Jay Lake Interview

I delivered a car for Toyota today to Chico, and I listened to the latest I Should be Writing on the way. The episode included several interviews from Mur's Worldcon experience, but I was particularly touched by Jay Lake's interview.

I've never met Jay, but he was very gracious in lending a helping hand to Adventures in Scifi Publishing last summer when we ran our Keys to Publishing contest, and we follow each other Twitter. In the interview, Jay discussed his prolific production. Specifically, he pointed out that everyone is a consumer, to some degree, but few are producers.

Being a producer, a creator, is a choice. It was really something I needed to hear. He reminded me that I can choose how to spend my time. Being a producer means sacrificing other things in life, and it's up to me to decide what is most important.

You inspired me today, Jay. You said exactly the right thing in exactly the right way, and I'm grateful. Thank you.

Any aspiring writer out there must listen to this interview. You'll enjoy it.

The License

A New Me

This week I am starting a 12 week physical fitness program. Truth be told, it's a lifestyle change, but it begins with a twelve week program to get me moving in the right direction. I have a fitness coach and everything.

Professional trainer and fitness competitor Sandra Wickham will be putting me through the paces as best she can from long distance. In the end, it is truly up to me to stay true to my diet (which allows me to eat a lot of food!) and to stay faithful to my exercise regime.

I used to run and workout regularly, but two years as a stay-at-home dad has made me, well, a little soft around the middle, shall we say. Yes, we did take "before" pictures, but I will only post them when I have the "after" pictures. I've been easing into the routine since Thursday, but tomorrow will really be my full immersion.

Wish me well!

Saving Freedom, by Senator Jim DeMint

It is hard to deny that America has been marching into Socialism for the last seventy years. The federal government is the now the nations biggest debtor, lender, health care provider, insurer, and service provider. Through regulation and federal bureaucracy, there are few businesses untouched by federal control. The states that gave birth to the federal government are now slaves to it, and with more than 52% of Americans receiving a significant portion of their income from the federal government, one must wonder how "free" our free market actually is.

Saving Freedom, a book of political philosophy by Senator Jim Demint, is divided into three sections, and I will briefly address them each.

Part 1 - The Rise and Fall of Freedom in America - This section is a bit slow, but I understand that Senator DeMint is setting the stage for the arguments to be presented in the latter sections. Still, outside of some interesting personal stories (like him being threatened by George W. Bush if DeMint didn't follow the party line), the opening section of Saving Freedom adds little new to the conservative debate.

If you are just beginning your exploration of conservative philosophy, you may find lots of useful information here, but I found little that I didn't already know and understand.

Part 2 - Principles and Institutions of Freedom - Here is where the meat begins. DeMint explores the failures of big government, highlighting how government mandates and interference have caused economic dislocation for decades (problems that are always blamed on the private sector, problems that give big government politicians an excuse for yet more big government).

He also provides a fascinating discuss on the difference between separation of Church and State versus separation of God and State. I particularly like his history of Christianity and how Biblical philosophy provided the soil for western democracy to grow: personal accountability, capitalism, voluntary service, the pursuit to improve oneself, family values, a stable law grounded in a moral order, and the sanctity of the individual are all beliefs of Judeo-Christian thought. The Founders understood this quite well, and while they opposed a state-sponsored religion, they highly valued a government controlled by a religious people. I'll provide some quotes to support this claim below.

DeMint doesn't want the U.S. government to give Christianity preference over any religion, but he does warn against a society that tells God to go away, and the difficulties of preserving America's civil society in such a climate. This is a complicated issue, and DeMint breaks it down with eloquence. Worth the read, whether you agree with him or not.

Part 3 - Action Plans - The final section of the book is the shortest, and serves two functions: 1. It is a call to action. Americans must decide every day that liberty is worth fighting for. The so-called silent majority has been silent too long. They must rise up, get involved, and demand the sanctity of their Constitution. 2. It shows "freedom solutions" to solving the woes of healthcare reform, social security, medicare/medicaid, unsustainable debt, tax reform, and education. These proposals are on the House floor (HR 6110) as I type this, so when the media and the Democrats claim that Republicans offer no alternatives, thereby creating a false option that we must adopt their Statist policies or watch American society crumble, remember they are lying.

The biggest fault of the book is that DeMint doesn't explore these options in more detail. It would be dry to do so, but I would have liked it. He does offer a link to the American Road Map, so you can read the proposals yourself.

All in all, Jim DeMint has written a fairly solid book about political philosophy, and that's what this debate is all about: philosophy. Do you believe in liberty grounded in a stable law, or do you believe in centralized power. Which system provides opportunity for all? Which system encourages hard work, self-determination, community involvement, personal responsibility, compassion, family values, competition, and caring for those in need?

Saving Freedom, while not as good as Mark Levin's Liberty and Tyranny, asks some tough questions and doesn't shy away from tough answers. Whether you read this book or not, I hope you explore these issues and ground your beliefs in history, study, and philosophy. The only thing hanging in the balance is your country.

Now, Jim DeMint provides some great quotes throughout the book. Here are some of my favorite:

The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities.
-- Ayn Rand

Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation deserts the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And lets us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on the minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
-- President George Washington

Without God, there could be no American from of Government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first, the most basic, expression of Americanism.
-- President Dwight Eisenhower

We have no government armed with powers capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
-- President John Adams.

From George Washington to Abraham Lincoln, Eisenhower, and beyond, the sense of the sovereignty of God above history ahs been a recurring theme in American self-understanding, a genuine point of consensus despite obvious dissent.
-- Os Guinness

And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever.
-- President Thomas Jefferson

Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem
-- President Ronald Reagan

Liberty has never come from the government. Liberty has always come from the subjects of government. This history of liberty is the history of resistance.
-- President Woodrow Wilson

Political leaders in capitalist countries who cheer the collapse of socialism in other countries continue to favor socialist solutions in their own. They know the words, but they have not learned the tune.
-- Milton and Rose Friedman

We have progressively abandoned that freedom in economic affairs without which the personal and political freedom has never existed in the past. Although we had been warned. . . that socialism means slavery, we have steadily moved in the direction of socialism. And now that we have seen a new form of slavery arise before our eyes, we have so completely forgotten the warning that it scarcely occurs to us that the two things may be connected.
-- Friedrich Hayek

The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.
-- Winston Churchill

Loss of freedom seldom happens overnight. Oppression doesn't stand on the doorstep with toothbrush, moustache, and swastika armband - it creeps up insidiously. . . . step by step, and all of a sudden the unfortunate citizen realizes that it is gone.
-- Baron Geoffrey Lane

Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts and murders itself. there never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.
-- President John Adams

The argument for collectivism, for government doing something, is simple. Anybody can understand it. "If there's something wrong, pass a law. If somebody is in trouble, get Mr. X to help them out." the argument for voluntary cooperation, for a free market, is not nearly so simple. Is says, "You know, if you allow people to cooperate voluntarily and don't interview with them, indirectly, through the operation of the market, they will improve matters more than you can improve it directly by appointing somebody." That's a subtle argument, and it's hard for people to understand. Moreover, people think that when you argue that way you're arguing for selfishness, for greed. That's utter nonsense.
-- Milton Friedman

Why Do Some Libs Hate Profit

Let's look at the average American life, shall we.

