Thursday, June 15, 2023

Aliens and Alien Societies

 

I've decided to start posting about books that have had some kind of influence on me. They might be novels, short story collections, non-fiction books on writing, politics, or books that have just had some kind of emotional impact on me. These will be posted at infrequent intervals...just pretty much whenever I feel like posting them...but it might be a nice break from all of the promotional posts.

This is a book that is an almost must-have for any science fiction authors that want to write about aliens, because let's face it, science fiction readers love to catch authors up in mistakes they might make. There are other books on this subject, but this one is written by Stanley Schmidt and edited by Ben Bova...and any science fiction author should know that they are giants in the field, and so the book deserves some respect just for their names being on it.

The book looks at developing aliens and their societies starting with evolution and moving on from there. The book is a bit science and math heavy, but most science fiction writers should be able to understand it, since let's face it, if you're writing SF, you need to know your science.

Throughout the book, Schmidt uses examples in fiction that demonstrate the concepts he's talking about, and the book features an extensive reference listing at the end that will allow writers to dive even deeper into some of the subjects. The book was written in 1995, so some of the science is a bit dated, but that doesn't take away from the great information that the book will give you.

As a curious aside, you all know that I'm an editor as well as an author, so it shouldn't be a surprise that when I read something, I also read it with my editor's hat on, and I did catch several typos in the book. It does nothing to take away from the book, but if these can get past the likes of Stanley Schmidt and Ben Bova, then it makes me feel better about some of the typos I've missed over the years.

To pick up a copy of the book, head to https://amzn.to/42OuYhP

A Problem in Translation is the Deal of the Day

 

DriveThruFiction has selected A Problem in Translation as the deal of the day for today. A science fiction novel that is normally priced at $2.99 can be yours for just $1.50. Download it today at https://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/306999

Humanity's first contact with an alien species, the Lemec, is complicated by the fact that the aliens don't use an entirely verbal language…not only that, but the other aliens in their "domain" seem to worship the Lemec as some type of gods, and as they seem to anticipate every move that Captain Shiro Takahashi and his crew make, humanity begins to think that maybe the other aliens know something that they don't.

Saturday, June 10, 2023

Hello there

 

Did I just quote Obi-Wan Kenobi? Why, yes, I did. Every once in a while, I figure it's a good idea to introduce myself to some of the people that have found this blog more recently...that way they don't have to go digging through old blog posts to try to figure out exactly who J Alan Erwine is.

So, who am I? I'm a science fiction author and editor, and I'm also a role playing game designer. I've dabbled in fantasy fiction and horror fiction, but science fiction is definitely my main genre. As an author I once had a reviewer refer to me (and I'm paraphrasing) as having the voice of one of the classic science fiction authors, but without the issues of the classic authors. My guess is that they meant that my voice is similar to that of Asimov, Heinlein, or Clarke (which isn't a surprise since they were such a huge influence on me), but that I have a more modern way of writing. And this isn't meaning that they were trying to say (or that I'm trying to say) that I'm as good as those authors. I just think they meant a modern version of their style...but who am I to interpret book reviewers.

As far as my role playing games, I've created, or helped to create three different games...Ephemeris, The Battle for Turtle Island, and Rocks on the Other side. The first is a science fiction game, the second is an historical fantasy game, and the third is a post-apocalyptic game.

If you're interested in checking out my work, you can find it just about anywhere that science fiction is sold, but here are a few places you can check first...

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/J-Alan-Erwine/author/B0035AMA0A

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jaerwine

DriveThruFiction: https://www.drivethrufiction.com/browse/pub/16618/J-Alan-Erwine

Gumroad: https://jalanerwine.gumroad.com/

Sunday, June 04, 2023

Ecotastrophe II will be the deal of the day

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press Blog:

For the next 24 hours, Ecotastrophe II is available from DriveThruFiction for 50% off. That means you can download it for just $2.

More than a decade ago, Sam’s Dot Publishing released a small anthology titled Ecotastrophe that looked at the dangers posed by global climate change.

Now, the planet seems in even greater peril, and maybe we are facing Ecotastrophe, but is there time to save ourselves?

Ecotastrophe II features startling fiction from Tyree Campbell, Dan Rice, Melanie Rees, Robert J. Mendenhall, Gustavo Bondoni, and Mike Adamson.

Order now!: https://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/216111

 

Saturday, June 03, 2023

May's Bestseller

 

Although I don't have access to all of my sales each month until down the road, I can usually still get a good idea of what my bestselling title in each month was, so I'm going to start posting that each month. Not sure why...just think it's fun to keep track of...

