A. L. Kaplan

Tag: young adult

  • Countdown to the Day of Reckoning – 1 Days – Meteors and Tsunami

    foam-2

    We’ve all seen the movies of giant tsunami hitting the coast, but how accurate are they? The devastating wave that hit Indonesia in 2004 was caused by a 9.1 earthquake in the Indian ocean.

    https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2014/12/ten-years-since-the-2004-indian-ocean-tsunami/100878/

    Could a meteor cause this kind of phenomena? Probably not by itself, but location is key, and the amount of water vapor tossed up into the atmosphere would drastically effect climate.

    https://www.space.com/35081-asteroid-impact-ocean-computer-simulations-solar-system.html

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4034648/Stunning-visualization-reveals-REALLY-happen-asteroid-slammed-ocean.html

    https://mashable.com/2018/07/01/nasa-meteorite-pacific-ocean-exploration/#.w4Ht5hh9aq9

    https://www.space.com/35081-asteroid-impact-ocean-computer-simulations-solar-system.html

    http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/about-us/38-our-solar-system/the-earth/impacts/51-what-would-happen-if-an-asteroid-10-kilometers-across-hit-the-earth-beginner

    STAR TOUCHED

    Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.

    Especially when your powers can get you killed.

    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.

    Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

    HUMMINGBIRD

    Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.

    One step toward understanding.

    One stride toward survival.

    One leap toward flying free from the past.

    MARK OF THE GODDESS

    Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.

    Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.

    WOLF DAWN

    A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

    Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

    But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.

  • Countdown to the Day of Reckoning – 2 Days – Survival of The Apocalypse

    20170805_200501(0)

    If the unimaginable were to happen, are you prepared?

    It’s time to start packing.

    What 5 items would you definitely want to have to survive a cataclysm?

    If you want to bring a copy of STAR TOUCHED,

    you can pack a 6th item!

    STAR TOUCHED

    Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.

    Especially when your powers can get you killed.

    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.

    Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

    HUMMINGBIRD

    Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.

    One step toward understanding.

    One stride toward survival.

    One leap toward flying free from the past.

    MARK OF THE GODDESS

    Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.

    Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.

    WOLF DAWN

    A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

    Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

    But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.

  • Countdown to the Day of Reckoning – 3 Days – An Interview of Tatiana from Star Touched

    STAR TOUCHED

    Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.

    Especially when your powers can get you killed.

    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.

    Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

    Here is an interview of Tatiana, the main character in Star Touched, that The Wolf did a while back.

    Wolf: Welcome to Wolf Notes, Tatiana. If you could be any animal in the universe, what would it be and why?

    Tatiana: Thank you, Wolf. I’d love to be a bird. That way I could fly anywhere I wanted, feel the wind in my feathers as I soared through the air. I’d be free, with no worries.

    Wolf: That sounds nice. Any particular kind of bird?

    Tatiana: Swallows are pretty and graceful. I love the way they glide.

    Wolf: Sweet. Swallows are cool to watch. Would you consider yourself a cat person or a dog person?

    Tatiana: I love all animals, but I suppose I’m partial to dogs right now. Fifi is very important to me.

    Wolf: You mean that tiny poodle you’re bonded to?

    Tatiana: I’d rather not talk about her. Please ask a different question.

    Wolf: Sure. While walking through the woods you come upon…

    Tatiana: Wild blueberries, a whole field of them. There are also wild carrots, dandelions, cat tails, and all sorts of other yummy foods.

    Wolf: That sounds more like a grocery store. What is the strangest food you ever had?

    Tatiana: Food is food these days. Although I did see someone else eat, well… something I really don’t want to talk about. I mean I’ll eat almost anything, but not…that. I’d rather starve. Not that I would. I’m pretty good at finding food in the wild.

    Wolf: I’m not sure you really answered that one. Let’s try another. What do you do for fun?

    Tatiana: Surviving is very time consuming, so I don’t have much free time, but when I do, I love to read. Doesn’t matter what. Fiction, history, science… I just love books. When I read I can be anyone and go anywhere. It’s a wonderful escape and I learn things.

    Wolf: I agree. Books are pretty awesome. You’ve just been turned into a plant. Describe yourself.

    Tatiana: That’s a tough one. I don’t like the idea of staying in one place. My roots would need to be movable. More like legs.

    Wolf: A walking plant?

    Tatiana: Yes. With a forest green stem and bright-green heart-shaped leaves with a splash of blue. They could be made into a tea that would cure any disease. I’d also grow clusters of tasty and nutritious berries. Each would be enough to fill your belly for a day.

    Wolf: That sounds fantastic. Aren’t you worried people would hunt you down for those berries and leaves?

    Tatiana: Oh. I didn’t think of that. Can I change my answer to a small inedible red flower with no useful purpose?

    Wolf: Sorry. No take backs. There is a door at the end of a dark damp corridor. You hear rumbling. What do you do?

    Tatiana: Open the door and try to fix whatever machine is malfunctioning.

    Wolf: Are you a mechanic?

