It's The End Of The Year...

I'm sure I say this every year, and at every end of the year, but time sure does fly. More so as you get older. Maybe it's just a matter of perception as you see the years progressing and your limited time dwindling. It's hard work trying to ignore your mortality and what you want to achieve in such a short space of time.

Well, that's pretty morbid, right? But come on, who hasn't felt that rising panic when you think: "Ack! I'm (add age here) and I still haven't done (add what it is here) yet!"  I get these panic attacks once every six months. My first one usually starts in the middle of the year as I glance around and realize nothing on the new year's resolution list has been done. The second attack usually comes around the end of the year as confirmation hits me that (really) nothing has been accomplished.

Granted, some years I'm more focused than others and I do accomplish most of the stuff on my list. Some years, I say.  This year had some pretty good accomplishments, enough to give you that 'feel good happy-dance' moment, but I got a ton of roll-over items on the list that 2013 is looking pretty packed. Groan...

Two major highlights for 2012, well, the third and final of the Lancaster Trilogy was birthed and introduced into the world. It received a 'Best Book' vote and 'Book of the Month' vote by the Long and Short Reviews. Yay, not too shabby, right! And later in the year, I signed on with another publisher and released To Catch A Marlin. So far so good and it's been receiving some good reviews (you gotta love Jax Marlin).

That being said, I still have much more that I wanted to do this year. Like finish The Grosjean Chronicles, Bengaria's War, Time Fracture (heh, this blog post sort of reflects the subject matter in this story), and various other little tales. But, I did make some head way, and I managed to outline some more notes for each of them.

On a personal level, 2012 was pretty sedate despite the boast of it being the Year of the Dragon. Besides the sadness of losing a few close friends and family members, I was afflicted with the daily grind of living, my day job getting even fewer clients calling (damn the economy!), and the rising cost of every day things burning a ginormous hole in my purse. I took reclusiveness to new levels, and as proof, did a mere 200km on my car (roughly) for the entire year (the cobwebs have now taken to manifesting INSIDE the car).

So, aside from the few roll-over items on the list for 2013, I've decided I'm not going to make any more resolutions. I'll just be content knowing that things will get done in their own time, when they are good and ready. This panicky feel I get when deadlines approach and the mind getting addled and the stress rising just doesn't do the soul well (I forgot to mention the new outcropping of gray hairs I noticed this year - very worrying!). 

Like Po in Kung Fu Panda, 2013 will see me (hopefully) taking a breath and trying for some inner peace. Life's too short to be worrying about the little stuffs on the list. So, with a deep cleansing breath, I look forward to the new year and will be ready for all that it brings.

I will.

Okay, is it time to starting drinking champagne yet? ;P

Cheers to all and here's hoping the coming new year brings you all happiness, success, and inner peace! Stay safe and be well. And read more books!

Merry Christmas!

Just a short and sweet little post to wish everyone who stops by a wonderful Christmas. And here's to hoping 2013 will be filled with prosperity and good cheer.

My very best to you all.
CHEERS!!! 

SFFSat - Nov 24

Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday (SFFSat) is a place where a bunch of us post snippets from our written works and also shoot the breeze a little. And before I get ahead of myself, thanks and appreciation as always to those who stop by and leave fantastic comments.

To Catch A Marlin
is available in Ebook & Paperback
from Amazon

Continuing with To Catch A Marlin...

To Catch A Marlin is a futuristic cat and mouse tale involving Special Inspector Pedroni and the vigilante Jax Marlin, who just happens to be a super sexy woman with ninja skills.

In this scene, we have Jax in London, in her apartment, having a particularly reflective moment...

            She checked the time, just after 5 a.m. London Time. Traveling through space really messed up her internal clock. She was wide awake, starving hungry for chicken wings, and wanting a meaty drink like a Guinness. Even the two days she’d spent flat out on her back, most of it sleeping, hadn’t really helped her reacclimate to Earth life.

            Outside the quaint townhouse in Stockwell Park, listed under Jacqueline Sturgeon, the rain pattered. It looked like winter this year would be a wet one. Not that it made much difference from the previous years—but a little snow would be nice. London didn’t believe in Weather Control, claiming it caused the city to lose its traditional charm. Not many sodden residents agreed.

If you are interested in participating in next weeks SFFSat, just click HERE, and follow the rules. Sign up is open every Wednesday - and if you're on Twitter, use the #SFFSat hashtag.

