New Release, Teaching, Meetings And Music by BJ Neblett

      Good gook-a-mookie it's December! Where did the year... wait, I know where 2016 went, I spent it writing! Today, December 1, the new edition of Paradox Ethereal Magazine makes its debut. Mary Vareli does a wonderful job with a beautifully laid out magazine expounding on everything beautiful. It is a free download for all, and it features a new short story by me, The Girl With The Stars In Her Eyes. Click the link and indulge your senses in this wonderful, groundbreaking magazine.

      Also this year I wrote a new contemporary literary fantasy adventure, Planet Alt-Sete-Nine: a follow up to it titled Princess Haylee, (looking more and more like a trilogy); getting said book off to the publisher, (check back here for release date); the release of my memoir Ice Cream Camelot in paperback; and selling said books and more at conventions and book fairs: Hugo House, Westercon, Orycon and Authors & Autographs to name a few. BTW, a big thanks to everyone who stopped by the booths and said hello. And don't forget, a review on Amazon or even your own personal blog of my books goes a very long way. Thank You! And looks like 2017 will continue to be just as crazy busy... just how I like it. Oh, before I forget, I'm taking a break for the holidays, but keep checking here for my next appearance, book signing, convention, etc. We've already got many in the works.

      If you are in the Seattle area, especially in or around the Ballard, the Ballard Writers Collective will be meeting tomorrow, Thursday, December 1, at the Royal Drummer Cafe, 6420 24th Ave NW, Seattle (Ballard) at 5 PM. The group is a great supportive bunch who welcomes newcomers and old writing vets. If you are looking for a writing group with a large collection of experience in all genres, be sure to stop by and say hello.

      Coming up in February I will be teaching a class, Short Stories And Shorter Stories at Seattle's Hugo House, 1021 Columbia Street, Seattle. It is on, guess what... short stories and flash fiction. You can click the link for more info, but my classes fill up quick so... In conjunction with a new semester, Hugo House is hosting its biannual class sampler, Write-O-Rama this Saturday, December 3, from noon to 6PM. This is your chance to spend the day sampling any number of upcoming classes, including my own. Hope to see you there.

      Finally, I have been coerced into once again picking up my guitar for fun and... well, just for fun. I'll be joining other guitar/music enthusiasts for an acoustic jam, Friday night, December 2, 6:30 PM at Cafe Appassionato 4001 21st Ave W, Seattle. The jam is open to all, you don't have to be a pro, or even good, and you don't even have to perform, sing along or just listen. Please be sure to come say Hi  if you read about it here!

Till next time...

Peace

BJ

New Book New Story Book Signing/Appearance and Teaching by BJ Neblett

Hello again and thanks for stopping by! It looks like I'm gonna be a very busy guy this summer and beyond! Of course, I am busy finishing up Planet Alt-Sete-Nine, the first of my sci-fi/fantasy trilogy about video gaming. I am also finishing up editing KJ McPike's new book Nemesis, book 1.5 of her terrific Astralis series. We are hoping for a simultaneous release of our books later this year. Keep checking back here for more info.
In the meantime, check below for two totally new stories of mine in Beyond The Hedge, a national anthology, and Paradox Ethereal Magazine, a free online magazine. Just click the images for more info!
July Fourth weekend I will be in Portland, Oregon for Westercon 69 Sci-fi/Fantasy convention. I'll be there signing copies of my books along with fellow writers KJ McPike and Alissa Berger (who also has a story in Beyond The Hedge). Stop by and chat.

                                                

       Beyond The Hedge                                                    Paradox Ethereal Magazine

Finally, I have been honored to be asked to teach a class at Seattle's famed Hugo House. Starting September 12, I'll be teaching an eight week course titled Creative Writing: An Intro To Fiction. Details on this and other upcoming writing classes and more about Hugo House by clicking the link: www.hugohouse.org.
Thanks for supporting my blog and enjoying my books and short stories. Be sure to like, link and pass the love! Hope to see you July Fourth weekend in Portland at Westercon 69!
Peace,
BJ

Books, Short Stories, Magazines and More by BJ Neblett

Hello again! First I want to thank all of you for your support for my writing through the years. My books and magazines are among the most popular. And I enjoy your comments and questions. One question I get most often I will (finally) address right here. Below you will find a catalogue of my work. Simply click the photo for a link to more information and availability. And thanks again for your support! Look for a new novel and more later this year! And be sure to click on the image on the right to be the first to get a new story in a forthcoming book!
Peace,

BJ

                

                

                

             

If you should have any trouble with any of the links you go directly to either Amazon or the publisher eFiction Magazines! The anthology on the right, Beyond The Hedge is available for preorder now and will be out the first of July. It features brand new stories by myself as well as my buddy and fellow author Alissa Berger. Just click the image.

