Alexa D. Wayne's Blog: Lexie Wayne Blog, page 3
June 24, 2019
The World of Asteroids
NASA’s Knowledge
According to NASA, Asteroids are rocky debris left over from the formation of our universe. Unlike Meteors, Asteroids are always found in space. They often found in belts, however, there are some that have their own path they travel. Sizes vary wildly!
[image error]Asteroid
Asteroids can be as small as a small creek pebble, or even large enough to be considered a dwarf planet! To put it into perspective, it is not uncommon to have many that are the size of a football field, or a house! Normally comprised of rock, many can contain iron and nickel among other various minerals your heroes may need in their journey.
Asteroid Moons?
Can Asteroids have moons? Abso-freaking-lutely! It is not uncommon for asteroids to have their own moons. Take a look at 243 Ida. In 1993 the Galileo probe discovered an asteroid moon they later named Dactyl orbiting the asteroid. There are several others that have been discovered as well! How exciting is that?
There are dynamics even within the asteroid belt itself. Not only could an asteroid belt present problems for your hero(es) when traveling, but within the belt itself there could lie nearly invisible obstacles for them to navigate around. Is your hero a strong pilot or do they have a strong pilot? I hope so! Because when you go into an asteroid belt you’re going to need it!
[image error]Asteroid
The biggest key to separating a large asteroid from a dwarf planet is made up of several factors. The first is that an asteroid that is big enough to meet the dwarf planet requirement is not circular as planets normally are. They are often entirely different shapes, and rarely have similarities between them!
About Dwarf Planets
Also, dwarf planets possess an atmosphere. Asteroids do not. So if your hero were to land on it, they would have to use some sort of equipment to help them breathe and protect them from the indescribable cold of the vacuum of outer space.
Asteroids also pose a large threat to planets! Earth has been impacted by several (i.e.Meteor Crater in Arizona or Vredefort Crater in South Africa) over the history of the planet. However, Lady Luck has been on our side and there has not been a true asteroid impact in recorded human history.
[image error]Asteroid
According to phys.org, studies indicate that there is an impact every five thousand years or so. Moons help absorb some of that impact, however, that is an article for another time!
How To Use Asteroids
You can use asteroids in various ways. You can have your hero traverse an asteroid belt where they encounter various obstacles they must navigate around or perish! You can have a large asteroid impact a planet and destroy all life like an asteroid did to the dinosaurs on earth 65 million years ago.
[image error]
Another option is that you can have your adventurers land on an asteroid to obtain precious minerals they need. However, that is a tricky maneuver since the asteroids are twisting and turning in their normal orbits.
The world is yours
to form and create as you see fit! If you do have space travel in your story,
then I HIGHLY encourage you to add these dynamic and rich tools into it!
See you soon space travelers!
C. Brady
Advertisements
June 23, 2019
Dead or Alive You Are Coming With Me
*** MATURE CONTENT *** SPOILER ALERT *** GORE ***
RoboCop The Summary
In a violent, near-apocalyptic Detroit, evil corporation Omni Consumer Products wins a contract from the city government to privatize the police force.
To test their crime-eradicating cyborgs, the company leads street cop Alex Murphy into an armed confrontation with crime lord Boddicker so they can use his body to support their untested RoboCop prototype. However, when RoboCop learns of the company’s nefarious plans, he turns on his masters. — Google
RoboCop 1987 Original Trailer from Classic Trailers on YouTube
The Cyberpunk of the 80s
On July 17th, 1987 RoboCop released in the theatres as an R rated movie—however, rated initially as an X movie by Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) due to excessive graphic violence. Ultimately, its unique dystopian style, mixed with low science-fiction and detective, had the crowd hooked. It made its money back at more than 53 million dollars in the USA only.
[image error]RoboCop Official Cover – 1987
RoboCop, created by Paul Verhoeven and the movie written by Edward Neumeier
and Michael Miner, had an impact on its viewers. The people attending the
theatres back then were unaware of its marking scenes. RoboCop wasn’t a comedy,
nor was it action only. It was an eye-opener and a movie that would be unique
in every way.
An R rated movie back then, is not what it is now. The overall rules to
decide which category a movie belongs in changed over time. Now, people watch
RoboCop for breakfast; back then, it was a disturbing movie, to say the least
with its few footages.
The Evil Corporation
In 1987, RoboCop hit the screen, bringing an idea not fully explored back
then. The idea that a corporation would meticulously buy its way in every
critical aspect of a country. The OCP belongs to Dan O’Herlihy and his vice
president, Richard “Dick” Jones, becomes the main villain of the
movie.
The OCP company worked its way in the military, politics, municipalities,
industries, factories, everywhere. Now, they want to “give back” to a
falling apart Detroit, by providing them with extra protection aka, cybernetic
law enforcement.
[image error]RoboCop – 1987
Detroit is Gotham on steroids. It would require five Batman and 2 Superman
to help it keep its head above water. In addition, the crimes are at its most
horrifying peak. Not to mention, the police station cannot keep its police
officers long enough to calm the population. To top it all off, those officers
are dropping like flies because of cop killers. As a result, a nightmare for
the city is on the rise. Police officers want to go on strike.
Furthermore, the OCP who is in charge of making most weapons now wants to
integrate its machine to help the cops without warning. Somehow, those people
aren’t alarmed by the elevation of crime. Why would they? It is their bread and
butter.
Quiet genius if you ask me. Then again, is that where we are heading now?
The Consuming Culture Humourized
To lighten the mood during the movie, to get from the X rated to R rated,
the addition of commercials seemed to be a good idea. It is. Even the news
broadcasting is an addition to the depth of the movie.
As a result, we get the sarcastic message that we are a ridiculous consuming
generation. We go after the latest gadget because a video tells us to without
thinking. This movie dates back to the VHS era and yet, watch the commercials
for the “I’d buy that for a dollar!” or the “Nukem” game,
even the “6000 SUX sedan” and tell me this isn’t a ridiculed of what
our society has become.
[image error]RoboCop – 1987
The highest fake commercial success of RoboCop is the “Buy that for a
dollar.” However, the fake Nukem game, inspired by the war game, is quite
unnerving as you see a family play and try to conquer each other’s country
through politics and the military as well as nuclear bombing. You watch it the
first time it’s funny, you watch again and realize, we’re there. It’s not just
a commercial anymore.
The One Scaring Scene
As the movie goes, the police officer Alex Murphy walks in the South Detroit police station after a transfer. On his first day, he meets his female badass partner, Lewis. We see him practice a fast rotation of his gun “a la cowboy” before putting it back in its holster.
[image error]RoboCop – 1987
It was a trick he practiced for his son to make him proud to be like his favourite television hero. The movement seemed insignificant when first watching the movie.
Then we have the introduction of our secondary main villain known as
Clarence Boddicker. Clarence and his gang of thugs are the drug overlords of
Detroit. They are also the number one cop killers around.
RoboCop – 1987When Lewis fail to arrest one of the thugs, she falls down a level of the abandoned building, and it leaves Murphy alone. When Murphy apprehends two of the cop killers, another six or eight showed up surrounding him and walking by Boddicker’s side.
He had no chance. The shooting, resulting in gore and blood, is quite graphic and horrific.
Don’t Listen To Critiques
Some said it was “slasher flick” and of bad taste. It wasn’t. The shooting looked real and demonstrated what happens in real life to not only police officers, but soldiers, special agents, undercover, to innocents and civilians. Don’t think because there’s a litre of blood splashing around that its bad taste. It’s a reality.
