The Chancy Cargo---Cover Image

Here is the cover for Book 3 of my series, Adventures of the Spitfire Crew, which is titled "The Chancy Cargo."

To read the first two books in the series, buy them here:
2-pack (Whisper in Space & Big Damn Love Story) - Amazon.com
2-pack (Whisper in Space & Big Damn Love Story) - Barnes & Noble.com
 

Whisper in Space/Big Damn Love Story Value Pack added to Barnes & Noble

I have added the 2 book value pack, A Whisper in Space and Big Damn Love Story, to Barnes and Nolbe at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1115241962?ean=2940016726885 for $3.99.

These are the first 2 books in my series, Adventures of the Spitfire Crew.  Book 3, the Chancy cargo, comes out in June.

 

 

Interesting Book

I just found this interesting book online.

Dark World Chronicles: Beginning of the End - Jeremy Montanez. 

This is online available in paperback.  The cover looks awesome, and a brief read of the first chapter peaked my interest.

Bringing Back Firefly---My Thoughts

I would really love to see Joss Whedon produce more episodes of the series "Firefly."  I suspect a lot of other fans would as well.

Right now, money no longer stands in the way, as I suspect that Joss could easily get the funding or use his own money to fund a Firefly restart.  So what are the obstacles standing in the way?

Minor Obstacle #1---Age.  Everyone is 11 years older.  Serenity was made only 2 years after Firefly and the age difference was very visible among some characters.  In my opinion the most notable aging effects were seen with Jayne and Simon.

Minor Obstacle #2---Consistency between the original series, the movie, and the new series.  The subtle changes in the ship between the original TV series and the movie were noticeable, but overlookable.  If Wash or Shepherd Book is suddenly not dead, as much as I like those characters, that would be extremely jarring.

Main Obstacle---Nathan Fillon and Morena Baccarin are both currently lead cast members of hit T.V. shows.  Morena's character can arguably be less important to a Firefly restart, but Nathan's is the central character.  Can a star of one hit TV show devote time to filming another?  If the answer to that is yes, then here's how a Firefly restart could look:

5 or 10 years after the events of the movie Serenity, Mal is still flying his ship through the verse, struggling to keep flying.  Just as Inara grew fonder of Mal (and vice versa) while they were separated, being back on Serenity drove them away from each other, to the point where Inara left again, this time for good.

River is now the pilot, Zoe still flies with Mal and remains his loyal sidekick, though lonliness has her thinking about leaving. 

Jayne is still aboard as well, since the pay is OK and he hasn't found any better opportunity.  Jayne has developed a little loyalty to Mal, but not a whole lot. 

Simon is gone.  He either died is a gunfight that he wasn't equiped to handle, or saw that River no longer needed him and stayed on a border-planet where his talents would be put to good use in healing others.  The later approach might allow for an episode where he hails Serenity seeking help with some local problem, and he and Kaylee breifly rekindle their flame.

Kaylee is still the ship's mechanic, and without Simon she is again struggling to find companionship among the passengers they take on. 

Throw in a few new characters and you have the makings for a good restart.

Joss, if you ever read this, I give you free reign to use anything in this post, as my main love would be to see the series restart.

Watch Defiance Premiere

You can watch the premiere episode of Defiance on Hulu here: http://www.hulu.com/#!watch/479084. Happy watching.

 

Trailer for Elysium

I just saw this online, a new science fiction movie with Jodi Foster and Matt Damon, called Elysium.  See the trailer here: (Elysium Trailer)

This looks really interesting.  Earth is a war-torn shell of a planet, while the elite live on a space station orbiting Earth, a virtual paradise.  This would definitely fit into that space western mold, like Firefly, Serenity, and A Whisper in Space (my own ebook).

I'll post more on this movie as it gets closer to release,but based on the trailer it looks impressive.  You can also like the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Elysium?sk=timeline) for more information.

 You can check out my space western ebook 2 pack here (A Whisper in Space & Big Damn Love Story 2-pack).

Serentiy in Top 8 Science Fiction Films in the Last 20 Years

The British website "Female First" has pickedit's top 8 science fiction films for the past 20 years, and the movie Serenity is on their list, along with other favorites such as Pitch Black, Independence Day, The Matrix, District 9, and Avatar.

You can see the complete list here: (Top 8 Science Fiction).

From their write-up:

Serenity was a big screen continuation of short lived TV series Firefly and saw Joss Whedon back in the director's chair.

Serenity follows the crew of the ship Serenity tries to evade an assassin sent to recapture one of their number who is telepathic.

