Hello – and Welcome to My Worlds… 46

 

Writing Science Fiction has to one of the most fun things in the world. To spend part of everyday asking, “What if?” To constantly dream and visualize a different world…

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For me the challenge is that it has to be believable. I have to be able to convince myself that the worlds my imagination is creating are at least plausible – maybe in some cases even probable or inevitable.Bill - Profile Pic

I have nothing against true space opera, where cause and effect don’t necessarily have to match up and believability and plausible explanation aren’t required, but for me I want to create a fast moving, thought provoking, and exciting story line within the framework of a believable context.

I want the reader to finish my book and think, “You know… it could happen.”

To that end, I need reader feedback. I can’t know that what I’m writing is believable unless there are people actually believing it could be possible. I also need to know if it’s enjoyable – because let’s face it, unless enough people actually like reading my stuff I’ll have to find another way to pay the bills!

So please, let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I read every comment and respond accordingly. Also, feel free to sign up for the Newsletter – we’ll keep you informed with free previews and announcements on new books.

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Thank you for making the Here Comes Earth books, My Friend the Emperor, and Running with Argentine all Amazon Best Sellers. I promise to keep writing if you’ll keep reading…

 

William Lee Gordon

November 2015

46 thoughts on “Hello – and Welcome to My Worlds…

  1. Reply Kory Walsh Nov 20,2014 12:25 am

    I just want to really commend you on an excellent freshman book. Id call myself a pretty voracious sci fi reader and I think you’ve created a pretty believable universe. I liked the first person from varying perspectives. Obviously well thought out. Coincidental, but spiritual outlook matches mine to a t. Keep writing, you obviously have a strong talent for it, Only minor criticisms would be too many majors and I would have killed the team off due to gravity failure, not oxygen deprivation. Characters really should have seen it coming and I had thought you even had it covered off by the tech given to them by the Coridians. In any even, fairly minor and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I gave the book a slow clap on completion

    • Reply WLG Dec 12,2014 7:47 pm

      Thank you Kory for your kind words. You bring up a great point about the Coridian tech preventing the deaths – in my mind I was focused on that tech being used by Dr. Mark Spencer – in the next book you’ll see why! I guess great minds think alike because I’d thought of using gravity too, I’d just discarded it for reasons that have not yet become apparent. Still, you’re right; I should have found a different method.

  2. Reply John Miller Nov 23,2014 2:41 am

    I just finished your book. It was a great read and I look forward to the next installment.

  3. Reply Bart Lautz Nov 24,2014 3:45 pm

    Am I impressed. this Author went outside the box and lead me on a journer that got my imagination drawing pictures in my mind. It is refreashing to read a book that did not have the same format as done by other Authors and I can’t wait for the sequel to be published, Looking to read more SF from Him

  4. Reply Michael Burke Nov 26,2014 7:44 pm

    Hi Bill,
    I just wanted to let you know I enjoyed the book.
    The method of writing was different and at first I was confused by the changes in the person talking. However, It was very refreshing and enlightening to get the different viewpoints.
    Keep up the good work and I hope to see the sequel soon.
    Mike

    • Reply WLG Dec 12,2014 7:50 pm

      Thanks Michael. I’m glad you stuck with it long enough to get comfortable with the differing perspectives.

  5. Reply Billy barnett Nov 26,2014 10:11 pm

    when will book 2 be out? Loved book 1 thanks

  6. Reply Clark Fischer Nov 30,2014 2:46 am

    Congratulations on a very well-written and engaging novel. Your characters were very real, unlike the one dimensional caricatures so common in current ad. Like the best of episodic works(Weber and McDevett are my personal favourites) you left me eager for more. Are the denizens of the lower house the gods of old, or will you be taking us in another direction entirely? I can’t wait to find out.

