Going Camping!

Tomorrow I leave for vacation. I'll be back on August 11th! I hope my dog will remember me! My house sitter wants to take her home already when I get back!

Classics

 

Scifi Saturday: Immanence

Short Film Friday: Starborn

Quote of the Week

 

Cinema Saturday: Once Upon a Time in the West

Quote of the Week

 

Classics from Tannhauser Press!

 Want to catch up on your classics? Now available from Tannhauser Press!

Summer vacation slow down...

 

Happy Birthday America!

 

Quote of the Week

 

SciFi Saturday: Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone

Short Film Friday: Kepler X-47

Quote of the Week

 

Free Audio Book! While Supplies Last!

 Click the cover to get a free copy!

Bacon... again.

 

Scifi Saturday: The Conspiracy of Dark Falls

Scifi Saturday: Sky Captain and The World of Tomorrow

Short film Friday: Battery Life

Quote of the Week

 

Tuesday Tips: Making Your Cover

If you are hiring a cover designer or doing it yourself here is the easiest way to get your cover sized right for KDP or IngramSpark. The Print Cover Template Creator.

This will enable you to create and download a template that is sized to fit your exact cover needs.

The best thing about there templates is that you can add them as a layer in Photoshop or GIMP and then design your cover with the sizes and locations in mind of all the pieces of you cover.

Below is an example template and an example of it in use for a cover design.

NOTE: The first thing I do is render the color white as clear (Color to Alpha in GIMP).

It took me far to long to figure this out. Hoping this helps.

Tannhauser Press Classics Collection is Now On Sale!

 

Tannhauser Press Classic Collection:

• War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
• Dracula by Bram Stoker
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
• The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
• The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells
• A Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne
• The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
• Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
• Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
• The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells
• Flatland by Edwin A. Abbott
• A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

On sale on Amazon now!

Treats. It's all about the Treats...

 

Scifi Saturday: Alien Armageddon: The Nephilim Invasion

Short Film Friday: Hibernation

Scifi Saturday: The Andromeda Strain

Short Film Friday: The Wastelander: Sector 23

The Moon, all sides...

Quote of the Week

 

Now available as an Audio Edition!

 

Click the image!

Gone camping...

 

Scifi Saturday: The 27th Day (1957)

Short Film Friday: 43,000 Feet

Quote of the Week

 

Tuesday Tips: Book Signing Events!

 

When you start attending local author events, make sure you visit the other author's tables. Check out their setups!

It will become apparent what works and what doesn't. What draws people in and ultimately helps sell your books.

Good racks to display your books are essential. Excellent signage for your display is a big help!

Don't forget a nice bowl of candy!

Remember the Fallen...

 

Getting Uppity Again...

 

Scifi Saturday: Biggles

Short Film Friday: DRIFT

I'll be at Balticon this weekend!

 

--See you there!

Quote of the Week

 

Tuesday Tips: Power of Collaboration

As an author, getting your work noticed in a crowded literary marketplace can be a daunting task. While there are numerous marketing strategies out there, one approach that has proven to be particularly effective is collaboration. By joining forces with other authors, you can expand your reach, tap into new audiences, and create a mutually beneficial marketing opportunity.

Here are a few ways in which collaboration can work wonders for authors:

• Cross-Promotion: Partnering with other authors in your genre allows you to tap into each other's fan bases. By promoting each other's work through social media shoutouts, newsletter features, or joint events, you can introduce your books to a whole new set of potential readers.
• Anthologies and Box Sets: Collaborating with fellow authors to create anthologies or box sets can be a powerful marketing tool. By bundling your works together, you not only offer readers a great deal, but you also benefit from each other's promotional efforts.
• Co-Writing Projects: Co-writing a book with another author can be an exciting way to leverage each other's strengths and fan bases. This can also lead to cross-promotion and double the marketing efforts for the same project.
• Joint Events and Workshops: Hosting joint author events, book signings, or writing workshops can draw a larger crowd and create a buzz around your collective work.

In the competitive world of publishing, collaboration can be a game-changer for authors looking to expand their reach and connect with new readers. By teaming up with other authors, you not only amplify your marketing efforts but also build a supportive network within the writing community.

Remember, in the world of marketing, there's strength in numbers. So, reach out to your fellow authors and explore the possibilities of collaboration. Together, you can achieve far more than you ever could alone.

My New Signature Logo. Fancy!

 

Truth...

 

Scifi Saturday: Battle Beneath The Earth

Short Film Friday: Signal Dark

Quote of the Week

 

Tuesday Tips: More Sources of Inspiration

Are you a sci-fi writer, like me? Are you seeking inspiration to fuel your next intergalactic adventure or dystopian saga? Look no further! The universe is full of awe-inspiring wonders, just waiting to spark your imagination. Here are some out-of-this-world places to find the inspiration to craft your next sci-fi masterpiece.

