Jim Vuksic's Blog, page 18
January 31, 2014
Excerpts from Chapter X of "Levels" - Only Three
"You have got to reconcile yourself to the fact that for the time being at least, there will only be the three of us." (Page 289)
I remained frozen in place and stared at what appeared to be a white expanse of nothingness. (Page 289)
"There must be a practical reason for the absence of color." (Page 292)
"There's something moving out there!" (Page 294)
"I'm okay, but I don't think anyone should follow until I have determined what it is I am standing upon." (Page 297)
Just as my vision had improved sufficiently to make out the uneven, inclined surface that Cecil had described, everything went pitch black again. (Page 299)
The knowledge that Dianne and Barbara preferred intimacy only with other females did not prevent my body from responding naturally to Dianne's close proximity and unintended physical contact. (Page 300)
"It has been a pleasure to associate with you, but I'm afraid that the time has come to go our separate ways." (Page 301)
"Barbara dear, I am thoroughly convinced that the only time you're truly happy is when you are unhappy." (Page 301)
"Who we are is not important. What is important is that we are here to help you." (Page 302)
"Another guardian of the darkness and I were the ones who pulled you out of Alternate Route and into Level Nine." (Page 306)
"We didn't see any Slow Ones in Level Eight." (Page 307)
"I believe that it might have something to do with a malfunctioning of one of his internal organs." (Page 309)
"You were screaming in your sleep." (Page 312)
"Even if the original intent is honorable and good, any teaching that inhibits freedom of thought and fails to value diversity or tolerate dissension will eventually self-destruct." (Page 317)
"I thought you weren't attracted to females." (Page 322)
I eventually admitted to myself that allowing my physical urges to override my brain had once again caused me to act foolishly. (Page 324)
"It serves no useful purpose to give in to fear or desperation until you have confirmed that there is a valid reason to be afraid or desperate." (Page 325)
In fact, pain seemed to serve as a stimulus. They would just smile and counterattack with renewed vigor. (Page 327)
"What is the matter with you? You can't go around striking females!" (Page 329)
I remained frozen in place and stared at what appeared to be a white expanse of nothingness. (Page 289)
"There must be a practical reason for the absence of color." (Page 292)
"There's something moving out there!" (Page 294)
"I'm okay, but I don't think anyone should follow until I have determined what it is I am standing upon." (Page 297)
Just as my vision had improved sufficiently to make out the uneven, inclined surface that Cecil had described, everything went pitch black again. (Page 299)
The knowledge that Dianne and Barbara preferred intimacy only with other females did not prevent my body from responding naturally to Dianne's close proximity and unintended physical contact. (Page 300)
"It has been a pleasure to associate with you, but I'm afraid that the time has come to go our separate ways." (Page 301)
"Barbara dear, I am thoroughly convinced that the only time you're truly happy is when you are unhappy." (Page 301)
"Who we are is not important. What is important is that we are here to help you." (Page 302)
"Another guardian of the darkness and I were the ones who pulled you out of Alternate Route and into Level Nine." (Page 306)
"We didn't see any Slow Ones in Level Eight." (Page 307)
"I believe that it might have something to do with a malfunctioning of one of his internal organs." (Page 309)
"You were screaming in your sleep." (Page 312)
"Even if the original intent is honorable and good, any teaching that inhibits freedom of thought and fails to value diversity or tolerate dissension will eventually self-destruct." (Page 317)
"I thought you weren't attracted to females." (Page 322)
I eventually admitted to myself that allowing my physical urges to override my brain had once again caused me to act foolishly. (Page 324)
"It serves no useful purpose to give in to fear or desperation until you have confirmed that there is a valid reason to be afraid or desperate." (Page 325)
In fact, pain seemed to serve as a stimulus. They would just smile and counterattack with renewed vigor. (Page 327)
"What is the matter with you? You can't go around striking females!" (Page 329)
January 23, 2014
Success and Failure are a Part of Life
I am a published author. My book was released on Aug. 9, 2011. So far, exactly 917 copies have been sold, not including 38 copies purchased by friends, acquaintances, and relatives; which I choose not to count. My royalties total to-date total $2,267.27.
Unless sales increase dramatically, I must accept the fact that my attempt to become a successful writer has failed. I am disappointed, but not disheartened. You see; I have failed before.
I was never very good at playing any sport.
