New Author/Poet

My Publications... So Far

2019-07-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

Anthologies

Siince it has been so long since I've posted here, I decided to give a long-overdue post.

I've had several of my short stories and a couple of poems published in various anthologies. Most of the tales are brand new, written specifically for the call to submit. Others are from long gone days and have been posted online either on my website or here... or both.

Here's a banner I made highlighting the tomes:

You can, of course, head over to my Amazon page to see them all. I'm extremely honored to have my writings alongside so many other Authors, most probably much better at the craft than I am.

My First Novel

Also, I have published my very first novel!

Hell's Beginning is now available. The fine folks at HellBound Books Publishing have done me a great honor by accepting it and getting it out to the world.

I admit it's not the one I had hopes of being my first novel; it's not even in the same genre I figured my inaugural offering would be. Such is life.

I will offer warnings: In my novel and the anthologies, there will be strong language, scenes full of blood and gore, and quite a few unsavory happenings. If you are easily offended, these are not the stories you wish to read.

It's also available in audio, for which I have some free codes to offer out. The codes are only good for the US and UK Amazon sites. If you're interested, you can go to either my Facebook or Twitter pages and let me know. OR you could send me an email via iamyeehaw@gmail.com and let me know which Amazon you use.

I had tried to do a promo-type thing asking people to post on my FB Author page if they had read any of my stories and their opinion of it. Unfortunately, I got no response so I'm deciding to just give them out to general requests.

As a side note:

My poetry book, Life Through My Eyes: A Collection of Poems is no longer available.

I decided that I needed to do some heavy editing to a lot of the poems published therein, plus the company I went through, Xlibris, set the price way too high. Since not one copy sold in the almost 9 years it's been available, there were no qualms with pulling it, nor with hurrying to get it republished.

Well, gentle Reader, that's all for now. I'll leave you with this thought: If you find things not going the way you wish, just Hold On for one more day.

Silent Screams

2016-11-19T13:01:00.002-06:00

Here's a little poem I wrote off the top of my head one day. Not that it weighed me down, being on my noggin, just had to make room for something else.
Hope you enjoy!

Silent Screams
Life behind these padded walls, as surreal as a dream
    A dream where even silence screams, but only silent screams
        Silent screams of ancient Queens beheaded on a stage

The stage, surrounded by noisy throng
    Some hawking wares secured with tongs
        Some yammering of someone else’s wrongs
One standing above, above any reproach
    Heralding merits and valiant deeds like a coach
        A coach who stores the team behind padded walls

Yes, life behind these padded walls. wishing t’were a dream
    For here, unlike in dreams, the silence screams, but not silent screams
        Not silent screams from ancient Queens beheaded on a stage.

by John T. M. Herres
(c) 2014

Writing, Website, Blog Happenings

2016-05-06T13:03:00.000-05:00

Hello, Once Again!

I just got a notification that my Sister shared a post from this blog on Facebook. The said post is dated last year, and if you want the truth, I did not remember putting it here.

I know I posted it on my blog, BarbarianWriter, but I guess the Blogger page I've set up (which you are now reading), just doesn't rate high enough to get my attention.

Eventually, I will get around to trying to get all the various parts linked together. I'm hoping for, at the very least, 50,000 words, but even that would be considered more a novella than a full-length novel, which go 85,000+ these days.

Well, folks, that's all for right now. I will really do my best to get back on that writing thing. Honest.

Thanks for stopping by!

Keepin' Babel at Bay: Creepy-Ass Story That Will Ruin Your Day

2015-06-29T17:29:00.001-05:00

Keepin' Babel at Bay: Creepy-Ass Story That Will Ruin Your Day: by reddit user blue_tidal About five years ago I lived downtown in a major city in the US. I’ve always been a night person, so I would...

Fight Scene Excerpt from "The Barbarian"

2015-03-03T15:21:00.003-06:00

Here is a first draft look at the fight scene I came up with for the final confrontation between the Barbarian and the Red Griffin. Though not finished with the actual story, I feel this will make an exciting climax, along with the scene I've envisioned concerning the King of The Twelve Kingdoms and his armies keeping the Red Griffin's forces occupied.

The Barbarian pushed hard against the heavy door. He paused to let his vision adjust, then glanced around the cavernous chamber, searching the darkness for hidden guards.

The Red Griffin stood on the dais watching the man the prophecy told would end his reign.

“Welcome, Barbarian.” He nearly spit out the word. “I suppose you intend to kill me?”

“That is an interesting prospect. One I would be willing to explore.”

“I have another prospect,” the Red Griffin tossed off his outer robes, revealing the black armor so many feared.