Cheers!

A State of Vegetation...

Finishing a book—or two—which also includes short stories and scratching out plot outlines for future tales, takes an almighty toll on your brain. I hadn’t realized just how much until just recently.

For the last year, I’ve been neck deep, immersed in writing, plotting, and basically creating a new ‘world’ for my characters (Jax and Pedroni) to exist in. Aside from all that, I’ve been having lengthy conversations with them (as we all do as writers) and getting to know them—quirks and bad habits and all—even taking them out to dinner to wine and dine them to see how they interact socially. For the past year, it’s been all about them. It still is, but having completed their debutante’s ball for the world to see, I find myself thoroughly exhausted with the very thought of writing something (aside from this post).

I believe I’ve burnt out a few brain cells. So, time for a recharge—I’m taking a mental vacation, like a well-deserved break after long hours of toiling work. And with the end of the year drawing nearer, it seems my body is unconsciously gearing down a few notches and sorting stuff out in preparation for the new year.

Now, this doesn’t mean I’ve completely stopped writing. I’ve numerous ideas roaming around in my head, aligning themselves and shaping into perfect little plot bubbles. But the motivation to put thoughts to words is lacking.

So what am I doing instead? Vegetating. How? By playing an endless succession of games, watching more TV than I usually do (Fall season isn't too bad, just saying—but the end of DST is killing me with the later TV times), and intentionally creating vacuous space between my ears so I can blank out from constructive thoughts. I’m even enjoying…(can’t believe I’m admitting this)…cooking!

But fear not! Since my ‘enforced’ break, I’ve come up with two plot lines for future stories, which are taking on a nice voluptuous shape and an irresistible wink that’s doing all sorts of teasing things to catch my attention. I’m sure most of you know what I mean. Of course, there’s no point rushing into things, right? So until my mind decides it’s time to dust off the keyboard and flex my fingers, I’ll just continue with a tried and trusted method of vegetation.

What about you? What do you do to recharge the creative batteries in your brain? I’d love to know.

SFFSat - Nov 17

Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday (SFFSat) is a place where a bunch of us post snippets from our written works and also shoot the breeze a little. And before I get ahead of myself, thanks and appreciation as always to those who stop by and leave fantastic comments.

To Catch A Marlin
is available in Ebook & Paperback
from Amazon

Continuing with the release of To Catch A Marlin, yet another snippet. I'm debating whether this should be the last one--time to move onto other exciting adventures--but maybe I'll save one last one for next week.

To Catch A Marlin is a futuristic cat and mouse tale involving Special Inspector Pedroni and the vigilante Jax Marlin, who just happens to be a super sexy woman with ninja skills.

Today, we have our favourite space pirate, Captain Taris, chatting with Jax after a particularly nasty chase, having a little discussion about space...

            Jax snorted. “Granny Fish does not pine. And she still thinks you’ve wasted your talents out here in this dark hole of a universe.”

            “I don’t know what you two have against space and adventuring these uncharted seas.”
            “It’s space. It’s got stars and planets and junk. What more is there to adventure?”
            “You landlubbers.”

            “Uncle Taris. It’s space—not the freaking ocean.”

If you are interested in participating in next weeks SFFSat, just click HERE, and follow the rules. Sign up is open every Wednesday - and if you're on Twitter, use the #SFFSat hashtag.

Cheers!

The First Review for To Catch A Marlin

Check it out folks. The first review for TO CATCH A MARLIN is in. 
Click HERE to read it.

Cheers!

SFFSat - Nov 10

Welcome to another Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday.

SFFSat is a place where a bunch of us post snippets from our written works and also shoot the breeze a little. And before I get ahead of myself, thanks and appreciation as always to those who stop by and leave fantastic comments.

To Catch A Marlin
is available in Ebook & Paperback
from Amazon

To celebrate the release of To Catch A Marlin, yet another snippet.
To Catch A Marlin is a futuristic cat and mouse tale involving Special Inspector Pedroni and the vigilante Jax Marlin, who just happens to be a super sexy woman with ninja skills.

Today, we have Pedroni scrambling away from a rather amorous encounter with a guest on the Bacchus Dome (a pleasure station in space). It should be noted that nothing happened, other than Pedroni losing some of his dignity...he's very prudish when he's ready.

