PeterDavid.net

Hey Kath!

i got a couple puppetry -related questions -

1) Do you prefer marionettes or hand puppets?

(Hand, Rod or Hand and Rod puppets. For years my puppetry company was called "No Strings Attached" cause I didn't make marionettes until someone paid me an absurd amount of money for a marionette. I still kept the name)

2) who are your favorite puppets/puppeteers?

(Well that's a hard one because there are so many so here is the short list Jim Henson, Frank Oz, John Targalia, Bil Baird, George Latshaw, Bruce Schwartz, Jon Ludwig, Peter Hart, Basil Twist, Jeff Polston and Angelo Ritz)

3) have you ever played Audrey II?

Yes I subbed in for a couple of shows but I have never been the main puppeteer for Audrey II. I have things like one of the vines/arms.

4) Would you agree the the Muppets have lost some of their "edge" sence the "oldSchool" - Henson, Spinney, Oz - have sadly passed on and/or retired?

(I am taking a wait and see on this. I know a lot of people are up in arms about what Disney is doing with the Muppets but I am willing to give them a chance. Especially since this is what Jim was trying to do all those years ago right before he died.

The cool thing is that they are still using a lot of the older muppet footage in Sesame Street so they (Jim, Frank and Carol) are still there performing.

Disney hasn't really done anything with the Muppets other than the OZ thing and that was sort of thrown together.)

How did you like working on Negima?

(Mixed feelings. It was fun while it lasted and I was sorry to see it go. Overall it was fun to do with Peter.)

Other than Peter's work, what superhero comics do you enjoy reading?

(I'm going to go with current reads and stick to Superhero books

Well I am a long time X-men fan so I try to keep up with that series.

Astro City continues to be good

Most of my DC reading is Vertigo so not many Superheros there.

Powers continues to be good

And I have been enjoying She-Hulk)

Have you ever influenced the direction of a story of Peter's in a way, for example, you know he wants to kill a character off but you love a character so much you're all "If you want your favourite dinner being made ever again, you'll keep that character alive!"? Or something along those lines? :)

(Not in that way. We do discuss things he is writing and he will bounce ideas off of me to see what I think or what else I can come up with. Some times I'll say something off the cuff and he will take the idea and run with it. Occationally I have expressed that I don't think an idea has been one of his better ones but they are his stories so he can do what he wants with them. We do work well together.)

A friend of mine (Eddy Von Mueller) made a film noir sock puppet movie called The Lady from Sockholm down in Atlanta. Ever seen it?

(Yep. I know Eve Wright (From the Center for Puppetry Arts) and Vince Tortorici (when we were both students at Emory) so it was a must see in my book.

I really like what I saw but I have never seen the final product)

How did you get intrested in makeing puppets? Have you ever thought of making puppets of some of Peter's characters from the comics or New Fronters and preforming a show at Shore Leave?

(I have been playing with puppets since I was two. Puppetry is such a part of me I really can't remember a time I was not into puppetry.

As to performing at Shoreleave, well I have sort of since we have used a number of my puppets in various sketched for Mystery Trekkie and for the costume call. I haven't really thought of expanding it much beyond that.)

Will you and Peter be attending Dragon*Con this year?

(Yes as will Caroline and Ariel)

Oh, Kath, I just wanted to tell everyone I've found out how the new Harry Potter book will end. In the last chapter, Harry, Hermione, and Ron will be sitting around eatting onion rings in a dinner while Ginny is having a hard time parking her broom. "Don't stop beileving," by the band Journey will be playing in the background.
Just as Ginny walks in, Snape comes out of the bathroom, Harry looks up and...
That's it!!! The last page is blank and we have to come up with our own meaning to the ending:-)

(Hmmmm...I guess you are in the "not happy at the ending" camp. Considering how it started, it was pretty fair ending for the series.)

Are you still involved in the Star Wars books for Del Rey?

(NDA, sorry I can't comment on this at this time)

Truth be told, I agree with you, Kath, it was a good ending. But I couldn't resist making a little fun of it, considering how everyone else has been going nuts over it. I do hope everyone got a good laugh at it.

