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Susan A. Royal

~ If you could read my mind

Susan A. Royal

Monthly Archives: March 2014

Tour of Duty by Edmund Wells

26 Wednesday Mar 2014

Posted by Susan A. Royal in article

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Edmund Wells, review, science-fiction, short story, Tour of Duty, Veterans of Future Wars

Today I’m delighted to welcome Edmund Wells to my blog and share my review of one of his short stories, along with an excerpt. Edmund’s style of writing is unique, humorous and full of quirkiness. Think Monty Python and the Marx Brothers. Whenever I want to kick back with a fun, well-written adventure, I am never disappointed. Read on and see if you don’t agree.

On Amazon: In Veterans of the Future Wars, Martin T. Ingham has assembled an anthology of short stories, all well written and edited. A special favorite of mine is Tour of Duty by Edmund Wells. I’ve read his stuff before and am always amazed at how much description and detail he manages to pack into them. In this story Caleb is waiting for a shuttle from Mars to arrive at his outpost. One by one, his crew has met with disaster, leaving him alone with the exception of a handful of robots, each possessing intricate and hilarious personalities of their own. The way he deals with his situation is both humorous and touching, and I especially liked the epilogue.

Edmund_Wells_02_color

A little bit about Edmund Wells: He was born on a damp Thursday on the Isle of Wight, England. He spent his formative years locked in a wine cellar arguing with crusty Irish philosophers. Using only his wits and a sharpened potato, he escaped by ferry to America, where he was captured by actuaries and forced to work in insurance.

After much begging, Edmund’s story “The Light of Venus” was granted first place in Golden Visions Summer 2011 writing contest, while a modest bribe secured “Neptune Rising” third place in the Winter 2012 edition. Due to a computer error, his ‘weird west’ fantasy “Oasis” won first prize in Fantasy Faction’s theoretical 2013 Anthology.

Several of his finer works can be practically stolen from the following publisher:

http://www.martinus.us/books.html#alteredamerica

An excerpt from Tour of Duty: “Greetings, Captain,” one of the small astro-bots said in a dry voice simulated to sound like Leonard Nimoy. Its cylindrical, brushed-steel body turned to face him.

“Morning, Mr. Spork. What’s new in astrometrics?”

Spork raised a dark metal eyebrow—one Caleb had added for effect. That and the pointed ears he had soldered to the sides of his head. “Approximately 330 megabytes per second is new, Captain.” He covered his mouth, hiding a broad yawn. “It’s mind-bogglingly dull, of course, but if you like—”

“Never mind, Spork. Lieutenant Sue-Lu, anything on visual?”

Sue-Lu twirled away from the telescope and placed a hand on one hip. “Uranus is looking especially perky this morning, Captain. Oh, my.”

Caleb put a hand over his eyes, restraining a groan. At least McOy wasn’t here to snicker at yet another “Uranus” joke. “Carry on, Sue-Lu. Lieutenant O’Hara, any messages?”

“Messages?” she drawled, sounding all steamy. “Or massages, Colonel?”

O’Hara wore a tight red t-shirt, stuffed underneath with one of Rhylie’s bras. On her head sat a wide-brimmed “southern belle” hat, complete with green velvet ribbon. The effect was rather amusing, as was the communicator-rod sticking a foot and a half from her left ear. The fact that Miss O’Hara’s shirt was “scarlet” in color was a detail that the copyright lawyers could only frown at.

“Messages, O’Hara. You are chief communications officer. And I’m your captain, not a colonel, as I keep telling you.”

“Fiddle-dee-dee. Still no contact from that naughty Mars Colony, Colonel-Captain.”

It was the same report he’d received every day for the past seven months. He tried to stifle a sigh… and failed.

“Don’t fret. After all, tomorrow is another day.”

Erin’s dress-fitting interview with Sophie Avett

22 Saturday Mar 2014

Posted by Susan A. Royal in article

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Tags

action, adventure, Erin, From Now On, It's About Time, Not Long Ago, romance, Sinister Stitches, Sir Griffin, Sophie Avett, time travel

Sophie interviewed Erin, my main character of Not Long Ago and the upcoming sequel From Now On at Sinister Stitches and using her answers, she designed an absolutely lovely gown (one I am sure will keep Sir Griffin’s attention). Please take a look and see what you think. Click on the link to see the interview and find out where she drew her inspiration.

SUSAN ROYAL'S ERIN'S DRESS 1

“>http://sophieavettsinisterstitches.blogspot.com/2014/03/sophie-avetts-sinister-stitches_20.html

A Trip to the Past

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

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community theater, Into The Woods, John Eberson, John Wayne, old movie theater, step into the past, The Alamo, Woodlawn Theater

DSCF1045

Not long ago, my husband and I visited good friends, Glen and Beverly Muenchow, where I had not only enjoyed a great visit, but got to do something special. Beverly and I went to see Into the Woods, a play showing at the Woodlawn Theater in downtown San Antonio, Texas. It’s been a long time since I drove that far into the city where I grew up and even longer since I’ve been to that particular movie theater. Since then it’s undergone major changes.

Woodlawn Theatre originally opened in 1946. It was designed by John Eberson. Many of Eberson’s projects, some executed with his son Drew, were in the Art Deco style. He designed close to 100 movie palaces, located in dozens of states in the United States. Others can be found in Mexico City, Mexico as well as in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, Australia.

The legendary John Wayne hosted the world premiere of his movie The Alamo at the Woodlawn in 1960. In later years, the theater fell on hard times and was forced to shut down. It suffered many years on life support with multiple owners attempting to restore it to its former glory. But now, the theatrical resurrection of the Woodlawn Theatre as a live performance venue is well underway. In 2013, The Woodlawn Theatre was honored with the official title City of San Antonio Historic Structure.

I can’t say how thrilled I was to have this unique experience. And even more so, it makes me happy to see one of these nostalgic movie theaters rescued from becoming a thing of the past.

MAY 23, 2014 – THE STORY CONTINUES!!!

12 Wednesday Mar 2014

Posted by Susan A. Royal in announcement

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Ballaugh Curragh, Castles, Celtic legends, ghosts, Isle of Man, knights, ley lines, little people, Manannán mac Lir, mysterious islands, romance, sea captain, squires, time travel

For those of you who’ve been waiting along with me, From Now On, the sequel to Not Long Ago, will be out on May 23rd. Here’s another bit of exciting news I want to share. You can pre-order now at MuseItUp at a 20% discount. Not only that, but Muse is offering Not Long Ago as a free bonus read!!

If you enjoyed the first book, you’re going to like this one even better. Erin returns to Griffin’s world and dives headfirst into adventure. She reconnects with old friends and makes new ones, travels to a mysterious island and uncovers a secret that sends her reeling. And I know you’re dying to ask what happens between Erin and Griffin, but my lips are sealed. You’ll have to read From Now On to find out.

Preorder today! https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/museityoung/action-adventure/from-now-on-detail

See you in a couple of months!

My Hero!!

02 Sunday Mar 2014

Posted by Susan A. Royal in article

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5K, Carrie Anderson, first run ever, my daughter, my hero

Carrie's 5K

Yesterday, I got to see my daughter, Carrie Anderson, (the one wearing yellow) win her first ever 5K race. She didn’t finish first, but she is definitely a winner. She set her goals and worked hard for this. I am so proud of her.

Thanks also to her good friend Christy Coates, for running with her and cheering her on!

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