    Tatiana: No, but I’ve read lots of books on fixing things.

    Wolf: If you could choose any weapon, what would it be?

    Tatiana: Knowledge. I don’t like weapons or fighting.

    Wolf: If you could pick any super power, what would it be and why?

    Tatiana: None!

    Wolf: Really?

    Tatiana: I don’t want ANY special powers. I just want to be a normal person. I need to go now.

    Wolf: Wow, Tatiana ran out of here fast. If you want to know more about her, you’ll have to read Star Touched.

    Don’t forget to get your copy of Star Touched so you can learn more about Tatiana an her friends.

    The story continues in HUMMINGBIRD.

    HUMMINGBIRD

    Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.

    One step toward understanding.

    One stride toward survival.

    One leap toward flying free from the past.

    MARK OF THE GODDESS

    Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.

    Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.

    WOLF DAWN

    A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

    Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

    But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.

  • Countdown to the Day of Reckoning – 4 Days – Perseid Meteor Shower

    stars2There are several meteor showers throughout the year, but the Perseid meteor shower is one of my favorites. It’s one of the reasons I used is as a base for some of the events in my novel, Star Touched. This annual show is caused by the dust and debris left behind by the 1992 passing of the Swift-Tuttle Comet. It’s going on now, but peak is between August 11-13th, where you could see as many as 60-70 meteors an hour. That’s a lot of space junk. The little crescent moon will set before the shower starts after midnight.

    Look north toward the Perseus constellation. (just below Cassiopeia)

    Pull out a chair.

    Slather on some bug spray.

    Camp out under the night sky.

    Enjoy the show.

    While you’re there, keep an eye out for Mars and Saturn. Both will be visible.

    But don’t worry, none of the meteors are big enough to cause a cataclysm.

    Here are some links for more information:

    https://www.space.com/32868-perseid-meteor-shower-guide.html

    https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/meteor-shower/perseid.html?hc_location=ufi

    STAR TOUCHED

    Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.

    Especially when your powers can get you killed.

    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.

    Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

    HUMMINGBIRD

    Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.

    One step toward understanding.

    One stride toward survival.

    One leap toward flying free from the past.

    MARK OF THE GODDESS

    Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.

    Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.

    WOLF DAWN

    A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

    Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

    But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.

  • Star Touched on sale at Amazon

    Still looking for a copy of Star Touched? It’s on sale now on Amazon for only $12.71!

    STAR TOUCHED

    Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.

    Especially when your powers can get you killed.

    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.

    Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

    Here are a few reviews:

    “A unique and finely crafted debut novel, the characters touched my heart as I was drawn into their plight and compelled to finish!”
         — New York Times bestselling Author Maria V. Snyder
     
    “Star Touched is fast-paced with well-defined characters and dialog that snaps. The ravaged, post-technological American society is depicted with sure strokes. The story draws one in and keeps one reading. And that’s exactly what one wants from a book.
         –Al Sirois
     
    “A great YA dystopian novel exploring the challenges of being different, acceptance, maturity, and friendship.”
         — Steven Southard

  • MY SCHEDULE FOR BALTICON 57

    Balticon is one of my favorite Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions. It is held on Memorial Day weekend an comprises of four days of fantasic programing. I’m loaded up on programing this year. Here is where you can find me.

    When Muses Collide (Sat 10:00 AM) Balancing your WIPs when you have more than one kind of creativity. How do you decide what you want to do? A. L. Kaplan moderator, Heidi Hooper, Sarah Pinsker, Eric Hardenbrook, Ariel Burgess

    Am I a Real Writer Now? (Sat 1:00 PM) At what point does a writer become a real writer? How does a person go from having a novel or a few stories to being a real Writer? What can people with a few things written do to make this a career? Early career writers talk about what they have done. Joshua Bilmes moderator, Jack Campbell, A. L. Kaplan, Elektra Hammond, Bjorn E. Hasseler

    Limits on YA (Sat 5:30 PM) There is often a problem with defining YA and it often boils down to whatever the publisher declares is YA. But are there limits to YA? Is there anything that cannot be included in YA or whose presence makes the book not YA? Dr. Jim Thorne, Michael A. Ventrella, A. L. Kaplan, Michael M Jones

    I’ll also be working as a judge’s clerk for the Masquerade Saturday night.

    Autographs (Sun 11:30 PM) A.L. Kaplan, Leah Cypress  

    Is SF/Fantasy Mere Escapism? (Sun 1:00 PM) Many critics dismiss SF/Fantasy as unrealistic and escapist. Is this true? Is there SF that rises above escapism? Or is entertaining the reader/viewer enough? Carl Cipra moderator, Ken Schrader, A. L. Kaplan, Walt Boyes

    Readings (Sun 4:00 PM) A. L. Kaplan, D. H. Aire

    Out of Control Characters (Sun 5:30 PM) Some authors tightly control their characters, requiring them to follow an outline. But other authors say there are things their characters won’t do. What do authors do when their characters go off script? Do you try to regain control (and how?) or go where the characters take you? Jennifer R. Povey moderator, Alan Smale, “Amy” A. L. Kaplan, Scott Edelman

    When I’m not busy on a panel or volunteering, You can find me wandering the halls with Fifi or helping out at the Maryland Writers’ Association table.

