Hey Space Cadets, I’m doing well and working on future projects of my own! I’ll share more information as we get deeper into the process, but for now, let’s talk about some epic science fiction novels! Without further ado, here is the next installment in my series of book reviews. This time, we dive back into the worlds at the Galaxy’s Edge! That’s right, their second audiobook is out! Continue reading
Hey Space Cadets, I’m doing well and working on the world building for my own universe! I’ve hired an artist for cover art, and started designing all the things that flesh out a literary world. I’ll have more information as we get deeper into the process but for now lets talk about some epic science fiction novels! Without further ado, here is the next installment in my series of book reviews. This time, we dive back into the worlds at the Galaxy’s Edge! Continue reading
Hey Space Cadets, how’re you doing? I’m okay, working on finalizing the edits on two projects and starting to write another. Meanwhile, I’m still reading and wanted to share what I’ve enjoyed lately. Here is the next installment in my series of book reviews. I’ve just finished the final book of The Sleeping Legion Series which has been titled Insurgency: Spartika I also have a short story that was accepted into
The Expanded Universe Anthology. Finally, I have two recent publications to recommend to you. If you haven’t read it, Operation Breakout and a Four Horsemen Anthology, For a Few Credits More are available on Amazon.
Hey Space Cadets, here is the next installment in my series of book reviews. As I’ve mentioned earlier, I’m a member of the TRMN. It’s a fan club for the Honor Harrington Universe by David Weber, and they do contests for their members all the time. There is a reading contest currently going on, and we get points for page reads. I’m thrilled as it prompted me to read more, as I’ve let writing get in the way of reading! In addition to reading more in the last few months, this month I’ve been working the editorial revisions for book four, the final book of The Sleeping Legion Series. Finally, if you haven’t read it, Operation Breakout and For a Few Credits More are live!
Hey Space Cadets, here is the next installment in my series of book reviews. As I’ve mentioned earlier, I’m a member of the TRMN. It’s a fan club for the Honor Harrington Universe by David Weber, and they do contests for their members all the time. There is a reading contest currently going on, and we get points for page reads. I’m thrilled as it prompted me to read more, as I’ve let writing get in the way of reading! In addition to reading more in the last few months, this month I’ve been working the editorial revisions for book four, the final book of The Sleeping Legion Series. Finally, if you haven’t read it, Operation Breakout and For a Few Credits More are live!
Hey Space Cadets, here is the next installment in my series of book reviews. As I’ve mentioned earlier, I’m a member of the TRMN. It’s a fan club for the Honor Harrington Universe by David Weber, and they do contests for their members all the time. There is a reading contest currently going on, and we get for page reads. I’m thrilled as it prompted me to read more, as I’ve let writing get in the way of reading. In addition to reading more in the last few months, this month I’ve been working the editorial revisions for book four. The final book of The Sleeping Legion Series. Finally, if you haven’t read it, Operation Breakout is live!
But enough about me, onto this specific review. Now let’s get to it!
Hey Space Cadets, how’re y’all doing this fine day? I’m doing great, and cranking away on the revisions to book four! I’ve also been exercising every day to clear my mind, and hopefully maybe fit back into my uniform before the decade ends! Okay, maybe that last part was a pipe dream, but I’m okay with it! Anyway, while I walk, I like to listen to podcasts and audiobooks. I’ll give you a list of some of the podcasts I listen to, and some good audio books in another post! Most of my podcasts are writing related, or historical in nature, so I can inundate myself with ideas to stir the stories. Hopefully, these podcasts are helpful!
Hey Space Cadets, how are you doing this fine Thursday morning? I’m doing good, working on finishing book four in the Sleeping Legion Series. I’ve been a bit MIA lately, but I didn’t fall into a black hole. Instead, I’ve been busy with real life and writing. I’ll try to be more consistent, but ultimately I need to prioritize the books over the blog. I know you’ll understand, but until then I have a treat for you. I sponsored this episode of the Keystroke Medium interview with another veteran, author Josh Dalzelle. Check it out, enjoy the show!
Until next time, stay frosty and don’t forget to keep your powder dry!
JR
–> As usual, all images came from the Google’s “labeled for reuse” section or are images used by JR Handley for use under the Fair Use Doctrine.
Hello Space Cadets! A quick update from me, then we’ll get to what brought all of you here! So I’m slowly picking up steam on book four of the Sleeping Legion Series, which we’ve tentatively titled Maternal Vengeance. I’m back on the dieting and exercise horse and using my FitBit Blaze to help guide me along. Life was easier before the injury; I could eat, drink and make merry without worrying about calories! Now I have to do the whole adult thing and eat healthy and work out. So much of the healthy foods have no flavor, it’s not fair! LOL, but like my old sergeant said, “if you wanna be airborne, you gotta be thin!”
Anyway, on to the interview! Today, I wanted to introduce you to another author from my WARRIOR WEEKEND INTERVIEW SERIES!
