X. Ho Yen's Author Newsletter (14 Feb 2024)
Greetings Dear Subscribers,
How are you? Any news? Send me a note. Seriously. I’m not kidding. :)
* “Space Autistic Author”, Log 2
* Substack writings
* Shifting gears
* The standard stuff
=== “Space Autistic Author”, Log 2 ===
”Space Autistic Author”, Log 2, is out! This episode includes not one but two guest appearances. Mike Torreano, writer of westerns and historical fiction, participated. And Jim Henderson, writer of space adventures, military sci fi, and sci fi mysteries also participated. Watch the episode, learn more about them, buy ebooks as gifts!
I believe you’ll really enjoy what I did. It makes “sitting through” an interview just plain fun compared to straight podcasting. And the beauty of this method of fun cross-promo is that it doesn’t require anyone to “vouch for” anyone.
It’s basic sharing in a fun, playful, absurdist, and often ironical way. And this episode has nods to #startrek, #firefly, #reddwarf, #galaxyquest, and, as usual, #2001aspaceodyssey.
https://XHoYenAuthor.com/vlog, follow the youtube link path, look for “Space Autistic Author” Logs 1 and 2. It’s about 8 minutes you won’t regret spending.
There wasn’t time for an art showcase in Log 2, though. We’ll see about future eps.
Here are some fun teaser pics from Log 2:
=== Substack writings ===
I’ve posted several short entries on substack. These are ponderings/pontifications that facebook can’t handle, due to length or whatnot.
The most recent two:
On discerning a bot from a sociopathic scammer
It’s a science fight! (14 Feb ‘24)
In 2024 is Sci Fi dead? (29 Jan ‘24)
I think you’ll enjoy them. Eventually I'll be ditching facebook entirely.
==== Shifting gears ====
With the release of SAA Log 2, I’m finally able to shift gears back to writing. I’ve been mulling and trying on ideas for size with “Attendants of the Future”, but now I can dedicate more time to it. [You can help make the delay worthwhile by widely posting that link to my VLOG page.]
“Custodians of the Future” was certainly fluffier than “Minimum Safe Distance”, but that’s not saying much, as MSD was pretty cerebral and serious. But AotF will be somewhere in between, I think. Each novel is an opportunity to grow as a writer. I don’t ever plan on writing “more of the same”. My writing heroes didn’t, and that’s a goal worth pursuing, wouldn’t you say?
This shift means a shift away from post-release promo mode, and that means more time between newsletters. Don’t forget about me!
The reality is that I’m still working on updating my branding graphic. Despite the bleak situation described in that latest substack entry, I am now in active discussion with one real artist. It might end up a busy mess, but at least it won’t be “AI” generated theft. And I’m not married to my latest exploratory layout. Once I own some helpful art, I can do with it what makes sense. Wish me luck with this!
============ The standard stuff ============
Here’s a printable, one-page ad for MSD if anyone has a nice bulletin board/ad column nearby.
All purchase options can be found here: https://XHoYenAuthor.com/books or at GrandUnificationMonastery.com. Both sites include links showing how several of the big vendors allow you to gift eBooks.
Thanks for sticking with me! I hope it’s at least mildly entertaining to watch this author second career thing come together.
Please do share my page with fellow realism-based sci fi fans, especially anyone who enjoys Corey’s The Expanse, Older’s Infomocracy, Card’s Speaker for the Dead, Mandel’s Station Eleven, Suarez’ Delta-V, or movies like “Arrival” and “Don’t Look Up”. I'm convinced my books would appeal to the same audience, because I wrote them for me and *I'm* in that audience.
Thanks for your support!
XHY
https://XHoYenAuthor.com