Magazine celebrating Writers

I just learned about an interesting magazine that celebrates writers, called InspiredViewpoints.  On initial view, this looks like a great production.

Here's the description from their website.

InspiredViewpoints, a magazine that celebrates creators of all Genre. A collaborative venture to foster community among creative professionals.

More information can be found here InspiredViewpoints.

First Independent Review---Book 2

The first independent,unsolicited review of my 2nd ebook, Big Damn Love Story, was posted on Amazon.com.  The reviewer gave it 4 stars out of 5.  Here are a few key quotes:

"He does a good job with characters for the most part. " 

"While it is not firefly it is like a cousin of it. It has the same type of feel. It did not really bog down like many new writers do." 

"...it is better than fan fic and hits the same notes as firefly without being a direct ripoff. "

 The reviewer does note that there are a few spelling errors throughout the book.  I spotted several during proofreading by obviously missed a few.

Read the full review and buy the book on Amaon.com or if you have a nook, go to BarnesandNoble.com

 

Big Damn Love Story---Now Available

My second novel, Big Damn Love Story, is now available for purchase.

Amazon --- http://www.amazon.com/Damn-Story-Adventures-Spitfire-ebook/dp/B008EP3I1Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340758769&sr=8-1&keywords=big+damn+love+story

Barnes and Noble --- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/big-damn-love-story-david-c-drizzit/1111813760?ean=2940014631556

 

Who is Miles Knighton

Who is Miles Knighton?

He is a complex man, with many positive and negative traits, and I thought I would start to give a picture of his personality.  Besides being my main character, he is the Captain of the Spitfire, a man who shoulders great responsibility.  He is a bit of the anti-hero, like Sherlock Holmes or House.

Some of his positive traits include:

• Loyalty---Miles is extremely loyal to his crew.  We'll see this develop a lot more in future books.  Miles makes a choice to keep Taro around, despite his obvious deficiencies and transgressions, out of loyalty to him.  He even displays a level of loyalty to Sabina, someone he absolutely loathes, when he refuses to fly her captor and her to Magistrate Seagrave.
• Self Reliance---The last thing Miles will ever do is look to someone else for help. If he can't find a solution he can enact on his own, he'll start handing down orders to his crew, but the last thing he'll ever do is ask for help.
• Analytical---Miles always tries to think through a problem and find the solution.  He looks for the patterns in how others behave, and the deviations.  He gathers information so he can make the best decision.
• Altruistic---Miles may not always obey the law, but he always obeys his conscious.  He has a very clear sense of right and wrong.  When he sees the defenseless little boy Zhiyuan being chased by mujees, he feels compelled to intervene on the boys behalf.  He also lets a medic tends to the wounded without fear of being harmed.  He pursues Santagello so relentlessly partially because of the heinous nature of his crimes.
• Perseverance---Miles faces many obstacles in his journey, and never gives up working to overcome them.
• Leader---Miles is a born leader.  In any crisis, he is always giving directions, and keeping others on task.

Some of Miles' less desirable traits include:

• Vanity---Miles his vain, about his appearance, his way with women, and his title as Captain.  He sees himself as attractive and confident.  He later delays their chase so he can flirt with a random stranger named Velda, and forgets all about a gunfight when he sees the attractive medic.
• Temper-mental---Miles can loose his temper at times.  We see this when he scolds Taro about getting involved with a passenger, and when he scolds Colorado when she doesn't refer to him as Captain.  He also has a low tolerance for negativity, and flares his nostrils anytime someone whines or complains.

 

 

Whisper in Space---Introduction

Here is the introduction I am adding to my first book, A Whisper in Space:

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

Right now I have a few holes in my crew, which is causing me some angst.  Navigator’s always been the toughest spot for me to fill on my crew; I just seem to have no luck with them.  Right now I am relegated to going without.  It might not hurt to find a good doctor either; it seems pretty regular that my crew has wounds that need patching.

My pilot, Suttie, has flown with me for nearly 20 years, fought in the war with me as well.  His real name is Sutherlan, but that’s a mouthful.  He’s a damn good pilot, and he’s the best shot I had ever seen.

My mechanic’s a pretty-boy named Taro.  He’s pretty useless in a fight, and pretty flighty to boot.  Worse, he doesn’t seem to know his head from his backside when it comes to fixing my ship.  As soon as I can find an adequate replacement, he’s off my crew.

I’m chasing a goon named Santagello, a real low life son-of-a-bitch.  He’s pretty elusive, as I’ve been chasing him for a good long spell, but I think I’m wearing him down.

I also have a decent herd of passengers, though they tend to be quite a nuisance and one in particular is downright annoying.  Still, they’re paying their fare, and as the old saying goes, “All work is good work.”

