I've had several people ask me about the surgery that Alexis is going to have to have, so I figured I'd just answer everything here. The ENT found a Thyroglossal cyst, which apparently formed in utero, because the Throglossal duct did not close as it was supposed to. The cyst itself is not dangerous, but if it becomes infected, it can have some nasty side effects.
The procedure they're going to be doing is called the Sistrunk Procedure, and it involves removing the cyst, and if the duct is still present, they'll take that out as well, which involves removing part of the hyoid bone. If you want the details, which I don't like thinking about, you can find them at http://www.ent-surgery.com.au/thyroid/thyroglossal-duct-cyst-surgery-sistrunk-procedure.
Monday, January 06, 2014
Sunday, January 05, 2014
The Nomadic Delirium Press Bookstore
Nomadic Delirium Press now has a bookstore. You can find all of their print and e-books there, including a number of titles that I've written or edited.
Please check it out at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop.
Please check it out at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop.
Saturday, January 04, 2014
The Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica: Sector Three (Melanathee Space)
The new supplement for the Ephemeris RPG with the very long name is now available. This started out as a very daunting task, but once I started working on it, I found it to be a lot of fun, and the creativity just flowed...so it's available a lot earlier than we'd expected.
Here's what you can expect:
Here's what you can expect:
The Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica: Sector Three (Melanathee Space) is now available at http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/124640/The-Ephemeris-Encyclopedia-Galactica-Sector-Three-%28Melanathee-Space%29.
The Melanathee are the oldest of the six major species in the Ephemeris
universe. Now you can learn about their sector of space. Learn about
the planets they've colonized, the systems they battle to try to
control, and the systems that even they fear to enter.
The Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica will be a multi-volume collection looking at each sector of space. You can start with Sector Three (Melanathee Space).
The Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica will be a multi-volume collection looking at each sector of space. You can start with Sector Three (Melanathee Space).
Friday, January 03, 2014
A glimpse of the Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica
I've been working on the first volume of the Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica for a bit now, and I'm happy to say that in the next few days, players and game masters will be able to get their hands on it.
What can they expect from it?
Here's a glimpse of a couple of the entries. Keep in mind, these were taken from the first draft of the supplement, and they have changed slightly, but hopefully they'll be enough of a tease...
What can they expect from it?
Here's a glimpse of a couple of the entries. Keep in mind, these were taken from the first draft of the supplement, and they have changed slightly, but hopefully they'll be enough of a tease...
Gliese 317: 29 ly, M3.5
The Gliese 317 system is a system of potential conflict. Although there have been small skirmishes, nothing too serious has happened yet. For more than a century, the Melanathee have had a colony on a moon orbiting a gas giant that sits just under one A.U. from the red dwarf. Three decades ago, Humans moved into the system, colonizing two other moons of the same gas giant. Even though Humans and Melanathee do not breathe the same types of atmosphere, there have been debates over who should control the space around the gas giant. The Melanathee argue that they have been here longer, but the humans argue that they actually occupy two moons in the system. The other species have chosen to stay out of this one for now.
TolENtaMe is a small gaseous moon inhabited by the Melanathee. There are currently more than one million of them living on the moon. The settlement started out as a scientific colony, but has since expanded into a full colony, and because of the presence of humans in the system, there is a fairly large military base on the moon. The atmosphere is breathable for the Melanathee, although some of the less healthy will have trouble with it.
Ardith is the largest moon, and is currently occupied by a quarter of a million humans. The Earth military originally set up the colony, and even though they keep a large presence on the moon in order to protect the inhabitants, most of the planet is run by ExploraCorp, an Earth-based corporation with the mission of exploring and colonizing as much of near space as possible, and of course making a lot of money in the process. Although the actual air of the moon is dangerous for humans to breathe, the atmosphere is at a pressure and temperature that humans can walk on the surface with only breathers.
Rowena is a small moon with roughly 1,000 humans living on it. The moon has been set up as a research base to explore the weak star at the center of the system. The surface has no atmosphere, and the entire colony has been built underground.
69 G Carinae: 53 ly G2V
From the outside, this star system looks perfect for colonization, but there is something very wrong in the 69 G Carinae system. The Melanathee, the Arbonix, and the Humans have all tried to establish colonies in this system. All of those colonies have been destroyed, and no one has been able to figure out why. There are rumors of angry cyber wizards, some unknown civilization, quantum instabilities, hyperspace intrusions, and thousands of other less likely reasons. Not only have the colonies been destroyed, but most ships passing through this system are destroyed. Some of the ones that have made it through the system have reported strange lights, problems with their engines, and all kinds of system malfunctions.
At the moment, there are no sentients living in the system…at least that we know of.
The Gliese 317 system is a system of potential conflict. Although there have been small skirmishes, nothing too serious has happened yet. For more than a century, the Melanathee have had a colony on a moon orbiting a gas giant that sits just under one A.U. from the red dwarf. Three decades ago, Humans moved into the system, colonizing two other moons of the same gas giant. Even though Humans and Melanathee do not breathe the same types of atmosphere, there have been debates over who should control the space around the gas giant. The Melanathee argue that they have been here longer, but the humans argue that they actually occupy two moons in the system. The other species have chosen to stay out of this one for now.