Raised in a tough neighborhood where fighting was common, I lost many more times than I won. The laws of physics were against me. I am only 5 ft. 6 in. tall and, back then, only weighed 150 lbs.
My first fiancee dumped me unceremoniously with no explanation; leaving me feeling humiliated and broken hearted.
After interviewing for my first 2 promotion opportunities as an employee of the H.J. Heinz Company, I was passed over.
I've experienced my share of failure; but I have also experienced success and the rewards that accompany it.
Attending a Roman Catholic Seminary with extremely high academic standards for 4 years, I graduated with honors.
I successfully completed Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island, S.C. (20% of recruits do not) and survived a combat tour in Vietnam.
I learned to play the guitar and electric bass well enough to play professionally for 8 years.
During 33 years as an employee of the H.J. Heinz Company, I was eventually promoted 5 times and was able to retire comfortably at the age of 53 as the manager of the company's Pittsburgh facility.
Two years after being dumped by my fiancee, I fell in love with my late wife. We had 5 wonderful children and remained together for 35 1/2 years. I now have 4 fantastic grandchildren.
I have been retired for 12 1/2 years; during which time I have travelled by car and visited 43 states. Only 7 more to visit and I will have achieved my original goal.
I will attempt a few more things before I run out of time; occasionally succeeding and sometimes failing.
I wouldn't have it any other way. You cannot truly appreciate the one without having experienced the other.
Unless sales increase dramatically, I must accept the fact that my attempt to become a successful writer has failed. I am disappointed, but not disheartened. You see; I have failed before.
I was never very good at playing any sport.
Raised in a tough neighborhood where fighting was common, I lost many more times than I won. The laws of physics were against me. I am only 5 ft. 6 in. tall and, back then, only weighed 150 lbs.
My first fiancee dumped me unceremoniously with no explanation; leaving me feeling humiliated and broken hearted.
After interviewing for my first 2 promotion opportunities as an employee of the H.J. Heinz Company, I was passed over.
I've experienced my share of failure; but I have also experienced success and the rewards that accompany it.
Attending a Roman Catholic Seminary with extremely high academic standards for 4 years, I graduated with honors.
I successfully completed Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island, S.C. (20% of recruits do not) and survived a combat tour in Vietnam.
I learned to play the guitar and electric bass well enough to play professionally for 8 years.
During 33 years as an employee of the H.J. Heinz Company, I was eventually promoted 5 times and was able to retire comfortably at the age of 53 as the manager of the company's Pittsburgh facility.
Two years after being dumped by my fiancee, I fell in love with my late wife. We had 5 wonderful children and remained together for 35 1/2 years. I now have 4 fantastic grandchildren.
I have been retired for 12 1/2 years; during which time I have travelled by car and visited 43 states. Only 7 more to visit and I will have achieved my original goal.
I will attempt a few more things before I run out of time; occasionally succeeding and sometimes failing.
I wouldn't have it any other way. You cannot truly appreciate the one without having experienced the other.
January 14, 2014
Excerpts from Chapter IX of "Levels" - The Museum
"How many different levels do you think there are in the world, Jonathan?" (Page 257)
"Our world has existed for over three hundred cycles. I guess depicting that much history requires a lot of space." (Page 258)
Lucille did not seem to take offense at this rejection of her services. (Page 259)
"At the beginning of the rebirth, individuals still wore the same clothing they had brought with them from the ancient world." (Page 261)
"Society began to place more value upon how an individual looked than how they behaved." (Page 262)
We all had learned through the sacred texts how the destructive traits of jealousy, infidelity, perversity, and materialistic rivalries were only successfully eradicated from society after the concept of exclusive relationships was abolished. (Page 263)
"The extra-long hair is a dead giveaway. There are no individual cutting stations in any of the pre-free levels..." (Page 264)
"Didn't you see the placard that described the common practice among the ancient ones to usually only use their given name when signing official documents or during solemn occasions?" (Page 266)
"Jonathan, you may listen to the sacred teachings, but I don't think you truly understand them." (Page 268)
Cecil's equally loud reply of "Hey, eat this!", brought Clarence to an abrupt halt, and he angrily turned on Cecil. (Page 270)
Clarence's reply that it was Sector 4 was met with shouts and cries of disbelief. (Page 271)
"No pathway we've traversed so far seems to have been as long or as short as the first time we travelled it." (Page 272)
"They don't seem very friendly, do they?" (Page 275)
