O is for Orbit

One of the key things that makes space different from Earth is that nothing is ever stationary.  Anything close to our planet that isn’t moving at a good clip (measured in miles/kilometers per second) is liable to plummet like a brick.  Gravity is still in effect, even though you’re in free fall and thus don’t… Continue reading O is for Orbit

N is for Nebula

Of all the objects in space, nebulae are some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring.  These giant clouds of gas and dust span light-years, and often contain stellar nurseries where new stars (and with them, new planets) are born.  Few things can fill me with a greater sense of wonder than a detailed, high-res image… Continue reading N is for Nebula

I is for Interstellar

Right after I went through my Dinosaur phase, I saw Star Wars IV: A New Hope for the first time.  Instantly, all that childlike excitement and exuberance was transferred from paleontology to astronomy.  We had a series of about twenty astronomy books in my elementary school’s LRC (Asimov’s astronomy series, I believe–the ones with the… Continue reading I is for Interstellar

Random thoughts on creativity and a cover preview

I’ve noticed that I tend to go through at least two revisions on most of my stories.  The first one generally identifies the problems in the rough draft and eliminates them, while the second one adds anything that’s missing and smooths the story over so that it works as a whole.  They both use different… Continue reading Random thoughts on creativity and a cover preview

Thoughts on ebook parts and a sneak peek of STAR WANDERERS: DREAMWEAVER (aka Star Home)

There’s been some discussion on forums and the blogosphere recently about the different parts that should make up an ebook, and what order they should be in.  J.A. Konrath just did an interesting blog post on the subject, in which he picks his own books apart and gives some advice.  At the moment, here is… Continue reading Thoughts on ebook parts and a sneak peek of STAR WANDERERS: DREAMWEAVER (aka Star Home)

Edenfall update

So I haven’t exactly gotten into a good writing routine yet, but Edenfall is coming along pretty well.  I’m just about finished with the first chapter, and the dominoes are already starting to fall. It’s fun to revisit the world of Genesis Earth, but I’m not going to get too bogged down in recapping the… Continue reading Edenfall update

Worldcon 2011: Saturday

Alright, I should just write this up and finish my convention report before life sweeps me away completely. Saturday was the main day of the con.  To be honest, I forgot all the panels I went to, except this really awesome one by a guy at NASA on near Earth objects (NEOs).  Holyfreakingcow there are… Continue reading Worldcon 2011: Saturday

“Memoirs of a Snowflake” is now free!

So I come back from my camping trip, and what do I find?  Amazon has made my short story “Memoirs of a Snowflake” available for free–and it’s at the #16 spot on the fantasy bestseller list!  Awesome! Camping was fun, as was the road trip down there.  The stars out at Huntington Reservoir were absolutely… Continue reading “Memoirs of a Snowflake” is now free!

Another publication in Leading Edge!

That’s right!  My poem “Zarmina,” dedicated to Gliese 581 g (the first exoplanet discovered in its sun’s habitable zone) is published on page 98 of issue 61 of Leading Edge! Also included in this issue is an excellent essay by Brandon Sanderson, in which he introduces his second law of magic systems.  It’s an excellent… Continue reading Another publication in Leading Edge!

Tag and such

So my cousin Angela tagged me in this cross-linking truth-or-dare blog game, and it looks fun so I figured I’d participate.  Here goes: Do you think you’re hot? I suffer from no illusions as to my ability (or rather, lack thereof) to carnally attract the opposite sex.  That’s not to say I’m ugly, but when… Continue reading Tag and such