Thursday, November 11, 2021

The Man Who Wouldn't Die Special Posting For Veterans Day by BJ Neblett

 The Man Who Wouldn't Die A Special Posting For Veterans Day by BJ Neblett

Wishing all a happy and healthful Veterans Day. Here is one of my most popular short stories. Let's all learn from it.

Peace,

BJ

The Man Who Wouldn’t Die

BJ Neblett

© 2009, 2015, 2021   

 

The subject known as X was a healthy extremely fit and tone young man of about nineteen or twenty years of age. X first came to see me a week ago. He was agitated and under extreme duress. Refusing a mild sedative, he demanded he be given a complete check-up, including some procedures not normally associated with a routine physical examination. When he returned to my office yesterday, I had the results of those tests.

            And X had a most unusual tale to tell.

 

            “It is good to see you again. Please, sit down.”

            “Thank you, Doctor.”

            “How are you feeling? You seem much more relaxed today.”

            His gaze passed through me. It was the one striking feature on an otherwise ordinary appearing individual: his eyes, black and dull. Even as I think about them now I am filled with an unexplained dread. Hollow and empty, his eyes were those of a corpse.

            “Yes, Doctor… better, calmer… for now. The tests… do you have the results of the tests?”

            “I do. But as I suspected and told you, they show nothing out of the ordinary. There is nothing physically wrong with you.”

            He looked up at me sheepishly, as if afraid to ask. “Tell me, Doctor, please.”

            “Very well… all of your vitals are fine. Heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration… all fine. Blood work came back negative as did toxins and other samples. The only thing which stands out is that your vitals and counts are slightly elevated; stronger than normal. This is certainly no cause for alarm.”

            His voice turned anxious. “Go on…”

            “Your reflexes and motor skills scored better than average; eyesight is remarkable. And I have never seen muscle tissue or bone as dense as yours.”

            “And the rest…?” With the question, X once again became somewhat agitated. I was struck with the feeling he knew the results before I gave them.

            “Well… brain activity and function did test elevated, but normal. You can rest assured you are strong; healthy. Why I wouldn’t be surprised if you lived to be one hundred and twenty!”

            With that X began to fidget nervously. My words, which certainly should have assuaged any fears, seemed rather to trouble him. He looked at me intently, those dark eyes studying, piercing. Finally, X reached into his pocket, withdrew a photograph, and presented it to me. It was the picture of a man with graying hair and other signs of impending middle age.

            “How old would you say he is?” X asked.

            “Oh, perhaps forty or so, I guess.” It was then I realized the figure in the picture possessed the same chilling, dark, dead eyes. “Is this your father?”

            X tensed in his seat. His mouth pursed, and then slightly curled in what I can only describe as a failed attempt to smile. “No… no, Doctor. That is not my father. The man in the picture is me.”

            While his words were delusional, X’s posture remained alert, attentive. “You do realize the person in this picture while bearing a striking resemblance to you, is easily twice your age.”

            This time the smile broke through the stoic demeanor. It was a half crooked; I’ve got a secret sort of smile which sent chills throughout my body. Combined with those hollow, dead eyes it was a look I shall never forget.

            “But it is me, Doctor,” he began calmly, with an icy detachment of fact. “This is what I look like when I… if I…”

            He paused.

            We sat for an indeterminable, uncomfortable time studying each other. Finally, X seemed to make up his mind. “It’s the curse you know… the curse...”

            “Perhaps you should tell me about this curse.”

            He arose slowly, his hands finding the bottom of his trouser pockets, and wandered over to the window.

            And so began X’s strange tale.

 

            “War,” he said at last, “war is the curse, Doctor. War… killing… from the moment Cain killed his brother man has been marked. Marked with the blood of Abel, and cursed, cursed with the thirst to make war; to kill his fellow man. It is as normal as breathing. There will always be wars, Doctor. And there will always be young men to fight them.”

            Those empty, hollow eyes glazed over, turning inward… seeing… remembering.

            “I was a sergeant in the cavalry,” he continued. “We’d been engaging the enemy all day long, pointless hit and run skirmishes that slaughter men and gain nothing. Ironically, it was the day of my birthday. By late afternoon everyone was exhausted, the fighting scattered over a quarter-mile of rough ground. A cannon shell landed nearby knocking me unconscious. When I came to it was dark and I was alone, the battle had moved on.

            “Slowly, cautiously I began to make my way through the unfamiliar terrain. After a time, I became aware of something in the woods. It seemed to be following me, marking my progress, moving as I did.

            “I turned.

            “Suddenly, there was a flash of blue steel in the moonlight. Leveling my pistol, I fired twice. A figure staggered from the brush and collapsed.

