PULP ARK-CASE OF THE BLOODY PULP ACT ONE!

4:30 PM, Friday, May 13th, 2011 PULP ARK

PULP ARK settled into a groove pretty quickly, everyone eager to meet fans, but visiting with each other and hammering out ideas and making suggestions as well. Then a newsboy walked in hollering 'EXTRA! EXTRA! followed by two people who set up a magazine on a stand, and began going on about mystical happenings, disappeared authors, and things that go bump in the night.  A few minutes later, a black suave stranger with a gun strolls in followed soon by a black clad progeny of the Nazi party and her pet boy...Yup, you guessed it, the first act of Pulp Ark's original Pulp Play THE CASE OF THE BLOODY PULP had begun!

THE CASE OF THE BLOODY PULP, written and directed by Tommy Hancock is a Pulp Play that went on throughout the entire convention in the midst of the regular flow of the event.  Although pictures were taken, none have surfaced at this time and will be posted when they do.  In lieu of that, however, I will be posting the acts of the play in the order they were performed right here!  So without further ado...

CAST-
Newt the Newsboy-Alex Hancock
Merlin Montgomery-Tommy Hancock
Benita Isadore Magready (Bim)-Shannon O'Cain
Simon Sanders, The Rogue-Brian Coltharp
J.C. Givens-David Jones
Nikola Deveraux-Tanya McClure
August-Bo Elrod

THE CASE OF THE BLOODY PULP

SCENE ONE

(Scene opens with Newt the Newsboy walking around room, holding up papers, shouting)

NEWT:  Extra! Extra! Read All About It.  Famous Rare Pulp Magazine on Display at Pulp Ark today!  Explorer Merlin Montgomery does it again!  Bloody Pulp supposed to be cursed, here at Pulp Ark!  Extra! Extra!

(Scene shifts to focus on Merlin Montgomery, famed explorer and Benita Isadore Magredy, Bim to almost everyone standing near b getting ready for the display.)

MONTGOMERY-There, everyone should be able to get a good look at it as they walk by, but not touch or snatch it.   We’ve given the bloody pulp a nice bit of attention.

BIM-Too much attention if you were to ask me.  More than that bit of ink and paper deserves.

MERLIN (laughs) I understand, Bim, but this yellowing print and fading words is a piece of history.  Not only is it the only existing piece of the work of JC Givens left, there’s all the stories surrounding ir.

BIM-That’s for sure and certain what I mean! I’ve tagged along with you long enough to know that anything that is hexed, vexed, damned, or cursed should be destroyed, shredded, shot, and buried!  Like that little ugly statue we found in Georgia, you know, Merlin, in that abandoned sani-

MERLIN-BIM!  That’ll be enough.  I’m sure this won’t turn out to be that kind of fiasco. 

MERLIN-You don’t know how this will be!  I mean you might know more than most since you are an expert in most forgotten languages, but that would mean you’d have to be able read it. Can  you?

MERLIN-Yes and I see where you’re going.  The stanza at the beginning of Given’s story.  The one that has the header-IF YOU CAN READ THESE FOUR LINES, THEN SHE WHOM ALL FEAR WILL ALLOW YOU THE REST OF THE STORY’.   And to answer your question, no, I can’t read them.

BIM-Well, who could for Queen’s sake?  Just a lot of gobbledy gook thrown together.

AND THE PULP ARK DOORS OPENED!!

NOTE-All PULP ARK reports during the next two-three days, unless otherwise noted, are written by Tommy Hancock, ALL PULP Editor in Chief and PULP ARK Organizer and Creator)

Friday, May 13th, 2011


Tommy Hancock, PULP ARK Founder and Coordinator
in front of the con location!

 Even though the first ever PULP ARK Creators Conference/Fan Convention didn't officially open its doors until 12 Noon Friday, a few stalwart individuals made their appearance in the humble little burg of Batesville the night prior.  Bobby Nash, writer and Conventioneer extraordinaire was the first to appear at 151 West Main Street, formerly the Batesville Grand Opera House, currently the Cinnamon Stick Restaurant and Coffee Shoppe.  Not long after Bobby came Dr. Art Sippo, one half of the Book Cave Podcast duo and author of SUN KOH: HEIR OF ATLANTIS.  Art actually stayed until the set up and rehearsal for...well, that'll come in a bit...



