Time traveling with Rachel McAdams was the theme for the week--at least as far as movies go. Two movies blipped onto my radar recently: The Time Traveler's Wife and About Time. 

In both films, Rachel McAdams plays the object of the time traveler's affections.

In The Time Traveler's Wife,

the time traveler has no control over when and where he is taken. He is taken to significant times in his or his wife's life. He actually meets her when she is a child. Although that's the first time she meets him, it is not the first time he meets her--because her life progresses in linear fashion, while his jumps about in time. In addition to the complete lack of control over when, and when, his leaps about time also pull him without purse, scrip, or clothing. It's a very touching film. The lack of control and the spotty knowledge of the future add to the emotional impact. Eric Bana plays the time traveler. 

I give it 5 out of 5 time warps.

In About Time,

which I watched with the magic filters of vidangel, McAdams' character doesn't know about the time traveler's ability. The time traveler, played by Domnhall Gleeson, can travel backwards to any specific time in his life (and back again). The male members of the family have this ability. He father tells him about it on his 17th birthday. (But I never noticed that the uncle did any time travel). He sets to work immediately using the ability to help get a girlfriend. Because he can control the when, and the when, he is able to go back and repeat experiences with the knowledge of how to improve them. With the stuff taken out that gave it an R rating (via vidangel) it is fabulous. It does seem to break, or at least bend, some of its own rules and leaves one with many of the usual questions about time traveling possibilities--but I was happy to set that aside. The movie is funny as well as thought-provoking and deeply poignant. The message at the end is actually obvious and trite, but the journey to that point makes the message resonate--but it would still be cool to be able to do the whole time travel thing.

I give it 5 out of 5 flux capacitors.

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On the Leipzig front, a turn or two was all I got in this week, and nothing worth discussing developed. the French remain cautious and haven't yet succeeded in taking Auenhayn. 

I won 5 autographed books in a drawing and the first one has already arrived: DJ Butler's In the Palace of Shadow and Joy. I started reading it in the middle of the night a couple nights ago when I couldn't sleep -- and it did the trick. No. Seriously, I'm enjoying it. Those you who read this blog regularly will remember that I got to have lunch with Mr. Butler in Provo last year. I've previously read and reviewed his book The Wilding Probate  on this blog and which I recommended as a five-star fun read. I'm looking forward to getting the rest of my random drawing autographed booty.

 

I'm a winner! It's official. On an unrelated note, I just learned I won a drawing for five signed books in one of Dave Butler's give-away deals with Mike Kupari, Patrick Chiles, and J.L. Curtis -- I believe that only makes 4, so perhaps I've missed someone. Anyway, I'm stoked to get my autographed copies. For those of you with bilingual abilities, let me say, Color moi completement steauked.

Yesterday's mission was to water the yard. Long story. I won't go into it.

I did get a couple more chapters written on my dystopian thriller which I've tentatively titled The Shrinking Zone, but it has nothing to do with laundry. In that story, I'm about to loose the next group of complications. The first set of troubles haven't been solved, but it is often the case in life that new troubles arise while old issues continue to fester--plus (#writing tip!) it makes for a better read when the problems come faster than the solutions. If you haven't got a little "out of the frying pan and into the fire" going on then you don't know your hobbits from you giblets, or, to put it another way, your adhesive tension is slipping. (I hereby claim credit for the term "adhesive tension" in the context of writing and demand a hat tip whenever it is used). What is adhesive tension? It is the continuing unresolved conflict, or series of conflicts, that make the reader stick with the story to discover what happens next.

The battle of Leipzig continues. I don't remember what turn I've completed, but the Allies on the field are crumbling. Technically, Schwartz's force has broken, but with the massive force of reinforcements approaching, I've elected to get creative and interpret "broken" in this instance as a restriction against attacking. Schwartz's onboard troops may only act defensively. This allowed them to make a slow withdrawal and batter the French with their artillery in the process. However, the Allies have paid a heavy price, including the loss of more of their artillery along with the village of Crostewitz. The deadly Old Guard batteries took some damage in the artillery duel, but they made wrecks of the opposition. The French are threatening Auenhayn and the eggshell remnant of the Allied left flank is not likely to hold it for much longer. The Allied right near Liebertwolkwitz still possesses several undamaged artillery batteries, and an infantry division which has recovered from most of its earlier damage.

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Author Interview with

Thomas K. Davis 

Author of The Versatile Layer Series

Please tell me a little about your current work in progress.

