I begin with the traditional symbol of the season. Daughter did most of the decorations. I contributed by staying out of the way.

We had a very merry Christmas, and I hope you did too. If you're wondering what to get with that Amazon gift certificate you got. Let me recommend this book the paperback of which I saw for the first time today. Although my author copies haven't yet arrived, one of my fans had received hers and let me take a gander at it. I like it.

Speaking of paperback books: I found this after diligent search some months back. I had to wait a lengthy time for it to arrive.

I've been reading it in gulps of a chapter or so at a time on a weekly basis. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it if you have even the least bit of interest in Desaix. Without a doubt, Napoleon owes his victory at Marengo to Desaix's timely return to the field. Fortunately for Bonaparte, Desaix wasn't able to remind him of that fact with every breath he took by surviving the battle.

I needed the book for both personal interest as well as research for a future novel--or series of novels--in which Desaix will play a prominent role.

______

Daughter informs me that we are renaming the "Back to the Future, Back in Time" game to: "Back to the Failure" because we lose every time.

 Author Interview with Ron Lahr 

Author of

The Kathaldi Chronicles

Please tell me a little about your current work in progress. Right now I’m extremely close to finishing the first draft of the third book in my Kathaldi Chronicles epic fantasy trilogy, Destroyers of Kathaldi. The plan is to finish it next week, get to editing and rewriting, and release it on Monday, July 26^th. The books are about Dirk, a sarcastic thief, who is reluctantly drawn in to helping his friends try to save the Gods, and the world, from an ancient evil.

Where did you get the idea for this book or series? I wrote the first draft of book one, Children of Kathaldi, around twenty-five years ago. As a huge fan of fantasy it started with trying my hand at world building. I filled a binder with information about the races, Gods, towns and cities. As I worked on the history of the world the story just emerged.

Do you write in more than one genre? I definitely do. I’ve already mentioned the fantasy and I also write science fiction and humor. Although, you could probably classify all of it as humor. My first humor book, You’re As Stupid As You Are Fat: How To Talk To Women, should be coming out on Monday, August 9^th, and my first science fiction novel, You Get What You Steal, which I co-wrote with an old friend of mine, Robin Burchett, will hopefully be out on Monday, August 23^rd.

Note that this interview came to me in May, and it's posting in December, so Ron's humor book may already be available. I want to check it out. Perhaps he would like to provide me a copy to review?

Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention. The Kathaldi Chronicles are written in first person but Dirk is basically telling the story, as if you were sharing a drink with him at a tavern. One reviewer called him an “unreliable narrator” since he is always building himself up and sometimes minimizes the contributions of his friends. It is different and the audiobook of Children of Kathaldi really showcases that. Alan Adelberg is the narrator and he captures Dirk perfectly. I think the audiobook may be the best way to experience Dirk.

 

Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing? Dirk is definitely not me. I don’t believe the things he does and I would never treat people the way he does, particularly his friends, but if something had gone very wrong during my childhood I could have been him. We do share some of the same sense of humor but the difference is I think what he says is funny but I would never, ever say those things. I might think some of them, though.

What else would be helpful for readers to know about you? My writing is very politically incorrect so if you are particularly sensitive to that, even when it is just in good fun, you are unlikely to enjoy my books.

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why? R. K Billiau’s PrimeVerse trilogy. It is LitRPG and a lot of fun. I recommend it not just because of how much I enjoyed it but also because he is the one who encouraged me to get back into writing after my daughters were grown and had moved out. He still encourages me to this day.

Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why? Right now, since I only have the first two books of the Kathaldi Chronicles released I would have to say book one of the series, Children of Kathaldi. More specifically, the audiobook version. I think the folks at Spectrum Audiobooks did an amazing job on it. I’m very grateful that they were the ones who approached me about turning it into an audiobook.

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most? As I mentioned before, R. K. Billiau encouraging me to write again was huge, and having an audiobook company offer me a contract was also amazing. It is hard to pick between the two but since Mr. Billiau is an old friend I guess I’ll give the honor to him.

What question do you wish you would get asked more often? Can we make your books into a television series that will run for ten years? I haven’t been asked that question yet but I’ve got my fingers crossed. On a more serious note my answer is that I like to be asked about people I know in real life serving as inspiration for characters in my stories. Mostly because I like to tell the story about naming a character, Dirk’s sister Val, after one of my friends who was giving me a hard time one day, and making her a very unpleasant person. She shows up in book two, Assassins of Kathaldi, and also appears in book three. I smile every time I’m writing her.

Do you have a catch-phrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it? My personal motto is ‘Sleep is for the weak.’ I used to only sleep five or six hours every other night. I got so much done! Sadly, as the years pass I need more sleep if I want to accomplish anything useful but I still love the sentiment. And between helping my parents, family time, working on old cars, gardening and making as much food as possible from scratch (I make my own crackers – two kinds) sometimes sleep is hard to come by.

______________________________

Thanks to Ron for participating. I do note that he provided about 12 pictures to go with this interview. The pictures not used included an audio book cover, another copy of the series covers; lemon rhubarb bunt cake, apple swirl ice cream, potato chips, and a car. I was going to include one of those at the end, but neglected to download it.

If you haven't read my most recent politically incorrect work, you can find it by clicking on the picture below: 

 It's alive.

Or, it's live.

I did it. The Shrinking Zone is live on Amazon. 

