Blog listings

I've added a listing of the blogs that I read on a daily basis. You can find it on the right side of this page, right under the links to my books (which you really should buy!)

I tend to read a lot more blogs than I used to, but these are the ones that I try to hit every day. You should check them out, as they are some very interesting people...

Tour de France

I don't often post sports comments, since I'm not much of a sports fan, but I am a huge cycling fan. So, I just have to say that this is one of the best Tour de Frances that I've ever seen, and I've been watching them for about 20 years.

Who needs Lance? Without him to dominate the race, everything has been up in the air. Today there were so many break aways spread all over the mountains that they didn't have enough motorbikes and helicopters to keep track of everyone.

And anyone that says that cylcing is not a team sport should have watched today's stage. A huge breakaway went early in the stage, and as those riders were caught, they'd go to the front of the chase group and kill themselves trying to help their teammates that actually have the opportunity to win the race overall.

And what about Floyd Landis...another American winning in France...hope he can hold it all the way to Paris on Sunday!!!

New profile

Happy Spencer? I changed it.

In the good news department, I am writing again, and it reads more like the stuff I was working on a couple of years ago, which I think it a good thing. Most of what I've been writing lately has been adventure driven stories about characters stuck in situations they can't escape...and basically hating their lives. HAVE NO IDEA WHY!!!

Now, the stuff seems to have a little more depth, and even some writing instead of just my usual minimalist story telling...

Future Syndicate

Nomadic Delirium Press is looking for submissions for their new anthology, Future Syndicate. It will be a book about crime in the future with the criminals as the protagonists. So, follow the link on over, and while you're there, pick up a copy of my book...

New story

I've posted a new story on my site. This one is quite the departure for me. Rather than examining the darker side of humanity, this one is actually a humorous story...go figure...

At one time, one of the main characters, Robert Lendorin, was making an appearance in a new story I was working on...maybe now I can go back and finish it. It was kind of a Lendorin (you'll understand him after you read the story) meets The Lord of the Rings, but in the future.

I really like this character, and he needs to make an appearance in another of my stories at some time...

I'm free!!!

The day has finally come. I am no longer a slave to Subway. I now work for myself...so if you know anyone looking for freelance writers or editors...send them to my site.

Killing time

I've been killing time as I wait for parole from Subway, and I was recently doing an ego search on line when I began to notice how many places sell my books.

So, I began to compile a list and put it together as a webpage. The page isn't designed well (so no comments, Keith), and it really serves no useful purpose, but as I said, I'm killing time before I escape Subway.

So, click on over, and make sure you buy some books. Now that I don't have that guaranteed income, I need to sell some books.

The page probably won't be up for long, as it's pretty stupid...but keeping busy is the only way I know to make time go faster.

IS IT FRIDAY YET?!?!?!?!?!?!

Jokes

From Robert Sawyer's Mindscan, although they might have appeared elsewhere earlier...

Werner Heisenberg is pulled over for speeding.
The cop says, "Do you know how fast you were going?"
Without missing a beat, Heisenberg responds, "No, but I know where I am!"


What's the difference between a large pepperoni pizza and most full time writers?

A large pepperoni pizza can feed a family of four!

Forgot to mention

I've been so insanely busy with the "real" job that I forgot to mention that the new issue of Aoife's Kiss features a story from me.

Click on the title above and scroll down to the cover and order an issue today. It's the anniversary issue, and it has a lot of great work in it.

They're making sure I want to go

I'm working about 70 hours this week at the "real" job. I guess they want to make sure that I really want to leave and that I'll never want to come back.

I wasn't really having any second thoughts about my decision...but now I'm having even fewer.

Just 19 days to go...

Signing

Thanks to everyone who came out for the book signing!!! Hope you all had a good time, and hope we can do it again soon.

I'll have pictures up on my site as soon as I can find the time to get them developed...

Bye Bye Subway

I've recently lined up some more freelance editing work, and so I've decided to give the whole work at home freelance thing a shot...which means, I am actually leaving Subway!!!!

Although there is a bit of trepidation that goes along with saying good bye to a regular pay check, I am generally thrilled with my decision. I will miss my bosses...hard to believe, but I actually worked for some incredible people...especially the owner, one Brad Harris. He's not just a great boss, he's a great person, and I will be lucky to ever work for someone like him again!