Kath, thanks for doing this! It's really nice of you to do.

I don't know if you know this or anything, but I've long-wondered where Peter came up with the name Mackenzie Calhoun. I know Captain Picard was named after the French oceanographer Jacques Picard, who explored the Marianas Trench, and Captain Janeway was named after feminist writer Elizabeth Janeway. Is Calhoun named after any historical persons of note? I know that the internal explanation is that it's the closest approximation to his Xenexian name, which non-Xenexians have trouble pronouncing, but I was wondering if there was an interesting external origin too. Did he visit China, or something, and that's where he came up with Calhoun? Does he just plain like the name Mackenzie?

Thanks again!

(I did know this but the answer is illuding me at the moment. It boils down to it sounds the closest to his real name without sounding too horrible to his ears. I'll ask Peter to remind me what I am forgetting)

Oh, and do you know what will be Peter's final issue of Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man? Thanks. :-)

(I think you have two more after this one. I have read the last one and it is one of the best of the best and will have fans talking)

Hi there! Great to talk to you for a change! I'm so excited to hear that Peter is now taking over She-Hulk after Dan Slott finishes up. When I first heard than Dan was moving on I joked with some friends about our ideal replacements, and I named Peter, but admitted it was an impossible dream! Woo! I was wrong! Anyway, my question is, seeing as how is She-Hulk, will you be helping him out on the comic?? You know, for that womans touch?

Keep up the great, great work.

(I did help Peter with She-Hulk but I really can't say how or rather not say. Let's keep the magic going on that. I am happy that he is doing it and I have liked the character for quite a while. I will probably be helping along the way esp. with research on various topics)

(1) Is Dan Slott writing Amazing Spider-Man?

(NDA)

(2) Is Layla Miller a Skrull?

(NDA)

(3) Not so much a question, but I saw on Newsarama that Peter's taking over She-Hulk. All I can say is S-W-E-E-T!!!

(Boy am I glad THAT news finally broke. I have known for a while and I will say that I have read the first script and I think y'all are gonna like it)

Kath-
Barring any future work your comments may or may not have on Peter's future work dealings with the big guys at Marvel.....I was wondering what you yourself (if you saw it) may have thought about Spider-Man 3? (the film, not Peter's book)

The film has slowed down and hovers about $330-some million in the # 15 spot of all time films (leaving it about $50 million shy off of SM 2's $375 Mill domestic total)

My opinion is that it would have hit 400 million easily if the powers that be would have kept out of the kitchen and allowed the director to do what he wished originally. After all, he did bring in the first two films well beyond fan expectations and the first two films are respected and well thought of but part 3, while chock ful off action and spectacle, seemed to have suffered in the PLOT department because they crammed too many characters into the mix.
(If Sam could have done what he wanted I assume that Venom would not have been in the film, but of course,the character could have always been included in SM 4 or 5 or 6....SM 3 could have been a shorter film too which may have meant at least one additional screening PER screen which would have gave the final domestic total a huge boost.

I know that it IS by many standards, still considered a big hit (especially overseas) but still, with every review I saw they took the time to mention that it was a "BUT...." movie.
"It really rocked the house, BUT......"
"The action was great and they moved the Peter Parker character forward BUT......"

A classic action/superhero film does not have the "BUT" word mentioned.

When all is said and done, I find it interesting that the two largest and most anticipated '3' sequels (Spidey 3 and Pirates 3) haven't really gotten the cashflow that (I am sure) was expected.
In fact Pirates 3 is also slowing down and will probably stop at about $260 million which is well below the $300 Mill from the first Pirates film and way, way below the blockbusting $423 Million of the sequel. (part 2)

Anyway- wondered if you had any thoughts about it all but I'd understand if you don't reply.
(Perhaps you could at least say a word or two about the Pirates phenomenon)
Thanks!

(Well I can express my opinion about Spidey 3 'cause it's my opinion about the film. I honestly felt they could have taken one of the villians out of it and the movie would have been better.

