Author Archives: Marcha's Two-Cents Worth

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About Marcha's Two-Cents Worth

I'm a science fiction author of the Star Trails Tetralogy, retired after two decades working at NASA, defected from my physics training to become a professional astrologer, and various other acts of rebellion. More recently, I've teamed with Pete Risingsun in writing "The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon: Cheyenne Spirits" which was released in July 2020 with more to come.

6 MORE TIPS FOR INDIE WRITERS: Handling Thoughts and Dialog

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Even though you’ve read dozens or even hundreds of novels, when you sit down to start writing one yourself you’ll occasionally hit a wall and wonder how it’s done. Here are a few common areas related to capturing thoughts and dialog that writers may not find intuitively obvious:

  1. When a character speaks long enough for it to occupy more than one paragraph without any sort of interruption, including he said, the beginning of the statement has a quotation mark but it doesn’t end with one until the speech ends. This shows the reader that it’s the same person continuing to speak. When he’s done, then you close it out with a quotation mark.
  2. A spoken sentence contained within quotes ends with a comma, not a period, provided you’re going to add he or she said at the end; otherwise use a period. If it’s a question you obviously use a question mark but there is no need to capitalize the he or she when you designate who asked. It’s possible that some word processors in their infinite wisdom may capitalize it for you but this is incorrect.
  3. When a character is thinking something it is usually italicized. However, don’t go on and on with pages of italicized text. This is where viewpoint comes into play in the narrative. For example:
    1. Steve can be such an idiot, Jack thought.
    2. Jack shook his head and rolled his eyes, thinking Steve should shut up and quit acting like such an idiot.
  4. Speaking of italics, they also come in handy for emphasis, such as exclamations you want to give a little extra punch. Don’t use them too often, however, or they lose their effect. Same goes for exclamation points! Use them sparingly, please! Even if a conversation is clearly intense you don’t need to end every sentence with one! It really gets annoying to the reader! See what I mean? It’s better to use narrative and detail so the reader is well aware of the mood in the given scene and therefore knows the tone and emphasis the characters would employ in such a conversation. It’s also seldom justifiable to use more than one!!!!!! Capische?
  5. It is a good idea to remind the reader who’s speaking occasionally, even if it’s a soliloquy by the main character unless there is absolutely no one else in the story. If it’s a dialog it applies, also, unless it’s obvious from the context. This can also be done by inserting names into the dialog itself, such as, “Come on, Jerry, it’s time to go.” Conversely, don’t insult the reader’s intelligence by including it too often. Strive for balance.
  6. Don’t over-use the various synonyms for said; use them sparingly and with deliberate intent to help convey the emotional content and avoid adverbs. For example saying “he shouted” is much more effective than “he said loudly.”  The worst thing you can do is distract from the story by trying too hard to be clever and impress the reader, a practice known as overwriting. If it contributes to the mood such as yelled, whispered, grumbled, explained, muttered, etc. then it is probably okay but go easy on the others. Said, stated, replied, commented, acknowledged, agreed, argued, asserted, opined, and numerous others all have a place but don’t feel you have to use them all within a given conversation. Set the mood then let the characters do the rest with what they actually say.

Interview with Children’s Author/Illustrator, Donna McGarry

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Donna McGarry is the author of several, brightly illustrated children’s books known as the “Zodiacts” series. It’s hard to say which is more charming, the delightfully original artwork, the poetic prose or the messages behind these clever stories. Her characters are whimsical with distinct personalities which children can relate to. The illustrations nearly jump off the pages with their dazzling colors presented in an original style guaranteed to make you smile and hold any child’s attention.

As you may expect, these stories all have an astrological theme. Whether or not you’re a fan of astrology the messages in these stories are applicable to life. Each astrological sign relates to a theme or archetype which Donna takes down to a child’s level with an entertaining story that illustrates an upbeat and insightful lesson. Each is not only enjoyable at face value but also useful for further discussion between a parent and child. Early education professionals and daycare providers could also find these books useful teaching tools.

* * *

 MF: Your Zodiacts series of children’s books is unique in numerous ways. The stylistic artwork is highly innovative, most of the characters are shaped like stars while still maintaining different personalities, and your themes derive from astrology. How did you originally come up with this unique combination?