You live in a home or an apartment, maybe a dormitory. You have a bed, furniture, fresh running water, electricity, clean clothes, nice shoes, a cell phone, a TV, a computer, a kitchen full of food.

You wake to an alarm clock at the hour of your choosing. You take a hot shower. Modify your appearance with makeups and perfumes and deoderants. You climb into your car and drive to your favorite coffee shop for a mocha, maybe a vanilla cappuccino.

Who made all of these things you use every day? Why were they made? For what reason?

You go to the grocery store and buy whatever you want, choosing from a vast supply of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, poultry, meats, diary, and breads. You buy a bottle of wine and stop at the video store to rent the newest scifi flick.

You go to work and hopefully apply yourself. In exchange you are awarded a paycheck. If you don't like your job, you can look for another. You are not forced into an occupation. If you do like your job you can work extra hard, put in some overtime, and be reward with more money, a better salary, new challenges, and thereby increase your quality of life. Or, you decide to start your own business, to build a legacy you can pass to your children, one they in turn will pass to theirs.

What makes this possible?

You go home at night, tired. So you utilize a marvelous device called a microwave to warm you dinner. You watch cable TV, drink your wine, put your dishes in a dishwasher, put your dirty clothes in a washing machine, which enables you to spend time playing with your children, reading a book, or enjoying an evening walk.

Profit. All of these things are readily available, and the average American has them all, because of profit.

And yet, so many of us seem to hate profit, to believe that evil CEOs are the source of all suffering. That if not for Pharmaceutical companies, everyone would enjoy free health care. That if not for Starbucks, coffee would only cost ten cents a cup. That if not for Fortune 500 companies, there would be no homelessness or want.

Don't get me wrong. There are terrible, greedy CEOs out there. Humans are humans. There are terrible greedy people at every level of society, it's just not politically expedient for the media or the politicians to vilify greedy fast food employees. A greedy CEO - that's front page news, and rightfully so, but lets be honest about this.

Why have so many diseases been defeated in this country? Because of the government? No, because of a profit-driven company who spent millions developing a vaccine.

Why do Americans have such amazing survival rates for cancer and heart attacks? Because of the government? No, because of doctors, nurses, and drug companies who spent countless hours and dollars developing better technologies, better prescriptions, and better techniques. And, yes, they make a profit. Why have Americans won 29 of the last 30 Noble Prizes for Medicine? Because of the government? No, because they are part of a system that despite massive government interference still encourages innovation and imaginative exploration.

I don't see people hating John Kerry for making tens of millions in his public life. I don't see people hating Barak Obama for making 3.5 million dollars last year and only giving 6 percent to charity. I don't see people hating Al Gore for making over 100 million dollars from his global warming proselytizing. I don't care if he makes this money, but do you think he's not motivated by profit?

So, if you hate profit, if you think the private sector is source of our woes, look around your own home and marvel at the wonders. And if you ever find yourself in possession of a million dollars, I trust you'll give most of it away. After all, that would be profit.

Losing Interest

Is anyone else losing interest in science fiction television?

Since Battlestar Galactica and Stargate Atlantis wrapped and Terminator: The Sara Connor Chronicles cancelled, my desire for spec fic television has waned. It may partly be to my dissatisfaction with some recent genre shows. I could never get into Fringe. Eureka has become a silly soap opera (I love him, but he doesn't me. I love her, but she doesn't love me.), and Warehouse 13 had its moments, but it feels too much like flotsam riding Eureka's success. Legend of the Seeker never worked for me, and Chuck is a lot of fun, but if I miss it, no biggie.

Stargate: Universe and Caprica are upcoming, and Flash Forward may be interested, but it just seems like scifi has hit a lull.

Or maybe I have.

I'm reading a lot of nonfiction these days, and with the NFL kicking off next week, much of my TV time will be spoken for, but are there spec fic shows out there that have you excited?

A Long Journey

Finally, yesterday my real estate license was issued by the state of California. Here's a brief history of my journey.

1. To get a real estate license in California, I had to take three college level courses from home, completing online quizzes, essay questions, and review tests for each book. That took me just over three months to complete (covering nearly 1,200 pages). Keep in mind, I was also packing my house and moving 500 miles during this time. After I completed all three courses, I took a 150 question test, which I thankfully passed on my first attempt. I was ready for the state examine.

2. I mailed the necessary paperwork to the DRE to be cleared to sign up for a test date, but that process took 8 weeks! This was a frustrating time. I was ready to go, and unemployed, but I was enslaved to the machinations of a burdensome and broke state government. Had a private company been entrusted with clearing examinees, I have no doubt the wait would have been shorter.

During this time I applied for at least fifty jobs, but my limited availability combined with high unemployment resulted in zero offers. Not even an interview. Finally, I realized that my father's Toyota dealership was in need of drivers, and they hired me to deliver cars to customers and other California dealerships. I've spent thousands of miles on the road in the last few months, but the income was just enough to helps us get by without pillaging our savings.

Finally, I was cleared to sign up for a test date, which was three weeks out. I would take my test August 11th.

3. I went into serious cram mode the second week of July, and while I had a good grasp on certain aspects of the real estate business, there were just as many laws that I struggled to comprehend. Knowing that I needed to pass the test on my first attempt, I signed up for a weekend review course in San Jose courtesy of the Chamberlain Real Estate School. The weekend was amazing, and the opportunity to study with a real estate professional clarified most of my confusion.

I took the test on August 11th and passed!

4. Now, September 5th, nearly a month after passing the examine, being investigated by the Department of Justice, and submitting yet more paperwork and fees, I finally have my license. This week I'll be starting at the West Roseville office of Northern California's leading real estate team, Lyon Real Estate. Located in a beautiful new building and armed with the best technology available, I'll have significant support and resources to draw upon.

