Book Projects
I have been writing stories since my junior high school days, many many years ago. Over the years I have honed my writing skills and educated myself along the way. I completed my first novel in the summer of 2011,and registered the copyright in October. I found that this is only the beginning for all aspiring writers. Once I had a product, I then had to learn how to market it. One of the advantages in being a self-educated person is that I know how to do research. After having studied ghastly subjects such as Quantum Mechanics for my science fiction saga listed below, I found that researching how to become a published author is not all that bad, but it is time consuming. So, finally, here I am.
The Unexpected Witness
Thriller: 99009 words. Copyright 2011.
Status: Finished product, currently seeking representation.
The story begins with five year old Tracy Weaver on her father's farm in rural Southwest Ohio. In the middle of the night she chases after her runaway kitten and stumbles across three men who have come out into the country to bury a body of a girl whom they had kidnapped from Indiana. The victim turns out to be not quite dead, and the leader finishes her off, unaware of Tracy's presence. Tracy's mother is dead, and she is unable to relate to her father and others what she has seen. The murder remains undiscovered.
Sixteen years later Tracy is attending college in Hamilton, Ohio. She suffered a nervous breakdown upon her father's accidental death three years previous, and she now lives with her best friend Lucy. While attending college she meets her soul mate and future husband, Paul. One evening at his apartment she sees the killer in a political commercial on television. He turns up as the local county prosecutor who is running for the state senate.
Tracy has to face the fact that the police are unlikely to believe her due to her mental history. With no family left, she must depend on her friends to help her gather evidence against the murderer. By chance she gains unlikely allies in Paul's biker friends, who neither care for their senator nor the police. However, in a strange twist, the killer accidentally discovers her existence. The newly elected senator cannot allow this unexpected witness to expose his hidden crimes, so he sets his sights on eliminating her. Tracy is in a race against time to somehow convince the authorities that their senator is a murderer before she becomes his next victim.
The Unexpected Witness is a romantic thriller with twists, scoundrels becoming heroes, romance, real life humor, witty dialogue, and more than one murder. Some of my own life experiences are reflected in the scenarios and very lively characters in the book.
A quote from pp 146-147:
“And if I remember right,” Tracy added, “and so far I do, he is also a heroin dealer, or at least he was.”
“Whoa, time out!” Jim made a T with his hands. “Did I hear that right? Did you say heroin?”
“Yes.” She nodded.
“You’re kidding, right? Heroin?”” Jim asked again.
“No, I’m not kidding.” She shook her head. “That’s really what this whole thing was about, I guess. I heard these three guys talk about some heroin deal they were doing, and this Lorna Keller found out about it, and that’s why they killed her.”
“Well, isn’t that special?” Jim gave Paul a very serious look. “Senator Family Values is peddling smack!”
Status: Finished product, currently seeking representation.
The story begins with five year old Tracy Weaver on her father's farm in rural Southwest Ohio. In the middle of the night she chases after her runaway kitten and stumbles across three men who have come out into the country to bury a body of a girl whom they had kidnapped from Indiana. The victim turns out to be not quite dead, and the leader finishes her off, unaware of Tracy's presence. Tracy's mother is dead, and she is unable to relate to her father and others what she has seen. The murder remains undiscovered.
Sixteen years later Tracy is attending college in Hamilton, Ohio. She suffered a nervous breakdown upon her father's accidental death three years previous, and she now lives with her best friend Lucy. While attending college she meets her soul mate and future husband, Paul. One evening at his apartment she sees the killer in a political commercial on television. He turns up as the local county prosecutor who is running for the state senate.
Tracy has to face the fact that the police are unlikely to believe her due to her mental history. With no family left, she must depend on her friends to help her gather evidence against the murderer. By chance she gains unlikely allies in Paul's biker friends, who neither care for their senator nor the police. However, in a strange twist, the killer accidentally discovers her existence. The newly elected senator cannot allow this unexpected witness to expose his hidden crimes, so he sets his sights on eliminating her. Tracy is in a race against time to somehow convince the authorities that their senator is a murderer before she becomes his next victim.