            He scrambled to fix himself as he scurried away, in search of his jacket. To his horror, it had landed behind the woman; he hesitated, running through ways to avoid her clutches. She still lay on the floor, legs spread and waving in the air to the cheers of the onlookers.

            A service droid resembling a mermaid scooped up Pedroni’s jacket and brought it to him with a smile. He breathed out a sigh and graciously thanked the machine—then fled.

            As he rounded a corner, he ran hands through his hair and pressed his back against a wall.

            These people...

            He had nothing against the woman, other than the large breasts, which always intimidated him—her approach was simply offensive. He scrubbed a hand over his face, hot and sweaty from the humiliating encounter. The sooner he got off this debauching place, the better.

If you are interested in participating in next weeks SFFSat, just click HERE, and follow the rules. Sign up is open every Wednesday - and if you're on Twitter, use the #SFFSat hashtag.

Cheers!

SFFSat - Nov 03

It's Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday time again.

SFFSat is a place where a bunch of us post snippets from our written works and also shoot the breeze a little. And before I get ahead of myself, thanks and appreciation as always to those who stop by and leave fantastic comments.

To Catch A Marlin
is available in Ebook & Paperback
from Amazon

To celebrate the release of To Catch A Marlin, yet another snippet.
To Catch A Marlin is a futuristic cat and mouse tale involving Special Inspector Pedroni and the vigilante Jax Marlin, who just happens to be a super sexy woman with ninja skills.

Today, we have Jax onboard the Beemer, a pirate space vessel, and having a discussion with her old friend Taris after a particularly hasty chase...It should be noted, that despite all her escapades and feats, she is quite discomforted with being in space.

“Calm down, Jaxy. This ship’s old but she’s still got moves.” He did a waddling impression of a belly dancer gyrating, then grasped her roughly by the shoulders and gave her a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll just do a big loop and head back—don’t want to lose that nice ship you left us, now do we?” He clicked his tongue. “I just can’t understand what you have against space. What with all the things you get up to, this should be a walk in the park.”
“I like to see the ground.” Jax retorted testily; embarrassment made her grouchy. “Preferably with both feet on it.”

If you are interested in participating in next weeks SFFSat, just click HERE, and follow the rules. Sign up is open every Wednesday - and if you're on Twitter, use the #SFFSat hashtag.

Cheers!

Paths to Publication

Today, author Heidi Ruby Miller spotlighted me for her Paths to Publication series.
Check it out right HERE.

Cheers!

Cover Reveal for Dog Star Books

Today I'm introducing author, K. Ceres Wright, and her new release COG.

COG - In a futuristic world where personalities
can be downloaded at will, who's a girl to trust?

I've had the privilege of reading a short, ten-sentence sampling from this book and it is simply amazing. I was immediately drawn in by the unusual, dystopic world she had created. After that teasing sample, I'm eagerly awaiting its release. 2013 can't get here fast enough!

So, here it is. Cover art for COG.

AUTHOR:  K. Ceres Wright http://www.kcereswright.com

ARTIST: Bradley Sharp http://www.bradsharp.co.uk

PUBLISHER: Dog Star Books

GENRE: Cyberpunk Science Fiction

RELEASE: Summer 2013

LINKS: Dog Star Books - http://dogstarbooks.blogspot.com

SFFSat - Oct 27

It's Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday time again.

SFFSat is a place where a bunch of us post snippets from our written works and also shoot the breeze a little. And before I get ahead of myself, thanks and appreciation as always to those who stop by and leave fantastic comments.

To Catch A Marlin
is available in Ebook & Paperback
from Amazon

This week, to celebrate the release of To Catch A Marlin, yet another snippet.
To Catch A Marlin is a futuristic cat and mouse tale involving Special Inspector Pedroni and the vigilante Jax Marlin, who just happens to be a super sexy woman with ninja skills.

Today, we have Special Inspector Pedroni, who is on a space station called Cyprian after an 'incident' involving Jax. He's finding dealing with the local authorities...challenging. (Note: Ling is another agent, and CI stands for Chief Inspector).

“I’ll go get some coffee.” In sympathy, Ling patted Pedroni’s shoulder, then, jerked his head towards a streetglider just pulling up at the entrance of the street. “There’s Minamoto over there, the one with the steam coming out her nose. Oh-oh...too late, she’s spotted you.”
          CI Minamoto wore a severe black skirt suit and skyscraper heels to elevate her short stature some six inches. Her black hair was scraped clean off her face and tied back in an angry looking knot at the very top of her head. Her face was a narrow and angular slash, with hard black eyes directed at Pedroni. She walked briskly over with a sort of stomping clip-clop that sent the edges of her skirt jerking left and right to keep tune with her pace. She reminded him of his ex-wife.
          Pedroni could think of nothing to say—running for his life looked really good at the moment.