TolENtaMe is a small gaseous moon inhabited by the Melanathee. There are currently more than one million of them living on the moon. The settlement started out as a scientific colony, but has since expanded into a full colony, and because of the presence of humans in the system, there is a fairly large military base on the moon. The atmosphere is breathable for the Melanathee, although some of the less healthy will have trouble with it.
Ardith is the largest moon, and is currently occupied by a quarter of a million humans. The Earth military originally set up the colony, and even though they keep a large presence on the moon in order to protect the inhabitants, most of the planet is run by ExploraCorp, an Earth-based corporation with the mission of exploring and colonizing as much of near space as possible, and of course making a lot of money in the process. Although the actual air of the moon is dangerous for humans to breathe, the atmosphere is at a pressure and temperature that humans can walk on the surface with only breathers.
Rowena is a small moon with roughly 1,000 humans living on it. The moon has been set up as a research base to explore the weak star at the center of the system. The surface has no atmosphere, and the entire colony has been built underground.
69 G Carinae: 53 ly G2V
From the outside, this star system looks perfect for colonization, but there is something very wrong in the 69 G Carinae system. The Melanathee, the Arbonix, and the Humans have all tried to establish colonies in this system. All of those colonies have been destroyed, and no one has been able to figure out why. There are rumors of angry cyber wizards, some unknown civilization, quantum instabilities, hyperspace intrusions, and thousands of other less likely reasons. Not only have the colonies been destroyed, but most ships passing through this system are destroyed. Some of the ones that have made it through the system have reported strange lights, problems with their engines, and all kinds of system malfunctions.
At the moment, there are no sentients living in the system…at least that we know of.
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
14 days of '14
For the first 14 days of the New Year, Nomadic Delirium Press will be putting a different e-book on sale each day. To keep track of what's going on sale each day, you just need to visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/nomadicdeliriumpress.
December recap
The words are starting to flow
A new story
The Nomadic Delirium Press 12 Days of Christmas sale
I love these productive days
Working on the Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica
The Nomadic Delirium blog
The first volume of the Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica
The year in review
A new story
The Nomadic Delirium Press 12 Days of Christmas sale
I love these productive days
Working on the Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica
The Nomadic Delirium blog
The first volume of the Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica
The year in review
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
The year in review
2013 is about to end, and like every year, this has been a year of ups and downs. The biggest downs we saw were the passing of my grandmother towards the beginning of the year, and then the passing of my brother-in-law Chris, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, just before Christmas.
Another big down we faced, and will continue to face in the year to come is the fact that our three year old Alexis will need surgery some time early in the year. It's not a major surgery, but any time they're going to cut into your child, especially a small child, is quite scary.
The year was also filled with quite a few ups. The biggest being our decision for me to leave my "real" job, and go back to working at home. Even though it has put a huge financial strain on us, it has been good in every other way. I no longer bring home the stress of being the "store bitch," which is basically what I'd become. I also have more time to write, edit, and create games, and I also have more time for the kids. We're already starting to see a change in their behaviors now that there's a little consistency as to who they're going to be seeing each day at home. My staying at home also takes a lot of stress off of Rebecca. She can now focus on just working, while I take care of the cooking and cleaning at home. Some people might say that being a stay-at-home dad is not manly, but if you ask me, there's nothing more manly than doing what's best for your wife and kids.
Some other big ups are that I'm starting to write a lot more and I'm having a lot of time to develop supplements for the Ephemeris RPG. I've also started working hard on getting Nomadic Delirium Press up off of the ground, and we're starting to see an increase in sales and submissions to the various publications.
As always, it's been a mixed year, but I'm looking forward to 2014. I have a good feeling for the year to come...I just hope I'm right.
Another big down we faced, and will continue to face in the year to come is the fact that our three year old Alexis will need surgery some time early in the year. It's not a major surgery, but any time they're going to cut into your child, especially a small child, is quite scary.
The year was also filled with quite a few ups. The biggest being our decision for me to leave my "real" job, and go back to working at home. Even though it has put a huge financial strain on us, it has been good in every other way. I no longer bring home the stress of being the "store bitch," which is basically what I'd become. I also have more time to write, edit, and create games, and I also have more time for the kids. We're already starting to see a change in their behaviors now that there's a little consistency as to who they're going to be seeing each day at home. My staying at home also takes a lot of stress off of Rebecca. She can now focus on just working, while I take care of the cooking and cleaning at home. Some people might say that being a stay-at-home dad is not manly, but if you ask me, there's nothing more manly than doing what's best for your wife and kids.
Some other big ups are that I'm starting to write a lot more and I'm having a lot of time to develop supplements for the Ephemeris RPG. I've also started working hard on getting Nomadic Delirium Press up off of the ground, and we're starting to see an increase in sales and submissions to the various publications.