Behind him, the cauldron flared bright as daylight, casting the darkness away from the platform. The orange material inside it roiled and flowed like thick, iridescent water.

The surface of the strange substance rose above the edge in a large bubble, expanding ever bigger until it burst in the center, sending droplets of the molten sludge into the air. Various sized blobs perked at odd intervals, though nothing overflowed the sides, and none of the drops hit the floor.

With a deep throated, deranged laugh, the Red Griffin taunted his opponent. “Only now, Barbarian, you will take your final challenge!”

He spun to face the huge pot and flung his arms into the air, fingers splayed, head lowered. Though he spoke in the arcane language, the Barbarian understood the incantation. His words echoed off every wall, reverberating a fraction of a syllable apart, making four voices speak the same incantation:

“To the depths of the hell within Hell; Heed my voice, and listen well:
An army of one to do my will. To find mine enemies and then to kill.
Be your offense Anger, Pride, Envy or Greed;
To my commands alone you shall pay heed.
As I beckon, so shall you obey,
Victory rewarded with Life for a day.“

As he spoke, the magma reacted violently. Changing from orange to yellow to red, and cresting crimson. From within the depths, a dark shadow took form and shot out into the pitch black above them, the aura of the projectile glowing bright. It arched over the Wizard and splattered on the flagstones before the Warrior.

The Barbarian stood with his blade drawn and held out beside him. He backed two steps as the stuff seemed to absorb the stone beneath it.

The form hardened, erecting from the floor itself. The Barbarian warred with the powerful urge to flee as the giant shape rose to its full height nearly three times as tall as the man it faced. He drew a deep breath, calming his nerves with his eyes closed.

The Red Griffin took the breath as surrender. “I’ll not let you off that easily, Barbarian,” he hissed toward his enemy. “Once summoned, the demon must fulfill its purpose or be banished from its fiery lair.”

He leveled his long finger towards the target as he demanded, “Demon, destroy the one called Barbarian,” forever branding the man to whom it indicated.

The Barbarian opened his eyes, glinting as hard as the steel blade he brought to bear. Grasping the handle with a firm, two-handed stance, he readied himself as the giant lunged at him.

He sprung to his left, but the demon had long arms and swatted him hard into the wall. The impact knocked his sword out of his hand before he slammed into the wall and crumpled to the flagstones. As he tried to erect himself, the giant wrapped its hand around his body, pinning his arms to his sides.

The man felt the thing tighten its grip. He flexed his whole body, concentrating on breaking free. The pressure of his defense eased the crushing feeling in his chest, as he continued forcing the huge hand open. The giant slapped its other hand to try to retain its captive, baring its small, pointed teeth with the effort.

He felt his space lessening again and felt a heat in his gut as a guttural yell escaped his lips. The hands holding him shot away, orange blood gushing from its shredded skin. The demon howled in pain, causing the very floor to shake as if in an earthquake.

On hands and knees, the Barbarian heaved air into and out of his lungs. He saw his weapon near and scrambled the few feet to get it. As he stood and faced the monstrosity, armed again, the thing looked at its damaged palms and back to the man. A tangible hatred radiated from its red eyes.

It stepped toward the Barbarian beginning a roar, so he rushed with sword ready. He leapt high, slashing down to cleave into its skull. When the thing flung its arm to deflect the blow, a loud twang accompanied the snap of the blade.

The Barbarian, still in flight, held the hilt as he impacted with the beasts chest. He drew back his arm, letting the remnant of his sword spin around and catching it reversed. He drove the partial blade deep into the things clavicle, shoving hard as the giant fell to a knee, its yell announcing the effectiveness as the man twisted and yanked the metal in the wound, slicing the muscles underneath.

He wrenched his weapon out and drove it into the eye of the giant as it sank to the ground, writhing and thrashing. The thing began melting as the Barbarian pulled his damaged weapon free and backed away.

Before the mess had disappeared, a white-hot blast hit the Barbarian full in the back, throwing him again into the wall. He didn’t have the time to raise to his elbows when he felt his body yanked upward and hurled across the cavern, sliding along the flagstones and leaving some of the flesh of his back to mark his path.

“What’s wrong, Barbarian? Forget about me?” The Red Griffin had walked down the stairs, approaching his nemesis with hands raised. “I know not how you defeated my demon, boy, but I shall not go down so easily. I promise you that!”

The Barbarian suspected the splitting of magical attention may weaken the hold on him enough to try to escape. He saw the fire liquid from the vat bubble more violently, drops of it suspending above until a large blob had been formed.

The Red Griffin had turned to look at it, one arm towards each target. He lifted his left hand toward the dripping mass of magma and looked back at the Barbarian. “Here, have a taste of this.” He redirected his energies, using both hands to control the fireball and heaved it towards the man on the floor.

