By now, just about everyone has added their comments to the web about what happened here in Aurora early Friday morning, but I feel I need to comment on it as well.
Colorado has seen it's share of tragedies, with school shootings and fires, but this one is so much more intense for us. Part of it, I'm sure, is because Rebecca and I are both a lot more emotional about crimes committed with guns after she had one pulled on her earlier this year, but it's more than that. This horrible tragedy happened at our theater. Rebecca and I had our first date at this theater, and we've seen a lot of movies there...possibly even in the theater where this happened. When I stand on our balcony and look up the hillside, I can see the sign for this theater. This was almost literally in our backyard.
I majored in psychology in college, but I can't even begin to fathom what was going on in this guy's mind to think this was the "right" thing to do. Understanding criminal insanity is often hard, but as a writer, I've learned to put myself into a criminal's mind and try to come up with reasons for why they do the things they do, but I'm stumped on this one. I really just don't understand.
Worst of all, before bed last night, our seven year old started crying, saying that she was worried that someone was going to come in and kill us during the night.
This guy has hurt so many people, and I'm certainly hoping there will be justice.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
The Battle for Turtle Island - The Kickstarter has begun
We've officially kicked off the fund raising for the new game The Battle for Turtle Island: Buffalo Wars through Kickstarter. Simply go to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1521750492/the-battle-for-turtle-island-buffalo-wars, and you can donate whatever amount you'd like.
There are certain donation levels that will get you PDF copies of the game, or print copies once it's released, and for the really big spenders, there are some really great rewards.
So, please help launch this new game. I think, in my oh so humble opinion, that it will be a lot of fun for players, and I'd really like to make it as big of a debut as I can.
Plus, donations will help to pay artists and game testers...
There are certain donation levels that will get you PDF copies of the game, or print copies once it's released, and for the really big spenders, there are some really great rewards.
So, please help launch this new game. I think, in my oh so humble opinion, that it will be a lot of fun for players, and I'd really like to make it as big of a debut as I can.
Plus, donations will help to pay artists and game testers...
Monday, July 16, 2012
Reviews-revisited
Since I've been on vacation, I haven't really had much to blog about, but I thought while I had a moment during my final hours of freedom, I'd re-post a blog entry that got a lot of feedback a couple of years ago. So, here it is:
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...
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...
Friday, July 13, 2012
The robbery, an update
Some of you have been following the story of Rebecca getting robbed at work, and all of the court visits we've been through since that horrible night. Well, much of that came to an end yesterday.
The thug who did this agreed to a plea bargain yesterday. He's going to be facing 20 years in jail, but at least we don't have to go to trial now. While the judge was explaining everything to him yesterday, he broke down and started to cry...at times, even bawling his eyes out. This was a radical change from the guy who used to stroll into the courtroom like he owned it, and it may sound horrible, but I was glad to see him cry.
The DA had said that one of the victims was in the courtroom, and the only people in the courtroom other than the legal people who had to be there were me and Rebecca, and he kept looking at me, and I just kept starting back at him. Rebecca had herself hidden around a corner, so I'm not sure if he knew she was there or not.
When he was being led back to jail, still crying, he turned, not really looking at me, but rather in looking in my direction, and yelled, "I'm sorry." He wasn't supposed to do that, but he did it anyway.
Formal sentencing will be in October, and it will be at that time that Rebecca will have the opportunity to actually say something to him...if she wants. I think, no matter what, that she is going to write something, and even if she can't say it, she'll have the DA read it for her.
The deputy DA who has worked on this case and the victim advocate have been wonderful. They've done everything they could to help Rebecca get through this, and I'm glad we've had them on our side.
The thug who did this agreed to a plea bargain yesterday. He's going to be facing 20 years in jail, but at least we don't have to go to trial now. While the judge was explaining everything to him yesterday, he broke down and started to cry...at times, even bawling his eyes out. This was a radical change from the guy who used to stroll into the courtroom like he owned it, and it may sound horrible, but I was glad to see him cry.
The DA had said that one of the victims was in the courtroom, and the only people in the courtroom other than the legal people who had to be there were me and Rebecca, and he kept looking at me, and I just kept starting back at him. Rebecca had herself hidden around a corner, so I'm not sure if he knew she was there or not.
When he was being led back to jail, still crying, he turned, not really looking at me, but rather in looking in my direction, and yelled, "I'm sorry." He wasn't supposed to do that, but he did it anyway.
Formal sentencing will be in October, and it will be at that time that Rebecca will have the opportunity to actually say something to him...if she wants. I think, no matter what, that she is going to write something, and even if she can't say it, she'll have the DA read it for her.
The deputy DA who has worked on this case and the victim advocate have been wonderful. They've done everything they could to help Rebecca get through this, and I'm glad we've had them on our side.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Kickstarter approved
I received word yesterday that Kickstarter has approved The Battle for Turtle Island: Buffalo Wars. This means that we will now be able to try to raise funds to produce the game. I've been debating when I wanted to kick off the fund raising...I'd thought about doing it immediately, but Rebecca and I are both taking some time off from work this week to take a little mini-vacation. I'm not sure what we're going to be doing, but I probably won't be on-line as much as I usually am, so I wouldn't be able to send out annoying posts asking people to donate...so I will probably have it go active on Tuesday, which is when I have to go back to the "real"job.....................
Monday, July 09, 2012
The Martian Wave 2012 - The e-book
The e-book version of the 2012 issue of The Martian Wave is now available. You can find it in a wide variety of formats at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/180655.
Sunday, July 08, 2012
The Martian Wave 2012 - a tease
I thought I'd give you a little tease of what you're missing if you haven't ordered your copy of the 2012 issue of The Martian Wave. To order your copy, go to http://sdpbookstore.com/tmw.htm.
Here are the first paragraphs from each of the stories in this issue:
Here are the first paragraphs from each of the stories in this issue:
Absence of Evidence
By Robert J. Mendenhall
"Absence of evidence is
not evidence of absence." -
Dr. Carl Sagan
The storm
chased them across the rock-strewn Martian surface. Relentlessly, as if to
avenge some unprosecuted crime. This was the most powerful weather system Mars
had experienced in nearly two centuries. It tore the rusty sand from the
ground, marshaled it into an angry mass of iron oxide particles, then
accelerated that mass to an insane velocity. And it was about to engulf them.
Newton's Window
By Scott
Virtes
"Welcome
to the Newton Parts Exchange. What's your pleasure?"
Moontide
By
GC Rosenquist
Captain Gerald
Hatcher stood alone in the darkness of the clear plasteel dome, high above the
rest of Moonbase Alpha, staring into the dark sky above the crater lip…waiting.
The Blue Marble Signal
by Phil M. Berger
Adrift amidst interstellar
dust. Seeking harbor across time
incomprehensible. Hope slowly
withering. Until...
The Geysers of Enceladus
By Glen R. Stripling
Frank
Cooper touched his finger to the heater on the cold steel wall of his
office. Frigid methane deep from the
heart of the moon instantly ignited as it rushed in front of him, bathing his
pale wrinkled face with warmth and light.
Enceladus was eternally subject to the combined gravities of Saturn,
Mimas and Dione, which squeezed the moon like a sponge, crushing and heating
the frozen gasses deep underground. The
pressurized slurry belched out of the moon at 1200 miles per hour, up to 500
kilometers and reflecting the powerful lamps of the mining camp. Their beauty reminded him of the tall white
columns of renovated southern mansions back home. He looked over his shoulder at Nathan Ward
who just walked in the room. “Have you
heard anything from Mars about the injunction?”
Last Word from Kismet
By Ross Gresham
Thom lifted his
head from the pillow and regarded his new body with distaste. The chest and
stomach were a washboard of carefully-shaped little muscles, which, in the grip
of transfer nausea, resembled nothing so much as a field of tumors.
A Hole
By Robert N. Stephenson
I’m back… I’m back and
there’s nothing I can do…
The
first words of Captain Abrams Hanzer
on
leaving the Long-Jump IV
The return of
the fourth ship to head out to the edge of the galaxy was meant to be a
celebration of two decades of achievement, but like the three previous ships to
make the journey the return was not the joyous success the international space
program had expected. The General had read all the brief during the
construction of the ship, he didn’t understand the science but accepted the
expert’s positions on the hyper drive and the gravity engine, he had signed off
on the final test after all systems were passed, he had even congratulated each
crew member personally before they departed. Now before him was the mess of
failure. He’d written his resignation that morning and was ready to deliver it
by hand to the President should he not find an answer to what had happened. All
members of the crew were unconscious and the data on the ship’s computer
systems was fast degrading.
Sparks
By H. David Blalock
The Seastorm
was still over 400 million miles out of Titan when the life support unit began
to sputter.
Monday, July 02, 2012
The Battle for Turtle Island: Buffalo Wars cover
As promised, here is the cover art for the new game, The Battle for Turtle Island: Buffalo Wars...
Sunday, July 01, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Cover art
It looks like there is now a cover for The Battle for Turtle Island, and it is AWESOME! Hopefully you'll all get to see it some time next month...
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The rough draft is done
I just completed the writing of the rough draft of the new game, which will be titled The Battle for Turtle Island: Buffalo Wars. The first part of the title is the actual name of the game, while this edition will feature rules for the Buffalo Wars supplement. Sounds confusing...it's not.
The initial draft has come in at just over 40,000 words, and I know it will grow dramatically when I revise it, as there needs to be more detail added in several sections, and I left the pricing of the goods section basically blank, since I haven't figured out such things as how much a tent cost in the mid to late 19th century.