This is my 9th novel. 9 is the number of novels I have written. The novels I have written are 9 in number. It all began with Justice in Season, which I wrote back in 2000-2002, and put on the big river site in 2012. I followed that with Smoke, and the sequel to the first novel Justice Resurrgent in 2018. The following year I published Threading the Rude Eye, and Power to Hurt, the first two books in my alternate history fantasy Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series. The third book in the series, Clamorous Harbingers, came out in 2020. I published two more books in 2021: Promise of Carnage and Flame, book four in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series; and this new stand-alone, The Shrinking Zone. The more astute among you, or anyone who can count, may notice that that only totals 8 books. Well, I wrote another one, Finding Jack-The Orb, which is the first in a trilogy, but I have no idea when I'm going to get back to that trilogy, so I removed that book from Amazon.

That's all a lead-in to saying that the price of this 9th book shall be 99 cents. 99 cents shall be the price thereof. Get it. Get it now.

One weird thing -- The Amazon reviews of Smoke are showing up on The Shrinking Zone page. I don't know why.

What do you need to know about The Shrinking Zone? It's a fanfare for the common man. The protagonists aren't supermen or grizzled special forces veterans. They're working-class patriots and families. The location is not some exotic locale, but a rural area on the Snake River Plain. The stakes begin small, but rise with the tension and fast-paced action. If you have hope for America, The Shrinking Zone is the book for you. Get it before it becomes reality.

I'm on to book 5 in the alt-hist-fantasy series--which is already started.

_________

The festive illumination du Chateau du Chat Gris began on Saturday. The contractor and I did all we could until we could take the weather no longer. The weather we couldn't take was cold and gray like a concrete slab in winter--with the added bonus of a freezing wind to challenge our combined will. I did get started before he came, but had to take those lights down because parts of each strand were defective. My wife had played a nice trick. She had labeled the box, "lights for the trees" and also in a faint and faded marker had written, "need fixed." I did test each strand before I put it up, and cast aside any that were totally dead. The problem was that of the rest of the strands half or more of the lights didn't work. The problem became apparent after I ran power to them. The tree lights went up more quickly the second time when the contractor got into the tree. I was tempted to make a Legolas joke while he was up there, but none came to mind that were witty enough to be worth mentioning.

To complicate the illumination installation, I got a call from local law enforcement about a matter that required contacting the secretary who knows how to generate the appropriate paperwork, and coordinating with the judge who had to review and sign the right papers to make sure things happened in a timely manner. Ultimately, it didn't slow me down much, because the contractor continued stringing lights while I talked on the phone.

Finally, the contractor insisted that he beat me in a game of cribbage. I nearly prevented that, but I let him get one 15 too many (or is it two many in this case? You won't get that if you don't know how to play cribbage), so he was able to count out with a hand of only two. I had plenty of points in my hand and crib, but had to count second. Naturally, he wanted to move on to dinner rather than let me get even. My desire for revenge has been left to fester.

I was hoping for another round of gaming fun with Les Freres Corses, but they haven't been able to come over yet. I did get to do Legos with the Goose, but her and her sister spent most of their time with their grandma and the college girl who is home for the holiday.

Merry Christmas!

 

It's Dystopia Monday. (That's not really a thing. It's only for today).  I've finished reading:

Here's the review I posted at goodreads:

Marina Fontaine's Chasing Freedom takes the reader into the belly of the rebellion and doesn't stop there. The rebellion is no overnight success. The story goes on for years. It follows the personal lives of multiple characters. Bad things happen. People die. This is a dystopia and things get worse before they get better. However, this is a story steeped in hope. In the midst of cruel atrocities, hope comes through. 

__________

I considered using the same title font for my dystopian novel, The Shrinking Zone, but instead elected to go with this cover and font:

Here's the description I've chosen:

Something is rotten in the USA.

The red-eyed results of clandestine government experiments attack isolated farms in the broken desert. Oppressive regulations, arrogant officials, and surveillance drones restrict movement, commerce, and basic necessities. The government boot heel is grinding hard.

 

When the red-eyes abduct a sixteen year-old girl, working class man Don Morgan must mount a rescue attempt against the merciless invaders of the broken desert. While fighting against the savage animals created by genetic engineering, Don must match wits with a mad demagogue and government agents to rescue the girl. He's going to need help.

 

Join three common men in the fight for their lives when a foray into the broken desert puts their families in jeopardy, and the fate of a nation hangs on the outcome. Never underestimate the men who love America.

Look for it on Amazon next week.

 

The Corsican Brothers were here at the Chateau du Chat Gris for Thanksgiving. The K-man got to help light (reluctantly) the final batch of coals I used to finish off the turkey. The bird turned out great, by the way, with a light smoke and orange flavor. It may have been as good as the turkey I smoked last year.

Following the gratitudinal repast, the four-wheeler refused all entreaties. It could not be persuaded, cajoled, or prodded into service. Instead, we enjoyed a rousing game that I made up on the spot. RC wanted to play a game with the Star Trek figures, and K-man manifested boundless enthusiasm for the idea as well. With five figures, a hunk of rigid insulation for a game board, homemade scenery and obstacles that consisted of a ruin, a big rock (played by an actual rock) a few trees and a wooded area, and the Guardian portal from The City on the Edge of Forever which came with some of the figures, along with several six-sided dice, some bottle caps and red wax, we sat down to the table to play. I should say that I sat down. The boys remained standing, moving about, and hopping with excitement. 