Whisper in Space & Big Damn Love Story (2 book value-pack)-Amazon.com
Whisper in Space & Big Damn Love Story (2 book value-pack)-Barnes& Noble.com

 

Big Damn Love Story, Introduction

Here is the introduction to book 2, Big Damn Love Story, which will refresh reader's memories of what happened in book 1.

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 finally got my crew together after a heap of hard work.  My pilot, Suttie, has flown with me for nearly 20 years, fought in the war with me as well.  His real name is Sutherlan, but that’s a mouthful.  He’s a damn good pilot, and I used to say he was the best shot I had ever seen.

That was before I met Ah Lam.  That little Chinese girl is all manner of deadly.  I’d be foolish not to sign her on, so I made her my security officer.

My mechanic’s a pretty-boy named Taro.  He’s pretty useless in a fight, and pretty flighty to boot, but I think he’s finally getting better at fixing the ship.

Navigator’s 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 was smilin’ from ear to ear.  In our last gunfight she got shot, another example of my bad luck with navigators.  Hopefully she’ll pull through; otherwise I’ll be without a navigator again.  Before she fell unconscious she told me I’m her dad.  I’m not sure I totally buy that, but it could be true.

I might finally have a doctor.  She’s amazingly attractive, and I think she’s got a crush on me, but shipboard romances can get complicated so I might be best to fly without her.  Still, good doctors are hard to find.

Meara’s a trader who rents a shuttle from me.  She’s also very attractive, but she’s way too unscrupulous for my tastes.  That woman’d sell her own mother if the offer was good enough.

I almost forgot about the kid.  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.

We’ve been chasing a scumbag named Santagello, a real piece of work who likes to kidnap teenage girls and sell ‘em as doxies.  We finally caught him, now we just got to turn him in and collect the bounty. 

We take on other jobs too.  As the old saying goes, “All work is good work.”

Big Damn Love Story on Amazon.com
Big Damn Love Story on Barnes & Noble.com

 

The Women of Firefly

I just found and interesting article on one of the women of Firefly.  It is part of a series called "The Women of Firefly" and is written by a blogger named Gabriella.


Zoe is one of my favorite characters as well.

Big Damn Love Story---Cover

Here is the book cover for Big Damn Love Story.

Big Damn Love Story---The Cover Blurb

Here is the coverjacket marketing blurb for Big Damn Love Story:

 

Love can be dangerous.

 

For Miles Knighton, Captain of the Spitfire, shipboard romances are something he’s always tried to avoid. They bring complications and dangerous distractions, and distractions are something he doesn’t need right now.

 

Instead, he needs to focus on the job at hand. He has captured the vile slaver Santagello, but doesn’t have enough fuel to make it to the drop point. To earn some badly needed money, he takes a job protecting a town from mujees.

 

But too many distractions are in play at the moment. Besides taking aboard his former lover and finding a stowaway, the Captain has to help his daughter return to health after taking a bullet for him, while learning how to be a father.

 

The worst distraction of all is the doctor tending to his daughter’s gunshot wound, Zell. A woman of undeniable beauty and unending compassion, the doctor has cast her lot with his crew, and in doing so has placed herself in greater danger than she could imagine.

 

With so many distractions working against him, what tragic consequences will befall Miles and his crew?

 

Big Damn Love Story is a full-length novel, and the sequel to David’s smash debut novella, A Whisper in Space.

Whedon Discusses Bringing Back Firefly

In this article (link here) courtesy of Blastr.com, Joss Whedon discusses how he could bring back Firefly.  Unfortunately, it sounds like his remarks were tongue and cheek and not realistic.

Sorry folks.

The Guild

If you haven't been introducedto "the guild" yet, issomething every gamer and nerd like me should make sure to check out.

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/season-1-episode-1-wake-up-call/y0qa87vk?from=sharepermalink-facebook&src=CPPlayer%3ashare%3afacebook%3auuids

Basically, it's a web-series about agroup of MMO gamers who meet in real life.

Interesting Book

I saw this book review online, and this book looks intriguing.  the book is called "Break Out" and is written by Nina Craft, and the review was written by Jorce Lamb of USA Today (link here).

if you get a chance, check out this review and pick up a copy of the book if it looks interesting.

The People vs. George Lucas

This article on Big Hollywood talks about george Lucas, and how he views fans as the reason he stopped making Star Wars movies.  Interesting, there is no chance fans hated episodes I and II so much because they sucked!!!

Mesaah thinks George screwed up when he made Jar Jar Binks!!!

Read the full article here (link here).