If you are interested in participating in next weeks SFFSat, just click HERE, and follow the rules. Sign up is open every Wednesday - and if you're on Twitter, use the #SFFSat hashtag.

Cheers!

TO CATCH A MARLIN - Released!

TO CATCH A MARLIN is out!!

Published by Ring of Fire Publishing, this marks my fourth book (but actually my fifth completed novel) and follows the lives of two polar opposites in the form of a special inspector and his prey, a super sexy vigilante.

What wouldn't you do to catch a criminal?
In the tail end of the 24th Century, Special Inspector Michael Pedroni pursues a beautiful and elusive vigilante, Jax Marlin, in a wild cat and mouse chase that will take him from Earth to the Bacchus Dome and beyond.

Jax Marlin is not your average criminal; she seeks out evil-doers and law-breakers, doling out justice in whatever way she sees fit. But lately, she finds she's been gift-wrapping criminals specially for her favorite copper.

Four of the world's leading criminals are determined to form an alliance. Jax is determined to stop them. Hot on her heels, Inspector Pedroni finds himself questioning the difference, if any, between her justice and his. More than that, he wonders why, when he'd had her in his grasp, he was unable to slap on the restraints and bring her in.

Both want the same thing--to stop criminals. But the growing attraction each has towards the other becomes a dangerous hindrance.

So, there you have it. What wouldn't you do to read this book? :)

Cheers!

SFFSat - Oct 20

It's Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday time again.

SFFSat is a place where a bunch of us post snippets from our written works and also shoot the breeze a little. And before I get ahead of myself, thanks and appreciation as always to those who stop by and leave fantastic comments.

This week, I'm still featuring a snippet from To Catch A Marlin, due out this October with Ring of Fire Publishing. A futuristic cat and mouse tale involving Special Inspector Pedroni and the vigilante Jax Marlin, who just happens to be a super sexy woman with ninja skills.

Today, Jax is having dinner at a seafood restaurant on the Bacchus Dome (in space), hidden away from prying eyes in a private booth with privacy screens initiated. In the main dining room, Inspector Pedroni is also having dinner, alone. Jax takes this opportunity to study the man, but in the meantime, has to suffer the ordeal of eating a seafood...

According to the restaurant hostess who showed her to the booth, it had affected an oceanic scent, which, in Jax’s opinion didn’t smell anything like the ocean. In fact, it smelled more like some public toilets in classy establishments that came with service bots carrying trays of perfumes and scented soaps and fresh hot hand towels.

Jax had already eaten her oyster starter with copious shots of vodka, but the rawness of briny, rubberized glob still coated her mouth like phlegm. She’d already forced down several retches before deciding on chasing down the mollusk with vodka like she would if she were swallowing a pill. What people found deliciously fascinating about the decadent snot ball was beyond her.

Pedroni, who sat rather awkwardly by himself at a table, ate his boring clam chowder with even groaningly boring care. She nearly glazed over watching him.

If you are interested in participating in next weeks SFFSat, just click HERE, and follow the rules. Sign up is open every Wednesday - and if you're on Twitter, use the #SFFSat hashtag.

Cheers!

SFFSat - Oct 13

Welcome back to another Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday.

I've been remiss and haven't participated for a little whiles as I sorted through final drafts and edits and various other stuff life throws at you in the real world.

SFFSat is a place where a bunch of us post snippets from our written works and also shoot the breeze a little. And before I get ahead of myself, thanks and appreciation as always to those who stop by and leave fantastic comments.

This week, I'm featuring a snippet from To Catch A Marlin, due out this October with Ring of Fire Publishing. A futuristic cat and mouse tale involving Special Inspector Pedroni and the vigilante Jax Marlin, who just happens to be a super sexy woman with ninja skills.

Today, Inspector Pedroni walks into the International Criminal and Security Police's office on the Bacchus Dome (in space) and realizes an interesting difference to the ICSP buildings he's accustomed to seeing...