I will also miss my crew a lot. I have some great people working for me, and I certainly hope that I will stay in touch with most of them as the years go by.

But for now, I just have four more weeks of sandwich making!!! Hard to believe!!!

Giro d'Italia

I don't often post about sports here. Let's face it, I don't really like sports, but those of you that know me know that I'm a hard core cycling fan, and I just had to post about Ivan Basso's performance in the Giro d'Italia.

The second biggest stage race in the world, and he won it by over nine minutes...the biggest winning margin in 32 years. If this guy can hold this kind of form, he's going to dominate the Tour de France.

It's also important to note that one of Ivan's teammates is Bobby Julich. When I was a junior racer, Bobby used to kick my butt up and down the Rockies. Great to see him still riding well...I don't think I could ride around the block anymore..........

The signing

More and more people are giving me "definite maybes" for the signing in two weeks. So it looks like it's going to be anywhere from 2-50 people that I will be bringing in...a few that I've never even met, which is great.

Funny thing about me is that I actually would find this easier to do with a bunch of people that I don't know as opposed to a bunch of people that I do know...but what can I say, I'm weird.

Plus, the longer I stay in this field, the more people that I'm going to know, right? Stands to reason anyhow...

If you're a Star Wars geek

I picked this up off of Michael Wentz's website. If you like Star Wars, be prepared to laugh your ass off...

A new story

I've posted a new story on my website. This one appeared in 2000. In re-reading it, I really hope my writing has progressed. I can see the potential in the story, but I can definitely see things that I could have done better with it.

Anyway, enjoy the story...

Dead man walking

Why do we live in a world that makes money more important than happiness?

This job is slowly killing me...I'm so exhausted that I can't even sleep, and I don't think that makes sense...

Signing

My book signing is just a little over a month away, and I'm trying to figure out what to read.

At MileHiCon, I read the torture chapter from my novel, and got some pretty good comments on it, but there are two of us reading at this signing, and the other author may bring in some younger readers, so that scene may not be right for them.

So, does anyone out there have any suggestions? And if you haven't read any of my stuff, I have to ask why not??? To order my books, click on the cover icons on the right side of the screen.

Comments are welcome, post them here, or e-mail me...doesn't matter...

Asteroids

If there are any near earth orbit asteroids out there, tonight would be a good night for you to come crashing to Earth...anything, just don't make me go back tomorrow.....................................................

One more day of vacation

Tomorrow will be the last day of my vacation, and damn has it been productive. I would estimate that I've written close to 15,000 words in the last four days. I've also managed to work out a few of the bugs in the book that doesn't want to get written. Damn it feels good.
However, on Tuesday I have to go back to work, and I'll bet I get to write once a week if I'm lucky...so obviously there's a horribly strong feeling of dread as that day approaches.
Why do we have to live in a world where we have to chose money over happiness. I know that if I had more time to write, I'd be much happier, and I could make something of it. I don't know if I'd ever achieve the professional level, but I could do more than I'm doing now, and I know I'd be happier, which has to count for something.
Instead, I'm forced to do a job I hate just so I can pay my bills...and then one day I'll die...you have to ask if it's really worth it or not..............

Cat site

I often visit Keith Graham's blog (http://www.cthreepo.com/blog/index.shtml) and he loves to post pictures of his cats. I don't take a lot of pictures, so there are only a few photos of the demon that lives with me...but I found this site, and just couldn't stop laughing.

I especially liked Doppler...

Laura Givens art show

Last night I went to the opening of an art show by local aritst Laura Givens. Laura and I met at MileHiCon last year where we did a couple of panels together. She had also done some artwork, including the door art for The Fifth Di..., for Sam's Dot. In addition, she's also the art editor for Tales of the Talisman, and in the most recent issue, she did the interior artwork for my story "The Ancient Ones."

She's got some amazing work, and I would strongly encourage you to head over to her site and check some of her stuff out.

More details about the signing

The book signing will be Sunday June 4th at 3:00 P.M.

If you're in Denver, Who Else! Books is on Broadway between 1st and Ellsworth.

