Celebrando una década participando en el Puerto Rico Comic Con

A nivel cósmico una década no es nada, pero a nivel individual, es un canto de tiempo MUY significativo. Mañana celebramos el 10mo aniversario desde que participo en el Puerto Rico Comic Con y los nervios y la emoción son igual que la primera vez.

Digo celebramos porque para mí, este evento lo celebro y participo gracias a todas las personas que me han apoyado y leído. He visto estudiantes graduarse de highschool y universidad, personas que se han casado, personas que me han traído sus bebés y gente de todas las edades que visitan y siempre hacen punto de pasar por mi exhibidor, a menudo más de una vez.

Para nuestro décimo aniversario, trabajé duro por mucho tiempo para terminar la serie con la que hice debut en el 2014. Only Human marca un momento importante en mi vida como humano, no sólo como autor y mañana estaré ahí con la trilogía incluyendo Beyond Human. Ha sido un camino intenso ahora he aprendido mucho como escritor y como ser humano. Son 22 los libros que he publicado y queda mucho por crear y como le digo a todo el mundo, esto es solo el comienzo.

Siempre doy lo máximo en lo que escribo y lo hago porque siento esa obligación por mí como autor, por los lectores que me apoyan y piden más libros, por mi nombre de autor que es en tributo a mi madre y por toda la gente que me apoya. Gracias por una década muy épica y veremos con qué les sorprenderé próximo.

Por ahora, a pasarla de show en el Comic Con.

Dos abrazos y un adiós.

 

JD

 

Si tú te creías que yo no venía...

Saludos, mi gente y comencemos una semana de ¡PURO Comic Con! Este viernes estaremos de vuelta en el Centro de Convenciones para el Puerto Rico Comic Con del 7 al 9 de abril. Esta será mi séptima vez en el Comic Con mientras también celebro mi décimo aniversario como autor publicado.

 

Como saben, marzo fue un mes bien fuego a la lata con dos libros nuevos: el segundo volumen de los Daydreams on the Sherbet Shore y Penumbra, mi primera colección de cuentos oscuros en español. Estoy muy orgulloso de ambos libros y está muy curioso que publique el libro más oscuro e intenso y el libro más dulce de mi carrera a la misma vez. 

 

Las portadas, de show y estoy muy complacido con el contenido. Espero que se los disfruten. Además, tuve la Marcha de los escritores en donde desarrollé temas para hacer posteos para cada día en el mes de marzo y tengo que quitarme el sombrero a todos los amantes de las letras de PR que le metieron con todo. Se lucieron y espero que se lo hayan gozado. Aparte de eso, pues muchas más aventuras de la vida.

 

Eso dicho, me siento como todo un súper saiyajin que le dieron con TODO durante el mes de marzo. Ya que lo superamos, vamos a llegar a un súper nivel porque lo que viene este wikén es pura gozaera. Estaremos en el exhibidor 134 y abajo les comparto el mapa para que me encuentren.

 

Además, ¡LIBROS NUEVOS!

 

Penumbra Cuentos oscuros

Daydreams on the Sherbet Shore 2

Como siempre, tendré MUCHOS OTROS TÍTULOS DISPONIBLES, aunque ojo, CANTIDADES LIMITADAS así que asegúrate darte la vuelta por el exhibidor tempranito.

 

Hay muchas ganas de verlos y espero que de aquí hasta el fin de semana tengan una semana bonita para cerrarla con broche de oro.

 

Un abrazo,

 

JD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Puerto Rico Comic Con 2019: Books, Smiles, and Camaraderie

I’ve been going to the Puerto Rico Comic Con since 2014 and every year has been a wonderful adventure. The first year I had one book, one poetry collection, and my Daydreams on the Sherbet Shore were handmade by my family. Every year I meet more people and the genuine enthusiasm over what I do and how I do it is fuel to keep going and giving my best. 

This year I had 13 books and sold out of two of them. I also had the best year in terms of sales, with 118 books sold over the weekend. This happened with me being away from the booth most mornings while I was with Mom at the hospital and the Captain held down the fort at the con. Throughout the event, a LOT of people came by to offer support, see if she needed some help, and always asked me how Mom was doing and shared plenty of positive vibes I passed along to her. 

