Traveling through Space, based on NASA Images, and Novel Imaginations

I just thought this was pretty neat, created from NASA images:



When the video flashes to Jupiter, I imagine Security Specialist Keesay, from Io's subterranean colony, observing the Crax attack fleet closing in, and the local ships humanity can throw together, backed by def-sats and surface-based defenses, forming for a desperate defense.

Certain they enemy break get through, Keesay prepares what defenses he and the research lab scientists and technicians can muster, knowing the sparse number of Colonial Marines, however skilled, brave and valiant, can't hold back the Crax and Stegmar Mantis soldiers when they land.

A scene from Relic Rescue, the sequel to Relic Tech, my work in progress.

Cover for Halcón Flanqueador (Spanish translation of Flank Hawk)

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Here's the cover for the soon to be released Spanish translation of Flank Hawk, the first novel in the First Civilization's Legacy Series:

Trend: Contacted by Self-Published Authors to Review Their Novels...but

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Maybe I'm one of the only ones, but I doubt it. The trend started out in late 2013 for me, being contacted by self-published authors with the request to review their novels on Amazon.

It's pretty simple. I do a fair number of reviews, and by clicking back on my reviewer profile, people can find my website. Going there, it's easy to find my contact email address. Maybe it's been suggested in a popular author marketing book or two, or the authors are just being creative on their own in trying to grow their readership.

There's nothing wrong with any of that. Sometimes the authors offer to send me a copy of their novel, or point out that it's free, or only 99 cents, or it's very similar to a novel I enjoyed and reviewed, or whatever.

Not a problem. Gusto for initiative. Usually I'll go check out the Amazon link they provide and take a look at what they've written. I will say that every book has been either fantasy or SF, so they've targeted me properly there. While a few novels have looked pretty interesting, many are just horrible. Bad covers, the first few pages of the 'look inside' feature are rife with typos and horrid grammar, the first ten pages appear to be a prologue giving the history of the world and everything that's gone before in minute detail...you name it.

Like I indicated, some of the novels brought to my attention have both attractive covers and an interesting premise, and the first chapter is well written--minimal typos and grammar gaffs, interesting dialogue and description, and the story seems to be going somewhere.

The thing is, my reading time is very limited, especially during the school year, where I spend hours and hours reading essays, grading tests and quizzes, reviewing homework assignments and reading journals. Hey, that's the life of a high school English teacher. Then there's the village council and family and church and pet turtles and...you get the point.

Instead of a polite reply to the contact/request email, indicating that I am unable to read and provide a review of the novel, for those novels that intrigue me, I reply with an offer for the possibility of the author to do an interview for my blog (yes, Up Around the Corner) and provide links to previous interviews to give them an idea what to expect. I also mention that possibly they could do something similar (a similar interview, or to read and, if they enjoyed one of my novels, to post a review, or whatever they think is appropriate) to help me promote one of my works.

Almost invariably, dead silence. No return email in reply. I get far more replies from authors who I decline to review their work, thanking me for taking the time to consider. And then those that were interested in a review, and possibly something mutual in return? I send them the first question, or a list of questions. I never hear back.

Okay, Those that I responded to positively appear to have been looking for something easy, because they're busy like me. Or maybe they just got a whole bunch of people jumping at the chance to do reviews based upon their emailed requests. Actually, I don't believe so as several I've bothered to go back and check on still have their two or three reviews, or maybe moved up from ten to fourteen after a few months.

Honestly, I don't mind helping out fellow authors, whatever their stripe, but it's not a one way street. For things to work, sometimes it takes time and effort from both ends.

The Local Food Pantry

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One of the neat things about a small town is the sense of community. I'm not a big social butterfly and interactive with folks everywhere in town. Maybe it stems from growing up in Toledo, an decent city...but a city.

The Food Pantry, supported by the Federation of Churches is one example. Not only around Thanksgiving and Christmas, but twice a week, all year round the food pantry provides for those in the community that are in need. It's housed in part of the old firehouse attached to the village's admin building, making it central in town and easily accessible to everyone...with a good driveway and parking and easily accessed by the handicapped. It's organized, run and maintained by volunteers.

It's supported by not only members of the various churches, but the scouts, schools, local businesses, individual (unaffiliated) community members--if that make sense, and more.

It's friends and neighbors helping friends and neighbors. What can be better than that?
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New Year and Observing a Not So Postive Future

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An update:

The Gross National Debt

Note:
At 4:40 pm EST on 7/22/11 the debt totaled:      $14,412,536,802,223
At 9:40 pm EST on 11/20/12 the debt it totaled: $16,290,755,341,268
At 12:58 pm EST on 1/1/15 the debt totaled: $18,050,495,107,615 (the time/date this article was posted)

What this means is that each man, woman and child in the United States owes over $51,000, and growing each and every second that passes.

It's not sustainable...everyone knows this.

I guess this has been weighing on my mind, especially as I'm a member of the Village Council and we're having to take hard looks at the very tight budget. See, the state governor brags about cutting taxes and keeping a balanced state budget (which he, just like St. Paris) has to do by law--unlike the Federal Government.

But, as I see it, from my limited perspective, much of the burden has been passed on down to counties and local municipalities. Continued lessened revenue, although there is some hope with the economy doing a little better. But support from the State, including grants and other assistance has become more of a challenge to obtain, and 'matching funds' rates have become so high and cost prohibitive that they're not an option. (Thus, the State government saves money--yet the spending revenues they have available at the State level to do what needs to be done remains largely the same, or better).

The point is that it all rolls down hill, and the National Debt, the $51,000+ dollars and growing, is going to be borne by the average person. And when the bill finally comes, it's going to hurt. Does anyone really think it's not going to have a devastating effect when it does?

It's come up in my classroom on occasion, usually in November when elections are on their minds. When I point out to them the debt that they're going to inherit, they're incredulous. "I'm not going to pay that!" they invariably reply. "Okay," I usually say. "It's something to think about, and you should remain aware of. Because, as an adult, one way or another, it's going to impact your life and the lives you care about."

Okay, starting the New Year off with a not so cheery point of view. 

Interview with Krish/Flank Hawk over at the Library of Erana

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If you have a moment, check out the interview with Flank Hawk over at the Library of Erana.

If you've never read any of the First Civilization's Legacy Series, you can learn a little about the main character. If you've read one or more of the novels, maybe you'll learn something new.

Link: Character Interview Number Twenty-Two – Flank Hawk

Merry Christmas: The First Noel and Remembering

It's Christmas again! Wishing everyone both a Memorable and Enjoyable Christmas spent with family and Friends.

One of my favorite songs in celebrating:

My Father's One Major Decoration
now hanging in my Home

I still miss driving up to Toledo to visit Dad on Christmas Eve.