Today is Juliah's tenth birthday. I now have the three T's in my house...a teen, a tween, and a toddler. No wonder my hair is going gray so fast! When I first met Jul, she was even younger than Lex is now, and here she is a 4th grader and a tween. Today we're going to the zoo for their free day and then having a small party.
I can't wait to see who she becomes as she grows up.
Saturday, February 07, 2015
Monday, February 02, 2015
My jury duty experience
Many of my Facebook followers probably know that I was one of the "lucky" 9,000 to receive a jury summons for the upcoming trial of the Aurora theater shooting, or "Suspect A" as the local news media is calling him because they don't want to glorify his name...which is one of the few rational things I've seen from the news media in a long time.
I've now been dismissed from the trial, so I can actually talk about my experience, which still seems a bit surreal. As always, the first thing we had to do was go through the metal detectors. We were then given our badges with our juror numbers and sent to the second floor of the building. Once there, we again had to empty our pockets, and this time the deputies actually searched through our stuff. We were then sent to a small courtroom where we sat for something like 90 minutes, constantly being told to keep our phones turned off, even though we weren't actually doing anything.
They then escorted all of us (and I'd guess there were 150-200 of us) to a larger courtroom. As we walked in we were pointed to seats. Somehow I had the "good fortune" of being sent to the jurors box. As I approached the box, I could see all of the prosecuting attorneys, all of the defense attorneys, and then I saw HIM. Suspect A was there. This was one of those cliched moments where my flesh crawled and my stomach did somersaults. I've written those words before, but I'd never quite felt that feeling as strongly as I did that day. I've never been that close (10-15 feet) to a mass murderer. My seat in the jury box gave me a perfect view of him, and at one time I'm pretty sure we made eye contact, although he was trying to look detached...obviously trying to play up the insanity defense.
Once we were sworn in, we took a recess, and then we had to fill out a long questionnaire on a wide variety of topics (by this time he'd been removed and hopefully sent back to his hole). The questionnaire, I'm sure is what disqualified me. I have kids to take care of, I can't take 4-6 months off from work, I'm opposed to the death penalty, and I understand the difference between mentally ill and insane, which they seemed to be using interchangeably, even though they shouldn't.
Now I've been dismissed, and I couldn't be happier!
I've now been dismissed from the trial, so I can actually talk about my experience, which still seems a bit surreal. As always, the first thing we had to do was go through the metal detectors. We were then given our badges with our juror numbers and sent to the second floor of the building. Once there, we again had to empty our pockets, and this time the deputies actually searched through our stuff. We were then sent to a small courtroom where we sat for something like 90 minutes, constantly being told to keep our phones turned off, even though we weren't actually doing anything.
They then escorted all of us (and I'd guess there were 150-200 of us) to a larger courtroom. As we walked in we were pointed to seats. Somehow I had the "good fortune" of being sent to the jurors box. As I approached the box, I could see all of the prosecuting attorneys, all of the defense attorneys, and then I saw HIM. Suspect A was there. This was one of those cliched moments where my flesh crawled and my stomach did somersaults. I've written those words before, but I'd never quite felt that feeling as strongly as I did that day. I've never been that close (10-15 feet) to a mass murderer. My seat in the jury box gave me a perfect view of him, and at one time I'm pretty sure we made eye contact, although he was trying to look detached...obviously trying to play up the insanity defense.
Once we were sworn in, we took a recess, and then we had to fill out a long questionnaire on a wide variety of topics (by this time he'd been removed and hopefully sent back to his hole). The questionnaire, I'm sure is what disqualified me. I have kids to take care of, I can't take 4-6 months off from work, I'm opposed to the death penalty, and I understand the difference between mentally ill and insane, which they seemed to be using interchangeably, even though they shouldn't.
Now I've been dismissed, and I couldn't be happier!
Sunday, February 01, 2015
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
The Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica: Sectors 30-32
The exploration of “Unexplored Space” continues with Sectors 30-32.
There are more young colonies to be explored, and even some well established ones. There are more remnants of the Glikth-machine war, and even a few abandoned Organic colonies. Plus there are other mysteries, including a possible solution to the greatest danger that faces travelers of Hyperspace...
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/143534/The-Ephemeris-Encyclopedia-Galactica-Sectors-Thirty--ThirtyTwo
There are more young colonies to be explored, and even some well established ones. There are more remnants of the Glikth-machine war, and even a few abandoned Organic colonies. Plus there are other mysteries, including a possible solution to the greatest danger that faces travelers of Hyperspace...
