Don't Go in the Woods and Weighted

This week's blog tour schedule:

Monday: Siana Wineland's jabbering about characterization. She's a very warm and supportive person, and a wonderful writer.

Tuesday: Toby Neal's. The topic is creativity.

Wednesday: Raine Thomas's Write as Raine Thomas with an excerpt from The Backworlds.

Thursday: Lynda Young's W.I.P It for a discussion on networking.

Friday: Julie Flander's What Else is Possible? for a little essay on my lack of wilderness skills.

It's Memorial Day weekend here in the US. The official opening of PMO. Yay. And I'm taking Monday off. Yes, you heard that right. I'm taking a day off and no touring next week. So, I may take my time popping on next week. Yeah, really.


Ciara Knight reveals the cover of her latest today. Weighted.

Weighted is a young adult post-apocalyptic with paranormal elements. It is a prequel novelette to The Neumarian Chronicles, and will be released August 2012. Book I, Escapement, will be released in 2013.

The Great War of 2185 is over, but my nightmare has just begun. I am being held captive in the Queen’s ship awaiting interrogation. My only possible ally is the princess, but I’m unsure if she is really my friend or a trap set by the Queen to fool me into sharing the secret of my gift. A gift I keep hidden even from myself.  It swirls inside my body begging for release, but it is the one thing the Queen can never discover. Will I have the strength to keep the secret? I’ll know the answer soon. If the stories are true about the interrogators, I’ll either be dead or a traitor to my people by morning.

Link to add Weighted to Goodreads shelf: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13647847-weighted

Congrats to Ciara. It's a gorgeous cover, and I love the title.

Come meet me at Julie Flander's What Else is Possible? where I talk about my lack of wilderness skills. City gals should not wander about the woods. Ever! And especially not in the dark.

I've been following Julie's journey since her early days in the blogosphere. She's such a lovely person, and an excellent writer. She writes nonfiction as well as fiction, and I just know I'll be hosting her blog tour one of these days. I'm really glad I bumped into Julie.

Have a great weekend everybody.

Networking Beyond the Internet

Monday: Siana Wineland's jabbering about characterization. She's a very warm and supportive person, and a wonderful writer.

Tuesday: Toby Neal's. The topic is creativity.

Wednesday: Raine Thomas's Write as Raine Thomas with an excerpt from The Backworlds.

Thursday: Lynda Young's W.I.P It for a discussion on networking.

Friday: Julie Flander's What Else is Possible? for a little essay on my lack of wilderness skills.

More photos from the Cascades. Click on a photo to enlarge. First: Along the Rogue River after the gorge. Second: Mt. Thieson. Third: Sky-reaching trees.

Join me today at Lynda Young's W.I.P It for a discussion on networking beyond the internet. Platform happens outside cyberspace, too. Lynda was one of my earliest blogging buddies, and she just announced one of her short stories was accepted in an anthology Make Believe. I've been privileged to read several of her stories. She's an awesome writer. So I knew we'd be celebrating her publications. I'm sure there are many more to come. Congrats, Lynda. Here's the beautiful cover:

Leecher, Leecher

Monday: Siana Wineland's jabbering about characterization. She's a very warm and supportive person, and a wonderful writer.

Tuesday: Toby Neal's. The topic is creativity.

Wednesday: Raine Thomas's Write as Raine Thomas with an excerpt from The Backworlds.

Thursday: Lynda Young's W.I.P It for a discussion on networking.

Friday: Julie Flander's What Else is Possible? for a little essay on my lack of wilderness skills.


Rogue River Gorge in the Cascades offered some breathtaking sights.

 The last is a living stump. Anything weird fascinates me. Thank goodness Oregon excels at weird. Clicking on any photo will enlarge.

Join me at Raine Thomas's
Check out her books while you're there. Raine is a fantastic writer.

Magic of Moonrise

It's a full week of blog touring.

Monday: Siana Wineland's jabbering about characterization. She's a very warm and supportive person, and a wonderful writer.

Tuesday: Toby Neal's. The topic is creativity.

