What I Believe

Send This One To Your Grandmother

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:29:00 +0000

This blog is also posted on Heroes For My Son.

When I was little, my Grandmother used to take me to the library. She's the one who introduced me to all those books. Her and all those librarians.

So here's a new hero that someone sent me over the weekend... Boy, I feel like Casey Kasem doing a long distance dedication. But I used to love those dedications, so...this one goes out to Seth.

From: Seth Moore

My Hero: My grandma

For as long as I've been able to remember (though not my entire life), by grandpa has been restricted to a wheelchair. There was no great accident that made him this way, but rather a rare, incurable disease called attaxia. Attaxia eats away at the region of the brain controlling motor functions, slowly causing the victim to become paralyzed, be incapable of speech, and eventually leads to choking to death.

As of today, he is losing his awareness, though whether that is from the disease or just aging, I'm not sure. He sleeps nearly 20 hours a day, and eats very little. I suppose he is a little more "manageable" now than he used to be, but my grandma has never thought of him in that light.

I am 20 years old. I have never once heard her say a negative comment toward him. She worships him, always praising him for what a wonderful man he is, for his integrity, for how much he loves for her given the limited means he has for expressing it. She considers her task of caring for him to be the greatest calling God could give her.

She prays with him daily. She reads the Bible to him because he is no longer able to hold a book steady or turn the pages. He is always the most lucid with her. He is never a burden.

If all of this were not enough, my aunt has the same disease. While she is obviously younger, it progressed in her much more quickly and at a younger age. Sadly, her husband does not consider caring for her to be the joy that my grandmother finds. After years of emotional abuse and neglect, my aunt finally separated from him to live with my grandparents. Grandma cares for both her husband and her daughter.

It was about a year ago that my grandparents and my aunt moved from their lifelong home an hour from my family to a new home twelve hours north. Another daughter/sister lives up there with her family, and she is an RN. They now live in the best assisted living complex I have ever seen, and life is so much easier. My uncle comes over every morning to sit my grandpa up, strap him to a machine to move him to his wheelchair, help bathe him, dress him, take him to the restroom. But in the end, it all comes back to my grandma and her almost stubborn loyalty to this man.

Lunch with 41

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:47:00 +0000

Had lunch with George HW Bush and Barbara, whose first words to me were "You took off your hair!"

Percy Jackson's First Kiss

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:25:00 +0000

My pals on @eitmonline asked Percy Jackson star Logan Lerman about the fact that I helped write his first kiss on Jack & Bobby. I still love Logan. And was as nervous as he was on set. Okay, he was more nervous. A hundred of us were watching.

Buffy!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:28:00 +0000

My first issue of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is out today. Has my most nerd moment ever. Yep. That's sayin something.

And for those afraid of comic stores (and you shouldn't be), you can go here (Atomic Comics)

We Want To See Your Child!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:39:00 +0000

Did you videotape your child being born (I don't mean the gorey parts, or parts with nudity -- I mean the part where the baby is handed to Mom/Dad for the very first time. The nice for TV part)? You did? Great. Can you...er...send it to us for free? I mean it. With Heroes For My Son approaching, we're again looking for help from the Invisible Army (read: all of you amazing people out there who over and over again help us). Thusly, as we make the first video for the book, we're looking for the following footage (especially that delivery room moment):

any hospital footage of newborn babies and fathers/mothers being handed/holding the baby for the first time
a boy (elementary or kindergarten) playing with an airplane toy
a boy with a video camera
a boy performing a magic trick
a boy playing with toy doctor’s tools
a boy writing letters or doing “writing” school work
an elementary school boy playing a musical instrument or a toddler banging on or playing with one, or singing with a real or toy microphone, or at a concert/pageant
a boy in a grade school play
a boy in cap and gown at elementary or high school graduation
a junior high or high school boy giving a speech

If you have such footage, please shoot me an email and I'll tell you where to send it. As always, I'm at bradmeltzer27 [at] gmail.com. Or through facebook or twitter or anywhere else we pimp.

Much love and thanks for doing this. And yes, we're gonna try and make your little one a star. But in a good way.

Dad's Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Didn't want to post this until I knew the outcome, but just wanted to let you know that while everyone else was spending their holidays trapped in airports, we spent ours in the hospital, as my Dad had some open heart surgery. Was scary for a bit -- especially when his kidneys decided to stop working and he went into renal failure -- but thankfully, he bounced back and is now home and starting the real recovery.

I will say, it really did put the year into perspective. There's nothing like six days watching someone you love in the intensive care unit to make you thankful for what you have. And I count you as one of those people that I'm thankful for.

So yes, feel free to stop by his facebook page to post good thoughts and whatever other juvenile humor you know he likes best.

Otherwise, here's to a far healthier new year for all with far less hospital visits.

