A Study Break. One morning as Corr sat at his table list…
Here’s a story about the child Corr Syl.
See on garryrogers.com
Tag Archives: EcoSciFi
Death Beneath the Pavement
Death Lies Beneath the Pavement
Entombing the life of the soil.
Beneath the pavement of the street and the concrete of the sidewalk lie the corpses of tiny creatures by millions entombed unknown and unremembered.
“When you thrust a shovel into the soil or tear off a piece of coral, you are, godlike, cutting through an entire world. You have crossed a hidden frontier known to very few. Immediately close at hand, around and beneath our feet, lies the least explored part of the planet’s surface. It is also the most vital place on Earth for human existence” (Wilson, 2010). Continue reading
Garry Rogers Nature Conservation News
What is the Nature Conservation News?
My online Scoop.It newspaper, Garry Rogers Nature Conservation News began operating last September. It presents news stories called scoops. My scoops are mostly concerned with animals and their interactions with humans. I sometimes scoop interesting items about writing, and I scoop the rare items of science fiction news that involve stories and books with a nature conservation theme. This post is a request for your help with scoop suggestions. (Visit the news). Continue reading
Awesome Blog Content Award
I am delighted and honored to have been nominated for the Awesome Blog Content Award. The nominations came from two outstanding bloggers: Dear Kitty. Some blog and Adam Hughes. Like others with concerns for nature, I read their blogs daily. Continue reading
Corr Syl the Warrior–Best of 2013
Corr Syl the Warrior Named One of Best Indie Books of 2013
Out of more than 3,000 indie books reviewed this year, Kirkus Reviews selected “Corr Syl the Warrior” as one of the best. Sometimes I feel like it must have been a mediocre year for self publishing, but then I admit that recognition for the work is always appreciated. Thank you Kirkus.
Scoop.it and Twitter Pass 11,000
Scoop.it and Twitter Make Their Numbers: 11,000+
Thanks to all the 11,000 animal–nature–science fiction lovers who visited my Scoop.it paper and followed my Tweets. You are so good-looking–just fabulous!
Numbers?
This week, “Nature Conservation & Science Fiction: #EcoSciFi” passed 1,000 views, and Twitter passed 10,000 followers.
Real People
Spam is unavoidable on Twitter, but I have culled many off-topic fans, and I am confident that most of the 11,000 visitors and followers are people with genuine interests in animals, nature, science fiction, and writing. Spam is not yet an issue for my Scoop.it paper.
Thank you!
Now would be a good time to visit #EcoSciFi and @Garry_Rogers and see what’s new. I would be delighted to have your participation.
Garry
#EcoSciFi News Turns Two (Months)
Nature Conservation & Science Fiction: #EcoSciFi
The #EcoSciFi news will have its 1,000th visitor this week. The paper opened on October 1, 2013. With content from over 100 sources, the paper provides essential news and information for conservation and writing. Check it out.
#EcoSciFi: Nature and Science Fiction on the Web
Am I Benefiting from My Book Reviews?
Insights from My Book Reviews
Indie authors read a lot about the promotional value of reviews. Here I wanted to comment on the feedback I have received.
First, it is worth noting that early book reviews sometimes influence later ones. The influence appears in the similarity of the topics mentioned and even the phrases used. Still, there is collective value in the insights the reviews provide.
It is also worth noting that Corr Syl is my first novel. I have much to learn, and the value I derive from reviews will probably increase as my knowledge and experience increase.
Themes
Most of the 17 book reviews of Corr Syl has received mention the book’s conservation theme. I had worked to keep the theme firmly in the background, and expected that Immediacy, the Tsaeb philosophy of consequences would receive more attention. Immediacy indirectly explains humanities many flaws. Didn’t happen, but I am relieved that none of the reviewers felt that the way I presented the conservation theme was so didactic that it interfered with their enjoyment of the story.
One of the book’s other themes is Corr Syl’s “coming of age” experience. This is a steady influence throughout the novel, and it is one of the factors in determining the conclusion. Nevertheless, only one reviewer picked it out as a principal element, and most don’t mention it. It is a common story element, however, and is probably essential even if not remarkable.
Reviewers mentioned some of the other important elements of the story–the nature of perception and of intelligence, and Corr Syl’s plan for repairing human society–but they said little about them. I am eager to see what other reviewers will say about these topics.
Genre
Some of the reviewers noted that the story is hard science fiction, but others called it fantasy or mixed the two types. The difference, of course, is that all the propositions contained within a science fiction story must have explanations that meet the testability criterion. If the events and features have no testable explanations, they aren’t science, and the story is fantasy or magic. Stories often contain a mix of testable and untestable ideas, and are properly called “science fiction and fantasy.” Unlike hard science fiction author, Robert Forward who commented that his story provided a basic lesson in physics, I did not try to explain the evolutionary processes that could produce my principal story elements. But I tried to stay within the limits of what was actually possible.