I actually started writing the game on April 10th, and it's now June 24th. So, in about two and a half months, I managed to crank out over 40,000 words...and it is over that because I erased a big chunk and then re-did it. That's not a bad bit of productivity considering that I couldn't work on the game every day.
Just imagine what I might accomplish if I didn't have to have a "real" job.
Now I'm going to let it sit for about a week, and then it will be into the revisions.
The initial draft has come in at just over 40,000 words, and I know it will grow dramatically when I revise it, as there needs to be more detail added in several sections, and I left the pricing of the goods section basically blank, since I haven't figured out such things as how much a tent cost in the mid to late 19th century.
I actually started writing the game on April 10th, and it's now June 24th. So, in about two and a half months, I managed to crank out over 40,000 words...and it is over that because I erased a big chunk and then re-did it. That's not a bad bit of productivity considering that I couldn't work on the game every day.
Just imagine what I might accomplish if I didn't have to have a "real" job.
Now I'm going to let it sit for about a week, and then it will be into the revisions.
Monday, June 18, 2012
I love three day weekends
For each of the last two weekends, I've had Monday off as well as Saturday and Sunday. Last week it was because of Rebecca's birthday, and this week it was because of how I was scheduled.
And I'd have to say that I absolutely love having three day weekends. It's amazing how much work I can get done with some extra rest, and some extra time away from the "real" job. Each of the last two weekends, I've put almost 10,000 words into the game. With productivity like that, I wonder what I could accomplish if I didn't have to have the day job.
Oh, to dream to dream....
And I'd have to say that I absolutely love having three day weekends. It's amazing how much work I can get done with some extra rest, and some extra time away from the "real" job. Each of the last two weekends, I've put almost 10,000 words into the game. With productivity like that, I wonder what I could accomplish if I didn't have to have the day job.
Oh, to dream to dream....
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Some people really suck
We've been trying to track down our tax refund for a while now, and we just got word yesterday that someone had cashed our refund check. The IRS sent us a bunch of documents to fill out, and with those documents was a copy of the check with the "signatures." The thing is, however, that whoever stole the check actually printed our names on the back of the check, and it was painfully obvious that the same person wrote both names.
First of all, to steal someone's tax refund is beyond a crappy thing to do to someone. That's money that we actually need, and we earned from our hard work. As Rebecca said, this is the second time she's been robbed this year, and it's really pissing her off!
Second of all, since when is it considered legal to not sign a check? Who the hell cashed this check? Our guess is that they went through a check cashing agency, or something similar, but why would they cash a check that wasn't signed? And for that matter, aren't people supposed to supply identification of some kind?
It almost sounds like whoever stole the check knew someone that would cash it for them, but I've got news for them, we've filed everything we need the government, and they will be coming after your ass!!!
First of all, to steal someone's tax refund is beyond a crappy thing to do to someone. That's money that we actually need, and we earned from our hard work. As Rebecca said, this is the second time she's been robbed this year, and it's really pissing her off!
Second of all, since when is it considered legal to not sign a check? Who the hell cashed this check? Our guess is that they went through a check cashing agency, or something similar, but why would they cash a check that wasn't signed? And for that matter, aren't people supposed to supply identification of some kind?
It almost sounds like whoever stole the check knew someone that would cash it for them, but I've got news for them, we've filed everything we need the government, and they will be coming after your ass!!!
Friday, June 15, 2012
It's a secret
When I got home from work today, I found an invitation in my e-mail to write a story for what sounds like a really cool anthology. But, it's not something I can really talk about...so forget I said anything...
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
A June update on the game
The game is coming along quite nicely now. I'm just a few hundred words short of 30,000 now. I'm expecting the initial draft to be around 50,000 words, so this is good progress. The final game will certainly be much longer, as there is still a lot of historical stuff that I have to go back and put in, but I'm hoping to have the initial draft done in the next couple of months.
After it's done, it will be time to rework it some, and then send it off to play-testers, who will hopefully help fine tune it. Hoping for a December 1st release, but we'll see. And as many of you might expect, Laura Givens will be doing the cover art.
Once it's closer to being ready, we'll be setting up a kickstarter for it, so there will be a chance that you can get some stuff at a good price...once it's done.
Stay tuned to this blog for more info as it becomes available.
After it's done, it will be time to rework it some, and then send it off to play-testers, who will hopefully help fine tune it. Hoping for a December 1st release, but we'll see. And as many of you might expect, Laura Givens will be doing the cover art.
Once it's closer to being ready, we'll be setting up a kickstarter for it, so there will be a chance that you can get some stuff at a good price...once it's done.
Stay tuned to this blog for more info as it becomes available.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Book signing
It was a pretty successful book signing. Although I'm absolutely sure that the majority of the people were there to see Warren Hammond, close to half of the attendees walked out with a copy of my book, so I certainly can't complain about that!
My thanks to everyone who showed up, and I hope you all enjoy the book!
And of course thanks to Ron and Nina of The Broadway Book Mall for always supporting local authors.
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Charlie Chases Crows
My publisher recently sent me a new review of Red Moon Rising (I'll post a link when I have it.) In the review, the reader really liked the book, but what he liked most was the character Charlie Chases Crows. Pretty much every review or comment I've seen on this book has included some mention of how much the reader liked Charlie, and how they'd like to read more about him.
This doesn't really surprise me, because Charlie is, in my humble opinion, the best character I've ever created...so maybe I should think about doing more with him. At least that's what the readers seem to want.
And on a completely hypothetical note, if a movie is ever made out of the book, I want Graham Greene to play Charlie. I think he'd do a great job in the roll.
I'm just saying...
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
We've lost another one
I went to lunch today at the dreaded "real" job, and was quite surprised to read the news that Ray Bradbury had passed away. Just about every speculative fiction author out there is writing about this in their blog today, so I don't know what I can really add...but I'll try any way.
The Martian Chronicles and Fahrenheit 451 are two of my favorite books ever. Fahrenheit is of course a classic dystopic novel, and I'm sure it had a big influence on my writing of The Opium of the People. I've read The Martian Chronicles a few different times, and I remember last year I was watching the cheesy 80's mini-series based on the book, and it gave me an idea for a series of short stories that I'd love to write. I, of course, haven't had time to write them yet...but I will...one of these years.
Ray Bradbury will definitely be missed. He was one of the giants of speculative fiction, and his voice will be heard forever.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
An important message for writers
When you're submitting your precious manuscript to an editor, be sure to read the guidelines first. If you've written a horror story or a detective story, and you're submitting it to a science fiction magazine, and the story has zero sf in it, then it's a good bet that the story will be rejected.
Considering that response times for a lot of magazines can run into the months, why not take a couple of minutes and save yourself and the editor a lot of time.
Rant over...
Sunday, June 03, 2012
To politic, or not to politic...
...that is the question. Years ago, I used to talk about politics a lot on this blog, and I've noticed that at that time, I got a lot more comments and a lot more hits. It's also important to note that I did a lot more posting to, so that might have something to do with it.
The main reason I stopped posting so much about politics was because I was worried about what it might do to my writing "career." My views are often outside of what is considered acceptable among certain parts of American society, and I certainly don't want to alienate any potential readers by having them judge me based off of my blog writing as opposed to my fiction writing. More established writers have lost readers because of their political views, and that seems like a bad thing to me.
Granted, anyone who has read The Opium of the People or Red Moon Rising can pretty much guess what my political views are. Hell, they might even be able to figure them out based off of the titles and covers of those books.
Still, I wonder if I've seen a decline in readership because of a lack of posting, or because of a lack of posting anything controversial. Obviously I'm trying to post more lately, so maybe we'll figure out which it is in the coming months.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
The Martian Wave Vol. 3
Friday, June 01, 2012
May recap
A better month of blogging. Hope to be doing more and more in the months to come.
Surprise, surprise
May madness
The Martian Wave has been delayed
A May update on the game
Translation has been Nooked
May madness has almost come to an end
The second chapter
If you're coming to my book signing
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
If you're coming to my book signing...
...and you'd like to pick up a copy of A Problem in Translation before the signing, here are a few places you can get it...
The Sam's Dot Publishing Bookstore
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
And if you'd just like to read the e-book, you can pick it up at, among other places, Smashwords.
Monday, May 28, 2012
The second chapter
For a very brief period of time, you can read the second chapter of my new novel A Problem in Translation on my website at http://www.jalanerwine.com/translationch2.htm
The first chapter is also available for those of you who haven't had a chance to read it. You can find that at http://www.jalanerwine.com/translation.htm.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
May madness has almost come to an end
What has been a crazy busy month is almost over, and I will be happy about that! The older two are now out of school, which makes some things easier...like not having to worry about after school programs and such. Of course now they get bored around the house and try to raise hell...but that's what kids do.
I still have the Sam's Dot updates to get through before this month ends, and the arraignment, and a doctor's appointment for Rebecca...plus the dreaded hours at the "real" job.
June is shaping up to be a better month as far as time management goes. The only major events we seem to be looking at are my book signing, Rebecca's birthday, Father's Day, and check-ups for the older girls...of course, something else is bound to jump up and take away from our time.
One day I will be able to quit my "real" job, and then time management won't be so important. Is it really too much to dream that one day I will be making at least a part-time living from writing, editing, and game design? I don't think so.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Translation has been Nooked
I'm not sure why it's taken so long, but A Problem in Translation is now available for the Nook. You can find it at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-problem-in-translation-j-alan-erwine/1109126049?ean=2940033082612&format=nook-book.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
A May update on the game
Progress has slowed quite a bit on the new game in the last few weeks. Mostly for two reasons, one: I'm to a point now where I'm having to do a lot of research on 19th century weapons and such, and that's taking a lot of time... two: the little one's sleep habits have changed a bit, and she's not napping as much as she was, which leaves me less time to work. I'm still trying to figure out a way to put in more hours at home, and fewer hours at the "real" job, but I haven't quite figured that one out yet.
