Here’s a segment of Allen Paul Weaver III’s  interview on the Open Show, hosted by Daren Jaime.

Readers - from teens to adults - have been saying great things about Speedsuit Powers.  Watch the video to get a taste.

Get your copy of Speedsuit Powers at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and wherever books are sold.  Then join the converstation about the book that is starting a phenomenon.

-Speedsuit Powers Team-

THE OPEN SHOW

Speedsuit Powers was on the “Open” show—hosted by Daren Jaime!  It’s amazing how fast a 10-15 minute interview goes on television. It was over just as things were getting good.  My stomach was churning and my mouth was drying out as my segment approached; me…the guy who has shot hundreds of hours of video from Africa to China, produced interviews for various clients and coached them to be comfortable in front of the camera… I was nervous. As they turned on my microphone and did sound checks, I could hear my heart pounding.  It’s different being in front of the camera on a live show where they can’t edit out your mistakes.

(”Open” host: Daren Jaime and author, Allen Paul Weaver III)

KEEP PRESSING FORWARD…

But I prayed and pressed forward, remembering not to look at the cameras, but to focus on the discussion, listen to Daren Jaime’s questions and comments, and speak from my heart about the issues.  This is how someone avoids a ‘crash and burn’ in front of a television audience of thousands, the crew, and the other invited quests.

(Daren Jaime and Allen Paul Weaver III discuss ways to impact youth)

After discussing the storyline of Speedsuit Powers, the motivation behind the book, the cover artwork, the rising tide of school bullying and what the community can do to make a difference in the lives of our youth—the result was a room full of people who were excited to know more about my book, me as an author and ways to make an impact.  Several people shared stories about youth they felt would benefit from this epic urban adventure called Speedsuit Powers.

(Assistant, Bharati Kemiaj and host, Daren Jaime presented with their copy of Speedsuit Powers)

A FIRST AMONG MANY…

This was my first television interview for anything created by my heart, mind and hands. It was humbling.  One of the greatest things I learned during this experience was that, an interview is over quick—so live in the moment.  Be there in the discussion; because afterwards you will have to continue to live on purpose.  So take every moment and don’t try to forecast into the future. Just be there and enjoy the ride.

Several opportunities have already presented themselves because I showed up to a single interview, pressed through my fear and spoke from my passion to impact lives and bring hope.  Who knows where things will lead?  I’m just grateful to God for being able to have this opportunity. 

(Invited guests of “Open”: musician/actor, political analyst, author, filmmaker, Census Bureau reps)

(crew and guests of “Open” 11.18.09)

-Allen Paul Weaver III-

Do you want to know the STORY behind the Speedsuit Powers story? Do you want to get into the mind of author, Allen Paul Weaver III and see excellent artwork too?

The Speedsuit Powers Companion Sketchbook will be released soon.  Consider it a behind-the-scenes look at the new novel that’s starting a phenomenon among middle school and high school students.

Inside you’ll discover:

Character breakdowns

Author comments (about the inspiration behind each character)

Artwork by several artists

Q & A sections (about the writing process, issues and themes from the book and more!)

Future Plans for the Speedsuit Powers Series

You won’t want to miss the chance to get your own copy of the Speedsuit Powers Companion Sketchbook!

Stay tuned…

-The Speedsuit Powers Team-

People are really excited about the novel and some have already started asking, “Will there be a Speedsuit Powers graphic novel?” So, we figured we’d address this question now rather than later.

GENESIS…

First, we want you to know that we are all for a graphic novel!  In fact, Allen and the illustrators he’s been working with have been busy creating a number of drawings to help the world of Speedsuit Powers ‘jump off of the page.’  Those drawings will be featured here, on this site.  Right now, the only illustrations are on the front and back cover of the book.

The issue Allen had to deal with was that creating a graphic novel takes a lot of time, resources and money. And since the story burned deep within him, Allen decided to go with his priority one strength - writing.  This would allow you, the reader, to experience the story much sooner rather than later. (If we initially went with the graphic novel approach, we’d still be working on it!!!)

FULL FORCE

The novel approach allows you to experience the story with the full force of your imagination.  The character and scene descriptions allows you to ‘paint’ the picture in your head, which provides the opportunity for you to ‘own’ the story in a very personal way.  On this website, we’ll present various illustrations (by Allen and various freelance artists) which will help provide broad brush strokes for context.

FROM TEXT TO IMAGE…

So, to get the story out to you, we’ve opted for beginning this journey with the novel, Speedsuit Powers: The Powersuit - Book 1.  But… if enough readers want a graphic novel, then we will do a graphic novel.  So tell all of your friends and you will help decide what happens.

FUTURE PLANS?

We’re not stopping with the novel.  We’re also preparing to produce the Speedsuit Powers audio book - which will have music, sound effects and some great voice actors!  Then there will be the graphic novel (if readers vote for it), and there’s talk of producing the Speedsuit Powers Motion Picture for 2012.  (That’s not that far away.)  Of course there’s also Book 2, 3 and others. (Sorry, can’t tell you about them yet… :-))

So let us know your thoughts?  Graphic novel or no graphic novel?  And don’t forget to get the book on December 1, 2009!  You’ll be able to purchase it at Amazon.com.  We look forward to hearing from you!

-The Speedsuit Powers Team-