BACKTALK-- PULPSTERS REACT TO RICK RUBY’S PULP ARK WIN!

Cover Art: Mark Wheatley

Bobby Nash & Sean Taylor

Rick Ruby, the titular character from The Ruby Files was named Best New Pulp Character at the 2013 Pulp Ark Awards. We thought we’d ask some of the creators and readers what makes Rick Ruby special to them.

“I love to say 'I told you so,' and in this case, I'm prouder to say that than I usually am. I knew Bobby and I had a winner in Rick Ruby, and I'm just thrilled to find that all the hard work and great talent who pooled together for the book paid off on the award circuit. I think Rick would be proud too, either that or just drunk. Your choice.”
--Sean Taylor, Rick Ruby co-creator

“When Sean Taylor and I started putting the pieces together on The Ruby Files, we knew we were on to something good. This project has been one helluva fun ride and I’m gratified to know that New Pulp and fans of detective fiction have embraced Rick Ruby. I also feel very fortunate that so many talented writers and artists are also signing on to join the fun. Bring on volume 2!”
--Bobby Nash, Rick Ruby co-creator

Art: Rob Moran

“Kudos to Sean and Bobby for brewing up one helluva noir shot, straight up.”
-- Rob Davis

“Well, Rick Ruby is just NOT the kind of guy who wins awards. But his creators are!”
--Mark Wheatley

“It's an honor to have been associated with one of the best-received New Pulp characters. Cheers to Rick Ruby, a new face in a classic tradition. Long may he shine.”
-- William Patrick Maynard

Back cover: Rob Davis

“Rick's a hardboiled detective of yesteryear for today's reader. To paraphrase the Beatles: He's got a chip on his shoulder that's bigger than his feet. This adds a great edge as he seems reluctant to take on cases rather than eager or desperate as classic P.I's looking to pay the bills. His demons move him forward as much as they hold him back and the result is captivating reading, and writing. Throw in a world that is as real and rich, at the outset, as any in the fictional landscape and you've got the whole package. My time in Ruby's world resulted in a tale that I'm immensely proud of and I'm thankful to have had the chance to stalk down Rick's dark alleys. And I hope to do so again.”
--Andrew Salmon

"From Sam Space to Mike Hammer, private eyes have always been super cool characters in American pulp fiction.  The fun of Rick Ruby is he plays to all the familiar scenarios from fast cars, booze, thugs and hot babes adding a new level of action all his own.  A truly original hero cast in the mold of the classic gumshoes that came before him."
--Ron Fortier

Art: Rob Moran

And a couple of friends of Ruby offered their thoughts as well:

"A gumshoe from the days when your best friends were usually yourself and the weapon in your holster. Someone you knew would have your back, even when you couldn't afford to pay him. That is Rick Ruby."
--Lee Houston, Junior

"Rubies are hard, red, and worth pocketing."
--I.A. Watson

About the Pulp Factory Awards:

Once a year the 109 members of the Yahoo Pulp Factory group, writers, artists, editors, publishers and fans, vote for the best Best Pulp Novel, Short Story, Cover Art and Interior Illustrations from the previous year.  These awards are revealed and trophies presented to the winners at the Windy City Pulp & Paper Convention.  This will be the fourth year they are handed out.

About the Pulp Ark Awards:

The Pulp Ark Awards began in 2011 with the first Annual Pulp Ark Convention and Conference.  The purpose of the Awards is to recognize the broad variety and creativity that makes up New Pulp today.

Art: Mark Wheatley

Here’s how The Ruby Files Vol. 1 fared in the nominations:

2013 PULP ARK WINNER - BEST NEW CHARACTER

2013 PULP ARK NOMINEE - BEST COLLECTION/ANTHOLOGY

2013 PULP ARK NOMINEE - BEST SHORT STORY - Die Giftig Lillie, Sean Taylor from The Ruby Files, Airship 27 Productions

2013 PULP ARK NOMINEE - BEST SHORT STORY - Tulsa Blackie’s Last Dive by William Patrick Maynard from The Ruby Files, Airship 27 Productions

2013 PULP ARK NOMINEE - BEST COVER ART

2013 PULP ARK NOMINEE - BEST INTERIOR ART

Art: Rob Moran

2013 PULP FACTORY AWARD NOMINEE FOR BEST PULP SHORT STORY,
“CASE OF THE WAYWARD BROTHER” BY BOBBY NASH.

2013 PULP FACTORY AWARD NOMINEE FOR BEST PULP SHORT STORY, “DIE GIFTIG LILIE” BY SEAN TAYLOR.

2013 PULP FACTORY AWARD NOMINEE FOR BEST PULP SHORT STORY, “WOUNDS” BY ANDREW SALMON.

2013 PULP FACTORY AWARD NOMINEE FOR BEST PULP COVER BY MARK WHEATLEY.

2013 PULP FACTORY AWARD NOMINEE FOR BEST PULP INTERIOR ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROB MORAN.

Keep watching this space for more on the exciting world of Rick Ruby and The Ruby Files.