David Berger's Blog, page 17

Just what are the other Task Forces?

Task Force: Gaea is a branch of the United Nations Task Force, and theonly division to handle metaphysical (i.e. mythological) phenomena. Otherbranches—some of which are in the first novel and some ofwhich will be seen in the sequel(s)—handle a myriad of othermilieu. Here is the current departmental list:
Alpha: Natural DisastersBeta: Infectious DiseasesGamma: Hunger/Famine ReliefDelta: Military InsurrectionsEpsilon: Civil EngineeringZeta: ExtraterrestrialEta: Endangered SpeciesTheta: Drug EnforcementIota: Sustainable/Nuclear EnergyKappa: International SecurityLambda: Criminal Law EnforcementMu: Oceanographic SafetyNu: ForestryXi: Geological concernsOmicron: International CourtPi: Global Warming/Climate ChangeRho: Middle EastSigma: Energy CrisesTau: Hate CrimesUpsilon: Corporate ConcernsPhi: RacismChi: AIDS/HIVPsi: Medical emergenciesOmega: Human Rights

To Cuba, and Beyond!

TFG in Jibacoa, Matanzas, Cuba.Here is my friend, Jacques, who is from Canada, poolside in Cuba, with Task Force: Gaea on his chair.

How awesome is that... from one country to another, and neither one is the United States.

:)

Write for the Cure. Interested?

For the second time, I participated in Relay for Life as part of the International Baccalaureate program's team. The event took place from Friday, March 30 to Saturday, March 31, 2012. Over 40 IB students participated this year from our school, as well as a few teachers, making this the largest team ever for our school. I have been touched by cancer through an aunt, a grandfather, and a cousin who all died from cancer, and a former student who, at 19, had to endure intense chemotherapy because he had testicular cancer. While he had an orchiectomy, and his chemo should have knocked out the rest of the cancer, he still has to live with this for the rest of his life. I walked for them .
I could certainly write more about that experience, and how proud I am of those who attended, walking the track behind our school with other teams, but after this event, and seeing a bumper sticker on a car driving home from dinner tonight ("Bark for the Cure"), I had an idea: what if writers could come together and create an anthology of short pieces (either poetry or short fiction) that we could then sell, with all the proceeds going to cancer research. Why not use our creative talents to help such a deserving cause?
I would gladly put together the publication, and use CreateSpace as the means to get this out there (or another option, if someone else had a better way to do this). It wouldn't require a great deal of time, I think, to write something short but poignant, focusing on any of the myriad of themes this topic could generate. Certainly, people could write about being a caregiver, being a cancer survivor, dealing with cancer in themselves or a loved one, or even just an story of inspiration.
Mind you, this is just the raw idea. I would love some feedback or input. I will do my best to promote this, but I hope that anyone who reads this could repost, share, or retweet this to other writers who might be interested.
Think about how a kind word or a heartfelt expression of love helped you when you were in need of comfort. I think stories of inspiration, love, compassion, and camaraderie could do the same.
Please email me at tchrofengl@gmail.com if you are interested or have any ideas on how to make this happen.
Together, we can find a cure for cancer.

My Interview with Kevin Gerald Rau

Kevin Gerald Rau, author of the H.E.R.O. novels, interviewed me for his website. You can see the interview here.

Thanks, Kevin!

Author Fair @ Land O' Lakes Library

And here I am at my table at the Land O' Lakes Library 3rd Annual Authors Fair on March 24, 2012. Notice the suave Task Force: Gaea couture I'm sporting. :)

