Welcome to the Gamadin Blog

Create Yourself

2012-01-21T22:28:00.000-08:00

Gamadin Book Series - Accelerated Reader Campaign

2012-01-14T13:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Teachers andLibrarians,

The Gamadin Crew is on a mission to help students receive school creditfor their efforts!

Many parents, librarians and teachers have discovered thatthe Gamadin Sci-Fi Adventure

Series inspires students to read, especially theboys. That is why our slogan,

“Finally, the Boys have a Series the Girls loveto Read,” is fitting!

Over the past couple of years, we have been asked many times why theGamadin

Book Series is not on the Accelerated Reader (AR) program book list.

The answer is simple: it's the process.

AR actually enjoys the series. But because we are a small publisher, we have more hoops

to jump throughthan the larger publishing houses. AR requires over 100 requests on their

website from teachers and librarians across the country to finalize theprocess.

So we are seeking your helpto achieve this goal.

Below is a simple step-by-step procedure that will take a brief amount ofyour time to complete.

Once AR has the numbers, the program will accept theGamadin Book Series, so that boys and

girls may receive school credit forreading the volumes.

Even if your school is not part of the program, your contribution willhelp the students who are.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Francesca Romero, President

Wigton Publishing

1. Go to: www.RENLEARN.com

2. Click on the Accelerated Reader button.

3. Click on: “Suggest Quizzes” on the lower

left side of the pageunder QuickLinks.

4. Then fill inthe required fields for

“Give Us Your Recommendations.”

Title Pub.Date ISBN

Book I - Gamadin:Word of Honor 2009 978-1-9345720-6-1

Book II -Gamadin: Mons 2010 978-0-9840643-0-4

Book III-Gamadin: Distant Suns 2011 978-0-9840643-1-1

Book IV- Gamadin:Gazz 2012 978-0-9840643-6-6

That’s all ittakes! Thank you!

Mark Twain Rules for Writing

2012-01-11T21:07:00.000-08:00

SOMERULES FOR WRITING by Mark Twain

(Fromthe Atlantic Wire)

Mark Twain was a man with a lot of ideas goingthrough his head. In 1895, one of them was how James Fenimoore Cooper violated18 of the 19 "rules governing literary art in the doman of romanticfiction" in his novel TheDeerslayer. Twain tries setting themall down on paper, and most of them are good tips if you're writing a piece ofJames Fenimoore Cooper fan fiction, but will probably be of limited help toother writers. Starting at point 12, the "rules" blend into generalliterary rules of the road.

· Say what he is proposing to say, not merelycome near it.

· Use the right word, not its second cousin.

· Eschew surplusage.

o Not omit necessary details.

o Avoid slovenliness (lazy or sloppiness) ofform.

o Use good grammar.

o Employ a simple and straightforward style

The Gamadin Book Series Accepted!!

2011-10-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

The Gamadin Crew learned yesterday they were accepted by the USMC Miramar Air Show Committee to have a booth at next year's event. (Oct.12-14, 2012) This is a great honor and a privilege for the Crew, because as most of you know who have read the series, Harlowe was raised by a mother and father who were both "former" Marines! OOOH-RAH! Honor, Courage, Gamadin!

Book IV has ARRIVED!

2011-10-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

IT'S HERE! Book VI, Gamadin: Gazz has arrived and will be available at bookstores and online by next week, OR, you can get a personalized, discounted copy immediately at our website bookstore, www.gamadin.com. Schools and Libraries can receive special discounted copies at www.sunbeltbooks.com.

2011-10-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

Tom had a wonderful time today with the students of Sunnyside Elementary School. It was great to be back for the 3rd time to see everyone and answer their many thoughtful questions. A special thank you to Mrs. Rendall and Mrs. Lee for making Tom's visit possible.

Our 1st Book IV, Gamadin: Gazz Book Review is a Winner!

2011-05-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

Author: Tom Kirkbride
Title: BOOK IV, GAMADIN: GAZZ
Publisher: Wigton Publishing, LLC (Advanced Reader’s Copy). ISBN 978-0-9840643-6-6
Hardcover: $24.95

“Tom Kirkbride’s BOOK IV, GAMADIN: GAZZ is a masterpiece! The race against time in BOOK IV, GAMADIN: GAZZ is exhilarating.

