I remember sitting on console at NASA in the late 90s when we had a shuttle mission in progress plus the Shoemaker-Levy comet collided with Jupiter. It was an amazing experience to be in that place watching such an interesting astronomical event. Here’s you chance to have a similar experience!
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How to watch online as the Juno spacecraft begins orbiting our solar system’s biggest, baddest planet on July 4 at 8:18 p.m. PDT (July 5 at 0318 UTC).
Today is your last chance to get your ecopy of the entire Star Trails Tetralogy for only 99c! The box set includes “Beyond the Hidden Sky,” “A Dark of Endless Days,” “A Psilent Place Below,” and “Refractions of Frozen Time” as well as “The Star Trails Compendium.” Descriptions of the individual books can be found below as well as at the series’ website, www.StarTrailsSaga.com.
Close families share everything. Including consequences. When one of the HIO’s premier terralogists refuses a job offer from a wannabe despot the chain of suspicious circumstances which quickly follow scatter his family across the galaxy. Torn apart by space and time, will each survive long enough to be united ever again?
A move to another planet that goes horribly wrong. A power hungry man’s obsession with another’s abilities. Suspicious circumstances that scatter a family across the galaxy. Will rescue efforts succeed or make the situation even worse?
When the Brightstar family leaves fog-shrouded and predictable Mira III for Cyraria they have no idea their comfortable lifestyle is about to end forever. Even before the starcruiser arrives, shocking events transpire that comprise a parent’s worst nightmare. Not only is their fourteen year old daughter, Creena, missing but it’s clear her father’s ruthless and power-hungry nemesis plans to exploit the situation to promote his own selfish ambitions. Formidable and lethal challenges await as increasingly suspicious circumstances scatter them across the galaxy. Will they survive long enough to be together again?
“Sneek Peeks” on Bublish:
REVIEW SAMPLES
“The story begins at warp speed as space travel and its theory weaves throughout the tale of a family separated by mishap and kept apart by intent.” – Editorial Review
“The author’s colorful and animated word sketches give the reader the feel of actually watching or being right in the mix of the story. She brings personality and quirks to the characters as they develop through expressive descriptions and dialogue.” – Amazon Reviewer
“I am an author as well as having taught junior high science for a number of years and think this read would be a fabulous addition to classroom libraries as well as “the hungry for sci-fi lovers” personal bookshelf.” – Amazon Reviewer
“Although geared for the YA market, it is suited for sci-fi audiences for all ages who will thoroughly enjoy the talented professional writing of Marcha Fox’s wonderful expeditions.” – Amazon Reviewer
“All her characters, even creatures on the planets, are outstanding examples of a writer totally in touch with the depths of the subconscious mind, all interacting with their roles of good and evil with hidden spiritual messages as one experiences their own individual growth of consciousness.” – Amazon Reviewer
ALL AMAZON REVIEWS OF BEYOND THE HIDDEN SKY
BEYOND THE HIDDEN SKY on GOODREADS
Opposition’s lethal temperatures are more than a simple ballome can’t withstand. Designing and building a heat-exchanger is the only way they’ll survive. Obtaining the needed components, however, is another story.
On a hostile planet like Cyraria terralogists are in high demand and Laren Brightstar is one of the best. Regional governors compete for positions at the territorial level based on their economic achievements, allowing those with terraforming skills to demand a high price. Refusing to work for those with devious intent, however, has an even higher price. Thus the Brightstar family discovers when they’re plunged into a web of political intrigue on a planet cursed with lethal weather where survival can never be taken for granted. Will their missing daughter return with help or will she remain trapped forever on an alien world?