Over the weekend I saw a lot of new faces, but I also saw a lot of familiar faces and all of them made me smile so much. I truly do love writing and connecting with people and if this year has taught me anything, it’s that people who go to the Puerto Rico Comic Con want to connect with you. I talked to hundreds of people, offered advice to writers of all ages, and in true me form, I dedicated each book with my awful handwriting to capture the joy I experience at an event like this. 

Every year has a particular feel to it and this year, there was a LOT of joy and kindness. People who met me were genuinely thankful for me answering all the questions they had. Then there were the people I’ve been seeing since 2014. Among the nicest things someone said was that they had missed me last year and were happy to see me back at the PRCC. That meant a lot because it validated that at least to some people, seeing me and catching up is a highlight… which it already was for me, but to know the feeling is mutual… that’s quite wonderful to be honest. 

Another highlight for me was to see that Atlantic College from Puerto Rico held a contest to choose several artists to let them have a booth there. In front of me, 6 booths in a row had young, kind, and extremely talented artists showing off their art and as a creator, it was refreshing and lovely to see them have such a solid weekend. Some were a bit shy and learned to come out of their shell during the weekend, while other young artists glowed with enthusiasm. This is the type of effort I support 100% and if anyone from Atlantic reads this, I'd love to help out any way and who knows? Maybe we can collaborate one day, but I'll write more about this in an open letter soon. 

I also saw artists from the states who had taken a gamble on this show and time after time I heard how good of a show people were having and that they made their booth and covered their expenses before the halfway mark of Saturday. Some even sold out of inventory (see the pics below). I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, fans of the Puerto Rico Comic Con are some of the best because unlike other major US cities, San Juan and Puerto Rico in general for that matter aren’t spoiled with event after event after event. In addition, since autograph sessions are pre-sold, that means people have more to spend the day (or days) that they go. 

As per usual, cosplayers were showing off their skills and my highpoint was a magical unicorn (pictured below). I stood next to her and could not find one flaw in the craftsmanship of the suit and SO MANY of the cosplayers brought their A+ game. I wasn’t able to take as many pictures as I wanted, but definitely brought a smile to our faces and the Coraline and other Mother cosplay just had me grinning from ear to ear. 

As for the books, Only Human sold out early Sunday morning as did Black Tie Affair. I am always happy every time a book title sells well and I promised a ton of people that I’ll finish the Human Cycle for next year, so hold me to that. Given to Fly also sold pretty well as well and only left a handful of copies left over and everybody loved the concept of a boy who dreams about flying. I’ve already read some new reviews from readers and that’s also something that encourages more than people know. 

In terms of quirky stories, I got the visit from Eric AKA Average Joe on Instagram, a super nice guy who blogs and shares tips on how to save money and make more money. It took a couple of attempts, but we finally met and he was a super nice guy. Also kind enough to take a couple of books and I gifted him an extra one, not because he's always on the lookout for a deal, but because he passed by not once, or twice by the booth, but five times until we connected, so it was the least I could do. 

In addition, a fellow Puerto Rican with a comedy channel on YouTube called Alex Manuel also swung by. He was actually cosplaying as the ex-governor of Puerto Rico, Ricky Roselló and even took pics and recorded a get-well video for Mom. He passed by each day and asked how she was doing and like many other people, kept in touch after the con to see how things were going. If it wasn't clear by now, I think it's obvious that the fans of the Puerto Rico Comic Con are some of the nicest and most genuine in the world and although I always get a lot of love, this particular year was very special and people outdid themselves in offering love and support. 

So all in all, it was a lovely show and even with the challenges my family was facing, we had a great show, a lot of people sent love to Mom, and we even got some videos recorded by people in character. It was a weekend full of joy, happiness, kindness, quirkiness, geekness, support, and enthusiasm. Some people might say it was even a little bananas :) I’m thankful to each and every Geekrican that passed by my booth and all my fellow writers, artists, and creators. I’m proud to know you and call you friends y los quiero de todo corazón. 