This is a movie that should have enjoyed more success then it achieved as it really was a terrific watch.

Whedon not only delivered an intelligent movie but Serenity that was also a film that balanced action, comedy, drama and emotion.

The film was met well by the critics but did not perform well at the box office - however it has gained a cult following over the years.

Book 3 Scheduled for June Release, Title Announced.

OK, some big news for Spitfire Crew fans.  I am now announcing the title for my third book.  It will be called "The Chancy Cargo."

At one point I had been shooting for an April release, but with some other projects I've been working on I've had to push that back to a June release date.  Right now it is at 37k words, and I anticiate finishing with between 45k and 50k words, so I'm about 75% completed.

You can read the first 2 books of the series here:  http://www.amazon.com/2-PACK-Whisper-Adventures-Spitfire-ebook/dp/B009EIBGO8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1365192490&sr=8-2&keywords=big+damn+love+story

Interesting Books & Ebooks

The Mask of Noesis (A Morgan Koda Adventure, Book 1), Jules Duncan, Hardcover $12.00
http://www.amazon.com/Mask-Noesis-Book-Morgan-Adventure/dp/1479317780/ref=la_B008FLZ7RW_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1364911179&sr=1-2

Maven Fairy Godmother: Through the Veil, Charlotte Henley Babb, Kindle Ebook $5.95
http://www.amazon.com/Maven-Fairy-Godmother-Through-ebook/dp/B007QD2XW2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1364911498&sr=1-1&keywords=maven+fairy+godmother

Night Journey, Goldie Browning, Kindle Ebook $4.00. paperback $11.69
http://www.amazon.com/Night-Journey-Goldie-Browning/dp/098472544X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1364838442&sr=1-1-catcorr

Audrey's Love, Gerri Bowen, Kindle Ebook $3.99
http://www.amazon.com/Audreys-Love-ebook/dp/B00BB1165A/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364837258&sr=1-2&keywords=Gerri+Bowen

Zombieland---TV Series

I found this out on Giantfreakinrobot.com, that Amazon is producing a T.V. series based on the Zombieland movie, with different actors/actresses playing the parts of Tallahassee, Columbus, Witchita, and Little Rock.  It will only be available on Amazon's streaming service, Amazon Prime.

More info is available here:  http://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/scifi/amazon-reveals-zombieland-tv-series-teaser-poster.html

Firefly RPG Announced

Courtesy of Giantfreakingrobot.com, Margarat Weis Productions has announced the release for a new tabletop RPG based on the Firefly T.V. series.  Of course, the same company did a Serenity RPG a while back, which was wildly successful.  I can't wait until this comes out.

Read more here:  http://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/scifi/firefly-tabletop-rpg-officially-announced.html

Death Threats Made Against Actress by Stupid Fans

I found this on Giantfreakinrobot.com, and was thoroughly amazed.  Apparently, some fans of the T.V. show The Walking Dead are incapable of separating fiction from reality, and have sent death threats to actress Laurie Holden based on the actions the writers had her character do in the T.V. series.  These fans need to get a brain.

Read more here: http://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/scifi/walking-dead-star-laurie-holden-receiving-death-threats.html

The Walking Dead, Monopoly and Risk in September

This is way cool.  The Walking Dead, Monopoly and Risk.  Click here for details, courtesy of Giantfreakinrobot.com: http://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/scifi/walking-dead-feast-monopoly-risk-summer.html.

The Risk idea sounds particularly interesting based on the description.

New on Amazon

Interesting Book --- An Unlikely Hero

A friend just sent me an e-mail about a book that looks pretty interesting.  The book is called "An Unlikely Hero,and is written by Tierney James.

You can find the book on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1480276030/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_img_sol_1

Here's the book description:

For intelligent, stay-at-home mom Tessa Scott, now is the time to be a hero, or end up dead. The choice will change her life forever.  

An Unlikely Hero, the gripping action thriller by Tierney James, delivers a modern-day heroine as terrorists, operatives, and brilliant scientists converge in a race to save the country from a new kind of danger. In the tradition of Nora Roberts or Elizabeth Lowell, this heart-racing tale of high stakes and misguided missiles is packed with intrigue and plot twists that threaten our way of life.  

Tessa Scott is living the American dream - big house, successful husband, and three beautiful children. No one would suspect a Libyan terrorist is at work nearby. When Tessa sends her family on vacation after another fight with her husband, she is expecting a relaxing week of solitude.  