Wednesday: Raine Thomas's Write as Raine Thomas with an excerpt from The Backworlds.

Thursday: Lynda Young's W.I.P It for a discussion on networking.

Friday: Julie Flander's What Else is Possible? for a little essay on my lack of wilderness skills.


More photos from the Oregon Vortex. Inside the House of Mystery ... ooo. According to our lovely tour guide, the anomalies are in constant flux. I bought their booklet of scientific data to study in more detail. It was a fun place to visit. See Monday for more photos. Click on any photo for a larger view.

Meet me over at Toby Neal's. . Toby is a huge talent. Her novel Blood Orchids is a hit, and she lives in stunning Hawaii.

The Backworlds is now available on iTunes and B&N for free. Check the sidebar or The Backworlds tab for links.

Words Sparked Like Stars

It's a full week of blog touring.

Monday: Siana Wineland's jabbering about characterization. She's a very warm and supportive person, and a wonderful writer.

Tuesday: Toby Neal's. The topic is creativity.

Wednesday: Raine Thomas's Write as Raine Thomas with an excerpt from The Backworlds.

Thursday: Lynda Young's W.I.P It for a discussion on networking.

Friday: Julie Flander's What Else is Possible? for a little essay on my lack of wilderness skills.

The Renaissance Faire turned out to be a bust. We thought the website had lied, because we couldn't find any festival, but then it turned out it's next year. Thanks to the very kind waiter in Medford for helping us out. But it wasn't a complete waste of time. We went 30 miles north to visit the Oregon Vortex and House of Mystery. That was worth the trip 3 1/2 hours southwest, and the scenery was spectacular through the Cascades, as always.

The men seem to get shorter on the right and taller on the left. Click on any photo for a larger view.

Join me today at Siana Wineland's .

Search for Other Earths

Today I'm visiting Derek Flynn at Rant with Occasional Music. Topic: Kepler and the search for other worlds. Besides being a writer, Derek is also a talented musician with his first album recently released. Check out his latest music video.

Wednesday I was at Allan Douglas's blog, The Write Stuff, talking about one of my greatest inspirations for The Backworlds, and one of my all-time favorite space operas. I met Allan awhile ago, and he has been a great supporter and fan. Quite fantastic. And he'd also a great writer.

Monday I'll be over at Siana Wineland's writing on characterization. She's a very warm and supportive person, and a wonderful writer.

Stop by and see us.

Happy weekend all. I'm off to Southern Oregon this weekend for a Renaissance Festival. Research for my fall release, and some fun.

Ran into my buds, the Gangsta cows, last Saturday. It was good to see them.

You Can't Take the Sky From Me

Today I'm at Allan Douglas's blog, The Write Stuff, talking about one of my greatest inspirations for The Backworlds, and one of my all-time favorite space operas. I met Allan awhile ago, and he has been a great supporter and fan. Quite fantastic. And he'd also a great writer.

 Yesterday I discussed strategies in launching a series at Nick Daw's. Have some ideas on marketing? Pop over and let's discuss.

Friday I'll be visiting Derek Flynn at Rant with Occasional Music. Topic: Kepler. Besides being a writer, Derek is also a talented musician with his first album recently released. Check out his latest music video.

I ran across this recently in my internet travels, a LEGO Serenity/Firefly playset. Awesome. You can find out more about it HERE.

Come see me at Allan's.

Got a look at Venus on Saturday. Venus has phases like the moon. Anything between us and the Sun has phases. Anything behind us, doesn't.

The Advantages in Creating a Series and First Loves

Meet me today at Nick Daw's Writing Blog. I'm thrilled to be inside Nick's writing world. The topic is strategies for launching a series. Nick just released The Fesitval on Lyris Five. Congrats to Nick.

Friday I visited Misha Gericke's My First Book. I can tell you she writes a fabulous story, and is a great crit partner. I look forward to celebrating her future publications. She puts out a fabulous blog, too. The discussion was on character. It's something I had to work on, and I talk about what helped me.

Wednesday I'll be taking over Allan Douglas's The Write Stuff, talking about the space opera that inspired The Backworlds most.

