Tag: readers

about me · Author · blogging · Emergence Ascended · Emergence Collective · readers · writing

Benchmarks.

Joe Hallett2 Comments

It occurred to me that I had overlooked a benchmark on my writing journey. My one-year Blogsaverary was on February 18th. I can not boast of having a large following or mind-blowing analytics,  but I have had a steadily increasing number. I have ninety-one subscribers, and that is a lot for me. I want to thank those of my ninety-one (was ninety-two yesterday); sorry if I bored you or said something offensive, Mr. Ninety-two.)) that is genuinely interested in what I have to say. You are the ones that keep me going. As to the rest of the follow me, follow you people, understand I don’t care about numbers, And I will not follow you because you followed me. Ridiculous. (I have a low opinion of such things) Anyway, Numbers don’t matter. You can have a thousand followers that don’t read the blog, but If the one that does read it finds meaning or insight or just entertainment from what I write, that is fulfilling to me.) But sincerely, thank you to those that have stuck with me. I have developed some great friendships through my blog, which makes it worth it.

I started this blog not really knowing about blogging, to be honest. After I finished my first book “Emergence collective,” it was suggested that I start a blog to promote it. So, I did. And here we are. I am not a blogger. I am a writer looking for an audience and engagement with that audience. Honestly, I am not a huge fan of being a blogger. I feel it creates an unnecessary responsibility to continuously create content to keep my blog alive, which was created to find an audience for my books and writing. Blogging is writing, I understand that, but I like to write fiction. Science fiction, horror, fantasy, the stuff that is not entangled with reality. However, I should recognize that despite frustrations, time restraints, and bouts of apathy, I have made it past the one-year Benchmark! *pats myself on the back*

Benchmarks are tools used for “ground truthing.” A benchmark is a survey marker used to verify or validate quantitative aerial observations (Maps). That is an apt metaphor for my blog and writing journey. I can see where I am and know where I want to go.

Another benchmark (a mental one) is closer to a feeling,  but I feel that I am on the downward side of the hill regarding my second book, “Emergence Ascended.” It’s a feeling since I really do not know how long this book is going to be, but I feel I am past the halfway point. The same reason why I have yet to have a mid-life crisis, I don’t know when I am going to die, so I don’t know when it’s my mid-life (I feel I am missing out on something fun now).

Thanks again for taking your valuable time to read my blog and comment. Your engagement is priceless to me. I am looking forward to more benchmarks to come.

about me · Audible · Emergence Ascended · writing

Happy Ostara/Easter

Joe HallettLeave a comment

Its a Holiday weekend, I am hoping it I can still get some writing and recording done before the festivities commence. But as we all know, when I make a plan, it goes to hell, so here is hoping. After I actually Finished the dreaded chapter 30, Of Emergence Ascended (my current work in progress), I feel like the rest of the book is going to go fast, and that is exciting. Then I get to edit! yay. editing.. yeah.

So, those of you that are eager to hear the next episode on Spotify, That is my focus for the weekend. Happy holidays for those that celebrate them and have a good weekend for those that don’t. Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog!

Author · blogging · writing

The act of creation itself is the point.

Joe Hallett6 Comments

The soft buzzing and thumping on the window caught my attention. I watch the house fly repeatedly hurl itself toward the window, confident of its escape despite the uncounted attempts it has made before, but maybe the next one. I am amused at the fly’s confusion, oblivious to the nature of the impenetrable barrier that has prevented its passage to the outside world. Buzz, thump. Buzz, thump.

My amusement fades as I now sympathize with its plight and its frustrations as I similarly smash myself against the impenetrable barrier that is myself, my imagination. I hurl my words against the page one by one, only to realize that I am not getting anywhere, no progress to be made, but I, too, continue to assault the page unrelenting. Maybe the next word. The next paragraph.

I destroy everything and begin again, but I find a sense of calm in this destruction. Like a sand mandala, I recognize the impermanence of it and change my state of mind, allow the process to complete itself, and give in to it. Thump, buzz, another word.

Chapter 30. How many versions are there? How many more? Will the next word, sentence, or paragraph enlighten me to move on to its completion? Yes, and then, I will begin again until I am finished and at peace.

The truth is that I have written and rewritten several versions of chapter 30. Each one gets a little closer, but I have typed and deleted more words in this one chapter than anything I have written before. And the funny thing is that it is not one of the “important” chapters. It’s not a chapter that needs a special message, clue, or red herring. Even this post had more than one version. I started it, but it read like I was complaining or whiney about the lack of progress. I am not a fly that can not see the glass it smashes itself against. I know there is a way around it.

