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.

Guitars and Stars by BJ Neblett

Something a little different for today. Many who have viewed my web page, along with the photos I have posted there and here on my blog over the years, have asked about my guitars. You may know I worked as a radio DJ (and consequently as a night club/disco DJ) for most of my adult life. As a result I've had the pleasure of working with and knowing many singers, musicians, and pop, rock and R&B/soul artists. Yes, life has been pretty good. I am also a big music fan and have a large, ever growing record collection. Then, at the tender age of 12, I picked up my first guitar and never looked back. So, for the many wonderful emails inquiring about the guitars that often accompany my pics, here is a peek inside my humble collection.

Not quite where it all began, but close. After a couple of starter guitars, I purchased my first 'good' guitar 1965. The Yamaha on the right (Amy) is an FG-180 original Red Label. The convoluted serial number systems points to this being one of the first 300 made. I know this for a fact as I was working in a music shop in 1965 and bought her a week after the Yamaha piano rep dropped her off.
On the left (Angela) is a 1968 Yamaha FG-230 12 string original Red Label, Amy's twin sister. Both ladies are all original, in excellent condition, never having been refinished or rebuilt, and like any fine instrument, play and sound better than new.
Behind them is an original '80s Rickenbacker amp.

Say hello to Emily, the forever love of my life. Emily came to me longer ago than either of us care to recall. And, like Amy, we have been through and seen more than anyone should be permitted. Emily is an all original, never touched, refinished, rebuilt, or messed with in any way, 1956 Gretsch Country Club. She comes, as with Amy and Angela, in her original hard shell case, with case candy. The stories this elegant lady could tell! And before you jump on the email, at this point in time none of my guitars are for sale.

The old workhorse when I used to play regularly, here we have a very cool solid ash Fender Stratocaster. She was born in Mexico in the 80s, and owing to her solid ash construction is a bit of a heavy weight when it comes to Strats. Some of the best player guitars from Fender came from Mexico in the early/mid 80s, and she is no exception. I'll put her handling, tone and sound up against any American made Standard Stratocaster.

Every player needs, well, a player guitar, one they can grab up at a moments notice, know it will be in tune, sound great, and be able to handle whatever: an impromptu party, street corner busting, a trip to the beach, or just chillin' at home. I stumbled upon this great China made Fender Stratacoustic several years ago and haven't put her down since. Look close and you will see Fender scrolled on the head stock. This isn't the cheapo Squire models you see everywhere. They didn't make very many of the true Fender branded versions, and regardless of its China heritage, she plays and sounds like a champ, plugged in or on her own.

I had the pleasure of working with Chuck Berry several times. Way back in the 80s I hosted a stage show with him at the Houston Summit. It's funny, but working with celebs you don't look at them quite in the same light as a fan. They are just another person as yourself hoping to entertain and maybe make a buck in the process. After the show, Chuck told me that of all the times we'd worked together, I'd never once asked for a photo or an autograph. As you can see, he showed his appreciation in spades.

Yes, that is Buddy Holly's signature... well, sort of... they lifted his actual signature and placed it on this Les Paul clone (why a Les Paul I have no idea.) Just above Buddy's name are the actual autographs of Jerry Allison, Sonny Curtis, and Joe B Mauldin, the original Crickets. No, to my knowledge Buddy never played a Les Paul, but this is still one of my prized possessions. The three original Crickets signed a very limited number of items at the Surf Ballroom's Annual Memorial Party back around 1999 I believe, and signatures of the three together are fairly rare.


Just a peek at some of my favorite toys helping to keep me sane during these crazy shelter in place times we are living in. Hope you are managing well and have something to keep you from going crazy. If it's unusual, different, or just plain cool, drop me an email and maybe a pic about it.
Peace,
BJ

RIP Little Richard And Random Thoughts by BJ Neblett

Sitting here, working on Princess Haylee, book two of my Planet Alt-Sete-Nine series, and chillin' to Little Richard. As a radio DJ back in the day, I worked with Richard a couple of times. A wild man on stage, always giving 150% of himself, Little Richard was the crazy, funny guy full of boundless energy you were proud to call a friend. From washing dishes in the Macon Bus Station to support his family after his dad passed, to the many donations of his time and money to charities, many of which went unnoticed, Richard believed in people taking care of people. This was one facet of the multi-faceted entertainer I had the privilege to know. If there were one phrase that could sum up Richard's life I believe it would have to be, "always searching." Be it self identity, to religion, to a new way to bend a chord or phrase, Little Richard never stopped searching. Or entertaining.
RIP Richard.
"...if there's a rock 'n roll heaven/
you know they got a hell of a band."
                        Righteous Brothers
                        Rock 'n Roll Heaven
                        1973

Surgery, Gallbladders and Reviews by BJ Neblett

From the good news and, well… not too bad news department. Below you will find two recent reviews to my books, Ice Cream Camelot and Elysian Dreams. Both books are still doing well, thank you, and I look forward to the paperback release of my memoir, Ice Cream Camelot, sometime late next spring or early summer. (In publishing speak that means probably mid-summer). Stay tuned! By the way, both of my books as well as all of the magazines my stories are featured in are available by clicking the link to the right: BJ Publications.