The bestseller for May 2023 was my Tales of the Earth and Moon.

Seven stories from award 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.

Order from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GNC59GS

Order from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/641482

Order from DriveThruFiction: https://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/313303

Sunday, May 28, 2023

The Opium of the People is the Deal of the Day

 

For the next 24 hours, you can download my novel The Opium of the People from DriveThruFiction for just $1.50. That's 50% off the usual price. Download it while the sale lasts at https://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/306903

The U.S. government has been overthrown! After a near-miss of a giant comet, the American people fall under the control of a radical right-wing fundamentalist Christian government, ruled by the Grand Patriarchs, that slowly strips away their freedoms and establishes a rule of law that even Hitler couldn't have dreamed up. Forced into virtual seclusion, Edward Silverberg, a former professor, finds himself on a path that will lead to either his destruction, or the destruction of the Grand Patriarchs…or maybe both.

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Time to play

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press Blog:

Looking for a new role playing game? How about Rocks on the Other Side? If you like post-apocalyptic RPGs, we're pretty sure you'll like this one, and you can download all everything that has been created for the game for just $12.00. You get the core rules, Rocco's Weapon Shop, and Civilization Memorial Hospital. Rocco introduces you to all kinds of new weapons your characters can use, and Civilization Memorial Hospital gives you a low level adventure to start your characters off on. You get all of that for just $12.

Head over to https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/437580 and download everything, and you can spend Memorial Day gaming with your family.

 

You can only taste the madness for a limited time

 

For only a very brief period, my short story collection, A Taste of the Madness Vol. 2, will be available from Amazon...and during this brief period, it's available for free to Kindle Unlimited members. So take advantage of this sale while you can, and head over to https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3Y63ZNY and download your copy today.

Friday, May 19, 2023

Reviews?

My book sales have increased over the last few months, and I'm really hoping that those of you that have read my books have enjoyed them. Now, I would like to ask that if you have enjoyed the books, PLEASE review them. Book reviews are the best way for an author to increase their sales, and most markets will promote the books more based on the number of reviews they've had...which also increases sales.

Sunday, May 14, 2023

Tales of the Earth and Moon is the deal of the day

 

For the next 24 hours, you can get my Tales of the Earth and Moon for half off at DriveThruFiction. That means you can download the collection for just $1.50 and you can start reading immediately.

Head over to https://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/313303 and download your copy today!

Saturday, May 13, 2023

The Complete Rocks on the Other Side Bundle

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press Blog:

So far, we've released three titles for the Rocks on the Other Side RPG. The core rulebook, Rocco's Weapons Shop, and Civilization Memorial Hospital. Now you can get all three titles together for 25% off from DriveThruRPG at https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/437580

Friday, May 12, 2023

Have you had your second taste of madness yet?

Have you had your second taste of madness yet? Six of my short stories in one collection that will only be available from Amazon for a very brief amount of time...and best of all...if you're a Kindle Unlimited member, you can read it for free!

So, head over to https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3Y63ZNY and start reading today.


 

There's still time to start reading

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

The DriveThruFiction 25% off sale is still running, so you can download many of our titles today, and start reading immediately. You can save on novels, collections, anthologies, zines, and short stories. Head over to https://www.drivethrufiction.com/browse/pub/2805 and start reading today!

 

Sunday, May 07, 2023

Still looking for some freelance work

The search for a "real" job to replace the stupid job has been difficult. I'm looking to start working from home so that we can remove my daughter from public school...just getting too dangerous.

As I search for work, I'm still looking to line up some freelance editing or writing, so if you're looking for help with your project or projects, I'm here. You know how to reach me...

It would be great to line up enough work that I could do nothing but freelance editing and writing...but that may be asking too much...


Saturday, May 06, 2023

Civilization Memorial Hospital

 

At the edge of a small town, lies a small hospital that is now ironically known as Civilization Memorial Hospital. Before the war, it had a different name, but that name no longer matters. A Rocks on the Other Side RPG adventure designed for 4-6 characters of 1st-4th level that will take the characters into the remnants of a hospital. One section is run by medical personnel that are trying to bring back civilization, while another section has been taken over by bandits, and of course, the third section of the hospital has been overrun by undead. A definite challenge for any novice party.

Order from DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/436615

Order from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47YRZ93

Order from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1389859

Friday, May 05, 2023

Massive fiction sale

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press Blog:

For the next two weeks, you can save 25% off of all of our fiction titles at DriveThruFiction. This includes novels, anthologies, collections, zines, and even short stories. So whatever you've been waiting to buy...now's the time.

