(Chapter 1 is here) Chapter 03 – Mr. Hammer’s Office In a better office, in a better part of the city, three men sat at a table. Pulleys creaked as a long belt turned a row of fans above their heads. Despite the slowly revolving blades, Mr. Hammer fanned himself with his derby. A servant entered bearing a teapot on a tray, steam wafting from the spout. Straightening his spectacles, … Continue reading →
Back in 2011, my friend Josephine Boone & I wrote a weekly serial on a steampunk website. Set in an alternate late-1800’s Egypt, it featured ancient and future tech in a land where the ancient Gods are still active. Chapter 01 is here. Chapter 02 – Dr. Boone’s Office The travelers had arrived at the office of Josephine’s father, Dr. Eugene Wesley Boone. The door was opened by a grizzled … Continue reading →
Back in 2011, my friend Josephine Boone & I wrote a weekly serial on a steampunk website. Set in an alternate late-1800’s Egypt, it featured ancient and future tech in a land where the ancient Gods are still active. Chapter 01 – The Taxi Ride by Josephine Boone & Paul Kemner AROOOOOGAAAAAAHHH!!!! SCRRRREEEEEEECH!!!!! Horns blared and tires squealed, punctuated by a raspy voice cursing and shouting in Arabic. Josephine and AP cowered … Continue reading →
Here’s an OVA you’re not likely to find outside of youtube or a streaming site: Dragon’s Heaven. (It took me a while to find it, because I’d heard the title as “Dragon Seven” :p It’s the story of an AI mech, created to work with a human pilot to fight a war against rebellious AI robots. After his pilot died and the war ended, he was left behind and put … Continue reading →
For a decidedly different anime series, try Spice and Wolf. It’s set in a medievalesque world, but it lacks the staples of magic swords, elves, orcs, or bratty princesses. Instead, it’s the story of Kraft Lawrence, a merchant who’s working as a traveling trader to gain funds, experience, and contacts to eventually open his own shop. One evening he meets Holo, an ancient wolf goddess from the North. Generations ago, … Continue reading →
The schedule for for Penguicon is out. Here’s what I’m doing: Writer’s Block ( Saturday, 4/30 6:00 ) I’ll be reading from A Wrecking Bar, a Chocolate Bar, and a Ka Offering for Na-Nefer-Ka-Ptah, and signing copies. The book will be available for sale at the con bookstore. This is a wonderful program for authors who are involved with the con! Life track: How to Poison Your Muse: The Toxic … Continue reading →
I recently ran a free book day promotion for my novelette A Wrecking Bar, a Chocolate Bar, and a Ka Offering for Na-Nefer-Ka-Ptah to get some reviews and ratings on Amazon and Goodreads. I posted notices several places, including some forums, Tumblr, and Facebook. One of the FB pages I run has almost 1,200 likes/subscriptions, and it’s reasonably on-topic for this story. It’s a great place for me to post … Continue reading →
Here’s the front cover for my novelette. I wanted something cute and fun, reminiscent of anime/chibi style. Britt “Ram” Williams, of K2Color, did a spectacular job! The only disadvantage I’ve seen so far is that people who aren’t familiar with anime (and recent SF and fantasy) assume it’s a children’s story. But they’re not my primary audience. What do you think?
Continue reading →In part 3, we finished our discussion of what you might find at a typical literary con. Now it’s time to plan our visit! In previous posts, I mentioned that conventions promote themselves by going to other cons. They throw room parties, leave flyers, and sell memberships. Volunteers who work at one con may help with others too. Con committees and staff network with other cons, and they always have. … Continue reading →
I’ve decided to add recommendations for anime series I’ve watched (got to do something during my lunch at work). They won’t be full reviews, just some quick impressions to pique your interest. The first one is a collection of 4 series in the Space Opera genre. It starts with Crest of the Stars, followed by Banner of the Stars (I, II, & III). The series features young Jinto on his … Continue reading →