Still, I'm liking the way the game is setting up, and I'm looking forward to releasing it upon the world...eventually...
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The Martian Wave has been delayed
The 2012 issue of The Martian Wave was supposed to be released on May 1st, but with the changes at Sam's Dot and the push to get things done right, we've decided to delay this one until June 1st.
I think this will be a great issue, and it should be well worth the wait!
Saturday, May 05, 2012
May Madness
What a crazy month this has been, and will continue to be. The two oldest kids get out of school on the 23rd, so we have all of the end of school festivities: concerts, talent shows, field days, etc. Plus there's a doctor's appt. for the little one (she'll be 18 months in a few days, hard to believe), a couple of court dates because of the robbery, and then all of the usual madness that seems to surround life.
Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the end of the month...maybe I can get some rest in June...........
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Surprise, surprise
Whatever time of day it is when I first get on the computer, the first page I always go to is the Sam's Dot Publishing page...even before I check my e-mail. Imagine my surprise when I opened up the Sam's Dot message board and found out that Sam's Dot had been acquired by White Cat Publications, LLC.
I have to admit that my first thought was one of sheer panic, but after reading an e-mail from Tyree, I realized what was going on and decided to embrace the change...since there really won't be much change.
Overall, I think this will be a great merger, and as I've looked more deeply into White Cat, I've realized what a great organization it seems to be, and I'm looking forward to the future.
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Another interesting note about Amazon
I've had a few people complain to me because my publisher has not discounted my book through Amazon. The truth is, Amazon controls the pricing, and they haven't discounted my new book because my publisher only offers a 50% discount to bookstores, instead of the 55% that Amazon wants.
So what this means, I will also leave up to you...
Thursday, April 26, 2012
An interesting note about Amazon
If you go to the listing for my new book at Amazon, you'll see that it says that the book ships in two to three weeks, which actually isn't the case.
What's actually going on here is that my publisher offers bookstores a 50% discount off the cover price, but Amazon wants a 55% discount...therefore, they will not actually stock a physical copy of my book. Now, when you place an order with them, they will immediately order it through Ingrams (the main distributor), and the book will ship within a couple of days.
Why does Amazon do this? I'll let you come up with your own answer for that...
Friday, April 20, 2012
Earth Day sale
On Earth Day, Sunday April 22nd, you can order the e-book version of my environmental SF novel, Red Moon Rising for 25% off. Simply go to https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/40341 and when you're checking out use the coupon code JR98J.
Celebrate Earth Day with some environmental SF.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
A Problem in Translation e-books
Just a reminder that my new novel, A Problem in Translation is available from a number of locations as an e-book.
You can pick it up at Smashwords by going to https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/137568
Or you can pick it up for the Kindle at http://www.amazon.com/A-Problem-in-Translation-ebook/dp/B007O13I5M
Keep in mind that you don't need an e-reader in order to read e-books. Smashwords has formats that can be read directly on your computer, and Amazon has a Kindle reader that you can download on to your computer for free...so what are you waiting for? Go read my book!
You can pick it up at Smashwords by going to https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/137568
Or you can pick it up for the Kindle at http://www.amazon.com/A-Problem-in-Translation-ebook/dp/B007O13I5M
Keep in mind that you don't need an e-reader in order to read e-books. Smashwords has formats that can be read directly on your computer, and Amazon has a Kindle reader that you can download on to your computer for free...so what are you waiting for? Go read my book!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Breaking ground on the new game
It's been a long time in development, but tonight I started on the actual writing of the new RPG I'm working on. I've managed to crank out almost 1,000 words, so that's a pretty good night for me.
Creating an RPG is quite a bit different than writing a novel, and the word counts will certainly vary from day to day, but it's nice to actually be putting some words on a page. It will probably take a very long time to write the rulebook, but I will keep all of you apprised.
Creating an RPG is quite a bit different than writing a novel, and the word counts will certainly vary from day to day, but it's nice to actually be putting some words on a page. It will probably take a very long time to write the rulebook, but I will keep all of you apprised.
Saturday, April 07, 2012
An early April update
My health is slowly improving. I'd say I'm at about 70% right now. I'm still having the pressure in my chest, and the back pain that they didn't have an explanation for.
I've been editing furiously as I try to get caught up on everything I've fallen behind on. The 2012 issue of The Martian Wave has been delivered, and we're looking at a May release. I've started gathering up e-mail addresses and putting together files that will eventually be Wondrous Web Worlds Vol. 10. This will be the best of Sam's Dot's on-line zines for the years 2009-2011. We don't have a release date yet, but I know some of the readers of this blog are contributors, so you can expect an e-mail from me some time in the next couple of weeks.
Since I've actually had free time, and I haven't been feeling up to working, I've actually had time to read a book...imagine that. I read Warren Hammond's Kop, and even though noir isn't always my thing, I think this was a great book, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone. Now I just have to find the time to read the rest of the series...
And for the record, Warren will be signing with me (or vice-versa) at the Broadway Book Mall on June 10th.
Assuming that the baby stays asleep for a little while longer, I'm going to start working on the new game again. I haven't touched it in a while, so I'm going to have to get back up to speed on where I am in the design process.
That's about it for now. I hope to actually start doing some fiction writing soon, but time always seems to get in the way of that one...
I've been editing furiously as I try to get caught up on everything I've fallen behind on. The 2012 issue of The Martian Wave has been delivered, and we're looking at a May release. I've started gathering up e-mail addresses and putting together files that will eventually be Wondrous Web Worlds Vol. 10. This will be the best of Sam's Dot's on-line zines for the years 2009-2011. We don't have a release date yet, but I know some of the readers of this blog are contributors, so you can expect an e-mail from me some time in the next couple of weeks.
Since I've actually had free time, and I haven't been feeling up to working, I've actually had time to read a book...imagine that. I read Warren Hammond's Kop, and even though noir isn't always my thing, I think this was a great book, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone. Now I just have to find the time to read the rest of the series...
And for the record, Warren will be signing with me (or vice-versa) at the Broadway Book Mall on June 10th.
Assuming that the baby stays asleep for a little while longer, I'm going to start working on the new game again. I haven't touched it in a while, so I'm going to have to get back up to speed on where I am in the design process.
That's about it for now. I hope to actually start doing some fiction writing soon, but time always seems to get in the way of that one...
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Book signing
I've arranged a reading and signing for A Problem in Translation at the Broadway Book Mall on Sunday June 10th at 3:00 PM. I'll be reading with Warren Hammond and Betsy Dornbusch.
My mom has been planning a trip out here (she hasn't met Alexis yet), and this would be perfect, since she's never had the opportunity to see me do anything like this. And the date makes it even more perfect, since June 10th is her birthday and June 11th is Rebecca's...so we will really be celebrating this one!
My mom has been planning a trip out here (she hasn't met Alexis yet), and this would be perfect, since she's never had the opportunity to see me do anything like this. And the date makes it even more perfect, since June 10th is her birthday and June 11th is Rebecca's...so we will really be celebrating this one!
Monday, March 19, 2012
So, your local bookstore doesn't have my new book?
If your local bookstore isn't carrying my new novel A Problem in Translation, you can have them order it by using the ISBN: 978-0981636535. And any bookstores reading this blog should also feel free to use that ISBN to order copies as well...
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Signed copies
I now have signed copies of my new novel available directly from me. Simply go to http://www.jalanerwine.com/translation.htm. The ordering links are at the bottom of the page.
I only have a limited number of copies, however, so don't hesitate...
I only have a limited number of copies, however, so don't hesitate...
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Very ill
The last two weeks have been very rough on me. I've developed some horrible respiratory and sinus infection, which has pretty much knocked me on my ass. I haven't been to work, and I've barely been able to do anything around the house, which makes it hard to take care of the kids. Rebecca has done a lot to help, but she hasn't been feeling 100% either, and she does work full time, so that makes it hard.
Why didn't I go to the doctor, you might ask. Simple, I don't have insurance. Therefore, in order to get treatment, I would have to shell out a lot more money than someone who does have insurance. Some people might find that fair, but I never have. Even when I had a job that gave me insurance, I always felt that everyone was entitled to insurance...this is, after all, supposed to be the greatest country in the world. In order to add me to Rebecca's insurance, we would have to shell out an extra $100 a month, and we aren't exactly living in the lap of luxury, so that money would have to be taken from things like food and clothing. Yeah, the US insurance system is seriously broken...
Why didn't I go to the doctor, you might ask. Simple, I don't have insurance. Therefore, in order to get treatment, I would have to shell out a lot more money than someone who does have insurance. Some people might find that fair, but I never have. Even when I had a job that gave me insurance, I always felt that everyone was entitled to insurance...this is, after all, supposed to be the greatest country in the world. In order to add me to Rebecca's insurance, we would have to shell out an extra $100 a month, and we aren't exactly living in the lap of luxury, so that money would have to be taken from things like food and clothing. Yeah, the US insurance system is seriously broken...
Monday, March 05, 2012
Read an e-book week
March 4th-10th is Read an E-book Week at Smashwords. Both Sam's Dot Publishing and Nomadic Delirium Press are participating in these specials. This gives you a chance to pick up a lot of my titles at 25% off. This includes all three of my new novels, including the new one, A Problem in Translation. You can also pick up one of my short story collections and any of the Ephemeris products I've created. Simply go to...
