L.E. Thomas's Blog, page 2

A perfect day?

I cannot think of a better way to spend a Saturday. Seriously. Have you ever had a day you realized was perfect while it was happening? They are rare, I'll admit. But I experienced it this weekend. It all started with my nephew's 6th birthday. He wanted to go to Stone Mountain, so my brother and his wife invited us to go as well. Then, my niece, who is in college, said she was free the same weekend. We asked her to come with us, and she brought her roommate. We spent the entire scorching day at Stone Mountain Park doing everything we could while we were there. We hiked. We mini-golfed. We drank lots of water only to watch us all become drenched with sweat in minutes. My nephew was the embodiment of joy the entire day, reminding us all to try and look at the world through the eyes of a six-year-old. It was awesome. We stayed until the sun went down and watched the laser show--the first time I had seen it since I was in high school. Perfect. One of the neatest aspects of the day had to be the fact Stone Mountain is not far from my house. However, we hadn't been there in more than a decade. I always find it so refreshing when you realize there are so many awesome things to experience near your home. Before I leave you, let me show you something my brother had made for the Star Runners Universe. Is he great or what?

Experiencing 'Racing in the Rain'

I didn't want to go to the movies to see it, and my reservations had nothing to do with the film itself. I knew I would cry. And, boy, did I. I'm referring to the recent release of "The Art of Racing in the Rain," the movie based on the novel by Garth Stein.So am I just a wimp that sobs at any movie? Uh, perhaps, but my reasons for being cautious about seeing the film were quite personal. I remember about ten years ago when I was still in the journalism game I needed coffee to make it to the deadline. While in line, I saw the novel I knew nothing about while waiting at the Starbucks near the office. The place was packed, so I had time to read the back of the book. I immediately bought it at full price for my wife with no expectation of reading the book. She loved it and urged me to read it. I read it in the spring, knowing it might be difficult. Why?Well, we still had our dog, Maximus, when I was reading the book. Here's a photo of him enjoying his first true snow. When I was making my decision to read "Racing in the Rain," Max was getting older (about 13 at the time), and wasn't sure I wanted to read a "dog book."See, I was scarred by "Old Yeller" from a very early age, and sometimes don't feel like being triggered by how so-called dog stories tug at the heartstrings. But I read it anyway. No book or movie spoilers here, I promise. However, Max was diagnosed with cancer that fall and died in September.I still miss the little guy.Every. Single. Day. Nevertheless, I had no interest in revisiting the story. My wife loaned the novel to a friend at work, and I haven't seen it since. Then, we innocently went to the movies and saw the trailer for "Racing in the Rain." Oh, no. We saw it last Saturday. From the beginning (the very first scene!), I knew I was in trouble. So without spoiling anything, allow me to say the movie did not disappoint. A big congratulations to everyone involved. I am usually careful with movie adaptations of books that made an impact because I fear they cannot live up to the images I created in my mind while reading.However, this film lived up to my expectations and surpassed them. I know there were changes to the tale, but the main story is all there. I am still reeling from the experience. It moved me, as I always knew it would. It's a great story about life and family. It's more than a "dog movie." Just don't expect me to see it again anytime soon. I need more recovery time.

Musings on Munich

The train rolled from Erding to Munich on an impromptu decision to check out the German city I had never visited. As the gorgeous countryside passed by the full windows, the young people near me astounded me. Not because they were loud or obnoxious, but because they sat without cell phones and quietly had a pleasant conversation. I couldn't believe it. When I'm usually in a public place, I don't notice many authentic conversations. Maybe I'm missing them. Most people put the earbuds in as they stroll. I'm not any better--I love audiobooks and podcasts. So I found it surprising on the train ride how much the two teenagers seemed to enjoy a simple, quiet conversation with their peer. I thought it must be an unusual occurrence. I was wrong. Upon my ascendance into the sunlight from the train station, the thoroughfares in Munich on the cloudless day filled with people, food and music. People laughed and conversed in many different languages as I passed. I did not speak their languages. I did not need to. I heard the happiness in their voices, the jovial expressions of people enjoying a sunny day with enough breeze to fight off the heat. Not one person passed with a scowl. On the contrary, pedestrians greeted me with a grin, a nod, or a wave. Amazing.To walk those streets that day was to be amid perfection. I had never experienced so many joyful people in one place. It was unforgettable. Even now, words do not do it justice. From that moment forward, I decided I needed to get out and about my community to experience more and live. We need to do it more often. I know I certainly do.

