Monthly Archives: January 2014

January 6, 2014 · 12:30 pm

For your award consideration, my writing from 2013

So this is a bit new to me, obviously, since The Daedalus Incident is indeed my first published fiction. Plus, there’s always the feeling that it’s slightly gauche to toot one’s own horn. But I’m not actually the first one to float the idea that Daedalus might be worthy of consideration, which was admittedly quite pleasing to see. And if this three-time Hugo winner can do a post like this, I figure it’s kosher for me to throw this out there.

So with an awkward mix of newbie enthusiasm, hard-won realism and attempted modesty, here we go: For Your Consideration, the stuff I wrote in 2013. I’m also including the editors and cover artists I worked with, because frankly, I think they’re even more deserving than I am.

The Daedalus Incident (novel, Night Shade Books, May/August 2013) by Michael J. Martinez, edited by Ross Lockhart, cover illustration by Sparth

A genre-bending cross of historical fantasy and space opera with hard SF and a pinch of steampunk-sans-steam, The Daedalus Incident was named one of the best genre novels of 2013 by Library Journal and Buzzfeed, and received a number of pretty darn good reviews and media mentions as well. There’s an excerpt up on io9 if you want a sample. Eligible (as far as I know) for most major genre awards, as well as first-novel awards.

The Gravity of the Affair (novella, NLA Digital, December 2013) by Michael J. Martinez, edited by Jeff Seymour, cover illustration by Arvin Concepcion

A novella set in the Known Worlds of The Daedalus Incident, this novella (which squeaks in just above the lower word-count limit) details the first command of British naval hero Horatio Nelson on the seas of Ganymede and in the Void. You can find excerpts here and here. Eligible (again, as far as I know) for most major genre awards.

It’s also worth noting that I am indeed eligible for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer — this page even says so.

There were a metric ton of awesome books out there this year, and while I would be thoroughly giddy to be even nominated, my expectations remain quite realistic. I’m just starting out, after all, and I know I’ve got more work to do. The fact that there are already a few people out there who think my work might warrant consideration for recognition is absolutely lovely, and I deeply appreciate it.

Thanks, y’all.

#SFWApro

Book review roundup from the road

While the East Coast struggles under the weight of a foot of snow and shivers in below-zero temperatures, I ended up stranded…in Phoenix, Ariz.

I know. I really expect no pity, nor do I deserve any. I actually feel a touch guilty about the beautiful weather here. But with the flights dicey ahead of the storm, we decided on discretion over valor and parked here until Sunday. Thankfully, we have lovely friends here willing to put up with us for a few more days.

In the meantime, I came across a few book-related items over the past few days I thought I’d pass along. I remain very grateful for all the positive words and reviews The Daedalus Incident continues to receive, and I hope The Enceladus Crisis, coming May 6, is a worthy successor.

The gang over at the Skiffy and Fanty Show (an outstanding podcast and site) posted their favorite books of 2013, and The Daedalus Incident was among a superlative list of works. Paul Weimer wrote: “This is the novel someone might write after watching Treasure Planet and wanting to do it *right*.” Thanks, Paul!
Caleb Flanagan of the book review blog 20four12 took a look back at 2013: “The Daedalus Incident was an absolutely spectacular debut for Michael J. Martinez, so much so that I’ve added him to my “must read” list already. He took some amazing chances with his storytelling and put together a tale that is unlike anything I’ve seen.” Caleb also put Daedalus on his top-ten list for the year, and it’s among some amazing company. Caleb is now officially awesome.
Blogger and author David Agranoff wrote a nice review of Daedalus as well: “I love super weird science fiction. This is just that, but it is also very smart. It is clearly well researched and thought out, not just in plotting and characterization but also in its take on the fake history. I believe this is a debut novel, it is a strong debut. I can’t really think of another novel just like it.” Thank you, David!
Finally, the excellent cover art and design of The Daedalus Incident got some love from blogger Carl V. Anderson on Stainless Steel Droppings, who listed his favorite SF/F covers of 2013: “Sparth is another artist working in the digital medium whose illustration excites my interest. His cover work for The Daedalus Incident by Michael J. Martinez, coupled with the design elements over which the title and author designation are placed, make for a striking cover.” That they do.

Reviews really do matter — they’re signposts on the road, left for other readers to decide on their next steps. As an author, I’m very grateful when someone takes the time to write about my work. And it doesn’t have to be on an established blog or site, either. A few (hopefully) kind words on Amazon, B&N or Goodreads can really make a difference. So for everyone who has spared some time and words for my work, thank you!

#SFWApro

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Filed under Books, Publishing, Writing

January 3, 2014 · 5:30 pm

NFL: Wild Card picks

The NFL regular season wrapped up in particularly plot-twistery fashion, with playoff contenders Baltimore and Miami both faltering, and the San Diego Chargers winning the last AFC wild-card playoff spot in a tight game with a bit of controversy. And the Sunday night showdown between Philadelphia and Dallas was pretty cool, especially if you’re not a Cowboys fan.

If you were a Cowboys fan, well…sorry. Seems your team’s a bit snake-bit this past decade or so.

But there’s no looking back now. Twelve teams are in the playoffs. Two make it to the Super Snow Bowl in Jersey. (I really, really want there to be snow on Super Bowl Sunday. Play it in the elements! Make them work for that trophy!)

Here’s your breakdown of each of this weekend’s four wild-card contests:

Continue reading →

Final release date for The Enceladus Crisis! Coming May 6!

Happy New Year, everyone! Hope 2014 is treating you well. As for me, we’ve nailed down a final, no-kidding, get-ready-for-the-awesome release date for The Enceladus Crisis, the sequel to The Daedalus Incident.

May 6.

We were thinking we might go a bit earlier on it, but frankly, after the fun and games Daedalus went through with its release dates, we wanted to be absolutely sure that print, e-book and audio were all ready to roll at the very same time, and that the new Night Shade publicity machine is purring along smoothly.

So instead of the preliminary date of April 1 (which I wasn’t too enamored of, given the whole punk’d holiday thing), we went for May 6. And it will be glorious.

Of course, in the meantime, you can pre-order The Enceladus Crisis from your favorite local bookstore, as well as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can also get caught up by reading The Daedalus Incident and my e-novella, The Gravity of the Affair (vendor info at the book links). I mean, I’d hate to leave you without the sailing-ships-in-space goodness you’re craving. I’m nice like that.

Meantime, I’m still here in Arizona. We were going to fly back home today, but there’s something of a bad-ass winter storm reading to pummel the warmth and joy out of the East Coast, and flying into said storm seemed rather dicey. So instead of suffering through a foot of snow and sub-zero temperatures, I’ll be suffering through bright sunshine and mid-70s temperatures until Sunday morning.

Life’s rough, I tell ya.

Oh, and for those of you who don’t follow my Twitter feed, I did indeed run my very first 5k on New Year’s Day here in Phoenix. And by run, I mean…actual running. The whole way. (Except for when I stopped to tie my shoe.) Managed a respectable 36:04 time, which left me giddy and punch-drunk. Of course, this morning my legs are full of cactus spines and pain-demons, but it’s totally worth it. I may even do another one in the future, should my legs start working normally again. There are worse ways to ring in a new year.