DM: When I was little I had those gorgeous Prismacolor pencils. I was always doodling dancing star characters with little hats, heels and sparkling eyes as well as flying fish type creatures. I became fascinated with astrology as a pre-teen. I used to sneak into the pharmacy and furtively read the Dell Horoscope magazine. My friends were interested, but didn’t care to learn more than their own or maybe a boyfriend’s Sun sign. They thought it was too complicated. Most of my twenties were spent studying acting. Later when I got into sewing, I was inspired to create star characters based on the zodiac signs. I thought if I could create memorable characters who embody the essence of a sign, or act out those qualities, Zodiacts- it might facilitate understanding.

 

MF: As is the case with most children’s books, your illustrations add another dimension to the stories in and of themselves. Your bright colors and stylistic artwork remind me of the psychedelic designs popular in the 1960s. Did you receive any formal art training or inspiration for your unique methods of blending your whimsical characters with realistic photographic accents?

DM: No formal training. I always loved museums, art and color. As a kid, I was a big Dr. Seuss fan and thought Peter Max and Saul Steinberg were very groovy.

 

MF: Is your artwork strictly digital or do you also employ more conventional methods?

DM: I started the books with my own cartoon drawings years ago but something was missing. Namely talent! When a friend suggested I make a fabric book I was befuddled. Then I realized I could use the plush dolls my friends and I had created as astro characters. It wasn’t until I accepted the computer (kicking and screaming during a Uranus transit) and Photoshop into my life that things started to fall into place and the Zodiacts were born.

 

MF: Your stories draw their themes from astrology. As an astrologer myself I recognize the great lessons inherent in the zodiac and its archetypes. Are you a practicing astrologer or simply knowledgeable in that ancient art?

DM: I’m a level one graduate of Steven Forrest’s Evolutionary Astrology Apprenticeship Program. I do love interpreting charts, and enjoying astro banter with my pals, but since I started these books back in 2007, illuminating the Moon’s antics through the signs has become my primary passion. I’m hoping to bring Moon signs into the mainstream.

 

MF: Would you mind sharing your own sun sign? Any comments on how your natal chart contributes to your work as an artist and writer?

DM: I’m a Cancer with four planets in the 9th house. As you know, the 9th is the house related to higher learning, philosophy and publishing. Leo, which represents children, hobbies and creativity is the sign on that house cusp. The sign Cancer is ruled by the Moon. I have always been mesmerized by the Moon, and feel more affinity with my Moon sign, Aquarius, than I do with Cancer. One of my compulsions is to encourage people who are not that familiar with astrology to learn more about their charts. That they have a Moon and Venus sign etc., as well as a Sun sign. My Aquarius Moon is in the 3rd house which, I feel, bodes well for writing quirky children’s books. I think my Cancer Sun has to do with creating my own family of stars.

 

MF: What advantages do you see for children learning about astrology at a young age?

DM: To my way of thinking, astrology is the study of the cosmos and human nature. I believe it fosters compassion, empathy and a sheer delight in the eccentricities of behavior. Is any age too young to appreciate and start a dialogue about the nuances of personality? Plus, it’s just plain fun!

 

MF: Are your characters based on people you know who belong to the different sun signs or are they strictly composites? Or would you rather plead the 5th Amendment?

DM: I jokingly stated in my 1st book that all resemblance to persons living, dead etc. were purely coincidental except in the case of Penelope Pisces who was the celestial incarnation of my sister Madeline! I love people and their fun, wacky quirks and yes, the characters are based on, and/or are composites of my favorite people.

 

MF: The majority of children’s book have both an author and an illustrator yet you have been able to fill both roles. Which talent do you feel predominates, writing or artistic? In other words, do you see yourself more as one or the other or simply a comfortable combination of both?

DM: I don’t feel particularly adept at either. Just hard-headed and determined. I have a lot of squares in my chart! People tell me that I’m an artist and I love to create so I’ll pick that.

 

MF: Which part of the creative process do you enjoy the most?

DM: Sometimes I fear that I won’t get any ideas or that the light will go off, so any time I get a spark it’s good! I also love getting an expression on a character’s face just right. So far I have turned two of the books into iPad apps and loved the process of animating the characters. Hearing people laugh and enjoy my work is great.

 

MF: Which part of your work is the most challenging?

