Guardians of the Galaxy – Science Fiction or Fantasy?

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY

For some, this is a touchy subject. Some get downright fanatical about the difference. For example, Star Wars, they say, is pure fantasy while Star Trek is pure science fiction. The distinction between the two depends on whom you ask. Here's one definition:

"While science fiction draws on and extrapolates from what we know about reality and science, fantasy invents what does not (and likely could not) exist in our reality."

Source: What’s the difference between science fiction and fantasy?

In science fiction, the science or technology needs to be integral to the plot of the story. As Asimov "If you can take the Science out of the Fiction and still have a viable story in another genre, you did it WRONG."

WHY THE DISTINCTION?

If we’re honest, aside from submission editors, the only people who care about the distinction between science fiction and fantasy are science fiction fanboys. So why do they care? Superiority. They want you to believe that science fiction is inherently better than fantasy. Any fantasy author or reader knows this is ridiculous. In fact, fantasy, as a genre, may be the older genre of storytelling. (source: The Difference Between Fantasy & Science Fiction)

Although many become fanatical discussing the difference, I tend to agree with  Guy Gavriel Kay:

I'd suggest that the search for sharp distinctions in literary categories is quixotic, except for one thing: 'quixotic' connotes something heroic as well as (probably) delusional. I doubt there's anything heroic in the category fetish. We need them, as consumers (and by extension, publishers - and agents and authors - need them as suppliers) and I've never agreed with those who suggest that a straight alphabetical shelving system for all fiction in bookstores in the way to go. Having said that, it seems only common sense to note that many books will blur borders, many authors will shift categories, sometimes with reckless abandon (to the chagrin of marketing departments everywhere), and many readers will endlessly debate definitions of categories.

- Guy Gavriel Kay (Guy Gavriel Kay - Official Website )

SCIENCE FICTION VS. FANTASY QUIZ

1. Is it Possible and Plausible?

Well, it's as plausible as anything in Star Trek or Asimov's Foundation series.There is no magic in Guardians of the Galaxy. StarLord has various technical toys but is essentially Indiana Jones with better tools. Rocket is the result of genetic manipulation and cybernetics.

The only elements that appears mystical are the Infinity Stones. In the movie they are forged by the interaction of multiple universe. So, in a sense, their origin is tied to our current understand on quantum physics. Sorta.

For more on the Infinity Stones click here: Infinity Gems by Comic Vine

2. Is the Science/Technology Integral to the Plot?

Absolutely. The central MacGuffin is a piece of technology. Every character in attempting to gain control of the Infinity Stone uses space-aged equipment to retrieve it. It could be said that one of the main characters is StarLord's mix tape, an old form of technology that keeps us tied to Earth even in the deepest part of space.

3. Does it Extrapolate from Known Science?

Every device we see is an extension of a currently existing one. It gives the movie a very grounded feel. Again, the only item that appears unimaginable is the Infinity Stone...and it is supposed to defy explanation.

IT SHOWS THE SCIENCE BUT DOESN'T FOCUS ON IT

One of my favorite parts was something subtle many may have missed. Throughout the entire movie, we are SHOWN that Starlord wears a small black device behind his right ear but it is never discussed in conversation. This is a nod to a universal translator that allows various species to communicate with each other. But no one talks about it because it is a common, everyday part of the culture. If you think about it, when was the last time you had a conversation with your friends about the technology and purpose behind a phone. Everyone knows what it is so no one talks about it. Similarly, in Game of Thrones, no one talks about the lack of moon in the sky because no one has ever considered there should be a moon in the sky.

The ear piece is an example of how worldbuilding done properly. It is there for the people that are looking for it but doesn’t get in the way of the story. Over-explanation can ruin a story. Need I mention midichlorians?The Real Problem with Midichlorians

Source: Midichlorians Explained

CONCLUSION

Based on these guidelines, Guardians of the Galaxy is best described as science fiction. However, you classify it, it is one of the best movies I've seen in years. I can't recommend this movie enough. If you haven't seen it yet, get off your computer, put away your phone, and go see it. You can thank me later.

