Our little Alexis has now said her first words. She's been babbling for quite some time, but we realized that some of her babbling was actually directed, and not random. When she's saying na na na, she's actually saying no. She also say ama when she's looking at Rebecca, so obviously that's mama. And the first word she ever said? That's right...da da. She used to repeat the sound over and over, but then we realized that she would get really loud and call for me when she was upset and wanting me to carry her around to calm her down. She'll also look at me and say it, so it became obvious that she was actually addressing me.
Those are her first three words, and I'm sure there will be plenty more to follow. We even think she's trying to sound out her sisters' names, but she hasn't quite figured out how to do it yet.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
E-book price reduction
Sam's Dot Publishing has reduced the price of the e-book version of Red Moon Rising. You can now order it for just $3.99, and you don't even need an e-reader.
Simply go to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/40341 and choose the format that works best for you.
Simply go to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/40341 and choose the format that works best for you.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
An Ephemeris special
Over the next couple of months, Nomadic Delirium Press will be releasing the final three character sourcebooks. These will be for the Bandit, Cyber Wizard, and Nanist. In honor of this, we have a special on the PDF version of the game. You can order it for just $5 by going to http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=66426. This sale ends on May 22nd, so order soon.
As we're finishing up these titles, we're very curious to see what gamers might be interested in having us create for the game in the future. Please feel free to drop by The Ephemeris Facebook Group or The Ephemeris Message Board, and let us know.
As we're finishing up these titles, we're very curious to see what gamers might be interested in having us create for the game in the future. Please feel free to drop by The Ephemeris Facebook Group or The Ephemeris Message Board, and let us know.
Monday, May 02, 2011
2011 issue of The Martian Wave
The 2011 issue of The Martian Wave was supposed to be released in May, but due to printing delays, the release has been pushed back to June, but I've been guaranteed that it will be no later.
So, if you contributed to this issue, we'll all get to see it in a little over a month.
So, if you contributed to this issue, we'll all get to see it in a little over a month.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
April recap
Here's what I was blogging about in April...
Beyond Centauri 32
Red Moon Rising as an e-book
The SDP Bookstore
An Earth Day special
Beyond Centauri has arrived
Beyond Centauri 32
Red Moon Rising as an e-book
The SDP Bookstore
An Earth Day special
Beyond Centauri has arrived
Friday, April 29, 2011
Beyond Centauri has arrived
My contributor's copy of the new issue of Beyond Centauri arrived in the mail. My story, "The Martian Orphans and the Moons of Jupiter" appears in this issue. This is my second YA publication, and it could be the start of a series of stories about the orphans...
To order a copy, simply go to http://sdpbookstore.com/beyondcentauri.htm.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
An Earth Day special
My new novel, Red Moon Rising is being classified as environmental science fiction, and since Friday, April 22nd is Earth Day, Sam's Dot is putting the e-book version of the novel on sale for just $2.95...that's $2 off the usual list price.
To order, simply go to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/40341 and when you check out, use the coupon code VM34F.
But don't delay, this offer is only good on Earth Day.
To order, simply go to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/40341 and when you check out, use the coupon code VM34F.
But don't delay, this offer is only good on Earth Day.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The SDP Bookstore
Now that The Genre Mall has closed, you can find my two Sam's Dot titles at the SDP Bookstore.
My new novel, Red Moon Rising can be found at http://sdpbookstore.com/novels.htm#redmoonrising.
My illustrated short story chapbook, A Problem in Translation can be found at http://sdpbookstore.com/fiction.htm#translation.
My new novel, Red Moon Rising can be found at http://sdpbookstore.com/novels.htm#redmoonrising.
My illustrated short story chapbook, A Problem in Translation can be found at http://sdpbookstore.com/fiction.htm#translation.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Red Moon Rising as an e-book
Here are a few places where you can purchase the e-book version of my new novel...
Barnes & Noble...just click on the Nookbook link
Diesel e-books
Kobobooks should have it soon
Barnes & Noble...just click on the Nookbook link
Diesel e-books
Kobobooks should have it soon
Friday, April 01, 2011
Beyond Centauri 32
The new issue of Beyond Centauri, Sam's Dot's YA zine, has just been released and my story "The Martian Orphans and the Moons of Jupiter" is in it. This is my second attempt at writing YA fiction. A lot of people seemed to like the first effort, so hopefully they'll like this one as well.
There are a lot of stories about the Martian Orphans still kicking around in my skull, so there's a chance that these characters will be making a comeback in the future.
http://sdpbookstore.com/beyondcentauri.htm
There are a lot of stories about the Martian Orphans still kicking around in my skull, so there's a chance that these characters will be making a comeback in the future.
http://sdpbookstore.com/beyondcentauri.htm
March recap
It's been a crazy busy month, so I haven't been blogging much. Hopefully there will be more in the months to come.
I'm closing The Genre Mall
Big e-book sale
Meatless Marty's Existential Cafe
Your local bookstore
I'm closing The Genre Mall
Big e-book sale
Meatless Marty's Existential Cafe
Your local bookstore
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Your local bookstore
So, if the store you usually buy your books at isn't currently carrying my new book, Red Moon Rising, you can have them order it. Normally they just want the author and title, but if they need the ISBN, it's 978-0982897584.
And if you are a local bookstore, you can order as many copies as you'd like...
The publisher does offer normal discounts through Ingrams.
And if you are a local bookstore, you can order as many copies as you'd like...
The publisher does offer normal discounts through Ingrams.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Meatless Marty's Existential Cafe
This is one of my favorite settings from my new book...
The one redeeming quality of the area was Meatless Marty’s Existential Café, home of the best vegetarian food in all of Florida, especially their almost world famous tofu burger; Erik’s favorite meal. He’d first come to Meatless Marty’s when it had its grand opening, more than two and a half years ago. He’d come with Jeromie, and that memory always made him pause at the door before he could go in. He did it again this time.
The interior of Meatless Marty’s was almost always changing. Marty, who was almost always there, said he was constantly changing the restaurant as a direct challenge to the rest of society, which never changed. The tie-dyes that had decorated nearly every available inch of the restaurant two weeks earlier had been replaced with various paintings and photographs of wild animals doing what wild animals do, with an emphasis on wolves, whales, dolphins, and bears. Erik thought it was one of the best decors Meatless Marty had chosen so far. It was definitely better than the photos of the animals being butchered that had been up for a week four months ago. That décor had almost closed the place down. It would seem that even animal rights vegetarians hated to be reminded of why they’d made the choice they’d made, at least they seemed to hate being reminded while they were trying to eat.
Read the first chapter
Order from The Genre Mall
Order from Amazon
Order from Barnes & Noble
Order the e-book version
The one redeeming quality of the area was Meatless Marty’s Existential Café, home of the best vegetarian food in all of Florida, especially their almost world famous tofu burger; Erik’s favorite meal. He’d first come to Meatless Marty’s when it had its grand opening, more than two and a half years ago. He’d come with Jeromie, and that memory always made him pause at the door before he could go in. He did it again this time.
The interior of Meatless Marty’s was almost always changing. Marty, who was almost always there, said he was constantly changing the restaurant as a direct challenge to the rest of society, which never changed. The tie-dyes that had decorated nearly every available inch of the restaurant two weeks earlier had been replaced with various paintings and photographs of wild animals doing what wild animals do, with an emphasis on wolves, whales, dolphins, and bears. Erik thought it was one of the best decors Meatless Marty had chosen so far. It was definitely better than the photos of the animals being butchered that had been up for a week four months ago. That décor had almost closed the place down. It would seem that even animal rights vegetarians hated to be reminded of why they’d made the choice they’d made, at least they seemed to hate being reminded while they were trying to eat.
Read the first chapter
Order from The Genre Mall
Order from Amazon
Order from Barnes & Noble
Order the e-book version
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Big e-book sale
Smashwords is having a mammoth one week event where you can get big discounts on quite a few e-books. This includes all of the Sam's Dot Publishing titles, including my new novel Red Moon Rising. Simply go to http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/samsdot and enter the code RAE25 at checkout.
This also includes most of the Nomadic Delirium Press titles, including my short story collection, Seedlings on the Solar Winds and my first novel, The Opium of the People. For these titles, go to http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/nomadicdelirium. Use the same code, RAE25, at checkout to get the discount.
Keep in mind that all of these titles can be read on your PC, so you don't have to have an e-reader to order any of them.
This also includes most of the Nomadic Delirium Press titles, including my short story collection, Seedlings on the Solar Winds and my first novel, The Opium of the People. For these titles, go to http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/nomadicdelirium. Use the same code, RAE25, at checkout to get the discount.
Keep in mind that all of these titles can be read on your PC, so you don't have to have an e-reader to order any of them.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
I'm closing The Genre Mall
With the new baby, a new job, and new responsibilities at Sam's Dot Publishing, I'm finding less and less time to write. Since I've always considered myself a writer, first and foremost, this is not a good thing.
After a lot of thought, I've decided that I'm going to close The Genre Mall. I've had a good time doing it, and we've sold a lot of magazines and books over the many years I've done it, but it just takes up too much of my time.
The official last day to make purchases at The Genre Mall will be March 31, 2011.
The Genre Mall
After a lot of thought, I've decided that I'm going to close The Genre Mall. I've had a good time doing it, and we've sold a lot of magazines and books over the many years I've done it, but it just takes up too much of my time.
The official last day to make purchases at The Genre Mall will be March 31, 2011.
The Genre Mall
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Want a signed copy?
I have a limited number of copies of Red Moon Rising available that I can sign and send off to anyone that's interested. When I say limited, I mean limited.
If you're interested in ordering a copy, please go to http://www.jalanerwine.com/signedcopies.htm, and order today. Please let me know if you just want it signed, or if you want it personalized.
Thanks for reading, and hope you're all enjoying the new book.
If you're interested in ordering a copy, please go to http://www.jalanerwine.com/signedcopies.htm, and order today. Please let me know if you just want it signed, or if you want it personalized.
Thanks for reading, and hope you're all enjoying the new book.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Charlie Chases Crows
I've had some people comment that Charlie Chases Crows' dialog in the first chapter of my new book sounds a bit stilted.
This is actually intentional on his part, as he explains later in the book. According to him, people expect Indians to act a particular way, either like savages, or like a "noble savage, so he chooses to be eloquent...or at least try...
This is actually intentional on his part, as he explains later in the book. According to him, people expect Indians to act a particular way, either like savages, or like a "noble savage, so he chooses to be eloquent...or at least try...
Friday, February 18, 2011
Red Moon Rising at Amazon
My new novel is now available at Amazon as well. You can find it at http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982897588.
As of the writing of this blog entry, Amazon has not yet reduced the price, but I'm expecting that they will...especially given the huge discount that Barnes & Noble is giving.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Red Moon Rising at B&N
Barnes & Noble now has copies of Red Moon Rising available. This is a trade paperback, and the normal list price for the book is $12.00, but at the time I'm writing this blog entry, they have it listed for just $6.94. I don't know how B&N does their pricing, but I know that price could change at any time.