Currently I am hard at work on the first of a Sci fi trilogy which should be out this fall. Watch right here for more info and a chapter tease! Also, in the works for later this year and into 2017 are compilations of my romance stories and fiction stories. Stay tuned... more to come...

New Story Release/Speaking At The Library by BJ Neblett

Hello again! I am currently buried over with new thoughts and ideas for several new short stories, fantasy and romance, as well as having started a new novel. More on these projects to come, so stay tuned. In the meantime the new issue of Paradox Ethereal Magazine is out and features one of my stories as well as a beautiful, touching story by my friend and fellow author KJ McPike titled Hands. You may remember KJ from my September 21 post announcing her new book Xodus. You can click the image to the right for the direct link to Paradox Ethereal Magazine. It is a free download for all and editor Mary Vareli does a great job with the mag. Please be sure to leave comments for her and share the link. Thanks.
This Thursday, December 10, I will be speaking at the Ballard Branch Public Library in Seattle. If you are in the area I encourage you to stop by for their wonderful monthly writers series It's About Time. It starts at 6 PM, runs about two hours, features guests speakers and open mike, and is free. I will be speaking on the art of Flash Fiction. Please come by and say hello. For more info simply click here: Ballard Public Library, It's About Time.
Finally, for a couple of new poems and a few words of inspiration and interest, click over to my poetry blog, Here For A Season. Or simply click the link to the right.
Time flies as they say... the year is nearly over. If I don't see you sooner have a very joyous and peaceful holiday season.
Peace,
BJ Neblett

Recovery, New Story and Library Talk by BJ Neblett

Well I am still here, although there were times this past week when I thought I might feel better dead. I now have a greater appreciation for my friend Kristin and what she must have gone through. Having your gallbladder out is no picnic, no matter what the doctor or anyone else may tell you. I had the ‘simple’ procedure on Monday, five days ago, and am still very sore and achy. I was off work all week and when I return I am on light duty, no heavy lifting for three weeks. And here I thought I’d be up and about, doing well in a couple of days! Anywho, the doc says everything went well and it was the wise decision to have the operation now as I had quite a few stones built up and they were partially blocking one of the tubes… whatever that means. Thanks to everyone at Swedish Hospital First Hill in Seattle for making my stay an easy one, and to my friend Alissa for being there for me. And thanks to all of you out there in blogland for the wishes and prayers.

I didn’t get as much work done while off as I had hoped, meaning basically none. I did manage to finish a new story; more on that another time. Also, as mentioned before, I will be guest speaker at December’s It’s About Time, at the Ballard (Seattle) Branch Library. I did manage to get my talk on Flash Fiction finalized. Those of you in the area please plan to stop by Thursday, December 10^th, at 6 PM. It’s free and only lasts about two hours, with a Q&A period and an open mike segment.

December 1^st the new edition of Paradox Ethereal Magazine hits the ether, available on line as a free download for all. It will feature a story by me as well as a powerful, touching short story by my friend and fellow author KJ McPike. Be sure to check it out and leave comments for the magazine’s wonderful and hard working publisher Mary. If you are not familiar with KJ McPike and her new young adult fantasy Xodus, just click here.

Thanks for taking time out to read my blogs and for putting up with my ranting and ramblings. As always, link, like, comment and be sure to share the love. C’ya next time.

Peace,

BJ

Gallbladders, New Stories, New Store, Surgery and Appearances by BJ Neblett

Recently, I had a fairly serious gallbladder attack. This came almost exactly two years to the day to a similar incident which I spoke of right here. (Blog: Saturday23, 2013, Stepping Out Of Format For A Moment) Regular readers of mine know well the large part irony plays in my life. I’ll leave the comments, like sleeping dogs, lie, and simply say I believe my altruism that day two years ago was not only tested but cursed. That curse has come to fruition. As they say, no good deed goes unpunished. I have an appointment with a surgeon this week and we’ll discuss possible dates. At this point I am sure it would be wish full thinking to expect the young lady in question to return the favor. I am not a fan of spending time in hospitals, visitor or otherwise, and yes, all things considered, am a bit apprehensive.

If you recall I am also destined to have Tommy John surgery on my pitching arm. (Blog:Friday, July 24, 2015, A Question Of Age…) I wonder what the possibilities are of getting it all done at once. And, while softball season has ended, it is also a busy time for me with speaking engagements and writing. Among other obligations, I have been asked once again to speak at the Ballard (Seattle) Branch Library’s excellent monthly series, It’s About Time. I’ll be the lead speaker and will talk on the art of Flash Fiction. If you are in the area, please come join us. It is free, lasting just a couple of hours, and will be on Thursday, December 10, 2015, at 6 PM.

Also, in December, the new issue of Paradox Ethereal Magazine will feature a powerful fiction story of mine. I’ll post a reminder as time gets closer for both events.

