Phil Giunta's Blog, page 36

A Moment to Breathe…

… has been a scarce luxury over the past several months. The latter half of summer brought with it drastic changes in my life both jarring and exhilarating. After a wonderful vacation that included a week in Rehoboth Beach, DE and a weekend at Shore Leave’s 40th anniversary SF convention, I returned to work at 7AM on Monday July 16 only to be walked out an hour later. My position had been eliminated and after 17 years with the company, I found myself unemployed for the second time in my 25 year IT career. It was not entirely unexpected. We knew changes were coming. My manager was laid off while I was on vacation and after I left, at least two more people were terminated, including a director. 

Fortunately, I was offered a generous severance package, my wife immediately added me to her health insurance through her employer, and I also qualified for unemployment, all of which provided a financial buffer while I began searching for another job. I wasted no time. I could have taken at least a few weeks off to recover and enjoy the rest of summer, but I was plagued with the fear of being out of work for months or even years. Also, I knew that my interview skills had atrophied after 17 years of desuetude. 

With worry and panic gnawing at me, I nearly accepted a position in September with a small company nearly an hour away, but at a salary $25K less than what I had been making at my previous employer only 15 minutes from home. Shortly after, a larger company I had applied to contacted me for a phone interview, which led to an on site interview, which resulted in an offer. The salary was perfect and as for location, it was directly across the highway from my previous employer. I could not have asked for better. 

I am starting my sixth week in the new job and it’s quite the adjustment, not merely in regard to the longer work hours and the culture, but also to the fact that I am a one-man show. Where they once had two IT techs for the facility, they now have only one. The company downsized approximately a year ago and headcount was trimmed across several departments. 

At the same time all of this was happening, Steven H. Wilson and I were preparing to release our next book through his Firebringer Press publishing imprint. Firebringer Take Two is a double horror novel comprised of my paranormal mystery novella, Like Mother, Like Daughters, and Steve’s vampire tale, Freedom’s Blood. If you follow me on social media, or this blog, you probably saw a surfeit posts about it. We ran a Kickstarter campaign in September and held the book launch at Philcon (the Philadelphia SF Convention) last month. In the weeks following Philcon, I packed and shipped over two dozen paperbacks to both our Kickstarter donors and as thank you gifts to our advance readers.

Shortly after losing my job in July, I was invited by my local writers group to give a presentation on a topic of my own choosing at our November 24th meeting. Since I knew that Steve and I would be running a Kickstarter campaign to fund the new double novel— and since no one else had presented on Kickstarter to the group before— I created two slide decks on Planning and Managing a Kickstarter Campaign as well as a live look at our successfully funded campaign for the double novel. The presentation went smoothly and although the audience was small, given the holiday weekend, engagement was high. 

As you might imagine, all of these changes and activities disrupted my writing routine. That’s putting it politely. Obliterated my writing routine would be more accurate. 

I had planned to submit a new short story to the Farpoint 2019 writing contest as soon as it opened in September. As with last year’s contest— in which I took second place— a photograph was sent to all of the convention’s writer guests as the story prompt. It was not until I attended the weeklong Mindful Writers Retreat in mid-October when I finally made time to focus on the picture and conjure a story idea. I wrote a hasty outline while at the retreat, but then put it aside to focus on the SF novel. Finishing the first draft of the novel was, after all, the main reason I attended the retreat and I came to within one chapter of doing so by the end of the week.

On the second day of the retreat, I received a call from Cat & Mouse Press to inform me that not only one, but both of the stories I submitted to their upcoming anthology, Beach Pulp, had been accepted. Of course, that news resulted in an hour or two of enthusiastic texting, emailing, and social media announcements. That’s the kind of disruption that’s always welcome. 

Since returning from the retreat and starting the new job, I managed to carve out a paltry six hours for fiction writing and most of that was over Thanksgiving break. As for that Farpoint short story contest, I missed the deadline while juggling all of the above and the new job. There’s a first time for everything and while I was disappointed, I decided to continue writing the story anyway because I loved the idea. 

It’s Sunday as I finish this blog post and now I’m off to finish decorating the house for Christmas, catch up with a small stack of back mail on my desk, and then, AND THEN… do my best to finish the aforementioned short story followed by the final chapter in the first draft of the SF novel. If I get them both done by the end of the month, it will make for Happy Holidays indeed! 