I hope some of you will pick up a copy, and I hope you'll enjoy the book.
I hope some of you will pick up a copy, and I hope you'll enjoy the book.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Red Moon Rising copies
For those of you who have ordered copies of my new novel, Red Moon Rising, copies should be shipping from the publisher by the end of the week.
For those of you who haven't ordered your copies yet, what are you waiting for? You can currently order them from The Genre Mall, and we should have an Amazon link very soon.
If you want to read the first chapter of the book, you can read it at http://www.jalanerwine.com/rmrch1.htm.
For those of you who haven't ordered your copies yet, what are you waiting for? You can currently order them from The Genre Mall, and we should have an Amazon link very soon.
If you want to read the first chapter of the book, you can read it at http://www.jalanerwine.com/rmrch1.htm.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Sam's Dot e-books
Sam's Dot Publishing is now diving into the e-book market, with me as the e-book editor. We've released two novels so far, but a lot more are planned for the future, and we may even start releasing some of our print zines as e-books.
All of the books we are doing right now are also available as print books, so we are not trying to become solely an e-book publisher.
The two novels we've released so far are:
The Guardener's Tale by Bruce Boston
and
Red Moon Rising by yours truly
To keep up with all of the future releases, please visit our Smashwords page at: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/samsdot.
All of the books we are doing right now are also available as print books, so we are not trying to become solely an e-book publisher.
The two novels we've released so far are:
The Guardener's Tale by Bruce Boston
and
Red Moon Rising by yours truly
To keep up with all of the future releases, please visit our Smashwords page at: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/samsdot.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
A note about e-books
I've had several people tell me that they can't read e-books because they don't have an e-reader. This actually isn't a problem. Kindle makes apps available for pcs and a lot of other e-readers do this as well.
My older books, as well as my new book have all been set up as e-books through Smashwords. In addition to the normal e-reader formats, they also make books available in PDF, HTML, and text. Not everyone has a PDF reader (although that's hard to believe,) but everyone with a computer has the ability to read HTML (web pages) or text files, so there's no reason to avoid e-books.
So, go ahead and buy Red Moon Rising and let me know what you think.
My older books, as well as my new book have all been set up as e-books through Smashwords. In addition to the normal e-reader formats, they also make books available in PDF, HTML, and text. Not everyone has a PDF reader (although that's hard to believe,) but everyone with a computer has the ability to read HTML (web pages) or text files, so there's no reason to avoid e-books.
So, go ahead and buy Red Moon Rising and let me know what you think.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
The e-book is here
You can now get an e-book version of Red Moon Rising for $4.95 from Smashwords. In the coming weeks, the e-book will also be available from other distributors.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/40341
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/40341
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Red Moon Rising is here!
My new novel, Red Moon Rising is now available from Sam's Dot Publishing. At the moment, you can order copies from The Genre Mall, and they should ship by the middle of the month. In the next couple of days I will hopefully be posting links so that you can order the book from Amazon, or so that you can order the e-book version from Smashwords.
A little about the book...
J Alan Erwine takes you into a future environmental nightmare that is not only all too possible, but is in fact well on the way there. The air and seas are filthy with pollution and oil spills, the U.S. Government is an effete and toothless replica of its former self, and business decides which rules they will allow to be enforced. Corporations lie, people die.
Including Erik Singer's brother Jeromie, killed while seeking evidence against an oil company regarding their spills in the Gulf. After five years, Erik has had enough of wallowing in loss and self-pity. Emboldened by the words and visions of a Native American environmentalist, Erik is ready to act.
And he has colleagues. The reluctant mayor of Tampa. The daughter of the most egregious industrialist. And a tree-hugging terrorist. Can just four people make a difference?
You can read the first chapter for free here.
A little about the book...
J Alan Erwine takes you into a future environmental nightmare that is not only all too possible, but is in fact well on the way there. The air and seas are filthy with pollution and oil spills, the U.S. Government is an effete and toothless replica of its former self, and business decides which rules they will allow to be enforced. Corporations lie, people die.
Including Erik Singer's brother Jeromie, killed while seeking evidence against an oil company regarding their spills in the Gulf. After five years, Erik has had enough of wallowing in loss and self-pity. Emboldened by the words and visions of a Native American environmentalist, Erik is ready to act.
And he has colleagues. The reluctant mayor of Tampa. The daughter of the most egregious industrialist. And a tree-hugging terrorist. Can just four people make a difference?
You can read the first chapter for free here.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Red Moon Rising back cover blurb
J Alan Erwine takes you into a future environmental nightmare that is not only all too possible, but is in fact well on the way there. The air and seas are filthy with pollution and oil spills, the U.S. Government is an effete and toothless replica of its former self, and business decides which rules they will allow to be enforced. Corporations lie, people die.
Including Erik Singer's brother Jeromie, killed while seeking evidence against an oil company regarding their spills in the Gulf. After five years, Erik has had enough of wallowing in loss and self-pity. Emboldened by the words and visions of a Native American environmentalist, Erik is ready to act.
And he has colleagues. The reluctant mayor of Tampa. The daughter of the most egregious industrialist. And a tree-hugging terrorist. Can just four people make a difference?
Including Erik Singer's brother Jeromie, killed while seeking evidence against an oil company regarding their spills in the Gulf. After five years, Erik has had enough of wallowing in loss and self-pity. Emboldened by the words and visions of a Native American environmentalist, Erik is ready to act.
And he has colleagues. The reluctant mayor of Tampa. The daughter of the most egregious industrialist. And a tree-hugging terrorist. Can just four people make a difference?
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Red Moon Rising is coming
My new novel Red Moon Rising will be released by Sam's Dot Publishing in February. You can now read the first chapter of the book on my website by going to http://www.jalanerwine.com/rmrch1.htm.
Let me know what you think.
Let me know what you think.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
E-book sale
Two of my books are on sale as e-books through Samshwords. You can get Seedlings on the Solar Winds for just $1.48. Simply enter the code ZH36J when you check out. You can also get The Opium of the People for just $2.48. Simply enter the code TT88C when you check out. Both of these books will be on sale for the rest of January.
My third book that Smashwords has available, Marionettes on the Moon is always available for just 99 cents.
My third book that Smashwords has available, Marionettes on the Moon is always available for just 99 cents.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Preditors & Editors
The annual Preditors & Editors readers poll has begun again, and although I've become a bit disillusioned by this poll over the years, there are still opportunities for people to vote for me...so of course I'm going to push for those votes.
Here are the categories you can vote for me or my stuff...
Author
Zine Editor
Book publisher...in this case, Sam's Dot Publishing
Bookstore-The Genre Mall
Magazine-The Martian Wave
Voting ends on Jan. 26th...
Here are the categories you can vote for me or my stuff...
Author
Zine Editor
Book publisher...in this case, Sam's Dot Publishing
Bookstore-The Genre Mall
Magazine-The Martian Wave
Voting ends on Jan. 26th...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
An Ephemeris update for February 2011
It's been a while since I've updated this blog about what's going on with the game, so now seems like a good time.
I'm currently finishing up The Bandit's Sourcebook, and we should have it out by the middle of February. Our second print title has also come out. You can now get The Ephemeris Species Compendium from DriveThruRPG. We will also soon be releasing Ephemeris: Critters and Pests in print as well.
A couple of other creators are also working on projects, so we will hopefully have those available in the coming months. We're still thinking about what kinds of projects to start on once all of the character sourcebooks are out, so if you have any ideas, please feel free to post them on the Ephemeris message board.
I'm currently finishing up The Bandit's Sourcebook, and we should have it out by the middle of February. Our second print title has also come out. You can now get The Ephemeris Species Compendium from DriveThruRPG. We will also soon be releasing Ephemeris: Critters and Pests in print as well.
A couple of other creators are also working on projects, so we will hopefully have those available in the coming months. We're still thinking about what kinds of projects to start on once all of the character sourcebooks are out, so if you have any ideas, please feel free to post them on the Ephemeris message board.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
3 for 3
My story, "And the Lamb and the Lion Shall Not Lie Down Together" has been accepted for the A Taste of Armageddon anthology that will be released by WolfSinger Publications. As I mentioned previously, I only wrote three short stories in 2010. This was the third one that I was waiting to hear back on...so that means that I went three for three in 2010.
All of the stories will be published later this year, and I'll post more information when they come out.
All of the stories will be published later this year, and I'll post more information when they come out.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
December recap
Another light month of blogging with the baby trying to adjust to Rebecca being back at work, and me trying to adjust to having a day job again.
Anthology rough draft
Anthology story
Great holiday gift idea
Sleep deprivation
Merry Christmas
2010 in review
Anthology rough draft
Anthology story
Great holiday gift idea
Sleep deprivation
Merry Christmas
2010 in review
Friday, December 31, 2010
2010 in review
What a year it's been. In May, Rebecca and I were finally able to get married after so many delays. Then in November we welcomed our new baby, Alexis. Our two older girls are thriving in school and growing up so fast. On a personal level, 2010 was the best year I've ever had.
On the writing front, it was a pretty good year as well, although not as productive as I would have liked. I finished (not wrote) two novels. One of them, Red Moon Rising will be released by Sam's Dot Publishing in February. The other is getting some serious consideration from another publisher...so hopefully there will be some good news in early 2011. I only wrote three short stories this year. Two of those stories will be published in 2011, and I'm waiting to hear back on the third.
I did a lot of writing for the Ephemeris RPG, and although sales on the game haven't been booming, we have seen fairly steady sales year round.
So, overall, I would have to say that 2010 was a damn good year!
On the writing front, it was a pretty good year as well, although not as productive as I would have liked. I finished (not wrote) two novels. One of them, Red Moon Rising will be released by Sam's Dot Publishing in February. The other is getting some serious consideration from another publisher...so hopefully there will be some good news in early 2011. I only wrote three short stories this year. Two of those stories will be published in 2011, and I'm waiting to hear back on the third.
I did a lot of writing for the Ephemeris RPG, and although sales on the game haven't been booming, we have seen fairly steady sales year round.
So, overall, I would have to say that 2010 was a damn good year!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas
Around here, we don't celebrate Christmas as being the birth of a god, or the birth of a son of a god. Instead, we just celebrate it as a time to be with family and friends. So, to all of my family and friends, Merry Christmas.
Here are a few Christmas songs you might like...
Here are a few Christmas songs you might like...
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Sleep deprivation
I'm having a lot of trouble adjusting to having the baby in the house and working early in the morning. My new job starts at 6 am every day, so I have to be up at 4:30, and of course, anyone who has ever had a baby will tell you that they don't sleep through the night.
At first, Rebecca was doing a lot of the staying up with her because she was still on maternity leave, but she went back to work last night...and Alexis was not too happy about it. We had a very rough night with her basically screaming for hours on end. So, I didn't get to sleep until Rebecca got home at midnight.
