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I received news from the publisher today. Both Project Lilliput and Salt of the Earth are available in ebook format at Kindle, Apple, Nook, Rakuten Kobo, Google Play, Angus and Robertson, Vivlio, Fable, and Palace Marketplace. They have their own web pages at Next Chapter Publications. Project Lilliput is at https://nextchapter.pub/books/project-lilliput and Salt of the Earth his at https://nextchapter.pub/books/salt-of-the-earth They will also be offered to brick and mortar bookstores through the Ingram Catalog. What are they about? Project Lilliput In a world miniaturized to combat overpopulation, Eric Brice navigates towering dangers and colossal creatures. During a class trip gone awry, he and his friends face a battle for survival amidst giant predators and natural perils. Along the way, they uncover startling truths about the mysterious event that reshaped humanity. Salt of the Earth In Salt of the Earth, Marshall Salt, a visionary scientist, leads a bold mission to unlock the asteroid belt’s potential, turning to his estranged billionaire father for funding. Amid corporate intrigue and global conspiracies, their struggle for humanity’s spacefaring future weaves together technological ambition, high-stakes power plays, and the complexities of family bonds.

Science and Religion Over the decades science and religion have been at odds, if not at war. In my teenage years I thought the more faith an individual had the less logic or scientific mind they must have. In my twenties I put the notion of science versus faith in two separate compartments of my mind, and simply did not worry about it. I’m not so much a scientist as a person with a logic driven mind. I also have faith in God and a greater purpose. A couple of years ago, the walls between faith and science began to crumble in my mind. For example, is there only one universe? Of course the comics have spent a lot of ink of the multiverse whether DC or Marvel. But philosophers have considered the possibility for nearly three millennia that I’m aware of. This led me to a personal theory merging faith and science: perhaps these universes are like Venn diagrams. If you’re not familiar with a Venn diagram it is usually demonstrated by having two or more circles representing different sets of relationships. Where the sets overlap, the range that overlaps is the commonality between the sets. So what if God created a universe where we reside and has overlapping points where he observes or uses as a conduit to communicate. Its easier to think about than to describe in a few words, but to me it is a point where logic and faith can come together. Now add to this logic/faith quandary recent discoveries in quantum teleportation, I’ll share the link to the news article I was reading today. The most notable storyline that includes human teleportation is Star Trek of course, which is a means of transporting live entities physically across space. The science element of this has taken a pragmatic (for this century) approach and demonstrated that communication can be simultaneously in two places at the same time via forms of entanglement of photons. This is oversimplified and really the deep understanding of the science is beyond me. But now how can I apply this to my faith? Visions come to mind immediately. God has communicated via miraculous and unexplained means since the beginning of the Bible, but what if it is not so much miraculous as it is science we do not understand. In more recent days as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, things such as the first vision, and other heavenly visions become a matter of understanding the science. So, for me, science is no longer a barrier to faith, but a means of understanding the realities of faith. Of course there is a danger that when faith becomes knowledge it is no longer faith. The story related to quantum teleportation is titled, Quantum teleportation has begun to change the world https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/quantum-teleportation-has-begun-to-change-the-world/ar-AA1wrY4S?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=d6168012bcdb4fe2bc045d2b8a4688f9&ei=18 Have a merry Christmas.

What’s new? I have started writing the second book of the “Salt of the Earth”. I have struggled with this one. I don’t like writing a second book in a series unless I have a story to tell. I know the beginning and the end of this one, but have fought with the why. Usually it comes to me as I write, but this one has really been a challenge to establish the why. I decided to just start writing and see where it leads. After five chapters and wrestling with the point two things occurred to me. #1 the why came to me so now I’m much more excited about the book. #2 the first 5 chapters have good points but just aren’t write so… tear them up and start again

“Salt of the Earth” Just in time for Christmas. I have two new science fiction books out; released yesterday. Both books are now available in e-book form at Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Amazon, Google Books, and Kobo. They are also available in paperback at Amazon. If you like science fiction you’ll like one or both of these books for Christmas. In my earlier post I talk about Project Liliput. I targeted middle school and YA readers for Project Liliput, much like the Orion’s Spur series. “Salt of the Earth” is the most complex novels I’ve written and really is aimed at YA and Adult readers. It combines science fiction with the realities of what would happen in a real life environment on Earth. Don’t be mistaken, the main focus is on the adventure with Marshall, but the story follows his father in tandem with the challenges of supporting such a venture. Young, visionary scientist, Marshall Salt believes humanity’s future lies in the asteroid belt. With his closest friends, he has developed groundbreaking technology capable of extracting untold wealth from the cosmos. Their ambitions come with a staggering price tag – tens of billions of dollars. To fund their dream, Marshall must turn to the last person he ever wanted to ask: his estranged father and reclusive billionaire, Arthur Salt. As they uncover the ambitions of global power players like the Manifest Destiny Cartel, the Cibola project becomes a battlefield for control over humanity’s future in space. Meanwhile, Arthur Salt wages his own war back on Earth, navigating political manipulation, financial ruin, and legal battles – all while seeking redemption and connection with his son. Alan D. Hansen’s SALT OF THE EARTH is a gripping sci-fi epic that blends cutting-edge technology and adventure with a deeply human story of family and reconciliation. Where can you get it? In paperback and e-book at Amazon Barnes and Noble e-book https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/project-lilliput-alan-d-hansen/1146670841?ean=2940180965608 Apple Books e-book https://books.apple.com/us/book/salt-of-the-earth/id6739201848 Google Books https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=rak2EQAAQBAJ Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/salt-of-the-earth-29