Book Review: Michael Critzer’s Heroic Inspirations

By referencing the backstories and motivations of thirty comic book superheroes, Michael Critzer offers life lessons ranging from overcoming the pain of abuse to conquering self-doubt, from finding the strength to forgive to searching one’s soul for one’s true identity.

Do not mistake such comparisons between fantasy and reality as trivial. I was surprised by how many of them struck a chord in my own life and forced me to pause and consider not only how I managed to survive the darkness of my past tribulations and ordeals, but the scars those experiences inflicted on my conscience and personality.

Yet while the weight of our emotional baggage might always remain with us, we find ourselves becoming stronger when we learn to control and use our pain as a source of wisdom and compassion rather than as an excuse for bitterness, rage, and selfishness. We can rise above.

Such are the lessons taught by the likes of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Daredevil, Spider Man, Vixen, X-Men, Green Arrow, and so many more. Heroic Inspirations is not only an edifying and joyful read, but obvious proof of Michael Critzer’s expertise on the mythology of superheroes and his ability to translate them into practical moral instruction.

Book Review: Night and the Enemy by Harlan Ellison

Published by Comico in 1987, Night and the Enemy is a graphic anthology consisting of five military SF tales written by Harlan Ellison and illustrated by Ken Steacy. Each story takes place during the two hundred-year-long interstellar war between Earth and golden-skinned aliens known as the Kyben.

“Run for the Stars” – Petty criminal and drug addict Benno Tallant is abducted by Earth resistance forces and implanted with a bomb to destroy the Kyben, but Tallant finds a way to gain the upper hand against both the Kyben forces and ultimately, Earth.

“Life Hutch” – After crash landing on a small planet during a space battle, a pilot named Terrance locates a life hutch—one of many small survival facilities constructed on planets across the galaxy in the event of an emergency. However, the robot programmed to maintain the life hutch malfunctions and attacks Terrance, leaving him severely wounded. Terrance soon realizes that he must remain immobile lest he trigger the robot again… but for how long?

“The Untouchable Adolescents” – Captain Luther Shreve offers assistance to the juvenile inhabitants of the planet Diamore, which will soon suffer a devastating natural catastrophe unless machines can be deployed to direct the shockwave to the planet’s oceans. However, the telepathic inhabitants do not trust the humans after their world was already plundered by the Kyben months before. They warn the humans to leave, yet Shreve insists on helping them—resulting in the deaths of six crew members. Finally, Shreve relents, but what price will the Diamore pay for their decision?

“Trojan Hearse” – The Kyba construct a metal ring called the Orifice through which vessels can travel at the speed of light to another ring elsewhere across the galaxy. In this case, to a ring hidden on Earth. Shortly after a human spy escapes Kyba with schematics to the Orifice, the Kyben decide to invade, confident that Earth could not have developed a defense in such a short time…

“Sleeping Dogs” – On Epsilon Indy IV, ambassador LynnFerraro attempts to stop warmongering Commander Drabix from destroying a series of what he believes are Kyben strongholds scattered across the planet. However, it is soon discovered that their weapons are incapable of penetrating these featureless black cubes. Finally, Drabix orders his ship in orbit to open fire on one of them— which he soon regrets.

All told, Night and the Enemy is a quick and engrossing read by one of the masters of the short story and beautifully illustrated by Steacy.

After Action Report: Philcon 81 & Book Launch

Despite a grueling drive from the Lehigh Valley, I arrived at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill, NJ only 30 minutes later than I’d planned on Friday evening. While in line to check in, I was greeted by the ever-cheerful Sharon VanBlarcom, Farpoint chairwoman. Minutes later, we were joined by the Wilson crew— Steve, Renee, Ethan, and Jessica Headlee. 

After a late dinner at Houlihan’s (thank you again, Sharon, for driving!) Steve presented me with a contributor copy of our double horror novel—a  thing of beauty if I say so myself. Immense gratitude to Ethan Wilson on his incredible design and formatting. We called it a night after that and regrouped for breakfast the following at the Westmont Diner. With a few hours to spare, we visited a few local shops, including HO Sattler’s Trains and Hobbies, Fat Jack’s Comicrypt, and House of Fun—a vintage toy shop in Oaklyn, NJ. 

Finally in my hands!

By the time I returned to the hotel for my noon panel, I was struggling with mild nausea and a severe headache. I skipped the panel, took a moment to breathe, and strolled the dealer room where I managed to score a near mint condition autographed copy of Harlan Ellison’s 1987 graphic anthology, Night and the Enemy for $35. I also added several more vintage paperbacks to my collection from Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and A.E. Van Vogt. I stopped by the Shore Leave table to catch up with good friend and astronomer, Dr. Inge Heyer, who also happens to be Shore Leave’s co-chair and writer liaison. 

