Friday, March 5, 2010

Additional Thanks



A few people who will be mentioned in the reprint and in future projects.

The following people are responsible for ALL the great things about the project and none of the crappy parts lol.

No seriously big thanks go out to:


All my awesome people in the Philippines!
Jonathan Brubaker
Andrea Moreno
Kim Evans
Corey Schalke
Noe Francine
Amy Lachat
Rhonda Cwik
Chris Zuber
Kerry Shields
Becca Babcock
Shawn Napier
Laina Toatley
Briana Toatley
Judith Thomas
Donna Bourne Williams
Quentin Bourne
Carolyn Bourne Toatley
Nat Duran
Brandon Toatley
Danielle Quintanilla
Danny Rynne
Eric Boughner
Barb Boran
Kalani Raquel Wells
Sean Jourdan
Gregory Cooke
Evan Lee
Sarah Reyes
Ranee Wu
Big ups to Techs Appeal!
Eric Boghosian
Lindsay Kralovetz
Scott Rosenblatt
Sara Philips
Katie Sauer
Sara Tremblay
Venessa Saldana
Joe Riddle
Maeva Silveira
Sy Ahmed
Beth Denbow
Bri Wiggins
Karla Chavez
Andre Drake
Tj Shields
Elisa Ridolphi
Kim Blair
Bradley Bishcoff
Elizabeth Lubarski
Lelia Barbosa
Kyle Farthing
Chris Kalinowski
Rami Atassi
Atassi Productions
Rishi Ganju
Sridhar Ayala
Karla Rivera
Masayo Kaneko
Deirdre Canty
Remsy Atassi
Corinne Payette
Cindy Dababneh
Ryan Gast
Shlee Nowak
Chuck Wentworth
Dave Mahlman
Dennis Keeling
Marci Hughes
Michele Lee
Vanessa Miles


Thank you guys!!!!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

What is Beta Earth about?


A lot of you have asked, "What is Beta Earth about?"

Well without giving too much away what I can say is:

Beta Earth is mainly an action oriented sci-fi tale but because of my love for philosophy I added in lot of symbolism and mind candy for intellectuals who can find it.

I also tackle moral issues, class issues, and in true sci-fi fashion (the question of our evolution coupled with our expanding knowledge of technology) all while trying to make you chuckle a little bit along the way.

No doubt some of it is a bit "tongue in cheek" but I hope everyone enjoys it for what it is... a good read.

Hope you enjoy!

Jerry R Napier.

Beta Earth:Between Worlds

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Influences Part 2

Another strong influence for the main character is Miyamoto Musashi. (1584 - 1645)

I am a big fan of this historic figure, his life story was so interesting and his book of five rings is very inspirational.

For all you who don't know Musashi was a Japanese Swordsman and a well known Ronin (Master less Samurai). He was well known for his swordsmanship even at a young age (His first duel at the age of 13).

Clave shares a lot of parallelisms with Musashi, even some of his battles are inspired from Musashi's adventures.

Musashi roamed the lands looking for the next challenge, always wanting to test his skill. He was undefeated and only had one draw during his time as a swords man. He typically carried two swords and used whatever advantage he could to win the life or death battles.

Musashi once battled a man Shishido Baiken who wielded the Kusarigama. He almost lost that battle if it wasn't for him throwing his second sword. This tactic was not common as it was typical for a swordsman to fight with honor and hold on to his sword to the death. Musashi had no qualms casting aside the code in order to win the battle.

Very interesting man.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Q and A Part 2

This is Q and A part 2.

Q: Why the name Beta Earth? Isn't one Earth good enough?

A: LOL, Yes one Earth is good enough, gonna dodge the first question and it will soon become apparent why Beta Earth if you read the story, no hidden symbolism there sorry.

Q: Why are the main characters who are so young, handling such big or violent problems?

A: This is a good question. I really modelled this story off of the olden times (think Roman age) where there was the appearance of stability inside the walls of a huge city but in reality chaos was all around. In those times young men and I'm sure even some (undocumented women) would be forced to fight. Either as a Roman solider or as a struggling peasant in a unprotected village outside of the Roman walls.

