Starting a blog.
Hi, I'm Laurence (goes by Laury) Dahners and I write science fiction. I've mostly published on Amazon since I love the Kindle. A lot of readers communicated with me and other readers on the Amazon Author's Forums, but those don't seem to be getting much support any more and there have been a lot of complaints.
So I thought I'd start a blog here on GoodReads as well as responding to "Ask the Author" questions that are posted on this site.
I'm not sure how well this will work for those of you who like to have discussions that don't necessarily involve me? Let me know if you're aware of a way for me to facilitate such discussion that I may not be aware of.
Hope this works for at least some of you who like to express your opinions!
Laury Dahners
So I thought I'd start a blog here on GoodReads as well as responding to "Ask the Author" questions that are posted on this site.
I'm not sure how well this will work for those of you who like to have discussions that don't necessarily involve me? Let me know if you're aware of a way for me to facilitate such discussion that I may not be aware of.
Hope this works for at least some of you who like to express your opinions!
Laury Dahners
message 601:
by
Kevin Harrison
(new)
May 03, 2023 09:00PM
Just speed read ell series 16 books in 5 days, but now i have to wait. About 5 time on some of the earlier books. So skip alot, but a thoughts on reading the parts about gender of aliens. How ahead of your time it was. Wonder would you still add that in the book today. Gender becomes the third rail.
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Kevin Harrison wrote: "Just speed read ell series 16 books in 5 days, but now i have to wait. About 5 time on some of the earlier books. So skip alot, but a thoughts on reading the parts about gender of aliens. How ahead..."Hah, I hadn't thought about that. To me they were genderless - in the sense that everyone had the same sex organs - and that seems inoffensive.
I suppose you could argue that their gender was "binary" in the sense that each of them had both genders rather than that they could only be one gender or the other.
It would seem that a lot of the societal problems we have that come from one gender doing something the other gender doesn't like wouldn't be a problem on Tau Ceti, but surely some other problem would come up.
I hope that no one took (or takes) offense but in our modern society there's always someone offended about pretty much anything.
Laury Dahners
PS, it's nice to hear that you're still enjoying the books ...
Its midnight central time two hours till it drops......
Dr. Dahners, I promised myself I would never come here and gush like a fanboy but I just finished "Twins" and I am feeling utterly flabbergasted. Ya know, I used to be able to enjoy books by other authors but that's pretty rare now. I just find myself wishing I was rereading one of your books and often I'll drop whatever I'm reading to do exactly that. Your books keep me fully engaged no matter how often I've blasted through them. You are The Undisputed Master of Pacing as far as I'm concerned. Your stories have enough detail to pull the reader in without ever bogging down in the details. But it's your characters that truly set your books apart. I feel like I know them all so well! The real world could really use some Ells, some Witts, any of the Hyllis's, and maybe even a Vaz or two. I had firmly resolved to save "Twins" only for lunch breaks for the first reading so I could stretch it out a while. Such anticipation! Well, my brain got pretty itchy over that so I started reading it this afternoon. I can't even attempt to explain how much I loved this book! It's a good thing I didn't wait for lunch breaks because I found myself getting a little misty eyed every once in a while. Okay... Okay! I'll admit it. I was actually blubbering like a wimpy little girl pretty often but it's only because this book has so many Beautiful Moments. ALL your books have a lot of Beautiful Moments but this book devastated me with them. I can't help it. Your characters are so real to me and it inspires a deep empathy for them. Thankyou for sharing your wonderful characters with us! I hope Laura Bannister is on board with narrating the audiobook? Sorry for gushing. I'm gonna start the first of many rereads of Twins now.
Sincerely, Jason
Crab wrote: "Dr. Dahners, I promised myself I would never come here and gush like a fanboy but I just finished "Twins" and I am feeling utterly flabbergasted. Ya know, I used to be able to enjoy books by other ..."Jason,
It's wonderful to hear you enjoyed it so much!
Makes me want to write some more.
