Short Film Friday: 43,000 Feet

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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!

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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

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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!

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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!

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