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/143534/The-Ephemeris-Encyclopedia-Galactica-Sectors-Thirty--ThirtyTwo
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
The frustrations of writing
Last night I started on a new story, and it was going really well. I managed to get 1,500 words written, which is good considering I have three kids, but then I suddenly realized I had done the one thing that authors hate most...or maybe it's one of the many things authors hate most. I'd painted myself into a corner, with no way to get out. Somehow I'd gone left when the story should have gone right.
I had no choice but to go back and cut some of the story out...going all the way back to where I first detoured. So, when all was said and done, the 1,500 words I'd written became 350. Oh well, I can still work with what I have. I'll just be more careful to stick with the original idea...
I had no choice but to go back and cut some of the story out...going all the way back to where I first detoured. So, when all was said and done, the 1,500 words I'd written became 350. Oh well, I can still work with what I have. I'll just be more careful to stick with the original idea...
Thursday, January 15, 2015
A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar is here
The book is finally here! You can order your copy, print or electronic, today from a wide variety of sources.
A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar is a serious literary work of science fiction and fantasy stories that looks to delve into...who are we trying to kid? This book is a collection of comedic science fiction and fantasy stories written by some truly talented authors.
The book includes stories from Francis W. Alexander, Lou J. Berger, Wayne Carey, James Dorr, Laura Givens, Alan Ira Gordon, John Grey, Carlos Hernandez, Gilda A. Herrera, Ahmed A. Khan, Sheryl Normandeau, Robert Lowell Russell, John Skylar, Glen R. Stripling, and Scott Virtes.
You'll be taken to alien bars, alien planets, and any funny place these authors could come up with. You'll meet meddling appliances, aliens with strange habits, and aliens trying to live on or visit Earth. There are even time flies and a cloned genius. This collection has everything you need to tickle your funny bone.
Order from Nomadic Delirium Press: http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-bar/
Order from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/499752
Order from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QSCJRF8
Order from Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-bar-j-alan-erwine/1120892093?ean=2940046451153
A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar is a serious literary work of science fiction and fantasy stories that looks to delve into...who are we trying to kid? This book is a collection of comedic science fiction and fantasy stories written by some truly talented authors.
The book includes stories from Francis W. Alexander, Lou J. Berger, Wayne Carey, James Dorr, Laura Givens, Alan Ira Gordon, John Grey, Carlos Hernandez, Gilda A. Herrera, Ahmed A. Khan, Sheryl Normandeau, Robert Lowell Russell, John Skylar, Glen R. Stripling, and Scott Virtes.
You'll be taken to alien bars, alien planets, and any funny place these authors could come up with. You'll meet meddling appliances, aliens with strange habits, and aliens trying to live on or visit Earth. There are even time flies and a cloned genius. This collection has everything you need to tickle your funny bone.
Order from Nomadic Delirium Press: http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-bar/
Order from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/499752
Order from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QSCJRF8
Order from Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-bar-j-alan-erwine/1120892093?ean=2940046451153
Sunday, January 11, 2015
The Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica: Sector Twenty-Nine
The exploration of “Unexplored Space” continues with Sector 29.
Sector 29 is one of the more heavily colonized sectors of “Unexplored Space,” with the Althani and the Ernya stretching deep into this system. In addition to their expanding colonies, you’ll also find more Glikth and machine colonies that have been destroyed for centuries. Plus there are other species living in this sector, and one that was living until only recently…
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/142724/The-Ephemeris-Encyclopedia-Galactica-Sectors-TwentyNine
Sector 29 is one of the more heavily colonized sectors of “Unexplored Space,” with the Althani and the Ernya stretching deep into this system. In addition to their expanding colonies, you’ll also find more Glikth and machine colonies that have been destroyed for centuries. Plus there are other species living in this sector, and one that was living until only recently…
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/142724/The-Ephemeris-Encyclopedia-Galactica-Sectors-TwentyNine
Thursday, January 08, 2015
One week to go in the pre-sale
There's just one week left in the pre-sale for A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar...
A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar is a serious literary work of science fiction and fantasy stories that looks to delve into...who are we trying to kid? This book is a collection of comedic science fiction and fantasy stories written by some truly talented authors.
