M. Thomas Apple's Blog, page 6

New reviews for Bringer of Light!

Bringer of Light holds appeal for its imaginative setting and thought-provoking themes. Readers who appreciate a blend of speculative technology and introspective musings on the universe will find this book a stimulating read…For fans of science fiction, M. Thomas Apple’s novel offers a glimpse into a future filled with wonder and complexity. 

—  Literary Titan

Bringer of Light is a highly recommended read for fans of gripping sci-fi with a deeper, more resonant meaning at its core.

— K. C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

Um

If you could have something named after you, what would it be?

Hey, I came first.

Today’s quote

The influence of geography on history went mostly unrecognized…Humans tended to look more at the influence of history on geography. Who owns this river valley? This verdant valley? This peninsula? This planet? None of us.

Frank Herbert, God Emperor of Dune

How to photograph a solar eclipse

The eclipse begins as a small notch slowly appears along one edge of the Sun. During the next hour, the Moon gradually covers more and more of the Sun’s bright disk. You’ll need a Solar Filter to both view and photograph the partial phases. 

https://www.mreclipse.com/SEphoto/SEphoto.html

On April 8, 2024, there will be a total solar eclipse across parts of North America. It starts on Mexico’s Pacific coast and ends on Canada’s Atlantic coast. (So, no, it’s not just “from San Antonio to the Canadian border” as one article puts it).

I’m a little jealous of friends and family in the path. The eclipse lasts for over four minutes this time — if you’re in the area, enjoy!

And send me a photo or three if you can

Today’s quote

You don’t write for success. That takes part of your attention away from the writing. If you’re really doing it, that’s all you’re doing: writing.

Frank Herbert, “When I Was Writing Dune”

Short sharp shocks, please

Daily writing promptWhat’s something most people don’t understand?View all responses

How NOT to look at their smartphone while zombie walking on a train platform or stairs.

Smartphones should be programmed to send tiny electrical shocks into your hand when you walk while reading them. Put the thing in your pocket until you clear the field.

Now available! Bringer of Light

For more ordering details: https://mthomasapple.com/science-fiction/children-of-pella-series/

Techie here! (Aka geek)

How has technology changed your job?

How has it not?

I’m a TESOL teacher. Learning to use technology — appropriately — has always been a part of my job.

It’s the “appropriate” part that has difficult to deal with the past few years.

Yeah. Hi, Chat.

Forget about Zoom, LMS, video editing software, and all sorts of online sites that don’t need any knowledge of programming language.

I was making my own web pages in basic HTML and JavaScript back when people still though InternetExplorer was a good browser.

But tech is nothing more than a tool. And tools can be used well and badly.

And often the simple tech of a piece of paper and a pencil are all you need. No bandwagon mentality here.

So if anything I would say that, although I have always used technology to some degree for my job, I have had the luxury of experience (and a lot of mistakes!) to figure out when technology can help my job, and when it just gets in the way.

(FWIW I also teach a one-semester class about language, identity, and technology. And yes, we do analyze our selfies.)

Today’s quote

Life is a mask through which the universe expresses itself.

Frank Herbert, The Children of Dune

My secret embarrassing childhood desire…

What’s a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had?

When I was in junior high, I sometimes tried to will a book to fly into my hand from a bookcase across the room.

Yeah. I wanted to be able to use telekinesis. Like Jean Grey of the X-Men.

Not surprisingly, my characters in Bringer of Light wind up being able to do it.

“It’s mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter.” (Satchel Paige)