Hank Garner's Blog, page 47
July 30, 2015
Weapons of Mass Deception Hard Cover
Back in March of this year, I had the pleasure of interviewing David Bruns and J. R. Olson for Author Stories. They had this amazing story of a crowd funded book project called Weapons of Mass Deception, and the project had some really amazing perks. They released the book in May, and let me tell you, it is amazing. One of the best thrillers I have ever read. Today I received in the mail this beautiful hard back edition and I wanted to share it with you. This is a work of art.
Go pick up a copy of this book, you won’t be disappointed. And enjoy what the power of helping each other can do.


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Hello…
Because it’s been a weird day, I give you Lionel Richie in a musicless music video. You’re welcome.
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July 28, 2015
Episode forty eight with Rysa Walker
RYSA WALKER is the author of the bestselling CHRONOS Files series. Timebound, the first book in the series, was the Young Adult and Grand Prize winner in the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards.
Rysa grew up on a cattle ranch in the South, where she read every chance she got. On the rare occasion that she gained control of the television, she watched Star Trek and imagined living in the future, on distant planets, or at least in a town big enough to have a stop light.
She currently lives in North Carolina, where she is hard at work on the series finale. If you see her on social media, please tell her to get back into the writing cave.
For news and updates, subscribe to the newsletter at rysa.com/contact.

Timebound (The Chronos Files Book 1)
2013 Winner — Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award — Grand Prize and Young Adult Fiction Winner
When Kate Pierce-Keller’s grandmother gives her a strange blue medallion and speaks of time travel, sixteen-year-old Kate assumes the old woman is delusional. But it all becomes horrifyingly real when a murder in the past destroys the foundation of Kate’s present-day life. Suddenly, that medallion is the only thing protecting Kate from blinking out of existence.
Kate learns that the 1893 killing is part of something much more sinister, and her genetic ability to time travel makes Kate the only one who can fix the future. Risking everything, she travels back in time to the Chicago World’s Fair to try to prevent the murder and the chain of events that follows.
Changing the timeline comes with a personal cost—if Kate succeeds, the boy she loves will have no memory of her existence. And regardless of her motives, does Kate have the right to manipulate the fate of the entire world?
Timebound was originally released as Time’s Twisted Arrow.

Time's Edge (The Chronos Files Book 2)
To stop her sadistic grandfather, Saul, and his band of time travelers from rewriting history, Kate must race to retrieve the CHRONOS keys before they fall into the Cyrists’ hands. If she jumps back in time and pulls the wrong key—one that might tip off the Cyrists to her strategy—her whole plan could come crashing down, jeopardizing the future of millions of innocent people. Kate’s only ally is Kiernan, who also carries the time-traveling gene. But their growing bond threatens everything Kate is trying to rebuild with Trey, her boyfriend who can’t remember the relationship she can’t forget.
As evidence of Saul’s twisted mind builds, Kate’s missions become more complex, blurring the line between good and evil. Which of the people Saul plans to sacrifice in the past can she and Kiernan save without risking their ultimate goal—or their own lives?

Time's Divide (The Chronos Files Book 3)
The Cyrists are swiftly moving into position to begin the Culling, and Kate’s options are dwindling. With each jump to the past or the future, Kate may trigger a new timeline shift. Worse, the loyalties of those around her—including the allegiances of Kiernan and the Fifth Column, the shadowy group working with Kate—are increasingly unclear.
Kate will risk everything, including her life, to prevent the future her grandfather and the Cyrists have planned. But, when time runs out, it may take an even bigger sacrifice to protect the people she loves.
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New book alert: Jason Anspach – ’til Death
I thought I would bring a new book to your attention this morning. Jason Anspach released his debut novel this morning called ’til Death. I just downloaded it to my Kindle and you should too. The book is just 99 cents, or you can read it free if you have Kindle Unlimited. Jason is smart and funny, and he’s good people. I highly recommend his work.
Sam Rockwell is a fledgling private investigator specializing in Returns, or, recently deceased ghosts with unfinished business. After his no-nonsense father is murdered and comes back, Sam takes the case hoping for a big break and a chance to win the heart of his Girl Friday.
Short on experience and long on the swagger of the dog-eared pulp fiction he keeps in his desk, Rockwell sets out to find his father’s killer only to find himself caught up in a deadly game of Cold War Intrigue at its most horrific as the Doomsday Clock inches closer to permanent midnight in this witty throwback to the Golden Age of Hollywood noire.
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July 27, 2015
Added this audiobook to the now reading list: Gumption by Nick Offerman
Last year I listened to the audio of Paddle Your Own Canoe by Nick Offerman. I saw that he released his new book called Gumption and I added this audiobook today after I posted my now reading list. So far it’s awesome. Nick Offerman is hilarious.
The star of Parks and Recreation and author of the New York Times bestseller Paddle Your Own Canoe returns with a second book that humorously highlights twenty-one figures from our nation’s history, from her inception to present day—Nick’s personal pantheon of “great Americans.”
To millions of people, Nick Offerman is America. Both Nick and his character, Ron Swanson, are known for their humor and patriotism in equal measure.
After the great success of his autobiography, Paddle Your Own Canoe, Offerman now focuses on the lives of those who inspired him. From George Washington to Willie Nelson, he describes twenty-one heroic figures and why they inspire in him such great meaning. He combines both serious history with light-hearted humor—comparing, say, Benjamin Franklin’s abstinence from daytime drinking to his own sage refusal to join his construction crew in getting plastered on the way to work. The subject matter also allows Offerman to expound upon his favorite topics, which readers love to hear—areas such as religion, politics, woodworking and handcrafting, agriculture, creativity, philosophy, fashion, and, of course, meat.
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What I’m reading now