    Balticon 57

    May 26-29, 2023

    Renaissance Harborplace Hotel

    202 East Pratt Street

    Baltimore, MD 21202

    Hope to see you there.

    MARK OF THE GODDESS

    Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.

    Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.

    STAR TOUCHED

    Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.

    Especially when your powers can get you killed.

    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.

    Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

    HUMMINGBIRD

    Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.

    One step toward understanding.

    One stride toward survival.

    One leap toward flying free from the past.

    WOLF DAWN

    A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

    Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

    But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.

  • My Sunday RavenCon Schedule

    RavenCon 16 is this weekend at the Virginia Crossings Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in Glen Allen, Virginia.

    Here is where you can find me on Sunday, April 23, 2023:

    11 am (Panel) Author’s Favorite Tools / Henry (Jefferson Building, 3rd floor)

    Are you organized but looking for your next suggestion? Or perhaps you’re not at all organized and have always wondered how others do it. Maybe you’re tired of your current organizational suite and are looking for the next best thing? Our panelists will discuss their favorite tools—everything from writing tools, to productivity, to planners, and beyond. Panelists: L.R. Gould, Kelly Griffiths, A.L. Kaplan, James Maxey (M)

    Noon (Signing) Dealers Room / Henrico Ballroom (Madison Building, 2nd Floor)

    2 pm (Panel) Costuming Characters in Your Writing / Henry (Jefferson Building, 3rd floor)

    Dressing a character in a story is far more complicated than you’d think. Writers need to consider all manner of things when clothing the people in their stories; from movement to warmth and from practical materials to extravagant accessories. Panelists: A.L. Kaplan, Cass Morris (M)

    MARK OF THE GODDESS

    Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.

    Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.

    WOLF DAWN

    A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

    Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

    But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.

    STAR TOUCHED

  • My Saturday RavenCon Schedule

    RavenCon 16 is this weekend at the Virginia Crossings Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in Glen Allen, Virginia. Three days of fun.

    Here is where you can find me on Saturday, April 22, 2023:

    1 pm – 2:30 pm (Workshop/Presentation) Can Cows Have Wings? / Buckingham (Jefferson Building, 2nd floor)

    Having a great story isn’t enough. If the world your characters live in isn’t believable, it won’t hold your readers. Learn how to create an environment that will grab your audience even if you have a purple cow flying over Washington, DC. (This workshop is geared toward adults and/or teen writers. Participants should bring writing materials.)

    5 pm (Panel) Creating Memorable Character Names / Henry (Jefferson Building, 3rd floor)

    The naming of things is complicated. It gets even more so when you are naming your characters. Our panelists will talk dos and don’ts and how to make your character names memorable, but also reflective of who your character is at heart. Panelists: Jude-Marie Green, A.L. Kaplan (M)

    6:25 pm – 6:50 pm (Reading) Fairfax Library (Jefferson Building, 2nd floor)

    MARK OF THE GODDESS

    Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.

    Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.

    HUMMINGBIRD

    Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.

    One step toward understanding.

    One stride toward survival.

    One leap toward flying free from the past.

    STAR TOUCHED

    WOLF DAWN

    A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

    Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

    But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.

  • Con-Tinual Special Event: Enola Holmes

    Have you watched the Enola Holmes specials on Netflix?

    Have you read the The Enola Holmes Mysteries by Nancy Springer?

    Then you’ll want to see this fun panel at Con-Tinual: The Con That Never Ends.

    Con-Tinual Special Event: Enola Holmes on Facebook

    Con-Tinual Special Event: Enola Holmes on YouTube (Look for it in the Live tab)

    If you aren’t familiar with these fun and exciting stories, make sure you check them out. The Enola Holmes Mysteries is a young adult detective series by Nancy Springer. They are about 14-year old Enola Holmes, the very younger sister of the famous Sherlock Holmes.

    MARK OF THE GODDESS

    Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.

    Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.

    HUMMINGBIRD

    Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.

    One step toward understanding.

    One stride toward survival.

    One leap toward flying free from the past.

    STAR TOUCHED

    Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.

    Especially when your powers can get you killed.

    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.

    Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

    WOLF DAWN

    A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

    Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

    But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.

  • Pumpkin Contest!

    I hope you all had a fun Halloween.

    Head on over to Patrick Dugan’s website and vote for your favorite pumpkin!

    It’s been awhile since I carved one, so I made sure I had fun carving mine.

    MARK OF THE GODDESS

    Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.

    Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.

    HUMMINGBIRD

    Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.

    One step toward understanding.

    One stride toward survival.

    One leap toward flying free from the past.

    STAR TOUCHED

    Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.

    Especially when your powers can get you killed.

    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.

    Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

    WOLF DAWN

    A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

    Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

    But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.