LINKS TO GREAT ARTICLES ON THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY

Science Fiction & Fantasy: A Genre With Many Faces
The Difference Between Fantasy and Science Fiction
The Blurred Lines Between Science Fiction and Fantasy
Definitions of What Science Fiction Is and Is Not

History of Science Fiction and Fatasy

Guardians of the Galaxy - Official Website

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3 Wolverine Stories That are Better Than The Death of Wolverine

In case you haven't heard, Marvel Comics is scheduled to kill off Wolverine. Since Wolverine is one of their most recognizable and bankable characters, no one with half a brain believes this is a death that will actually stick. In comics, almost no one stays dead forever. Most have very hasty resurrections. So why bother? Death of a character doesn't have any relevance if it's only temporary.

So here are three other shocking story lines Marvel could write that would generate media attention and drive up sales.

1. Wolverine Goes Gay

Yes, I know Wolverine and Hercules had a gay moment in an alternate universe  but this could be different. None of this politically-correct "let's get married" type of gay man either. He already wears lots of leather. It won't take much to turn him into a total S&M sex addict. This would ensure you piss off everyone, gay and straight.

Sure it wouldn't do much to progress him as a character, like say killing him does. Turning him gay would be seen as nothing more than lazy writing and a stunt to drive up sales. Kinda like killing him.

2. Wolverine Kills Vladimir Putin

Wolverine becomes convinced the Russian leader is the next Adolf Hitler and he decides to prevent WWII. There could be epic battles as Wolverine slashes his way through Russian tanks, survives a nuclear bomb, followed by a brief incarceration in Siberia. After the inevitable escape, Wolverine tracks down Putin and finds the Russian president in a power suit built by Tony Stark. Another epic battle is followed by Logan slicing off Putin's head.

If you're looking for controversy, this would pretty much take the cake. You could attempt the same thing with Kim Jong-Un but he would claim it was an act of war and threaten a nuclear strike.

North Korea Calls New Seth Rogen Film An Act of War

Apparently Kim Jong Un plans on watching #TheInterview. I hope he likes it!! http://t.co/5VrsgYlydE
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) June 20, 2014

3. Wolverine Becomes an Actual Frickin' Wolverine

Picture it: Wolverine gets on the wrong side of an extradimensional baddy like Mephistopheles who turns him into a walking, talking wolverine.

I imagine him walking on two legs wearing the classical black and yellow uniform carrying a miniature magical sword called Snikt! He joins a crusade to stop an invasion from Narnia.It could happen.

Sure, it sounds ridiculous but the did it with Thor. Back in the 1980's, Loki turned Thor into a toad. And, when you think of it, it's no more ridiculous than killing Wolverine off. Again. In fact, Wolverine has already "died" almost as often as Jean Grey. Death is boring if the audience knows or believes it isn't permanent. And no one

Conclusion

I've been a comics fan for over 30 years. It seems some major character "dies" every year. I know marvel has said "this time it's for real" but they said that about Captain America too. And Professor X. And Sabertooth. And...the list goes on and one.

In other words: Death of Wolverine = great big "yawn".

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Release Day - Beyond the Black Sea: With Video

My third book, Beyond the Black Sea is now available. 

Here's the smart link to direct you to the Amazon in your country.

myBook.to/BeyondtheBlackSea

For my Canadian supporters, if you want the paperback, it has to be ordered through Amazon.com, not amazon.ca. Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Black-Sea-Activation-Volume/dp/0991950380

If you prefer Smashwords, or simply hate Amazon, you can purchase the book in a variety of electronic formats

here:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/447394

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Reptilians - Do They Exist and How They Influenced My Writing

Source: Pixabay

I've always been fascinated by conspiracy theories. Years ago I ran, while researching ancient mysteries, I ran across a website run by David Icke. My first instinct was to roll on the floor laughing. This was more than 12 years ago. Icke's website was not as professional as it appears now, and the idea seemed laughable. 