Beacon 23 by Hugh Howey
When Wool first came out, I missed out on the initial buzz. I’ve really enjoyed some of Hugh’s short stories like Glitch, and when I saw Beacon 23 come out a few weeks ago I grabbed it and started reading. I thought I knew what the story was, but by the third installment Hugh had taken me through so many twists and turns that I had forgotten where I started. Genius story telling. Can’t wait for the next couple of installments. Also, following along as the episodes come out is a really satisfying experience. I highly recommend jumping in instead of waiting for the collected edition.

Assassin's Apprentice (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 1) by Robin Hobb
I was looking for a new fantasy series to start a while back and Stefan Bolz recommended this series by Robin Hobb. The story is deep and rich, the prose fantastic and the world building is genius. Full review when I’m done, but I’m definitely a fan.

Neverwhere and Elfstones of Shannara
I am a big fan of Neil Gaiman. I listened to the audio of Neverwhere a while back, but have never read it. I love Gaiman’s wordcraft, and any author would do themselves a favor by studying his style.
I read the Shannara books when I was a youngster, but I recently saw the trailer for the new tv series based on the books. Since they are starting with Elfstones, I thought it would be good to refresh my memory. Here’s the trailer.

Superman: Earth One Vol. 3 by J. Michael Straczynski
It’s not secret that I am a big fan of comics, and DC comics specifically. I have a life long love of Superman that began when I was about six years old. A few years ago, DC released a graphic novel of Superman Earth One as a sort of retelling of the Superman mythos. The third installment came out recently and J. Michael Straczynski continues to build on the new origin story, adding layers of complexity to the character. Really loving this one.
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July 25, 2015
Win a signed copy of Mulligan: a tale of time travel and second chances
I am doing a drawing for a paperback edition of Mulligan: a tale of time travel and second chances that I will sign just for you. All you have to do is comment with your favorite summer vacation memory. I will draw a winner Friday July 31. Share this on social media and comment that you did to be entered twice.
Currently 4.7 our of 5 stars on Amazon.
Connor Mulligan is trying to escape what he sees as a less than stellar life when he finds himself eighty years in the past and possessing super-human powers. What Mulligan learns from his travels could hold the key to his future, and his survival.
Book one of the Mulligan Cycle.
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Amazon review by Wil Swardstrom
Mulligan was my first exposure to Hank Garner’s writing and after finishing the book, I know I’ll be checking out more of his works in the future. I enjoyed Mulligan, and it’s heartfelt look at time travel and one man’s journey back from a trip through time itself.
As I began to read Mulligan, I thought perhaps the book’s description got mixed up. This was a time travel book? But I found that Garner was immersing the readers in Conner’s life and the rich detail of the farm. Then…it gets yanked out from under you as Conner travels again…and then again. I found myself thinking of the old TV show “Quantum Leap” and Sam’s trips through time and finding a purpose for his being there. I also likened it to “A Christmas Carol” where Scrooge learns lessons from three ghosts in order to correct his present. Conner screwed up big time and the only way to make it right is to learn the values and integrity of those who came before.
I found Garner’s book to be a great and imaginative read and I look forward to reading more of his books in the future.
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Hippie giraffe
My über creative middle daughter went to work with me yesterday to attempt to organize my office. She did a fantastic job and at the end of the day she left me with this gem that she doodled. Being a dad is the coolest thing ever.
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July 24, 2015
Ditmas currently on repeat
I was not excited at all about the new Mumford and Sons album, but this song is currently on repeat. I think it might make its way onto the Mulligan 2 writing playlist.
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Friday Fun
It’s Friday, so let’s celebrate with something fun. Enjoy.
Remember that while taking those family photos this summer, if you use the redeye feature, beware….
Everybody knows one of these guys….
My family loves to watch Family Feud, and for good reason:
Musicless music videos are why the internet was invented.
And no matter where you stand on politics, this is funny.
Happy Friday, I hope your weekend is great!
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