As for the rest… yes, I am not crazy about hospitals, and yes, I will be having Tommy John surgery before year’s end. But closer to home, I will be having my gallbladder out next Monday, November 9. The good folks at Swedish Hospital, First Hill, in Seattle will be taking care of me. This is the same place that did my facial surgery and metal implants last year. Despite my dislike of being in hospitals, they really do a good job of making patients feel at ease. My stay should be a short on… hopefully, with surgery at noon on the 9^th, and released late Tuesday or possibly Wednesday. I live alone and they will be keeping me captive until they are certain I can take care of myself. Afterwards I should have plenty of time to do some serious writing.

Thanks loyal readers. As always, link, like comment and share the love.

Peace,

BJ

Elysian Dreams

BJ Neblett

Brighton Publishing

ISBN: 9781936587735

Reviewed By Margaret Dolan

Official Apex Reviews Rating: ***** (5 Stars)

Elysian Dreams, by BJ Neblett, is an intriguing offering of fantasy fiction. Though it may seem difficult to combine such disparate elements as mob violence and space/time travel, Neblett pulls it off with aplomb. Add to that a motley mix of characters and their curious backstories, and you have a page-turning literary delight.

Elysian Dreams chronicles the lives of a trio of individuals from various different backgrounds – lives that are about to change in ways they could never imagine. Whereas the answers to most of life’s problems tend to lie in either our past or future, the protagonists in Neblett’s tale are drawn to the solutions they seek in another time and place altogether. As their lives repeatedly intersect, the unwitting characters find themselves drawn together for reasons only a mysterious, mystical figure seems to understand, and their resulting adventure soon reaches multi-dimensional proportions.

The telling of such a fantastical tale as Elysian Dreams is not an easy task, particularly when it comes to character development, but Neblett does an excellent job of providing just enough detail and crafting compelling, convincing characters in the weaving of a winding narrative sure to leave a lasting impression on the reader. The variety of issues Neblett addresses, along with his highly skillful storytelling, sets Elysian Dreams apart as an insightful volume worthy of longstanding reflection. Sure to create a healthy following of fans eagerly anticipating Neblett’s future works.

Ice Cream Camelot

BJ Neblett

Brighton Publishing

ISBN: 9781621830924

Reviewed By Margaret Dolan

Official Apex Reviews Rating: ***** (5 Stars)

There’s a famous saying that goes, “If you remember the ‘60s, then you weren’t really there.” While that may be true for many who came of age during the turbulent decade, B.J. Neblett is the exception. Throughout the pages of Ice Cream Camelot, Neblett introduces the reader to his own personal journey through an era that reshaped an entire nation – both for good and bad.

Touching on everything from his first school boy crush to his forays into substance abuse and juvenile delinquency, Neblett bears no shame in revealing some of the most intimate moments and events of his young life; however, rather than just serve as an anecdotal retelling of his formative years, Ice Cream Camelot skillfully intermingles Neblett’s personal sojourn with the prevailing cultural and political events of the time. As such, not only does the reader get to witness the developments that caused Neblett to lose his personal naiveté, we also bear firsthand witness to the “waking up” of a collective nation.

As a bonus treat, some readers may be surprised to learn that Neblett’s sundry youthful adventures ultimately led him to become DJ Billy James, the popular radio DJ who still carries much sway throughout the music industry.

One doesn’t have to be a fan of the ‘60s to appreciate the lasting impact the decade has left on our nation’s history. Likewise, you don’t have to be a fan of memoirs to enjoy Ice Cream Camelot; you need only be open to taking an introspective look at your own impactful history

Ice Cream Camelot Off To Publisher!

Taking time off from posting stories to do a bit of bragging. My second book, Ice Cream Camelot is finished and off to my publisher Brighton Publishing. We are hoping for an early spring 2013 release. There is a short synopsis below. Your feedback and comments are always welcome. I'd like to thank Ballard artist Emily Gussin for all of her hard work on the book's cover. The layout and artwork is worth the price of admission by itself. Also, I'd like to again thank everyone for their continued support, both of my first novel Elysian Dreams, which continues to sell well, and here with my blog site. You keep reading and commenting and I'll keep posting. And for those who asked: Yes, The Most Dangerous Pitch, last week's post, is a true story, and aside from occasional sparks and flashes, my eye is doing fine, thanks. We won last week's softball game 34 to 5!

Ice Cream Camelot by BJ Neblett

            Ice Cream Camelot presents the history of the Kennedy administration within the funny and touching memoir of a young boy coming of age during those significant years. But this isn’t the Wonder Years revisited, and Billy Neblett isn’t your typical eleven year old. His family has recently moved from his beloved South Philly, and shy young Billy is repeating the fifth grade while struggling to stay out of trouble, make new friends and deal with a growing dependency on alcohol.  All the while, Billy is attempting to find his own identity in an increasingly confusing and frightening world. Amid school bullies, killer nuns, the race for space, peaceful sit-ins, violent race riots and the growing threat of nuclear war, Billy finds his heroes in the most unusual places. Legendary rock n roll DJs Hy Lit and Joe Niagara take Billy under their wing, mentoring him and fostering a love of radio. But it is or 35^th president, John F Kennedy from whom Billy finds hope and inspiration. Painfully aware of the irony in his life – there are no blacks in lily white suburban Lawrence Park, and girls are treated as second class citizens at St Pius X Catholic Grade School – Billy looks to the charismatic JFK as the savior of Camelot for himself and his first love Amy. Ice Cream Camelot is a unique, engaging and entertaining look at one of the most important eras in American history.