Modularism – A Process for Your Process

Frameworks save time.

No matter what industry you’re in, frameworks abound. In manufacturing, they have systems like Lean and Six Sigma. In software design, they use Agile Scrum, and there are about a billion quality assurance processes. In fiction, there are popular models like Save the Cat and StoryGrid. (I’m going to mention The Heroine’s Journey here, because you really should check it out.)

Each one of these systems is intended to solve a problem for you. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Are any of them totally correct for any given situation? No. Will any of them handle all eventualities? Also no.

Continue reading Modularism – A Process for Your Process

Episode 6: Happy Birthday, Orna Sokol

<< Just started? Read Episode 1 here!

This story is really, actually free, but of course, I have an ulterior motive.

A BAD DEAL FOR THE WHOLE GALAXY is doing spectacularly, thanks in large part to readers like you! However, just like A BIG SHIP AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE, the story needs reviews to fly higher.

Reviewing is easy! You don’t have to write much. Heck, it could just be two words and a star rating. Your choice! Whatever you do is a huge help!


“I can’t believe you tried to feed her five pounds of meat,” said Armin, face turning red. “How irresponsible are you?”

He and Cordell both sat beside the med bay stretcher as the doc bot did its difficult work: stabilizing Orna’s stomach muscles, stimulating her hormones and generally correcting years of starvation.

Cordell shrugged, trying to play it off. “I didn’t know it was that bad. We caught it, though.”

Continue reading Episode 6: Happy Birthday, Orna Sokol

Episode 5: Happy Birthday, Orna Sokol

<< Just started? Read Episode 1 here!

This story is really, actually free, but of course, I have an ulterior motive.

A BAD DEAL FOR THE WHOLE GALAXY is doing spectacularly, thanks in large part to readers like you! However, just like A BIG SHIP AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE, the story needs reviews to fly higher.

Reviewing is easy! You don’t have to write much. Heck, it could just be two words and a star rating. Your choice! Whatever you do is a huge help!


It wasn’t the fight back to the ship that took everything out of Cordell—though it had certainly sucked.

No, it was reaching his warm, inviting home, only to turn and see the bright clouds of dust from Bill’s approaching motorcade.

“I thought we had time!” Cordell shouted into his comm as he ran for the rear cargo entrance. Maybe he’d make it before they filled him up with holes.

“And I thought that Gary had properly calibrated the sensors,” Armin said. “Run.”

Continue reading Episode 5: Happy Birthday, Orna Sokol

Episode 4: Happy Birthday, Orna Sokol

<< Just started? Read Episode 1 here!

This story is really, actually free, but of course, I have an ulterior motive.

A BAD DEAL FOR THE WHOLE GALAXY is doing spectacularly, thanks in large part to readers like you! However, just like A BIG SHIP AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE, the story needs reviews to fly higher.

Reviewing is easy! You don’t have to write much. Heck, it could just be two words and a star rating. Your choice! Whatever you do is a huge help!


“Oh, no you don’t!” grunted Cordell as another volley of spells lanced out toward them from the hardened installation. He yanked the yoke to one side, pulling the ship’s bulk clear of the firing solution. “How the hell did they get the anti-air tower back up?”

They burned across the sands, flying low to preserve cover, and their target loomed before them. Glittering white bolts appeared across its surface, and more anti-ship lancers came blasting past the Capricious’s hull.

Continue reading Episode 4: Happy Birthday, Orna Sokol

Episode 3: Happy Birthday, Orna Sokol

<< Just started? Read Episode 1 here!

This story is really, actually free, but of course, I have an ulterior motive.

A BAD DEAL FOR THE WHOLE GALAXY is doing spectacularly, thanks in large part to readers like you! However, just like A BIG SHIP AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE, the story needs reviews to fly higher.

Reviewing is easy! You don’t have to write much. Heck, it could just be two words and a star rating. Your choice! Whatever you do is a huge help!


Cordell’s heart hammered in his chest as they brought him yet another tray of food and drink he wouldn’t touch. Armin fidgeted in his seat before reaching over and plucking one of the shrimps out of a nearby cocktail. He bit the tip, then scowled an put it back.

“Duraplast,” he said.

“I know,” Cordell replied. “Only real thing is the veal, and I’m not eating anything cooked here.”

Continue reading Episode 3: Happy Birthday, Orna Sokol

Episode 2: Happy Birthday, Orna Sokol

<< Just started? Read Episode 1 here!

This story is really, actually free, but of course, I have an ulterior motive.

A BAD DEAL FOR THE WHOLE GALAXY is doing spectacularly, thanks in large part to readers like you! However, just like A BIG SHIP AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE, the story needs reviews to fly higher.

A BIG SHIP currently has 102 reviews, compared to 23 for A BAD DEAL, so you can see why I’d love to see anyone leave a review for me! Amazon’s next big bump comes at 50 reviews, and I know we can do it.

