The target date for completion of the first two novels for final editing is August 31, 2009. Not too hard to do, considering all of the time invested in it to date. It will be a HUGE relief to declare victory once I am satisfied that the primary bulk of the work is completed, and that my oversight crew tear me a new one in commentary..

Fan fiction has already been submitted to me by a dear friend, and it is so heartening to know that I will have a built in audience of sorts from folks who have been following my efforts since I started public blogging back in 2004.  Meanwhile, the novel writing continues, and I will not stop until the last page of the second book is wrapped up.

Setting a course - back to work!

I am so pleased that Hollywood is being shown yet again that science fiction can bring non-genre junkies into the theaters. When written properly (or with fewer nitpicks), a decent story set on the sci-fi/space fantasy canvass will attract audiences and generate positive word-of-mouth buzz.

So far, I have seen the movie three times, and will likely see a few times more (at least once in IMAX, if possible) before it leaves the cinema and heads for the DVD shelf. That alone should convey to anyone how much I liked that movie.

Meanwhile, back in the Elsewhere universe, I am finding my personal momentum building again as I race to the finish line with the first two books of the series A Crescendo of Color and The Sign of Fire. The sooner I can complete these works, the sooner I can work on the related projects to market it.

At the moment, my biggest stumbling block pertains to the terminology naming conventions. It is a bear, to say the least. Hopefully, my final selections will be smart choices that works well in the story telling aspect of the thing.

For those who don’t know, when I compose paragraphs for my novels, I often utilize instrumental music in the background to evoke internal emotions to a point that assists in the writing process.

At the moment, Jeff Ball’s Red and Blue is front and center for critical parts of the first novel, A Crescendo of Color. If I can talk to the right people, I’d love to incorporate this in the audio production of the full cast CD. In the meanwhile, just give it a listen and savor the evocation of a desert landscape decades into the future…

There is no snow on the ground here in Southwest Oklahoma, and the sun shined warmly without regard to the calendar or the desires of a scant few who wished fruitlessly for a snow covered Christmas Day.

 I, weather oblivious aside, am in high spirits, and am thankful for the blessings in my life, as well as the gratitude for the ultimate gift bestowed upon humanity as celebrated (unevenly in some circles) during this time of year.

 A greatful nation and her allies are thankful for the men and women in the uniforms of their respective services and professions at home and around the world, making it possible for us to enjoy our holiday without incident or fuss. We can’t do enough for them.

Also in our hearts and minds are the absent friends and loved ones who are no longer with us on this day. Time and grace heals all eventually, but never easily. I pray for those recently departed that those left behind find some measure of peace and comfort. No time is ever really a good time to check out from this mortal coil, and late December is especially not ideal. For those in pain now, you have both my condolences and my prayers.

Having celebrated 45 occurances of the Christmas season, I appreciate the sentiments that accompany this time of the year. I only wish we could see it more often, and without any of the cynicism, over-the-top commercialism, or snarkiness that has been spotted in its shadow in recent years. Any items in which to stem that tide would be greatly appreciated.

No politics today. Just a sincere and heartfelt wish for joyous tidings to all my friends, real peace on Earth, and goodwill toward all men and women.

As for moi, I intend to finish laundry, and then catch up with the Christmas adventures of a certain Time Lord in Victorian England. After that, perhaps a return to the keyboard to pound some more paragraphs about a certain pan-dimensional being that resembles a Terran raccoon.

No, really.. *smirk*

Thanks, Phil for getting me straight with both the site and the blog. It only took me a year to move forward with what you had already setup.

For those who don’t know, Phil and I have been friends for over 34 years. I don’t know many things that have been around nearly as long, but I do know that he has been one of the most influential males of my life, and I couldn’t be prouder to call him a lifelong friend.