What’s up with Jotham?
I survived the journey to MarsCon 2023! It was a 13 hour drive each way to Virginia Beach, VA, but totally worth it. I met a lot of great folks, had fun on all the panels and made some nice author connections, including D. J. Butler, who was the guest writer of honor and moderated the first panel I was on Religion-Magic-Science.
After the panel, Dave came over to my table and asked if I wanted to be part of his newsletter giveaway. It’s a five book giveaway chance and 5 winners. The contest runs from February 5th-12th, so go and sign up and share. Also, I’m actually sending HARDBACK copies of my Novel.
FIVE WRITERS are banding together to bring you a giveaway of FIVE SIGNED SCIENCE FICTION NOVELS. This drawing will have five winners, and each winner will receive:
A copy of TRAITOR, signed by Drew Avera,
A copy of THE SIGNAL OUT OF SPACE, signed by Mike Jack Stoumbos,
A copy of WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME IF I BECOME SOMEONE ELSE, signed by Jotham Austin, II,
A copy of AVENGER, signed by Blair Howard, and
A copy of ABBOTT IN DARKNESS, signed by D.J. Butler.
Wow, this is an amazing collection. Here’s the link:
http://davidjohnbutler.com/giveaways/february-2023-five-sci-fi-novels-giveaway/
Other big news: NWI Comic Con is February 11th, where Georgia (AtomicNumber14) and be releasing two new Zines, (Episode 4 and 5). About the science of AI and the Birds and Bees (not those Birds and Bees).
If you cannot make the Comic Con the Zines will be available for the first time in my online shop. The final news item is there will be a sciency (is that a word) second newsletter this month with science and handwavium. That’s right the exploration of science through science fiction will be returning to its regularly scheduled programming! Very excited to cook these up for you. And this also means there will be some podcast news. I know…I know… I’ve been talking about this for a while, but the wheels are finally turning again. Stay tuned.
Final thoughts, I did get my edits for the novel I’ve been working on to my agent that I’ve been working on and hopefully we will get to go on submission by May. What is submission? This is the process where your agent tries to sell your manuscript by submitting it to editors at publishers. This is no slam dunk for publication. There could be several rounds of submitting, revisions and at the end of this, the book may have to be shelved. Hence this is why my agent Kat has been pushing me to tighten the manuscript by killing my darlings (things the writer loves, but isn’t helping their story) and produce the best story. Publishing (self publishing our traditional) is a long road, and sometimes it is difficult to stay motivated. This is why I try to have several projects going and proposing new story ideas to Kat. Also, this newsletter, future podcast, learning screenwriting and hearing/interacting with friends I’ve meet along this journey. Okay don’t forget about the big book Giveaway. And look to your inbox on February 18th when I’ll be back talking Science and Handwavium! http://davidjohnbutler.com/giveaways/february-2023-five-sci-fi-novels-giveaway/
As always, I am very grateful for your support, and Thank you for spending your time with me. Okay, that’s it for now, but you can always email (I do answer back) or follow me online for real time tracking and to see what craft beers I’m drinking (find me on Untappd @jomega22).. Please keep reading to see what I’ve been keeping myself entertained with!
What am I Reading and Listening to:
Comics: Overflow: Winston Gambro
I am enjoying Winston’s work and reading his Cyber Punk graphic novel Overflow. “Ava Lee, a former cop turned private investigator is forced to prove her brother's innocence after his military vehicle fires upon a friendly Russian unit, igniting mutually assured destruction.
In the investigation, she finds a group of hackers that attempted to change the world through hacking, fraud and murder. Her life is put at risk as she attempts to expose the truth, all while questioning if this apathy filled world is even worth saving.”
Go learn more about Winston Gambro and his comic/art at his website (there are free digital copies available).
******** Fiction / Indie-Fiction:
A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking: T. Kingfisher:
After the panel I was on about food in world building at MarsCon, I am enjoying a story that features an enchanted cantankerous sourdough starter and a trusty gingerbread man. T.Kingfisher (Ursula Vernon) is one of my favorite authors.
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Non-Fiction:
I’m still continuing my journey and deep dive into the theory of story with Robert McKee’s Dialogue: The Art of Verbal Action for Page, Stage, and Screen
******* Music/Podcasts: No new Podcast or Music to report: Still catching up on them all!
Okay, that’s where I’m at. I’ll try to update y’all every month on books, comics, and music (podcasts) that I’ve been digging! I’ll try to add some indie author reads! Email me and let me know what you’ve been into and what I should check out! Or follow me online for more realtime updates: Jotham’s Social Links
Find your next favorite book or author with these newsletter giveaways or virtual book-fairs:
Book Fairs — Discover New Authors
Author Newsletter Swaps