Do you remember in the movie Amadeus when Emperor Joseph came to hear the opera that Mozart was composing under his patronage? "It's quality work. And there are simply too many notes, that's all" Walking out of Spidey all I could think "Too many Villians"

As to the money issues for the films (remember this is my conjecture based on what I have been reading in Variety and other trades) When Spidey 2 came out there was not much compition for the theater dollar for about 4 weeks in terms of blockbusters that stuck. When Pirates 2 came out, it was about in the same situation.

This time round you had
Spidey
Shrek 3 (the next week)
Pirates (I think 2 weeks later OR the next week)
That is loading the dice against any of these films making the big bucks they could make if they didn't have as much compition for the theater dollar. Notice that things have slowed down a bit in terms of the block buster really until July.

Personally I loved Pirates 3. I thought that like Empire and Return it is the second part of the story so you really have to put the two together or neither really works.

As to the juggernaught that hath become Pirates, I can say that Americans have had a love hate relationship with pirates and the film industry reflects that as well. Look at the success of movies like "Captain Blood" and "Sea Hawk" even the Disney "Treasure Island". Sure for each of those you have a "Cutthroat Island" but whatcha gonna do?

It just hit at the right time with the right script with the right director and the right cast. Any of those not working and this thing bombs. Peter and I heard about the rumors of the film about the time it hit the trades and we both looked at each other and rolled our eyes. Then we saw the first trailer and when the bone foot hit the sea bottom bed, we knew we HAD to see this film. That image sold us on it.)

Hi, Kath! Comic Book Resources reports Peter will be working on SHE-HULK comic book series (for ... some ... reason someone thought Peter could write a comic about a gamma-irradiated superhero. Given the comic book's comic tone (imagine a comic comic book) and Peter's penchant for the ... wee ... bit of humor in writing, does this mean he will be bouncing jokes off you for reaction?

(He lets me read the scripts as he finished them and occationally he'll have me read a section)

Also, what books that you've edited that you'd like to recommend off the top your head (no exhaustive top 10, 20, 100 needed)?

(Perdio Street Station by China Mieville; The Arthurian triology by Nancy McKenzie; Fat White Vampire Blues by Arthur Fox)

Do the spouses of comic / writing pros meet up at conventions?

(Yes we do.)

-- Ken from Chicago (who felt awkward about JMS' wife, Kathryn Drennan at a couple of Chicago Comicons in the 90s, did she want attention? did she want to be left alone and leave the spotlight for Joe? after all, she wasn't onstage and it felt wrong to pester her with questions since she had a right to privacy yet felt bad to ignore her entirely, what's the balance point between swamping and shunning?)

P.S. Have you been "Tuckerized" in any of Peter's stories either by name or personality? If so, mind sharing any ones?

(Yep. A number of times. Most recently I was a raptor pilot in Peter's Battlestar novel. My call sign was "Puppetmaker". I am also an Admiral in Star Fleet as well as an entire race. I have shown up a couple of others places as well.)

Out of Peter's two trilogy/seires, Apropos and King Arthur, which one is your favorite? I think mine is the Arthur series but it bounces back and forth.

(Hard one. I love them both but I was there for the beginning of Sir Apropos so that edges the other just a bit)

Looking at all the NDA answers, I only have one question. Does it drive you both nuts to know things you can't talk about until a specific date? Or is there some enjoyment in the I-know-something-you-don't-know experience?

(I think it drive me nuts more than anything else. I see something on the internet and I know the information is wrong cause of other things I know but I can't say squat because of NDA or someone asking me not to saying anything at the time)

So, ermm....were you devestated to find out that your husband has been leading a secret double life and is also married to Diane Duane?

And do you have any plans to hunt her down in a Kill-Bill stylee?