Thanks!
Laury Dahners
Crab wrote: "Dr. Dahners, I promised myself I would never come here and gush like a fanboy but I just finished "Twins" and I am feeling utterly flabbergasted. Ya know, I used to be able to enjoy books by other ..."Ditto. I'm on my third reread.
Dear Dr. Dahners,“Twins” was just such a great read! It wasn’t what I expected — it was so much more. When I found out about it in late April, I re-started the series listening to the audiobooks (yay, Laura Bannister!) from “Quicker”, and was half way through “Defiant” the day “Twins” was released. I was adamant that I wouldn’t read “Twins” until after finishing the others, but what could it hurt if I read a page or two of the Prologue? Nope! I was hooked. Thank you for introducing us to such amazing characters, technologies, and stories! I hope for many more books from the Donsaii universe. I care about Ell and her family, and can’t wait to find out what happens next.
— John
John,Thanks for letting me know how much you liked it!
Laury Dahners
Kevin Harrison wrote: "So skip alot, but a thoughts on reading the parts about gender of aliens. How ahead of your time it was. Wonder would you still add that in the book today. Gender becomes the third rail.Yeah, but you know, it's not even close to new. It's just that everyone is more sensitive nowadays.
In 1992, John Varley wrote "Steel Beach" - and in it the protagonist changed genders twice I think, ending up as asexual. Everyone else was genderfluid as well. In fact, there was at least one person in the book who stays one gender their whole lives, and the attitude of the rest of the characters was "so he's a pervert, but it's his life." Changing gender identity was the norm in that society. (And that book also takes the prize for the most absurd first line ever.)
Also in 1992, Star Trek the Next Generation had an episode called "Outcast" where an alien changed gender from asexual to female, was attracted to Riker, and was eventually arrested for being a pervert. She is then forcibly put through conversion therapy (a controversial issue at the time) and returns to being asexual.
So it's been a pretty common theme in science fiction for some time. It's only recently that it's been such a big deal.
Billvon wrote: "Kevin Harrison wrote: "So skip alot, but a thoughts on reading the parts about gender of aliens. How ahead of your time it was. Wonder would you still add that in the book today. Gender becomes the..."Billvon, thanks for the note on “Steel Beach”. It was a good read and I had never picked up the series before.
To take it back even further, Heinlein wrote “I Will Fear No Evil” in 1970 about an old man that undergoes a body/sex swap to extend his life. Heinlein had visited this theme several times before that, but as minor parts of his stories. Seems this topic has a long history among speculative fiction writers as you mentioned. If you look at speculative fiction as being a little bit socially predictive it makes sense.
Doc Laury,
Thanks for “Twins”! It carries on the Donsai tradition very well. I look forward to a continued Donsai series as the mood/muse takes you!
Best,
Brent
Brent wrote: "Billvon wrote: "Kevin Harrison wrote: "So skip alot, but a thoughts on reading the parts about gender of aliens. How ahead of your time it was. Wonder would you still add that in the book today. Ge..."Brent, So glad you liked it!
Laury Dahners
Dr. Donhars,Thanks for continuing the Ell Donsaii series! You are one of the few modern-day hard science fiction writers that deliver relatable, empathetic characters, mind-bending scientific advancements, and dramatic storytelling that is both optimistic and devoid of melodrama. I’m eagerly awaiting the release of Twins on Audible. I’m hoping that Laura Bannister is working on it currently. Any updates on the release date?
Glad to hear you like the books.Sorry to say that Laura's had some changes in her life and isn't going to be narrating for a few years.
Rebecca Valderrama is going to narrate Twins and has finished the first chapter so far. Not sure when she'll have the rest done but she's aiming for sometime in August.
