Marcello's Virtual Storyboard

The 4th Annaul Military Auction Event

2009-08-20T05:52:00.001-07:00

Karate Cat was recently apart of major charitable event that I would like to take a moment and give a quick shout out too. The 4th Annual Military Child Education Coalition SIlent Auction was recently held at the annual conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. All the proceeds from the silent auction are designated for the Bernard Brown Scholarship Program. This exciting and educational experience provides opportunities for scholarships for children, grades 6 through 9, to participate in the NASA's Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.

I donated copies of Karate Cat to the auction which was one in over 160 items donated that raised over $12,500 dollars which was enough to send 8 kids to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in the future. This is amazing news and Karate Cat was proud to be apart of this event. Karate Cat will for sure be a repeat supporter, and if you are interested in supporting this cause, the 12th Annual Conference will be held at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in the Washingston, DC area. Lastly, thank you all to the readers who continue to purchase and enjoy Karate Cat!

Visit for more info on the organization:
http://www.militarychild.org/

Book Drive Event

2009-06-03T05:50:00.001-07:00

Karate Cat has participated in a book drive to benefit the kids and families at Miami Childrens Hospital.

Miami Childrens Hospital provides hope through advanced care for children and families. Thanks to Kevis Hendrickson, author of The Legend of Witch Bane, has organized a book drive where each book donated will be put in their library and shared with the kids in the facility. If you yourself would like to help out, you may participate as well! The office manager at Miami Children's Hospital is Grace Copeland. Her contact information is below:

Grace Copeland
Office Manager
Community & Volunteer Resources
Miami Children's Hospital
3100 SW 62 AVE / Miami, FL 33155
(786)624-4431 Fax: (305)662-8356

Karate Cat book was proud to be a part of this worthy cause, and if anyone at the hospital is reading this, you have my many thanks and I hope everyone enjoys the book as much as I enjoyed creating it!

Thank You!!

2009-03-01T08:42:00.000-08:00

A special thank you to Mrs. Rozar's class at Bleckley County Primary School for their special letters and thanks!

I received a heart-warming reception from this great class in Cochram, GA with a giant envelope filled with letters from each of these great kids. They shared with me how they felt about Karate Cat and how much they liked it. This so far has been the greatest thing that has happened as a result of my book. You guys rock!! Thank you so much!

I'm a Bestseller!

2009-01-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! Just a quick update to thank you guys for making Karate Cat a national bestseller on Amazon's top 100 list this holiday season. I was right on the heels of Alice in Wonderland! Pretty good for a relatively unknown author. So thanks again everyone and I wish everyone a great 2009!

Praise for Karate Cat!

2008-12-02T08:12:00.001-08:00

The Third Annual Cybils Awards, the premier Web awards for children's literature. My book was nominated by readers and now the bloggers, are busy reading them and will eventually hand out prizes.Oct. 1-15: Nominations are open. Jan. 1: Finalists announced. Feb. 14: Winners announced.

I am also registering my book to compete in the 13th Annual IPPY Independent Publisher Book Awards contest, which is among the largest and most recognized book awards events in the world, and all independent, university, small press, and self-publishers who produce books intended for the North American market are eligible to enter titles copyrighted or released in 2008. I missed out on this years Moonbeam children's book awards so I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. Wish me luck on both!

Also, this week I was featured on the front page of the Harker Heights Evening Star publication. Now through December 5th you can pick up the paper and read my full page interview about Karate Cat.

Happy Holidays!!

More Karate Cat News!

