Through Nomadic Delirium Press, I recently kicked off a project called, The Divided States of America, and I've received a couple of messages from authors telling me that the way I have the project set up isn't how publishing works.
The basic premise is that the US has fallen into several nation-states, and I've created basic backgrounds for each of these nation-states for authors to use as guidelines. This, however, isn't what they have the problem with. We're not publishing these stories in an anthology (yet)...we're publishing each story as an e-book, and splitting the profits with the author. This, apparently, is not how publishing works. As a publisher, these authors are trying to say that we should publish everything as an anthology. This is how it's always been done.
Well, this is the small press, and I'm a small press publisher, and we don't always stick to the "rules." In fact, many of us, especially me, like to break the rules. And it's my feeling that if I want to experiment with a shared universe that publishes individual e-stories, then I'm going to publish that way. If an author doesn't like this model, they don't have to submit, but the publishing world is changing dramatically, and those of us in the small press want to be at the forefront of that change, and most of us will just continue to do things the way we want...
Friday, October 21, 2016
Sunday, October 16, 2016
The Divided States of America
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
We're now reading for a new project called "The Divided States of America."
You can read the complete guidelines at http://www.nomadicdeliriumpress.com/dividedstatesguidelines.htm
No one can say with any reasonable certainty when the United States of America began to fall apart. Many point to the presidential election of 2016, but most believe the breakup started long before this. Now, in the year 2110, the former United States is made up of 13 nation-states and The Wastelands. Some of the nation-states have prospered under self-rule, while others have declined. Some nation-states are very accepting of outsiders, while others trust no one…sometimes not even their fellow citizens. There is chaos in some places, and order in others…sometimes too much order.
The first state to break away from the USA was, not unexpectedly, Texas, and from there, things continued to spiral out of control as the national government tried to hold on to control that the state governments wanted back, and eventually, the federal government was no longer able to control the states, and the break-up came about.
Some of the nation-states kept the name “America” in their new names. Some did this as a tribute to where they had come from, while others did it to remind their citizens of what they were breaking away from. Others adopted new names, or took on names that were given to them.
Borders in some areas are heavily patrolled, even walled in places, while other borders have no protection at all…mostly it depends on the views of the new government and its citizens, even though sometimes those two groups still don’t agree. Let’s face it, greed and independence are bred into the human race, and even allying with others that have similar viewpoints does not necessarily mean that they will always get along.
We're now reading for a new project called "The Divided States of America."
You can read the complete guidelines at http://www.nomadicdeliriumpress.com/dividedstatesguidelines.htm
No one can say with any reasonable certainty when the United States of America began to fall apart. Many point to the presidential election of 2016, but most believe the breakup started long before this. Now, in the year 2110, the former United States is made up of 13 nation-states and The Wastelands. Some of the nation-states have prospered under self-rule, while others have declined. Some nation-states are very accepting of outsiders, while others trust no one…sometimes not even their fellow citizens. There is chaos in some places, and order in others…sometimes too much order.
The first state to break away from the USA was, not unexpectedly, Texas, and from there, things continued to spiral out of control as the national government tried to hold on to control that the state governments wanted back, and eventually, the federal government was no longer able to control the states, and the break-up came about.
Some of the nation-states kept the name “America” in their new names. Some did this as a tribute to where they had come from, while others did it to remind their citizens of what they were breaking away from. Others adopted new names, or took on names that were given to them.
Borders in some areas are heavily patrolled, even walled in places, while other borders have no protection at all…mostly it depends on the views of the new government and its citizens, even though sometimes those two groups still don’t agree. Let’s face it, greed and independence are bred into the human race, and even allying with others that have similar viewpoints does not necessarily mean that they will always get along.
Saturday, October 01, 2016
September recap
2016 has been one catastrophe, fiasco, and disaster after another, and September was no different. As a result, I haven't been able to get as much done as I've needed, and this has included blogging...which has really been suffering this year. October isn't looking very good so far, but I will try to blog more.
For now, here's what I was talking about in September...
The Martian Wave 2016 is here
Labor Day weekend sale
Glitch fixed
Today is the last day of my Labor Day sale
A review of the June 2016 issue of The Fifth Di...
The Fifth Di... subscription drive
For now, here's what I was talking about in September...
The Martian Wave 2016 is here
Labor Day weekend sale
Glitch fixed
Today is the last day of my Labor Day sale
A review of the June 2016 issue of The Fifth Di...
The Fifth Di... subscription drive
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
The Fifth Di... subscription drive
Borrowed from the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
Since we added the print format of the magazine, we've seen our submissions triple, which means that we're having to turn down some good stories...stories that deserve to be printed, and not just printed, but printed in our magazine. Also, in order to add the print format, we had to stop printing poetry. We're not happy about either of these. We'd like to publish more stories, and we'd also like to start publishing poetry again, but to do this, we need money, so we're starting a subscription drive. Help us out by subscribing to the print or e-book version of the zine.
Here are our goals, and the rewards you the readers (and the writers) will receive:
20 subs: We will begin publishing poetry again in 2017
35 subs: We will begin publishing poetry again and we will add an extra story to each issue, starting in 2017
50 subs: All of the above, plus we will double our pay rates in 2017
100 subs: We will do all of the above, plus we will begin publishing every other month
To subscribe to the e-book version: http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/fifth-di-the-one-year-sub/
If you're in the US and you want to subscribe to the print version: http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-fifth-di-one-year-print-sub-us-orders-only/
If you're outside of the US and you want to subscribe to the print version: http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-fifth-di-one-year-print-sub-international-orders-only/
This subscription drive lasts until Halloween, so order soon!
Since we added the print format of the magazine, we've seen our submissions triple, which means that we're having to turn down some good stories...stories that deserve to be printed, and not just printed, but printed in our magazine. Also, in order to add the print format, we had to stop printing poetry. We're not happy about either of these. We'd like to publish more stories, and we'd also like to start publishing poetry again, but to do this, we need money, so we're starting a subscription drive. Help us out by subscribing to the print or e-book version of the zine.
Here are our goals, and the rewards you the readers (and the writers) will receive:
20 subs: We will begin publishing poetry again in 2017
35 subs: We will begin publishing poetry again and we will add an extra story to each issue, starting in 2017
50 subs: All of the above, plus we will double our pay rates in 2017
100 subs: We will do all of the above, plus we will begin publishing every other month
To subscribe to the e-book version: http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/fifth-di-the-one-year-sub/
If you're in the US and you want to subscribe to the print version: http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-fifth-di-one-year-print-sub-us-orders-only/
If you're outside of the US and you want to subscribe to the print version: http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-fifth-di-one-year-print-sub-international-orders-only/
This subscription drive lasts until Halloween, so order soon!
Monday, September 12, 2016
A review of the June 2016 issue of The Fifth Di...
Taken from the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
A review of the June 2016 issue of The Fifth Di... has been posted at http://sfcrowsnest.org.uk/the-fifth-dimension-june-2016-edited-by-j-allen-irwin-e-mag-review/
There's a misspelling of the editor's name, but we've heard that that will be fixed. Reviews for the small press can be hard to get, and this one is appreciated...especially since the author liked the zine!!!
A review of the June 2016 issue of The Fifth Di... has been posted at http://sfcrowsnest.org.uk/the-fifth-dimension-june-2016-edited-by-j-allen-irwin-e-mag-review/
There's a misspelling of the editor's name, but we've heard that that will be fixed. Reviews for the small press can be hard to get, and this one is appreciated...especially since the author liked the zine!!!
Monday, September 05, 2016
Today is the last day of my Labor Day Sale
Today is your last chance to take advantage of my Labor Day sale. You can get 50% off of any of my e-books (the ones I've written and the ones I've edited) through my website. It doesn't matter how many titles you order, they're all 50% off. Simply go to http://www.jalanerwine.com/blog/shop and use the coupon code "labor" at checkout...but hurry, your time's almost up.
Saturday, September 03, 2016
Glitch fixed
Apparently there's been a glitch on my website that has been preventing people (especially people on cellphones) from buying products from my store. I've fixed the glitch now, so you can order any of my e-books by going to http://www.jalanerwine.com/blog/shop. And remember, if you're ordering before Monday night, use the coupon code "labor" at checkout and get 50% off your entire order.
Thursday, September 01, 2016
Labor Day weekend sale
Labor Day weekend, get 50% off any of the e-book titles available through my website. It doesn't matter whether you order one, a dozen, or all of them...no matter how many you get, they're all 50% off.
Simply go to http://www.jalanerwine.com/blog/shop" target="_blank">http://www.jalanerwine.com/blog/shop and use the coupon code labor at checkout.
Hurry! The sale ends Monday night!
The Martian Wave 2016 is here
Taken from the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
The 2016 issue of The Martian Wave is now here as both an e-book and a print magazine. Order your copy today by going to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/tmw.htm
The Martian Wave: 2016 brings you stories and poems that look at humanity’s exploration and colonization of space, with a special emphasis on our solar system.
You’ll find fiction from E. M. Eastick, Samuel Van Pelt, Lars H. Hoffmann, Francis W. Alexander, Robert N. Stephenson, Guy Stewart, GC Rosenquist, and Benjamin Cooper. You’ll also find poetry from David C. Kopaska-Merkel, Christina Sng, Shelly Bryant, Lisa Timpf, and M. C. Childs.
Some of what you read will leave you optimistic about our futures, while other stories and poems may leave you doubting our future, but no matter what, The Martian Wave: 2016 will leave you convinced that our future lies beyond the Earth.
The 2016 issue of The Martian Wave is now here as both an e-book and a print magazine. Order your copy today by going to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/tmw.htm
The Martian Wave: 2016 brings you stories and poems that look at humanity’s exploration and colonization of space, with a special emphasis on our solar system.