So much for Earth police buildings, these outer space ones were like futuristic corporate houses. Sleek, spatial designs greeted him, which seemed to enhance the light and mood emphasized by the glass walls that brought in more light. His eyes swept up impressive curving steps, which led to a floor above to the glass tube elevators that shot up seven more stories. A few darted up and down, filled with attractive people in rather sexy police uniforms and suits.
            This can’t be the right place.

Pedroni suppressed the urge to whistle. As he looked up to the very top floor, he decided it looked like a prism, filtering in brilliance, enough to have him squinting. He’d read somewhere that people who lived for long periods in space needed light elements to mimic sunlight else they tended to suffer bouts of depression.

Well, he looked around scanning cheery faces. I don’t see any of that here.

If you are interested in participating in next weeks SFFSat, just click HERE, and follow the rules. Sign up is open every Wednesday - and if you're on Twitter, use the #SFFSat hashtag.

Cheers!

A Quickie Update

I've been remiss in posting lately, and the term 'no rest for the wicked' can be applied here. However, that is not entirely true...the 'rest' bit. Haha!

My usual Saturday morning snippets for the SFFS (Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday) has taken a back seat, mainly because I've sort of run out of tasty little morsels to offer. I suppose I could write a series dedicated to it, but that means adding to the pile of stuff I already have to do. Also, Saturdays morning, of late, has become a little busy since (unfortunately) I live in the real world most of the time.

For a quick update on other stuff, my To Catch A Marlin is in the editing stages and should be expected to be released late October through Ring of Fire Publishing. Later on, three short stories spawned from Marlin will follow (you may have already seen one in a summer anthology, which came out this year).

What else... Oh, right. Bengaria's War is in the hands of a beta, and this tale may very well end up going into the 4th draft. This book is such a huge tale all packed into one vessel. It needs to be done right.

My collaboration story with my brother, Time Fracture, is still in progress. It's a little hard to bounce around ideas with him since he's got his hands full with children and daily chores of a family man. We hit a little irk-fest the other day when we found another book along similar lines released already. (groan).

And, to keep adding to the pile of things to do, I've decided to submit to a short story anthology for the SFR group I belong to. (Science Fiction Romance). I've taken a small scene from Bengaria's War and embellished on it. Hopefully, my sub will be accepted. (Finger's crossed).

On top of all of that, it's the usual grind of doing graphic work to pay the bills. As Christmas time approaches, my clients are gearing up for ads and promotion material and the usual hoopla selling products involve.

And that, in a nutshell is what's been up and why I've been somewhat laying low and flying under the radar.

Cheers!

SFFSat - Sept 15

Welcome back to another Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday.

SFFSat is a place where a bunch of us post snippets from our written works and also shoot the breeze a little. And before I get ahead of myself, thanks and appreciation as always to those who stop by and leave fantastic comments.

This week, another snippet from To Catch A Marlin, a more or less finalized WIP due out this October with Ring of Fire Publishing. A futuristic cat and mouse tale involving Special Inspector Pedroni and the vigilante Jax Marlin, who just happens to be a super sexy woman with ninja skills.

Today, Inspector Pedroni has just arrived in his room on the Bacchus Dome (in space) and discovered a bouquet of flowers in his room. It just so happens that they are his favourite kind (peonies), and around his apartment complex on Earth, there is an abundance of them which he loves. No one knows his particular affection to these flowers, unless they've been observing him with scrutiny...

The customs officials at the spaceport insisted he store his weapon in his carry-on while being processed, which now sat at the door. It was his only piece of luggage but it looked defiled after Customs had their way with it, and bulged unseemly with the zip not fully closed and a corner of his spare shirt sticking out. Not even a special inspector with the ICSP could get out of a customs search.

Quickly, Pedroni marched over, dug around in the bag and pulled out his weapon. He checked it, primed it, flicked the safety on, then, tucked it into his shoulder holster. He felt better.

So, he nodded, Marlin arranged this.

He couldn't rule it out, coincidence or not, it also meant she knew him better than he'd expected, and knew where he lived. He expected that. Chase a prey long enough, they start to hunt you in return by watching what you did.

If you are interested in participating in next weeks SFFSat, just click HERE, and follow the rules. Sign up is open every Wednesday - and if you're on Twitter, use the #SFFSat hashtag.

Cheers!

Lying Makes A Great Tale

This post was posted about a year ago on The Writers Vineyard where every month, I post something. I decided to repost this here, and maybe elaborate on it a bit. As writers will agree, we are fantastic liars.