DM: Rhyming! Finding the words with astrological connotations and then finding another one to match it can be challenging. Plus the nitty gritty of the book set-up. I don’t think I would have been able to do it if progressed Venus hadn’t stationed in Virgo. (An astro phenomena I deeply resented as a teen, hurling my Table of Houses across the porch!)

 

MF: There are numerous individuals out there who have negative feelings toward astrology and thus object to exposing children to its teachings. Is there anything you’d like to comment about that?

DM: As I’ve said before, to my way of thinking astrology is the study of people and human nature. Different signs have different energies. Of course we all encompass all the signs in our charts, but if a person has a preponderance of gentle Pisces energy, that person might not get along so well with someone who’s got a lot of Martian or Scorpio energy. With all the bullying and coercion the kids have to deal with these days, I think the sooner they start to identify different personality signatures the better off they’ll be.

I believe the stigma against astrology is beginning to erode and more people are starting to appreciate it for the self-knowledge tool that it really is.

* * *

I absolutely love these books and have left reviews for all of them on Amazon and Goodreads. “Aries Adventure: Camp on Camping On” shows that different people enjoy different activities which reinforces an understanding of individuality along with the important concept of “me.” The lovable characters in “Taurus Treehouse” encounter difficulties which could help a child depersonalize his or her own unpleasant situation and alleviate feelings of isolation, self-pity or rejection that often accompany time wrought with trouble. “Gemini Jamboree” is saturated with Mercurial wit, joy of learning, and even a hint of the Trickster which will delight children of all ages. “Cancer Conundrum” can help children learn about their own emotions as well as how their moods can affect others. “Leo Limelight Lunacy” shows the need for balance as well as the benefits of working with others to achieve your goals. Her most recent episode, “Vinnie d’Virgo and his Veggie Vittles” addresses healthy eating in an amusing yet honest way.

CONNECT WITH DONNA

Donna’s Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Donna-McGarry/e/B00CMCDHWC/

Website: http://www.zodiacts.com

Twitter: @ariesadventure

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zodiacts/152746712177

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8IZtSao_a0

 

BOOK LINKS

zodiacts

Zodiacts: A Whimsical Introduction to Celestial Beings

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Zodiacts-Whimsical-Introduction-Celestial-Beings-ebook/dp/B00EXDKE7O/

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Aries Adventure: Camp on Camping On!

Kindle Version: http://www.amazon.com/Zodiacts-Aries-Adventure-Camp-Camping-ebook/dp/B00IRMN3X4/

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Zodiacts-Aries-Adventure-Camp-Camping/dp/0982082738/

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Taurus Treehouse

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Zodiacts-Taurus-TreeHouse-Donna-McGarry/dp/1449928056/

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Zodiacts-Taurus-TreeHouse-Donna-McGarry/dp/1449928056/

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Gemini Jamboree

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Zodiacts-Gemini-Jamboree-Donna-McGarry-ebook/dp/B00IN452DA/

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Zodiacts-Gemini-Jamboree-Donna-McGarry/dp/0982082711/

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Cancer Conundrum

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Zodiacts-Cancer-Conundrum-Donna-McGarry-ebook/dp/B00J3HEEBM/

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Zodiacts-Cancer-Conundrum-Volume-1/dp/0982082746/

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Leo Limelight Lunacy: Dance of the Dueling Divas

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Zodiacts-Limelight-Lunacy-Donna-McGarry-ebook/dp/B00E2ZSZ5G/

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Zodiacts-Limelight-Lunacy-Dance-Dueling/dp/0982082754/

vinnievirgo 

Vinnie d’Virgo and his Veggie Vittles

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Zodiacts-Vinny-dVirgo-Veggie-Vittles-ebook/dp/B00M0942JY/

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Zodiacts-Vinny-dVirgo-Veggie-Vittles/dp/0982082789/

Review of Martha Fawcett’s “Dance of the Warrior and the Witch” — A Sci-fi/Fantasy/New Age Trip through Space and Time

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Martha Fawcett is a literary gourmet chef who specializes in bibliophilic ambrosia. Her style is so rich with description and metaphor that it can be almost euphoric to read. This story is an unusual tale that treads across science fiction, fantasy and new age genres. Her characters are convincing and easy to relate to as well as the alien Gathosian culture and various planets she created. The juxtaposition of the two main male characters, Elan and Stellium, where one was a human born on Earth who relocated offworld with his parents as a child, while the other was a Gathosian raised on Earth, created an interesting balance and means for contrasting the two cultures and finding where and how they intersected. Much you could relate to as an earthling, yet there was enough that was alien about it to transport you to another time and place.

