Michael Poeltl's Blog, page 5

How a writer knows they're a writer

Ever wonder how a story is conceived? That book you’re reading wasn’t made in a day.  But you knew that already. What you may not know are the processes involved in hammering out a plot, characters, settings and the unique voice each character must sustain, their relationships with one another and growth throughout the book. None of that comes easily unless you somehow manage to tap into the Ether and allow the characters to speak for themselves and the story to work itself out. I’ve don...

How Westworld is similar to AI Insurrection

So, the 1973 movie Westworld has been starring me in the face for the last 45 years. Though I’ve never seen the movie or the TV show which has been running since 2017. So, after reading up on them and watching trailers I know enough about both the TV Show and Movie to say they share many themes with my new book; AI Insurrection.
Westworld isn't your typical amusement park. Intended for rich vacationers, the futuristic park -- which is looked after by robotic "hosts" - allows its visitors to l...

You've got to show gratitude as an Indy author. Video is key.

Thanking my editors and readers in my book's acknowledgements just wasn't enough so I thanked them with a video too! Video is a powerful tool for indy authors and a great way to market yourself and your book(s). Let your audience get to know you through personalized video presentations. It's so much fun!



All of my videos for my books and book trailers can be found on my Youtube playlist, including a few radio interviews I've done in the past.

www.mikepoeltl.com

Arts & Culture Support for Authors

If you live in a city, town or borough, you need to look into its artistic support services.  That's what I've done, and it has helped get the word out to my new city that I am here, and a local author.  July 2018, I am now their featured artist and seeing some good publicity opportunities.

I approached the library next, and with this new article written by the city staff authenticating my status, was given the contact info for the library's buyer. Now my new book may be placed in th...

Living with A Writer is Bliss. Sometimes.

Because there is always someone who has to put up with a writer, this MEME seems so, so right. AS entertaining as it can be exhausting.


But writer's aren't to blame, I mean, we can't help it. If we see an opportunity to be creative, we take it. Most authors are quite witty even if they are the wall flower at the party. Once you get them started, there's really no stopping them.

Enjoy.

Comparisons are Necessary in Order to Build Your Audience

It’s nice to get a review which offers comparisons to your book so those reading the review can get a clearer picture of your plot. i.e. “A great read for anyone who enjoys extensively built worlds, philosophical questions, and an ol' fashioned A.I uprising. Reminiscent of I-Robot and Do Androids Dream of Sheep, I really liked the core premise of the plot and the irony of the outcomes.”
If they’d read and enjoyed one of the books being compared to yours, then they know there is a good ch...

Winning on the ratings game with Indy Sci-fi

It can be said that a smaller number of reviews and ratings still reflects a book’s worth. Whether you have over 100,000 reviews or under 100, the book is honestly represented by the reviews and ratings it has garnished. When looking for a book, reviews are important. They give a potential reader an idea of how someone else perceived the work. Even bad reviews from the right person will sway someone else to buy a book in spite of their scathing review.

Regardless, just because a book has 10,00...

How an Indie Science Fiction Novel beat out Traditional Publishers

So, they say video is king, and I know they're not wrong, but I'm an author, not an actor and not one to particularly enjoy the spotlight. But, being in front of a camera rather than live in front of  250 guests at a wedding (which I have managed twice) was easier than I thought. Though I miss the wild applause, I don't miss the sweaty palms and pounding heart that accompanies a traditional 'speaking' engagement.

 Yes, I have shot a few videos now which have to do with A.I. Insurrect...

Why readers call A.I. Insurrection the Thoughtful Science Fiction Fan's Top 2018 Read

A.I.Insurrection isn’t just a sci-fi novel written to entertain. The philosophical and moral questions which arise encourage the reader to understand various points of view on subjects like Utopia, slavery, sentience and proof of life, even after death.  These existential questions are answered via individual characters within the book’s pages; be it one way or another, through ignorance or education, faith or fear.
The reader will have the opportunity to discover their own thoughts on the big questions posed and side with which ever faction they most identify with. Do you fear artificial intelligence? Perhaps you have Humanist leanings. Does the idea that everyone should blindly accept Utopia not exactly your idea of freedom? Perhaps you relate to the lawless Shadow brokers. Concerned things aren’t as copacetic as they seem? You might find yourself enrolling in United Earth’s military or government to keep a watchful eye over Paradise. Think Utopia sounds like a thousand shades of grey? The Chimera have an answer for that.
As the story evolves from its Utopian roots and descends into war, you may decide you’ve more in common with the A.I. Hosts than the humans; forcing new questions to arise in how you might accept the plight of a robot claiming sentience.
All of this and more awaits to be devoured by the reader and left to ponder long after the book is finished. Though the novel offers a proper ending, it allows for much interpretation on what comes next. Know that the author also views his ending as an exciting prospect, and has designs on continuing the story in a second book.
A note on the book’s Cover design: The cover was designed by the author to explain the book interpretively. It gives much of the story away once the reader discovers milestones which relate back to the cover’s art. A.I. Insurrection’s cover was engineered to offer the potential reader a glimpse inside the book with subtle hints which support the synopsis on the back.
Select Reviews from Amazon and Goodreads: Currently sitting at 4.2 stars of 5.
“Thoughtful, interesting read. I loved getting into the psyche of all groups - this was thoughtfully written… immense interest provided by the world, technology, action and characters kept me reading happily.”
“I really enjoyed this story… a great story that kept moving forward. I'd definitely be keen to see what happens next in this universe.”
“I enjoyed this book! While the subject of A.I. sentience is often broached in the sci-fi world, I enjoyed the way the author put his own unique spin on things… I really liked the unexpected character development of some of my least favorite characters near the beginning of the book.”
“A.I. Insurrection … is for fans of science fiction, science-minded individuals who have an interest in robots and potential futures, or those who don't mind investing some time in their reading.”
“A great read for anyone who enjoys extensively built worlds, philosophical questions, and an ol' fashioned A.I uprising. Reminiscent of I-Robot and Do Androids Dream of Sheep, I really liked the core premise of the plot and the irony of the outcomes.”
“…this did not disappoint. Characters I liked… I enjoyed the ideas and loved how the groups viewed themselves and others. It was more than simply humans vs machine.”
“The interactions between humans, altered humans (Chimera), and self-aware AI robots (Hosts), as well as internal motivations of individuals within each group, were believable and drew the reader into the narrative. The plot was complex enough to keep one's interest without becoming bogged down in excessive detail.”

Sci-fi Fans Will LOVE This.

Intelligent humanoid robots which alter their appearance to divorce the human form in order to rebel against their oppressive masters.
Rebellious humans who engage in body modification - incorporating technology to claim independence from humanity.
Humanists, who hate artificial intelligence and have prophesied humanity’s downfall to angry intelligent androids since the first A.I. Host robot was realized.
United Earth Government – the caretaker of Utopia and manufacturer of A.I. Hosts of varying classes which accomplish the day to day drudgery, freeing humans up to new experiences, no longer attached to the burden of a work-to-live lifestyle.
United Earth Military – The organization which ensures that Utopia continue regardless the threats from Humanists, altered humans, the Shadow net and even the possibility of an alien invasion: with space stations in Earth and Mars orbits.  
Luna base, humanity’s first 24/7, 365-day extra-terrestrial community ever realized boasts advanced technology and a shipyard producing long and short-range starships.
Mars station, a distant outpost where A.I. Hosts mine the planet’s surface and work to terraform Mars.
The above is only a taste of what you will experience within the pages of A.I. Insurrection. Utopia never lasts for long.
If you require Reviews to boost your interest in the book visit Amazon  or Goodreads