Stop by and see us.

It's First Loves Blogfest day. Hosted by the indominable Ninja, Alex J. Cavanaugh. We're posting our first loves--movie, book, music, person.

Way back when, before time was invented ... I fell in love. :)

My grandmother used to take my sister, cousin, and I to the movies every year for our birthdays. Were all only a day a part. Now the Husband Unit joins that birthday lineup. He and I are only a day apart, too. Back to the topic at hand though ... The first film I recall sparking my full imagination was the Aristocats. I would colorform (do they still make those?) and color books dreaming up more stories for these cats. 

I was an avid reader from early on. Loved Dr. Seuss and all of those wonderful picture books. The first book that lit the writing spark, that made me want to try to create my own stories, was Anne of Green Gables. My other grandmother gave me a hardbound copy. Which I still have. One of my treasures. The photo is what the book I have looks like.

Don't cringe, Alex, but my first music love was Bobby Sherman. I used to beg my parents to let me stay up and watch his show. The grandmother who gave me Anne also gave me a Bobby album. It was second grade, for my 1st Communion. I still have that scratched up piece of vinyl somewhere. In a close second was David Cassidy.

The first person was a boy named Keven in my 1st grade class. We were separated by gender for lunch, but I did my damnedest every lineup for lunch to get as close to him as possible. Every year in grade school, I went out of my way to give him a mushy Valentine ... even if he wasn't in my class. Hmm, glad those stalker tendencies didn't continue. :)

Saturday night was a great night for astronomizing. Skies were clear, but hazy. It was warmer than usual. No snow remained on Pine Mountain, which is odd for mid May, and I didn't have to wear my thermals. Strange indeed. I managed to dig the telescope out of the garage. Orson Bradbury is now at his summer abode--the room under the 24" telescope. Both Orson and I were happy to be back out under a starry sky.

Come discuss marketing strategies over at Nick's. Divulge your first loves. Who and what were they?

Evolution of Character

Today you'll find me at Misha Gericke's My First Book. I can tell you she writes a fabulous story, and is a great crit partner. I look forward to celebrating her future publications. She puts out a fabulous blog, too.

 Wednesday I visited Rachel Morgan's. The topic was bioenginnering. Rachel kindly taught me the trick of using Powerpoint to create better titles on my book covers. I love how we all share here in the blogosphere.

Monday I'll be at Nick Daw's Writing Blog. I'm thrilled to be inside Nick's writing world. The topic will be on strategies for launching a series.

Stop by and see us.

Training for another summer up at Pine Mountain Observatory is this weekend. Only two more weeks until we open. Woot!

Thank you Friends!

C. Lee McKenzie is very kindly featuring me at TheWriteGame today. Stop by and see us. :)

I want to thank all of you for helping in making The Backworlds launch so visible this week. I have to say, it was incredibly awesome and flattering.

More than I can say, I appreciate your support. Any time any of you need mine, you have it. Any time you want to rent space on this blog, you're welcome.

I also hit 5,000 Twitter followers this week. I remember when I was hoping to just get 100.

But nothing beats the power of the blogosphere.

New Humanity

 Today I' m at Rachel Morgan's. The topic is bioenginnering. I'm indebted to Rachel for teaching me the trick about using Powerpoint to create better titles on my book covers. I love how we all share here in the blogosphere.

Yesterday I visited Rick Gualtieri's blog, The Poptart Manifesto, discussing the colonization of space. Rick is a prolific author, and a good one. Pop by. :)

Friday I'll be at Misha Gericke's My First Book. I can tell you she writes a fabulous story, and is a great crit partner. I look forward to celebrating her future publications. She puts out a fabulous blog, too. 



Stop by and see us.

The lovely and talented Rek of Chronicle of Dreams made an awesome video for The Backworlds as a surprise. Awesome, Rek! I love it!.



And here's something for a little fun. The Space Opera title Generator.

The Colonization of Space as I see it

 Today I' m at Rick Gualtieri's blog, The Poptart Manifesto, discussing the colonization of space. Rick is a prolific author, and a good one. Pop by. :)

Yesterday, I was at Frances Pauli's Speculative Friction talking about what a space opera is.