Although my nausea abated, I relented to the headache and took a nap in my room before celebrating the release of my latest novella, Like Mother, Like Daughters, part of a double horror offering along with Steven H. Wilson’s vampire tale, Freedom’s Blood. Our book launch was held in the convention suite with pizzas (thank you for making the run, Renee!), kiffles (fruit-filled pastries), and Hershey’s Kisses that I had brought with me. Con Suite coordinator Gene Olmstead served some of his home made birch beer. We sold a few books, gave copies to two of our Kickstarter donors, Sharon VanBlarcom and Ann Stolinsky, and enjoyed a fun but hectic hour. I stole away to chat with veteran author and graphic designer Aaron Rosenberg, who had kindly snagged for me a vintage ACE edition of A.E. Van Vogt’s The Weapon Makers from the free book table. Thanks again, Aaron! 

After cleaning up and heading out to dinner, Steve and I took time to sign all of the paperbacks necessary to fulfill Kickstarter rewards and “thank you” copies for our advance readers. A few hours later, I finally attended my first panel of the convention— a retrospective on the life and career of legendary writer, Harlan Ellison. I was honored to have been chosen as moderator and to be joined by writers Jay Smith, Darrell Schweitzer, and Mark Wolverton. Much of the panel was devoted to anecdotes of Harlan’s infamously intractable personality, but also to his blunt honesty and integrity in standing up for himself and his fellow writers. Some of us shared our personal interactions with Harlan and pondered whether many of his outrageous acts of revenge against publishers and television producers were truth or folklore. All in all, the panel capped off my Saturday night on a high note. 

On Sunday, I packed up the car and moderated my final panel of the con, What Your Body Language Says About You, with co-panelist Mary Spila. There was a great deal of audience participation as we discussed the signals we send with our posture and body language— especially on the topics of personal safety and flirtatious behavior— but also during job interviews and social interactions. We also touched on the topics of misinterpreting body language, and the various interpretations of body language across diverse cultures.

After the panel, I sat with Sharon VanBlarcom at the Farpoint table for an hour or so to unwind before helping her pack up getting on the road after another marvelous Philcon.

Book Review: Riverworld and Other Stories by Philip Jose Farmer

On Riverworld, no one ever dies… well, at least not permanently.
Those who do are resurrected a few hours later elsewhere on the planet. Former
western movie star, Tom Mix, found himself on Riverworld after his Earthly demise,
along with billions of others from various eras in human history. Mix, along
with his companions Yeshua and Bithniah, are on the run from a marauding conqueror
Kramer when they join forces with John Wickel-Stafford, the lord mayor of New
Albion and enemy of Kramer. Together, Mix and Stafford lead their forces in an
attempt to stop Kramer’s next invasion…

“Riverworld” is, of course, one of the better stories in this
collection of eleven. My other favorites include:

“J.C. on the Dude Ranch” – At the XR Dude Ranch in Big Wash,
Arizona, two imposing cowboys—the heroic J.C. Marison and the sinister Mr.
Bales Bub—square off against one another, but it is truly a battle of Biblical
proportions or something more cosmic?

“The Volcano” – Detective Curtius Parry investigates an
impossible volcano recently formed in the backyard of Henry and Bonnie Havik. The
eruption occurred shortly after hired hand and Mexican immigrant Juan Tizoc
vanished. Could there be a burning connection between the two?

“The Problem of the Sore Bridge” – In Victorian England, journalist
Harry Manders and gentleman burglar A.J. Raffles team up to investigate the disappearance
of enigmatic rare gem dealer James Phillimore. At every turn, Manders and
Raffles are merely seconds ahead of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson, who are
also on the case. Manders and Raffles soon learn that Phillimore is not at all
what he appeared to be, nor are teardrop sapphires in his collection…

“Brass and Gold” – A hilarious romp focusing on a love
affair between a Jewish wife and her eccentric Gentile artist neighbor that
begins after her husband locks her in the bedroom with three meals per day in
order to curb her gluttony and force her to lose weight…

Other stories include “The Jungle Rot Kid on the Nod,” “Monolog,”
“The Leaser of Two Evils,” “The Phantom of the Sewers,” “The Henry Miller Dawn
Patrol,” and “The Voice of the Sonar in My Vermiform Appendix.”