Now, the idea for this post came about when I heard the story about my very young nephew (he was nearly two at the time), and his outrageous and unblinking lying abilities. He flat-out LIED when asked about a particular toy, claiming it had been "STOLEN." He then went into immaculate detail about HOW it was stolen, and WHO had stolen it, and so on and so forth. Just think, when he learns to read and write what sort of tales he'll come up with...

So, anyone can tell you a tale. We all have the capacity to embellish on the truth from the moment, as kids (and my nephew is a prime example), your mother asks you in that commanding tone: "Who did this?" and you reply by orbiting your eyes skyward with an, "Uhmmm, well...". And for some, like my nephew, they start very early in life. From that moment on, with a little work, a lot of practice and a lot less sky-gazing, you become a Storyteller.

Okay, most people will call it lying -- plain and simple, bold face, flat out lying.

I like to call it spinning a tale. A convincing tale (ever notice most liars always have an excuse... :) Ah-hem...).  After all, creating a story is joining up a bunch of fibs, throwing it into an imaginary world or setting and having amazing things happen in that world. I mean, come on!

Most people can write a story. Most people know how to write. Most people can join up letters and come up with something coherent that resembles a story. But how many people can lie through their teeth with such talent that you think what they told you is the honest to goodness truth? Not many. The mark of a good book/story is the mark of an exceptionally good liar. I'd hate to be next to them when they do break something and we get asked what happened.

For the moment, I am just a fledgling liar, but there's still hope for me. During the day when I masquerade as a graphic artist, I can think of a number of medicore tales I can tell to my clients -- usually the ones that are a royal pain in the aft. (Okay, if any of my clients read this post, I am so dead!) But conscience is a bitch and guilt even worse (perhaps this is why I'm a fledgling liar). I think I'll just stick to lying when I put on my writer's mask, where I can pour out all those wild tales and put them into words to create a story. And I can lie through my teeth without my conscience bothering me one bit. After all, it makes a great tale, right?

Cheers!

Blog Tour - Patrick Stutzman

Today I'm featuring Patrick Stutzman as he 'stops by' while on his blog tour, promoting the exciting sequel to his debut novel, Alone On The Edge.

The very-soon-to-be-released sequel, ALONE IN PARADISE, spins the tale of Anna Foster, a lone technician on a space station with only a computer for a companion. However, this is no longer the case as circumstances (and a bit of excitement) forces her to crash land on a new planet she discovered. The story takes off right on the heels of Alone On The Edge...

Here's a little blurb:

After the destruction of the mining station that was her home for 6 years, Anna Foster crashes on the newly-discovered moon she calls Paradise. With no way of calling for help, she must learn to survive in the untamed wilderness while trying to find a way back to human-controlled space.

While she adapts to the new environment, Anna stumbles across some of the moon’s hidden secrets and quickly discovers that she is not as alone as she originally believed.

Now Patrick has graciously offered to give away an E-Book to one lucky person who comments. I've read the first book (and it was amazing) and I look forward to reading this, so I can tell you that you'd better leave a comment if you don't want to miss out!!

And just to keep you motivated, here's a teaser excerpt...

Stepping up to the drone, Anna patted its metal shell and said with a bit of cheer, “Well Seventeen, what did we find out?”  Her wristcomp signaled an incoming message a few seconds later.

Reading the results, she said in a low voice, “I hope Kate can find something in all of this.”

“Kate,” she continued after calling the ship. “I have a list of frequencies and time intervals that Seventeen gathered over the last three hours. Can you see if you can find any sort of pattern in all of this?”

“I’ll see what I can do. Send it over.”

Anna transmitted the data and waited for the reply for a couple of minutes before starting to become impatient.

“Kate?”

“Everything’s fine, Anna. I’m just studying the data. One moment, please.”

A few more minutes elapsed before Kate finally said, “Anna, I’m sorry. I am not detecting a pattern in the information you sent me. Either the pattern is so long and complex that it cannot be determined with just three hours of information, or whatever is modulating the frequencies is doing it completely at random.”

Other books by Patrick Stutzman: Alone On The Edge (book 1) and Alone With Her Thoughts, a teaser short story of a deleted chapter.

Where to find Patrick:
Wesbite: The Worlds of Patrick Stutzman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatrickStutzman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatrickDStutzman

Well, there you have it folks.
Thanks Patrick for 'dropping by.'  Congrats, and best of luck and success in your release!!