The Sam's Dot page
or
The Nomadic Delirium page
Once there, they'll give you a coupon code for the 25% off deal.
It's a great chance to get caught up on my works...
The Sam's Dot page
or
The Nomadic Delirium page
Once there, they'll give you a coupon code for the 25% off deal.
It's a great chance to get caught up on my works...
Friday, March 02, 2012
GM's Day at DriveThruRPG
March 1st - March 7th is a celebration of GM's Day at DriveThruRPG. You can get 25% off of a wide variety of titles, including all of the Ephemeris titles. Simply go to http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?filters=0_0_0_0_0_31817, and search for Ephemeris.
Thursday, March 01, 2012
A Problem in Translation is now available
The long awaited release of my new novel, A Problem in Translation, is finally here.
If you'd like to read a sample chapter, you can find one at http://www.jalanerwine.com/translation.htm.
You can order the book from any of the following:
The Sam's Dot Bookstore
The e-book from Smashwords
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
If you'd like to read a sample chapter, you can find one at http://www.jalanerwine.com/translation.htm.
You can order the book from any of the following:
The Sam's Dot Bookstore
The e-book from Smashwords
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
February recap
Here's what I was blogging about in February. Looks like it was all about the new book...
Release date
The worst part about writing a book
A Problem in Translation blurb
The first chapter
Release date
The worst part about writing a book
A Problem in Translation blurb
The first chapter
Saturday, February 25, 2012
The first chapter
Thursday, March 1st is the release date for my new novel, A Problem in Translation. If you'd like to read the first chapter, please feel free to go to... http://www.jalanerwine.com/translation.htm.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
A Problem in Translation blurb
It's not finalized yet, but here's the blurb for the new book...
What is humanity to do when faced by aliens whose language is vague at best? What is humanity to do when faced by aliens that are worshipped or feared by almost every other species in the universe? What is humanity to do when faced by aliens that make decisions that seem completely illogical?
These are the questions that must be answered by Captain Shiro Takahashi and the crew of the Astrid, and failing to come up with the right answers could lead to the annihilation of humanity at the prehensile limbs of the Lemec.
Governing, but not governing, most of the nearby galaxy, the Lemec are a powerful species that no one really understands, and this is just how the Lemec want it. Captain Takahashi is trying to understand, but the Lemec try to block his actions at every turn. How can he ever hope to save humanity, and do the Lemec even care if humanity is saved?
What is humanity to do when faced by aliens whose language is vague at best? What is humanity to do when faced by aliens that are worshipped or feared by almost every other species in the universe? What is humanity to do when faced by aliens that make decisions that seem completely illogical?
These are the questions that must be answered by Captain Shiro Takahashi and the crew of the Astrid, and failing to come up with the right answers could lead to the annihilation of humanity at the prehensile limbs of the Lemec.
Governing, but not governing, most of the nearby galaxy, the Lemec are a powerful species that no one really understands, and this is just how the Lemec want it. Captain Takahashi is trying to understand, but the Lemec try to block his actions at every turn. How can he ever hope to save humanity, and do the Lemec even care if humanity is saved?
Friday, February 03, 2012
The worst part about writing a book...
...is when the publisher asks you to help out with the back cover blurb.
I've never been good at sales, and trying to promote my own work is even harder. So, instead of writing the blurb, I'm procrastinating by writing about writing it...
I've never been good at sales, and trying to promote my own work is even harder. So, instead of writing the blurb, I'm procrastinating by writing about writing it...
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Release date
We have a release date for my new novel, A Problem in Translation. It will be released on March 1st, 2012. That's not all that far off, so make sure you're saving those pennies. It will be available both as a trade paperback and an e-book.
This one isn't as dark as my first two novels, and would be more of what I would consider Space Opera, but with a twist. Hopefully you will all enjoy it once it's released.
And be sure to pay attention to my Facebook page, as I'll be doing some special giveaways in a little over a week.
This one isn't as dark as my first two novels, and would be more of what I would consider Space Opera, but with a twist. Hopefully you will all enjoy it once it's released.
And be sure to pay attention to my Facebook page, as I'll be doing some special giveaways in a little over a week.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
January recap
Very light month of blogging. Hopefully I'll have more to say in the month to come.
Shouldn't be a surprise...
Progress Report
We have a cover
Shouldn't be a surprise...
Progress Report
We have a cover
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
We have a cover
We're getting very close to the release of my third novel A Problem in Translation, and I'm very happy to say that we now have a cover for the new book.
Here it is...
Here it is...
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Progress report
Work on the new game is really coming along. I'm very excited about this one, and I'm hoping it will be well received by the gaming world.
I recently sent a copy of the short story that was the inspiration for my new novel to the cover artist, Miss Laura Givens, so she and I can start bouncing some ideas around for the book cover. As the release date approaches, I'll be doing some giveaways through my Facebook account, so keep an eye open for those.
The "real" job has kept me quite busy, so I'm not making as much creative progress as I'd like...but we're getting there.
I recently sent a copy of the short story that was the inspiration for my new novel to the cover artist, Miss Laura Givens, so she and I can start bouncing some ideas around for the book cover. As the release date approaches, I'll be doing some giveaways through my Facebook account, so keep an eye open for those.
The "real" job has kept me quite busy, so I'm not making as much creative progress as I'd like...but we're getting there.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Shouldn't be a surprise...
...I've started work on the new role playing game. Any time an idea really grabs hold of me, I don't have much choice but to go with it. So, I am now in the process of creating a brand new RPG, and I'm making a ton of progress on it already. I'd say I'm half way through making my notes (other than historical notes), and I might actually start on the writing in the next couple of weeks.
Once I have everything put together, I'll be looking for play testers, so keep your eyes open if you're interested in trying the game out.
Once I have everything put together, I'll be looking for play testers, so keep your eyes open if you're interested in trying the game out.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
2011 in review
This hasn't been the most productive year I've ever had. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the baby and the new job, but I did have a few publications.
The biggest was the release of my second novel, Red Moon Rising
I also had short stories published in Beyond Centauri, Aoife's Kiss, and A Taste of Armageddon. I also created several supplements for the Ephemeris RPG.
2012 is looking like it will be a more productive year. Alexis is starting to get a little more independent, so that will hopefully free up some time. Early in the year, we'll see the release of my third novel and I'm also hoping to create a brand new RPG this year.
Hope you all have a great and safe new year! See you next year!
The biggest was the release of my second novel, Red Moon Rising
I also had short stories published in Beyond Centauri, Aoife's Kiss, and A Taste of Armageddon. I also created several supplements for the Ephemeris RPG.
2012 is looking like it will be a more productive year. Alexis is starting to get a little more independent, so that will hopefully free up some time. Early in the year, we'll see the release of my third novel and I'm also hoping to create a brand new RPG this year.
Hope you all have a great and safe new year! See you next year!
Monday, December 26, 2011
Thinking about a new RPG
I've been playing with the idea of creating a new RPG. This one would be a fantasy game set during the colonization/conquest of America. It would contain a lot of the actual facts of that era, but in the game, magic would be real...opening up a lot of potential alternate histories.
Although I'm thinking about this, I'm not convinced that I actually want to do it. The game would take A LOT of work, and it would be very challenging. I'm not really sure if I can devote the time that I would need to such an endeavor. For my writing friends out there, it may be hard to believe, but I actually think creating an RPG is a lot harder than creating a novel. With a novel, you just have a few plot lines. With an RPG, you have to be able to consider as many plot lines as possible, because every player is different.
It's a thought...we'll see if it leads to anything...
Although I'm thinking about this, I'm not convinced that I actually want to do it. The game would take A LOT of work, and it would be very challenging. I'm not really sure if I can devote the time that I would need to such an endeavor. For my writing friends out there, it may be hard to believe, but I actually think creating an RPG is a lot harder than creating a novel. With a novel, you just have a few plot lines. With an RPG, you have to be able to consider as many plot lines as possible, because every player is different.
It's a thought...we'll see if it leads to anything...
Friday, December 23, 2011
I don't understand parents
Our kids spent the day with grandma today so that we could get some last minute Christmas stuff done. As we were leaving to pick them up, we saw two little girls walking down the sidewalk towards us. They were probably four and two. Both had coats on, but neither of them were zipped up. Neither of them were wearing shoes or socks.
For the record, the temperature here today was not much more than 20, and we just had a foot of snow, so these kids were walking on icy snow packed sidewalks...without shoes and socks!
We asked them where their parents were, and they just kept saying they'd gone night night. Neither of them spoke English very well (we're thinking they might have been Russian,) so it was hard to understand much of what they said. They kept walking because the oldest said they couldn't talk to us. We got in our car and followed them for a couple of blocks. At this point, we pretty much decided that this was beyond insane, so we called 911. Eventually the police showed up and took them into custody. They were very scared of the fact that they were going to have to go with the police, but the fact that we were all trying to help them warm up, and obviously trying to do what was best for them seemed to relax them a little.
I seriously have to wonder what these kids' parents were thinking. It's possible that something had happened to their parents, but we really don't know, and if the parents really were just sleeping, who sleeps while their young kids wander out of the house? I can barely even sleep when our kids are up and moving...
I don't know what happened to the kids, and I would actually like to know. I also really want to know what the parents could have been thinking.
For the record, the temperature here today was not much more than 20, and we just had a foot of snow, so these kids were walking on icy snow packed sidewalks...without shoes and socks!