Tomorrow, I'll be at Rachel Morgan's. The topic is bioenginnering.

Stop by and see us.

Catch Fire Blog Party

Today is the release of Alex J. Cavanaugh's second science fiction novel, CassaFire.

Today is the Catch Fire Blog Party, celebrating the release of CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh! The goal is to help CassaFire “catch fire” on the best seller charts and achieve the success of the first book, CassaStar. There’s also a special package of prizes being given away at the author’s blog (copies of CassaFire, CassaStar, tote bag, mug, and bookmarks) as well as book giveaways during his two-week blog tour. See Alex’s site for details: http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

CassaFire

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

CassaStar was just the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities. 

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

Available today!

Science fiction - space opera/adventure

Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5, $15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages

EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9, $4.99, available in all formats

CassaFire is the sequel to Cavanaugh’s first book, CassaStar, an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller:

“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

You can visit the author’s site at Alex J. Cavanaugh

 

CassaFire available at:

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Amazon Kindle

Congratulations, Alex.

What Does the Future Hold for Us?

Thanks to Stephen Tremp for visiting Wistful Nebulae today. What a treat! I started reading Opening on my Nook and have to tell you all that it's very exciting and action-packed. The plot just keeps ramping up. Can't wait to read more later today.

What Does The Future Hold For Us? Moving beyond the use of fossil fuels? Awesome inventions and cures for diseases? Colonizing the Moon and Mars? Or does a dystopian period marked by war, famine, disease, pollution, and mass starvation await us as we exhaust our natural resources? What do the Futurists and Visionaries say?

Futurists: Think Tanks consisting of theoretical physicists, economists, architects, sociologists, and technology experts attempt to predict what our immediate and long-term future holds and what we should do now to either avoid catastrophe or position ourselves to move forward.

Visionaries: Experience the future through dreams or supernatural means with little or no regard for what is actually possible. Nostradamus is considered to be a visionary. So are the prophets of the Old and New Testaments.

What Lies Ahead: Will there be a second Age of Enlightenment? Will innovations in the Nano-Bio-IT-Neuro sciences change our lives, economy, and culture and help to secure our future? Or will they be the accelerants that send mankind back to the Stone Age? This is an excellent topic to Google.

Theme For Opening: As I researched this very topic, I thought I would use this theme as the driving force behind the antagonists stealing the breakthrough in wormholes in order to implement their vision to change the world and place its future in the hands of a scientific oligarchy. They have a disdain for the current state of the world and a vision to replace current failures caused by inefficient governments, large greedy global conglomerates, and even larger banking institutions.

They believe physics, biochemistry, and nanotechnology should replace government, corporations, and religion, at least as we know them to presently exist. They feel science is government, corporations, and religion all packaged together.

We Live In Exciting Times! Our world is changing right before us at breakneck speed. Our planet is becoming a much smaller place. CERN and other research and development centers around the world are on the cusp of discovering wonderful and awesome breakthroughs in physics, biochemistry, and nanotechnology (all of which I use in OPENING).

Question: Will mankind use these inevitable discoveries to further civilization? Or will they be used to pad the pockets of an elite few and sell us out? Please leave your thoughts in the COMMENTS.

If you feel this post is worthy, please Tweet or share on Facebook if you feel so inspired. Thanks for stopping by!

Stephen Tremp is author of the recently released suspense thriller OPENING, the second book in the BREAKTHROUGH series. You can visit Stephen at Breakthrough Blogs. Opening and Breakthrough are available for download at:

Amazon for $1.99

Smashwords for $1.99

Twists and Turns

Wendy Ewurum was kind enough to invite me over to Fabulosity Reads for a guest post. I'm talking about twists and turns and the unexpected.

Here's an astronomy tidbit:

Asteroid 2005 YU55

Scientists will be tracking an asteroid the size of an aircraft carrier as it flies by Earth on Nov. 8, 2011.



Have a great weekend everybody!