The Barbarian felt the pressure ease as the Red Griffin threw the ball of flame at him. He rolled toward the door, avoiding a direct hit, but the concussion of the blast sent him sliding and tumbling along the flagstones yet again.

The Red Griffin loosed another maniacal laugh as the Barbarian skid to a stop, clutching ribs that might have been snapped from being tossed around like a child’s doll. Clicks of the madman’s stroll made a dull echo through the loud tones in the wounded warrior’s ears. A solid kick knocked the remaining air from his pained chest.

Clutching a fist full of blond hair, he leaned close the bloody face of his enemy. The wizard glared into the eyes of the wounded Barbarian and whispered, “Your people will die. Your land will wither and your King will fall. Even your gods will wail at the utter ruin I shall bring upon you.”

The Barbarian, breathing heavily, stretched his arm behind him, searching for his broken sword, and in a raspy breath retorted, “I have no people; I have no land.” He closed his own fist around the hilt he felt. “I have no king.” His muscles coiled in preparation of the final blow. “I… have… no… gods!” He swung with all his might, but the Red Griffin had sensed his move and backed away too quick for the attack to be effective.

The only blood for the blade to taste came from a trickle brought forth as the edge glanced across his enemy’s upper arm, rending the armored leather meant to protect him. The Red Griffin looked at the wound, surprised that one could get the better of him, as the Barbarian forced himself to his feet.

7 NOISES HEARD WHILE HOUSE-SITTING ALONE, IN THE DARK, THAT WOULD BE ALARMING IF I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT THEY WERE Goldfish Grimm’s Spicy Fiction Sushi | Goldfish Grimm’s Spicy Fiction Sushi -

2014-10-02T11:47:00.001-05:00

7 NOISES HEARD WHILE HOUSE-SITTING ALONE, IN THE DARK, THAT WOULD BE ALARMING IF I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT THEY WERE Goldfish Grimm’s Spicy Fiction Sushi | Goldfish Grimm’s Spicy Fiction Sushi -

This is an interesting little read. Were I to follow with my interpretation of the noises, someone might loose a little sleep. I like to imagine the most sinister reasons for the sounds, and then elaborate.

Oh, for a digital recorder to run all night and capture my reactions to those weird images.

Annual Celebrations

2014-05-26T14:39:00.001-05:00

So, an hour before I officially begin my 49th year, I have decided to post this miscellaneous blog entry. Maybe I should say “Random entry”. Or, “Rambling”. (Dang, I wish I could keep those straight. XD)

What is it about celebrating an annual event? Could it be our need to know how much real time has gone by? How long one has enjoyed, or maybe endured, as one view differs from others, a particular union?

Now, don’t get me wrong: I get excited when the calendar shows one of the myriad of events, even some with which I disagree the base reason for (mainly the professed religious happenings). I look forward to telling someone else of my personal celebrations (like “Today’s my Birthday!”), and join in the acknowledgement of their admitted dates of note, even if internally I would rather offer condolences or sympathy (marriage, children).

Again, don’t take that wrong- I love kids. Even had a hand in making one. ONE. However, I feel the world is extremely overcrowded. The current incidents on display on the news channels (As in TV. I know some still get their information this way. I know it) or posted on multitudes of different websites shows the general public is, for lack of a better cliché, well on the way to hell in a hand basket. And the basket gets to come back to get more.

However, most everyone looks forward to their own personal celebrations every year. From New Years ("What was your Resolution?" To slap down the idea that most people could follow through with one all year long. Had they wanted it so, it would already be so. Maybe.) through to the next New Years' Eve. All the dates which spark excitement or regret are marked, watched for, and anticipated. On the particular day, they may be heard saying, "It's just another day." If that's true, why is it marked, watched, and anticipated?

I wonder if anyone has delved into what began these rituals? (If the pondering is too much, head on over to Google and type in the celebration concerning you and see what you get.) Probably. Not I, though. No, not I. I just like to hypothesize. Even make up my own little stories to explain them. I am a fiction writer, after all. No one said I had to be exactly correct. I think the corresponding phrase is, “Poetic License”, even though it ain’t poetry.

I’ll sign off now. Hopefully, I have given someone else the thought. I just hope it doesn’t drive them mad thinking about it, or they might get mad.

Until Later, from the deepest part of my mind- That part which has been emptiest longest. It’s where most of the inane, inconsequential nonsense usually ends up.

…and, as I say on my other blog, “Write On!”

Wondering How…

2013-08-13T11:48:00.001-05:00

Well, well, hole in the ground. Deep subject for such a shallow mind.