You’ll find fiction from E. M. Eastick, Samuel Van Pelt, Lars H. Hoffmann, Francis W. Alexander, Robert N. Stephenson, Guy Stewart, GC Rosenquist, and Benjamin Cooper. You’ll also find poetry from David C. Kopaska-Merkel, Christina Sng, Shelly Bryant, Lisa Timpf, and M. C. Childs.
Some of what you read will leave you optimistic about our futures, while other stories and poems may leave you doubting our future, but no matter what, The Martian Wave: 2016 will leave you convinced that our future lies beyond the Earth.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
The September 2016 issue of The Fifth Di... is here
Taken from the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
The September 2016 issue of The Fifth Di.. is now available at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/fifth.htm. It is also available anywhere else that print and e-books are sold.
What's in this issue?
The September 2016 issue of The Fifth Di… features fiction from Robert N. Stephenson, G. O. Clark, Rik Hunik, and Rick Novy.
A woman trapped on a conquered planet spends her days harvesting human blood for her alien conquerors, plotting her escape and eventual revenge. An astronaut goes back in time, and hopes to leave his mark on the future. An acid induced parlor trick leads to the creation of living origami goats that eat paper and become a menace…but not as big of a menace as the predator that’s created to take care of the goats. And finally, a man becomes a butler for an eccentric rich man, but he has no idea just how eccentric the man really is, and then he must figure out how to stop him.
You can also read samples from this issue at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/tfdsample.htm
The September 2016 issue of The Fifth Di.. is now available at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/fifth.htm. It is also available anywhere else that print and e-books are sold.
What's in this issue?
The September 2016 issue of The Fifth Di… features fiction from Robert N. Stephenson, G. O. Clark, Rik Hunik, and Rick Novy.
A woman trapped on a conquered planet spends her days harvesting human blood for her alien conquerors, plotting her escape and eventual revenge. An astronaut goes back in time, and hopes to leave his mark on the future. An acid induced parlor trick leads to the creation of living origami goats that eat paper and become a menace…but not as big of a menace as the predator that’s created to take care of the goats. And finally, a man becomes a butler for an eccentric rich man, but he has no idea just how eccentric the man really is, and then he must figure out how to stop him.
You can also read samples from this issue at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/tfdsample.htm
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
New zines available on my site
You can order the e-book versions of the new issues of The Martian Wave and The Fifth Di... directly from my website at http://www.jalanerwine.com/blog/shop.
The Martian Wave: 2016 brings you stories and poems that look at humanity’s exploration and colonization of space, with a special emphasis on our solar system.
You’ll find fiction from E. M. Eastick, Samuel Van Pelt, Lars H. Hoffmann, Francis W. Alexander, Robert N. Stephenson, Guy Stewart, GC Rosenquist, and Benjamin Cooper. You’ll also find poetry from David C. Kopaska-Merkel, Christina Sng, Shelly Bryant, Lisa Timpf, and M. C. Childs.
Some of what you read will leave you optimistic about our futures, while other stories and poems may leave you doubting our future, but no matter what, The Martian Wave: 2016 will leave you convinced that our future lies beyond the Earth.
The September 2016 issue of The Fifth Di… features fiction from Robert N. Stephenson, G. O. Clark, Rik Hunik, and Rick Novy.
A woman trapped on a conquered planet spends her days harvesting human blood for her alien conquerors, plotting her escape and eventual revenge. An astronaut goes back in time, and hopes to leave his mark on the future. An acid induced parlor trick leads to the creation of living origami goats that eat paper and become a menace…but not as big of a menace as the predator that’s created to take care of the goats. And finally, a man becomes a butler for an eccentric rich man, but he has no idea just how eccentric the man really is, and then he must figure out how to stop him.
The Martian Wave: 2016 brings you stories and poems that look at humanity’s exploration and colonization of space, with a special emphasis on our solar system.
You’ll find fiction from E. M. Eastick, Samuel Van Pelt, Lars H. Hoffmann, Francis W. Alexander, Robert N. Stephenson, Guy Stewart, GC Rosenquist, and Benjamin Cooper. You’ll also find poetry from David C. Kopaska-Merkel, Christina Sng, Shelly Bryant, Lisa Timpf, and M. C. Childs.
Some of what you read will leave you optimistic about our futures, while other stories and poems may leave you doubting our future, but no matter what, The Martian Wave: 2016 will leave you convinced that our future lies beyond the Earth.
The September 2016 issue of The Fifth Di… features fiction from Robert N. Stephenson, G. O. Clark, Rik Hunik, and Rick Novy.
A woman trapped on a conquered planet spends her days harvesting human blood for her alien conquerors, plotting her escape and eventual revenge. An astronaut goes back in time, and hopes to leave his mark on the future. An acid induced parlor trick leads to the creation of living origami goats that eat paper and become a menace…but not as big of a menace as the predator that’s created to take care of the goats. And finally, a man becomes a butler for an eccentric rich man, but he has no idea just how eccentric the man really is, and then he must figure out how to stop him.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Damn insurance companies
Those of you that have been reading this blog for a while know that I have a hate/hate relationship with health insurance companies. Well, now they've gone and pissed me off again. Rebecca spent days doing research to try and find a surgeon that might be able to help me with my chronic pain. She finally found one. We got the referral from our doctor. I talked to the surgeon's office, and he decided to send me in for a new CT scan, mostly to see if there had been any change since my last one (which could indicate something very serious.) All was well and good, since they'd already acknowledged that they take our insurance, but when his office called to try to get the CT scan approved, the insurance company informed them that there are two different types of insurance that this company has...the most common one, which the surgeon is in-network for, and the less common one, for which he is out-of-network. I'm sure you can guess which insurance we have...
So, the only way I can get into see this guy is to prove that there's no one in-network who would be capable of doing the surgery...which of course is interesting, since we hadn't even talked about an actual surgery yet. We just wanted to see what kinds of options I might have. So, now it's back to the drawing board as we try to find a surgeon who performs this operation (whatever that operation might be), who accepts our particular insurance, and who works with adults, since the majority of cardio-thoracic surgeons that deal with these kinds of issues work with kids. This will be interesting.
Now, thanks to another screw over by the insurance companies, I have to be in continuing pain, which is getting worse, especially as I'm having to work harder and harder each day at the "real" job. For example, I didn't get much sleep last night because I was so nauseous that I thought I was going to throw up, and it's not because I'm sick, it's just because I'm in so much pain.
So, I would again say that government needs to do something useful (like that ever happens) and reign in the insurance companies, and the pharmaceutical companies, instead of letting these companies set policy for the government.
So, the only way I can get into see this guy is to prove that there's no one in-network who would be capable of doing the surgery...which of course is interesting, since we hadn't even talked about an actual surgery yet. We just wanted to see what kinds of options I might have. So, now it's back to the drawing board as we try to find a surgeon who performs this operation (whatever that operation might be), who accepts our particular insurance, and who works with adults, since the majority of cardio-thoracic surgeons that deal with these kinds of issues work with kids. This will be interesting.
Now, thanks to another screw over by the insurance companies, I have to be in continuing pain, which is getting worse, especially as I'm having to work harder and harder each day at the "real" job. For example, I didn't get much sleep last night because I was so nauseous that I thought I was going to throw up, and it's not because I'm sick, it's just because I'm in so much pain.
So, I would again say that government needs to do something useful (like that ever happens) and reign in the insurance companies, and the pharmaceutical companies, instead of letting these companies set policy for the government.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Would you like to read the new issue of The Martian Wave early?
If you'd like to read the new issue of The Martian Wave early, now's
your chance. Although the official release date is September 1st, we're
making the e-book version available today through our website. And
instead of paying the normal $3.99 for your issue, you can get it for
just $2.99...but this sale is only good until the release date, so you
need to order soon. Go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-martian-wave-2016/ and order your copy now.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Get the September issue of The Fifth Di... early
Borrowed from the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
We're still a week away from the release of the September issue of The Fifth Di..., but you can pick up your e-book version of it right now from our website at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-fifth-di-september-2016/.
Not only can you be one of the first to read it, but you can also pick it up for just $1.49, but this sale ends at the end of the month, so order now.
What's in this issue?
The September 2016 issue of The Fifth Di… features fiction from Robert N. Stephenson, G. O. Clark, Rik Hunik, and Rick Novy.
A woman trapped on a conquered planet spends her days harvesting human blood for her alien conquerors, plotting her escape and eventual revenge. An astronaut goes back in time, and hopes to leave his mark on the future. An acid induced parlor trick leads to the creation of living origami goats that eat paper and become a menace…but not as big of a menace as the predator that’s created to take care of the goats. And finally, a man becomes a butler for an eccentric rich man, but he has no idea just how eccentric the man really is, and then he must figure out how to stop him.
We're still a week away from the release of the September issue of The Fifth Di..., but you can pick up your e-book version of it right now from our website at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-fifth-di-september-2016/.
Not only can you be one of the first to read it, but you can also pick it up for just $1.49, but this sale ends at the end of the month, so order now.
What's in this issue?
The September 2016 issue of The Fifth Di… features fiction from Robert N. Stephenson, G. O. Clark, Rik Hunik, and Rick Novy.
A woman trapped on a conquered planet spends her days harvesting human blood for her alien conquerors, plotting her escape and eventual revenge. An astronaut goes back in time, and hopes to leave his mark on the future. An acid induced parlor trick leads to the creation of living origami goats that eat paper and become a menace…but not as big of a menace as the predator that’s created to take care of the goats. And finally, a man becomes a butler for an eccentric rich man, but he has no idea just how eccentric the man really is, and then he must figure out how to stop him.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
I'm still around
This blog has been very quiet this month. Mostly it's because we've been crazy busy here, and also because many of the posts I've been thinking of have been political rants...and I just don't feel like getting into that right now.