The visiting team included both Federation and Klingon crewmen. The home team consisted of two carnivorous dinosaurs, and a giant spider. It seems that the joint mission of frequent enemies had troubles with their small craft and had to land to effectuate repairs. While working to fix the problem, one crewman was bitten by a venomous creature. The venom didn't kill him, but sent him into a delirium and he leaped through the strange stone portal with a crucial part of the vessel. The rest of the team followed to find themselves in a strange new environment. Their mission required the crew to find the missing part, and to rescue the crewman who had gone unconscious, all while avoiding the unfriendly denizens who sought to make a meal of them. 

The game was complicated by the fact that RC insisted on adding more monsters/plot complications, and also a creature that wandered about according to his desires dispensing unsolicited healing. The Corsican Brothers had their men spread out for a more effective search. One Klingon bravely faced off with a dinosaur--and finished the game right there as a terrible lizard lunchable. 

One crewman took a wound in battle with a dinosaur; he escaped. Another red shirt made the dinner menu for a dinosaur, but the remaining crew escaped with the missing part and the passed-out crewman. A late arrival (one of RC's plot complications) tested his phaser on a dinosaur and found the results entirely satisfactory. I think the fact that most of the Star Trek figures were from the "Day of the Dove" episode, and carried swords rather than phasers or disruptors, is why the Corsican Brothers didn't think to try ranged weapons before they had already fed two comrades to the beasts. The giant spider did get in on the action, but neither took nor delivered any wounds.

In short, the Corsican Brothers and I had a great time with our little game. The chance to take a second or third action tempted the boys early in the game, but they began to see that the gamble usually brought unfavorable results. They stopped taking the gamble until the race to the portal at the end. After some close calls and frustrating die rolls, the K-man made it to safety with the crucial part, and RC carried off the unconscious crewman.

***

In other news, I'm working on the cover for The Shrinking Zone. Here are two possibilities for your consideration. I'm probably going to explore more font/color options for the title. 

Let me know if you think one is more appealing than the other for a novel categorized as a dystopian domestic thriller. It's a fanfare for the common man featuring action and adventure in a dystopian setting.

Here are some quotes I've included in the Author Foreword of the novel:

“May the Freedom and Independency of America endure until the Sun grows dim with age, and this Earth returns to Chaos.” –Toast given at a Massachusetts tavern in 1776 following the reading of the Declaration of Independence

“Show me that age and country where the rights and liberties of the people were placed on the sole chance of their rulers being good men, without a consequent loss of liberty?” –Patrick Henry

“They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.” –Patrick Henry

Get your copy of The Shrinking Zone in December.

 

I was going to give the main character a flip phone in a holster. It would have been perfect for him. Except the dystopian society in which he lives in the high desert of the Western U.S. won't let him have one. He doesn't meet the necessary criteria and his son has possible ties to a suspected domestic terrorist group. Electricity is an intermittent luxury for him and his wife. The internet and cell service are only two of the things the government has forbidden to them. 

(here's a photo of a lizard completely unrelated to the novel I'm writing)

In this dystopian thriller, Don is a hardworking, blue-collar man just trying to survive. When his best friend's daughter is taken by the half-crazed subjects of clandestine government experiments, he calls on Don to help save her. How can Don rescue the girl when he must struggle against a power-mad demagogue in the desert, savage hybrid beasts, rebel forces, and the crushing power of a state rushing toward totalitarianism?

Find out in The Shrinking Zone -- coming soon.

I've had some great times writing this novel this week. The action has built to a crescendo and the chips are hitting the fan with exceeding rapidity. At its core, the novel is about families and friendships, but it's wrapped in thrilling action with precious lives and the fate of a nation at stake.

 Links to my books are above.

Author Interview with

Cully Mack

Author of The Voice That Thunders Series

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

I’m over halfway through writing my Voice That Thunders Series and currently I’m writing book five. The series features siblings, Mirah and Gabe, who become central characters along with a band of rebels fighting against immortals conquering their realm. Think epic battles with Immortals and beasts of all kinds, throw in elemental magic, huge plot twists, portals and unique worlds, and an ever-growing number of characters trying to save their world. If you love character-driven fantasy, you'll love my books. I warn you now; I don't go easy on them.

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

I have a fascination for mythology. The older the better. My primary sources are from myths from Mesopotamia. Most people have never heard of them. This is because, until around 150 years ago, the cuneiform tablets detailing their accounts was undecipherable. Mesopotamia is otherwise known as the birthplace of civilisation and its historical setting is in the ancient near east. Differing cultures lived in proximity, so there is a blending of myths and traditions. I mainly draw from the Sumerians, the Akkadians, the Semites and the Babylonians.

YA readers may have heard the term Nephilim from Cassandra Clare’s series or watching Supernatural among other popular sources. Most modern Nephilim depictions are drawn from Semite sources such as the Book of Enoch, where they are portrayed in an urban setting and regarded as fallen angel/human hybrids. As interesting as this is, the Semite account is only one version of the mythos.

Mesopotamian texts differ on many topics. For example, creation epics, deity names and culture heroes. But they agree on one thing… the gods came, slept with human women, and created giant hybrid offspring. Yes, those Titans, gods and beastly monsters from Greek, Roman and biblical myths were known to older civilizations! Some saw these gods in a positive light, others as negative. It makes for great conflict. I wanted to create a work more aligned with the earliest accounts of this mythos.

Do you write in more than one genre?