  7. Reply Gary Dec 2,2014 2:51 am

    Fantastic, I’m sitting here saying I knew it. As I got to the last pages, I said Oh no book 2 hasn’t been written yet. Please hurry.
    Great Book

  8. Reply John Czerniak Dec 2,2014 10:44 pm

    Quite a novel approach to first contact. I found the storyline plausible and believable. Keep up the great writing. When do you think “Destiny” will be available ? One word of friendly criticism , double check your editing.

    • Reply WLG Dec 12,2014 7:59 pm

      Thanks John. I cannot tell you how important positive comments like yours, as well as all the 5 Star Reviews on the Amazon website, are to an authors confidence and psych. I also appreciate and always welcome the friendly advice. Once I’d stepped away from the manuscript for several weeks and then read it again I was embarrassed by the typos, etc. It’s amazing how they can slip through on pages you’ve been staring at for months! Anyway, I’ve already done a quick re-editing and am now just days away from having a professional re-editing completed. Thank you to you and a thousand others that haven’t let that stand in your way of enjoying the book.

  9. Reply CJ Phillips Dec 14,2014 8:10 am

    I thoroughly enjoyed your book Mr. Gordon. I know that I will definitely obtain your next episode in this story. I want to learn more about the galactic structure, the background of the Lesser Houses as well as more on the Upper Houses. I really like that you approach the ’emergence of earth’ in a way that is different to other story lines. I also like the switching of viewpoint. It did not detract from the flow – in my personal opinion – as it does in other works that I have read. Please keep this story going. Best Regards.

  10. Reply Greg Bakeman Dec 19,2014 4:33 pm

    Really enjoyed Here Comes Earth. While not a religious person, I found the parallels you presented about creation, big bang, bible stories (the flood), relative timelines, etc. very entertaining. I started to mentally wander during some of the Coridian protectorate discussions which got to be a bit repetitive, the only criticism I have.

    Looking forward to the next story!

    Regards.

  11. Reply becky k Dec 20,2014 4:58 pm

    I just finished the book and I REAlly want book two… so get to it mister…
    Loved the political Intrigue and the twists and turns .
    Agree that there were too many majors, got a little confusing at times which one was which but that’s the only real compliant. I enjoyed the first person different point of view slot and it gave the ability to understand the thought processes and valuable insight into the character. Thanks for the great read and hurry on the next one.

  12. Reply becky k Dec 20,2014 5:00 pm

    God I hate spell check sometimes. Sorry for the typos

    • Reply WLG Dec 25,2014 9:17 am

      Becky, I cleaned up some of the typos for you…
      No worries, LOL. Believe me, I understand how frustrating it can be to write something and belatedly realize that spellcheck has changed your words, or that my fingers were too thick, etc….

      Please know that I very much appreciate your comments and am hard at work on Book II – Destiny.

      Please don’t forget to register on this website for notification of Destiny’s release – I’ll immediately send you Chapter I for free !!!

  13. Reply web Dec 30,2014 7:11 am

    Loved the book and premise. Very well done. Hate that the entire series is not yet in print as I was totally caught up in the story.

  14. Reply Frederic Doucedame Jan 10,2015 6:57 pm

    Very good, loved the reflections, about government, religion, leadership, I enjoyed the digs about the French (being one myself, we love to be hated). Cannot wait for your next book.

  15. Reply Mike F Jan 22,2015 1:00 pm

    WOW!

    I could not put this book down. I like the differing person perspective once I got used to it. Great idea. Can-t wait for the next one. Keep them coming.

  16. Reply Curtis Bradley Feb 14,2015 10:02 pm

    I like the details you supply on teck and human interaction. The two person perspectives is great. I hate losing some of the great characters you built up, but as a veteran I know that is the price of conflict. Thank you.
    Curtis Bradley

    • Reply WLG Feb 15,2015 7:13 am

      Curtis, it means a lot to me that you and others enjoy my work. Thank you for your readership and thank you for your service. WLG

  17. Reply Matthew Greene Feb 22,2015 6:25 pm

    Bill,

    What a fantastic book! I’m really looking forward to your next foray into science fiction.

