Gamadin Audio Movie Production

The Gamadin Audio Movie will be released by the end of this summer.

 AudioComics Press Release about Gamadin:

"GAMADIN BOOK SERIES" COMES TO AUDIOCOMICS
AudioComics’ First Young Adults Title to Record in 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AudioComics and award-nominated author Tom Kirkbride invite you to embark on the wild ride known as Gamadin, as they present the audio adaptation of Book I,Gamadin: Word of Honor in Kirkbride’s young adult series in 2013. Adapted for audio by Elaine Lee and co-directed by Lance Roger Axt and William Dufris, “Word of Honor” introduces us to Southern California surfers Harlowe, Riverstone, and Wiz, whose act of heroism leads them on the adventure of a lifetime: the retrieval of Millawanda, an ancient Gamadin spaceship, and the most dangerous weapon in the known galaxy. The Gamadin Book Series evolved from author Kirkbride’s love of science fiction and the desire to write a thrill-packed, character driven adventure. 

Since its release, the series has taken the young adults genre by storm, with the GamadinBook Series recently joining the Harry Potter and Twilight series in the Accelerated Reader Learning program in schools nationwide. The AudioComics production will present the book in a new light, utilizing the production company’s signature cinematic approach to audio drama. The work will record in Monterey, California, in the Spring of 2013, with casting to be announced in late Winter. As with previous productions of 

Titanium Rain, Starstruck, and the forthcoming Bad Planet and Perhapanauts projects, 

the finished work will be available on both compact disc and pay-per-Mp3 digital download, through the AudioComics and Gamadin websites (http://www.gamadin.com), iTunes, Amazon, and at book festivals and comic book/sci-fi conventions. Can the fate of the galaxy rest in the hands of three California surfer dudes? 

YES! 

And the rumble comes to audio in 2013…  

2012 Hollywood Book Festival Award

 

Tom Kirkbride was awarded with an "Honorable Mention" for Book I, Gamadin: Word of Honor at last week's Hollywood Book Festival Awards Event at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, CA. Though he wasn't able to receive his award in person, his daughter, Lara Kirkbride accepted the award on his behalf. Thanks to Jeff Romeo for the great photos and also to Maria Groschup-Black, of Sunbelt Publications, for her encouragement to enter the competition.

Gamadin Book Series is Accelerated Reader approved!

Tom Kirkbride is very honored to announce that the Gamadin Book Series has been accepted in the nationwide Accelerated Reader (AR) reading list, and quiz production has already begun. This is wonderful news because students reading any of the the Gamadin volumes can now earn credit toward their grades. We will keep you apprised as to when the quizzes are available. Great thanks to the teachers and librarians who contacted AR regarding Gamadin, and made this possible!

On a side note, we also just found out that Larry Niven's Ringworld series has also been added to the AR listing. The series is a longtime classic science fiction favorite of Tom's!

30th Annual San Diego City Lifeguard reunion

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.

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.

Women with Words and Wine

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!!

Wagner College Lecture

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.