The Unexpected Witness is a romantic thriller with twists, scoundrels becoming heroes, romance, real life humor, witty dialogue, and more than one murder. Some of my own life experiences are reflected in the scenarios and very lively characters in the book.
A quote from pp 146-147:
“And if I remember right,” Tracy added, “and so far I do, he is also a heroin dealer, or at least he was.”
“Whoa, time out!” Jim made a T with his hands. “Did I hear that right? Did you say heroin?”
“Yes.” She nodded.
“You’re kidding, right? Heroin?”” Jim asked again.
“No, I’m not kidding.” She shook her head. “That’s really what this whole thing was about, I guess. I heard these three guys talk about some heroin deal they were doing, and this Lorna Keller found out about it, and that’s why they killed her.”
“Well, isn’t that special?” Jim gave Paul a very serious look. “Senator Family Values is peddling smack!”
The Gideon Saga Part One: Rise of a Warlord
Historical Fiction
Status: In editing process. Final draft in production. 100000+ words.
Gideon Cunedda is the son of a minor warlord of Wessex in 7th century Anglo-Saxon England. After losing his family in a plague, he sets off on a series of adventures in which he rescues fair maidens, outwits his evil uncle, and brings to justice an infamous outlaw. He eventually enlists his sword in the service of Penda of Mercia; the powerful, bloodthirsty, last pagan king of the Anglo-Saxons. Through his intelligence, good military mind, and a bit of sheer fantastic luck he rises out of obscurity and becomes the favorite thegn (an Anglo-Saxon warrior nobleman) of the most powerful king of mid-7th century Britain.
This is a project which has germinated out of 15 years of self education about the history of Britain. the late Roman Empire, the Barbarian invasions, and the period known as the Dark Ages. I am a stickler for historical accuracy, and this book uses original Saxon place names such as Searesbyrig (Salisbury), and Hamtun (Northampton). The battles were real historical events, the dates are correct, and my characters interact with actual people from that time period, such as Bishop Birinus. I also created my own map of Anglo-Saxon England featured above(click image to enlarge). In addition to the ongoing saga and battle sequences, I throw in many historical tidbits which shed light on the actual history of the time, from the type of weapons and armor they used, to the politics and intrigue between the kingdoms, to how they they lived and made bread.
The bibliography in part for this work includes:
Anglo Saxon England, by Sir Frank Stenton
The Mammoth Book of British Kings and Queens, by Mike Ashley
Armies of Pestilence, by R S Bray
The Barbarian West 400-1000, by J M Wallace-Hadrill
A History of the Vikings, by Gwyn Jones
Barbarians and Romans, by Justine Davis Randers-Pehrson
The Civilization of the Middle Ages, by Norman F Cantor
A historical tidbit from pages 12-13:
"A wergild was a money payment for a crime. Wergilds were originally established among the people to put a stop to the endless blood feuds which permeated the entire barbarian way of life. The kings and tribal chieftains eventually realized that there could never be any progress if the people were constantly wreaking vengeance on one another, so they established an order of payments for specific crimes. The amount of money to be paid was in proportion to the seriousness of the crime committed. Thus, one would pay a small amount for killing another’s slave, but to assault or kill someone’s wife would cost much more. To kill a ceorl could cost two hundred silver shillings, and killing a thegn cost much more. However, the price also differed depending upon where the act was committed. In Wessex the killing of a thegn would cost you twelve hundred silver shillings. In Kent, which was an older and much wealthier kingdom due to it being on the coast, the wergilds were paid in gold. Non-payment could mean imprisonment, forfeiture of lands, being sold into slavery, or even death. The bottom line was that crime was expensive, and if you got caught you had better be able to pay for it. "
Status: In editing process. Final draft in production. 100000+ words.
