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

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

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

A Question Of Age, An Overdue Apology, Possible Surgery by BJ Neblett

            A couple of summer back, I was accused of not being forthcoming, or open and honest about my age. While that Sunday first date could have admittedly gone smoother, it certainly didn’t do much to endear me to the object of my affection. I have never been one to be coy about my age. Truth be known, I was so enamored and totally taken with the beautiful young woman that I stuttered and stammered my way through the encounter like a naive schoolboy on his first date. As a result of my uncharacteristic shyness, I managed to blow what I still believe can be a remarkable relationship. Live and learn… but it still stings… quite a bit. And the way things were left between us still haunts me today. Some say it’s just the hopeless romantic in me. But it’s more than just that… a lot more… and goes a lot deeper. All I ever wanted was a chance; a chance for us to talk; to get to know one another; an opportunity for her to meet the real me, and to see where it all may lead. For my conspicuous, confusing and faltering behavior, to the lovely lady in question, my sincerest apologies. But sometimes the heart does what it wants without asking the brain. I only hope my words reach their intended destination.

            Closer to my real persona, I often jape that I am 64, look 44, feel 24, and act 14. Perhaps I should have just lead with those words two years ago. But actually, there is a lot more truth than humor to that statement. I have been blessed with great genes, and with being very youthful and fit. Perhaps baseball/softball is the real fountain of youth. I have pitched baseball and softball all of my life, and still possess the control, skill and finesse of someone half my age. Providence, however, does have its price. Just as someone in their prime, I seem to have possibly developed a condition that is the bane of professional pitchers. Tommy John Elbow, named after the famous Dodgers/Yankees pitcher, is damage to the UCL, or ulnar collateral ligament below the elbow, which connects the humerus to the ulna. Through excessive use and strain, such as a pitcher encounters, the ligament can become stretched and distended, losing its elasticity; much as a rubber band can be stretched out of shape. Worst case scenario calls for surgery, a procedure named Tommy John Surgery, in which the damaged ligament is replaced by a tendon harvested from another part of the body. It’s scary stuff, indeed. The good news is that a complete and full recovery, including returning to pitching, is the norm.

            I had my first, initial exam this week, and will be seeing a professional in sports medicine specializing in elbows and shoulders in the weeks to come. That, I am sure, will be followed by MRI’s, CT Scans, and a host of other test and procedures designed to provide a definitive diagnoses of the problem.

            And before you ask: The condition has limited the range of motion in my right elbow. Yes, I am continuing to play softball and to pitch. We play slow pitch softball and the condition has not seriously affected my pitching game. It has somewhat affected my ability to throw overhand. Yes, it is a bit painful, more so at times. I am wearing an elbow brace to help limit the amount of damage and pain. And yes, as you already know… see posts to this blog, September 16^th, 23^rd, and 28^th, 2014… I’m not real good with hospitals. As they say, stay tuned for further developments. Your comments and questions are, as always, welcomed.

            Finally, as a request, next weekend I will be reviewing stories published in July’s eFiction Magazine. You can click the picture to the right for more info on this great publication, and to obtain a copy.

            Peace,

            BJ

Nicolas Cage Or John Travolta/New Poetry by BJ Neblett

Nicolas Cage Or John Travolta/New Poetry
BJ Neblett

The new issue of Five Poetry (Vol 2 No 2) is now available through Amazon, B&N and the publisher Fiction Magazines. Just click the image to the right. The magazine features five works by five poets on a single topic. I have five somewhat personal recent poems in this issue relating to love, tracing a faltering love affair. For those of you without a Kindle type device, the issue will be available in other formats (.pdf, etc) through the publisher next month.
Tuesday is the day I enter the dreaded hospital for some facial reconstruction surgery. Now that most of the swelling has gone down, I actually don't look too bad. (Some will argue the fact. Many I'm sure wish there had been more damage done.) But the doc says the procedure is necessary to prevent future complications. He also needs to see first hand if there is any other damage not revealed by the MRI. I SHOULD be out sometime Wednesday, maybe Thursday. Most of you know I am not comfortable in or around hospitals and I am doing this one all alone... such is the life of a bachelor. I guess the only question left is will I come out looking like John Travolta or Nicolas Cage. (Vague movie reference.) I'll be happy just to come out. You can bury me under the pitcher's mound. (Grave marker inscription: HE LOVED NOT WISELY BUT TOO WELL.) I just hope they have softball in heaven. (Vague reference to my short story It's Only A Game, posted November 11-18, 2012)
Thanks. I'll be in touch as soon as possible.
BJ

Facial Stitches, Poetry and Downtime

Regular readers of my blog will be aware of the results of my last softball game of the season. Those of you who aren't just scroll down to my last entry: Deja Vu All Over Again, September 16, 2014. Kids, don't try this at home!
As a result, from September 30 thru October 1 or 2, the good folks at First Hill Campus of Swedish Hospital here in Seattle will be busy rebuilding my face. (They promised I wouldn't look too much like Frankenstein's monster... I even suggested to them to do a nip here, a tuck there and take care of the old eye bags) This will be especially fun for me since I am not exactly fond of hospitals. Anyone who knows me will tell you I have to have a VERY good reason to even go into one for a visit.
I've laid in a stock of soup, cottage cheese and pudding. I've already been living on Ramen Soup for the past two weeks! As soon as I am able, I will post new blogs, not sure how long that will be since I am on my own here. Maybe I'll even throw in a couple of 'after' pics. Until then, take care, thanks for reading and be sure to share the love.
Oh, the good news: five of my poems will be featured in the new issue of Five Poetry, available through Amazon, B&N, etc. Not sure of the issue date, should be this month or early next. As soon as I am able I'll make a post and link.
BJ