Aloha – Chirp has selected the Orion’s Spur series for one of its Freebie Friday deals. You can get the audiobook of “Demeter” for free today only. Other titles in the series are discounted enough that you can purchase all five books for the regular price for a single book on Chirp. This is a today only deal. Wanted to pass it along.
Sea of Salt: The Journey Continues I’m excited to share that Sea of Salt, the sequel to Salt of the Earth, is officially moving into production. I completed the manuscript a few months ago, and since then it’s been through the editing process—followed by reviewing the edits (always an adventure of its own!). Last week I sent the finished version to the publisher, and I’m thrilled to report they were pleased with the revisions and are ready to move it forward. So what can readers expect? From Risk to Reckoning In Salt of the Earth, Marshall Salt convinces his wealthy father, Arthur, to risk everything on an asteroid mining venture. The story follows the enormous financial, technological, and personal costs of building and launching the ship Arlo. It’s a tale of high risk and high reward—an adventure grounded in real-world economics and the staggering implications of harvesting resources from space. But what happens after success? With Great Wealth Comes Greater Responsibility Sea of Salt explores the consequences of victory. The Arlo has completed its historic mission, delivering unimaginable riches to Salt Industries and rescuing Arthur and Marshall from financial ruin. But wealth attracts attention—and danger. Salt Industries now stands at the center of a geopolitical storm. Hostile governments circle like predators. The Manifest Destiny Cartel continues its relentless pursuit. The powerful Yamaguchi yakuza clan enters the conflict with its own agenda. What began as a desperate bid for survival has escalated into a high-stakes struggle for global influence. Meanwhile, success brings strain closer to home. The once-unbreakable bond between Marshall, Blake, and Justin begins to fracture. As fortunes rise and life paths diverge, Blake finds himself increasingly isolated—questioning loyalty, purpose, and his place in a world reshaped by naomium. The Power of Naomium Naomium remains the greatest prize—and the greatest threat. Its energy potential dwarfs even the new wealth of Salt Industries. In the wrong hands it could devastate the planet. In the right hands… it might still do the same. And then comes the revelation that changes everything. Beneath the icy crust of Enceladus, hidden within its vast subsurface sea, an alien civilization watches Earth. The Lantians have observed humanity’s rise—and its growing recklessness. Their intentions remain unknown. Are they guardians? Or are they Earth’s worst nightmare? If you enjoyed Salt of the Earth, Sea of Salt raises the stakes in every direction—financial, political, personal, and cosmic. I can’t wait to share more details as we move closer to release. Stay tuned.
Project Hail Mary is an upcoming film adaptation of the best-selling novel by Andy Weir. The premise is compelling: Astrophage, a microscopic organism from another star system, is draining the Sun’s energy—threatening a new ice age on Earth. A desperate, one-way mission is launched to investigate why another star, also infected, has survived. I’m just finishing the book, and it’s prompted some honest reflection. Weir’s writing feels like Isaac Asimov gone wild—think Carl Sagan meets MacGyver. The protagonist tackles problem after problem with relentless ingenuity. It’s clear Weir did extraordinary research. The science is layered, methodical, and impressively grounded. For me, though, the pacing drags at times. The plot is there—but I find myself navigating dense science to reach it. Readers who love hard science fiction will likely revel in the technical challenges. I’m discovering that I’m wired a little differently. Science vs. Story: A Personal Contrast Reading Weir has forced me to contrast his approach with my own writing. Weir has cited influences like Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov—icons of mid-twentieth-century science fiction. My preference from that era leans more toward Robert A. Heinlein. All three shaped the genre, but they emphasized different strengths. Weir focuses intensely on the science. I focus on the characters. I research thoroughly and aim for plausibility, but I won’t let technical explanation overshadow emotional momentum. If I must bend a scientific theory slightly for the sake of story, I will. For me, science fiction is ultimately about people—how they respond under pressure, how they grow, how they sacrifice. The closest I come to Weir’s technical depth is in my Salt of the Earth series. Even there, though, the engine driving the story is character and adventure. Which Approach Is Better? Objectively speaking, Weir is the best-selling author. His novels have major studio adaptations and the backing of powerhouse publishing teams. I’m an independent voice in the writing community. But “better” depends on what you want as a reader. Would you rather read Charles Darwin and Friedrich Nietzsche, or Mark Twain and Jules Verne? For me, it’s Twain and Verne. Story. Adventure. Humanity. Reflecting on Project Hail Mary has been valuable. It reminded me why I write the way I do. I may never top bestseller lists—but I write the stories I would want to read. And for me, that’s reason enough.