Newer Muses and Role Models

Early on in my writing, back in high school when I was immature, unsure, and very closeted, I wanted to BE J.R.R. Tolkien. His words were, indeed, magical to me, and I felt like I could get lost (and not want to be found) in his world. I don't think I ever wanted to be a hobbit, but I did want to be an observer in the Shire, Mordor, or just anywhere these characters were. The Lord of the Rings, for me, was the apex of fantasy fiction (and still is, to me). And I continued to grow as a writer by reading the series. Heroes like Aragorn were the bellows that blew the air into my writer's fire, fueling my desire to create.
Later, I stumbled upon Piers Anthony, and I think that helped cement my love of fantasy fiction even further, especially with his clever puns and the land of Xanth, which curiously looks like the state in which I live, but that's purely coincidental, I'm sure. A Spell for Chameleon, Castle Roogna, and Centaur Aisle fed my soul. Although not the same as Tolkien, Anthony had the same effect on my creativity.
I know I have gotten some chiding over the years from reading his works, but I really enjoyed Terry Goodkind's books. His Sword of Truth series I inhaled. I've read all but the three last novels in the series. It entertained me. It inspired me to write. Nothing wrong with that. I could go on about that series, but that's for another post. Nonetheless, it provided me with more forward motion.
None of those authors, however much I enjoyed them, pushed me forward as a gay writer. I have had few role models in that arena, until now. Perry Moore, author of Hero, wrote a book that made me take notice. There's a little Thom Creed in all of us, gay or straight. He has since passed on, but his legacy does indeed endure.

In the present, I have two other authors who have blazed a trail, and I look to their success for guidance. The first is Cullan Hudson , author of Strange State: Mysteries and Legends of Oklahoma and The Mound, a dear friend who helped me find the fortitude to publish my debut novel. He opened up my eyes a little, helped nudge me along, and I am indebted to him for that. In ways that are immeasurable, he has guided me as a writer and, now, a published author. I continue to look to him for direction. More recently, I have met Eric Arvin , author of Galley Proof and Woke Up in a Strange Place (among others), and his success helps to light my own path. He, like Cullan, has a generosity of spirit and a laid back personality that is much like my own, and has become yet another beacon for me. While I don't know either Cullan or Eric very well, I can see they have a following, one that I would like for my own work. I hope to meet both of them at upcoming events this year and, with any luck, glean more wisdom as a writer. A new author, too, my friend Peter Saenz , author of Coven of Wolves, also has my admiration. He'll go places, of that I am certain.

Others who guide me, as a person and a writer, and who have no less a claim on being role models are my dear friends, Randy Ham, Brett Crawford, and Brian Sheperd. These gentlemen push me out of my comfort zone, and I am indebted to them for it. As brothers do, they have each brought me to a new level of understanding as a writer, a comic book aficionado, and a reader.

Last, but definitely not least, is my partner, Gavi. His desire to pursue a career in teaching after spending many years driving limousines, willing to go back to school to finish his degree, inspires me as well. While he wasn't around when I started writing my novel, his love and support helps keep me grounded while I published it (and while I am working on the sequel). I admire his tenacity and drive to fulfill his dreams, and from that, I fuel my own drive.

