A. L. Kaplan

Category: Essay

  • MEET ME AT THE WORLD FANTASY CONVENTION THIS WEEKEND

    Looking for something fun do do?

    Come the the Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading.BU-RFR-WFC2018_final

    Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading at WFC 2018

     *** Brief readings from several authors *** Book giveaways *** Free chocolate! ***

    When: Saturday, 10:00 pm to 11:30 pm    Where: Federal Hill.

    Readers:

    Carmen Webster Buxton has published 10 novels and one novella. Under her real name (Karen Wester Newton) she published a short story titled “Cold Comfort” in Space and Time magazine.  Her work encompasses science fiction, fantasy, and romance. [carmenspage.blogspot.com]

    Randee Dawn is a Brooklyn-based author and journalist who has published dark, speculative fiction in Well-told Tales and Fantasia Divinity, plus anthologies Where We May Wag and Children of a Different Sky (both available in the dealer’s room). She is also the co-author of The Law & Order: SVU Unofficial Companion. [RandeeDawn.com]

    J.L. Gribble writes the urban fantasy/alternate history Steel Empires series, which includes Steel Victory, Steel Magic, Steel Blood, and the recent Steel Time. Her other jobs include medical editing, Netflix watching, cat snuggling, and blogging for SpeculativeChic.com.  [jlgribble.com]

    A.R. Henle writes non-fiction by day and magical realism by night. Her short story “Strong Meat” is forthcoming March 2019 in Sharp and Sugar Tooth: Women Up to No Good.

    Laurel Anne Hill  has authored two award-winning novels, most recently The Engine Woman’s Light (Sand Hill Review Press), a gripping spirits-meet-steampunk tale set in an alternate 19th Century California. Laurel’s published short stories total over thirty. She’s a Literary Stage Manager, speaker, writing contest judge and editor.  [www.laurelannehill.com]

    Paula S. Jordan writes moderately hard, character-driven science fiction, with three stories in Analog and her first novel, a present-day alien contact story set in the mountains of North Carolina, now near completion. In a previous life she supported 30+ unmanned science missions as an orbit analyst with NASA and NOAA. [PaulaSJordan.com,  Facebook.com/PaulaSJordan/,  and on Twitter @PaulaSJwriter]

    A L Kaplan’s work has been included in several anthologies and magazines. Her novel Star Touched released in 2017. She is the Maryland Writers’ Association’s Vice President and served on the Howard County Chapter board for several years. A. L. holds an MFA in sculpture from the Maryland Institute College of Art. [alkaplanauthor.com]

    Laura Kelly is a former professor with degrees from Bradley University and Michigan State University. She currently lives in Ohio, although the lakes of Michigan continue to call and leave inviting messages in her voice mail.

    Emily Lavin Leverett is a writer, editor, and Medievalist English professor. Traitor’s Spring, the second novel in the Eisteddfod Chronicles, debuts in 2019, following Changeling’s Fall and Winter’s Heir. Recent editorial works include the anthology Lawless Lands and the collection Faith and Ethics in the Works of Terry Pratchett.  [emilylavinleverett.com]

    Margaret S. McGraw is co-editor of the anthologies Weird Wild West and Lawless Lands: Tales from the Weird Frontier. Her stories appear in Lawless Lands and Chasing the Light. Margaret writes and edits speculative fiction, blogs on WritersSpark.com and TheMillionWords.net, and spends too much time on Facebook.

    Tina LeCount Myers is a writer, artist, and surfer grew up with a prophecy hanging over her head: Her parents hoped she’d be an author. The Song of All is her debut novel. Dreams of the Dark Sky (Book 2 The Legacy of the Heavens series) available February 2019 (Night Shade Books).  [www.tinalecountmyers.com]

    Jennifer R. Povey writes everything from heroic fantasy to stories for Analog. She is currently working on an urban fantasy series, Lost Guardians, of which the third book was released in the fall of 2017. She also rides horses. [www.jenniferrpovey.com]

    Jean Marie Ward writes fiction, nonfiction and everything in between. Her credits include a multi-award nominated novel, two popular art books, and editing CrescentBlues.com. Her short stories have appeared in Asimov’s and numerous anthologies. Her video interviews are featured on BuzzyMag.com. [JeanMarieWard.com]

    Startouched front cover2

  • An Attack On American Democracy

    Worth repeating.

  • GRAY: BEST LAID PLANS BATTLING DEPRESSION – A #HoldOnToTheLight Post

    Holdontothelight FB BannerI had intended to post a little something about mental health each day in September, but time slipped away. Excuses are easy to find, but in all likely hood, it was the gray shroud that tried to smother me again. I’ve battled depression since childhood, although I wasn’t diagnosed until my late twenty’s.

    I’ve always been good at hiding my gray, showing the world my glass-half-full side. Perhaps that’s why I like the song “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile,” from Annie. That and “Tomorrow” were my go-to songs growing up. If only I’d felt that way inside as well. But I didn’t. I was more than a little sad. There were times when I’d cry uncontrollably for no reason, but I couldn’t stop.

    So why didn’t I get help then? Why didn’t I talk to someone?

    I had no idea who to talk to, and I was afraid of what people would say or think. A middle school run in with bullies left me hyper conscious of reactions. Besides, people didn’t talk about depression back then. They didn’t even talk about bullies. There was no internet to get information on depression or resources for help. There were no depression or suicide hotlines at school, or anywhere else that I know of.

    Besides, I wasn’t that far into the darkness to consider ending my life. That meant that I didn’t need help, right?

    Wrong.

    No one should have to walk through life half in darkness. It took me years to figure that out and get help.