I write high/epic fantasy, myth, legend and fairy tale retellings, and speculative fiction. I also short film scripts and creative nonfiction.

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

I’m not afraid to write what the story needs. In places, it’s dark (but not grimdark). People die! The battles are intense, blending weapons, magic and intelligence. No one is safe! I’ve got messages from fans to prove it. I always tell them the same, trust me, keep reading. The monsters are unique. Ever heard of Dactyrs or Dagani? The cast is huge, with two or three plot arcs often running parallel, and narrated from multiple pov’s. I’m a discovery writer, so the edge of your seat plot twists in unexpected ways. You’ll find romance and broken hearts (sorry). Even so, romance isn’t the main plot. I’ve been told many times that my writing is very visual and how reading my books is like watching a movie. I’ll let you be the judge of that…

 

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

For many years, I worked with people who were the most broken, those experiencing homelessness, isolation, trauma, and addictions. My characters tend to go down similar paths, and even though their journey darkens, in one form or another, it becomes a redemptive arc, finding themselves, who they truly are, kind of thing. I’m an advocate for nothing and no one can break me unless I give them the power to do it. So, yes, I test my characters to the point of shattering, and watch them rise from their brokenness into who they were meant to be.

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

I’m on most social media

Links:

Amazon author link: https://www.amazon.com/Cully-Mack/e/B07QBLXZLT

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19033629.Cully_Mack

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CullyMack

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CullyMack

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cullymackauthor/

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

Shawn Dressler’s A Tale of Cloak and Shadows. This was a new author for me. The prose is poetic, and the world is painted with vivid imagery. The way Galindel switches back and forth from the present to his memories is enchanting and intriguing. It’s not technically a novel, more of a prequel to the Kingdoms of Core series. Everything about it feels so alive and made for intense reading. The world building, characterization and dialogue were all spot on. An author to try out for sure.

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

I’d recommend book three, A Fire That Whispers. But to get there, you’d need to read the first two books in my series. Why book three? My writing is stronger. What I loved most about writing this book, is how the two main characters are trying to discover the truth but are unable to discuss and compare their findings. Nothing is as it seems. I drop hints and foreshadow the plot. There are some huge plot twists! Other characters who know the truth are possibly lying. Even I didn’t know how it was going to play out until the latter part of the book. The reader learns the truth as the characters do, because that’s how it was revealed to me. This is the beauty of discovery writing.

 

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

I had the opportunity to return to university to study English Literature and Creative Writing. As a mature student, I had a blast. I stayed on and completed my Master’s in Creative Writing.

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

How can I join your mailing list? The best way to do this is to sign up for Sojin. A free prequel featuring Ammo and Sojin, two side characters in the Voice that Thunders series. It can be read at any point in the series.  https://BookHip.com/QVLCRL

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

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” Aristotle, Metaphysics

______________________________

Thanks to Cully for participating in the interview.

I had a great time writing this week. I did miss one day, but I made it up the next day. I'm on the home stretch in writing the dystopian thriller. It's an action adventure novel set in the near future--like the week after next--and it's a fun ride. Abductions, rescues, surveillance drones, government agents, farms attacked by gangs of drugged convicts, secret government experiments, oppressive government interference, conspiracies, plot twists, and unstoppable action are yours in The Shrinking Zone by Stanley Wheeler. Until that one is ready, I invite you to read my flintlock fantasy series in which the American Revolution, magic, and dragons collide. The series begins with THREADING THE RUDE EYE.

Sign up for my monthly newsletter here.

 

I've finished reading Distopia by Robert Kroese.

This novel is book 2 in the Land of Dis series and seems to be a prequel to the first book. I haven't read the first book and I picked up this one for only 99 cents. It was money well spent.

Our protagonist Wyngalf is on a proselytizing mission for his little known faith. He soon finds himself voyaging to a distance shore from which no ships have returned. Along the way, he encounters the green dragon Verne, a runaway girl named Evena, and an erudite outcast goblin who is given to the study of philosophy. The goblin may be the most sane character in this story. 

The narrative, in my opinion, is Candide with dragons and goblins. The book has been compared to Prachett's work, but I enjoyed it more than I cared for The Color of Magic. Like Candide, Wyngalf (or Simply Wyngalf) is a naive character who faces frequent challenges to his religious and philosophical views. That is to say, they are challenged to the extent he has ever considered them. 

Wyngalf and Evena meet Verne upon a rock in the sea. I found the first encounter with Verne to be hilarious. Eventually Wyngalf's destiny, or at least what he thinks may be his destiny, pits him against Verne and a major city controlled by the dragon. Evena's home also becomes subject to Verne's wrath, or extortion racket. Of course, I'm holding a lot back because I don't want to spoil the book for you. The adventure takes exciting twists and turns with various characters passing across the stage as aiders and abettors, conspirators, and bit players. The entire matter comes to an exciting conclusion with plenty of destruction, and wrap up of the character destinies. 

The production is light on description and heavy on dialog that is both interesting and germane. A few scenes are well defined by colorful description, but usually the specific setting emerges in broad strokes so that the reader's imagination can supply most of the backdrop. That works well for a novel that is about dialog and ideas, and less about what color flowers and leaves might be, how many bricks are in each layer of the wall, or which mast, sail, or line on the ship is at risk. 