As always, it's been a mixed year, but I'm looking forward to 2014. I have a good feeling for the year to come...I just hope I'm right.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
The first volme of the Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica
I've just put the finishing touches on the first draft of the first volume of the Encyclopedia. There's still a lot of work to be done, however. The goal of this draft was to just get the very basics down for each star system. Now I'll have to go through and expand on what's already there, and put in some rule notes so that game masters can better tie the information into their games.
No matter what, anyone that is interested in the Melanathee from the Ephemeris RPG should really enjoy this, as it will give them a much better idea of what to do with their sector of space.
No matter what, anyone that is interested in the Melanathee from the Ephemeris RPG should really enjoy this, as it will give them a much better idea of what to do with their sector of space.
The Nomadic Delirium blog
Nomadic Delirium Press now has a blog. There you'll be able to learn about publications that are planned, publications that have been released, and whatever else they feel like posting.
You can find it at http://nomadicdelirium.wordpress.com/.
You can find it at http://nomadicdelirium.wordpress.com/.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Working on the Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica
I'm having a blast working on the Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica. When I first conceived of the idea, I wasn't sure if it was going to be as much fun as I hoped it would...but it is. When I first came up with the idea for the Ephemeris RPG, I wanted to make it as hard SF as I could. Granted, I had to use hyperspace to make it playable, but for the most part, I wanted things to be based on real science, or at least conceivable science.
When I started working on this project, I wanted to continue that. So all of the star systems that will be listed in the Encyclopedia are real star systems. And when possible, I've tried to use real planets that we know are there. Even when I've introduced something that is out of the ordinary, I've tried basing it in science.
To me, this makes the game that much more fun. I may be alone in that feeling, but I've always liked science fiction over science fantasy. When I designed the game, I didn't want it to be Dungeons & Dragons in space...and I hope I've succeeded in that.
When I started working on this project, I wanted to continue that. So all of the star systems that will be listed in the Encyclopedia are real star systems. And when possible, I've tried to use real planets that we know are there. Even when I've introduced something that is out of the ordinary, I've tried basing it in science.
To me, this makes the game that much more fun. I may be alone in that feeling, but I've always liked science fiction over science fantasy. When I designed the game, I didn't want it to be Dungeons & Dragons in space...and I hope I've succeeded in that.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
I love these productive days
Days like today are what make me happy that I left my "real" job. I just about finished up an editing project for a publisher that I'm working with for the first time. In addition, I reworked the short story I finished a few days ago. I think it still needs a little more work, but I hope to have it done very soon. As if that wasn't enough, I added many pages of research to the first volume of the Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica, and I'm now ready to sit down and actually start writing the thing.
Yes, it was a very productive day. I'm hoping to have many more like this in the days to come,
Yes, it was a very productive day. I'm hoping to have many more like this in the days to come,
Saturday, December 14, 2013
The Nomadic Delirium Press 12 Days of Christmas
Nomadic Delirium Press is running specials on their titles during the 12 days of Christmas. Each day, a different tile will be on sale. Some of these will be books I've written, magazines I've edited, or RPGs I've designed. Others will be from other authors and editors.
For updates, you just need to go to their Facebook page.
Check back every day for that day's sale.
For updates, you just need to go to their Facebook page.
Check back every day for that day's sale.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
A new story
I just finished the rough draft of a new story. This is the first unsolicited short story that I've written in quite a while, so it's a very good feeling. My skills are still a bit rusty, so it will take several re-writes, but I'm fairly happy with the way this one turned out, even if it went a completely different direction than I'd expected. A lot of times, however, some of my best stories actually are the ones that seem to have a mind of their own.
I hope to have it ready to go, and actually start submitting it before Christmas.
Now for the next story...
I hope to have it ready to go, and actually start submitting it before Christmas.
Now for the next story...
Sunday, December 08, 2013
The words are starting to flow
Three weeks after escaping the "real" work world, the words are really starting to flow for me. I'm not quite back to the point where I could sit down and crank out 5,000 words in one session, but they are flowing the best that they have in many years.
Right now, I'm focusing on cranking out some short stories to kind of get my chops tuned back up, but then I hope to get back into the novels, while still keeping the short stories going.
No matter what, it's a good feeling, and I think once the holiday season is over, things will start to flow even more.
Right now, I'm focusing on cranking out some short stories to kind of get my chops tuned back up, but then I hope to get back into the novels, while still keeping the short stories going.
No matter what, it's a good feeling, and I think once the holiday season is over, things will start to flow even more.
Sunday, December 01, 2013
November recap
It seems like I've started posting more now that I'm no longer trapped in a dismal "real" job. Look for even more posts in the month to come...
I have some big news
The big news
Happy third birthday!
I'm free!
Keeping myself busy
Submitting reprints
Holiday deals featuring my stuff
I have some big news
The big news
Happy third birthday!
I'm free!
Keeping myself busy
Submitting reprints
Holiday deals featuring my stuff
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Holiday deals featuring my stuff
There are two e-book deals from Nomadic Delirium that feature some of my work. First of all, there's the fiction bundle, which has one of my novels, two short story collections, and three titles that I edited. In total, you get 10 titles for $10. Simply go to http://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/65958/2013-NDP-Holiday-fiction-special-%5BBUNDLE%5D?manufacturers_id=2805.