And if so, who would you get to play you in the inevitable movie adapatation? :D

(Oh I knew about Diane before I married Peter. Having you heard of the TV series Big love? *grin*)

So would it be a bad idea for me to be humming the Mary Tyler Moore theme when I pick up Peter's first She-Hulk issue, given that he's mentioned Minneapolis? ;)

THERE's a visual that won't leave my head for a week. The cap being thrown into the air in slow motion, then hitting a 747.

I've been reading your blogs for months,but am just now venturing into commenting.

Just a few quick questions though.... Will you be going to Art Fest or the Big Apple Con next weekend?

(I think we are travelled out this month. So I don't think we will be attending either.)

And, on the puppet side of life..have you ever heard of Robert Elnicky? I hope i remembered his name right. He did a show in MI that i grew up with. At the time i thought he had original looking puppets. Well,it WAS the early 70s after all!

(Hot Fudge! Boy I hadn't thought about that show in years. Bob Elnicky was approached by Jim a couple of times to join the Muppets but Bob had some other things he wanted to do. He did help create a number of the techniques used in making the Muppets. He also tutored Vera Finley who is a great puppet builder in her own right.)

Any chance of seeing some comedy/horror themed puppets? Vampires, werewolves, zombies or gillmen with a silly twist? Or have you done those already and I just missed them?

(Let's see I have done a Vampire Detective, Barnabus Collins and Quentin Collins, Pelequin (From Nightbreed) and Pinhead (from Hellraiser). I think I may still have Barnabus and Quentin somewhere. Pelequin is with Clive Barker and Doug Bradley has Pinhead. Vampire Detective is currently in peices due to a smal child and a cat.

I may do a few more in that genre.

Both Clive and Doug found Pinhead very disturbing because it was so cute but so creepy.)

It has just been announced that your husband will be the new writer for She-Hulk beginning this fall. I'll wait for Peter to return before I ask questions that only he can answer, but I see no harm in asking you the following question:

Do you read comic books starring female superheroes or female characters? Obviously, many of the superheroine books are oriented towards male fans like myself. What do you like about these books, and what turns you off?

(Interesting. I have never analyzed my comic book reading by whether it had females or not. My favorite comic as a kid was X-men which had Jean in it. I enjoyed Black Canary in Green Arrow. But I have never really kept up with the Female superhero books with the exception of Supergirl and that was before I started dating Peter because I enjoyed the writing so much. So I really can't say what I liked or disliked because I really never read them.)

I'm a quilter/crafter/seamstress, so I have a few non-SciFi questions for you.

Do you ever find it hard to find fabrics for your creations? And if so where do you go to find them?

(Oh Boy. This the day after I finally found the fabric I needed for a project on the fluke. Yes, it can be hard to find just the right fabric for something especially if the puppet is a recreation of something and there is a frabric in the costume I just can't duplicate. I just found the 10th Doctor jacket fabric in a remainder bin at my local Joanns Fabrics.

If I have the time, I can go to the fashion district in New York City and shop the stores there which have just about every fabric on earth there.)

Have you ever used Alexander Henry prints? http://www.ahfabrics.com/frontpage.html Jerry loves their sculls and halloween prints.

(Hadn't heard of them before but I love their Day of the Dead fabrics)

How big is Peter's pens collection?

(Pens? he has a couple he likes to use but I wouldn't say that he collects them.)

I actually have a question for Peter that I hope you would pass on and he might answer, but as this was your particular post and you opened it up for questions to your own person, I will provide a question to you as well.

My question to you:
As a female, and a reader of fiction, and a reader of comics, what is your perception of how an Iconic female character should be handled (I'm leaving it completely open ---- you can give your take on how such a character should be written and packaged/advertised for the current marketplace or just how you would personally like to see such a character handled regardless of past company histories and/or marketplace interpretations (and it is your choice of who/what such an iconic character should be ... I would think the most obvious such character would be Wonder Woman, but you can interpret it however you like).

(Hmmmm, that's a hard one to answer. How you can market a character has changed radically since the Internet became part of the equation and that dust is still settling as to how it can be used as a tool in marketing.