            “I approached my victim. To my horror, he was just a boy, maybe twenty years old. And he was unarmed. Clutched in his fingers was a crucifix. It was the shiny metal cross that I had mistaken for a weapon.

            “I knelt beside the lad, struck by my detestable deed. Then, without warning, his eyes flew open wide! Clutching at my shirt, his mouth contorted into a soul-searing scream. He thrust the damnable silver cross into my hands.

            “And then…”

            Beads of perspiration dotted X’s forehead. He trembled and began to pace.

            “… then an incredible expression, one of total and unimaginable peace, settled over him, and he died quietly in my arms.

            “It was then and there that I knew I was cursed; that I would never again find peace.”

            It became obvious to me that X was suffering from some sort of severe post-traumatic stress. The cause of his stress seemed obvious. “It is not unusual,” I suggested, “for a young man as you to have lingering feelings of guilt about tragic events in their lives.”

            X turned suddenly, his face now ablaze with the most insipid grin. He laughed aloud. “Young man… young man, indeed! But you don’t understand, Doctor. I wasn’t a young man. I was thirty-five years old! And the year was sixty-three… eighteen sixty-three! I was a sergeant in the 16th Texas Cavalry with Jeb Stewart. It was the Battle of Milliken’s Bend, Louisiana, what became known as our Civil War!”

            He laughed again, the terrifying baying of a mad man. And yet, throughout his discourse, it became evident that he believed what he was saying.

            “You said it yourself, Doctor. You said you wouldn’t be surprised if I lived to be one hundred and twenty! If only that were true! If only that was where it ended…

            “But no… not at all…

            “After the war, I returned home. Things settled into a comfortable routine. The war was all but forgotten. Then, on my sixtieth birthday, it began to happen. The changes were slow, subtle, and nearly imperceptible. It was my wife who was the first to notice. But within ten years it was frighteningly obvious – I was aging but aging backward; growing younger! My grey hair gave way to its natural dark color and was growing again where it had ceased. My skin seemed to shrink, smoothing itself over my body, erasing the telltale traces of time. Old scars healed and disappeared. Even my eyes grew stronger; I put aside my glasses. And I began to feel as I did in my twenties: strong, healthy, and alive again. And young! My God, I was… I was young again… a young man of twenty!”

            This time his laugh was sardonic; bitter.

            “Providence has its price, Doctor.

            “On the day of my seventieth birthday, I awoke to find myself once again in uniform. I was a new man but with a familiar role to play in life’s capricious game. All that remained of my former life was this…”

            Reaching into his shirt, X tore a metal crucifix and chain from around his neck, flinging it to the floor.

            “…this cursed cross. Before I could comprehend what was happening, I was on horseback; charging up San Juan Hill with Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. I was twenty again, Doctor, yes. But I was twenty and brandishing revolver and rapier; fighting on foreign soil, and forced once again to slay my fellow man!

            “Returning to the states, I tried to make some sense of this maleficent manifestation. I had a new identity, a new beginning, a fresh start at life. At first, I thought myself blessed.

            “How wrong can one man be? How very, very wrong… not blessed at all but cursed…

            “About the time of what would have been my eighty-fifth year, although I carried the looks and constitution of a man just thirty-five, I began to regress again, to age backward. Only the process progressed with amazing rapidity. Changes seemed to take place overnight. In three short years, I was back to being a young man of twenty again! This time on my birthday I awoke huddled in a mud and blood-soaked trench near Verdun, France. All about me, weird, mechanized monsters spewed fire and destruction. We had created even more efficient means of dispatching our fellow man. It was the war to end all wars. Only it didn’t… and certainly not for me.”

            X returned to his seat. A tormented look of determination, which was that of a man desperately baring his soul, shadowed his grim face.

            “Life became a nightmarish roller coaster ride. I would live and age as anyone for a time. Then, one morning, there’d be one less grey hair, one less wrinkle staring back at me from the mirror. And I’d know it would be just a matter of time.

            “It was my one hundred and thirteenth year on earth. I was forty-five again but looked not a day over twenty-one. I awoke, transported in space and time once more, an Ensign aboard the U.S. Battleship California at Pearl Harbor as the Japanese attacked! Now the devastation reached to the heavens, as airships rained death from above.

            “I tried abandoning my conspicuous companion, dropping the insidious icon into the ocean; burning it; even burying the regenerating relic in a graveyard by moonlight. But to no avail…

            “… I became a twenty-two-year-old lieutenant at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea. Nightly, endless waves of human mayhem descended like locus, obliterating everything in their path. A decade and a half after that war I awoke in a rice paddy. I was a nineteen-year-old corporal caught up in the hopeless chaos of Vietnam during the Tet offensive.