Head over to DriveThruFiction at https://www.drivethrufiction.com/browse/pub/2805 and start downloading today.

 

Saturday, April 29, 2023

A Taste of the Madness Vol. 2

 

Now is your chance to get the next volume in my Taste of the Madness collection. As with Vol. 1, this collection will only be available for three months, and if you're a Kindle Unlimited member, it's available for free. So head over to https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3Y63ZNY and start reading today.

 

Friday, April 28, 2023

Almost out of time

 

You've almost run out of time to save 50% off of my titles at DriveThruFiction. That means you can download novels, collections, and even individual short stories for 50% off, but only for a couple more days, so you'd better hurry over to https://www.drivethrufiction.com/browse/pub/16618 and buy everything you want right away.

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Have you saved yet?

 

You still have time to save 50% off of my titles. This includes novels, short story collections, and even individual short stories...yes, you can read a short story for just 50 cents. You can't beat that. Head over to DriveThruFiction and save today: https://www.drivethrufiction.com/browse/pub/16618/

 

Friday, April 21, 2023

Freelance editing

Due to ongoing issues at my "real" job, I will soon be leaving. I'm working on lining up full time at home work, but in the meantime, and possibly even once I start working full time again, I'm looking for some freelance editing work. So if there are any publishers or authors out there that are looking to hire a freelancer, I'm available.

I can do editing, proofreading, formatting...I think most of you know my skills. Drop me a line if you're looking for help with anything.


Sunday, April 16, 2023

33% off sale at DriveThruRPG

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

For two weeks, you have the opportunity to save 33% on all of the Nomadic Delirium Press RPG titles. Save on titles from Ephemeris, The Battle for Turtle Island, and the newly released Rocks on the Other Side.

Order and start playing today: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/2805

Massive sale at DriveThruFiction

 

For the next two weeks, you can save 50% off of my titles. This includes short story collections, novels, and even short stories. Download everything you want today, and start reading immediately...https://www.drivethrufiction.com/browse/pub/16618

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Have you visited the Solar Federation yet?

 

The first four stories of J Alan Erwine's Solar Federation series are now available in one collection. Tag along with a crew sent on a desperate mission. Meet up with the newest graduate who is going to face some tough challenges. Get inside the mind of a captain who has lost his ship and is at risk of losing his entire crew. And finally, spend a night at Sharon's Bar and meet Sharon, the most popular character in the series…so far…

Order from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXG15V6G

Order from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1356346

 

Sunday, April 09, 2023

The Divided States of America: Stories 21-24

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press Blog:

The sixth set of four stories of The Divided States of America now available in one collection. You get: Fight or Flight and Return to the Wastelands? by J Alan Erwine, BKX: Tuskegee by William Landis, and Serenity's Gambit by Ian Brazee-Cannon.

Order from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1XWCL5F

Order from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1376775

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Have you tasted the madness yet?

 

If you haven't read A Taste of the Madness Volume 1, then you're running out of time. This is a limited time release, and it will soon be going away forever. So head over to https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTV39CCB and download it today before it's too late, and it's free to read if you're a Kindle Unlimited member.

A collection of six previously published short stories, that are available only for a limited time. Travel to distant planets and travel to different mad visions that prize-winning sf author J Alan Erwine has come up with, but beware, you can never be sure where his weird mind might take you.

Friday, March 24, 2023

Divided States of America collections

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

We've created four story collections of the first 20 stories that have been published in the Divided States of America series.

Collection 1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZJSJ6TB

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

Collection 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZJSXM5D

What Lies in the Wastelands, Can't Go Home Again, and Where Do You Go From Here by Ian Brazee-Cannon, as well as Calivada Dreaming by Debby Feo

Collection 3: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZJSD4QQ

A Cavallo and Alaskan Everglades by Debby Feo, Back to the Old Ways by J Alan Erwine, and Delivery by Lorelei Suzanne

Collection 4: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZJTDHPV

Trial of Payne, Behind the Scars, and Path to a New Life all by Ian Brazee-Cannon, and you also get Frozen Ambitions by J Alan Erwine

Collection 5: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZJVGJW1

Tested by Lorelei Suzanne, Mission Alternate by Dana Bell, A Game of Disruption and Revelation by Ian Brazee-Cannon, and Die With Dignity by Tyree Campbell

Saturday, March 18, 2023

Rocco's Weapon Shop

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

Rocco was a man of the streets before the war, selling whatever people needed. Now he’s gathered together the best weapons he can find and opened his own shop. He’ll sell to anyone, but make sure you don’t shoplift…Rocco is packing.

