This has to be the most hotly anticipated anthology I’ve ever been involved with. Despite, or maybe because of, innumerable delays, I still got an email or two every week asking “WHERE THE FUCK IS MY FUCKENING?”
Speaking not as an author, but as an avid reader, I can tell you this anthology was worth the wait. There is not a drop of wasted ink. Every word rings true. Do yourself, and the universe, a favor and CLICK HERE to get your copy.
Words cannot describe this book since the book already used the good ones. “The Fuckening” is finding out, thanks to some idiot at the train depot, your plans of world domination are in ruins and the police would very much like a word.
My contribution, THE WRITER’S STUFF, takes a look at the adventures of Layla le’Lips and Thor Liebenhammer as they try to wrest some control of their world all while Thor admires Layla’s incredible ass.
There is also a fun attempted murder. As all attempted murders should be. And, it has a goat.
It may also be the only thing you ever read where “(she) bounced boobily…” makes sense and isn’t offensive.
The Fuckening is brought to you by the same maniacs who publish Sci-Fi Lampoon every three months. Like it, The Fuckening is wild, irreverent, occasionally offensive, and more fun than a barrel of horny jellyfish.
I think that’s enough excitement for one day. Click the links, buy stuff, be a better human and, until next week, stay safe and sane.
The subject line sums up my thoughts completely. I know that not from any one group act, but from the tons of little feats that constantly remind me someone cares about the stuff I create. While heartwarming, it’s also challenging. In a good way.
A year ago today, I took a huge leap of faith and presented The Brittle Riders to a group of film industry professionals to see what they thought my chances were of getting this behemoth turned some form of cinematic entertainment. Just like those fun days back in school, they graded on a scale of zero to one hundred. Then those scores were compiled, averaged, and a total would be shared. When I submitted I was told anything over sixty was considered excellent. And that I shouldn’t get my hopes up. And … lots of stuff like that.
While I was a frazzled ball of sweat the universe said, “Chill, Bill. You got this.” And, when the scores came in I realized the universe was right. That’s the result below.
That result prompted me to start asking around and seeing what it would take to make it real, while keeping in mind it took The Rock ten years to get Black Adam made. And he’s the freaking Rock. The general answer was “more money than (I) have.” But, as time wandered on I made some connections and started making headway. That led to meetings, and those meetings led to tangible results. And those results led to an animation company taking a brief flyer on a pilot. Sadly they didn’t have enough money either so it all reverted back to me. But, that reversion allowed me to talk to real Hollywood producers and related people and, right now, that’s a good place to be.
Every day I learn more, get my presentation package tighter, and there are now people who will take my calls who probably would have called the cops if I’d showed up at their offices before this.
This is better.
Now, Azoth Khem and I find ourselves needing to boost sales to justify the potential investment. Not that we were doing bad, but we’ve got to up our game. So, that’s what we’re going to do. To that end, in the next few weeks if you’re on Facebook or Amazon you should be seeing this fun blurb. This is an early draft, so if you see something we missed, please raise your hand.
Geldish and his brother monks lost their vibrant blue skin and gained incredible powers when they had their flesh peeled off by a lethal toxin unleashed by Xhakanr’s loyal general, Yontar. Geldish spent the last few centuries healing and now feels ready to mete out his revenge. His brothers, however, want to wait another century or so.
Feeling he had no other options, Geldish enlisted the aid of four fringe dwellers to help him bring the residents of the plains together to fight and kill, Xhaknar. But first, they must draw him out of his impenetrable fortress, Anapsida. To accomplish that, they begin a series of ever-growing raids concentrating on hurting Xhaknar where he’s most vulnerable, his money. Using his paranoia as a weapon against him and his troops for target practice, The Brittle Riders slowly begin to make Geldish’s mad plan come to life.
Set a thousand years after creations were made to fulfill roles of menial laborers, sex slaves, and shock troops — who eventually rose up and killed every man, woman, and child on the planet; The Brittle Riders is a ferocious thrill ride through the debris of human hubris. A dark satire presented in a violent burlesque designed to make you think while you laugh and cringe.