Til next we get our Geek on. 

Peace, love, and maki rolls

Ps.: for more pictures from the comic con, check my facebook page.  

Guess who’s going to Puerto Rico Comic Con 2019?

THIS GUY!!!

Greetings fellow humans. So after a rocky 2018 that still saw the publication of not 1 but 3 books (For Writing Out Loud – Non-fiction / Peace, Love & Maki Rolls – Non-fiction / Given to Fly – middle-grade fantasy), I’m happy to report I’ll be returning for the 2019 edition of the Puerto Rico Comic Con. The plan is not only to take these new books but to bring more surprises, but until things are ready, I’ll keep hush hush about it. 

Still, it’ll be great to go back to the PRCC. Last year I went as a fan and although it was a wonderful experience, I still missed being there with my books to meet new readers of all ages. You see, when it comes to book events, I’m a big fan of this event because it’s what has set me on my path and allowed me to reach a wider audience. Every year has had surprises, from people showing me what they can do with the Blanc Comics, to people who come by on Friday and then swing by on Sunday to tell me they finished my book. It is by far one of the most rewarding experiences so I’m looking forward to setting new milestones and meeting new people. 

So what can you expect when you visit my booth? Well apart from my scruffy self wearing some curious socks, for sure I’ll have the 13 books I’ve published, including the ones I mentioned above. As always, I’ll happily sign and dedicate any book you purchase to you or anyone else you’re getting the book for.

Here’s the current lineup with individual book pricing:

Only Human: Book 1 of the Human Cycle – Urban Fantasy - $20

  

Shadow of a Human: Book 2 of the Human Cycle – Urban Fantasy - $20

Given to Fly: Middle-grade fantasy - $15

Twenty Veinte: bilingual collection with essays, short stories and poetry - $15

Daydreams on the Sherbet Shore: Middle-grade fantasy short stories - $15
  

Peace, Love & Maki Rolls: A guide to creative kindness – Nonfiction - $15

For Writing Out Loud – Nonfiction - $15

Between the Tides – Poetry - $10
 

Dark Strands – Poetry - $10
  

Captured Moments – Poetry - $10

 

Black Tie Affair – Poetry - $10

 

Roulette of Rhymes – Poetry - $10

Pensando en Metáforas – Poetry/Spanish - $10

Also, someone asked if I’d be offering combo pricing for multiple titles and it’s definitely something I’m considering. Will offer any info once it’s set in stone. 

Anyways, I look forward to seeing you back home and if you have any question, write me on any of my social media or leave a comment here. Much love and see ya soon.

Cheers,

JD  

Just an indie author at the 2017 Puerto Rico Comic Con

It’s official, that makes it four years in a row where we go to the Puerto Rico Comic Con and it was as fun and as unpredictable as it could have gotten. Here’s the thing, if you think you’re ready for an event, if you’re sure you know how it’s going to flow, THAT’S when surprises come.

Being in the Artist Alley, you get to see some amazingly talented people during the convention, artists, writers, cosplayers, and beyond. It is a huge melting pot of geekiness and everyone is there to have a good time, and a good time we had.

I was able to take my two new poetry collections Black Tie Affair and Roulette ofRhymes and reaction even during the PRCC was extremely positive. While some people wonder why I take poetry to a Comic Con, plenty of other people were more than happy to snatch up a copy of something very different that they can’t find anywhere else. That’s what some people said about my booth and I take that as a huge compliment.

It was curious because actually quite a few people wrote me to apologize because they couldn’t make it to the Con. That these people felt inclined to write and say that is beyond sweet and I just want people to be Ok and to have a good time wherever they are. One reader even asked me what was new to purchase via Amazon. I can’t even begin to thank this person and everyone who swung by my booth and there were plenty of visitors. People of all ages, all genders, and all walks of life. People who wanted to get a book and many who just wanted to chat and ask how they could publish.