In the wake of the recent congressional hearing on UFOS, however, maybe we should revisit some of the other conspiracy theories that were too far out there. Now, I'm not saying I believe any of it. Even after the congressional hearing. But you have to admit: it's pretty interesting fodder for a writer.

NOTE: This was prior to me learning of the antisemitic undertones to Icke's work. Research Protocols of the Elders of Zion (link to Holocaust Encyclopedia) if you want more details on the antisemitism lies at the heart of many conspiracy theories.

The Short Version

The reptilians are supposed to be a race of shapeshifters who live at the center of the earth. Originally they came from the an alien star system, either the Draco, Orion, or Sirius system depending on whom you ask. They interbreed with humans to create a half-reptilian who have infiltrated every level of government, every religion, and every power structure on the planet. They are devil-worshipers, vampires, baby-eaters and, according to some, incredible lovers. Ick.

What We Know

David Icke has written several books on them. And he's not alone. As for hard, physical proof they exist, there is none. There are many witness reports, each one more mindblowing than the next. A quick search on youtube provides a plethora of 'video evidence'. Much of appears laughable now that video resolution has improved. A few may be the sign of serious mental health problems. 

But not all of them.

Is  David Icke Insane?

Many say David Icke is insane. I disagree. I've read a few of his books. If anything, I would question his lack of objectivity. He's so far down the rabbit hole that he can no longer, in the the words of my father, 'tell shit from shinola'. But try to see things from his point of view. If you have that many people come to you, people who do not know each other, all repeating slight variations on the same story, wouldn't you be tempted to think there was something to their story.

He's been  accused of being antisemitic. From what I have seen so far, this is more his words have been taken out of context, skewed, all in an effort to discredit him. There's really no need. If you want to attack him, focus on his academic credibility. 

For example, in a chapter on the importance of not believing everything you read, he quotes Hitler. The best part about it, the quote is actually from Richard Beltzer, a Jewish comedian. This is either incredibly ironic or he's crazy like a fox. 

Think about it. If there really is a race of shapeshifting lizards who control the world, would they let anyone who knew their secret live? Perhaps the only reason Icke is alive is because no one takes him seriously. Well, no one they deem important.

Is There Any Truth To It?

Who knows. I've never seen one but I've seen enough weird stuff in life to realize that anything's possible. I've seen ghosts, UFOs and even the entities people call the Grays. I rarely speak about any of that stuff because I know it sounds crazy. I honestly don't give two swift you-know-whats if people believe me. I know if I was in their shoes, if I hadn't seen the things I'd seen, I wouldn't believe me either.

Even after everything I've seen, I like to think of myself as a skeptic. When I hear anyone use the term Annunaki or reptilians, my instinct is to roll my eyes and take a step back. Okay, maybe a few steps back. Most people I've met that talk about ancient aliens and global overlords probably belong in a padded room somewhere. Just because a few people agree on a "fact" doesn't make it real.

But just because you haven't experienced it doesn't meant it's not real.

How I Used Them in my Writing (Fiction)

In my novels, the reptilians are a race known as the edimmu. I've kept some elements of the mythos - shapeshifting abilities, live underground - but they are not part of the illuminati.

Instead, they've been enslaved by the Orpheans, a race of shadowy beings imprisoned in a pocket dimension who torture humans and want to take over the planet. They are natives of Earth. In biblical times they were know as the Watchers. They taught humans advanced mathematics, the secrets of agriculture, any many other things. But their days of helping humans is long over. Now, they are something else.

You can read all about the Edimmu in the Activation Series. All three books are available now. Tenth anniversary editions will be released in 2024.

