Doreen McGettigan

Why is Science Fiction Increasing in Popularity?

 I’m not sure if the genre is increasing in popularity or if it’s now “okay” to admit you are a fan of the genre without fear of being accused of being a foil hat wearer.

On July 26, 2023, a House Oversight subcommittee held a hearing on UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects.) Subcommittee members heard testimony from three former military officials about the unexplained sightings of flying objects, and our government’s possession of “alien” now referred to as non-human biological matter.

The former military officials agreed the government knows and has known and concealed much more than they’ve informed Americans.

Honestly, who hasn’t known that our government knows more than they’ve shared for decades? The difference I believe is some of us haven’t admitted we believe that out loud.

Many experts believe that most UFOs can be attributed to satellites. According to statista.com At any given time the United States has 5798 satellites circling the Earth. The Commonwealth of Independent States (Russia) has 1546, China 601, United Kingdom 552, Japan 208, India 110, European Space Agency 93, France 91, International Telecommunications Satellite Organization 86, Global Star 84 and Germany 79 and Canada 76.

Other sightings could also be attributed to drones, spy balloons, weather balloons, and commercial aircraft.

David Grusch a former US intelligence official informed the representatives that he is certain that the federal government has possession of non-human biological matter and objects. The Pentagon continues to deny any knowledge of such items in US government possession.

When asked about the funding of a government secret organization Grusch responded the effort is funded by a misappropriation of funds and is above congressional oversight.

I reached out to three of my favorite sci-fi writers. I hope you enjoy their take on why sci-fi has become a top-selling genre.

I’d love to hear what you think is out there.

Dina Santorelli’s bio:

Dina Santorelli is an award-winning, best-selling author of thriller and suspense novels. She was voted one of the best Long Island authors for two consecutive years. Baby Grand, her debut novel and the first book in the Baby Grand Trilogy, became a #1 Political Thriller, #1 Kidnapping Thriller, and #1 Organized Crime Thriller and landed on Kindle’s Top 30. Dina’s mystery thriller In the Red was awarded First Place, Genre Fiction, in the 28th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards, and her latest thriller, The Reformed Man, was a Finalist, Adult Fiction, in the 2023 New York Author Project. Dina also lectures for Hofstra University’s Continuing Education Department, and she is an Indie Author Project Ambassador for the Library Journal and an Ambassador for the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi).

The Book:

Interview with Dina:

(Doreen) I read The Reformed Man months ago and it is still with me. Where did this story come from?

(Dina) I had a dream a few years back about two young men running toward the “future.” The dream was a lot clearer to me at the time and there was more to it, but that’s all I remember now. The Reformed Man — all 500+ pages of it — was based on that dream. (Doreen)Were any of your characters crafted after “real” people?

(Dina) No, none of them were. Made them all up. 🙂

(Doreen) Why do you think the Sci-Fi genre is so popular now?

(Dina) Gosh, I honestly don’t know. I never intended to write a sci-fi thriller. I just knew I had to explore that dream I had. I would imagine sci-fi is so popular because it allows us to escape our present. Interestingly, there’s lots of that “present” in The Reformed Man, so there’s not much escapism there. I view it as a thriller book with sci-fi themes because they are entrenched in reality. Climate change. Social justice. I touch on lots of challenging issues that we face today.

(Doreen) How do you think Sci-Fi reflects today’s society?

(Dina) Hmmm… Maybe it takes the things that frighten us the most and exaggerates them.

(Doreen) How do you think science fiction differs from speculative fiction? How are they the same?

(Dina) I’m probably the worst person to ask this question too. I think I’m genre-challenged. LOL! There’s so much crossing genre nowadays it’s hard to label books. As a writer, I think that’s a good thing, but I can understand how it can be challenging for readers who are trying to find genres to read. As for your question, if I were to hazard a guess, I would say that sci-fi falls under the speculative fiction umbrella.

(Doreen) What are your thoughts on AI? How about AI fears?

(Dina) I think AI is happening, whether we like it or not. I just came back from a publishing conference, where AI was discussed at length — particularly, what it means for authors. I don’t worry about AI replacing authors. We all have our unique points of view, and I think that’s something that AI cannot replicate. At least, not yet. And as a tool, AI is not an all-or-nothing proposition for writers. There are authors out there using AI to help them plan books or market books. It’s used for efficiency. That aspect of AI is something I’d like to investigate. As for AI writing books, yes, that’s out there happening too. But I have no interest in that. I became a writer to write my books. And if that means banging my head against my keyboard to come up with ideas or ways to close a plot hole, dammit I will do it! 🙂

(Doreen) I must ask; do you believe in aliens?