Gideon Cunedda is the son of a minor warlord of Wessex in 7th century Anglo-Saxon England. After losing his family in a plague, he sets off on a series of adventures in which he rescues fair maidens, outwits his evil uncle, and brings to justice an infamous outlaw. He eventually enlists his sword in the service of Penda of Mercia; the powerful, bloodthirsty, last pagan king of the Anglo-Saxons. Through his intelligence, good military mind, and a bit of sheer fantastic luck he rises out of obscurity and becomes the favorite thegn (an Anglo-Saxon warrior nobleman) of the most powerful king of mid-7th century Britain.
This is a project which has germinated out of 15 years of self education about the history of Britain. the late Roman Empire, the Barbarian invasions, and the period known as the Dark Ages. I am a stickler for historical accuracy, and this book uses original Saxon place names such as Searesbyrig (Salisbury), and Hamtun (Northampton). The battles were real historical events, the dates are correct, and my characters interact with actual people from that time period, such as Bishop Birinus. I also created my own map of Anglo-Saxon England featured above(click image to enlarge). In addition to the ongoing saga and battle sequences, I throw in many historical tidbits which shed light on the actual history of the time, from the type of weapons and armor they used, to the politics and intrigue between the kingdoms, to how they they lived and made bread.
The bibliography in part for this work includes:
Anglo Saxon England, by Sir Frank Stenton
The Mammoth Book of British Kings and Queens, by Mike Ashley
Armies of Pestilence, by R S Bray
The Barbarian West 400-1000, by J M Wallace-Hadrill
A History of the Vikings, by Gwyn Jones
Barbarians and Romans, by Justine Davis Randers-Pehrson
The Civilization of the Middle Ages, by Norman F Cantor
A historical tidbit from pages 12-13:
"A wergild was a money payment for a crime. Wergilds were originally established among the people to put a stop to the endless blood feuds which permeated the entire barbarian way of life. The kings and tribal chieftains eventually realized that there could never be any progress if the people were constantly wreaking vengeance on one another, so they established an order of payments for specific crimes. The amount of money to be paid was in proportion to the seriousness of the crime committed. Thus, one would pay a small amount for killing another’s slave, but to assault or kill someone’s wife would cost much more. To kill a ceorl could cost two hundred silver shillings, and killing a thegn cost much more. However, the price also differed depending upon where the act was committed. In Wessex the killing of a thegn would cost you twelve hundred silver shillings. In Kent, which was an older and much wealthier kingdom due to it being on the coast, the wergilds were paid in gold. Non-payment could mean imprisonment, forfeiture of lands, being sold into slavery, or even death. The bottom line was that crime was expensive, and if you got caught you had better be able to pay for it. "
The Gideon Saga Part 2: The Wizard of Mercia
Historical Fiction
Status: Currently drafting
After rising out of obscurity, Gideon becomes a prominent warlord in the kingdom of Mercia. He gains the nickname of "The Wizard of Mercia" from his colleagues due to his military victories through cunning and audacity. He becomes the key to the battle of Maserfield in 642, where Penda defeats Oswald, the king of Northumbria, but then is utterly horrified with what Penda does to Oswald afterward. Penda rewards Gideon by moving him higher up in the ranks of his armies. Gideon inherits a large estate and becomes the favorite in Penda's great hall. However, not everyone is happy about his successes. He incurs the jealousy of both Peada, Penda's son and heir, and Antelwulf, Penda's chief Gesith (or king's man). Gideon is forced to contemplate what will become of his family once Penda is gone.
Status: Currently drafting
After rising out of obscurity, Gideon becomes a prominent warlord in the kingdom of Mercia. He gains the nickname of "The Wizard of Mercia" from his colleagues due to his military victories through cunning and audacity. He becomes the key to the battle of Maserfield in 642, where Penda defeats Oswald, the king of Northumbria, but then is utterly horrified with what Penda does to Oswald afterward. Penda rewards Gideon by moving him higher up in the ranks of his armies. Gideon inherits a large estate and becomes the favorite in Penda's great hall. However, not everyone is happy about his successes. He incurs the jealousy of both Peada, Penda's son and heir, and Antelwulf, Penda's chief Gesith (or king's man). Gideon is forced to contemplate what will become of his family once Penda is gone.