David Icke's Secrets for Spotting the Reptilians Running the U.S. Government
Reptilians, Reptoids, and Lizard People

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4 Fun Facts About Atlantis and Why What You Think is Wrong.

Source: Atlantis Pernah Wujud...

I've always been fascinated with Atlantis, so much so that I made the protagonist of my series, Wisdom, survivor of the lost city. There is much misinformation spread about Atlantis. As you'll see below, most of what the average person believes is not true.

1. Plato is not the only ancient writer to mention Atlantis

Plato's famous dialogue in Atlantis dates to around 350 B.C.

However, it is not the first mention of Atlantis in recorded history. Herodotus, ancient historian means the Atlantis ocean, rather than the Atlantic Ocean as we refer to it today.

"Herodotus could have chosen the adjectival inflection, atlantikos ("Atlantic"), meaning "of Atlas," in which case could be construed to refer to Mt. Atlas in Morocco; however he did not do so. Furthermore, I know of no major body of water named after a mountain." Source: Atlantis Quest

We also have Hellanicus of Lesbos (490-410 B.C.) mentioning a kingdom called Atlantis founded by Poseidon and ruled by Atlas, a son of Poseidon. If nothing else, this shows that Plato did not invent the name Atlantis.

Now a quick word about the "son of Poseidon." This may not mean he was a physical son. It's quite possible it is used in the same context as the saying "child of Christ" that we use today. If we say someone is a child of Christ, it simply means they are a devoted follower of Christ. Anyone claiming to be a real son or daughter of Christ would be seen as a looney. We'd think the same thing as someone claiming to be a son of Poseidon.

Timeline of Ancient Writings on Atlantis
Pre-Platonic Writings Pertinent to Atlantis

2. Edgar Cayce and Atlantis

Much of modern, "new age" beliefs about Atlantis come from Edgar Cayce. Perhaps the most famous american psychic of all time, Cayce is known as the "sleeping prophet". He would enter a trance and give readings to others. According to his son, Cayce gave over 14,500 readings in his life. Of those, 700 related to Atlantis. Source:  Edgar Cayce, The Sleeping Prophet, On Atlantis from source: The Hieronimus & Co Newsletter

Cayce claimed Atlantis was a very old land mass: over 200,000 years old. There was a series of three destructive events, not a single earthquake, that eventually sank the island. He claimed the island was very advanced technologically and had something similar to atomic power.

A.R.E.'s findings on Atlantis

Source:Did Atlantis Really Exist?

3. Atlantis was huge

Contrary to what many people think,  Atlantis was not a single city. It was a continent. Legend says it you could see it from the Straights of Gibraltar as well as the coast of what is now Newfoundland, Canada. To the north, it was short journey to Great Britain. In the south, sections reached the Bahamas. Plato said the island was as large as Libya and Asia combined. To give you some context, here's a map of the ancient from the ancient world.

4. There is a Hole in Our History

The world is filled with artifacts and locations our current ideas of history cannot explain. But they make perfect sense if Atlantis was real. Some suggest there was an ancient, global civilization with access to air travel and intercontinental trade. Sound ludicrous? Well explain any of the following:

1. Ancient Hieroglyphics in Australia
2. Stegosaurus Depicted at Angor Wat dates to 12th Century. We "discovered" it in 1877
3. Map from 1500s shows Antartica. We "discovered" it 1840
4. Vimana - flying machines mentions in Vedic texts from 16,000 B.C
5. Nasca lines in Peru that can only be seen from the air

Of course you could discount a few of these. But take 10 minutes and Google ancient mysteries. There are too many things that don't add up.

Links:

The Lost City of Altantis: The Facts

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Gobekli Tepe - Truth and Fiction

The Short Story

Located roughly six miles from Urfa in Turkey is a great mystery: Gobekli Tepe. While Stonehenge is a single circle of standing stones, Gobekli Tepe has more than 250 standing stones spread out over 30+ acres. Many of the t-shaped pillars are engraved with figures of animals, some known and some fantastic. That alone would make the site interesting. However, there is more to this mystery. More than 8,000 years ago the entire structure was buried.