I have to thank all of you for your efforts. The Critters Readers Poll was a slug fest this year. There are seven titles tied for eleventh place and five for tenth. The space between eleventh and first doesn’t seem to be that great either. First place switched hands a few times. But every time it did people like you came to the rescue and voted.
As you may have guessed, The Brittle Riders: Book One (Second Edition) was voted the Best Science Fiction Book of 2022 by the Critters Readers Poll. As one voter emailed me, and I loved this, “I refused to vote for you until I read the book. My wife wanted me to shut up and bought me a copy. Yeah, you got my vote.”
Picking them up one at a time cuz that’s how I roll.
Some of you have asked if there was more to the Garrick Dion quote I now use as a pull quote on the back cover. The answer is yes, and here it is in its original entirety.
A very unique tone and world, reminiscent of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY meets a MAGNIFICIENT SEVEN/DIRTY DOZEN – type set up, but with a look, flavor and lexicon all its own. In a world where studios and streamers are looking for IP that’s expansive, both narratively and in terms of ancillary possibilities (prequels, offshoots, video games, etc.), this certainly seems to offer up a number of possibilities. One would think it also has the potential to go beyond the traditionally young male video game/genre audience, and appeal to a larger cross-section, due to its gender-fluid/non-human characters. – Garrick Dion (Producer of Joker, Drive, etc.)
The Brittle Riders has gone from being a book that I sold mainly at cons to something that has found fans worldwide and in the retail markets. This year, the nice people at Azoth Khem are going to be taking advantage of that and will be mad pimping the book in traditional markets as well as some that seem to be a good fit even if they don’t know it yet. It is truly an exciting time to be a McSciFi.
By the way, we are aware that there were problems with the links in the last couple of emails. After tearing through all the possibilities we got it fixed. Thanks for your patience.
Again, thank you for all your support. I literally couldn’t have done it without you. Until next week, stay safe and sane.
Yesterday, while you and whomever were trying to do whatever it is to whoever you needed to do it to so your significant others wouldn’t notice, I was knee deep in a meeting that could have ended my career instantly. People ask why I don’t gamble. Simple. Show me a horse race more exciting than this.
I bet on myself.
Legally, I am limited on what I can say about the meeting but, and this doesn’t suck, I can say talks concerning SPLICE: HIT BIT TECHNOLOGY and The Brittle Riders took some lurching steps forward.
Documents were requested and delivered. People said nice things about my writing, and I am beginning to think my rainbow clad unicorn might be real. I shall name it George.
Obviously, while people are talking to me, I’m not self published, so others will have to sign off on any deals. Which is fine, they’ve been cheering me this entire journey, and it never hurts to have another set of eyes on anything.
For those of you who have never experienced the joys of shopping for a film deal, it’s not at all like you see in films. I can’t just jot an idea on a napkin and expect someone to hand me an eight figure check. Not even if I ply them with hookers and blow.
And, that’s another myth. Instead of being rampant party monsters, most of the people I’ve met are pretty normal. They love what they do and aren’t about to let anything get in the way of their successes. Which, if boring, is a sane way to get things done.
There are many more steps to take, but I am taking them one at a time. If you have it in your heart, please wish this McSciFi a little luck.
As I noted last week, the Critters Readers Poll is happening again and, this year, you’ve got more McSciFi than ever before. Back in 2020, SPLICE: HIT BIT TECHNOLOGY was voted the Best Science Fiction Novel of the year. This year I hope to add to my awards shelf. Please take a minute to vote for each of these entries. All you need is a valid email address (one vote per address) then just click each title and follow the instructions.
Voting ends on January 14, 2023.
The Brittle Riders: Book One (Second Edition) – This book raced into the top ten sales slots in the Science Fiction/Dystopian categories on IngramSpark the first week it came out and shows no signs of slowing down.