Why have we been so busy? Back to school has been the main reason, and this year Alexis started Kindergarten, meaning that we had three different back to school nights, three different start dates, three different kids to buy clothes and supplies for...in other words, a lot has been going on. It's impossible to believe that Alexis is actually in Kindergarten now, but I guess that's what happens...kids grow up, whether we want them to or not.
In addition to back to school, Rebecca has been trying to put in some extra hours to try and help us survive financially, and I've been putting in a couple of extra hours, but my hours have been very busy as we head into Halloween, which is the busy season at my "real" job. And I won't even get into the quality of some of my co-workers...
I've also been getting two zines put together and reading for two anthologies...more on those later.
As far as our health issues, I've been suffering quite a bit more. Even four hour shifts at the "real" job leave me in excruciating pain. I'm working on setting up an appointment with a surgeon, but they want me to get another CT scan, and I can't say I'm thrilled with the idea of another massive radiation dose, but maybe there's something he can do for me, as the meds don't seem to be doing it for me like they were. If I take it easy, the pain is manageable, but exertion makes it difficult to do much.
Rebecca is still dealing with her issues, but we do have an appointment with a specialist in early September, but it still will probably take a while to get her meds right, so who knows how long it will take for her to get some relief...hopefully not too long.
Well, that pretty much sums up my recent absence. You can expect the typical promotional blog posts, as well as the occasional rant as I finally get caught up on everything I need to get done.
Now, I just need to breathe...
Why have we been so busy? Back to school has been the main reason, and this year Alexis started Kindergarten, meaning that we had three different back to school nights, three different start dates, three different kids to buy clothes and supplies for...in other words, a lot has been going on. It's impossible to believe that Alexis is actually in Kindergarten now, but I guess that's what happens...kids grow up, whether we want them to or not.
In addition to back to school, Rebecca has been trying to put in some extra hours to try and help us survive financially, and I've been putting in a couple of extra hours, but my hours have been very busy as we head into Halloween, which is the busy season at my "real" job. And I won't even get into the quality of some of my co-workers...
I've also been getting two zines put together and reading for two anthologies...more on those later.
As far as our health issues, I've been suffering quite a bit more. Even four hour shifts at the "real" job leave me in excruciating pain. I'm working on setting up an appointment with a surgeon, but they want me to get another CT scan, and I can't say I'm thrilled with the idea of another massive radiation dose, but maybe there's something he can do for me, as the meds don't seem to be doing it for me like they were. If I take it easy, the pain is manageable, but exertion makes it difficult to do much.
Rebecca is still dealing with her issues, but we do have an appointment with a specialist in early September, but it still will probably take a while to get her meds right, so who knows how long it will take for her to get some relief...hopefully not too long.
Well, that pretty much sums up my recent absence. You can expect the typical promotional blog posts, as well as the occasional rant as I finally get caught up on everything I need to get done.
Now, I just need to breathe...
Tuesday, August 02, 2016
The Martian Wave: 2016 pre-sale has begun
The pre-sale for the 2016 issue of The Martian Wave has begun. You
can pre-order your print copy from us for just $9 until the release date
of September 1st. The print version of the zine will also be appearing
in other on-line markets in the weeks to come.
You can pre-order the e-book version of the zine from just about every on-line source now. To order your copy, go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/tmw.htm and link to the site you want to order from.
You can pre-order the e-book version of the zine from just about every on-line source now. To order your copy, go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/tmw.htm and link to the site you want to order from.
Monday, August 01, 2016
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Christmas in July at NDP
Taken from the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
For the rest of July, you can get 25% off your entire order from the Nomadic Delirium Press store. This is a discount off of any of our e-books or print books. This includes novels, anthologies, collections, magazines, RPG supplements, and everything else we carry.
Simply go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop and use the coupon code "25off" at checkout.
For the rest of July, you can get 25% off your entire order from the Nomadic Delirium Press store. This is a discount off of any of our e-books or print books. This includes novels, anthologies, collections, magazines, RPG supplements, and everything else we carry.
Simply go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop and use the coupon code "25off" at checkout.
Friday, July 22, 2016
The Martian Wave 2016 cover
Here is the cover for the 2016 issue of The Martian Wave. Cover "art" is Curiosity on Mars, with cover design by the multi-talented Laura Givens.
Pre-order info will be coming from Nomadic Delirium Press in early August, and the zine will actually be released on September 1st.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Christmas in July at DriveThru
From the Nomadic Delirium Press website:
DriveThruRPG and DriveThruFiction are both having a Christmas in July sale. You can get 25% off of any of our Ephemeris titles at http://www.drivethrurpg.com/summersale.php?manufacturers_id=2805&filters=0_0_0_0_0_31815#selectpub
And you can get 25% off any of our fiction titles at http://www.drivethrufiction.com/summersale.php?manufacturers_id=2805&filters=0_0_0_0_0_44595#selectpub. This includes our novels, magazines, anthologies, and collections.
This is a great opportunity to save money on all of our great titles!
DriveThruRPG and DriveThruFiction are both having a Christmas in July sale. You can get 25% off of any of our Ephemeris titles at http://www.drivethrurpg.com/summersale.php?manufacturers_id=2805&filters=0_0_0_0_0_31815#selectpub
And you can get 25% off any of our fiction titles at http://www.drivethrufiction.com/summersale.php?manufacturers_id=2805&filters=0_0_0_0_0_44595#selectpub. This includes our novels, magazines, anthologies, and collections.
This is a great opportunity to save money on all of our great titles!
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Half price tales
Just a reminder...
Now through the end of July you can pick up the e-book versions of any of my "Tales" collections for half price through my website...
Tales of Mars: http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-mars/
Tales of the Earth and Moon: http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-the-earth-and-moon/
Tales of the Solar System: http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-the-solar-system/
Tales of Interstellar Space: http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-interstellar-space/
Tales of Dystopia: http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-dystopia/
Tales of Twisted Realities: http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-twisted-realities/
Or, you can pick up all six collections for just $5.50 at http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-bundle/
Now through the end of July you can pick up the e-book versions of any of my "Tales" collections for half price through my website...
Tales of Mars: http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-mars/
Tales of the Earth and Moon: http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-the-earth-and-moon/
Tales of the Solar System: http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-the-solar-system/
Tales of Interstellar Space: http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-interstellar-space/
Tales of Dystopia: http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-dystopia/
Tales of Twisted Realities: http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-twisted-realities/
Or, you can pick up all six collections for just $5.50 at http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-bundle/
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Pain and illness
An update on the pain front. I've been back on the meds I'm supposed to be on for just over two months now, but they don't seem to be as effective as they were before I was forced to change to another drug. I'm still not in as much pain as I am without the meds, but I'm definitely experiencing pain...especially after a day at the "real" job. I have to push myself so hard there that there are times that I come home and can't sleep because of the pain. Tylenol has never really done anything for any kind of pain that I have, and I can't take any other pain relievers because they interact badly with my medication.
On the illness front, most of you don't know, but Rebecca has been dealing with a lot of sickness in the time that we've known each other...and before anyone says anything (Spencer), it's not because of being married to me. Over the years, she's had various things diagnosed, but never anything that actually explains everything that's wrong with her. Last week, we finally got a diagnosis that makes sense. She's dealing with a chronic illness that she doesn't want named...and no, it's not cancer, although it does increase her risk of developing cancer. The illness is something that she will have to deal with for the rest of her life, but at least now that we know what it is, we can hopefully get her on medication that will improve her quality of life.
Suffice it to say, that between the two of us, we will probably have many doctors visits in our future...
On the illness front, most of you don't know, but Rebecca has been dealing with a lot of sickness in the time that we've known each other...and before anyone says anything (Spencer), it's not because of being married to me. Over the years, she's had various things diagnosed, but never anything that actually explains everything that's wrong with her. Last week, we finally got a diagnosis that makes sense. She's dealing with a chronic illness that she doesn't want named...and no, it's not cancer, although it does increase her risk of developing cancer. The illness is something that she will have to deal with for the rest of her life, but at least now that we know what it is, we can hopefully get her on medication that will improve her quality of life.
Suffice it to say, that between the two of us, we will probably have many doctors visits in our future...
Saturday, July 09, 2016
Tales sale!
Now through the end of July you can pick up the e-book versions of any of my "Tales" collections for half price through my website...
Or, you can pick up all six collections for just $5.50 at http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-bundle/" target="_blank">http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-bundle/
Friday, July 01, 2016
Smashwords sale
Smashwords is having an e-book sale during July, and you can pick up all of my "Tales" collections for half off. I've also made a few more of my individual stories free. So here's your chance to pick up more of my stories for cheap... https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jaerwine
Thursday, June 30, 2016
The July issue of Spaceports & Spidersilk is here
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
The July issue of Spaceports & Spidersilk has now been released and is available for download for just $1 at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/spaceports-spidersilk-july-2016/.
The July issue of Spaceports & Spidersilk has now been released and is available for download for just $1 at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/spaceports-spidersilk-july-2016/.
Sunday, June 26, 2016
My Tales on Amazon
For some reason, many people still prefer to buy their fiction through Amazon, so here are the links on Amazon for all of my recent "Tales" collections...
Tales of Mars: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1533595283
Tales of the Earth and Moon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1533642710
Tales of the Solar System https://www.amazon.com/dp/1534636188
Tales of Interstellar Space https://www.amazon.com/dp/1534666222
Tales of Dystopia https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H2IZF66
Tales of Twisted Realities https://www.amazon.com/dp/1534737332
Tales of Mars: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1533595283
Tales of the Earth and Moon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1533642710
Tales of the Solar System https://www.amazon.com/dp/1534636188
Tales of Interstellar Space https://www.amazon.com/dp/1534666222
Tales of Dystopia https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H2IZF66
Tales of Twisted Realities https://www.amazon.com/dp/1534737332
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Free RPG Day
Saturday, June 18th is Free RPG Day, and Nomadic Delirium Press is offering the digital version of the Ephemeris RPG for free all day. Go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/ephemeris-a-science-fiction-rpg/ and order your digital copy today!