It has been a really long time since I have graced this blog with an update. I guess you could say I’m keeping with a sort of tradition here, but I have posted to my other blog, on average, at least once a month since initiating it around the same time as the last one here. {Having just reviewed, I find that most have been more than that. Except last month.}

That said, let’s ahead with the reason I am here today:

Last night, I tried to put some words down to continue on my Barbarian book. A group is in route to the Ruler of the Kingdoms to be offered the quest of rescuing his daughter from the bad guy.

I opened the program, pulled the proper document, fingers poised at the keyboard… nothing. I re-read what I already had, went back a chapter, tried again. Nope. So, I closed that, opened my Sci-Fi story (No relation to the Sc-Fi poem posted earlier here)… still a blank.

I closed the program, slightly flustered, and pulled out my sketch pad. No idea what I intended to try to draw (if one could consider what ends up on the page a drawing), but just wanted something creative to happen. I did get a couple of things down, and even looked somewhat discernable.

Then, I got out my “character sheet” of something still in the extreme idea section of works; a prequel, if you will, of “The Barbarian”. I am still in need of naming many of the wizards, as well as their respective assistants and the kings of each Kingdom. ((In “Barbarian”, the Twelve Kingdoms are under one ruler, but in this prequel, they are all independent.)) I realized I need a name generator. There are many options, of course, but I did not have my web browser open last night.

To make a long story short (too late!), I figured I have a little thing called writers block. I’ve heard horror stories about some who have had it for years, some who’ve never experienced such a thing. Perhaps it is a malady only reserved for those who lack the self-confidence in their works. I know I have often said that if there were someone next to me egging me on to get more written for them to read… But that’s neither here nor there. What to do about the present situation?

There are as many solutions offered as there are people to offer them. I know I have posted at least once somewhere that one helper is to do some “free writing”. In fact, I have posted some right here on this blog. (Look for “Recent Ramblings”)

In other words, if you, too, are having difficulties getting your writing done, or even getting motivated to do whatever it is that thrills you, you are not alone. Not only have real people, even famous people, as well as ones who have made a fortune helping others lift the fog of indecision and (perhaps) feelings of coming up short on the acceptance chart, been through some sort of the same thing, but there are loads of others who feel that way right now.

So, just try to put something down if you write, scribble a doodle if you draw, drive a bunch of nail into a random piece of wood if you build. Whatever you can think of to just do something. Who knows? Maybe the distraction could be your greatest concept…

Wishing you the best, and hoping you wish the same for me!

2013-01-06T13:20:00.000-06:00

So, here we are in 2013. A brand new year, with brand new opportunities to try to accomplish all that we dream of. Right? WRITE??

Okay, I am still proving my inefficiency with keeping current with blogging, as well as Twitter, Facebook... Some may say, "At least you are consistent with the inconsistency."

I have been wondering, and thinking about asking someone, about "Guest Blogging". Having someone come onto my blog and posting. I wonder if it would get more traffic, at least temporarily, to visit. Maybe some would comment, not only on the guest post, but give some of my others a read and let me know their opinions.
I guess, reality would be whether or not I actually want opinions like that. I mean, I started this blog out as a platform to get 'me' out there; to introduce myself as a new and aspiring writer. I guess, after a year or so of irregular posts, very few views and even less comments, I just began posting nonsense. Just to have something to post.

So, I got an email today. An offer of a guest post. I really want to go ahead and accept, have the guest post and link to drive more traffic and maybe get noticed. But then I realize that it could really get me noticed. I mean there would have to be at least some who would follow the link and see his post, and, naturally, glance at some of my previous posts. What a conundrum: Do I or don't I really want people to read what I have posted here? Should I make a completely different blog site wherein I post only my writings (none of which have been published, let alone finished) and get a guest post on that one? Decisions, decisions...

I'll give it some thought, hope someone gives an opinion, and come up with an answer; hopefully soon. Until then, dear reader(s), auf wiedersehen.

Back Home Again

2012-11-28T10:13:00.001-06:00

Well, we have been gone from home a little more than a week, but are now back. There was a gathering of family, my Ma’s Sister’s to be exact, that we had been invited to. We travelled to Otwell, AR, just outside of Jonesboro, and there, through the week, arrived about 37 others to feast and congregate. I must say, being a loner and preferring time alone, it turned out being almost overwhelming. I had the privilege of meeting some people I had not known before, and met others that, so I’m told, I knew when I was very young. To my mind, most all were new faces. Names and relations got passed along, some I could remember, others not so much. Sometimes my memory, or lack thereof, really causes me embarrassment. So, in the 8 days there, I was convinced to eat much more than I am usually comfortable with, met with more people than I can remember meeting in such a short period, and had the opportunity to play with some young cousins (probably more than I should have, given my back problems). In all, I must say it was an experience. Yea, that’s a good word for it.