The first part of the book, which was my favorite, takes place at a school that trains warriors in a variety of disciplines and techniques which include not only spiritual development, survival, and martial arts but jumping time dimensions. Elan’s mentor, Kyron, is another important player. I felt his name was well-chosen as a subtle reference to Chiron, the mythological centaur and “wounded healer” who astrologically symbolizes the hurts and disappointments we experience that often never heal; indeed, if there were one theme I would attribute to this story it would be that of healing. All the protagonists were convincing but my favorite character in this story was actually Cerebow, a “dulcerary panther” with telepathic abilities.

I was so entirely immersed in this Shardasko Warrior school environment that it felt as if I was there as well. This made it all the more entertaining when Elan went to visit his human sister who continued to live in an earthlike culture. At that point the school seemed so familiar and normal I could totally relate to how foreign “normal” had become. His sister’s sarcastic remarks were hilarious and exactly what you’d expect to occur between siblings when one chooses an avant-guard lifestyle.

The relationship between the three protagonists when the Trinity witch, Iosobell, entered the scene was an interesting study of the different roles individuals play across multiple lifetimes. I must say when these two men and a woman were involved in what can best be described as some sort of tantric three-way conducted in a retro-gravity device that I was a bit startled. Nonetheless, it was done in a tasteful and metaphorical manner that emphasized the love and spiritual bonds between them making it sensual while avoiding the clumsy, graphic prose typical of erotica.

Much of the remainder of this story explored the karmic path of deeds and events as they ripple through time and fate in both directions. Soul groups travel together through time and space yet individuals play a multitude of different roles and incarnate in both genders. Trying to heal or, better yet, prevent catastrophes caused by mistakes born of ignorance, foolishness or immaturity becomes a thought-provoking consideration as the three protagonists strive to do just that amid the challenges presented by “free radicals” or what could best be described as tortured souls or devils.

My least favorite part of this book was one of the middle chapters where a lengthy narrative attempted to map out the chain of events the protagonists were trying to untangle. To me it oscillated between confusing and boring but I persisted in the hope that ultimately the story would return to its former grace and lucidity, which it did, and ultimately provided a satisfying ending.

It would have been handy for the book to contain a glossary of the various Gathosian words. I also would have enjoyed this book more if I had read the print version instead of electronic because a physical book makes it so much easier to flip back to other parts to refresh your memory, check the meaning of an alien word, etc. This story was quite complex and unless you have a memory like a steel trap there will be parts that can be confusing. It’s a story that would undoubtedly be enjoyed more on the second read.

This is not a book for someone who wants to enjoy a simple, straight-line plot that’s easy to follow. It challenges the reader and truly transports you to another alien world and culture, a task that was executed beautifully by this skilled, imaginative and very talented author. When a book can make me laugh, cry, and even gasp a few times while I luxuriate in a writing style best described as Nirvana, I will definitely give it five stars, only because I cannot give it more.

5 Quick Tips for Indie Writers: Formatting

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One complaint I’ve heard about Indie novels is lack of proper formatting. While this is usually one of the services provided by a publisher, when you’re an Indie you’re on your own unless you want to hire someone to do it for you.  Otherwise such oversights, ignorance or perhaps laziness contribute to a poor reputation which hurts everyone. Here are a few simple formatting tips which will help your work shine:

  1. The first paragraph of a new chapter typically begins with a letter that is larger than the others and called a “dropped cap.” This gives it a more professional appearance. This does not necessarily work for some formats, however, where this larger letter will increase the leading (e. spacing) between the lines. For print format, however, this is the convention.
  2. The first paragraph of a chapter is flush with the left margin; it is NOT indented. This is also true for each new section and provides a stronger visual clue than doubled spacing, which is sometimes inadvertently introduced into ebooks by a page break in the original file that doesn’t necessarily indicate a new scene or viewpoint has begun.
  3. Along these same lines, it’s easier on the reader if you demarcate the end of a section with some sort of indicator whether it’s a few asterisks or some other design.
  4. Speaking of section breaks, when you change viewpoint from one character to another or start a new scene you should start a new section unless the entire book is written in omniscient point of view that switches from one person to the next continually. Remember, however, that you don’t necessarily have to get into everyone’s head to know what they’re thinking. Describing a character’s expression or body language can convey what they’re thinking or feeling just like it does in real life. Clearly is you’re writing in first person you can’t read another person’s thoughts directly and would use visual clues.
  5. Book design refers to the fonts used for chapter headings and text, your paragraph indentation style, line spacing, page number and heading placement, and so forth. Paying attention to these details gives your book a more professional appearance. For ebooks these details don’t show up but if you’re publishing in a print copy they make a tremendous difference as far as presenting your work as that of a professional.