It's been a long journey up to this point. I've struggled with the long waits, but in the frustration God has challenged me to rely on Him rather than my own endeavors. It was a valuable lesson, and I'll certainly need that faith as I embark in a commission-based field in a down market. God is good, and the journey continues.

Some Fun With Obamacare

The phone rings and the lady of the house answers.

"Hello?"

"Mrs. Sanders, please."

"Speaking."

"Mrs. Sanders, this is Dr. Jones at St. Agnes Laboratory. When your husband's doctor sent his specimen to the lab last week, a specimen from another Mr. Sanders arrived as well. We are now uncertain which one belongs to your husband. Frankly, either way the results are not too good."

"What do you mean?" Mrs. Sanders asks nervously.

"Well, one of the specimens tested positive for Alzheimer's and the other one tested positive for HIV. We can't tell which is which."

"That's dreadful! Can you do the test again?" questioned Mrs. Sanders.

"Normally we can, but the new health care system will only pay for these expensive tests just one time."

"Well, what am I supposed to do now?"

"The folks at OBAMACARE recommend that you drop your husband off somewhere in the middle of town. If he finds his way home, don't sleep with him."

What do Conservatives Believe

Since I've become convinced that Conservatism is the most equitable and liberty-driven of political philosophies, I've had some interesting discussions with friends and acquaintances about what Conservatives actually believe. I've had people tell me that only rich, old white men are Conservatives. One told me that the Republicans have never, ever cared about the elderly, ever. The liberal media calls Conservatives racists and Nazis (thank you, Pelosi - but remember that the National Socialist Party was of the far-left, not the right), and President Obama himself has dismissed Conservatives as simple folk who cling to their guns and their God. Would that be the same God named in the Declaration of Independence? You know, the Creator who gives us our natural rights that no government has the right to take away.

Anyway, I have found, for those moderates and liberals who really care about intellectual honesty and really care about what many Conservatives believe, that Mark Levin's fabulous book Liberty and Tyranny is the perfect primer for introducing Conservative philosophy, clarifying what many of us believe. Conservatism is rich in scope, and not all Conservatives share the same values. With an emphasis on individual freedom, this is to be expected, but it's also why Conservatives fail to amass the power of the Left, who pursue an agreed upon agenda with Borg-like efficiency.

Mark Levin has made the final chapter of his book available for free. So download it, read it, think about it, don't make any assumptions before hand, and do yourself a favor by buying the book and reading it cover to cover. At just 200 pages, the book is concise, to-the-point, powerful, and will challenge Democrats, Republicans, and everyone in between.

Letter From Michelle Bachmann

I got this letter from Congressman Michelle Bachmann this morning, and it illustrates, yet again, that most Americans want real, free market reform of our health care system, not control by government fiat. Strong, principled conservatives are so rare in politics that it would be a shame for Bachmann to ever lose re-election, but as a supporter of term limits, I can't support her forever! Still, I'm grateful that someone is in Washington fighting for liberty.

Health care is too, expensive. I don't hear anyone arguing against that, but why is destroying the health care that 88% of American's benefit from the best solution? It's not.

Conservatives want tort reform, federalism, portable policies that can cross state-lines, tax credits, expanded Health Savings Accounts, and more. The government has removed so many free market forces from health care that the "free market" has no impact on health care costs. This is a problem created by government, and once again the politicians tell us they can fix the problem if we only give them more power, and surrender more of our liberty.

Can we trust the same politicians that have bankrupted Social Insecurity and Medicare? Can we trust the same politicians that forced on us a Medicaid system that now consumes 1/5 of every state's budget? Will it really be different this time? Can Obama deliver Utopia? Is the government the answer to all our problems?

I don't see any proof. Do you?

Yesterday was an amazing day for me. A real testament to the power that you, the people, have. And, a wonderful experience in the blessings of the Great American Experiment!

I was out and about in Minnesota talking to the people about health care. I was joined by my good friend and colleague, Dr. Michael Burgess, Republican Representative from Texas, who is not only a physician but also a member of one of the committees drafting the health care legislation. He's been a great voice for freedom and the free market and he really helped answer people's questions about the bills that are making their way through the Congress.

Let me tell you, at each event yesterday, while there was some support for President Obama's government-run reforms, I got an overwhelming sense that people are just plain tired of Washington's government-knows-best attitude.

Yesterday's first public meeting on health care reform brought small business owners from a good stretch of my district together at a multi-chamber lunch and discussion.

You've heard me say it before: America's small businesses are the engine of our economy; the job creators and prosperity builders. And, that's why it's truly puzzling to me that the Democrats' health reform would punish them with penalties and taxes that will force them to choose between providing jobs or providing government-set health coverage.

My second public meeting was a good old-fashioned townhall. We had more than 600 people in attendance. We filled the auditorium and the overflow room we'd set up. It was a fantastic opportunity to share with these citizens the Republican alternatives that the media just aren't talking about: Health Savings Accounts, Association Health Plans, tort reform, tax code changes, insurance reforms, my very own Health Care Freedom of Choice Act, and more.

Finally, after the townhall, I headed over to the Minnesota State Fair, where a great discussion developed, turning into an impromptu townhall meeting!

People are fired up about this issue...and well they should be! Americans enjoy the very best quality health care in the world. We need to pass reform to make it more affordable and more accessible, but we need to preserve the doctor-patient relationship and we need to expand consumer choice.

You can make a difference! Make sure your Congress knows how you feel.

God bless and thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann

DVD Vending Machines

Redbox and other DVD vending machines may account for 30% of all DVD rentals by the end of 2010 according to this article on Slice of Scifi. Some studio execs bemoan that the cheap $1 price devalues their product, and they want deals that wouldn't allow Redbox to carry a movie until it had already been on the market a predetermined amount of time.

I'm fine with that, and I think most consumers who use Redbox will be, too. Movies are movies. They don't change, and they don't get better or worse after time. Indeed, since I stopped going to the movies and canceled my Netflix subscription, I have not only saved lots of money, but I've gained new appreciation for really good films. And there are far too few of them.

If studio execs want to worry about devalued stock, maybe they should concentrate first on creating quality, original films. No more mindlessness. No more sequels. No more remakes. Allow writers and directors to pursue their visions, and get your fingers out of the creative pie. If you can't trust the director to make a quality film, don't hire him/her in the first place!

A Letter From Congressman Hunter

Today I received a letter from Congressman Duncan Hunter of San Diego, a man I voted for in the last election. He speaks here about health care (which needs to be reformed, just not with a government takeover), border security (which also has a direct impact on health care), and the anti-stimulus act. He says he was against the anti-stimulus, but then talks about ways he wants to use the money.

