Margaret Clark of Simon & Schuster, who keeps the fires of Star Trek stoked… past, present, and future.
There is a place in New York City where all eras of Star Trek are alive and well. High above Avenue of the Americas, in the monumental complex known as Rockefeller Center is Simon & Schuster. Here Ben Sisko, Jean Luc Picard, James T Kirk, and Jonathan Archer continue to boldly explore our galaxy and the human spirit. The keeper of the flame is one Margaret Clark, and she has been involved in nearly every significant Trek adventure in print.
Starfleet Command – New York City. See those shelves laden with manuscripts? Upcoming Trek fiction. If you ask Margaret what she does, she’ll say, “Kill trees”.
Margaret’s task is a herculean one. She not only keeps the Trek novels on track, but is involved with all of the nonfiction behind the scenes books. Lately she has had her hands full with tie in projects for the upcoming JJ Abrahms Star trek motion picture.
(Above) Going over layouts for the 2010 SOTL calendar.
Dorth and I were in the Big City to go with BarBara Luna to the South Pacific revival at Lincoln Center. While we were there, I stopped up to visit Margaret and take care of some business.
(Below) I was lucky enough to meet author David Mack who stopped in to say hi, and check out the cover I had just turned in for his upcoming Vanguard novel “Precipice”.
Margaret and I are very excited about the 2010 SOTL calendar. There are new enthusiastic artists on board, along with the old favorites. There is a broader spectrum of medium as well, including another highly anticipated traditional style painting by Andy Probert. John Han, who uses old school physical models for his contribution. Three brilliant guys I scooped up from Internet fan sites… Hey Rob Wilde, Greg Stewart, and Steffen Weisener! You’re pros now baby! And two incredible pages from TOS remastered… Niel Wray and Max Gabl unleashed!
Hi, Margaret!
Boy Doug, you’re teasing us again! This sure will be a great calendar thanks to your and Margaret’s dedicated work. Can’t wait for it! Let’s see, what can we make out on the blurry flipside of the calendar seen on Margaret’s PC. Is that a shot of Holberg 917G from “The Requiem for Methuselah-Remastered” done by Niel Wray and Max Gabl in July? It would be way cool to get a good look at that shot and Flint’s tiny starship on that ramp. I love those new planet surface shots, it would be great if there were some in the calendar.
And hi Margaret! Love that you’ve got Buffy on/under your desk as well!
The Spacedock under construction? That does it, that calendar is a must buy just for that pic.
I’m looking at those proof sheets like my life depended on it. Must…see…more…!!!!!
Oh wow it sounds like the SOTL 2010 has some awesome talent behind it! I love Neil and Max’s work on TOS-R.
I’ll likely get the calendar, I haven’t gotten a Trek calendar in years
Great teaser! And that explains why the models in the starbase pic look kinda familiar.
Ooooo, I want one of those LLP big green foam hands, baby!!!
Nice, a sorta sneaky-sneak-peeky-peek at SOTL 2011! Sweet, thanks Doug and Margaret, and all the great artists who are contributing!
So, what exactly is Andrews McMeel Publishing’s role then? I though S&S were the publishers…
LLP,
deg
Opps, 2010, I was gettin’ ahead of myself a bit there, eh.
PLL,
deg
HA! Margaret has one of the Datin and gang on the curb with E pic on her board too, eh!
Whatta gal! Cha cha cha…
LLP,
deg
lol Thanks Doug, I bent my neck out of shape, looking at the damaged spacedock image! lol
Doug, do you know if we will see a new Encyclopedia or Tech book? It would be cool to see digital version of the books.
Thanks!
Very cool, seeing Margaret Clark in NYC. I agree with JoeRalat, I wonder if we are ever going to get an updated Chronology/Encyclopedia? Maybe? Eventually? Bueller?
Thanks for the photos, Doug! Ironically, I’ve been doing Trek fiction for Pocket for six years now and I’ve never actually been to their offices or even seen pictures of them. The only times I’ve been in town have been during the New York Comic Con when the editors weren’t in the office anyway.
By the way, the title for that VANGUARD novel is PRECIPICE, not FLASHPOINT. (Is there a way to do italics on this board?)
Nice pix, Doug! Would it be okay if I downloaded the one I’m in to use on my own blog? (with your photo credit, of course)
Also, just FYI, Flashpoint was an early working title for the fifth Star Trek Vanguard novel, which is now officially titled Precipice.
Hi Christopher! I know what you mean!
I’ve adjusted the title! Anyone know how to do italics in the comment section?
David! Certainly! I have other shots which I will send you.
Anyone know how to do italics in the comment section?
Yes.
LLP,
deg
Good job!
Yeah, I’m a smart-ass. More like dumb-ass, deg.
But also, if I type the text format code, it doesn’t show up, as well it’s… code.