Laury Dahners
Hey Dr Laury,Don't mean to rush you or anything, but I have noticed a general 3 months between books. Are you keeping to that and if so, what is next? OK, maybe trying to rush you a bit :-)
Joshua
Joshua wrote: "Hey Dr Laury,Don't mean to rush you or anything, but I have noticed a general 3 months between books. Are you keeping to that and if so, what is next? OK, maybe trying to rush you a bit :-)
Joshua"
Joshua,
I don't actually have a schedule. I just write when I feel like it (and don't have other things pressing). I'd imagine it will be 3-4 months but have had some other things interrupt me this summer.
I'm writing another Donsaii book at present, then will probably work on a new idea I've had - for a couple of books at least. Gotta keep the fun in this!
Laury Dahners
For those of you who like audiobooksFast-Time at Aldmont High
Is available at Audible/Amazon now.
Sorry, can't put a link on Goodreads
Hope you enjoy it!
--
Laury Dahners
Today is the first day of the rest of eternity, so
Wag more, bark less...
Laury, I like the idea of writing when you feel like it."Keeps the fun in it". I have read all of your books with great pleasure and am looking forward to the next one. In fact I have reread all of your books. Especially enjoyed the the Bonesetter series and Ell Donsai books but all of yours are good. With Ell series I am looking forward to the Twin's adventures. I can see that Zage is going to have a few problems with two young sisters to torment him.I know because when I was younger I had enough trouble with one!!Pen La Touche
Evorard wrote: "Laury, I like the idea of writing when you feel like it."Keeps the fun in it". I have read all of your books with great pleasure and am looking forward to the next one. In fact I have reread all of..."Evorard,
Thanks, Hope you like this next one!
Laury
Really enjoy your books, especially the Donsai series. Do you have an update on the status of your next book?
James wrote: "Really enjoy your books, especially the Donsai series. Do you have an update on the status of your next book?"James, glad you like them. ED18 is done but there's a bunch of editing to do.
Laury
ED18 is done but there's a bunch of editing ..."Great news! Can’t wait!
—John
Library Wallace wrote: "ED18 is done but there's a bunch of editing ..."Great news! Can’t wait!
—John"
Hope you like it as much as you've built it up in your mind!
Laury
Invasion, an Ell Donsaii story #18Is now available for preorder on Amazon
Sorry I can't leave links on Goodreads but it should be easy to find.
It'll be out on September 28th if you want to wait to order it then.
Hope you like it!
--
Laury Dahners
It's funny. When I saw the description of #18 my first thought was "didn't they already kill Putin? How can be be invading again?" But that (of course) was the Time Flow series.
Billvon wrote: "It's funny. When I saw the description of #18 my first thought was "didn't they already kill Putin? How can be be invading again?" But that (of course) was the Time Flow series."Hah,
Glad to know I'm not the only one who's mixed up!
Laury
Billvon wrote: "It's funny. When I saw the description of #18 my first thought was "didn't they already kill Putin? How can be be invading again?" But that (of course) was the Time Flow series."Ditto.
Laurence wrote: "Invasion, an Ell Donsaii story #18....
It'll be out on September 28th if you want to wait..."
The longest 3 weeks of this year. ;)
Looking for to Ell getting back to her old tricks.
For you audiobook fans:The Audiobook version of
Talents and Tyrants (The Time-Flow Stories #2)
is now available on Audible and Amazon
Hope you like it!
--
Laury
Today is the first day of the rest of eternity, so
Wag more, bark less...
Hi Doc,Thanks for Donsaii #18! A very good read as usual! I especially enjoyed the aii2 / stack exchange bit 😉 Although I’m aware that it is used for math and other things, I have always used it to solve programming problems.
I won’t mention my other favorites from the book to avoid spoilers, but it’s fun to read of the Donsaii family adventures. I will mention that both you and Mac’ Chandler have done funny bits with the SETI protocol. Great stuff!
Brent
Brent wrote: "Hi Doc,Thanks for Donsaii #18! A very good read as usual! I especially enjoyed the aii2 / stack exchange bit 😉 Although I’m aware that it is used for math and other things, I have always used it t..."
Mac recently moved to Greensboro which is about 1.5 hrs from me. We're hoping to get together for a beer sometime.