[image error]RoboCop – 1987
If you’re shot by shotguns a hundred times, yes, your hand might explode, and you might scream in agony losing an alarming amount of blood. Flash news reporter, we have an average of 5.5 litres of blood in our body.
In like manner, the remains of Alex Murphy ends up at a hospital where we
see him blink, thinking about his wife and kid. We hear the medical equipment
and the blood pouring out of every hole in his body.
Nothing can top that shooting scene. It scared people back then, and it is
still epic to this day.
RoboCop Comes At A Price
Remember the OCP? Well, RoboCop wouldn’t exist without them. Furthermore, it
wouldn’t exist without an epic fail of Dick Jones’ previous project of ED 209.
The infamous UFO on two legs in the colors of black and grey.
Together with Murphy’s explosive death, the malfunction of ED 209 in the OCP’s boardroom is one of the scenes that had the movie rated X at first. First, ED 209 represented the future of law reinforcement.
[image error]RoboCop – 1987
Moreover, The “old man” counted on Jones to have it ready. However, its body language reading non-responsive ended up having the demonstration of his capabilities failing when he shot a young man.
Both ED 209’s arms are rotating shotguns. When the young man, following Jones’ orders, pointed a gun at the machine, it gave him sixty seconds to drop it. Sadly, the man did drop the gun, but the machine didn’t register it and shot him multiple times.
[image error]RoboCop – 1987
As a result, the man died in a puddle of blood surrounded by his coworkers crying and shouting “Get the paramedics” quite useless if you ask me.
Nonetheless, the scene is the inciting incident needed for Morton to sneak in between Jones and “the old man” to pitch his RoboCop project. The monetary loss of ED 209 is the only concern of the OCP president and Jones.
Watching the young man died a horrifying and needless death, seemed just like “another day at the office.” All they cared about was how to solve the problem.
Don’t F With Jones
As the movie goes on and RoboCop is turned on, he is a machine. As a result, cops accept him after his many success, moreover, by saving a convenient store owner couple from an armed robbery.
Then, saving a girl from rape by shooting one of the two rapists through her skirt to hit the man in the crotch. Again, he saved the town’s mayor from an armed kidnapping. His success is undeniable.
[image error]RoboCop – 1987
Furthermore, RoboCop comes in contact with one of his killers. The killer recognized him by his tagline phrase, “Dead or alive. You’re coming with me.” RoboCop’s capability to record live and have instant replay has him as a valid legal, lawful tool.
He used his video to look for the killer in the police databank and found him and his accomplices. He recognized the entire gang.
RoboCop – 1987The OCP now a happy place for Morton, goes south when Jones warns him that
he didn’t like what he did. Again, another death worthy of RoboCop, bloody,
gory, and explod-y. The death of Morton is a result of Jones working alongside
Boddicker.
The 4th Directive
Long story short, RoboCop is an OCP product. People working for the
corporation are not idiots. The boardroom alone is an amalgam of corrupted
people. We see them living the celebrity lives of “sex, drugs, and rock
and roll.” Furthermore, Jones is friends with the number one drug overlord
of Detroit.
So, to add to the lawful directives of Serve the public trust, protect the
innocent, uphold the law, an extra hidden directive sneaks in. The infamous
Directive 4: Any attempt to arrest a senior officer of OCP results in shutdown.
[image error]RoboCop – 1987
In like manner, Jones gratified from this Directive when RoboCop aka Murphy, unravel the background play that was at work. RoboCop couldn’t arrest Jones for the life of him.
As a result, Jones had the cops shoot him, despite some refusing to shoot a fellow officer recognizing him as Alex Murphy. Then, Boddicker comes back in the picture.
[image error]RoboCop – 1987
After a long, disturbing chase, RoboCop and Lewis manage to kill Boddicker’s
thugs, and the final scene always brought a big smile across my face.
80’s Classic
I don’t care what critics say about the movie. Some feminist columnist was saying it was an insult to women. Lewis was a strong woman; she alone took down a few villains, exploded one of them and brought Murphy to the hospital.
She is the only one who recognized Murphy as RoboCop and the one who corrected his targeting system because she’s a good shot. So, what’s wrong about that? Her look is cop-like, she wears an officer’s suit and never is she sexualized.
[image error]
The captain of the South Detroit police station is Reed, a loving and devoted police officer, protective of those under his command. He is an African American, and so is the Mayor of Detroit.
We see one of the influenceable board members of the OCP as well, among others. POC i.e., People of Color, are part of the movie in all aspects, meaning as good people or bad.
RoboCop – 1987What I also enjoyed of RoboCop, is that despite its release in the 80s, it
was ahead of its time. They used POC in the right places, no favoritism. They
used women as strong and reliable—Lewis and Dr. Lazarus, and lesser e.g., the
two supermodels. The main bad guys? All older white men. It seems right to me.
[image error]RoboCop – 1987
So those who opposed to those characteristics of the movie: why don’t you
look closely next time? Those who created RoboCop had a vision, and to me,
quite spot on. There was no favoritism in their casting, and they played their
cards right.
Overall RoboCop
The music, recognizable and now a cult classic of movies, is still holding to this day. The stop motion animation of ED 209 is quite impressive when seen on a 50″ plasma screen.
The only scene that doesn’t look as good is Jones going down the building. However, the rest of the movie holds up and is in good health.
[image error]RoboCop – 1987
RoboCop inspired many people from the generation before me to mine. Its low sci-fi cyberpunk take on the American life is still up to date. That tells a lot about our society.
Its sequel, just as disturbing, show the other side of the police enforcement. No more “to serve and protect” only “to corrupt and kill.”
[image error]RoboCop – 1987
The RoboCop dream is happening. So, don’t tell me this movie is out of date
or wrong. If you don’t see it, watch it again. It might wake you up that
nothing is what it seems.
Advertisements
May 22, 2019
ANIMORPH SERIES The-In-Depth-Review
I read all the way to the ending of the series, as well as all the extra side stories and stories that were from different points of view from major players in the series. *Warning this is an in depth and non spoiler free breakdown of the first book. Spoilers *
The Memories
I remember the feeling of excitement itself. It was the first time that I had seen a series writer go so far into a world, granted later in my childhood I would discover another such writer who would give me the world of Narnia but that in itself is another article for another day.
For this series review, we will stay in the world of the Animorphs, created by K.A. Applegate. Katherine Alice Applegate is an American young adult and children’s fiction writer, best known as the author of the Animorphs, Remnants, Everworld, and other book series.
She has quite the number of other series, but most tend to stay in the Science Fiction and Fantasy section of the genre. So let’s begin where she did, with book one The Invasion, where we join Jake, Marco, Cassie, Rachel and Tobias as they are about to have their peaceful worlds smashed to pieces.
Animorphs Jake The Invasion by K.A. ApplegateThe Controllers Are Everywhere
The series starts with a boy named Jake talking to us. He sets the stage quite well with advising he cannot give any specific information out about just who and where he is. For his safety as well as the readers. He brings to the forefront beings known as Controllers and how it is vital no one who is one ever find out about him, or his friends. Also brought out is the Andalites, a race who might be able to help humans if they can survive.
The beginning of the book reads like a journal and expands to tell us just what the Animorphs are and what makes them so unique. So I will break it down into two categories for you as we go along. So you know this will not be a wholly spoiler-free book. You have been warned.