Updates on the Salt of the Earth Series and a Possible Project Lilliput Sequel If you’ve been wondering what I’ve been working on lately, I’m excited to share several upcoming book projects currently in progress. Salt of the Earth Series – Book Two: Sea of Salt The second volume in the Salt of the Earth series is complete and currently in final editing. Once edits are finished, the manuscript will be sent to the publisher, who has been eagerly awaiting its arrival. The tentative title is Sea of Salt, and this installment expands the world in ways I didn’t originally anticipate. As often happens in fiction, the ending opened unexpected doors — and those doors led directly to another book. If you’re searching for updates on the next Salt of the Earth novel, this is it: Book Two is finished and moving toward publication. Book Three: Pandora’s Box The creative spark from Sea of Salt led immediately into writing Book Three. Originally titled Arthur’s Park, the manuscript evolved significantly during the writing process. As the themes deepened and the story matured, the title changed as well. The third book in the Salt of the Earth universe will likely be called Pandora’s Box. That manuscript is now complete and has been submitted for professional editing. Readers who enjoy speculative fiction, expanding story worlds, and interconnected series arcs will find this next installment builds on everything that came before — while opening entirely new possibilities. Will There Be a Fourth Book? Probably. The Salt of the Earth universe still has stories to tell. While nothing is officially announced yet, the direction of Book Three suggests there may be more ahead. A Possible Sequel to Project Lilliput In addition to continuing the Salt of the Earth series, I’ve been strongly encouraged (by my biggest fan) to write a follow-up to Project Lilliput. The original novel — a YA science fantasy built on a bold “what if” premise — was an absolute joy to write. Returning to that world is becoming harder to resist. At this point, a sequel to Project Lilliput is next on my writing schedule.
Chirp Audiobook Deals – The five book series of Orion’s Spur: Demeter, Return to Demeter, Defending Demeter, Haumeah, and Paragon’s Virtue are all on sale through the end of February on Chirp Audiobooks. Some compare this book series to “Ender’s Game” in paradise. Demeter is in fact a paradise inside a dead asteroid light years from Earth and in the middle of a millennia’s old war between Sagittarius and Perseus. Ryder and his friends are thrust into the middle of this battle as they are conscripted to serve in Demeter. https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/demeter-volume-1-by-alan-d-hansen
Happy news. I just finished the first draft of the third book in the Salt of the Earth series. Tentative title: Pandora’s Box. Book 2 is still with my proofreaders. Should be going to publisher shortly.
SCIENCE FICTION AUDIOBOOK SALE Feb 1 – Feb 14 | Limited Time 🎧 Six epic audiobooks. One incredible sale. PROJECT LILLIPUT – $1.99 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/project-lilliput-alan-d-hansen/1146670841?ean=2940203724991 The world was meant to shrink… but something went wrong. Now humanity is threatened by birds, snakes—and cockroaches. A fun, fast-paced sci-fi adventure for the whole family. ORION’S SPUR SERIES (5 Books on Sale!) A coming-of-age space epic following Ryder, his sister, and their friends as they explore and defend Demeter and the Orion’s Spur amid interstellar conflict. Audiobook Deals: ⭐ Demeter (Vol. 1) — FREE https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/demeter-alan-d-hansen/1148182912?ean=2940203725004 ⭐ Return to Demeter (Vol. 2) — $0.99 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/return-to-demeter-alan-d-hansen/1148182914?ean=2940203725028 ⭐ Defending Demeter (Vol. 3) — $2.99 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/defending-demeter-alan-d-hansen/1148182915?ean=2940203725035 ⭐ Haumeah (Vol. 4) — $3.99 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/haumeah-alan-d-hansen/1148182916?ean=2940203725042 ⭐ Paragon’s Virtue (Vol. 5) — $3.99 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/orion-spur-alan-d-hansen/1148182913?ean=2940203725011 🎧 Listen now on Barnes & Noble NOOK 👉 Sale ends February 14
SALE! Science Fiction Audiobook Deal Do you listen to audiobooks on Chirp? Now’s the perfect time to grab a sci-fi bargain! 🎧 Project Lilliput by Alan D. Hansen is now available on Chirp — for a limited time only! 💥 List price: $11.99 🔥 Sale price: $1.99 📅 Ends January 22nd Get it here: https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/project-lilliput-by-alan-d-hansen Prefer reading instead of listening? Available in eBook and print on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=project+lilliput&crid=3E41O9DCV2M5N&sprefix=project+lilliput%2Caps%2C168&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
Aloha – We are running a great sale between December 11th and Christmas. All six audible books of the Orion’s Spur series and “Project Lilliput” are on sale in three different venues: Apple Books, Barnes and Noble, and Chirp. Checking out the titles? “Demeter” “Return to Demeter” “Defending Demeter” “Haumeah” “Paragon’s Virtue” and “Project Lilliput” What are they about? The Orion’s Spur series focuses on a group of young people who are Kidnapped/Conscripted for a year of Service in Demeter. They are plunged into a war between Sagittarius and Perseus arms of the Milky Way in Orion’s Spur. “Project Lilliput” is a standalone novel. Science has developed the technology to shrink all living creatures (except cockroaches). This is not a dystopian novel, but rather and adventure where the humans have effectively reduced their footprint on the environment, but now must deal with the challenges of some species (birds and snakes in particular) where science failed to consider the longer term implications of their work. An adventure story that is fun and full of action. Whether Orion’s Spur series or “Project Lilliput”, check them out. They make for great reading and great gifts. Most suitable for science fiction buffs, adults and teens.
