Rob Dircks's Blog, page 7

TWO Rob Dircks novels for under TWO bucks!

This week only: get both of Rob’s science fiction novels, Where the Hell is Tesla? and The Wrong Unit, for just 99¢ each! That’s 80% off the ebook list price, and hours and hours of reading pleasure for less than your morning coffee. Boom!
Where the Hell is Tesla?
Get Where the Hell is Tesla? for only 99¢

#1 Best Selling Sci-Fi Time Travel Book on Amazon.com • April 2015


#8 Overall Bestseller, Audible.com • November 2015


Over 750 Five-Star Reviews on Amazon (4.4 avg) and Audible (4.2 avg)

About the Book

It’s a sci-fi odsyssey. Comedy. Love story. And of course… it’s got Nikola Tesla. I’ll let Chip, the main character tell you more: “I found the journal at work. Well, I don’t know if you’d call it work, but that’s where I found it. It’s the lost journal of Nikola Tesla, one of the greatest inventors and visionaries ever. Before he died in 1943, he kept a notebook filled with spectacular claims and outrageous plans. One of these plans was for an “Interdimensional Transfer Apparatus” – that allowed someone (in this case me and my friend Pete) to travel to other versions of the infinite possibilities around us. Crazy, right? But that’s just where the crazy starts.”

The Wrong Unit
Get The Wrong Unit for only 99¢
I DON’T KNOW WHAT THE HUMANS ARE SO CRANKY ABOUT. Their enclosures are large, they ingest over a thousand calories per day, and they’re allowed to mate. Plus, they have me. An Autonomous Servile Unit, housed in a mobile/bipedal chassis. I do my job well: keep the humans healthy and happy.

“Hey you.”

Heyoo. That’s my name, I suppose. It’s easier for the humans to remember than 413s98-itr8. I guess I’ve gotten used to it.

—

Rob Dircks, bestselling author of  Where the Hell is Tesla? , has a “unit” with a problem: how to deliver his package, out in the middle of nowhere, with nothing to guide him. Oh, and with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance. It’s a science fiction tale of technology gone haywire, unlikely heroes, and the nature of humanity. (Woah. That last part sounds deep. Don’t worry, it’s not.)

“★★★★★ The Wrong Unit is the right story for today… it reacquaints us with our human ingenuity and shortcomings, our deepest longings, and, most notably, our great capacity to love.”

“★★★★★ LOVED this future tale of technology run amok, relationships, and challenging the definition of “human.” This book really hit home as the definition of “father”, “family” and “love” really has you thinking. Don’t want to give too much away, but it’s a great read and would suggest it to anyone looking for a solid scifi tale with a real story and characters you care about.”

January’s FREE audio sci-fi short, “Horatio Breathed His Last,” posted to Listen To The Signal Podcast

The latest episode of the Listen To The Signal podcast is up!

Listen to the new episode “Quick Fix” now!

January’s FREE original audio sci-fi short story is “Horatio Breathed His Last.” It’s another story where I woke up one morning with it kind of already formed in my head. I think it’s because I’m working on the sequel to Where the Hell is Tesla?, and I’m delving pretty deep into the characters for the second time right now. Anyway, this story is about Horace Cho, the author of the way-too-popular science fiction series The Horatio Chronicles. After over thirty novels in the series, Horatio the Hero begins to take on a life of his own. Harmless, right? Enjoy!

P.S. You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, and get your monthly free sci-fi short audio delivered right to your phone/tablet/whatever!

December’s FREE audio sci-fi short, “Quick Fix,” posted to Listen To The Signal Podcast

The latest episode of the Listen To The Signal podcast is up!

Listen to the new episode “Quick Fix” now!

December’s original audio sci-fi short story is “Quick Fix,” the tale of two routine, simultaneous repairs aboard a starship that go haywire — leading to the question, “what is real?” This story was originally the pilot for a new low-budget sci-fi TV series called Quick Fix – sort of a mashup of Quantum Leap, Star Trek, and little bit of Where the Hell is Tesla? thrown in. But the TV script is in a temporary limbo right now, so I figured I’d turn it into a short story. If you like it, let me know if this is a story you’d like to see with more episodes!

Alphabert! An A-B-C Bedtime Adventure – Available Now!

Buy the Ebook • FREE THIS WEEK! Buy the Paperback • $9.99 Buy the Hardcover • $24.99

Me and my brother Dave have teamed up again – this time with our very first children’s book! Alphabert! An A-B-C Bedtime Adventure is the story of Albert, a kid – like all kids – who just doesn’t want to go to bed. Using the alphabet and his vivid imagination, Albert embarks on various adventures, learning that nothing’s really better than a good night’s sleep.