“Sneek Peeks” on Bublish:
REVIEW SAMPLES
“Young people can identify with the children in the family, but this series is for people of all ages. Marcha does transport you to outer space, way into the future, and you will believe you are there with the Brightstar family.” – Amazon Reviewer
“In the vein of old science fiction literature this story could end up as another classic. Its original, with all the components, technology, other world and races, and a contact with Earth.” – Amazon Reviewer
“Written in a technically proficient yet engaging style this book is sure to captivate science fiction lovers of all ages!” – Amazon Reviewer
“Fox once again does an exceptional job building character and making her created universe a reality. I can’t turn a page without picturing the story in my mind and visualizing each character.” – Amazon Reviewer
ALL AMAZON REVIEWS OF A DARK OF ENDLESS DAYS
A DARK OF ENDLESS DAYS on GOODREADS
Taking refuge in the Caverns is like a dream come true. But the dreams generated by their mysterious depths promise death or worse. Is forewarned really forearmed? Or another lure into the Integrator’s grasp?
Going underground to escape Cyraria’s harsh climate brings more than a few surprises besides the hospitality of an indigenous race known as the bnolar. The caverns feel strangely like home, but shortly after their arrival prophetic visions in the form of veridical dreams alert them to upcoming danger. Incarcerated in a territorial prison, Laren Brightstar is about to receive and refuse Augustus Troy’s final offer, after which he’ll be exiled permanently to a place from which there is no return. Will Dirck and Win’s rescue succeed?
“Sneek Peeks” on Bublish:
REVIEW SAMPLES
“The specific and very detailed description of the places and of the characters say so much about the author’s capacity to depict all of it with words, making your imagination start running freely in the process.” – Amazon Reviewer
“[The author] has created an entire world and its inhabitants along with various languages and races that each have unique abilities and qualities. Her extensive knowledge in science is evident in the explanations that are utterly believable.” – Amazon Reviewer
“A highly intelligent and prolific read, you really get a feel for the authors experience given she had a career at NASA. Speaks to the insight and depth of the book, well thought out and concise.” – Amazon Reviewer
ALL AMAZON REVIEWS OF A PSILENT PLACE BELOW
A PSILENT PLACE BELOW on GOODREADS
A discovery that links two dimensions of time. A prison ship’s dirty little secret. Esheron has answers but can they access them before it’s too late?
The discovery of a mineral that manipulates space and time provides the potential to reunite the Brightstar family at last. Controlling it, however, is another matter. With the Integrator closing in on the ability to destroy anyone for whom they have a mindprint, finding the secret of manipulating the two dimensions of time becomes a matter of life and death. But is time their ally or another enemy?
“Sneak Peeks” on Bublish
“Author Marcha Fox has a gift for explaining the science. The detailed world she creates in the Star Trails Tetralogy is genius, so well thought out and crafted. As the Brightstar youngsters observe and understand their surroundings, their conclusions can be coloured by their Miran schooling, but when they break old habits and open their minds in order to survive this hostile planet they now call home, these children achieve the incredible. Quite Beautiful.” – Amazon Reviewer
“What sets this apart from run-of-the-mill ” space operas is Fox’s experience during her tenure at NASA. She draws upon her technical expertise and enhances it with fact-based theory that gives this as much of a ‘what-if’ perspective as you can expect within the genre. The moral and philosophical questions also give us much to reflect upon.” – Amazon Reviewer
“[The author’s] creativity and imagination never fall short but always leave me wanting more. Each character has been carefully crafted and developed. I enjoyed watching the children develop and grow from bickering teens to collaborative young adults. The final climax had me shivering as the forces of dark and light came hurtling together into an unexpected and shocking end.” – Amazon Reviewer
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kAJxRn
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/550675
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/star-trails-tetralogy-box-set
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/star-trails-tetralogy-box-set/id1007498996
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/star-trails-tetralogy-box-set-marcha-fox/1122157702
Stock Photo Copyright: kjpargeter / 123RF Stock Photo
Don’t you just hate serials? Doesn’t it drive you crazy when you’re deeply entrenched in a story then abruptly thrust to the edge of an annoying cliffhanger? Worse yet, when it means waiting months or even longer before the next book comes out!