Tonight's been a much better night so far. Normally she wants to be held whenever she's sleeping, but I've been splitting time between that and putting her in the car seat next to my desk and gently rocking her. She hasn't had any fits yet, and she seems quite happy...so it seems to be working.
Needless to say, trying to adjust to her and the job has meant that my writing and editing have suffered a lot, but I'll get back into the swing of things in the next week or two, and then everything will be back to normal...or as normal as it ever is in my life...
At first, Rebecca was doing a lot of the staying up with her because she was still on maternity leave, but she went back to work last night...and Alexis was not too happy about it. We had a very rough night with her basically screaming for hours on end. So, I didn't get to sleep until Rebecca got home at midnight.
Tonight's been a much better night so far. Normally she wants to be held whenever she's sleeping, but I've been splitting time between that and putting her in the car seat next to my desk and gently rocking her. She hasn't had any fits yet, and she seems quite happy...so it seems to be working.
Needless to say, trying to adjust to her and the job has meant that my writing and editing have suffered a lot, but I'll get back into the swing of things in the next week or two, and then everything will be back to normal...or as normal as it ever is in my life...
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Great holiday gift idea
If you're looking for a great gift idea for the science fiction or fantasy fan on your holiday list, might I suggest the Sam's Dot Publishing calendars? Not only do these calendars feature the usual holiday dates, they also feature important dates like the birthdays of some of your favorite authors, the dates of major literary and scientific achievements, and much more.
There are two varieties of the calendars, and here is the cover art for each:
You can find them at The Genre Mall. Just scroll down to the Sam's Dot Calendars.
There are two varieties of the calendars, and here is the cover art for each:
You can find them at The Genre Mall. Just scroll down to the Sam's Dot Calendars.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Anthology story
I finished the story I was asked to write for an anthology. The actual deadline was the end of November, but the editor is a nice person, and she gave me extra time since I was quite busy during November, and because I was losing a lot of sleep due to the new addition to our family.
I still feel like my short story skills are a bit rusty, but I'm two for two on the stories I've written so far this year, so maybe I just don't know what I'm talking about.
Hopefully the story will be accepted. It would be a new publisher for me, and a publisher who puts out some good books, so I would certainly be happy to see my name in one of their collections.
I still feel like my short story skills are a bit rusty, but I'm two for two on the stories I've written so far this year, so maybe I just don't know what I'm talking about.
Hopefully the story will be accepted. It would be a new publisher for me, and a publisher who puts out some good books, so I would certainly be happy to see my name in one of their collections.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Anthology rough draft
As I mentioned previously, I was asked to write a story for an upcoming anthology. I finished the rough draft a couple of days ago, and now I'm getting ready to start on revisions. I think the story still needs a lot of work, so these will probably be some long and tedious revisions...
November recap
A lighter month of blogging with the birth of the baby...
Writing stuff
Alexis
Getting back in the swing of things
Ephemeris holiday bundles
Happy Thanksgiving
Black Friday Specials
R-Complex
Cyber Monday Special
Writing stuff
Alexis
Getting back in the swing of things
Ephemeris holiday bundles
Happy Thanksgiving
Black Friday Specials
R-Complex
Cyber Monday Special
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Cyber Monday Special
DriveThruSciFi has a special bundle offer on four e-books from Nomadic Delirium Press. Three of the books are mine. You get Seedlings on the Solar Winds, The Opium of the People, and Marionettes on the Moon from me...and from James Baker, you get The Poet. All four e-books are just $5.
Go to http://scifi.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=65958 and order, because the deal is only good for one day.
Go to http://scifi.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=65958 and order, because the deal is only good for one day.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
R-Complex
My short story "R-Complex" has sold to Aoife's Kiss. This is only the second short story I've written this year, and it's my second sale...pretty good run.
The story will appear in the June issue, which will be a very special anniversary issue. I can't go into details yet, but I do know that there are two VERY BIG authors from the SF field who will also appear in this issue.
The story will appear in the June issue, which will be a very special anniversary issue. I can't go into details yet, but I do know that there are two VERY BIG authors from the SF field who will also appear in this issue.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Black Friday Specials
Smashwords has three of my e-books on sale for 99 cents for Black Friday.
You can order Seedlings on the Solar Winds by going to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/16551 and using coupon code TD26P.
You can order The Opium of the People by going to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/16609 and using coupon code TX57H
You can order Marionettes on the Moon by going to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/16865. This book is always 99 cents, but if you're ordering the others, you might as well order it too.
You can order Seedlings on the Solar Winds by going to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/16551 and using coupon code TD26P.
You can order The Opium of the People by going to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/16609 and using coupon code TX57H
You can order Marionettes on the Moon by going to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/16865. This book is always 99 cents, but if you're ordering the others, you might as well order it too.
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the U.S. A lot of Thanksgivings I use this blog to talk about something that's very important to me...Native American rights, but I'm going to forgo that this year and talk about the things I'm actually thankful for.
First, and most obvious, would be my beautiful wife Rebecca. And right along side her would be my three wonderful daughters, including the youngest, who will be celebrating her first Thanksgiving...although she's not actually aware of that.
I'm also thankful for my extended family, as well as my friends, who have been there through good times and bad, and supported me every step of the way.
I'm also thankful for all of my readers...all two or three of you :-). You guys make all the hours I spend away from my family at the keyboard worth it. I'd also like to say that I'm thankful to all of the editors who have supported my writing over the years. Without you guys, I wouldn't be anything.
So, make sure you let everyone in your life know that you're thankful for their being there, and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
First, and most obvious, would be my beautiful wife Rebecca. And right along side her would be my three wonderful daughters, including the youngest, who will be celebrating her first Thanksgiving...although she's not actually aware of that.
I'm also thankful for my extended family, as well as my friends, who have been there through good times and bad, and supported me every step of the way.
I'm also thankful for all of my readers...all two or three of you :-). You guys make all the hours I spend away from my family at the keyboard worth it. I'd also like to say that I'm thankful to all of the editors who have supported my writing over the years. Without you guys, I wouldn't be anything.
So, make sure you let everyone in your life know that you're thankful for their being there, and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Ephemeris Holiday Bundles
There are two Ephemeris bundles available at DriveThruRPG at special holiday prices. The two bundles are virtually the same, except that one features the core rulebook and the other does not. This way the bundles are good for the new Ephemeris players, as well as the seasoned Ephemeris players.
You can find them at:
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=86038
or
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=86042
You can find them at:
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=86038
or
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=86042
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Getting back in the swing of things
Life is starting to return to normal here...or at least as normal as it ever gets. Alexis is turning out to be a great little baby. She pretty much only cries when she's hungry. She had her first sponge bath yesterday, and didn't complain once. She really doesn't seem to complain about the things that most babies complain about, and we're happy about that. Her circadian rhythms seem to be off a bit, as she sleeps more during the day than at night, so we've had a couple of rough nights, but hopefully we're getting her rhythms shifted.
I'm finally starting to get caught up on the pile of work that has fallen on me. I've seen early proofs of my next book cover, and I can't wait to share it with everyone once we have a final copy. I'm putting together notes for a story I need to write for an editor who approached me at MileHiCon. I'm hoping to get started on that in the next few days. All the other little annoying things that take up my time are also being taken care of.
I realized that in my last post about Alexis, I didn't post a picture, although most of you have probably already seen her...so, here she is...
I'm finally starting to get caught up on the pile of work that has fallen on me. I've seen early proofs of my next book cover, and I can't wait to share it with everyone once we have a final copy. I'm putting together notes for a story I need to write for an editor who approached me at MileHiCon. I'm hoping to get started on that in the next few days. All the other little annoying things that take up my time are also being taken care of.
I realized that in my last post about Alexis, I didn't post a picture, although most of you have probably already seen her...so, here she is...
Friday, November 12, 2010
Alexis
Alexis Brianna Erwine was born on Monday Nov. 8th at 2:14 pm. She weighed in at 9 lbs. 3 ozs. and was 21 inches long. Although she is my third daughter, she is actually my first biological daughter. I've heard a lot of people talk about how you instantly fall in lover with your child when they're born, and I figured I knew what they were talking about...but believe me, this is one feeling that really does have to be experienced to truly understand it.
We got home from the hospital Wednesday night, and we were prepared for a long night, but she slept pretty well. She woke up a few times to eat, but went right back to sleep. Last night she was a little fussier, but overall she has been a great baby. She doesn't cry a lot, although she does have a little of her mom's attitude when she doesn't get her way.
So far there hasn't been a lot of sibling rivalry, although the cat wants nothing to do with her...but we pretty much expected that.
The hardest part for me has been that I came down with a rather nasty cold from sleeping in the air conditioned hospital room. As a result, I have to limit my contact with her...which I REALLY don't want to do. I told Rebecca today that as soon as I'm over this cold, I'm going to be fighting her to hold Alexis.
Rebecca came through the delivery amazingly, and she's now recovering well. I was so amazed at the birth that I have a whole new level of respect and love for my wife. She is truly an amazing human being...and together it looks like we've created a truly amazing "little" baby.
We got home from the hospital Wednesday night, and we were prepared for a long night, but she slept pretty well. She woke up a few times to eat, but went right back to sleep. Last night she was a little fussier, but overall she has been a great baby. She doesn't cry a lot, although she does have a little of her mom's attitude when she doesn't get her way.
So far there hasn't been a lot of sibling rivalry, although the cat wants nothing to do with her...but we pretty much expected that.
The hardest part for me has been that I came down with a rather nasty cold from sleeping in the air conditioned hospital room. As a result, I have to limit my contact with her...which I REALLY don't want to do. I told Rebecca today that as soon as I'm over this cold, I'm going to be fighting her to hold Alexis.
Rebecca came through the delivery amazingly, and she's now recovering well. I was so amazed at the birth that I have a whole new level of respect and love for my wife. She is truly an amazing human being...and together it looks like we've created a truly amazing "little" baby.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Writing stuff
Assuming the baby doesn't make an appearance in the next 12 hours, I should be finishing up a new short story. This will only be the 2nd piece of short fiction I've written this year, but I'm hoping to place it in a special edition of one of my favorite zines. After I get that sent off, I'm going to start working on the story I've been asked for for an anthology. I will say it's nice to be writing short fiction again.
On an editorial note, I'm in discussions with a publisher about the possibility of editing a new anthology...more on that as it's available...
On an editorial note, I'm in discussions with a publisher about the possibility of editing a new anthology...more on that as it's available...
Monday, November 01, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
E-book sale
Now through the end of November, Smashwords has two of my e-books on sale for 25% off the usual cover price. This deal is being made available only through my blog.
Seedlings on the Solar Winds use coupon code JM58Q at checkout
The Opium of the People use coupon code BK29K at checkout
Seedlings on the Solar Winds use coupon code JM58Q at checkout
The Opium of the People use coupon code BK29K at checkout
My short fiction muse
I'm trying to find my short fiction muse. Over the last year, I've spent most of my writing time finishing up two novels and writing material for the Ephemeris RPG. I've actually only written one short story in that time, but I obviously need to write more.