Just in time for Christmas. I have two new science fiction books out; released yesterday. Both books are now available in e-book form at Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Amazon, Google Books, and Kobo. They are also available in paperback at Amazon. If you like science fiction you’ll like one or both of these books for Christmas. Project Liliput examines executing a solution to human caused problems to the environment and resources. It tells the story of the post-event first generation youth. Twenty years after The Event reshaped humanity, the world is a scaled-down version of itself. Shrunk to less than two inches tall to combat overpopulation and environmental collapse, people live in miniaturized cities and use advanced technology to navigate their world. Eric Brice, the son of a hero lost to a bird attack, is part of the first generation born into this miniaturized world. On a class field trip to Cape Canaveral, disaster strikes when their toy-sized bullet train is stopped by a branch, and giant birds descend upon them. From tornadoes, towering ruins and colossal threats like cockroaches and snakes, Eric and his friends must fight to survive. In the process, they discover a shocking truth about The Event and the powers behind it. Perfect for middle-grade readers and adults alike, Alan D. Hansen’s PROJECT LILLIPUT is a fast-paced survival adventure set in a world where the tiniest mistakes can have gigantic consequences. Where can you get it? In paperback and e-book at Amazon Barnes and Noble e-book https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/project-lilliput-alan-d-hansen/1146670841?ean=2940180965608 Apple Books e-book https://books.apple.com/us/book/project-lilliput/id6739243260 Google Books https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=xFM3EQAAQBAJ Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/project-lilliput

This week I’m sharing a selection from “Return to Demeter” that was one of the funnest to write. Ryder and his friends kidnap the paralyzed class bully, Barry Hales, from the hospital, steal an ambulance and race to be picked up by the Pegasus to take Barry back to Demeter for medical treatment. It was a bit of slapstick and starts to show Ryder’s growing character. Enjoy Ryder and Randy moved to the Emergency Room entrance and waited. Joel and Cynthia went into the hospital. Ryder was starting to get nervous, as they only had a short window of time before they would have to leave, but finally an ambulance came into the driveway, lights flashing, but no siren. The EMTs quickly opened the doors to the back and began hauling a woman out on the fold down gurney. Bonita Flores was on the gurney and sounded like she was in pain, but she turned her head toward Ryder and winked before continuing her moaning. As the gurney wheels hit the pavement, Ryder texted the message, “Go, go, go!” to Cynthia. Less than a minute later a nurse and medical assistant were rushing a patient out the emergency room door. “We have to transfer this patient to St Marks,” Cynthia yelled as they exited the building, “Medical emergency.” Loading Barry into the back of the ambulance, Randy squealed the tires as they pulled out of the hospital entry. “How long do you think we have?” Cynthia yelled up front to Ryder. “It depends on how well you sold it,” Ryder returned. “Maybe five minutes if we’re lucky. Seven if we get a miracle.” Turning to Randy, “Have you figured out how to turn on that siren yet?” “Where are you taking me,” Barry wheezed fearfully. “Don’t worry, I’m not dumping you in a swamp,” Ryder gritted his teeth. “I’m just keeping my promise.” Fifteen minutes later they arrived at the airport. Debbie, and Becky were already on board and seated as planned. All the luggage had been stowed. Randy had cut the siren and lights when the bulletin came out over the radio. Fortunately, there were back roads that Randy knew of to get to the local airport. “How much more time do you think we have?” Cynthia seemed close to panic. “We have three or four minutes, if they low-jacked the ambulance, and I imagine they have. We better run.” Ryder commanded. As the ambulance squealed to a stop with gravel flying, Joel quickly opened the back door, as Ryder and Randy jumped from the front of the vehicle. “What are you doing?” Shad Ryder asked incredulously. “Barry asked me to fix him. This is the only way I could think of to do it,” Ryder shot at his dad. Elise Ryder put her hands over her face, trying to resist a giggle. They had included Elise as a necessary partner in their plot realizing the last hurdle could be the toughest. “You’re kidnapping Barry Hales?” Shad Ryder continued. “Conscripting him,” Ryder retorted. “He has you there,” Elise laughed. “Whatever. Get him on the Osiris or you’re all going to be busted.” Ryder’s dad said in an exasperated tone. They could hear the sirens in the distance as they wheeled Barry’s gurney toward the ship. “Where are you taking me?” “We’re taking you to fix you,” Ryder reiterated, as they moved him up the ramp. With the lights of three police cars approaching, Captain Jonas White, retracted the ramp, while telling the passengers to buckle up. Lieutenant Baron helped put the restraints on Barry. “Up, up and away,” Captain White pronounced as the Osiris shot straight into the air.