You might remember the last time we collaborated, on the goofy-but-strangely-popular anti-self-help book, Unleash the Sloth! 75 Ways to Reach Your Maximum Potential By Doing Less. It’s the self-help book you’ve always wanted. The one that tells you you’re fine just the way you are – and that you can probably get away with doing even less. (Oh, and you can buy a copy here.)

And you probably already know a bit about me, that I’m the author of the science fiction novels Where the Hell is Tesla? and The Wrong Unit, and a member of SFWA (Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America). And that I’ve co-owned Dircks Associates (an ad agency) with Dave for over twenty years.

But how much do you know about Dave? 

Dave Dircks is an illustrator and creative entrepreneur (and member of SCBWI – The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators) whose work has been featured in books, magazines, album art, and advertising for over thirty years. In addition to commercial art, his paintings have been exhibited in New York City and his native Long Island. His first collaboration with Rob was a Super8 movie they shot in junior high school. Since then they’ve worked together to produce award-winning advertising, the number one acoustic podcast on iTunes,™ award-winning documentaries, as well as their latest venture – novelty and children’s books. Dave is a graduate of NY’s School of Visual Arts with a degree in Illustration.

Alphabert! An A-B-C Bedtime Adventure

Me and my brother Dave have teamed up again – this time with our very first children’s book! Alphabert! An A-B-C Bedtime Adventure is the story of Albert, a kid – like all kids – who just doesn’t want to go to bed. Using the alphabet and his vivid imagination, Albert embarks on various adventures, learning that nothing’s really better than a good night’s sleep.

You might remember the last time we collaborated, on the goofy-but-strangely-popular anti-self-help book, Unleash the Sloth! 75 Ways to Reach Your Maximum Potential By Doing Less. It’s the self-help book you’ve always wanted. The one that tells you you’re fine just the way you are – and that you can probably get away with doing even less. (Oh, and you can buy a copy here.)

And you probably already know a bit about me, that I’m the author of the science fiction novels Where the Hell is Tesla? and The Wrong Unit, and a member of SFWA (Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America). And that I’ve co-owned Dircks Associates (an ad agency) with Dave for over twenty years.

But how much do you know about Dave? 

Dave Dircks is an illustrator and creative entrepreneur (and member of SCBWI – The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators) whose work has been featured in books, magazines, album art, and advertising for over thirty years. In addition to commercial art, his paintings have been exhibited in New York City and his native Long Island. His first collaboration with Rob was a Super8 movie they shot in junior high school. Since then they’ve worked together to produce award-winning advertising, the number one acoustic podcast on iTunes,™ award-winning documentaries, as well as their latest venture – novelty and children’s books. Dave is a graduate of NY’s School of Visual Arts with a degree in Illustration.

Alphabert! An A-B-C Bedtime Adventure will be on sale December 15!

(Offered in hardcover, softcover, and ebook formats)

Introducing my new podcast, Listen to the Signal!

As you might know, I’m totally into the book thing, and the audiobook thing, and science fiction. So an idea struck me, a way to combine all these things I dig and share them with folks for free. (And yeah, let’s tell it like it is, hopefully eventually sell a few more books.)

Anyway, here’s the idea: an audio podcast of original science fiction short stories by yours truly. I couldn’t wait for you to say “hell, yeah!” so I went ahead and created it. It’s called Listen To The Signal.

Visit the Listen To The Signal podcast now!

It’s an audio podcast that answers questions like “What would happen if a smartphone game was so addictive EVERYONE played it at once?” or “When we discovered Pluto’s new moon Nix in 2005, did we catch someone discovering us?” Every month, I’ll write an original science fiction short story and narrates it for your listening pleasure. You can listen right here on the site, download the files for listening wherever, or subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. And it’s all FREE.

That sounds great, Rob. How does it work?

It’s easy. Just click through to the site and take a listen. (You can also read the text if that’s your thing, it’s on there too.) I’ve got three stories up already:

“November 8” – this is the latest one, and as you’d expect, it has something (very) loosely to do with the upcoming election. Not very sci-fi, but it’s got a cool twist and it raises a lot of interesting questions. (21-minute listen or a 10-minute read.)
“End Game” – what would happen if someone developed a game that everyone who played it got addicted? I mean everyone? Find out in this tale of technology gone awry. (25-minute listen or a 10-minute read)
“Today I Invented Time Travel” – I was so excited to be invited to the Queens Library Author’s Evening last year (reading from my novel Where the Hell is Tesla?) that I decided to write a short story just for the night. Maybe a time travel story. Sounded good. But what could I do to ratchet it up, make it something a bit more special? Hint: my twin brother Ken showed up. (5.5-minute listen or a 3-minute read)

You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. Enjoy!