2008-11-12T14:30:00.000-08:00

Hi guys! Just some Karate Cat updates! I have been interviewed by Crystal Adkins and Melanie Anderson regarding Karate Cat. If you are interested in reading my interview from both of these Author Interview Bloggers you can check them out here:

http://interviewswithauthors.blogspot.com/2008/11/marcello-milteer.html

And

http://authormelanieanderson.blogspot.com/2008/10/interview-with-marcello-and-karate-cat.html

Also some news regarding the Hardcover edition of Karate Cat over at http://www.blurb.com/. I now have a paper upgrade option available for the book. Premium Paper is the crème-de-la-crème of the paper offerings. This 100-pound text silk-finish paper is 35% heavier than the standard paper, featuring improved opacity and stellar image quality to make the illustrations in the book shine. Remember, just select “purchase with Premium Paper” at check-out to have your paper upgraded, and the best part is it is only $3 extra. You can find the hardcover edition here:

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/339818

Lastly, as weird peice of news, I have found out that a company out of England, Langton Info Services, has started selling my book. I am not afilliated with this company in any form, and it seems they have came up with their own price system for my book too (they accept paypal!). So if you are in England you can now attain my book. Just thought this was interesting news. My book is available globally now! From India to England, to the United States, Karate Cat is doing big things!! You can check out the link here:

http://www.langtoninfo.co.uk/showitem.asp?isbn=1440415161

Thats all for now, thanks to everyone who has supported this project and enjoyed this book, it is overwhelming to hear such good things about something I put so much passion into. Until next time!

Reader Reviews

2008-10-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

Karate Cat has been out for a month now and I am hearing so much great feedback I didn't want to keep it to myself! So here are a few things people have sent me throughout the last month who have read and ordered Karate Cat:

"My kids LOVED the book!!! The illustration was amazing and the reading level was perfect for my 2nd Grader."
-Bobby Ozuna

"Karate Cat is full of style, spunk and choc full of attitude. My son loved it, he cant stop asking me to re read it to him. I'm very pleased with the story and I just love the rich and colorful characters within the book. I enjoyed this book and would definately recommend it."
-Jenna

"I got your book the other day and I am impressed. Great book, hope that is not the last one. I really loved the art work and the quote in the back was brillant."
-Sheena

"You're talented. I hope the right people see it because that's easily inspiring. 10/10!"
-Marlon

"Yes I read your book. I got it in the mail last Saturday and loved it!!!
-Koko Brown

"The reader will find some well-known narratives as well as some delightful, little-known underlying messages aimed to highten a kids self-esteem. It is amazing that he also illustrated this book. His paintings are simply gorgeous--vibrant, luminous, and full of detail. The cat's expressions are extremely engaging and well-done. Highly Recommended."
-Barbara

"Okay, I told my husband that I bought this book for the kids, but in truth I wanted it for myself. I was drawn in by the vivid art and found the story to be charming and classic, a must read for children and adults alike. I'm anticipating more great books from this talented young writer and artist in the (hopefully) near future."
-Amber Rich

"Karate Cat is an awesome book. The book has a great inspirational story and imaginative, captivating pictures. 11 and 5 year old both loved the book. I definitely recommend any parent to buy this book for their child. In fact I am ordering another copy for my niece."
-Amy Combs

Now at your Local Library!

2008-10-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! Some big moves for Karate Cat are on the horizon. Since the last entry Karate Cat has been accepted into the local library system in Killeen, Texas. A city next to the largest military base in the United States. This is definetely a chance for more people to discover Karate Cat. If you are in the Central Texas area, feel free to head on down to the library and check out Karate Cat today!

I will also be appearing at Book People in Austin, TX in January 2009 for the premeire book signing of Karate Cat. Make sure you come down to get a signed copy of Karate Cat and meet me! There should be plenty of activities and treats for the kids. Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Target Store

2008-09-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

I did a google search on my book today and I found a neat little surprise. Turns out Target has picked up my book and is selling it on their website. So if you are interested in buying my book and don't want to go through Amazon, you have a new option. So if you are ever shopping at Target.com, remember to add my book to your shopping cart!! Or if you just have a personal vendetta against Amazon for one reason or another, you can buy it through an alternative source :). Thanks to everyone who has picked up a copy of my book so far, the response so far has been overwhelming. Click the picture above or the link below to buy through the Target store.

http://www.target.com/Karate-Cat-Milteer-Marcello/dp/1440415161

Amazon Is Up!

2008-09-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

KARATE CAT - AMAZON.COM LISTING

I'm up and running! The next phase in the Karate Cat revolution. I am now up on Amazon.com. Click the "BUY NOW" link above to follow the world wide web to my Amazon page where you can buy my book for only $9.99! I hope you all enjoy it!

