January 27, 2008

I spoke yesterday to the Optimist Club of Carlsbad. What a great group of folks! Their sole purpose is to put together programs and events to help out children in the area. One guy started taking one class of students per year on a whale watching trip. Now, eight or so years later, every 5th grade studen in Carlsbad is invited to go! They invited me to join. Me an optimist? And I'm excited to be a part of that group.

My talk on Dream War went as well as could be expected for a "first try." At this point of my writing career, I have no idea what stories/topics about my writing are of interest to strangers. It was interesting to note their reactions and participation and I'll hone my speech accordingly.

I do so love talking about writing.

- SJP

December 12, 2007

I finally have news!!!  I've signed with one of the best literary agencies in the country.  I'm so blessed -- she worked with me for FIVE MONTHS to revise and improve the manuscript to make the story the best it possibly could be.  I'm so grateful for the progress this year and I'm looking forward to announcing a publishing deal in early 2008!

August 14th, 2007

If you're interested in the ongoing process of  DREAM WAR 's march to publication, then make sure to keep up with updates on my Blog!

- SJP

June 25th, 2007

As most of you already know, DREAM WAR finished as the highest-rated chapter in the final round of voting in gather.com's First Chapters Contest.  Unfortunately, finishing in the final five of 2,676 entries was as far as I got.  It was a crazy and often enjoyable ride!  When I get down about not winning, I remember that neither Jennifer Hudson, nor Chris Daughtry won their American Idol competitons and that both are now dwarfing the winners in terms of popularity.  Besides, writing isn't (or shouldn't be) a competitive endeavor.

I'm now working toward getting DREAM WAR published.  Hopefully I'll find a publisher (or at least a literary agent) soon.  On Saturday I was featured in an article that appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune.  Click the link to check it out.  As a result of the article, I was contacted by someone wanting me to speak at one of their meetings.  I'll be adressing the Carlsbad Optimist Group on January 26, 2008.  I guess that might be my first public appearance as a novelist?!  Hopefully by then I'll have good news on the publishing front!

Love always and hugs and kisses (where appropriate),
Steve

The CIA didn't give them a choice.
Luzveyn Dred barely gave them a chance.

Luzveyn Dred is Patient.  Since ancient Roman times, his evil has seeped into our dimension via nightmares.  Soon, he intends to enter our world -- and conquer it.

CIA agent Hector Lopez is one of the few who has survived an encounter with Luzveyn Dred. He joins a paramilitary group that can enter people's dreams and extract information. Lopez helps save the lives of many hostages by dream-linking to terrorists. Then, the CIA utilizes their technology for purposes much more sinister. Their ill-advised activities create just the opportunity for which Luzveyn Dred has been waiting.

Aided by an aging expatriate, a recovering alcoholic, and a mysterious girl, Lopez must now defeat evil both in this world and in a dimension of nightmares.

DREAM WAR weaves fantasy and science fiction with historical events to create a unique paranormal thriller.