Something New

2012-11-16T20:35:00.001-06:00

I am trying out a new Windows program called “Windows Live Writer”. It is, or so it says, made to enhance blog posts. Also, one can post pictures and videos through the same program. We shall see…

2012-10-24T01:43:00.000-05:00

Hickory dickory dock, someone knock off my block...

Howdy all! The current time is 1:25 AM, just one week before Halloween. This will be my second here in glorious Grenada, MS. Can you feel my excitement...(yawn).

Well, as of my last post, I did get the Barbarian story submitted, and my instructor seems to have liked it. I sent him 1933 words, and after the suggested changes, it edited to 1963 words. I would love to post it here for anyone who happens by to enjoy and/or comment on, but if I hope to submit it for publication in a magazine, it has to be virgin material. I can, however, offer it up to any who comment and leave me their email address. For free. Yes, you heard me: FREE!!!! I just need more people to read (and hopefully like) some of my stuff. Who knows; maybe an influential person will want to see more and ask for other stuff I've penned. It could happen...

I am now in process of writing the next part of "The Barbarian" (tentative title) for Assignment 9. It will be up to 3000 words as well, and I am one third the way there. It is due by the middle of November, so I cannot take too long on it.

Anyway, I'll leave it at that. I'll try to "Tweet" the link again tomorrow. Let us see if I get more views and maybe some comments. If this is your first visit, please read other posts, and let me know what you think, even if you think I'm the stupidest blogger around.

Fear, anyone?

2012-09-28T11:52:00.002-05:00

Yes, it has been a while. I admit, as I have said before, I am not real good at this blogging thing, nor with Twitter, Facebook, MySpace... Should I go on? Nay, I digress.

This post is on fear. Some people deny having any kind of fear in their lives. Most, however, admit to at least one kind or other. But the fear I am talking of is the purely unjustified kind. Irrational. Unfounded. Phobic, even.
I, myself, have many such, but the one foremost in existence right now is " fear of rejection". Allow me to explain:
As some may already know, I have two stories in process; a Fantasy/Adventure called "Barbarian Tales" and a Science Fiction called "Challenge of The Velah". In both, I have just over 13,000 words, and most who have read them state they are quite good. Now, I do not flatter myself by saying they would be 'Best Seller' material as-is.
Problem is, I have stalled out on both of them. I know kind of where I want them to go, and popular suggestions are that the word count should total, at the very least, 50,000 words or more to achieve novel length. (Okay, there is another fear; Inadequacy) When I first learned this, I felt overwhelmed. I thought I did well getting the word count I had, and then I find I am less than one third through. Wow.
I have gotten hold of one of Robert E. Howard's "Conan" books, and through trial and error copy-and-paste, found it had some 21,000 words. Now, I realize his works were made, what, seventy-five years ago? More or less. Plus or minus. So, I am left to wonder: are times really that much different? "Well, yeah," you might say. "I mean, movies back then were maybe an hour long. The folks in today's world have the need for more information." And yet, a lot of the writing advice I see tells one to edit, condense, not over explain so as to give the reader a chance to discover some things for themselves. So, how does one get so many words and please the "writing suggestions" of those who are supposed to be helping?
Again, I digress. We're talking about fear here. What I have come to suspect is that I have subconsciously halted my writing. Perhaps my brain (yes, both brain cells, when they are not playing 'superconductor) figures that as long as the work is not finished, I will not have to submit it, therefor evading the inevitable "Sorry, we are not interested at this time" response.
I have always battled the rejection fear, and have dealt with so much rejection in my life that I should be used to it. So why the fear? I mean, no one goes through life being consistently accepted and never rejected. Everyone has been rejected at least once. (HA! At least one hundred times would be an understatement) So, again, why the fear?
I have a few short works that I have tried submitting to online magazines. I have been rejected each time. No explanation, just refused. No encouragement to revise and resubmit. I hear tell that there are some rejection notices which offer advice on what needs changed, or why the piece was rejected. This remains to be seen as far as my experiences. Yes, I understand the hundreds, even thousands of items pass through a given submission desk and there is no feasible way for all of the rejected items to be analyzed and commented on. Hopefully, one day someone will look at some of my writings and tell me exactly what I am doing wrong. Or what I can do do finally get a work accepted.
Well, I will leave you with that for now. I am still hoping to post more often, but I figure that as long as I am, apparently, the only one visiting this blog, all is for my eyes only. Looking at my stats, I have one subscriber, and two people commenting on what I put here. Kind of like my website, www.johntmherres.com for the most part only has comments from family and people I know. How I would love to see a favorable comment from someone I have never met, or asked to visit. Hell, I'd even welcome constructive criticism from a stranger. Oh, well. I guess if it is meant to be, it will happen.