"I see one of you is missing." (Page 275)
"Now more than ever, they must often do and witness terrible things to ensure the security and continuous existence of our world." (Page 276)
The sacred texts teach us to be careful what we wish for. Whoever wrote the sacred texts was very wise. (Page 277)
"You're insinuating that you feared being judged guilty by association but lacked the courage to confront me personally." (Page 278)
"If your intent is to touch it, I don't think you should." (Page 281)
"However, curiosity without discipline might cause one to arrive at false conclusions that can result in tragedy." (Page 283)
"Nine of you have been deemed worthy of advancement to Next Level." (Page 286)
"We're not leaving without you!" (Page 287)
"Level Eight is nothing like any level you have visited before. Do not allow the alien landscape and customs to frighten you." (Page 288)
"Our world has existed for over three hundred cycles. I guess depicting that much history requires a lot of space." (Page 258)
Lucille did not seem to take offense at this rejection of her services. (Page 259)
"At the beginning of the rebirth, individuals still wore the same clothing they had brought with them from the ancient world." (Page 261)
"Society began to place more value upon how an individual looked than how they behaved." (Page 262)
We all had learned through the sacred texts how the destructive traits of jealousy, infidelity, perversity, and materialistic rivalries were only successfully eradicated from society after the concept of exclusive relationships was abolished. (Page 263)
"The extra-long hair is a dead giveaway. There are no individual cutting stations in any of the pre-free levels..." (Page 264)
"Didn't you see the placard that described the common practice among the ancient ones to usually only use their given name when signing official documents or during solemn occasions?" (Page 266)
"Jonathan, you may listen to the sacred teachings, but I don't think you truly understand them." (Page 268)
Cecil's equally loud reply of "Hey, eat this!", brought Clarence to an abrupt halt, and he angrily turned on Cecil. (Page 270)
Clarence's reply that it was Sector 4 was met with shouts and cries of disbelief. (Page 271)
"No pathway we've traversed so far seems to have been as long or as short as the first time we travelled it." (Page 272)
"They don't seem very friendly, do they?" (Page 275)
"I see one of you is missing." (Page 275)
"Now more than ever, they must often do and witness terrible things to ensure the security and continuous existence of our world." (Page 276)
The sacred texts teach us to be careful what we wish for. Whoever wrote the sacred texts was very wise. (Page 277)
"You're insinuating that you feared being judged guilty by association but lacked the courage to confront me personally." (Page 278)
"If your intent is to touch it, I don't think you should." (Page 281)
"However, curiosity without discipline might cause one to arrive at false conclusions that can result in tragedy." (Page 283)
"Nine of you have been deemed worthy of advancement to Next Level." (Page 286)
"We're not leaving without you!" (Page 287)
"Level Eight is nothing like any level you have visited before. Do not allow the alien landscape and customs to frighten you." (Page 288)
January 7, 2014
To promote or not promote is not in question. It's a matter of how?
I am not, nor do I profess to be, an expert in this subject.
The following suggestions and advice were accumulated during fourteen months of writing, eleven months of learning and participating in the publishing process, and two years and five months of having the end result of the previous twenty-five months' activities available for public consumption.
Promotion is a necessary and integral part of selling any product or service. People can't buy something if they are unaware of its existence. Therefore, not promoting your book is not an option.
Most self-published and independent authors do not have a full-time agent, so it is imperative that they expend as much time and energy as possible to personally promoting their book.
Websites that cater to avid readers and those designed to bring readers and writers together in a continuous communication forum provide the greatest exposure not only for SPAs and indies, but traditional authors as well.
When self-promoting on such sites, avoid the "I" syndrome. The over usage of personal pronouns - I, me, my, mine - may be a turnoff to some potential readers.
State the title of your book, the author's name (you), a brief synopsis, available formats (hard cover, paperback, e-book, audio book, audio download), and related website address.
Avoid the temptation to evaluate your own book. The author's opinion expressed when rating and reviewing their own work in print is akin to a proud new parent's opinion when expounding upon how cute and adorable their baby is.
There is an old adage: "If your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt".
Proofread any contribution you wish to add to a discussion group prior to posting it. If your post is riddled with misspellings, improper punctuation, and bad grammar, the reader may wonder if your book may be as well.