Audible · Emergence Collective · narrators · readers · science fiction · spiritualism

Audible update: A few more chapters

Joe HallettLeave a comment

Ok, today I recorded 3 chapters of Emergence Collective. My chapters are short enough that I had the time get more than one recorded. Be sure to check it out on Spotify! Hope you enjoy!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5aOh0b0QLOz5h5Jj300f9K?si=2e0f8a8550564cd8
Quantum mechanics · science fiction · String theory

I have a rant; please, just hear me out.

Joe Hallett3 Comments

I have strong feelings about things that most people would ignore or do not care about. More than likely, most of the world wouldn’t even think about it. I have been thinking about this from a character’s point of view (that will be one of the main characters in a future story). It didn’t start there, but it reignited my own passion, and today I feel the need to put in my two cents worth (or your equivalent nations denomination)

Ready? Here it is. (and this really drives me bonkers) It is the careless and flippant misuse of the term ‘Dimension.” The problem is that people tend to mistake it for the many-worlds theory. The Many-Worlds theory and dimensions are two concepts that are often confused with each other. While both concepts deal with the idea of parallel universes or alternate realities, they are fundamentally different.

The Many-Worlds theory is a theory in quantum mechanics that proposes the existence of an infinite number of parallel universes (or worlds) that exist simultaneously. In this theory, each time a quantum event occurs, the universe splits into multiple universes, each with its own version of reality. For example, if you were to flip a coin, in one universe, it would land heads up, and in another universe, it would land tails up. This theory is often used in science fiction as a way to explore the consequences of different choices and actions. The many-worlds theory is a great tool to avoid paradox in time travel science fiction  (if they get the nomenclature right!)

On the other hand, dimensions refer to the physical and mathematical properties of space and time. (And this is the important part people!) The three dimensions of space are length, width, and height, while time is considered the fourth dimension. However, some theories propose the existence of additional dimensions beyond these four, such as the string theory’s ten dimensions. In science fiction, dimensions are often used to explain the existence of alternate realities or parallel universes. I think that the confusion between these two ideas arises from the misuse of the term “dimension” in science fiction. In popular culture, the term dimension is often used interchangeably with parallel universe or alternate reality. For example, in the TV show “The Twilight Zone,” characters would often travel to a “fifth dimension,” which was portrayed as an alternate reality. However, this usage is not scientifically accurate, and it can be misleading to those unfamiliar with the actual meaning of dimension, and that really bothers me. Even hard-core science fiction novelists get it wrong.

I know that it might seem like a petty argument, and to be honest, it doesn’t change anything. It is just my own pet peeve, but anytime someone says something like “from another dimension,” I cringe.

Audible · Emergence Ascended · Emergence Collective · magic · narrators · readers · reading

Audible Update: Articulate and enunciated

Joe HallettLeave a comment

These are two of the things I could not do. As you can tell, I did not record the next thrilling chapter of Emergence Collective this weekend. What I had thought were allergies had ultimately become a full-blown head cold. (I still can not hear from my right ear, it’s still congested.) I rarely get sick enough to miss work, but I missed two days this week if that is any indication. I felt well enough; I just couldn’t actually speak clearly enough to make a decent recording. Well, I could make the most of my convalescence and get some writing on Emergence Ascended done. That too, fell flat, and I am disappointed that I lacked the gumption to do anything meaningful. I was, after all sick, but I wanted something to show for my time and writing is not physically demanding. I know one day I will get around to finishing this book.

The weekend is approaching, and of course, no promises, but I will make an attempt at getting Chapter 10 recorded. I am especially eager to get back to it. The story starts picking up speed from here on out, and even to me, it’s exciting.

Author · blogging · Emergence Ascended · Emergence Collective · magic · narrators · science fiction · spiritualism · voice acting · writing

Go with the flow…

Joe Hallett3 Comments

Another quick Saturday note(In the US, a quick nod to my “down under” audience}note. (I have noticed that when I post on weekends that there is less traffic overall, but eventually, someone will read it, right?) After having a bit of mild to moderate writer’s block, I managed to get back on track, and I am happy with the progress I am making. Chapter 28 and most of 29 of “Emergence Ascended” are down with a meager 38000 words. I estimate it’s just under half complete, but I am a discovery writer, so I don’t know where it will end, somewhere between Doctor Suese and Tolkien in length.