Dad's Underwear

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:13:00 +0000

Yesterday was my Moms birthday. The good news was, I spent it helping my Dad go shopping to make the shift from fruit-smuggler underwear to boxer-briefs. Was easily the funniest, best, most crazy Dad-moment in a long while. But so proud of my Pop for entering the new century. (Special thanks to Craig Rogers, who made me stop wearing those underwear in 1988.)

And yes, I know my Dad's reading this now (because he's friended nearly half of you). But this is how I'm going to get him to laugh. Can't wait to milk all the emotions for a scene in a book. Love you all.

Adoption

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:21:00 +0000

For those who have adopted kids -- or know someone who do, this came to me from the sister of one of my first readers (and now dear friend). Of course, feel free to share with anyone you think needs to hear it:

Brad... my sister is in the process of adopting, and had this conversation with her 4 year old son today (who WILL be getting a copy of your Heroes!):

This morning I was driving Nathan to daycare and we were talking about Batman and Spiderman, as we so often do. He asked about what happened to Batman's mom and dad. I told him that Bruce Wayne's mom and dad had died and that Alfred had helped raise him and stayed with him. He asked about Spiderman, where were his mom and dad. I didn't know but that Peter Parker was raised by his uncle and aunt. And while I was prepared to launch into my favorite "all families are different and as long as there is love its a family" schpeel that I love so dearly, Nathan had his own story to tell. He told me that this would be just like for his new sister. That we aren't her first family but that she'd come live with us and we'd love her forever like Alfred did for Batman. He says he will tell his big sister all about Batman and how families can love you and make you a superhero even if you aren't there as a baby first. Yeah... we're going to be just fine.

Title Of The New Book!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:25:00 +0000

Here it is. The winner for the title of the new non-fiction book, out this May. And, the very first look at the cover.

Heroes For My Son.

And yes, it was the biggest blowout vote we ever had. Just staggering. Special sorry to my wife, who lost.

Hugs and thanks to all who voted.

First Look at Brad on Buffy The Vampire Slayer

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:34:00 +0000

First cover.

Issue 32.

Out in February.

Georges Jeanty drawing.

And Joss's reaction is about right.

Sesame Street

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:58:00 +0000

Happy 40th Sesame Street. And still have my favorites... Sing it with me. Imagine the old animation and that trippy ball: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... (YouTube)

Wild Things

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Saw Where The Wild Things Are last night. It has no business being great. But it is. So manipulative. So perfect. It just replays all the operas from your childhood, and for ten bucks, you have your childhood back. I will watch anything Spike Jonze does. Eggers too.

Also, I love this and I'm so jealous of them. Like seeing cool kids who you know could be your friends. I can just feel the Gen Ys getting started. Proof that they'll always be something new for us.

Jumbo's

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:22:00 +0000

Since I'm 15 years old, I've been eating at Jumbo's. I eventually married the owner's daughter. It is a Miami landmark, but it's also the best fried shrimp and chicken anywhere. That's right. Anywhere.

Sadly, because of the economy, it's been losing money by the handful. So take a look at this video and see why history will miss this one.

Click here (YouTube)

Vote On The New Title!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:38:00 +0000

Oh, yes, it's that time again -- Fall approaches, pumpkins appear, and my wife revels in the fact that I'm physically incapable of picking my own title for the next book. In my defense, this is a different kind of title, since it's the first non-fiction book I've ever done.

So first, please help us vote (pick one of these titles only -- and the description of the book is below, but don't read that until you vote). Which title do you like better:

Heroes For My Son

or

50 Heroes For My Son

Yes, I know they're similar. Just vote (you can vote below, or send an email to bradmeltzer44 at gmail.com, or at @bradmeltzer on twitter). You vote? Okay, then here's what the book's about:

Since the day my son was born, I've been writing a book for him. It's a collection of heroes throughout history. Some are famous (like Jim Henson, Mr. Rogers, and Rosa Parks). Some are totally unknown. (In fact, if you have someone you're thinking of, send them my way). But the result is this book -- a gift to my son.

Yes, I know I'm mushy. It's for my boys. I'm allowed. (I'll be even more mushy in the book I did for my daughter, which comes out the following year.)

So there you go. Whatever it's called, it won't be out until May 2010 (yes, for Father's Day), so please vote now. And as always, thanks for putting up with this.

Love,

Indiana Visit!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:49:00 +0000

I'm coming to Indiana this Saturday (October 3rd, 7:30 pm) for a reading, signing, talk -- all the good stuff at the Michigan City Public Library, 100 E. Fourth Street, Michigan City (Google Map).

Call 219-873-3049 for more information and here's a link to the event.

And as always, will sign whatever you want to bring.

Be In The Next Novel

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:29:00 +0000

Wanna get your name (or a loved one's name) in my next novel and help a good cause?

Comix4Sight Auction

Save This Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:34:00 +0000

One of my favorite book blogs -- Off The Page -- is in danger of getting the axe, and so it falls to us to prove to the morons who cancel such things that, well...we're reading it.

It's written by Chauncey Mabe and Oline Cogdill, two South Florida folks who have a real love of books and who are vital to the art community here.