"The Philosophy of Joss Whedon" Book available

I just read an article on examiner.com (link here) mentioning a new book that is now out called The Philosophy of Joss Whedon.  A initial look appears to be very promising, and I would encourage everyone to check it out.

The book is available through the Kentucky Press (link to buy book here).

Since a lot of Joss' works are sources of inspiration for me and the things I write, I am definitely looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of this.

"Focused on the philosophical musings evoked by Whedon and company's rich televisual, filmic, web, and comic book texts, the collection proves simultaneously accessible and substantive, while also confirming and extending a substantial body of work by the community of Whedon scholars. Most commendably, the authors' manage to teach readers-students, professors, and fans-just as much about Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Sartre, and Nietzsche as about Malcolm Reynolds, the spaceship Serenity, Cordelia Chase, Billy/Dr. Horrible, and Caroline Farrell/Echo."

Info on Firefly MMO---Still a Possibility

MTV.com on January 5 reported that the studio that was making the Firefly MMO has closed its doors. Full article here

Multiverse Studios was also making a Buffy MMO, but has been unable to operate profitably.

Fortunately, later that same day VG24/7.com reported that a new group, called Multiverse Foundation, has bought the source-code and is working on securing the rights for a Firefly MMO as their first MMO.  Full article here

If they get this game to market, I will definitely sign up right away, as I would love the opportunity to explore the verse' with River, Mal, Kaylee, Jayne, Wash, Zoe, Simon, Book, Inara, Patience, Badger, and all the other character from Firefly as NPCs.

A Portait of Sabina

I've decided to have Sabina return for book 2, and have increased her role and significance.

In my series, as in life, their are overt enemies, and less direct antagonists.  Sabina of course is the later.  In the first book, she starts as a nuisance, a pest who Miles contends with because she is a paying passenger.  She consistently demonstrates her wealth, along with her lazy, spoiled nature.  She also demonstrates her view that she is one of society's elite, better than commoners like Miles.  Later on, we learn that she has a past, one that has led to the placement of a bounty on her head, apparently by her husband.  We also see a very manipulative side to her come out on a few occasions.

Sabina's role is critical, adding tension to the story, along with twists and turns in the plot.

My inspiration for Sabina is drawn from a few individuals I have encountered during my life, people who really did act in ways that are similar to Sabina

In book 2, we'll explore more of her background.  Her return will be under unusual circumstances.  We'll see that there is a deadly side to her, as well as a softer side.

Reading E-books Without Buying an Kindle, Nook, or E-Reader

Whether it's my book or another fine work, reading an electronic version of a book is quickly becoming common.  Ebooks are significantly cheaper that print versions, and take up less space in the physical world.

If you read often, paying $89-$250 for an electronic book reader may be a good investment.  If, on the other hand, you only read occasionally, or if money is tight (the United States any many other parts of the world are still in a recession), buying an electronic device may not be a good option.

Fortunately, you can read ebooks without an electronic reader, and here's some ways how:

• Barnes and Noble (BN.com) offers free software that allows you to read Nook-books from your Ipad, Iphone, Android, PC, or Mac.  Visit http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/free-nook-apps/ for more details.
• Amazon.com offers offers free software that lets you read Kindle books from your Ipad, Iphone, Blackberry, Android, PC, Mac, or Windows Phone 7.  http://www.amazon.com/
• Smashwords offers the ability to download books to your PC in PDF or HTML format.  Visit www.smashwords.com for more details.

All of these options make ebook a more attractive option that a regular book. 

Still, for your favorite books sometimes having a physical copy is irreplaceable.

Got'ta toot my own horn

I got this e-mail today from a friend of mine, Rachel, who read my book:

David, I read your book and I loved it! I want more!!! Awesome job buddy!!! You are crazy talented and I can't wait for the next episode!

It was a big boost to read that.  Thanks Rachel.

 

14 Epic Tech Failures

This link is to an article that reviews 14 techie products that were epic failures.  Fun to read.


http://mashable.com/2011/09/29/tech-fails-infographic/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+(Mashable)

Excerpt from "A Whisper in Space"

I've allowed a blogger to post a short excerpt from my book, A Whisper in Space.  For the posting, click here (excerpt here).

It's a great way to get into the book a little bit.

 

Zombieland Survival Rules

Here are the official rules for survival in zombieland:

1. Cardio
2. Double Tap
3. Beware of Bathrooms
4. Wear Seatbelts
6. Cast Iron Skillet
7. Travel Light
8. Get a KickAss Partner
12. Bounty Paper Towels
15. Bowling Ball
17. Don't be a Hero (Ammended to "Be a Hero")
18. Limber Up
21 Avoid Strip Clubs
22. When in Doubt, Know Your Way Out
29. Buddy System
31. Check the Back Seat
32. Enjoy the Little Things
33. Swiss Army Knife
34. Clean Socks
48. Hygeine
49. Always have backup

This list is a compilation of all rules in the movie, as well as promotional pieces.  There was a deleted scene that had rule number 2 as "Ziploc Bags."

