Gregeration X Newsletter December 10, 2022-Fighting bugs and Kung Fu Fighting

Greetings! I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the holiday season. Shortly after I sent the last edition, I came down with a stomach bug that knocked me on my butt for the better part of a week. Then, as I was just about recovered, I got hit with a painful sinus infection. I’m still fighting that, but as of this morning, it feels like I’m finally heading in a positive direction. My fingers are crossed!

I’m a firm believer that sometimes certain books, movies, or tv shows find you at the time you need them most. This is often why fandom is so passionate. If you connect with content on a deep level, then a strong bond is forged and hard to break.

Case in point, last Saturday night, while my wife and kids were out taking part in various seasonal activities, I was curled up on the couch, unable to do anything productive, so I scrolled around Netflix trying to find something interesting to watch. I ended up clicking on a movie I vaguely remember wanting to watch when it first came out, but never did. The movie was The Paper Tigers.

The Paper Tigers is the story of three kung fu prodigies who grow up as close as family with their sifu (teacher) and each other. However, as they grow older, they have a falling out and go their separate ways. Years later, they receive news that their sifu was murdered and they must come together once again to find the culprit.

As the students are now middle-aged, they discover that regaining their former glory is not as easy as it seems. They must face their past failings with their sifu and each other, and confront current demons (and infirmities) before they can avenge their teacher.

While the premise is serious, I’d define the movie as an action comedy. Last weekend, I really connected with this movie as I lay on the couch, contemplating my current state of health. I totally identified with the early training sequences in a suburban garage similar to me and my friends in college. The various complications the older men faced, portrayed quite humorously, is my life right now. My mind and spirt are there, but years of neglect have left my body much less capable than before. While the movie is a work of fiction, the resolution was satisfying and left me hopeful that I too will rise to the level of my former self. I don’t have a sifu to avenge, but I have a lot of books I want to write and other things I want to do!

If you’ve seen this movie or end up watching it, let me know what you think.

Mechhaven Missives

Since I was pretty much incapacitated for the last two weeks, I made little progress on the editing front. As I write this newsletter, I am feeling better than last week, so I’m hoping to get some editing done this weekend. I also have a two-week vacation coming up in about seven days, so I can make up for some of the lost time then.

I had originally planned on releasing Mechhaven Book 4: Rally Point this December, but since I finished the first draft later than expected and with this most recent bout of illness, I have pushed the release date back to Spring 2023. This delay will give me enough time to edit and fine tune the story to my satisfaction, and set up a proper launch for the book. I don’t have an exact date yet, but will let you know once I do. Thank you for your patience.

There will be an additional newsletter coming out on December 18th highlighting some special deals on the Mechhaven series coming up between December 18th and 22nd. Please watch for the message in your inbox and share with any of your friends or family who might be interested in the series. Thank you for your support!

Featured Authors

Here’s a seasonal Sci-Fi read if your in the mood…

Space Pirate Scrooge

Jay Toney

This is a comedy, thriller, space opera, and Christmas story all rolled into one exciting story for adults.

It is Nathaniel’s second Christmas and Doc Roberts’ last chance to get the Spirit of Christmas. He will be revisited by the Kringles, and see the dreaded space freighter, Santa’s Little Helper, again. Good news! He has moved down a few notches on the naughty list, but not far enough to satisfy his wife, Elaunae. She wants her husband on the good list. Yah, don’t count on it happening. After all, he is a pirate. It isn’t in his nature, but she has to try.