From the Con there are some wonderful stories which I’d like to share:

“The future writer” – One young future writer came by on Saturday, we talked for about 35 minutes and I told her how I got into writing, what it takes, and to go for it. I showed her a copy of the Daydreams on the Sherbet Shore and then one of the hand stitched daydreams from my first Comic Con. I told her that it took a lot of effort and money and sacrifice, but that I took a story on a piece of paper, and helped make it into my first collection of middle grade short stories. She asked if she could have the printed daydream and I said yes, if she insists on writing and sharing her work with us.

“One of each” – Carlos had come before to my booth in other cons. He came specifically to buy books and the only two books he didn’t buy were Only Human and Shadow of a Human… because he already owned them. To quote him, he said: “Give me one of each of everything.” I ended up gifting him 3 of the 7 Blanc Comics as a small thank you but to hear someone tell me that my work is different and is worth sharing means a lot.

"My dog ate my homework.... and your book" - a lovely fellow artist in the Artist Alley brought me the copy of Only Human his dog chewed on. After laughing subsided, I dedicated what was left of the cover and also signed him a copy of Shadow of a Human. Always happy to hear when someone devours my book, I must admit. :D:D:D 

“The Box” – One reader came by, pointed at Dark Strands and said “this is one of my favorite poetry collections and this poem means a lot.” She signaled the poem The Box and said it reminded her of her dad. I told her I wrote it thinking of when dad passed away and his funeral. She said it was the first time she read something that showed someone understood. Misty eyes ensued, she bought a book, and I gave her a big hug and huge thanks for sharing that.

“Frands and family” – To know that I’m a must see stop for certain people touches the heart and soul more than I can effectively communicate. It’s a beautiful thing to get to see people and know that a random indie writer from the Island is a must stop. My framily also came to visit, a select crew of Geek Ricans who have been coming to see my booth since the first time I decided to go for it. Their year round support is a beautiful thing to witness and they along with all the people who support me mean the world to me. I also got to touch base with people I hadn’t seen since like last year and at times, the Con definitely had that summer camp feel to it. My middle brother also went with my nephews and it was awesome to see them have such an epic time. I also got to meet several other Puerto Rican authors and buy some must get books from the Con.

All in all, it was a beautiful time shared amongst friends and geeks and it just makes me even prouder to say I’m a Geek Rican. So til next we catch up…

Peace, love, and maki rolls 

PS.: Here are some more pics from the epic experience.

The Return of Blanc Comics

For the second year in a row, I have been presenting my Blanc Comics along with the rest of the Estrada library. This is a very special project in honor of my late grandmother, Tata. You see, Tata had advanced Glaucoma and her vision was severely impaired. Still, the memory of her lingers. Sweet smelling hands, soft as silk and a beauty that stuck around til the day she passed. 

I was always amazed at the stories she used to share and the level of detail she had in her stories (something mom inherited, by the way). So thinking of her and channeling her ability to tell a vivid tale, I decided to make my own comics. The stories are there and fully fleshed. Actions can be heard, panels have been set and descriptions have been given… but there are no visuals, for as a storyteller, I am blind and I need you to help me see the story I have to tell. 

For this year, I have the second episode for the first two Blanc Comics titles: Tricks and ladders and Raining Dead.

It’s a very special series because it is part of a larger project I’m working on and which I hope to share before the end of this year. It’s also the chance for any artist to show me what they can do with the story I have to tell. You see, there are no two identical perspectives in this world… and that’s a beautiful country I hope we can explore together. 

So thanks for reading and most definitely, thanks for filling in a Blanc and letting me see the stories I have to tell. 

Peace, love and maki rolls.

Why I fully support the Puerto Rico Comic Con

The Puerto Rico Comic Con is a world class event.

Let me explain.

For the longest time, PR has had a bad reputation of taking shows and concepts and doing a cheap knockoff version for people on the Island. From versions of the Bachelor, Survivor, and remakes of movies, to lord knows what, it was a bad habit for Puerto Rico to think, act and deliver like second best.