So please do click the link and root them on.

Twitter (sigh)

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:48:00 +0000

Yes, I'm finally on Twitter, @bradmeltzer.

Happy now, Dad?

Forget Kanye

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:33:00 +0000

Forget Kayne. Norman Borlaug died. One of my true heroes (and yes, he's in the heroes book i'm doing).

Penn & Teller on Dr. Borlaug

Summer Books And Movies

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:52:00 +0000

Finally back from two weeks away, and just need to recommend one book and one film that're worth checking out.

For the book, it's Stitches by David Small. Yes, I read it months ago, but I think it's so douche-y to talk about a book no one else can buy -- and it's now finally on sale. It was the only book I brought back from BookExpo in May. Yes, it's a comic. And yes, I wish the ending were a hair more self-examining, but man, I promise you will be blown away. Just heartbreaking and wonderful in all the right places.

As for film, for sure, go see the Basterds and District 9, but when you're ready to really get king nerd going (and here comes the douche-y part because you can't buy it yet. God, I'm a hypocrite), go see the independent movie Last Son by fellow Jerry Siegel obsessed Brad Ricca. It'sf packed with never before seen footage/images/facts about Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and the creation of Superman. And to totally steal from him: There is just "an Earth-2 (and 3) level of cool that two Brads were at different times in the same library having these big OMG moments in seeing this stuff. And (ready for this?) In the EXACT SAME ROOM where Joanne Siegel spread out her mail from her newspaper ad and chose Joe's to answer."

How's that for a benefit? Watch this film and see proof that another Earth exists.

That's the summer catch-up. Novel is coming along. First Buffy script is in. Art is just starting to show up. And big news coming about the non-fiction book, which is now coming out in May.

Senator Ted Kennedy

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:37:00 +0000

At 19, I was an intern in the Senate. I got to see and meet tons of senators who couldn't care less about interns. But one day, just as the elevator doors were closing, Senator Ted Kennedy stepped inside. I wasn't a Kennedy groupie. I was 19--I didn't care about Senators. But I still remember looking up and seeing, for the first time in my life, someone who was -truly- bigger than life. I just stood and stared.

Help Fight Cancer and Get Something for Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:11:00 +0000

I know you're tired of doing good deeds for no reason -- you ask yourself, "What's in it for me?" Well, for once, here is something for you (especially if you know a child who likes Ninja Turtles).

To offset expenses for my pal Jake Black's cancer treatment, Mirage--the Ninja Turtles Company--has released a t-shirt. You pick the size. You pick the color. And Jake gets some help.

And you look cool. And you sleep the good sleep.

Check it out. And thanks for checking it out.

Back on Topps

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:42:00 +0000

They're my friends so I plug for them. But this is good stuff. So here it is, season 2 of the Emmy-nominated original online series, Back on Topps starring The Sklar Brothers.

Back on Topps

Thrillerfest and Superman

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:42:00 +0000

Just now getting back from the weekend, which was wild for sheer surrealness, starting with the visit to the house where Superman was created. Last time I was there, the paint was peeling, the roof was dumping water into the bedrooms, the whole place was a mess. Today, the outside is pristine. It's the Norman Rockwell painting I imagined in my head. And of course, we took an early sneak peek at the Superman fence that now marks the spot (now that the house is no longer red and blue, it needed something). And for the ultra geeks, it's the original S. Go see it here (WSJ)...click slideshow...

Had a beautiful time catching up with all the Siegel & Shuster Society members, who are the dearest people around. And then, it was onto the roomful of real Siegels and Shusters. I mean, it. All of them. A hundred or so relatives, each with their own personal story of Joe drawing on butcher's paper, and Jerry telling stories. Natch, the pinnacle was meeting the real Lois Lane, Joanne Siegel, who was...how does this not sound odd...stunning. Really stunning. And so full of life. Like you look at her and know that she should've inspired the most famous reporter. Her daughter and the rest of their family are so appreciative of all of your work and I bring back love and hugs and mushy stuff for all.

Then onto Thrillerfest, where I got to spend time with pals (dicky name-drop time) Harlan Coben, David Baldacci, Sandra Brown, Steve Berry, Jon Land, and loads of others that I rarely get to see but always love seeing. The Thriller writers get it so right. A full conference just to discuss (and help other writers with) the craft.

And then back home, where my son says to me, "I hate to read." Perfect ending to a weekend of literacy love. We're now (and me we, I mean Jason Sherry, who did the first video, and the film CUBES) putting together a new video so you can see the new house for yourself. I can't thank you enough for putting the word out and telling people and doing what each of you individually did. As I said over and over, it wasn't me. YOU were the reason it really got done.

This week is going to the Heroes for my Son book.

Free Book

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:03:00 +0000

As I sit on a plane, headed to Cleveland, here's a little Friday love: a free copy of The First Counsel. Really. Free. You can read the whole thing through this new program is trying out (read: experimenting and praying with).