So, here’s a tut on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzjAgLyaj9A
PLL,
deg
Or you can do it this way:
These are the start and end format tags:
(I)word(/I)
The only thing is: you have to use the same direction arrow symbols (found above the period and comma, using Shift) in place of the (). If I type the arrows, it sees it as code and does not display it.
Bold is this way (with same swap out with brackets to arrows):
(B)word(/B)
LLP,
deg
Okay, the bulletin board and shelves in her office look a lot like mine, including the Big Blue Foam Hand!!!!.
(u)(/u) (replace the parentheses with ) *should* also work for underlining things, and there may be other tags that work. I’m not sure how extensively html (Hyper-text markup language, which is what these are basic tags of) can be used in comments, but probably not too extensively – someone would have to test making text links or embedded images to see if they work.
Wow! Talk about your teaser trailers! Any word on if this year’s calendar will come with a drool cloth? ;D
Matt – I will suggest the addition of a bib with each calendar to Margaret. Nothing vebtured, nothing gained.
Y’know, if I weren’t sitting here finishing up my lunch hour at work, I’d be drooling over some of those images.
That Spacedock shot and what little I can see of the Precipice cover are just awesome!
(BTW, I should note that “Vanguard” is my favorite Trek these days.
)
Also, BTW, hi, Margaret (if you’re reading
), David, Dayton, and Christopher! I am really looking forward to all the new book stuff coming through the rest of ‘09 and into ‘10. It’s a great time to be a Trek books fan!
Best,
Alex
*drools like a Pavlovian fanboy at the sight of the imagery on the desk*
What a marketing scheme, Doug. I think the layouts were artfully arranged on the desk and you photographed them as to give us the impression that these were being looked over. Then you post them on your blog to get us all excited. Ha ha.
I’ve done art direction on photoshoots…I know how this works. Busted dude.
Just kidding.
It’s cool though, Andrew has a little teaser of his submission for the SOTL calendar at his site..hes been doing the teasers for a couple years now.
We’re looking forward to the calendar.
Bluesman – It does looked posed, but we really were working! The shot was there, and I grabbed it!
Alex Rosenzweig: I am really looking forward to all the new book stuff coming through the rest of ‘09 and into ‘10. It’s a great time to be a Trek books fan!
Alex, I haven’t read any Trek books in quite some time. I used to love listening to the audio books read by Doohan and Takai as well, esp. Doohan as he does such wonderful voices, including the original crew.
So, I have a Q for you (or anyone else who is up on it): Are there any new TOS-era stories out now, and if so, which are the best TOS-era books currently or recently out that are a good read?
Thanks much for any recs and/or book insights eh.
LLP,
deg
Oh wow, seems you gots some experience with the subject Christopher , and then some! I’ll have to pick up some of your books and give ‘em a good page-turnin’. You write Trek, way-coolness dude.
LLP,
deg
Why is it that David looks so demented in that picture???
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG Doug!!!!! I want to see more proofs of the calander!!!! And I also hurt my neck looking at the proofs on her desk!!!!
If I can’t see more proofs of the 2010 cal. Then how about some shots of the exsisting calanders with some stories behind them on concept and design to final product?
And can you tell us if there is going to be another Utopia shot coming soon? The centerfold in the early calander was just fantastic…
And how many in the 2010 would you classify as “photorealistic”? lol
Thanks.
Ryan – If you turn your monitor upside down it helps!
Good idea about doing some calendar back story. I could do a little interview with each of the guys. Good idea!
I think that 70% are photoreal.
Flashback: (u)(/u) (replace the parentheses with ) *should* also work for underlining things, and there may be other tags that work. I’m not sure how extensively html (Hyper-text markup language, which is what these are basic tags of) can be used in comments, but probably not too extensively – someone would have to test making text links or embedded images to see if they work.
Basic Simple Mark-up Codes seem to work Flashback. I have created text links as well, but I have not tried embedding pics as I feel this is Doug’s place for doing that.
Let’s test the underline code here: underline.
LLP,
deg
Hmmmm, underline doesn’t seem to jive, eh.
PLL,
deg
deg writes: “So, I have a Q for you (or anyone else who is up on it): Are there any new TOS-era stories out now, and if so, which are the best TOS-era books currently or recently out that are a good read?”
Well, I recommend the Vanguard series, but I’m more than a bit biased.
Oh jeez, there’s another one eh! And lookin’ at your site (you funee guy BTW Dayton), Doug did the cover of one of your books, too cool! And too cool also with you writing Trek (and writing in general). Thanks for the rec, dude! Biased or not, eh.
Now, did you pen the whole of the Vanguard series dude?
LLP,
deg
David Mack is my favourite Author these Days, since his Survival Guide, i read every Star Trek Novel he is involved with.
Thank you very Much for your good Work.