            “For a time, it seemed I had finally beaten the curse. Ten years slipped by… fifteen… I was aging normally again. But it didn’t last. Soon I began to once more regress. I found myself manning the gun turret of a deadly desert tank. Incredibly, our fight was not over borders or principles, Doctor, but for oil! Then, not long after, I was back fighting in yet another desert war, defending ideals I couldn’t comprehend.

            “And I survived, doctor. Each time I survived the nightmare to awake and to kill again; the bewitched crucifix hanging about my neck like an albatross.”

            He slumped into his chair, exhausted from his startling confession. Burying his head in his hands, X began to softly weep. It was my duty to help this poor tortured being climb from the depths of his delusional mind. I touched his shoulder.

            “Well,” I encouraged, “whatever it is that is troubling you, I am sure we can get to the bottom of it.”

            “No!” X screamed, knocking aside my hand. Looking up, his countenance became that of a man possessed. “No! You don’t understand!” He snatched the photograph he’d shown me, from the desk. “This picture… it is me! This is how I was not very long ago. But look at me, Doctor… you said it… you said I appear to be around twenty!

            “From cannons to tanks to airplanes to Scud missiles… where does it all end?

            “And tomorrow… tomorrow, Doctor… is my birthday, and I will be once more constrained into battle!”

            By now X was raving, near violent. With some assistance, I was able to administer a strong sedative. I placed him in the quiet ward of the hospital, taking precautions to secure him to his bed. The enigmatic crucifix, which appeared to be ancient and perhaps gothic, I locked in my safe. When I left, X was sleeping peacefully.

 

            Arriving at the hospital this morning, I discovered X was gone. We searched the grounds thoroughly but to no avail. Further investigation revealed that the crucifix, too, had mysteriously vanished. And then word came that war had broken out.

 

Saturday, September 4, 2021

New Guitars Finished And For Sale & Book Three Of Princess Haylee's Adventures Coming Along

 New Guitars Finished And For Sale & Book Three Of Princess Haylee's Adventures Coming Along

Admittedly, my recent guitar-building activities have cut into my writing... just not enough time in the day. However, I am making progress, albeit however slowly, on Planet Alt-Sete-Nine Book Three: War Of The Wizards. My publisher doesn't like holiday releases, so it looks like we are shooting for a release date sometime in the first quarter of 2022. Hang in there and stay healthy!

In the meantime, I've had requests for more posts on the guitars I build and sell. Here are the four currently available and the links to their page on reverb.com. You can check them out more closely there, or you can contact me right here for more info, offers, and questions about having one built for you. By the way, I am working on a very special project I hope to have finished in time for Halloween. You'll want to see this one, so stay tuned!


Nikki is a new Fender Stratocaster I tinkered together with both rock and jazz players in mind. She is stunning with all gold hardware. She sounds and plays as cool as she looks with Seymour Duncan pickups, a custom-tailored set of D'Addario strings, and tight action. As with all of my Custom Scorpion Guitars, she can be set up to the buyer's specs, and comes complete with a hardshell case, strap, cable, picks, and an extra set of strings. Check her out here: https://reverb.com/item/42339722-custom-built-stratocaster-strat-new-and-ready-to-jam


I consider Rene to be the Les Paul that Epiphone should have built. Brand new, mods include an upgraded 3-way switch, a Pure Tone multi-contact jack, and a pair of sweet-sounding humbuckers, each capable of individual coil-splitting via very cool push-push volume and tone controls. The icing on this sweet-sounding cake is Les Paul-style keystone tuners and a custom pickguard. For more info on Rene just click here: https://reverb.com/item/43602557-a-very-special-2021-epiphone-les-paul-special-ve-not-just-any-epi-les-paul


Looking for a cool vintage acoustic? Phoenix is a rare Madeira built by Guild in 1974. You don't see too many of these dreadnaughts, especially in Tiger (Flame) Maple. Cleaned, polished, and set up with Martin strings, she is ready for her next 50 years of action. Phoenix has the smooth, booming, clarity of sound that only comes with age. Complete with a heavy-duty gig bag, strap, picks, and extra strings, she is priced well below her contemporaries. See more of Phoenix here: https://reverb.com/item/43395953-rare-1974-madeira-by-guild-a-30m-flame-maple-dreadnaught

Saving the best for last? Perhaps. How about a brand new, knock-out Fender Telecaster Thinline with all the goodies? Cherry is so named for her stunning cherry red metallic finish with white binding and chrome hardware. Pictures truly do not do her justice (check out the closeup photos) Her body is flawless, any mars or imperfections being a result of the lighting and photography.