The Animorphs
We get a rundown of a few of the main characters we will follow. Jake is your average kid who looks up to his older brother Tom, so much so that he is trying to live up to his basketball legacy in middle school. Tom has moved on to High School, and Jake didn’t do so well at the tryouts. Marco is Jake’s best friend, and as we meet him, they are on their way to an arcade. Marco is the comic of his friends and always has a quip ready.
They are on their way home when they run in Tobias, a fellow student. Tobias to be sincere was the character that drew me most into these books; he was very well developed and entirely relatable as a character. Jake describes him as the outcast at school, easily singled out and picked on. The way Jake knows him is that Jake stood up to the bullies picking on Tobias. Not the closest of friends but a bond. Tobias offers to walk with them and as they leave we meet our final two main cast, Cassie and Rachel.
Rachel is Jake’s cousin, and through his eyes, we see a pretty, fashionable girl who enjoys gymnastics even though she is seen as too tall to go professional. She has a temper and is hard headed as a character, nothing she can’t do. Cassie, however, is the complete opposite of her friend. She prefers plaid shirts and jeans to the more dressed up version of her friend portray. She is more calm and peaceful about situations.
Jake offers to let them walk with the boys, which Rachel mocks him for and Cassie stops the argument by accepting on the girl’s behalf. The tone switches for the tale because now that all players are accounted for and have base introductions Jake warns that this moment in time is the last that any of them will be normal.
Meeting an Andalite
Now yes, this first review is wordy, but it has to be to understand the whole of the world being set up. On the walk home, the kids decide to go through the ghost town that is the mall being rebuilt. Abandoned and used as a squatting ground, Jake is almost in an immediate state of regret. It becomes worse when Tobias points out a light in the sky and Cassie, being the only one brave enough to say out loud what it is, states that they are looking at a flying saucer. As Rachel agrees, Jake tries to get a good look at, and the first thing he notices is the tail-like appendage on the hind on the ship.
They all are debating, both internally and externally whether to run or stay, when the ship lands in front of them. Tobias being the bravest speak out in hopes of communication. He defiantly gets it in the form of what the reader can understand as telepathic. The answering voice echoes in all of their minds and as the door opens they are introduced to their first Andalite, a mix of a deer, human, and alien components all in a lovely shade of blue with four eyes. Two main ones and two others on stalks that can swivel.
To skip the shock and awe, after a few moments of discussion our group learns the alien is dying. He has a fatal wound that cannot be helped and has come with disturbing news. Other aliens are unlike him in the way that they have come to destroy the humans.
It is at this moment that we begin to learn of the villains that will haunt many kids’ nightmares and forever rock our group’s world — the Yeerks. The alien goes on to describe a parasite that cannot live on its own, that must live dependent on another species, and he projects an image for the kids to see the grey, slimy, slug looking creatures for themselves. Once they have a host they are known as Controllers for that is what they do, they enter and absorb to a hosts brain trying to get them to submit to their control willingly. The Andalite goes on explaining that his race had tried to stop them and had failed.
He urges the kids to get a blue box from his ship knowing his time is short. Jake conquers his fear and does this when he brings out the box the Andalite explains that he wishes to impart the kids with a gift. He gives them a chance to resist the Yeerks by giving them a technology that the Yeerks do not have, the ability to morph. To touch an animal, any animal, and gain its DNA strain to become it.
He advises of the dangers as the Yeerk ships on closing in on him to finish him off, never stay in an animal form for more than two hours. Otherwise, they will be trapped in that form forever. With that information being all he can give, fear comes into the scene as the only Yeerk who can morph touches down. While it is true that no other Yeerk can morph, Vissar Three is unique in the way that he has gained this ability. As the ship empties of terrifying looking alien species that have been enslaved by the Yeerks, we meet ones with blades on their wrists and elbows known as Hork-Bajir and Centipede looking ones called Taxxons. They pale in comparison to Vissar Three who as he steps off the ship immediately shocks the kids. The reason he can morph is that he has enslaved an Andalite.
What comes next I will admit it scared me a bit as a kid. We have the standoff between good and evil. Between Prince Elfangor and Visser Three, both of whom are well known amongst their compatriots. While Prince Elfangor does get the blood flowing, sadly it isn’t enough. His death is painful. Like a real-life moment from Never Ending Story where the book comes to life in a way that haunts your core you feel the words and the utter despair right along with the kids. So a vast kudos to K.A. Applegate for several of my cry spells and nightmares not only as a kid but rereading the book for this review.
Newfound Responsibilities And Fears
The reason so much detail has gone into this first review is that the above happens in the first fast-paced six chapters of the book. It is essential as this scene and this night are the beginning of what is going to a hard and remarkable journey told by those that are there in those moments. The rest of the chapters deal with the kids getting away safely, and Tobias is the first of them to use this new power. As Jake relays to us how Tobias doesn’t know his Dad and his Mother has taken off leaving him at the mercy of an Uncle and Aunt who could care less, Tobias tells us about how he morphed into Dude, his cat.
Jake is still in utter disbelief until Tobias shows him the truth by turning into the tabby cat right in front of Jake. Pretty hard not to believe it when it is right in front of your eyes right? Tobias and Jake learn that when morphed they can communicate in their minds just like the Andalite did. Along with that, the longer Tobias is in the form, the more the cats DNA tries to take over. For him to still be himself, he has to concentrate on what keeps him human. That and clothing is a bit of an issue at this point.
Tobias helps Jake conquer his fears of what happened and get through his first morph, Homer his dog is the first for Jake and what a joyful morph it is. There is some secret lead up in this book, but I will not spoil that secret until we get there.
As Jake learns the chaos of a dogs mind, he also gets the downfall. His brother Tom comes to his room not knowing thankfully about what is going on and tells Tobias to keep Homer quiet. Jake learns through his newly gained dog nose that there is something not quite right with Tom, but his brain refuses to process fully. Even when he is human again and explains him not making the basketball team, Tom advises him that there are more important things than hoops, knocking Jake for a loop. This is the first time we hear about The Sharing. A cool group that everyone was joining.
All the kids decide to meet up at Cassie’s house since her parents are Vets and are usually not at home, which for now gives them privacy to figure things out. It also gives them access to animals they wouldn’t often have as Cassie’s family has access to all manner of animals with their farm doubling as a rescue.
Marco and Rachel are quick to show Jake and Tobias an article stating what people thought was a flying saucer was in fact teenagers playing with fireworks and that the police are on the lookout and any help given to find the responsible teenagers is appreciated. Marco quite literally loses it, and we learn his reasoning is because he and his Dad are alone. Two years prior he had lost his Mom to a drowning accident that had left nobody to mourn.
Animorphs Series by K.A. ApplegateThe fantastic character development makes even the small details huge once the whole picture is together. I certainly didn’t mean to have this be a detailed and piece by piece review of the first book, but the first book is honestly a proper beginning. It gives us so much information we need to start the story off right and capture attention.
The kids run into a lot real quick, Cassie is almost a natural at morphing, they are split on whether to use the powers or not, a cop randomly shows up asking if they know anything about the kids at the construction site and advises them to all come to The Sharing. The worst is yet to come through as when the kids split up to go home Jake and Marco go to Jake’s house, and his brother Tom breaks in on their video gaming to join them. Tom starts to ask questions about the construction site too, and after he leaves Marco makes the connection, Tom is a controller also.