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Tales of Twisted Realities
My final "Tales" collection is now available...
J Alan Erwine's Tales of Twisted Realities
Science fiction author J Alan Erwine has always had a twisted view of reality, and now he’s chosen to share that twisted view with his readers.
This collections features stories about an astronaut who has suffered brain damage and can no longer distinguish between the realities in his mind and the realities of the world…a man obsessed with the concept of entropy and what it might be doing to our universe…the last man on Earth trying to cope with his dilemma, but is he really the very last man on Earth…a pothead netrunner who can’t decide what’s more important to him, his pot, or his work…a soldier who is slowly going crazy and is sent to a computer therapist, but which one of them is actually crazy…and parents who hear their child begging to die, and are then shocked when the devil shows up to grant the child his wish.
These six stories will have you questioning what reality is, and what we can possibly do with it.
http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-twisted-realities/
J Alan Erwine's Tales of Twisted Realities
Science fiction author J Alan Erwine has always had a twisted view of reality, and now he’s chosen to share that twisted view with his readers.
This collections features stories about an astronaut who has suffered brain damage and can no longer distinguish between the realities in his mind and the realities of the world…a man obsessed with the concept of entropy and what it might be doing to our universe…the last man on Earth trying to cope with his dilemma, but is he really the very last man on Earth…a pothead netrunner who can’t decide what’s more important to him, his pot, or his work…a soldier who is slowly going crazy and is sent to a computer therapist, but which one of them is actually crazy…and parents who hear their child begging to die, and are then shocked when the devil shows up to grant the child his wish.
These six stories will have you questioning what reality is, and what we can possibly do with it.
http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-twisted-realities/
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Tales of Dystopia
My newest "Tales" collection is now available, and I'm sure this one won't surprise anyone...
J Alan Erwine’s Tales of Dystopia brings you six bleak futures that hopefully will never be possible. Are the stories dire predictions, or warnings of futures possible? It’s the author’s sincere hope that none of these stories will be taken as a blueprint for the future, but with the way the world seems to be going…he can’t be too sure…
http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-dystopia/
J Alan Erwine’s Tales of Dystopia brings you six bleak futures that hopefully will never be possible. Are the stories dire predictions, or warnings of futures possible? It’s the author’s sincere hope that none of these stories will be taken as a blueprint for the future, but with the way the world seems to be going…he can’t be too sure…
http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-dystopia/
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Tales of Interstellar Space
My new "Tales" collection is now available.
J Alan Erwine's Tales of Interstellar Space
Welcome to fifteen stories from prize winning science fiction author J Alan Erwine. Be prepared to explore a variety of locals throughout interstellar space. You’ll find wars, exploration, aliens, humans struggling to survive…and sometimes failing, and sometimes succeeding…but more than anything, you’ll find yourself questioning what’s possible…
http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-interstellar-space/
J Alan Erwine's Tales of Interstellar Space
Welcome to fifteen stories from prize winning science fiction author J Alan Erwine. Be prepared to explore a variety of locals throughout interstellar space. You’ll find wars, exploration, aliens, humans struggling to survive…and sometimes failing, and sometimes succeeding…but more than anything, you’ll find yourself questioning what’s possible…
http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-interstellar-space/
Friday, June 10, 2016
Tales of the Solar System
My next "Tales" collection is now available:
J Alan Erwine's Tales of the Solar System
Seven stories from prize winning science fiction author J Alan Erwine that look at possible futures for our species throughout the solar system.
Some stories are optimistic, most see us carrying our Earth-bound limitations into the future and out to the planets.
These may be cautionary tales, but no matter what, they’ll leave you feeling that humanity does indeed have a future of exploring our solar system…if we can learn to survive on Earth.
http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-the-solar-system/
J Alan Erwine's Tales of the Solar System
Seven stories from prize winning science fiction author J Alan Erwine that look at possible futures for our species throughout the solar system.
Some stories are optimistic, most see us carrying our Earth-bound limitations into the future and out to the planets.
These may be cautionary tales, but no matter what, they’ll leave you feeling that humanity does indeed have a future of exploring our solar system…if we can learn to survive on Earth.
http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-the-solar-system/
Sunday, June 05, 2016
Tales of the Earth and the moon
My next "Tales" collection is now available.
This one is J Alan Erwine's Tales of the Earth and Moon
Seven stories from prize winning science fiction author J Alan Erwine that explore the future of both the Earth and the Moon.
Stranded astronauts, intelligent dolphins being used by the government, a soldier struggling with orders he knows he shouldn’t have followed, lovers waiting for the end of the world, politics even dirtier than what we’re seeing in the modern world (maybe), a man resurrected because he wanted to see the future, but now feeling very much alone, and manipulation on the moon.
This one is J Alan Erwine's Tales of the Earth and Moon
Seven stories from prize winning science fiction author J Alan Erwine that explore the future of both the Earth and the Moon.
Stranded astronauts, intelligent dolphins being used by the government, a soldier struggling with orders he knows he shouldn’t have followed, lovers waiting for the end of the world, politics even dirtier than what we’re seeing in the modern world (maybe), a man resurrected because he wanted to see the future, but now feeling very much alone, and manipulation on the moon.
These are the stories that are waiting for you in this collection.
http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-the-earth-and-moon/
http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-the-earth-and-moon/
Thursday, June 02, 2016
Tales of Mars
A new, three story collection, called J Alan Erwine's Tales of Mars has been released. This is the first in a series of "collections of tales" that will be coming out from me. They're basically a grouping of my stories, and they give my readers a chance to read my stories that are related to one another.
So, what is J Alan Erwine's Tales of Mars?
Three stories from prize winning science fiction author J Alan Erwine that are set on the planet Mars.
A soldier set on crushing a rebellion begins to question his own loyalties once he’s captured by the “enemy.”
One woman fights to save microbial life in Valles Marineris.
And a young woman forced into a bad life because of her race suddenly finds herself to have abilities she never could have expected…abilities that might just be able to save her people.
Pick up an e-book copy today at http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-mars/. The book will also be available in print very soon from all of the usual sources...
So, what is J Alan Erwine's Tales of Mars?
Three stories from prize winning science fiction author J Alan Erwine that are set on the planet Mars.
A soldier set on crushing a rebellion begins to question his own loyalties once he’s captured by the “enemy.”
One woman fights to save microbial life in Valles Marineris.
And a young woman forced into a bad life because of her race suddenly finds herself to have abilities she never could have expected…abilities that might just be able to save her people.
Pick up an e-book copy today at http://jalanerwine.com/blog/product/j-alan-erwines-tales-of-mars/. The book will also be available in print very soon from all of the usual sources...
Wednesday, June 01, 2016
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
The June issue of The Fifth Di... is here
The June issue of The Fifth Di... is here!
Order today at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-fifth-di-june-2016/
Or you can read a sample of the zine at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/tfdsample.htm
What’s in this issue?
The June issue brings you fiction from Tim McDaniel, Chris Dean, Rik Hunik, Robert N. Stephenson, and Fredrick Obermeyer.
This issue brings you a satirical look at the future of American elections, but just how satirical is it, given modern elections? You also get a man who has never wanted a robot, but now finds himself owning one, with unexpected consequences, a magician searching for a lost item, the return of a warfleet to Earth, but not the Earth they’re expecting, and a man who is contacted by his future son, but he has no way of knowing what this contact will lead to…
Order today at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-fifth-di-june-2016/
Or you can read a sample of the zine at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/tfdsample.htm
What’s in this issue?
The June issue brings you fiction from Tim McDaniel, Chris Dean, Rik Hunik, Robert N. Stephenson, and Fredrick Obermeyer.
This issue brings you a satirical look at the future of American elections, but just how satirical is it, given modern elections? You also get a man who has never wanted a robot, but now finds himself owning one, with unexpected consequences, a magician searching for a lost item, the return of a warfleet to Earth, but not the Earth they’re expecting, and a man who is contacted by his future son, but he has no way of knowing what this contact will lead to…
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Free previews
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
We've created three free e-books that will allow you to preview some of the works we've published so far. The three titles cover our novels, our collections, and our anthologies. Each of the free e-books teases you with a few pages from each of our titles.
If you'd like to have a look, head over to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop
We've created three free e-books that will allow you to preview some of the works we've published so far. The three titles cover our novels, our collections, and our anthologies. Each of the free e-books teases you with a few pages from each of our titles.
If you'd like to have a look, head over to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop
Monday, May 23, 2016
Order the June issue of The Fifth Di... early
It’s still more than a week until the release of the new issue of
The Fifth Di…, but you can order your copy now. Order the e-book, and
it’s only $1.49 (normally ($1.99), and you can read it immediately. If
you order the print version, your copy will be shipped once the book is
released.
Order today at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-fifth-di-june-2016/
Or you can read a sample of the zine at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/tfdsample.htm
What’s in this issue?
The June issue brings you fiction from Tim McDaniel, Chris Dean, Rik Hunik, Robert N. Stephenson, and Fredrick Obermeyer.
This issue brings you a satirical look at the future of American elections, but just how satirical is it, given modern elections? You also get a man who has never wanted a robot, but now finds himself owning one, with unexpected consequences, a magician searching for a lost item, the return of a warfleet to Earth, but not the Earth they’re expecting, and a man who is contacted by his future son, but he has no way of knowing what this contact will lead to…
Order today at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-fifth-di-june-2016/
Or you can read a sample of the zine at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/tfdsample.htm
What’s in this issue?
