u/Neat_Suit3684

I've been having issues with my beginning and im rewriting it a million times. Looking for someone to just read and talk with ne throughout it. I think ive got a decent beginning but ya know...

Its urban fantasy ill just add you to the document as a reader on Google docs. Its also the 2nd book in my series. Magic. Dragons. Vampires. Sorcerers. Mystery. Drama. Etc etc.

Not looking for you to edit more of just give me your general thoughts as you read it

Not a promo not spam not advertising. Idk what else to say here haha

So i was visiting my cousin in New York tonight and saw Spiderman like flipping out swinging all crazy like through downtown. It was like he didn't have control over his webs or something? I've never seen him up close so me amd my cousin ran down the block to see him just go crazy on the weirdo criminal with a mechanical tail. My cousin said hes normally super fun but he was like flipping out amd she said his webs were like way bigger and different then normal. Anyone know whats going on?

So a little backstory-

Im an author. I have a self published urban fantasy thats been out since 2022. Is it ginormously popular? No. But I've made a few hundred sales since then. This year I decided to expand a bit more cause im not exactly selling like crazy. I did a few events like conventions street fairs etc. Its a lot of money getting my booth set up and books printed and not every event was a home run. Some I didn't even break even on.

Unfortunately since even before 2022 my family have never really supported my art. They have books (after I pretty much forced them to accept first copies) but they never actively read reviewed or otherwise talked about it. Saying that its just a silly hobby and brushing it off as childish. But I've accepted it. It hurts but whatever.

Last week my apartment was being worked on (water damage) and I asked my parents to store my book stuff. I have very very little space in my apartment and I needed the books and the booth stuff to be somewhere for a few days. I made it very clear id be taking my stuff back when they were done.

I should have seen it coming. My mom decided to throw away most of my book/booth stuff.

There's another event im trying to go to in 2 weeks and I stopped by the house to count my inventory so I could make another order if i needed. When I couldn't find it I asked her about it. She said she's glad I decided to focus on more productive work and she gave my stuff away. She talked about how proud she was and I just lost it.

I screamed at her telling her id never do such a thing to her and I was sick of the disrespect towards my work. I actually met up with some agents who were excited to see my work in 2 weeks and now I have NOTHING. She pulled the whole im your mother dont yell at me card and respect your elders bullshit. I lost it and left blocking her as she tried calling me to lecture me.

My dad called me about 2 hours later saying I overreacted. That its just books and I can buy more. He says this knowing im on food stamps and in a very tiny low income housing. He says this knowing that my job is crap only keeping me on part time despite my continuous A game. I can barely afford to pay my bills and my books act as a buffer during tight months. I flipped out on him too. I dared him to name one character from my book (obvious since the name is on the back cover!) And he couldn't.

A friend of mine is telling me now I shouldn't have snapped since I've accepted they don't believe in my book but idk. Throwing away my stuff just feels like a step too far

For context- im a writer and I come from a very non supportive background. After I made my argument I realized that maybe other people feel the same way so I wanted to write something up about why we all do this crazy comic con thing and what it means. I hope you all enjoy! And please discuss!

***

Why? Why do we do Comic Con? Why do we stand for days on end for a chance to see the latest Marvel movie trailer? Why do we fight in line and pay ridiculous prices for a toy or a poster? Why do we dress up?

Because Comic Con isn't about what you think. Its not about the comic books the movies the pretty colors and sexy actors. Its not about fantasy or sci fi. No it's not even about having the dream of crushing planets beneath your heel or rewriting the cosmos with a wave of your hand.

Comic Con is about finding a place that you belong in.

Let's face it- by the general populace even with Disney's support behind Marvel, stuff like Pokémon or Avengers or Star Trek are seen as relics of an outsider, a loser, a weirdo, a whatever name you want to put here. You can't walk into a grocery store dressed like Princess Peach. You cant carry your Batman backpack with you on the job. You cant pay your phone bill by speaking Elvish.

But at Comic Con those same outcasts are now the majority. We are united in our love of Avatar or geeking out over Dungeons and Dragons. We find our fellow tribe, family, house, kingdom whatever you wanna claim. At Comic Con you feel accepted. You feel included, you're not judged.

People from all over the country, arguably the world can come together to talk about Harry Potter or Hunger Games, they can share art work and stories and that is a connecting thread that winds through all of us. Weather you speak English Mandarin Spanish or freaking Greek! You see fan art of Percy Jackson and youll sit all day in the sun talking about characters and plot and the world.

That's why Comic Con especially in San Diego is so amazing. I may not know anything about the guy behind the mask but I see an 8ft tall Optimus Prime and im down to talk! We all share the same love for the story thats being told.

And those stories mean so much more then just the good guys punching bad guys or the girl choosing between 2 boys. Its about love, its about choice and doing the right thing or the wrong thing for the right reason. Its about finding solidarity in fellow elves or pirates or superhumans that you can't find anywhere else. And the crazy thing is even if we find ourselves on opposite sides I can look at the girl wearing Slytherin and think ya she has a point!

These stories shape morals and direction, they tell us about real problems in fantastical worlds. But Comic Con isnt about talking politics, unless you're joining the Jedi. But even then you have to wonder did they do the right thing by Anakin? Is Spiderman keeping a secret identity good for him? Explore more and you get Kryptonian Viltrumite you get Saiyan and Shadowhunters and SHIELD.

All races have shades of grey, all organizations have b​ad apples, all people are 3 dimensional. And you can find yourself exploring themes and ideas here without judgement. Whereas outside Comic Con if you wanted to talk the depper meaning behind Avatar, you'd get blank stares and a condescending tone deriving it for kids.