With a box set those frustrations no longer exist. No waiting, no additional purchases, everything is right there, in this case 1500 pages of a hard sci-fi family saga ready to transport you to another realm. If you’re unfamiliar with this tetralogy, you can learn more at the series’ website or explore the individual stories in the excerpts included with the “Book Bubbles” at the author’s site on Bublish. If you’re already a fan, now’s your chance to get them all for a bargain price.
Each book has been released separately to 5-star reviews. In addition, this set includes the Star Trails Compendium with terms, definitions, and detailed background information on the stories’ planetary setting. As a physicist I’ve made science an inherent part of this series which the Compendium exploits in a special section for parents and educators with ready-made discussion ideas and lessons plans designed to stimulate interest in science and engineering.
Whether you’re simply a hard science fiction fan or a science teacher looking for a ready-made extra credit package, this series is for you! So what are you waiting for? Blast off now with the Brightstar family for a gripping interstellar ride across the galaxy!
Grab The Star Trails Tetralogy ebook Box Set while it’s only $0.99 and save $5.00!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kAJxRn
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/550675
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/star-trails-tetralogy-box-set
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/star-trails-tetralogy-box-set/id1007498996
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/star-trails-tetralogy-box-set-marcha-fox/1122157702
Stock Photo Copyright: kjpargeter / 123RF Stock Photo
In case you missed it earlier, here’s another reminder that the entire Star Trails Tetralogy, over 1500 pages of classic hard science fiction, is still on sale as a box set for only 99c from July 1 – 4. The price has NEVER been this low and won’t be again for a long time, so grab a copy now. Why? I’m celebrating the first anniversary of when the box set was released on July 3, 2015.
Each of the four novels are included as well as the Star Trails Compendium, which includes background information on Cyraria, a glossary of terms, and a section for parents and educators who want to use the series to stimulate discussions and learning of the various scientific principles. Remember, I’m a physicist and take great pains to assure the science is accurate, sci-fi excursions notwithstanding. You can learn more about the individual books at the series’ website.
Examples of what reviewers are saying:
“A magnificent space opera of epic proportions.”
“Master storyteller of the highest caliber.”
“In the vein of old #scifi literature this story could end up as another classic.”
“Drops us off in an imaginative world similar to Star Wars or Star Trek.”
“Anyone who loves hard science will lap this book up.”
“Sci-fi at its best. This space opera is fast paced and action packed and will leave you breathless.”
“Imaginative hard scifi with real-life characters.”
“Everything a good sci-fi book needs including an author who knows her stuff.”
If you love hard sci-fi, what do you have to lose for 99c?
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kAJxRn
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/550675
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/star-trails-tetralogy-box-set
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/star-trails-tetralogy-box-set/id1007498996
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/star-trails-tetralogy-box-set-marcha-fox/1122157702
Stock Photo Copyright: kjpargeter / 123RF Stock Photo
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I love this fantastic sci-fa (science fiction – fantasy) series! The culture shock is handled so beautifully as high tech and primitive worlds collide. Great characters and vivid imagery throughout! Don’t miss it, especially for FREE!!!!
I’ve always loved that quote, which illustrates one of the many absurdities in the English language. And speaking of time flying, I can’t believe that on July 3 it’ll be a year since the Star Trails Tetralogy Box Set was released! Seeing the series as a box set was my goal as soon as I realized the Brightstar’s story wasn’t finished with the first volume, but had only begun. Considering it ultimately took four books that comprised 1500 pages, there was definitely a lot more to tell! So, I’m celebrating the first anniversary of this life milestone by selling the entire tetralogy this weekend for only $0.99 USD.
I started working on “Beyond the Hidden Sky” so long ago I hate to admit it. There were definitely a few life obstacles in the way between the late 70s and now. During that time I finished having my children, got a physics degree, moved from Utah to Texas, became a grandmother (and now a great-grandmother) and fulfilled my dream of working for NASA. Believe it or not, the degree and NASA gig were specifically to prepare me to be a better science fiction writer. I kid you not. I took “write what you know” to heart and I hope it shows!
