"A mind is a terrible thing to waste."

I received word this week that one of the anthologies to which I had submitted a short story had been canceled, and that made me think of the United Negro College Fund commercial from the 70s which ended with the student slamming his book closed and the narrator giving the quoted statement above.

On the bright side, I did complete the first draft of another short story and got it off to my Skirmish Team for feedback. The story allowed me to drink once more from the stream that produced my novel Smoke--that's always a good thing. The feedback has been very positive so far.

My priority now is to get back to book 6 and complete it by the end of October. However, I have been asked to be in the Christmas radio play for December (which was canceled last year--the radio show was canceled, not December). I like doing the radio show because I don't have to memorize the lines. On the other hand, I know that the local theater is about to start a production. I forwarded through a third party that if the director is looking for a dashing and handsome leading man with a modicum of charisma who is adept at kissing scenes, but would be willing to settle for me instead, she should let me know so that I can schedule my other obligations accordingly. The director messaged through the third person that she had a part in mind for me--no other details provided.

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In the previous newsletter I mentioned Torgersen's A Star Wheeled Sky. I finished it. I liked most of the characters. I enjoyed the story, but it seemed to take quite a while before anything really happened. It was a slow setup that eventually led to some good action, battles in space and on the ground with a high number of character casualties. I probably won't follow the series. No criticism; it just didn't resonate with me.

I also mentioned Hillerman's The Wailing Wind. I finished it as well. Although I liked it, there was something missing for me that I can't quite pinpoint. It was good, but not great. Lt. Leaphorn is retired but involved in the case. Chee is a sergeant and Manuelito is the new deputy. There's a poorly developing romance between Chee and Manuelito. The code that nobody could figure out seemed pretty obvious to me, and going to the place indicated could've solved the mystery, or a great part of it, halfway through the book. Maybe that's why it felt unsatisfying for me.

Currently, I'm reading The French and Indian War: Deciding The Fate of North America by Walter R. Borneman (I'll include highlights on the blog), as well as Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian. The latter is moving a little slower than I care for, but I'll keep at it.

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An excerpt from the work in progress, Book 6 in The Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series:

“Then this country may finally be fit for civilization,” Evelyn said. “The obstinacy of these people requires that they feel the severity of punishment, and I expect the commander to deliver it in earnest.”

“What about those two assassins?” the colonel beside Howe asked. “Wasn’t one of them French?”

Lucette spoke up quickly. “A French girl. I have met her. I cannot comprehend her attachment to Washington and his cause. She has gone away with the other one you mentioned on a special mission from General Washington.”

“We expected as much,” Howe said. “However, it is rather a coincidence that we haven’t seen the French girl, and a French lieutenant who looks very much like a girl hiding in a man’s uniform suddenly joins us to stop our attack on the rebels. Don’t you find that suspicious?”

Captain Evelyn looked closely at Lucette. “I admit it is peculiar that I see not even the hint of a moustache on the lieutenant’s smooth face.”

Lucette ignored Evelyn. “General, how would you settle the country with these dragons of which you speak? Do you think they will stop with the destruction of the rebels? Do they know uniforms and flags that they make alliances with the English?”

“I’m certain that they will find our cannon sufficient deterrent,” Howe said. “At present I’m more interested in discovering the truth about you, Lieutenant Du Vallon. Would you like to confess now that you are the would-be assassin, or must we remove your clothing to get to the truth of the matter?”

Evelyn moved from his seat to seize Lucette’s arms and hold them behind the back of the chair.

“General,” the colonel said, “this does not strike me as the manner in which gentlemen ought to proceed.”

“Spies and assassins aren’t entitled to the treatment one expects of gentlemen,” Evelyn snapped. “She can confess or be stripped.”

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Coming of Age Fantasy books are here.

Here is the September Fantasy and SciFi giveaways.

Check out Luna Fox's Blood and Loyalty: The Dracomancer.

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Finally, the 4th paragraph from our story. This one is from Emily H. (with minor editing from me).

Revenge tore at his heart and soul as he headed to the barn. He recalled the rumors passed on by the traveling peddler about a group of rough looking men asking about him in another town. Were they the men who had taken the love of his life? He had not forgotten the vow that he would find them before he died.

Send your proposals for the 5th paragraph. I'm interested to see where this goes.

The story as it stands so far can be found here.

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Honor Roll with special thanks to these subscribers:

Lois for her stunning review and heroic defense of The Shrinking Zone.

JBudd for reviews of Threading the Rude Eye, In Death Bedrenched, Power to Hurt, The Shrinking Zone, Clamorous Harbingers, Promise of Carnage and Flame, and Truth in Flames

Colleen for leaving ratings for several of my books on Amazon

Rob for leaving a review of Threading the Rude Eye

Michael for leaving reviews of Threading the Rude Eye, and The Shrinking Zone

Mayra for a review of Threading the Rude Eye

Gloria for a review of Threading the Rude Eye

ShannonC for a review of In Death Bedrenched

Jan for reviews of Threading the Rude Eye, Power to Hurt, Clamorous Harbingers, Promise of Carnage and Flame, In Death Bedrenched, The Shrinking Zone, Truth in Flames, Justice in Season, and Justice Resurgent.

Bonnie for a review of In Death Bedrenched.

PAR for a review of Threading the Rude Eye

-There are many other reviews of my books, of course, but I don't know whether those reviewers are also subscribers to this newsletter.