Fighting off school fears

Young people throughout my community went back to school today. I couldn't help but feel sympathy pains for them. Struggling to sleep as you worried about your new teacher or teachers. Realizing your endless summer had ended. The nervous feeling as you waited for the bus to come, hoping it would be late so you might get one more day at home (that never happened). The first day of school brought back a memory I hadn't thought of it years. It was the night before fourth grade. My family was living in Fairport, New York. I was the only one who had to go to school the next day cause my little brother was too young and still able to stay at home. What did I do with my last day? I played the Atari 2600 for hours, my stomach churning as I dreaded going back to school. I still remember the game I played: Commando. My parents had given me the game for my birthday. Check it out: Commando was such a simple game, and it was challenging on the Atari. If you watched even a little of the above video, understand I was nowhere near as good as this player. I died in this game. A lot. Anyway, I played the game until dinner. The awesome music with the endless drumbeat blasting across the cold concrete of the unfinished basement. No one in the house knew how much I wanted the summer to continue. I thought my world was crashing down around me. Guess what? It was a great year with a fantastic teacher--one of the best I've ever had in my academic career. My life went on, and I was delighted with my school. By the end of the first day, my fears and misery had vanished. I look back on this day with nostalgia. I didn't know how good I had it, but we never do. So if you're reading this and you're dreading the first week of school, I promise you're going to be okay. It's going to be a great year. Just stay frosty and keep smiling.

Introvert Confessions

Everyone who knows me cannot believe I am an introvert. Deep down, I'm shy. It's true. It's chronic and can be very debilitating. But no one recognizes this fact because I hide it well. I always hear, "No, you're not." Or my favorite, "You shouldn't feel that way." Ugh. I love when people tell me how to feel, which is why I usually don't bring up my problem very often (you won't see me tweeting this blog post, placing it on Facebook, or sending it to the email subscription list--I'm writing this for me and for any of you out there who face similar conditions). Whenever I have to interact publicly, it is very draining. It exhausts me. I struggle with it all the time. I read many other authors feel the same way, so I know I'm not alone. Why am I writing this confession today? The air conditioning in our house is on its last legs. The units are ancient, and I knew it was going to conk out soon. My fantastic technician noticed the back of my laptop (see photo below) and said it caught the interest of his "inner nerd." It turns out he was a huge Star Wars fan. Without thinking, I blurted out, "I think Star Wars is the reason I write what I write." He stopped at the door. "You're a writer?" "Uh, yeah." I should probably preface this by letting you know I don't tell many people I'm an author/writer. I just don't. I have never been a good salesman, and I always feel people will think I'm trying to force them to buy the books if I mention it. I even struggle to mention my novels to my family! I'd rather keep writing because I have to tell these stories and let the chips fall. Yes, everyone tells me I need to get over this fear. Yes, I know it is something I should ignore. I've heard all the benefits of how I should conquer this issue.But the fact is that I cannot change who I am. Or at least that's what I thought. Returning to my air conditioning story, I conjured up the courage to ask the man if he wanted a copy of Invasion. I had just received some author copies and had a couple. He took the novel with a smile and seemed happy to get a new light sci-fi book to read.I have never--EVER--mentioned my books out of the blue to anyone. I've been writing in one form or another for twenty years. Today was the first in-person giveaway of my career!He will never know what a huge step that was for me. It felt good to share a book with someone who loves Star Wars. I couldn't believe I did that. I still can't. I doubt I will start going on a massive book tour anytime soon. I have major respect for anyone who does that.However, I will make more attempts to keep improving. Today felt good. Now, as I'm writing this, I hope he likes the book.If you're a fellow introvert and want to commiserate, drop me a line here and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.For now, I'd better get back to writing. The sixth book in the main SRU storyline is almost complete! Stay frosty! - LET

