StarFleet Carl: Blog

Well, by the time you read the new chapter, I will be in debt for 30 years. I bought a tank of gas. Oh, wait - maybe it's because we close on our house Friday morning. You'd think it'd be easy to knock out one final chapter in a book, but when I'm doing a short move - two miles - we're not doing the traditional pack everything and then move it all over a weekend, we're simply taking stuff and actually putting it where it needs to go. Since I don't have a pickup truck now, that means put stuff in a few bins, load them up, take them over, unload them, rinse, repeat.

At 60 years old, this ain't fun anymore, either.

Oh, and the only reason I say 30 years is because that's the length of the mortgage. We'll have it paid off in less than 10.

However, Monday I'll need to be sitting at the new house for six hours while they do all the wiring for cable and security systems, and I'll have my laptop. I sense a typing frenzy coming. I'm shooting for April Fool's Day to have things on Bookapy.

I have put Chapter 16 in the queue for your Saturday morning reading. I must say, I've gotten an interesting perspective on things, courtesy of a reader who just found my books, and has read through all of them, in a row, and has sent me comments as he's done so. We've had some interesting conversations over the last couple of weeks, so thank you.

I am basically taking the month of March off from real estate (the fun part is, I can do that) and moving. Since it's a whopping two miles between houses, I'm taking my time and not rushing. Or, for that matter, doing a lot of packing. Throw stuff into a box, take it to the other house, and unpack it. Mind you, we haven't closed on the other house yet, but... there's a reason we can do that. Same reason I'm the one that installed new locks, got new garage door openers, and will be over there cleaning the tile floors today.

I'm halfway through writing Chapter 29. So much for self-imposed deadlines of Valentine's Day, huh? Now I'm hoping to have the last chapter complete by Caesar's Death Day, which will give me some time to get the files ready and post the completed book... on April Fools Day. I MIGHT post it earlier if I get it done earlier, but that is the start of the next quarter, which will make things easier on Bookapy and keeping track of things. Of course, I always appreciate the tips.

Now, if you've kept reading this long - it's Clitorides voting time! And yes, I'm asking for your vote! Unlike a politician, at least you know I can give you something, which is an entertaining coming of age science fiction story. Book Three has been nominated for Epic Erotic Novel and both Book Three and Book Two have been nominated for Best Science Fiction novel. That's my stump campaigning. Yes, I know I've been nominated for Author of the Year, but I personally think that both Shaddoth and Aroslav are better authors than I am, so I'd be happy with third place again, behind both of them.

Have a great week, and keep those cards, letters, and comments coming. And for those readers who live in OKC - especially the one that's just south of I-240 - remember, that Subaru you see in the Family Wal-Mart on south Sooner parking lot may be me! :)

I just uploaded Chapter 15 for Saturday. I know I normally do this on Thursday, but I have a closing first thing in the morning, and for Oklahoma, the weather completely sucks.

Snow and ice overnight and this morning, and we're expecting wave two tonight. Indiana, this would be no big deal because they have real winters there and have the equipment to deal with it. Here? Why bother, it's going to be in the high 50's by Sunday, so it'll all melt.

I managed to catch an error in my final readthrough today, so no emails that 1985 is NOT the 211th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Three editors and numerous readthroughs, and we ALL missed it until my final reading today.

For those of you curious, I've mentioned in the comments that I'm a Crüxshadows fan, courtesy of John Ringo's 'Ghost.' The anthem is their song, 'Winterborn.' Give it a listen, and the lyrics. It fits those of us who've raised their right hands.

Okay, maybe not with it sung by Marilyn Monroe, and maybe not the President. You'll find out Saturday.

Oh, did I mention earlier that I had a plot twist or two still coming along?

TWIST!

I'm glad I proofed things this morning before putting the file up for posting on Saturday. I about had a continuity error, which happens even in dead tree novels. Real life (tm), I'm writing a contract on a house today, I have a closing next week on another one. Started Chapter 118 (28) so I'm thinking somewhere around the Ides of March for being complete. We didn't get snow last night like they thought (Yay!), it's just very cold for here (Boo!).

Enjoy, please leave me comments, vote, and send emails.

Just in case you missed it yesterday...

How do I phrase this politely? I suggest that when you read this chapter, you make sure you have tissues ready. I WROTE it and even now, it STILL makes me tear up. Those of you who are First Responders - Police, Fire, EMTs - and disaster relief teams, as well as military are going to know EXACTLY what I mean when you read this chapter.

If you don't read my blog warning, don't send me hate mail. I know people have had trouble at times because this story is almost too real for them. Well, this chapter is a slap of reality, right in the face.