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.
What we’re looking for:
Stories must be at least 2,500 words…with no upper limit. Stories must
be science fiction, in the sense that they take place in the future,
but depending on the nation-state that you’re writing about, the science
may or may not be as important. Obviously, we’ll be focusing more on
“soft” sf, but we certainly have room for “hard” sf.
How we will publish:
This will not be an anthology (at first). We will be publishing each
story as an individual e-story, and these stories will be distributed to
all of the usual sales markets.
Pay: This will
depend entirely on how the story sells. We will be doing a 50/50 split
with each author of the profits from the story, with royalties being
paid on our normal quarterly schedule. If this project takes off, we
will be doing a print anthology, or possibly many print anthologies, and
then there will be further payment at that point for reprint rights.
Rights:
We are looking for first rights on any story. This probably makes
sense, since this is a unique setting, and we doubt that you have
stories written about any of these nation-states lying around in your
desk.
Price of stories: The pricing of stories
will depend on their length. Stories from 2,500 words to 5,000 words
will be priced at 99 cents. Stories that are 5,001 words to 10,000
words will be priced at $1.49, and stories that are over 10,000 words
will be priced at $1.99. Obviously the longer the story, the higher the
royalty, but we prefer quality over length.
Overall theme:
We are not looking for an overall theme to the stories. We want
quality stories. If you write a story with a conservative slant, or a
story with a liberal slant, we don’t care. We just want good stories.
Some places are more likely to have liberal stories, while others are
more likely to have conservative stories, but that doesn’t mean you have
to write that way. You don’t even have to have a political agenda in
your story because we’re more interested in how people are surviving in
these new nation states.
Where to send your gems: Once
you have your amazing stories written, we ask that you send them to
editor (at) nomadicdeliriumpress (dot) com. Please include “Divided
States” in the subject line.
Further questions: If you have any questions please send them to the same address.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Friday, May 12, 2017
Ecotastrophe II is still looking for submissions
There are only a few spots left!
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 more than 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.
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 more than 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.
Other questions: If you have any other questions, please send them to the submission address.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
The Ephemeris Encyclopedia Galactica: Sector 45 (Alexan Space)
The exploration of “Deep Space” continues.
Welcome to Sector Forty-Five, the home system of the Alexans. Here you’ll find their homeworld, and many of the worlds they’ve colonized. You’ll also find worlds that have been conquered by the Khruntha, and worlds that even the Alexans and the Khruntha won’t get close to.
The Alexans want to be a peaceful species, but some of these systems show that they are clearly preparing for war.
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-ephemeris-encyclopedia-galactica-sector-45-alexan-space/
Welcome to Sector Forty-Five, the home system of the Alexans. Here you’ll find their homeworld, and many of the worlds they’ve colonized. You’ll also find worlds that have been conquered by the Khruntha, and worlds that even the Alexans and the Khruntha won’t get close to.
The Alexans want to be a peaceful species, but some of these systems show that they are clearly preparing for war.
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-ephemeris-encyclopedia-galactica-sector-45-alexan-space/
Saturday, May 06, 2017
Divided States of America sale
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
For the rest of the month, save 25% off of any of our Divided States of America stories. Simply go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop, pick out the Divided States stories you want and use the coupon code "dsa" at checkout.
There are six stories so far:
The Dustbin by Tyree Cambpell
The Wall is Beautiful by Mike Morgan
Green in 2110 by Debby Feo
It's in the Water by J Alan Erwine
What Lies in the Wastelands by Ian Brazee-Cannon
Calivada Dreaming by Debby Feo
For the rest of the month, save 25% off of any of our Divided States of America stories. Simply go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop, pick out the Divided States stories you want and use the coupon code "dsa" at checkout.
There are six stories so far:
The Dustbin by Tyree Cambpell
The Wall is Beautiful by Mike Morgan
Green in 2110 by Debby Feo
It's in the Water by J Alan Erwine
What Lies in the Wastelands by Ian Brazee-Cannon
Calivada Dreaming by Debby Feo
Monday, May 01, 2017
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Crazy pharmaceutical companies
Earlier this month we went to pick up one of Rebecca's prescriptions. A prescription that for the last six months, we had been paying $10 a month for. To our surprise, the prescription was $80 this time, and that's with our insurance. Apparently, the reason for this is the discount you can get from the pharmaceutical company only drops it to $10 for three months out of the year. The reason we got it for six straight months was because it was October-December of last year and January-March of this year...thus three months out of each year. There's no way we can afford that.