The book includes stories from Francis W. Alexander, Lou J. Berger, Wayne Carey, James Dorr, Laura Givens, Alan Ira Gordon, John Grey, Carlos Hernandez, Gilda A. Herrera, Ahmed A. Khan, Sheryl Normandeau, Robert Lowell Russell, John Skylar, Glen R. Stripling, and Scott Virtes.
You'll be taken to alien bars, alien planets, and any funny place these authors could come up with. You'll meet meddling appliances, aliens with strange habits, and aliens trying to live on or visit Earth. There are even time flies and a cloned genius. This collection has everything you need to tickle your funny bone.
Order from us: http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-bar/
Order the e-book from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/499752
Order from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QSCJRF8
Order from Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-bar-j-alan-erwine/1120892093?ean=2940046451153
A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar is a serious literary work of science fiction and fantasy stories that looks to delve into...who are we trying to kid? This book is a collection of comedic science fiction and fantasy stories written by some truly talented authors.
The book includes stories from Francis W. Alexander, Lou J. Berger, Wayne Carey, James Dorr, Laura Givens, Alan Ira Gordon, John Grey, Carlos Hernandez, Gilda A. Herrera, Ahmed A. Khan, Sheryl Normandeau, Robert Lowell Russell, John Skylar, Glen R. Stripling, and Scott Virtes.
You'll be taken to alien bars, alien planets, and any funny place these authors could come up with. You'll meet meddling appliances, aliens with strange habits, and aliens trying to live on or visit Earth. There are even time flies and a cloned genius. This collection has everything you need to tickle your funny bone.
Order from us: http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-bar/
Order the e-book from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/499752
Order from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QSCJRF8
Order from Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-bar-j-alan-erwine/1120892093?ean=2940046451153
Monday, January 05, 2015
New Year, New Game
DriveThruRPG is running a sale for the next week called "New Year, New
Game," and the Ephemeris RPG is part of the sale. You can pick it up for
15% off the regular price by going to http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/63664/Ephemeris.
Thursday, January 01, 2015
No sale
A couple of days ago I wrote about finishing a story for an anthology that I'd been invited to contribute to. It turns out that the editor actually liked the story. Unfortunately, he didn't receive enough submissions to actually publish the anthology, so the story is homeless.
Earlier today, I re-wrote the first line of the story, which was completely necessary as the story started with a very cliched line (which it actually had to have for the anthology), and sent it on its way. Now it will start to make its way from magazine to magazine until someone actually decides they like it enough to publish it. I'm confident that this will happen at some point...but what that magazine will be is hard to say.
Earlier today, I re-wrote the first line of the story, which was completely necessary as the story started with a very cliched line (which it actually had to have for the anthology), and sent it on its way. Now it will start to make its way from magazine to magazine until someone actually decides they like it enough to publish it. I'm confident that this will happen at some point...but what that magazine will be is hard to say.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
2014 in review
Another year is coming to an end, so I suppose I should take a look back at this year, although I might not want to. From a professional standpoint, I didn't do anywhere near as much writing as I would have like to this year. I started several stories, and I even started a new novel, but I only finished two stories. The simple fact is that I don't have enough time to write. At the moment, our financial situation is a bit grim, which means I have to focus more on editing and game design because I see the money from those endeavors more quickly than I do from writing.
As an editor, I saw the release of Taurin Tales this year, and I also completed A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar, which will be released in just over two weeks. And from the game design perspective, I wrote a lot of supplements for the Ephemeris RPG. Most of these were written early in the year before I had to go back into the "real" work world.
On a personal level, 2014 was mostly a good year. The kids continue to grow and I'm very proud of most of the things they're doing. Marriage is still bliss. I couldn't ask for a better partner to navigate the harshness of reality with.
The biggest downer of the year has been our deteriorating financial situation. Alexis had surgery early in the year, and even though she was insured, the bills have been outrageous. We're still paying a little bit each month, and hoping to keep them off of our backs until we get our tax return. We quickly learned that just one of us working wasn't enough to pay our bills, so I had to go back into the "real" work world. Rebecca is still hoping to get promoted at some point in the coming year, but until then, things will be a struggle. Sadly, rent and other bills go up by a much larger percentage than the annual raise she saw...and that's how it always seems to be. This, to me, seems to be the main reason why we're seeing a shrinking of the middle class.
2015 will hopefully be a good year, we have big plans...we just have to come up with the means to make all of those plans a reality...