In the Christian world we used BC (before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini or the year of the lord). For the secular version there is BCE (before the common era and CE (common era). In Science Fiction there is BSW (Before Star Wars) and AV (Anno Vader). So, I’m up to 2 and 1 BSW or 1975 and 1976 for my favorite Science Fiction movies. For my favorite science fiction movies of 1975 and 1976 there are twelve candidates: 1975 Death Race 2000 A Boy and His Dog The Stepford Wives Roller Ball Escape to Witch Mountain The Strongest Man in the World The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I’m typically not in to post-apocalyptic movies (with a few exceptions). Death Race 2000 and A Boy and His Dog don’t fit into the exceptions. The Stepford Wives never appealed to me, and James Caan in Rollerball is yet another dystopian movie where the world’s problems are solved by surrogate gladiator type events. The 1975 choices fell to three rather quickly. That leaves two Disney entries: Escape to Witch Mountain and The Strongest Man in the World, or the rather bizarre cult classic, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” In all three cases I would recommend you see them once if you have not done so. Escape to Witch Mountain has a much better remake in “Race to Witch Mountain”. “The Strongest Man in the World” was the last of three films starring Kurt Russell as Dexter Riley that started with “The Computer wore Tennis shoes”. The trilogy humor was recycled quite a bit, so again not a winner. I’m starting to think 1975 was another bad year for Science Fiction (and I’m right). I think I’ll go with the least undesirable choice, “Rollerball”. Can you come up with a better choice? 1976 is a bit better. I had six finalists, but it is much more competitive. “At the Earth’s Core” is a movie I wanted to like as it is based on the same title from an Edgar Rice Burroughs novel. It is pretty weak both for plot and cast. “The Food of the Gods” is more for horror affectionatos. “Future World” is a sequel to “Westworld”. Watch the original instead. “The Man who fell to Earth” was an intriguing premise and stars singer David Bowie. It probably worked better as a TV series. My favorite movie from 1976 and I could include 1975 would be Logan’s Run. My wife and I saw it as the second feature of a double feature leading with Westworld. Both of us enjoyed this dystopian film which is lighter than most. It starred Michael York as the protagonist and Jenny Agutter as the female lead. Richard Jordan did a great job as the antagonist hunter, and it has a couple of nostalgic cameos with Peter Ustinov and Farrah Fawcett. Of all the science fiction movies from 1975 and 1976 there are several I’m glad I watched, but wouldn’t really want to watch again (ever). “Logan’s Run” is the true exception for this period. My wife and I rewatched this film recently, and I’d watch it again every year or two and smile. My biggest disappointment for 1975 and 1976 would have to be “At the Earth’s Core”. There have been a variety of B movies based on the premise, but none have achieved the possibilities for the film.

It has been a good couple of weeks for the audible book, Orion’s Spur Demeter, the first book in the Orion’s spur series. It has stayed in the top hundred reaching as high as #9 in the category of Action & Adventure Sci-Fi for Teens. Ironically, of the five books in the series, book 5, Paragon’s Virtue has also had a good run, although it is now ranked #113 in the same category. Books 2-5 have been in the top #100 in various categories, but have fallen out this week. I still can’t figure out why the last book in the series is doing better than books 2, 3, and 4 “Return to Demeter”, “Defending Demeter” and “Haumeah”. Probably just a fluke. I’ll keep you informed over the next few weeks.