According to the pharmacy tech, the price for this prescription without insurance is over $1000 a month. Sorry, that's insane. I understand that it takes a great deal of time and money to get a new medication to market, and I have no problem with a company trying to recoup what they invested in time, research, trials, and everything else that goes into creating medications, but I can't seriously believe that they need to charge that much for a medication. They would have easily regained their investment long before a generic can be made of the drug. Given that this medication helps to dramatically reduce the possibility of her disease turning into cancer, the pharmaceutical company basically has her and others like her over a barrel. There are basically only two medications that are available to Rebecca due to the fact that she does not have a mild condition, and the other medication will greatly weaken her immune system, which isn't good considering we have three kids and she works in a hospital. Unfortunately, it looks like there is probably a generic available for this med, so most likely her doctor will have to switch her over to it.
So, now she has to risk getting sick from everything that she's exposed to because we can't afford the one medication. This is one of the many things that are wrong with healthcare in America. The pharmaceutical companies and the insurance companies have way too much influence in everything that goes on with us. It's almost like they have the power of the Gods to decide who lives and who dies, and like so many things in America, it's the poor who suffer the most.
That's just beyond insane!
According to the pharmacy tech, the price for this prescription without insurance is over $1000 a month. Sorry, that's insane. I understand that it takes a great deal of time and money to get a new medication to market, and I have no problem with a company trying to recoup what they invested in time, research, trials, and everything else that goes into creating medications, but I can't seriously believe that they need to charge that much for a medication. They would have easily regained their investment long before a generic can be made of the drug. Given that this medication helps to dramatically reduce the possibility of her disease turning into cancer, the pharmaceutical company basically has her and others like her over a barrel. There are basically only two medications that are available to Rebecca due to the fact that she does not have a mild condition, and the other medication will greatly weaken her immune system, which isn't good considering we have three kids and she works in a hospital. Unfortunately, it looks like there is probably a generic available for this med, so most likely her doctor will have to switch her over to it.
So, now she has to risk getting sick from everything that she's exposed to because we can't afford the one medication. This is one of the many things that are wrong with healthcare in America. The pharmaceutical companies and the insurance companies have way too much influence in everything that goes on with us. It's almost like they have the power of the Gods to decide who lives and who dies, and like so many things in America, it's the poor who suffer the most.
That's just beyond insane!
Friday, April 28, 2017
It's In the Water for free
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
We're offering five free e-copies of J Alan Erwine's "Divided States of America" story, "It's in the Water." The first five people to go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/its-in-the-water/ and use coupon code "dsa" at checkout get the e-story for free.
So, what are you waiting for...they'll go quick!
Richard hated being a corporate drone, but what else was there to be in Corprotopia? After losing his girlfriend to the government, Richard struggled with just surviving, but when he learns a deep secret, a secret of resistance, he suddenly finds a reason for his life…or does he?
We're offering five free e-copies of J Alan Erwine's "Divided States of America" story, "It's in the Water." The first five people to go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/its-in-the-water/ and use coupon code "dsa" at checkout get the e-story for free.
So, what are you waiting for...they'll go quick!
Richard hated being a corporate drone, but what else was there to be in Corprotopia? After losing his girlfriend to the government, Richard struggled with just surviving, but when he learns a deep secret, a secret of resistance, he suddenly finds a reason for his life…or does he?
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Two week sale
For the next two weeks, you can pick up e-titles from my store and save 50% off of your entire order. Simply go to http://www.jalanerwine.com/blog/shop and start ordering titles. When you're done, use the code "sale" at checkout to get your savings.
This includes stories, magazines, novels, anthologies, collections, and more. Basically, it includes almost everything that I've written or edited over the many years of my career.
So, order today, and be sure to tell all of your friends...
This includes stories, magazines, novels, anthologies, collections, and more. Basically, it includes almost everything that I've written or edited over the many years of my career.
So, order today, and be sure to tell all of your friends...
Monday, April 24, 2017
Why you should buy from the publisher
I'm not sure how it works with the large publishers, but with the small press, it's always best to buy your print and e-books directly from the publisher, as opposed to buying from an online retailer like that "A" store. The simple reason for this is money. Most small press publishers are doing it out of love...the majority of them don't make enough money to keep them from needing a day job, and the retailers, especially the "A" store take a big percentage from each sale.
As an example, at Nomadic Delirium Press we're now doing a line of stories around an idea I came up with called "The Divided States of America." Most of these shorter stories are selling for 99 cents, not an amount that's going to allow us or the authors to retire, but still, we're all in this to at least make a little pocket change. With the DSA stories, we have an agreement that we divide the profits in half. Nomadic Delirium takes half, and the author gets half. Now, if one of these stories sells through the NDP bookstore, the profit from that is usually around 66 cents. However, if one of these stories sells through a retailer, the profit is usually around 35 cents. Looking at one story, it's not a huge difference, but if 100 of these stories sell it starts to become significant, and if it's 1000 stories sold, then we're definitely talking about a big difference.
Now, if you take this up to an anthology that sells for $14.95 or a similar amount, you should suddenly be able to see the difference. Even if you just multiply 66 or 35 by 15, you can see that the publisher, and thus the author are making a lot more money when the sale goes through the publisher's store.