Proactively soliciting and scheduling events such as book signings and presentations at book stores, libraries, reading clubs, and conventions are a great way for authors to introduce their books and themselves to the public. Networking is a very effective promotional tool.
For those traditional authors fortunate enough to have a contract with a mainline publisher, the recommended course of action is to allow the publicist and marketing representative, assigned by the publisher to promote your work, to do their job and stay out of their way.
The best way to express your appreciation for the energy and time they expend on your behalf is by following up on all the leads they provide and be well-prepared to act professionally at scheduled events.
Not all aspiring authors will be commercially successful; but no one who has tried their best can be called a failure.
The following suggestions and advice were accumulated during fourteen months of writing, eleven months of learning and participating in the publishing process, and two years and five months of having the end result of the previous twenty-five months' activities available for public consumption.
Promotion is a necessary and integral part of selling any product or service. People can't buy something if they are unaware of its existence. Therefore, not promoting your book is not an option.
Most self-published and independent authors do not have a full-time agent, so it is imperative that they expend as much time and energy as possible to personally promoting their book.
Websites that cater to avid readers and those designed to bring readers and writers together in a continuous communication forum provide the greatest exposure not only for SPAs and indies, but traditional authors as well.
When self-promoting on such sites, avoid the "I" syndrome. The over usage of personal pronouns - I, me, my, mine - may be a turnoff to some potential readers.
State the title of your book, the author's name (you), a brief synopsis, available formats (hard cover, paperback, e-book, audio book, audio download), and related website address.
Avoid the temptation to evaluate your own book. The author's opinion expressed when rating and reviewing their own work in print is akin to a proud new parent's opinion when expounding upon how cute and adorable their baby is.
There is an old adage: "If your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt".
Proofread any contribution you wish to add to a discussion group prior to posting it. If your post is riddled with misspellings, improper punctuation, and bad grammar, the reader may wonder if your book may be as well.
Proactively soliciting and scheduling events such as book signings and presentations at book stores, libraries, reading clubs, and conventions are a great way for authors to introduce their books and themselves to the public. Networking is a very effective promotional tool.
For those traditional authors fortunate enough to have a contract with a mainline publisher, the recommended course of action is to allow the publicist and marketing representative, assigned by the publisher to promote your work, to do their job and stay out of their way.
The best way to express your appreciation for the energy and time they expend on your behalf is by following up on all the leads they provide and be well-prepared to act professionally at scheduled events.
Not all aspiring authors will be commercially successful; but no one who has tried their best can be called a failure.
January 4, 2014
A person is what he reads - or maybe not.
You decide. Here is a list of books I own and have read. An asterisk (*) indicates a series.
Non-Fiction
Damon Runyon (Biography) by Jimmy Breslin
Cracking Da Vinci's Code by James L Carlow
What a Year it Was!1947
Son of the Morning Star (Custer at the Little Bighorn) by Evan S. Connell
Civil War Quiz and Fact Book by Rod Cragg
1,000 Years, 1000 People by Agnes Hooper Gottlieb, Henry Gottlieb, Barbara Bowers, Brent Bowers
Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus* by John Gray
Mars and Venus Together Forever* by John Gray
Mars and Venus in the Bedroom* by John Gray
Mars and Venus in Love* by John Gray
Read with Dick and Jane (Complete Series)
About Face (The Odyssey of an American Warrior) by Col. David H. Hackworth
Secrets from the White House Kitchens by John R. Hanny
Be My Guest (Conrad Hilton Autobiography)
The Century (20th. Century Highlights) by Peter Jennings & Todd Brewster
Liberty and Tyranny by Mark R. Levin
The Marine Machine by William Mares
In Retrospect (The Tragedy & Lessons of Vietnam) by Robert S. McNamara
Bible (King James Version - Old & New Testaments)
Chicken Soup for the Couple's Soul
A Billy Yank Governor by Bernard A. Olsen
Upon the Tented Field by Bernard A. Olsen
The O'Reilly Factor* by Bill O'Reilly
The No Spin Zone* by Bill O'Reilly
Who's Looking Out for You?* by Bill O'Reilly
Book of Mormon/Doctrine & Covenants/Pearl of Great Price
The War (An Intimate History 1941 - 1945)
The War Within (America's Battle Over Vietnam) by Tom Wells
Getting Your Book Published for Dummies
Fiction
Little Women/Little Men/Short Stories by Louisa May Alcott
The Clan of the Cave Bear* by Jean M. Auel
The Valley of the Horses* by Jean M. Auel