(Dina) Sure, why not? I believe anything is possible.

(Doreen) When it comes to your books who was your favorite character to develop?

(Dina) As a general statement, writing villains is WAY fun. Whether it’s Bailino of the Baby Grand Trilogy or Benedikt Rafnkelsson of The Reformed Man, I enjoy tapping into the dark side of humanity and wreaking all kinds of havoc.

THE REFORMED MAN BUY LINK: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/388c03xgh7 BABY GRAND BUY LINK: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/syic6j1utl BABY GRAND TRILOGY BUY LINK: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/gm6yxmw9rt

IG: http://www.instagram.com/dinasantorelli FB: http://www.facebook.com/dinasantorelliwriter

Alex’s Bio:

Alex J. Cavanaugh works in web design and graphics and is experienced in technical editing. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

The Books

Interview with Alex:

(Doreen) When did the sci-fi bug first bite you? What was the first book and TV show or movie you remember watching in the genre?

 (Alex) The first book was Robert Heinlein’s The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Or at least it was one of the first. I remember reading it but not understanding it. I was probably around nine or so. The first show I remember watching was the original Star Trek series.

(Doreen) What do you think of Space X? What do you think of the Space Force?

 (Alex) With Space X, I think it’s amazing we are privatizing space travel. That opens so many opportunities. As for Space Force, I wish it was the beginning of the Stargate program…

(Doreen) Do you agree with Ray Bradberry that many science fiction stories depict disaster?

 I don’t think any more than other genres. They probably depict more end-of-the-world disasters since that often falls under science fiction. But if by disaster he meant things going wrong, all stories would be boring if something didn’t go wrong somewhere.

(Doreen) What “old” sci-fi works do you believe accurately predicted the future?

(Alex) Star Trek! No, we can’t teleport, but we do have iPads and shuttles now. Also 1984. It’s terrifying how much our government watches and surveys us now. And wants to control us.

(Doreen) What are your thoughts on AI? Your fears?

(Alex) Haven’t we watched enough science fiction movies to know that AI will only bring about our destruction?

(Doreen) Have you read any of the newly released files on space?

 (Alex) If you’re referring to UAPs, I can say, based on the videos I’ve watched, I have no idea what they are. I find them both intriguing and very disturbing.

(Doreen) When it comes to your books who was your favorite character to develop?

 (Alex) It would have to be Byron, the main character of the Cassa series. (Although a minor character in the final book.) Since the stories jumped many years ahead, I got to see his growth as his life passed from one phase to the next.

http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com

https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

https://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh

You can find all my books listed on my site: http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com

My latest was Cassa Dark and you can find it here:

Dancing Lemur Press – http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/sciencefiction

iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1574189874

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0982FL3SH

Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940164947033

Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cassadark

Scribed – https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844859&language=0

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58461762-cassadark

Gene’s bio:

Author Gene Abel has published numerous professional articles. He has a B.S. in Finance from Penn State University and an MBA from Lehigh University.

Gene is a retired Army colonel who graduated from the War College. He is retired as COO of Pennsylvania’s third largest school system and lives in Bucks County Pennsylvania.

The Books:

Gene’s Interview:

(Doreen) Which science fiction movie from the past would you like to see remade?

(Gene) War of the Worlds.

(Doreen) Why do you think science fiction has become so popular recently?

(Gene) People like an escape from their normal lives. Also, there is renewed interest in, and fascination with all things space and aliens.

(Doreen) Do you have any fears of AI? Any thoughts on why it may be helpful?

(Gene) AI like the internet can be a great tool if applied properly. However, if used to deceive people or as part of weapons systems the danger could be great. If AI were linked to the power of Quantum computers, the results could be hard to control. There have been Sci-Fi movies about computers taking over. It could be used to speed up research, for facial recognition, and for crime control.

(Doreen) What are your thoughts on Space X? What are your thoughts on The Space Force?

(Gene) I think combining the efforts of government, academia, and free enterprise can result in amazing innovation and solutions. The space shuttle is a good example. The Space Force is a logical outcome of our exploration and use of space.

(Doreen) What do you believe The Space Force’s main mission should be?