I’m currently editing the final novel in my Versatile Layer series. It’s been a long road to get here but it was worth it.

Where did you get the idea for this book or series?

I was just daydreaming at work most days and the story started to play out in my head. Character conversations. A space colony with an Art-deco aesthetic. The conflicts started to take shape. Before I knew it, I had to start jotting down notes. Eventually I had the first chapter of the Versatile Layer saga. I just had to figure out how to write a book.

Do you write in more than one genre?

I’ve only worked on my 9-book series thus far. Which is a Sci-Fi/Fantasy story. I have an idea for a comedic action book about vampires that I’m ironing out at the moment.

Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention.

My dialog flows very naturally. I pride myself on it. I’m a student of films and TV. So, when you read my work it’s like a movie playing out in your head.

Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing?

I think my sense of humor and love of music really comes through in my writing. Which is funny because I wrote a Sci-Fi/Fantasy series. But it’s important to have moments of levity and joy in your work.

My love of music really inspired how I wrote book 6 of Versatile Layer: Traitor. In that novel, one of my characters (Agatha Park) is a huge punk fan. So, the soundtrack of the book is all of the punk songs I was listening to at the time. I actually list the song titles in the chapters so you can put the music on and read along with it. It’s a novel with an OST.

What else would be helpful for readers to know about you?

I’ve always been a huge Sci-Fi fan. I loved shows like Farscape, Battlestar Galactica, and films like Blade Runner 2049 and Valerian- City of a Thousand Planets. Media like this has influenced my own work. I write fiction that has meaning but knows when to not take itself too seriously.

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why?

I'd recommend "The Rose" by Paul Alleva. It’s a really mind bending sci-fi vampire read.

 Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why?

Wow. First book that pops into my head when asked is The Daughters of Death: Versatile layer book 4. It’s a turning point in the series with lots of action and character development. It focuses mainly on a character named Edith Fafnir. She’s a badass military sniper with a bionic left eye and a complicated past. It’s a hell of a ride and the characters are never the same afterwards. So many storylines come to a head in the story but I was careful to write it in a way that’s inviting to newcomers. You can drop into any of the Versatile Layer books and get your footing rather quickly. But the story is more rewarding if you start from the beginning.

 

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most?

I’ve presented at 3 conventions so far. The biggest convention was the IABX (Independent Authors Book Experience). It was a great experience. I picked up a few fans in the process and met some really great authors. Presenting at that convention really helped me to develop my sales pitch. It taught me to summarize what the series is and how to best hook a potential reader. With Covid happening, I started to set up at local outside markets to sell my books. I’ve gotten some good results that way. I’m better at pitching my work in person than I am online.

What question do you wish you would get asked more often?

What is the bit of the writing process that gets your writery brain grinning?

I love when the story starts to evolve in ways that I didn’t initially plan for. I introduce a character near the end of book 6 just because I need to initiate an action sequence. By book 7 that character has a name and relationships. By book 8 that character is super important to the story and I don’t know how I would’ve advanced towards my endgame without them. I didn’t plan for that character but they became essential. But that’s my process. I have my beginning and my end but the middle fills out as I write. If fact (I say in fact a lot), I always write the first and last chapters at the same time. Then I jump around to different chapters between.

Do you have a catch-phrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it?

The aliens in my story are called the Arez. They’re a tribal, tall, red skinned, Amazonian warrior race. They’re kinda like afro-futuristic alien elves. Anyway, they have a phrase in their culture. “I poured all of my strength into you.” It’s normally used by a parent or a teacher (master) to express that the student has excelled at their training. It’s something that I wrote without giving it much thought. But as the story progressed, the phrase got used on several occasions. It just fit and made sense for this alien culture.

Another quote from the series that I really love comes from one of the two main characters, Captain Jake Takeda. He’s a soldier who (while he’s a decent guy) fights really dirty on the battlefield. In book 2: The Glass Runner, he’s educating a young soldier on what it really takes to survive and win in battle.

“Battles are an exercise in deception. You sell your opponent on a story. You get him to agree to a set of rules. Then you break those rules. There’s no honor on the battlefield. There’s only the mission.” This quote is Jake’s key to survival. He controls the fight by setting up the expectations of how the battle will play out. Then he operates outside of those boundaries that he established. If he tells you, “let’s duel honorably with swords.” Then he’s going to end the fight with a gun. 