Aloha – As I looked through the Demeter manuscript I realized that I couldn’t share more from volume 1 without giving away the balance of the plot, so I’m moving on to book 2, Return to Demeter. In book 2 Ryder, his sister and their friends return to Earth. Readjusting to Earth’s gravity is a major issue. But a bigger issue for Ryder is returning to school and running into the bully who put him in the hospital and in effect started Ryder’s journey to Demeter. Barry Hales has not changed much in the past year, and he still targets Ryder. “Well, if it isn’t my old buddy, Bill Ryder,” he heard a voice behind him that made the words Bill and Ryder sound like a curse. Turning, Ryder saw Barry Hales just as a punch caught him in his left arm and send him spinning. Barry was quick to grab him, so that he didn’t fall. “Looks like you aren’t going to have any girls here to protect you.” Barry whispered, and then let him go. “What’s going on over there?” a craggy voice caught Ryder’s attention. “Nothing, just greeting an old friend,” Barry yelled back toward the voice. The voice belonged to an ancient looking man missing two fingers, who stood at the front of the room that was divided into two sections. There was a classroom area that Ryder had just entered with long narrow tables and stools rather than chairs. There was a larger area with concrete floors and power tools and benches that was going to be their workroom. Mr. LeBlanc had been teaching at the high school for over forty years. Somewhere along the line he had lost most of his hearing, and as rumor had it, two of his fingers on a band saw. He wore large, beige colored plastic hearing aids, but Ryder wondered if they helped at all, as Mr. LeBlanc seemed oblivious to any noise going on in the classroom. It was Ryder’s misfortune to be seated next to Barry for the class period. They were learning something about drafting, but Ryder was having a hard time paying attention. Every five minutes or so, Barry would slug Ryder hard enough to knock him off his stool. Three of the boys in their immediate proximity would chuckle along with Barry each time it happened. After the third event, Ryder responded, as he got back on his stool, “Football head.” Barry had never liked that nickname. It seemed appropriate as Barry was a starter on the football team, but he was sensitive about the shape of his head. It was long and narrow, the results of a forceps delivery at birth. So, from the front, his face looked sort of like a football. From the sides his head looked round. He kept his hair short for football season, which exacerbated the look. Barry hit Ryder harder, again knocking him off his stool. Ryder got up, brushed himself off, reattached his rear end to his stool, and turned to Barry, whispering a second time, “football head.” The timing was perfect. Without looking, Barry took another swing. Ryder considered just moving and letting Barry lose his balance and land on the floor, but taking the punch was going to be even better. The swing connected, and Ryder again went flying off his stool. “Mr. Hales! Save football for the football field. You have detention! Now out of my classroom and to the office!” Mr. LeBlanc may have been deaf, but he wasn’t blind. The motion had distracted him from his lecture in time to see what appeared to be an unsolicited blow fall on an innocent looking student. Ryder didn’t feel that innocent but was happy to substitute feeling good. Immediately after class Ryder had a study hall. He decided that wood working would have to wait for another year, and he went to the office to change his schedule. Standing in line, three people ahead of him, was Cynthia Flores. “Hey Cynthia.”

The 1970s started with mostly slocky B movies or even worse remakes of remakes that were more horror than science fiction. The 1970s did begin to come forward with some classics and near misses though. 1970 brought us “Colossus: The Forbin Project”. This is a largely forgotten film, but its theme shows up more and more with computer advances and the development of AI. The concept of the film is a supercomputer built over a large area, reminding me of the basement computer at the NSA in the 70s. The Russians meanwhile have built their own version of a massive supercomputer. The two merge and basically take over the world, forcing peace. “No Blade of Grass” also came out in 1970. This was a British film that focuses on environmental changes where agricultural production is ruined by nature itself. Certainly not the first dystopian movie where civilization breaks down as it focuses on a family’s attempts at survival as they try to flee to an oasis of hope. 1971 brought us “A Clockwork Orange” by Stanley Kubrick and making Malcolm McDowell a star. Frankly I did not like this movie and would ignore it on a Favorite science fiction movie but it has become a cult favorite. “The Omega Man” was also put out in 1970. It is the second film based on the 1954 book “I am Legend”. This one starred Charlton Heston and frankly of the three versions of the book I’m aware of, still stands as my favorite, but I haven’t seen it since the 1970s so I’m not sure how well it holds up. My favorite movie from 1972 was “Silent Running”. Remember, we’re talking 1972, but the film focuses on the premise that all forests on Earth are extinct because of ‘careless environmental exploitation’. The remaining forests are on bio-domes in space aboard massive space freighters. The crew are ordered to destroy each of the domes and return the ships to commercial use. The protagonist (Bruce Dern in his best role) refuses to do so and does anything he deems necessary to save the last forest. Interesting film I’d encourage you to look up if you haven’t seen it. Still full of B movies and cheap remakes, 1973 brought us four movies of note. First, “The Day of the Dolphin”. Starring George C. Scott and dolphins it identifies the intelligence of dolphins, although little more that well trained dogs, that can carry weapons of destruction toward waterborne targets. Very well made film. Second, perhaps Woody Allen’s best film, “Sleeper” where Woody Allen’s character is cryogenically frozen and defrosted 200 years later into a dystopian future. Third, the original “Westworld” movie. My wife and I saw this one together and she couldn’t sleep for nights afterward. Yul Brynner should have won a best actor award for this one. And finally, “Soylent Green was also made in 1973. Another early dystopian film, with a few surprises in a stable society. Charleton Heston was the main protagonist, but the film is stolen by Edward G. Robinson, famous for his 1930s gangster movies. So what did I miss? What was your favorite movie from these four years of film?