I did find the goblin's sheltered life and limited experience incompatible with his depth of knowledge regarding philosophy and the workings of the human shipping and governmental systems. I was also a little puzzled by some aspects of the dragon's initial introduction. However, it all contributed to the humor and the plot of the story, so I didn't let it bother me. Although Distopia is an adventure with action and conflict of all kinds, the discovery of ideas and issues of government and the right of self-determination, including how the road to tyranny can be paved with good intentions and notions of expediency, rise above the action.

Overall, I highly recommend Distopia. I give it four and a half out of five "best of all possible worlds."

__________________

If you want to hear about my ordeal on the slippery roof yesterday, or some of the unexpected events during the trip to Utah two weeks ago, you'll have to tap into my newsletter which you can find here: GET MY NEWSLETTER.

I see that something has happened to the links to my books on the left side of this page.  Click the image below to go to my website book page.

My dystopian thriller, The Shrinking Zone, has reached 58K words. I'm hoping to finish it by the end of the year. Inquiries about alpha and beta reading are welcome.

 

Fun Fact: Let us cast a glance, or un coup d'oeil, at the French for this bit of history. In 1830, Charles X, King of France, issued the Four Ordinances of St. Cloud. Apparently the king felt that the elected government was too radical (and he had no desire to serve as a mere constitutional monarch, considering the kingship his birthright by divine right and all). These ordinances abolished freedom of the press, dissolved the newly elected Chamber of Deputies (the lower house of the French parliament which contained a majority elected in opposition to the king's policies), reduced the future number of deputies, curtailed the powers of the deputies, and disfranchised a huge portion of the electorate. You might think that such steps would be ill-advised in a nation that had already demonstrated a willingness ride the regicide railway to the bloody end. You would be right. 

If Charles X considered the citizens revolting before he issued the ordinances, he gained new insights with regard to that opinion almost immediately. The citizens were revolting, and they did. The disfranchised businessmen refused to lend money and closed their factories. The workers now had nothing better to do than to protest (what with the lack of bowling alleys and movie theaters at the time). The newspapers refused to be silenced. The police and military patrolled Paris to maintain order.

The fighting began on the evening of July 27. The fighting continued on the 28th to shouts of "down with the Bourbons," and "to the guillotine." (I don't think the latter phrase was meant as a toast). Charles at St. Cloud ordered Marechal Marmont (who had betrayed Napoleon in 1814) to quell the riot. Marmont, after taking in the situation and demonstrating himself to be the indecisive worm that he was, sent back a note to the king informing him that he no longer faced a riot, but a revolution. Marmont waited for immediate orders, lest delay result in a change of regime. Charles turned to his adviser Jules de Polignac. This minister, having been part Four Ordinances, told the king to double down and to resist rather than compromise. I don't see that the king ever provided Marmont with more specific orders.

By July 29th the populace had acquired weapons from the arms depots and gunpowder factories. They had erected barricades throughout Paris. The tricolor waved from many buildings. Marmont remained inert, failing to call in additional troops. He further handicapped his troops by ordering them not to fire unless fired upon. The populace took the Louvre, the Tuilleries Palace, and the Hotel de Ville. The politicians began the work of establishing a provisional government. Thus completed the second revolution against the Bourbon monarchy. Charles fled to England.

Unable to get out of a familiar rut, the French established a constitutional monarchy and placed Charles' 5th cousin Louis Phillipe, another Bourbon, on the throne. This monarchy would last until 1848 with the birth of the 2nd French Republic.

As long as I'm rolling here: The fall of King Louis Phillipe in 1848 does illustrate some germane points. By 1848, most of the populace could not vote and a third of Paris was on social welfare. Frederic Bastiat argued that political corruption, a complex system of permits, monopolies, and bureaucracy led to the revolt against Louis Phillipe. Political favors and protectionism allowed the privileged to dictate market conditions which resulted in the destruction or bankruptcy of many businesses. Bastiat reported that the French law makers were entirely unaware of the consequences of their radical policies. These factors caused the rise of the socialists and anarchists, and eventually another revolution. 

With political gatherings banned, those in opposition to the government held fundraising banquets. These were subsequently banned in February 1848. The Parisians reacted in the usual way with their anger directed at the king. With the torches and pitchforks converging on the palace, Louis Phillipe abdicated on February 24 and fled to England. By this point, there must be more Bourbons and their spawn in England than in France.

The new republic struggled as its incompatible aims were reduced taxes and greater social benefits. The republic established a work program building roads, planting trees and such, and taxed land to pay the workers. The small land owners and rural peasants could not or would not pay the tax. Turmoil, riots, and armed suppression of factions followed until the election of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte in December.*

***

But enough revolution. I believe France is in its 5th republic which dates from 1958 and which may soon be its most long-lived republic. It's like they turn out republics like crepes.

Dead Horse Point, twenty-some miles out of Moab Utah. I was there for the third time last week. To clarify: I was only there once last week, but it was the third time that I had ever been there. It was part of a fabulous trip about southern Utah which prevented me from writing. I did however see some sights, visit the college kid, play cribbage with my root and branch, and drive a couple thousand miles. I am back home with my nose to the keyboard, having spewed words to the digital page like half-digested midway snacks on the tilt-a-whirl. I've probably used that simile before, but I still like it.

I have to be honest. As I hit the final third of the dystopian novel, I'm looking forward to slipping back into the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series in the midst of exciting times in the American Revolutionary War. There I go, back to revolutions. They may not be fun to live through, but they can be fun to write about.

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*Most of the above was condensed from various wikipedia articles about the subjects.