Cherry features a Fender American Performer Double Tap Humbucker neck pickup that can be switched into single-coil mode, and a Fender Yosemite Single Coil pickup at the bridge for all the brilliant, twangy highs that mark classic Telecasters. The tone control has been specially set up including a treble bleed circuit. Other features include locking Fender tuners, Pure Tone multi-contact output jack, and a Fender Modern Six Saddle Bridge. See more of Cherry here: https://reverb.com/item/43791244-custom-built-2021-fender-tele-telecaster-thinline-roasted-maple-cherry-red-metallic-w-white-binding But first, check out her dazzling finish!












Like what you see? Contact me here and make me an offer! More guitars and books to come!
Peace,
BJ

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Another Guitar Finished And Up For Sale And New Chapters Completed by BJ Neblett

 Another Guitar Finished And Up For Sale And New Chapters Completed by BJ Neblett

Been on a tear here creatively, completing a couple of more chapters of my latest book, Planet Alt-Sete-Nine Book Three: War Of The Wizards. Wizards is the follow-up to Princess Haylee, released earlier this year, and the third in the time-warping saga of Haylee Sera Dione. Presently, it is looking like a winter release for the new book. 

I seem to owe the recently burst of literary creativity to spending more time working with my hands. Who would have figured my muse lives in guitars? I have finished rehabilitating a fine old classic acoustic guitar (more on that in another post), am in the middle of repairing and upgrading a new Les Paul (more as it progresses), and have finished a beautiful scratch-built Fender Stratocaster. The pictures below are of that guitar.






I dubbed her Nikki, and she sports a nice slim 60s style Fender Deluxe Series neck, Seymour Duncan humbucker pickups, Fender vintage-style tremolo bridge, and a host of other trick parts and upgrades. She plays and sounds even better than she looks if that is possible. I know it is going to be hard to let her go. But she is listed for sale on Reverb... here's the link... https://rvrb.io/2021-stratocaster-stx5b6

Nikki comes with a case and all the goodies you see here. For more info and pics, click the reverb.com link or contact me at customscorpionguitars@gmail.com or if you'd like a guitar custom built for you. By the way, the price listed on Reverb is negotiable. Make me an offer! Watch here for more updates on both Planet Alt-Sete-Nine Book Three: War Of The Wizards, and more guitars built, repaired and for sale.


Saturday, July 17, 2021

The Resurrection Of Phoenix by BJ Neblett

The Resurrection Of Phoenix by BJ Neblett


Meet Phoenix, an aptly named 1971 Madeira A-30M guitar built by Guild. I rescued her from a long life of inactivity, languishing away as wall decoration. While the Madeira line was considered Guild's budget line, one can not overlook the skill of Japan's craftsmen in the '60s and '70s. Guild would select the pieces from its own stockpile of woods, ship them to Japan for assembly, and then make the final adjustments and settings upon the guitar's return to the USA. Listing for just under $200, by 1979 the price of a new A-30M had escalated to around $330. Not exactly cheap, considering that is around $2,200 in today's money! But the Madeira line was never meant as a budget guitar, but rather an affordable alternative to the likes of Martin (1971 list of around $700 and up) or even Guild's own line of fine guitars (1971 list starting around $340).

Phoenix is a full-size, dreadnought guitar, made from fine maple and a


multi-layered spruce laminate top. As you can see, her back and sides have a very beautiful tiger maple grain. Her neck is rosewood, and the same bridge and hardware are used as found on Guild guitars.

I picked up Phoenix at a garage sale, along with a very nice Makala ukulele for a bargain $20. She was in very good condition for a 50-year-old instrument, needing mostly a good cleaning and some TLC. But while servicing her, I notice she was starting to 'belly', a term used when an acoustic guitar's wood starts to concave just in front of the bridge. This causes the rear of the bridge to start to lift, and if untreated can cause the bridge to separate from the body. In a high-quality instrument, bridge separation can be a rather expensive fix. For an older budget guitar, it is a death sentence.


Recently, with huge amounts of downtime at home due to Covid, I decided to get back into guitar repair and do some custom building. The process is relaxing and the creative juices spill over into my writing, as I find myself working on my latest novel, Planet Alt-Sete-Nine: War Of The Wizards, in my head. I've taken some online classes in guitar repair, and so far have completed two projects. Keep watch her in the next week or two for the reveal!