Book signing

I've just gotten word that I'll be doing a book signing and possibly a reading at Who Else! Books here in Denver in June. Most likely it will be either the 4th or the 11th, but we're still working on the details.

Keep an eye tuned here for more info, and if you're going to be in Denver at the time of the signing, please stop by...

Story collection available as a pdf

My short story collection, Marionettes on the Moon, and other stories is now available as a pdf file from Nomadic Delirium Press. It sells for just $3.00.

Yes, the royalties aren't as good for me...but money's money, right?

Tattered Cover Bookstore

For those of you who live in Colorado, I'm sure you're familiar with The Tattered Cover Bookstore. For those of you who don't live in Colorado, you should become familiar with this store. It is one of, if not the best, independant bookstore around...certainly the best in Colorado.
The place is huge, although they will soon be moving...but the new place should be just as big.
Anyway, the point of all of this is that I'm now a Tattered Cover affiliate. On my main page, you will find a link where you can order books, and yes, I do receive a small payment for your orders...remember, it's the "Help J Escape from Subway Fund," so it's worth the order.

So, head on over to my site, and click on the link and at least have a look around. I think you'll be impressed. It has to say something for the place that Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy Award winning author Dan Simmons starts every book tour at this store.

Watch this if you've ever gamed

A while back, Mike Bortherton (http://www.mikebrotherton.com) had this link on his site. Since I was still on dial-up, I couldn't watch the movie, but now that I have high-speed, I was able to enjoy it.

I have to admit that I am an avid D&D gamer, although I haven't played in a while, and sadly, I've seen guys just like this. Of course, if you've recently been to a Con, you might have run into these guys as well.

Geeks can be great people, but some of them just scare the hell out of me!!!

I've finally joined the 21st century

After years of putting it off, I've finally gone high speed with Broadband. Hopefully it will be worth the money...

Tales of the Talisman

The new issue of Tales of the Talisman with my story "The Ancient Ones" has just been released. You can pick up your copy by clicking on the title of this post. That will take you to The Genre Mall...just scroll down to the new issue and buy a copy, and buy them for your friends as well.

MileHiCon

I've recently received my invitation to MileHiCon. I will once again be a guest at this year's con.

So, if you're planning on being in the Denver area Oct. 27-29, please stop by!!!

New story

I've finally gotten around to posting a new story on my website. It's a bit of a love story, or at least my effort at a love story...god knows it's not a subject I should be writing about.

It's hard to believe that it's been almost six years since the story was written. I was so much more prolific then...of course the quality was lower in those days...at least I think so, and I hope my readers agree.

Enjoy the story...

Great first lines

Locus Magazine published a brief list of some of the best first lines in genre fiction, here were a few of my favorites...

"A screaming came across the sky."
"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen."
"The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel."
"It was like so, but wasn't."
"All this happened, more or less."
"It was the day my grandmother exploded."
"It was a pleasure to burn"


You might recognize some of them, but damn, I wish I'd written one or two of them...

Locus Magazine

I just got my new edition of Locus Magazine today. For those of you unfamiliar with the title, Locus is the premier magazine about the SF field. They don't publish stories or anything like that, but they do give tons of information about the business of SF publishing.

In the last few months my perspective on this magazine has changed quite a bit. Now when I read it, it's not just a bunch of names of authors to me. Instead I'll read a snippet and think, "I did a panel with that person at CopperCon," or "I remember talking to them in the bar at MileHiCon last year. They're no longer just names on a page, they're people I actually know...people I've actually talked to about the business. Pretty damn cool, if you ask me.

Now, if I could just get my name in the magazine. I've been mentioned on the website, but I'm yet to crack the magazine.

I guess I'd have to be writing in order to have a chance at that, right?

Well, maybe soon...

VACATION

After who knows how many 50-60 hour work weeks, I'm finally taking a vacation. It's only five days, so I won't even really have time to recover, but it will be nice to not have to get up hours before dawn every morning...although I was up at 5:00 today.

Who knows, maybe I'll even get some writing done...I can dream, can't I???