One thing about Iconic Characters is that everyone has that instant that they bonded with that character and that is how they remember the character even with re-boots and recons. To take your example, the Wonder Woman of the 40s is much different from that in the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and now. Each person usually gravitates to the character as they remember them when they started reading the character. But in this sort of market, one can't let a character stay in place because the market is changing so rapidly. There are some that came to the comic book through the TV show and the comic changed to suit thos who watched the TV show. When (if) the movie comes out then again I expect that the comic will change to accomidate the movie version of the character which is from the comic but not of the comic. I believe care needs to be taken not a alienate the fanbase but change is gonna happen.)

My question for Peter (following the announcement at Philly Wizard Con of his taking over She-Hulk and his statement - "She-Hulk has the potential to be our Wonder Woman" (I'm taking this from the interview on Newsarama.com .. if he didn't actually say that then I apologize for making a point of it) is two-fold. First ... what is his interpretation of Wonder Woman. By that I mean how does he see the character? Second, how does he define She-Hulk to match that perception? I ask this because I see them as such vastly different characters. Though they may have some of the same key values ... the things that make Wonder Woman such an iconic character (to me at least ... and I would hope/imagine for a lot of other people) seem to some degree beyond who She-Hulk/Jennifer Walters is/has shown to be (and for purposes of record, She-Hulk is my fifth or sixth favorite Marvel character all-time -- behind the likes of Spider-Man, Wolverine, Rogue, Hawkeye, and possibly Steve Rogers -- so she is held in high regard as far as I am concerned).
Let me give the stupidest of stupidest illustrations (but not really).
I'm a big sports fan (never played college ball though). I always hear/see these claims of guys who would run through walls for their coach (I'm sure you've seen them as well --- you know what I'm talking about). Those guys (the coaches) are obviously special people. They inspire a lot from their players (and you have to appreciate that to some degree).
That is how I see a character like Wonder Woman.
If I were a comic book character, I would run through walls for Wonder Woman (and this has nothing to do with her being some amazing female specimen and me being a male --- it is all based on the principle of who she is and what she stands for).
I wouldn't automatically run through a wall for She-Hulk. At least not on an undefined face-value. If the situation were right, then yes, I would.
But if it was just as simple as Wonder Woman saying she wanted me to do something (dangerous) and She-Hulk saying she wanted me to do something (dangerous), I would do it without question for Wonder Woman but I would be more likely to ask She-Hulk why I had to do that before I would engage in the action.
Wonder Woman is a special character.
She is the equivalent of what/who Superman is.
And I say this being Much Much more of a Marvel fan than a DC fan.

You mention the Bairds -

Oddly enough, a friend of Kate's (from before i knew her) is Bil and Cora Baird's son, and worked on "Shining Time Station" (though IMDB doesn't list him). Stepdaughter Helen had hardly heard of the senior Bairds and didn't understand why i was interested in his family...

And i worked with Steve Whitmire's former puppeteering partner about the time Steve hooked up with Henson...

It's a Very Small World, isn't it?

(Yep. And I met Steve through a mutual friend after I moved up to New York. The Bairds influcenced a lot of puppeteer and I know a couple of marionette artists that got started because as kids they saw Sound of Music and "The Lonely Goathearder". I got to talk to Angela Cartwright about those puppets and that scene which was neat. Bil and Cora were on the set helping to create the illusion that the kids were operating the puppets.)

Hi Kath,

I'm just wondering if you've seen/heard anything about Series 3 of Doctor Who; if not, you are all in for a serious treat! If you have, what do you think of what you've seen so far?

(Yes I have seen it. And so far it is far and above the previous 2 that RTD has done. 1st season was great and brought the Doctor back. The 2nd season I kept waiting for the Torchwood references and that kept throwing me out of the stories however there were some real stand-outs that season as well. This one has been (of what I have seen) had been firing on all cylinders and looks to be going to a brilliant conclusion)

I am actually old enough to remember the olden days when a reader/fan ONLY had the local newspaper to rely on about any news about forthcoming books from their favorite authors. (And I'll be 51 next month if you MUST know.)Barring that you pretty much had to just count out the typical 12 months and haunt the bookstore to see if there was anything new from your favorite author(s).