While I was at MileHiCon, I was approached by an editor who wants me to contribute to an anthology that she's working on. In addition, I had another editor (who was not at the Con) tell me that he's holding a spot open for me in a very special issue of his magazine. This means that I need to write two short stories and soon. Most non-writers don't realize that there's actually a big difference in how you go about writing short fiction as opposed to novels, but there really is, and now I need to get that part of my brain back into shape and get it working.
I would love to make an appearance in this anthology and in this zine, so I'd better get to work. Of course, there's also the matter of the baby who should be making an appearance any time now...
While I was at MileHiCon, I was approached by an editor who wants me to contribute to an anthology that she's working on. In addition, I had another editor (who was not at the Con) tell me that he's holding a spot open for me in a very special issue of his magazine. This means that I need to write two short stories and soon. Most non-writers don't realize that there's actually a big difference in how you go about writing short fiction as opposed to novels, but there really is, and now I need to get that part of my brain back into shape and get it working.
I would love to make an appearance in this anthology and in this zine, so I'd better get to work. Of course, there's also the matter of the baby who should be making an appearance any time now...
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
MileHiCon Day 3
Sunday came up on quicker than any of us could have expected. We didn't really have much going on in the early part of the day, so we decided to do some of the kids stuff.
We started out with "Carving with the Pumpkin King." The girls got to do some great relief pumpkins (even thought it was really the adults doing all of the hard work). I've never really been a big Halloween person, but I have to admit that this was kind of fun. After carving, the girls had a "Ranger" meeting. This is kind of like a LARP game just for the kids. They go on missions throughout the con trying to solve problems in the hopes of protecting their kingdoms. I think it's a great little thing for the kids to do, and I'd love to see it expanded, although that could be hard on the parents.
My final panel was "Villains: An Author's Best Friend." We had some great panelists on this one: Hilari Bell, Rachel Caine, Gary Jonas, and Katherine Kurtz. Since there were two of the Guests of Honor on this one, we drew a pretty big crowd, and I think we all had a really good time...and hopefully we imparted a bit of wisdom along the way. We bounced around in the discussion from Hannibal Lecter to Lando Molari, and on to Hitler. We were kind of all over the place, but it was one of the best panels I've ever done.
After this was the closing ceremonies, and it was time to say "So long, and thanks for all the fish!"
Rebecca didn't feel all that well through the whole con, but we still had a great time. I think the ConCom outdid themselves this year, and this was one of the best MileHiCons I've ever been to. And I'm not just saying this because I know that Rose sometimes reads my blogs, but Rose really did a phenomenal job with the scheduling this year and deserves several hearty rounds of applause. Thanks, Rose!
I can't wait for MileHiCon 43, but for now, I'll just be waiting for the birth of our baby...
We started out with "Carving with the Pumpkin King." The girls got to do some great relief pumpkins (even thought it was really the adults doing all of the hard work). I've never really been a big Halloween person, but I have to admit that this was kind of fun. After carving, the girls had a "Ranger" meeting. This is kind of like a LARP game just for the kids. They go on missions throughout the con trying to solve problems in the hopes of protecting their kingdoms. I think it's a great little thing for the kids to do, and I'd love to see it expanded, although that could be hard on the parents.
My final panel was "Villains: An Author's Best Friend." We had some great panelists on this one: Hilari Bell, Rachel Caine, Gary Jonas, and Katherine Kurtz. Since there were two of the Guests of Honor on this one, we drew a pretty big crowd, and I think we all had a really good time...and hopefully we imparted a bit of wisdom along the way. We bounced around in the discussion from Hannibal Lecter to Lando Molari, and on to Hitler. We were kind of all over the place, but it was one of the best panels I've ever done.
After this was the closing ceremonies, and it was time to say "So long, and thanks for all the fish!"
Rebecca didn't feel all that well through the whole con, but we still had a great time. I think the ConCom outdid themselves this year, and this was one of the best MileHiCons I've ever been to. And I'm not just saying this because I know that Rose sometimes reads my blogs, but Rose really did a phenomenal job with the scheduling this year and deserves several hearty rounds of applause. Thanks, Rose!
I can't wait for MileHiCon 43, but for now, I'll just be waiting for the birth of our baby...
Monday, October 25, 2010
MileHiCon Day 2
Saturday was to be the crazy day for me, but unfortunately, it didn't turn out to be as crazy as I'd hoped it would be.
I had a 10 am reading with Dan Hoyt. Readings in the morning are always hard to get people to come to. A lot of people party late into the night (or is it early into the morning), and they're not ready for readings at 10 am. Nevertheless, we had about 8-10 people, and I read the first chapter of Red Moon Rising, and the whole time I was wishing that the book had been released so that I would have had copies.
After the reading, I had a signing, which didn't draw much of a crowd. Last year they moved the signings out of the dealer's room and into the atrium. I'm guessing that the logic was that people were more likely to see the writers in the atrium, but I've noticed a definite drop in sales since we've moved to the atrium. I think more people might see the authors, but in the dealers room, more people who want to spend money will see the writers, and I think that works better.
After that I did something called "Speed Date an Author," and no, I was not cheating on Rebecca. The idea behind this was that there was a room full of authors and readers or author-wannabes could come in and talk to us. They had three minutes to talk to us, then a bell went off, and they moved on to the next author. I think it was a great idea, and I had some great (but very short) conversations with a lot of people. I'm hoping that I was able to pass on some good advice to a few of the author wannabes, and I'm hoping I gained a few new readers. I think if they do this next year, they need to lengthen the time to five minutes and have better organization of the movement of the readers.
Later in the day I was on a panel called "DM Bootcamp." This was a panel with Doris Beetem, Laura Givens, and Daniel Peak. As you can probably guess from the title, this was a panel about running RPGs. We had a lot of fun on this panel, and I think we gave out some good information to a rather large crowd. There seems to be one token gaming panel every year, and this is the second year that I've been on it. One thing the large crowd made me realize is that there seems to be a lot of interest in gaming at the Con. I noticed a lot of people playing games throughout the Con, and maybe they need to embrace the gaming aspect a little more...maybe even bring in a gaming guest of honor...if money allows.
After this panel was what I'd really been looking forward to...I was going to run a new adventure of Ephemeris. Unfortunately, a lot of people were grabbing dinner before the masquerade started, and the belly dancers next to the gaming tables seemed to draw a lot of people's attention away from the games, and I couldn't get enough players, so we couldn't debut the new adventure. Since we couldn't play, I was able to watch my oldest in a sword fighting contest. She'd never done anything like this before, but she made it to the third round...where she was knocked out by an adult who teaches sword fighting. Still, we were all very proud of her!
The night ended with us attending the masquerade. There were a few good costumes this year, but not as many as usual.
Rebecca was having a lot of problems during the Con. She wasn't feeling good, and being 38 weeks pregnant, she was very uncomfortable. Still, we did manage to get a few photos taken, which I've posted on my Facebook page. I noticed a lot more cameras flashing around me this year than in years past, so I'm sure more horrible pics of me will show up somewhere in the near future.
I'll post about day 3 tomorrow...
I had a 10 am reading with Dan Hoyt. Readings in the morning are always hard to get people to come to. A lot of people party late into the night (or is it early into the morning), and they're not ready for readings at 10 am. Nevertheless, we had about 8-10 people, and I read the first chapter of Red Moon Rising, and the whole time I was wishing that the book had been released so that I would have had copies.
After the reading, I had a signing, which didn't draw much of a crowd. Last year they moved the signings out of the dealer's room and into the atrium. I'm guessing that the logic was that people were more likely to see the writers in the atrium, but I've noticed a definite drop in sales since we've moved to the atrium. I think more people might see the authors, but in the dealers room, more people who want to spend money will see the writers, and I think that works better.
After that I did something called "Speed Date an Author," and no, I was not cheating on Rebecca. The idea behind this was that there was a room full of authors and readers or author-wannabes could come in and talk to us. They had three minutes to talk to us, then a bell went off, and they moved on to the next author. I think it was a great idea, and I had some great (but very short) conversations with a lot of people. I'm hoping that I was able to pass on some good advice to a few of the author wannabes, and I'm hoping I gained a few new readers. I think if they do this next year, they need to lengthen the time to five minutes and have better organization of the movement of the readers.
Later in the day I was on a panel called "DM Bootcamp." This was a panel with Doris Beetem, Laura Givens, and Daniel Peak. As you can probably guess from the title, this was a panel about running RPGs. We had a lot of fun on this panel, and I think we gave out some good information to a rather large crowd. There seems to be one token gaming panel every year, and this is the second year that I've been on it. One thing the large crowd made me realize is that there seems to be a lot of interest in gaming at the Con. I noticed a lot of people playing games throughout the Con, and maybe they need to embrace the gaming aspect a little more...maybe even bring in a gaming guest of honor...if money allows.
After this panel was what I'd really been looking forward to...I was going to run a new adventure of Ephemeris. Unfortunately, a lot of people were grabbing dinner before the masquerade started, and the belly dancers next to the gaming tables seemed to draw a lot of people's attention away from the games, and I couldn't get enough players, so we couldn't debut the new adventure. Since we couldn't play, I was able to watch my oldest in a sword fighting contest. She'd never done anything like this before, but she made it to the third round...where she was knocked out by an adult who teaches sword fighting. Still, we were all very proud of her!
The night ended with us attending the masquerade. There were a few good costumes this year, but not as many as usual.
Rebecca was having a lot of problems during the Con. She wasn't feeling good, and being 38 weeks pregnant, she was very uncomfortable. Still, we did manage to get a few photos taken, which I've posted on my Facebook page. I noticed a lot more cameras flashing around me this year than in years past, so I'm sure more horrible pics of me will show up somewhere in the near future.
I'll post about day 3 tomorrow...
MileHiCon Day 1
Friday was the start of MileHiCon. We spent the first few hours getting checked into our room, and then the Con. After that we just hung around for a while talking to old friends we hadn't seen in a year or so.
My first panel was titled "Small Press & Ezines: Finding the new Markets." There's always at least one small press panel at MileHiCon, and I seem to almost always be on it, but that's ok. It's a fun topic. On this panel we had Betsy Dornbusch, Ron Sering, David Lee Summers, and James Van Pelt. It was a good panel, and we talked about a lot of different things, but like many panels, we only had 50 minutes, so we couldn't go into as much detail as we would have wanted. On James Van Pelt's blog http://jimvanpelt.livejournal.com/294443.html, he mentioned that he thought we may have glossed over the e-book versus print book numbers, and I would tend to agree with him. A lot of times for a small press author, a shift of 30 or 40% in either direction is actually only a few books. Looking back, I agree with Jim that I wish we would have gotten into that more.
Immediately after my panel were the opening ceremonies, which were lead by toastmaster Paolo Bacigalupi, and with a theme like Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (this was MileHiCon 42, after all) we were in for a great time. The Con was set to be demolished in 48 hours by a Vogon Destructor Fleet.