We’re welcoming Josh Hayes to the party, he co-hosts the Keystroke Medium YouTube vlog and writes his own version of SciFy Insanity. He spent a spell in the US Air Force, which is almost like being in the military, before he got out and joined the Wichita Police Department as a Meter Maid. Seriously, skirt and all! Okay, jokes aside he is a member of the Wichita PD and does what he can to protect the mean corn fields of Kansas.
I first met Josh through his YouTube channel, and he’s been nothing but helpful and friendly. If you’re looking for your own writing community, you should consider joining us on Keystroke Medium’s weekly live shows. They also have a Keystroke Medium Facebook group where the cool kids hang out. Now, rather than tell you about him myself, let’s let Josh talk for himself!
Without further ado, let’s get this interview cranking!
Tell me a little about your military service?
Thanks for the opportunity! I served six years in the US Air Force as a Security Forces troop. I was stationed at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming for the entirety of my enlistment. I had (in my opinion) a very fulfilling career, making E4 “Below the Zone” or six months early, and promoting to Staff Sergeant – E5 in under 5 years. My duties included: guarding nuclear missile sites, base patrol and the ANCOIC of the SF motor pool.
How do you feel that your military service has influenced your writing?
The old adage “write what you know” comes to mind. My passion is science fiction, military sci-fi in particular, and I feel actually serving automatically gives your writing a certain credibility. Not that you can’t write great military sci-fi without ever serving, but in my experience you can definitely tell a difference. Mostly with the little nuances that only those who’ve served tend to pick up on.
Do you think your military service, and more specifically your training, adds to the realism in your books? If so, how?
Yes. Most of the characters I have written so far are military bases, but also frequently are involved in some kind of law enforcement.
When did you start pursuing your writing more seriously?
I’ve dabbled in writing for most of my life (from the time I was 13 or 14) but I didn’t really take it seriously (as I could really make it into a thing) until about 2014. I met a buddy at work, Scott Moon, and he encouraged me to write, and finish, my first book. Since then I’ve published two books and three short stories in several anthologies and Scott and I have started an interview/roundtable podcast Keystroke Medium.
Of all your work, which was your favorite to write?
Right now I’m working on a military sci-fi thriller/mystery novel, Edge of Valor, a project I’ve been planning for the better part of 2 years. The complexity of this book and the cast of characters really pushes me to put by best writing-foot forward.
How many of your characters were inspired by your military service?
Most of the characters in my current project are in the military, so I’ve based them off of people I’ve met, had encounters with, or had knowledge of.
How many of the scenes you wrote were inspired from your service?
I wouldn’t say scenes specifically, but there are definite elements I have drawn from my career that I think give the project a lot of color.
Do you feel like your writing has served any therapeutic value for you? Has it helped you process your experiences?
Writing is definitely therapeutic. After I got out of the military in 2008 I joined a local police department and have seen many things that I want to forget about when I get home. Writing science fiction and fantasy allow me to escape into another world and divert my focus away from those things.
If you could serve with any of your characters, who would it be and why?
There is a commander of a naval ship in Edge of Valor that is basically my interpretation on what a great commanding officer would be; looks out for and cares for his subordinates, doesn’t stand on their shoulders to advance his own career, lifts his people up and supports then and leads from the front, not from the rear. Sadly, these are qualities that I find lacking all too often in most command structures, however, I have served under a supervisor who is exactly this way, and it was one of the best assignments of my career.
If you would want to avoid serving with any of your characters, who would it be and why?
The Captain of the same navel ship mention above is definitely one of those officers who will throw you under the bus in a moments notice if he thinks he’ll be able to further his career.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a number of projects at the same time right now actually. (Probably too many!) Like I said, I’m in the process of writing Edge of Valor, a military sci-fi novel. I’m also working on a short story for Chris Kennedy’s Four Horseman Anthology, as well as a third short story for Nathan Hystad’s Explorations: War anthology. And Scott Moon and I are working on building a collaborative fantasy world that we plan to start writing in early next year.
How can people find you?
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00O4VA2YK
E-Mail: joshhayeswriter@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Josh81
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshhayeswriter
Website: www.joshhayeswriter.com & www.keystrokemedium.com
If this convinced you to find out more, look up Josh and tell him JR sent ya! I hope you all had a great time getting to know about today’s awesome warrior turned author, he was certainly fun to interview! Don’t be afraid to say hello here or on their own website, the links are above! If he doesn’t respond quick enough, glitter bomb hide his donuts and put veggies in the box!! Mwahahaha!!
Until next time, stay frosty and don’t forget to keep your powder dry!
JR
–> As usual, all images came from the Google’s “labeled for reuse” section or are screen grabs taken by JR Handley for use under the Fair Use Doctrine.
Hey Space Cadets, just wanted to give you a quick update! I’m still alive, I’m just deep into the final edits with Operation Breakout. It’s looking even better than I’d hoped after Corey got his teeth into the story. Until then, enjoy this awesome interview of one of my favorite authors, Terry Mixon.
Until next time, stay frosty and don’t forget to keep your powder dry!
JR
–> As usual, all images came from the Google’s “labeled for reuse” section or are screen grabs taken by JR Handley for use under the Fair Use Doctrine.
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