BOOK IV, GAMADIN: GAZZ will please followers of the series, as well as newcomers who have heard about the series; but read to learn what all the hype is all about.”

Salvador SeBasco
Literary Director and host of THE INSIDE VIEW SHOW^TM BROADCAST
book critic, on staff with a CNN affiliate station.

May 22, 2011

Roswell UFO Museum

2011-04-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

The Gama-Van stopped by the UFO Museum in Roswell, New Mexico on the way back from Texas. After introducing ourselves, the nice folks at the museum requested Books I, II, & III for their library collection. Also, they offered us "free" booth space at the upcoming UFO Festival this July 1-4, which we gladly accepted. Looking forward to our return visit and meeting some new off-world friends!

Gama Van Lookin' Good

2010-12-16T12:50:00.000-08:00

One of the best Gama sighting photos taken to date was by "Driven to Capture 2" at the recent La Mesa, California Christmas in the Village. Go to the link above to see more great photos.

Gamadin 3 Book, "Limited Edition" Bookset

2010-10-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

ALL 3 Gamadin "Signed Limited Edition" Bookset

$49.00 at the Gamadin Store.

Includes all three books, signed by author Tom Kirkbride:

Book I, Gamadin: Word of Honor

Book II, Gamadin: Mons

Book III, Gamadin: Distant Suns

Also, "Certificate of Authenticity" and other value added items.

AVAILABLE AT THE GAMADIN STORE!

Book III, Gamadin: Distant Sun is available now!

2010-10-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

702 Pages of non-stop action, romance and fun!

Book III, Gamadin: Distant Suns is available now at the Gamadin Store.

Homesick and eager to find a date and a few waves, Captain Harlowe Pylott and his new Gamadin crew are minutes from touchdown when their homecoming is interrupted by a distress call that sends them on a a perilous journey light-years from home. The empire that crushed Neeja, the planet Harlowe made an oath to save, is now on the verge of seizing the entire galactic quadrant. The only thing that stands in their way is the Gamadin, the love of a girl, and a single ship from the distant past!

30th Annual San Diego City Lifeguard reunion

2010-08-23T07:27:00.001-07:00

Last night I attended the 30th Annual San Diego City Lifeguard reunion. I had a great time and a lot of laughs reminiscing with guards I worked with as a lifeguard in La Jolla for 5 years during my college days. They were and are some of the bravest guys on the planet and were the inspiration for my heroes in the Gamadin Series. Pictured is my bronze sculpture they still use as the Lifeguard of the Year Trophy.

2010 Star Trek Convention, Las Vegas

2010-08-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

With Leucadia and special guest Sar on hand, the Gamadin Booth made quite a splash at the 2010 Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas! We made a lot of new fans and many came back to buy Book II... We more than doubled our sales and the biggest seller was the two-book sets! Check out the fun, below...

Sunnyside Elementary School Annual

2010-07-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

The Gamadin crew would like to thank Elizabeth Rendall for sharing with us the Sunnyside Elementary School Annual picture of the Gamadin page. What a great surprise! We are very honored to be a part of Sunnyside's school history. Thank you.

What the Critics are Saying about the Gamadin Book Series

2010-06-09T16:35:00.000-07:00

Mowgi Makes a New Friend

2010-05-01T19:50:00.001-07:00

Mowgi made a new friend at the LA Times Festival of Books.

9 Steps to Writing a Novel

2010-04-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

>Nine Steps to Writing a Novel You Can Sell

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1) Be a story teller. You would be amazed at the number of writers who do everything but. Often novels come as character portraits or memoirs written as fiction. Absent is any attempt at suspense, any motivation for the reader to turn those pages. As the novel unfolds, the story invariably begins to tread water and then sinks beneath the waves. The reader does not sit on the edge of his or her chair, but instead retreats into a glassy-eyed coma.

2) An oversimplified definition of a good story. Not two cats on a mat meowing at each other or two dogs yawning but a cat and dog growling and spitting and about to launch into heated combat. Conflict, suspense keep the reader reading. Again so often ignored by writers.