The best road names in America

10. Tater Peeler Road in Lebanon, Texas
9. The intersection of Count and Basie in Richmond, Va.
8. Shades of Death Road in Warren County, N.J.
7. Unexpected Road in Buena, N.J.
6. Bucket of Blood Street in Holbrook, Ariz.
5. The intersection of Clinton and Fidelity in Houston
4. The intersection of Lonesome and Hardup in Albany, Ga.
3. Farfrompoopen Road in Tennessee (the only road up to Constipation Ridge)
2. Divorce Court in Heather Highlands, Pa.
1. Psycho Path in Traverse City, Mich.

Robert Sawyer added to MileHiCon

Robert Sawyer has been added as a GoH for MileHiCon. He's a great writer, and a really nice guy. I met him at CopperCon last year when he came up and introduced himself to me...not many GoHs will do that. I'm really looking forward to MileHiCon this year...maybe I can even score a panel with him.

New merchants added to my mall

I've added some new merchants to the mall on my website. This is an affiliate type thing that I do where I get a commission off of each sale that goes through my site. So, if you're planning on buying anything from any of the merchants, I'd ask you to click through my mall and put some money in my pocket...every penny gets me that much closer to escaping from Subway!!!!!

There are even a couple of travel sites on their for a certain digger I know...plus Overstock.com is on there, which is a great place to buy just about anything.

Thanks for your support!!

Math with the insane

Obviously I've been very busy with the new job. Last week was just 50 hours, but they're early hours, and it tends to wear me down quite a bit...but I'll adjust...eventually.

One thing I've become very aware of since taking this job (actually I've known it for a while, but I'm just becoming even more acutely aware of it) is that people can't do math...and I'm even talking about supposedly intelligent people (hello, blondie). I have to do counts every morning on a wide number of items, and I'm amazed at how often people can't do proper subtraction.

On a box of delis (58-16=32)!!!! Granted, I'm especially good at math...but that's just sad, and I see it all the time. How did these people make it through high school? Better question, how do these people make it through life??? I'd hate to see them balance a checkbook!!!

A day with the twins

After working more than 100 hours in 10 days, I took yesterday off and spent the day with the twins (almost five). If you ever need to gain perspective on what's really important in life, spend some time with kids. They'll make you realize what really matters!!!

Haven't gotten any writing done in quite some time...hopefully things will settle down at work in the next week, and I'll be able to get some writing done, and maybe get caught up on the other half a million things I've fallen behind on.

Bad Editor, Bad Editor

I don't mind rejection letters (much). God knows that I have enough of them to wallpaper this little shithole that I live in at least two times over...if not three, but if an editor is going to reject a story, they should at least send a rejection letter, even a form letter.

It's just rude to send back an author's manuscript (late, I might add) with nothing. Was it really that bad???

Nothing new to report

Contrary to popular belief, I am still alive. I've been putting in a lot of hours trying to get things put back together at the "real" job, and I've also been battling my normal early year head and chest cold. So, basically I've been medicating myself to the point that I'm almost blonde, working 8-10 hours, and then coming home to sleep.

Just hoping that this doesn't turn into pleurisy like it did last year, but I don't think it will...as it seems to be leaving my system, and if I can get tomorrow off, I should be all better...

I must be crazy

Everyone's heard me bitch and moan about my job for a very long time...and as I've become more and more frustrated over the last few months, I finally decided to do what any irrational, illogical, and insane human being would do...I let them promote me!!!

Yes, I'm no longer the assistant manager at one of the busiest Subways in Colorado...I'm now the manager (or will be in a few days.) WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING???

Oh well, knowing me, and the way I thrive on stress, I'll start cranking out a story a week, and maybe I'll even finish the damn book.

One can hope, right? RIGHT? RIGHT?

P&E Poll

Preditors & Editors is having their annual readers' poll once again. Usually Sam's Dot puts together a ballot that we try to convince people to follow, but this year, I've been too busy and basically forgot...so no ballot this year.

Someone has nominated me for writer and zine editor, so I'd certainly encourage people to vote for me, but you won't find me beating the bushes for voters, as this poll tends to favor romance writers, but hey, if I could get a top ten, that would be cool.

I would encourage people to vote for Sam's Dot and Nomadic Delirium, as I really like both of those publishers....