I know he's in a tough position. As a Conservative who was against the bailouts and stimulus, he is now forced to use the money. We've seen what's happened to some governors who initially took a stand against the money, and Obama forcing the money on the states was a complete violation of the Constitution. Still, Mr. Hunter best beware publicly boasting about "shovel ready" projects and how he's going to help San Diego via stimulus. It smells of hypocrisy.

Congress has been debating many issues this year, ranging from health care reform, border security to water shortage issues. As your representative in Congress, it is an honor to serve you and I wanted to take a moment to update you on these matters and ask that you keep me informed of your views on issues of importance to you.

Health care reform is a conversation we continue to have in our homes and in Washington. During a recent teletown hall, many of you expressed your concern with the speed with which Congress was moving forward with health care legislation and the establishment of a government-run system. While everyone expressed their concern that we do need to reform our health care delivery system, many questioned if the plan being considered by Congress is the best way to go. Like many of you, I do not feel a government run option is the solution, not only because of the cost, but also because this approach limits choice for consumers and the availability of quality care for those who need it most.

Given the broad-range of questions raised by many in Congress, health care reform legislation will not be considered until September. We have also been given assurances that the legislation will be made available 72 hours prior to the vote so that not only those of us in Congress, but the American people too will have a chance to review this legislation as well. On my website, under Quicklinks, a copy of the current House bill is available for your review and this link will be updated with new versions of the legislation as they become available.

On a different topic, the tragic shooting and death of Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas underscores the fact that violence along the Southwest border remains a significant problem and one that we must address. As you may know, the area in Campo where agent Rosas was killed has no contiguous fencing. Fencing is essential to our border enforcement efforts to decrease the amount of illegal immigrants entering our country and make it more difficult for the traffickers to operate along the border region. It is for this reason that I have introduced the Unlawful Border Entry and Prevention Act, which would allow Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to build an additional 350 miles of fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border. This legislation has bipartisan support and I will be working hard to ensure its passage.

There has also been a lot of discussion back here in Washington regarding the water situation in California. Not only are we dealing with the third consecutive year of major drought conditions, but we are now forced to rely on less water because a federal judge determined that the habitat needs of an endangered fish were more important than the water needs of millions of Southern Californians. I am concerned about the failure of Congress to act on California's water crisis, which has unfairly disadvantaged the people of San Diego. On several different occasions, solutions have been offered in Congress seeking to return the Delta pumps to normal operations. This action would allow transfers to take place and additional drinking water to be provided to San Diego. Unfortunately, these measures have not passed but I will continue fighting to see that San Diegans are not held hostage to unnecessary government bureaucracy and overzealous regulators.

Another issue of concern is the economy. While I did not support passage of the federal stimulus package for a variety of reasons, I do recognize that this law provides funding opportunities for our region. I have been supportive of several local projects that are candidates for this funding including, the construction of a pedestrian bridge for Shoal Creek Elementary School in Poway, the building of a new health care facility in Ramona and continued federal funding for some of our local highways and infrastructure. These projects are "shovel ready" and will provide several immediate benefits to the community, including jobs. However, given the necessity for long-term relief in place of short-term solutions, we must continue looking for sensible ways to get our economy back on track.

Finally, with California's unemployment rate over 11% and many San Diegans looking for work, I am hosting a Community Job Fair. Area business will be represented and individuals will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from these companies to discuss job opportunities or career changes. The event will be held on September 2, 2009, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Ronald Reagan Community Center in El Cajon. Please visit my website or contact my district office at 619-448-5201 for additional information.

Again, I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know of some issues of concern and ask that you let me know how you feel on matters affecting our nation and community. If you would like to contact me, please go to my website and sign up for my e-newsletter and specific updates on topics of interest to you. In addition, if you sign up for my e-newsletter, you will be invited to participate in my video townhalls. I look forward to hearing from you.

Epic Fail

Tonight I had the opportunity to speak with the 4 winners of this year's L. Rob Hubbard's Writers and Illustrators of the Future. We had a great conversation, but for the second time in my last 5 interviews, my iRiver failed to record the audio. I pressed record, saw the numbers scrolling, but instead of recording it was playing an old interview in memory.

And, yes, I'm 100% sure I pushed the right button. I've done this a hundred times, literally! More than a hundred!

It's very frustrating, not to mention embarrassing, but hopefully I'll have a chance to redo the interview this weekend. The one positive is that I'll be more polished since the first interview will serve as rehearsal, but, man this is a bummer.

I wonder if other podcasters have had this issue with iRivers. It might be time to replace the recorder, which has served me well since October 2006 and only cost me 40 bucks. Sadly, with the DRE working with typical government efficiency, I still have not been allowed to start work, and even 40 bucks is a big deal right now.

Hang in there, little guy. We have more interviews to do yet. I hope.

Passed Real Estate Exam

As I announced on Twitter yesterday, I have passed the California Real Estate Exam. This means that in a few weeks I'll be able to start working as a real estate agent. Exciting times, and I can't wait to get started.

Yesterday I dropped by the local Supercuts for a trim, and I asked the hair dresser what she had to do in order to get her license to cut hair. I don't know about other states, but the government regulates hair dressers here in C.A. (I wonder how many millions we spend on that!), and she had to accumulate 1,600 hours of experiences while taking multiple classes to get her license in . . . cutting hair!

Now, there is nothing worse then a bad haircut. I've had them, but they grow out in a few weeks. Well, for the men anyway. Still, a haircut hardly seems like an endeavor worthy of taxpayer dollars.

Not only that, but she actually had to work harder to get her license than I did for mine! I started this journey last February. I had to take 3 college level courses and pass an exam. Now, I'm an agent, and I'll be helping people purchase the most expensive asset they'll ever acquire. This girl had to work for 12 months so she could cut hair!

Is it just me, or does this sound ridiculous? Is there anything the government doesn't regulate? (Real Estate is a nationalized industry. It's just controlled through regulation.) Is there anything they don't want to control? And then they blame private sector activity, calling us greedy or wasteful, when the economy slumps. Meanwhile, they rob Social Insecurity and Medicare to the tune of 57 trillion dollars, pass bogus anti-stimulus packages that reward their constituents and political cohorts, and promise a utopia they can never delivery. All they need is a little more money. All they need to do is punish those evil rich people. Just vote for them. They'll give you free health care, they'll end poverty, they'll make everyone equal! (cheers and applause surrounded by cries of "Yes, we can.")

The Statist is everywhere, you see. Even in your hair.