Rocco’s Weapon Shop features new weapons that can be added to your Rocks on the Other Side game. All kinds of guns, and assorted other weapons. Add a little variety to your game, and arm your characters for all of the perils of the post-apocalyptic world they now find themselves in.

Order from DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/430715

Order from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1364769

Order from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYTR6M15

Sunday, March 12, 2023

The Highway to Hell

Since I started blogging, I've talked about the fact that the two-party system currently in power in the United States is the biggest enemy to the American people. The sad truth is that since I first started talking about this, the situation has only gotten worse.

Let's face it folks, if you really believe that the Democrats or the Republicans have the best interest of the American people on their minds, you're deluding yourself. The simple fact is that both parties are only interested in maintaining whatever power they have, and hopefully expanding upon that power. This is basically just a different type of monarchy, and the American people continue to fall for it. The only solution is the destruction of the two-party system. I can't say that I exactly know how to do this because the simple fact is that the two parties already have too much control. In order for other parties to get the kind of funding the big parties get, they have to go through an organization that is run by the Democratic and Republican parties. Kind of a nice little setup they have going there.

It is possible for parties to get federal funds if they can gain enough votes in a presidential election, but the two parties have us on this treadmill where we're constantly forced to vote against one party. Rarely do people really vote FOR a candidate. They're usually voting AGAINST another candidate. I honestly can't remember the last time we actually had a decent candidate from either party...and remember, they are really the ones that decide who is going to run for president. Yes, their are primaries, but the parties have already pretty much decided who will be able to win. If the party doesn't like a potential candidate, they won't let them run, or they will make sure they can't win.

I once had a friend tell me that they vote Republican because of the Republican stance on gun control, but they agree with Democrats on most other issues. They told me that they would vote for a Democrat that supported the Republican stand on gun control. That will never happen. The Democratic party will make sure that candidates line up with what they believe.

The only real solution is too campaign for third party candidates and vote third party. The two-party system must be taken down. Neither party really cares about you...they only care about themselves...

Now, do I believe that one party is worse for the country than the other? Yes, I do, but the simple fact is that both parties are driving down the highway to hell, only one is driving faster. The ultimate destination is the same, and that destination is the destruction of the America that we know. One will get us there faster than the other, but the simple fact is that they're both going to get us there...


Sunday, March 05, 2023

Read an e-book week

This week is the annual Smashwords' Read an e-book week, so you can pick up any of my longer titles for 50% off, now through Saturday. Simply go to https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jaerwine and you can start downloading and reading immediately
 

Saturday, March 04, 2023

The Solar Federation: The First Four Stories

 

The first four stories of my Solar Federation series are now available in one collection.

The first four stories of J Alan Erwine's Solar Federation series are now available in one collection. Tag along with a crew sent on a desperate mission. Meet up with the newest graduate who is going to face some tough challenges. Get inside the mind of a captain who has lost his ship and is at risk of losing his entire crew. And finally, spend a night at Sharon's Bar and meet Sharon, the most popular character in the series...so far...

Order from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1356346

Order from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXG15V6G

Friday, March 03, 2023

There's still time to Taste the Madness

 

The first volume of my limited edition A Taste of the Madness series is still available at Amazon, but only for a limited time...and if you're a Kindle Unlimited member, it's available for free.

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTV39CCB and start reading right now!

Friday, February 17, 2023

Have you been to The Other Side?

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

Have you played Rocks on the Other Side yet? No??? Why not?

Download your copy today from DriveThruRPG, and you can be playing in no time. Download it now at https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/417789

And there will soon be a new supplement for the game as well...

Only for a limited time

 

Remember, you only have a limited time to read my collection, A Taste of the Madness Vol. 1, and if you're a KindleUnlimited member, you can read it for free.

So, what are you waiting for...start reading today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTV39CCB

 

Saturday, February 04, 2023

A Taste of the Madness Vol. 1

 

I've created a six story collection that I've titled A Taste of the Madness Vol. 1. Why volume 1? Because this is a special collection that will only be available for a limited time, and the good news is that if you're a Kindle Unlimited member, you can read it for free! After a bit of time, this collection will disappear, and I will release A Taste of the Madness Vol. 2, which will again be free for Kindle Unlimited members. I think you can see where this process is going.

So, if you'd like to read six of my stories for either $2.99 or for free, please visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTV39CCB and download your copy today. But remember, this collection is only available for a limited time!



Friday, February 03, 2023

It's time to play some Ephemeris!

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

Looking for a new RPG to play? Have you tried Ephemeris yet? No???