Reviewing is easy! You don’t have to write much. Heck, it could just be two words and a star rating. Your choice! Whatever you do is a huge help!


“Lamarr, I’ve got to admit,” said Bill as they turned down yet another passage to head deeper into the base, “I was surprised when I heard you stole your ship. You always seemed so… by the books.”

Cordell shrugged. “I fought for my country, and that’s gone. Not about to hand over what’s left to the enemy.”

Continue reading Episode 2: Happy Birthday, Orna Sokol

Episode 1: Happy Birthday, Orna Sokol

Ever wondered how Orna met the crew of the Capricious for the very first time? What were the fighting pits she spoke about on the dusty world of Clarkesfall, and how did the rescue operation really happen?

This story is really, actually free, but of course, I have an ulterior motive.

A BAD DEAL FOR THE WHOLE GALAXY is doing spectacularly, thanks in large part to readers like you! However, just like A BIG SHIP AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE, the story needs reviews to fly higher.

A BIG SHIP currently has 102 reviews, compared to 11 for A BAD DEAL, so you can see why I’d love to see anyone leave a review for me! Amazon’s next big bump comes at 50 reviews, and I know we can do it.

Reviewing is easy! You don’t have to write much. Heck, it could just be two words and a star rating. Your choice! Whatever you do is a huge help!

Click here to leave a review on Amazon.com!

Episode 1

Captain Cordell Lamarr’s eyes remained fixed on the clock at his bedside. Two bells thirty-seven blazed in the darkness like tiny gas flames, and despite having donned his pajamas, sleep was a distant speck on the horizon.

Continue reading Episode 1: Happy Birthday, Orna Sokol

Race for the Harrow: Music Inspired by A BIG SHIP AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE

I’m a composer, and I always enjoy writing little soundtracks to my books! Given how important A BIG SHIP AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE is to me, I figured I’d make a nice soundtrack for all of you. You can listen on almost any streaming service you’d like, or if you’re feeling generous, pick up a copy for yourself!

 Amazon MP3

 Google Play Music

 Spotify

 iTunes

 Pandora

 YouTube Music

Or purchase the soundtrack on CDBaby!

Read the first three chapters of A BIG SHIP today!

Jump on Orbit.com and check it out!

A BIG SHIP AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE

And if you like that, sign up for the newsletter! First issue June 15th!

Inside Track

Want to get all the latest news about Alex White, including coming book releases, annotations and music? Find out first on the Inside Track, and get a free companion song for The Salvagers! And don't worry, we'll never share your information with anyone.

Clearing the debris...

Thanks for signing up! As a bonus, please visit the link below to download an official track to accompany A BIG SHIP AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE.

 

Chapter 12 - "Foxhole"

Buzz is Building Over A BIG SHIP AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE!

A BIG SHIP AT THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE may not be out yet, but the buzz is already starting!

If you haven’t got your copy preordered, you can grab it here!

Reviews

“This is fantastic stuff, in every sense of the word: characters, magic, tech, varied planetary settings, onboard ship life, the history of the galactic wars, and even a little sex and romance are woven in so seamlessly, there is never a dull moment. I’m in awe at the number of narrative balls White tosses into the air (some of them arcing pretty high) without dropping one.” (5/5 stars)

-Barnes & Noble Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog


“Injected with a forward thrusting narrative and exceptional worldbuilding, Big Ship is both fresh and familiar at the same time, mashing up the spellcasting of dark fantasy realms with the hardware and heroics of old fashioned military sci-fi. With infinite care and inspiration, White has created a fully formed outer-space destination detailed with sparkling Eidolon crystal dust, intoxicating elixir baths, futuristic race cars, interstellar combat, lesbian commandos, mysterious assassins, and one fabled lost starship.”

-SyFy.com


“[…] the bold start of a brand-new science fiction adventure”

June Pick for Kirkus Reviews


“White’s written a fast-paced novel, filled with action and incident, in an interesting and appealing setting.”

-Locus Magazine


“White’s assured debut is an entertaining throwback with some fun worldbuilding and two great lead characters.”
“Readers looking for a modern take on [space adventure], complete with many female and nonwhite characters, will be pleased.”

“White (Every Mountain Made Low, 2016) combines magic and space opera to create a fast-paced adventure with charismatic characters and formidable enemies in a realized universe of greed and power.”

-ALA Booklist Starred Review


 

“The world is incredible, the adventure engrossing, and the combat will have you on the edge of your seat. Big Ship is the strongest debut I have read in 2018 so far and I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel as soon as I can.”

-The Quill to Live


“Space battles, magical duels, and whiplash filled racing keeps this novel going at rick-roaring speed. You really feel like you are in the midst of all of the action and are left bloody and sweating by the time the battles are over.”

-FanFi Addict



June Pick for The Verge

June Pick for Barnes & Noble

June Pick for The Nerd Daily

The Geekiverse Summer Reading Short List

Interviews

Alex on The Unreliable Narrators Podcast

Alex on SyFy.com