What We Know

First examined in the 1960's but originally dismissed as nothing more than a cemetary.

"Schmidt says the monuments could not have been built by ragged bands of hunter-gatherers. To carve, erect and bury rings of seven-ton stone pillars would have required hundreds of workers, all needing to be fed and housed. Hence the eventual emergence of settled communities in the area around 10,000 years ago."

Source: www.smithsonianmag.com/history/gobekli-tepe-the-worlds-first-temple

The great mystery is why did they build it? And, perhaps even more bizarre, why did they later bury the entire structure.

Source: neil beer

Theories

Some suggest that Gobekli Tepe was a temple to worship the dog star.

"I propose that the temple was built to follow the 'birth' of this star," says Magli. "You can imagine that the appearance of a new object in the sky could even have triggered a new religion."
Source: www.newscientist.com

Linda Moulton Howe believes it is some type of alien machine. She believes there is link between Gobekli Tepe, Stonehenge and the Sphinx. Next to Gobekli Tepe is a man-made mountain, Nimrud. She believes the structure is a warning to stay away from whatever is buried beneath the mountain.  Some believe the structure beneath the mountain is similar to the Sphinx.

Some see a link between Gobekli Tepe and Atlantis, the mythical land said to have sunk beneath the waves more than 10,000 years ago. One of the strongest arguments against the existence of Atlantis, (aside from the fact we can't find it) is that we had no evidence of real civilization that far in the past.  Some believe the discovery of this site gives more credence to the truth of Atlantis.

Andrew Collins, famed fringe-theory writer, suggests there could be a connection between Gobekli Tepe and the Watchers mentioned in the bible. I'm a tad obsessed with his writing. His book, From the Ashes of Angels introduced me to vulture shamans, the underground cities in Turkey and the edimmu.

How I Use it in My Novels

In Beyond the Black Sea, it is revealed that Gobekli Tepe was designed to be a center of scientific discovery where Atlanteans worked with humans and reptilians.

It was here that the prison dimension, the Black Sea, was created. Once created, the entire structure was buried to prevent the anyone from entering the prison from Earth. Wisdom uses his elemental powers to unbury an ancient  Atlantean teleportation portal to enter the Black Sea.

Meanwhile, the Orpheans are attempting to escape from the other side.

To learn more about the Atlanteans and Gobekli Tepe in my novels, pick up Beyond the Black Sea June 21, 2014.

Meanwhile, catch up with the story by reading the first novel in the series, Council of Peacock.

Further Reading:
Gobekli Tepe: The World's First Temple
Video: Full Gobekli Tepe Documentary

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Release Date Set - Beyond the Black Sea Available June 21, 2014

Book Two in the Activation Series is currently available for preorder on Smashwords. Click here to add it.

It will be available for purchase June 21st through Amazon in paperback or electronic versions.
Amazon Author Page with links to available books. 

SYNOPSIS

She’s dead because of me.

Josh Wilkinson is haunted by two words written in still-warm blood: Your fault.

Wisdom, an immortal raised by the djinn, has gathered a band of super-powered teenagers to stop the Council of Peacocks, a group of evil sorcerers. After the battle in Thessaloniki, the Council is on the run. Just when final victory appears imminent, Josh’s mother is murdered and the prime suspect is his father.

Once Josh was integral to the Council’s plans for world domination. Now Josh learns his cousin, Travis, is the one set to activate the Verdenstab, an alien terraforming device. If he does, the Orpheans, demonic allies to the Council, will escape the Black Sea, a pocket dimension that serves as their prison.

In a last-ditch effort to prevent the invasion, Wisdom and Josh use an ancient portal hidden beneath Gobekli Tepe to enter the Black Sea. The rest of the team – a pyrokinetic, a telepath, and a mercenary – head to stop Travis from activating the device.