I must say Mr Drexler, you have had and have the best Job a Trekkie can have. You see all thos Place, Things and People and even better, you make those Places and Things. Thank you too for the great Work.
I love the Vanguard Series an can only agree with those above me. It is one of a kind of Series.
Mischaar
deg writes: “Now, did you pen the whole of the Vanguard series dude?”
Nope. Vanguard was conceived by former editor Marco Palmieri, and author David Mack. Dave wrote the first, third, and forthcoming fifth book in the series, whereas my co-writer Kevin Dilmore and I wrote the second book, and I wrote the fourth book. What happens after Book 5 is anybody’s guess
Also coming up in the TOS timeframe is Dave Galanter’s Troublesome Minds, due out this summer.
I want to add my vote for an updated Encyclopedia.
Thanks much Mischaar, for sharin’ your insights in regard to my Q, eh.
PLL,
deg
PS. Q who? Who Q? Q2? Q knew!
Is there a John Luck Pick-ard here? John Luck Pick-ard, anyone?
Never-mind you me, I’m just a knuckle-head amusin’ himself…
DAyton: Nope. Vanguard was conceived by former editor Marco Palmieri, and author David Mack. Dave wrote the first, third, and forthcoming fifth book in the series, whereas my co-writer Kevin Dilmore and I wrote the second book, and I wrote the fourth book. What happens after Book 5 is anybody’s guess
Also coming up in the TOS timeframe is Dave Galanter’s Troublesome Minds, due out this summer.
Ah, to answer my Q, thanks much very to you dude. (Huh, Master Yoda…?)
I will be sure to pick them up, eh.
Such a helpful bunch, Trekkers eh.
LLP,
deg
PS. OK, who’d win this battle: Q vs. Master Yoda in an all-out mud-wrestlin’ cage-match?
Master Yoda is at home in the mud. What, my home this is!
And yet, Q is Q and comes before Y…
deg: Dayton might be biased
, but I totally agree with him anyway. ST: Vanguard is one of the best things to happen to Star Trek in a long time. In my not-at-all-humble opinion, it’s a better thing to happen to Star Trek than the feature film, but in that opinion I *am* biased. 
Dayton, is there any reason to believe that “Vanguard” wouldn’t continue? Or are you hinting that the first big arc finishes in Book 5?
(Dayton, I should note that I read the Open Secrets excerpt in ST Magazine, and I was seriously getting excited about that book. I want it now!)
I’d also recommend the “Mere Anarchy” miniseries, currently out as a trade paperback. That was a lot of fun, too, with some great storytelling.
Best,
Alex
Ryan Cornelius asked: “Why is it that David looks so demented in that picture???”
Because the camera doesn’t lie…
Alex asks: “Dayton, is there any reason to believe that “Vanguard” wouldn’t continue? Or are you hinting that the first big arc finishes in Book 5?”
Sorry, I should’ve been clearer. What I meant was that there’s been no talk about any plotline(s) for Book 6. I’ve read Dave’s outline for Book 5, but he’s still finishing up the manuscript. Though we know the general direction for the series thanks to the bible Marco and Dave put together back when Vanguard was still gestating, enough things have happened in the various books that some of that has changed over time, and we never know what we’re going to do or how far we’re going to push the “core storyline” until we meet up after each successive book is finished. It’s always one of the more interesting sit-downs we have at the Shore Leave convention
Do any of these new artists that you drafted from the internet have sites? I tried google and couldn’t find anything…
I’ve not read any Trek books lately, either, but now I’m jut gonna have to get some, thanks to all the info here!
My first thought when looking at the pictures was, Wow, sneak peeks! But immediately thereafter I was thinking, Wow, the perfect job! She’s the first none artist/author to see ALL the new stuff!!!
Thanks, Doug…and Margaret…for sharing the tiny peek into her day at the helm of Star Trek Command – New York City
I’m looking forward to Christmas 2009 (when the calendar is traditionally under the tree for me)!
Alex Rosenzweig: deg: Dayton might be biased , but I totally agree with him anyway. ST: Vanguard is one of the best things to happen to Star Trek in a long time. In my not-at-all-humble opinion, it’s a better thing to happen to Star Trek than the feature film, but in that opinion I *am* biased.
I’d also recommend the “Mere Anarchy” miniseries, currently out as a trade paperback. That was a lot of fun, too, with some great storytelling.
Thanks very much too Alex for those recs, and insights! Seems some good Trek readin’ be in me future, eh. Oh me Lucky Charms! Oh my Star and Garters!
LLP,
deg
Doug: Does the cover of Precipice show Enterprise coming out of Vanguard? Very cool!
Hi Masao! Yes, that’s a Connie egressing your station.
I, for one, am very much looking forward to the traditionally photographed/composited image, especially if it looks half as good as this one:
http://pat.suwalski.net/temp/EnterpriseShuttle.jpg
By the way, I have that one above scanned in at 7000px horizontal resolution, in case someone needs a nice wallpaper.