Obama Vs. Obama

New Death Dress Pictures

I have been wrapped from principle photography, but I still got in the new daily's!

Communists Praise Obama Again

Yet more evidence that Obama is a Marxist! Don't call him that, Shaun. Why would you do that?

During the election I saw both the heads of the American Socialist and Communist party do live interviews, and both praised a candidate like Barak Obama. They said we would finally have a President who would fight the socialist/communist agenda and transform American society.

That was all I needed. I knew right then that, even though I disliked the McCain/Palin ticket, I would be compelled to vote for them in order to keep a Marxist like Obama out of the White House.

Well, too few Americas saw those interviews, but Sam Webb, Chair for the Communist Party USA, is saying it again. Obama is rapidly taking us into socialism. We are already so deep, having taken 80 years to get here, that it will take us another 80 years to turn it around, if we can at all. Read his words. Vote Conservative in 2010, and vote against anyone who voted for TARP, Stimulus, or Omnibus.

Can Democrats Sleep Around?

Well, another Republican, a state Senator, has been naughty in the bedroom with a young intern. As a Conservative (not a Republican, mind you, but a Conservative), I roll my eyes and laugh as the lib media has a new GOP punching bag for the week (I bet Sanford is happy about this. Boy, did he turn out to be a freak). Yeah, lets talk about this and ignore how the Statists are spending us blind, robbing our children, assaulting the private sector, enabling the Fed, and destroying our medical system in the name of "reform."

But, this has me thinking. Republicans get hammered in the media for this stuff, and they should. They are public officials, and many Republicans preach abstinence. So for them to do that and then sleep around is a gross hypocrisy, I understand.

I remember when Clinton cheated on his wife and the lib media said, "Hey, it's just sex! He can still do his job!" In Clinton's defense, I don't recall him ever claiming to aspire to moral positions. He never said "you shouldn't sleep around," so I guess it's okay?

So what's the moral? We should vote Democrat because most of them won't be bothered with moral positions? I'm being glib, but I'm trying to make a point. Here's my thing: I vote for Conservatives, not Republicans or Democrats. If the most conservative, common-sense candidate is a Libertarian, he/she gets my vote. A Constitutionalist, gets my vote. But no matter whom I vote for, I prefer people who at least take a stand on moral issues (I happen to believe in abstinence myself). The best we can do is try to find the most morally principled person, and then hope they don't succumb to corruption.

In politics, though, corruption abounds.

Tentative Poster for Death Dress

I don't know if this is the final movie poster, but there is at least a temporary movie poster available for Death Dress. The pictures in low-res, but you can see that my name is second in billing on the bottom of the poster.

Losses in the SF Community

I wrote what I guess is an editorial over at AISFP about the recent deaths in the scifi community. The last few months have seen several important and well-loved figures pass away. Of all whom have passed, I was probably most influenced by Charles N. Brown. Locus magazine has been a wonderful resource of both knowledge and inspiration. I'll forever be grateful to him for it.

James Enge

Episode 79 of Adventures in Scifi Publishing features James Enge, author of Blood of Ambrose.

Win a Free Copy of Norse Code, by Greg Van Eekhout

To celebrate the return of Adventures in Scifi Publishing, to promote summer reading, and to support a good friend, I'm pleased to announce a book giveaway through the podcast! Here are the rules.

If you want to win a free copy of Norse Code, here are the rules.

1. Write a blog post. What must the blog say? It can say whatever you want, but somewhere in there you need to incorporate two pieces of information to qualify for contest. First, you need to say that the Adventures in Scifi Publishing podcast is back in production, and second, you need to say that our first episode back features Greg Van Eekhout, author of Norse Code. Make sure to include a link to the episode for your followers, readers, and friend to check out. That’s it. Write a blog, mention the show, mention Greg and the title of his book, Norse Code, and you qualify.

2. Email us at adventuresinscifipublishing (at) gmail (dot) com to have your entry counted. Include your address in the email so Spectra knows where to send the book.

3. Enjoy the rest of your month and wait to see if you win. Winners will be notified by email. Their names will be read on the podcast with their blogs linked to in the show notes.

The contest ends midnight on Friday, July 31st.

Big thanks to Spectra for sponsoring the contest. Norse Code is a great read, so let’s help spread the word! Best of luck, everyone.

Adventures in Scifi Publishing Returns

I'm pleased to announce the return of Adventures in Scifi Publishing. Our fist post-hiatus episode features Greg Van Eekhout, author of Norse Code. Give it a listen and enjoy!

Digging Into Some Books

After several months of burying my nose in Real Estate text books, I'm hungry for some good fiction! I started with James Enge's Blood of Ambrose, and you can read the review over at Adventures in Scifi Publishing.

Now I'm digging into City Without End, by Kay Kenyon. Book three of The Entire and the Rose, this series is shaping into one of the most enjoyable series I have ever read. Just seventy pages into City, Kay has already turned the universe of its head with plot twists, character revelations, and a deepening milieu rich with atmosphere and lively characters. I can't wait to get Kay on the podcast again to discuss her work on this series! In the meantime, pick up a copy of Bright of the Sky and begin your journey of a thousand days.

Yesterday I hit the storage unit and retrived books by Joe Abercombie, Brandon Sanderson, Tom Lloyd, Dan Simmons, Alan Campbell, and Scott Lynch to join unread titles by Karl Schroeder, Neil Gaiman, and Orson Scott Card. Now comes the hard part. What to read next?

My Scifi Magazine Collection

Saturday night I helped friends load a U-Haul for a move. As we stacked boxes of books, they stopped to ask me if I'd be interested in some old books they had been given. She opened a box, and I beheld 214 issues for The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Galaxy, Analog Science Fiction and Fact, and Astounding Science Fiction, ranging in date from 1959 to 1973, and a dozen issues of Forest J. Ackerman's magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland

Needless to say, my jaw dropped, my palms began to perspire, and I tentatively asked, "Really?" As you can see, they really meant it.



I've only begun to catalogue this treasure of SF history, but I have made several noteworthy discoveries. The biggest discover is the original publication of Dune: Messiah by Frank Herbert. The second novel of the famous Dune series was first serialized in Galaxy magazine in 1969 in four parts, and I now have all four issues in my hand! What a thrill for any science fiction fan.



There are several complete serialized novels in this collection, by authors such as Robert A. Heinlein, Anne McCaffery, Robert Silverberg, and Poul Anderson.

I also found three short stories from Dean Koontz, who started his career as a science fiction writer. All three stories were published in 1967. Stanley Schmidt had a number of stories published in Analog before he took over as editor of the magazine. I didn't know that he gave up a career writing for a career in editing.