Characters
Another interesting thing about these first 17 reviews, is that most of them mention that Corr Syl and the other characters are well-developed. As I worked on the story, I learned that I am more of a plot than a character writer. I always felt that the characters needed better back-stories and traits of their own, or as Kris Neri says better “hidden” stories. Nancy Kress teaches that back-stories determine character traits and reactions. The back-stories need to be clear in the writer’s mind. If not, inconsistent behavior can occur and distract readers. Since my characters are acceptable to some critics, I am further convinced that Roy Peter Clark must be right, writing can be learned.
Read the Latest Book Reviews of Corr Syl the Warrior
Readers’ Favorite sent Corr Syl the Warrior out for review in September. The five reviews received include three 5-star and two 4-star reviews. Click here to read Lit Amri’s review and the comments by Bill Howard and others
The Never-Ending Promotional Campaign
Corr Syl the Warrior is in the Booktown Book of the Month contest. You can vote for it here (scroll down when you get to Booktown’s site).
Want to Be a Reviewer?
I am happy to send free books to reviewers. If you want to review Corr Syl the Warrior, use the comment form to send me your email address for a Kindle eBook, or your mailing address for a paperback. The books ship direct from Amazon. Amazon is the best place to post reviews. You have to mention that you received a complimentary copy from the author.
Reviews of Corr Syl the Warrior
Reviews of Corr Syl the Warrior
Recent reviews:
- “A beautifully written YA novel that will captivate environmentalists and sci-fi fans of all ages.” Kirkus reviews (starred review).
- “It is an outstanding book. It’s one of those books you get excited over; that have you turning to the next page and reading more, even if it’s two in the morning.” Amazon Review by MaryAnn.
- “Unique and highly original. It drew me in and was difficult to put down.” Goodreads review by BozBozo.
- “I found it refreshing, extremely unique with funny, laugh-out-loud moments, too. It’s targeted at YA, but anybody who enjoys hard fantasy will like this book.” Louise Wise at http://louisewise.com.
- “This is undeniably a commendable story, one that sci-fi and fantasy fans will definitely love and talk about for a very long time.” -Barnes and Noble Readers’ Favorite review at by Lit Amri.
- “There is really nothing more you can ask of a story than is found here in Corr Syl the Warrior. The pace is brisk and keeps you engaged, the characters are so believable that Lactella gives me the creeps long after I’ve finished, and I’ll be glad to find what Corr and Rhya are up against in the promised sequel. ” Amazon review by Paula H.
- “Three Words: Action, adventure, thrilling. Age Recommendation: Whenever, it’s perfect for those looking for a thrill, no matter if your 9 or 99.” Bianca Blossom, Cherrybooksomtree.wordpress.com.
- “…a most unusual and interestingly told tale that elicits empathy for the characters as well as the conditions it describes.” Amazon review by John H. Manhold.
- “The truly hardcore, sci-fi fan will be delighted and entertained by the pace and deep thought involved in this novel. A must for the serious sci-fi reader.” –Barnes and Noble Readers’ Favorite review by Bill Howard.
- “Part two was where the book really captured my interest with a very interesting and creative choice of villain. I was hooked at this point and the story started to fall into place for me. I started to notice a hint of humour in places and I found myself not wanting to put the book down.” Amazon review by Chettsgeni.
- “It has cool action scenes and a few interesting side plots to go along with it. I really like how the writer makes an effort to explain the science and the way the Tsaeb work as a society in a way that makes logical sense. I really enjoyed this book.” Claireamber.blogspot.com.
- “Engaging and entertaining, it has all the literary ingredients of a successful novel. Indeed, this is more than just a story about a young warrior’s adventure but is also a reminder of how humans are abusing the environment. This is a concern that has been expressed in very many ways but this one is certainly one of the most imaginative. -Barnes and Noble Readers’ Favorite by Marie Beltran.
- “For a first novel, I have to say this book is as well written as any I’ve read, and I read a lot. I liked it.” Unpublished Review sent to author by Truman Burgess.
- “An original story, great concept, I want more! Rogers has developed an alternative Earth, where we are the invasive species! An original approach to force the reader to evaluate how interconnected we are with everything alive on this planet. Excellent presentation of the politics of conflict and a thorough understanding how even amongst like species there can be political agendas. The book should be titled ‘Corr Syl the Negotiator and Strategist, Scientist, and Warrior’. I read it in one sitting – I like that, when a book grabs hold of me, makes me see things from another perspective, makes me think – and then makes me want more when I put it down.” Amazon review by Kristine Uhlman.
GarryRogers Nature Conservation 