Product Pictures

2008-09-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

I am so excited, my hardcover edition came in the mail today and I couldn't be happier! I can't explain the feeling of accomplishment you get when you are actually holding a book you created on your own. I took some pictures of it today and I thought I would share with you all. If you haven't picked up a copy of your own now is your chance. When the Amazon listing goes up at the end of the month it will be available in softcover only, and I must say the hardcover is BEAUTIFUL!

Purchase Time!

2008-08-31T20:37:00.000-07:00

Karate Cat

By Marcello Milteer

Book Preview

It's arrived! My books has been completed and independently published through blurb.com! I must say, it has been a good journey but the real work has only just begun. Blurb is a great program but its not where I would like to end up. Its only step 1 in my 3 step process. The next step is to get on Amazon, which will feature cheaper prices due to them being such a mega provider in the internet realm. Then step 3 is to get published by a book company. So in the meantime I am ordering proofs and hoping to get my book formatted through http://www.createspace.com/ and up on amazon by the end of next month. The real advantage of this post is my book will only be available in softcover on Amazon. So, though, you might get a cheaper price there in the future, I am offering my hardcover exclusively on blurb.com. In the meantime, if you just can't wait, you can buy my book in softcover and hardcover editions for 19.99 and 32.95 respectively.

Click the above book button to purchase OR to view a 15 page preview of my book. Comments and feedback are welcomed. Feel free to e-mail me as well. Until next time!

Nearing the End...

2008-08-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

Ok guys, I apologize for the extended periods of time between posts, but I assure you I have not abandoned this project. Things are just heating up. It is my pleasure to inform everyone that my book is nearly complete. Only 3 more illustrations left until the end of my book is completed! Now I am at the stage where I am busy researching how to promote and manufacture my book. I have learned a lot since my last post and just to give you guys a heads up....my book will primarily function on Amazon.com! I am really excited. But here is the twist.....Hardcovers will only be available through Blurb.com and softcovers will be on Amazon. I want to push people to gravitate towards Amazon, because you get the most buzz there, and you can leave reader reviews which will help me out in the long run. But all this discussion is for another time and place, I will keep you guys updated! In the meantime, enjoy another snippet from the book, and keep in contact, big things are on the horizon! Thank you all for the continued support, and I will try to update sooner, rather than later 8-).

More Book Material

2008-08-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

Back from quite a few busy weeks, I must say that now I am finally starting to see this book take shape, and believe me when I say this, but this book is breathtaking. Maybe I am a bit biased since I am the originator but from all the feedback I am have been receiving so far, I am not alone in this. I thank all of you!

In other publication news, shortly after the book goes on sale on the blurb website, I will be adding this book to amazon and Barnes & Nobles website as well. I will be getting book reviewers to review my book and their feedback will all be available to read in the reader review sections of each website. So if there is anyone who would volunteer to review my book and give a detailed genuine review of my book upon completion please e-mail me and we can work something out. Of course, you will be able to read my book in its entirity free of charge, so please don't hesitate to contact me. Also the price for my book has been set and it goes as follows:

Softcover - $17.95
Hardcover, Dust Jacket - $26.95
Hardcover, ImageWrap - $29.95

Further details will be explained as this process grows, in the meantime, keep the support coming, your comments are always welcomed, and I hope you enjoy some more teaser art from my book! More to come...

More Concept Art

2008-07-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

Another week on the grind and another week closer to completion. Here is another snippet introducing a side character that plays a part in role of our lead character gaining his self-esteem back. Trust me, I know it must be weird getting bits and pieces of my book at a time, but this is the process my friends! The whole story has been written out but I can't give away too much, so for now enjoy these teasers.

Also in other news, I have decided to go through http://www.blurb.com to get my book made. They will bind it and ship it out to me. Best part is they have their own bookstore and my book will be sold in their bookstore. I am pleased to announce my book will be available in Softcover AND hardcover options. Expected date of completion for this project is late November to Early December, in time for the holidays. So when the book is finished, everyone who is interested will be sent direct links to the store to purchase a copy. Also these books will be sold at cost, so the website does not profit from your sale, you are truely supporting a young artist persuing his dream and goals. It's a win-win for everyone ;). Stay tuned for more!