3) Premise. You should be able to sum up the story in one sentence A woman police lieutenant and hostage negotiator must establish contact and overcome a faceless tormentor who is determined to make her a hostage of fear.-Nora Roberts, High Noon. An act of violence shatters a small town and the daughter of the judge sitting on the case should be the state's witness but cannot remember what happened-or could she.-Jodi Picoult, Nineteen Minutes.

4) Sympathetic character. You want to portray a character the reader roots for.

5) Equally important, it helps if you can devise a character who is villainous, evil, bad, someone the reader hates but cannot get enough of. My favorite was Hannibal Lecter. When he arrived on the page, I was always hooked.

6) A love story always helps. They do not have to go off into the sunset but we all like hope. So if they don't, it's kinda nice that some day the possibility is there they just might link up.

7) Surgeons go to medical school, lawyers go to law school. All you need to do is go to Amazon or the bookstore or the library. Read, read, read and think about what you are reading and why the novel works for you.

8) Writing is not something most people can dash off. Morris West, a best-selling novelist, could and did write his novels in his head but most people need paper and pen or a computer. It is an arduous but an enormously satisfying task.

9) Before you begin, write a multi-page outline of the novel. A great example of a superb story teller and novelist who does just that is Ken Follett. Read WRITING THE BLOCKBUSTER NOVEL by ALBERT ZUCKERMAN, his esteemed editor and agent. You will learn how Follett does it.

Reprinted from "The Book Marketing Expert newsletter," a free ezine offering book promotion and publicity tips and techniques. http://www.amarketingexpert.com

Gama Van Has Landed

2010-03-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

Van: Ford Transit Connect

Wheels: San Diego Motoring Accessories, Oceanside, CA.

Graphics Design: Tom Kirkbride

Vehicle Graphics: Strategic Racing Designs, Vista, CA.

2010-03-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

Writer’s Digest

17^th Annual International Book Awards
Commentary Sheet

Author: Tom Kirkbride
Title: Book I, Gamadin — Word of Honor
Category: Genre Fiction

Judge's commentary:

What did you like best about this book?

The opening line of Book I, Gamadin—Word of Honor is so powerful, there was no way t could stop reading. Tom Kirkbride's description of setting is vivid and allows readers to see colorful, three-dimensional images. He does a beautiful job with characterization, with powerful internal conflict and motivation. ' External conflict is evident from the first page. Each chapter ends on a hook, which will compel readers to continue all the way to "the end." Using some real life settings provides a nice backdrop to establish bearings. The back cover copy is intriguing and compelling. I appreciate the author bio inside the back cover.

How can the author improve this book?

There isn't much change about this book because it is powerthlly and skillfully written. The, front cover is attractive and eye catching₊ but I would like to see the author's name in a bolder font so it can be seen from a distance. Fans of series fiction will look for his name. There are many places where this book can be marketed. Science fiction clubs and organizations would be a good place to start. Offer to speak to these groups as well as libraries and bookstores. An online presence with a website (interactive and constantly changing), a blog, and online social networking are natural marketing tools for this series.

Superman's 1st Comic book

2010-02-23T12:05:00.000-08:00

The Gamadin crew just discovered Superman's 1st comic book printed in 1938 in Millawanda's archives. By following the link you'll be able to read every page of the original comic. A copy was bought yesterday for one million dollars! http://xroads.virginia.edu/~UG02/yeung/actioncomics/cover.html

New Gamadin T-Shirts

2010-02-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

The Gamadin T-shirts are now available at the Gamadin Store.

- All T-shirts are silk-screened on 100% fine jersey cotton.
- A stylish fit on virtually any body type.
- Available in 2 styles, Men's Regular and Fitted Women's. (Black only)
- All T-shirts cost $20.00 (+tax for CA residents) plus shipping.
- Women's sizes run small, which is why they are only available in Medium and Large.

2010 Gamadin Book Tour Schedule

2010-01-03T23:06:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Book Tour events are Conventions and Book Fairs only. They do not include the many book signings, guest speaking events at schools, book groups and libraries Tom schedules during his event stops in the cities. For a complete list of Book Events, please click on the following link: BOOK EVENTS

Enlarged Book Tour List

Gamadin Book Series Classroom Guide

2009-11-22T11:27:00.000-08:00

The Gamadin Series Classroom Guide is here! Follow this link to download the complete (pdf) guide here, or if you would like a hard copy, contact Francesca Romero at Fran@gamadin.com, and she will send you one FREE!! It's an exciting resource for your classroom.