Perhaps the author most published in these issues (of the authors I have never encountered or heard of) is R. A. Lafferty, who won a Hugo Award in 1973. He is an author I must learn more about. I wonder if he's related to Mur. . . .

There are also special issues dedicated to the work of Ray Bradbury and Issac Asimov, and early short stories from Vernor Vinge and George R.R. Martin.



I have just begun to discover what these pages hold, and I can't thank my friends, Brandin and Laura, enough for gifting these to me. You rock!

Liberty and Tyranny: the Battle to Restore Personal Freedom

I haven’t followed politics most of my life, nor aligned myself with a particular political philosophy. It wasn’t that I didn’t care, I just. . . .okay, I didn’t care. I lived in a bubble of friends and work and books and acting and writing. I would on occasion watch Countdown w/Keith Oberman because I watched him on Sportscenter as a child and remembered him fondly. So, if anything, I’d say I leaned to the left in my early twenties, but I would not have been able to defend my stance on anything.

That all started to change when my son was born. Several of my friends had children at the same time, and we discussed how having children causes you to pay attention to things you previously ignored. What was of vital importance before the child (seeing movies, buying DVDs and music) became insignificance, and what was never much considered (financial planning, politics) became the stuff of grave importance. How could I provide for my child? Will my child have the same opportunities and freedoms that I had? Will I be able to send him to private school? Will he truly believe that he can achieve his dreams, or will he subscribe to the pathetic whine of “the little man just can’t get ahead” syndrome.

And so my journey began. I watched various news channels and quickly saw their biases. I read magazines and journals. I read some great books (including two must-reads: The FairTax Book, The FairTax: The Truth: Answering the Critics), and in that exploration I became a passionate and convinced conservative.

It’s been an interesting experience since I became a conservative. I have many friends how call themselves Liberal, but when we engaged in serious, respectful conversations about our views, they espoused more conservative beliefs than liberal ideals. So how can I communicate what conservatism really stands for? How can I test and affirm what feels right in my spirit when the media is so set against my values and constant assaults what I hold dear?

Mark Levin’s Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto is the answer. Simply put, this is best book on conservatism that I have ever read, and whether you consider yourself a conservative or not, this short and insightful book is a must-read if you want to really understand what conservatives stand for, and why we believe what we believe.

Liberty and Tyranny has been number 1 on the New York Times bestseller list ten of the last eleven weeks, with no coverage from the mainstream media, no reviews in major newspapers, and no appearances on television outside of a few shows of Fox News. By ignoring Levin, the liberal media seems to hope that he will disappear, and his book will get lost in the masses of new publications. Not so. Instead, Liberty and Tyranny has been sent back to press eighteen times (that I know of), with over 1 million copies in print and well over 700,000 sold in three months.

Levin has written an intelligent, though-provoking book, not a book based on talking points or partisan finger-pointing. With forty pages of footnotes, Levin never makes a claim without providing the information upon which he bases his conclusion. Levin is a genuine wordsmith, and Liberty and Tyranny’s slim page count of 200 pages bespeaks his ability to concisely state his case without mindless repetition or rambling narrative.

Levin tackles all the issues and puts them in historical context. From the Constitution, to immigration, taxation, federalism, the welfare state, the free market, the civil society, the environment, and national defense, Levin exposes the dangerous path carved by Statist ideology and why the very preservation of American society, as envisioned by the Founders and a belief in God-given inalienable rights, is at stake. He concludes with a Conservative Manifesto, outlining ten steps we can take to restore power to the individual and preserve American society, including the elimination of progressive taxation (the Statists greatest weapon, in my opinion; read The FairTax Book if you really want to see how politicians empower themselves at our expense through the tax code), restoring the Judiciary to it’s rightful place, affirming the original meaning and intent of the Constitution, and much more.

If you want to understand why Conservatism is the philosophy of personal liberty, respect, and human dignity, if you want to understand how the Statist has slowly chipped away at our society and the Constitution to achieve un-Constitutionally founded ends, and if you crave the knowledge and support to defend your conservative beliefs, then you must purchase Liberty and Tyranny today. It’s one of the best books I have ever read, and I know I will read it again and again.

Blood of Ambrose

Check out my new book review of Blood of Ambrose, by James Enge.

News From Collective Soul

I wrote about my favorite band, Collective Soul, as one of my first entries when I opened this blog. Now I'm excited to announce that Collective Soul will soon be releasing their next album, and they are sponsoring a blog contest to spread the word.

These guys are on Twitter, and band member Dean Roland is very active as he interacts with fans. They don't have a facade Twitter account to do little more than pimp their stuff. No, these guys truly care about the community that loves their music, and their embrace of new media demonstrates their commitment to support those who support them. Make sure to check out their blog on their official site, too.

As good as Collective Soul is in the studio, they are even better live. I have been to four of their shows, and they never fail to please. If you haven't seen them, in person, you've never heard Collective Soul. But fear not! They are on tour this summer, and it's worth every penny to buy some tickets.

Keep up the great work, CS. I'm looking forward to many more albums and shows in the years to come!

Funny Immigration Letter

I got this as part of a forward, and I thought it would post it here. For some really well researched and intelligent discussion about this topic, please read the On Immigration chapter in Mark Levin's Liberty and Tyranny. It's articulate and persuasive.

Becoming Illegal (actual letter from an Iowa resident and sent to his senator)


The Honorable Tom Harkin
731 Hart Senate Office Building
Phone (202) 224 3254
Washington DC , 20510


Dear Senator Harkin,


As a native Iowan and excellent customer of the Internal Revenue Service, I am writing to ask for your assistance. I have contacted the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to determine the process for becoming an illegal alien, and they referred me to you.


My primary reason for wishing to change my status from U.S. Citizen to illegal alien stems from the bill which was recently passed by the Senate and for which you voted. If my understanding of this bill's provisions is accurate, as an illegal alien who has been in the United States for five years, all I need to do to become a citizen is to pay a $2,000 fine and income taxes for three of the last five years. I know a good deal when I see one and I am anxious to get the process started before everyone figures it out.


Simply put, those of us who have been here legally have had to pay taxes every year, so I'm excited about the prospect of avoiding years of taxes in return for paying a $2,000 fine. Is there any way that I can apply to be illegal retroactively? This would yield an excellent result for me and my family because we paid heavy taxes in 2004 and 2005.


