Disquieting Visions Published: A Challenge in Writing Fantasy Short Stories

`
Disquieting Visions published my article:

Link: A Challenge in Writing Fantasy Short Stories

While relevant to all writers of short fiction, it focuses in on a particular aspect of writing fantasy.
Click on over and give it a read.
`

Hocking Hills 2011

Here are a few pictures from the day I spent hiking with my older daughter at Hocking Hills State Park.



Along the trail to Old Man's Cave

 It's only about a two hour drive from our home and visiting the park (and its trails, caves and water falls) is something my older daughter and I strive to accomplish as father and daughter each summer. Yes, someday my  younger daughter will be included--in a few years. The trip involves a lot of hiking up and down stairs and rocks and some slick, unsteady paths that require focus, concentration and endurance. But it's worth it.



The Water Fall at the end of Conkles Hollow




View from within the
Falls Cave at Conkles Hollow



Cinema of Shadows Book Trailer

`
I came across this book trailer for the novel, Cinema of Shadows by Michael West.

It views more like a film than a standard book trailer. Even a 'twist' at the very end.

I think it's pretty darn well done. Give it a view and see what you think.

Steven Brust Quote on Writers and Readers

`
"All literature consists of whatever the writer thinks is cool. The reader will like the book to the degree that he agrees with the writer about what's cool." --Steven Brust 


Contains the first three
Vald Taltos novels.
The perfect place to start.



As both a reader and a writer, what Brust said sure rings true.

`

National Debt Again

`
It's still a problem and not getting better. What is the Congress and the President doing about it? Ummm, nothing... Well, that's not true. They're busy pointing fingers and wringing hands, worried about default on debts owed. They 'need' to raise the debt ceiling to pay all of the obligations and promises they've made--of course then they could go on business as usual.

Nobody has a plan, except the Republicans in the House of Representatives. Everyone else in the government seems to have an opinion but nothing concrete or constructive. Sniping and trying to make themselves look good. Theoretical plans that will cut the deficit by a couple trillion dollars--plans that extend ten years into the future. Promises of cuts way out then. Those cuts will happen--ummm, right.

Does anyone see a problem with, after paying all of the entitlements such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and then paying the interest owed on the National Debt, there is basically no tax revenue left to pay for anything else? Thus, to pay for/fund anything else the U.S. Government has to borrow money? For the military, for the FBI, for road repair?

For every dollar spent, the U.S. Government borrows 40 cents (there is some debate on the exact amount, but this appears to be close).  If the government doesn't raise the debt ceiling, then they can only fund 60% of what they've 'budgeted.'

If our Representatives in Congress and the President don't do something soon to stop the spending--yes, actually reduce spending (you cannot raise enough taxes to cover all of the spending), this house of cards is gonna collapse. Won't that be pretty?

Get some guts, folks. Step up and tell the citizens: "We're broke...even worse, were in debt big-time and sinking further. No, you cannot have all of the goodies we promised. Even if we tax every rich person in the country, take every penny their earn above, say $250,000, we'll still not collect enough money (and won't that taxation plan do wonders for the economy). Everyone will have to tighten their belts. Everyone."

In the end we can only grow the economy to get out of this, but stemming the tide of spending is the first step to that happening. Maybe look at adjusting taxes after cuts are made. At least that's the way I see it.

The Gross National Debt

Note: At 4:40 pm EST on 7/22/11When this blog article was posted, the debt totalled: $14,412,536,802,223
-

"Accelerated Justice"

`

Here is the link to my short story "Accelerated Justice," part of Strange, Weird and Wonderful Magazine's Summer 2011 Issue. ("Accelerated Justice" starts off the issue!)

Link: Strange Weird and Wonderful Magazine Summer 2011 Issue

Hope you enjoy the story and let me know what you think.
`

Strange, Weird and Wonderful Interviews Me

`
Okay, some of you know me pretty well. Some of you don't. In either case, I think you'll enjoy the interview--and learn something about me, my reading interests, the cover art for Flank Hawk, or several other things.

Here's what the editor at Strange, Weird and Wonderful had to say:

Terry W. Ervin II is the kind of writer we like to bring to our readers; his career is on the way up and he has real talent. He made a promise to himself back in his college days to write a novel, but lucky for us, he also has written a short story or two.


His career and writing style has been heavily influenced by the likes of Steven Brust, Stephen R. Donaldson, Roger Zelazny, and others. His writing is gritty, and absorbing, and his characters breath with the life of a writer doing what he loves.

His Featured Story "Accelerated Justice" is a futuristic piece with a protagonist you will find easy to care about in a world where justice is served at the point of a needle.

If you'd like to learn more about Terry W. Ervin II and his writing, read his interview here:  Interview with Terry W. Ervin II.


-DLR-

Note: My short story "Accelerated Justice" is part of Strange, Weird and Wonderful's Summer 2011 Issue. I'll post the link tomorrow :)
`