The Outer Rim
Science Fiction
Status: Currently Drafting
In the future the Earth's economy and social order collapse. Humans are on the brink of extinction, until the madness is stopped by aliens who intervene and stop the incessant warfare. The Earth joins a trade alliance consisting of 64 worlds centered in the Pollux system. Unfortunately, not long after the Earthlings avoid extinction by their own hands, they once again face it at the hands of others. The alliance is overrun by refugees coming from the direction of the center of the galaxy. Right behind them, much like the Hun invasion of Europe in the 5th century, is a numberless army of invading aliens. These aliens use monstrous ships, and they can incur tremendous losses and keep coming due to seemingly endless reserves.
Meanwhile, 1050 light years away at Rigel, the emperor of a warrior kingdom is contemplating which side to join in the upcoming war. While the invaders have conveniently rid him of his old enemies, the emperor realizes that his kingdom may well be next on their hit list. A prophet warns him that yet another threat looms on the horizon. Coming from the opposite direction, the outer rim of the galaxy, is an ancient race of super warriors. These creatures are legendary monsters that occur in children's fairy tales, yet the king discovers through his loremaster that they were once indeed real. Seven million years previous, these super aliens destroyed every advanced civilization in this quadrant of the galaxy, and the prophet reports that they are returning.
This project has also required much research. I had to familiarize myself with Quantum Mechanics, Planetary Mechanics , and Gravity Mechanics. This is not so easy a task for a guy who barely made it through Physics 101. I also had to look into cold fusion, and mull over star charts. Those things are great for determining the distances from Earth to individual stars, but they do not record distances from star to star. I finally figured out a way, using geometry of all things, to approximate the distances between individual stars and created my own table of distances, much like what one would find in an atlas. I also discovered the usefulness of Ibuprofen to counteract the migraines which all of this mathematical research gave me. The results were worthwhile, though.
Status: Currently Drafting
In the future the Earth's economy and social order collapse. Humans are on the brink of extinction, until the madness is stopped by aliens who intervene and stop the incessant warfare. The Earth joins a trade alliance consisting of 64 worlds centered in the Pollux system. Unfortunately, not long after the Earthlings avoid extinction by their own hands, they once again face it at the hands of others. The alliance is overrun by refugees coming from the direction of the center of the galaxy. Right behind them, much like the Hun invasion of Europe in the 5th century, is a numberless army of invading aliens. These aliens use monstrous ships, and they can incur tremendous losses and keep coming due to seemingly endless reserves.
Meanwhile, 1050 light years away at Rigel, the emperor of a warrior kingdom is contemplating which side to join in the upcoming war. While the invaders have conveniently rid him of his old enemies, the emperor realizes that his kingdom may well be next on their hit list. A prophet warns him that yet another threat looms on the horizon. Coming from the opposite direction, the outer rim of the galaxy, is an ancient race of super warriors. These creatures are legendary monsters that occur in children's fairy tales, yet the king discovers through his loremaster that they were once indeed real. Seven million years previous, these super aliens destroyed every advanced civilization in this quadrant of the galaxy, and the prophet reports that they are returning.
This project has also required much research. I had to familiarize myself with Quantum Mechanics, Planetary Mechanics , and Gravity Mechanics. This is not so easy a task for a guy who barely made it through Physics 101. I also had to look into cold fusion, and mull over star charts. Those things are great for determining the distances from Earth to individual stars, but they do not record distances from star to star. I finally figured out a way, using geometry of all things, to approximate the distances between individual stars and created my own table of distances, much like what one would find in an atlas. I also discovered the usefulness of Ibuprofen to counteract the migraines which all of this mathematical research gave me. The results were worthwhile, though.