The first book was revised more times than I can begin to count. It was initially written on an archaic device known as a typewriter and then went through at least three different word processors, (Word Star, Word Perfect and Microsoft Word). In fact, artifacts from those earlier electronic versions brought some pretty mysterious characters into the first few electronic and even print versions, until I figured out how to get them out.
Much of what was science fiction at the time, such as my rendition of the internet, Craig’s List and a Bitcoin lookalike, became science fact during this lull between writing and publishing. Needless to say, this required upgrading the technology numerous times. Now, at the rate things are advancing, it won’t be long before the entire series is in the realm of science fact, except, perhaps, for cristobalite or devenite crystals. But you never know, given they’re busily creating new elements these days as well as making new discoveries in quantum physics.
Thus, to celebrate the box set’s birthday on July 3, I’m marking it down to $0.99 USD for the USA’s Independence Day weekend ONLY (July 2 – 4 for those outside the USA). So, if you’ve been waiting for a super-giant sale to get your copy, this is it! If you’re unfamiliar with the series, you can learn more about it and see the reviews at the series website, www.StarTrailsSaga.com.
Pick yours up at any of the sales outlets below.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kAJxRn
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/550675
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/star-trails-tetralogy-box-set
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/star-trails-tetralogy-box-set/id1007498996
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/star-trails-tetralogy-box-set-marcha-fox/1122157702
Stock Photo Copyright: kjpargeter / 123RF Stock Photo
This is an awesome idea! People are still buying print books and there are plenty of possibilities out there!
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Following my own advice, I’ve restocked two stores in the small town near me with DESCENT and BLAZE. This happened in two ways. As per the advice I give in the guide, I went by one of the sto…
If you’ve never worked with a beta reader you’re missing a great experience! Doing a ‘beta exchange” is another option where you read each others’ manuscript. I’ve received valuable feedback from my beta readers and enjoyed being a part of the creative process for other authors. If you have an outstanding beta reader they can even help find typos and other goofs which saves on editing. This is a great article with more detail.
Welcome to another, You Asked, the Experts Answer, segment. This week’s question is: What are Beta Readers and do I need one?
A Beta Reader is someone who reads your manuscript before you release it and provides feedback.
Similar to technology companies who release software updates to Beta Testers for the purpose of identifying any bugs before releasing the software to everyone.
A Beta Reader does the same sort of thing for you. It’s a test run of your manuscript.
No. Critiques, are more in-depth and focused on grammar, plot holes, and the mechanics of writing.
A Beta Reader focuses on reading your manuscript. Feedback received includes their overall impression and any glaring mistakes. They will also provide a review after the release of your book.
Based on what publishers and other experts say, yes. For those who choose…
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Here’s an exceptionally well-done article on what’s involved if you want your novel to become a film. It’s probably the dream of just about every author, but in reality, it may be a different story (pun intended). Check it out.
by Gary Smailes
In this article you will discover the steps a novel must go through in order to be made into a film; you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the process and discover the elements that you, as an author, can control to have a positive impact on the chances of seeing your book on the big screen.
This article will focus on the period of time before filming begins, since this is when an author has the most impact on the project. Once the cameras start rolling, the author’s role lessens greatly.
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One of the hot topics this week has been Brexit, Great Britain’s decision (at least England’s) to leave the European Union (EU). I find it interesting and perhaps a bit ironic that it came so close to the USA’s Independence Day, July 4. However, whether or not the decision will stand or be reversed via the Bremain movement is yet to be seen as more and more ramifications of the decision evolve.
This was the perfect time to interview author and historian, Christopher Berg, author/compiler of a book of essays on the British Empire entitled “Small Island, Big History.” I love the cover, which was a real eye-opener regarding Britain’s conquests over the centuries. Truly, British influence is worldwide, something that’s easily forgotten today when Britain’s prominence has retreated since the last century.
Let’s see what an expert on the subject has to say.
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MF: As a historian, especially with regard to the UK, did you see “Brexit” coming when the EU began to stumble a few years ago?