The end is closer than anyone suspects. The Activation is set to happen tomorrow.

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Five Star Review - The Nightlife: San Antonio by Travis Luedke #asmsg #vampires

I'm running out of words to describe just how good Luedke's books are. Every new release is his best book yet.

The Nightlife: San Antonio is a blood-splattered roller coaster of fun. It feels very grounded in reality making the supernatural action elements all-the-more powerful. Adrian is my new favorite everything. Total badass and everything I wish I was... which is probably not something I should actually say in public. Because he's a tad cray-cray.  But I dare you not to cheer for him.

If you haven't read anything by Travis Luedke yet, start with San Antonio. A few chapters in you'll be as hooked as any bloodslave.

P.S. the "rowed the boat ashore" scene is a classic.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

Vampires, Mafia & Mayhem: The Nightlife San Antonio is violent, sexy, and occasionally violently sexy.

All she wanted was to escape the police. All he wanted was to get laid. They both got more than they bargained for.

EMT on call, Adrian Faulkner resuscitates a beautiful woman after a Mexican mafia shootout. He can't explain why he picks her up in the hospital parking lot three days later and then ducks the San Antonio police and the Feds. Well, the hot sex might have something to do with it.

She needed to hide. With no memory of even her name, she didn't know from who. She only knew she wasn't safe.

Adrian soon learns she is much more than a damsel in distress, and he’s stuck with her. It isn't long before the past she cannot remember begins to catch up with them both…

THE NIGHTLIFE SAN ANTONIO is a non-stop thrill ride through the shadowy borderworld of mafia politics and vampires – and sex.

Released Date is June 9th. You can pre-order now on Smashwords.

Add it now to Goodreads

Travis Luedke is a husband, father, and author of Urban Fantasy Thriller, Paranormal Romance, Contemporary Fantasy, Young Adult Fiction, and Sci-fi. He is currently catching a 3rd degree sunburn in San Antonio, Texas, and loving every minute of it.

As the author of the Nightlife Series novels, Travis lives very vicariously through his writings. He invites you to enjoy his macabre flights of fancy, but be warned: The Nightlife Series is violent, sexy, and occasionally violently sexy.

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5 Reasons We Need Openly-Gay Speculative Fiction Writers

Chuck Palahniuk: Source: http://chuckpalahniuk.net/news/fight-club-sequels-plot-revealed

My second book, A Fallen Hero Rises (available on Amazon, B&N or Smashwords) features a main character who just so happens to be gay. People I trusted and respected advised me against it. They said it would ruin sales and alienate fantasy readers. I said screw it. I’m telling the story I want to tell because I know there’s an audience for it. I just had to find it. So I decided to research openly-gay speculative fiction writers to learn from them.

Suddenly it felt like I watching an episode of Where in the World is Carmen Sandiago? Finding information on successful, openly-gay speculative fiction writers is harder than you would expect. And that's why I wrote this article.

Here are five reasons we need more openly-gay speculative fiction writers.

1. LGBT Youth Need Gay Heroes

Recently Anthony Mackie, actor, said the following:

"When I first got this [Captain America] role I just cried like a baby because I was like, 'Wow, next Halloween, I'm gonna open the door and there's gonna be a little kid dressed as the Falcon. That's the thing that always gets me. I feel like everybody deserves that. I feel like there should be a Latino superhero. Scarlett [Johansson] does great representation for all the other girls, but there should be a Wonder Woman movie.

I don't care if they make 20 bucks, if there's a movie you're gonna lose money on, make it Wonder Woman. You know what I mean, because little girls deserve that. There's so many of these little people out here doing awful things for money in the world of being famous. And little girls see that. They should have the opposite spectrum of that to look up to." 