When you go to the Puerto Rico Comic Con, you see that this habit has been eradicated. Year after year you get high quality guests from movies, from comics, from voice acting and from everything you can imagine. This year has Jason Momoa, an actor entering and enjoying his prime if there ever was one. This is not a B-List event, it’s not what they could muster for the people on the Island.

This is the declaration that we are not limited in scope, potential or ambition. It’s gone from inviting people and looking for guests to having a waiting list of people eager to be part of this event. This isn't your local small scale event, this is an activity where over 40,000 attendees will roar their voice in unison that we are global.

If it were just the event itself, that would be enough… though like an infomercial, I have to say, “but wait there’s more.”

The Puerto Rico Comic Con is already huge and attracting people from all over, but it’s also supporting other events that support local talent, from local artists to short films, there are burgeoning projects and others that are just getting started. In that way, the PRCC is on its way to becoming a cultural driver that defines an era of fandom and pop culture, proudly saying, sure we have pristine beaches, historical monuments and a rich multicultural history, but we also have talent, we have dreams, and we do this while working in Paradise.

So when you’re wondering what to do for May 2016, consider this my heads up for an event that you have to see to believe.

Avast, fellow Humans; there’s a Comic Con a Comin’!

For the Second Year in a Row, I’ll be participating in the Puerto Rico Comic Con from May 22-24. Denying there is excitement is not even an option because there’s plenty of it on all fronts.

Firstly, the organizers are excited because this is the first year the Con will be 3 days. For people who haven’t had the chance to see all there is on offer at the PRCC, this is huge because it’s a full extra day of awesome geekness.

Then there’s the guest artists. They might think they’re coming for a small Con and are looking forwards to some sun and maybe a fan or two. Big surprise, Puerto Rico has some of the most fervent fans in all likes of life, from sports to concerts and celebrities, we’re a loud fun bunch and if you’re looking for a party, we are your huckleberry field.

Of course, there’s people like me: the artists, the writers, the people who get this wonderful opportunity to meet the people who enjoy the stories we have to tell. It is incredibly gratifying and I know we all put our everything into what we bring to the PRCC. We feel the responsibility to put forth works in our own disciplines that are worthy of this platform and I already have some local favorites whom I ALWAYS visit.

To boot, there’s the cosplayers and locally, every year they take it up another notch or three and it’s awesome to see. You see, I may be in my mid thirties, but make no mistake, I’m a fanboy and I’m a huge cosplay fan. From accurate, to outrageous, to complicated, I love it all and to see people with a dayjob and “ordinary lives” break out of the shell is inspiring on several levels.

So in the end, everyone’s a winner because neither the fans nor the artists nor the exhibitors know the meaning of holding back when it comes to sharing our love for all things geek and I am proud to give my all to push myself and deliver works that transcend genres and borders, just like this event.

Cheers and happy ComicConning!

Peace, love and maki rolls

The inspiration for Blanc Comics

Blanc Comics© is my tribute to Tata, my late grandmother. She was a beautiful, elegant, wonderful woman, with a cheeky sense of humor, gorgeously soft hands and beauty that carried into her 80’s. She was also blind.

Regardless of her condition, this didn’t stop her from telling colorful stories from Cuba and her life, showing me you don’t need to use your eyes to truly see. Wondering of something different to do for the Puerto Rico Comic Con, I thought of writing comics, panel descriptions, details, and full blown storylines as if I were Tata, i.e. as if I were blind and needed people of all types to help me see the story. Blanc Comics is more than something you can read, it’s my humble request for you to paint the stories I have to tell.

The 2014 PRCC offered up two launch titles: Raining Dead© and Tricks and Ladders©. Each one has a life of its own and its own personality. Soon I’ll be seeing how I can get more people to help me draw a Blanc and paint the story the way THEY would like to see it. That way we’ll be able to compare lenses from around the world to see how our eyes reflect the same light.

If you were lucky enough to get your hands on a Blanc Comic and would like to show your vision of our story, send your artwork to JDEstradawriter@gmail.com. I’ll be sharing some more info about each title soon and creating a gallery on my Facebook Page to show our stories in all their glory.

We’ll be seeing each other very soon.