So, if you're thinking about buying from the small press, please think about buying directly from them...as opposed to going to one of THOSE sites...
As an example, at Nomadic Delirium Press we're now doing a line of stories around an idea I came up with called "The Divided States of America." Most of these shorter stories are selling for 99 cents, not an amount that's going to allow us or the authors to retire, but still, we're all in this to at least make a little pocket change. With the DSA stories, we have an agreement that we divide the profits in half. Nomadic Delirium takes half, and the author gets half. Now, if one of these stories sells through the NDP bookstore, the profit from that is usually around 66 cents. However, if one of these stories sells through a retailer, the profit is usually around 35 cents. Looking at one story, it's not a huge difference, but if 100 of these stories sell it starts to become significant, and if it's 1000 stories sold, then we're definitely talking about a big difference.
Now, if you take this up to an anthology that sells for $14.95 or a similar amount, you should suddenly be able to see the difference. Even if you just multiply 66 or 35 by 15, you can see that the publisher, and thus the author are making a lot more money when the sale goes through the publisher's store.
So, if you're thinking about buying from the small press, please think about buying directly from them...as opposed to going to one of THOSE sites...
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Calivada Dreaming
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
Our latest "Divided States of America" story is now available..."Calivada Dreaming" by Debby Feo.
Fred Selkerson has left the Green States of America to start his exploration of what had once been the United States. Along with his android assistant, Pat37, Fred heads south, where things are somewhat different, but still recognizable…and it’s not long before Fred finds himself Calivada Dreaming.
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/calivada-dreaming/
Our latest "Divided States of America" story is now available..."Calivada Dreaming" by Debby Feo.
Fred Selkerson has left the Green States of America to start his exploration of what had once been the United States. Along with his android assistant, Pat37, Fred heads south, where things are somewhat different, but still recognizable…and it’s not long before Fred finds himself Calivada Dreaming.
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/calivada-dreaming/
Friday, April 14, 2017
What Lies in the Wastelands
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
The newest title in The Divided States of America series is "What Lies In the Wastelands" by Ian Brazee-Cannon.
An exploration group from the Rocky Mountain States of America comes to the Wastelands to learn what they can, but when they’re captured by natives, they begin to wonder if their advanced technology can save them.
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/what-lies-in-the-wastelands/
The newest title in The Divided States of America series is "What Lies In the Wastelands" by Ian Brazee-Cannon.
An exploration group from the Rocky Mountain States of America comes to the Wastelands to learn what they can, but when they’re captured by natives, they begin to wonder if their advanced technology can save them.
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/what-lies-in-the-wastelands/
Saturday, April 01, 2017
March recap
GM'S Day sale
E-book week at Smashwords
Read a sample of the new issue of The Fifth Di...
The Divided States are here
Good news for Kindle readers
Green in 2110
Get the April 2017 issue of Spaceports early
Back issues for just 75 cents
It's In the Water
The Divided States of America Bundle #1
Divided States RPG
E-book week at Smashwords
Read a sample of the new issue of The Fifth Di...
The Divided States are here
Good news for Kindle readers
Green in 2110
Get the April 2017 issue of Spaceports early
Back issues for just 75 cents
It's In the Water
The Divided States of America Bundle #1
Divided States RPG
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Divided States RPG?
As many of you know, I'm spearheading a project at Nomadic Delirium Press called "The Divided States of America." As Tyree Campbell puts it, it's about the Balkanization of the United States. Basically, the US government slowly falls apart over time, and what we're left with is a bunch of nation-states. Since I came up with the project, I'd been thinking about creating an RPG based off of the idea, and now that the first four stories have been published, I'm thinking it might be a really good idea, since the authors have created some great stories.
And for those authors who have contributed to the project, or for those of you thinking about contributing, there will be profit sharing for all of you if we do go forward with this project.
And for those authors who have contributed to the project, or for those of you thinking about contributing, there will be profit sharing for all of you if we do go forward with this project.
Monday, March 27, 2017
The Divided States of America Bundle #1
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
This bundle brings you the first four stories of The Divided States of America for just $3.
You get “The Dustbin” by Tyree Campbell, “The Wall is Beautiful” by Mike Morgan, “Green in 2110” by Debby Feo, and “It’s In the Water” by J Alan Erwine.
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-divided-states-of-america-bundle-1/
This bundle brings you the first four stories of The Divided States of America for just $3.
You get “The Dustbin” by Tyree Campbell, “The Wall is Beautiful” by Mike Morgan, “Green in 2110” by Debby Feo, and “It’s In the Water” by J Alan Erwine.