We closed out the night by going to the Floatilla, which is handmade boats raced in the pool. Not the most exciting part of the weekend, but the kids seemed to enjoy it...at least until they got too tired to keep their eyes open.
I'll report on days two and three later...
My first panel was titled "Small Press & Ezines: Finding the new Markets." There's always at least one small press panel at MileHiCon, and I seem to almost always be on it, but that's ok. It's a fun topic. On this panel we had Betsy Dornbusch, Ron Sering, David Lee Summers, and James Van Pelt. It was a good panel, and we talked about a lot of different things, but like many panels, we only had 50 minutes, so we couldn't go into as much detail as we would have wanted. On James Van Pelt's blog http://jimvanpelt.livejournal.com/294443.html, he mentioned that he thought we may have glossed over the e-book versus print book numbers, and I would tend to agree with him. A lot of times for a small press author, a shift of 30 or 40% in either direction is actually only a few books. Looking back, I agree with Jim that I wish we would have gotten into that more.
Immediately after my panel were the opening ceremonies, which were lead by toastmaster Paolo Bacigalupi, and with a theme like Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (this was MileHiCon 42, after all) we were in for a great time. The Con was set to be demolished in 48 hours by a Vogon Destructor Fleet.
We closed out the night by going to the Floatilla, which is handmade boats raced in the pool. Not the most exciting part of the weekend, but the kids seemed to enjoy it...at least until they got too tired to keep their eyes open.
I'll report on days two and three later...
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Ready for the con
The oldest's fever has broken, and we also went to the Dr. for Rebecca today, and she said that it's not likely that she will go into labor this weekend, so it looks like we're ready for MileHiCon.
This will be the first year that we stay in the hotel, and the girls are really excited about it. I think it will be a good thing for Rebecca too, so she can retreat to the room if she gets too tired...which she usually is.
Hope to see some of you at the things I'm doing. Of course, if you see me Saturday night, I will probably be pretty worn out as I have quite the schedule for Saturday...but I'm happy with it. I think we've figured things out well enough that it shouldn't stress Rebecca too much...at least we're hoping...
This will be the first year that we stay in the hotel, and the girls are really excited about it. I think it will be a good thing for Rebecca too, so she can retreat to the room if she gets too tired...which she usually is.
Hope to see some of you at the things I'm doing. Of course, if you see me Saturday night, I will probably be pretty worn out as I have quite the schedule for Saturday...but I'm happy with it. I think we've figured things out well enough that it shouldn't stress Rebecca too much...at least we're hoping...
Monday, October 11, 2010
Book orders
I've had a few people e-mail me about where to get my books before MileHiCon starts. I will be bringing a few copies of most of my works with me, but if you wanted to order something ahead of time, here are some links for you...
Seedlings on the Solar Winds
The Ephemeris Science Fiction Role Playing Game
The Opium of the People
Lowering One's Self Before Fate
A Problem in Translation an illustrated short story book
Future Syndicate an anthology that I edited
The Martian Wave Issue 1 a magazine that I edit
Wondrous Web Worlds Vol. 9 The best of Sam's Dot's webzine anthology that I also edit
Seedlings on the Solar Winds
The Ephemeris Science Fiction Role Playing Game
The Opium of the People
Lowering One's Self Before Fate
A Problem in Translation an illustrated short story book
Future Syndicate an anthology that I edited
The Martian Wave Issue 1 a magazine that I edit
Wondrous Web Worlds Vol. 9 The best of Sam's Dot's webzine anthology that I also edit
Sunday, October 10, 2010
10/10/10
Everywhere I look on the internet today people are talking about 10/10/10 and how significant it could be. It seems like over the last few years, I've been seeing a lot more of this, and the answer to 10/10/10 is the same as it was for all of the other significant dates we've seen of late...no, it has no significance. Numerology is just mumbo jumbo like most other mystical ideas.
First of all, not everyone on this little planet of ours uses the same calendar, so the date is actually different in some parts of the world.
Second of all, the calendar we currently use is pretty arbitrary. It was started on a certain day, which actually is not all that important in the orbit of the Earth around the sun.
There seems to be this growing need to believe that our lives are somehow connected to something mystical, and I really don't understand it. The simple fact that humanity evolved is pretty amazing in and of itself, and we don't need to attach mystical meanings to everything that happens. As a society, we should have evolved beyond that need long ago. That sort of need is based in the "reptilian" parts of our brain, and it's these parts of the brain that teach us to fear the "other," and also leads us blindly following leaders, even if they may be bad for us.
It's time for humanity to put mysticism aside, and actually move towards the future instead of tying ourselves to the past, a past that we should really not be taking pride in...
First of all, not everyone on this little planet of ours uses the same calendar, so the date is actually different in some parts of the world.
Second of all, the calendar we currently use is pretty arbitrary. It was started on a certain day, which actually is not all that important in the orbit of the Earth around the sun.
There seems to be this growing need to believe that our lives are somehow connected to something mystical, and I really don't understand it. The simple fact that humanity evolved is pretty amazing in and of itself, and we don't need to attach mystical meanings to everything that happens. As a society, we should have evolved beyond that need long ago. That sort of need is based in the "reptilian" parts of our brain, and it's these parts of the brain that teach us to fear the "other," and also leads us blindly following leaders, even if they may be bad for us.
It's time for humanity to put mysticism aside, and actually move towards the future instead of tying ourselves to the past, a past that we should really not be taking pride in...
Friday, October 08, 2010
My MileHiCon schedule
Don't Panic! The MileHiCon 42 schedule is now out, and I'm going to be a busy boy. So, make sure you know where your towel is, grab yourself a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster, and join me at any or all of the following:
Fri. 6 pm: Small Press & Ezines: Finding & Dealing with New Markets
Sat. 10 am: A reading of the 1st chapter of Red Moon Rising
Sat. 11 am: Book Signing
Sat. 12:30 pm: Speed Date an Author
Sat. 4 pm: DM Bootcamp
Sat. 5 pm: A game of Ephemeris in the gaming area
Sun. 4 pm: Villains: An Author's Best Friend
This looks like it will be a great con, so hope you can all make it!
Fri. 6 pm: Small Press & Ezines: Finding & Dealing with New Markets
Sat. 10 am: A reading of the 1st chapter of Red Moon Rising
Sat. 11 am: Book Signing
Sat. 12:30 pm: Speed Date an Author
Sat. 4 pm: DM Bootcamp
Sat. 5 pm: A game of Ephemeris in the gaming area
Sun. 4 pm: Villains: An Author's Best Friend
This looks like it will be a great con, so hope you can all make it!
Sunday, October 03, 2010
The Diplomat's and Explorer's Sourcebook
For those of you playing the Ephemeris RPG, the Diplomat's and Explorer's Sourcebook is now available...
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=84383
And remember to stop by our discussion board to talk about the game...we are very interested in hearing from other players...
http://www.nomadicdeliriumpress.com/ephemeris/main.htm
The link for the board is towards the bottom of the page.
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=84383
And remember to stop by our discussion board to talk about the game...we are very interested in hearing from other players...
http://www.nomadicdeliriumpress.com/ephemeris/main.htm
The link for the board is towards the bottom of the page.
Saturday, October 02, 2010
September recap
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Ultrasound at 34 weeks
We went for an ultrasound this morning. The tech of course can't give us any info, so we'll find out if everything is ok when we go to the Dr. on Thursday. The baby is currently weighing in at 6lbs. 10 ozs. plus or minus 1 lb., and it looks like it's in the right position.
So, here is the baby...
So, here is the baby...
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Banned books week
Banned Books Week starts today, and I think everyone should go out and read a banned book this week. Here's a great list of books to start with:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedclassics/index.cfm
I don't necessarily have a problem with people trying to keep books with excessive sexual content in them away from children. We wouldn't let our kids read those types of books, but it's our decision as parents to keep them away from our children. The biggest problem I see is that most books are banned not because of sexual content, but rather because they portray political or religious ideas that are frowned upon by certain conservative groups. To me, this is misguided. If we are to survive as a nation, then we must have access to books that show us how things could be. 1984 or Brave New World are not advocating the types of societies they portray, but rather they are warning us about the dangers we could face if we continue down the road we're on. These books shouldn't be banned for this...they should be praised!
Do yourselves a favor and read a banned book this week. Meanwhile, I'll continue to write material that could be banned. Let's face it, if The Opium of the People had ever become a bestseller, it sure as hell would have been banned, and when Red Moon Rising comes out, it will probably ruffle a few feathers as well.
And all I have to say to that is..."So What?"
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedclassics/index.cfm
I don't necessarily have a problem with people trying to keep books with excessive sexual content in them away from children. We wouldn't let our kids read those types of books, but it's our decision as parents to keep them away from our children. The biggest problem I see is that most books are banned not because of sexual content, but rather because they portray political or religious ideas that are frowned upon by certain conservative groups. To me, this is misguided. If we are to survive as a nation, then we must have access to books that show us how things could be. 1984 or Brave New World are not advocating the types of societies they portray, but rather they are warning us about the dangers we could face if we continue down the road we're on. These books shouldn't be banned for this...they should be praised!
Do yourselves a favor and read a banned book this week. Meanwhile, I'll continue to write material that could be banned. Let's face it, if The Opium of the People had ever become a bestseller, it sure as hell would have been banned, and when Red Moon Rising comes out, it will probably ruffle a few feathers as well.
And all I have to say to that is..."So What?"
Reviews
This entry is geared more towards readers than writers and editors, but I think most writers and editors would agree with what I have to say.
When a reader finishes a book, the most important thing they can do (especially if they liked it) is go to Amazon, or any other site, and review the book. Reader reviews do more to help a new book than any promotion, especially with small press titles. With large presses, a new book might have a couple of months to gain a following, but in the small press, the time is much shorter, and all small press writers are dependent upon people reviewing our work. Sometimes even a bad review can help, but obviously we prefer the good reviews. If a potential reader can read a well thought out review from an objective reader, they're much more likely to take a chance on a small press book. Most readers assume that if it's small press, the author must not be very good, but this isn't always the case, and a well thought out review can convince them to buy the book.
I think it's also important to actually review the book...not just rate it. Giving a book a star rating without saying anything about it doesn't really help...especially one and five star ratings because that just makes other readers think that someone was either being a prick (one star rating) or is a friend of the author (five star rating).
Those are just my thoughts on book reviews, so if you've read something that you liked recently, please go and review it. One review can do a lot for a small press author and several reviews can make a career...so help the small press writer out, even if it's not me...
When a reader finishes a book, the most important thing they can do (especially if they liked it) is go to Amazon, or any other site, and review the book. Reader reviews do more to help a new book than any promotion, especially with small press titles. With large presses, a new book might have a couple of months to gain a following, but in the small press, the time is much shorter, and all small press writers are dependent upon people reviewing our work. Sometimes even a bad review can help, but obviously we prefer the good reviews. If a potential reader can read a well thought out review from an objective reader, they're much more likely to take a chance on a small press book. Most readers assume that if it's small press, the author must not be very good, but this isn't always the case, and a well thought out review can convince them to buy the book.