If you are one of those that are listening through my narration of “Emergence Collective” on Spotify, I expect to have chapters 10 and maybe 11 recorded tomorrow, so stay tuned for that! As always, thanks for stopping by. Give it a like or comment (I love comments!)

Audible · Author · Emergence Collective · magic · narrators · science fiction · spiritualism · voice acting

Audible Update: Chapters 8 and 9!

Joe HallettLeave a comment

I just recorded Chapters 8 and 9. they were short, so I decided to combine them into one episode. I fixed the technical difficulties that prevented last week’s recording and fiddled with some settings that have improved my overall sound quality. As far as the story goes, things really start picking up speed, and gets pretty crazy from here on out. If you haven’t started listening, you’re missing out. Of course you can read it for yourself (Link embedded on the cover art). Feel free to comment or just say hi! Id love to hear what you think so far!

art · Emergence Ascended · Emergence Collective · Horror · narrators · voice acting · writing

What do I get out of it?

Joe Hallett2 Comments

As a creative person, I am driven to make stuff. Most of the time, the stuff I create is just for me, something to scratch the itch. I am usually happy with my creations; most go unfinished, however. A lot of times, there are things I do to express an emotion or try out an idea, and once I have done that, I move on to the next thing (an expression of Attention deficit disorder). But it works for me. Creating things like writing, I need a little more, I need to share some things, and I want feedback on my ideas. Not that I am seeking attention, quite the opposite to be honest, I am very introverted (The pandemic was the best thing that ever happened to me, aside from all the death and dying stuff), and for the most part have to be poked and prodded to be social.

That’s where the paradox lies, where I am not looking for attention but want feedback on my creativity, but don’t want to have to be social about it. I am terrible about self-promotion. So, what do I get out of it? There is nothing better than hearing how a story I wrote made an impact on someone. If I frightened you, or made you think about a crazy idea I had, is a sense of fulfillment that is unequaled. When I write, I aspire to write something that will make the reader just think about my story a week or month later or even want to read it again.

I did get some very satisfying writing done this weekend. Wow, I am on Chapter 28 of Emergence Ascended, and I am really happy with it so far. As far as recording Emergence Collective, I had technical issues that prevented that from happening and that is disappointing. I am starting to feel confident, my narration skills are approaching “decent”, my editing is fair. Thanks for taking the time to read! Feel free to leave a like or comment, I enjoy the conversations! You can also email me at hello@hand-printsofdarkness.com

Audible · Emergence Collective · narrators · readers · reading · science fiction · spiritualism · writing

Character snapshot,Visual edition: Barney Derrick

Joe Hallett3 Comments

I really enjoyed writing Barney’s Character. I wanted to make a character that you love to hate. I am sure everyone has met a person like Barney.

The sound of Barney’s boots echoed down the quiet hall with a hypnotic cadence. The overhead fluorescent lights seemed to flicker in time with his footfalls. He arrived at the lab and pushed through the door, causing it to bounce off the wall.   Drab faces looked up from computer screens at the abrupt entrance. A soldier rushed over with a handful of disheveled paperwork, trying to organize it into a manila folder before handing it off to his superior. Barney grabbed the folder out of his and studied the file briefly.  The soldier watched as he scrutinized the file, flipping pages, eyes scanning. Barney’s nose crinkled against his mustache, causing the soldier to wince.  He held the folder out for the soldier to take it, allowing the pages to slip out with a whoosh onto the floor.   

“What is this? Is this how I am going to get all of your reports? Is this how you show your respect to your country, to me?”   

“Sir! No Sir!”  

“This report is not even in order! Do you expect me to finish your work for you?”  

“I understand, Sir, no Sir, I apologize, Sir.”   

“Well–What are you waiting for?”  

“Umm …yes, sir,” the soldier said as he scrambled to collect all of the paperwork and organize it all at once.  

“Umm, yes, Sir? That’s how you address a superior officer? An umm? You Sure this is the right career for you, boy? How did you manage to crawl your sorry ass out of basic training?”  he scolded, then turned away so that he could smile without being seen. Ah that felt good, better than coffee, and I’ll never get a bad report from that kid again. He took a few steps before turning around to see the soldier standing at attention, holding the folder in his shaky hands.   

“Sir, your report is ready for your review Sir.” The Airman forced his words out.  

 Barney snatched it out of the soldier’s hands. Again, the soldier watched his eyes and fingers do their work.  “That’s better, Airman. You’re dismissed.” The young Airman made his way to his desk and sat down, all the while avoiding eye contact.