Secondly, you can get e-book versions of both of the RPGS that I created for just $6.50. That's Ephemeris and The Battle for Turtle Island. Just go to http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/122758/2013-NDP-Holiday-gaming-special-%5BBUNDLE%5D.
Both of these deals last through Cyber Monday.
Secondly, you can get e-book versions of both of the RPGS that I created for just $6.50. That's Ephemeris and The Battle for Turtle Island. Just go to http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/122758/2013-NDP-Holiday-gaming-special-%5BBUNDLE%5D.
Both of these deals last through Cyber Monday.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Submitting reprints
As I'm slowly getting back into the swing of working at home, I've started researching markets that accept reprints. I've found a few that are actually open to submissions, so I sent off some stories yesterday. It felt good. I haven't submitted an un-solicted story in quite some time, so it was nice to get back to it.
Hopefully once Thanksgiving is over, I'll be throwing myself into writing some short stories I've been thinking about, and also get to work on one of the novels I've started.
Overall, working at home is MUCH better than working in the "real" world.
Hopefully once Thanksgiving is over, I'll be throwing myself into writing some short stories I've been thinking about, and also get to work on one of the novels I've started.
Overall, working at home is MUCH better than working in the "real" world.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Keeping myself busy
Now that I'm free of the "real" world work, and working at home, I'm keeping myself quite busy. I've started on a series of supplements for the Ephemeris game that will focus on the sectors of space used by each of the species. I'm tentatively calling it the Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica. I've also been doing a lot of editing, and formatting of zines and books. I'm working on some new ideas that I might use for books or magazines for Nomadic Delirium Press, and I'm even doing some writing.
I'm also loving having time with the kids and Rebecca. The little one has been so thrilled to have me home with her every day.
Now, I need to get back to work.
I'm also loving having time with the kids and Rebecca. The little one has been so thrilled to have me home with her every day.
Now, I need to get back to work.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
I'm free!
Today was my last day at the "real" job, and it couldn't have come soon enough. I was really tired of people not doing their share of the work, and then catching crap from so called "superiors" when I busted my ass day in and day out.
Hopefully this will work out for us, but I suppose I'd better get to writing...
Hopefully this will work out for us, but I suppose I'd better get to writing...
Friday, November 08, 2013
Happy third birthday
Today is Alexis' third birthday. It's hard to believe that she's turning three. In some ways it seems like she's been with us for so long, but in other ways, it seems like she was just born yesterday.
It's amazing what a little person she's become. She's already trying to read (although with no success), and she often seems desperate to learn everything. There are so many things about her that remind me of myself, and there are also so many things that remind me of my wonderful wife.
We're so happy to have her in our life, and we're looking forward to seeing how much she grows over the year to come.
It's amazing what a little person she's become. She's already trying to read (although with no success), and she often seems desperate to learn everything. There are so many things about her that remind me of myself, and there are also so many things that remind me of my wonderful wife.
We're so happy to have her in our life, and we're looking forward to seeing how much she grows over the year to come.
Tuesday, November 05, 2013
The big news
Given the wild speculation going on on Facebook, perhaps this news isn't as big as I'd originally thought. No, we are not expecting. The no-longer-not-so-big-news is that I gave my two weeks notice at my "real" job. I was pretty much tired of having to do extra work because others were either lazy or incompetent, and I was also tired of catching hell for things not being done, when I was busting my butt. So, we talked it over, and I decided to leave.
I will be working as a stay at home dad now, while I'm also working on writing, editing, and publishing. Money is going to be much tighter for us, but we're going to do everything we can to save every penny and try to make this work.
Other than the loss of money, everything else about this arrangement will work out better for us. So, hopefully I will be writing some stories and books that will bring in a lot of money, and hopefully Nomadic Delirium Press will be publishing stories and books that will do the same...
I will be working as a stay at home dad now, while I'm also working on writing, editing, and publishing. Money is going to be much tighter for us, but we're going to do everything we can to save every penny and try to make this work.
Other than the loss of money, everything else about this arrangement will work out better for us. So, hopefully I will be writing some stories and books that will bring in a lot of money, and hopefully Nomadic Delirium Press will be publishing stories and books that will do the same...
Saturday, November 02, 2013
I have some big news...
...but I'm not going to share it until next week...
Friday, November 01, 2013
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Lunatic Fringe
As you may remember, I did a panel at MileHiCon about science in science fiction called Lunatic Fringe. There was a review article posted about it at Sciencefiction.com. You can read it at http://sciencefiction.com/2013/10/29/much-science-science-fiction/.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Having a blast
Towards the beginning of the year, I left my position with Sam's Dot (as taken over by White Cat), and started focusing on editorial duties for Nomadic Delirium Press, and I'd have to say that I'm having a blast. I like this whole working for myself. I've created a couple of anthologies that I'm now reading for, and I'm even thinking about starting a new webzine. We're beginning to see an increase in readership and the zines are filling up faster than they have in a while. It would seem that people like the direction I'm taking NDP...or at least I hope they do.