The June issue brings you fiction from Tim McDaniel, Chris Dean, Rik Hunik, Robert N. Stephenson, and Fredrick Obermeyer.
This issue brings you a satirical look at the future of American elections, but just how satirical is it, given modern elections? You also get a man who has never wanted a robot, but now finds himself owning one, with unexpected consequences, a magician searching for a lost item, the return of a warfleet to Earth, but not the Earth they’re expecting, and a man who is contacted by his future son, but he has no way of knowing what this contact will lead to…
Sunday, May 22, 2016
The Best of Both Worlds
Alban Lake Publishing and Nomadic Delirium Press are pleased
to announce a joint project entitled The
Best of Both Worlds. Picking up
where Wondrous Web Worlds left off
many years ago, this collection will feature the best fantasy and science
fiction short stories from the magazines published by both publishers.
These stories have been selected by Tyree Campbell and J
Alan Erwine, and they’ll feature a wide variety of science fiction and fantasy.
Look for The Best of
Both Worlds Vol. 1 this fall.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Looking for something to read this weekend?
Almost all of my published stories are available as individual e-books, and you can also pick up many of the books that I've written and edited...as well as some of the magazines I've edited.
So if you need something to read this weekend, head over to http://www.jalanerwine.com/blog/shop and order some e-books today. You can be reading within seconds!
So if you need something to read this weekend, head over to http://www.jalanerwine.com/blog/shop and order some e-books today. You can be reading within seconds!
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Back on the meds
Now that we have "real" insurance once again, I went to the doctor earlier this week and he put me back on the meds that actually do something to help with my chronic pain, so hopefully some time in the next week, my pain levels will be back down to a manageable level most of the time.
While dealing with the doctor and the pharmacy, I started thinking about all of the complaints about "Obamacare." When it went into effect, our insurance rates did go up, but only because we added me to the insurance. If it had stayed Rebecca and the girls, we would have been paying slightly less. Now that we're on a new, and slightly better insurance, our rates are even lower. Not enough to make a huge difference in our financial lives, but when so many people are complaining about their rates skyrocketing, I wanted to make the point that this isn't necessarily true...people find it easier to complain that say good things.
And as far as the pharmacy costs, on our old insurance, my prescription ran $20-25 a month. With the new insurance, it's covered 100% by the new insurance...so that's zero out of pocket cost for us. Maybe some people aren't happy with "Obamacare," but I can at least say that it is helping us...not to mention that under the old insurance rules, I might not have been able to get any coverage, since this is considered a previously existing condition.
While dealing with the doctor and the pharmacy, I started thinking about all of the complaints about "Obamacare." When it went into effect, our insurance rates did go up, but only because we added me to the insurance. If it had stayed Rebecca and the girls, we would have been paying slightly less. Now that we're on a new, and slightly better insurance, our rates are even lower. Not enough to make a huge difference in our financial lives, but when so many people are complaining about their rates skyrocketing, I wanted to make the point that this isn't necessarily true...people find it easier to complain that say good things.
And as far as the pharmacy costs, on our old insurance, my prescription ran $20-25 a month. With the new insurance, it's covered 100% by the new insurance...so that's zero out of pocket cost for us. Maybe some people aren't happy with "Obamacare," but I can at least say that it is helping us...not to mention that under the old insurance rules, I might not have been able to get any coverage, since this is considered a previously existing condition.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Nomadic Delirium Press' May sale
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
For the rest of the month of May, you can get 20% off your entire order through our store. Simply go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop and use the coupon code "may" at checkout.
Maybe you've wanted to pick up one of Tyree Campbell's new books...or maybe you've been highly intrigued by Laura Givens' Crisis Averted...or maybe you'd like to check out one of our anthologies, or a magazine. The discount applies to both our print and e-book titles, so however you like to read your books, here's your chance. The discount is good on every title we carry, and it doesn't matter if you order one book, or one hundred, you get 20% off your total.
So, what are you waiting for, follow that link!
This includes several of my titles!
For the rest of the month of May, you can get 20% off your entire order through our store. Simply go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop and use the coupon code "may" at checkout.
Maybe you've wanted to pick up one of Tyree Campbell's new books...or maybe you've been highly intrigued by Laura Givens' Crisis Averted...or maybe you'd like to check out one of our anthologies, or a magazine. The discount applies to both our print and e-book titles, so however you like to read your books, here's your chance. The discount is good on every title we carry, and it doesn't matter if you order one book, or one hundred, you get 20% off your total.
So, what are you waiting for, follow that link!
This includes several of my titles!
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Tyree's new book is out!
Tyree Campbell's new novel, The Butterfly and the Sea Dragon: A Yoelin Thibbony Rescue has just been released, and it's a great book...you should really buy a copy!
“The only records that delineate and authenticate Corporatia territories are on that Palmetto. We want it back.”
“What happened?” Yoelin asked.
“A records clerk bypassed security, recorded the information and then deleted it from our computers, and departed for Havelox Rest, outside our jurisdiction, where we believe she is now.”
After the words “Havelox Rest,” Yoelin heard only the pounding of her heart. A wave of dizziness passed. Why there? Why did it have to be there?
So who’s Yoelin Thibbony? That’s what she calls herself now. She endured a cruel and abusive childhood, when there was no one to rescue her. Now she performs Rescues of people or things—sometimes for hire, sometimes for free. She’s been hired to retrieve stolen archives. But to perform this Rescue, Yoelin has to return to Havelox Rest, the world of her childhood—a world that still holds dark and bleak terrors for her.
Order a copy at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/butterfly.htm
“The only records that delineate and authenticate Corporatia territories are on that Palmetto. We want it back.”
“What happened?” Yoelin asked.
“A records clerk bypassed security, recorded the information and then deleted it from our computers, and departed for Havelox Rest, outside our jurisdiction, where we believe she is now.”
After the words “Havelox Rest,” Yoelin heard only the pounding of her heart. A wave of dizziness passed. Why there? Why did it have to be there?
So who’s Yoelin Thibbony? That’s what she calls herself now. She endured a cruel and abusive childhood, when there was no one to rescue her. Now she performs Rescues of people or things—sometimes for hire, sometimes for free. She’s been hired to retrieve stolen archives. But to perform this Rescue, Yoelin has to return to Havelox Rest, the world of her childhood—a world that still holds dark and bleak terrors for her.
Order a copy at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/butterfly.htm
Saturday, May 07, 2016
Depression
May is Mental Health Awareness month, and so I thought I'd address a question that has come up a few times recently. I've had a few people ask me why I'm editing the Disharmony of the Spheres anthology. The simplest answer is that metal illness is a major problem in America, but the perception of mental illness is an even bigger problem. For some reason, people differentiate between physical illness and mental illness...when there really is no difference. Another reason that I decided to do this anthology is because there are a lot of people in the speculative fiction community, both writers and fans, who deal with mental illness, especially depression and anxiety. In talking to various people I've realized that there seems to be a disproportionate number of people in the speculative fiction community that are dealing with these issues, so it's important for people to see that even the mentally ill can succeed...and not only succeed, but excel, which is what many of the characters in the stories in Disharmony of the Spheres do.
Even more importantly, depression is something that I've had a lot of experience with, as I've dealt with it most of my life. My reason for saying this isn't so that people will say things like, oh poor you, or wow, you've done well even with depression. No, I'm simply making a point that anyone can suffer from it. I don't need nor want pity or pats on the back.
Although depression can be a debilitating illness, it is something that people can overcome with the right kind of support. Unfortunately, most people don't know what the right kind of support is. Many people think that sadness is depression, and from their point of view, it's easy to get through. Everyone in the world has dealt with sadness at some point in their lives, but this is not the same thing as depression. Comparing the two is like comparing a cold with bubonic plague. Yes, there are some similarities, but they are far from being the same thing. Sadness is only one small part of depression.
Other things that don't help people with depression are saying things like pull yourself up by your bootstraps, or look at all the good things going on in your life. There are times when things like this can do more harm than good, because you're basically implying that a person should just get over their depression. That's the same thing as telling someone to just stop having the symptoms of a cold. They can't just stop being sick, and a person suffering from depression can not simply stop being depressed.
Patience and understanding is what a depressed person needs more than anything else. Most of the time they just need to know that there are people there for them. I can say quite honestly if it weren't for my family and the amazing friends I've had throughout my life, I wouldn't be here right now. Sometimes a depressed person just can't take it anymore, and in this way, suicide is not necessarily a sign of weakness. In many ways, it's like a person suffering from cancer who can't take it anymore and allows themselves to die, even if there was a chance they could survive. In both cases, the person has given into their illness. Most would say it's a horrible thing to say that the cancer patient was weak because of their choice, but many people will say that the depressed person was weak. Many times, there's no difference between the two.
If you know someone who is dealing with depression, or any mental illness for that matter, the best thing you can do is be there for that person. Let them know that you will always be there to listen to them, even if you think what they're saying is silly. To them, it's not. Last year, a very dear friend of mine almost left us because she was dealing with things on her own that no one knew about. Things that maybe we, as her friends, should have been more tuned in to. She's still going through a lot, but now she has a strong support system, and I'm hoping that she will get through this...just as I'm hoping everyone dealing with depression will get through what they're dealing with.
If you are depressed, you're not alone. There are a lot of us out here who understand what you're going through, and there are people that will be there to help you...family, friends, professionals...all you have to do is ask. AND PLEASE DO ASK!
Even more importantly, depression is something that I've had a lot of experience with, as I've dealt with it most of my life. My reason for saying this isn't so that people will say things like, oh poor you, or wow, you've done well even with depression. No, I'm simply making a point that anyone can suffer from it. I don't need nor want pity or pats on the back.