Cheers!

SFFSat - Sept 08

Welcome back to another Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday.

SFFSat is a place where a bunch of us post snippets from our written works and also shoot the breeze a little. And before I get ahead of myself, thanks and appreciation as always to those who stop by and leave fantastic comments.

Yet another snippet from To Catch A Marlin, a more or less finalized WIP due out this October with Ring of Fire Publishing. A futuristic cat and mouse tale involving Special Inspector Pedroni and the vigilante Jax Marlin, who just happens to be a super sexy woman with ninja skills.

Today, Inspector Pedroni is in pursuit of a war-class cruiser where he suspects a criminal is hiding. Responding to a distress beacon, he approaches the cruiser...

Okay, it’s a sexy beast of a cruiser.

Pedroni smiled, marveling at the smooth lines and the way the approaching shuttle lights reflected off its gunmetal silver hull like dappled sunlight filtering through a canopy of leaves. Rows of reflective windows lined up in two levels, angled like cat eyes.

Like Jax’s.

Sexy.

With a gentle flare, like a slender woman’s hips, the rear thrusters fanned out from the sides and tapered gently apart like long, graceful legs. The engines were killed and the exhaust ends appeared dark. The only lights flickering were emergency flashes from the outer points of the Q-Class.

Either the ship really was dead, or something more sinister was at work, laying in wait for them to board. Pedroni suppressed the urge to voice his concerns to the rest of his team--the last thing he needed were spooked agents watching his back with live weapons.

If you are interested in participating in next weeks SFFSat, just click HERE, and follow the rules. Sign up is open every Wednesday - and if you're on Twitter, use the #SFFSat hashtag.

Cheers!

SFFSat - Sept 01

Well, I'm back.
After a short break (and a little holiday) I'm back on board with the SFFSat snippets.

SFFSat is a place where a bunch of us post snippets from our written works and also shoot the breeze a little. And before I get ahead of myself, thanks and appreciation as always to those who stop by and leave fantastic comments.

This week, I'm posting a snippet from To Catch A Marlin, a more or less finalized WIP due out this October with Ring of Fire Publishing. A futuristic cat and mouse tale involving Special Inspector Pedroni and the vigilante Jax Marlin, who just happens to be a super sexy woman with ninja skills.

Today, we have the very first opening lines to the story...

“Pedroni!”

Special Inspector Michael Pedroni peered up from writing his report to find Chief Inspector Aoki briskly walking towards his desk. The CI looked irritated, which meant something crawled up his aft orifice and laid eggs—and now he was about to hatch them all over Pedroni.

CI Aoki dropped a memory sphere and a flimsy report folder on Pedroni’s desk. “The El Sayed case, it’s yours with an upgrade.”

Pedroni narrowed his eyes. “The kidnapping case—I thought that was Boucher’s.”

“Well the ever-efficient Boucher decided he’d rather have a burst appendix.” Aoki fussed with his tie, a favored habit when something bothered him. “Bulletin on the case, it’s no longer a kidnapping.”

If you are interested in participating in next weeks SFFSat, just click HERE, and follow the rules. Sign up is open every Wednesday - and if you're on Twitter, use the #SFFSat hashtag.

Cheers!

Taking A Salt-Infused Breather

Well, it's that time again...vacation time.

This year, we're rolling out a little later than normal, opting instead to not head north but sideways to Grenada, the Spice Isle (and really, it does smell like spices from the moment you step out the airplane. The air permeates with the zingy smell of nutmegs and cinnamon and all sorts of yummy spices).

It's been a few years since both my hubby and I have gone there. In recent times, I've accompanied the mother-in-law so she could attend to errands (she's Grenadian) and I acted as chauffeur (plus, my work schedule allows me to just drop things and go). I have to admit, the island simply feels like an extension of home, having been there numerous times before.

This year, hubby is happily stepping up for the chauffeuring detail as well as a week of nothingness. And I mean nothingness. Grenada is the perfect place to vegetate and bask in the nothingness. He's already taken out his fishing rod (our hotel has a private jetty that has seen many days and nights in the past of fishing time) and checked all his hooks and weights and lines and whatnots. Meanwhiles, I've got all the electronics sorted, included the adaptor for the power (they use funny plugs and a different voltage) and I'm looking forward to some writing time...well, if the inspiration hits me.