A very unique tone and world, reminiscent of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY meets a MAGNIFICENT SEVEN/DIRTY DOZEN – type set up, but with a look, flavor, and lexicon all its own. In a world where studios and streamers are looking for IP that’s expansive, both narratively and in terms of ancillary possibilities (prequels, offshoots, video games, etc.), (The Brittle Riders) certainly seems to offer up a number of possibilities. Garrick Dion – Producer (Joker / Drive)
ICC Magazine – The “go to” source for all your information needs when it comes to indie comics, cosplaying, and fiction, ICC Magazine has won fans the world over. Artwork, Photography, Video, Music, Poetry, Movie Making, Design, Cosplay. Whatever you enjoy doing. Show us. Tell us. ICC Magazine is dedicated to, and focusing on, people as Individual Creators. The Talent is out there, we all have it, let’s share it!
Sci-Fi Lampoon – This quarterly magazine features some of the most irreverent science fiction and fantasy you’ll ever read. I promise you’ll be offended once you stop laughing.
Sci-Fi Lampoon Submission Guidelines – Send us your best fantasy, sci-fi, and horror themed humor. Foul language and sexuality are OK if they’re part of the story, but nothing too explicit-we aren’t looking for gore or erotica-it’s a humor rag, not a smut mag, so if it’s funny, it’s all good! Please, no fanfic.
As I noted last week, to writers and creators these awards mean more than you could know. They are a vote of confidence in the middle of the most desolate time of the year. So, please, take a minute, vote for each entry, and realize you’re a better human than you give yourself credit for.
Until next week, enjoy this AI version of McSciFi as you stay safe and sane.
The Critters Readers Poll is happening again and, this year, you’ve got more McSciFi you can support than ever before. Back in 2020, SPLICE: HIT BIT TECHNOLOGY was voted the Best Science Fiction Novel of the year. This year I hope to add to my awards shelf. Please take a minute to vote for each of these entries. All you need is a valid email address (one vote per address).
Click each title and follow the instructions. Voting ends January 6, 2023.
The Brittle Riders: Book One (Second Edition) – This book raced into the top ten sales slots in the Science Fiction/Dystopian categories on IngramSpark the first week it came out and shows no signs of slowing down.
A very unique tone and world, reminiscent of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY meets a MAGNIFICENT SEVEN/DIRTY DOZEN – type set up, but with a look, flavor, and lexicon all its own. In a world where studios and streamers are looking for IP that’s expansive, both narratively and in terms of ancillary possibilities (prequels, offshoots, video games, etc.), (The Brittle Riders) certainly seems to offer up a number of possibilities. Garrick Dion – Producer (Joker / Drive)
Sci-Fi Lampoon – I’m a regular contributor to this quarterly magazine which features some of the most irreverent science fiction and fantasy you’ll ever read. I promise you’ll be offended once you stop laughing.
Sci-Fi Lampoon Submission Guidelines – Send us your best fantasy, sci-fi, and horror themed humor. Foul language and sexuality are OK if they’re part of the story, but nothing too explicit-we aren’t looking for gore or erotica-it’s a humor rag, not a smut mag, so if it’s funny, it’s all good! Please, no fanfic.
ICC Magazine – I am the assistant editor for the “go to” source for all your information needs when it comes to indie comics, cosplaying, and fiction, ICC Magazine has won fans the world over.
Artwork, Photography, Video, Music, Poetry, Movie Making, Design, Cosplay. Whatever you enjoy doing. Show us. Tell us. ICC Magazine is dedicated to, and focusing on, people as Individual Creators. The Talent is out there, we all have it, let’s share it!
To writers and creators these awards mean more than you could know. They are a vote of confidence in the middle of the most desolate time of the year. So, please, take a minute, vote for each entry, and realize you’re a better human than you give yourself credit for.
Another thing that keeps authors happy is press, and I scored some sweet words in December.
IONOSPHERE, a magazine released through The National Fantasy Fan Foundation, which has been around since 1942, added me to their pantheon of science fiction writers they have promoted. This iteration of Ionosphere has been run by John Thiel since 2016. My interview here is more in depth and covers some ground you may not be familiar with. It was a lot of fun to do so I hope you’ll take a minute to give it a gander.