View the full info on Zombieland rules here.

Lucas in Love---Hilarious Star Wars Parody

This parody is about George Lucas struggling to write his screen play until he finds the right inspiration.

Watch the movie here

Chad Vader, Day Shift Manager

In case you have never seen this before, this is a parody video about Darth Vader's brother, Chad.  Chad Vader has all the same powers as Darth Vader, but instead of being a Sith Lord, he is the day shift manager at a local grocery store.  Click here to enjoy episode 1.

Jack Black Lord of the Rings Parody

This is absolutely hilarious, Jack Black doing a Lord of the Rings Parody for the MTV movie awards.  Click Here for the youtube video.

Star Wars Crawl

I have created a Star Wars Crawl for the marketing blurb for my book, thanks to the crawl creator on Starwars.com.

To see the crawl for my book, click here (Star Wars Crawl).

I Have a Bad Feeling About This

I saw this on a site called Wookiepedia (click here), a wiki website for everything Star Wars, and thought it was cute. 

I may even add this line to future books in my series.

• Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

"I have a bad feeling about this."

―As Obi-Wan Kenobi's first line at the beginning when Kenobi talks to Qui-Gon Jinn onboard Saak'ak^[src]

• Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

"I've got a bad feeling about this."

―Anakin Skywalker at Geonosis in the arena, in reference to the approaching execution beasts^[src]

• Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

"Oh, I have a bad feeling about this."

―Obi-Wan Kenobi talking to Anakin Skywalker as their starfighters approach a large, closing blast door on Invisible Hand^[src]

• Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

"I have a very bad feeling about this."

―Luke Skywalker, when the Millennium Falcon approaches the Death Star^[src]

"I've got a bad feeling about this."

―Han Solo, before the walls of the trash compactor start to close in^[src]

• Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

"I have a bad feeling about this."

―Princess Leia, while inside the belly of the space slug, just before the mynocks appear^[src]

• Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

"Artoo, I have a bad feeling about this."

―C-3PO, when entering Jabba the Hutt's palace^[src]

"I have a really bad feeling about this."

―Han Solo, after the Ewoks capture the strike team^[src]

18 Things You Didn't Know About Firefly

I found this on a website called Geek System, a list of 18 interesting facts about the firefly TV series.

Firefly Theme Song

I thought I would post the lyrics to the theme song for Firefly, as they too were an inspiration for my book. 

Written by: Joss Whedon
Performed by: Sonny Rhodes

Take my love, take my land
Take me where I cannot stand
I don't care, I'm still free
You can't take the sky from me

Take me out to the black
Tell them I ain't comin' back
Burn the land and boil the sea
You can't take the sky from me

There's no place I can be
Since I found Serenity
But you can't take the sky from me...

The Geo-politics of "Whisper in Space"

Whisper in Space takes place in our galaxy, about 200 or so years in the future.  Mankind has expanded into space, and just in time, as global war has engulfed the galaxy.

NOE
A large group of Nations, jealous of the prosperity that has been achieved by the Americans and Chinese, have banded together.  Their goals was to form one world government, so that all would share in the prosperity, and they eventually came to call this government the Nation of Earth ("NOE").  The NOE has driven the Americans and Chinese off of earth, and now controls half the galaxy. Their goal is to take over the entire galaxy, and unite everyone under their rule.  Unfortunately for them, their war against the Chinese and Americans has reached a stalemate.

Chinese
The Chinese have worked hard to remain the toughest adversary for the NOE.  During their expansion into the galaxy and subsequent flight from earth, the Chinese government expanded the freedom of their people, as they simply became too big to maintain the level of control they had once had.  They are now for all intensive purposes the largest beacon of freedom and liberty in the whole galaxy.

United States
The United States has been pushed to a small corner of the galaxy, where they hold on to a small cluster of planets.  Through the development and use of superior technology, they have been able to set up a strong defense grid, and economically remain a powerhouse where capitalism prospers.  The United States is allied with China out of necessity.

Mujees
The Mujahideen is the last remaining islamic extremist organization, united together in their effort to reclaim their holy land from the NOE.  They operate as lawless brigands, raiding towns and stealing what they please, like the pirates of old, while hoping to eventual gather up enough resources to be able to return to earth and drive the infidels out of their holy land.