The Mammoth Hunters* by Jean M. Auel
The Plains of Passage* by Jean M. Auel
The Shelters of Stone* by Jean M. Auel
The Land of Painted Caves* by Jean M. Auel
Comanche Dawn by Mike Blakely
Shortgrass Song by Mike Blakely
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Tai-Pan by James Clavell
The Horse Catchers by Amanda Cockrell
The Hunger Games* by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire* by Suzanne Collins
Mockingjay* by Suzanne Collins
Three Roads to the Alamo by William O. Davis
The Stolen Child by Keinth Donohue
The Morning River* by W. Michael Gear
Coyote Summer* by W. Michael Gear
Gettysburg (Alternative History) by Newt Gingrich
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
After the King (In Honor of J.R.R. Tolkien)
Forest Gump by Winston Groom
Asleep at the Wheel by John R. Hanny
The Gates of the Alamo by stephen Harrigan
Hanta Yo (A Native American Saga) by Ruth Bebee Hill
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Aztec* by Gary Jennings
Aztec Autumn* by Gary Jennings
Ride the Moon Down by Terry C. Johnston
The Stand by Stephen King
The Gunslinger* by Stephen King
The Drawing of the Three* by Stephen King
The Waste Lands* by Stephen King
Wizard and Glass* by Stephen King
Wolves of the Calla* by Stephen King
Song of Susannah* by Stephen King
The Dark Tower* by Stephen King
Life Expectancy by Dan Koontz
The Testament by Eric Van Lustbader
The Kappillan of Malta by Nicholas Monsarrat
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
Those Who Trespass by Bill O'Reilly
Dust by Charles Pellegrino
The Inverted World by Christopher Priest
The Godfather by Mario Puzo
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone* by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets* by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire* by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix* by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* by J.K. Rowling
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Sallinger
Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Volumes I & II)
The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring* by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Two Towers* by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Return of the King* by J.R.R. Tolkien
Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
Levels by Jim Vuksic
Audio Books
Don't Know Much About History (non-fiction) by Kenneth C. Davis
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albam
Flight Lessons by Patricia Gaffney
Angel Light by Andrew M. Greeley
Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Nothing But The Truth by John Lescroart
The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchar
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Levels by Jim Vuksic
Non-Fiction
Damon Runyon (Biography) by Jimmy Breslin
Cracking Da Vinci's Code by James L Carlow
What a Year it Was!1947
Son of the Morning Star (Custer at the Little Bighorn) by Evan S. Connell
Civil War Quiz and Fact Book by Rod Cragg
1,000 Years, 1000 People by Agnes Hooper Gottlieb, Henry Gottlieb, Barbara Bowers, Brent Bowers
Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus* by John Gray
Mars and Venus Together Forever* by John Gray
Mars and Venus in the Bedroom* by John Gray
Mars and Venus in Love* by John Gray
Read with Dick and Jane (Complete Series)
About Face (The Odyssey of an American Warrior) by Col. David H. Hackworth
Secrets from the White House Kitchens by John R. Hanny
Be My Guest (Conrad Hilton Autobiography)
The Century (20th. Century Highlights) by Peter Jennings & Todd Brewster
Liberty and Tyranny by Mark R. Levin
The Marine Machine by William Mares
In Retrospect (The Tragedy & Lessons of Vietnam) by Robert S. McNamara
Bible (King James Version - Old & New Testaments)
Chicken Soup for the Couple's Soul
A Billy Yank Governor by Bernard A. Olsen
Upon the Tented Field by Bernard A. Olsen
The O'Reilly Factor* by Bill O'Reilly
The No Spin Zone* by Bill O'Reilly
Who's Looking Out for You?* by Bill O'Reilly
Book of Mormon/Doctrine & Covenants/Pearl of Great Price
The War (An Intimate History 1941 - 1945)
The War Within (America's Battle Over Vietnam) by Tom Wells
Getting Your Book Published for Dummies
Fiction
Little Women/Little Men/Short Stories by Louisa May Alcott
The Clan of the Cave Bear* by Jean M. Auel
The Valley of the Horses* by Jean M. Auel
The Mammoth Hunters* by Jean M. Auel
The Plains of Passage* by Jean M. Auel
The Shelters of Stone* by Jean M. Auel
The Land of Painted Caves* by Jean M. Auel
Comanche Dawn by Mike Blakely
Shortgrass Song by Mike Blakely
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Tai-Pan by James Clavell
The Horse Catchers by Amanda Cockrell
The Hunger Games* by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire* by Suzanne Collins
Mockingjay* by Suzanne Collins
Three Roads to the Alamo by William O. Davis
The Stolen Child by Keinth Donohue
The Morning River* by W. Michael Gear
Coyote Summer* by W. Michael Gear
Gettysburg (Alternative History) by Newt Gingrich
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
After the King (In Honor of J.R.R. Tolkien)
Forest Gump by Winston Groom
Asleep at the Wheel by John R. Hanny
The Gates of the Alamo by stephen Harrigan