I think it's also important to actually review the book...not just rate it. Giving a book a star rating without saying anything about it doesn't really help...especially one and five star ratings because that just makes other readers think that someone was either being a prick (one star rating) or is a friend of the author (five star rating).
Those are just my thoughts on book reviews, so if you've read something that you liked recently, please go and review it. One review can do a lot for a small press author and several reviews can make a career...so help the small press writer out, even if it's not me...
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Clarification on The Baby Game
As many of you know, we're holding a little contest to guess the date of birth and the weight of our little one, but we've had a few questions about the contest, so I decided to clarify them here. First of all, in order for an entry to be considered, it must be made at:
http://jalanerwine.blogspot.com/2010/06/baby-game.html.
The criteria for winning:
Only guesses that get the date right will be considered. After that, whoever is closest to the baby's weight will win. If things are still tied, whoever guesses the baby's gender correctly will be the winner.
All entries must be received by October 15th...and there is no entry fee.
Hope that clears up some of the questions.
http://jalanerwine.blogspot.com/2010/06/baby-game.html.
The criteria for winning:
Only guesses that get the date right will be considered. After that, whoever is closest to the baby's weight will win. If things are still tied, whoever guesses the baby's gender correctly will be the winner.
All entries must be received by October 15th...and there is no entry fee.
Hope that clears up some of the questions.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
An Ephemeris Discussion Board
We've created a discussion board for players to talk about the Ephemeris RPG, and to see what we're up to. If you're interested, you can find it in the links area at http://www.nomadicdeliriumpress.com/ephemeris/main.htm
I'm not really sure how much interest there's going to be in the board, as we certainly aren't one of the BIG games out there, but there does seem to be a growing interest in the game, so we figured it was worth a shot...
I'm not really sure how much interest there's going to be in the board, as we certainly aren't one of the BIG games out there, but there does seem to be a growing interest in the game, so we figured it was worth a shot...
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Ephemeris is a bargain book at Amazon
Apparently the core rulebook for the Ephemeris RPG is currently a bargain book at Amazon. This means that you can get the book for $2.96 at the moment. The rulebook is over 400 pages, and it has everything you need to start playing the game.
I'm not sure how long this sale will last, so if you want a cheap copy of the core rules, you need to act soon...
Ephemeris at Amazon
I'm not sure how long this sale will last, so if you want a cheap copy of the core rules, you need to act soon...
Ephemeris at Amazon
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Kindle price increases
Apparently Amazon is reorganizing their royalty structure. As a result of this, the price on two of my Kindle titles, Seedlings on the Solar Winds and The Opium of the People, will be going up tomorrow (9/15). Right now, they're priced at 99 cents, so it's really a great deal, but obviously you need to order soon...
Seedlings on the Solar Winds
The Opium of the People
Seedlings on the Solar Winds
The Opium of the People
Monday, September 13, 2010
A sale, a sale
Recently I posted that I'd written a YA SF short story, and it was the first short fiction I'd written in quite a while. Well, I just got news that the story has been picked up for the April 2011 issue of Beyond Centauri. This will be my second appearance in this magazine...and I know people might find it strange that I sometimes dabble in YA SF, given the type of stuff I usually write, but whatever outlet the muse wants, it gets...
The Ephemeris Supplement Bundle
There's now a bundle of e-books available from DriveThruRPG that are a must have for anyone currently playing Ephemeris. You can order The Ephemeris Supplement Bundle at http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=84030.
Included in this bundle are:
Ephemeris: Critters and Pests
The Expanded Ephemeris Equipment List
Necessity's Call
The Ephemeris Species Compendium
The Law Enforcer's Sourcebook
The Scientist's Sourcebook
The Soldier's Sourcebook
The Trader's Sourcebook
All of these are available for just $25. If you already own the Ephemeris core rulebook, then this will be a great addition to your game.
Included in this bundle are:
Ephemeris: Critters and Pests
The Expanded Ephemeris Equipment List
Necessity's Call
The Ephemeris Species Compendium
The Law Enforcer's Sourcebook
The Scientist's Sourcebook
The Soldier's Sourcebook
The Trader's Sourcebook
All of these are available for just $25. If you already own the Ephemeris core rulebook, then this will be a great addition to your game.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
School fundraising for the kids
Both of our girls recently got their fund raising kits for their school. They seem to do this a couple of times a year. This year the oldest came up with the idea that I have lots of friends on the Internet, and I should see if they wanted to buy anything. I tried explaining that many of my friends have kids of their own, and I also tried to explain that money is very tight for everyone right now, but neither of them would be dissuaded...and it is very hard to say no to kids when they try so hard...
So, if anyone is interested in buying items to help my kids' school, here are the links to do so...
http://www.eZfundraising.com/customer/customer.asp?evtId=81064&parId=140630
http://www.eZfundraising.com/customer/customer.asp?evtId=81064&parId=140708
We do ask that if you're going to buy more than one item, to please split them between the kids because if you have kids, you know what's it's like if one gets more of something than the other does.
Also, all orders have to be in by September 20th. I don't know why they don't give us more time on this.
Thanks for reading this...
So, if anyone is interested in buying items to help my kids' school, here are the links to do so...
http://www.eZfundraising.com/customer/customer.asp?evtId=81064&parId=140630
http://www.eZfundraising.com/customer/customer.asp?evtId=81064&parId=140708
We do ask that if you're going to buy more than one item, to please split them between the kids because if you have kids, you know what's it's like if one gets more of something than the other does.
Also, all orders have to be in by September 20th. I don't know why they don't give us more time on this.
Thanks for reading this...
Saturday, September 11, 2010
I said short fiction!
Since finishing my last two novels, I had decided that I wanted to spend some time working on short fiction...so why is it that I find myself plotting out a new novel today?
Stupid brain!
Stupid brain!
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Share and share alike
I've now made it possible for readers of this blog to share my entries on Facebook, Twitter, or wherever else they might want to. So, if you think I've actually managed to say something that others might be interested in, or if you think some of my work looks interesting, please feel free to use those share buttons...
Saturday, September 04, 2010
The first appointment of the month
We had another Dr's appointment yesterday. Things are still looking good. Rebecca isn't suffering from anemia or gestational diabetes. She did lose a pound which has prompted the Dr. to put her on a prescription for her heartburn. Hopefully that will help clear it up and she'll be able to eat better. She's been so exhausted. Everything is so hard for her, and I feel very bad for her.
Here's a pic of the belly that I took two weeks ago...
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There's still a little bit of time left to get in The Baby Game if you're interested. Simply go to http://jalanerwine.blogspot.com/2010/06/baby-game.html and make your guesses. The entries close on October 15th...and that's not too far away.
In other news, I had a job interview yesterday and things look really good for me to be going back to work in the next couple of weeks. It would only be part time, but we need the extra cash, and if we decide to switch things up with our work roles next summer, I need to be in a job soon so we can make that happen.
Here's a pic of the belly that I took two weeks ago...
.jpg)
There's still a little bit of time left to get in The Baby Game if you're interested. Simply go to http://jalanerwine.blogspot.com/2010/06/baby-game.html and make your guesses. The entries close on October 15th...and that's not too far away.
In other news, I had a job interview yesterday and things look really good for me to be going back to work in the next couple of weeks. It would only be part time, but we need the extra cash, and if we decide to switch things up with our work roles next summer, I need to be in a job soon so we can make that happen.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Wondorus Web Worlds Vol. 4 on sale
Sam's Dot Publishing has placed Wondrous Web Worlds Vol. 4 on sale through The Genre Mall. You can order it for $10 with no shipping & handling, but the sale only lasts through the end of September.
For those of you that are new readers of this blog, the Wondrous Web Worlds anthologies are the best of the web collections that Sam's Dot puts out each year. They feature the best poems and stories from Sam's Dot's on-line zines, as voted on by the readers. This is an anthology that I edit, but in this particular issue, there is also a story from me..."Lost in the Dark."
You can read a complete write-up of the anthology, and of course order copies by going to http://www.genremall.com/anthologiesr.htm#www4.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Red Moon Rising release date
The original plan had been to try to get this book out by MileHiCon, which is in less than eight weeks, but with last minute edits, and changes to the Sam's Dot Publishing schedule, that's just not doable, and I'm ok with that. I'd rather they put out the best version of the book that they can, as opposed to rushing the book.
So, the official release date for Red Moon Rising will be February 1st, 2011. I'll be bringing you more details about the book as we get closer to the release date.
So, the official release date for Red Moon Rising will be February 1st, 2011. I'll be bringing you more details about the book as we get closer to the release date.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Another Dr.'s appointment and a baby shower
We went to another Dr.'s appointment yesterday. Rebecca had to do the glucose test for gestational diabetes, and I know any woman who is reading this and has had to go through this just gagged. Everything is still looking good, although when the Dr. went to do the Doppler test so we could hear the heartbeat, our overly active little spaz of a child kicked the Doppler. It had us all laughing.
Today is the baby shower. Luckily it's not going to be a typical baby shower. It's just going to be a bunch of people sitting down and eating together. I don't think either of us could have put up with all of the ridiculous shower games...
Today is the baby shower. Luckily it's not going to be a typical baby shower. It's just going to be a bunch of people sitting down and eating together. I don't think either of us could have put up with all of the ridiculous shower games...
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Diesel e-books
Three of my books are now available from Diesel e-books. You can find them here:
Seedlings on the Solar Winds
Marionettes on the Moon
The Opium of the People
Seedlings on the Solar Winds
Marionettes on the Moon
The Opium of the People
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Just Because
A few years ago, Sam's Dot Publishing released a trade paperback that I edited called Just Because. This book was a collection of poems, essays, and stories by ProMart founder James Baker. For those of you that don't recognize the name, Jim, and his little publishing house ProMart, were responsible for helping a lot of writers get their careers started...including me. ProMart even published the works of a future Hugo nominee...so Jim obviously had an eye for talent.
I'd been editing for a while for Jim when he sent me a story by an unpublished author by the name of Tyree Campbell. This would be the first of many stories we would publish by Tyree, and when Jim was stricken with cancer, and we knew he wouldn't make it, it was Tyree who stepped up and took over the company...creating Sam's Dot Publishing.
After Jim's untimely death, I put together this anthology, and we released it as a trade paperback. Now Nomadic Delirium Press (the publisher I now run) has released the book as an e-book. You can get a chance to read some of Jim's works, and maybe get a sense of who he was. The book is also peppered with commentary from the people who knew him best...his ProMartians, as he called us...
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/21599
I'd been editing for a while for Jim when he sent me a story by an unpublished author by the name of Tyree Campbell. This would be the first of many stories we would publish by Tyree, and when Jim was stricken with cancer, and we knew he wouldn't make it, it was Tyree who stepped up and took over the company...creating Sam's Dot Publishing.