Instead she is confronted with a bomb in her backyard, and the terrorist group who are looking for it. Tessa survives only due to the entrance of Captain Chase Hunter, a man who seems just as dangerous as the terrorists. Unsure who she can trust, Tessa is drawn into his secret world of terrorists and national security. Powerless to resist Tessa is forced to survive the unthinkable, from confronting perilous brushes with death to becoming a sitting duck for men who are out to savage the world as we know it.  

Meanwhile, the self-possessed Captain Hunter finds that Tessa Scott is affecting him in a way he thought no woman could. The two are forced into a complicated partnership as they work together to unravel a terrorist plot that will affect thousands of people. The stakes are raised when Tessa discovers that her family is in danger from the same terrorists.  

Will Captain Hunter save them, or is he looking to Tessa to save him? An Unlikely Hero is a remarkable, enthralling tale of a seeming ordinary woman who is compelled to emerge as altogether extraordinary in the face of sinister schemes, brutal aggressors, and worldwide implications. With an intricate storyline, complex characters, and blood-pumping action, An Unlikely Hero is likely to have you riveted to each high-velocity turn of events.

 

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7 Myths About Joss Whedon

This post on io9 lists 7 myths about Joss Whedon, and debunks them.

http://www.gunsandammo.com/shooting/blogs/zombie-nation/

It's  apretty interesting read, and I would encourage everyone to check it out.

Book 3 to Have Fewer Gunfights

As I wrote book 1, A Whisper in Space, if wanted to portray the danger Miles Knighton faces every day, so I worked in a very healthy dose of gunplay.  Two major gunfights and a few minor skirmished is quite substantial for a 30k word story.

When I wrote book 2, Big Damn Love Story, I found that I wanted to focus a lot more on the characters, and so while the story is more than twice as long (70k words) it still only had 4 gunfights.

As I have written book 3, I wanted to move the story even more towards the characters.  Subsequently, I am now 35k words into the story, which will ultimately be between 45k and 50k words.  So far I have only 1 gunfight, and no plans to work in any more.  I think that overall the story will work out better, and I look forward to completing it.

-David

Star Wars Day---May 4

Just a general announcement, May 4th is Star Wars day, when you are encouraged to greet all your friends with the words "May the forth be with you." 

So be sure to mark your calendars now.  More info can be found on wikipedia here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Day

10 Greatest Prison Breaks in Science Fiction and Fantasy

The website Io9 posted this list of the 10 greatest prison breaks ever depicted in writing or on screen.  I don't know that I agree with all of their choices, but I like their #1, Escape From New York.

You can find the list here: http://io9.com/5979776/10-greatest-prison-breaks-in-science-fiction-and-fantasy

12 Cylon Models

The 12 models of Cylons from the nw Battlestar Galactica:

 

News on Zombieland 2

I found this story on Collider.com.  Basically, Zombieland 2 is not on the immediate horizon due mainly to issues with the script.  http://collider.com/zombieland-2-sequel-news-ruben-fleischer/

I am bummed by this, and Zombieland was a funny and enjoyable movie. 

Star Wars Conversion to 3D Delayed

I found this article on TheForce.net:  http://www.theforce.net/latestnews/story/Prioritizing_Episode_VII_LFL_Postpones_3D_ReReleases_150010.asp

Basically, 3D versions of episodes II and III were originally going to be released this fall.  Lucasfilm has decided to delay them so that they can focus on Episode VII.  Overall, given how bad episode I looked in 3D, I think this is a good move. 

The only thing I did enjoy about the 3D re-release of episode I was that my kids were old enough to see the movie with me, so it was a neat daddy moment for me.  Episode VII will probably also be a neat daddy moment (maybe the midnight showing with the kids, who will then be 11 & 10!)

Catching Fire (Hunger Games Sequel) Teaser Poster

The sequel to the hunger games, Catching Fire, is currently being filmed, and is scheduled for release on November 22.  A few weeks ago they released the teaser poster for the movie.

I also found this image online, which I thought was intriguing:

I found these images on Catchingfiremovie.org
 

Walking Dead Webisodes---"Cold Storage"

AMC's website has a set of webisodes called "Cold Storage".  The webisodes tell a new story, with new characters, set in the same zombie apocalypse as the TV series.

You can view the webisodes here:  http://www.amctv.com/the-walking-dead/videos/webisode-1-the-walking-dead-cold-storage-hide-and-seek

Enoy watching!