    The one thing that irked me the most was when the “Fine Tuning” argument was trotted out. I get that the universe looks tailor made for us but I would put forth that the exact opposite is the case. We are tailor made for the universe, specifically Earth. Evolution has adapted us in a way to make do in our environment.

    It may be better stated on this wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fine-tuned_Universe

    “Physicist Robert L. Park has also criticized the theistic interpretation of fine-tuning:

    If the universe was designed for life, it must be said that it is a shockingly inefficient design. There are vast reaches of the universe in which life as we know it is clearly impossible: gravitational forces would be crushing, or radiation levels are too high for complex molecules to exist, or temperatures would make the formation of stable chemical bonds impossible… Fine-tuned for life? It would make more sense to ask why God designed a universe so inhospitable to life.”

    Or better still I like Douglas Adams take on it from the Hitcherhikers Guide to the Galaxy:

    “imagine a puddle waking up one morning and thinking, ‘This is an interesting world I find myself in, an interesting hole I find myself in, fits me rather neatly, doesn’t it? In fact, it fits me staggeringly well, must have been made to have me in it!’ This is such a powerful idea that as the sun rises in the sky and the air heats up and as, gradually, the puddle gets smaller and smaller, it’s still frantically hanging on to the notion that everything’s going to be all right, because this World was meant to have him in it, was built to have him in it; so the moment he disappears catches him rather by surprise. I think this may be something we need to be on the watch out for.”

    Ok, that ends my rant. None the less it was a great read and I especially loved the first person narative throughout.

    Keep up the good work!

    -Matthew.

  18. Reply G. Mugno Mar 11,2015 8:26 pm

    Loved your first book. My only disappointment is that the next one isn’t ready yet.

  19. Reply Dean S. Mar 13,2015 12:14 am

    “First Contact” novels and are among my favorites and this one doesn’t disappoint! Thoroughly engaging from beginning to end, it is hard to believe this book is your first. I love it when a book takes me to places and events I simply don’t see coming – but makes sense when you get there. I can’t wait for the sequel.

  20. Reply Dean S. Mar 13,2015 12:31 am

    Hi Bill,

    I just finished the Kindle version – and gave a glowing review. At the end it mentions that I can “Download Chapter One from Book II – Here Comes Earth: Destiny – and register for New Release notification”.

    Where do I find the above-mentioned preview to “Destiny”? I seem to be having trouble finding it.

    Thanks!
    Dean S.

    • Reply WLG Mar 13,2015 7:23 am

      Hello Dean,

      Thank you for your kind words and great review on Amazon (authors love both!).

      When you register an email is sent out with a link to the preview. Perhaps it got caught-up in a spam filter?

      At any rate, I have emailed the link to you directly. I appreciate your readership and if you have any further challenges let me know.

      Thanks again,

      WLG

  21. Reply Linda Lariar Webb Varian Apr 8,2015 10:07 am

    Loved your first two books…Can’t wait for the third!

  22. Reply Kevin Hangman Apr 9,2015 10:24 pm

    Great read! Fantastic blend of hard core Sci Fi and existentialism. Heinlein couldn’t have done it any better. Looking forward to future editions.

    • Reply WLG Apr 10,2015 7:33 am

      That is high praise, Kevin!

      I grew up reading Robert Heinlein and he is a favorite of mine. I am honored if you see even a little of him in my writing.

      Thank you for your readership.

      WLG

  23. Reply Kevin Zachery Apr 30,2015 1:39 pm

    WLG,

    Thank you for a fun science-fiction series! I have really enjoyed the first two books and can’t wait for the next one.

    As a veteran, I liked how you handled the topic of officers standing for the greater good in spite of the chain of command (i.e. Reagan, Iron Jaw Reynolds, Colonel Stone, etc.). I did a tour as a leadership and ethics instructor at the Naval Academy and one of the sections we taught was the concept of the Constitutional Paradigm, which holds that an officer’s oath to the Constitution of the United States is the service member’s highest loyalty, and any loyalty to the Commander-in-chief, superior officers, or even shipmates hold a lower standing. As you can imagine, the concept resulted in some interesting and lively conversations.