For those of you looking to find that certain elusive book, Rain City Video has now expanded its operations to include a nifty used book and reading area! Known for years for their large selection of new and classic videos, you can now curl up in an overstuffed chair and enjoy the vintage ambiance with a good read in hand. And here you will also find all of my releases, along with those of my friend KJ McPike, as well as all the latest from other Ballard area writers. Zoe and the gang have done a great job at Rain City Video, located at 6412 32nd Ave NW, in the Ballard/Loyal Heights section of Seattle. If you can't stop by you can contact them at 206-789-0132 or via email: raincityrelics@gmail.com. Check out their large, ever growing  selection of new and vintage videos and books at www.raincity.com and facebook.com/raincityvideo. And be sure to tell them you heard about it right here!
Finally, my career as a romance writer seems to be moving along very well, thank you. And no one is as surprised as I am! As a character in one of my own stories once quipped, “The two greatest assets a writer can have are an unbridled imagination and to have lived an unabashed life.” I definitely qualify on both counts. I have a new story in October’s Romance Magazine. As always, you may click the image to the right for the link. A link to my other romance and fiction stories, books, publications, etc. can be found just below the magazine image. Please be sure to leave comments here as well as at Amazon and on the publisher’s site. Every little bit helps! Maybe someday all of this will even pay the bills.

I’m presently working on a new short story to publish here in a week or two so stay tuned. In the mean time, thank you for reading. Pop over to my poetry blog (Blog: Here For A Season) for a newly posted poem. And of course be sure to link, like, comment and share the love. Keep those cards and letters coming!

Peace,

BJ

Great New Story, Great Catch And Green Graffiti

          I’ve been told I am a great catch. Trouble is I keep getting thrown back. Perhaps it is because writers are a weird breed. I’m allowed to say that as I am considered a writer. If that dubious classification carries with it anything beyond the obvious – and perhaps not so obvious distinction of being strange – I’m not certain. I am fairly certain that writers think, act and behave differently from normal people, including a strong proclivity towards the dramatic. Again, I know. Recently I found myself doodling quotes on a local park bench – no worries: the green ink was environmentally friendly and would soon be vanquished by sun and rain. Hence was born the term Green Graffiti, a sort of literate tagging: defacing public property with non-damaging words of sentiment and encouragement. Later, as I sat watching the varied and intriguing reactions of those discovering my words of wisdom, a plot began to unfold. And soon, a new short story, No Boundaries was born. I told you writers are a weird breed.

           Inspiration is a fleeting commodity; the muse an elusive mistress. Both strike when we least expect. A recent heartache resulted in numerous short stories and poetry, some of my best work – thanks Kristin. The world around us is full of inspiration as fact is indeed stranger than fiction. One just needs to learn to recognize it when it appears. I’ve been blessed with plenty of opportunities for inspiration. All things considered, whether that is good or bad is debatable. Whether I’d rather have the beautifully inspired prose, or their beautiful inspiration is a question I’ve managed to so far avoid facing. I hope the answer is an obvious one.

          Whatever the means or inspiration, you my loyal readers are the lucky beneficiaries of my inspirations, be them good or no so. No Boundaries, my latest romance short story is now available in this month’s (September, Vol. 3 No. 8) Romance Magazine. As always, this issue is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the publisher Fiction Magazines. Simply click the image to the right!

         And since we are already deeply mired in shameless self-promotion, all of my publications, magazines, books and poetry can be found by clicking the BJ’s Publications link on the right, just below the image of Romance Magazine. And oh, I have another story which will be published in the new issue of Paradox Ethereal Magazine, available December 1. Enjoy.

            Thanks. I will leave you with another piece of cerebral musing:

            “Leave the door to your mind wide open. But keep the screen door shut. This way you can see everything that is going on around you, let in only that which you want, and keep everything inside from running out.”

                        BJ Neblett

New Stories, New Magazine!

Hello again! While beautiful weather, softball and other outdoor activities are claiming a lot of my time these days, I nevertheless have been finding plenty of time as well as inspiration for my writing. Several new short stories are either in mind or in the works. A couple of new romance stories for Romance Magazine as well pieces for eFiction Magazine are coming up in the next few of months. But the big news for June is a new story being published in a new magazine. Paradox Ethereal Magazine is a free online publication exploring art, culture, romance and all things beautiful. It is an interesting, intriguing, well conceived and beautifully presented publication, available monthly for free download in either html or pdf formats. I have a short story in June's issue, which is slated to hit the internet about Monday, June 1st. I have included a direct link below. I hope you enjoy this offering as well as the entire magazine. Please be sure to leave comments here, as well as for the editors letting them know what you think. I am looking forward to a long association with Paradox Ethereal Magazine as well as continuing to publish stories in Romance and eFiction Magazine. As always, I will continue to keep you posted on new releases right here.
Thanks for your continued support and comments. Look for a new short story as well as new poetry published right here. See you on the softball fields and at the Mariners/Tampa Bay games this weekend!
Peace,
BJ
Paradox Ethereal Magazine Just click here!