Summertime Science Fiction and Fact is the title that popped into my head as I thought about what I wanted to write this week. I’ve found a lot of science fiction books and science articles I want to share. Will I get ten in? Read and find out!
Now here you’ll get a real science fiction book. Or is it fantasy? Or both? It’s author Cindy Tomamichel’s collection of short stories for your reading pleasure.
Your Last Bit of Summertime Science Fiction – Or Fact?
We know Jurassic Park, a science fiction movie, had a Dilophosaurus. How much was fiction and how much is fact? You tell me! On the frontiers of science what is fact and what is fiction changes daily.
What Does An Author Do Between Books? Have you ever wondered? Do book ideas just appear like packages in the mail?
I don’t know what other authors do, but I’ll let you know what I do.
What Does An Author Do Between Books? Getting Ideas
I have no lack of ideas: books devoted to my favorite characters, sequels to current books, whole new series based on alternate history. These ideas appear daily and my wife and children give me more. But ideas aren’t books.
First, I create a list of ideas. Then I think, “What do I want to write?” Then I think, “What do I need to write?” By that, I mean I must write sequels to a series that isn’t finished, like my Secret Supers series.
But I just did that. I wrote Secret Supers sequel Villain’s Vaction, and it’s at my editor. I’m also working with my illustrator to create an awesome cover.
Of course, all titles are provisional and subject to change. That’s why they’re called “working titles”.
But this single idea in three volumes was completely new to me. I envisioned a steampunk, alternate history US where Tesla’s technology is used, for good and evil. It also dovetailed with an idea I had from a successful author (income in six figures!): write all three volumes of a trilogy every year and release them one month apart.
Between Books – Mapping the Territory
This might be a surprise to you. I research every one of my books and my research may be 33-50% of the size of the final book. The research makes me comfortable with the subjects and locations involved and generates plot and character ideas.
I’ve begun research on Tesla. I’ll also have to research Edison and General Electric, plus all the key locations in Tesla’s and Edison’s lives. I won’t use most of what I learn.
I’ve got the first image and the first link of my research for you.
I have my trilogy set–why can’t I just start writing? Some writers would begin now. But I’ve learned I write faster if I research first and then write. Having all my facts in my head gives me ideas and I don’t have to interrupt writing to look up how tall Tesla and Edison were. (Six feet two inches and five ten, respectively.)
Once I’ve read all I can find about Tesla and Edison, I’ll plot what will happen when Tesla travels in time and changes the past.
Does this blog post give you any ideas? Do you have any questions? Write a comment or contact me and I’ll give you an audiobook of your choice. Pick one of the following:
I estimate I’ll need at least a year to write three books, probably more. But my business model requires that I publish one book every nine months. Writers must write and publish to make money. So what can I do?
I’ll keep writing sequels to Secret Supers. There are no end of adventure four seventh grade superheroes can have. I’ll write a sequel to Villain’s Vacation around November 2020 during National November Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Then I’ll publish it around May 2021. My next book won’t be due until February 2022. That’s when I’ll start publishing my Tesla Trilogy.
Science or Science Fiction? Your first test comes up next. If you know WITHOUT READING THE ARTICLE, just email me and I’ll send you an Audible audiobook. Are you ready? Here we go.
And I’ll send you a free audiobook of your choice.
Little known fact: cuddling up with a book, either ebook, paperback, hardback, or audiobook, reduces your chance of coming down with COVID-19 as long as you read or listen by yourself.
Third’s A Charm – Will This Be Your Winner?
Be careful! This one is tricksy!
Your Fourth for the Money – or Audiobook
More tricksy questions from a horrible hobbit? Ask the elves, they’ll tell you both yes and no.
Five Golden Things – Audiobooks Good as Gold
Your next challenge awaits you. Have you learned how to tell science from science fiction?
Not all of these stories are obviously fiction–or science. What will you write to me? Some of these stories are clearly science. But which ones? And what about the ones that are science fiction talking about science?
Your Last Chance to Decide Science or Science Fiction
Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 5 out of 5 stars
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Marie
05-20-20
Attack of the Killer Zombie Turkeys
I reviewed a copy of the audiobook from the author in exchange for my honest review, and here it is. The first book read/ listen from Andy Zach, and I’m totally hooked. can’t wait to hear/ RAF the remaining series. the storyline is very entertaining, and the way they perform (yes perform not read) the book was perfect. Love the sound effects, they just made the story come to life. This story had it all, from killer zombies, love, mystery, and action. it’s a must-read/ hear. I totally recommended it.
Brett Cronier 4.0 out of 5 stars Great Chapter Book Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2020 A story about special needs kids becoming superpowered while still having their special needs. Unique and fast-paced. I love how this is written so children can read and understand it, without complicated themes, yet still placing social prejudices and situations within the storyline. I enjoyed the story very much. Still, I felt that some of the surprises could have used a little more introduction or at least hints beforehand, but it does not take away from the story of friendship and the strong message that everyone is gifted differently. Recommended.
