Over the last few weeks, I’ve been hearing about an upcoming solar eclipse. As I sat down to write this newsletter, I realized the eclipse is today! Depending on when you read this, it may still be going on. Check the link below for the most up-to-date info on the annual eclipse.
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2023/where-when
As just an everyday person, eclipses are an interesting phenomenon to witness. They not only connect us to everyone else around the world who witness them, but also to our ancestors who had far less knowledge of the universe and viewed them with more awe, or possibly as a portent of trouble to come. As a writer of Sci-Fi and Fantasy, my mind goes to all the various story implications eclipses can have.
I’ll be popping outside between 8:45am and 9:30am PDT to check things out. How about you? Also, please be sure to take any necessary precautions to view the eclipse safely!
Mechhaven Missives
- My day job (probably like yours) keeps me pretty busy. There times of the year when I’m busier than others and then there are surprise projects or unexpected events that cause additional work. During these times, I either need to work more hours, increase my focus on the current project, or both. Unfortunately, these can crater creative juices. This is a long way of saying that I’m currently experiencing one of these times and my creative output over the last two weeks has been minimal. When I can’t find the time or motivation to write, I switch to other aspects of the creative process, such as brainstorming, editing, or marketing. No matter what, I’m always trying to find ways to move my stories forward.
- There are only three weeks until the 2023 20Booksto50K Writer’s Conference in Las Vegas. I’ll be taking the week off from work and will get to be an author for 24/7 for an entire week! The best part is I get to meet, hang out, and attend classes with thousands of other writers. This is both overwhelming and inspirational in so many ways. I attended in 2021 but couldn’t attend last year, so I’m very excited to attend this year. I’m looking forward to the creative boost that will come from being surrounded by so many wonderful artists!
- Have I mentioned that the audiobook for Pax Machina is in production? If not, I’ll be making some announcements pretty soon. I just finished listening to Chapter 10 and 11 and they sound great! I just received Chapter 12 and plan to listen to it this weekend. By my calculations, this means the audiobook is about 57% complete. I won’t know a release date until the book is finished and submitted to Audible, but I’m hoping we can release it by the end of the year.
Mech of the Month
October’s Mechs of the Month are the Jaegers from Pacific Rim and Pacific Rim Uprising. These giant mechs are humanity’s only defense against giant inter-dimensional Kaiju that emerge from a rift in the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Jaegers are piloted by two or more people who share a neural link. The names of the Jaegers are pretty cool too, Gipsy Danger, Cherno Alpha, Crimson Typhoon, and Striker Eureka. My son and I often debate the effectiveness of the Jaegers as they seem to be destroyed pretty easily (I believe he refers to them as paper mâché), but if you sit down to watch the movies, the spectacle combined with the music makes for an enjoyable experience.
Featured Authors
This week’s featured authors are Shane Shepherd, Jonathan Fesmire, and Merick N. H. Ulrik
by
Shane Shepherd
A dark secret hides in the stars. Will it be discovered before it’s too late?
Prequel to The Nexus Series
Deep in the heart of Texas, at the UOG training base, Kevin Ore’s dream of touching the stars becomes a thrilling reality. Yet, beneath the glittering promise of space, shadows stir. Commander Mitchell’s probing doubts set the stage for a journey where courage will be tested beyond the limits of gravity.
As Kevin navigates weightless simulations and forms bonds with fellow aspiring astronauts, his encounter with the enigmatic Mary unlocks a Pandora’s box of mysteries.
by
Jonathan Fesmire
This prequel short story to “The Adventures of Bodacious Creed” reveals how Anna Lynn Boyd, young brothel madam and secret inventor, resurrected her pet cat, met her partner Jonny, and how Jonny became mute. There’s science, adventure, heartbreak, and love in this tale that won an honorable mention in the Writers of the Future Contest.
A LitRPG, Epic Fantasy, Harem Fantasy and Video Game Parody
by
Merick N. H. Ulrik
Gil was a regular guy before he was transported to another world. In a world of magic and monsters, he must struggle to survive. Here he is, the chosen one. But the world is familiar to him. It reminds him of his favorite RPG video game but now he is living it. When monsters attack him, the pain and struggle are real. Does he have what it takes to be the Warrior of Light?
In this new found fantasy world, he first encounters a female thief who reminds him strangely of a beautiful young woman from his past—in the real world. Will she be the key to unlocking the secret of his quest in Ultimate Fantasy?
This is a LitRPG, Epic Fantasy, Harem Fantasy and Video Game Parody.
Warning this book contains some very steamy sexual scenes but would be considered rated R, and not X. Some scenes do fade to gray but they get hot first… read at your discretion.
Featured Promotions
Distant Worlds: Sci-Fi in Kindle Unlimited
SciFi and Fantasy MegaGiveaway October
SciFi and Fantasy MegaSale October
RAVE-Reader and Author Vegas Event
The 20Booksto50K Writer’s conference culminates with the RAVE on November 10th 2023. This is a collection of 300 authors, from big name best-sellers to brand new indie writers all in one room selling and signing their books. I’ll be taking part in my second RAVE and invite all of you to attend if you are in Las Vegas on November 10, 2023. If you can’t attend, but know anyone who might be interested, please share the information with them. Entrance to the event is free! I’ll also be doing a 5 minute reading from one of my books at 12:55pm. Check the list below to see if any of your other favorite authors are reading!
Here’s the Facebook Group for more info:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ravevegasauthorsigning
If you plan to attend, please send me a message.
Until next time, have fun and read a lot of books!
Greg Sorber