Researching Phoenix's problem online, I found a very cool gadget called a Bridge Doctor. Available from Stewmac (stewmac.com) the Bridge Doctor by JLD Acoustic Research, is an inexpensive fix that can be installed by anyone using simple hand tools. It was just what Phoenix needed!






With the Bridge Doctor installed, and a little bridgework, today Phoenix is better than new, with a nice, easy to play action and the big booming sound befitting a quality dreadnaught. A little pearloid dot covers the screw hole and matches Phoenix's fret markers.






Friday, June 11, 2021

Answers! The Impossible Friends Trivia Quiz by BJ Neblett

 Answers! The Impossible Friends Trivia Quiz by BJ Neblett

Sales of my latest book Planet Alt-Sete-Nine Book Two: Princess Haylee have been doing well, thank you. You can check it out and pick up your copy at your local book store or by clicking the link to the right. And speaking of picking up your copy, how about a personalized signed copy? It seems some of the book and ComicCon and sci-fi/fantasy conventions are starting back up again. I am making plans right now to get back on the circuit. Keep watch here for further info. I hope to see you soon!

Ok, here you go. The answers. Did you get any right? I'm sure some of the answers will surprise you. Let me know how you did and what you think. Would you like more impossible Friends trivia?

BJ

1) What was Monica’s apartment number when Rachel moved in?

            #5 By episode 7 (S1E7) it has changed to #20

 

2) How many times did Ross and Rachel have sex?

            300 In the episode where Ross buys a new sofa, (S5E16) he tells the salesman that he and Rachel did it 298 times. After that, they had sex while addressing Monica and Chandler’s wedding invitations, which resulted in her baby, and then again in the last episode before she left for Paris.

 

3) What was ‘Ugly Naked Guy’s’ apartment number?

            #201 In Season 5, Episode 14, when Ross goes to talk with him about the apartment, 201 is on the door. However, when Ross moves into the apartment, (S5E15) the number is shown and mentioned as 3B. After that, the number disappears from the door.

 

4) Monica had what make refrigerator?

            A small Westinghouse in seasons 1-3. Season 4 Episode 1, an old International Harvester made its appearance.

 

5) What make is the blue message board on Chandler and Joey’s door?

            It’s a Magna Doodle

 

6) What are the street names at the intersection where Monica and Rachel’s apartment sits?

            Bedford and Grove

 

7) When Chandler buys all new furnishings for their apartment, to try and make amends with Joey, what cookie jar figurine appears on top of the microwave?

            Tasmanian Devil. Look quick because it never shows up again.

 

8) When Chandler and Joey are robbed, (S4E2) what is left written on the blue message board next to the apartment door?

            “Thanks for all your stuff.”

 

9) What is different about the big orange couch at Central Perk in the first episode? (S1E1)

            It is torn, tattered, and worn. By the third episode, it has been repaired and looks new.

 

10) With what company is Rachel’s first job in fashion?

            Fortunato Fashions

 

11) What changes in Central Perk from time to time?

            The artwork on the back wall directly behind the couch. You have to keep watching as the changes are at random.

 

12) What kind of guitar does Phoebe play?

            In Season 1, Episode 7 she has a Martin. Later she is playing what appears to be a Yamaha. Finally, she uses a red-top Gibson for the rest of the show. If you watched the Friends Reunion on HBO Max, Lisa Kudrow sang her Smelly Cat playing a Guild guitar.


Friday, June 4, 2021

The Impossible "Friends" Trivia Quiz by BJ Neblett

 The Impossible "Friends" Trivia Quiz by BJ Neblett

Something just a bit different for you this time. We are all aware of the famous 90s sitcom "Friends". With the reunion show now airing on HBO Max, and of course the episodes airing nearly non-stop on stations such as TBS, TV Land, and local channels, you can't kick a cat without hearing something about the ubiquitous program. I, too, must confess a certain affection for the show. I find it and other TV shows I am intimately familiar with a nice diversion to have on in the background, while I write my novels.

Let me pause here and explain that I am also blessed (?) cursed (?) with a head for trivia. I notice and pick up on things that others may not catch and they tend to stay with me. Unfortunately, this ability didn't seem to transfer well to school work, much to my parent's consternation. And so my brain is awash with little known or cared about tidbits of info on divergent topics ranging from TV and music to history, cars, and the Three Stooges. Actually, a very useful trait being a writer. And so I decided to write a book about the "Friends" TV program titled, The Official Friends Spotters Guide. However, Warner Brothers, the show's owners, in their Capitalistic view, would have none of it. And the rich get richer.

However, if I understand my blogging rights correctly, there is nothing that says I cannot write about "Friends", or any other TV program here on my personal blog. Keeping in mind, of course, plagiarism and other liabilities.