Join me at the first annual Indie Author Day, hosted by NY Public Library!

Indie Author Day 2016 

 

Hosted by the New York Public Library

Saturday, October 8, 2016  •  10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Grand Central Library  •  135 East 46th Street, NYC (location/directions)

How can you become an Indie author? And why would you want to be? What are the pros and cons?

For readers and aspiring writers pondering these questions, the inaugural Indie Author Day on October 8th, 2016 promises to be an exciting and informative national event, with participation from libraries around the country. On a local level, the Grand Central branch of the New York Public Library (135 E. 46th St, NYC; 10:30 am – 4:30pm) will host several Indie authors who will share their unique perspective on the process and its rewards, including:

Gary Fidel , who is currently working on the fourth in his acclaimed legal thriller series featuring Florida-based attorney Rick Sands, will speak on “Why Independent Publishing Matters.”




D.M. Barr , whose kinky, real-estate related murder mystery, Expired Listings, is garnering high marks from Amazon readers, will speak on “The intersection of Art and Commerce”—in other words, it’s not only about writing the book, you’ve got to get it sold!




Rob Dircks , who operates a small press and is also the author of several books including the praised science fiction novel, The Wrong Unit, will discuss the booming growth of the audio movement with “Audiobook Production for Indie Authors.”




Teymour Shahabi , born in Paris, educated at Harvard, and author of the recent Young Adult debut novel, The Secret Billionaire, will discuss life balance and time management in “My Double Life: Writing vs. my Full Time Job.”

 

Authors will read from their recent published works as well as give pointers about how you can match their success. In addition, there will be a panel discussion and Q&A session where you can get your specific questions answered, book signings and a raffle filled with novels and sweet surprises.

The highlight of the day will be an hour-long digital gathering at 2:00 pm featuring Q&A with writers, agents and other industry leaders from around the country.

For more information, see http://www.indieauthorday.com  and https://www.facebook.com/GrandCentralLibrary/

The Wrong Unit: A Novel – Now Available!

Shop the Ebook Shop the Paperback Shop the Audiobook (coming soon!)

About the Book

I DON’T KNOW WHAT THE HUMANS ARE SO CRANKY ABOUT. Their enclosures are large, they ingest over a thousand calories per day, and they’re allowed to mate. Plus, they have me. An Autonomous Servile Unit, housed in a mobile/bipedal chassis. I do my job well: keep the humans healthy and happy.

“Hey you.”

Heyoo. That’s my name, I suppose. It’s easier for the humans to remember than 413s98-itr8. I guess I’ve gotten used to it.

—

Rob Dircks, bestselling author of Where the Hell is Tesla?, has a “unit” with a problem: how to deliver his package, out in the middle of nowhere, with nothing to guide him. Oh, and with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance. It’s a science fiction tale of technology gone haywire, unlikely heroes, and the nature of humanity. (Woah. That last part sounds deep. Don’t worry, it’s not.).

Reviews

“★★★★★ The Wrong Unit is the right story for today… it reacquaints us with our human ingenuity and shortcomings, our deepest longings, and, most notably, our great capacity to love.”

“★★★★★ LOVED this future tale of technology run amok, relationships, and challenging the definition of “human.” This book really hit home as the definition of “father”, “family” and “love” really has you thinking. Don’t want to give too much away, but it’s a great read and would suggest it to anyone looking for a solid scifi tale with a real story and characters you care about.”

“★★★★★ FUNNY. HUMAN. A GREAT RIDE! The Wrong Unit is a fun and twist-turning journey that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”

“★★★★★ I’m such a fan of this book that I’m going to recommend it for next month’s Book Club pick!”

“★★★★★ OUTSTANDING!! With The Wrong Unit, Rob Dircks has established himself as the H.G. Wells of our time with this potentially prophetic view into humanity’s future and the consequences of our growing reliability on and appetite for technology.”

“★★★★★ The Wrong Unit is such a great ride!! The pace is fast, the dialogue is smart and sarcastic and witty. The sci-fi world created by Dircks is new, imaginative, and so original. No easy feat! I loved the main characters Heyoo and Wah. Laugh out loud funny and sure, I’ll admit, I got a little weepy at some spots. Highly recommended!”

Suz Korb’s Newest Cover Reveal and Live Novel Writing

Hello, I’m Suz Korb and my new book project is titled: Flutterby Girl. Welcome to this cover reveal blog post, with a twist. And here’s the cover…

The twist is that this book hasn’t been written yet. I’m going to write it live on Patreon. I‘ve written a novel live before, chapter by chapter, on my blog. And now I’m doing it again with Flutterby Girl!