And even beyond that Comic Con provides a place for creatives to really explore and stretch thier muscles. Artists, writers, dancers, singers, actors, builders and more. This is where we can show off our skills and talents that may not be as respected outside of Comic Con. But here its not just respected but encouraged and supported!

Stan Lee once said that he used to hide that he did comics because they weren't seen as legitimate because they were childish. But Captain America is a strong moral character. Not because hes red white and blue or has a shield, not even the serum. Because powers or not, Steve Rogers would still stand up to a bully. Thats not something you grow out of.

We are in a time where we could find the next Stan Lee, not someone whos gonna make a funny cameo but write or draw or build the next moral compass for a new generation. And here at comic con thats something to treasure! Creating a story that can last decades and inspire people, building a world that people want to play in because it signals acceptance for them when the general world outside doesn't is something we should all strive for.

Because I was once that person who felt lost and alone and ​had no one. But I found my first fandoms and my first communities and I love it! I want to explore and be a part of something that means more then just weak humor and pretty colors. I want to be a part of something that matters, that can tell the next person you aren't alone.

And Comic Con is just that. Times a thousand. Despite the days long wait for Hall H or the rush for the exclusive Snoopy plate or even the thrill of meeting a Supernatural Star at the core of it it's about being surrounded by worlds, stories and people that love and accept you.

That's why we do Comic Con. Don't judge. Just find your family and join in the crazy!

Because the Doomsday Trailer was released today what do you think they'll be showing in Hall H? The only reason i was gonna try to get in (im solo and have no parties to join) was ti see the trailer. But since thats released what will they show? Spiderman is out at the end of the Month Doomsday was the next big thing. ​I don't know anything disney+ shows coming up in the next few months? Is Hall H still worth it?

Hey so um awkward newbie here hoping you can help a girl out with some last minute questions!

I just found out id be able to go. (I have tickets for all 4 days but prior issues had me unable to go but now I can) so I got some questions/issues im hoping you can direct me! The last and only time I was ever at comic con was about 12 years ago when my sister was a booth babe for a company. She let me tag along for the day but I really dont remember much as I spent 99% of the time following her around as she promoted some company. So i didn't get to do much as I was also only there for a day. Im also going to be by myself this time. So please be nice of my ignorance!

1. Im trying to find out what the parking situation is. From looking at other posts I should be parking in the Padres Parkade lot/structure and I should buy my parking ahead of time? Is this right? I don't understand why or how i cant park at the convention center and pay the day of

2. I couldn't find a good hotel close by so im staying at a hotel about 25 minutes away just off the 805 freeway. Its not next to but it is near the university so im hoping this is a good area?

3. How the hell do you decide what to look at/get around? I know its a big con and im lucky enough to have all 4 days but good god im on the app looking at the panels and guests and I know there's gonna be a ton to see from vendors. How do you prioritize and what buildings/halls are the worst to get into? Im feeling way overwhelmed at the choices and im kinda rethinking on going cause there's so much

4. Ok so this is kinda stupid but I figured this is the least damaging way to ask- i was thinking about using this opportunity to promote my own self published novel by cosplaying as a character. But since im small and self published idk how effective itll be. Is this something I should try? Or should I stick with my marvel and DC shirts and not do anything crazy?

Thanks for letting me post and ramble! Like I said this was a last minute change so im kinda freaking out. Please dont jduge me too harshly!

I've been told I should republish my book with a No AI disclaimer. Is this something I should do? I originally self published my novel in 2022 and definitely did not use any AI in anything from concept to publication. None in the cover art either

I've been told I should republish my book with a no AI disclaimer. Is this something I should do? I originally self published my novel in 2022 and definitely did not use any AI in anything from concept to publication. None in the cover art either

Quick question for everyone/anyone here-

I've been told I should republish my book with a no AI disclaimer. Is this something I should do? I originally self published my novel in 2022 and definitely did not use any AI in anything from concept to publication. None in the cover art either. I just keep seeing more and more talk about it and I've actually been asked/accused of using it recently so I'm worried about how it can effect me finding new readers if that makes sense.

And for the mods wondering again- this not me asking for approval of AI. I actually hate it with a fiery burning passion and if it were up to me id go old school on the whole of AI and kill it

I've been told I should republish my book with a no AI disclaimer. Is this something I should do? I originally self published my novel in 2022 and definitely did not use any AI in anything from concept to publication. None in the cover art either

Location: California. My job when I started would post the schedule ahead of time by like a week and a half. And that gave time to ya know plan my life since I was most open but also wanted to do things that aren't work. Lately there's been slow moving but definite management change and for the last couple 2 weeks I don't get a schedule till literally the day before the week starts. I've been asking my direct manager for a faster update but no responses and I even told him that this week I wouldn't be available for a shift cause im taking someone to the airport. Well lo and behold today is the end of the schedule and not only is next week not out but tonight's schedule isn't out! I normally dont work tonight but I found out the only other closer is gone out of state so she said stick around cause they'll call me. This cant possibly be legal right? They have to give a schedule like printed out or something ahead of time? I want to go watch fireworks tonight for the 4th but now all I can think about is being scheduled.

Can we start a discussion on Fan Expo Anaheim? Looking to hear from other vendors because I'm a vendor I came in today and practically everyone in my aisle is gone. As a first time vendor I feel like this is a sign to give up on trying to break into conventions. Ive made less then a dozen sales all weekend. My neighbor said yesterday this isn't normal and judging by all the empty tables im tempted to believe him. But I'm also worried about trying again and getting burned twice

Is anyone going to Fan Expo in Anaheim next week? Looking to meet up with people and check it out. Ill be solo! (Its June 26-28 btw)

Is anyone going to Fan Expo in Anaheim to meet Jared and the rest of the cast? Would love to meet up woth some fellow fans! Its next week June 26-28 btw