We asked them where their parents were, and they just kept saying they'd gone night night. Neither of them spoke English very well (we're thinking they might have been Russian,) so it was hard to understand much of what they said. They kept walking because the oldest said they couldn't talk to us. We got in our car and followed them for a couple of blocks. At this point, we pretty much decided that this was beyond insane, so we called 911. Eventually the police showed up and took them into custody. They were very scared of the fact that they were going to have to go with the police, but the fact that we were all trying to help them warm up, and obviously trying to do what was best for them seemed to relax them a little.
I seriously have to wonder what these kids' parents were thinking. It's possible that something had happened to their parents, but we really don't know, and if the parents really were just sleeping, who sleeps while their young kids wander out of the house? I can barely even sleep when our kids are up and moving...
I don't know what happened to the kids, and I would actually like to know. I also really want to know what the parents could have been thinking.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
12 Days of Ephemeris Christmas
We're going to be having special sales all through the 12 days of Christmas. We'll be offering a different PDF e-book each day for a buck through DriveThruRPG.
Here are the days, the titles, and the links you'll need to use on those days:
14th: the core rulebook http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=46749
15th: The Derelict Ship of the Ancients http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=14719
16th: Ephemeris: Critters and Pests http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=39990
17th: Mission of Trade, or Mission of Mercy http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=39893
18th: The Ephemeris Book of First Level Characters http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=11412
19th: Necessity's Call http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=18582
20th: The Scientist's Sourcebook http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=14554
21st: The Law Enforcer's Sourcebook http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=66296
22nd: The Althani Sourcebook http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=31824
23rd: The Arbonix Sourcebook http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=39405
24th: The Culthan Sourcebook http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=12482
25th: The Human Sourcebook http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=44103
Remember, each offer is only good for one day, and each book is only $1.
Here are the days, the titles, and the links you'll need to use on those days:
14th: the core rulebook http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=46749
15th: The Derelict Ship of the Ancients http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=14719
16th: Ephemeris: Critters and Pests http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=39990
17th: Mission of Trade, or Mission of Mercy http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=39893
18th: The Ephemeris Book of First Level Characters http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=11412
19th: Necessity's Call http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=18582
20th: The Scientist's Sourcebook http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=14554
21st: The Law Enforcer's Sourcebook http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=66296
22nd: The Althani Sourcebook http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=31824
23rd: The Arbonix Sourcebook http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=39405
24th: The Culthan Sourcebook http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=12482
25th: The Human Sourcebook http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=44103
Remember, each offer is only good for one day, and each book is only $1.
Saturday, December 03, 2011
The Martian Wave as a bestseller
The Martian Wave Vol. 2, which I edited, made it onto the bestsellers list at Sam's Dot Publishing for November. It came in at #4. You can check out the complete list at http://sdpbookstore.com/bestsellers.htm.
Friday, December 02, 2011
Ephemeris holiday specials
We've set up some special holiday bundles at DriveThruRPG for those of you that play, or want to play the Ephemeris Science Fiction Role Playing Game. Both of the bundles feature the following titles: Critters & Pests, Expanded Ephemeris Equipment List, Necessity's Call, Derelict Ship of the Ancients, Book of Tables, and the Species Compendium. The only difference in the two bundles is that one features the core rulebook and the other does not. They list for $18 and $15 respectively.
Without the core rulebook: http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=86042
With the core rulebook: http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=86038
Without the core rulebook: http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=86042
With the core rulebook: http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=86038
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Cyber Monday sales
A couple of Cyber Monday sales have kicked off that feature some of my work. You can find the Ephemeris Cyber Monday Bundle at http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=96365. This include the Ephemeris core rulebook, Critters and Pest, the Expanded Ephemeris Equipment List, Mission of Trade, or Mission of Mercy, The Derelict Ship of the Ancients, the Book of 1st Level Characters, the Book of Tables, and the Species Compendium. All of this is available for just $17.50...a huge savings, but only through Cyber Monday.
Another Cyber Monday sale you might be interested in is the Cyber Monday Nomadic Delirium Press Fiction Bundle, which can be found at http://www.drivethrufiction.com/product_info.php?products_id=65958. This bundle features four Nomadic Delirium Press e-books, including three of mine, all for the low price of $4.00. This one is also only good through the end of Cyber Monday, so order right away.
Another Cyber Monday sale you might be interested in is the Cyber Monday Nomadic Delirium Press Fiction Bundle, which can be found at http://www.drivethrufiction.com/product_info.php?products_id=65958. This bundle features four Nomadic Delirium Press e-books, including three of mine, all for the low price of $4.00. This one is also only good through the end of Cyber Monday, so order right away.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Some stuff to write
I just finished reading through a big stack of fragments I've written over the last decade or so. There is definitely some stuff to work with in that stack. Of course, I have no idea where I was going with some of the best of them, but I'll figure out something to do with them.
At least it looks like I'll have some stuff to work on now that I'm starting to find time to write again.
At least it looks like I'll have some stuff to work on now that I'm starting to find time to write again.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Nothing to sell
With the sale of my most recent novel, I've come to the shocking revelation that I have no fiction to submit. Granted there are some stories from before I actually had a career, but those are locked away in a box in a dark corner of a closet, never to see the light of day again.
I guess I need to get my writing muscles back in shape and start cranking out some new material. I have a few short story ideas I might work on, and I also have a novel that's only about a third done, so that should give me enough to do for a while...
I guess I need to get my writing muscles back in shape and start cranking out some new material. I have a few short story ideas I might work on, and I also have a novel that's only about a third done, so that should give me enough to do for a while...
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Happy birthday Alexis!
Today is my youngest daughter's first birthday. It's hard to believe that it's already been a year. It's also hard to believe all of the changes we've seen in her. She's gone from being completely helpless to becoming a functional human being. It's absolutely amazing.
Since the older two are "technically" my step-daughters, I missed out on all the wonderful things that babies do. I love coming home from work and seeing her smile at me, waiting for me to pick her up, or seeing the big grin on her face when she first wakes up in the morning. I'm proud of every achievement she's ever had, even the smallest of them, because they're all huge to her.
I'm just very happy and proud to say that I'm now the father of a one year old. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALEXIS!!!!
Since the older two are "technically" my step-daughters, I missed out on all the wonderful things that babies do. I love coming home from work and seeing her smile at me, waiting for me to pick her up, or seeing the big grin on her face when she first wakes up in the morning. I'm proud of every achievement she's ever had, even the smallest of them, because they're all huge to her.
I'm just very happy and proud to say that I'm now the father of a one year old. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALEXIS!!!!
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
A video review of the Ephemeris Role Playing Game
A more or less positive video review of the Ephemeris Role Playing Game...
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DNQS6mRdkdzQ&ct=ga&cad=CAcQAhgAIAEoBDACOAFArpWp9QRIAVgAYgJlbg&cd=uZ6W5RPzQzs&usg=AFQjCNHncCGKjbdBpkZ56evu0sXvRvsoaQ
I'm very happy that he took almost thirteen and a half minutes to talk about the game, and I agree with quite a bit of what he saw as issues with the game...most of which were more with the design of the core rulebook, as opposed to the actual design of the game.
I hope he reads this blog, because I'd like to say thanks!
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DNQS6mRdkdzQ&ct=ga&cad=CAcQAhgAIAEoBDACOAFArpWp9QRIAVgAYgJlbg&cd=uZ6W5RPzQzs&usg=AFQjCNHncCGKjbdBpkZ56evu0sXvRvsoaQ
I'm very happy that he took almost thirteen and a half minutes to talk about the game, and I agree with quite a bit of what he saw as issues with the game...most of which were more with the design of the core rulebook, as opposed to the actual design of the game.
I hope he reads this blog, because I'd like to say thanks!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
My third novel has sold
Many years ago I wrote a story entitled "A Problem in Translation." This story was picked up by Alternate Realities, and was then later turned into an illustrated chapbook by Sam's Dot Publishing. I later wrote another story in the universe that was published by Hadrosaur Tales. The stories fit so well together that I decided to expand on them and turn them into a complete novel.
I'm now very happy to say that the novel has been picked up Sam's Dot Publishing and will be released in the Spring. As more details come in, I'll be sure to let all of you know...
I'm now very happy to say that the novel has been picked up Sam's Dot Publishing and will be released in the Spring. As more details come in, I'll be sure to let all of you know...
Monday, October 24, 2011
MileHiCon 43
Another year's con has come and gone, and this one seemed to go faster than any in the past. I got an opportunity to talk to all of the usual suspects...and you know who you are...that I usually hang out with, and met lots of new people. Everyone was, of course, in love with the baby. She mostly stared at people at the beginning, but she eventually opened up and started smiling and waving at people.
Friday started out with a panel on the state of publishing, and we basically determined that it's in a state of flux, although I was surprised to learn that David Dvorkin in pushing for the grammerpocalypse (you had to be there.) In looking at my badge, I was surprised to learn that I was going to be a part of autograph alley, so I went to that after opening ceremonies. As I wasn't sitting with the main guests, I spent most of my time catching up with David Lee Summers, Gary Jonas, Carol Hightshoe, and Dana Bell.
Saturday was more or less an off day for me with no programming. I spent a lot of time doing the family stuff with the kids, and then took a break to sign at the Wolfsinger Publications table. They published one of my stories in their new Tale of Armageddon anthology. That night we went to the Smashy Claw concert. We've always been big fans of Odd Austin, so we were curious to see what this new project was. Unfortunately, the mix was off, and it was difficult to hear the vocals, so we still aren't sure what it's about. The baby really loved the music, however. She was dancing around in her stroller, and generally going crazy. Everyone sitting around us was laughing at her. After the concert was the masquerade, which had several good costumes, and several that seemed to be re-hashes of years gone by.