My Five-Star Author Fair Experience

Today marked my FIRST public appearance as an author at the Land O' Lakes Public Library Author Fair.
In preparation for this event, I had ordered copies of the novel (ten), had T-shirts made, and last night, I printed some 11x17 signs for the table. Included in my stuff to bring would be my framed poster of the novel's cover, my Intuit credit card reader for my phone, and an open mind.
The experience didn't disappoint. I walked into the library and saw a small square of tables covered in white paper tablecloths, each with two chairs and a book holder. I met Michele Laney, the Public Services Librarian, and my contact. She handed me my name plate and showed me where I could get complimentary coffee, something not available to library patrons--only to authors.
After setting up my table, I took a walk around and introduced myself to my literary colleagues. Seated next to me was George Mavro, who writes military alternative history fiction (Operation Medina--The Jihad, Operation Medina--The Crusade). He and I spoke at length about our books, a little about politics, and even future plots for our sequels. It was nice to have the opportunity to talk to someone who had been doing this for a while so I could get some wisdom from a veteran.
Another writer, JM Bolton, another fantasy/sci-fi author like me (The City of Three Moons, The Alien Within) was quite gracious, and we chatted a bit about our respective works. She loved the cover art of Task Force: Gaea, so I told her I would give her Michael Hamlett's information. [On a side note, the poster was a HUGE hit. It definitely attracted attention to the book.]
One of the authors, Lekisha Spletzer, spoke with me about how much she loved Greek myth, and we talked about our works. She had four young ladies with her, probably early teens, who were also characters in one of her works. Kisha gave me some great information about where to get cards made up, how to price my Kindle/Nook versions, and about Necronomicon in St. Petersburg, FL. Then, she asked if I would be interested in being on her radio talk show via the Internet. I look forward to that experience.
Some former students visited: Leslie Rosado, Danté DiSabatino, and Megan Zarek (Leslie had a copy already and wanted it signed; the latter two purchased copies of the novel). Gracie Pine, a current student, visited, and she told me she'd buy a copy as soon as she had the money. I told her, "No worries. I know where you'll be until May 23rd."
Neighbors Jill and Jamie Sculerati paid a visit, and I signed a copy to their daughter. And, I finally got to meet my neighbors, Harriet and Richard Sava, who bought two copies: one for them, and one for their son, Mitch.
All in all, a fantastic experience to network, see some familiar faces, and get my name (and Task Force: Gaea's) out there. Now, I have some cards to make and some other things in the works, so if you'll excuse me, I'll get started! :)

GUEST AUTHOR: Peter Saenz, Coven of Wolves

My inaugural GUEST AUTHOR interview is with Peter Saenz, author of Coven of Wolves.

When did you start writing in general?

The first thing I remember writing as a kid was when I was around 8 or 9 years old. I used my school rule lined paper tablet to write out my own Friday the 13th movie script. It was probably only 12 pages long but I had a lot of fun writing it. I've dabbled in writing here and there since then, but it wasn't until I wrote my short story "New Moon Rising," which later developed into the full novel Coven of Wolves that I began to take my writing seriously.
Why do you write, and who has influenced you in your creative ventures?

I always had a big imagination as a kid and it never really went away. That's probably why I so easily fell into being a huge comic book reader. After I'd watch a really good movie or put down a fun book, my mind would go into overdrive imagining various made up scenarios of my own. Putting it all down on paper, or computer file as it now may be, relieves a lot of my pent-up creative ideas.

As for who influences me, there's a lot of people who fill that slot. Author-wise, Anne Rice is one of my favorite writers. I devoured every one of her vampire series books through the years. I'm half-way through her latest book, "The Wolf Gift" and am loving every minute of it. Personally though, my husband Joseph has been my biggest cheerleader. He supports me in everything I do.
How did being gay play a role in your writing?

Well, to be honest, there's a huge hole when it comes to the roles gay people play in central media. Generally, we're usually typecast as the gay best friend, over the top fashionistas, psychopaths, or stereotypes used for comic relief. I have yet to see a big budget action film starring an unapologetic gay character who is taken seriously AND is responsible for saving the day. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE seeing a shirtless Chris Evans or Ryan Reynolds running around shooting people as much as the next guy, but as a gay man there's also a bit of a sting at the same time. So I use my writing to help fill that gap. In my stories gay people are just as valid as everyone else. No stereotypes or pigeon held personas for me. I'm hoping that more of these stories will become mainstream so that The Powers That Be can see the potential we as gay people have outside of what we're now allowed.
Where did the idea for Coven of Wolves come from?

Coven of WolvesAs a kid I LOVED horror movies. I loved the feeling of being jolted by some over the top monster jumping in front of the screen. My favorite movie monster was always the werewolf. I probably watched movies like Silver Bullet, An American Werewolf in London and The Howling series a million times over. When I fell into reading comics though, my appreciation of magic and it's potential in storylines grew also. Illyana Rasputin aka Magik in the X-Men comics definitely sparked with me. When I see these types of characters though, they're usually written very separately. You either get a solo werewolf movie or book, or you get a solo witch movie or book. Rarely do the two ever meet. So Coven of Wolves was meant to be a project where I get to enjoy both of my two favorite fantasy creatures in one centralized plot. My central character Devin Marshall, is he a witch or is he a werewolf? He's both actually and you get to see just how fun and scary that is for him.
Some writers like to include a little of themselves in their work. How much of you is in the novel?