Poor Jake is getting the full force brunt of what is going on. Losing his cool he and Marco get into a fight until Tobias as a red-tailed hawk shows up splitting the two up. After changing Tobias relays that when he hung back with Prince Elfangor, he showed his vision about the Yeerks and their ways, how the Yeerk pool is where the Yeerks live in their natural state. Every three days a Yeerk has to leave his host body and go into the Yeerk pool to soak up nutrients. Especially Kandrona rays. Kandrona is like a piece of the Yeerks sun. They need the rays to live.
Again nightmare city as a kid. Imagine, you have this slug being absorbed to your brain controlling your body, every action. In front of your friends, your family, even coworkers. Every three days you are free for a short period as the alien replenishes. However, we learn soon enough even then it isn’t the case of being free.
The boys are all together, and Tobias stands up for his choice to use the powers given to him and to fight the Yeerks. He has started to sway Jake when Marco brings forth again a concept Jake would instead not think about, and that is that if Tom is indeed a controller, it will be brother against brother and like Marco says, this is something Jake better be sure he is ready for.
Jake makes his mind up and says he is going to a Sharing meeting to get more information that that is the key to learning just what they are dealing with. Everyone agrees, even Marco since it is only a meeting right? Tom hypes up a bonfire at the beach and how that night is the best to come. Heading out together, the kids walk to the beach. Tobias only part way as he soars above them making his way.
The way Jake describes the party, you would think all is normal, and the kids were crazy. It isn’t until Tom has a discussion with Jake about how this and more is available when you are a full member of The Sharing that even Jake cannot deny the difference in his brother. Because his brother, resisting and fighting the Yeerk, is trying to warn him. What makes it worse is that Marco jokingly takes back the words he has said.
Jake becomes resolute that they need to sneak in on the full members meeting to learn more about just what the Yeerk plan is and what they are up against. The only problem is that things go from bad to worse as Jake in his dog form overhears the Yeerks conversations. One of whom has direct influence over not just his life, but a whole school full as he is the assistant principal! If that wasn’t bad enough the Yeerk in Tom’s head declares that he has a feeling about Jake and that one way or the other by the night’s end, either Jake with being controlled and join them or he will die.
Saved by Chapman the Assistant Principal for the moment, it is clear to Jake that things are very dire. The rest of the team agrees, and Jake ends up at Cassie’s looking for a smaller and faster morph. It is during this morph, that of a lizard, that Jake follows Chapman and discovers there is a pool under their very school. Having heard the screams and knowing that his brother will be among them tomorrow, Jake discusses his finds with everyone at lunch. Everyone seems to be on board with taking the next step, Marco has an outburst about loyalty to friends and how he would never let Jake go by himself. Even Cassie is on board and has a brilliant idea; her Mother works for The Gardens which is a local zoo. They can get great and powerful animal morphs there. This is when their name is born as Marco makes the joke that they are Animorphs. It sticks obviously.
After a very productive and eventful day, including a face to face encounter with a Siberian for Jake and Marco, the team feels more up to it. The only thing wrong is that when it is time to meet up, Cassie is nowhere to be found and there is a good reason. As the rest of the gang shows up at the school, it is revealed that the police officer from the farm earlier has Cassie and he is leading her down to be for lack of a better term here, assimilated!
So Much Worse Than We Thought
As the gang makes their way down the entrance to what they believe is the Yeerk pool, they find out it is so much more than that. A vast cavern that has several staircases leading in and out of the area shows them that the school is but one part of the infestation. With aliens of all kinds, not just Hork-Bajir and Taxxons, there are Caterpillars and Earthmovers at work down on the far side of the cave. The Yeerks are not there on a small mission. They are there for a higher goal, the town.
In the middle is what looks like a lake filled with lead that has melted, but the kids soon figure out that it is full of Yeerks in their natural stage. Surrounded by guards and both Alien and Humans alike in cages, no line has been uncrossed as the Animorphs look over and see kids, Women, and Men.
Jake asks Tobias to keep an eye on Cassie, and while he does the gang gets their first full look at precisely what they are dealing with. They watch as the hosts are held over the pool until the Yeerk inside their head is free, and while in doing so their functions return to their control, it doesn’t matter. They are just put in cages till the Yeerk is full and ready to go for another three days. They even find out there are “volunteer” hosts that have willingly let the Yeerk take over their body. They get a full glimpse of just what is they are fighting against and fighting for.
All at once things go to chaos, and suddenly there is an elephant, a gorilla, a hawk, a tiger and a horse going nuts trying to help free people as well as getting out of the cavern safely. The Yeerks and their guards don’t seem to have any idea what is going on and are struck down easily until Visser Three makes himself known.
In the midst of it all, there are wounds and lessons learned. Our Animorphs make it out but not without severe consequences. Most of the ones they had hoped to save were left behind all save one. Even worse than that, the next morning Jake finds out that Tobias had gotten stuck down in the cavern and had been unable to change in time, Tobias was stuck as a Red Tailed Hawk, unable to morph and unable to turn back into a human. In a heartfelt moment, the two boys forge a deeper bond and vow to keep fighting… until the Andalites come.
Conclusion
This has been an in-depth review, piece to piece of the first book that set a very great precedence for me. As not only a reader but also as a writer, the first tale stands the test of time. This book, for me, was just as enjoyable if not more so as an adult. As a kid reading it, there were many concepts that I was on the same level as the Animorphs themselves.
From school to how I reacted to social situations. As the story went on the characters became so much more immersive, and I had only ever had this level of want for a story from two other writers at the time, Christopher Pike with his amazing and highly recommended Remember Me series, and Bruce Coville’s My Teacher is an Alien series. I had yet to discover Douglas Adams and Tolkien himself.
K.A. Applegate’s series was an amazing one, and over this series of reviews, I do hope you check the series out for yourself as it is honestly worth it. Until next time readers, enjoy your book and reread an old favorite!
Advertisements
Logo Reveal Giveaway!
FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY!
A.D. Wayne is hosting a giveaway on her Facebook Page! Come by and see it all before your eyes! It is simple and you might enjoy it! Who doesn’t like a chance to win something!
[image error]
WHAT DO I DO?
1000 Hours, Gregorian Calendar
Milky Way, Solar System, Earth
Mission: Liberty Logo Reveal Giveaway
The Science Fiction Genre is about to be invaded by The Obsidian File Series written by A.D. Wayne.
To infiltrate Earth the author organized a LOGO REVEAL GIVEAWAY! To participate in the assimilation, you need to: LIKE this post, COMMENT, TAG and SHARE the post!
[image error]
The winner will be chosen by a third-party generator! PRIZE: Amazon Gift Card + A Signed Copy of the Special Variant Cover Edition available on August 6th, 2019!
Let the assimilation begin! CLICK HERE!
May 21, 2019
The Orville Season 2
The First Season
The first season seemed quite shaky for many viewers who thought the crew of the starship USS Orville to be odd. Connections were off, characters were not fully developed, and some thought bit off way more than he could chew.
In my opinion, remembering the first season of Star Trek The Next Generation, I thought The Orville to be quite efficient. I liked the resemblance to Star Trek and the differences.
[image error]The Orville
I even had favorite episodes where I was quite impressed in the topic chosen. Just like Star Trek used to do, sensitive subjects such as racism, sexism, xenophobia among others, are part of the show, and that from the first season.