Sunday was my crazy day. Did a panel early in the day about fiction and RPGs. We had a good discussion, and we seemed to keep the audience entertained, which is always a good thing. The panel was moderated by my friend Ian Brazee-Cannon. This was the first time we'd ever done a panel together, so I had to have some fun at his expense. Next time you see him, just ask him if he's done any LARPs lately. I then did a reading and a signing, neither of which was well attended, and then concluded the day by moderating a panel on Mining in Space. I was the least qualified on the panel, which is probably why I was moderating it, but I think we put out a lot of good information, and hopefully the audience learned something.
MileHiCon is always so well done, and the entire staff deserves several rounds of applause, but especially Rose Beetem who does the programming. She always does a great job, and this year was no exception.
Friday started out with a panel on the state of publishing, and we basically determined that it's in a state of flux, although I was surprised to learn that David Dvorkin in pushing for the grammerpocalypse (you had to be there.) In looking at my badge, I was surprised to learn that I was going to be a part of autograph alley, so I went to that after opening ceremonies. As I wasn't sitting with the main guests, I spent most of my time catching up with David Lee Summers, Gary Jonas, Carol Hightshoe, and Dana Bell.
Saturday was more or less an off day for me with no programming. I spent a lot of time doing the family stuff with the kids, and then took a break to sign at the Wolfsinger Publications table. They published one of my stories in their new Tale of Armageddon anthology. That night we went to the Smashy Claw concert. We've always been big fans of Odd Austin, so we were curious to see what this new project was. Unfortunately, the mix was off, and it was difficult to hear the vocals, so we still aren't sure what it's about. The baby really loved the music, however. She was dancing around in her stroller, and generally going crazy. Everyone sitting around us was laughing at her. After the concert was the masquerade, which had several good costumes, and several that seemed to be re-hashes of years gone by.
Sunday was my crazy day. Did a panel early in the day about fiction and RPGs. We had a good discussion, and we seemed to keep the audience entertained, which is always a good thing. The panel was moderated by my friend Ian Brazee-Cannon. This was the first time we'd ever done a panel together, so I had to have some fun at his expense. Next time you see him, just ask him if he's done any LARPs lately. I then did a reading and a signing, neither of which was well attended, and then concluded the day by moderating a panel on Mining in Space. I was the least qualified on the panel, which is probably why I was moderating it, but I think we put out a lot of good information, and hopefully the audience learned something.
MileHiCon is always so well done, and the entire staff deserves several rounds of applause, but especially Rose Beetem who does the programming. She always does a great job, and this year was no exception.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Updated Mile HiCon schedule
Here's my updated schedule for the Con, along with more information than was in the previous post...
Friday 4:00 pm
The New Landscape of Publishing
Grand Mesa B-C
Dan Dvorkin, Stephen Graham Jones, Eileen Schuh, James Van Pelt
Saturday 3:00 pm
I'll be signing at the WolfSinger Publications table.
Sunday 11:00 am
RPG Games: Fiction vs. Playing
Wind River B
Ian Brazee-Cannon, MT Fierce, Joseph Paul Haines, Christopher Salas
Sunday 1:00 pm
Author Reading
Mesa Verde C
Reading with Paul Cooley
Sunday 2:00 pm
Signing
Autograph Table
with Paul Cooley
Sunday 4:00 pm
Mining in Space
Wind River B
Dan Dvorkin, Rebecca Lickiss, Alastair Mayer, Wil McCarthy
I'll be moderating this panel, and there are actual rocket scientists on the panel...so it should be very interesting...
Friday 4:00 pm
The New Landscape of Publishing
Grand Mesa B-C
Dan Dvorkin, Stephen Graham Jones, Eileen Schuh, James Van Pelt
Saturday 3:00 pm
I'll be signing at the WolfSinger Publications table.
Sunday 11:00 am
RPG Games: Fiction vs. Playing
Wind River B
Ian Brazee-Cannon, MT Fierce, Joseph Paul Haines, Christopher Salas
Sunday 1:00 pm
Author Reading
Mesa Verde C
Reading with Paul Cooley
Sunday 2:00 pm
Signing
Autograph Table
with Paul Cooley
Sunday 4:00 pm
Mining in Space
Wind River B
Dan Dvorkin, Rebecca Lickiss, Alastair Mayer, Wil McCarthy
I'll be moderating this panel, and there are actual rocket scientists on the panel...so it should be very interesting...
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Nomadic Delirium Press is looking for novels
Nomadic Delirium Press is now open for novel submissions. We're looking for a couple of science fiction novels that we can release in 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nomadicdeliriumpress.com/novels.htm.
Monday, October 10, 2011
A Taste of Armageddon
A new anthology, entitled A Taste of Armageddon has been released by WolfSinger Publications. The lead story in the anthology is by little old me. If you'd like to pick up your copy, you can find it at Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936099306.
Smashwords also has the e-book, and you can find that at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/83785.
The write-up for the book looks like this:
Advances in modern war techniques have led many to "cleaner" and "cleaner" weapons.
Countries have created missiles that can pinpoint a room within a building - greatly reducing the risks to
non-combatants in a war zone.
In the Star Trek episode "A Taste of Armegeddon" Captain Kirk challenged that war had to be messy so that
people had a reason to avoid it. In this collection 11 authors will look at ways that warfare will advance in the future
- from a war that has determined safe zones that cannot be attacked to a virtual war where a law still exists that can
require one-tenth of the population to be killed to a closed meeting room where world leaders order the destruction
of their own people to show just how far they will go in attacking the enemy.
Whether you agree with war or not, these stories will cause you to pause and think about the ways in which war is
waged.
And the contributors:
J. Alan Erwine
Grig Larson
David Lee Summers
Henry L. Lazarus
David Turnbull
RA Fitzgerald
Joyce Frohn
Dana Bell
John Lance
Frank Taveres
Ryan Kinker
Smashwords also has the e-book, and you can find that at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/83785.
The write-up for the book looks like this:
Advances in modern war techniques have led many to "cleaner" and "cleaner" weapons.
Countries have created missiles that can pinpoint a room within a building - greatly reducing the risks to
non-combatants in a war zone.
In the Star Trek episode "A Taste of Armegeddon" Captain Kirk challenged that war had to be messy so that
people had a reason to avoid it. In this collection 11 authors will look at ways that warfare will advance in the future
- from a war that has determined safe zones that cannot be attacked to a virtual war where a law still exists that can
require one-tenth of the population to be killed to a closed meeting room where world leaders order the destruction
of their own people to show just how far they will go in attacking the enemy.
Whether you agree with war or not, these stories will cause you to pause and think about the ways in which war is
waged.
And the contributors:
J. Alan Erwine
Grig Larson
David Lee Summers
Henry L. Lazarus
David Turnbull
RA Fitzgerald
Joyce Frohn
Dana Bell
John Lance
Frank Taveres
Ryan Kinker
Thursday, October 06, 2011
A Red Moon Rising sequel?
My publisher was telling me that he sold a copy of Red Moon Rising to a convention goer recently. Apparently the guy bought the book on Friday, read it over the weekend (how anyone finds time to read at a convention, I'll never know), and returned on Sunday asking if there was a sequel available for the book.
This surprised me. I wrote the book as a stand alone novel. The main story in the novel is the main character trying to come to terms with the death of his brother, and I think I wrapped that up pretty well. At the end of the book, it is clear that the main characters still have goals and things they want to accomplish, but their main goal has been achieved, and I never really thought that the other possibilities would be interesting to readers. Perhaps I was wrong.
At this time, I'm not planning on writing a sequel, but it is nice to know that someone enjoyed the book enough to want to read more.
This surprised me. I wrote the book as a stand alone novel. The main story in the novel is the main character trying to come to terms with the death of his brother, and I think I wrapped that up pretty well. At the end of the book, it is clear that the main characters still have goals and things they want to accomplish, but their main goal has been achieved, and I never really thought that the other possibilities would be interesting to readers. Perhaps I was wrong.
At this time, I'm not planning on writing a sequel, but it is nice to know that someone enjoyed the book enough to want to read more.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
My MileHiCon 43 schedule
MileHiCon is almost here, running October 21st-23rd. Here is my schedule, and although it's still subject to change, this should be where you can find me...
Friday
4-5
The New Landscape of Publishing
I have no programming on Saturday, but Sunday should make up for that...
Sunday
11-Noon
RPG Games: Fiction vs. Playing
1-2
Reading
2-3
Signing
4-5
Mining in Space
I'll post room information in a later blog, and I'll also let everyone know if there are any changes. I certainly hope that many of you can make it to most or all of these panels.
Friday
4-5
The New Landscape of Publishing
I have no programming on Saturday, but Sunday should make up for that...
Sunday
11-Noon
RPG Games: Fiction vs. Playing
1-2
Reading
2-3
Signing
4-5
Mining in Space
I'll post room information in a later blog, and I'll also let everyone know if there are any changes. I certainly hope that many of you can make it to most or all of these panels.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
I really miss writing
2010 wasn't the most productive year for me, and 2011 is looking like it will be even less so. Although I have done some work on a new novel and I've written a lot of supplemental material for the Ephemeris RPG, there hasn't been much else.