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Thanks to Thomas for participating. Those are some groovy book covers he has. I'm also glad to know that I'm not the only one who introduces characters for one purpose, only to have them develop beyond that purpose into someone integral to the story. That makes me think of the character Joan in my novel Smoke, and Lieutenant Roberts in The Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series. Smoke would have been only half a story without Joan. If you've read Threading the Rude Eye (the first book in the series), you probably didn't realize that Lt. Roberts was going to be a throw-away character who would disappear after the first couple chapters--perhaps a redshirt--but I couldn't let him go. Things developed and he grew into a great character whose importance grows with each book in the series.

But enough about books. The deafening roar of artillery fire, the call of the bugle, the thunder of pounding hooves, the rattle of musketry, and the beat of the drum to the pas de charge continues with turn 6 of the battle of Leipzig. 

Turn 6 saw the French retake both Markleberg on the Allied left and Wachau in the center. On the Allied right, the cannon once more pounded Liebertwolkwitz. Russian infantry followed as the smoke cleared. The French brigade holding the town didn't escape from the town as a cohesive unit. 

Even though the Allied artillery pummeled the French pretty hard, the outlook from that side of the field is not bright. A number of batteries have been reduced to the brink of elimination. The Prussian infantry on the left will have to be very lucky to hold Crostewitz and Auenhayn--from which they started the battle. They paid more than they could afford to take Markleberg and Wachau. The center is held by the fatigued cossack division. A coordinated French attack there could drive through to Guldengossa. The one hope the Allies have is to hold Liebertwolkwitz--until 12:30, which is more than two hours away. Technically, the Allied army is one unit away from breaking. They need the Riders of Rohan, the Winged Hussars, or a flight of A-10 Warthogs to save their bacon, but the fire's hot and the bacon is already sizzling.

Here's a view across the field from Markleberg, Crostewitz, and Auenhayn in foreground to Liebertwolkwitzat the far end. The remains of the Alied left are gathered around Auenhayn and Crostewitz. 

The Allies will be lucky to last another hour.

 

The battle of Leipzig continues. 

The French lost a squadron of light cavalry when the horsemen charged a band of disorganized cossacks only to be intercepted by some fresh Russian cavalry. The Russians eliminated the French and carried through into more French horse, but were turned away.

Although the French artillery generally bested that of the Allies, cossacks did take out that forward battery which had stymied them on the previous turn. The rest of the cossack division launched a series of charges against the French infantry which had been behind the artillery unit--and were all turned away--although Napoleon had to use one of his special re-rolls to keep the brigade from going down beneath the cossack lances. French artillery eliminated one of those cossack units before it could get out of range during its retreat.

The Russian soldiers drove the French from Wachau after fierce fighting. The French troops in Liebertwolkwitz took damage from Allied artillery but still turned away assaults by both brigades of Helfrich's division. 

The Allies really made progress. After the seizure of Markleberg and Wachau, Prussian dragoons mounted a brave charge against French foot in line and demolished the French unit. The Allied artillery that had been driven back has surged forward once more.

Unfortunately for the Allies, the French Young Guard, most of the cavalry, and the deadly Guard artillery have joined the battle. Although the Allies have bloodied Napoleon's nose, they have taken a lot of damage so far. Their own reinforcements won't arrive for a few hours.

View from the Allied position toward Liebertwolkwitz.

View from the Allied position to Wachau--now occupied by Russian infantry.

View from the west flank at the river's edge to Markleberg--now occupied by Prussian troops. Wachau is visible near the top of the picture.

A little Leipzig

 

The battle of Leipzig continues with four turns completed. The Allies lost two more artillery units. One to a daring charge by Polish cavalry, another to counter-battery fire. On the Allied left, they drove the Poles out of Markleberg but could not press an attack on the right against Liebertwolkwitz with anything other than artillery fire as the Allied infantry was too disorganized to advance. The cossacks made a series of charges against a forward French battery in the center, but could not carry the position.

 Interview with Madilynn Dale

Author of The Fae Shifters Series

Please tell me a little about your current work in progress.

I am currently working on a new series that will feature a strong female main character. She has a spunky personality and discovers that she isn’t a normal wolf shifter, but a hell hound shifter.

Where did you get the idea for this book or series?

The idea for this book series came from a dream I had one night, and I have mixed in a bit of flare to enrich the story.

Do you write in more than one genre?

Yes, my books could fit into three or four different genres including fantasy, romance, paranormal, and adventure.

Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention.

My books feature strong female characters or women who use their voice. I feel like they empower others who are scared to step up and share their thoughts or stand up for themselves. I also include strong ties to family and friends who are as close as family to show that there is always someone in your corner.

Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing?

Yes, I feel like my personality leaks over into the main characters a bit. She makes friends easy and fights for those she loves.

What else would be helpful for readers to know about you?

I am an avid reader myself and love to talk books. I read a wide variety of books. I’m also a horse lover, outdoorsy, and a mom. I have rescue pets and I’m working on a small container garden.

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why?

Anything by Ivy Asher. Her work is amazing. C. L. Schneider has some amazing stories as well, specifically her Nite Fire series.

Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why?

Releasing Her Power Within, Fae Shifters 1, because you meet Liz who is a strong, dedicated woman who seeks a change in pace only to be thrown into a world of magic. She discovers family she never knew existed while trying to keep all she holds dear safe. She turns into a near indestructible being in the end.

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most?

Last summer I decided to cut ties with things that were holding me back from furthering my dream. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the best thing I have done for my writing career. Things seemed to really take off after that and are continuing to push me forward. There was a lot of emotional turmoil during the transition period, but I stuck with my decision.

What question do you wish you would get asked more often?

Why do I write, is one that isn’t asked a lot. I write to express myself, share my personal thoughts, create a world of my own for others to enjoy as well as myself, and to create a lasting impression on readers who enjoy my work. I have always enjoyed losing myself in a good world with fun and creative storylines and now I get to create that for others.

Do you have a catch-phrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it?

It is what it is, is something I find myself saying a lot. Things aren’t always in our control and there is nothing we can do about it other than have faith that the outcome will be beneficial or teach us a lesson.

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Thanks to Madilynn for participating in the interview. I thought it a coincidence that she mentioned hell hounds because I've just been writing about something I call demon dogs in the dystopian thriller I'm doing. My demon dogs are similar in many ways to hell hounds, except there's nothing supernatural about demon dogs. I had an interesting breakthrough on that novel this week. I was having some issues about how to put somethings together to make the plot more complex. After a bit of reflection (but no mirror was involved) I consulted with William, an expert on the subject who never rebuffs my entreaties. He mutely directed me to several of his works, and I came away with the plot complications I need to take the story to a higher level. 

Finally, the battle of Leipzig continues. I've only completed three turns (because writing and almost everything else gets priority over wargaming). The Allies lost another battery when they had command troubles which allowed the French to unload on them with scattered artillery fire. The French also turned back another attack on Crostewitz by Klux's 9th brigade. The numerous Allied artillery was able to inflict some damage on the French guns and infantry, but the Allies proved entirely unable to mount attacks on Liebertwolkwitz and the center. 

I've got some ideas on Tolkien's use of Rohan and Gondor and some potential meaning or symbolism there, but I think I'll save those for the newsletter -- you can sign up for it here.

 

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right to the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

It's fitting--imperative even--that we remember these words from the Declaration of Independence on this 4th of July, this Independence Day, as we celebrate and commemorate the great Declaration--as John Adams foresaw. John Ferling, in his book Independence; The Stuggle to Set American Free, recounts that the great triumvirate of the American Revolution, according to countless orators, consisted of Washington, the Revolution's mighty "sword"; Adams, its resounding "tongue"; and Jefferson, its elequent "pen." Ferling goes on to state that "Jefferson wrote about the threats faced by his generation, but he succeeded in penning a timeless message, an affirmation of human liberty and dignity that has captured the hopes of succeeding generations."

Ferling characterizes Adams as the most important man in Congress in the the long struggle for independence. Adams was often obnoxious in the eyes of some, but he found wisdom and soon began to manage the matter masterfully as he "sought to assuage the reconciliationists," (those who wanted to reconcile with Britain) and allow them to come to the eventual realization that their hopes were forlorn. By the summer of 1776, Adams knew that the fruit was ripe. He could "make 13 clocks strike precisely alike, at the Same Second." The vote for independence could not be stopped.

The Declaration of Independence is the great stake, the anchor driven into the granite cliff face, upon which depends the nation and the idea that is America. It is the declaration of our aspiration and hopes. The Constitution is the chain which binds us to the aspiration, the means by which we seek to make the aspirations reality. 

If you love the story of the American struggle for independence, and have an affinity for fantasy elements, including dragons and other strange creatures, you'll love the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series, available here.