Pro Se writers Ken Janssens and Lee Houston Jr at PULP ARK!

 Following set up on Thursday night and meeting up with Joe Gentile from Moonstone and Nancy Hansen, Ken Janssens, and Lee Houston Jr. from Pro Se Productions, all grew quiet until the following morning.  Other faces showed up at the Comfort Suites for breakfast on Friday, including Rob Davis and Ron Fortier with Airship 27 Productions and veteran author Barry Reese and his fantastic family.  Good conversation was had by all, basically the how-are-yous and get-to-knows...then it was off to the venue!



Wayne Skiver of Age of Adventure getting ready for business!

 For those who did not come, even pictures won't do much justice to how awesomely cool the building we held PULP ARK in was.  Originally built in the 1880s, much of the original woodwork and such is still there, but its not a pristine glowing artifice.  It's a cool, old building with an awesome below ground room.  Lovingly called 'the dungeon' by PULP ARKers this weekend, this room was originally the dressing rooms and props area for the Opera House and the walls are the exposed original stone.  Also, the lighting is low and the air is just slightly musty, so it gave a great 'cavern' feel to the room, easily everyone's favorite part of the venue.

Wayne Reinagel's epic table for his epic tales!

Once set up was done that morning, we'd added Scott and Patrick Cranford, Scott being a writer with Age of Adventure, and Ric Croxton, the other half of the Book Cave, and unlocked and opened at 12 Noon.  Although business was slow from a 'fan' standpoint, some selling took place between those of us that made up the 'Pulp crowd' as well as people curious as to just what a 'Pulp Ark' was.  The biggest plus of the day...and of the entire weekend actually...was the opportunity to meet people most of us had never physically met before and the resulting fellowship.  Not to mention the ideas...ohhh, the ideas that blossomed.



Dr. Art Sippo (left) and Derrick Ferguson at PULP ARK

 Most of our other guests and such ventured in in the late evening, including Derrick Ferguson with Pulpwork Press, Carol Fuller Samelson, Bob Kennedy, Van Plexico with White Rocket Books, Wayne Reinagel with Knightraven Studios, writer Terry Alexander, artist Pete Cooper, Pulp Dealer David White, Springfield Comics' Ron Hamilton, and Megan Smith, writer for Pro Se Productions.



OK, so Domino Lady on the right...
But who is that masked adventuress with her? hmmmm...

 Also, PULP ARK had a couple of visitors on this first day, visitors of the female AND masked variety.  One was very familiar to most Pulp fans in her black DOMINO mask and her LADY like dress and cape.  The other, however, was a mystery for much of the convention....one that revealed its bubbly, actiony adventury self later...

The official programming began at 4:30 PM with...well, that'll wait until the next report, now won't it?  Not long, kiddoes, not long!

PULP ARK 2011 - DAY ONE

THE DOORS ARE OPEN!!!!!!!!!!!

PULP ARK FLYER!!!!!

IT'S NOT TOO LATE FOR THE GREATEST WEEKEND OF YOUR LIFE!!!

(or maybe one that was better than the last.)

The New Rook Poster On Sale This Weekend At Pulp Ark!!!

SIMON AND SCHUSTER A PART OF PULP ARK! MALMONT GALLEY TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Pro Se Productions, the company sponsoring PULP ARK, the first annual Pulp Convention/Creators Conference being held May 13-15 in Batesville, Ark., announced today that major publisher Simon and Schuster is one of the many publishers taking part in the activities.

According to Tommy Hancock, Pulp Ark Coordinator, Simon and Schuster is participating in Pulp Ark in order to promote the upcoming release of a major novel by Paul Malmont.  Malmont, best known for his best selling works 'The Chinatown Death Cloud Peril' and 'Jack London in Paradise' has completed 'The Astounding, The Amazing, and The Unknown'.   This novel, a sequel to 'Death Cloud Peril' follows pulp writer L. Ron Hubbard on adventures into the 1950s that will rival the fantastic pulp tales the future cultural icon wrote.  The first book in this two-book series was a fictional romp involving Hubbard, H.P. Lovecraft, and pulp authors Lester Dent and Walter Gibson and others that carried them across the map and through two fisted, pulse pounding adventures.