Although depression can be a debilitating illness, it is something that people can overcome with the right kind of support. Unfortunately, most people don't know what the right kind of support is. Many people think that sadness is depression, and from their point of view, it's easy to get through. Everyone in the world has dealt with sadness at some point in their lives, but this is not the same thing as depression. Comparing the two is like comparing a cold with bubonic plague. Yes, there are some similarities, but they are far from being the same thing. Sadness is only one small part of depression.
Other things that don't help people with depression are saying things like pull yourself up by your bootstraps, or look at all the good things going on in your life. There are times when things like this can do more harm than good, because you're basically implying that a person should just get over their depression. That's the same thing as telling someone to just stop having the symptoms of a cold. They can't just stop being sick, and a person suffering from depression can not simply stop being depressed.
Patience and understanding is what a depressed person needs more than anything else. Most of the time they just need to know that there are people there for them. I can say quite honestly if it weren't for my family and the amazing friends I've had throughout my life, I wouldn't be here right now. Sometimes a depressed person just can't take it anymore, and in this way, suicide is not necessarily a sign of weakness. In many ways, it's like a person suffering from cancer who can't take it anymore and allows themselves to die, even if there was a chance they could survive. In both cases, the person has given into their illness. Most would say it's a horrible thing to say that the cancer patient was weak because of their choice, but many people will say that the depressed person was weak. Many times, there's no difference between the two.
If you know someone who is dealing with depression, or any mental illness for that matter, the best thing you can do is be there for that person. Let them know that you will always be there to listen to them, even if you think what they're saying is silly. To them, it's not. Last year, a very dear friend of mine almost left us because she was dealing with things on her own that no one knew about. Things that maybe we, as her friends, should have been more tuned in to. She's still going through a lot, but now she has a strong support system, and I'm hoping that she will get through this...just as I'm hoping everyone dealing with depression will get through what they're dealing with.
If you are depressed, you're not alone. There are a lot of us out here who understand what you're going through, and there are people that will be there to help you...family, friends, professionals...all you have to do is ask. AND PLEASE DO ASK!
Friday, May 06, 2016
Really?
I'm absolutely dumbfounded by the things I see people complaining about these days. I'll be the first to say that people should be allowed to believe whatever they want...as long as they're not hurting each other with their beliefs...and that's where we've started to run into a problem in this country.
People are horrified about Trans people going into bathrooms. Guess what? They've always been in our bathrooms. What's even worse is that people are arguing against this because they're trying to protect our children...but children are being beaten and molested in all parts of the country, but there doesn't seem to be an interest in doing anything more about this. Really America? This is what your priorities have become? I'm a father of three girls, and I'm not the least bit worried about a trans person being in the bathroom with them. I'm much more worried about someone walking into one of their schools with a gun. That actually happens!
People are upset with Obamacare. Some argue it should be abolished. Some argue it should do more. The real problem isn't Obamacare. The real problem is the health insurance companies. No matter which side of the argument you're on, the real enemy is the health insurance companies. They kind of remind me of Darth Sidious in Episodes one and two...they play each side against the other, and then continue to raise rates. Your health insurance company can now overrule the treatment your doctor wants you to have because of costs...or whatever excuse they choose to come up with. Think about that for a minute, your health insurance has more say in how your medical issues will be treated than your doctor...and you want to argue whether insurance should be privatized or publicly funded? There's a bigger problem than that. And don't even get me started on how insurance companies can choose to pay less for mental health treatment than physical health treatment when there's really no difference.
There's a long and sad history of racism in this country, but for a very short while it seemed like maybe as a country we were getting away from that, but now everything seems to be about race. Do people really think they're unsafe just because there's a Muslim on the bus with them? Here's news for you America, there are jerks in every race...just like there are wonderful people in every race. The whole stereotyping thing has to end. Just because someone is Muslim doesn't mean they're a terrorist. Just like you can't say that everyone that looks like a "redneck" is ignorant. They're all stupid stereotypes that only a very small percentage of people fall into. A lot of people assume that long-haired guys are dumb...that's one of the reasons why I've tended to keep my hair long. I love messing with people who want to believe stereotypes.
A lot of people are complaining that they can't believe we might end up with a Clinton-Trump election. Do you want to know why America? It's because we've lost focus on the big picture and started focusing on stupid little things that don't matter. The media has blinded us to what's really important with their fifteen second sound byte stories about nothing, and too many Americans have accepted this.
So, you know what America? We're getting just what we deserve with Clinton-Trump. If you want to change America, change yourself first.
People are horrified about Trans people going into bathrooms. Guess what? They've always been in our bathrooms. What's even worse is that people are arguing against this because they're trying to protect our children...but children are being beaten and molested in all parts of the country, but there doesn't seem to be an interest in doing anything more about this. Really America? This is what your priorities have become? I'm a father of three girls, and I'm not the least bit worried about a trans person being in the bathroom with them. I'm much more worried about someone walking into one of their schools with a gun. That actually happens!
People are upset with Obamacare. Some argue it should be abolished. Some argue it should do more. The real problem isn't Obamacare. The real problem is the health insurance companies. No matter which side of the argument you're on, the real enemy is the health insurance companies. They kind of remind me of Darth Sidious in Episodes one and two...they play each side against the other, and then continue to raise rates. Your health insurance company can now overrule the treatment your doctor wants you to have because of costs...or whatever excuse they choose to come up with. Think about that for a minute, your health insurance has more say in how your medical issues will be treated than your doctor...and you want to argue whether insurance should be privatized or publicly funded? There's a bigger problem than that. And don't even get me started on how insurance companies can choose to pay less for mental health treatment than physical health treatment when there's really no difference.
There's a long and sad history of racism in this country, but for a very short while it seemed like maybe as a country we were getting away from that, but now everything seems to be about race. Do people really think they're unsafe just because there's a Muslim on the bus with them? Here's news for you America, there are jerks in every race...just like there are wonderful people in every race. The whole stereotyping thing has to end. Just because someone is Muslim doesn't mean they're a terrorist. Just like you can't say that everyone that looks like a "redneck" is ignorant. They're all stupid stereotypes that only a very small percentage of people fall into. A lot of people assume that long-haired guys are dumb...that's one of the reasons why I've tended to keep my hair long. I love messing with people who want to believe stereotypes.
A lot of people are complaining that they can't believe we might end up with a Clinton-Trump election. Do you want to know why America? It's because we've lost focus on the big picture and started focusing on stupid little things that don't matter. The media has blinded us to what's really important with their fifteen second sound byte stories about nothing, and too many Americans have accepted this.
So, you know what America? We're getting just what we deserve with Clinton-Trump. If you want to change America, change yourself first.
Sunday, May 01, 2016
Thursday, April 28, 2016
The post I seem to make every four years
Every time a presidential election comes along I post about the need to break the two party system and get a viable third, fourth, or even fifth party, and this year, that seems even more important!
When I look at the candidates the Dems and the Reps are giving us, I have to wonder what we've done wrong to deserve this. And the truth is, We The People have done wrong. We've allowed the two party system to take over America. Although there are differences between the democrats and the republicans, the simple truth is that the one thing they most have in common is that they are owned by big business, and big business does not care about We The People. And before you talk about feeling the Bern, let's face it, although Bernie Sanders may be the least "owned" of any candidate we've seen in a long time, he still belongs to the system that is continually screwing over the American people.
Whether you vote Democrat or Republican, you're voting for the continuation of the status quo, which continually funnels money into big business, wars, and the stripping of the American people of any real political power.
Everyone always says that voting third party is like throwing your vote away, and in some ways, this is true...but if people really are fed up with the Dems and the Reps, and all those people that are fed up vote third party, all of a sudden the status quo is broken. This is, of course, assuming that presidential elections in the US are not rigged to some degree, and granted, this is a big assumption.
When you go to the polls this November, vote your conscience, don't vote because you have to be Red or Blue. You can chose to be something else. You can vote Green, or you can vote Libertarian, hell, you can even vote Communist if you really want to send a message. My point is that voting Democrat or Republican when there are options will just continue to make this country worse. As for myself, I will be voting third party at every opportunity on the ballot. Granted, I am a Green, so I will vote Green wherever there is a candidate, but if there is a third party candidate running against the traditional candidates, I'm voting for them. I don't care what party because I want to see an end to the stranglehold that these parties have on We The People. If enough of us vote third party, we really can make a difference.
As Queensryche said, "there's a revolution calling," and that revolution is for the American people to throw the Democratic and Republican parties out on their asses!!!
Let's take back OUR country!
When I look at the candidates the Dems and the Reps are giving us, I have to wonder what we've done wrong to deserve this. And the truth is, We The People have done wrong. We've allowed the two party system to take over America. Although there are differences between the democrats and the republicans, the simple truth is that the one thing they most have in common is that they are owned by big business, and big business does not care about We The People. And before you talk about feeling the Bern, let's face it, although Bernie Sanders may be the least "owned" of any candidate we've seen in a long time, he still belongs to the system that is continually screwing over the American people.
Whether you vote Democrat or Republican, you're voting for the continuation of the status quo, which continually funnels money into big business, wars, and the stripping of the American people of any real political power.
Everyone always says that voting third party is like throwing your vote away, and in some ways, this is true...but if people really are fed up with the Dems and the Reps, and all those people that are fed up vote third party, all of a sudden the status quo is broken. This is, of course, assuming that presidential elections in the US are not rigged to some degree, and granted, this is a big assumption.
