Issue 024, Archived

Hello Eric,

Welcome to The Newb Files, Issue 024, Archived.

News

Whine

I have been working on revising the plot of “Scream and Leapt, the first short story I wrote. It is being expanded to a novella length (about 20k). I am doing this (in brief spurts) in between working on household chores and. ... life. It keeps me as sane as possible at this point.

I was aware of this before, but I am addicted to writing. Having finished my book (close enough) I no longer spend hours, and hours editing and writing at my desk. I miss it. I want to finish the plotting of Scream and Leapt so I can again immerse myself in a world of my making. Fuck this world. And, I say that knowing how lucky I am to live where I do and be able to spend the time writing, that I do. Hence—whine.

Epiphanies (My next novel?)

I have been concentrating on writing existing stories for two-plus years so it pleased me when an idea for another novel came to me.

It's early days, but as I continue to think about it—I like it. Hopefully, it will continue to develop and I will go ahead with Epiphanies, as I did with Zombies, a Novel.

Zombies, a Novel

NOTE: THE BETA READ FOR “Zombies, a Novel” IS CLOSED.

As I posted in most places, near the end of August, I received feedback from my first beta reader.

“Beta readers often take time, but I have already received feedback from one of them.

A couple of good points for me to ponder, and nothing but praise overall, have left me feeling weirdly calm and excited. Like all the work was worth it.

My wife says I can't purchase a condo for us in town based on one positive email from one beta reader. Which means I will have to finish writing it. Including, but not limited to: editing, querying, and finding a publisher as well. Drat. ...”

As mentioned, I have ended the “Zombies, a Novel” beta read. I'm waiting for feedback from the last few beta readers before I start revising again.

Thank you to all who participated, and to all who are still reading, or about to read.

Other News

US Spelling, a reminder

A reminder that after issuing 22 newsletters, I have decided to use US spelling, starting with the previous newsletter, number 23.

I write in US spelling, my newsletter should match. Damn it.

Random Things on My Office Walls

I eventually made an excellent decision regarding work. To write.

Ah. ... older age.

Favorite Things

(not writing related)

This is a common addition to other author’s newsletters. It seems like a good idea. After all, we have to stop writing, plotting, outlining, and daydreaming sometime. ...

Hello Fresh

Yes, there are pros and cons, but here’s the thing. This older fart that has been cooking for over 50 years has learned a lot just by making these recipes.

If you’re the cook in the family and tired of cooking the same old thing, well worth a try.

If you’re a cook, you will easily handle the extra work for the sauces, etc., and also be able to make the recipes again from the recipe cards you have collected.

Liliac

I have listened almost exclusively to classical guitar for years. For decades. I do occasionally check out something new. Liliac is one of my new favorites. The Cristea sibling’s heavy metal band is amazing.

Melody Cristea, the lead singer, has a voice that is hard to describe. Incredible, powerful, and unique. That's a start, but you must hear it to believe it.

While they are all amazing musicians, a large part of the band is their father, Florin Cristea, who produces and manages the band.

Recommended covers (they have original music as well):

• Enter Sandman
• Crazy Train
• I Hate Myself for Loving You
• Holy Diver
• Somebody to Love

These are ALL arguably better than the original versions.

I was never a fan of Metallica, but having made a point of listening to their original version of “Enter Sandman”—it’s lame as hell compared to Liliac’s version.

The Salt Banker

A fantastic little restaurant in Clark’s Harbour, on Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia.

Dinner reservations are required.

Try the boneless wings appetizer and the breakfast. Every day they are open, they are open in the morning for breakfast.

https://saltbankercafe.com

Okay, this was fun but harder than I thought it would be. Which shows how all-encompassing writing (and reading) has become in my life. Cool.

Book Reviews

Generation Ship: A Novel

By Michael Mammay

I have followed Michael Mammay (and purchased his books) from the beginning of my (and his) writing journey.

His openness about the industry, and the fact that he writes books that are as good as his tips and advice, ensure I continue to purchase everything he writes.

Generation Ship is his best work by far. With engaging characters and unique plot twist(s), I can’t say enough good things about it, at least not without spoilers.

Highly recommended.

Dream Park

by Larry Niven & Steven Barnes

This book is old. 1981 old. When you think of the technology that existed in 1981, this book is amazing in how it extrapolated technology in an interesting, believable manner. It still stands up.

FYI: Dream Park is a park that lets people play out games, and adventures in as safe and realistic a manner as possible.

On top of the technology in the book that inspired people to work towards creating an actual Dream Park, there is also much more.

But no spoilers for this book.

An amazing setting, and great characters, it has it all.

I just reread the entire series. And, the first one “Dream Park” is still one of my favorites (period) by Larry Niven (& Steven Barnes), which is saying something.

Highly recommended.

F.A.Q.

Future newsletters may have Frequently Asked Questions. Send your question(s) to: Eric.

That's all for now!

Thanks,

Eric C Bailey, December 14, 2023

The Newb Files, Science Fiction and Fantasy

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