Science fiction legend Eric Michael Craig also tossed up a lovely shout out to me in his newsletter.
If you don’t know Eric Michael Craig he broke with the tradition of only serial killers, and people whose last words are “Hold my beer,” using three names and seems to be fine with that. Not just fine, he’s thriving. Still, you might wish to avoid his basement just to be safe. He has a new book out called Legacy of Pandora that you really need to add to your TBR list.
Alone, beyond the edge of Civilization.
A routine exploration mission explodes into chaos and throws Commander Jephora Cochrane and the crew of the prospector ship Jakob Waltz into a crisis that tests his experience to the limit.
After a puzzling message from FleetCom warns him of an impending interplanetary war, Cochrane isn’t sure who he can trust. Yet somehow, regardless of their hidden agendas, he must push his crew to new levels to save their ship.
Together, they discover – something, buried at the edge of the solar system, that will alter the course of history. A secret, that changes everything.
But only if he can keep them alive until the truth gets out.
If you liked The Expanse or The Arrival, you should grab Legacy of Pandora now and unlock a half billion-year-old mystery that will shape the future of civilization.
To those who signed up over the holiday break, welcome. To everyone else, welcome back. Knowing that several thousand people follow this weekly missive is both humbling and daunting. Hopefully , as this year trundles onward, I will keep you entertained with more McSciFi and occasional glimpses into my world.
My best to all of you. Please stay safe and sane. See you next week.
The Critters Readers Poll is happening again and, this year, you’ve got more McSciFi than ever before. Back in 2020, SPLICE: HIT BIT TECHNOLOGY was voted the Best Science Fiction Novel of the year. This year I hope to add to my awards shelf. Please take a minute to vote for each of these entries. All you need to do is click the title and follow the instructions.
A very unique tone and world, reminiscent of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY meets a MAGNIFICENT SEVEN/DIRTY DOZEN – type set up, but with a look, flavor, and lexicon all its own. In a world where studios and streamers are looking for IP that’s expansive, both narratively and in terms of ancillary possibilities (prequels, offshoots, video games, etc.), (The Brittle Riders) certainly seems to offer up a number of possibilities.
Garrick Dion – Producer (Joker)
Sci-Fi Lampoon – This quarterly magazine features some of the most irreverent science fiction and fantasy you’ll ever read. I promise you’ll be offended once you stop laughing.
Sci-Fi Lampoon Submission Guidelines – Send us your best fantasy, sci-fi, and horror themed humor. Foul language and sexuality are OK if they’re part of the story, but nothing too explicit—we aren’t looking for gore or erotica—it’s a humor rag, not a smut mag, so if it’s funny, it’s all good! Please, no fanfic.
ICC Magazine – The “go to” source for all your information needs when it comes to indie comics, cosplaying, and fiction, ICC Magazine has won fans the world over.
Artwork, Photography, Video, Music, Poetry, Movie Making, Design, Cosplay. Whatever you enjoy doing. Show us. Tell us. ICC Magazine is dedicated to, and focusing on, people as Individual Creators. The Talent is out there, we all have it, let’s share it!
To writers and creators these awards mean more than you could know. They are a vote of confidence in the middle of the most desolate time of the year. So, please, take a minute, vote for each entry, and realize you’re a better human than you give yourself credit for.
I, like some of you, seem to have a family and they want to spend time with me and my lovely bride this holiday season. Mostly her, but I’m allowed to tag along. It’s okay, they feed me and let me watch TV.
Before I wander off and start mumbling again I want to thank all of you for sticking around and supporting me on this journey. I not only appreciate you reading this newsletter, I enjoy the interaction you feel comfortable enough to enjoin. Every week I get a nice variety of messages ranging from professional inquiries to questions about hot sauces. Since I know other authors whose newsletters are shot into the ether with nary a peep in response, I realize how blessed I am to have each of you.