Aloha – Its hard to believe its been over a month since I posted last. I promised to share a few chapters from “Sea of Salt”. I did mention I’m in editing at the moment. We have made a first and second pass. I’ll probably send it off for final editing by the end of the year. “Sea of Salt” follows up on “Salt of the Earth”. I’m proud of the original and like where the sequel is going. Central characters remain but focus shifts somewhat toward the genius Dr. Blake Hilst. At the end of the last book, of the friends he was the odd man out without a partner. He takes center stage frequently in book 2. Chapter 3 was a fun introduction of a couple of new characters who are spying on Dr. Hilst’s lab out in the high desert of Utah where he won’t blow up anything consequential by accident. He has reluctantly left for the wedding of his best friend and the makeshift lab is currently locked up Chapter 3 Hank and Tom Tommy “I think we can risk it,” Tom Tommy kept looking around the horizon. “Nobody has come or gone in over twenty-four hours.” Tom Tommy and Hank had been in the ravine all night. It had been a long night for Tom Tommy. Hank fell asleep not long after dark. Tom Tommy on the other hand heard noises in the wash and above every few minutes. At one point he saw a pair of red eyes staring down at him from the top of the ravine. When he moved the eyes followed him for nearly a minute before they disappeared. That was either a cougar or a coyote, Tom Tommy thought. The pictures that Hank had taken were useless. Pictures of sky and sand, but not a single picture of the flying house. After Blake and his friends had departed Tom Tommy had taken dozens of pictures showing where the house had been, and where it was sitting now. But he knew he was going to catch hell for not getting something more concrete. “I think we can risk it,” Tom Tommy kept looking around the horizon not long after dawn. “Nobody has come or gone in over sixteen hours.” “Whatever you say,” Hank stood up and stretched his two-meter frame in the gully. Shaking his head and cracking his neck a few times he started to climb to the top of the ravine. “Come back down here,” Tom Tommy growled. “We can follow the ravine part way. We don’t have to stand in plain sight you idiot.” Hank slid back down the eight feet to the wash, spraying red sandstone dirt all over Tom Tommy. “Whatever you say,” he smiled like a cockeyed cowboy. For the third time in three days Tom Tommy reached for his gun, then relaxed. “Follow me,” he snapped. They walked along the dry gulch for nearly a hundred yards that angled toward the building. Fifty yards from the house Tom Tommy hesitated and took a deep breath, “come on, but stay low.” “What are we hiding from?” Hank drawled. “I don’t know; maybe nothing, but if you hear any vehicles or see any dust rising we get back to the gully as fast as those long legs of yours will move.” Tom Tommy crouched as he moved nervously toward the house, while Hank ambled along behind him. “We’d see anybody coming for at least three miles from here,” Hank drawled. Tom Tommy froze as he saw something moving off on their right side. “What’s that?” he croaked. Hank looked off for a moment. “Well darn if it’s not one of those coyotes that was eyeballing us last night.” “One of them?” Tom Tommy growled. “How many were there?” “Three or four,” Hank shrugged. “I knew they wouldn’t bother us if you were awake so it couldn’t have been more than that. If there’d been more they might have tried to take us.” A chill ran down Tom Tommy’s back. I hate this place, he thought. Then aloud said, “What if I’d fallen asleep?” “Not much chance of that,” Hank snorted. They approached the house with Tom Tommy considering where he could bury Hank’s body when they got finished with this project. Plenty of open ground around here, he thought. “Nobody would ever find him,” he muttered aloud. “What’s that?” Hank asked. “Nothing,” Tom Tommy growled. The damaged house was creaking in the light breeze from the south. The front door looked like it was closed but was letting light in from the top as it was no longer aligned with the frame. Hank climbed up the hillock and hung by the top of the frame as he gave the door a quick kick and moved inside. Tom Tommy struggled to find a way to climb into the house but kept slipping. Finally, Hank reached out and grabbed Tom Tommy’s hand and pulled him up with a single yank. “What is all this stuff?” Hank asked as he looked around. “I found the bathroom, it’s a mess by the way, I wouldn’t go in there,” he held his nose to illustrate. I found a microwave, but no kitchen. There is a bed in the other room. But the rest of this place is just a bunch of computers and weird equipment. I don’t think we’re gonna get much in this heist.” “This equipment, as you call it, is exactly why we’re here,” Tom Tommy grinned. Hank looked around the room, “Well, I might be able to carry one or two of these things, but it would take me three or four trips in my pickup to get the rest of it. Do you think we got that much time?” “We don’t need to take it, we just need some pictures,” Tom Tommy grinned malevolently, as he reached into his jacket. Pulling out his phone he looked around as if wondering where to start, then glancing down