Source: Anthony Mackie on Why Young Girls Need a Wonder Woman Movie

If young girls need a Wonder Woman movie, LGBT youth need a Northstar movie or perhaps a Batwoman movie. Fictional allows us to create an internal mythology. It shapes the way we view the world. However, we also need real life heroes, role models young gay men and women can look up to.

Link: Top 10 Fantasy Novels That Happen to Have Gay People In Them

2. We Need to Create an LBGT Identity

What does it mean to be gay? That depends on the media you follow. Some view it as an abomination, a perversion. Others view it as a dirty secret. So is it any wonder that teen suicide rates are higher for LGBT youth? (source: here) Gay writers of speculative fiction need to stand up and create an identity. We cannot let the nebulous “main stream media” create if for us.

Don’t underestimate the power of Ellen DeGeneres. Her visibility and acceptance has probably done more to make gay men and women feel safe than dozens of laws. Why? Because she’s allowed to exist. Just the fact she’s on TV every day may help some youth decide not to end it all.

3. Visibility Improves Acceptance

“I'm not straight, and I'm not gay. I'm not bisexual. I want out of the labels. I don't want my whole life crammed into a single word. A story. I want to find something else, unknowable, some place to be that's not on the map. A real adventure.” ― Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters

Nice try, Chuck. But get real. Imagine the response if a black man stood up and said “I’m not black.” One of my heroes is Sidney Poitier. Seeing an educated, articulate black man helped me realize I did not have to be a stereotype. No matter what racist bull was thrown at him, Poitier always maintained a level of dignity. His success and visibility changed my life.

So where are the gay writers? Do a Google search for famous gay writers. Go on. Do it. The number may surprise you. Then look at how many of them write speculative fiction.  Look at how many of them stand up proudly as role models and compare it to those that are dragged out like Chuck Palahniuk.

I’m not going to lie: I’m a little bit in love with Palahniuk. Choke may be one of the best-written novels in the English language. Does it matter that he’s gay? It shouldn’t. But it does. Seeing another gay man succeed helps me realize it’s possible for me to succeed. No one’s tried to kill him or imprison him yet so maybe I’m safe.

4. Being Gay is Still Dangerous

Maybe it seems ridiculous to worry I’ll be killed by standing up and saying I’m gay. If you think that, it’s probably because you’re not reading the same news I am. There are several countries around the world that routinely imprison or kill gay men and women. Also consider the anti-gay law fiasco in Arizona earlier this year and the other states considering similar laws. (Source: here) Times have changed. But not that much

Even the CDC has a page devoted to violence and harassment aimed at LGBT youth. (Source: here)
Link: 76 Countries Where Anti-Gay Laws Are As Bad or Worse Than Russia

5. Role Models Change Lives.

Another of my role models is Clive Barker. His writing was fresh and provocative, completely revamping the way I looked at fiction. He also happened to be gay. When I first discovered him, back in the 1990s, I realized that he was allowed to be gay and successful. Suddenly I realized the two things did not have to be mutually exclusive. I didn’t have to hide because he was alive. No one was trying to kill him. He wasn’t suppressed by main stream media. His sexuality colors all his writing but is not the focus of his fame.

Because of Clive Barker, it is easier for me to be myself. My hero.

Clive Barker. Source: http://monkeypantz.net/misfit-monday-clive-barker/

Conclusion

Despite all my searching, I still can't find a list of speculative authors who happen to be openly gay. So I will create one. Stay tuned.

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Interview & Free Book Give Away: Justin Calderon, Author of Larp, The Battle for Verona

What initially got you interested in writing?
I’ve always wanted to be a writer, ever since I’ve been aware of books. It never occurred to me that I wouldn’t write. In 1995, I read Jack Kerouac’s novel Desolation Angels, and it totally blew my mind. His style, everything about it, was exactly how I wanted to write. It was an artistic awakening for me, and from then on, I seriously focused on writing.

How did you decide to make the move into becoming a published author?
I’d been working at it for such a long time, I felt like it was now or never. I wanted to share what I had worked on for so many years. It was kind of like I had been practicing for so long that I wanted to play for real.