No matter what, it really is a lot of fun to be an editor and a publisher, and I'd love to make it a full time thing...we'll have to see...
No matter what, it really is a lot of fun to be an editor and a publisher, and I'd love to make it a full time thing...we'll have to see...
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
MileHiCon recap
We've been back for a few days from the Con, but this is the first time I've had enough down time to really sit down and write this blog. As always, we ran around like crazy, trying to do as much promotion of my stuff as we could, while still making sure that the kids got to do a lot of fun stuff.
Friday we had a panel about Mars, which started off a bit slow because most of the panelists didn't know the answers to the first couple of questions, but once we got past that, we had a really great panel with a lot of good conversation about the future of Mars exploration. That night we did autograph alley, which didn't seem to have as much traffic as usual, but still managed to sell one book, while talking with some old friends.
Saturday started out with a signing. During that time, there must have been some great things going on because traffic was very slow, and I've never seen so few people roaming around. That afternoon, I did the Lunatic Fringe panel about science in science fiction. This was one of the best panels I've ever done. We managed to get a lot of information out, while we had a blast. I don't think I've ever been on a panel with such "colorful" guests. A really great time seemed to be had by all.
Sunday started with a reading, which was pretty well attended. I just read a portion of the first chapter of A Problem in Translation as anything I'm working on is still too rough to share. That afternoon I did a panel about the new era of publishing. This was another great panel. There were four self-published authors, and me as a publisher. Again, we shared a lot of great information, and had a great time.
These were some of the best attended panels and reading that I've done. I had to admit that when I saw the panels I was scheduled for, I didn't think they'd be that great, but they were really were.
As an author I didn't feel this was that successful of a con, but for Nomadic Delirium Press, I think this was a very successful con.
Friday we had a panel about Mars, which started off a bit slow because most of the panelists didn't know the answers to the first couple of questions, but once we got past that, we had a really great panel with a lot of good conversation about the future of Mars exploration. That night we did autograph alley, which didn't seem to have as much traffic as usual, but still managed to sell one book, while talking with some old friends.
Saturday started out with a signing. During that time, there must have been some great things going on because traffic was very slow, and I've never seen so few people roaming around. That afternoon, I did the Lunatic Fringe panel about science in science fiction. This was one of the best panels I've ever done. We managed to get a lot of information out, while we had a blast. I don't think I've ever been on a panel with such "colorful" guests. A really great time seemed to be had by all.
Sunday started with a reading, which was pretty well attended. I just read a portion of the first chapter of A Problem in Translation as anything I'm working on is still too rough to share. That afternoon I did a panel about the new era of publishing. This was another great panel. There were four self-published authors, and me as a publisher. Again, we shared a lot of great information, and had a great time.
These were some of the best attended panels and reading that I've done. I had to admit that when I saw the panels I was scheduled for, I didn't think they'd be that great, but they were really were.
As an author I didn't feel this was that successful of a con, but for Nomadic Delirium Press, I think this was a very successful con.
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
My final MileHiCon schedule
Here's my final schedule, with rooms and panel descriptions:
Friday:
3:00 p.m. Grand Mesa A Dreams of Red
The Dutch organization Mars One says its wants to put humans on the surface in 2023. The Inspiration Mars Foundation plans to fly astronauts to Mars and back on a 500-day mission in 2018. And of course, science fiction writers have been dreaming of a visit to the Red Planet for centuries. But how does fantasy stack up to reality?
8:00 p.m. Atrium Autograph Alley
Saturday:
1:00 p.m. 2nd Floor near Art Show Signing
2:00 p.m. Grand Mesa B&C Lunatic Fringe
How fuzzy can the science be and still be believable?
Sunday:
11:00 a.m. Mesa Verde C Reading
3:00 p.m. Wind River A New Era of Publishing: Good, Bad, & Ugly
What does it mean for both readers and writers? Good as in new professional markets like 47North and more choices for authors as well as the fact that books stay available as e-books, so readers don't have to worry about book one in a series being out of print when they discover book three, as well as more books coming back into print because authors have the rights and are publishing their back lists. Bad as in mountains of garbage that gets dumped on Amazon and Smashwords, and what that means for readers—how do you find the good stuff and avoid the garbage? The Ugly: the widening rift between indie and traditional publishing and those who try to bridge that gap with a foot in both camps (hybrid) and why it shouldn't matter because readers just want good books. And the online distribution stampede, with prices set by the distributors.
Friday:
3:00 p.m. Grand Mesa A Dreams of Red
The Dutch organization Mars One says its wants to put humans on the surface in 2023. The Inspiration Mars Foundation plans to fly astronauts to Mars and back on a 500-day mission in 2018. And of course, science fiction writers have been dreaming of a visit to the Red Planet for centuries. But how does fantasy stack up to reality?
8:00 p.m. Atrium Autograph Alley
Saturday:
1:00 p.m. 2nd Floor near Art Show Signing
2:00 p.m. Grand Mesa B&C Lunatic Fringe
How fuzzy can the science be and still be believable?