"Malmont," Hancock stated, "takes real life historical personages and weaves them into these realistic, yet wildly entertaining, fast paced tales.  Pulp Ark is pleased to be able to say that various items, like postcards and such, will be handed out Saturday, May 14, to commemorate the July release of the new novel.  Also, a galley copy of the new novel will be on display and given away at 4:30 Saturday afternoon.  To register for the giveaway, all you have to do is come to Pulp Ark at 151 West Main, Batesville, Ark starting at noon Friday, May 13 and put your name in the box!  The winner will be drawn on Saturday!"

For further information on the giveaway and Pulp Ark, Hancock can be reached at 870-834-4022 or proseproductions@earthlink.net.

PULP ARK SCHEDULE!!!

PULP ARK, the Pulp Convention/Creators’ Conference debuting May 13-15, 2011 in Batesville, AR, is proud to announce that the event will be held in a location that is a primary part of local history in the historic Arkansas town. Built in 1880, the three story building that will be the home of the first PULP ARK enjoyed life as Batesville’s Opera House for eight years. It was renovated and made into a mercantile store after that and then later was home to various other enterprises. It currently houses THE CINNAMON STICK, a coffee and sandwich restaurant. The over 6,000 square feet of space provides not only ample places for tables, displays and guests, but access to the lower level provides an onsite location for panels and classrooms. The lower level, largely untouched since the building’s construction, except for electricity being added, served as the dressing area for the various opera stars and performers in the building’s original incarnation.

A hotspot of activity, The Cinnamon Stick plays host to musicians, artists, and performers on a weekly basis as well as to customers ranging in age from high school kids to senior citizens. The location, 151 W. Main Street in Downtown Batesville, is surrounded by various amenities. Currently there are three restaurants on the street; The Cinnamon Stick, Elizabeth’s, and The Greasy Spoon. These three offer a variety of food and if that were not enough, various other restaurants are within a 1-5 mile radius of the location. Various antique stores, an used book store, a gym, and various other types of businesses line Batesville’s historic downtown area.

THURSDAY MAY 12, 2011-Noon-?

Guests and vendors MAY begin setting up in the Main Hall (Upstairs) if they wish to come in early and do so after 12 noon.
700PM-Mixer Event, Pro Se offices, for Early Guests/Vendors

FRIDAY MAY 13, 2011

8-1200-Further Set up of Vendors and Guests/Registration

1200-600 PM-Main Hall will be open to the Public

1:00-2:00PM-Panel/Classroom

2:00-3:00PM-Panel/Classroom

3:00-4:00 PM-ALL PULP PANEL-Moderator-Tommy Hancock
Guests-Ron Fortier
Sarge Portera
Barry Reese
Derrick Ferguson
Bobby Nash
Van Allen Plexico

4:00-5:00 PM-Classroom-DAVE BOOP-Slang is @#$&*%! Useful-An exploration of slang in regards to fiction. How is it used effectively to flavor a period piece and not go overboard. Join as we discuss how slang evolves, is regionalized and expands into the collective consciousness.

5:00-6:00 PM Panel-Creating New Pulp Heroes-Moderator Barry Reese-Panelists TBA

800 PM-?-Guest/Vendor Mixer-Pro Se Offices

SATURDAY MAY 14, 2011

8AM-500 PM-Main Hall open (open during all the following events)

9-1000 AM-Panel/Classroom

10-1100 AM-Panel-MEET PRO SE PRODUCTIONS! Moderator-Tommy Hancock
Guests -Fuller Bumpers
Barry Reese
Derrick Ferguson
Lee Houston, Jr.
Ken Janssens
Robert Butt
Nancy Hansen
Megan Smith
Erwin K. Roberts
Others TBA

11-12 Noon-Classroom-BARRY REESE-Balancing ‘Real Life’ with Pulp Writing

1-200 PM-Panel/Classroom

2-300 PM-AIRSHIP 27 PANEL Writing New Classic Pulp AdventuresModerator – Ron Fortier
Van Plexico
Frank Schildiner
Robert Kennedy
David Boop
Barry Reese
Eric Jones

3-400 PM-Classroom-WAYNE SKIVER-All You Ever Wanted to Know About Doc Savage!