Mowgi Sculpture

2009-11-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

The Mowgi sculpture is finished! Funny thing, the red-eye fix in Photoshop doesn't work on the Undog.

Having an Effect

2009-11-19T06:48:00.001-08:00

On my recent 2-day visit (1000+ students) to Jefferson Middle School in Oceanside, CA, many of the students wrote thank you's. Sometimes you wonder if what you're saying is having an effect. Attached are a couple of letters that help answer that question.

Happy 234th Birthday U.S. Marine Corps!

2009-11-10T15:49:00.000-08:00

To all the brave Marines stationed here and abroad, past and present, a very happy 234th Birthday!

Thank you for your service to our country, and for keeping us all safe.

The Gamadin Crew says Semper Fi!!

The link below will guide you to my dad singing all three verses to the Marine Hymn for my mother in 1941.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRUCBVNoPJg

Life Magazine on Google

2009-10-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

Google Books has done it again! They've published every LIFE magazine from 1936 to 1972. Students, if you want to add a lot of WOW to your paper, check this archive out. The pictures are incredible, not to mention the ads. You won't believe what things cost back in the 40's, 50's and beyond. Check out your parents, or better yet, your grandparents' birthdays and see what was going on in the world when they were born. Amazing!

Here's a link for the August, 1969 special edition (pic above) on the first moon walk: http://tinyurl.com/ykndxal

The April 7, 1952 edition has movie star Marilyn Monroe on the cover, but if you look carefully up in the right-hand corner is an article: "The Case for Interplanetary Saucers" That was over 60 years ago! How cool is that? http://tinyurl.com/yfron3r

Put Google Books in your Favorites. It's a great resource for any time.

Book II, Gamadin:Mons available!

2009-10-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Good News!

Finally Book II, Gamadin: Mons is available online at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. At this time the best price is B & N. But Amazon changes its price almost hourly it seems. So check them both. Also, don't forget, you can always order from the Gamadin Store and get a signed copy at a great discount with all the goodies.

Can You Copyright a Title?

2009-10-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

Many times when I'm speaking to students across the nation, I've been asked this question. I was digging around Writer's Digest today and found this answer by Brian A. Klems who did a great job of answering this question.

Can You Copyright a Title?

Q: I've been working on a book and the title is very important—I use it as the URL for my blog, for a weekly column I write, etc., and I want people to identify it with me. Can I copyright a title so others can't use it? –Anonymous

A: Copyrights cover works fixed in a tangible format, but because titles are typically short, they don't fall under copyright protection. So no, you can't copyright a title to a book, song or movie. But you can trademark a title, which may give you the protection you seek.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states that a trademark protects words, phrases, symbols or designs identifying the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguishing them from those of others. Brand names like Pepsi, Xerox and Band-Aid are all protected. So is the Nike "swoosh." But more relevant to us, book titles such as The Da Vinci Code and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone are trademarked.

Unlike copyright protection, which is granted the minute your work is written down, trademarks aren't handed out so freely. In fact, if the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office doesn't consider your title (or brand) a distinctive mark that is indisputably distinguishable from others, you will not be granted trademark protection. This is why you see so many books with the same—or very similar—titles. Many of the terms are considered too generic or arbitrary to warrant protection.

Trademarks are not only intended to protect the creator, but also the consumer. Trademarks keep others from confusing a well-known work on the bookstore shelves with others. For example, Harry Potter is such a popular, distinguishable character by J.K. Rowling that you'd expect any title with his name in it to be written by her (or, at least, a book approved by her). It's not only her work, but it's become her brand.

So if you use the title of your book as the title of your blog, column, etc., it could be considered your brand identifier. And if you find success, you could qualify for trademark protection.

Brian A. Klems is the online community editor of Writer’s Digest magazine.

He can be reached at this link: http://blog.writersdigest.com/qq/Can+You+Copyright+A+Title.aspx

Leonardtown Middleschool Writer's Club

2009-10-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of speaking to the Leonardtown Middle School Writer's Club two weeks ago and spoke to over a 1,000 students while I was in Maryland, two weeks ago. Go to the link here to see the news article the local paper wrote about my recent visit.

http://tinyurl.com/ycnjrxu

It's pretty cool. I want to thank Jesse Yeatman for doing such a good job in writing the article.