These days it's just amazing to me that we as reader/fans NOT ONLY have the internet to be able to get (sometimes DAILY!!!) updates from the author(s)blogs we enjoy but ALSO (many times)interact with them as well and give feedback and discuss a wide range of subjects IN BETWEEN projects.
(I also check in on Neil Gaiman, Peter David, David Gerrold, Stephen King, Tess Gerritsen, Kevin J. Anderson and others....)
Its especially interesting (and probably rare) to be able to talk/ask question to the SPOUSE of your favorite author as well.

Just wanted to say THANX! to Kath for being available!

(Not a problem. Thanks for read. I was a science fiction fan way before I met Peter so I like talking about all this kind of stuff.)

I've been reading yours and Peter's blogs for a bit now and enjoying them... yours especially give me hope that there are families out there who put their kids first (I'm a teacher who sees a lot of the tragic things kids go through) We have seen you both at DragonCons in the past, and I think Peter will remember my man more than me... they've had a few good conversations in passing...

I've been curious - what do your abbreviations - like RTBTCKI - mean?

(Random Thoughts before the Coffee Kicks In)

Have you seen the new Fantastic Four movie yet, and if so, what did you think of it?

(I think I will be seeing it tomorrow with Peter and will reply then)

What does PAD has against neo green Hawaii shirts, that he is willing to bring in a character into one of his comics just to get this world rid of those shirts?

Just kidding.

How is PAD doing? Stressed?

(Nope. He's doing jest fine)

Hello!
Hate to use up my first question on this, but as it is Father's Day, and my son asked me a question that took me back to my hay day, or personal golden age, or influential period of comic reading. "Could a light saber hurt the Hulk? Would the Hulk win a fight with one of the Sith?" It got me thinking, and I treated it with as much consideration as I would any of his life defining questions. When one doesn't know something, I've taught him to look it up. I've surfed the net looking for some input on this. I did tell him that a story can be written given some imagination that could go either way regarding the complete victory. I pulled out my old Marvel Universe issues (fun for both of us to go through)but that didn't give us the answer to Hulk flesh vs. light saber. It takes me back to my childhood fun of "who was stronger..." questions. Any thoughts on this?
Thank you,
Jim

(Hmmmm, the question is can a light saber penetrate the Hulk's skin? Well I had to consult my resident Hulk expert on this matter and he says that a light saber could cut the Hulk. If it just hit his chest then he would heal instantly. If he had a hand cut off then he would have more of a problem since the regeneration is not instant. But I think the Hulk could take out a Sith just from sheer power.)

Hi Kath!
Its great to find out that someone else knows about Robert Elnicky. I used to watch him on a show that predated Hot Fudge.....Mr Patches. (well,it was either that or O'Patchy Island) I'm amazed that he was actually asked to work with Henson!
It was actually because of that show that i wrote my first nonschool related story. All of 8 yrs old and typing on my mom's old 40's era Royal. It was lost when my father had a 'bonfire' after i left home (burned everything i ever wrote)but i can still remember the storyline after all these..(egads!)...decades!

Now how about two totally non comics/sci fi questions?
1) do you ever shop at the Rag Shop? I just found out they are going out of business so there might be some great finds and good buys;)

(No I haven't but I am going to look into it now)

2) how many 300 games have you bowled? I love that you guys are a bowling family and love hearing your stories. I just wonder how many times any of you guys hit 300:)

(None. I haven't bowled a 200 yet but I am still hoping.

Peter bowled an 800 series which is harder to bowl than a 300 game.)

And keep the Whovian stuff coming...i've had a look at the first three episodes of season three and can't wait til it comes back to Sci Fi in July. Just can't find out what DAY its coming back! Are you watching the Chris E/season one shows on channel 21?
(Look further down this thread for the information on the Doctor Who times.