And so, as an honest homage to a fine piece of TV history.  Just for the fun of it. And without giving away any cooperate secrets or exposing any skeletons, I have compiled a list of twelve fun "Friends" trivia questions for the most diehard of viewers. I will post the answers for you right here in a couple of days or so. In the meantime, enjoy and try not to hurt yourself. 

One last piece of advice: If you get even just one of these correct, switch off the TV, get up off the couch, and go outside with the three-dimensional people.

1) What was Monica's apartment number when Rachel moved in?

2) How many times did Ross and Rachel have sex?

3) What was 'Ugly Naked Guy's' apartment number?

4) Monica had what make of refrigerator?

5) What make is the blue message board on Chandler and Joey's door?

6) What are the street names at the intersection where Monica and Rachel's apartment is located?

7) When Chandler buys all new furnishings for their apartment, to try and make amends with Joey, what cookie jar figurine appears on top of the microwave?

8) When Chandler and Joey are robbed, what is left written on the blue message board?

9) What is different about the big orange couch at Central Perk in the first episode?

10) With what company is Rachel's first job in fashion?

11) What changes in Central Perk from time to time?

12) What kind of guitar does Phoebe play?

Sunday, May 16, 2021

My Books At Powell's Famous Book Store In Portland by BJ Neblett

 My Books At Powell's Famous Book Store In Portland by BJ Neblett

It is true that Covid has taken its toll on the many book and sci-fi/fantasy conventions. I really miss meeting with readers one on one, usually making as many conventions each year as possible. A couple of my favorite stops happen in Portland, Oregon each year. I am never disappointed at the warm and friendly reception my books and I receive. And while visiting the City of Roses, one of my favorite stops is always Powell's Book Store.

While surfing the net recently, I was pleasantly surprised to see a listing for my latest book, Planet Alt-Sete-Nine Book Two: Princess Haylee at none other than Powell's famous shop. For those of you in the Portland area, you can stop in and ask for a copy of Princess Haylee. The rest of us can score copies via Powell's very neat website. Here is the link: Powell's Books, and the direct link to their listing of Planet Alt-Sete-Nine Book Two: Princess Haylee.

If you are lucky enough to be able to stop by the store, be sure to leave plenty of time for browsing. You could literally spend all day wandering through their seemingly endless rows of new, used, and vintage books. And be sure to tell them BJ sent you!

Hopefully, we'll be back at the conventions soon! Keep an eye here for updates!

Peace,

BJ

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Thursday, April 15, 2021

This Too Shall Pass And We Will Once Again Walk In The Sun Unafraid by BJ Neblett

This Too Shall Pass And We Will Once Again Walk In The Sun Unafraid by BJ Neblett

              Azami and Cailey fell to their knees, bowing their heads in stunned reverence. “My Lady, Princess of Galloway; Queen of the Six Realms,” the wizardess declared.

           Haylee’s arms reached out and her eyes slowly opened. They now glowed with a brilliant jade fire. As she gazed out across the still forest, the beam of sunlight continued to widen. All around, the hard earth softened turning a dark mocha color. The frozen grey mist that hugged the ground dissipated and tender blades of grass began to work their way through the moist soil. Soon the rocky ledge gave way to a lush lawn.

           The heavenly ray spread, leaving in its wake a carpet of multicolored flowers and rich blue green grass. As the light touched long dormant branches, the sleeping trees stretched out their arms in an offering of colorful leaves and succulent fruits. Everywhere, bushes and plants leisurely awakened.

         The air quickly warmed, tempered by a gentle southerly breeze. It carried with it the tender scent of sweet Bowden Berries and the sharp bite of a distant thunderstorm. Overhead, the mournful cry of a Sappy Bird calling to its mate broke through the ubiquitous silence.

            The two women rose and gazed about. “By the blessed ghost of old King Rhamen!” gasped Azami.

            The long latent Royal Forest of Galloway had finally returned to life.

From: Planet Alt-Sete-Nine Book Two: Princess Haylee Chapter One by BJ Neblett

Just as the princess accepted her birthright, we must accept this trial that has been placed upon us. But acceptance doesn't mean complacency. Haylee accepted and then acted, taking her responsibilities in hand, awakening the Royal Forest from its long slumber, allowing her people to once again walk in the sunshine unafraid. This veil of idleness that has gripped the world due to Covid will be lifted, allowing us to once again walk in the sunshine unafraid. 

Hang in there. This too shall pass!

Peace,

BJ



Saturday, April 10, 2021

NOW AVAILABLE! Planet-Alt-Sete-Nine Book Two: Princess Haylee by BJ Neblett

 NOW AVAILABLE! Planet-Alt-Sete-Nine Book Two: Princess Haylee by BJ Neblett

The saga of the Lost Princess continues!