The last episode of The Orville had some viewers wondering if it would come back for a second season. They got their wish, and it did. Now, the characters and their places fully developed, each took their place, and we were on for another ride aboard the ship!
New Season Classic Topics
I wrote an article about The Orville already. However, we were only halfway into the second season. Now that the confirmation about a third season is on, I can say I am quite happy about it. The second half of the season determined quite a few things for the future of the 25th
Century series.
After a battle against the Kaylon bringing the Planetary Union and the Krill to talk about a treaty unionizing both parties to fight against a potential battle, other sensitive subjects arose. It wasn’t enough for The Orville show to touch sensitive chords such as racism, sexism takes a significant part in the show and to be honest, I love it.
[image error]The Orville
is not afraid to show what he loves, to dare and be as close as possible to what he admires as well as using it to spread positive messages. Like many, I was afraid he would make a “Family Guy” sci-fi show, and I couldn’t have been more wrong. The second season presents sarcasm, serious topics, science and fiction, battles and lasers!
No Cliff-Hangers!
The Orville, like many shows before it, doesn’t do cliff-hangers. The premise of the show revolving around the one-story-solve in one episode, rule. While in the second season, three times did a story last for two episodes. However, those were not the season’s ending.
Was it voluntarily or did plan it that way? We might never know as rumors dictated that the show might face cancellation. The Orville is one of those show that brushes against the radar and passes by then got a renewal.
[image error]The Orville
The show ended with the conclusion to the timeline of The Orville restored to its original setting. Grayson’s actions have been the reason for the disarray of the entire galaxy. The time traveling episode, a classic of the Star Trek franchise, was finally happening in The Orville show and lasted for two episodes, including its last one of this year’s season.
A Third Season
As mentioned above, a third season of The Orville is happening on FOX television in the United States and City TV in Canada. It has a secured place.
What are the expectations? Well, I would guess more interactions with either new alien species, ghosts from the past, and new guest appearances as seemed to have a taste for it. Some from science-fiction shows, others quite impressive.
[image error]The Orville
One thing is for sure, The Orville might be a light show, but it’s one that I weekly watch, and I’m not disappointed. It’s variety in alien species. It’s overall crew members—their doctor being my favorite doctor in all sci-fi shows! I must say it is fantastic!
Don’t miss out on The Orville in the Fall of 2019!
Advertisements
May 5, 2019
Space Time Magazine Interview Author Scott Azmus
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMANOID: Scott Azmus
I’ve had several different jobs over the years. Navy officer. Field geologist. Bookstore owner.
Advanced-placement physics teacher. Fortunately, writing has taken me away from all that, and I’m now also able to find time to train Alaskan Malamutes, tend my honeybee sanctuary, and enjoy public-outreach astronomy.
[image error]Scott Azmus Author Picture
I went to the University of Colorado, Boulder, and Oregon State University, Corvallis. My wife, Dora, and I live in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and just celebrated our 37th anniversary.
We have three grown children; Lindsay, Natalie, and Erick.
SEARCH: ENQUIRY: AUTHOR INTERROGATION
ALEXA WAYNE (AW): When did you find out you would want to write novels?
SCOTT AZMUS: Way back when I shared my first science fiction stories as a series of lively talks with high-school friends. This happened the pre-Star Wars. Video games and the internet didn’t exist, yes, I’m a fossil!
So we had to find some way of staying busy and out of trouble! While out to sea as a Navy officer, I often filled great watches with elaborate stories about the “Time Travel Forces.”
[image error]Home Before Dark by Scott Azmus
I sold my first story, The Catafalque, to Charlie Ryan at Aboriginal Science Fiction in 1999. Other stories sold to Space & Time, Galaxy, Little Green Men, and Writers of the Future. Soon after, I was eager for larger narratives with civilizations on collision courses and humanity’s fate in the balance.
It was time to figure out how to string together a novel. Also, yet, I ended up deleting and shredding many of those early “works” as I developed my writer’s so-called voice. Some manuscripts became piles of scratch paper, and I cringe when catching glimpses of them!
AW: You mentioned your work, all set in science-fiction or cyborg settings, would you let our readers know why you are attracted to that genre?
SCOTT AZMUS: I love the heart of science fiction, and, for me, that’s cutting-edge astronomy and physics. I enjoy asking “what if” questions and exploring big ideas to their limits. Mix those ideas with conflict, intense character transformation, and what a rush!
Why such dedication to science? I watched the first Moon landing and idolized the Gemini and Apollo astronauts. When Michael Collins, Apollo 11, wrote Carrying the Fire, I read the paperback until it fell apart in my hands.
[image error]Broken Bells by Scott Azmus
NASA was a pretty smooth operation at the time, like SpaceX is today! So I set my sights on becoming an astronaut. While I haven’t yet visited the Moon, I wound up with a stable Navy career and a degree in planetary geology.
FOLLOW SCOTT AZMUS ON FACEBOOK!
I have my observatory where I enjoy observing the heavens with an 18-inch Obsession and a superb Takahashi refractor.
AW: When writing about sci-fi, do you do research and if so, how far do you go with your research?
SCOTT AZMUS: My stories involve mixing wildly different concepts, so the research is always a moving target. Even when I carefully plot a scene, I rarely know what’s coming next until the words spill out on the screen. Which is part of the thrill!
I’ll usually outline how the story needs to start but then write with the usual hero’s journey story arc guiding my way. Once a project gains momentum, notes the process slowly.
When a topic of “flash” interest pops up, I then research on the fly. The trouble is, it’s often all too easy to rush down a “rabbit hole” and spend all day enjoying the learning process!
AW: What is most important to you when writing your novels?
SCOTT AZMUS: Most important? Character development. That, and scientific accuracy. I spend many time people watching and mentally auditioning people for potential roles.
My characters often endure stressful ordeals, while having to square their lives with the idea that there may be an underlying, quantum subtext
to reality.
I’m keen on using the right words. I try to boost my writing skills every day. While someone might view many of my adventures as escapism, I like to think I might be sharing a current reality with someone else across time and distance.
Readers satisfaction is also a significant factor in what I do. Value. Enjoyment. Touches of camouflaged science-enrichment. Also, I’m pleased that my writing level continues to improve!
AW: Which authors influenced your writing in science-fiction?
SCOTT AZMUS: I was twelve when one of my aunts gave me copies of Time for the Stars, by Robert A. Heinlein, and Ringworld, by Larry Niven. I’m sure they massively influenced me because I later read everything they wrote.
I then followed with Asimov, Bradbury, Card, Clarke, Le Guin, Silverberg, Sturgeon, Vonnegut, Zelazny too many to name! Also, I have to credit Star Trek’s many scriptwriters, along the way!
After two big sales to Writers of the Future, I enjoyed getting to know Dave Wolverton, Frederik Pohl, and Tim Powers. Algis Budrys, Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, and Kevin J. Anderson also took the time to meet and greet.
[image error]CROSS The Sky – A Sapphire Sky Novel by Scott Azmus
Oh, and I was once lucky enough to spend time with, on separate convention panels, C.J. Cherryh and Octavia Butler! Everyone’s always been so great and professional about helping new writers!
If you have room for this, my top ten all-time, most influential science-fiction reads…
Neal Stephenson’s Anathem.
Frank Herbert’s Dune.
C.J. Cherryh’s Wave Without a Shore.