    I am also enjoying how you are weaving science, “galactic” history, and earthly religions into a common frame of reference. One of the things I really appreciate about science fiction are the creative explanations of how mankind came to be and how we might fit in with the greater Universe, and being a part of something bigger than ourselves. Douglas Adams’ “Hitchhiker’s Guide,” Jack L Chalker’s “Well-World” series, and now your “Here Comes Earth” series are some of my favorite treatments of man’s origin and destiny.

    I don’t really have any criticism—I do notice the occasional typo, but they aren’t anything that gets in the way of the story. I guess the only other thing I have to add is “hurry up and finish the next book!” 🙂

    – Kevin

  24. Reply James Roscetti May 8,2015 12:09 pm

    Great read! Looking forward to the next installment.

  25. Reply John Royer Aug 15,2015 9:17 am

    I have just finished both “Emergence” and “Destiny”. WHEW! I am retired, cosequently I have plenty of time to persue my hobby of reading. I keep track of all the books I’ve read and over the past 8 years I average 81 books each year. I enjoy many venues from historical fiction to predictive science fiction and almost every thing in between. Generally I almost never find fault with anything that comes from another’s creativity. After all, how can I find fault with another’s mind when I’m too busy with my own?

    My favorite saying and personal philosophy:
    “A mind is like a parachute, it only works when it’s open!”

    I have used the following description to critique a book only one other time. As I became immersed, I became so deeply involved that I found it difficult to stop myself from turning a page before I had finished that page. I could barely wait to find out more!

    So often character development is either sketchy at best or boring at worst. Not so here. I particularly enjoy your first person insite into more that one individual.

    I can hardly wait for “Diaspora”!

    Thank you and don’t stop now!

    John

  26. Reply Tricia Louise Oct 10,2015 8:35 pm

    I’ve just finished Destiny on my Kindle and was not prepared for the unfortunate realization that Diaspora is not yet ready for immediate download! I am an avid reader and this is always a good indication that a book/series has not only held my attention, but has left me curious enough to want to proceed! (It’s sad but true that I’ve left many books hanging “mid series” in order to peruse Amazon for another, better option!) One thing I find that I am thoroughly enjoying about “Here Comes Earth” is the likelihood of many of the scenarios and the “spot-on” comparisons to our present day Earth.(Such as the greed of our corporations/elite, the dysfunction of our gov’t and the constant syphoning of the peoples’ tax dollars as well as our rights being stripped away in a very constant and obvious yet deceitful manner) I truly believe this is why I am enjoying the series so much – as scary as it is, with the above-mentioned as starting points, it is not far fetched to believe the rest could happen. Also, for those readers who have never considered these circumstances or are far from believing they could even be occurring on our present day Earth, it’s my sincere hope that their eyes may be opened or at the very least the seed planted for further contemplation and discussion. Although I have no desire to meet a Noridian any time soon, how grand it would be for Earth to adopt such measures to remedy the rigged tax thieving, have a society based on respect, and for us to be able to truly enjoy the time we have perusing the universe and not having to worry about disease! Ah… a wage slave “Earther” can dream! So THANK YOU WLG for providing a reprieve from the norm and giving a girl some much-needed hope that …Hey, this could happen! Looking forward to Diaspora!

  27. Reply Tracey chester Oct 25,2015 10:16 pm

    Please make mark and Emilio have long lifespans!

  28. Reply Brian Lineberger Nov 3,2015 2:44 am

    I have read the first 2 parts of this series and want the 3rd part to be as good as them. I hope you don’t make Lucca a Gary Stu or have an Upper House intervene for a deus ex machina ending. God becoming a man is Christian, a man becoming God or having a Council of Gods is strictly Mormon theology. You can have challenges without cultism.