Phil’s Philcon Schedule

If you happen to be attending Philcon next weekend, here are the panels where you can find me. Additionally, my latest paranormal mystery novella, Like Mother, Like Daughters, will be launched at the con along with Steven H. Wilson‘s vampire tale, Freedom’s Blood. and the party will be at 5PM on Saturday in the con suite!

Sat 12:00 PM in Plaza V (Five) (1 hour)

FOR PANELISTS, BY PANELISTS (3141)

Panelists: Hildy Silverman (mod), Alyce Wilson, Joseph Haughey,

Lawrence Kramer, Phil Giunta

Tips on how to answer moderator questions, audience questions, not monopolize the panel, get a word in edgewise, combat imposter

syndrome, and other aspects of handling your appearance as a Panel

Presenter at cons.

Sat 5:00 PM in Executive Suite 823 (1 hour)

BOOK LAUNCH: BY PHIL GIUNTA AND STEVE WILSON (3302)

Panelists: Phil Giunta (mod), Steve Wilson

Steve and I will be launching our new double horror novella, Freedom’s Blood and Like Mother, Like Daughters!

Sat 11:00 PM in Plaza III (Three) (1 hour)

HARLAN ELLISON RETROSPECTIVE (3103)

Panelists: Phil Giunta (mod), Darrell Schweitzer, Mark Wolverton,

Dina Leacock, Jay Smith

Ellison was a prolific writer of short stories, novellas, teleplays,

essays, and criticism, with over 1,700 works to his name. What

impact did he have on genre storytelling? What were his best works?

Sun 10:00 AM in Plaza IV (Four) (1 hour)

WHAT YOUR BODY LANGUAGE SAYS ABOUT YOU (3111)

Panelists: Phil Giunta (mod), Tobias Cabral, Mary Spila

From casual social situations to job interviews, what signals are

you sending?

Sun 12:00 PM in Plaza II (Two) (1 hour)

SCIENCE FICTION AS SOCIAL EDUCATION (3053)

Panelists: Rebecca Robare (mod), Dr. Valerie J. Mikles, Simone

Zelitch, Phil Giunta, Michael A. Ventrella, Anastasia Klimchynskaya

How can science fiction help us become more socially aware? What allows science fiction to address social issues in unique ways not found in other forms of literature, and how can we meaningfully use

it to better our society?

 

Fan Fiction – Week XXIII – “Star Trek: Voyager – Q Meets Girl” Part III

And now the conclusion of “Star Trek: Voyager – Q Meets Girl.” After beaming down to the planet, Chakotay, Tuvok, and Seven of Nine encounter… nothing. The truth is soon revealed and of course, Q is at the heart of the mystery, ready to accuse Kes of employing her powers to help the Voyager crew despite his warning.

Click here to read…

Almost all of my fan fic is now up on my website. There are a few that I’m saving until next year including MacGyver, The Pretender, Nowhere Man, and The Avengers with Emma Peel and John Steed.

 

Book Launch at Philcon 81

Despite its name, Philcon is not my convention. Rather, it is the Philadelphia Science Fiction Convention happening November 16-18 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill, NJ.

If you happen to be attending Philcon, Steven H. Wilson and I invite you to check out our book launch on Saturday evening at 5PM in the con suite. Our double horror novel, Freedom’s Blood and Like Mother, Like Daughters will be premiering at the con!

We’re thrilled to release a book reminiscent of the classic ACE doubles where you read one story, then flip the book over to read the other.

Special thanks to Renee Volker-Wilson for assisting with the book launch party preparations!

A Plague of Shadows Signing at Hockessin Book Shelf

About half of the contributing writers from A Plague of Shadows will be signing books at the Hockessin Book Shelf in Hockessin, DE on Saturday, December 1 from 4-6PM.

At this time, my appearance is tentative given the heavy demands of my new FT job. However, if you are in the area and looking for an incredible collection of unique ghost stories, A Plague of Shadows is the book for you! Stop over to Hockessin Book Shelf to pick up a copy and meet some of the amazing writers.

Fan Fiction – Week XXII – “Star Trek: Voyager – Q Meets Girl” Part Two

In our middle act, the Voyager crew attempt to help the Xadavians out of their predicament by manufacturing a vaccine for the disease created by the invading Gavvari. However, when one of the Xadavians is mysteriously killed after providing a blood sample to the Doctor, Janeway launches an investigation.

Click here to read!