I got the idea for Flutterby Girl, then I thought up a title, then I got the cover, and now I’m writing the story. It will go up on Patreon chapter by chapter, daily. You can read each chapter if you become my patron. I’m new at Patreon, so if problems arise I hope I can deal with them quick! It should be easy enough though.

I’ve decided to write my two most recent books live because it pushes me, and it makes my imagination flow more deeply.

Chapter 1 of Flutterby Girl is up on Patreon now and I hope you will join me in this young adult journey.

Author Suz Korb

Suz Korb Patreon

suzkorb.com

Twitter @SuzKorb

Facebook Author Page

Today I Invented Time Travel.

Before the short story, I have to give you the setup: I was so excited to be invited to the Queens Library Sci-Fi/Fantasy Author’s Evening (reading from my novel Where the Hell is Tesla?) that I decided to write a short story just for the night. Maybe a time travel story. Sounded good. But what could I do to ratchet it up, make it something a bit more special?

And then I realized: no one there would have ever met Ken, my twin brother. So Ken could play Future Me, coming back to join me reading the short story. Two Robs? Awesome. But there might be a catch…

Watch the Video:


And here’s the text of the short story:
Today I Invented Time Travel

Today I invented time travel. Well, it’s not like I woke up with the idea this morning. I’ve actually spent the better part of the last decade researching the possibilities, and building the car. Yes, I made it out of a car. And I finished it today.

I won’t go into the details. It’s complicated.

But once I tightened the last bolt, and tested the continuum matrix generator, I realized: I was so obsessed with the idea of the capability, the HOW of time travel, for nine solid years, that I never even asked myself the WHY. Why go back in time? (Side note: you can only go back in time, not forward. Again, complicated.)

I couldn’t ask any of my friends why I should go back, when or where, you know, because if this got out there’d be global mayhem of course, paradoxes left and right. An unmendable tear in the fabric of space-time. So I turned to my other trusty companion, my phone, and asked it. And my phone found me the top five reasons to go back in time:

5. Stop George Lucas from making the prequels to Star Wars.

4. Bet on the 1969 Mets.

3. Talk to that girl you had a secret crush on in elementary school.

2. Kill Hitler.

1. Meet Jesus.

Hmmm. Meet Jesus. Now that one’s tempting. Imagine talking to someone who really understood you, would forgive all your screwups, who could give you custom-tailored, divine guidance. But there’s that thing, you know, where the historical records are a little sketchy, like if I went back and started asking around, assuming I could learn Aramaic, people would be like “Jesus who?” or they’d rush me and throw me down a well and drop rocks on me. And there’s all that sand. And the heat. And leprosy.

Okay. Forget Jesus. (No offense if you’re listening.) Is there anyone else that meets those requirements? Total, complete understanding, forgiveness, custom-tailored guidance? But someone who’ll be exactly where you expect them to be, exactly when?

Wait. I’ve got it.

Me.

That’s it.

I’ll go back in time to meet myself. How cool is that? We’ll share a couple of beers, laugh about all the same things, root for all the same teams, forgive each other for a lifetime of failings, and guide each other through life. You know what? I’ll go back to tonight, while I’m reading this short story. And I know the first thing I’ll say to myself is probably “Hey Rob, you have ten bucks?” because I never carry enough cash with me, and it costs ten bucks to get in.

There’s a knock on the door. Future me walks in. “Hey Rob, you have ten bucks?”

I don’t, of course, he should know that. And if he’s coming back in time, he should know that he needs ten bucks to get in. I wonder if time travel makes you stupid. He reaches into his pocket. “Nope. Wait. You’re right. I remembered. Thanks dude.”

“No problem.” He walks over, and we shake hands, and I ask him the only thing I can think of. “So, what’s the future like?”

“It’s three hours later. That’s it.” And he looks at me sideways, like maybe I’m the stupid one.

We stand there awkwardly for a few moments, not sure what to do or say. Future me breaks the silence. “Oh, there’s one thing.” He rubs his belly. “Don’t get that burrito on the way home. Trust me.”

“Thanks. And hey, you look good.”

“Thanks. You too.”

And then it hits me. Hits us. Maybe we haven’t thought this out quite as much as we should have. Meaning: is there only one discreet universe and timeline, where just one Rob comes back to meet the only other Rob at this moment? Or is it messier than that? Much messier? Like where there are infinite Robs, on infinite moments of the future timeline, all planning to come back to this specific moment? Oh God. This room would fill up with Robs, then the street, then the city, then the country, and on and on and on. The world would end, choking on a never-ending flood of Robs from the future.

But you know what? That’s not going to happen. It’s silly. I mean, what are the chances?

There’s a knock on the door.