Vernor Vinge’s A Deepness in the Sky.
Sheri S. Tepper’s The Gate to Women’s Country.
Ursula LeGuin’s The Dispossessed.
Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone.
Gene Wolfe’s The Shadow of the Torturer.
Dan Simmons’ Hyperion.
Robert Silverberg’s A Time of Changes.
AW: Which of your novels is your favorite and why is it your favorite?
SCOTT AZMUS: Cross the Sky is my favorite because my kids named each character. It’s also my only novel thus far that somewhat sways into the “heist” genre instead in the style of Dewey Gram’s Ocean’s 11. The central character does not see force fields or sealed starship hatches as obstacles, but as invitations.
FOLLOW SCOTT AZMUS ON TWITTER!
After years of living on a knife’s edge between indentured servitude and starvation, she sets her sights on the wealthiest treasure ship ever lost to the rifts.
Unfortunately, Aquila’s cargo also includes a dangerous virus. A virus is so potent that alien retribution for its mere existence, never mind its release! Could be an extinction-level event for humanity.
Facing alien intrigue and myriad adversaries, a crew of eight daring young women flies into the future aboard Sapphire Sky. Also, wouldn’t it be GREAT if some of your readers wanted to travel along with them?
Also, the book wound up with one of my favorite covers!
AW: Do you believe in alien visiting our world, by that I mean in abduction or close encounters of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th kind?
SCOTT AZMUS: What a fun question! You might not be aware of it, but the Pentagon once schooled its Navy officers in all seven Hynek levels. However, have aliens been visiting us?
Have there been UFO sightings? Yes, people have been seeing weird and captivating things in the sky for millennia. This is even true of pilots, astronomers, and astronauts. I’d love, love, love to see a UFO!
Physical effects noted? Maybe, but mostly in our anthropological past. For example, how did the Dogon people of Mali know about Sirius’ white dwarf companion, Sirius B, well before its first telescopic observation?
[image error]Rituals of Sacrifice – A River of Light Novel by Scott Azmus
Yes, I know of many arguments against extraterrestrial influences, but the Earth’s been here for 4.6 Billion years. Many stars are supporting “Goldilocks” zones where water might be found. One of the most vital aspects of all life is curiosity. Add it all up, and I’m sure they’re out there. So, why wouldn’t they visit?
Hynek level 3, alien or robot presence noted? I wish!
Level 4, abduction? Please, if you’re an extraterrestrial and you’re READING this via wi-fi in your spaceship, I’d love to visit you! No kidding! You can even keep one of my kidneys!
Higher levels? Direct communication, human/alien hybrids? I think it more likely that we might one day communicate with aspects of ourselves within alternate realities. Yes, our alternate selves!
AW: What was your reaction when you learned a publisher wanted you as part of their authors and then what made you decide to be self-published?
SCOTT AZMUS: Talk about thrilled! Wow! So it’s GREAT seeing your work in magazines and anthologies! Also, one of my favorite things is seeing how artists illustrate my work.
It can be so cool! Then it takes FOREVER to get some things from submission and on through editing to print and market. I’ve made sales over the years to publishers that went out of business. I’ve had editors ask for more and more material…only to have the market change during the process.
FOLLOW SCOTT AZMUS ON BLOGSPOT!
Fortunately, publishing has massively changed over the years! When’s the last time I even used my computer’s printer? Why do I own a printer?
In the last couple of years, I’ve thus grown to be a complete Indie publisher. While we farm out some of our editing and cover art chores, Hawk’s Grove Press has become quite the fun operation.
[image error]LESSER BEINGS – A River of Light Novel – by Scott Azmus
Moreover, the software sure has come a long way since I started! I draft manuscripts using Scrivener, edit in Word, and format using Vellum. We then use Amazon, BookFunnel, MailerLite, Facebook, and Twitter to get the word out.
Revising manuscripts as they come back from my editors remains my biggest chore. Wishing for book reviews comes next. It’s incredible how much an honest review, good or bad, can help push a writer’s career. No one wants a fake or false review. We’re all just supremely thankful for any honest feedback that anyone takes the time to post!
AW: What sets you apart from other science-fiction and cyborg authors?
SCOTT AZMUS: I have a passion for change and discovery, well-suited to today’s science fiction. I strive to share new worlds, evoke emotion, and entertain with bold science concepts.
I try to ensure that each character’s human/alien interactions reveal positive messages of diversity and richness. I often hide Easter eggs so long-time fans can have moments of interactive experience between my different book series.
I’m also looking to build a “cartel” of like-minded science fiction and fantasy writers. Knowing that we share an audience, I’d like to find a way for writers to support one another and pool our talents.
AW: What can readers look forward to from Scott Azmus in 2019?
SCOTT AZMUS: The second book of my River of Light series, Rituals of Sacrifice, drops later this month. As the narrative advances, my main character’s exploits become an ordeal of shocking transformation. Can he quell absolute disaster?
[image error]MANY MOONS – A Science Fiction Anthology – by Scott Azmus
Could anyone ever be ready to face the nightmare trials the universe has in store for him? I’m now writing that story’s sequel, Significant Others, which is also due out later this year.
Fire and Forget currently sits with my line editor. Fingers crossed, it should be out in May or June. It’s a fun read, and will be the first of many novels taken from the true archives of the Time Travel Forces.
Thanks to all for spending some time with me! For supporting science fiction everywhere!
Advertisements
April 30, 2019
Naming A Planet
New Dwarf Planet!
Come one and come all and get the chance of a hundred life times, the chance to stake your name in history and say “I did that!”.
A chance that comes along so sparingly that it is truly a venture worth pausing and taking nut a moment not only to muse, nay, to ponder on why you would not wish to partake.
A chance that only those who spew forth written world of fantasy have gotten the chance to do before now. Your voice counts for so much when it comes to naming a planet!
[image error]Solar System
That’s right ladies and gents, there is a newly discovered dwarf planet; enter Tyrion jokes here, that the scientists who discovered it are offering a vote for the name.
Orbiting Neptune
The dwarf, found orbiting the sun beyond Neptune, is currently cited as (225088) 2007 OR10. The scientists who discovered it want something a bit easier to roll off the tongue and are putting to the public for a vote. The selections to choose from are Gonggong, Holle, and Vili.
All of which have something to do with a red theme in order to suit the planet. Whichever one wins the vote will be formally presented to the International Astronomical Union.
[image error]Neptune
Gonggong is a Chinese water God, also known as Kanghui, he is depicted in folktales as having red hair and a serpent tail. Known as a chaotic and destructive God, his claim to fame comes in a tale in which he was so angered by losing a battle to Zhurong, the God of Fire, losing his claim to the throne of heaven.
In his fit of rage he smashed his head against the Buzhou Mountain, a pillar holding up the sky, causing heavy damage resulting in the sky tilting to the northwest while the Earth shifted southeast.
Holle, or Mother Holle, is many different things but in the beginning she was known as the Goddess of Death and Regeneration. She is from a time where every ending was seen to be just the beginning of the next chapter.
A Little Fairy Tale
In the Brothers Grimm fairy tale she is seen as an older woman who is kind and generous as well as just. The Scandinavian Goddess Hel is the most known version of Mother Holle though, in this iteration of her she no longer is a Regenerator but is the Queen of the Dead.
Last but not least is Vili. Vili is a Nordic God and is the God of Motivation which is quite proper since his name means “Will”. One of Odin’s brothers, he played a decisive role in the creation of the cosmos.