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-divided-states-of-america-bundle-1/
Sunday, March 26, 2017
It's In the Water
My latest short story, "It's In the Water" is now available. This is part of Nomadic Delirium Press' project called "The Divided States of America," which looks at an America that has been torn apart and has become several separate nation states.
Richard hated being a corporate drone, but what else was there to be in Corprotopia? After losing his girlfriend to the government, Richard struggled with just surviving, but when he learns a deep secret, a secret of resistance, he suddenly finds a reason for his life…or does he?
Now available at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/its-in-the-water/.
Richard hated being a corporate drone, but what else was there to be in Corprotopia? After losing his girlfriend to the government, Richard struggled with just surviving, but when he learns a deep secret, a secret of resistance, he suddenly finds a reason for his life…or does he?
Now available at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/its-in-the-water/.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Back issues for just 75 cents
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
We've lowered the price on the 2013 and 2014 issues of The Fifth Di... and Spaceports & Spidersilk. You can download them from our bookstore for just 75 cents each. Go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop" target="_blank">
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop and start reading today.
We've lowered the price on the 2013 and 2014 issues of The Fifth Di... and Spaceports & Spidersilk. You can download them from our bookstore for just 75 cents each. Go to http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop" target="_blank">
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop and start reading today.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Get the April 2017 issue of Spaceports early
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
The April 2017 issue of Spaceports & Spidersilk won't officially be released until April 1st, but you can download it from our store today! And not only is it available early, but it's also available for just 75 cents! No fooling!
Like all of our titles, you can download it in EPUB or MOBI format, so get your copy today at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/spaceports-spidersilk-april-2017/
The April 2017 issue of Spaceports & Spidersilk won't officially be released until April 1st, but you can download it from our store today! And not only is it available early, but it's also available for just 75 cents! No fooling!
Like all of our titles, you can download it in EPUB or MOBI format, so get your copy today at http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/spaceports-spidersilk-april-2017/
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Green in 2110
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
Our third "Divided States of America" story is now available. We give you..."Green in 2110" by Debby Feo.
Fred Selkerson often heard his grandmother talk about how life had been different in the old United States, but he never understood, because all he knew was what life is like in the Green States of America. Now that he's approaching 18, maybe it was time for him to find out for himself…
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/green-in-2110/
Our third "Divided States of America" story is now available. We give you..."Green in 2110" by Debby Feo.
Fred Selkerson often heard his grandmother talk about how life had been different in the old United States, but he never understood, because all he knew was what life is like in the Green States of America. Now that he's approaching 18, maybe it was time for him to find out for himself…
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/green-in-2110/
Monday, March 20, 2017
Good news for Kindle users
From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:
We've now made all of our titles available in "mobi" format, which is the format used by the Kindle. Now, all you have to do is buy your favorite Nomadic Delirium titles, download the "mobi" format and transfer them to your Kindle...and you're ready to go.
Check out all of our titles at: http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop
We've now made all of our titles available in "mobi" format, which is the format used by the Kindle. Now, all you have to do is buy your favorite Nomadic Delirium titles, download the "mobi" format and transfer them to your Kindle...and you're ready to go.
Check out all of our titles at: http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/shop
Monday, March 13, 2017
The Divided States are here
Nomadic Delirium Press has released the first two stories in the "Divided States of America" series, which focuses on a future America that has broken into several independent countries.
The first two selections are...
The Dustbin by Tyree Campbell
Pierce had had enough. He’d finished his five year mission, and he was done…done with what was left of society, done with people, done with everything. He was ready to give up on all that was left of the United States until he meets Jenny Lee.
Suddenly, Pierce realizes there may still be things left to fight for.
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-dustbin/
The Wall is Beautiful by Mike Morgan
Rick Moreno always felt out of place in the Republic of Texas. Being one of the few non-Anglos left in Texas left him facing racism and hatred, but he had to stay for his sick madre. He had to stay at a border patrol job that he hated, with a partner who hated him, but neither he, nor his Anglo partner Mitch are prepared for what they find, and what it might mean to each of them as individuals, and to the Republic of Texas.
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-wall-is-beautiful/
The first two selections are...
The Dustbin by Tyree Campbell
Pierce had had enough. He’d finished his five year mission, and he was done…done with what was left of society, done with people, done with everything. He was ready to give up on all that was left of the United States until he meets Jenny Lee.
Suddenly, Pierce realizes there may still be things left to fight for.
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-dustbin/
The Wall is Beautiful by Mike Morgan
Rick Moreno always felt out of place in the Republic of Texas. Being one of the few non-Anglos left in Texas left him facing racism and hatred, but he had to stay for his sick madre. He had to stay at a border patrol job that he hated, with a partner who hated him, but neither he, nor his Anglo partner Mitch are prepared for what they find, and what it might mean to each of them as individuals, and to the Republic of Texas.
http://nomadicdeliriumpress.com/blog/product/the-wall-is-beautiful/
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