New Line of Firefly Products

A company called Toy Vault is going to make a line of Firefly products.  Check out the link here:  http://www.dailyblam.com/news/2013/01/21/joss-whedons-firefly-table-top-games-plush-toys-novelty-items-announced

Basically, they plan to release so tabletop games, plush characters, and pillows.  I am sure Thinkgeek.com will carry several of their products.

Whedon Wants to Restart Firefly

Read the link here:  http://www.hypable.com/2013/02/02/joss-whedon-on-firefly-reprise-its-something-i-would-love-to-do/

Basically, Whedon admits that he has never accepted to cancelation of Firefly, and would love to bring the series back, though he admits it is a long-shot.

Initial Draft---Book 3 Introduction

I thought I would post an initial draft of the cover copy for book 3, which is still as yet untitled.  The copy might change.

I’m Miles Knighton, Bounty Hunter extraordinaire and Captain of the Spitfire, my pride’n joy transport ship. Here’s my lot in life.

I have holes in my crew again. I lost my pilot of twenty years, so the help wanted sign is out again. I also left my doctor on Earth due to romantic complications. The doctor's name was Zell, and she was a damn fine woman to be sure, but I couldn't risk seeing her harmed on my account. I've always traveled light, no need to change that now.

Navigator has always been the toughest spot for me to fill on my crew; I just seem to have no luck with them. My latest is a girl named Colorado, though that’s also a mouthful, so instead I call her Smiles, because when I met her she couldn't stop smilin’ from ear to ear. Turned out she’s also kin, my daughter to be precise, and she seems to have an uncanny knack for saving my bacon.

I have an amazing security officer, who goes by the name Ah Lam. That little Chinese girl is all manner of deadly, and I would’ve been foolish not to sign her on. She also understands the art of stealth, so I've taken to calling her Sneaks.

She brought aboard a useless minstrel, who does nothing but strum his guitar all day. Why she keeps falling for useless pretty-boys, I don’t know, but I think it’s downright disturbing.

My mechanic is a young man named Taro. He also used to share a bed with Ah Lam, a mess I’m still cleaning up. He’s pretty useless in a fight, and pretty flighty to boot, but he seems to be finally getting better at fixing the ship.

I almost forgot about the kid, Zhiyuan. He ain’t really good for nothing ‘cept eating food, but I won’t toss him out on his ear, to fend for himself. Even I’m not that cruel. Who knows, maybe he’ll turn out to be useful when he grow up.

We just finished a big job, and we’re on the prowl for work again. We mainly take on jobs as bounty hunters, but we’ll take on other jobs too. As the old saying goes, “All work is good work.”

Right now book 3 is scheduled to come out in June, although I am a little behind schedule on my writing, so it could be delayed.

-David

 

Brilliant Viewpoint on Why Mass Shootings Keep Happening

I saw this post,credited to Morgan Freeman, on Facebook and it strikes me as a brilliant take on why these mass shootings keep happening.

Morgan Freeman's brilliant take on what happened yesterday :

"You want to know why. This may sound cynical, but here's why.

 

It's because of the way the media reports it. Flip on the news and watch how we treat the Batman theater shooter and the Oregon mall shooter like celebrities. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris are household names, but do you know the name of a single *victim* of Columbine? Disturbed
people who would otherwise just off themselves in their basements see the news and want to top it by doing something worse, and going out in a memorable way. Why a grade school? Why children? Because he'll be remembered as a horrible monster, instead of a sad nobody.

CNN's article says that if the body count "holds up", this will rank as the second deadliest shooting behind Virginia Tech, as if statistics somehow make one shooting worse than another. Then they post a video interview of third-graders for all the details of what they saw and heard while the shootings were happening. Fox News has plastered the killer's face on all their reports for hours. Any articles or news stories yet that focus on the victims and ignore the killer's identity? None that I've seen yet. Because they don't sell. So congratulations, sensationalist media, you've just lit the fire for someone to top this and knock off a day care center or a maternity ward next.

You can help by forgetting you ever read this man's name, and remembering the name of at least one victim. You can help by donating to mental health research instead of pointing to gun control as the problem. You can help by turning off the news."

Star Trek Trailer

The trailer for the new Star Trek Movie, Into Darkness, is available to watch online at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1408101/.  It looks like a pretty good movie from the trailer.

The movie is due out in May of 2013.

GI Joe-Retaliation Trailer

GI Joe, the Rise of Cobra, was a great movie.  The sequel, Retaliation, looks good from the trailer, and features Bruce Willis.

You can watch the trailer here: http://www.gijoemovie.com/#/videos/trailer