What do you want readers to take away from reading your works?
I want them to be moved, to feel something. The goal of any creative person should always be to get the audience to feel, or react.

What do you find most rewarding about writing?
Getting it out of my head! If I don’t write down an idea I have, the idea will bother me until I take action. The reward comes from when I do sit down to write during a time of inspiration. Then it just flows.

What do you find most challenging about writing?
Finding the time to do it. It’s tough to devote several hours a day to writing.

What advice would you give to people wanting to enter the field?
Find a good day job that you love, and write during your free time. That way, you’re not pressured to produce and sell your work. Don’t ever give up, keep working at it

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JUSTIN CALDERONE AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

A writer with a passion for inspiring teens and young adults, Justin Calderone debuted his first novel LARP: The Battle for Verona in December 2012.

Calderone grew up in Verona, Penn., a suburb just northeast of Pittsburgh. He earned a bachelor’s degree in professional writing from La Roche College and graduated from Gannon University with a master’s degree in education. Calderone is expected to graduate in 2014 with a second master’s degree in educational leadership from Edinboro University.

Calderone, 36, began his journey as a writer nearly 20 years ago after reading Jack Kerouac’s Desolation Angels. He is the author of the 2004 collection of contemporary poetry Revolutions.

An English teacher at his alma mater, Penn Hills High School, Calderone lives in his hometown of Verona with his wife Emily and 1-year-old son Sam. He enjoys watching baseball, listening to music and has a special place in his heart for Spiderman.

Goodreads: Justin Calderone on Goodreads
Twitter: @JustinCalderone

BOOKS BY M JOSEPH MURPHY:

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Blog Tour & Give Away - Dark Luminance by E.M. McDowell #asmsg

Quantum energy. Unlimited power. Humanity’s salvation.

The Frameway Project promises all of this and more, and Mackland Luther is guiding the project to its final culmination. On the eve of what promises to be their biggest breakthrough, Mackland and his friends, Billy and Sean, prepare the test that will provide the almost limitless power needed to take the human race into the future.

Initial success and excitement quickly turn to horror as the Frame goes out of control, ripping Mackland and his friends from their world and depositing them in a world that is completely different yet strangely familiar. Along with Lily, a hard-charging security guard that was caught by the Frame along with them; and Grizzly, a rough yet gentle survivalist they meet in this new world, Mack and his friends must figure out some way to understand and undo whatever brought them here if they ever want to return to their own world.

But first they must survive an increasingly dangerous world full of undead drug addicts, giant mutants, and a relentless telepathic madman who will do anything to get his hands on the Frame for his own purposes.

● Available here: Amazon, B&N

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Dark Luminance currently retails for $2.98. However, earning a free copy is easy. Simply share this post. Then complete the contact form on the side. I will email you a copy in epub, mobi or pdf. Supplies are limited to the first 20 respondents so act quickly.

E.M. McDowell

Born and raised in Northwest Indiana, E.M. McDowell first started writing in high school, consisting primarily of sappy poems aimed at impressing girls. A four-year stint in the Marine Corps pushed literary endeavors to the background, where they remained for the next twenty-odd years, until they were uncovered by a mild mid-life crisis.

In the intervening years, he has worked in various technology jobs. McDowell is currently the technology manager for a small county government.

Married for twenty-two years to his best friend, and blessed with two wonderful daughters, he works to balance his writing while living in a house full of women.

CONTACT INFORMATION

● EM McDowell's Website: http://erinmcdowell.blogspot.com/
● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoremm
● Twitter: https://twitter.com/E_M_McDowell

BOOKS BY M JOSEPH MURPHY:

Amazon: M Joseph Murphy on Amazon: Paperback and ebook
Smashwords: M Joseph Murphy Author Page on Smashwords
Kobo: M Joseph Murphy Books on Kobo