Book two of my contemporary sci-fi/fantasy series is now available from Amazon, as well as wherever books are sold. 

Now that she has awakened Alt-Sete-Nine from its magic-induced sleep, Haylee must travel to Gallaway City to claim her birthright as Queen Haylee Aramynta Rhamen. But all is not always as it seems in this magical land of wizards and warriors, and Haylee will soon learn that the adventure has just begun!

Enjoy the adventures of Princess Haylee and be sure to check out all of my books, available online including Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and your favorite local bookseller.

Click the image to purchase!

Monday, March 29, 2021

The Lost Princess Has Returned To Claim Her Throne! by BJ Neblett

 The Lost Princess Has Returned To Claim Her Throne by BJ Neblett

Princess Haylee has awakened and returned to her home planet. Now she is set to reclaim her birthright and unite the people of Alt-Sete-Nine. Planet Alt-Sete-Nine Book Two: Princess Haylee will be released April 1st and available in your favorite book store as well as online including Amazon within a week. Here's a look at the cover. Click the image for more information. And keep checking back here for a chance to score a signed copy plus a free poster.

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

New Book And An Intro To The Author by BJ Neblett

 New Book And An Intro To The Author by BJ Neblett

I have just finished my final proofing of the final manuscript for my new book Planet Alt-Sete-Nine Book Two: Princess Haylee. Interesting note: in the old days this final stage of publication was called the galleys or proof galleys, a large representation of what the final book will look like, with several

pages appearing on each large sheet. The term also refers to Advance Reading Copies, or ARCs sent out to book sellers, bloggers, and reviewers. Today, of course, it is simply a Word .doc or a .pdf representation of the finished work. Finalization of the book cover should be in a week or two (which is why I don't have a picture of the cover for you yet) and then it is off to the printers and the booksellers. Keep watching here for updates on a release date, but I expect you can look for Planet Alt-Sete-Nine Book Two: Princess Haylee in your favorite book store and on Amazon and other online retailers by April's end.

I was asked an interesting question the other day: Do your blog readers know you? Good question. As you are aware, most all books contain a short author's bio. But how many blogs do? My web page, bjneblett.com naturally includes the usual 'About Me' page. But in a hurry to get their message to their readers, bloggers often omit this step. To remedy the situation, and in response to all of the inquiries over the years, here is my bio, as it appears at the end of the forthcoming Planet Alt-Sete-Nine Book Two: Princess Haylee. Enjoy and don't be shy about commenting or asking questions. My life is an... open book!

A

t an early age, BJ Neblett discovered irony, an irony that seemed to escape those around him. And so, BJ wrote. Trying to make some sense of the world, BJ wrote. Starting with simple compositions in grade school, he quickly moved on to short stories. With Ray Bradbury and the Twilight Zone and Saturday afternoon matinees as his mentors, BJ wrote about space and friendly aliens and not-so-friendly things that go bump in the night. Upon discovering the opposite sex, BJ did what any smitten young man would do, he began to write ironic love stories and poetry, his work appearing in the national anthology, Encounter: An Anthology of Modern Poetry while he was still in high school. Be it poetry or short stories; fantasy or sci-fi; gritty fiction or touching reality, irony and thought-provoking themes soon became the hallmark of BJ’s work.

Following service in the army, BJ fulfilled his childhood dream. Embarking on an exciting and eye-opening odyssey, he built a career across the US as popular radio DJ Billy James. With pen firmly in hand, and a keen eye to the ever-changing world around him, BJ honed his writing skills on radio scripts and commercial copy. During this time, BJ’s stories began finding readers in several magazines and fiction anthologies.

A popular instructor at Seattle’s famed Hugo House for Writers, BJ Neblett has authored numerous speculative fiction fantasy and sci-fi short stories and books including his latest contemporary sci-fi novel, Planet Alt-Sete-Nine, The Lost Princess, a finalist for the prestigious Endeavor Award. With Planet Alt-Sete-Nine, Princess Haylee, BJ continues the exciting saga of Haylee and Jake. His short stories can be found in many of the numerous online and print sci-fi/fantasy magazines. He recently coined the new genre term New Millennialism to describe his own work and what he sees as contemporary writers, "Thrusting cutting edge technology, concepts, and ideas into the very core of classic human situations."