What’s Behind the Science in Science Fiction Part 5: The Matter – Consciousness Interface

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Now we’re getting to the good stuff and I hope you can see why I gave you all that background information leading up to it. In order to fully appreciate something, whether it’s good music or literature, you need a foundation, no matter how rudimentary it may be. And believe me, it was, even though your eyes may have glazed over. My previous posts were a whirlwind tour of physics for dummies but you are now much better informed than most people out there, assuming you read it. Congratulate yourself! I will try to reward your efforts by building on that information so that anyone who skipped it will be entirely lost and need to go back and suffer through it like the rest of you.

Quantum theory was mind-blowing because it introduced the possibility that an observer could influence how light and even matter behaved. This, of course, was only proven on a very small scale, yet the influence was there. Suddenly the world of physics and metaphysics were starting to overlap.

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One of my heroes in the physics world is Richard Feinman because he demonstrated an interest in so many things besides physics. I believe he was as brilliant as he was to the point of winning a Nobel Prize was because he was so open-minded and had the courage to see things differently. That is how breakthroughs come about.  I’ll be forever grateful to him for his “Lectures on Physics” which helped tremendously when the textbooks fell short.

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Another great physicist who seemed to grok the concept that there was more to life than one’s own very specific discipline was Werner Heisenberg, also a Nobel Prize winning physicist with an actual phenomena named after him that relates to quantum theory, i.e. the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. He stated, “It is probably true quite generally that in the history of human thinking the most fruitful developments frequently take place at those points where two different lines of thought meet. These lines may have their roots in quite different parts of human cultures, in different times or different cultural environments or different religious traditions: hence if they actually meet, that is, if they are at least so much related to each other that a real interaction can take place, then one may hope that new and interesting developments may follow.”

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Hello? Ya think that maybe quantum theory would be a good one for collaboration with other disciplines? Scientists need to talk to one another! Here we have physicists scratching their heads over whether consciousness and matter interact while we have psychologists such as Dean Radin researching psi phenomena which may well be the mechanism that causes that interaction between consciousness and matter. Rather than treating these researchers with about the same respect at Dr. Venkman (played by Bill Murray) in Ghostbusters, maybe they should get together over a pitcher of margaritas and see what they come up with.

Quantum entanglement is the term used to describe two particles which become tied up with each other enough, kind of like atomic soulmates, that even when they are separated by long distances, if something happens to change the state of one, the other reacts also. This happens instantaneously, i.e. the communication occurs faster than the speed of light, a barrier that was never supposed to be breached. Psi is also instantaneous. Does this imply that we become entangled with others at the quantum level? This is especially enticing when you think of the stories of identical twins who originated with the same genetic material and are also connected at the psychic level.

Along similar lines is the concept known as NLP or neuro-linguistic programming. It has also been called “the power of positive thinking,” and described in a movie called “The Secret” and promoted by a plethora of motivational speakers who declare that you can create your future by visualizing what you want on an consistent basis such that you will eventually draw that situation to you from the Universe at large. If psi has the power to manipulate matter and create not only matter but circumstances, doesn’t that sound as if it has something to do with quantum theory?

Weird, you bet. But it works. We can, indeed, draw circumstances to us in this manner. Which bring me to favorite quote of mine from science fiction author, Arthur C. Clarke: “Technology sufficiently far advanced is indistinguishable from magic.” What would Isaac Newton think of your smartphone?

However, there was one rather large problem that comes down to one, little three-letter word: EGO.