After Jim's untimely death, I put together this anthology, and we released it as a trade paperback. Now Nomadic Delirium Press (the publisher I now run) has released the book as an e-book. You can get a chance to read some of Jim's works, and maybe get a sense of who he was. The book is also peppered with commentary from the people who knew him best...his ProMartians, as he called us...
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/21599
Friday, August 13, 2010
Time flies...or does it?
I'm still having trouble believing that the oldest started the fourth grade last week. Even harder to believe is that the youngest (soon to be middle) started kindergarten. It seems like they didn't even have a summer vacation.
Next Saturday (the 21st) will be our baby shower. This also will mark our three month anniversary. It's hard to believe that we've been married for three months. It seems like we just said, "I do."
At the same time, however, tomorrow marks the start of the third trimester for our next little nerd, which means we still have 12 weeks until the due date. It seems like Rebecca has been pregnant for almost a year, and I'm sure it seems even more so to her...given how sick she has been through this whole pregnancy.
So, is time flying, or is it dragging? I really have no idea...
Next Saturday (the 21st) will be our baby shower. This also will mark our three month anniversary. It's hard to believe that we've been married for three months. It seems like we just said, "I do."
At the same time, however, tomorrow marks the start of the third trimester for our next little nerd, which means we still have 12 weeks until the due date. It seems like Rebecca has been pregnant for almost a year, and I'm sure it seems even more so to her...given how sick she has been through this whole pregnancy.
So, is time flying, or is it dragging? I really have no idea...
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Respect your editors and publishers
I've been working as an editor for more than a decade now, and there are some behaviors I've seen from writers that I consider disgusting. I'm not talking about not following guidelines, although that happens a lot. I've never edited anything that accepts horror, and yet I'm constantly inundated by it. I'm talking about things like sending nasty letters to an editor after they've rejected your work, trying to sell reprints as originals, slandering editors or publishers because they didn't want to accept your work, and anything else that might be similar.
It might seem hard to believe that writers can act this way, but they can, and believe me, they do! I used to comment on every piece I rejected, but at least once or twice a month I'd get a nasty e-mail back from a disgruntled author, and because of that, I rarely comment on author's work anymore, and that's a bad thing for authors. Feedback from an editor can be a real help to an aspiring writer, but because of a few childish people, fewer and fewer editors are giving feedback anymore.
In a sense, editors and publishers are something like a writer's employers and they should be treated as such. Most people aren't going to call their boss a jerk because their boss wasn't happy with their performance, but since the internet isn't face to face, people seem to have a lot more courage to act like fools.
One thing that writers don't seem to realize is that editors talk to one another, and if someone is misbehaving, there's a good chance that other editors will find out. If your work is rejected, and you're not happy with the rejection, then feel free to write a nasty rant to the publisher...but DON'T SEND IT!!!
Never try to sell first rights to a story that has already been published. It's simply a form of dishonesty, and no one likes dishonest people, plus when you get caught, a lot of other editors will find out, and it could end your career.
And whatever you do, don't go around posting nasty things about editors or publishers because they've rejected your work. You look foolish when you do it, and there's a good chance that other publishers and editors will read your rants, and they'll be much less likely to want to work with you...
It might seem hard to believe that writers can act this way, but they can, and believe me, they do! I used to comment on every piece I rejected, but at least once or twice a month I'd get a nasty e-mail back from a disgruntled author, and because of that, I rarely comment on author's work anymore, and that's a bad thing for authors. Feedback from an editor can be a real help to an aspiring writer, but because of a few childish people, fewer and fewer editors are giving feedback anymore.
In a sense, editors and publishers are something like a writer's employers and they should be treated as such. Most people aren't going to call their boss a jerk because their boss wasn't happy with their performance, but since the internet isn't face to face, people seem to have a lot more courage to act like fools.
One thing that writers don't seem to realize is that editors talk to one another, and if someone is misbehaving, there's a good chance that other editors will find out. If your work is rejected, and you're not happy with the rejection, then feel free to write a nasty rant to the publisher...but DON'T SEND IT!!!
Never try to sell first rights to a story that has already been published. It's simply a form of dishonesty, and no one likes dishonest people, plus when you get caught, a lot of other editors will find out, and it could end your career.
And whatever you do, don't go around posting nasty things about editors or publishers because they've rejected your work. You look foolish when you do it, and there's a good chance that other publishers and editors will read your rants, and they'll be much less likely to want to work with you...
Thursday, August 05, 2010
The Genre Mall
As many of you may know, I run an on-line "store" for small press genre titles. The site is called The Genre Mall and it has been around for quite a few years.
Traffic and sales have been increasing at the site, and I'm working on ways to try to maximize this. The most obvious reason for doing this is that I've been looking for a "real" job for a while, and haven't had any luck, so we need any extra income we can get.
We're using three different approaches to try to increase income from The Genre Mall. The first, and most obvious, is that we've added donation buttons to a number of the pages. I've heard mixed reviews on taking donations from a wide variety of genre sites, so we'll see how this goes.
The second thing we're doing is contacting the publishers that have been with us for a while that we haven't had any recent updates from. We're hoping that they'll decide to stay with The Genre Mall, and that they'll have a lot of new titles to add.
The third thing we'll be doing is making a big push to sign up some more publishers.
All of this is a lot of work, and it really needs to pay off, or we may be forced to pull the plug because I can't invest a lot of time in something that doesn't pay off if I should happen to find a real job.
If all of this does pay off, then I'm hoping to make some changes to the site...mostly cleaning it up, and if it pays off big enough than I'm planning on setting up some kind of store front, because the current site is just too clunky right now, and I haven't been happy with it for quite some time...
Traffic and sales have been increasing at the site, and I'm working on ways to try to maximize this. The most obvious reason for doing this is that I've been looking for a "real" job for a while, and haven't had any luck, so we need any extra income we can get.
We're using three different approaches to try to increase income from The Genre Mall. The first, and most obvious, is that we've added donation buttons to a number of the pages. I've heard mixed reviews on taking donations from a wide variety of genre sites, so we'll see how this goes.
The second thing we're doing is contacting the publishers that have been with us for a while that we haven't had any recent updates from. We're hoping that they'll decide to stay with The Genre Mall, and that they'll have a lot of new titles to add.
The third thing we'll be doing is making a big push to sign up some more publishers.
All of this is a lot of work, and it really needs to pay off, or we may be forced to pull the plug because I can't invest a lot of time in something that doesn't pay off if I should happen to find a real job.
If all of this does pay off, then I'm hoping to make some changes to the site...mostly cleaning it up, and if it pays off big enough than I'm planning on setting up some kind of store front, because the current site is just too clunky right now, and I haven't been happy with it for quite some time...
Monday, August 02, 2010
A busy few weeks ahead of us
The next few weeks are going to be quite crazy around here. In addition to Rebecca working her usual hours, and me trying to find a job at the same time that I'm writing, editing, and doing game design, we have a lot of other things on our calendar.
Tuesday we're taking a tour of the hospital where the baby is going to be born. Immediately after that, we're going to back to school night at the girls' school. On Wednesday the oldest starts the 4th grade, and then the next Wednesday, the youngest starts Kindergarten (Where does the time go?)
At Rebecca's work, they're getting ready to do inventory, which means there's a lot for her to do, and she may even pick up a few extra hours if she can handle it. We certainly need the money, but I'm worried about her pushing herself to hard. Their official inventory date is the 19th. The day after that, we have a doctor's appointment, and this is for the glucose test, which I know any woman who has ever had a baby knows exactly what I'm talking about. Then on the 21st, we have a baby shower that one of Rebecca's friends has put together for her.
So, it will be a crazy few weeks...let's hope we make it through with whatever is left of our sanity...
Tuesday we're taking a tour of the hospital where the baby is going to be born. Immediately after that, we're going to back to school night at the girls' school. On Wednesday the oldest starts the 4th grade, and then the next Wednesday, the youngest starts Kindergarten (Where does the time go?)
At Rebecca's work, they're getting ready to do inventory, which means there's a lot for her to do, and she may even pick up a few extra hours if she can handle it. We certainly need the money, but I'm worried about her pushing herself to hard. Their official inventory date is the 19th. The day after that, we have a doctor's appointment, and this is for the glucose test, which I know any woman who has ever had a baby knows exactly what I'm talking about. Then on the 21st, we have a baby shower that one of Rebecca's friends has put together for her.
So, it will be a crazy few weeks...let's hope we make it through with whatever is left of our sanity...
Sunday, August 01, 2010
A July recap
Since I seem to be blogging so much more than I used to, I figured I'd start doing recaps...just in case someone might have missed something important............
Seedlings Makes a Bestsellers List
It's About Time
Independence Day
Our Plans for the Day
An e-book Sale
Do you have a Sony e-reader?
Exhaustion creeps in
Writing short fiction again
Christmas in July
Got Nook?
Another Dr.'s appointment
A question for writers
Wedding pictures
The story is done
Seedlings Makes a Bestsellers List
It's About Time
Independence Day
Our Plans for the Day
An e-book Sale
Do you have a Sony e-reader?
Exhaustion creeps in
Writing short fiction again
Christmas in July
Got Nook?
Another Dr.'s appointment
A question for writers
Wedding pictures
The story is done
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The story is done
I finished the YA SF story I've been working on and sent it off to a potential market. This is the first story I've finished in a couple of years, since most of my focus has been on finishing two novels, and writing material for the Ephemeris RPG, and I think it shows a little of the rust...but what do I know? I've always been my harshest critic. I guess we'll know what the publisher thinks in a couple of months.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wedding Pictures
I've posted quite a few pictures from our wedding on my Facebook page. If you're interested, you can check them out at http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=188377&id=684032160
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
A question for writers
I know there are quite a few writers that read this blog, so I wanted to ask you what your opinion on e-book publishers are. I'm not asking for recommendations, but rather I want to know what people think about having their books released solely as e-books.
I know that I like the idea of having an actual print book, but then I'm a little old fashioned. I still do all of my revisions on paper. As a writer, how many of you would be willing to sell your work to a publisher that only does e-books?
I know that I like the idea of having an actual print book, but then I'm a little old fashioned. I still do all of my revisions on paper. As a writer, how many of you would be willing to sell your work to a publisher that only does e-books?
Another Dr.'s appointment
We had another Dr.'s appointment today. Everything is progressing well with the baby so far. Rebecca grew more than expected, but actually lost a couple of pounds, so they're going to give her something stronger to fight the heartburn she's been having. Overall, things still look really good, and we're heading for that Nov. 6th due date.
Speaking of due dates, don't forget about our baby game that we're hosting...
http://jalanerwine.blogspot.com/2010/06/baby-game.html
Speaking of due dates, don't forget about our baby game that we're hosting...
http://jalanerwine.blogspot.com/2010/06/baby-game.html
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Got nook?
