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.

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.

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