Hanta Yo (A Native American Saga) by Ruth Bebee Hill
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Aztec* by Gary Jennings
Aztec Autumn* by Gary Jennings
Ride the Moon Down by Terry C. Johnston
The Stand by Stephen King
The Gunslinger* by Stephen King
The Drawing of the Three* by Stephen King
The Waste Lands* by Stephen King
Wizard and Glass* by Stephen King
Wolves of the Calla* by Stephen King
Song of Susannah* by Stephen King
The Dark Tower* by Stephen King
Life Expectancy by Dan Koontz
The Testament by Eric Van Lustbader
The Kappillan of Malta by Nicholas Monsarrat
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
Those Who Trespass by Bill O'Reilly
Dust by Charles Pellegrino
The Inverted World by Christopher Priest
The Godfather by Mario Puzo
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone* by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets* by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire* by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix* by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* by J.K. Rowling
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Sallinger
Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Volumes I & II)
The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring* by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Two Towers* by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Return of the King* by J.R.R. Tolkien
Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
Levels by Jim Vuksic
Audio Books
Don't Know Much About History (non-fiction) by Kenneth C. Davis
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albam
Flight Lessons by Patricia Gaffney
Angel Light by Andrew M. Greeley
Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Nothing But The Truth by John Lescroart
The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchar
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Levels by Jim Vuksic
December 29, 2013
Excerpts from Chapter VIII of "Levels" - Decisions
"Please tell me you're just a bad dream." (Page 215)
I honestly believe that he did not fully comprehend the significance of this event. No one attempted to console him. (Page 217)
To be given the option of refusing a Revered One's offer was unheard of. We were stunned. (Page 218)
"I'm going to pack and go to the Place of Knowledge to inform the white-robed Revered One that I am prepared for transport." (Page 219)
"Watch out! There's something seeping out of the surface." (Page 221)
...if the Revered One had arrived any later, we would probably all have shared Cecil's fate. (Page 223)
"Did you hear how he said hello? It came out very slowly and sounded slightly odd, as though he might not be comfortable speaking our language." (Page 225)
There were no inhabitants wandering about, at least none that were visible. (Page 227)
Several of those, both male and female, scattered throughout the dining place, were missing limbs. (Page 229)
"They didn't treat people who differed from the established norm badly, but they did treat them differently, which can be just as hurtful and demeaning." (Page 230)
"Does it bother you that you cannot see your face?" (Page 237)
"I can't imagine wanting to live in a world in which everyone is the same." (Page 237)
"There are one thousand four hundred and twelve illumination sources in Main Level." (Page 245)
He was particularly delighted to have learned a new word to add to his vocabulary: kitchen. (Page 253)
"I'm not ready to go just yet. I really like it here." (Page 255)
"Whether we accept or not, I am sure our choice will somehow impact future opportunities for advancement." (Page 255)
I honestly believe that he did not fully comprehend the significance of this event. No one attempted to console him. (Page 217)
To be given the option of refusing a Revered One's offer was unheard of. We were stunned. (Page 218)
"I'm going to pack and go to the Place of Knowledge to inform the white-robed Revered One that I am prepared for transport." (Page 219)
"Watch out! There's something seeping out of the surface." (Page 221)
...if the Revered One had arrived any later, we would probably all have shared Cecil's fate. (Page 223)
"Did you hear how he said hello? It came out very slowly and sounded slightly odd, as though he might not be comfortable speaking our language." (Page 225)
There were no inhabitants wandering about, at least none that were visible. (Page 227)
Several of those, both male and female, scattered throughout the dining place, were missing limbs. (Page 229)
"They didn't treat people who differed from the established norm badly, but they did treat them differently, which can be just as hurtful and demeaning." (Page 230)
"Does it bother you that you cannot see your face?" (Page 237)
"I can't imagine wanting to live in a world in which everyone is the same." (Page 237)
"There are one thousand four hundred and twelve illumination sources in Main Level." (Page 245)
He was particularly delighted to have learned a new word to add to his vocabulary: kitchen. (Page 253)
"I'm not ready to go just yet. I really like it here." (Page 255)
"Whether we accept or not, I am sure our choice will somehow impact future opportunities for advancement." (Page 255)
December 22, 2013
Dreams Can Come True - Many Don't.
