Captain America Sort of Parallels Security Specialist Krakista Keesay

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My soon to be released science fiction novel Relic Tech was written long before The Avengers was released. Even so, there are some parallels between Captain America and Security Specialist 4th Class Krakista Keesay.

As in the video below, Captain America has some firm ideas about how things should be and he's willing to step forward to enforce or uphold those beliefs, even when outmatched. A similar trait of Specialist Keesay, even though many of his notions aren't quite so high-minded or noble as Captain America's.

In addition, the reference to Captain America being "a man out of time" rings true with Specialist Keesay as well: A man serving aboard a space-faring transport, serving as part of the security team, yet counting on equipment and technology that was cutting edge in the late 20th Century. Although this leaves him at a disadvantage, Kra is rarely deterred, especially when he has a trick or two up his sleeve.




As an aside, my younger daughter's favorite movie is The Avengers. I've teased her on occasion that she wants a hat like Loki's, which she vehemently denies. And the title "Reindeer Games" issued by Iron Man when addressing Loki at the end of the clip--well, my daughter thinks its funny but definitely doesn't think it's a cool nickname for her.
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Presentation at the University of Cincinnati

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This past Wednesday, I had the opportunity to present to a class of 24 students (English 1018 Freshman Seminar, Writing Fantasy 001) at UC.

The topic: World Building and Incorporating Magic in a Fantasy Setting

The students asked some great questions during and after the presentation. My goal was to provide insight into the process and help them avoid potential pitfalls as they develop their writing and storytelling skills. Hopefully I was successful. The world can always use a few more talented authors.

Me beginning the presentation

Now with Burn Notice over...

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I don't watch a lot of series television shows. The one I've recently watched, Burn Notice, had its season finale a short while back. A decent ending. It seemed rushed, like the last week they were trying to tell the last 90 minutes worth in a 60 minute time frame.



A especially appreciated the way Sam and Jesse picked up, working together as a team where the bigger team left off, helping those in need. Maybe because it was mainly Bruce Campbell that brought me to watching the show and Sam Axe remained my favorite character in it.

If you've not seen Burn Notice, it's on Netflix, and I think the DVDs are pretty inexpensive, especially the first few seasons. As I said, good action, and most of the time you won't get all of the twists in the episode and storylines, which is good.

I did try the novels to fill in but was disappointed. It was sort of like if you watched soap operas and the regular stars had stand-in actors. They just didn't quite fit. And the author had a political agenda that he pushed sometimes in less that subtle ways which I found annoying, especially since the TV program didn't even address that area.

Being busy and not having a lot of spare time, it has to be a top notch series to keep me coming back. I think good storylines with solid characters and chemistry between them is important. A good story arc is key too, even though individual episodes don't always have to do a lot to push that forward.

Other programs that I would fall into this category (for me):

Firefly (although it ended more than a bit too soon, but Serenity helped some with that)
Stargate SG1 (not as good without Colonel Jack O'Neill)
Babylon 5 (except for the 5th season)
Highlander (sometimes the storyline arc was a little weak)

Of course, there was Married with Children. It doesn't fall into the story arc criteria, but who doesn't like Al Bundy?--at least a little bit :)



In any case, I'll be sort of watching for that next one to come around. Until then, I guess there are DVDs, reruns and Netflix.
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Christine Griffin will be Creating Relic Tech's Cover Art

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Christine Griffin has been confirmed as the artist who will be creating the cover art for my soon to be released science fiction novel, Relic Tech.

If everything falls into place, Gryphonwood Press believes Relic Tech will be released by early November. As things such as editing, blurbs, layout, cover art, titlework, and more are worked through, an exact date will be provided.

Those who've followed this blog or read some of my works probably know Christine provided the cover art for Flank Hawk, Blood Sword and Genre Shotgun.

As a final note for this post, here's a link to an interview I did with Christine in November of 2012.

Link: Interview with Artist Christine Griffin
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Flank Hawk's Aerial View from his Wyvern Mount

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Came across this video online and I automatically thought of Krish (Flank Hawk) astride Wick, his faithful wyvern mount in Blood Sword.

The camera mounted on the eagle's back in the video offers a view similar to what I imagined Flank Hawk's to be.

What do you think?

Book Signing Saturday the 14th at Cox Shotokan Karate's Open House

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I've been invited to participate at the Cox Shotokan Karate's open house at their new (2nd) dojo. There will be self-defense classes, Identa-kid, food, games, a belt ceremony, and much more, including me signing copies of Flank Hawk, Blood Sword and Genre Shotgun.

The open house runs from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm and is located at:

2443 Troy Road (State Route 41)
Springfield, Ohio 45504

Hope to see you there!

 

Book Signing Saturday at the Applefest in Sidney, Ohio

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I'll be signing copies of my books at the Applefest in Sidney, Ohio this Saturday (Sept. 7th).

I and about a dozen other authors will be in the hall under the Courthouse from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, meeting readers and signing copies of our novels. Signs will be posted to help if you're unsure exactly where we're located.

Look forward to seeing you there!