Sunday, June 13, 2010

Roger Zelazny Quote


"I try to sit down at the typewriter four times a day, even if it's only five minutes, and write three sentences." --Roger Zelazny (May 13, 1937 – June 14, 1995)

Roger Zelazny remains one of my favorite authors and I find both inspiration in and have learned more than a bit about writing through reading many of his works.

Some of my favorites are:





All are available through (distributed by) his current publisher, HarperCollins.

If you ever get the chance to to listen to his works (he narrated most of them that are available) it is a great experience. Currently Speaking Volumes is reproducing and distributing his audiobooks.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

The Scene of My Second Murder


My short story "The Scene of My Second Murder" is a mystery spiced with a tinge of horror.

Fear and Trembling published it in April of 2009, but sadly the ezine is soon closing up shop. Thus, I am posting the link before it becomes unavailable.

"The Scene of My Second Murder" is one of my favorite shorts I've written and it's also one I occasionally use in the classroom.

It's pretty short, only 2800 words, so give it a read if you have a few minutes and let me know what you think.

Monday, June 7, 2010

ConCarolinas 2010

I had a great time at ConCarolinas 2010!

I got to meet my the managing editor of Gryphonwood Press and Gryphonwood authors David Wood, Ryan Span and Jim Bernheimer, all who attended the convention.

I participated on two well-attended panels discussing various aspects of writing. (Here is the link of the first part of a discussion on Archetypes and Themes in Speculative Fiction--the parts will be posted/uploaded by Jim Bernheimer later this week.)

(Two Panel Attendees who arrived early for a front seat)


I met a ton of readers and science fiction/fantasy enthusiasts, many of which purchased signed copies of Flank Hawk. I even picked up some semi-official endorsements:



I also got to meet and chat with author John Ringo (who signed a few of his books for me):

And Actress Claudia Christian (of Babylon 5 fame):

And Richard Hatch (of Battlestar Galactica fame). The picture below caught him (on a cell) speaking with my wife, asking if it was okay with her the women I seemed to be hanging out with--see the barbarian woman endorsement and Claudia Christian above, among others ;)


ConCarolinas 2010
was a well-run con with a constant array of activities and events for fantasy/science fiction enthusiasts and fans to attend. I'm already planning on attending ConCarolinas 2011!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

ConCarolinas 2010


I will be attending ConCarolinas 2010 this upcoming weekend (June 4-6) along with several other authors from Gryphonwood Press.

It's being held at the Hilton Charlotte University Place. There will be tons of games, artists, authors, television and movie personalities, and more.

If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and say, "Hello." I'll be participating on a few panels, maybe playing a few games, and hanging round the Gryphonwood Table in the Dealers Room.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Brief Review of "Vegetable Matters"


I came across a review of the First Issue of MindFlights, and the author (Gustavo Bondoni), mentioned my story "Vegetable Matters."

Here is an excerpt of the Full Review:
"Both the quality of production and that of the stories and poems included were very high, and my favorite story was an example of how a science / controversy story was included with no fuss: Terry W. Ervin II's story "Vegetable Matters" is a good one. Perhaps a bit predictable, but very well written and plausibly put together. And the way it looks at eco-extremists made me chuckle."

It was a fun story to write and, as a writer, it's always reinforcing to learn someone enjoyed one of your published works.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Flank Hawk Book Trailer


I recently uploaded my book trailer for Flank Hawk:


I created it using Photo Story 3, free software from Microsoft. It really wasn't too difficult.

Let me know what you think of the trailer (both those who have read Flank Hawk and those who haven't).

And if you have any questions about using Photo Story 3, don't hesitate to contact me.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

D.S. Sault's Blurb for Flank Hawk


"Creative genius takes many forms, Flank Hawk being a literary example. The story stretches fantasy and speculative science fiction to new levels as beasts, magic, Nazi war technology and superhuman beings combine in one well-crafted tale.

But, the real genius of Flank Hawk is the author’s storytelling. The main character, Krish, begins as a lowly farm worker and grows with each life-altering experience as he struggles through battles, builds new relationships and wrestles with difficult decisions. Readers witness the conflict through his eyes in a masterful display of character development. Flank Hawk is a must read!"

-- D.S. Sault, author of The Last Human War