Additionally, as an illegal alien I could begin using the local emergency room as my primary health care provider. Once I have stopped paying premiums for medical insurance, my accountant figures I could save almost $10,000 a year.


Another benefit in gaining illegal status would be that my daughter would receive preferential treatment relative to her law school applications, as well as 'in-state' tuition rates for many colleges throughout the United States for my son.


Lastly, I understand that illegal status would relieve me of the burden of renewing my driver's license and making those burdensome car insurance premiums. This is very important to me given that I still have college age children driving my car.



If you would provide me with an outline of the process to become illegal (retroactively if possible) and copies of the necessary forms, I would be most appreciative. Thank you for your assistance.


Your Loyal Constituent, (hoping to reach 'illegal alien' status rather than just a bonafide citizen of the USA )

Name Removed
Burlington , IA


Get your Forms (NOW)!!
Call your Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-289-1040.

Great Mark Levin Video

Assault on the Constitution

President Obama continues to assault our liberties protected by the Constitution. Listen to this ten minute audio clip that relates a shocking abuse of power by the Obama White House as they seek to widen centralized governmental power over private industry, completely disregarding established law if it doesn't benefit their agenda.

Listen here, and then write your representative and demand an investigation (not that the Dems. will allow it). We better make some noise if we want to preserve our liberty.

Are there any Republicans with backbones in Washington? Have they all become so drunk with Progressive power that they won't stand up against the atrocities committed by either party? Where are our values? Does anyone reading this give a crap? Or are you just too busy to care?

Tea Party Pictures

I had a great time at one of several San Diego Tea Party protests Wednesday night. Everyone was there for their own reasons. Some where anti-Obama, pro-Republican. Some were supporting the FairTax (I was one of them), and there were a few crazies. But from what I could gather of the 1,000+ people there, most folks just want Republicans and Democrats to stop borrowing money, because we'll be the one who have to pay it back! Excessive debt will lead to further taxation, and many of us, when you add up everything we pay, already give the government 30-60 percent of what we make.

I was disgusted by some of the media's coverage of the event. I spent some time surfing the news channels to see how it would be reported. I'm happy that my local news was very fair in how they covered the event. They did a great job.

ABC characterized the protests as "Anti-Obama Rally's." Yeah, there were some anti-Obama folks there, but again, from what I gathered, most protesters were anti-Republican and anti-Democrat. Both parties have failed us, and we need to clean house and elect some people with common-sense.

The worst coverage came from MSNBC, who continued to use the events to make sexual jokes and connotations. Keith Oberman called Sean Hannity "Sean 'Teabag' Hannity," saying he took a "double dip." Way to be an intellectual grown-up, Keith. I'm so impressed. No wonder your ratings are in the tank.

And Rachel Maddow joked with a guest (and the guest called protesters "radical" and "miltia types." I don't consider myself either, but he was convinced I'm both.) joked about protesters tea-bagging each other.

It's no wonder that Glenn Beck and Bill O-Reilly have better ratings in their hours than MSNBC, CNN, HLN, ABC and CBS combined, with viewers to spare, and that Fox is the second most watched channel in all of cable. Can you imagine O'Reilly or Beck or Cavuto or Hannity using their shows to basically point at people they don't like and scream "Homo!" I think not, but the children at MSNBC seem to think that locker room humor has a place in news coverage.

And besides, what's wrong the fact that some Conservatives didn't understand the sexual meaning of tea-bagging? Is that the worst insult Progressives can conceive? That Conservatives aren't sexually promiscuous or that they don't watch porn? When did that become a bad thing in America?

Finally, here are some pictures from the event. My camera stinks, and it was dark, but here you go.

Tax Day Tea Party

I’ll be attending one of three San Diego Tea Party Demonstrations this evening. Before I explain the reasons why, I want to share some great learning opportunities I had this week. For the past 2 years or so I have made a conscious effort to be a more positive person. I had pessimistic tendencies in my teens and twenties, and those have not served me well. Lately, frustrated by the country’s turn towards socialism (though we’ve been on this road for many decades), I have allowed those negative tendencies to creep back into the forefront of my brain.

Just like any Twelve-Stepper, I’ve had a small relapse. This has caused me to react without thinking, to speak without restraint, and to waste many hours doing, well, not much of anything, when I could have been engaged in productive activity. I’m back on the program, which is why I’m finally blogging again!

Okay, enough of that. So, Tea Parties. My reasons for attending are very simple.

1. I believe the purpose of the government is to protect our God given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, not to create any of those, and certainly not to guarantee equal results.

2. I believe taxation is necessary to fund the necessary services of the government, and that all government programs should be examined to determine if they protect our God given rights or if they seek to create results.

3. I believe that progressive taxation, as Karl Marx said, is a fundamental necessity for Socialist regimes and that the 16th Amendment should be repelled. Our tax code is the primary source of political abuse and the largest employer of special interest lobbyists. Repeal the income tax, and you dramatically reduce Washington corruption.

4. I support the FairTax and would happily pay it. If you haven’t read The FairTax Book and The FairTax: The Truth, than you are really missing an opportunity to see how damaging our current tax system is and how much better it could be. Both books can be found at your local bookstore, and both will blow your mind.

5. We must demand term limits for our representatives. If they had to live under their own laws, they would suddenly rediscover common sense. Politicians should have the same retirement and health care opportunities as everyone else. A 401K would work just fine for them, and the idea that they are entitled to lifetime medical coverage because they serve one term is ridiculous.

6. I believe in the spirit and letter of the Constitution, and would like to see Americans once again embrace freedom, which means embracing uncertainty, failure, and the opportunity to create a legacy.

Those are the major reason I protest today. I don’t consider them partisan goals, though I acknowledge that Republicans are probably more likely to agree most of my list, but I don't want to assume that is so. Republicans and Democrats alike have been spending and borrowing way too much money, and this has been happening for decades. Of course, the average American lives this way as well. Americans currently toil under 10 trillion dollars of personal debt, with nearly one trillion on credit cards alone, so I guess we’re getting what we deserve with an overspending government.

Lastly, I’d like everyone to think about what you pay (or don’t pay) in taxes. Many of us pay Federal Income, Payroll, State Income, and sales taxes, just for starters. If you live in California, you can look forward to paying as much as a 10% sales tax soon. And yet only 10% of Americans pay for 72% of the Federal income tax collected. Is that really a system we want? Do we really want to vilify people who achieve? Do we really think that rich people are evil, or that we deserve what they have? Are we so small-minded and envious? When do we put our foot down? When to we clean up personal finances? When do we hold ourselves to a higher standard? And when do we embrace freedom?