Laury
Laurence wrote: "Brent wrote: "Hi Doc,Thanks for Donsaii #18! A very good read as usual! I especially enjoyed the aii2 / stack exchange bit 😉 Although I’m aware that it is used for math and other things, I have al..."
I would love to be the barfly on that wall ;)
Brent wrote: "Hi Doc,Thanks for Donsaii #18! A very good read as usual! I especially enjoyed the aii2 / stack exchange bit 😉 Although I’m aware that it is used for math and other things, I have always used it t..."
Mac’ had mentioned that you two were trying to meet for a beer. I think it was in response to me suggesting the two of you should collaborate on a project (Although since I don’t think either of you collaborate on your books, this probably isn’t your collective thing).
I hope the two of you are able to get together. It’ll probably be an interesting meeting!
For those of you who like audiobooks:Six Bits is now available on Amazon and Audible
Sorry I'm not allowed to post a link.
Laury Dahners
It's October 23 and it's Ell Donsai's birthday once again. Happy birthday, Ell!
Adietz wrote: "It's October 23 and it's Ell Donsai's birthday once again. Happy birthday, Ell!"Now there is a true fan , 😄
She made a big point of it in the earlier books, and the date just sort of stuck with me.
Loved Donsaii 18. As always, started reading at midnight on the day it came out. Then read it again. And as always, “more please!”—John
Adietz wrote: "It's October 23 and it's Ell Donsai's birthday once again. Happy birthday, Ell!"Nah.... a true fan would actually share a birthday with Ell, like me. And i do have a Happy Birthday comment somewhere too if you go back far enough.
Tyson wrote: Nah.... a true fan would actually share a birthday with Ell, like me. And i do have a Happy Birthday..."Huh. I wonder if I can change my birthday. ;)
Kurt wrote: "Tyson wrote: Nah.... a true fan would actually share a birthday with Ell, like me. And i do have a Happy Birthday..."Huh. I wonder if I can change my birthday. ;)"
If you change your birthday, set it for about 21 years ago and let me know how it feels to be young again!
Laury
Laurence wrote:If you change your birthday, set it for about 21 years ago and ..."
If only.... That would be nice. I was only thinking month and day.
Laury, wondered what you were writing now? Loved the new Donsai books and hoping for more.....
Kurt wrote: "Laurence wrote:If you change your birthday, set it for about 21 years ago and ..."
If only.... That would be nice. I was only thinking month and day."
Simon,
I've had an idea for a story about a young woman who's able to jump to a parallel world. Having a lot of fun writing it. Hoping you and other readers will like it too
Laury Dahners
Kurt wrote: "Huh. I wonder if I can change my birthday. ;)"I think your mother would say you're too big for that, and once is enough anyway.
Scott wrote: "Kurt wrote: "Huh. I wonder if I can change my birthday. ;)"I think your mother would say you're too big for that, and once is enough anyway."
Aw, man. You're killin' my dreams.
Hi Doc,Just curious as to how the parallel worlds story is progressing?Enquiring fans want to know!
Thanks,
Brent
Brent wrote: "Hi Doc,Just curious as to how the parallel worlds story is progressing?Enquiring fans want to know!
Thanks,
Brent"
Brent,
Finished writing but needs a lot of editing.
Laurence wrote: "Brent wrote: "Hi Doc,Just curious as to how the parallel worlds story is progressing?Enquiring fans want to know!
Thanks,
Brent"
Brent,
Finished writing but needs a lot of editing."
This is such good news! I was rereading Invasion last night and I am so looking forward to the next of your work.
Patrick
Patrick A Terpening wrote: "Laurence wrote: "Brent wrote: "Hi Doc,Just curious as to how the parallel worlds story is progressing?Enquiring fans want to know!
Thanks,
Brent"
Brent,
Finished writing but needs a lot of editin..."
Patrick,
Always good to hear from someone who likes my stories!
Laury
