Jacobsen's Book Signing

Here are some recent pics of the August 3, 2010 book signing at Jacobsen's. A very successful night. Be sure to mark your calendars for the next one: Sept. 11, 2010 at Jan's Paperbacks.

News from Oceanside, California

Okay, picture a place where the sun shines, the ocean breeze delights the senses, the palm trees sway, and the people are very friendly. That's Oceanside, California. The home of my first official book signing.

Corey and I joined together to form a great team as writer and illustrator for Zeke Proper and the Sacrifice at Alder Cove. We also got together for a combined Art Show and book signing at Hensley's, a bar and grill near Corey's home.

The venue was a perfect location for friends and strangers alike to gather. We enjoyed some food and drink. We made new friends and were reacquainted with some old ones. And, we sold some art and some books.

I'll soon be back in the Portland area where I'll resume my lunge forward for more book sales and continue my writing so that book two in the series will be ready soon.

Thanks again for all of your support. I look forward to seeing all of my fans at the next book signing. I'll be sure to keep you posted.


Cheers, Brad

An Author's Dream Come True

I've been anticipating this day for quite awhile: the day my book finally arrives. With it I hope to begin a long yet satisfying journey. Of course a great deal depends upon you, the reader; the fan. Please help spread the word. Order a copy of your own so that the big book sellers will take notice. Let people know that there's a new and exciting read out there that isn't just for kids or youth, but for people of all ages.

I will be heading to San Diego tomorrow to do a book signing with my son Corey. He, of course, did the cover design and all of the interior illustrations. He and I will be hosting an art show/book signing. This will be the first of many such events. I'm hoping that you'll be able to attend one of them. Be sure to bring a friend or two.

I plan on taking lots of pictures at Thursday's event. Be sure to log back on to check out how things went.

Thanks again for all of your support.
Brad.

The Latest Publishing News

Hi, everyone,

I believe that the last time I got on my Facebook fan page, I announced that my book Zeke Proper and the Sacrifice at Alder Cove, would be available for order by June 11. Well, that has not come to fruition. I went back and read the email that I was sent by the publisher and discovered that that date was merely tentative...bummer. What I did receive from the publisher was a series of proofs for my marketing material. This included bookmarks, posters, postcards, and business cards. Keep in mind that this was sent via email. I now have to approve the material. There are a few minor changes that I want to make which will add more time to the delivery of the book, but I want everything to be done right. I'm sure that Zeke would approve.

Once again, thank you for your patience. If you have any left over, please send it my way. I could really use it. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures. One is of Author and Editor (Katherine Watkins). The other is the Poster. Note that I will be adding a tag line on the poster just above my name. It will read: "Hold the stones high, let their light shine, and live!"

The Cover for the New Book - Zeke finally sees himself on the cover

Dear Fans,
As you can see, the cover for the new book has now been made available. Brad still has a few more items to deal with, but will soon get everything finalized and coordinated with the publisher. We hope you enjoy the exciting book cover as much as we do. Stay tuned as the book release gets closer and closer.

Peace, Zeke.

Who Am I?

Hello. Welcome to my Blog. For those of you who are new to the Zeke Proper Fan Page, I thought that it would be appropriate to provide you with a little information as to who I am and the exciting adventure that lay ahead for you as a reader, and for me, the main character. So please, allow me to introduce myself:

My name is Zeke Proper, I am a fictional character created by Brad Cameron in a soon to be released Young Adult novel titled Zeke Proper and the Sacrifice at Alder Cove. The full length twenty chapter book is scheduled to be released sometime in mid to late June of 2010.

I, Zeke, consider myself to be a bold, curious young teenager. In the first of this three book series, I move with my small family to my father’s boyhood town. However, what I don't realize is that this tiny seaside settlement holds a deadly secret. An ancient curse has returned to the town of Alder Cove expecting payment for the prosperity it has enjoyed over the last 30 years. When I arrive in my new home, I soon discover that the deteriorating town has left hidden clues that I and my friends must locate in order to protect the town, the people, and most importantly, my family from further destruction and death.

With the help of prophetic dreams, ancient manuscripts and Runes, and my own cunning stealth, the battle with the curse becomes an unforgettable, climactic moment of good versus evil.

Zeke Proper and the Sacrifice at Alder Cove is Brad's first novel. For him it has been a labor of love that has been 3 years in the process. It is his attempt to add to his passion to teach English through studying and teaching the kind of books that connect with young readers. Zeke Proper and the Sacrifice at Alder Cove is one of those books.

So, join Brad and I on this exciting journey. The ride should be a blast. And please know that both Brad and I are extremely thankful for your support.

Please share the Blog site and the Fan Page. The more the merrier. Also, you can look forward to the 2nd book, Zeke Proper and the Serpent's Ship, an exciting continuation to my adventures.

Zeke, out.

I had an interesting experience yesterday as I attended the PSU writing conference. The conference is intended for elementary through high school future writers and includes workshops, guest speakers, etc. The main speaker for the day was Roland Smith, a well known and prolific Young Adult author. He's written Sasquatch, Zach's Lie, Thunder Cave, and many more. My real purpose in going to the conference was to watch Roland and observe his style as he mingled among the youth and gave his presentation. So, a couple of thing of note:

1. I was disappointed in what he wore. He dressed like a farmer who was headed out to pull weeds or milk the cow. A sweat shirt and a grubby pair of jeans just doesn't cut it as far as I'm concerned. Put on a jacket (a tie is not necessary). At least try to look somewhat professional. He was standing in front of three to four hundred kids. I think that is important. It makes an impression.

2. He needed to be more about the literature and less about Roland Smith. A little humility please.

3. He gave a very good presentation. Obviously one that he'd given many times before. It was full of colorful power point slides and some good ideas about what it takes to be a writer.

4. His ideas about the process of writing were great and I'm sure the kids got some good ideas, however, Roland Smith's way is not the only way. That point needed to be made more clearly.

Overall, though it was a good event. I was able to talk to the gentleman who organizes it and offered my services for next year. I'm hoping he takes me up on it.

Later, Brad