(Gene) First and foremost to protect us from any enemies that would attempt to use space against us. That will require both offensive and defensive systems. Lasers focused on energy weapons, pulse devices as well as observation. The second mission, I believe, should be to learn more about extraterrestrials and to be prepared for them, should they choose to make contact.

(Doreen) When it comes to your sci-fi series who was your favorite character to develop?

(Gene) Special Agent Lou Hershman. He had the insight and was the most important member of the time travel team.

genepabelbooks.com 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The statistics in 2023 are still staggering.

• On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. For one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
• 1 in 7 women and 1 in 18 men have been stalked by an intimate partner during their lifetime to the point in which they felt very fearful or believed that they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed.
• On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.

I’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Gardella. Once a victim herself, she is now victorious and has penned a book that addresses the signs of abuse, the types, and importantly what to do and what not to do if you suspect someone you know is being victimized.

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I was a fan of the science fiction genre as a child. Because I discovered Nancy Drew and the Bobbsey Twins I lost touch with science altogether. I rediscovered the genre a few years ago when I joined The Insecure Writer’s Support Group (insecurewriterssupportgroup.com) and met Alex J. Cavanaugh (alexjcavanaugh.com)

Recently, I met Gene P. Abel and was excited to learn about his series The Defenders of Time.

 The 3rd book in the series, The Aliens Step In, was released today.

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Allison Wells is a wife, mother, and sweet tea addict. She writes in two genres – Christian Women’s Fiction and Sweet Romance. “Gritty Christian fiction,” is what she calls books that show the hard truths of life but ultimately are stories of redemption in the end. Her sweet romances are clean and fun with a dose of laughter (the best medicine). She loves to bring words of hope to readers worldwide. Her motto is, “Life is short, eat the Oreos.”

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I grew up vegetarian. As a teenager after school friends and I would gather at Jack in the Box, or a bowling alley and I became a fan of hot dogs and hamburgers. A few years ago I was diagnosed with Celiac and less than a year ago was diagnosed with colon cancer. The diagnoses have had me researching and reading anything I can find on healthier eating. I was excited to receive A Taste of Plant-Based.

After watching a life-changing PETA video as an impressionable teenager, Kris Ernst stopped eating meat but admitted she was not much of a cook.

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Victimized by identity thieves, DJ was urged by coworkers to sign up with an identity theft protection agency. One notification from the company took him by surprise. Someone deposited several million dollars in a foreign bank account in his name. His coworkers suggested he make the trip to withdraw his money. After all the account was in his name!

David Tayoun is the son of a powerful Philadelphia politician, who also owned a Middle Eastern Restaurant that employed many immigrant employees.

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• If you’ve ever said, “I could write a book,”-this class is for you!
• If you are writing a book and are stuck- this class is for you!
• If you finished a book and have no idea what comes next- this class is for you!
• If you have no idea which publishing route is best for you or how to get there- this class is for you.
• If you have written and published a book and you are struggling with marketing- this class is for you!

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Cheryl Ecton, an inspiring author, and entrepreneur knows all about adversity and how to push onward, even when life goes sideways. She has encountered more than her fair share of obstacles but has always landed on her feet at her next destination.

She faced a crumbling marriage and bitter divorce head-on and came out the other side stronger than before. No matter what she’s confronted, Ecton has found a way to live a life that is true to herself with humility, humor, and hard work.

Her book shares Ecton’s experiences from all parts of her life and the lessons she learned along the way, she offers helpful advice about starting a small business, leading with your values, and knowing when to change your mind.

Using her personal experience and insight, Ecton teaches us to understand how to overcome obstacles and disappointments as we follow our path to success.

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FALL BACK

As I started to get older I began to realize I was becoming more and more negatively affected by the change of seasons. Fall has always been the toughest of those for me.

The Fall season was always a reminder that Winter is approaching quickly. Here in the Northeast, Winter is cold, damp, and windy. It’s also dark and can be lonely. For me, the thought of Winters dreariness wasn’t much to look forward to.

My feelings of sadness always started around Labor Day and if I’m being honest as the weekend approached for the Fall Back or the scheduled time change I would be in a full-blown depression.

When do we turn the clocks back in 2021?

Sunday, November 7, 2021, 2:00:00 am clocks are turned backward 1 hour to Sunday, November 7, 2021, 1:00:00 am local standard time instead. Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour earlier on Nov 7, 2021, than the day before. It will be lighter in the morning. Also called Fall Back and Wintertime.

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I am so excited to share Sophie’s story again!