Saturday, November 9, 2013

It's Official, December 18, 2015 Star Wars Release

It is now official, Star Wars, episode VII will be released on December 18, 2015.  the announcement was made this week by Disney/Lucasfilm.  Read more on Theforce.net.

If you like Star Wars, you might also like The Chancy Cargo, available here.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Cover Text for The Chancy Cargo

Here is the cover text for my latest ebook, The Chancy Cargo:

For Miles Knighton, life was supposed to be a whole lot simpler now that he has cast aside his romantic complications.  When his foolhardy minstrel takes on a dangerous cargo without telling Miles, he soon has the Nation of Earth forces engaged in a relentless pursuit that has galactic implications.

The Spitfire is also pursued by Calvin Bohannon and Kip Zanon, bounty hunters who are bent on capturing Miles.  Worse yet, Sabina remains a constant threat bent on revenge after her failed attempt to claim the Spitfire as her own ship.   
The Chancy Cargo is the third novel in David Drizzit's breakout series, Adventures of the Spitfire Crew.
Read the book here:
The Chancy Cargo - Amazon.com


Saturday, October 12, 2013

Introduction---The Chancy Cargo (Book 3)

Here is the introduction to book 3, The Chancy Cargo which can be bought on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Unlike the introduction to the first 2 books, which were told through the voice of the Captain, Miles, this introduction is told through the voice of his daughter, the navigator.


Introduction
I’m Colorado Knighton, Navigator on the Spitfire, though I prefer Chloe, and here's my lot in life.

My dad calls me smiles, because of my sunny disposition.  The only thing that seems to break my smile is that he won't let me call him daddy.  I'm always supposed to call him Captain.  Of course you can't blame a girl for slipping up every now and again.  Besides, daddy sounds so much better, don't ya think?

My dad Miles is a Bounty Hunter, and also the Captain of the Spitfire.  He calls it his pride’n joy transport ship.  He is still getting to know me, and getting used to being a father.  I can't blame him, as mom never told him about me.  Had he not stumbled upon me back on Drexlo, he might still be in the dark, and he'd be a whole lot worse off without me.  I seem to have an uncanny knack for bailing him out of trouble.

He has holes in his crew again.  He lost his pilot Sutherlan in a gun-battle.  Suttie had flown with my dad for nearly twenty years.  He was a trustworthy ally, and so tough that at times it seemed like he spit nails. 

He also left the ship's doctor on Earth due to romantic complications.  The doctor's name was Zell, and I know he loved her, but he just wouldn't risk seeing her harmed on his account.  He tells me that he's always traveled light.  I think he was being an idiot, and maybe I can find a way to bring her back.  She'd be a great step-mom.

So Dad's got the help wanted sign out again.

As for the rest of the crew, we have an amazing security officer, who goes by the name Ah Lam.  My dad always says "That little Chinese girl is all manner of deadly, and I would’ve been foolish not to sign her on."  She's also very stealthy, so he chose to call her Sneaks.  She brought aboard a useless minstrel, who does nothing but strum his guitar all day.  I don't expect him to stick around long.

The mechanic is a young man named Taro.  He also used to share a bed with Ah Lam, a mess my dad is still cleaning up.  He’s pretty useless in a fight, and pretty flighty to boot.  He even tried hitting on me once, which was just kind'a creepy.  But he seems to be finally getting better at fixing the ship.

I almost forgot about the kid, Zhiyuan.  He lost his parents in a Mujee raid on Drexlo, and is now an orphan.  My dad rescued him, and since he keeps out of trouble, my dad lets him stick around.  I look after him, almost like a mother would.

Speaking of being a mother, I haven't told daddy yet, but in a little bit I'll be making him a grandpa.  I met a really nice guy while on the job, and the poor guy died in a gunfight, the same one that claimed Suttie's life.  At least he left a part of himself with me before a bullet took him from me.

We just finished a big job, and we’re on the prowl for work again.  We mainly take on contract work as bounty hunters, and Daddy just got a contract to catch a thief named Palmer Whett.   We’ll take on other jobs too;  As my daddy always says, “All work is good work.”
 
 
On sale now at Amazon.com

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Book 3---The Chancy Cargo

I delayed the release of my third book due to other commitments that have kept me from finishing it.  I am now in the editing phase, and plan for a mid-October release.  It is at 52k words, and overall looks great.  More info to come.

Of course, you can find the value pack for books 1 & 2 at:

Barnes and Noble
Amazon.com

 

Monday, May 6, 2013

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
 

Saturday, May 4, 2013

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.

 

 

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

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.

Monday, April 22, 2013

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.


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Saturday, April 13, 2013

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.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

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

Thursday, March 28, 2013

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.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

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.
 

Saturday, March 2, 2013

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.

Monday, February 18, 2013

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

Saturday, February 16, 2013

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

Sunday, February 10, 2013

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

Saturday, February 9, 2013

12 Cylon Models

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G2V3GSO

The 12 models of Cylons from the new Battlestar Galactica:

















If you are a fan of Battlestar Galactica, you may also like my ebook series, now available in a 3 book value pack at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

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!

Saturday, February 2, 2013

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.