Midyear Star Runners Universe Update

People always say time flies. It's cliche because it's true.I cannot believe it has been half a year since I provided an overall update or the "State of the Star Runners Universe."InvasionThe launch of Invasion has been successful. I have received fantastic feedback from people wanting to read more of the events on this invaded planet. While the release was later in the year than I had anticipated or predicted in my January update, it was exciting to see the book out in the world. Thanks to all of you who helped make the book possible, and thanks to those readers who took the time to send me a message. I appreciate you! Next? I have been on a rigorous schedule to finish the first draft of Star Runners 6 by the end of July. I believe I am on schedule to make that deadline.I will be honest and say the book has been a strange experience. When I first decided to write this series (for real, not my dreams as a 12-year-old) probably back in 2013, an involved book series with three entry points leading up to the untitled SR6 seemed like an impossible goal. Well, it's here, and it has been an emotional ride. Some scenes took a toll on me if I'm honest. Writing is already solitary, but writing such a sizeable involved story after allowing it to incubate for years has been both exhausting and exhilarating. My editing process is usually a little slower than most people would think. I pound out a manuscript larger than the final product because I enjoy editing and shaping the story into something better. It is a process that takes a great deal of time and thought as I try to modify redundancies and make other aspects of the novel shine (hopefully). After I'm done with it, it'll go to my lovely editor, Annie. Then, it goes to my equally fantastic ARC team before it is finally almost ready for release. I have stated the early process of getting artwork for the cover as well. I am hoping for something extraordinary for this one since it will be the end of a long journey of stories. As my nephew says, "and then?"So if you're following me, you might be wondering what I am writing after July 31? My sole purpose in my writing life for the rest of 2019 will be preparing the remainder of finished manuscripts for print. Once the SR 6 draft is complete, I will have four full drafts (including a trilogy based on the planet Ashia leading up to the events that take place in SR 6). I want those finished before I start on new adventures. The publication dates are up in the air, but I would like another book to release before the end of the year. The rest will be during the first half of 2020. 2020 and beyond? Not precisely sure what the future holds at the moment--and especially nothing I would commit into writing.After being on this path to writing a connected series for nearly a decade, I am excited to see where I will be in a year. Will I be writing new adventures within the Star Runners Universe? Or will I decide to write a new series? I don't know the answers to these questions. There's too much to finish before I make that decision.And I find the daydreaming mixed with the unknown the most exciting phase anyway.

Mini-break Aftermath

I am sitting in my home office on a rainy Tuesday.I have just returned from a short vacation in Asheville, NC USA to celebrate my wife's birthday. We had a wonderful time taking the trolley tour and visiting the Biltmore Estate (a place I had not expected to enjoy but loved tremendously).The Biltmore is more than just an enormous home built in a picturesque almost fairy tale like landscape. The entire 8,000-acre estate (it was once more than 120,000 acres) is home to a thousand stories begging to be discovered. I will have to go back, but it was a mini-break, and we needed to return. And now it's time to get back to the grind. With my deadline for the first manuscript of SR 6 about a week away, I can feel the pressure mounting. It is always tough to return to the routine. I was in the groove last week. The words flowed.With the help of coffee this morning, I will get it back. Stay frosty!LET

The joy of discovery

I grew up in a library. To be more specific, my mother used to take me all the time when I was young and growing up in a lovely place called Fairport, New York. The absolute best memory of the experience is strolling into the towering stacks of books and realizing I could take any of the books home. And I did. I vividly remember checking out the Lord of the Rings at a very young age and the librarian cocking her eyebrow at me. "Are you really going to read this?" "Of course!"And I did. I still enjoy libraries, both big and small. I also enjoy the discovery of small lending libraries wherever I travel. Some are simple, and others quite extravagant.If you don't know what I'm talking about, a lending library is also sometimes called a neighborhood library or a community lending library. No library cards required. Just drop a book off and take one. Simple. I still love walking away with a new book. I recently was with family in Dahlonega, Georgia, where we tried our hands at panning for gold. No one walked away with vast stores of gold, I'm afraid.But while walking around this mountain town, we did discover another treasure--a lending library I had never noticed! So keep your eyes open while you're out and about! You never know when you might find a new library hiding in plain sight.

Lake Writing

I am between chapters this morning, working on finishing the first draft of Star Runners 6 with my writing companion (my dog) by my side. My deadline is a complete initial draft by July 30.I spent Saturday and Sunday with my brother and his family at the lake. I arrived on Friday and was able to write alone in the woods.The cabin has a fantastic writing nook.As the sun went down, I got lost in the story. I kept writing, forgetting the time and place as the sound of the forest surrounded me.I have to say it was very nice to go into a trance. It doesn't happen all the time, but it's magical when it does. It's rare to have no distractions or responsibilities. Suddenly, it was midnight before I realized how long I had been writing. I love it when that happens! I have genuinely enjoyed watching this book unfold and seeing how the characters react to the situations. For now, I have to dive back into the story.I wish you all a very happy start to the week!Stay frosty!

A perfect scene?

I have mentioned before I often use YouTube to provide background music or ambiance. Music has always been important to my writing sessions, but the music plus ambiance has become more important this summer. I love it and end up writing thousands of words before I even realize it. But today I accidentally stumbled across a scene from the 1986 sci-fi classic, Aliens. Sure, I have seen it a hundred times. However, I hadn't seen the movie in years. I clicked on this clip to hear the music, and I was captivated by the scene. Simplicity. Powerful storytelling. The amount of information the viewer experiences. Wow. It's also just a very cool scene. So, enjoy!