There's a lot of me in the book actually. The way Devin reacts to any given situation is generally how I probably would. Granted, our backgrounds are very different and the last time I checked I wasn't being chased around the country by a coven of witches and werewolves, but you can definitely get into his mindset and play out a 'what would you do' type scenario. I'm generally a very low key/ back of the room kind of guy. You won't ever see me standing in front of a crowd shouting "look at me, look at me". Because of this, I purposely wasn't obvious about placing myself in my book. That said, there are quite a bit of friends and family in my book. Some are obvious while others are a bit more vague in recognizing. I'll let the readers try to figure out for themselves exactly who's who.
What does the future hold for your writing?

I'm currently working on a 12 piece short story anthology book titled "New Year's to Christmas". I'm hoping it'll be available to my readers by October 2012. I was thinking about tackling a nice ghost story once the holiday book is completed, but the feedback I've received from the Coven of Wolves book has me wanting to sink my teeth back into those characters again. I left the first book completely open to a sequel, so there's a lot of brainstorming going on with what new adventures the new pack will be delving into.  What advice do you have for people aspiring to be writers?
Everyone is different, but the main thing I would tell aspiring writers is that you are your own worst hindrance. I can't tell you the amount of times I've told myself that what I was doing wasn't any good or that no one would be interested in what I was writing. That self negativity did absolutely nothing but bring me down. It overly delayed what ultimately was a complete pleasure to create. Not only was my work read by others, but they LIKED it. I knew I wasn't making Shakespeare level work but it's still entertaining, and ultimately that's what people are looking for. Something to take them out of their regular routines for a moment. Life changing? No, but what I wrote is still something that is appreciated. If you feel any doubt about your work, keep that in mind. In the end, you'll always have this little piece of yourself stamped out there in the universe that no one can take away from you. And when your work is finished, do your research. Contact other writers to ask them about their experience in getting published. Some work can be released through publishing companies and others might find more success in self publication. Do what's right for you. Thank you, Peter. I look forward to seeing what your next literary adventures will be. Coven of Wolves is available at Amazon.com. Devin Marshall is alone and on the run from a coven of dark witches. New to the world of magic, Devin tries his best to outrun and outlast the coven he once swore loyalty to in order to save his soul. In a last ditch attempt at freedom he discovers help where he least expects it, but also manages to upset a pack of deadly werewolves along the way. Two supernatural cultures clash as Devin discovers hidden secrets about his past in an all or nothing attempt at survival. Coven of Wolves takes readers around the globe and back into time as a new universe of hidden societies, powerful witches, and sinister creatures dominate the landscape in their fight for control of an unsuspecting world. 

Comment from Wonder Woman's "niece"...

Bobby Jones, Me, Christie MarstonMy friend—and the fact that I get to call her a friend has made me deliriously happy—Christie Marston, granddaughter of Willliam Moulton Marston, the creator of Wonder Woman, had this to say on Facebook after reading Task Force: Gaea:

David Berger - i cannot believe the depth and intricacy of this storyline! and that there was so much fantastic setup before the task force came into being - i can't WAIT to see where you go with them next! keep writing! [no, really...right now...get off the computer and get to work!] the gods have never been so intriguing...and they've ALWAYS been an intriguing lot! great story! thank you! http://www.taskforce-gaea.com/

Thank you very much, Christie. May the Glory of Gaea truly be with you!

Interview with Amy Manemann, author

[image error] Amy Manemann, author of Deadly Reunion, a Taci Andrews mystery, and the soon to be released Deadly Science,  as well as "the Mini Drill Sargeant for Events Communications and Blogging Communications" at World Literary Cafe, has interviewed me at her blog.

You can read it here.