Getting Back to Blogging

2009-10-06T15:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I last blogged. I apologize for that. The problem for me is that I've been so busy keeping up my website, writing Book III this summer, Twittering and Facebook, speaking to over a 6,000 students so far this year, that keeping up with my blog has had to take a back seat. When you wear a lot of hats, something has to give, and my blog was it. To my pleasant surprise, many of my fans loved the blog, which I didn't know until recently. Now that I have been slapped on the hand for neglecting part of the Gamadin experience, I will do my best to keep up with my blog. The goal will be to post at least once a week or Mowgi will take over the discipline. Thanks for your understanding. Tom.

The Teachers & Students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School

2009-01-31T14:39:00.000-08:00

Last week I had a big speaking day with over 400 students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School in Oceanside, California. It was a blast! I'm always amazed by the insightful and from-the-heart questions I get from the students. MLK was no exception. They were great! Hats off to the Language Arts teachers. With so many students and the doubling-up of classes, there were no problems at all. That's so amazing because they do this EVERY DAY!!! Wow! Special thanks to Angela Miller, Ken Fraser, Julie Smith, Doris Nyman, Gaylene Gray & Linda Hosaka for a fun day!

Women with Words and Wine

2009-01-31T14:27:00.000-08:00

I had a fun evening with the Women with Words and Wine Book Club, January 25, 2009. The Club members have a lot of interest in writing their own stories. I hope they pursue it. Everyone there was well-read and I'm sure very capable of some really good work. Go for it, ladies!!

Oceanside Library Talk

2009-01-31T14:11:00.000-08:00

I had a fun event at Oceanside Library on January 21, 2009 arranged by Franklin Escobedo, The Young Adult Service Librarain. I enjoyed all great feedback from the students, and the food was good, too. :) Thanks, Franklin.

HAVE A MERRY "GAMADIN" CHRISTMAS!!

2008-12-21T21:15:00.000-08:00

May all your presents be the coolest books to read . . .

Father Mike Straley

2008-12-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

I visited another good friend of mine, college fraternity bro and Lakewood alum like myself, Father Mike Straley, while on my recent book tour through Arizona. The last time I saw Father Mike he was in Flagstaff. Now he is in Phoenix. Father Mike has been doing some pretty heroic things for youths who got a little side-tracked. Miracles some would say. He's been fighting Dakadudes for years and is a Gamadin for sure. I gave him a case of Gamadin books for the kids in his diocese to enjoy. Take care, Father Mike. It was great seeing you again.

Alpine Pizza, Flagstaff, AZ

2008-12-04T16:04:00.000-08:00

You don't have to go to New York or Italy for great pizza. If you're passing through Flagstaff, stop by Alpine Pizza at 7 N. Leroux St. right in the middle of downtown Flag. Since 1973 owner and good friend, Danny Rich, has been putting out an awesome pizza. I stopped by just before Thanksgiving for a Gamadin meet & greet bash. It was great fun. Thanks, Danny!!

Ancient Rome by Google

2008-11-13T04:03:00.000-08:00

I've always been facinated by ancient Rome, it's history, it's politics, it's effect on the forming of Western Civilization. The HBO series Rome is a historically accurate and rich glimpse into that past. The series is available on DVD and is well worth seeing. There are many good books, too. The last one I read, and highly recommend is Augustus: The Life of Rome's First Emperor by Anthony Everitt. What's amazing about this book, as you're reading you'll discover how much the governing class has not changed in 2,000 years. Even back then they were taxing the rich to support the Empire and its handouts just like today. As you're watching or reading about ancient Rome, Google has put together a 3D walk through the ancient city that restores Rome to its once former glory. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqMXIRwQniA

Kerby Brown is a Gamadin

2008-11-08T09:33:00.001-08:00

Captured on this photo from Reuters is Kerby Brown. He's riding a 41-foot wave, and this is not Photoshop markup. It's the real thing. Harlowe and Riverstone would be envious. Kerby's definitely Gamadin material. For the full story click on the link above.

