Welcome to The GrayMan Writes
New Fiction
Gray's story, "Memorial at Copernicus," is in the August issue of the new online magazine, Redstone Science Fiction.
Recent Events
ReConStruction -- NASFic 2010, August 5-8, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Upcoming Events
Dragon*Con, September 3-6, Atlanta, Georgia.
'Manufacturing Makes It Real' Tour, September 27 - October 1, throughout North Carolina: Raleigh, High Point, Lenoir, Fletcher, Mt. Holly, Monroe, Asheboro, Lillington, Leland, New Bern, Halifax.
Download-Ables: Book Excerpt, Essays, Short Story
FREE downloads now available:
- The Introduction to Quality Education
- Two essays, "An Unsolicited Proposal for the Secretary of Education," and "Ignore The Tour Guides, If You Can"
- One short story (historical fiction), "The Surfman"
Did we mention that they're FREE?
Novel Status
We're still looking for an agent interested in representing Gray's novel of survival and sacrifice on the moon -- and, of course, an editor interested in publishing it. If you know any who are looking for realistic near-future science fiction, let us know!
Before there could be a "Luna City" as in Heinlein's THE MOON IS A HARSH MISTRESS, or a "Clavius Base" as in Clarke's 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, there had to be early, almost primitive attempts by the first colonists to eke out a living on the surface of the moon. That's what Gray's novel, WALKING ON THE SEA OF CLOUDS, is about: the first steps to lunar colonization, from establishing the first habitats to bringing in pioneering colonists during the early days of a private, commercial lunar colony. In particular, the story concentrates on the risks people will take, the emergencies they'll face, and the sacrifices they'll make to succeed and survive on the moon.
2010 is an Election Year: Vote For The Anti-Candidate!
The Anti-Candidate is once again available as a write-in candidate for any elective office, anywhere -- all we ask is that you spell our name correctly.
We think the last several elections have shown that many people are disillusioned by politics as usual and dissatisfied with their elected leaders. We've actually considered becoming a real candidate for elective office (say, North Carolina Congressional District 4), because we couldn't do much worse than the folks in office now. Two things are holding us back: first, we don't feel good about becoming a perpetual fundraiser looking for handouts to bankroll the next campaign, and second, we might have to start taking politics seriously ... even if we don't take ourselves that way.
So if you're interested in "Politics As Unusual," take a look at the Anti-Campaign page. Let us know what you think, and yes: donations are accepted.
Blog, Blog, Blogging Along
We're still having fun with our Ghost Writer blog, and as long as we have fun with it, we'll keep it going. One of the most fun things we do is occasionally post "Space History" items that interest us. If you ever read what we post, thank you, and we'd love it if you left comments.
The GrayMan is Also on Twitter ... and Facebook ... and Linked-In ...
Our forays into "social networking" have been interesting, if a little overwhelming at times. On Twitter, we're more than a little surprised that over 900 people (most of whom appear to be real, as opposed to robot spammers) have signed up to "follow" our updates -- we're happy about it, just surprised. You don't have to join Twitter to read what we post; you can see our profile and read our updates at http://twitter.com/GrayRinehart.
And we're also on Facebook and LinkedIn, as Gray Rinehart. Send a friend request or connection request, if you like! But if we don't actually know you, or you think we might not recognize your name, please send a brief explanation as well.
The GrayMan's Other Pursuits ...
Need a speech written or edited? We'll give you professional results -- at professional prices.
Need a speaker for an upcoming event, or a narrator for a film or video? We'll do that -- price negotiable.
Want a hand-crafted, musical-instrument-inspired chair? No promises, since we don't have lots of woodworking time these days ... but if we do, it'll really cost you.