 

Author interview with

Anne Miles

Author of Sorrowfish

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

Hi, I am writing the first sequel to my debut fantasy book Sorrowfish. Sequels are in a way harder then first books I think. You’re basically writing a MIDDLE of the story, act 2 if you will –but as its own book. So to make it interesting and fun and wondrous and not bore your readers you must continue to inject surprises.

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

I was brainstorming while in the midst of a horrible divorce in 1998 and this is what I came up with. It took me a long time to work up the courage to actually write the story.

Do you write in more than one genre?

No, I only write fantasy, though I could possibly turn part of this story out as a thriller and get away with it.

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

It’s chick-lit-wrapped epic fantasy with a splash of bourbon. Booknest said it was “for those who were looking for more than an axe to the face.”

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

I am a designer. I went to art school and I think it shows through in my writing. I’m extremely visual. 

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

I’ve been reading fantasy since I was very small. I started to read at age 2 and read Shakespeare at age 6 because he wrote about fairies. I love conspiracy theories of all flavors and used several of them in the planning of this series. (the 444 vs 432 hz one, specifically.) I despise posers. I had a shih tzu named Poco who inspired the character of Jax. He died toward the end of my editing process and I was heartbroken.

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

D. Scott Johnson because his book Gemini Gambit is a cross between Ready Player One and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. He is amazing.

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

Sorrowfish (it’s my only book)

 

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

My editor Cheryl was my web site client. She was my client first, then I started writing. I would not have written or published without her. She was sent to me by God.

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

What does Sorrowfish mean?
Sara isn’t selfish, she is sorrowfish. She acts from pain when she is hurtful to others, most of the time. That doesn’t mean it is okay to hurt others, but it does help her to understand and forgive herself and grow.

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

“I drank what?” - Socrates

Because it is funny. It’s also a movie quote from Real Genius, which I think makes it golden. 

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Thanks to Anne for participating.

In my own writing, I've passed the 50K word mark on the dystopian thriller -- which seems to be set in the time period encompassed by next week if things continue to accelerate like they have been. I talk a little more about that, and address the issue of whether Conan had ever read Leviticus in my newsletter, which you can sign up for here.

 

Today I saw that someone else has also written a book which mixes fantasy and history with the founding of the United States. I'm guessing it would fit in the flintlock fantasy category. The author is John B. Hood John Hood and the book is called Mountain Folk. I believe it may be part of a series. He seems to have taken a radically different approach than I have, and I'll have to read it, but not until I've finished my own Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series. If you follow this blog, you know that I've complete the first four books in the series and have written some of book five. The plan is for book five to go through 1776, and book six will get through the Saratoga campaign -- of course, plans can always change.

Fun Fact:

I also discovered an interesting historical figure, Timothy Murphy. Mr. Murphy was an expert marksman with his flintlock rifle. He could hit a seven inch target at 250 yards. He is credited with the shooting of General Simon Fraser and Sir Francis Clerke at the Second Battle of Saratoga in October 1777.  Murphy was part of Daniel Morgan's Riflemen at the time. Benedict Arnold pointed out General Fraser to Morgan with some words about his importance to the British. Morgan called on Murphy to take out the troublesome British general. Murphy climbed a tree and made a 300 yard shot (after 2 misses) that unhorsed Fraser and which proved fatal to the general. Murphy's fourth shot killed Burgoyne's aide-de-camp, Sir Francis Clerke.

That's the "official" story. However, according to some sources it may contain more myth than truth. The Journal of the American Revolution article indicates that Murphy was there and may have been one of several riflemen assigned to target Fraser, but sources at the time do not name the rifleman. Well, someone shot Fraser, and as Max Scott the reporter said in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend." So I may have to include Sureshot Tim Murphy in my series. Perhaps he can interact with my own character and expert marksman Lee. Maybe Lee will share a quote from the Iliad with Murphy.

On a related subject, who was General Simon Fraser? Like most of those British officers, he had a career before he came to America. He came to the New World during the French and Indian Wars. He was a captain with General Wolfe at the Battle of Quebec, He replied to a French sentry through the fog in the crossing of the St. Lawrence. The British got ashore and climbed to the plains outside Quebec where Montcalm came out to meet them and do battle upon the Plain of Abraham. It would be the final battle for both generals. If you've read my Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series so far, you may remember that in my story, that particular battle and the death of Wolfe are part of the villain's back story. But I digress. Back to General Fraser - Wikipedia says that this Simon Fraser is not the one pictured in the painting The Death of General Wolfe.

In 1776, back in America after more service in Europe, Fraser was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. He commanded the vanguard in the taking of Fort Ticonderoga. In September during the Saratoga campaign, he led a successful attack against Morgan's rifleman at Freeman's Farm, but his troops took heavy casualties. On October 7, 1777, he was tasked with taking Bemis Heights as the key to the battlefield which would defeat the rebels. He fell to a rifleman's bullet at the age of 48. Fraser was buried that evening in a nearby hill.

My immediate project, the near future dystopian thriller, The Shrinking Zone, is at 47K words and moving forward. 

 

I want to talk about some fun characters, but first there's this review by youtube sensation Zach Johnson. A while back I provided him with copies of the first three books of the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series. In this video, he only shows the first book, but he's talking about the first three.

Yes. Yes. We know this series is fantastic. I would like to discuss some of the characters from the series, and some characters from my other books as well.

Let me start with the first character of my first book. The protagonist from Justice in Season, a western set in  1860's Idaho Territory, was based on an actual person. In fact, many of the events in the book are fictionalized versions of some historical events. The historical figure wrote his own history in which we tend to see him in a positive light only, full of courage and determination. In crafting the fictional character, Victor McBride, I tried to preserve the courage and determination while furnishing him with a new background which also revealed fears and uncertainties. I think he may be all the braver for overcoming the fear and the trouble of his past. Most of the characters in Justice in Season and the sequel Justice Resurgent were fun to imagine and create. Some of them are based on historical persons while others are pure fiction. They were all fictionalized. A couple other favorite and prominent characters are Vaughn, the easy going poet and friend of McBride; and Harmony Rivers, the local singing sensation and object of the evil sheriff's infatuation.

In Threading the Rude Eye, (Book 1 of the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series) we meet the protagonist Alex as a young man with a fiance and big plans. His plans are on hold until he can complete his indenture. He has a pronounced sense of justice and high hopes for his future. The revolution against empire unexpectedly slops over into his little world, completely altering his future and destroying all for which he had hoped. If not an opposite to McBride, Alex is certainly different. His fears and uncertainties threaten to control him. Unlike McBride who willingly rose to fight against evil, Alex has the fight thrust upon him. Alex's is not so much a story of vengeance as it is one of discovering the right course and committing to that course. His growth through the series isn't entirely linear. Initially, he has a lot to learn and a short time to learn it. At least he has a mentor in Jonathan to help him in the early stages of the adventure. 

Iago and Atu are a couple of interesting characters, and are the first ones we meet in Threading the Rude Eye. Atu is a Pacific islander. His attire consists of a loincloth and a knife, with a total body cover of tattoos. He can be a bit loquacious and speaks like a British lord. Atu is teamed with Iago, the little man from Portugal. Iago doesn't speak. He communicates via a unique sign language which only Atu understands because the language is based upon Atu's tattoos. Iago makes the decisions and Atu provides the muscle. However, they are far from a simple brains and brawn match up. Atu is intelligent, but he defers to the small man for a few reasons--some of which aren't revealed until Book 4 Promise of Carnage and Flame. Iago's limitations and Atu's strengths make them a compatible and sympathetic pair. They are both tenacious and resourceful.

Akira is from Japan, but has become a successful businessman in England. In Threading the Rude Eye, we find him with one party of dragon hunters sent by King George III to procure a dragon. He may be the smallest in stature in the group of dragon hunters, but his size, good business sense, and store of Japanese proverbs are crucial to the survival of the dragon hunters.

We don't encounter Lee until Book 3, Clamorous Harbingers. He is a backwoods guide but his abilities go beyond that of a simple pathfinder. In his possibles bag he carries a bible and Pope's translation of the Iliad, and he can quote from both of them. One reader told me that she thinks he might be a wizard--which is certainly a cool idea which I will neither confirm nor deny.

There are some other characters, like Frode and Njal from Book 4, Promise of Carnage and Flame, that I wanted to talk about. I'll wait and talk about them, as well as the other dragon hunters at a later time.

One of my favorite characters is from my favorite book Smoke. The protagonist in that noir detective novel is Noah Vale, AKA Duncan Kane. A veteran of WWII, he may suffer from what in our day could be diagnosed as PTSD. Perhaps he gives his heart too easily, and he may not be completely honest with himself about that aspect of his character and his relationships, but he is dedicated and diligent--except to keeping his own house. In difficult situations he can always find guidance in one of the paperback novels he carries. 

Are you familiar with any of these characters? What do you like about them? What characters from other books have intrigued you? Let me know in the comments.

 

For a ration of pure fun, I recommend this book

The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a compilation of stories told by the fictional narrator, Etienne Gerard, of his adventures in Napoleon's Conflans Hussars. Gerard tells the stories in his old age, and humility has not dimmed the recollection of his fantastic exploits in the service of the Emperor. I suppose action adventure comedy would be the proper term to apply to the compilation. Much of the comedy arises from the narrator's bravado and false sense of modesty. 

The actions here are not the great deeds in the big battles of the era, but brave and gallant adventures, missions for the Emperor that occur on the fringes of the historic events. A few of the stories are remarkably similar to the adventures of Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharpe character. By following a French hero, Doyle lets the reader romp about Europe instead of being confined to the peninsula. We see Gerard not only in Spain and England, but also in the east fighting Cossacks and outwitting his Prussian counterparts, carrying messages and state secrets through enemy troops, and charming women along the way. Although he is always brave and resourceful, he is not always entirely successful.

Gerard is hilariously unaware of his own vanity. These two quotes illustrate the conceit of the brave Gerard:

"It is true that I have had to depict myself sometimes as brave, sometimes as full of resource, always as interesting; but, then, it really was so, and I had to take the facts as I found them."

"I am an excellent soldier. I do not say this because I am prejudiced in my own favour, but because I really am so."

Those who fail to see the humor may find the narrator's conceit too much, but I think Doyle struck the perfect chord with this character. I find Gerard more entertaining that Sherlock Holmes. You will not see great depth of character or detailed descriptions in these stories. You will find exciting adventure and amazing exploits told with the skill of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle projected through the lens of the British military ideal as well as the stereotypical concept of French bravado, elan--and conceit.

 

Author Interview with

Sean Valiente

Author of: Lightning Knight

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

My current WIP is the second book in my series! I’m about five chapters in and I’m already in love with it!

 

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

It’s kind of a culmination of a lot of different ideas and experiences, but mostly I write from the perspective of the characters and they take me on their own adventures. It’s very exciting.

 

3. Do you write in more than one genre?

I stick to the fantasy genre because that’s what I love and that’s what I know. But that’s not to say there aren’t sub-genre’s that my books will have – fantasy with an aspect of political thriller, fantasy with a horror, etc.

 

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

It’s kind of a perfect blend of the classical fantasy that you know and love, but also some different takes and twists that you don’t see coming. It’s like hanging out with an old friend, but then going on a new adventure with them.

 

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

I have a pretty unique “voice” in my writing that definitely comes through on the page. My own personality is one of many different interests, and that is seen in my stories.

 

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

I’m all about the characters and their relationships. Plot is cool, world building is fun, but at the end of the day, my stories are character driven.

 

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

Elana A. Mugdan’s YA Fantasy series The Shadow War Saga is excellent if you’re a fan of dragons and great stories!

 

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

The Lighting Knight – mostly because it’s the only book I have out!

 

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

I spent years playing around with ideas for my series and telling my friends all about them. One day my best friend Paige made me sit down and start writing for a 30 min sprint. Until that time, I had always had a hard time starting the process – but after that day, it’s like I couldn’t stop. And where we are now with a real book and it’s so cool!

 

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

Can I buy you a slice of pizza? (To which the answer is yes)

 

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

“Steave, no, Steave” – this is an inside joke between me, my wife, and my best friend Paige where we are imitating a very obscure movie line which we’ve modified. We find it very hilarious.

 Sean's Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QL2DM9T

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seanpvaliente

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StayAtHomeSean

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theknightsofnine/

Website: https://www.seanvaliente.com

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Best wishes for Sean's success with his writing.

In my neighborhood, I'm tickled to tell you that in just a few short days, all of my books will be available for the special price of only 99 cents each. This is the only time it happens. It begins, of course, on 9-9 and runs through 9-10.

Check out my books here Stanley's Author Page and use the remaining days to decide whether you want to explore my Adventure Fantasy series, my Western books, or my Noir Detective novel.

I've missed a couple weeks - but with good reason. We were having a hot time in the old town. The old town was in another Washington County, but not my Washington County. The temperature there rose quickly to 106 degrees and stuck there like the needle of the fuel gauge on the old Dodge Dart. Pardon me while I digress. After some driving, the needle on that fuel gauge would drop from full, or from whatever level I had filled it in the usual manner until it reached a quarter tank. It would remain at a quarter tank as long as I kept driving. I knew that the next time I drove it, I could go anywhere, but then I would have to gas up after the trip. I could go anywhere on a quarter tank: One trip to school and back, a trip to Caldwell and back, wherever. It didn't matter how far I went. The needle would stay at a quarter tank until I returned, at which point it would measure empty--there was no in between, no 1/8th of a tank, no almost empty. It went from a quarter tank straight to empty. The car would go anywhere within the realm of my travels, near or far, on a quarter tank.

Back to my point -- it was hot. It was hot every day until the day of our return. Then it rained. The temperature over the pavement was 111 degrees, according to the information provided by my car. 

We walked all over the college campus and made multiple trips to mega mart as well as Smith's. I hadn't been in a Smith's for years, as they had all pulled out of Idaho well before the turn of the century. The motel represented that it had breakfast for us. It did not. Stale madeleines in plastic wrappers and old, brown bananas do not a breakfast make. 

We did find some good places to eat. A place called Capeletti's Restaurant turned us away one night. By which I mean that we hadn't made a reservation and there was a 25 minute wait--and I know that 25 minutes really means at least 40 minutes. So we made a reservation for the following night. I recommend the Caprese Bruschetta. The bone-in pork chop came with real mashed potatoes, delicious squash, onions, and some other sauteed vegetable that I can't recall. The chop itself filled most of the plate and slanted like Vasquez Rocks from atop the mound of mashed potatoes to the edge of the plate. I would certainly have it again.

If you prefer your meat ground and nestled within a bun among tasty sauce and toppings, I direct you to Morty's Cafe. Morty's specialized in hamburgers. Wife and daughter had the Iconic burger. I had the Hawaiian burger. Certainly among the best burgers I've ever had. Juicy and delicious. I would like to go there again.

In addition to eating and going from campus to stores and back again, we enjoyed the park on the bluff overlooking the town. The pictures above are from the Narrows and the picture below is the Arch.

The Arch is small. It's a very short hike up to the right and above the Narrows. The journey to the Narrows is more of a short walk, and the rock formation squeezes together such that it would be difficult for even a starving child to make the full passage through and up the stairway of broken rock.

We visited Brigham Young's winter home and took the 25 minute tour. Our guide was a gentleman from Rigby, Idaho who had moved south to retire.

Perhaps the best part of the stay was the trip to the visitor's center. The temple renovation won't be complete until next year. We met a wonderful sister missionary from Rigby, Idaho who has only been out for a month. She explained the role of the cannon in building the temple and how the lightning strike on the anniversary of Brigham Young's death resulted in the change he had directed for the temple's cupola. She also directed us to some touching videos about some missionaries who had been featured on the show The District. That proved to be a great way to cap our visit to the domain of saints, students, and sunshine.

I also completed a re-read of Warlord of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I should do a full review on it later.

 

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.

________________________________

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.