Peace! Till Later; enjoy what life has to offer.

Wet Weather

2012-08-09T10:17:00.000-05:00

There are storms moving through our area today, long awaited and a near deluge. While looking at Facebook, a poem tossed through my noggin, and I could not Tweet it, so wanted to post it here instead. So, here goes:

Rain is falling all around,

soaking into hard-packed ground.

Lightning flashes, thunder booms,

rattling things in every room.

The light is dim and skies are grey,

but it won't always be that way.

Enjoy it while it lasts!

John T. M. Herres, 08/09/2012

Exploring the origin of the Barbarian

2012-07-07T11:17:00.001-05:00

While getting part of "Barbarian Tales" ready to submit for one of my lessons, I decided to actually take a different track; to write the beginnings of the Barbarian in a separate story. There are clues to older histories in the world I am creating, and the wary reader will be able to hash them out. I don't want to explain in detail his family history, since he will not know it himself, so the readers will have to do some deductive reasoning. I am hoping this will lead to a deeper plot. I would like to think today's readers do not want everything spilled out on page; that they desire to make some of the discoveries for them selves and have a hand in discovering the world they imagine from what they read. Or, should I just put down in writing all the inferences I am making?
Since I have not gotten a single comment on any of my past posts, I am not really expecting one here. It would be nice, but let us be realists here. Obviously, my blogs are tiresome and no one really gives a damn about what I put here.

Lethargy Strikes...

2012-03-23T12:39:00.000-05:00

Here I sit, too near the due time of the next assignment in my course, and my 2 brain cells are just not cooperating. Each time I pull up the document to conclude, or even continue it, I draw a blank. I know what I want to happen, but seem to lack the enthusiasm to put it in words. Lethargy, I believe it is called. I renew my resolve to complete it and still get too easily distracted. It could be from considering all the tasks that I want to accomplish, and not being able to prioritize. Take, for instance, now. I have it opened and ready for my words to go into it, but I am here posting a blog instead. Sometimes, the story just flows, even overflows, and my fingers have a hard time keeping up. Other times, I have to force the words out, and it sounds flat and uninteresting. And then there are times like now; I know what I want, but sitting here to do it, nothing works right. If only those pesky brain cells would just get along, I could pen a story in record time, and it would be a best seller. Is that too much to ask for?

Google+

2012-01-25T16:04:00.002-06:00

Howdy to All! If anyone has deemed it necessary to read my posts, I am eternally grateful! Once again, here is my website. I have not updated it in a while, but will soon, as I am getting ever closer to getting off my patootie and submitting one or more of my works on smashwords.

I have joined my blog onto my Google+ account. Hopefully, this will give some people a little more incentive to read my posts. It may also get me to posting more frequently. Never know!

Hope things start to improve! I know it is (mostly) up to me, so here's to progress! Cheerio!

Traffic

2012-01-12T15:35:00.000-06:00

I wonder what it takes to attract more people to not only come to read, but to comment and (I wish) subscribe to my blog. I have posted on Facebook when I've made new blog posts, I've even tweeted notices. But it seems that, if anyone actually has read them, either they aren't interested, or I'm going about it the wrong way. [Nay, I say, not "wrong", but "incorrect"] The problem is, even though I have asked a few people, read several articles and even other blogs, I have gotten no clear indication as to how to write a blog and make it interesting.

I figure, with more people showing interest in what I write, I would definitely post more, and would even give excerpts of some of my WIP's. How, about it, Gentle Reader? Any tips or comments?...

One of my works

2011-12-02T12:00:00.000-06:00

My Website

Okay, I need to get you some information on some of my writings. First off, follow the link above to see what I have on my website, and while there, please sign the guest book to let me know what you think.