Sunday:
11:00 a.m. Mesa Verde C Reading
3:00 p.m. Wind River A New Era of Publishing: Good, Bad, & Ugly
What does it mean for both readers and writers? Good as in new professional markets like 47North and more choices for authors as well as the fact that books stay available as e-books, so readers don't have to worry about book one in a series being out of print when they discover book three, as well as more books coming back into print because authors have the rights and are publishing their back lists. Bad as in mountains of garbage that gets dumped on Amazon and Smashwords, and what that means for readers—how do you find the good stuff and avoid the garbage? The Ugly: the widening rift between indie and traditional publishing and those who try to bridge that gap with a foot in both camps (hybrid) and why it shouldn't matter because readers just want good books. And the online distribution stampede, with prices set by the distributors.
Sunday, October 06, 2013
A new novel
Although I'm still toying with the YA novel I started, I broke ground on a new novel today, and this one certainly won't be YA. Yes, I'm back to writing dystopic fiction. The new novel is once again about an oppressive government and the struggles of the individual to not only survive amidst the oppression, but to actually attempt to overcome it.
I've had the idea for a while, and I even knew a little about the main character, but I wasn't entirely sure who he was until I wrote the first 1000 words of the novel today. Now I have a much better idea of who he is, what he wants, and what he might be capable of, so now I can sit down and at least put a loose outline together, so that I don't get lost in the rest of the novel.
Life is still very hectic, and the "real" job is still wearing me out, so I have no idea how long it might take me to write this book, but I'm pretty excited about it, so I'm hoping it will flow quickly.
I've had the idea for a while, and I even knew a little about the main character, but I wasn't entirely sure who he was until I wrote the first 1000 words of the novel today. Now I have a much better idea of who he is, what he wants, and what he might be capable of, so now I can sit down and at least put a loose outline together, so that I don't get lost in the rest of the novel.
Life is still very hectic, and the "real" job is still wearing me out, so I have no idea how long it might take me to write this book, but I'm pretty excited about it, so I'm hoping it will flow quickly.
Saturday, October 05, 2013
Tantrums
Imagine someone sitting in a corner, fingers in their ears, crying because they can't have their way. Imagine someone throwing themselves to the floor and kicking their legs and flailing their arms wildly because they can't have their way.
Am I talking about my almost three year old? No. I'm talking about these so-called leaders that we elected to Congress. Get over yourselves ladies and gentlemen, and get down to what we are paying you to do...work. Govern as we tell you you should. It's not government by the few, it's government by the people. You, you selfish jerks, work for us. You have no right to hold us hostage, so get over yourselves and do your jobs.
As long as I'm still paying taxes for my government to work for ME, you damn well better work for me.
Rant over. I have work to do...
Am I talking about my almost three year old? No. I'm talking about these so-called leaders that we elected to Congress. Get over yourselves ladies and gentlemen, and get down to what we are paying you to do...work. Govern as we tell you you should. It's not government by the few, it's government by the people. You, you selfish jerks, work for us. You have no right to hold us hostage, so get over yourselves and do your jobs.
As long as I'm still paying taxes for my government to work for ME, you damn well better work for me.
Rant over. I have work to do...
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
My MileHiCon 45 schedule
It isn't set in stone yet, as I'm hoping to add a singing, but here's my schedule for MileHiCon 45 as of now:
Friday 3:00 p.m.: Dreams of Red
Friday 8:00 p.m.: Autograph Alley
Saturday 2:00 p.m.: Lunatic Fringe
Sunday 11:00 a.m.: Reading
Sunday 3:00 p.m.: New Era of Publishing: Good, Bad, & Ugly
I'll post more details about each of the panels in a few days. Hope to see some of you there...
Friday 3:00 p.m.: Dreams of Red
Friday 8:00 p.m.: Autograph Alley
Saturday 2:00 p.m.: Lunatic Fringe
Sunday 11:00 a.m.: Reading
Sunday 3:00 p.m.: New Era of Publishing: Good, Bad, & Ugly
I'll post more details about each of the panels in a few days. Hope to see some of you there...
Tuesday, October 01, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Back to the intense pain
For the last couple of months, the chronic pain in my ribs has been hanging out around a two or three, with only an occasional flare up, but since Wednesday, we've been spending our time around an eight, with occasional shots of pain that go right off the scale. Most of the 10+ pain incidents happen when I have to lift or move something heavy at work...unfortunately, this seems to happen quite often.
NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH: My guess is that the ribs have flexed into an unnatural position, which is causing them to strain everything around them, and until they "pop" back to where they need to be, I'm going to be in this intense pain.
Even taking heavy duty painkillers at night isn't really helping, and I'm exhausted from being woken up by the pain. I'm so glad that the quack of a surgeon they sent me to couldn't find anything better to do than put me on medication that didn't work, and mostly made me want to blow my brains out. Unfortunately, I'm currently uninsured, so I can't even go to my regular doctor. I should have insurance again by the end of the year, but that's assuming that I keep my job, an assumption that isn't safe given the merger we're undergoing.