  29. Reply Alan Dec 1,2015 8:30 am

    I have enjoyed your 3 books and look forward to more. I’d really like to see a continuation of ” My Friend The Emperor “.

  30. Reply Court Lilly Apr 25,2016 9:29 pm

    One of your reviews praised your work as an excellent “freshman” effort. I disagree. I am 70 years old, and for 60 plus of those years reading has brought me special joy. I believe that I am able to look beyond the occasional miss-spelled word or plot foible and recognize what Bob Heinlein would have called a “damn good yarn.” You have the rare gift of telling a story that draws you inside the pages until you feel the room around you fade away. The characters and places become real for a few hours. Very few writers are capable of carrying the reader away from this world to deliver him or her into the world of your creating. Thank for the rollicking good time I spent with Jak, Monica, et al in “My Friend theEmperor.”

    Best wishes for your success. I would hate to miss out on your future efforts.

    CL

  31. Reply WLG Apr 26,2016 11:22 am

    Thank you CL !!!

    Your praise is humbly received and while book sales pay the rent, words like yours provide what I really need.

    I am excited that my books will soon be released in print.

    I am also currently working on another stand-alone novel, RUNNING WITH ARGENTINE.The best way to stay informed is to sign-up for new book release announcements on this website.

    Thanks again,

    WLG

  32. Reply Ron Oct 27,2016 2:57 am

    Hi William, I absolutely loved your Running With Argentine and just couldn’t stop reading it, my wife was getting a bit techy with me for coming to bed late but I loved every bit of the story and can’t wait to read the next in the series. I love the idea of finding an abandoned starship with superior technology and taking it over, oh if only….. so very well written with a great storyline that I highly recommend. Hope the next one is soon William. Cheers, Ron.

  33. Reply Michael Mar 30,2017 8:30 pm

    Michael
    Running with Argintine is a great book! I’m waiting on the next one…..patiently……why aren’t you writing instead of reading this?!

    • Reply WLG Mar 30,2017 8:36 pm

      Thanks Michael,

      I hear you loud and clear! I was actually sitting at my desk writing when your comment came in, lol!

      It won’t be long now…

      WLG

  34. Reply Bill Long May 5,2017 10:49 pm

    I just finished your Here Comes Earth series. I’ve been reading Sci Fi & Fantasy voraciously since I was 6. I’ve read hundreds of books and series. Here Comes Earth is in my top 10. What a brilliantly original plot! You clearly did your homework. I can’t wait to read your other works. Very nicely done, Sir.

  35. Reply Phyllis Chang Mar 5,2018 10:56 pm

    I’ve read your latest book as soon as it was out in the middle of 2017 and have since waiting patiently for your next one; I hope everything goes well with you and the next book will be out soon.

    Regards!

    • Reply WLG Nov 6,2018 10:48 am

      Phyllis,

      I am sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I had to (temporarily) move my focus away from writing to attend other issues. Hopefully, I can now return to this pursuit I truly love…

      However, I find myself in a quandary.

      I realize that readers could generally care less about the commercial side of writing, but with your kind letter (and my late response) I wanted to be as transparent as possible. When I published Running With Argentine I was rewarded with the best sales for any of my seven books. When I published Book 2 (Seeing Double With Argentine) it was received with great reviews, terrific fan letters… and the lowest sales of any of my books. No one can seem to explain the why of it to me. Other professional writers, publishers, etc. all seem as mystified as I am.

      The quandary is that by definition, a Book 3 will never sell better than Book #2 – and I have financial obligations to my family that require I spend my time productively. I will publish Book 3, Argentine’s Curse, and in fact, I have already started it… but I may need to write a separate novel first (which I have also already started).

      I hope this makes sense, and I hope you will not be angry with me (I know how frustrating it can be to not have a conclusion to an interesting storyline). As I said, I have now resumed my writing and I hope you will be pleased with what I produce regardless of the order.

      Thank you and, as always, if you have any feedback for me I always appreciate it.

      WLG

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