Space Exploration and Astronomy. The mysteries of outer space have fascinated humanity for centuries. Follow the latest developments in space exploration, marvel at breathtaking images from telescopes like Hubble, and immerse yourself in the wonders of the cosmos. From newly discovered exoplanets to the mind-boggling phenomena of black holes, the boundless expanse of space is a treasure trove of inspiration for sci-fi writers.

Cutting-Edge Science and Technology. Stay updated on the latest scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements. From quantum computing to artificial intelligence, real-world innovations often serve as the foundation for futuristic concepts in science fiction. Delve into scientific journals, attend tech conferences, and explore emerging fields to gain insights that can shape the worlds and technologies in your stories.

History and Anthropology. Uncover hidden gems in our own history and explore the rich tapestry of human civilization. Ancient cultures, lost civilizations, and pivotal moments in history can provide fascinating backdrops for your sci-fi narratives. By drawing inspiration from real-world events and societies, you can infuse your stories with depth and authenticity.

Nature and the Environment. The natural world is a source of endless inspiration. Whether it's the enigmatic depths of the ocean, the eerie beauty of desolate landscapes, or the biodiversity of exotic ecosystems, nature offers a wealth of inspiration for alien worlds, post-apocalyptic settings, and ecological themes in sci-fi storytelling.

Speculative Fiction and Art. Engage with the works of other science fiction writers, explore speculative fiction subgenres, and immerse yourself in the visual art of renowned sci-fi illustrators. Consume a wide range of sci-fi media, from classic novels to avant-garde short stories, and let the creativity of others ignite fresh ideas within you.

Futurism and Predictive. Trends Examine current social, political, and environmental trends to speculate about the future. Analyze the impact of technological, cultural, and geopolitical shifts, and envision how these changes might unfold in the distant future. This forward-thinking approach can help you craft thought-provoking narratives that resonate with contemporary issues.

Dreams, Imagination, and What-If Scenarios. Never underestimate the power of your own imagination. Let your dreams, daydreams, and musings guide you into uncharted territories. Explore hypothetical scenarios and ask "what if?" to unlock the limitless potential of speculative fiction.

By seeking inspiration from these diverse sources, you can breathe life into your sci-fi writing and captivate readers with immersive worlds, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. Remember, inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places, so keep your mind open and your imagination ready to soar to new frontiers.

Another book signing! Sunday the 19th, Noon to 4pm!

 I will be selling and signing books!

Pants are over rated...

 

Scifi Saturday: The Phantom Planet (1961)

Short Film Friday: Auroras

 The weather looks good for Saturday! Come see me!

Quote of the Week

 

Tuesday Tips: Inspiration

 I recommend that every author find ways to inspire themselves. Everyone is different. Some people watch from sidewalk cafes or museums. Some take their stories from their past. Some from dreams. Here is my list:

• Images from art and photography like Pinterest below.
• Movies. Even bad ones.
• TV. Even shows that are not Scifi can inspire me.
• Music that touches my soul.
• Dreams. Especially the whacked ones.
• Solo Camping in the forest...

Always keep a notebook of ideas. I refer to them often finding puzzle pieces I didn't know were missing...

Click the image to see the collection:

Come see me on Saturday!

--This is a great family-friendly book festival!

Bacon... Mmmmm...

 

Scifi Saturday Cinema Classic : Invasion of the Saucer Men

Short Film SciFriday: OVERCLOCKED

EVENT: Manassas Reads 2024!

 

--Come out and see me! It's always a fun day!

Quotes of the Week

 

Tuesday Tips: Genres and Styles

One lesser-known tip for writers is to practice writing in different genres and styles. This can help you expand your skills and creativity and discover new ways to approach storytelling. Experimenting with different genres can also help you find your unique voice as a writer. Additionally, reading widely across various genres can provide inspiration and new ideas for your own writing. 

Challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone to grow as a writer is important. 

Get a Copy Signed by the Author!

 Get Your Copy Signed by the Author! FREE Shipping!

Cat Blackmail...

 

Scifi Saturday: THE BLACKHOLE

Short Film Friday: SHE

May Events

I have a couple in-person events coming up in May. Come out and say hi, get a book signed or just point and laugh!

• May 11th - Manassas Reads
• May 19th - Spring Lot Con
• May 24th to 26th - Balticon

 

Quote of the Week

 

Tuesday Tips: Beta Readers

One lesser-known tip for authors is to utilize beta readers before publishing your work. 

Beta readers can provide valuable feedback on your manuscript, helping you identify areas for improvement and ensuring that your story resonates with your target audience. Additionally, beta readers can catch errors or inconsistencies you may have missed. This can ultimately lead to a stronger final product that is more likely to be well-received by readers. 

I like to have a mix of beta readers. Some are fellow authors, some are avid readers of the book's genre, and some have never read any of my other books.

The key is that they all need to be brutally honest and specific.

I like to have about ten beta readers. About 30% don't have time, and that's fine. I have had as many as thirty (too many) and as few as three (too few). 

--They always help make my books better.

On Sale Now!!

 

Mmmmm... Bacon.