CB: No, I did not, though in hindsight, the UK was reluctant to relinquish the British pound for euros as it would have diluted their purchasing power, but, aside from this, the only one who probably saw it was Niall Ferguson.
MF: Do you think it was skepticism toward the EU at its inception that motivated the UK to retain its own currency and not accept the euro?
CB: That might be part of the answer but such matters are rarely so simple or cut-and-dry. In an international context, the sovereignty of a nation must be maintained and to devalue, dilute, or jettison a national currency in favor of a new and untested common currency linked to dozens of other nations of varying economic strength and solvency was problematic for the British.
MF: The British Empire influenced the entire world with its conquests, largely by planting substantial populations imbued with its culture throughout the globe. From South Africa to India, New Zealand and Australia, there is no doubt that the British have enjoyed a worldwide influence. While over the past several decades, independence has been granted to several commonwealths, some peacefully, others not so much, with its extensive history of imperialism, why do you think that the UK joined the EU in the first place?
CB: Self-interest. That is the primary motivation for most first-world nations and, perhaps, many aspiring nations that want to join the ranks. And, it was an evolving economic reality and to keep markets stable and encourage and maintain good trade relationships with her continental neighbors, the British pondered long and hard about their entry into such an economic community.
MF: Do you think there was a single coup de grace that drove England to withdraw from the EU?
CB: The issue with many European banks bordering on the brink of collapse, the considerable economic tensions escalating with such countries as Ireland, Spain, Italy, and Greece, as well as the issue of a “bail-in” in Cyprus was startling news to many, including Germany. The specific issue or trigger is much more difficult to pinpoint, if there is one. Again, I would defer to Niall Ferguson, the imminent Harvard economic historian.
MF: Britain’s conquests have been anything but friendly, which earned her a lot of opposition based on her reputation for an iron hand and brutal enforcement. Do you think being tromped during WWII took her entirely by surprise? What affect did that have on her subsequent policies toward her commonwealths and the world in general?
CB: WWII caught Britain by surprise in some respects. The fall of Singapore, for example, suggests that they really had little intelligence on the “strength” or “state” of their empire. It was simply the leadership of Winston Churchill that gave the British people the moral resolve to withstand the Nazi threat in 1940-41 and the budding friendship of Churchill and U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt known as the “special relationship.” Churchill was willing to make many compromises in terms of relinquishing colonies, and, as a former Colonial Secretary, was more even-handed in his approach to the colonies. However, the shock of losing the empire after 1945 and the rise of self-determination brought a tough decision on how to move forward. The British had lost their preeminent position of the Victorian Age and, now with the rise of the United States as the world superpower, a new balance-of-power had been thrust upon Great Britain. Churchill’s prescience and a concern for home and social matters helped to ease the transition of Britain from a recognized world power to that of a secondary role.
MF: The initial response of the financial markets toward England’s withdrawal from the EU was unfavorable for its currency. What do you think the long term effect will be, to strengthen or continue to weaken the pound?
CB: I think that the move to withdraw from the EU was Britain’s response to growing uncertainty, the rise of international unrest, and economic instability in many EU-member countries. In the short term, I think this was a defensive move to maintain the pound’s position. The long term position is much harder to discern as economics is a volatile area that is very difficult to manage, much less be proactive about.
MF: What lessons should remaining members of the EU take from England’s withdrawal? Do you think others will follow?
CB; I do think that others might follow suit and others have expressed interest, such as Germany. The stronger economies will definitely begin to re-think their present position and the international effect is only beginning to be felt, even here in the United States.
MF: What effect will this break for freedom have upon England’s citizenry? Do you think it will restore their pride and increase nationalism in a dramatic way?
CB: So far, it has shown to have a galvanizing effect upon the British people, a sense of renewed solidarity, and, perhaps, even a return to protectionist policies.
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You can pick up a copy of “Small Island, Big History” at the following links:
Additional Book Information
Marcha's Two-Cents Worth 