A Real Alternative Fuel that Makes Sense

2008-11-08T07:18:00.000-08:00

Want a real alternative car that makes actual sense? How about one the runs on compressed air. Think it's a joke or a waste of time? Check out the Magnetic Air Car and put away your doubts. The technology isn't new either. In 1932, J.M. Custer of Piggott, Arkansas had an idea for a car that would run on compressed air. He not only built the car, but it actually ran. He used an engine that resembled a radial airplane motor in appearance. It was mounted upright in the same space occupied by gasoline motors in standard cars. Four tanks filled with compressed air powered the car 500 miles at a speed of 35 miles an hour. The engine did not require a cooling system, ignition system, carburetor, nor the hundreds of moving parts included in a standard gasoline motor.

The technology didn’t attract much interest for 75 years. But it’s resurfacing, using today’s high technology.

Michael Crichton, One of the Greats

2008-11-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

I loved Mr. Crichton's writing. He was an inspiration to me ever since I read his first book, Andromeda Strain. I was so sad and SHOCKED to hear that he passed away last Tuesday, I couldn't believe it. He was the author of so many great books, Timeline, Eaters of the Dead, State of Fear, Lost World are just a few. My all time favorite book is Jurassic Park. Not because it was a such a great story and movie, which it was, but because of the many profound passages the book contained that are said by the quirky scientist , Malcolm There are many, but one that I will never forget is when Malcolm says: "...The medieval world of feudal politics and religious dogma and hateful superstitions fell before science. But, in truth, this was because the medieval world didn't work any more. It didn't work economically, it didn't work intellectually, and it didn't fit the new world that was emerging."

How right you were, Mr. Crichton, a new world is emerging.

Mayor Jerry Sanders receives Gamadin: Book I

2008-10-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

Mayor of San Diego, Jerry Sanders, and I went to college together and were in the same fraternity. Jerry is also the ex-police chief of San Diego. Since the Gamadin were an ancient police force about to be resurrected by a couple of Lakewood surfers, I thought he might enjoy the ride and give him a break from all the budget decisions he needs to make.

The Mayor and I hadn't seen each other in many moons, but it was great to see that for all of his great accomplishments, Jerry is the same warm and easygoing guy I knew in college. San Diego is definitely a better city under his watch, and we are fortunate to have such a devoted and honest politician at the helm of our wonderful city in the sun.

Mary Risso's Creative Writing Class

2008-10-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

October 25, 2008 at Orinda Intermediate School, Orinda, California.

A lot of young writers in the making and a fantastic group of kids.

Wagner College Lecture

2008-10-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

My very first college lecture was a great time and a wonderful afternoon. The students asked a lot of thought-provoking questions and insights I hadn't thought of about my book. I especially want to thank Curtis Wright and Carly Tosh for making it all happen.

Mysterious Galaxy Booksigning Oct.4, 2008

2008-10-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

I want to thank Mysterious Galaxy for allowing me to stage my first book signing at their store. They were wonderful hosts and took the time to make it a great event. I also want to thank all my friends and NEW friends that attended and bought my book. A big 'thank you' also goes to Magician Steve for keeping everyone entertained before the event. Even though he forgot his magic wand, his performance was flawless, funny and entertaining. A big round of applause for Steve.
Finally my biggest "thank you" goes to the best assistant an author could have, Fran Romero. What a yeoman's job she did in arranging the program, the snacks and making sure all the little details were just right for everyone. Thank you, Franny!! You're the best!!

Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore Front Window

2008-10-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Book I is now available everywhere. The nice folks at Mysterious Galaxy, the largest Sci-fi store in Southern California, did a wonderful job of displaying the book. Thank you, MG!!

Notice the thin dude to the right keeping an eye on things.

Clickity-clack.

THE COOLEST DOG SURFER EVER!

2008-09-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

Check out this video for how surfing is done with four legs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc7nS5ldE0M

Gamadin News story

2008-09-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

Today's Local News, a San Diego North County newspaper, recently did a story on me and my book. They got it right, too. I want to express my appreciation to TLN's reporter, Leah Masterson, for doing such a professional job, coming to my house (on time :) ), her thoughtful questions and her concern for detail to get the story right, and to photographer Scott Linnett for the great photos, next time I want to be taller than the robob.

Thank you, Leah and Scott!!