Scientists tend to have tunnel vision when it comes to their own field of study. I remember hearing once that as a person comes closer to a PhD that their IQ actually goes down. This does not mean that they are losing brain cells from overwork and losing intelligence. The typical IQ test assesses how much a person knows about a broad spectrum of knowledge and as a person narrows their interests down to the level required to pursue a PhD they get in the realm where they know a lot about a little which actually jeopardizes their IQ. This also means that they start blocking out anything that doesn’t relate to their chosen subject. They can become arrogant as they become experts and sabotage their colleagues who are seen as competitors for needed research funding. There is also the status issue. If you’re proven wrong you are probably through. After all that work getting to that pinnacle, the last thing you want is some upstart to push you off.

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Breaching this obstacle is likely to require what has been described as “progress by funerals.” In other words, as the old farts die off and those new upstarts take over, things will move along much faster.

At least until the upstarts scale that pinnacle and replicate the cycle.

(c) Copyright 2014 by Marcha Fox All Rights Reserved

Interview with Author Marcha Fox

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I very much appreciate T.L. Chester conducting this interview with me and the thought provoking questions she came up with. I feel as if I should take a bow after her many compliments!

Review of Susanne Leist’s “The Dead Game”

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ENTERTAINING & SUSPENSEFUL WITH GOOD CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

By the time you finish this suspenseful tale you feel as if you know the streets of the resort town called Oasis as well as all the people who live there. The one thing you don’t know, however, is who is what they claim to be and who’s not, whether they are good or bad, and what will happen next. There is an excellent mix of reality and paranormal which lends more credibility to the story. It gives you a lot to think about, particularly if you live by an old, seemingly abandoned house with a spooky reputation. If you enjoy moderately scary stories populated with a variety of characters you will enjoy this book. I particularly liked Mike’s sarcastic remarks which had me laughing out loud more than once.

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Interview with Author T.L. Chester

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T.L. Chester is a highly creative individual with an exceptionally original and captivating style in both her literary and photographic endeavors. I found To Penetrate one of the most intriguing and suspenseful books I’ve ever read. Her first published work, a book of poetry, entitled “Strap In, Hang On,” is an apropos description of what it was like to read her novel, a warning of sorts which certainly reflects upon an amazing and interesting author who bears watching.

MF: Your first published work of poetry, “Strap In, Hang On,” obtained some excellent critical reviews and then spawned a rather lengthy and lively discussion amongst the reviewers, many comments of which were deleted by Amazon. What was your take on all the fuss?

TC: This was my first publication, and the expression itself was more for the love of it, and I can only hope readers sincerely enjoyed it. Grady Harp is notorious for Amazon reviews and has been slated to determine the fate of future authors. In my case, the review was very critical, such that his fans didn’t appreciate it, and I greatly appreciated their support, it became a controversial matter on Harp’s turf.

MF: It appears that your poetry was an outlet for painful experiences and events in your life, much of which was quite personal. What motivated you to share that with the world?

TC: We all have these things we must overcome over long term, and event inspired. It was an accumulation of all those events that the only justified thing to do was a creative outlet. We are all going through something; we are all experiencing this rollercoaster. It was therapeutic in nature, and turned into sharing. Sharing these thoughts in community speaking events, online through blogs and various outlets created a demand and that’s how the first book was born.

MF: Your novel, “To Penetrate,” is described as “a deeply chilling tale of psychosomatic secrecy and unveiling, “and a psychological thriller suitable for the “instinctual reader who appreciates nonlinear stories.” I found it yanked me in and didn’t let me go until the last, incredible page. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

TC: My thought process is certainly fragmented, but I thoroughly enjoy organizing processes. Though I had done various works with short stories for publications, I had never created a book like this. My thoughts for this book came through various concepts, a song might have inspired a chapter, a symbol had relevancy to the characters, so I kept notes, what inspired this and what I planned to do with it. The story was just somehow always there. After noting all these concepts over time, the book wrote itself, it was the transitional pieces that took time; this very much explains why there are so many eggs.

MF: What is your favorite part about the creative process?

TC: Purging is my favorite part of the creative process. I’d be lying if I said there was no part of me in what I write. It’s a creative expression of what it might be like to be in someone else’s shoes, feeling life in a manner that I may not understand, or see things from a perspective I don’t currently know. Getting a peep of the world in a way that I may not yet comprehend gives me a truly deep appreciation for what I have been through in life, and some faith that we are all connected. Capturing that, making note of it and putting it back out in various works is the only thing that gives this meaning for me.