Happy New Year, everyone. See you in 2015!
As an editor, I saw the release of Taurin Tales this year, and I also completed A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar, which will be released in just over two weeks. And from the game design perspective, I wrote a lot of supplements for the Ephemeris RPG. Most of these were written early in the year before I had to go back into the "real" work world.
On a personal level, 2014 was mostly a good year. The kids continue to grow and I'm very proud of most of the things they're doing. Marriage is still bliss. I couldn't ask for a better partner to navigate the harshness of reality with.
The biggest downer of the year has been our deteriorating financial situation. Alexis had surgery early in the year, and even though she was insured, the bills have been outrageous. We're still paying a little bit each month, and hoping to keep them off of our backs until we get our tax return. We quickly learned that just one of us working wasn't enough to pay our bills, so I had to go back into the "real" work world. Rebecca is still hoping to get promoted at some point in the coming year, but until then, things will be a struggle. Sadly, rent and other bills go up by a much larger percentage than the annual raise she saw...and that's how it always seems to be. This, to me, seems to be the main reason why we're seeing a shrinking of the middle class.
2015 will hopefully be a good year, we have big plans...we just have to come up with the means to make all of those plans a reality...
Happy New Year, everyone. See you in 2015!
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Cutting it close
At the end of October, I was asked to submit a story for an upcoming anthology. The deadline for the story was Dec. 31st. I just finished the story and sent it off. Needless to say, I cut this one close. This story was a bit of a departure from what I usually write, so I'm not sure how it will go over, but I'm certainly hoping it gets accepted.
I'll let everyone know at some point in the future...
I'll let everyone know at some point in the future...
Monday, December 29, 2014
Don't forget to pre-order your copy of A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar
The pre-sale for A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar is in full swing now, and you can order the e-book or the print version from a wide variety of places. Here are a few, but any bookstore should be able to get it for you...
Order from Nomadic Delirium Press
Order from Smashwords
Order from Amazon
Order from Barnes & Noble
Order from Nomadic Delirium Press
Order from Smashwords
Order from Amazon
Order from Barnes & Noble
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Thank you!
Copied from the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
We wanted to thank everyone for supporting our Kickstarter for A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar. The project was successfully funded, and we are all very grateful for that. Even if you weren't able to help financially, but you reposted our links, we appreciate that as well. Every little bit helps.
I'm sure the authors would like to thank you as well, since this means that the book is that much closer to making a profit, which means more money for them.
Thanks again!
We wanted to thank everyone for supporting our Kickstarter for A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar. The project was successfully funded, and we are all very grateful for that. Even if you weren't able to help financially, but you reposted our links, we appreciate that as well. Every little bit helps.
I'm sure the authors would like to thank you as well, since this means that the book is that much closer to making a profit, which means more money for them.
Thanks again!
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Last chance
Today is your last chance to back our Kickstarter for A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar. Pledge soon: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1521750492/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-b
Saturday, December 13, 2014
$120 to go
The Kickstarter for A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a
Space Bar ends Sunday night, and we only need an additional $120. This
is very doable, so any last minute pledges would be greatly appreciated!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1521750492/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-b
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1521750492/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-b
Thursday, December 11, 2014
$240 to go
Our Kickstarter for A Robot, a Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a
Space Bar has almost come to a close, and we still find ourselves $240
short. If you've given any thought to possibly donating to this
Kickstarter, we ask that you now do it. We're offering some really great
rewards.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1521750492/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-b
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1521750492/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-b
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
The Space Bar pre-sale has begun
We've officially kicked off the pre-sale for A Robot, a Cyborg, and a
Martian Walk into a Space Bar. The list price for the print version
will be $10, but you can order it for $9 from the Nomadic Delirium store
by going to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-bar/
Smashwords has the e-book at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/499752
And you can order the Kindle version at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QSCJRF8
The official release date for the book is January 15, 2015.
Smashwords has the e-book at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/499752
And you can order the Kindle version at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QSCJRF8
The official release date for the book is January 15, 2015.
Tuesday, December 09, 2014
$265 to go
There are only a few days left in our Kickstarter for A Robot, a
Cyborg, and a Martian Walk into a Space Bar, and we still need to raise
an additional $265. This book is going to be a really fun read, so
please help out with whatever you can.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1521750492/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-b
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1521750492/a-robot-a-cyborg-and-a-martian-walk-into-a-space-b
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