When you go to the polls this November, vote your conscience, don't vote because you have to be Red or Blue. You can chose to be something else. You can vote Green, or you can vote Libertarian, hell, you can even vote Communist if you really want to send a message. My point is that voting Democrat or Republican when there are options will just continue to make this country worse. As for myself, I will be voting third party at every opportunity on the ballot. Granted, I am a Green, so I will vote Green wherever there is a candidate, but if there is a third party candidate running against the traditional candidates, I'm voting for them. I don't care what party because I want to see an end to the stranglehold that these parties have on We The People. If enough of us vote third party, we really can make a difference.
As Queensryche said, "there's a revolution calling," and that revolution is for the American people to throw the Democratic and Republican parties out on their asses!!!
Let's take back OUR country!
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
A few days left to save
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
There are only a few days left to save on a number of our titles (both print and e-book). Go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop and click on any title with the Sale icon, and save some money. There are no codes to enter at checkout, or anything like that. Just buy the titles you want, and save immediately...but the sale ends at the end of March, so order soon!
There are only a few days left to save on a number of our titles (both print and e-book). Go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop and click on any title with the Sale icon, and save some money. There are no codes to enter at checkout, or anything like that. Just buy the titles you want, and save immediately...but the sale ends at the end of March, so order soon!
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Just a few days left
There are only a few days left to get 50% off of downloads of my e-books and e-stories. This includes titles I've written and titles I've edited. This ends on April 30th, so head over to http://www.jalanerwine.com/blog/shop and use the coupon code "new" at checkout. This takes 50% off of your entire order...whether you order one title or all of them, and you know you want to read at least one of them!
Ecotastrophe II is still looking for submissions
Borrowed from the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
In 2006, Sam’s Dot Publishing released an anthology about the effects of global climate change on humanity called Ecotastrophe. Now that it’s been almost ten years since the release, and global climate change still seems a possible threat to humanity, Nomadic Delirium Press has decided to release Ecotastrophe II. Like the original collection, this one will be edited by J Alan Erwine.
What we’re looking for: We want science fiction stories between 3,000 and 10,000 words that look at the effects of global climate change (preferably the extreme effects) on humanity and the other creatures of Earth. We’re not looking for stories about the change, but rather the effects of the change. Although we’d love to have a lot of stories that look at the hard science of climate change, we also want stories that look at the soft sciences. It’s important that the stories focus on the people, rather than the science, but we still want the science to be plausible.
What we’re paying: We will pay $10 for first rights to any story. We will also pay two contributor copies. If possible, we will increase this payment…but we can’t guarantee that.
Poetry Submissions: We've decided that we will be accepting four, and only four, poems for this collection. They must meet the same criteria as story submissions, and we will pay $5 per poem for first rights, plus one contributor's copy. Please keep in mind that we will only accept one poem per poet.
Where to send your little gems: All submissions should be sent to editor (at) nomadicdeliriumpress (dot) com. Your subject should be “Ecotastrophe Submission”.
Response times: We will respond to all submissions within two months.
Publication date: We are shooting for a mid-Summer 2016 release.
Other questions: If you have any other questions, please send them to the submission address.
In 2006, Sam’s Dot Publishing released an anthology about the effects of global climate change on humanity called Ecotastrophe. Now that it’s been almost ten years since the release, and global climate change still seems a possible threat to humanity, Nomadic Delirium Press has decided to release Ecotastrophe II. Like the original collection, this one will be edited by J Alan Erwine.
What we’re looking for: We want science fiction stories between 3,000 and 10,000 words that look at the effects of global climate change (preferably the extreme effects) on humanity and the other creatures of Earth. We’re not looking for stories about the change, but rather the effects of the change. Although we’d love to have a lot of stories that look at the hard science of climate change, we also want stories that look at the soft sciences. It’s important that the stories focus on the people, rather than the science, but we still want the science to be plausible.
What we’re paying: We will pay $10 for first rights to any story. We will also pay two contributor copies. If possible, we will increase this payment…but we can’t guarantee that.
Poetry Submissions: We've decided that we will be accepting four, and only four, poems for this collection. They must meet the same criteria as story submissions, and we will pay $5 per poem for first rights, plus one contributor's copy. Please keep in mind that we will only accept one poem per poet.
Where to send your little gems: All submissions should be sent to editor (at) nomadicdeliriumpress (dot) com. Your subject should be “Ecotastrophe Submission”.
Response times: We will respond to all submissions within two months.
Publication date: We are shooting for a mid-Summer 2016 release.
Other questions: If you have any other questions, please send them to the submission address.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Disharmony of the Spheres is still accepting submissions
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
Disharmony of the Spheres will be a science fiction
anthology in which the main character must be battling some type of mental
illness. While we will consider stories where the character is dealing with an
illness like schizophrenia or multiple personality disorder, what we really
want to see is characters that are battling an illness like depression, bipolar
disorder, anxiety, PTSD, etc. This is meant to be an uplifting collection of
stories, so the characters must overcome their illness to defeat whatever
they’re up against. They don’t necessarily have to overcome their illness
completely, but they must show that even when suffering from a mental illness,
a person can still achieve great things.
Story particulars: We want stories that are 2,000
words or longer. All stories must be science fiction, and they must fit into
the guidelines as outlined above.
What we’re paying: We will pay $5 per story for one
time rights, and we will also pay two contributor copies. This is less than we
would normally pay for an anthology, but half of all of the profits from this
book will be going to the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention organization, which
helps to battle teen suicide. We will consider reprints for this anthology.
Poetry Submissions: We've decided that we
will be accepting four, and only four, poems for this collection. They
must meet the same criteria as story submissions, and we will pay $5 per
poem for one time rights, plus one contributor's copy. Please keep in
mind that we will only accept one poem per poet.
Where to send your stories and poems: All stories and poems should be
sent to editor (at) nomadicdeliriumpress (dot) com. The subject line should
include “Disharmony submission.”
Response times: We will respond to all submissions
within two months.
Other questions: If you have any other questions,
please feel free to send them to the address above.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Red Moon Rising on Earth Day
Today is Earth Day, and other than doing whatever you can to help preserve the planet, the best thing you can do is order a copy of my environmental novel, Red Moon Rising. The book is available as both a print and e-book, and the print version is even on sale...
http://store.albanlake.com/product/red-moon-rising/
J Alan Erwine takes you into a future environmental nightmare that is not only all too possible, but is in fact well on the way there. The air and seas are filthy with pollution and oil spills, the U.S. Government is an effete and toothless replica of its former self, and business decides which rules they will allow to be enforced. Corporations lie, people die.
Including Erik Singer’s brother Jeromie, killed while seeking evidence against an oil company regarding their spills in the Gulf. After five years, Erik has had enough of wallowing in loss and self-pity. Emboldened by the words and visions of a Native American environmentalist, Erik is ready to act.
And he has colleagues. The reluctant mayor of Tampa. The daughter of the most egregious industrialist. And a tree-hugging terrorist. Can just four people make a difference?
http://store.albanlake.com/product/red-moon-rising/
J Alan Erwine takes you into a future environmental nightmare that is not only all too possible, but is in fact well on the way there. The air and seas are filthy with pollution and oil spills, the U.S. Government is an effete and toothless replica of its former self, and business decides which rules they will allow to be enforced. Corporations lie, people die.
Including Erik Singer’s brother Jeromie, killed while seeking evidence against an oil company regarding their spills in the Gulf. After five years, Erik has had enough of wallowing in loss and self-pity. Emboldened by the words and visions of a Native American environmentalist, Erik is ready to act.
And he has colleagues. The reluctant mayor of Tampa. The daughter of the most egregious industrialist. And a tree-hugging terrorist. Can just four people make a difference?
Sunday, April 17, 2016
E-stories and e-books
This is just a reminder that most of my short stories that I've had published over the almost 20 years of my career, and most of the books I've written and edited are now available as e-books through my website at http://www.jalanerwine.com/blog/shop. And if you use the coupon code "new" between now and the end of the month, you get 50% off of your entire order.
Most of these titles are also available through Smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jaerwine and Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0035AMA0A.
Most of these titles are also available through Smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jaerwine and Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0035AMA0A.
Friday, April 15, 2016
A new novel from Tyree Campbell
The Butterfly and the Sea Dragon is now available for pre-order.
You can pre-order the print version from us for $1 off at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-butterfly-and-the-sea-dragon-a-yoelin-thibbony-rescue/
You can pre-order the e-book version from Smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/630127
You can pre-order the Kindle version at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EBA55E0
“The only records that delineate and authenticate Corporatia territories are on that Palmetto. We want it back.”
“What happened?” Yoelin asked.
“A records clerk bypassed security, recorded the information and then deleted it from our computers, and departed for Havelox Rest, outside our jurisdiction, where we believe she is now.”
After the words “Havelox Rest,” Yoelin heard only the pounding of her heart. A wave of dizziness passed. Why there? Why did it have to be there?
So who’s Yoelin Thibbony? That’s what she calls herself now. She endured a cruel and abusive childhood, when there was no one to rescue her. Now she performs Rescues of people or things—sometimes for hire, sometimes for free. She’s been hired to retrieve stolen archives. But to perform this Rescue, Yoelin has to return to Havelox Rest, the world of her childhood—a world that still holds dark and bleak terrors for her.
You can pre-order the print version from us for $1 off at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-butterfly-and-the-sea-dragon-a-yoelin-thibbony-rescue/
You can pre-order the e-book version from Smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/630127
You can pre-order the Kindle version at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EBA55E0
“The only records that delineate and authenticate Corporatia territories are on that Palmetto. We want it back.”
“What happened?” Yoelin asked.
“A records clerk bypassed security, recorded the information and then deleted it from our computers, and departed for Havelox Rest, outside our jurisdiction, where we believe she is now.”
After the words “Havelox Rest,” Yoelin heard only the pounding of her heart. A wave of dizziness passed. Why there? Why did it have to be there?