Hi Pat – That one was done by Gary Hutzel. I think you’ll like John Han’s image!
Masao: Enterprise? Not Endeavour?
Hey. She’s got he same Pez dispensers that I have.
w00t! Second shelf up, third along – that’s not just a pile of paper, it’s my novel, damnit!
These are great Doug! Thanks once again for all of this blog! Your postings on your many adventures through Trekdom consistently blow my mind. The Drex Files truly are a wondrous geek’s-delight.
Hey, any news on that background image from Vanguard: Harbinger, though? I know it’s a Hubble shot but I haven’t had any luck in finding a copy of the original.
Also I was really digging some second season Enterprise today and I saw that ep “Future Tense” again. Have you got any imagery of the Tholian ships from “Future Tense” or any of the concept art from the later “In a Mirror Darkly” stuff?
Foravalon – Need a little more time on that image for you. I’ll be hitting on more of the CG ships as we move along.
Man, I just can’t wait for the new Vanguard stuff. Those have easily been my favorites in recent years, and they’ve been sadly missed! (Good thing David gave us Destiny in the interim…)
Any chance we could see what the cover looks like, Doug? Your previous ones were great!
Someone did a Haynes manual cover for the Enterprise?
Boy, doug, when I go to NY, I see the usual tourist fare. When you go, you get a star escort to Lincoln Center and one of the best shows ever on Broadway, and you go visit a major center for Trekdom! Nice trip!!
David Mack: Nice pix, Doug! Would it be okay if I downloaded the one I’m in to use on my own blog? (with your photo credit, of course)
Also, just FYI, Flashpoint was an early working title for the fifth Star Trek Vanguard novel, which is now officially titled Precipice.
Reading through, oh jeez, there’s another Trek writer! Coolness, and the one in the pic w/ Doug, no less. I’ll have to pick your guys’ books up, eh.
Oh and BTW David, reading your site, HUGE RUSH fan too! Seen every show (multiple night attendee at many) since the Caress of Steel tour (the “down the tubes” tour as Geddy called it), and I’ve met 2/3 of the band too, Geddy and Alex. Neal would have none of it (I’m not an animal!) Geddy’s super-cool and casual made up for Neal’s “bad day, perhaps… Seen the boys sit in at The Green Mill (is that the right name, been so long since my bar-goin’ daze…), the famous Chicago club that so many big rock-star cruise by late into the night and sit in at. ELP, The Stones, The Police, Yes, etc., they all would pop in there at times…
Anywho, RUSH be me fav band along with YES, so cool to meet another long-show attendin’ fan, eh. Friggin’ Snakes & Arrows proved without a doubt that the boys have not missed a beat over the years that they have slowed down in touring. Geddy offer you any of his chicken?
Look forward to readin’ some of your work dude.
LLP,
deg
Waaaaah, there it is, lying on the desk! *faints*
Feels fantastic to see it printed!
Doug, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. Creating artwork for the Star Trek calendar is one of the things I’ve dreamed of, and I would have never thought it’s possible!
And thanks for sharing the pics of your visit. Those just made my day!
Best,
Rob
Very exciting that Misters Wray and Gabl will be featured in the calendar. Those TOS-R matte paintings were glorious. I’d love to see them all in print. In fact, I’d dearly love to see an entire book on the TOS-Remastered project, from conception to conclusion and every step along the way. It was nice to see the show in the hands of people who clearly loved it in all of its colorful, passionate, bombastic glory.
Nice to see where all the books on my shelf come from after buying Trek books for ten years. Thanks.
Doug,
Great pics! I love looking behind the scenes.
Is there a preference for digital images for these calendars, or can an artist working with traditional media (like me, in oils, watercolours, and inks) submit samples for consideration?
Does anyone have any suggestions/scenarios for a few paintings? A wish list, if you will…something only mentioned but never depicted onscreen?
I’d love to do some starships (Enterprise refit being my favourite).
So far, this is my only Trek-based painting: http://murtanovski.blogspot.com/2008/10/captains.html
But I’d love to try something in my new style:
http://murtanovski.blogspot.com/2009/05/pontiac-and-oldsmobile-en-plastique.html
Or even something much more controlled:
http://murtanovski.blogspot.com/2009/03/ashley-reading.html
Thanks!
m.
Just read today that Simon & Schuster has had a some layoffs that resulted in Margaret’s departure. I was very sad to learn this. Thank you for many years of wonderful Trek storytelling, Margaret! You’re influence in this role will be missed!
Hear, hear! Very sad news indeed.
My thanks to Margaret for all the great novels down the years. BTW, I just received my copy of DS9: The Soul Key by Olivia Woods and loved it. I highly recommend it to you all and cannot wait until my copy of Neverending Sacrifice by Una McCormack gets here!