If you're fortunate enough to have one of Barnes & Noble's Nooks, you can now purchase two of my titles for it...and the third, Seedlings on the Solar Winds should be available soon.
For now, you can order:
The Opium of the People: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/e/2940011061851
Marionettes on the Moon, and other stories: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/e/2940011056727
For now, you can order:
The Opium of the People: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/e/2940011061851
Marionettes on the Moon, and other stories: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/e/2940011056727
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Christmas in July
A couple of sales involving some of my stuff that you might be interested in checking out, but these sales only last through Monday...
You can get 25% off any of the Ephemeris products by going to http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/dt_xmas_in_july.php?manufacturers_id=2805#selectpub
Or, you can get the top 20 selling Seedlings on the Solar Winds for 25% off by going to http://scifi.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=65440
You can get 25% off any of the Ephemeris products by going to http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/dt_xmas_in_july.php?manufacturers_id=2805#selectpub
Or, you can get the top 20 selling Seedlings on the Solar Winds for 25% off by going to http://scifi.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=65440
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Writing short fiction again
Over the last couple of years I haven't written any short fiction. My focus instead has been on the two novels that I recently finished and writing material for the Ephemeris RPG. As all of that is very time consuming, I haven't had the time to write short fiction.
Tonight, however, I finished the rough draft of a new short story, and surprisingly, it's a YA science fiction piece (kind of a departure for me). I still have a lot of revisions to do on the story, as my short story skills are a bit rusty, but it feels good to be writing in the short form again, and hopefully I'll have something ready to submit in the next week or two.
Tonight, however, I finished the rough draft of a new short story, and surprisingly, it's a YA science fiction piece (kind of a departure for me). I still have a lot of revisions to do on the story, as my short story skills are a bit rusty, but it feels good to be writing in the short form again, and hopefully I'll have something ready to submit in the next week or two.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Exhaustion creeps in
I haven't been sleeping much of late. There's just so much going on, and I seem to be having trouble keeping up with it. Rebecca is still not feeling good, so I basically don't let her help around the house anymore...and since she feels so bad, she let's me get my way (this time). That leaves just about everything to me, although the kids do help some, but unfortunately it can be more work getting them to do what needs to be done than it would be if I just did it myself.
In addition, the oldest starts 4th grade in two and a half weeks, and the youngest (soon to be middle) starts kindergarten in three and a half weeks, so we've had to get them new clothes and get all of their school supplies. Add to all of this the fact that I'm STILL trying to find a "real" job, while still trying to write, edit, and work on new products for Ephemeris, and it all starts to wear on me.
I'm not complaining, not in the least. I wouldn't trade my family for anything, but I wouldn't mind a day where all I had to do was lay around and read...that would be SO nice...and I can't remember the last time it happened.
With all of this stress, plus the severe financial stress we find ourselves in, things are just weighing on me, and it's cutting into my sleep...plus it's been pretty damn hot, and I don't like the heat!
Just so you don't think I'm doing nothing but bitching, a lot of good things have been happening. All of our baby check-ups have gone really well, which is the best news in the world. I've also started writing short fiction again, which I'm very excited about.
E-book versions of my works have also been doing pretty well. Seedlings on the Solar Winds is still in the top 20 at DriveThruSciFi, and several of my titles are now available at Smashwords...with a couple of them on sale for the rest of July.
So, think of this not as a vent, but an update...yeah, that's what it was...
In addition, the oldest starts 4th grade in two and a half weeks, and the youngest (soon to be middle) starts kindergarten in three and a half weeks, so we've had to get them new clothes and get all of their school supplies. Add to all of this the fact that I'm STILL trying to find a "real" job, while still trying to write, edit, and work on new products for Ephemeris, and it all starts to wear on me.
I'm not complaining, not in the least. I wouldn't trade my family for anything, but I wouldn't mind a day where all I had to do was lay around and read...that would be SO nice...and I can't remember the last time it happened.
With all of this stress, plus the severe financial stress we find ourselves in, things are just weighing on me, and it's cutting into my sleep...plus it's been pretty damn hot, and I don't like the heat!
Just so you don't think I'm doing nothing but bitching, a lot of good things have been happening. All of our baby check-ups have gone really well, which is the best news in the world. I've also started writing short fiction again, which I'm very excited about.
E-book versions of my works have also been doing pretty well. Seedlings on the Solar Winds is still in the top 20 at DriveThruSciFi, and several of my titles are now available at Smashwords...with a couple of them on sale for the rest of July.
So, think of this not as a vent, but an update...yeah, that's what it was...
Monday, July 05, 2010
Do you have a Sony e-reader?
If you do, two of my titles are now available through the Sony store. You can pick up Marionettes on the Moon or Seedlings on the Solar Winds at http://ebookstore.sony.com/search?keyword=Erwine. At some point in the future, The Opium of the People should also be available from Sony.
An e-book sale
Smashwords currently has my novel, The Opium of the People, and my short story collection, Seedlings on the Solar Winds on sale for 25% off. Simply go to http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/nomadicdelirium and click on the title for ordering information.
Jim Baker's novel The Poet is also available at 25% off.
Jim Baker's novel The Poet is also available at 25% off.
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Our plans for the day
I spent the morning watching the Tour de France, and now I'm trying to get some work done, but the kids are pretty wound up because they get to see fireworks tonight, so it's a bit difficult at this point.
Rebecca is going to get off early tonight. She hasn't seen fireworks with the kids because she always seems to be working on the night of the 4th, and the last two years the kids were in Texas visiting Grandma, so I haven't gotten to watch them with the kids either. When she gets home from work I'm going to fix the traditional American dish of hamburgers and french fries. After dinner, we'll pop up some popcorn and then head out to our balcony. We have a great view of the Aurora fireworks, so we don't have to leave the house and deal with the crowds.
So, Happy Independence Day everyone. Please be safe!
Rebecca is going to get off early tonight. She hasn't seen fireworks with the kids because she always seems to be working on the night of the 4th, and the last two years the kids were in Texas visiting Grandma, so I haven't gotten to watch them with the kids either. When she gets home from work I'm going to fix the traditional American dish of hamburgers and french fries. After dinner, we'll pop up some popcorn and then head out to our balcony. We have a great view of the Aurora fireworks, so we don't have to leave the house and deal with the crowds.
So, Happy Independence Day everyone. Please be safe!
Independence Day
I've spent part of the morning trying to explain Independence Day to the kids. I want them to understand that it means a lot more than just blowing shit up. The nine year old seems to be getting it a little, but the five year old is just kind of shrugging her shoulders...which is what five year olds do when you tell them just about anything.
I really want them to understand that this holiday really means more than getting drunk and lighting off fireworks (which is what most Americans seem to think it means.) I've never been what you would consider a hardcore patriot. Even though I think the US is great, and I'm happy to be living here, I also think that we have a lot of problems that needed to be fixed a while ago. I also think that the longer we go with politics as usual, the worse those problems are going to get. I do not, however, think that the exploits of the Tea Party are a way of solving our problems. Even though I do think the US is a great place, I think that in the last decade we've seen a definite rise in racism and classism, and I think these could be the ultimate downfall of our country. We've also seen a huge turn back towards fundamental religions, which is the opposite direction of where we need to be headed.
So, while you're enjoying your fireworks tonight, please take a few moments to remember what it was that made this country great...and hopefully we can rediscover that in our country and in ourselves very soon...
I really want them to understand that this holiday really means more than getting drunk and lighting off fireworks (which is what most Americans seem to think it means.) I've never been what you would consider a hardcore patriot. Even though I think the US is great, and I'm happy to be living here, I also think that we have a lot of problems that needed to be fixed a while ago. I also think that the longer we go with politics as usual, the worse those problems are going to get. I do not, however, think that the exploits of the Tea Party are a way of solving our problems. Even though I do think the US is a great place, I think that in the last decade we've seen a definite rise in racism and classism, and I think these could be the ultimate downfall of our country. We've also seen a huge turn back towards fundamental religions, which is the opposite direction of where we need to be headed.
So, while you're enjoying your fireworks tonight, please take a few moments to remember what it was that made this country great...and hopefully we can rediscover that in our country and in ourselves very soon...
Saturday, July 03, 2010
It's about time
The Law Enforcer's Sourcebook for the Ephemeris RPG was finally released today. This supplement took me a long time to write. It wasn't that it was long, or that the subject matter was difficult to write about, but rather, life has just been so damn crazy. With the wedding, the approaching baby, the kids being out of school, looking for a real job, finishing a novel, and all of the other things that have been going on, this one just kind of got pushed to the back burner, but it's out now.
The Law Enforcer's Sourcebook
Next on the agenda for Ephemeris will be The Diplomat and Explorer's Sourcebook. It hasn't been decided for sure, but it looks like we'll put the two character classes into one supplement...but we'll have to see how things develop.
We'd still like feedback on what materials people would like us to release once the character sourcebooks are done, so please feel free to let me know.
The Law Enforcer's Sourcebook
Next on the agenda for Ephemeris will be The Diplomat and Explorer's Sourcebook. It hasn't been decided for sure, but it looks like we'll put the two character classes into one supplement...but we'll have to see how things develop.
We'd still like feedback on what materials people would like us to release once the character sourcebooks are done, so please feel free to let me know.
Seedlings makes a bestsellers list
My short story collection, Seedlings on the Solar Winds has reached the top 25 at DriveThruSciFi. This is an e-book market, and I'm very excited to see this book reach such heights...although I wouldn't mind seeing it rise even higher (hint, hint).
To see the complete Top 100, go to http://scifi.drivethrustuff.com/top_100.php. You'll also find Marionettes on the Moon on this list as well.
To see the complete Top 100, go to http://scifi.drivethrustuff.com/top_100.php. You'll also find Marionettes on the Moon on this list as well.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
A busy month of blogging
I tend to not be a very active blogger. I usually post 5-10 entries a month, but June was different. In June, I posted 16 entries. Apparently there was a lot I had to talk about. In case you missed anything, here are links to all of my June entries...
I'm no longer an Amazon Associate
Working, working, working
Seedlings on the Solar Winds is an e-book
Opium of the People as an e-book
A menagerie of links
Red Moon Rising has been delivered
A reminder about The Martian Wave
Marionettes on the Moon is now an e-book
A discount on the e-book version of The Opium of the People
An Ephemeris update
Catching up on life
Revamping the blog
An end of June wrap-up
Second Ultrasound
The Baby Game
Wondrous Web Worlds Vol. 9
I'm no longer an Amazon Associate
Working, working, working
Seedlings on the Solar Winds is an e-book
Opium of the People as an e-book
A menagerie of links
Red Moon Rising has been delivered
A reminder about The Martian Wave
Marionettes on the Moon is now an e-book
A discount on the e-book version of The Opium of the People
An Ephemeris update
Catching up on life
Revamping the blog
An end of June wrap-up
Second Ultrasound
The Baby Game
Wondrous Web Worlds Vol. 9
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