Outpost: 100 Ratings on Audible

Hey Folks,

Outpost has achieved a sort of milestone for one of my works. It's earned 100 ratings on Audible. It's the first of any of my novels to reach 100 ratings/reviews on any single platform.

A major thumbs up to Drazenka Kimpel for the cover art and Jonathan Waters for the narration, making Outpost's success possible.

If you might be interested in checking it out, or any of my titles (in print, audio or ebook) here is an easy link: Where Available

LitRPG Re-Roll Review of Monsters, Maces and Magic: Outpost

The LitRPG Re-Roll Podcast did a review of Monsters, Maces and Magic: Outpost this week.

Click on over and see what the podcast host, Lavelle Jackson, had to say...

Why Initial Slow Progress in Writing Relic Shield

Folks,

So, if you have been wondering at the slow rate of progress in writing Relic Shield, science fiction always takes me longer. 

For example, the first major destination is a Chicher colony.  Nothing really surprising in the plot, as it's readily stated. The Umbelgarri want to establish a breeding colony there, much like the one Kra discovered during the invasion on Mavinrom, during the Crax invasion. 

Anyway, the colony is on a moon, circling a planet, similar to Venus, orbiting red giant star. So, questions like the color of the sky, based on the atmosphere and the sun rays (wavelength--and how human eyes are evolved to see white, despite the shift otherwise), the complicated day and night cycle (think the rotation of the moon, but also its rotation around the planet, which would mean sunlight being blocked by the planet. Also the effect of the elliptical pattern the planet makes, in conjunction with the slightly elliptical path the moon makes around the planet... 

Then there is the Chicher society. That is easier, as I have had that sketched out for years, and have thought a lot on it. But that is an added dimension, in addition to spending time around an Umbelgarri and the Bahklack thralls serving him. 

Then there is the flora and fauna of the moon itself to consider... 

Why does it have to be a moon? Recall that the Umbelgarri home world was a moon, whose orbit was destabilized by the Shards near the end of the Silicate War. The Umbelgarri are seeking similar conditions to their home world (moon) to increase the success rate of bringing new generations into the dwindling population (much lost in the Silicate War, and now being further devastated as the war against the Crax is going poorly. All of this was established in the previous novels...a consideration when one considers writing a series.

Then there is the interaction between the rat/squirrel-like Chicher (Relic Techs) and the Umbelgarri, low-slung amphibians, like a cross between a salamander and crocodile, who communicate mainly via shifts in color (like squids) of their skin, and low frequency sounds (like elephants) that add emphasis and emotion. Plus, they're A or Advanced Tech. I am striving to be consistent with what has previously been established, and what would be logical moving forward. 

 So, words come slowly at times.

There is this novel, and the final novel in the series planned, and possibly a prequel, which focuses on Kra's  participation in the Colonization Riots, and subsequent 'banishment' to warehouse duty on Pluto.

Okay, back to work...

Pics and Comments from the River City Comic and Arts Festival

Thought I would post some pictures from the River City Comic Arts Festival.

I met some new readers and fans of all things fantasy, science fiction and horror, and crossed paths again with readers and folks I've met before. A great event.

Thanks to Jordan Lowe (of Asylum Comics) for organizing it!

First Cosplayer of the Day

2nd Cosplayer, left me a kind Fortune :)

Buzz Lightyear Cosplay (and reader of my novels)!

Original Cosplay Character: Heatwave
(and reader of my novels)

More Cool Cosplayers

Deathstroke and Deadpool Cosplayers

James T., an avid reader of my novels :)

Cosplay Viking Warrior that reminded me of Sgt. Drux of
The First Civilization's Legacy Series

Brandon and his Daughter--they won the drawing to name
a character in Monsters, Maces and Magic: Fairyed

Remington and Brandon on the left and right: The Dueling Ogres
Kesha "Wizard in the Wardrobe" from Schmo Mo News
and Chad, an occasional guest co-host of the Dueling Ogres in the back.

Wonder Woman Cosplayer

Jordan Lowe, organizer of the River City Comic Arts Festival
and Kesha for Schmo Mo News.

River City Comic Arts Festival (July 28th)

Hey Folks,

I'll be one of the guest authors at the River City Comics Art Festival this upcoming Sunday (July 28th).

As indicated in the floor plan (below), I'll be stationed right next to author Stephen Hines. Also there, but across the hall from my table will be artist Shawn Langley.

Plan on stopping by, saying hello, and maybe pick up some novels, comics, or art created by the the talented group of invited guests and vendors.

Here's a brief bit of what's happening:

For more info follow this link: River City Comic Arts Festival

Art Affair on the Square 2019 in Urbana, Ohio

I will be participating in Urbana's Art Affair on the Square this Saturday (July 20th) from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. Come see artists, crafters, authors, food vendors and more.

It's located in downtown Urbana, just off the Square (where US Rt. 36 and US Rt. 68 intersect).

I and several other authors (including William O. Weldy and Addie J. King) will be in the literary tent, sponsored by the Champaign County Library. We will be located on East Court Street this year.

Rumor has it the Domestic Divas will be there too!

Come and see what's happening, and maybe pick up a few signed books!

For more details, check out this link: Art Affair on the Square 2019

Revised Manuscript for Fairyed Sent off to Gryphonwood Press

Yesterday I finished the revision of Fairyed (based upon editor suggested corrections and comments), and a few minor things I wanted to fix. I also completed the Dedication, Acknowledgements, and About the Author sections, and emailed those, and the manuscript to Gryphonwood Press.

Actually I did the majority of the revision while on vacation with the family at Fort Myers Beach, Florida. I got up early and worked, and did work while there was down time or my daughters/wife were napping or shopping. Maybe some would think working on revisions while on vacation doesn't make sense, but it's what I do. I sat on the porch of the condo, overlooking the gulf, listened to the waves wash up on the sand and focused on the task at hand. (See pic above of my 'work station.' Not too bad.)

The cover art should be completed (by Drazenka Kimpel) in early August, and Jonathan Waters has been contracted to narrate the audiobook version of Fairyed.

Most of the work is done. I will have to proof the galley when my publisher sends it over. And I am the one who proofs the audiobook version, but the major work for the novel is finished (on my end)--well, except for marketing and promotion.

Back to Relic Shield. Less than a month before the school year again starts, and I will have less time available for writing and writing-related projects.