Head over to DriveThruRPG and you can download a starter bundle for just $7. Go to: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/64002 and start playing right away.

If you’d like to completely dive into the game, you can get the Complete Ephemeris Bundle for just $35.45. Head over to https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/364674 and download everything today.

The year is 2185. The human race has gone to the stars, and found that they’re not alone. Local space is teeming with civilizations, some hostile, some friendly, and some indifferent. This is the universe of Ephemeris.

Ephemeris is a game of galactic trade and galactic conquest; of inter-species conflict and cooperation. Ephemeris is a science fiction role playing game. Here you will be able to take on the role of your favorite alien species and your favorite class. You will be able to trade, fight, negotiate, conquer, whatever you’d like to do with your fellow players. You can play the role of an Althani Trader, or maybe an Arbonix Cyber Wizard, or maybe even a Human Nanist. You can create a party made up entirely of one species and set out to upset the trade routes of a rival species. Or maybe you want to create a party with a variety of species that preys upon the trading routes of the various civilizations. Or maybe you want to explore the ancient ruins on long dead planets, ruins that clearly show that there were other species roaming the spaceways in the past…but where are they now? You can fight in great wars, negotiate grand peace treaties, and explore sections of the galaxy that no sentient has ever explored. Or maybe your party has joined with one of the interplanetary corporations; corporations whose motives are never entirely clear. These are just some of the possibilities open to you.
The universe of Ephemeris is yours to do with as you please. What you now hold in your hands are the basic guidelines for the games. Here you’ll find the races, classes, abilities, skills, weapons, and ships that allow you to create your own Ephemeris universe.

Now, step inside for the greatest science fiction adventure you’ve ever been on…

Sunday, January 29, 2023

There's still time to save 25%

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

Many of our titles are still available from Smashwords for 25% off. You can download novels, collections, anthologies, RPGs, RPG supplements, even a few short stories. So, head over to https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/nomadicdelirium and you can start reading many of our great titles in just a few minutes.

 

Saturday, January 28, 2023

There's still time to save 50% at Smashwords

 

My novels and short story collections are still on sale for 50% off at Smashwords. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jaerwine and order today.

Friday, January 27, 2023

When did you last visit The Divided States of America?

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

Has it been a while since you've visited The Divided States of America? Or maybe you've never visited...

Imagine an America that has been divided by political turmoil and civil war...not really hard to imagine anymore. Check out the stories in this series of stories. Many are disturbing, some are optimistic, but all of them will have you thinking that we should be able to create a better future for ourselves...

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HLWYBT9

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/28436

DriveThruFiction: https://www.drivethrufiction.com/browse.php?keywords=The+Divided+States+of+America&x=0&y=0&author=&artist=&pfrom=&pto=

Sunday, January 15, 2023

Smashwords 25% off sale

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

For the next month, you can save 25% off of a wide variety of our titles. Novels, anthologies, short story collections, RPGS, RPG supplements, even a few short stories...they're all available for 25% off.

Head over to https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/nomadicdelirium and order today.

 

Important websites

 

In case you're new to my writing and editing, or in case you just need a refresher, here are some important websites to learn more about my work...

My website: http://www.jalanerwine.com

My Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/J-Alan-Erwine/author/B0035AMA0A

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jalanerwine

DriveThruFiction: https://www.drivethrufiction.com/browse/pub/16618/J-Alan-Erwine

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jaerwine

Gumroad: https://jalanerwine.gumroad.com/

 

Friday, January 13, 2023

E-book a month

 For just $2 a month, you can receive an e-book delivered to your e-mail. This could be a short story collection or novel I've written. Or it could be an RPG I've created, or maybe even an anthology that I've edited. So, what are you waiting for? Subscribe today at https://jalanerwine.gumroad.com/l/bsdkq

 

Saturday, January 07, 2023

The Nomadic Delirium Press Core Rulebook Bundle

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

We’ve made all of our core rulebooks available in one bundle at DriveThruRPG. For just $10, you get Rocks on the Other Side, The Battle for Turtle Island, Ephemeris, and The Ephemeris RPG Rule Changes. You can pickup three games for just $10…that’s a hard deal to beat. Head over to https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/422488 and order today.

 

Friday, January 06, 2023

Smashwords sale

 

To celebrate the new year, my novels and short story collections are available for 50% off through Smashwords. This sale will last for the next month.

And to make things even more fun, I've added a few short stories to the sale that you can download for free. All I ask is that if you enjoy the stories, please review them, since reviews are the best way for an author to grow their audience.

