The Music of Mars, the Government, and Blackmarkets

by

In The Music of Mars, I looked at current government initiatives and extrapolated what the future would look like within the context of the overall story. Seventy-five years ago, marriage was a till-death-do-us-part proposition. These days, it can be relatively temporary as it’s easy to divorce, and there’s no stigma in doing so. I put … Read more

Free Comic Book Day and Book Signing

by

Comic Logic in Ashburn, VA celebrated free comic book day yesterday, May 5th. People waited in line to check out comic books. Word had it that when the doors opened the line was at the bottom of the stairs. For over four hours the store was packed. I saw many familiar people and lots of … Read more

Mars InSight Lander Launch

by

On May 5, 2018, the Mars InSight mission is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Air Force base in California. This launch will be NASA’s first from the West Coast. The Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport is scheduled to land in Elysium Planitia, Mars (northern hemisphere) on Nov. 26, 2018. For two … Read more

The Music of Mars and Quotations

by

When I wrote The Music of Mars, I looked to America’s colonial times for inspiration. I wanted to tell a story where Mars’s culture was starting to deviate from Earth’s, allowing for plenty of tension. While I allow for instantaneous communication, to get anything physically between Earth and Mars requires about one month. I specifically … Read more

Comic Logic Third Anniversary and Book Signing

by

On April 21st, Comic Logic in Ashburn, VA celebrated their third anniversary. Food, Avengers trivia, cosplay, and of course, comic books filled the day. Plus, they invited several creators, including me. I was among a comic book writer, children’s book author, a fantasy author, and a creator of customized clutches, bags, keyrings, and towels. I … Read more

The Music of Mars-Chuck Has a Spy Problem

by

Chuck’s concerned about Konklin’s spies within MarsVantage… I have no proof. Either my board members disbelieve or don’t care, but I know Peter Konklin has spies in my company, MarsVantage. For over a decade, Konklin and his company have been one step ahead of us. As soon as we get traction in an area, we … Read more

The Music of Mars-Frank and the Knowledge Keepers

by

Franks talks about the Knowledge Keepers… Just after my engagement to Lori, she inducted me as an initiate in the Knowledge Keeper Order. She taught me the ins and outs until she died in the Airlock Accident. When the public catches Knowledge Keepers in action, they see clowns, which is designed to cover our actual … Read more

The Music of Mars-Behind the Story

by

In The Music of Mars, I wanted to explore practical aspects of having a colony on Mars, which means dealing with planetary separation, and how various elements of such a distance affected character motivation and actions. Today, it takes around 260 days (a tick under nine months) to travel from Earth to Mars with the … Read more

The Music of Mars-Why Gretchen Went to Mars

by

Gretchen shares her reasons for going to Mars… After my husband non-renewed our marriage contract, I completed the residence change application. The Housing Ministry assigned me housing to match my single status. In other words, it was small. Don’t get me wrong, it was pleasant enough–far better than living in a Quonset hut in Antartica. … Read more

The Music of Mars-The Caretaker’s Perspective

by

The Caretaker, the lone Bvindu on Mars, shares his thoughts on current events… For over 100,000 orbits, I safeguarded the knowledge and treasures of my people, the Bvindu, on this dead planet, fourth from the star. I eagerly await the day my people return for me and our heritage, so I can leave the control … Read more