Today, unrelated to anything else herein, Poland is facing Mexico in the World Cup. Since half of Chicago is either Polish or Mexican, or in the case of my alderwoman – both, this city is going to shut down. Bars are opening early to handle the expected influx, restaurants will have the match on every TV, and many families are hosting cookouts or parties. Even if you’re not a fan of soccer it’s kind of hard not to get caught up in the excitement.
Nevertheless, while you’re all spending quality time with loved ones, I will be doing that and taking meetings to see where my next career steps might be headed. It is both exciting and daunting to consider the possibilities. And, as I always remind everyone here behind the scenes, it could all go nowhere. But, the fact I’m having these conversations with people who have their names rolling by in the end credits of major films, tells me we got something right.
Fingers crossed, and all that.
If you’re still looking for the coolest holiday gifts, fret no more. ICC Magazine’s Holiday Gift Guide is out and features the works of hundreds of indie creators, interviews with famous people you need to know better, and articles written by professionals and me.
ICC Magazine showcases the best and brightest stars in Independent Comics and offers tips and advice for upcoming artists from the pros. If you thought there were no inspirational material or resources for Independent Comic artists, let us be your guide! Independent Creators Connection is your creative nexus!
ICC Magazine: Where Legends Are Born!
This is fun. The world’s fourth coolest human, Erich Hayner, fed my name and the title of one of my stories into an AI graphic program, and it spit the image immediately below out. He tweaked it a bit on his phone, but I have to admit I’m a fan.
Until next year, remember you can always get the latest editions of my books at Azoth Khem, grab some fun McSciFi gear at the McSciFi Shop or festoon a loved one in Legends Parallel propaganda from the Legends Parallel Store. Of course, nothing’s stopping you from doing all three.
Whatever you do, please have a safe and joyous holiday season, hug someone you love, and I’ll look forward to chatting with you all again next year.
I know we live in a fun filled world where facts are liquid and all news is fake, but we don’t really. Facts are facts and news stories can be sourced for accuracy. Normally this would apply to politics but, apparently, my newsletters are fair game too. So, I’m going to take a minute to try and set some records straight.
Try. I’m not sure how successful I’ll be. But one must try, mustn’t one?
For those who follow me on social media, the previous rant makes perfect sense. For those who don’t, context clues should help you follow along. However, some background will help either way. Over the last couple of weeks I have been noting how Azoth Khem Publishing has been reworking and repackaging my books. Part of their motivation has come from the fact major film studios have started sniffing around. This is an understandable development. In the six years since book one of the original trilogy was released it has been a steady seller, released in multiple markets, and has small (but mighty) fan clubs in England, Germany, and Japan. There’s also a nice lady in India who thinks it’s the bomb. But, circling back to the film companies, they have been nice enough to provide written critiques and summaries for us to use.
And that led to a unique problem. Their vision of what it should be was better than what the book actually was. As noted by the sales and the fans, it didn’t suck, but it could go to the next level. And now, after months of hard work, heavy drinking, and loud swearing, we’re there. The Brittle Riders: Book One (Second Edition) is out and it’s amazing. With brand new art by Ian Bristow, forty some additional pages, and edits so tight you could bounce quarters off them.
However, and this is why we can’t have nice things, to some people all of this proved (PROVED I TELL YOU) nefarious things were afoot.
Here’s a link to the reviews and comments in question. So, away we go.
Just because someone famous said something nice about the book doesn’t mean they stole it, own the copyright, or anything else. It just means they liked the book.
Shopping for a film deal, and even generating initial interest, is not the same as having someone cut a check for millions of dollars. We’re all still eating Ramen over here.
Yes, we are updating our ISBNs. We are doing this to better track each second edition as it comes out. This is not some weird tax scam. I don’t even know how that would work and am sure I’d rather not find out.
Hopefully this straightens things out. If not, it will provide an easy to point to article once its gets posted on my blog. That way there can be no questions. It will be public and set in stone. After that I got nothing.