Some may think that Obamacare is the work of the devil, but as someone who suffers from chronic pain, I'm looking forward to it...especially given that insurance companies of the past could have denied me coverage.
For now, I'll suffer quietly, and hope that the little one stops trying to jump on me...
NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH: My guess is that the ribs have flexed into an unnatural position, which is causing them to strain everything around them, and until they "pop" back to where they need to be, I'm going to be in this intense pain.
Even taking heavy duty painkillers at night isn't really helping, and I'm exhausted from being woken up by the pain. I'm so glad that the quack of a surgeon they sent me to couldn't find anything better to do than put me on medication that didn't work, and mostly made me want to blow my brains out. Unfortunately, I'm currently uninsured, so I can't even go to my regular doctor. I should have insurance again by the end of the year, but that's assuming that I keep my job, an assumption that isn't safe given the merger we're undergoing.
Some may think that Obamacare is the work of the devil, but as someone who suffers from chronic pain, I'm looking forward to it...especially given that insurance companies of the past could have denied me coverage.
For now, I'll suffer quietly, and hope that the little one stops trying to jump on me...
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Water water everywhere
For those of you following the news, Colorado has been seeing some of the worst flooding ever, and some of you may have noticed that Aurora (where we live) has been hit quite hard. So far, there's no reason to worry about us. In our area, we have seen quite a bit of street flooding, and the creek near us actually came over its banks yesterday, but it's several hundred feet away from us, and a good thirty or forty feet lower than us in altitude, so it would take some incredibly substantial flooding for it to get to us.
We are expecting another inch or two of rain today, but after this, we're supposed to dry out, and we're all more than ready for it.
Thanks to everyone who has e-mailed or messaged me asking how we're doing. Your concern is appreciated.
We are expecting another inch or two of rain today, but after this, we're supposed to dry out, and we're all more than ready for it.
Thanks to everyone who has e-mailed or messaged me asking how we're doing. Your concern is appreciated.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Maybe I should have said something...
Most of you will remember that at the beginning of the year, Sam's Dot Publishing was taken over by White Cat Publishing. It was only a couple of months later that I left Sam's Dot. At the time, I said that it was because I wanted more time with my family, and more time for writing. There was some truth to that, but it wasn't the whole truth. In actuality, I wasn't getting paid on time, I wasn't getting information on when titles would be published, and authors and other editors weren't getting paid at all. I decided to take the high road at the time, and not discuss it openly, but I'm now seeing that another round of editors has quit for many of the same reasons, and the authors still aren't getting paid.
When I was with Sam's Dot and ProMart, we always made the writers a priority, and now I feel like maybe I should have said something when I left in the hope that some of the writers who are now going through hell with White Cat wouldn't have had to go through that hell. I feel like I owed it to those authors, and now I'm sorry that I didn't give them a warning about the things I saw going on.
I hope that those authors will find homes for their work, and I also hope that White Cat will someday learn how to treat their editors and writers, but in all honesty, I'm not hopeful for the latter. Considering that it would seem that we were all intentionally purged because we knew Tyree is quite ridiculous. The publisher had a fully trained editorial staff in place, and could have been quite successful, but I guess that was never going to happen...
When I was with Sam's Dot and ProMart, we always made the writers a priority, and now I feel like maybe I should have said something when I left in the hope that some of the writers who are now going through hell with White Cat wouldn't have had to go through that hell. I feel like I owed it to those authors, and now I'm sorry that I didn't give them a warning about the things I saw going on.
I hope that those authors will find homes for their work, and I also hope that White Cat will someday learn how to treat their editors and writers, but in all honesty, I'm not hopeful for the latter. Considering that it would seem that we were all intentionally purged because we knew Tyree is quite ridiculous. The publisher had a fully trained editorial staff in place, and could have been quite successful, but I guess that was never going to happen...
Sunday, September 08, 2013
Another one of my crazy ideas?
As I'm working on expanding and growing Nomadic Delirium Press, the idea of doing novellas suddenly seemed like a good idea. What I was thinking about was doing something like the old Ace Doubles. Basically taking two very different novellas and slapping them together. I'm not really sure if this is a good idea, or if this is just my sleep-deprived mind sending me some sort of hallucinations.
I'd be curious to know if anyone else thinks this is a good idea, or do I just need to get more sleep...
I'd be curious to know if anyone else thinks this is a good idea, or do I just need to get more sleep...
Tuesday, September 03, 2013
We've lost another one
Yesterday, Frederik Pohl passed away. He was a very big influence on me. From the time I first learned to put a subject and a predicate together, I've been writing stories...even then, mostly science fiction. But it was after reading Gateway that I decided that I really wanted to be a science fiction author. I loved all of the Heechee novels, and there was something in the telling of those stories that had a huge impact on me.
Like, love, or hate my fiction, Frederik Pohl is a big reason why my writing is out there for others to read. So, I thank him, and say goodbye. He will be missed.