Based upon my personal observations of the independent authors who actively participate in the various Goodreads group discussions, many hope to one day become commercially successful so that writing may be their sole career and provide for a reasonably comfortable lifestyle.
This is a worthy goal. Don't let anyone dissuade you from nurturing your dream. Some dreams do come true.
The dreams that do come true are usually those that include hard work, study, practice, patience, perseverance, and the occasional reality check.
That said; please allow me to share a bit of wisdom that comes with age and experience.
Life is no big thing.
It is a thousand little things.
Too often, we hardly notice the thousand wonderful little things going on around us; some of which could have a profound impact upon our lives, because we are so focused upon waiting for that one big thing to happen.
By all means, follow your dream; it may come true. However, keep your options open just in case it doesn't.
Another dream may be just waiting for you to acknowledge its presence, recognize its potential, and be willing to perform the hard work, study, and the occasional reality check to make it come true.
Whatever future awaits you, I sincerely hope that it is bright and rewarding.
This is a worthy goal. Don't let anyone dissuade you from nurturing your dream. Some dreams do come true.
The dreams that do come true are usually those that include hard work, study, practice, patience, perseverance, and the occasional reality check.
That said; please allow me to share a bit of wisdom that comes with age and experience.
Life is no big thing.
It is a thousand little things.
Too often, we hardly notice the thousand wonderful little things going on around us; some of which could have a profound impact upon our lives, because we are so focused upon waiting for that one big thing to happen.
By all means, follow your dream; it may come true. However, keep your options open just in case it doesn't.
Another dream may be just waiting for you to acknowledge its presence, recognize its potential, and be willing to perform the hard work, study, and the occasional reality check to make it come true.
Whatever future awaits you, I sincerely hope that it is bright and rewarding.
December 17, 2013
Excerpts from Chapter VII of "Levels" - Freedom
A standard ritual was soon established to determine a change in direction. (Page 175)
Alfred nodded his agreement and quickly turned his head away to hide the tears starting to form in his eyes and, in so doing, did not notice the ones forming in mine. (Page 176)
"I didn't mean that I don't like you personally. I just don't like you the way my friends like you." (Page 180)
"I believe somebody gave somebody a certain secret signal." (Page 187)
"They only wear that clothing while in their home level so that they will blend in with their surroundings whenever they must venture out beyond the boundaries." (Page 194)
"Until you told us, I had no idea that females were required to make the crossing." (Page 196)
"Our society does not tolerate petty jealousy or one person's right to claim the exclusive possession of another." (Page 202)
The three of them continued eating and talking as if plucking someone's eye out was a common occurrence. (Page 205)
Jade suggested an activity that might tire us sufficiently to make sleep possible. It did. (Page 206)
This revelation was very interesting, but none among us seemed to think that the color of one's skin or how it got that way was really all that important since it didn't seem to make them different in any other way. (Page 210)
Alfred nodded his agreement and quickly turned his head away to hide the tears starting to form in his eyes and, in so doing, did not notice the ones forming in mine. (Page 176)
"I didn't mean that I don't like you personally. I just don't like you the way my friends like you." (Page 180)
"I believe somebody gave somebody a certain secret signal." (Page 187)
"They only wear that clothing while in their home level so that they will blend in with their surroundings whenever they must venture out beyond the boundaries." (Page 194)
"Until you told us, I had no idea that females were required to make the crossing." (Page 196)
"Our society does not tolerate petty jealousy or one person's right to claim the exclusive possession of another." (Page 202)
The three of them continued eating and talking as if plucking someone's eye out was a common occurrence. (Page 205)
Jade suggested an activity that might tire us sufficiently to make sleep possible. It did. (Page 206)
This revelation was very interesting, but none among us seemed to think that the color of one's skin or how it got that way was really all that important since it didn't seem to make them different in any other way. (Page 210)
December 14, 2013
Good Enough is Never Good Enough!