Concept Art Cont.

2008-07-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

I introduced the character of Yooji in the last post who will be the mentor to our young hero. Above, I have included a snippet of what the first scene of his appearance will be like. This particular scene is when Yooji stands outside of his house and is approached by Ronin to get some guidance to his conflict.

Another rough sketch of a page out of my childrens book, shedding more light on what to expect! Comments and feedback appreciated! More after the jump...

Yooji!

2008-07-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

2008-07-07T17:06:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a good 4th of July Weekend! I am back with a few new pieces of material. I am introducing the third main character of the book who plays the part of our hero's arch nemisis/villian/antagonist, whatever you wish to call him. His name is Mongo, but its still all in draft staging, so it would be better suited to call it a 'project name' right now. So enjoy this snippet and next entry will introduce all four main characters, and I will introduce them one by one! Also, I must thank you all, this site has grown in the past few days and the feedback I have received has been overwhelming. I have heard comments ranging from 'amazing', to 'beautifully drawn', to 'awesome', and it seems people are getting excited by the stage progress. As always, drop some more feedback and comments, so I can continue to be motivated to bringing you my best efforts.

2008-07-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

I have completed another scenery piece and I would like to introduce you to another character in the book. Her name is Toki and she plays a character known as the 'Great messenger bird of the West'. Not much backstory on her for now, maybe for future sequels (wink wink).

So below is another snippet from the book, involving Toki delivering a message to an important individual. I'm still using the cool colors that I used in the previous snippet, because again this is a scene where I am trying to convey an ambience of peace and tranquility. I think the color of the background of my pages will communicate what kind of scene it is. Anywho, I hope you enjoy what I have accomplished thus far. I deeply encourage your comments and feedback as it will help me mold and shape this project to be its very best.

Page One

2008-06-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

Finally making some headway with this project. I spent the entire morning doing a few storyboard sketches and got the first 5 panels finished. I wanted to see if the vision on my storyboards could transcend properly on the screen so I created a draft of the first introduction page. Also, if you haven't noticed I have decided on the main characters name (Ronin!) as demonstrated in the above screenshot.

This is basically the feel the whole story will have throughout. The final piece will have the characters drawn in. So all in all, I think it is coming along nicely, and I am super excited to be knee-deep in a project that is going to need plenty of man hours. I will be back next weekend with an introduction to the stories main characters, complete with various pics and draft stages the characters have been through and some bio's. So stay tuned!

2008-06-28T17:05:00.000-07:00

Greetings! So I returned to this website to document my latest project. Thats right, I'm doing freelance projects again! I am very exciting to inform everyone that I am trying my hands at a children's book. For years I have been wondering what my creativity could give to the people that hasn't been done yet. Well I have yet to see a very detail orientated childrens book that doesn't dumb down any intelligence levels. Sure, the story will be simple, one a child can comprehend, but its something I can't talk about at the moment. What I can tell you is this:

This website will be used to document the entire process from beginning to completion. Above is the teaser cover for my book. I have decided upon a theme, and a main character. I haven't picked out a name for him, I might just go with the book's title, but it is undetermined. The general synopsis is as follows:

Our hero begins at home with a dream to be a brave warrior.
His neighboring village harbors plenty of brave ninja's and he wants to join them.
They turn him down because he isn't like one of them.
Through trials and tribulations and finding out his true self worth he finds a way to be accepted.

Its the age old tale of heroism and finding out how to overcome obstacles! I think it will be a good uplifting project for all ages. But what set this book apart from others will be the eloborate illustrations. I want to create something, that when a child finishes my book he'll come back to it over and over again to awe at the illustrations. I am going for a Samurai Jack/Kung-Fu Panda feel and with the powers of Vectors through Photoshop, I hope to bring a vivid, colorful world to life. I will update this website with storyboards, character bios, plot ideas and more! Thank you for visiting and walking this journey with me.