Now, in addition to what I have posted there, I also have a sci-fi story I am working on. It is called "Challenge Of The Velah" and is about a man who inadvertently gets drawn into a war between two alien races. The Heskah race has been set upon by the evil Sakalel race, which is determined to annihilate the peaceful beings in order to culminate their vengeance.
The story begins with the hero finding a secluded glen in the middle of the forest he is traversing. He has forgotten exactly why he forged his way through the forest, and finding the glen initiates a cycle of recall which he does not want. The wall he mentally built to shield himself begins to crumble, and no matter how he tries to rebuild it, the memories keep trickling through.
Before long, one of the alien races is able to track him by his thought waves, and he must evade them while trying not to think about the incidents which have sent him away. When the followers realize they are unable to catch him, they return to their ships and leave him a backpack with supplies, along with a note, and a weapon to aid him defensively.
At first, he rejects the gifts, thinking them to be a trap, and runs from them an entire day. When he finds them again the next morning in the same condition as before he ransacked the pack and left the contents spread about, he resigns to accept and continue on. He has come to terms with his mission, even if he does not know exactly what it is he is supposed to do.
He then finds a cave, which he has had a dream about where he met the enemy for the first time. He does not want to enter, but finds he is compelled to against his wishes. He does find one of the antagonists there, and since he remembers the dream, is able to defeat the massive opponent.
Located there in the cave is a ship of the Heskah's, and upon entering he releases the Captain from cryostasis and is introduced into the camaraderie of their culture. After the ship is freed from the cavern, they are attacked and forced to flee to the stars.
They realize they cannot outrun the enemy, and set down on another planet to face the evil forces. He battles with the leader of a 10-being landing party. When the leader realizes the human is more than a match, he calls upon his regiment to try to overpower him. Against all odds, the single combatant defeats the small army. However, the enemy sends down twice as many, and is finally able to subdue the man and take him into custody.

I think this will be all I share with you for now. I am a bit further than this in my writings, but am not finished with it. I am hoping this will be if not my first then my second novel publication. Probably second, as I have gotten more than twice the response on "Barbarian Tales" as I have on "Challenge Of The Velah".

Stay tuned for more info on how my writing is going, and if you feel inclined, please leave me a comment...

Highlight Of My Writing "Career"!

2011-10-20T18:46:00.000-05:00

I received today from the Library of Congress, officially acknowledging my poetry book! It is somewhat exciting to know that I am recognized, as it were, as a published author! See here;

Yippee for me!

Review

2011-10-20T18:07:00.001-05:00

I had the opportunity to read a zombie story by someone else, and was asked to give a review and post a link to the story. It is called, "My Zombie Body" by Mario Lurig. You can purchase a digital copy from MyZombieBody.com for $2.99, half of which is donated to Child's Play Charity, which provides games, toys, books, and other entertainment for children worldwide to enjoy while they are in the hospital. A more noble cause I cannot imagine. So, here we go:

Jarad was just a normal guy, going to work day by day, ineffectually mingling with coworkers, and just as ineffectually flirting with the office cutie. Stories of a contagion began being broadcasted on news channels, but were readily disregarded by the masses. Until there was an evacuation called for.
The story follows Jarad through various situations and flashbacks. As his body makes the journey ever westward, his mind is still in operating order. He tries to regain control of his renegade physical being while coming to terms with the horrors his body has committed.
An entertaining look at the Zombie genre, and definitely a unique perspective on the changes and how they are perceived by the infected. I would absolutely recommend giving this story a read, and the price can't be beat!

Still Trying

2011-10-19T14:46:00.000-05:00

So, I am still trying to build my "reputation" via Facebook, Blogging, Google... Anything I can find to get people to check out my work and hopefully tell me they want more. I think if enough comments come in saying my work is liked, I will have ammunition when I try to get published so I won't have to go through the self publishing route too much more. I would like to not have to at all, but becoming known is a long, drawn out process. Hopefully, some one will like it so much, they recommend me to an influential enough person who can help me "get a foot in the door" as it were.

Anyway, I will check on things over the next few days... (fingers crossed)

New Facebook page

2011-10-18T16:58:00.000-05:00

My new Facebook Author page can be found HERE

I have been told that an author should have media pages in which to "advertise" themselves. I am still not sure what will come of it, but have produced a new page on Facebook, and I have this blog. As to how to get the word out that I'm alive and writing stuff that lots of people would enjoy... *shrugs*

So, I will ask, if anyone other than myself is reading this, PLEASE recommend to your friends and acquaintances my work, my webpage at this link or my blog here. Just help me get around to people I don't know and see if they like what I write. I would be ever so grateful!

My Assignment Is Sent

2011-09-30T09:24:00.000-05:00

As mentioned, here is a 'copy-and-paste' of the story I mailed in for my 3rd assignment. I had originally thought it up for a "Flash Fiction" contest while on BookRix.com and have added to it. So, without further ado, I present "Zombie Adversary":