The arrival of Alexis has obviously taken up a lot of my time, and I certainly wouldn't want to give up any of that time, and the job is also taking up a lot of my time, especially since Rebecca and I work opposite schedules, which doesn't leave much free time for writing. The job would be something I'd be willing to give up, although there's that whole money thing...we just can't seem to do without it, even though we've tried.
Hopefully as 2011 winds down, and 2012 starts, I'll find the time to write again...it's always good to hope, right?
The arrival of Alexis has obviously taken up a lot of my time, and I certainly wouldn't want to give up any of that time, and the job is also taking up a lot of my time, especially since Rebecca and I work opposite schedules, which doesn't leave much free time for writing. The job would be something I'd be willing to give up, although there's that whole money thing...we just can't seem to do without it, even though we've tried.
Hopefully as 2011 winds down, and 2012 starts, I'll find the time to write again...it's always good to hope, right?
Saturday, October 01, 2011
September recap
Eventually I'll start blogging as much as I used to, but time's just not allowing it right now. Here's what I was talking about in September...
The Goebbels Churn The Company vs. Red Moon Rising
Ephemeris e-books Now Available at Smashwords
Ed Bryant needs our help
The first issue of The Martian Wave
The Goebbels Churn The Company vs. Red Moon Rising
Ephemeris e-books Now Available at Smashwords
Ed Bryant needs our help
The first issue of The Martian Wave
Friday, September 23, 2011
The first issue of The Martian Wave
I recently learned that the first issue of The Martian Wave has sold out completely. I hope you were able to get a copy. From what I've seen so far, the second issue is selling even better, so if you want a copy, you'd better order soon...
http://sdpbookstore.com/tmw.htm
http://sdpbookstore.com/tmw.htm
Monday, September 12, 2011
Ed Bryant needs our help
Anyone reading this who is involved in the literary genres almost certainly knows Ed Bryant, and any of you who have actually met him probably have stories to tell about what a great guy he is. Well, Ed has had some health problems, and he's in need of help from all of us in the writing and genre communities. Please visit http://friendsofed.org to learn more, and while you're there, you can donate at the bottom of the page.
Ed's a regular at MileHiCon, and I had the good fortune of having dinner with him on one occasion. Even given his "renown," he is a very humble gentleman and he gave me a few small nuggets of advice that I've at least tried to put into play in my own career.
So, if you can help, please do...
Ed's a regular at MileHiCon, and I had the good fortune of having dinner with him on one occasion. Even given his "renown," he is a very humble gentleman and he gave me a few small nuggets of advice that I've at least tried to put into play in my own career.
So, if you can help, please do...
Friday, September 09, 2011
Ephemeris e-books now available at Smashwords
After a lot of furious formatting, I'm happy to announce that the Ephemeris core rulebook and most of the Ephemeris RPG supplements are now available at Smashwords. In the weeks to come, they will also be available at a number of other e-book retailers.
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/nomadicdelirium
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/nomadicdelirium
Friday, September 02, 2011
The Goebbels Churn: The Company Men vs. Red Moon Rising
This is the rather long title of the latest of Tyree's Tuppence in the new issue of The Fifth Di.... For those of you not familiar, Tyree's Tuppence is a quarterly editorial that Tyree Campbell writes for The Fifth Di....
In the September issue, Tyree looks at the portrayal of big bad business in film and in literature. For his literary sample, he uses my latest novel, Red Moon Rising. He has some interesting points to make, and what author doesn't like it when someone references their work to make a point?
Read the Tuppence
In the September issue, Tyree looks at the portrayal of big bad business in film and in literature. For his literary sample, he uses my latest novel, Red Moon Rising. He has some interesting points to make, and what author doesn't like it when someone references their work to make a point?
Read the Tuppence
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Ephemeris e-books
The core rulebook for the Ephemeris RPG has now been released in a variety of e-book formats through Smashwords. You can buy it in whatever format you need at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/83508.
In the weeks to come, it should be available from a wide variety of e-book sellers. We will also be releasing all of the game supplements for other retailers as well.
In the weeks to come, it should be available from a wide variety of e-book sellers. We will also be releasing all of the game supplements for other retailers as well.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Our trip to Farmington, NM
A week and a half ago, Rebecca's Uncle Joe passed away, so we loaded into the mini-van on Wednesday night and headed to Farmington, NM. The trip down was pretty uneventful, other than my mother-in-law almost falling down an embankment in the dark.
We'd heard that the Motel 6 in town was cheap, but decent, so we booked two rooms there. The cheap part was true, but the place was a complete craphole. When we got there, there was no hot water, and after more than nine hours in the van, we all really wanted hot water. With that not being an option, we headed to lunch. On our way home, we were hit by a huge downpour. When we got back to the motel, my in-laws' room had flooded, and all of their funeral clothes had been drenched. The motel was more than happy to move them, so they moved them into a room with no air...and we still didn't have hot water.
The manager was gracious enough to offer us discount coupons for our next stay at Motel 6. I informed him that we would not be staying at Motel 6 any time in the future...so they refunded both of the rooms for the entire stay...I still feel like we got ripped off.
The funeral was a big affair, and I think most of the town was there. Joe had lived there most of his life, and he'd been a Navy veteran and a former Fire Captain, and he was very popular in the community.
Since he'd been in the fire department, the funeral procession was escorted by two fire trucks, and as we passed the main fire station, all of those left on duty were standing outside saluting the procession...a very touching gesture. I noticed a big difference about funerals in small towns as opposed to funerals in larger cities. For one thing, as the procession was passing through town, cars on the other side of the road were pulling over, and men were taking off their hats. In the "city," funeral processions seem to be seen as an impediment to traffic, and most people are quite rude in dealing with them. Also, the cemetery was right next to a park. As we passed the park, everyone stopped what they were doing and silently watched the procession...and it was a long procession.
Our return home was as uncomfortable as the trip down...you can only fit so many people into a mini-van. The highlight of the trip home was when were on I-25 just north of Walsenberg. Rebecca looked up a hillside, and started shouting "There's a bear." And sure enough, a small black bear was making his way down the hill. It was the first time I've ever actually seen a bear in the wild. I just hope he stayed off the highway.
We're now very exhausted, and we have to start back to work, with Rebecca going in very early today, and me going in very early tomorrow. I also have a lot of catching up to do as well.
We'd heard that the Motel 6 in town was cheap, but decent, so we booked two rooms there. The cheap part was true, but the place was a complete craphole. When we got there, there was no hot water, and after more than nine hours in the van, we all really wanted hot water. With that not being an option, we headed to lunch. On our way home, we were hit by a huge downpour. When we got back to the motel, my in-laws' room had flooded, and all of their funeral clothes had been drenched. The motel was more than happy to move them, so they moved them into a room with no air...and we still didn't have hot water.
The manager was gracious enough to offer us discount coupons for our next stay at Motel 6. I informed him that we would not be staying at Motel 6 any time in the future...so they refunded both of the rooms for the entire stay...I still feel like we got ripped off.
The funeral was a big affair, and I think most of the town was there. Joe had lived there most of his life, and he'd been a Navy veteran and a former Fire Captain, and he was very popular in the community.
Since he'd been in the fire department, the funeral procession was escorted by two fire trucks, and as we passed the main fire station, all of those left on duty were standing outside saluting the procession...a very touching gesture. I noticed a big difference about funerals in small towns as opposed to funerals in larger cities. For one thing, as the procession was passing through town, cars on the other side of the road were pulling over, and men were taking off their hats. In the "city," funeral processions seem to be seen as an impediment to traffic, and most people are quite rude in dealing with them. Also, the cemetery was right next to a park. As we passed the park, everyone stopped what they were doing and silently watched the procession...and it was a long procession.
Our return home was as uncomfortable as the trip down...you can only fit so many people into a mini-van. The highlight of the trip home was when were on I-25 just north of Walsenberg. Rebecca looked up a hillside, and started shouting "There's a bear." And sure enough, a small black bear was making his way down the hill. It was the first time I've ever actually seen a bear in the wild. I just hope he stayed off the highway.
We're now very exhausted, and we have to start back to work, with Rebecca going in very early today, and me going in very early tomorrow. I also have a lot of catching up to do as well.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The Martian Wave as an e-book
Sam's Dot Publishing has released Vol. 2 of The Martian Wave, which I edited, as an e-book.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/82388
What's in this issue?
This issue of The Martian Wave includes six evocative tales and five thought-provoking poems that will launch you into escape velocity! Bear witness to first contact with the starship crew of Molly Brown and an alien observer as they communicate via music in “Grand Ol’ Opry” by Laura R. Givens. Join Captain Anjela Stewart and her first mate Chris Lockwood of the Venture Forth, in Robert J. Mendenhalls’s “Full Moon”, as they, and other refugee ships, are turned away from Beta and Moon Base, seeking sanctuary in the wake of earth-destroying asteroid XF11. There are other unique and breath-stealing tales. . .from Robert N. Stephenson’s “A Miner Delay” where AI 7-12 Silva argues with his human-centered boss that he deserves to be sent to earth for an emotional and physical upgrade; Douglas A. Smith’s “Hydrogen” takes you on board the Sir Francis Drake while the crew wrestles with a sudden incapacitating illness. . .Is it connected to their propulsion systems? Dan Thompson’s “Terminator”, propels you into imminent disaster with Engineering Architect Ben Gage and Colonel Katerina Petrovna Mayakovski as they attempt to reform an asteroid to house refugees from the Belt Confederacy and the United Nations of Earth war--amid the imminent threat of an Assassin attack!; and N.E. Chenier’s “Latency”, where research vessel Naut-47 is investigating HRK-a for developers of human colonies. The science crew discovers that not only is the planet suitable for habitation, but there’s something in the environment that expands their latent potential exponentially—but at what cost?