Hope you enjoy the downloads. I'm looking forward to releasing several new titles in the new year.


Sunday, January 01, 2023

75% off sale

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

Happy New Year from everyone at Nomadic Delirium Press. To help you start out the new year, we're offering 75% off of all of our RPG titles at DriveThruRPG. You can download and play any of our games...Ephemeris, The Battle for Turtle Island, or Rocks on the Other Side for the next week at the huge discount of 75% off, so head over to https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/2805 and download everything you'd like and start playing today.

 


New Year, New Sale

 

Now that we've arrived in 2023, you get an opportunity to save 50% off of my work at DriveThruFiction for the first week of the new year.

This includes novels, short story collections, and even individual short stories, which you can download for just 50 cents.

So, head over to DriveThruFiction and start reading today.


Saturday, December 24, 2022

I've updated my Amazon page

Many of you use Amazon's Author Central to follow author's you like, and I know a few of you even keep track of my page. Well, I've updated it, so go ahead and check it out at https://www.amazon.com/author/jalanerwine.

And while we're talking about pages to visit, please feel free to visit my Patreon page as well at https://www.patreon.com/jalanerwine

Hope you all have a great holiday season!

 

Friday, December 23, 2022

Meet the Twisted Tree

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

Last week we introduced you to the Walking Tree from the Rocks on the Other Side RPG. This week, we introduce you to its evil cousin, a tree that will do everything it can to kill everyone...

TWISTED TREE

INT: 20

CS: 16

CHA: 10

STR: 28

AGIL: 12

END: 26

AB: +37 (+26 hand to hand combat skill, +6 Str, +1 mutation, +4 bark)

DB: +34 (-1 Agil, +1 mutation, +10 bark, +24 level

Health: 10d8+50

Type of Att: Limbs X2, Hurled fruit X2

Damage: 3d10+6/1d6 + contamination

Skills: Animal Handling 10, Appraise 5, Bluff 9, Concentration 18, Direction Sense 16, Etiquette 4, Gather Information 12, Herbalism 10, Hide 8, Interrogation 6, Intimidate 12, Listen 14, Negotiation 8, Search 3, Sense Motive 10, Spot 5, Tracking 11

Special Abilities: Hold, stun

Experience: 1750

Description: The twisted tree is a horrible mutation of a normal tree. Unlike the walking tree, the twisted tree is angry about its mutation, and they want to mutate the rest of the world. A twisted tree is normally about the size of a fruit tree, but its trunk and branches are twisted and full of knots and are often oozing sap. Twisted trees love to fight, and they will look to attack anything that they think they can destroy or mutate. In combat, the twisted tree attacks with two limbs trying to strike opponents. At the same time, it hurls radioactive fruit at other opponents. Although the fruit doesn’t do much damage, getting hit by it or by the branches will require a character to make a check against a severe radiation exposure.

Twisted trees are often not encountered alone. They don’t associate with other trees, but they are able to exert a mild mind control over other contaminated creatures. When encountered, there is a 50% chance that they will be encountered with other contaminated creatures. These creatures could be mutated animals, mutated ants, giant centipedes, giant spiders, giant flying spiders, strangle vines, mutated wasps, or even skeletons or zombies. These creatures will fight to the death to protect the twisted tree.

Twisted trees are highly susceptible to fire based attacks, and suffer triple damage from any attacks using fire.

Order your copy of the game today at:

DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/417789

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1184819

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSP4RHZ

Friday, December 16, 2022

Meet the Walking Tree

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

It’s time to meet another creature you might meet in the Rocks on the Other Side game, the Walking Tree

WALKING TREE

INT: 22

CS: 20

CHA: 20

STR: 28

AGIL: 10

END: 28

AB: +41 (+30 hand to hand combat skill, +6 Str, +1 mutation, +4 bark)

DB: +34 (-1 Agil, +1 mutation, +10 bark, +24 level

Health: 12d8+72

Type of Att: Limbs X2

Damage: 4d10+6

Skills: Animal Handling 10, Appraise 5, Bluff 9, Concentration 18, Diplomacy 8, Direction Sense 16, Etiquette 4, Gather Information 12, Herbalism 20, Hide 8, Interrogation 6, Intimidate 12, Listen 14, Negotiation 8, Search 3, Sense Motive 10, Spot 5, Tracking 11

Special Abilities: Hold, stun

Experience: 2200

Description: The nuclear mutations caused some trees to gain sentience and the ability to move. These trees normally won’t be aggressive, preferring to tend to other plants and animals in an effort to restore the Earth to what it used to be. However, if attacked, or if they see someone damaging the planet, they will fight. It is important to note, however, that they will not attack characters that they see attacking mutated plants or animals, because they see these as an abomination, and they want to rid the world of them.

If forced into combat, the walking tree will try to attack with two of its limbs. If their attack roll beats the character’s defense roll by 10, the tree has stunned the character for a number of rounds equal to the difference between the attack and defense rolls. If the tree’s attack roll exceeds a character’s defense roll by 15, the tree has grabbed the character and immobilized them. If this stops the attacks, the tree will then lecture the character on its mistakes and then set it free. If combat continues, then on the next round the tree will raise the character high into the air and drop it, causing 4d10 damage. There is no risk of contamination from an attack by a walking tree.

Walking trees are highly susceptible to fire based attacks, and suffer triple damage from any attacks using fire. However, if the walking tree survives the attack, the characters have made a lifetime enemy, and the tree will plot their downfall until they or it die.

Order your copy of the game today at:

DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/417789

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1184819

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSP4RHZ

 

Save 50% on downloads

 

Now through January 1st, you can save 50% off of many of my titles during Smashwords' End of the Year Sale. This includes novels and short story collections...and I've even added a few individual short stories for free...

So, what are you waiting for, head over to Smashwords and start reading today.


Sunday, December 11, 2022

33% off Rocks on the Other Side

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

For just one week, you can save 33% off the download price of the Rocks on the Other Side RPG at DriveThruRPG. You can download it today and start playing for just $6.69. Go to https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/417789 and start playing today!

 

Friday, December 09, 2022

Meet the Intellifungus

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

It's time to learn about a new creature that you might encounter in the Rocks on the Other Side game...the Intellifungus. They can be dangerous, they can be helpful...you can never be quite sure...

INTELLIFUNGUS

INT: 14

CS: 11

CHA: 9

STR: 17

AGIL: 12

END: 24

AB: +9 (+7 hand to hand combat skill,+1 Str, +1 mutation)

DB: +11 (+1 mutation, +2 fungal quality, +8 level bonus)

Health: 4d8+16

Type of Att: 2 spore punches

Damage: 1d6+1 and spores

Skills: Appraise 3, Balance 2, Bluff 4, Climb 5, Concentration 2, Diplomacy 3, Direction Sense 9, Gather Information 2, Herbalism 5, Hide 10, Interrogation 2, Intimidate 8, Jump 2, Listen 4, Move Silently 11, Negotiation 2, Search 6, Sense Motive 3, Spot 4, Stealth 9, Tracking 7

Special Abilities: Spores

Experience: 700

Description: Some fungal colonies gained sentience from their exposure to the radiations of the war. Each individual colony that gained sentience now forms one creature, and these creatures can differ greatly in size and shape just as normal colonies of fungus can. The biggest difference is that these colonies will generally try to imitate the bipedal mannerisms of humans or the quadrupedal mannerisms of animals. Intellifungus are very smart and can even rival many humans on intelligence, and just like humans, intellifungus can differ greatly in the way they lead their lives. Some can be openly hostile to humans, while others can be friendly with humans, and still others might just want to be left alone. Intellifungus can be found living alone, or like-minded fungi might choose to live together.

If an intellifungus engages in combat, they will strike with two pods that resemble arms. Each hit will do 2-7 points of damage, but there is also a chance that they can infect the victim with spores. Each time a character is hit, they must make an endurance check against a score of 14. If they fail the roll, they have become infected. One week after the infection, they must make another endurance check against a score of 16. If this roll is failed, the character permanently loses two points of endurance. After two weeks, the character must make another endurance check (with their new endurance score) against a score of 18. If they fail this check, they devolve into a fungus, with a 1in 6 chance of becoming an intellifungus. If the character succeeds on the second or third roll, their immune system has beaten back the fungus and they are normal again, although if they failed the second roll, they have still lost their endurance points. Anyone with 20 points in medicine can treat and heal a character infected with spores but this treatment must happen before the two weeks are up.

Although an intellifungus can engage in hand to hand combat, their preferred method of fighting is to release a 20’ sphere of spores. Anyone within this sphere must make an endurance check against a score of 12 or they become infected with spores. As with the physical attacks, infected characters must make a second check after one week against a score of 14, and a third check after two weeks against a score of 16. Failing the second check will cause a loss of two endurance points, and failing the third check will cause the character to devolve just as the physical attacks will.

As intellifungus are evolved from regular fungus, they seem to have adapted to the radiation that caused their mutation, and as a result, there is no danger of contamination from coming in contact with an intellifungus.

At this time, intellifungus do not form civilizations, nor do they use tools, but evolution can always change that.

Order from DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/417789

Order from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1184819

Order from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNCL6LGV

Monday, December 05, 2022

Meet the Jabbering Mutant

 


From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

One of the worst fates that can befall any creature in the Rocks on the Other Side universe is to mutate into a Jabbering Mutant. Let us introduce you to this creature...

JABBERING MUTANT

INT: 4

CS: 12

CHA: 2

STR: 20

AGIL: 18

END: 28

AB: +3 (+2 str, +1 mutation)

DB: +18 (+1 Agil, +2 mutation, +10 level, +5 amorphous)

Health: 5d8+30

Type of Att: mutant strike

Damage: 3d10+6

Skills: varies

Special Abilities: amorphous, contamination, confusion

Experience: 900

Description: When a person, animal, or plant suffers the most severe mutation that doesn’t actually kill them, they become a Jabbering mutant. These creatures don’t actually have a shape, because their shape constantly changes as the poor creatures continually mutate, thus they can have multiple limbs at one time, multiple faces, multiple of anything that the creature originally had.

When a Jabbering mutant attacks, and they always will because they are not very smart and very angry at the form they now take, they will strike with whatever limbs they currently have. At the start of the encounter the game master rolls 1d6 and this determines how many attacks the creature gets each round. Every fifth round of combat, a 1d6 is rolled again, as the creature will have mutated.

The Jabbering mutant is constantly making annoying noises that can cause confusion. Every round, each character must make a common sense check against a score of 12. They roll 1d20 and modify this with their common sense modifier. If the roll is not 12 or higher, they are confused and cannot take any action for 1d6 rounds.

Finally, every hit from a Jabbering mutant runs the risk of a severe radiation exposure and characters must roll on the appropriate table to determine if they have become contaminated.

Order your copy of Rocks on the Other Side today:

DriveThruRPG 

Smashwords 

Amazon 

 

Sunday, December 04, 2022

Support is always appreciated

 

Please keep in mind that your support on Patreon is always appreciated. Thanks

patreon.com/jalanerwine

 

Friday, December 02, 2022

25% off Rocks on the Other Side

 


Exclusively from Gumroad, you can download Rocks on the Other Side for 25% off. Go to https://jalanerwine.gumroad.com/l/rocksontheotherside and download your copy today and start playing the game immediately.


Sunday, November 27, 2022

The hardcover is now available

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

The hardcover version of our new post-apocalyptic RPG, Rocks on the Other Side is now available from Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSP4RHZ

Friday, November 25, 2022

Rocks on the Other Side is here!

 

From the Nomadic Delirium Press blog:

The year was 2032. It will always be remembered as the year that the leaders of the world truly lost their minds. That was the year that they unleashed the massive nuclear arsenals they had been stockpiling. That was the year they tried to wipe out all life on Earth because of petty differences, differences that could have easily been overlooked if they would have just had open minds, but let’s face it, how often did the leaders of the world ever actually have open minds?

Now, two years later, civilization is gone, most of life on Earth is gone, but there are still pockets of humanity that try to eke out an existence. Some of the Earth’s flora and fauna have also survived the nuclear holocaust. Unfortunately, now everyone is trying to survive, and that means that everyone else must be viewed as a potential enemy. Even worse, nuclear mutations have created horrible lifeforms. Some used to be human, some were animals, and some were plants, but now they’re horribly deformed, and incredibly dangerous. Not to mention the fact that there are pockets of radiation all over the world that threaten life that comes anywhere close to it.

And, of course, there’s no longer a need to worry about global climate change since the world is stuck in a perpetual nuclear winter, killing more and more of the life on Earth.

Radiation everywhere, almost constant cold and snow, mutated people, animals, and plants…this is the world that waits for you in Rocks on the Other Side. Do you dare venture into this world and try to survive?

Order from DriveThruRPG 

Order from Smashwords 

Order from Amazon 

A hardback version will be available very soon!!!

Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale at DriveThruFiction

 


Now is your chance to save 33% on my titles at DriveThruFiction. Even though all of the items don't show sale prices, when you click on them, you should be able to see the discount. This will even allow you to download individual stories for just 66 cents, so head over to https://www.drivethrufiction.com/blackfriday.php?manufacturers_id=16618, and order today.

Sunday, October 09, 2022

Solar Federation Bundle

 

The first four stories in my Solar Federation series are all available in one bundle from DriveThruFiction, and that bundle is now priced at just $2.

So, please feel free to order today at https://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/362962, and please feel free to share this link, or any other links to my work, all over the web.