[image error]Neptune
With Odin, himself, and their fellow brother Ve, they not only are creators of the cosmos fashioned from the remains of the giant Ymir; but also are still said to be the pillars that were necessary in the continued upkeep and prosperity of this world.
Voting is open until May 10th and you can vote here:
My votes in dear readers, what about yours?
Kendra Hale
Advertisements
April 29, 2019
Meteors and You
Meteors and Sci-Fi
This week we are looking at meteors! Meteors are a part of what I call “solar weather” and you really can’t have science fiction without them!
Meteors are considerably smaller than asteroids but often originate in asteroid belts. They break away when gravitational forces of passing planets jar them out of their normal movements causing what we see as meteor showers here on Earth.
What Colors Mean
That being said, there are many different elements that can make up a meteor.
And, even better, there’s a way to identify it if your planet has an atmosphere conducive to meteors burning as it enters. How do you feel about describing a spectacular meteor shower by describing what colors they glow as they burn?
[image error]Meteor
If your meteors
mostly glow orange-yellow they are made up of sodium.
If they glow yellow
they are made of iron.
If they glow
blue-green they are made of magnesium.
If they glow violet
you can bet they are made of calcium.
Finally, if they
glow red they are made of nitrogen/oxygen.
This gives you a HUGE range to describe a meteor shower on your respective planets. Now, there are other aspects to meteor showers too. Sonic booms can happen.
Sonic Booms!
Sonic booms are from the meteor travelling faster than the speed of sound through the upper atmosphere. Often this sound happens after the light disappears.
You can also have what they describe as “crackling, swishing, and hissing” sounds. The last three sounds can also happen during intense Aurora events, however, that is another post altogether!
[image error]Asteroid
Now, you have to consider if you want showers on your planet as well. If you do, then you’ll likely have to figure out whatever orbit path it takes and when showers happen.
On Earth, they tend to happen with some regularity. So you will likely have to draw up a small map of the system to help you figure out when/if the showers would occur. This seems tedious, but it could be a lot of fun as well!
Fireballs!
FIREBALLS! These can be a fun twist to your story. They are far brighter than normal meteors. They often light up the night sky as if it is daytime, and there have been many videos of them recorded.
They don’t seem to happen often because many occur over the ocean and during the day. However, what if your party/hero saw one at night? Certainly it would be unnerving.
[image error]Meteor
If you were to go that route, you would have the subsequent booms of it exploding above the planet surface, or earthquake from it impacting the surface.
On top of that, you could have it create a new crater—changing the landscape forever! It could even impact the environment. If they were to travel to the crater, they could find a meteorite.
A meteorite is a portion of the meteor that survives the trip through your atmosphere without being destroyed. It could be just what your party/hero needs!
Until next time space travelers!
C. Brady
Advertisements
April 28, 2019
Space Time Magazine Interview Author Brenda Mohammed
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMANOID: Brenda Mohammed
Brenda Mohammed a multi-genre, award-winning author and poet, is the author of twenty-one books. She lives in Trinidad in the Caribbean.
Brenda is a former Bank Manager of a leading International Bank in Trinidad and Tobago and a former Insurance Professional. She holds a Banking Diploma from The Institute of Bankers, London and a Life Underwriting diploma from American College, USA.
She is a Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Round Table – The Premier Association for Financial Professionals.
FOLLOW BRENDA MOHAMMED ON FACEBOOK!
Since she started writing she has won several awards. In November 2018 she traveled to Miami to collect two prestigious awards from Readers Favorite International for two of her books. One award was for Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka, a Science Fiction, and the other for I am Cancer Free, A Memoir.
[image error]Brenda Mohammed Author Picture
World Nations Writers’ Union has recognized her work, and she was made a member as well as Honorary member of its World Higher Literary Academic Council.
She also received a World Laureate in Literature Award for her lifetime achievements in Literature, and a Certificate of Honour for serving as a juror in an International Poetry Contest from World Nations Writers Union in December 2018.
VISIT BRENDA MOHAMMED’S WEBSITE!
At the same time, she was presented with a Global Literature Guardian Award from the Founder of Motivational Strips and its Associates, World Nations Writers’ Union, and Union Hispanomundial de Escritores.
On 4th March 2019, Motivational Strips and the Nominating Authorities recognized Brenda for her efforts in maintaining and spreading Global Peace and awarded her with a Global Peace Award [Gold].
SEARCH: ENQUIRY: AUTHOR INTERROGATION
ALEXA WAYNE (AW): When did you find out you would want to write novels?
BRENDA MOHAMMED: It was never my intention to become a writer. I wrote I am Cancer Free to tell persons in a similar position that cancer is a battle you have to fight and win. The response I received from buyers and readers encouraged me to write more books.
I am Cancer Free was the winner of McGrath House Indie Book Awards in the category Non-Fiction in September 2016 and won an award from Readers Favorite International Book Awards 2018 in the category Health and Fitness.
SUBSCRIBE TO BRENDA MOHAMMED’S NEWSLETTER!
AW: You mentioned your work, all set in science-fiction or cyborg settings, would you let our readers know why you are attracted to that genre?
BRENDA MOHAMMED: I am a multi-genre writer but suddenly got an idea for a science fiction series when I read about the zika virus. It was set in the year 2036 and based on events which took place 20 years before.
[image error]Zeeka by Brenda Mohammed
After writing the first three books, Zeeka and the Zombies, Zeeka’s Child, and Zeeka Returns I combined them into one book named Revenge of Zeeka: Horror Trilogy.
Revenge of Zeeka: Horror Trilogy received a five-star review from Readers Favorite. I thought I was done with the series, but Zeeka haunted me in my dreams. I had the same dream for almost a month.
FOLLOW BRENDA MOHAMMED ON TWITTER!
He insisted that I write the fourth book, Zeeka’s Ghost because he said that I did not tell the full story.
“What do you mean by the full story?” I asked him.
He replied, “Start writing and I will tell you what to write.”
I said, “But you are dead. You committed suicide. How can you tell me what to write?”
“Do you believe in ghosts?” he asked.
FOLLOW BRENDA MOHAMMED ON INSTAGRAM!
I wrote Zeeka’s Ghost, the fourth book, which was unplanned and believed it or not, Zeeka told me what to write.
[image error]Zeeka Chronicles by Brenda Mohammed
I was still not finished with the series. He returned in my dreams and told me to write the fifth book, Resurrection to reveal the true identity of Zombie Number Nine. I was guided by him to do that book as well.
You must think that I am crazy, but I believe all writers experience something similar.
FOLLOW BRENDA MOHAMMED ON TUMBLR!
I combined all five stories into one book named Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka. The book won an award in Readers Favorite International Awards 2018.
AW: When writing about sci-fi, do you do research and if so, how far do you go with your research?
BRENDA MOHAMMED: Yes. When I wrote the Zeeka stories, I researched for high-tech weapons, robots, programmable zombies, and other technology in the year 2036 but found nothing.
VISIT BRENDA MOHAMMED ON BLOGSPOT!
My eight-year-old grandson came up with names for weapons and technological equipment, and I am very proud of him. Reviewers commented positively on the shrinkenator, zombies, robots, and weapons.
AW: What is most important to you when writing your novels?
