The Home of the Julie Calvert Saga
Joe Calico in the Game : The Apprentice is the first of a series of three novels that pits its protagonists, Joe Calico and Samantha Meyer, against a crushing weight of circumstances. A first draft was written in the late 1990s and the novel has undergone several revisions since. The latest took place during the summer of 2012. Originally Joe and Sam were already in prison and the preamble, which Apprentice is, was to relate how this came about and began as little more than a single chapter. The 'game' referred to in the title does not appear until part two, the Gulag, although metaphorically speaking Joe and Sam are very much in competition with adversaries to remain at liberty. The Apprentice relates how Sam and Joe become devoted to each other and is viewed primarily from Sam's perspective. JC appears now as a complete text for download at Smashwords.com. A new and up to date draft excerpt will appear here soon!
Metal Hearts was my first attempt at a novel length narrative. Inspired by the Alien movies and plots I wanted to create a story that was similar but didn't follow the typical space monster narrative arc. I originally conceived the character of Elizabeth Danby to be that of the salty marine, brave, somewhat stupid and expendable. Julie Calvert then and now is a kid, immature, full of herself, and needing of a severe reality check. The love triangle between my three main characters came about later and was much fun to develop during revisions. My habit is to attempt at least one new work each year as well as revise an earlier work. Metal Hearts has now been submitted and rejected three times. A length in excess of 350 000 words almost guarantees no print publisher will touch it no matter how good it may be.
The White Zombie was originally drafted summer of 2008. An earlier draft ( summer 2010 ) was received by Booklocker.com and appears on their website. A final draft will be completed very soon, this winter 2012. War scenes, Naomi's back story and a rethinking of what makes my zombies different all came about in later drafts. Catch the earlier draft at Booklocker.com. The latest will appear here soon.
The Mercenaries is the second novel in the Julie Calvert saga. The original draft was begun within six months after the completion of Metal Hearts. Calvert had to return to Proteus, the planet from Metal Hearts; however, there was the problem of what has happened to Danby. Unless Danby abandons Calvert it doesn't make sense that Calvert should find herself in the trouble that she is in. All is explained.
The first draft of Angel was written in 2009 and the final revision in spring 2011. Levi Hobbes is an established character. The first story in which she is depicted is referenced during this narrative and I hope, after a fresh revision, to present it here. Levi is acquainted with Julie Calvert. Their experiences together, also referenced here, appear in a two part story which likely will appear here eventually. I make no apologies for orders of appearance, characters and events. Each novel is meant to stand on its own, however, with links tying the stories together. For Angel I envisioned a fallen angel wreaking havoc on an isolated community, peopling the narrative with interesting characters. It is reasonable that Hobbes and Calvert should be involved and aid each other. This story is by no means a spoiler for earlier stories. I won't be killing off either of these ladies for a great long while, if ever.