One of BJ’s most popular books, Ice Cream Camelot is a memoir of his growing up in the 1960s, and has been called, “The 50s and 60s version of the Catcher in The Rye.” Most recently, BJ has been honored with two of his most beloved quotes from his writings being included in the compilation book, Magic of Motivational Poetry and Quotes. Presently, BJ is settled into his cozy apartment, busily working on book three of the Planet Alt-Sete-Nine series: War of The Wizards.

When not teaching writing classes, BJ can be found speaking on the writing process at the library; signing books and meeting fans at any of the Northwest's numerous book and Sci-fi/Fantasy Conventions; signing books and hosting readings in local bookstores; on the mound pitching softball or relaxing with his ever-growing collection of records and vintage guitars.

Late 2021 will see the paperback release of Wouldn't It Be Funny If ...his collection of New Millennialism speculative fiction short stories, presently available in all eBook formats. Also, look for Never Let A Vegetarian Pack Your Lunch, BJ’s humorous and touching collection of love story shorts.


Sunday, March 14, 2021

Exploring Mars And Its Secretes Revealed by BJ Neblett

 Exploring Mars And Its Secretes Revealed by BJ Neblett

Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance. If these names aren't familiar to you, just ask any school kid. They will tell you these are the names of the robotic surveyors running around Mars, sending back images and information on our enigmatic neighbor. Since June of 1976, when Viking 1 touched down on the Chryse Planitia, NASA has been studying millions of images and bits of information returned from the numerous probes, orbiters, and rovers. Some scientists say our knowledge of the red planet (it's the rusty iron in the dry dusty soil combined with the thin atmosphere that gives Mars its color) in many ways now surpasses what we know about our own oceans. And what they are finding is re-writing our knowledge and understanding of the planet and its history.

There is, however, another source of information on Mars that has been available to anyone for a decade. In 2011, I wrote Elysian Dreams, a speculative literary fiction book dealing in part with some of Mars' mysteries. And, it would seem, the more information we glean from our little robotic friends, the more my theories and ideas on Mars' past are being validated. I will stop here, for fear of spoilers. But if you enjoy good science fiction, sci-fi/fantasy based on fact and serious scientific principles, or are just curious about mankind's next stopover in space, pick up a copy of Elysian Dreams. Not only is it an enjoyable read, but my humble little novel is quickly becoming a preview of what is yet to be discovered!

Elysian Dreams is available in paperback and ebook from Amazon and other online sellers, as well as your favorite local bookstore.

Sunday, February 21, 2021

Never Fear Never Give Up by BJ Neblett

 Never Fear Never Give Up by BJ Neblett


I have often quipped that "The trouble with writers is they aren't as smart as their characters." Cleaver saying notwithstanding, I have come to believe in my own words. Many of you already know of my writing habits and how I listen to my characters tell their tale. I believe that many great writers produce works in much the same manner. And I am constantly amazed at the wisdom of my characters when I read over what I have just written... or better put, what I have just transcribed. You can read many of these bits of wisdom right here, as from time to time I post some of my character's quotes.

While working on chapter four of Planet Alt-Sete-Nine: War Of The Wizards, the third book in my contemporary speculative fiction series Planet Alt-Sete-Nine, I was privy to some sage advice administered by a pair of wizards. The advice they shared with me has great importance and impact on the world we live in today, a world marked with frustrations at nearly every turn. Yes, there is a light at the end of the long dark tunnel, and we will emerge a bit worse for the wear but better for it. Yet, we sometimes spend so much time concerned about the why, that we often stumble trying to get through the what.

Here we are reminded by the Grand Mage Illume of the greater powers over which we have no control: 

"Change, sired by the unexpected and spawned by chance, remains nature's single greatest mystery, its secrets jealously guarded."

Change is inevitable. Be it good or bad or indifferent; deliberate or accidental or unaccountable, change is the single biggest driving force in our lives. We fight it, but in the end, we must surrender to its capricious whims.

But fear not. There is a grand purpose to the universe. And though we may wander at times, we are all on the proper track. In the words of the Great Wizard Inhodu: 

"Our destinies were set in the heavens long before the suns and stars were born. You must remember that everything has its purpose, and everything happens for a reason. I am here for a reason. As are you, and you and you. Each person’s purpose is as different as the individual pursuing it. Yet they all point to a single grand reason. Every occurrence is a link in a chain of events, constantly moving towards the grand purpose. It is a purpose much greater than any of us.  Sometimes an occurrence causes a break in the chain. You may alter your future, choose a different path. But your destiny is set and cannot be changed. It is the nature of things to right themselves and to continue. Destiny will win out.”

So fear not my friend. Choose your future and keep your eye on your destiny. You are on the right path, though it may not seem so at times. Never fear and never give up. We will all get through this together.

Peace

BJ