Zombie Adversary

     This can’t be happening. I have spent the last three days trying to get away from the mindless hoards of zombies chasing me, but every time I think there’s a chance to rest, to breathe, more seem to seep out of the crumbling buildings surrounding me. I need to find a place to stop, and most especially something to eat. I can feel my strength ebbing. The occasional fountains I found that still had potable water did little to assuage the grumbling hunger pains.
     There’s an open door, have to get higher to see if the way is clear. It’s dark in here. I just have to rest for a moment. I start up the stairs and hear the door I just forced closed splintering under their attack. Scraping of shattered wood and crunching of broken glass trod under their feet echoes up to me as I ascend the stairs. I’m on the second floor now. There; a ladder, leading to the roof perhaps. Struggling with the latch, I find it is not going to open. That means I have to find my way back down to the street and find another way.
    I can’t afford the time to try and find another building to explore. I need to find somewhere with food as well as a place to hide. I could try to get into an abandoned apartment, maybe there would be something left behind from the evacuation last month; something that hasn’t spoiled yet.
     I remember having seen a grocery store about a mile back. I’m going to try to make it there. It may have been gutted, but there could be something there to eat. It is worth a chance. OK, I must be careful, as I can hear their groaning all around me. It seems they can sense where I am, maybe they can smell me, I don’t know for sure, but at least I am still faster than they are. I won’t be for much longer unless I find nourishment and rest.
     I’m having to skirt around a different way to backtrack. Can’t just go back the way I came; they are probably still there, shambling their way after me. I am hoping that means all of them will be past the store by the time I make it there.
     I have made my way through back streets and alleys. I can still hear them following. So far I have been able to keep out of their sight. How do they know where I am?
     I think I’m almost there. If I have my bearings right, it should be right around the corner. Yes, there it is. I can make it if I’m careful. I cannot stay in this alley too much longer, have to make a run for it.
     No! I’m in the middle of the street, and they are coming from everywhere. All around me. What the hell am I going to do now? I don’t have any weapons, I’ve just been avoiding them and running away. There’s no way I can fight them all off, especially not as hungry and tired as I am.
     Oh, crap! They are too close! Grabbing me and wanting to get at my skin with their gnashing teeth as they try to bite me. I shove several of them back off me, they stumble and almost fall. There must be near a hundred now and more just keep coming. I fight and punch at them, but it doesn’t faze them. One has a hold of my arm! “AAAGGGHHH!!!” Son of a bitch bit me! Doggone it!
    I did it. I finally got away from them. It was not easy, had to duck and dodge, crawl and roll under them. The blood from the bite actually helped by making my skin slick enough they couldn’t keep hold. Man, this bite hurts. Gotta wrap it up to try to stop the bleeding. Damn, that hurts!
     I’m feeling dizzy, can’t focus my eyes. My head and body ache and my muscles are so sore. What’s going on? Oh, great, I think I know. The bite. The movies must have been right. Now, I’m going to turn into one of them. I refuse to go around eating other people, I don’t care how hungry I am. I have to hold on to whatever memories I can, have to fight this…
     Can’t move good. Just slide my feet. Must be zombie now. Others just walk by. I walk into group. Can push this one into alley. Alone now. Grab head and pull off. Easy. Can do this all day. Take bite, so hungry. Yuck; dry, powdery. Better this than people. Go find more zombies.
     Have killed bunch. Not many left. Dry skin and blood not help hunger much.
     Another group, they have person. One bite the leg, but person free, running to me. Will change anyway, I hunger more. Catch person, bite neck, finish what others start. Fresh meat, hot blood, soooo good. Have strength, get more zombies.
     Big group there. Shuffle to catch. Blade found chop better than rip with hands, faster. Chop one, other see, chop that too. Chop all, they fall, no blood. Try eat, dry but solid. Bite more, chew, swallow. No taste good, just fill stomach.
     So many dead zombie bodies around. They see I kill, they try kill me, I kill them. Look for more.
     Ahead, humans. Smell so good. So hungry still. No zombies. People food too, better food. Hot food. They yell, but I need eat. See gun pointing at me. Puff of smoke. Hit in chest, no hurt. More smoke. Arm gone. Person next to me. See gun in face. See pull trigger…

Well, Hope you enjoyed that. Post a comment to show how much you care and I might be persuaded to put up something else. Otherwise, my ramblings as shown previously will continue...

New Story

2011-09-15T09:10:00.000-05:00

Well, I've done it again.
While trying to get back to sleep early this morning, an image and some words began roaming the open spaces between my ears and would not relent until I got up, turned on my 'puter and put them in text form. I have not finished the other 2 stories I'm in process of completing, and now I have another.
This one is about 2 guys who want to map a cave. I have no idea how they will do it, nor what complications they will run into, but I know that, at some point in their explorations, something will go terribly wrong. Will they both survive? No idea. At this point, I know pretty much the same as you do.
I have contacted someone who teaches cartography (making of maps) and asked for help. (Can you imagine? ME asking for someone's help? Mr. "I-can-do-it-alone" asking someone to aid me?)
Anyway, I hope he can give me some advice so it does not look like I am what I am: Uneducated in the area of making or telling how maps are done.

Till next time: Adieu!