So, come Friday, and forty-five minutes of flying time later, we'll be vegetating and breathing in salty-air for a week. Hopefully, if we can revive ourselves, we'll be returning to the real world ready to tackle stuff, and our battery levels reading fully charged!

Cheers!

SFFSat - July 28

Welcome to another SFFSat, where a bunch of us post snippets from our written works and shoot the breeze.  Thanks also to everyone who stops by and leaves awesome comment.  Much appreciated!

Today, I'm featuring a snippet from a WIP with the working title of Time Fracture. This is a short story (or not) spawned from an idea my brother had, and where I've embellished into a sort of creepy science fiction borderline paranormal.

The premise is that as we age, we lose time, a phenomena shared by every person. However, in this screwy world, the culprit of this lost time, is Time itself. Our hero must now seek a way to escape its clutches, resetting Time to what it once was.

This scene, continues directly on from where I left off last week (check it out here) where he realizes his watch is part of the cause. Here, our hero, after pinpointing the cause of lost Time, makes other startling discoveries.

But how could this innocuous device hold such dangerous powers? This marvel of science, of ingenuity, of craftsmanship—what could be so sinister about it?

I’ll tell you why, because I’ve learned the truth.

In the days of my youth, our house only held two Time Markers: an electronic wall clock in the kitchen, and my father’s wristwatch. Unless Time called you, the need to mark Time’s progress went unnoticed. You were safe; it hadn’t yet seen you completely.

I look around my house now, an old post-colonial, semi-brownstone townhouse that has stood for over a hundred years. It has seen many summers, withstood many bitter winters, rejoiced in the birth of spring and wept with the falling of autumn’s leaves. It has seen Time progress into the twenty-first century and has held Time Markers within its walls—it has held many secrets.

My house is filled with obscenities.

If you're interested in participating in next week's SFF Saturday, stop by their sign-up blog which is open every Wednesdays.  And don't forget to follow the rules and use the #SFFSat hashtag.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers!

Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge - Blood Divided by Kevin James Breaux

Continuing with my reading challenge for Speculative Fiction 2012, I chose Blood Divided...


Kevin James Breaux's sequel to Soul Born kicks off twenty years after the first story ends. There is enough back story to keep the 'uninitiated' in the loop, but it can also be read as a stand-alone, which is good since I really didn't want to be interrupted while reading by going back to the first one to refresh myself.

From the get-go, I was hooked (maybe because I'm already an 'initiated'), and had me up well past my bedtime to see 'what happens next' to the ensemble cast. It was good to see Tala (the Elf) again and the return of one of my favourites, Zian, the werewolf. Back too in one form or the other is Opal, the misguided mage. And then there is the new cast, primarily Opal and Tala's children by the same dude, Karn.  Each new character comes with unique personalities that jump out the page and drive the story forward.

I look forward to the next in the sequel, Dark Quest, which the author told me is due out 2013.

SFFSat - July 21

Welcome to another SFFSat, where a bunch of us post snippets from our written works and shoot the breeze.  Thanks also to everyone who stops by and leaves awesome comments.  Much appreciated!

Today, I'm featuring a snippet from a WIP with the working title of Time Fracture. This is a short story (or not) spawned from an idea my brother had, and where I've embellished into a sort of creepy science fiction borderline paranormal.

The premise is that as we age, we lose time, a phenomena shared by every person. However, in this screwy world, the culprit of this lost time, is Time itself. Our hero must now seek a way to escape its clutches, resetting Time to what it once was.

In this scene, our hero discovers when he lost Time...and when Time had marked him.

Until then, Time stood endless before me; each moment, enchantingly slow, profound, forever.

Memorable.

What happened when I turned eight? What Grim Reaper slashed their wicked sickle through my perpetual bliss? I have narrowed it down to only one thing.

I received my first watch.

A watch is such a remarkable device; crafted by artisans, to allow mortals to follow the progress of Time—to capture it, harness it.

This watch marked my Time.

It fascinated me; I was drawn in by its hypnotic charm, watching the seconds tick, the minutes, the hours—enthralling—and I had no idea that from that moment, Time would mark me, zero in on me, like a big bulls eye.

I was stolen without ever realizing it…

If you're interested in participating in next week's SFF Saturday, stop by their sign-up blog which is open every Wednesdays.  And don't forget to follow the rules and use the #SFFSat hashtag.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers!