Flank Hawk and the Writing Process

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Author Kim Smith posted my article on writing over at her blog.

If you've got a minute or two, click on over.

Link: Flank Hawk and the Writing Process
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Thougths Opposite of what I Wrote about in "Accelerated Justice"

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This morning I was answering a couple of questions for the narrator who is producing the audiobook form of my short story collection (Genre Shotgun). The narrator's questions focused on the story "Accelerated Justice" where the main character gets wrongfully caught up in a near-future criminal justice system. In the story, artificially ageing those convicted is the accepted route to serving the sentence for their crime.

This morning I also came across this article, which takes an opposite perspective on the issue:

Could we condemn criminals to suffer for hundreds of years? Biotechnology could let us extend convicts' lives 'indefinitely'

Both my story and this article touch upon the issues concerning the purpose and the cost of punishments given to those convicted of crimes and, indirectly, what it says about us and a society that fosters such attitudes and beliefs.

Local Government Presentation 2014

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Me, Kicking off the Presentation

Today was my second opportunity to speak to the government classes at the Upper Valley Career Center, where I work. My objective was to bring to life something that is only theoretical and seemingly distant to the 17 and 18 year olds. Sure, it's local government, but it's not something they tend to interact with, except possibly mayor's court after receiving a speeding or traffic violation ticket.

I can't say that every student was captivated by my discussion supplemented with a PowerPoint presentation. But most were interested, and filling out the question sheets provided by their teachers. Also, more than a few interesting and insightful questions were asked by the students.

The Social Studies Dept.
Left to Right: Mr. Smith (Student Teacher),
Mr. Ohler, Mrs. Roeth and Mrs. Flanagan

While talking about and relaying my experience as a member of the St. Paris Village Council kept me out of my classroom where I teach English, a fair number of those that attended my presentation were my students, and were afforded the opportunity to see me in a different light, wearing a different hat. Yes, I was still 'teaching' but the subject matter was a bit different.

I look forward to being invited to present to a whole new set of classes next year. We'll see what happens.
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I Just Thought this was Kind of Humorous

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A couple of my students mentioned this video to me, and said it was really funny (and clean).

For those of you who've read Relic Tech, one of the secondary characters, Security Specialist Kent O'Vorely, did get training that was a little better than this ;)

Hope you enjoy it.

Soul Forge: Sent to My Publisher for Edits

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Today I finished the 4th draft of Soul Forge, the anticipated third novel in my First Civilization's Legacy Series and emailed the file to my publisher. It's now in line to be edited.

The novel ended up much the same length as both Flank Hawk and Blood Sword, about 128,000 words. I guess that says something about tales I write in that setting.

If things fall into place, including the editing, cover art, blurbs, etc., Soul Forge should be released by Gryphonwood Press in late May or early June.
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Relic Tech Now Available as an Audiobook

Relic Tech has been released as an audiobook, narrated by James Conlan.

Currently it can be obtained via Audible.com and Amazon.com. It should be available via iTunes shortly (I will follow up when this occurs).

I will say that James Conlan did an awesome job, and even added a few special features here and there to enhance the listening experience.

Current links where available:
Relic Tech at Audible
Relic Tech at Amazon

 

Where Have I Been/What Have I Been Doing?

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Readers of Up Around the Corner,

I'd hoped to be a little more active here this past week, but I've been busy. Some author related activities:

• I just recently finished proofing files for the audiobook version of Relic Tech.
• I am working on finishing edits/revisions to Soul Forge to turn into my publisher for editing
• I am working on proofing audiobook files for Genre Shotgun.
• Trying to do a little marketing here and there to keep things going.
• Spent an hour or two last night reading and finding out more details about the changes at ACX, where my audiobooks distributed. Nothing will be noticed by the listenership (at least not immediately), but some not so positive changes for authors/publishers/narrators.

Teaching-wise, I am about to begin another round of essay grading, which requires a lot of my time and attention (which is why I am pushing through as hard as I can the work on Soul Forge). Then there's the end of the year crunch, especially with senior students.

The e-course grading has picked up in volume as students try to finish before the end of the year.

Fortunately Village Council responsibilities have remained steady. Not a lot of major issues that need researched at the moment, but being part of the Planning Committee, there is a lot of reading for building and zoning guidelines as there is a major project (well, major for my town) that is gearing up.

There's always family and church and some minor things, like getting a cracked windshield taken care of and meetings at school with my daughter, etc. Only so much time in the day (and night).

I am working on lining up some more authors to be interviewed and a few others thing for the blog here, plus I owe a few online friends an article or two.

Just figured you readers would appreciate an update.
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