Cancun on the Rock(s)!

Had a great visit to Alcatraz Island earlier in the year. (First time there.)  #amwriting

We just got back from Cancun, and it was awesome. So relaxing and all around fun! On one of our last days of vacation we took a Catamaran from Cancun to Isla Mujeres! It was such a relaxing ride with food and drinks and excellent service from the crew.

Update: New Book Cover!

I've finally started updating my novel's book cover! Here is a sneak-peek:

The decision to make the change was not easy and it took much effort to complete. There were several components that had to be met and a certain consensus of what would work best. It was an incredible achievement for us all to complete the models, fonts, backgrounds, photography, prints, and art direction. I want to thank everyone that helped with the book cover's creation and for their thoughtful input. The final product is exactly what I wanted and then some. We hope our readers like it too.   

The Kyoto Experience

There's nothing like traveling, especially to what feels like another world. The serenity of Japan's old capital, Kyoto offered us so much. I spent quality time gallivanting about and discovering new things with friends and family. On the way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, I was honored in handing my novel to an actual "humanoid robot'' named Pepper!

"May I have a copy?" - "Yes!"

There was never a dull moment. I had so many enriching experiences. I tried to capture as much as I could. Here's a photo outside a Buddhist temple along Nishiki Market!

Taking a break at Nishiki Market

Eventually we made our way out beyond the central location of the city and visited Osaka when time allowed. Kyoto, Osaka, and their countrysides are truly a writer's dream. Beyond Gion, the famous geisha district, were some beautifully adorned temples and shrines. (*see prayer board below)

Peaceful dreamlike locations.

Homeward Bound

I drove my family down the coast to visit my hometown (San Diego) for Christmas. My kids were able to spend time with their grandparents, uncles, and auntie. Thanks to one of my brothers and his girlfriend, we were able to spend one of our days at Birch Aquarium! Christmas was a blast and before heading back up north we visited Chicano Park - the park of my childhood.

Amazingly, much of the park looked the same although many of the murals have been repainted. I stood on a spot I remembered from when I was five. It was something else to look at the rest of the park from that view (before my kids wanted to move on). I was happy to get some notes down for future writings during our visit.  

River to Ocean

Earlier in the month, we took a much needed family vacation - a perfect cabin getaway overlooking the Russian River! In following the river and gallivanting about, we found ourselves at where the river meets the ocean - setting up camp where but some dark sand, pebbles, and driftwood separated the two bodies of water. There was so much for our little ones to explore.

Early morning along the Russian River

Our serene river view was a welcome respite from the tumultuous road of recent national events. Although the aftermath of the election has been equally empty, our incredible experience of returning to nature reinvigorated us just in time for the holiday season. I'm thankful for our incredible trip because I was able to take time to appreciate the blessings that I have and also put in some work on my favorite project (writing). Speaking of which, I'm happy to announce that my novel is available at even more online retailers than ever before.  

The Joy of Travel

We decided to take a mini-vacation of sorts (about a week and a half) that took us up the coasts of California, Oregon, Washington, and finally to the great city of Vancouver B.C. in Canada! I know the kids will not remember these travels and that some people would consider bringing them along more trouble than what it's worth, but not for us because we'll remember the trip for them and we also have photos and videos of the two visiting several extraordinary locales. So we have 100% pure magic to show for it and such sweet memories that we will not soon forget.

These two loved this garden!

When not gorging on delicious foods or visiting tourist and non-tourist hot-spots, I took the time to pay attention and be present to soak it all in. In searching for inspiration and references for upcoming novels and short stories, I found plenty to make note of. There was no shortage of inspiration, that's for sure.

Zen 

We were back by the 2nd of August and DEF CON 24 was soon enough to begin. I'd like to once again thank the good people of DARPA, DEF CON staff and attendees, and Dark Tangent in particular for listing The Kaleidoscope among other great books in the HW assignments reference to promote the theme of, "Rise of the Machines" and "Spiritual Machines".

Automated Competition!

We are in an era of true discovery and it was a privilege to be a part of this year's assigned reading for DEF CON 24's convention theme. It is the hacker that will bridge the gap between man and machine; for it is the hacker that connects the ether of the zeitgeist.  
      

DARPA Cyber Grand Challenge

A Wonderful Night

It was a privilege and a pleasure to participate as one of the authors reading for the evening at Shades & Shadows 16! I read select passages from my novel, The Kaleidoscope and met with other speculative fiction and horror genre authors.

Shades & Shadows 16; Author Adrian Mendoza
 reads from his novel, The Kaleidoscope

The venue for the event, The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, was as mesmerizing as it was inviting. Our hosts were uber welcoming and supportive - you're the best Lauren and Xach! I cannot thank my friends and family enough for their having attended, their herculean efforts to travel to Los Angeles, and for all of the food/fun we shared over the weekend!

Shades & Shadows 16: Group shot of
featured authors and their hosts! 

The hosts and authors of the night gathered for a group shot after the Shades and Shadows 16 show! Pictured from Left to Right: Lauren Candia, Lauren Miller, Adrian Mendoza, S. P. Hendrick, Chris Farnsworth, John Skipp, Mercedes Yardley, and Xach Fromson. Please support and attend future Shades and Shadows author readings!

Upcoming Reading Event!

I'm excited and honored to be a part of an upcoming reading event! The creators of the Shades and Shadows reading series have listed me as one of their authors for this months honorarium, which is being held at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles. Tickets, location, and all other info can be found at the official Shades & Shadows' Facebook page.

Having just visited my family in San Diego last month, I believe a return trip to southern California will be a fun and worthwhile one. I look forward to meeting my hosts, the other authors of the night's readings, and any potential readers new to my work.

Great News!

The largest hacker convention in the world (DEF CON) has assigned, The Kaleidoscope by Adrian Mendoza as homework to better understand this year's theme, "Rise of the Machines". It is an honor to be listed along with such favorites in the genre of trans-humanism (h+) and the inevitable technological singularity. 

DEF CON 24 - Adrian Mendoza, author of the Kaleidoscope Series.

Link to official site: DEF CON