Poets Lee Clark Zumpe, Kristine Ong Muslim, W.C. Roberts, and Shelly Bryant extend their creative tethers across space from “gilded captivity” in an alien zoo to a space trader who sells his organs to survive!
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/82388
What's in this issue?
This issue of The Martian Wave includes six evocative tales and five thought-provoking poems that will launch you into escape velocity! Bear witness to first contact with the starship crew of Molly Brown and an alien observer as they communicate via music in “Grand Ol’ Opry” by Laura R. Givens. Join Captain Anjela Stewart and her first mate Chris Lockwood of the Venture Forth, in Robert J. Mendenhalls’s “Full Moon”, as they, and other refugee ships, are turned away from Beta and Moon Base, seeking sanctuary in the wake of earth-destroying asteroid XF11. There are other unique and breath-stealing tales. . .from Robert N. Stephenson’s “A Miner Delay” where AI 7-12 Silva argues with his human-centered boss that he deserves to be sent to earth for an emotional and physical upgrade; Douglas A. Smith’s “Hydrogen” takes you on board the Sir Francis Drake while the crew wrestles with a sudden incapacitating illness. . .Is it connected to their propulsion systems? Dan Thompson’s “Terminator”, propels you into imminent disaster with Engineering Architect Ben Gage and Colonel Katerina Petrovna Mayakovski as they attempt to reform an asteroid to house refugees from the Belt Confederacy and the United Nations of Earth war--amid the imminent threat of an Assassin attack!; and N.E. Chenier’s “Latency”, where research vessel Naut-47 is investigating HRK-a for developers of human colonies. The science crew discovers that not only is the planet suitable for habitation, but there’s something in the environment that expands their latent potential exponentially—but at what cost?
Poets Lee Clark Zumpe, Kristine Ong Muslim, W.C. Roberts, and Shelly Bryant extend their creative tethers across space from “gilded captivity” in an alien zoo to a space trader who sells his organs to survive!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The Bandit's Sourcebook
It's taken a lot longer than we ever wanted it to, but The Bandit's Sourcebook for the Ephemeris RPG is now available...
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=94051
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=94051
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
What have I been up to?
Regular readers of this blog have probably noticed that I haven't been posting much lately, so what have I been doing with my time?
I've been desperately trying to get The Bandits' Sourcebook for the Ephemeris RPG ready, and I'm happy to report that it should be available from DriveThruRPG some time in the next week.
I've been trying to get caught up on submissions for The Fifth Di... and The Martian Wave, which I was way too far behind on, and I'm happy to report that I'm not caught up.
I've also been busy formatting books and e-books for Sam's Dot...that battle never ends.
And on a personal note, I've been busy watching our youngest grow up so fast, and of course our older girls started back to school...so busy times indeed!
And of course I've been working at the "real" job...
Now, if I could just find some time to write...
I've been desperately trying to get The Bandits' Sourcebook for the Ephemeris RPG ready, and I'm happy to report that it should be available from DriveThruRPG some time in the next week.
I've been trying to get caught up on submissions for The Fifth Di... and The Martian Wave, which I was way too far behind on, and I'm happy to report that I'm not caught up.
I've also been busy formatting books and e-books for Sam's Dot...that battle never ends.
And on a personal note, I've been busy watching our youngest grow up so fast, and of course our older girls started back to school...so busy times indeed!
And of course I've been working at the "real" job...
Now, if I could just find some time to write...
Sunday, August 14, 2011
No WorldCon for me
I'm really bummed that I won't be going to Renovation this year. With it being so close, I was really hoping that we'd be able to make the trip, but our finances just won't allow it. So, for those of you that are going...have a great time for me!
Hopefully we'll be able to make Chicago next year, but it will all depend on finances again...and with the monkey business going on in D.C., I'm not optimistic...
Hopefully we'll be able to make Chicago next year, but it will all depend on finances again...and with the monkey business going on in D.C., I'm not optimistic...
Monday, August 01, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
An e-book price reduction
Sam's Dot Publishing is tweaking prices on e-books as they figure out what the e-book market is really like. As a result, they've dropped the price on Red Moon Rising to $2.79.
Order a copy today...
Order a copy today...
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The Martian Wave is here
I neglected to mention that my contributors' copies of the second issue of The Martian Wave arrived recently, and the issue looks great. I've been editing for many many years, but I'm especially proud of this issue. There is some truly great stuff in it.
Be sure to order yourself a copy at http://sdpbookstore.com/tmw.htm.
Be sure to order yourself a copy at http://sdpbookstore.com/tmw.htm.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Christmas in July
DriveThruRPG is having their annual Xmas in July sale, and you can get any Ephemeris products for 25% off...so order before the end of the month.
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/rpg_xmas_in_july.php?manufacturers_id=2805&filters=0_0_0_0_31815#selectpub
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/rpg_xmas_in_july.php?manufacturers_id=2805&filters=0_0_0_0_31815#selectpub
Saturday, July 23, 2011
The Ephemeris anniversary
Tomorrow (Sunday July 24th) will be the second anniversary of the release of the Ephemeris Role Playing Game. To celebrate this, we will be giving away free pdfs off and on throughout the day at the Ephemeris page on Facebook. You can find it at http://www.facebook.com/groups/11118817285?ap=1.
You must be a "friend" of the page in order to win. We will be giving away core rulebooks and supplements throughout the day, so join us...
You must be a "friend" of the page in order to win. We will be giving away core rulebooks and supplements throughout the day, so join us...
Saturday, July 16, 2011
First blog of July
It's hard to believe that it's already the middle of July and I haven't posted a single blog yet. I've been really busy, mostly putting in a lot of hours at the "real" job, and of course little Alexis keeps me on the run...I can't imagine what it will be like when she gets mobile.
I haven't really been able to get much of the work done that I really want to do, but I'm sure that will come in time.
Stay tuned, I promise to post more in the days to come...
I haven't really been able to get much of the work done that I really want to do, but I'm sure that will come in time.
Stay tuned, I promise to post more in the days to come...
Friday, July 01, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Martin H. Greenberg
Yesterday, SF anthologies Martin H. Greenberg passed away after a long battle with cancer. For those in the field, Greenberg was a giant, and to me personally, he was someone I admired, respected, and was influenced by.
I've edited several anthologies over the years, and in the back of my mind I always hoped to some day edit an anthology that was as good as the ones he edited...maybe some day.
The SF field has been greatly diminished, and he will be missed.
I've edited several anthologies over the years, and in the back of my mind I always hoped to some day edit an anthology that was as good as the ones he edited...maybe some day.
The SF field has been greatly diminished, and he will be missed.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Book signing tomorrow
I just wanted to remind everyone in the Denver metro area that I will be reading from, and signing copies of Red Moon Rising tomorrow at the Broadway Book Mall at 3 pm. The Mall is located at 200 S. Broadway in Denver.
I've had quite a few people tell me that they're planning on attending, so you might want to get there early.
I've had quite a few people tell me that they're planning on attending, so you might want to get there early.
Contributors copy of Aoife's Kiss
My contributor's copy of the new issue of Aoife's Kiss arrived earlier this week. It's a big thick issue since it's an anniversary issue, and it looks like there's some great stuff in it.
I can't wait to actually find time to read it...yes, I hear all of the laughing.
To order your copy, go to http://sdpbookstore.com/aoifeskiss.htm
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Are you coming to the book signing?
Just a reminder that I will be signing copies of Red Moon Rising at the Broadway Book Mall in Denver at 3 p.m. on Sunday June 26th. They will have copies of the book there, but if you're interested in reading the book before the signing (so you can come up with some truly brilliant questions for me), then there are a lot of places you can buy it. For example:
The Sam's Dot Bookstore
Amazon
They should also have copies of most of the other books I've written or edited. Hope to see a lot of you there...
The Sam's Dot Bookstore
Amazon
They should also have copies of most of the other books I've written or edited. Hope to see a lot of you there...
Saturday, June 11, 2011
What's wrong with Ephemeris
I recently got an e-mail from someone (who shall remain nameless) telling me what's wrong with Ephemeris. For those of you that are new to this blog, Ephemeris is a science fiction RPG that I'm the co-designer of.
According to this fellow, the problem with the game is that it doesn't have rigidly defined rules. Instead, a lot of the game play is supposed to be created by the players and the game master. Apparently, I don't know much about gaming because that's what an RPG is to me. When we created the game, we wanted something that was going to have a wide open playing style, much like the original and the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons games. We didn't want to tell you exactly how to play the game, but apparently that was what this guy wanted. Sorry.
We wanted a system that would allow you to create your own campaigns, and given that the setting is the galaxy, well, there should be a lot you can do with that.
I think that's one of the problems I've had with a lot of the newer games, they're too rigidly defined, but maybe that's just me...
According to this fellow, the problem with the game is that it doesn't have rigidly defined rules. Instead, a lot of the game play is supposed to be created by the players and the game master. Apparently, I don't know much about gaming because that's what an RPG is to me. When we created the game, we wanted something that was going to have a wide open playing style, much like the original and the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons games. We didn't want to tell you exactly how to play the game, but apparently that was what this guy wanted. Sorry.
We wanted a system that would allow you to create your own campaigns, and given that the setting is the galaxy, well, there should be a lot you can do with that.
I think that's one of the problems I've had with a lot of the newer games, they're too rigidly defined, but maybe that's just me...
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