Yeah, I stumbled across the good Doctor on channel 21 when they were showing Dalek. I have come to the conclusion that I like my Doctor without commercials.)

"I see something on the internet and I know the information is wrong cause of other things I know but I can't say squat because of NDA"

I've got a follow up to this.

You say you're hung up NDA's. How does that work for you, exactly, when it comes to Peter's work? Do you end up having to sign NDA's because he does bounce ideas off you and let you read scripts and so forth?

(The NDAs that are signed cover our company Second Age and since I am part of the company then I am covered under the agreement. Also I hear stuff from other people in the industry that they tell me in confidence and I don't break those either.)

I actually did a couple of birthday parties with Peter Baird performing a show by a puppeteer named Steve Widerman. I only knew him by those couple of meetings but he seemed a hell of a guy.

The reason I asked about Audrey II is it's having done the role it in a small town production of Little Shop about 13 years agois what got me interested in puppetry - it's a lot of fun but massive workout - esp when the guy doing the voice is a jerk who does a different performance each night!

Anyway - thanks for your time and answers Kath!

Stay Groovy!

Quick note on the Doctor Who season 3 on SciFi question:

Friday, July 6th, 8 pm ET/PT with The Runaway Bride and Smith and Jones. Regular time slot starting July 13th is 9 pm ET/PT.
Eureka starts July 10th and Flash Gordon starts Aug 10th on SciFi. Torchwood's US debut is Sept 8th on BBC America and Jekyll (Steven Moffat's new series) debuts on BBCA Aug 4th. My website, SFTV.org, keeps track of the schedules for pretty much all genre shows. End of info and plug.

Three questions for Kathleen (or Peter when he gets back) in regards to convention appearances is:

Will Peter make it to San Diego ComicCon this year?

(Yes, however I will not)

Any chance Peter might be convinced to come to the Phoenix ComicCon in January next year?

(Don't think that one is on the schedule for next year. Yeah we do have to plan that far ahead)

Has Peter had a lot of fun with the King Kong chess set he won in the 2006 Nebula charity auction?

(Yes. we proudly keep it on display. We have been playing some games of chess. And Caroline and Peter have been playing "taking turns")

Lee Whiteside

Which corporate footstuff mascott do you think would throw a better party: Mr. Peanut or The Noid?

(Hmm, I would perfer to go to a party that Mr. Peanut threw personally. But I bet the Noid wold throw the ultimate Pizza and Beer Bash)

Hi! Peter David is one of my very very favorite authors. My husband was at DragonCon last year and got an autograph for me for our 17th anniversary. I didn't get to go. I was thrilled and it is being protected very well.

I would like to say thank you to him for the gift and for being such a nice person. Cliff and he had a good short visit at HeroCon this year and he told Cliff he wanted to see "less of him" next year, challenging Cliff to lose some weight. I could hug that man so I ask you, please hug him for me!

I would love to meet you both but unless you are going to be in Fort Worth Texas sometime I don't guess I'll get to. Cliff however will see you at DragonCon this year I am sure.

Thank you both for being such nice people.

hugs
Bright Blessings,
Bre

(p.s. I know what Big Love is about... very personal question and I will understand if you reply its none of my business Are you Polyamorous?)

(The Diane Duane crack came out of something that happened on the Internet about a month ago where a fan [and I am using the term loosely] made a vitriol comment in the middle of some rant about that Diane's Huband Peter David is as bad a writer as her. Now Diane's husband is named Peter which made it all the funnier. So we have a running gag here on Peter's Blog about Peter's other wife Diane Duane and she knows about it too. I just was playing off of that riff.)

In what venue will Peter have this Doctor Who short story published? I will be so there.

By the way, I've just finished "Sir Apropos of Nothing" (yeah, I know, where have I been?!) and will be doing a dramatic reading of Chapter 1 at the Whoosier Network variety show "A Doctor Who Companion" at InConJunction this July. I can't wait to dive into "The Woad to Wuin".

(In a Big Finish Anthology currently titled "Short Trips-The Quality of Leadership". I have a story in there too)