Like, love, or hate my fiction, Frederik Pohl is a big reason why my writing is out there for others to read. So, I thank him, and say goodbye. He will be missed.
Monday, September 02, 2013
Glad that week's over
August started out well, but it faltered quite a bit at the end. Last Monday, Rebecca got a call from her district manager telling her that they were transferring her to a new store effective Sep. 1st. She had to leave all of the good friends she'd made at her old store, and wasn't thrilled about it...but she's a trooper, and she's going to make the best of it, and be the best damn supervisor her new store has ever seen.
About an hour later, she found out that her parent's dog, Missy, had to be put down. Missy was such a great dog. The first time she met me, she climbed onto my lap and tried to stay there all day. She was a 70-80 lb black lab, so lapdog is quite the misnomer. She was always very protective of our girls, and was one of the best dogs I've ever known. She is definitely missed.
We have reason to believe that there is more crap headed our way, but hopefully it won't happen. I can't really talk about it...
About an hour later, she found out that her parent's dog, Missy, had to be put down. Missy was such a great dog. The first time she met me, she climbed onto my lap and tried to stay there all day. She was a 70-80 lb black lab, so lapdog is quite the misnomer. She was always very protective of our girls, and was one of the best dogs I've ever known. She is definitely missed.
We have reason to believe that there is more crap headed our way, but hopefully it won't happen. I can't really talk about it...
Sunday, September 01, 2013
Saturday, August 31, 2013
The Fifth Di... September 2013
The September issue of The Fifth Di... is now available from Nomadic Delirium Press. This is a zine I've been editing for more years than I can remember. To order your copy, go to https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/353191.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
WTH Amazon?
Any of my regular readers know that I've had problems with the way Amazon does business, and in fact, a lot of authors have had problems with the way Amazon does business, but this new one really has me stumped. Like most authors do, I was searching my titles on Amazon to look for reviews and such, when I found some of my titles listed with the word "Greenlight" in them. None of these listings showed a cover, and when I clicked on them, they were listed as out of stock. For some reason, these Greenlight out of stock titles are listed before the actual titles, so unless you scroll down, or even click to go to page two, you'll think that the books are no longer available.
I have no clue what they're doing, but I suppose it's just more of the games they like to play with authors...
I have no clue what they're doing, but I suppose it's just more of the games they like to play with authors...
Monday, August 05, 2013
A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar...
I will be editing a new collection for Nomadic Delirium Press. As you might be able to tell, it's a comedic science fiction collection. I love funny SF that's actually good, so this should be a fun collection.
Interested in submitting, go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/comediccollection.htm.
I'm editing another collection as well, but that one's an invitation only collection, and I think it will also be very interesting once we get it put together. I think it will bring something truly unique to the science fiction world...or at least I'm hoping it will...
Interested in submitting, go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/comediccollection.htm.
I'm editing another collection as well, but that one's an invitation only collection, and I think it will also be very interesting once we get it put together. I think it will bring something truly unique to the science fiction world...or at least I'm hoping it will...
Thursday, August 01, 2013
Saturday, July 27, 2013
A review of The Martian Wave: 2013
We've gotten our first review of the new issue of The Martian Wave, and it was a positive one. Have a look http://www.drivethrufiction.com/product_reviews.php?products_id=117289.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
The Martian Wave e-book
The e-book version of the 2013 issue of The Martian Wave is now available through Smashwords. You can get it at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/340361.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Christmas in July
DriveThruRPG and DriveThruFiction are both running Christmas in July
sales, allowing you to get all of the Nomadic Delirium Press titles for 25% off. You can order the RPG titles, which include all of the Ephemeris titles, as well as The Battle for Turtle Island by going to http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/rpg_xmas_in_july.php?manufacturers_id=2805&filters=0_0_0_0_0_31815#selectpub, and you can get any of NDP's fiction titles by going to http://www.drivethrufiction.com/dtf_xmas_in_july.php?manufacturers_id=2805&filters=0_0_0_0_0_44595#selectpub.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Pre-order the 2013 issue of The Martian Wave
Amazon has the new issue of The Martian Wave available for pre-order, and at a discount. You can find it at http://www.amazon.com/dp/0980170370. Who knows how long they'll keep it at this price...
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Breaking ground on a new novel
After a lot of plotting and planning, I've finally started actually writing my new novel today. I even managed to get 1000 words written. Yes, this was during the little one's nap. That might be my only writing time for a while.
I've mentioned in a few places that people will be surprised by this one, and yes, I think they will be. I'm actually writing a...wait for it...a YA science fiction novel. Given how dark, and sometimes twisted my work usually is, this is a very big departure for me.
Considering that I'm now working full time, and taking care of the little one a lot, this novel will probably take a while to write, but hopefully it will be a fun adventure.
I've mentioned in a few places that people will be surprised by this one, and yes, I think they will be. I'm actually writing a...wait for it...a YA science fiction novel. Given how dark, and sometimes twisted my work usually is, this is a very big departure for me.
Considering that I'm now working full time, and taking care of the little one a lot, this novel will probably take a while to write, but hopefully it will be a fun adventure.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
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