There is a lot more to this question but ill leave it at that for now.

Q: Why did you choose UK Breakbeat for a lot of your themes?

A: I discovered UK Breakbeat back in 2006 by then I already had a story but something was missing... After listening to some UK Breakbeat artist: Breakfastaz, Freestylers, Station Warriors, etc. It filled in the "intensity" of the world gave it mood and drive. I swore as I would listen to some of these tracks, scenarios would write themselves.

Here is my thought on UK Breakbeat - I would say it's bitter and a bit hard to swallow at first, like a good beer, but eventually it becomes that thing you wouldn't mind having after a tough day at work (it's a good escape and good work out music).

Q: Is this going to be another one of those clear cut (I can predict the ending) stories? Or is it ridiculously convoluted?

A: Well with out giving spoilers, I would say it's a bit of both. Between Worlds is a pretty straight forward as it is a setup piece but the saga in general takes twists and turns that you couldn't imagine.

My main motivation for the characters isn't necessarily judged by a moral compass. Their own personal ambitions and goals are heavily at play, this may lead to a conflict in morals or in alliances.

As Andy Warhol once said:

What's great about this country is that America started the tradition where the richest consumers buy essentially the same things a the poorest. You can be watching TV and see Coca Cola, and you know that the President drinks Coca Cola, Liz Taylor drinks Coca Cola, and just think you can drink Coca Cola, too. A coke is a coke and no amount of money can get you a better coke than the one the bum on the corner is drinking. All the cokes are the same and all the cokes are good. Liz Taylor knows it, the President knows it, the bum knows it, and you know it.

I really liked this quote how we are in a time where we created an "equalizer" among the people. This becomes a building theme in Beta Earth where people everywhere begin to discover their true potential.

Q: Why are you answers so... wordy?

A: Sorry it's what I do, thanks for viewing.




Sunday, November 29, 2009

Colors and Domain



Beta Earth is filled with colors and symbols.

Here are just a few to look out for:

Red is a reference to Red 42's Domain.

Green is a reference to Decius Hanamex's domain.

Blue is a reference to Kamon's Domain.

"First there was the mother known as Red, as soon as we understood Green was allowed to take action (to go). While the third observant Blue watched it happen."



The white areas and shadows are in reference to.



Plato's Cave

This is and many many more await.

So, keep your eyes open and your mind sharp as there is much to be discovered in...

Beta Earth

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Edits Edits Edits

2 to 4 weeks turns to 4 to 8 weeks turns to 8 to 12 weeks.

Lot of changes but it is all worth it. This process is a great experience and writing this book has challenged a lot of my preconceptions.

I choose a different style of writing, more active than normal. I wanted to keep up the tempo of the book. This could either be a good thing or a bad thing because definite breaks are not apparent. Which may mean it will be hard to put down.

I am feeling really good about the dialogue and the events in the book. I am very excited to show you all the final product.

Looks like late winter early spring, will be the release date (hopefully); if you’re in a cold location like me you can snuggle up to this book on those winter days.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Influences





Hands down Mary Shelley is definitely my influence for the story.

Why, you may ask?

Well the answer is simple: Frankenstein.


How I, then a young girl, came to think of, and to dilate upon, so very hideous an idea?
"Preface", 1831 edition of Frankenstein

How I, then a young man, came to think of, and to dilate upon, so very hideous an idea?
"Preface", 2010 edition of Beta Earth: Between Worlds



Now don't get me wrong Shelley had many great revolutionary books, the Last Man, being one of them. She was also a very progressive thinker in a time that didn't accept progressive thinkers (especially from women). Her brave writing definitely inspired me.

When creating Beta Earth I really wanted to create that sense of a mythological monster in modern settings.

Clave is that modern day monster and just like Frankenstein you have to ask yourself. Can a monster ever be loved?

I think we all feel like an outsider at one time or another just looking for love or acceptance.

Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankenstein
For more information.