MF: What are you working on currently and when do you plan to have it released?

TC: I am working on a precursor for To Penetrate. This book is not as subtle in story, I am aware that To Penetrate in comparison is methodical and sometimes gory, but slight in giving clues for those who love to pick up the pieces. Other works currently include a complete biography that I am currently ruminating on, and a philosophy book.

MF: Can you tell us a little bit about it so we know what to look forward to? Will it be similar to “To Penetrate” or entirely different?

TC: The next book is a precursor to a series of events in To Penetrate & can be a lot to take in; it’s probably comparative to the movie Se7en in terms of being in your face and has explicit adult content. The biography is another work that is personally significant. My philosophy book is to shed light and criticism on current affairs and hopefully will create conversation around dogma.

MF: You also have two photography books out, “Miscellany,” and ”Idiosynkrasia,” which provide another dimension of your talents. Was there anything in particular that inspired them?

TC: I had begun writing as a result of my involvement in various events that created a demand, after publishing and my works started to receive reviews, I would then get requests to be the critic, or participate in entertainment pieces, political satire, and the like. I have always had a natural interest in photography, and it’s just too easy if you are as inclined with technology as it stands. Needless to say as I had participated in entertainment journalism I would naturally take pictures, sparing my stint in photojournalism that turned into more publications over time.

MF: Can we expect any more photography books in the future?

TC: I may be inspired as I developed more as a photographer and would like to do so; currently I am producing material for brochures, calendars, contributing pieces for entertainment publications and so forth.

MF: How would you describe the synergy between your writing and photography?

TC: These are such incredible questions. My photography, at its best captures a feeling that can’t be described, but we all can feel just in observing, “that moment”. I hope my writing, captures what we can’t see and need the picture painted.

MF: What else do you enjoy doing besides photography and writing, as if that isn’t enough! Any other creative endeavors or outlets?

TC: I promise I am not an adrenaline junkie, I am not. I do find that I need inspiration. I have always enjoyed exploring. Currently I enjoy flying lessons; I also have begun diving, as well as a variety of dancing sessions. I am a foodie, and like to try new restaurants. I am fortunate in that people in the community know me, and I am called upon to participate in writing or photography of events and that gives me a lot of exposure, maybe more than I care for at times. I very much enjoy the heavens, astronomy, astrology, and the like. If you ever have to wonder about my writing, and are in the know, my Pluto is in the 5th house, & Mars Conjunct Jupiter are an aspect in my chart, and if you’re not, there’s always Google.

BOOK LINKS
To Penetrate
To Penetrate: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-penetrate-tl-chester/1111341865?ean=9781105692048
Strap In, Hang On
Strap In, Hang on: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/strap-in-hang-on-t-l-chester/1015235916?ean=9781435700871
miscellany
Miscellany: http://www.amazon.com/Miscellany-Tl-Chester/dp/0557058090
Idiosynkrasia
Idiosynkrasia: http://www.amazon.com/Idiosynkrasia-TL-Chester/dp/0557038715

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Website: http://tracylchester.wix.com/tlchester#!__bio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/TLChester/294383153916470
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4289805.T_L_Chester
Blog: http://journalistauthortlchester.wordpress.com/2014/07/17/sensual-jams/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tracy_chester

PRESS RELEASES
Strap In, Hang On: http://www.prleap.com/pr/98273/
To Penetrate: http://www.prleap.com/pr/186187/

Review of “To Penetrate” by T.L. Chester

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To PenetrateTo Penetrate by Tl Chester
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This dark, gripping and occasionally gruesome tale was impossible to put down. It grabs you from the first page, taking you on a wild ride through the miasma of emotions roiling within a woman known as Sam who has killed her lover–exactly as he requested. Obediently following his last directive, she embarks on a mysterious quest in the form of a haunting roadtrip during which she discovers more about his sordid past with each mysterious stop. While trying to deny and suppress her guilt and inner turmoil she gradually confronts her demons and the various insecurities behind them.

This novella-length story is intense, believable and presented in a highly original style which takes you inside Sam’s psyche as if reading her diary as she pursues this dark journey of self-discovery. While the premise is tragic, it is nonetheless softened by an ample dose of humor throughout, even as it shields the protagonist from the maelstrom she’s experiencing inside.