4-500 PM-Panel-SUPER HERO PULP-Van Allen Plexico, Moderator. Guests-TBA

700PM-Evening Event-Still being planned

PULP ARK AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN ON SATURDAY, TIME TBA

SUNDAY MAY 15,2011

8AM-Noon-Main Hall Open (open during all the following events)

8-900 AM-Panel/Classroom

9-1000 AM-PULP FACTORY PANEL Why The Current New Interest in PulpsModerator – Ron Fortier
Tommy Hancock
Mike Bullock
Bobby Nash
Mark Halegua
Wayne Reinagel
Joe Gentile

10-1100 AM-Classroom-ART SIPPO-All You Ever Wanted to know about Sun Koh!

11-12 Noon-Panel/Classroom

12-1230PM-Closing/goodbyes

THE BLOODY PULP, an interactive pulp play/adventure run throughout PULP ARK! More information on this to come!

COSTUME CONTEST WITH MAJOR PRIZE!!! Come as your favorite Pulp or Pop Culture type character and PLAY ALONG WITH THE REST OF US!

For more information , contact Tommy Hancock, Editor in Chief  for Pro Se Productions at proseproductions@earthlink.net or call or text at 870-834-4022.

THE OPTIMIST BOOK ONE: You Don’t Know Jack By Chuck Miller - Chapter Seven

          And go we did, to the place I didn’t want to admit gave me the screaming heebie-jeebies, and made me feel cold and depressed, because it had been the setting for the final act of my life, the play I had not known was a tragedy. I insisted on dropping by a liquor store for fortifications. Dana looked askance at that, but made no comment, for which I was grateful. She remained similarly silent when I slammed back a manly-sized dose of the quart of whiskey I’d purchased, though I could see she was practically strangling on everything she wanted to say.

She must have sensed that I knew what it was, that I’d already heard it a thousand times from a hundred people. For my part, I never understood people’s need to belabor the obvious. I mean, were they under the impression that I thought excessive drinking day and night constituted a healthy regimen? That I was somehow unaware I was killing myself? Might that not be what I wanted, and did I not have the God-given right?

Well, actually, I didn’t  think in those exact terms. Killing myself., I mean Suicide would have been redundant. I had already been killed. My whole life had been ground into mulch and spewed all over the landscape. I was a golem. For just a moment, after I had encountered Johnny’s ghost and received my mission, I thought I had a purpose again. But it was turning out to be just another bunch of senseless, confusing bullcrap.  I was thinking maybe it was time to forget the whole thing, get my trust fund, and finish out my life’s work in relative peace. 

Pulp Ark Spotlight - Pete Cooper

Come see Pete Cooper at Pulp Ark 2011!!! 

"Artist, poet, braggart... indeed. And talented. A dangerously good man." Pete Cooper is a largely self trained artist who continually pushes to improve his craft. He works in a variety of formats, illustrating for comics, novels, magazines, and storyboards for television and films. Pete has worked for E-Comics Gazette's "MR. DUSK," And Pro Se Productions's magazines "MASKED GUN MYSTERY," "FANTASY and FEAR," and "PECULIAR ADVENTURES.”

Recently, Pete worked with Tommy Hancock creating the art for his novel YesterYear. Hancock had this to say about Pete, "Pete's work for YesterYear is the best work I've seen him do in the almost ten years I've known him.  The book will contain probably 15 illustrations, these four included, spotlighting the Heroes and Villains of YESTERYEAR's first era of Heroes, basicallyfrom 1929-1955.   There will be a mixture of styles as well as genres, including comedy, pulp, and straight super hero and Pete adjusts extremely well to the demands put upon an artist to make such transitions.  The love he has for his craft comes through in his work, especially in these images."




Below is some of Pete's work: