Tuesday, January 20, 2009


BLOG TOUR - DAY 2



(Click book for Amazon link)

In The Book of Names, D. Barley Briggs introduces the concept of three religious branches, Black, Gray, and White, that operate independently of each other. Each group stands for following and emphasising a different characteristic of their creator.


The Gray Abbey works to balance the other two branches, White and Black, in their actions and try to moderate and work in harmony. The White Abbey has two main purposes, to learn all of the Book of Law, and to keep and protect the Book of names. Studious, serious and unbending, the White Abbey members see themselves as Stewards of the Truth, and are quick to inform others of any wrongs. By contrast, The Black Abbey follows the Way of Mystery, and seek to learn the unknowable secrets of Aion, The Creator. Rather than focus on logic, and strict adherence to written Laws, the Black Abbey strives to peacefully use rituals and power to fight the darkness through mystical means.


This struck me as the way many people view religion - either caught up mysticism and symbology, or legalistic and unyielding. Both extremes began with good intentions, but devolved over time into thinking only their way contains the path to true enlightenment. The Grays strive for a happy median, seeing good in both views. In fact, it is the Grays who become the strongest allies of Haydn and Ewan, while the other two factions get caught up in petty squabbles over who is the most correct and so the most important.
D. Barkley Briggs illustrates this point in a non-condemning way. Much like the world of Korac Tor, the different religious factions of our world have lost sight of the fact that we're on the same side. By dividing the Black, White, and Gray Abbeys among themselves, their common foe weakened what should have been a strong, unified front.

D. Barkley Briggs seems to have woven a modern parable into this story of a far away land.
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Monday, January 19, 2009


BLOG TOUR - DAY 1




(Click book for Amazon link)

D. Barkley Briggs manages to weave a tale of Celtic, Norse, and a bit of Welsh legends into a story that begins innocently enough with clearing out brush at an old farm. The two oldest sons, Haydyn and Ewan Barlow, were recently transplanted here with their father and younger twin brothers after the death of their mother from a prolonged illness.
Questioning their faith at times after their painful loss, Haydyn and Ewan wonder why their father has moved their family out in the middle of nowhere, away from friends, school, and job. Clearing the mounds of brush in the field seems pointless to the brothers, and they begin creating tunnels and openings through the brambles to pass the time. One day, a side tunnel leads them to discover a carved stone arch deep inside the bramble pile.

Mr. Briggs story made me stop and think. In our complex world, sometimes a change of scenery is needed to start us down a different path. We often can't even glimpse the big picture, much like the Barlow brothers and their family, and question what has happened. In their case, the move brought them to where they needed to be so that great things might be worked through them.
The author does a nice job developing the feeling of desperation and frustration. A feeling echoed by children in the land Haydyn and Ewan must help by overcoming the feeling first in themselves, and later in the nameless ones.
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Wednesday, December 31, 2008


LOST GENRE GUILD - Blog Tour Day 3
Promoting and supporting biblical speculative fiction since 2006

"The Lost Genre Guild's mission is to raise the awareness and respect for Biblical speculative fiction, and to encourage, educate and support the writers of such fiction."

Website: http://www.lostgenreguild.com/


This the third and final day for the Lost Genre Guild Tour. Today I wanted to mention some of the member sites, and a few of my favorite stories so far from the group. Yesterday I listed the biblical speculative anthology, Light at the Edge of Darkness. My favorite story in the book is "Your Average Ordinary Alien" by Adam Graham. As a Trekkie, the story is hilarious.
Here is an except: YAOA
Adam and his wife, Andrea, both write and you can find their stories in
Laser and Sword Magazine

Another Lost Genre Guild member whose stories I enjoy reading is Karina Fabian. She writes about Vern, the small troubleshooting dragon stuck on Earth in Dragon Eye P.I. The Vern stories have a good sense of humor and lots of interesting characters.

Other fine Guild authors include:

Steve Doyle
www.doylebooks.com
http://doylebooks.blogspot.com

Brandon Barr
http://www.brandonbarr.com
http://christiansciencefiction.blogspot.com

Michael Lynch
http://www.mikelynchbooks.com
http://www.mikelynchbooks.blogspot.com

Jim and Paulette Harris
http://www.pauletteharris.biz
http://comeandsitawhile.blogspot.com

Whether you read or write biblical speculative fiction, you won't go wrong with the Lost Genre Guild and its members. It's a great group to go to for information and support.




*Participants’ Links:

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Grace Bridges
Valerie Comer
Courtney
Frank Creed
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Isbell
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Lost Genre Guild
Mike Lynch
Magma
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Mirtika
Hanna Sandvig
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Timothy Wise
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Tuesday, December 30, 2008


LOST GENRE GUILD - Blog Tour Day 2
Promoting and supporting biblical speculative fiction since 2006

"The Lost Genre Guild's mission is to raise the awareness and respect for Biblical speculative fiction, and to encourage, educate and support the writers of such fiction."

Website: http://www.lostgenreguild.com/


On day two of the Lost Genre Guild Tour I wanted to discuss a few of the book titles and the founder's site. I first heard about the Lost Genre Guild through another member a few months before release of a speculative anthology entitled, Light at the Edge of Darkness. The book contained stories about aliens, time travel, a vengeful angel, ghosts, and bleak tales of the future. Here at last I found other people who enjoyed a good fantasy, science fiction, or horror story. And they were Christian authors. I was hooked.



The next book I heard about from the Lost Genre guild was Flashpoint by founder Frank Creed.
Frank's book reminded me of Bladerunner meets the Bible. In the future churches have moved underground and it's up to the Sandmen to show others a different path for their life. Of course the Sandmen have weapons to defend themselves and protect the innocent, but without the usual bloodbath you've come to expect from a techno-thriller.

Both books told the kind of stories I enjoyed reading. They didn't come across as rehashed Sunday School stories, but they weren't filled with gratuitous voilence or bedroom scenes either.
Lost Genre Guild stories provide a happy medium between the two extremes.

Frank Creed, kindly answered a question about upcoming Lost Genre Guild style books:

As one of the Lost genre Guild founders, would you like to mention any upcoming speculative fiction books you, or other members, will release in the coming months? Any word on a release date for Flashpoint II - War of Attrition? My son and I are looking forward to reading the sequel.

 This will take a couple days to answer—I’ve been on a no-mail status for a few weeks now. My own War of attrition and Forever Richard are forthcoming this spring—no dates yet. Terri Main’s Creative Calisthenics and Marcher Lord Press’ new releases are about to pop. How bout I comment with more on this news?

Thanks again, Mr. Creed.



Day three of the Lost Genre Guild Blog brings information about other Guild members, their sites, and books you might also enjoy.


*Participants’ Links:

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Grace Bridges
Valerie Comer
Courtney
Frank Creed
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Isbell
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Lost Genre Guild
Mike Lynch
Magma
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Mirtika
Hanna Sandvig
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Timothy Wise
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Monday, December 29, 2008


LOST GENRE GUILD - Blog Tour Day 1
Promoting and supporting biblical speculative fiction since 2006

"The Lost Genre Guild's mission is to raise the awareness and respect for Biblical speculative fiction, and to encourage, educate and support the writers of such fiction."

Website: http://www.lostgenreguild.com/


The Lost Genre Guild is a writing group that provides moral support, a ear to listen, and sometimes, when needed, a shoulder to lean on, for biblical speculative writers. Members have found a group of kindred spirits in the Lost Genre Guild. If you enjoy stories a little outside the norm - fantasy, science fiction, horror, or suspense - and told from a biblical perspectibe, the Lost Genre Guild is group for you.


Group founder, Frank Creed, kindly offered to answer a few questions about the Lost Genre Guild and it's purposes:

What is the purpose behind the Lost Genre Guild and when was the group formed?

I'd planned on starting the Lost Genre Guild in early summer, 2006. Then I got wrapped up in what was then called Daniel I Weaver’s anthology project—now known as Light at the Edge of Darkness—an anthology of Christian speculative fiction. All the submitting authors worked together through a series of scheduled critique rounds that extended into September of that year. Great memories and results; the anthology landed a 2007 Top-Ten Predators and Editors Award. After the writers helped improve each other's fiction, we moved the enthusiasm from a critique group to the Lost Genre Guild's private newsgroup.
Light at the Edge of Darkness seventeen contributors all needed to promote the short stories we’d just polished, but the Lost Genre Guild's primary focus has always been raising public awareness of Christian sci-fi, horror, and fantasy.
The literary mark of speculative fiction is complete creativity of settings and characters. Such creativity can be easily utilized to explore social issues and themes. A college textbook titled Thought Probes: Philosophy through Science Fiction literature calls science "fiction the hand-maiden of worldviews". Atheism has dominated science-fiction literature, and L. Ron Hubbard even used it to start his own religion. As a lifelong fan of CS Lewis and speculative fiction, my many hours wasted in Christian bookstores in search of my favorite fiction became a chip I still carry on my shoulder. Why Christian publishers completely ignored such a powerful fiction-ministry baffled me. Those interested in reading more on this topic might enjoy the following essay: http://tinyurl.com/5dygz8

Would you mind mentioning a few of the many benefits a LGG member might enjoy?

The heart of our community is a private newsgroup. We have public group forums at MySpace, and Shoutlife. There have been announcements on http://frankcreed.proboards.com/index.cgi but we now have a brand-new lost genre Guild forum that includes a private critique group. Can ya’ say “busy”? The passion has finally found a public home. Check out http://lostgenreguild.com/phpBB3
We have chat and secondlife.com virtual reality Web shows as well, but a Canadian sport called curling gets more spectators. 8 (


How many writers, readers, and editors of Christian speculative fiction are currently members?

 Promoting our genre is a steady and slow effort, but it definitely helps that our membership now includes most of the artists listed at Jeff Gerke’s wherethemapends.com, many writers and editors from Bill Snodgrass’ Double Edged Publishing, and Rebecca Miller’s Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour. I won't violate the Guild's privacy policy by name-dropping, but we are 133 members strong. I had hoped that fans would take the opportunity to hang out with their favorite writers, but we’ve few straight-up fans. Our membership hails from all aspects of Christian publishing.

How might interested readers and writers apply to join its ranks?

Were one to Google Lost Genre Guild and senses that it be a good fit, the home page at http://lostgenreguild.com and our ABOUT sidebar link explore membership. To join, one simply has to send me a message indicating their interest, by using the CONTACT link. There has only been one anti-Christian try to be tricky and infiltrate, but he ran a weak game and got bored quick. This simple method has kept spammers away, and our privacy policy ensures security. We're just one little cell in the Body of Christ, and the only things really needed is passion and enthusiasm with which to encourage others in our community.

Thank you, Mr. Creed.

Day two of the Lost Genre Guild Blog brings more information about the founder and a few books the group helped promote.





*Participants’ Links:

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Grace Bridges
Valerie Comer
Courtney
Frank Creed
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Isbell
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Lost Genre Guild
Mike Lynch
Magma
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Mirtika
Hanna Sandvig
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Timothy Wise

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Sunday, December 28, 2008

After trying Coach Culbertson's podcast, Write a Book in 30 Days, I'm happy with the purchase. Each day Coach Culbertson covers a new topic, and lists how many words you should have written to reach your goal within the thirty days. Many of the pod casts include helpful suggested sites, or writing aids, which add to the value of the series. On day 11, Coach mentions using visualization to make your scenes or characters come to life for you. He goes on to list a few image sites that will give you a better idea how a character or place should look. You can refer back to these images as you write the description.

He also suggests ways to overcome distractions, map out your storyline and details, combat writer's block, and take notes so that you don't forget your ideas at inconvenient places.
This podcast series contains a lot of good material for writing help which Coach Culbertson presents in an entertaining way. The series price is $39.95 and will contain current and future material.
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Saturday, November 22, 2008

Coach Culbertson's site, Write a Book in 30 Days provides a thirty day journey to finishing your book in thirty days by following his guidelines and staying on task. Watch a portion of his introductory video to get a feel for his presentations.

Daily videos are short, usually under five-minutes, and enjoyable. Coach Culbertson has a good sense of humor, and many good common sense suggestions. His reason for keeping the video length short is because you want to write not spend your time watching videos. The full introductory video is over 25-minutes long and he explains in detail how to best use his fifteen-page Writer's Field Guide.

One of the many things I like about Coach Culbertson's training is you are signing up for ongoing material as added. This will include future videos, and any included PDFs. The material downloads through iTunes so you can listen and watch on your computer or take it with you on iPod. If your MP3 player plays M4V files like my Sony, you can locate and drag the files to your player.

During the month of November this series price is $9.97, and goes up to $39.97 December 1st. If you'd like a reasonably priced method to help organize your next book, try Coach Culbertson's Write a Book in Thirty Days.
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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Bryan Davis' New Book Series-
Beyond the Reflection's Edge
Blog Tour - Day 3


Beyond the Reflection’s Edge – http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310715547
Bryan Davis’ Web site – http://www.dragonsinourmidst.com/
Bryan Davis’ blog – http://dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/


Yesterday I mentioned how well I appreciated the attention paid to scene details. Today I wanted to mention the story characterization. The main character, Nathan, sounded old-fashioned in some ways, but it made sense. Grounded in cultured manners from his parents and his guardian, Nathan was brought up to respect women and treat people with consideration. Kelly, the story's male lead, at first makes fun of Nathan but comes to respect him as he treats her better than any boys she has dated before. Kelly and Nathan are believable characters with traits that set a higher standard than most of society. In one scene, Nathan tells a stranger the truth about why they are running. Kelly belittles Nathan for the choice of telling the truth. The stranger admits he was testing them to decide whether to help.

Like the scenes, the author researched believable character responses. Mr. Davis interviewed teens about their reaction to certain book scenes . Was that how a teenager would act - if not what would they do? I also enjoyed the way the characters grew over the length of the story. Nathan finds he must be strong if he is to lead. Kelly learns to regard herself not for her looks, but for her qualities and skills. Nathan's background with both parents prepared him to take care of himself and later his team. Kelly learned how to stay true to herself and to others. Eventually she learned that people could like her for herself. She didn't need to dress a certain way, or act a certain way to convince Nathan to like her.

Beyond the Reflection's Edge begins a new series, a new market, and a new publisher (Zondervan) for Bryan Davis. This series is geared to an older audience than Dragons in Our Midst. There is a double murder scene early in the book, so it's not meant for younger readers. But the scene is handled tastefully without dwelling on the sensationalism of the violence.


Beyond the Reflection's Edge begins a new chapter of great writing from Bryan Davis.

Book 2 is in the series is titled, Eternity's Edge (Echoes from the Edge)

*Participants’ Links:
Brandon Barr
Jennifer Bogart
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Courtney
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Joyner
Kait
Mike Lynch
Magma
Terri Main
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Chawna Schroeder
Greg Slade
James Somers
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Bryan Davis' New Book Series-
Beyond the Reflection's Edge
Blog Tour - Day 2




One of the things I enjoyed about Beyond the Reflection's Edge, is the eye to detail Mr. Davis gave each scene. Before the book released, I read on his blog ( http://dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/ ) about sites he visited that occurred in the book. One chase scene happens near a bridge. Rather than write the scene with primarily an action focus, he included character interaction with the surrounding neighborhood buildings and sites. Early in the story the two main characters, Nathan and Kelly, must check into her school. To research this scene, Mr. Davis met with school officials at a real Iowa high school. Schools have changed over recent years, so an settling for an author's memory of their own school days would come off as out-dated or unbelievable.

Well researched scenes are just one of the things that set Beyond the Reflection's Edge apart from other contemporary stories. Plus, it's a fun read. I found myself wondering what new twists the author might weave into the story. At first cameras that took pictures of other times, and mirrors that reflected other places, threw me. But it's all explained later in the book as Nathan and Kelly uncover the clues; and in believable ways. I never could get into a story where a stranger shows up and explains everything a main character has been unable to decipher.



Book 2 is in the series is titled, Eternity's Edge (Echoes from the Edge)

Beyond the Reflection’s Edge – http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310715547
Bryan Davis’ Web site – http://www.dragonsinourmidst.com/
Bryan Davis’ blog – http://dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/

*Participants’ Links:
Brandon Barr
Jennifer Bogart
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Courtney
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Joyner
Kait
Mike Lynch
Magma
Terri Main
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Chawna Schroeder
Greg Slade
James Somers
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise
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Monday, October 20, 2008

Bryan Davis' New Book Series-
Beyond the Reflection's Edge
Blog Tour - Day 1


Beyond the Reflection's Edge struck me as a combination mystery, fantasy, science-fiction, and suspense story all rolled into one. This is the first book in Mr. Davis' new Echoes from the Edge series. The main character, Nathan Shepard, has a world class violinist mother, and an anti-industrial espionage father. But his worldly travels don't begin to prepare him for the shock of finding both parents murdered and waiting in the basement.


With a hint of time travel, Nathan encounters an earlier version of his mother. I enjoyed the trip to the 1980s, and a comparison of changes between then and now. Like the movie, It's a Wonderful Life, Nathan finds one event often preceded by a seemingly unrelated action. Break the chain of events, and you find a different outcome then expected. A theme that seemed to run though the book is that things happen for a purpose. You may not like, or understand, the reason, like Nathan, but still there is a plan for your life.


(click book for Amazon link)

Beyond the Reflection’s Edge – http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310715547
Bryan Davis’ Web site – http://www.dragonsinourmidst.com/
Bryan Davis’ blog – http://dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/



*Participants’ Links:
Brandon Barr
Jennifer Bogart
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Courtney
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Joyner
Kait
Mike Lynch
Magma
Terri Main
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Chawna Schroeder
Greg Slade
James Somers
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise
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Thursday, October 02, 2008


The 2008 Fantasy Fiction Tour

October 3 - October 11, 2008


Motiv8 Tour Site


Featuring:
The original FFT “Fantastic Four”
Wayne Thomas Batson (Thomas Nelson)
Christopher Hopper (Tsaba House)
Sharon Hinck (NavPress)
Bryan Davis (Zondervan)

and new members creating the FFT "Motiv8" Team
 Eric Reinhold (Creation House/Strang)
LB Graham (P&R Publishing)
Jonathan Rogers (Broadman & Holman Publishers)
and the amazing Donita K. Paul (Waterbrook/Random House)
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Monday, September 29, 2008

Blogger Tag - Part 2

I'll try a couple of more lucky bloggers from CSFF to help play Blog Tag.

Bloggers contact each other and tag another blogger to generate traffic to their blog. Becky Miller at http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/ tagged me recently.

Here are the rules:

Check the list after my 6 THINGS to see if you’re it then
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six-ish people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know he or she has been tagged.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.


Some random things about me:
1. I write mainly young adult fantasy, but my only published material is a weekly article on
saving money in our county school newsletter.
2. The first and only time I went golfing my ball nearly hit a player on another hole.
3. I've been to Disney World 12 times so far, and hope to go again with my family.
4. My wife of 24 years, so far, lived seven-tenths of a mile from my house, shared many
family connections and yet we never met until the year of our first date.
5. My first meal in Athens, Greece was spaghetti at Le Paris.
6. One of my favorite television series was Briscoe County Jr.


Okay, I guess it's time to pick six poor unfortunate, um.. I mean lucky bloggers to tag:


Stuart Stockton
Shannon McNear
John W. Otte
Andrea Graham

Two new 'lucky' bloggers

Jason Waguespack
Jeff Draper

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Sunday, September 28, 2008

Blogger Tag



This is something new for me, I've never played before. Bloggers contact each other and tag another blogger to generate traffic to their blog. Becky Miller at http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/ tagged me recently.

Here are the rules:

Check the list after my 6 THINGS to see if you’re it then
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six-ish people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know he or she has been tagged.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.


Some random things about me:
1. I write mainly young adult fantasy, but my only published material is a weekly article on
saving money in our county school newsletter.
2. The first and only time I went golfing my ball nearly hit a player on another hole.
3. I've been to Disney World 12 times so far, and hope to go again with my family.
4. My wife of 24 years, so far, lived seven-tenths of a mile from my house, shared many
family connections and yet we never met until the year of our first date.
5. My first meal in Athens, Greece was spaghetti at Le Paris.
6. One of my favorite television series was Briscoe County Jr.


Okay, I guess it's time to pick six poor unfortunate, um.. I mean lucky bloggers to tag:


Stuart Stockton
Shannon McNear
John W. Otte
Andrea Graham

Well that is four.
The Unknown Blogger




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Wednesday, September 24, 2008










BLOG TOUR - DAY 3

MARCHER LORD PRESS

Jeff Gerke
Author writing site - http://wherethemapends.com/

This is the third bog tour day for new publisher, Jeff Gerke's Lord Marcher Press.
The first three books availble on October 1st are Hero, Second Class, by Mitchell Bonds; The Personifid Invasion, by R.E. Bartlett; and Summa Elvetica: A Casuistry of the Elvish Controversy, by Theodore Beale.









In the fantasy, Summa Elvetica, scholar Markus Valerius is called to the office of the
Holy Sanctiff at the the Holy Palace. A commentary by Marcus on the Summa Spiritus, written about the many different races of Selenoth and their place in God's plan, brings him to the attention of The Church's spiritual leaders. The Holy Sanctiff wishes to determine whether elves, and other non-human races, have an immortal soul, and what should be done by The Church if they do.

Theodore Beale brings a new twist to the standard fantasy world. What if the fantasy world included a Roman Catholic church and clergy? At first this reminded me of the Deryni series by Katherine Kurtz, but Beale has created a whole new world with Selenoth. Things aren't as easy as Markus expects, not all races care to embrace The Way of The Church. With Lodi the dwarf for protection, Marcus and his group leave human civilization to meet with the Elven races.






The Personifid Invasion by R.E. Bartlett, is the second book in the Personifid series. The first book in the series is titled, The Personifid Project. In the future, scientists are able to detect a person's soul and move it to a new robotic body called a 'personifid'.
The Personifid Invasion begins with a soul's transference from a human body into a cold, robotic body. The girl feels this is wrong, but does not possess the strength to resist. A human voice informs her that none of this will be remembered; she now has a new superior body.

Aphra, a receptionist for the personifids at the Sevig Empire Building is upset to receive a phone request for an information packet concerning the spiritual implacations of transferrence. Needing to leave suddenly, Aphra disconnects the virtual connection. She has been in her own apartment the whole work day. Her supervisor calls to inform Aphra that Sevig expects all employees to work live at the office, and will soon require all employees to transfer to personifid bodies.
Sevig Corporation tries to describe the personifids as the best body money can buy. But something is lost during the transfer, and how much control over the new bodies and minds does a person actually have? Sevig isn't being forthcoming about the personifids. What terrible secret are is Sevig hiding?
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Tuesday, September 23, 2008












BLOG TOUR - DAY 2
MARCHER LORD PRESS

Jeff Gerke


Web site - http://www.marcherlordpress.com/Home.htm

Author writing site - http://wherethemapends.com/


Today's blog tour will include a short interview with Jeff Gerke of Lord Marcher Press.

1) Mr. Gerke, I've been a fan of your website graphics since the first time I saw your Where The Map Ends website. Do you design any of the site graphics? It has nice science-fiction feel.

Jeff Gerke: I've had help designing the graphical look of WhereTheMapEnds. The splash page was completely done by Kirk DouPonce of Dog-Eared Design (www.dogeareddesign.com). Kirk also took the first stab at the main page design, though I tweaked it. The banner artwork is a painting done by Frank Hettick (www.skyhighgallery.com). I'm glad you like how it looks!

2) Your new site, Marcher Lord Press, contains an intro video of a soldier standing guard at a border. How did you decide on this name for your publishing company? Do you see Marcher Lord Press as opening new frontiers in Christian literature by bringing about great fantasy and science-fiction stories readers may not find elsewhere?

Jeff Gerke: You've guessed it! The marcher lord in history had two main purposes: he protected the boundary of the homeland and he helped expand the homeland's influence into previously hostile territory. Plus, I just love the idea of a heroic knight standing alone on the edge of the known world. I love the heroic imagery the marcher lord motif suggests. BTW, I did the opening animation myself. A buddy of mine did the voiceover, however.


These questions were answered in the WhereTheMapEnds interview of Jeff Gerke, where he interviews himself.




Jeff Gerke "Live" and 3D on Lord Marcher Press
3) As both an editor and author, what is your favorite genre to write, and what is your favorite genre to edit?

Jeff Gerke: I have two kinds of fiction I dearly love to write: speculative (both SF and fantasy) and military. My two published trilogies are just that: speculative (the Ethan Hamilton series) and military (the Operation: Firebrand novels).
4) Would you have any suggestions for aspiring speculative fiction authors?
Jeff Gerke: Do it! Your day has come. In three to five years there will be all kinds of markets clamoring for your speculative fiction. They may not be the kind of markets you see now, and they may not offer big advances or multi-city book tours, but they will want your stuff. Speculative will suddenly be in demand.
The first thing is to write it. The second thing is to improve your craft. With the array of books and seminars and workshops and conferences (and of course my own Fiction Writing Tip of the Week column) available to you now, there's no excuse for not having first-rate fiction craftsmanship.

But after you avail yourself of those and you find you still need help, I offer a full menu of editorial services in which I'll look directly at your writing and tell you what's working and what needs improvement, and how to do it.

Thank you so much for your time.



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Monday, September 22, 2008



BLOG TOUR - DAY 1
MARCHER LORD PRESS





Author writing site - http://wherethemapends.com/


Today begins the first blog tour day of new publisher, Jeff Gerke's Lord Marcher Press. You may have heard of Mr. Gerke through his writing site, Where the Map Ends, or one of his own books. October 1st begins what we hope is only the first offering in a long line of outstanding Christian speculative fiction.
The initial three books offered are Hero, Second Class, by Mitchell Bonds; The Personifid, by R.E. Bartlett; and Summa Elvetica: A Casuistry of the Elvish Controversy, by Theodore Beale.
As an added incentive to purchase these books on launch day, customers will receive Into the Breach: The Marcher Lord in History and Legend by castles expert Lise Hull. Purchase a second book or more, and you will receive, A Marcher Lord Gallery: Speculative Art by various Christian artists. You can't lose, Marcher Lord Press is offering three great stories, and the digital books to enjoy on your computer. Register before opening day, tell your friends to include your name
when they register, and you could be enjoying the Grand Prize drawing of the 2009 ComicCON convention held in San Diego!


I didn't want to mention only the prizes and goodies when you purchase or register, because these three books have some great stories. My favorite, so far, is Hero, Second Class. I had to stop reading often because I laughed so hard. Mitchell Bonds does an outstanding job with this fantasy send-up satire. Early in the book the villain is about to do in the Crimson Slash - each Hero has a two part name according the the oft mentioned Hero's Manual - when the Villains Guild representatives appear and inform the villain he failed to file the proper forms before attempting to take over the world. Later in the book, an old friend appears and begins belittling others in the team. Katana, a feline magic-user, casts a "blessed SHUT UP spell" and peace is restored. This book is hilarious; a perfect gift for any fantasy lover. Order one for yourself, and one or more for your friends.



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Wednesday, August 27, 2008


BLOG TOUR - DAY 3


Broken Angel
by Sigmund Brouwer

Web site - http://www.coolreading.com/

Author moderated blog - http://www.sigmundbrouwernovels.com/

(Click book for Amazon link)

Today is the final blog tour day for Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer. Day one included an interview with Mr. Brouwer, and day two included a video clip with links to more information about the book. On day three I wanted to include some observations about the book.

Broken Angel's setting in the Appalachian Mountains has the feel of someone who has lived in the region. The people are believable, and not hillbilly stereotypes. The idea of limiting town population to small sizes fits in with the small, close-knit communities sprinkled throughout the region.
At first, I felt a little uneasy about the one church and it's leader that ran everything in the region. Reading further, I found that the people on the inside had been taught a convoluted version of the Bible. Unable to own books, especially Bibles, members were left to depend on their religious leaders for their religious training. Taking select biblical passages too literally, these leaders read out of the Bible what they wanted.
The leaders reminded me of the Pharisees. They had the final say in all matters because they "knew best." Their interpretations provided wide leeway for whatever actions they desired. The ends truly justified the means in their eyes. In Caitlyn's case the leaders were willing to sacrifice an innocent's blood to achieve their goal of surveillance satellites.
As the story unfolds, Caitlyn's father must leave her alone to make her way to the Outside world. Her spine disfigured, she meets up with other broken people and befriends them. Theo has excellent hearing, but can barely see fingers in front of his face. Billy, an honest, kind-hearted adult, has a problem understanding most things that happen to him, but he is loyal and strong armed. Even the villains are broken in some way. Mason enjoys inflicting fear and pain upon others. Seemingly without fear, a lone confrontation with a small, defenseless Caitlyn, leads Mason to face his greatest fear; that within him.
Not everyone is what they appear. Friends are foes, and foes friends. Broken Angel included some nice unexpected plot twists and conflicts. Underlying the story is the idea that man's unchecked quest for knowledge may lead to consequences for all involved.
Broken Angel weaves an interesting story into a plausible future, and leaves open the door for the book's sequel. Read Broken Angel if you have the opportunity, it will make you think long after you finish the book.
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