Tooting My Own Horn

I'm not usually one to toot my own horn---however, when it comes to True Son of Tartarus, I'll make an exception: toot-toot! I ordered a copy of the Kindle version just to check out the quality, then sat down and read the whole thing, not the bits and pieces in which I'm used to reading during the editing process.

And the story literally blew my mind. Now I'm sure that most authors say that about their own book, whether or not it's strictly true, but I think I'm able to be a wee bit more objective about my work. I'm well aware that not everything I write is gold. I've abandoned a lot of my stuff that was sheer, unadulterated crap. But after re-reading True Son, I told one of my daughters, "This is the best 95,000 words I've ever written!"

And over the past nearly-forty years I've learned to trust my hubby's instincts---at least where books and film are involved. He loves True Son and insists it's the best book of the trilogy. Now my hubby is a voracious reader---if I lose him in a bookstore or a bookdealer's room at a con, he can be gone for hours! Our house is very nearly wall-to-wall books and DVDs---oh, and comic books and graphic novels as well.

Fortunately for me, he's brutally honest when it comes to my work. If it stinks, he'll tell me so in no uncertain terms. I've come to trust his opinion, though I accept the fact that our tastes and preferences often differ. But this time---and boy, do I hate to admit it!---I think he's right. I also trust my own gut. It tells me I have a winner here!

Still keeping my fingers crossed,

MRTighe

The Ark Theory

To explain more fully the "Ark Theory" proposed in Judgment on Tartarus: at some point in humanity's distant past, an advanced alien race, fearing that humanity would be wiped out by dangerous conditions on Earth, decided to transplant or "seed" humans across this galaxy onto other habitable, Earthlike planets. It has been a long-time SF theory that human beings didn't originate on Earth, but were seeded here by some alien race. I don't agree, since all scientific evidence proves that humans are native to this planet. But while I don't in the least believe we've ever been visited by "an advanced alien race", I decided to employ that concept in my trilogy.

 Why did I adapt that theory for the Tartarus books? Well, first of all I didn't want any "bug-eyed monsters" ( BEMs ) in my work. I wanted "aliens" people could easily relate to. Plus, it would be scientifically impossible for unrelated alien races to procreate with one another---other books, TV shows and movies to the contrary! If I wanted to remain within the realm of science fiction without crossing into fantasy, I had to come up with a feasible explanation.

So I decided to exploit that unproven concept to explain the close relationship between the denizens of such far-flung planets as Earth, Eris, Cytherea, and the long-forgotten homeworld of the Tartarians. Since the present-day descendants of those transplanted Terrans share DNA, they are perfectly able to interbreed.

The major obstacles to such relationships are, as always, bigotry, prejudice, and racial hatred. No matter how advanced our technology may become, some people never learn! Sad, but true. Take it from one who was made fun of as a child simply for wearing glasses!

Back to work now proofing True Son of Tartarus!

MRTighe

A Little Nudge!

Just in case you need a teensy little nudge to convince you to try reading Judgment on Tartarus:

The focal character, Ensign Corona Scott ( Rona ), is an idealistic, career-driven young officer who has just been assigned to her first deep-space mission. She comes aboard her first ship, the retired battle cruiser Astrella II, with high hopes of advancing her career and fulfilling her life-long dreams. She's adventurous, though a bit timid, impulsive, and insatiably curious. Dismayed by the unexpected atmosphere of prejudice, bigotry, and outright hatred rampant aboard Astrella, she finds herself struggling valiantly to maintain an open mind and prove herself competent.

She soon begins to worry that her career in space is about to be deep-sixed! She comes into conflict with Astrella's legendary CO, Richard Hughes, who's notorious for his hair-trigger temper, no-nonsense attitude, and lack of sympathy for green ensigns! And his ExO, Malkis of Tartarus, despises Terran females and seems to have it out for Rona in particular! What's a girl to do?

I know my loyal followers have already read my first book, and I'm still soliciting reviews posted on Amazon.com's bookstore or elsewhere.

Hope you're intrigued and want to find out what happens,

MRTighe

For People Who Don't Read SF

Do you have to be a fan of science fiction in order to enjoy reading Judgment on Tartarus? No, I don't think so. I've read a lot of different types of SF and enjoyed most of them, if well-written. But I definitely prefer "soft" SF where story and characters drive the action, rather than the hardware and scientific theories. As I've said before in my blogs, SF isn't all rockets, robots, and ray-guns. And my particular brand of it has a little of the flavor of fantasy---and even a dash of sword and sorcery.

In my reading, as well as in my writing, I prefer an intellectual challenge, engaging characters, and an engrossing storyline involving an emotional journey. My stories ( for the most part ) just happen to be set in the future, either on Earth, in space, or on a planet we haven't yet discovered. So if you're looking for an SF story where the stalwart hero---or heroine--- handily overcomes all odds and doesn't change one iota from the first page to the last, don't read Judgment on Tartarus.  And if you're looking for a story where technology and theoretical science are described in great detail, reading Judgment won't satisfy you. Everyone else, I think, will get some enjoyment from it.

So far all the feedback I've received has been positive, even from people who don't generally read SF. For that I'm truly grateful. Basically, I write to please myself, never knowing if anyone else will appreciate my work. I just hope for the best. I'm a bit surprised, as well as pleased, that so many people are enjoying my work so much! ( Later on I will discuss a couple concerns my readers have had, I promise.)

All for now,

MRTighe