READ THE STORY

On Winning

2008-09-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

Mark Twain said it best:

Every man has a secret ambition:

to outsmart horses, fish and women . . .

My Dad, 1st Sgt Jack D. Kirkbride

2008-09-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

My dad was my greatest hero. Some of the military types in my book were patterned after him. To the left of one of his two Purple Hearts is the Bronze Star. Click the highlight to hear him sing the Marine Corps Hymn in 1941 without any musical back up.

Gamadin Book Jacket

2008-09-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

Many of you have asked what the final book jacket will look like. This is pretty much it, except that what you can't see in the photo is the starburst will be gold . The entire logo, including the starburst, will be embossed along with the ship. A big thanks goes to the book designers at Greenleaf Publishers who helped me put the cover design together.

Mike McCombs Painting

2008-09-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

I made contact with Mike McCombs, a Lakewood High School friend of mine whom I hadn't connected with in years. I wanted to send him a book because he had read one of my earlier manuscripts way back when and liked it. What better way to return the favor of reading my unedited version, than to send him one of the my first "signed" editions? To my surprise since I last talked to him, Mike has been busy creating some fantastic paintings. Check out this cool painting of a surfer slicing down the face of a wave. Way to go, Mike!

Drop by his website at: http://www.mccombsstudio.com/ and check out the rest of this work. He's even got them for sale, too, in limited edition, signed prints.

The Wedge

2008-08-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

In the book, Harlowe rescues the half alien babe, Leucadia Mars, from the movie star Simon Bolt's capsized yacht after it was crushed by a giant wave at the Wedge in Newport Beach, Calfornia. See for yourself at the Wannasurf.com website (http://www.wannasurf.com/spot/North_America/USA/California/Orange_County/the_wedge/), that this surf spot is no out-of-this-world place. The Wedge really does exist and is as dangerous as the book portrays. Visit Daniel's Starr's informative website (http://home.new.rr.com/gemsandus/Wedge.htm) for even more photos of the Wedge and a link to an old Surfer Magazine story I know you'll enjoy.

Teachers and Educators

2008-08-31T05:46:00.000-07:00

To my delight, many Teachers and Educators have been ordering my young adult sci-fi book for their classes. They are very excited about a new sci-fi series for their students. To further help the education process, I'll do my best to supplement the reading with some cool websites and blogs where both teachers and students can visit to learn about the many ways science helps make their lives better and fun. I can't imagine my daughter going five minutes without text messaging one of her friends about something. Then there's the Science Channel website (http://science.discovery.com/) where I learned how a pinball machine was made. I didn't know there was a half mile of wiring in every machine, and all done by hand, too. So in the column to the right, as you begin the ride with Harlowe and his gang throughout the cosmos, have fun enjoying the many places you'll go to learn about their world and beyond . . . Do, do, do . . . do, do, do. . . Like the book, I guarantee, life will never be dull.

Special Thanks

2008-08-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

I would like to give a special thanks to some very important people in my life that help make this Gamadin Series possible. My parents, Jack and Phyllis. My daughter, Lara. Frank Gaspar's writing class at Long Beach City College. My Pals, Dennis, Dave, Richard and Steve. The best story editor in the world, Suzanne Wishner, who won most, if not all, the battles. Fellow writers, Darlene Quinn and Kathy Porter, for their support. Art Roscoe for having the patience to read my first drafts and supply me with a lot of great criticism. Francesca Romero, for making me look good and for all her hard work in getting the word out there about my book. My publisher, Greenleaf Book Group, for their diligence in making my book the best it could be. And finally, to the many unnamed others who have all contributed along the way . . . THANK YOU!!

Tom

Welcome!!

2008-08-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Harlowe, Riverstone, Wiz, Lu, Simon, Monday, the robobs, Mowgi, and yes, even the Dakadudes welcome you all to the Gamadin Blog site. Have fun and enjoy the ride. You're about to travel in a new, high adventure sci-fi series with a couple of seemingly ordinary surfer dudes who rise up to do some extraordinary things. We would love to hear from you. So drop by often and join our heroes as they go INTERGALACTIC, fighting for justice!

Tom vid interview

2008-08-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited about my new interview and would like to share it with you. It's a VERY BRIEF insight about the book, plus a few fun pics I know you'll enjoy. Roll 'em!
Tom