are building a great community of friends and of course, a global network of film lovers with an empahsis on the power of narrative short film.
The comics medium is ready-made for the short film, episodic model. With a history of rolling out daily, weekly or monthly comic strips and books, the short film area is a great place for us as comic creators.
We have great stories and story lines. With today's technology, anyone can animate stills to tell a story or film a short video on their inexpensive handheld camera, and so on. Obviously, filmmaking is its own craft and art to be practiced, but there are plenty of filmmakers out there who are looking for excellent stories to tell. With my involvement serving the Biola Media Conference, I know their entire Cinema & Media Arts Department is full of students who are working on all aspects of filmmaking. Oral Roberts University students are also very active in filmmaking.
My point is that you don't have become a great filmmaker yourself if you don't want to. If your story is great, there are people who will want to tell it.
The goals for Global Short Film Network are to help people...
Connect with the culture.
Connect with those around you.
Tell better stories that engage those around you in deeper conversation.
Sound familiar? It should! That's part of the CCAS mission as well.
At GSFM, you'll find opportunities for you to view films; help create new films; and get your hands on these films to show your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers. Find them online here and also as a group on Facebook.
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