    Next time you see someone without a smile, say good morning/good evening as you walk by. It may not seem like much, but sometimes that little greeting can mean the difference between gray and darkness, a small touch to let them know someone cares.

    Everyone needs help at times
    Don’t be afraid to ask
    For a rope of light
    To pull you from the darkness
    Climb out of the gray
    Hold onto yourself
    Your life
    Your heart
    This world
    Hold onto the light

    About the campaign:

    #HoldOnToTheLight is a blog campaign encompassing blog posts by fantasy and science fiction authors around the world in an effort to raise awareness around treatment for depression, suicide prevention, domestic violence intervention, PTSD initiatives, bullying prevention and other mental health-related issues. We believe fandom should be supportive, welcoming and inclusive, in the long tradition of fandom taking care of its own. We encourage readers and fans to seek the help they or their loved ones need without shame or embarrassment.

    Please consider donating to or volunteering for organizations dedicated to treatment and prevention such as: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Hope for the Warriors (PTSD), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Canadian Mental Health Association, MIND (UK), SANE (UK), BeyondBlue (Australia), To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

    To find out more about #HoldOnToTheLight, find a list of participating authors and blog posts, or reach a media contact, go to http://www.HoldOnToTheLight.com and join us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WeHoldOnToTheLight

  • The Morning After

  • Promote Your Book Party!

  • Author Interview Series: A L Kaplan

    Author Interview Series: A L Kaplan

    GJ Stevens posted a very nice interview of me today. Check it out.

  • Taking Control of Depression

    Taking Control of Depression

    There are some great suggestions here to combat depression.

  • #HoldOnToTheLight 2018 Returns with New Posts and New Authors

    Always remember to Hold Onto The Light.

  • Meet Me At The First Friday Reading Series: YA Night Sep. 7th

    SPECIAL READING

    Friday, September 7, 2018

    7:45 PM

    I’ll be reading at the First Friday Reading Series in Highlandtown with several other YA and emerging authors this Friday. The reading is part of the Art Walk in Highlandtown and sponsored by Yellow Arrow Publishing.

    Come for the readings. Stay for the fun. Refreshments provided.

    The venue is Dennis Moore’s Pottery Studio which has neither a sign
    nor an address. It is on the corner of S. Conkling and Bank streets
    and is across from Rooftop Hot (339 S. Conkling Street Baltimore, MD
    21224). We will have a sandwich board out front, so you shouldn’t have
    a problem finding us. There is plenty of street parking, both free and paid hourly if you arrive early.

    The fun starts at 6:00 PM

    My reading will be at 7:45 PM

    See you Friday Night.

     

    Startouched front cover2STAR TOUCHED

    Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.

    Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble. Will Tatiana flee or stay and fight for the new life she has built? Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

  • WOLF NOTES: An Uncommon Interview – Charles F. French

    081Welcome to WOLF NOTES, where interview questions stray from the rest of the pack. It’s nice to know the usual stuff like where an author gets their inspiration and why they write, but sometimes we need a little fun in our lives.

    Joining us back from my break is Mr. Charles French.

    charles french

    Charles F. French is an author of speculative fiction, including horror, Gothic, and the paranormal. He holds a Ph.D. in English Literature, and devotes his working time to teaching and writing. He is the author of Maledicus: The Investigative Paranormal Society, Book 1, Gallows Hill The Investigative Paranormal Society, Book 2, and French On English A Guide to Writing Better Essays.

     

    Wolf: If you could be any animal in the universe, what would it be and why? 

    Charles: I would be an eagle, because I have felt an affinity to these creatures for a long time, which is odd because I hate flying. 

    Wolf: I’m a rather nervous flier myself, but wings are cool. What is the nicest thing you’ve ever done to your characters?

    Charles: In an upcoming book—the third in The Investigative Paranormal Society, one of the characters finds love and marries. He finally achieves happiness, even though relatively late in life. 

    Wolf: It’s never too late to find love. What is the meanest thing you’ve ever done to your characters?

    Charles: Several have been killed. 32570160

    Wolf: That kind of ends things. Do you consider yourself a cat person, or a dog person? 

    Charles: I consider myself an animal person, because I love both cats and dogs. I would love, however, to have a Newfoundland dog. 

    Wolf: Lots of fur and drool. I wonder if you can spin Newfoundland fur like you can Malamute fur? While walking in the woods you come across… 

    Charles: A very old, tree that has a door in its trunk. When I go through the door, I step into the Shire. 

    Wolf: Come back and get me. I’d love to visit the Shire. If you could have a super power, what would it be?

    GallowsHillFinalCoverEbookCharles: I would have the power to be in 3 places at one time, so I can get everything done! 

    Wolf: That could get confusing. What story are you working on now?

    Charles: I am finishing the first draft of a fantasy that has a working title of the South Dakota Story. The title will change, but it focuses on three young teenagers and their quest to save their favorite teacher.

    Wolf: I like that. Teachers don’t get enough credit (or pay) these days. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

    Charles: I love to read, cook, hike, go to movies, teach, sit back and relax with a good cigar and a couple of fingers of good bourbon or Scotch. 

    Wolf: Guess I know what you’re bringing back from the Shire. If this question were any question in the world, what question would you want it to be and how would you answer it?

    Charles: I would like the question be the one first asked by George Bernard Shaw FOE_Cover_French jpgand then used by Robert Kennedy in his Presidential campaign: “Some men see things as they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?” I would like to ask the world why not and get the hopeful answer that all good things are possible.

    Wolf: Connect with Charles French through these links: 

    Social Media Links:
    https://charlesfrenchonwordsreadingandwriting.wordpress.com/
    # French_C1955 (Twitter)
    https://www.facebook.com/WriterCharlesFFrench/

     

    STAR TOUCHED

    Startouched front cover2