Supanova 2018 Comic Con and Interview with Author, Alan Baxter

by Jade Jackson (subscribe)

Event: 15/06/2018 - 17/06/2018

Supanova Comic Con and Gaming 2018 returns to the Showground at Sydney Olympic Park from Friday 15th June until Sunday 17th June.

This year ledgendary martial arts superstar Chuck Norris will be hosting a Q & A Panel as well as Cocoon star, and Jaws alumni Richard Dreyfuss. If you'd prefer a Close Encounter of the Third Kind, you can opt for an intimate meet and greet, and special screening at Event Cinemas George St.



Other stars include 80's icon Kathleen Turner (Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Jewel of the Nile) along with:

Even if you're unfamiliar with an actor's work, attending Supanova gives you an opportunity to learn about what goes on behind the scenes. There's a dedicated section for photographs and autographs with the stars, and make sure you purchase your tokens for this ahead of time, as they do sell out.

Attending Supernova is also a chance to morph yourself into your favourite character and perhaps win a prize in the Cosplay Competition, whether that be Deadpool, Belle, Arrow, or Wonder Woman - anything goes.



It's not just about actors, you'll also find comic book artists, authors, sci-fi artists, and a whole section on games. If you're a creative, you can have a chat to dozens of artists to find out their path to success or purchase a custom drawing. For a full and updated list of talent appearing, check online here.

QBD Books will have a stand where you can purchase books at reasonable prices, and then get them signed by the author.



Multi-award winning, British-Australian Author, Alan Baxter, writes supernatural thrillers and urban horror and he'll be appearing at the QBD Books stand at Supanova in Sydney and Perth. You can purchase his esteemed Alex Caine Trilogy - Bound, Obsidion, and Abduction for $50.

Alan kindly took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to chat about his experiences at Supanova.

Note: Responses have been provided verbatim.

Q: What's been your most surreal Supanova experience from previous years?

AB: I have so many great memories from Supanova. Maybe the best among them was having lunch with John Scalzi and Walter Koenig (Chekov from the original Star Trek). My inner fanboy was looking across the table at Walter and losing his mind, wondering how my life got to be so amazing.

Q: Will you be hosting any panels or Q & A sessions this year, and if so, when and with what other authors, if any?

AB: I won't be hosting any, but I will be on a couple of panels talking about books and writing and stuff like that. I'm not sure exactly which ones or when yet, but they'll be listed in the program, so people will be able to track them down from there.

Q: What do you most often get asked by fans during autograph sessions or panels?

AB: A lot of people are aspiring writers themselves, so I get a lot of questions about that stuff. I also get asked a lot whether there will be an Alex Caine book 4 or a Balance book 3. And I hope there will always be more books, but I'm not working on those ones right now. Hopefully one day I will, as it's great that people are keen for more.

Q: Have any cosplayers you've met at comic cons, inspired you by subconsciously weaving their way into characters in your novels?

AB: I don't think so. More often than not the cosplayers are dressed as existing characters from other properties so I couldn't write them anyway. One day it would be awesome to see someone cosplaying one of my characters!

Q: When you're not writing, what are you reading?

AB: Anything and everything. I read a lot of fantasy, horror, and crime fiction. But I read thrillers and westerns too, pretty much everything except romance, in fact. I read a lot of non-fiction too. I love to learn.

Q: From your travels to comic cons like Supanova, do you have a souvenir you always take back home?

AB: No, but perhaps I should. That's a good idea! I always come home with more books if that counts.

Q: Which city/location/bar/cafe/ etc that you've travelled to, have you found most inspiring when it comes to writing?

AB: I get inspired by everything, everywhere. People and places are packed with inspiring stuff.

Q: What apps are imperative to your writing life?

AB: Pretty much just MS Word. I don't use any writing apps like Scrivener or anything like that. I make notes and write books in Word. I do love the notepad app on my phone for capturing those ideas that come along while I'm out and about.

Q: What's been the most profound words of wisdom that anyone has told you?

AB: I've had a lot of good advice over the years. Maybe one bit that really stood out was when someone said, "The best stories are when something else is happening too."

In other words, make stories and characters well-rounded and interesting, rather than focussing too tightly on the plot alone. In general life, the best advice I've ever had is to work hard and never give up. No matter what it is you're doing, if you give it everything you've got, you've got a better chance of success.

Also, drink enough water and get enough sleep.

Q: After Supanova Sydney and Perth, What's next for Alan Baxter?

AB: I have a new novella called Manifest Recall coming out at the end of June, so I'm busy working with the publisher on that release. Then I have a new novel out in November, so the edits for that will be in soon. Meanwhile, I'm working on another standalone folk horror novel and the next Sam Aston book. Oh, and a commissioned novelette that's a little overdue already is the first order of business. Keeping busy!. Cheers, Alan

You can read samples and purchase any of Alan Baxter's books from his website.



General Information
Supanova is open:
I'd recommend you purchase your admission ticket online here, to avoid queueing up, besides they are cheaper online. Sydney Olympic Park railway is the closest transport link. Limited all-day parking is available for $25 in the car parks surrounding Olympic Park. ATM's are available on-site, however most vendors accept EFTPOS.
Check the website closer to the time for the full schedule, as some guests may be appearing at specific times only, and the guest list of attendees may change last minute. For a list of autograph and photograph prices, check here.

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Why? A fun day out meeting celebrities, perusing market stalls, dressing up in Cosplay.

When: Friday 15th June until Sunday 17th June 2018.

Phone: None provided, send contact email via website.

Website: www.supanova.com.au/events/sydney-2018/guests

Where: Sydney Showgrounds, Olympic Park Homebush

Cost: $33 for an adult day pass or $72 for a weekend pass (online).

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