I’m usually picky about such things as grammar and spelling but in this case any “mistakes” were effective as a deliberate ploy to capture the essence of this antiheroine as she spills forth her story in an utterly believable first person narrative. While it’s unusual to start a story with a murder where you know who the perpetrator was, the suspense throughout is nearly tangible, right up to the last heart-stopping page. This story’s depth is not to be trifled with, its impact troubling as you realize how, when all is said and done, that Sam could be the true victim of this clever albeit unsettling tale were it not for her transformation along the way.

View all my reviews

What’s Behind the Science in Science Fiction – Part 4: Light Behaving Badly

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117px-Doubleslit3Dspectrum
Last time covered how sometimes light behaves like a particle and others like a wave along with how the double-slit experiment was used to demonstrate these properties. For example, if a steady light comprised of numerous individual photons hit a plate with one tiny slit to allow them through, rather than getting a line that matched the slit on the opposing wall it would be spread out in a pattern that was concentrated toward the center and fuzzy around the edges. (See picture below.)

78px-Single_and_double_slit_4

When they used a plate that had two slits a single photon would leave a dot, as expected, but by continuing to release them one at a time they would eventually form an interference pattern, the same as what resulted from a steady light source. It was as if each photon had a mind of its own yet collectively they would arrange themselves in a certain pattern. While exactly where each photon would arrive couldn’t be predicted, the pattern itself could be, based on the wavelength of the light. Thus there was a certain probability that a photon would arrive in a certain place, some more than others, but which exact one would go where was unknown.

120px-2slits
It was apparent they couldn’t predict exactly where a single photon would land but if it was a discrete particle of light then it followed that it would go through one slit or the other. (Remember that the interference pattern resulted because there were two slits so the waves could overlap.) Thus, scientists, the first of whom was Thomas Young (1773-1829), decided to find out which slit of the two choices each photon went through. To do so they polarized the light going through each slit in a different way with the detector on the other side capable of telling the difference. The photon could still theoretically “choose” which slit (or both) it would go through, but they would be able to tell which one by its polarization when it arrived on the detector.

Sneaky. But outsmarting Mother Nature is not an easy task.

Much to their surprise, when they sent one photon at a time toward the slits where it was polarized the interference pattern did not emerge!

Whoa!

Instead, they got random spots of light which indicated individual particles. Polarizing the light did not destroy its ability to build interference patterns so this didn’t make sense. The results implied that when they set things up so that they’d know whether the photon went through one slit or the other that the individual photons lost their right to choose and behaved like a particle. In other words, the probability wave function had collapsed when the final result would be determined.

120px-2Slits-particles_only
In other words, the photon can change from a wave to a particle when someone is trying to figure out exactly what it’s going to do. When someone is watching, it behaves like a particle that not only goes through one opening or the other but loses its wave properties as well.

Say what?

Back then the expression WTF? didn’t exist yet, but something along those lines was definitely what was going through numerous scientific minds. By all appearances, if someone was watching, i.e. measuring the outcome, then the probability wave collapsed and the photons acted like particles.

Thinking perhaps this was because they were polarizing the photons before they went through one slit or the other, even though they knew that didn’t stop the light from forming an interference pattern, they rigged things up to determine which slit it had gone through afterwards. Much to their surprise they got the same result as before, a rain of itinerant particles, as if each photon had either known in advance or perhaps even went back in time, deciding how to behave.

This introduced the concept of an observer affecting the outcome. Suddenly consciousness was part of the mix, or at least seemed to be since there was no other explanation. Of course physicists who deal exclusively with the physical world were less than enchanted by all this woo-woo stuff. Thus began the philosophical notion of whether or not a tree that fell in the forest made a sound if no one was there to hear it. May I remind you that these are very intelligent people we’re dealing with here and while some of them may not be wrapped to tight as they walk the genius-insanity interface; nonetheless, they are a whole lot smarter than the rest of us.

fallentree

Einstein called this “spooky action at a distance” and didn’t believe it, even though he was the one who theorized that energy and matter were essentially the same as expressed by his famous equation E=mc2. To this day people are still arguing about this aspect of quantum theory with different conclusions. Is it possible that an observer or some form of consciousness can influence physical matter? Do we, indeed, create our own reality?

What do you think?

(Diagrams courtesy of Wikipedia Commons)