I have silently monitored some lively debates taking place within a few group discussions in which the participants agreed to disagree (sometimes rather heatedly) about the relevance of adhering to standard rules of grammar, punctuation, sentence/paragraph structure, and correct spelling when writing a novel.
I chose to be a silent observer because I refuse to participate in a spitting match. Years of experience have taught me that the end result of such activity is that all of the participants get spit on and little else is accomplished.
I decided to break my temporary vow of silence in the form of a new post to my blog.
In a previous posting, dated December 6 - The Pre-publishing Process, I point out the following:
Before even considering submitting a query letter to a mainline publisher, make sure that your manuscript is worthy of publication.
No matter how good the writer's ideas and concept may be, the manuscript will be rejected if it is riddled with bad grammar, misspelled words, incorrect punctuation, and poor sentence and paragraph structure.
The job of a copy editor is to spot and correct the occasional mistake; not salvage a mess submitted by an undisciplined or lazy would-be writer. That is a job for a ghost writer.
If for no other reason, a writer should learn how to write properly out of respect for their potential readers. Don't insult their intelligence or underestimate your own.
I have had my say. It is only my opinion and certainly not the only one. It may not even be the correct one.
I sincerely hope that this advice will prove helpful to some potentially successful author. I know it helped me.
I chose to be a silent observer because I refuse to participate in a spitting match. Years of experience have taught me that the end result of such activity is that all of the participants get spit on and little else is accomplished.
I decided to break my temporary vow of silence in the form of a new post to my blog.
In a previous posting, dated December 6 - The Pre-publishing Process, I point out the following:
Before even considering submitting a query letter to a mainline publisher, make sure that your manuscript is worthy of publication.
No matter how good the writer's ideas and concept may be, the manuscript will be rejected if it is riddled with bad grammar, misspelled words, incorrect punctuation, and poor sentence and paragraph structure.
The job of a copy editor is to spot and correct the occasional mistake; not salvage a mess submitted by an undisciplined or lazy would-be writer. That is a job for a ghost writer.
If for no other reason, a writer should learn how to write properly out of respect for their potential readers. Don't insult their intelligence or underestimate your own.
I have had my say. It is only my opinion and certainly not the only one. It may not even be the correct one.
I sincerely hope that this advice will prove helpful to some potentially successful author. I know it helped me.
December 11, 2013
I love to read; but...
A few Goodreads members have commented upon the fact that, although I profess a love of reading, I have listed only ninety-nine books read, one which I intend to read, and none that I am currently reading.
Allow me to explain.
I have been reading for about fifty-nine years and am absolutely certain that I have read many more books than are now listed in the "Books Read" section of my profile. Whenever I recall one, I add it to the list.
I do love to read and prefer it over watching TV, listening to the radio, or playing games; however, it ranks only number eight on my personal priority list.
Priority List
1. Four wonderful adult children
2. Four fantastic grandchildren
3. Maintaining and cleaning my house and property
4. Fairly active social life
5. Keeping up with current events
6. Spontaneous road trips
7. Writing
8. Reading
My priorties have changed at various stages of my life; depending upon where I was, my obligations at the time, and the weather.
They will no doubt continue to change as I continue to grow older, my physical and mental abilities regress, and opportunities to see and do new things dwindle.
When they do; I'll let you know. I'll probably read a lot more often too.
Allow me to explain.
I have been reading for about fifty-nine years and am absolutely certain that I have read many more books than are now listed in the "Books Read" section of my profile. Whenever I recall one, I add it to the list.
I do love to read and prefer it over watching TV, listening to the radio, or playing games; however, it ranks only number eight on my personal priority list.
Priority List
1. Four wonderful adult children
2. Four fantastic grandchildren
3. Maintaining and cleaning my house and property
4. Fairly active social life
5. Keeping up with current events
6. Spontaneous road trips
7. Writing
8. Reading
My priorties have changed at various stages of my life; depending upon where I was, my obligations at the time, and the weather.
They will no doubt continue to change as I continue to grow older, my physical and mental abilities regress, and opportunities to see and do new things dwindle.
When they do; I'll let you know. I'll probably read a lot more often too.
