Contact Ben Boos

Here is my contact email, in case you would like to send me a message.

Ben Boos's email

swords@benboos.com

The Science of Damascus Blades

This is really interesting! A scientific look at Damascus Blades:

http://scienceblogs.com

Sci-Fi Overdrive! and Swords

Dave Durica, of Sci-Fi Overdrive (a talk show about Sci-Fi and more) kindly interviewed me over the phone this week. I've never done a phone interview, so that was really a nervous moment for me. Thank you Dave, for making the experience so pleasant. I only hope I didn't come across as too scattered! When the interview was over, I said to myself - "What did I just say?" Yikes. It went by like a blur!

UPDATE: Here is the link to the show!

Sci-Fi Overdrive interview with Ben Boos (skip to the half-way point to hear my interview).

WarCry Book Review

I was interviewed recently by John Funk, of the WarCry gaming network, and I'm thrilled to say that John has written a review about Swords.

WarCry Swords Review

I love the part where he says that I may have stopped making art for games, but I haven't stopped making art for gamers. It really means a lot to me that my peers in the industry are saying these things! It's hard to describe how it feels to share the book, after these quiet years of work. What a strange, out of body sort of feeling. It's hard to believe the book is really out there! It just seems like a strange dream.

Thanks

There were many mid-wives involved in the project's emergence into the world, and I'm really thankful for all that help. I was really blessed to have had such people behind me. My family stood by me through the entire development, never faltering in their brave mission to support me. My three children and my lovely wife were amazing! And Thanks Mom and Dad for the indispensable help. Thanks also to my sister Jeannie for all the cheer-leading. My thanks also to Norma's (my wife's) folks and family... in fact, thanks to all those who offered such incredible support and help as I spent the thousands and thousands of hours obsessing over the book.

I really had so much kind help! I want to thank John Kubasco and Kim Taehoon for helping me with some of the pre-production work, early on in the project. Their digital art skills were really helpful to me as I got this project going.

Thanks to Penny Warner for encouraging me forward when I was first getting ideas about creating a book. I want to thank my mentors and my peers from the video game days, for teaching me so generously. I am thankful for Dave Brevik, and his brainchild - the Diablo series of games, and I'm grateful to have played my humble role working for Blizzard North. Michio Okamura, thank you for the sword you gave me!

Here's a big one: I owe the world to my agent, Rosemary Stimola. She was unbelievable. As for Candlewick... What can I say? Those people are great! The best. Thank you Elizabeth Bicknell, James Weinberg, Katie Cunningham, Brittany Duncan, Laura Rivas, Karen Lotz, and all the other fine people of Candlewick.

This list is incomplete, but I mean it when I say: To everyone that was involved - My heartfelt thanks for all the support and help!

Sean Ashby and Swords

Hey, this is really nice! Sean Ashby, a fellow illustrator brings up my book in his blog:

http://sean-ashby.blogspot.com/2008/09/boys-and-swords.html

I hope that you and your son enjoy the book when you get it Sean. :)

Swords review on Guys Lit Wire

This review made me jump out of my seat.

Swords Review on Guys Lit Wire

Paul Hughes is a professional writer and a contributor to CNET, and he loves the book!!! Thank you Paul!

One of Candlewick's favorites?

Oh man, I am floored! This is really wonderful.

Candlewick has picked Swords as one of its favorite picks for Fall. WOW!

Here's a link to the article:

ForeWord Magazine

WarCry Network interview

Warcry, the gaming website, has an interview up about Swords. I chat a bit about my history with Blizzard North, and the Diablo games, but I also get around to talking about the book. :)

www.WarCry.com interview

Thanks WarCry!

Richard Wright - Rest in Peace

Alas, a founding member of Pink Floyd has passed away today. Richard Wright, rest in peace.

BC Book Talk Reviews Swords

Here is an interesting review of Swords, from the blog BC Book Talk.

Link to Review

Here we go.

What a day! I was shown a list of interesting things going on regarding the book. It was really exciting stuff. I'm learning so much as I go along!

Marketing efforts are going into effect, and the book is getting sent hither and yon. This is it. I'm going to get my chance to survive in the marketplace. Come on Swords!

Swords in Stores SOON

I apologize to anyone having trouble finding Swords: An Artist's Devotion in stores. There were some hiccups regarding distribution, so it seems many stores are getting the book later this week.

Hopefully, it will be out there pretty much everywhere, and soon! It broke my heart to have a book launch with no book. I approached the launch day like a swimmer would approach the surface, when he has too long strayed in the deep. When the book went AWOL, I thought my heart would stop. Oh well. When you've held your breath this long, what's a moment more?

I am proud to present my work to the world, a little late if need be. The creation of this book was itself an amazing adventure I shall never forget. Now, my fingers are crossed that people will enjoy the result of this strange tale.

More kind words

I found another nice review for Swords. :)

http://bookkids.wordpress.com/2008/08/27/putting-the-real-in-reality-new-nonfiction/

That's so cool!

I also found out that my publisher Candlewick put a bio up for me, and that I'm featured on the author section of their site this month (September).

http://www.candlewick.com/authill.asp

Oh, and ONLY 4 DAYS LEFT!!! Then my book will hit the shelves!!!

Candlewick Press features Swords!

I received good news today. I found out that Swords will be a featured title at my publisher's home page this month. There is a random little picture that cycles on the homepage, so if you don't see a sword, reloading the page should bring it up after one or two tries.

http://www.candlewick.com/

If you poke around, you can also find more about Swords, under the tabs to the right. Candlewick chooses a new theme each month, and this month's theme is Pirates -- so click the Pirate tab, and you'll see my book featured there.

How cool!

Thank you Candlewick Press!!!