Or do we? Maybe freedom is too hard. Maybe responsibility and personal restraint are old-fashioned. Maybe it’s easier to let government take care of us. They’re certainly willing to try.

I've made my choice. I'll take the Constitution.

My Final Day of Shooting

Here are some pictures from my final day of shooting on Death Dress. My thanks to Shaun Donelson for trusting me with a very important part. I haven't seen any of the footage, just the stills that I have posted on this blog. The film will not be complete until 2010, at which time Shaun will submit the film to a variety of film festivals. With a little luck, we'll get into one of them, and then we'll have a San Diego premiere. I will, of course, post that here when the time comes. For now, here are some final pics from Death Dress.

Pictures of Me Acting

Filming continues on Death Dress. This weekend we knocked out another seven pages, and I only have two days left of shooting before I'm wrapped. Here are a few more pictures, courtesy of the director.


Nice Dennis


Not so nice Dennis


Dennis wins!


At the door, medium shot.


Bug-eyed

A Week of the Pod and the Baby

Want to know what I did this week? Some visuals:





This was a heavy week for interviews. On Tuesday I interviewed Stargate Universe producer Joseph Mallozzi and editor Lou Anders on the ways in which literary and media science fiction influence one another. The interview was a lot of fun. Both Joe and Lou and engaging, funny guys, and you can listen to it in the next episode of Adventures in Scifi Publishing.

On Wednesday I interviewed Chris Roberson, author of End of the Century and Three Unbroken, among other titles. Chris and I have been trying to line up this interview for over two years! The interview was worth the wait, and you'll be able to hear that in episode 75 (forthcoming).

Finally, on Thurday I was a guest on another podcast. I don't want to say what show until the episode drops, but I'll certainly make it known. We talked about podcasting and the publishing industry, and I had a blast being on the other end of the questions.

I also posted some stories, including reviews of Woken Furies, by Richard K. Morgan, and Bones of Fairie, by Janni Lee Simner. Thanks to Steven and Catherine for such great reviews.

Lastly, I did some writing, worked out details for a new podcasting job, memorized lines for a shoot I'm doing Sunday, and submitted two short stories. Somehow I managed to work eating and bathing into it all, though on a few occassions I did them simultaneously.

Summer From Paris, Light from the Sky

Escape Pod's latest story is Summer From Paris, Light from the Sky by Ken Scholes, an alternate history tale that postulates a new life for one Adolph Hitler. I read this story in Clarkesworld Magazine last year, and hearing it reminded me how wonderfully talented Ken is. I am so impressed with his work, and he's a nice guy to boot.

In 2006 I went to my first WorldCon in Anaheim. Ken was there. He was a recent winner of the Writers of the Future, and he spent some time in the WoTF suite talking with me about the contest and encouraging me in my writing. Now, three years later, Ken's first major release, Lamentation, is hitting bookshelves nation-wide, and his short fiction stacks up against the very best writers in the field.

I hope I don't sound too fanboy, but I really dig this guy. He's going to be on Adventures in Scifi Publishing soon, so stayed tuned. In the meantime, read Lamentation. It's a great book, and I highly recommend it.

What Obama, Congress, and America Can Learn From Curious George

My son loves the Curious George movie, and I thinking we all need to watch it and learn a very simple, yet powerful lesson.

In brief, Ted, the Man in the Yellow Hat, works at a museum that has gone bankrupt. The museum is going to close down, but Ted believes in the museum. He refuses to let it die. He embarks on a great adventure, doing things that some say are impossible, and in the end not only saves the museum, but makes it a focal point for the city.

Notice: Ted’s place of business was in dire straights. He got very creative, worked really hard, and revitalized it. He didn’t wait for a bailout. He didn’t borrow money to delay the inevitable.

Two nights ago President Obama held a sales pitch, er, I mean, press conference, to sell his spending plan. Excuse me, Rescue and Reinvestment Plan. (Obama is a linguistic master. Notice that his large government isn’t large: it’s smart. His 1.3 trillion dollar spending plan – we have to pay 300+ billion in interest, people – isn’t even a stimulus plan anymore. It’s a Reinvestment Plan. Sounds so much better. But I digress.)

Bush and Pualson pulled the same crap, saying that if we didn’t pass the Bailout – er, I mean Financial Rescue – we would fall into the Great Depression. Yeah, life has gotten so much better since we did that. I mean, since Congress did it when 80% of Americans were telling them not to. And why didn’t we fire those bozos?

You know, our leaders are a reflection of us. We have been spending more than we make, and very few us are capable of saying no to ourselves. We are approaching 1 trillion dollars in consumer credit card debt alone! That is insane, America. This kind of living cannot be sustained, and we either start correcting now, or we delay and probably worsen the problem in the future.

We need to be responsible in our own lives, and until we are, Congress will keep racking up deficits like there’s no tomorrow. Republican and Democrat alike. Short term thinking has led to the problems we have, and short term thinking will only make it worse.

I know times are really tough for some of you, especially if you lost your job. Can you imagine how stable America would be if everyone had a 6 month emergency fund? How much less would a layoff devastate your life if you had 15K tucked away for hard times? But we don’t think that way, do we? No, we need the new Kindle, or the iPhone, or a bigger house, or a new car, and we leverage and spend everything we have as long as we can get by each month.

Insane. Worse, stupid.

Even in these tough times, I’m finding more work as a freelancer than I ever have.

Obama can’t fix this. Neither can Congress )and by the way, will you please send those moron home over the next few elections! We need fresh blood up there.) Only you can fix your life, and you better get started.

Learn from Ted. Be proactive. Be responsible. Be creative. Live on a budget. Plan for emergencies. And demand your politicians do the same.

Lou Anders is Wrong!

Okay, he's not really wrong. Let me explain.

My biggest writing goal for 2009 is to complete the first draft of a novel. I have three completed novels in my desk, but I haven't written one in two years. Hard to make a living as a novelist if you're not writing novels!

Lou Anders, Editorial Director of Pyr, has said in many forums that you must be brilliant to make it as a novelist. If you want to sell a novel, it must be brilliant.

So far this year, I have developed a couple ideas for potential novels, but I keep abandoning them because they don't feel brilliant. At this rate, I'm never going to finish!

I came to a realization: forget being brilliant. For now, just finish a manuscript. I can always rewrite, and hopefully in that process, my brilliance will shine forth. The moral for new writers: write something cool, write something fun, write something raw. Be brilliant later.

Speculative Fiction Magazine Woes

Check out my first AISFP Editorial: Spec Fic Magazines: Here to Stay, or Out the Door?