So who’s Yoelin Thibbony? That’s what she calls herself now. She endured a cruel and abusive childhood, when there was no one to rescue her. Now she performs Rescues of people or things—sometimes for hire, sometimes for free. She’s been hired to retrieve stolen archives. But to perform this Rescue, Yoelin has to return to Havelox Rest, the world of her childhood—a world that still holds dark and bleak terrors for her.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Get Over It
This song pretty much sums up my feelings about quite a few people in the world right now...
https://youtu.be/1H-Y7MAASkg
https://youtu.be/1H-Y7MAASkg
Friday, April 01, 2016
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Dealing with chronic pain
There are a large number of people dealing with chronic pain, myself included, and I think people who don't deal with it don't always understand what it's really like, so I'm going to try to put into words some of the things I deal with and some of the things I've heard and read from others.
When you're dealing with chronic pain, life becomes something like a jigsaw puzzle, with the pieces of the puzzle being different aspects of your life, and as the pain takes over, you can visually see the different pieces of your life puzzle disappearing. For example, my little one will ask me to pick her up, but I know if I do, it will hurt...and a piece of my life disappears.
As the pain increases for anyone dealing with chronic pain, more things disappear from their lives, more puzzle pieces vanish, and you can never be sure if you'll get them back. Eventually, the pain begins to effect everything and everyone in your life. It begins to effect your relationships with your family, friends, co-workers, and even people you don't know, because the pain drains your energy and will often leave you angry and depressed. Again, more and more pieces of the puzzle that is your life are gone, and sometimes there's no way of getting those pieces back.
As the pieces slowly disappear from your life, you're eventually left with only one puzzle piece, and the only thing that piece says is pain, and it says it in large bold letters. The pain takes over your life and dominates everything. It's at this point that many sufferers take the final way out, and if non-sufferers realized what they were going through, they might understand why they take this option. It's not cowardice that causes people to take this option, but when personal strength is one of the puzzle pieces that disappears, sometimes this seems like the only option. If you know you still have twenty, thirty, or forty years to live, and you know you'll suffer every day of those years, sometimes it seems like the option...but hopefully people that feel this way, can find something to hold on to.
For myself, I'm now to a point where a four hour shift leaves me almost doubled over in pain, and even sitting up at the computer for a couple of hours leaves me almost debilitated, but there is still hope. We'll have new insurance in May and I can get back on the meds that work. Granted, I can't stay on meds forever, but we also have a surgeon that we'll be meeting with, and hopefully he can fix things, and maybe I can pick my little girl up again, and I can be the person I was before pain become one of the few pieces left in the puzzle of my life.
When you're dealing with chronic pain, life becomes something like a jigsaw puzzle, with the pieces of the puzzle being different aspects of your life, and as the pain takes over, you can visually see the different pieces of your life puzzle disappearing. For example, my little one will ask me to pick her up, but I know if I do, it will hurt...and a piece of my life disappears.
As the pain increases for anyone dealing with chronic pain, more things disappear from their lives, more puzzle pieces vanish, and you can never be sure if you'll get them back. Eventually, the pain begins to effect everything and everyone in your life. It begins to effect your relationships with your family, friends, co-workers, and even people you don't know, because the pain drains your energy and will often leave you angry and depressed. Again, more and more pieces of the puzzle that is your life are gone, and sometimes there's no way of getting those pieces back.
As the pieces slowly disappear from your life, you're eventually left with only one puzzle piece, and the only thing that piece says is pain, and it says it in large bold letters. The pain takes over your life and dominates everything. It's at this point that many sufferers take the final way out, and if non-sufferers realized what they were going through, they might understand why they take this option. It's not cowardice that causes people to take this option, but when personal strength is one of the puzzle pieces that disappears, sometimes this seems like the only option. If you know you still have twenty, thirty, or forty years to live, and you know you'll suffer every day of those years, sometimes it seems like the option...but hopefully people that feel this way, can find something to hold on to.
For myself, I'm now to a point where a four hour shift leaves me almost doubled over in pain, and even sitting up at the computer for a couple of hours leaves me almost debilitated, but there is still hope. We'll have new insurance in May and I can get back on the meds that work. Granted, I can't stay on meds forever, but we also have a surgeon that we'll be meeting with, and hopefully he can fix things, and maybe I can pick my little girl up again, and I can be the person I was before pain become one of the few pieces left in the puzzle of my life.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Nomadic Delirium Press is having a sale
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
You can get a number of our books for 10% off now until the end of April. There are short story collections, anthologies, magazines, games, and game supplements. This even includes a couple of our most recent releases (Crisis Averted by Laura Givens and Quantum Women by Tyree Campbell.)
No coupon codes, just go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop and click on the titles with the "Sale" icons.
You can get a number of our books for 10% off now until the end of April. There are short story collections, anthologies, magazines, games, and game supplements. This even includes a couple of our most recent releases (Crisis Averted by Laura Givens and Quantum Women by Tyree Campbell.)
No coupon codes, just go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop and click on the titles with the "Sale" icons.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Save on my e-stories and e-books
Now through the end of April, you can save 50% off of your entire purchase of e-books and e-stories through my website at http://www.jalanerwine.com/blog/shop. It doesn't matter how many, or how few titles your order, just use the coupon code "new" at checkout, and it will take 50% off of everything in your cart...and since they're e-books, there's never any shipping and handling.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
The Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galacitca: Sector Forty-Four (Lomisian Space)
From the Nomadic Delirium Press website:
The exploration of "Deep Space" continues.
Welcome to Sector Forty-Four, the home system of the Lomisians. Here you'll find their homeworld, and many of the worlds they've colonized. You'll also find worlds that have been taken from the Lomisians. Plus you'll find worlds that even the Lomisians avoid, and damaged systems that are a danger to all, but a challenge for the brave.
Available from us at: http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/ephemeris-encyclopedia-galactica-sector-forty-four-lomisian-space/
Available from DriveThruRPG at: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/177714/The-Ephemeris-Encyclopedia-Galactica-Sectors-FortyFour-Lomisian-Space
This title will also be available as a digital download from all of the usual distributors...
The exploration of "Deep Space" continues.
Welcome to Sector Forty-Four, the home system of the Lomisians. Here you'll find their homeworld, and many of the worlds they've colonized. You'll also find worlds that have been taken from the Lomisians. Plus you'll find worlds that even the Lomisians avoid, and damaged systems that are a danger to all, but a challenge for the brave.
Available from us at: http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/ephemeris-encyclopedia-galactica-sector-forty-four-lomisian-space/
Available from DriveThruRPG at: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/177714/The-Ephemeris-Encyclopedia-Galactica-Sectors-FortyFour-Lomisian-Space
This title will also be available as a digital download from all of the usual distributors...
Order e-stories and e-books
It's taken me many months, but I finally have almost all of my short stories now available as e-book downloads. Also, several of the books I've edited and written are also available. There are three places you can order them from...
You can get them directly from me at http://www.jalanerwine.com/blog/shop
You can get them from Smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jaerwine
And you can order them on Kindle at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0035AMA0A
I, of course, would prefer that you order them from my website, since I make more money that way, but please feel free to order them wherever you can find them...and if you like them, please feel free to leave a review.
You can get them directly from me at http://www.jalanerwine.com/blog/shop
You can get them from Smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jaerwine
And you can order them on Kindle at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0035AMA0A
I, of course, would prefer that you order them from my website, since I make more money that way, but please feel free to order them wherever you can find them...and if you like them, please feel free to leave a review.
Tuesday, March 08, 2016
F'ing health insurance
As I mentioned previously, we had to change health insurance companies recently, and as a result, the company forced me to change the meds I take for my chronic pain. Now that I've been on the meds for a couple of weeks, I can say that the health insurance company is completely wrong in their decision. I'm dealing with more side effects than I did on my previous med. I'm much more tired and deal with dizziness quite often. More importantly, it doesn't do anything for my pain.
On the old meds, I almost always had dull aching pain, but rarely did I have days where I was in intense pain, and I even had days where I was painless. With these meds, I'm always in pain, and it's almost the same as if I wasn't on meds. The pain is often almost debilitating. It's hard for me to sit in this hard chair that I sit in to work from home, and when I have to go to work, I almost always come home in intense pain.
The unfortunate thing about this is that the insurance requires that I be on this med for three months before I can go back to my old meds. Someone needs to explain to me why insurance companies are allowed to make health decisions for people that overrule the decisions of their doctors. That's beyond insane, but since they pretty much own both political parties, there's not much any of us can do...
On the old meds, I almost always had dull aching pain, but rarely did I have days where I was in intense pain, and I even had days where I was painless. With these meds, I'm always in pain, and it's almost the same as if I wasn't on meds. The pain is often almost debilitating. It's hard for me to sit in this hard chair that I sit in to work from home, and when I have to go to work, I almost always come home in intense pain.
The unfortunate thing about this is that the insurance requires that I be on this med for three months before I can go back to my old meds. Someone needs to explain to me why insurance companies are allowed to make health decisions for people that overrule the decisions of their doctors. That's beyond insane, but since they pretty much own both political parties, there's not much any of us can do...
Sunday, March 06, 2016
GM's Day Sale
Taken from the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
For the next week and a half, you can pick up all of the Ephemeris titles for 30% off from DriveThruRPG at http://www.drivethrurpg.com/rpg_gmsday.php?manufacturers_id=2805&filters=0_0_0_0_0_31817#selectpub. It's a great time to add to your game, or for you to start playing the game...
For the next week and a half, you can pick up all of the Ephemeris titles for 30% off from DriveThruRPG at http://www.drivethrurpg.com/rpg_gmsday.php?manufacturers_id=2805&filters=0_0_0_0_0_31817#selectpub. It's a great time to add to your game, or for you to start playing the game...
Tuesday, March 01, 2016
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