Author name: gardensofhansen@hotmail.com

Great news! Sea of Salt, the latest science fiction novel from Next Chapter Publishing, is now available in ebook format on all major platforms, including Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Books, and Rakuten Kobo. At a release price of $3.99, now is the perfect time to dive into this exciting new story. If you haven’t yet read Salt of the Earth, you can grab both books together—an ideal way to experience the full scope of this gripping series. About the Series Salt of the Earth is a bold adult science fiction novel blending high-stakes adventure with deep intrigue. It explores the geopolitical and economic realities of asteroid mining, weaving together conspiracy, ambition, and the cost of power. The story centers on a strained father-son relationship: Marshall Salt, an ambitious and estranged son, seeks funding to launch a revolutionary space mining expedition. Arthur Salt, his wealthy father, is drawn in by the promise of profit—but must navigate political pressure, economic resistance, and global intrigue. For Marshall and his team, the mission is about more than wealth—but how far are they willing to go? The Journey Continues: Sea of Salt The sequel expands the stakes: The cost of success—both personal and corporate Fractured alliances and evolving relationships The race to expand humanity into the Solar System Ongoing conspiracies that threaten everything Marshall and Arthur have built With rising tension and deeper complexity, Sea of Salt delivers a powerful continuation of the saga. Fans of grounded, politically rich sci-fi—especially readers of The Expanse—will feel right at home in this universe. Available at: AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GWSWVFC1 APPLE BOOKS: https://books.apple.com/us/book/sea-of-salt/id6762133795 BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/…/sea-of…/1149900754… GOOGLE BOOKS: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=9JHQEQAAQBAJ RAKUTEN KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/ebook/sea-of-salt

Aloha – Well my expectations were fulfilled. “Project Hail Mary” is a great film. I read the book and frankly was disappointed in the extreme amount of detail that often took away from the story line working on technological solutions to problem after problem. If you love Asimov meets McGyver that you’ll like the book. I found it dragging often despite a very interesting premise and story line. I was therefore looking forward to the movie as they wouldn’t have time for each problem/solution in 25 pages or less. I was not disappointed. The movie has all the key elements of the book without spending inordinate time on technology. The flashback sequences are done very well and cover the most important pieces including the surprise. Every now and then I struggled with the Rocky character when he would be watching videos with Grace for example. It doesn’t make sense with the challenges of his character, but I set that aside as the film overall is excellent. I took delight in the setting for the final segment. It was much better than I expected. I highly recommend the film, and also the book if the description of technique appeals to you.

I went through a couple of science fiction reading frenzies in my life. The first came when I discovered Robert A. Heinlein at the library. I read everything they had. The second happened years later while I was living in Tokyo. Kinokuniya was a massive bookstore that seemed to have everything—including hundreds of early science fiction titles. With two hours on the train each day, I had plenty of reading time. During that first phase I became acquainted with the pulp adventures of Edgar Rice Burroughs. His stories often follow similar plotlines, just with different settings. Most people are familiar with his Tarzan series. I had seen too many of the Johnny Weissmuller film versions playing on television every week, so I skipped those novels entirely. Instead, I read the Barsoom series—better known as the adventures of John Carter—and what I think of as the Pellucidar series. Pellucidar is a world located roughly five hundred miles beneath the Earth’s crust. In this hidden realm, ape-like creatures rule, and access for surface dwellers comes through a massive drilling machine called an “iron mole.” The first book in the series, At the Earth’s Core, introduced this strange subterranean world. When I first read the book at around twelve or thirteen, I was completely captivated by the adventure. Burroughs created a vivid and imaginative setting that was easy for a young reader to get lost in. When I returned to the book years later during my second reading frenzy, I noticed something different. The writing wasn’t particularly sophisticated, and the plot structure felt very similar to the adventures of John Carter—and, by extension, even Tarzan. A few years ago my children bought me a combined edition of several Pellucidar novels. I tried reading them aloud with family members and quickly realized that some of the storytelling felt a bit embarrassing by modern standards. So what do I think of At the Earth’s Core today? It’s still a fun read for people who enjoy devouring large quantities of classic science fiction. The story is full of adventure and imaginative world-building, and it certainly inspired some creative ideas of my own when I was in high school. Great fun—just not great literature. Burroughs was clearly drawing on earlier works such as Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne. At the same time, his ideas went on to influence many later stories and films. You can see echoes of it in everything from Planet of the Apes to The Core.

I really wanted to like this movie. I’m a big Sam Rockwell fan, ever since Galaxy Quest. Even when the movie he is in isn’t great, he is still fun to watch. So, did I like the movie? Not especially. The heavy handed approach to condemning everything that is bad about social media was a great idea, and watching the film with teenagers, I do believe the message got across to those I watched the film with. The flashback scenes to a day in the life of the terrified faculty members of a high school were delightful. Sam Rockwell’s over-the-top performance was distracting. A more subtle costume might have helped rather than distract from the story. At times I got the sense that the writers and director had a great “big idea” but their execution left me wanting at times. The biggest distraction of all, for me, was the chronic use of the F-bomb. It might have been the most heavily used word in the entire movie. Why? Did it add to the story? Did it express extreme excitement or horror? No. I challenge the writers on this one. You could have done a better job with better dialog. Am I glad I watched the movie? Yes. The satire revolving social media misuse was powerful. Would I watch it again? No. If the language weren’t so offensive I would show this to Junior High students or even Middle School students for the message. But the language totally distracted and turned me off from the film.

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.