BRENDA MOHAMMED: I write with the readers in mind. I want my readers to experience every emotion expressed by my characters such as love, joy, rage, terror, disappointment, and sorrow.
AW: Which authors influenced your writing in science-fiction?
BRENDA MOHAMMED: I cannot name a science fiction author because I never read any science fiction books that interested me. I can name movies that enthralled me like Star Wars, Star Trek, Back to the Future, T-Rex, Ex Machina and many more.
AW: Which of your novels is your favorite and why is it your favorite?
BRENDA MOHAMMED: Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka is my favorite novel. It was my first try at science fiction, and it was a great success. It received a five-star review from Readers Favorite soon after I published it, and won several awards as follows:
Award winner in the Category Young Adult Thriller in Readers Favorite International Awards 2018.
Winner of the gold award in the category science fiction in E-magazine Readers’ Choice Awards 2018.
Top ten finalist in the Author Academy Global Awards 2018.
Winner in Science Fiction in SIBA Awards 2017.
AW: Do you believe in alien visiting our world, by that I mean in abduction or close encounters of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th kind?
BRENDA MOHAMMED: No. I do not believe in aliens although I may write about them. I regard them as fiction.
CONNECT WITH BRENDA MOHAMMED ON LINKEDIN!
AW: What made you decide to be self-published?
BRENDA MOHAMMED: I chose self-publishing as I wanted the freedom to revise my books or covers whenever I want without having to wait on a publisher to do so.
[image error]Revenge of Zeeka by Brenda Mohammed
AW: What sets you apart from other science-fiction and cyborg authors?
BRENDA MOHAMMED: I don’t consider myself a famous science fiction writer. However, the book, Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka did win awards from Readers Favorite and other entities. Reviewers have emphasized its originality, so it is worth reading.
FOLLOW BRENDA MOHAMMED ON GOODREADS!
AW: What can readers look forward to from Brenda Mohammed in 2019?
BRENDA MOHAMMED: In January 2019 I released my first book of poetry. Strength for the Disheartened: Motivational Poems is free to download on Amazon and Books2Read.
I had founded a Facebook group called How to Write for Success in February 2017. In October 2018 I affiliated it to another Facebook group called Motivational Strips. Both groups have the same mission of Writers’ Empowerment. Because of that association, I have developed a passion for poetry.
[image error]Resurrection: Revenge of Zeeka by Brenda Mohammed
On February 2nd 2019 both groups produced A Spark of Hope: An Anthology of Poems for Saving Lives. The book topped the charts on Amazon and made New Release No.1 within the space of two days.
In February 2019, I released a crime fiction, The Axe Murderer: Barry Holmes Investigates.
I am also taking part in a couple of anthologies for short stories. Whether or not I will write another science fiction book only time will tell.
FOLLOW BRENDA MOHAMMED ON AMAZON CENTRAL!
AW: Is there any website or social media where people can reach or follow you?
BRENDA MOHAMMED: I have several Facebook Pages as well as other social media links.
Advertisements
April 25, 2019
Writing Sci-Fi When You Have A Vagina
Mother of Science Fiction
Mary Shelley is the famous author of Frankenstein’s Monster or The Modern Prometheus. She wrote the novel in a summer where a bet was to write the creepiest story you could think about and read it to your friends. Mary took the bet to heart. Her father wanted her highly educated, and so she was.
Mary Shelley is, for many, the ‘Mother of Science-Fiction’ and inspired many women to write. Two hundred years ago, Shelley’s father refused to endorse her work saying that she deserved to have her name in the novel as she was the one who wrote it. Her father was not only an anarchist but also a politician with avant-garde thinking.
[image error]Mary Shelley
Shelley’s novel has an excellent introduction. One that says that her friends during that summer, mostly young men, went out to have fun. However, it added that their work was much better than her own if only they
finished it.
History knows the truth now, the introduction to Frankenstein’s Monster was not by the hand of the legendary Mary Shelley but her husband who wanted the men in her circle to appear better by belittling her work, the work of his own wife.
The Vampyre came out later in 1819 by one of Mary’s friends, John William Polidori and so did other novels. However, none of the other novels came close to top The Modern Prometheus.
[image error]
To this day Frankenstein’s Monster is unique to his genre. While part of the original and iconic classical monsters, he is the only one made of science with no supernatural involvement. By writing Frankenstein’s Monster, Mary Shelley created science-fiction.
Thank you, Mary, for your work, your passion, your love and pride to be a woman when no one was ready to give you a chance you took it alongside your father’s pride in you.
The Equilibrium
While Shelley’s monster gained in popularity and everyone knows her name, how many other authors with an internal plumbery system can you name that wrote or write high science-fiction, i.e. no romance but pure science-fiction? Heck, we could even throw horror in the mix if you ask me, aside from Mary Shelley of course.
That many, huh? American novelist, Ursula K. Le Guin is one of the women authors and one of those known for her work and contribution to science fiction.
[image error]Ursula K Le Guin
She possessed a master’s degree in French and began doctoral studies yet abandoned them when getting married to Charles Le Guin. Ursula was the first woman to earn a Nebula award for best novel. We’re in the sixties here, and she started her career with fantasy.
Always Coming Home is one of her work often quoted. She used anthropology, feminism, and psychology to create protagonists that were often females with darker skin tones. Le Guin had a very précised view on humanity and wanted to create an equilibrium with her writing.
Born in California, she lived from 1929 to 2018. Le Guin was the second woman to receive many awards and honor in her field. Note here. We’re in the second millennium.
Science of Women
Upon doing research, of course, the name of James Tiptree Jr. came up, another perfect example that we still live to this day in a man’s world. This American science fiction author hid her sex for nearly ten years before people knew she was a woman writing science fiction.
[image error]James Tiptree Jr.
Octavia E. Butler is another Californian woman of science fiction. She received many awards and honored in her field as well throughout her entire career as a novelist of the genre. Born in 1947, Octavia lost her father young, and so her mother raised her, and she became a novelist.
[image error]
So many names come up when looking into women and science fiction, however, never as many as men because and I believe, many of them used pen names to hide their gender so they wouldn’t suffer rejection, sexism
or worst.
For years, and still to this day, women are not on the same level as men for writing science fiction. So, many still hide who they indeed are.
A Vagina Wants Romance
I don’t know about you, but I want equality, strong female leads in a futuristic world that needs captains to defend their world. Infinite space and terror, possibilities in a broken future or hopeful one, I don’t know. All I know is: I’m not the Harlequin type.
Often when men see women reading, they believe it’s all about romance and no brain or those self-help books. Flash news: This chick doesn’t. I write and read horror, science, science fiction and paranormal. Stereotypes hurt people and even more women who are trying their best to break the mold.
[image error]Star Trek Discovery – CBS All Access
How many women author has to hide behind a pen name? Up until recent years, J.K. Rowling was one of those. Stereotypes, sexism, misogyny, traditions are all forms of hatred that cause women to hide their gender when we shouldn’t.
We’re in 2019 people! Science is for everyone, and so is science. Women are capable of writing high science fiction equally strong as Star Trek’s Captain Janeway and just as attractive as Seven of Nine.
[image error]Star Trek Discovery – CBS All Access
Just let us lead the way, and you might not suffer assimilation. We’re children of Shelley. We carry her passion in our veins. We won’t hide anymore. We’re here, we’re smart, and we’re great.
Advertisements
Lexie Wayne Blog
- Alexa D. Wayne's profile
- 175 followers
