HAVE A MERRY "GAMADIN" CHRISTMAS!!

May all your presents be the coolest books to read . . .

Father Mike Straley

I visited another good friend of mine, college fraternity bro and Lakewood alum like myself, Father Mike Straley, while on my recent book tour through Arizona. The last time I saw Father Mike he was in Flagstaff.  Now he is in Phoenix.  Father Mike has been doing some pretty heroic things for youths who got a little side-tracked. Miracles some would say.  He's been fighting Dakadudes for years and is a Gamadin for sure.  I gave him a case of Gamadin books for the kids in his diocese to enjoy.  Take care, Father Mike. It was great seeing you again. 

 

Alpine Pizza, Flagstaff, AZ

You don't have to go to New York or Italy for great pizza. If you're passing through Flagstaff, stop by Alpine Pizza at 7 N. Leroux St. right in the middle of downtown Flag. Since 1973 owner and good friend, Danny Rich, has been putting out an awesome pizza. I stopped by just before Thanksgiving for a Gamadin meet & greet bash. It was great fun.  Thanks, Danny!!

Ancient Rome by Google

I've always been facinated by ancient Rome, it's history, it's politics, it's effect on the forming of Western Civilization. The HBO series Rome is a historically accurate and rich glimpse into that past. The series is available on DVD and is well worth seeing. There are many good books, too. The last one I read, and highly recommend is Augustus: The Life of Rome's First Emperor by Anthony Everitt. What's amazing about this book, as you're reading you'll discover how much the governing class has not changed in 2,000 years. Even back then they were taxing the rich to support the Empire and its handouts just like today. As you're watching or reading about ancient Rome, Google has put together a 3D walk through the ancient city that restores Rome to its once former glory. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqMXIRwQniA

Kerby Brown is a Gamadin

Captured on this photo from Reuters is Kerby Brown.  He's riding a 41-foot wave, and this is not Photoshop markup.  It's the real thing.  Harlowe and Riverstone would be envious. Kerby's definitely Gamadin material. For the full story click on the link above.

A Real Alternative Fuel that Makes Sense

Want a real alternative car that makes actual sense?  How about one the runs on compressed air.  Think it's a joke or a waste of time? Check out the Magnetic Air Car and put away your doubts. The technology isn't new either. In 1932, J.M. Custer of Piggott, Arkansas had an idea for a car that would run on compressed air. He not only built the car, but it actually ran. He used an engine that resembled a radial airplane motor in appearance. It was mounted upright in the same space occupied by gasoline motors in standard cars. Four tanks filled with compressed air powered the car 500 miles at a speed of 35 miles an hour. The engine did not require a cooling system, ignition system, carburetor, nor the hundreds of moving parts included in a standard gasoline motor.

The technology didn’t attract much interest for 75 years. But it’s resurfacing, using today’s high technology.

Michael Crichton, One of the Greats

I loved Mr. Crichton's writing. He was an inspiration to me ever since I read his first book, Andromeda Strain. I was so sad and SHOCKED to hear that he passed away last Tuesday, I couldn't believe it. He was the author of so many great books, Timeline, Eaters of the Dead, State of Fear, Lost World are just a few. My all time favorite book is Jurassic Park. Not because it was a such a great story and movie, which it was, but because of the many profound passages the book contained that are said by the quirky scientist , Malcolm There are many, but one that I will never forget is when Malcolm says: "...The medieval world of feudal politics and religious dogma and hateful superstitions fell before science. But, in truth, this was because the medieval world didn't work any more. It didn't work economically, it didn't work intellectually, and it didn't fit the new world that was emerging."

How right you were, Mr. Crichton, a new world is emerging.

Mayor Jerry Sanders receives Gamadin: Book I

Mayor of San Diego, Jerry Sanders, and I went to college together and were in the same fraternity. Jerry is also the ex-police chief of San Diego. Since the Gamadin were an ancient police force about to be resurrected by a couple of Lakewood surfers, I thought he might enjoy the ride and give him a break from all the budget decisions he needs to make.

The Mayor and I hadn't seen each other in many moons, but it was great to see that for all of his great accomplishments, Jerry is the same warm and easygoing guy I knew in college. San Diego is definitely a better city under his watch, and we are fortunate to have such a devoted and honest politician at the helm of our wonderful city in the sun.

Mary Risso's Creative Writing Class

October 25, 2008 at Orinda Intermediate School, Orinda, California.

A lot of young writers in the making and a fantastic group of kids.

Wagner College Lecture

My very first college lecture was a great time and a wonderful afternoon. The students asked a lot of thought-provoking questions and insights I hadn't thought of about my book. I especially want to thank Curtis Wright and Carly Tosh for making it all happen.

Mysterious Galaxy Booksigning Oct.4, 2008

I want to thank Mysterious Galaxy for allowing me to stage my first book signing at their store. They were wonderful hosts and took the time to make it a great event. I also want to thank all my friends and NEW friends that attended and bought my book. A big 'thank you' also goes to Magician Steve for keeping everyone entertained before the event. Even though he forgot his magic wand, his performance was flawless, funny and entertaining. A big round of applause for Steve.
Finally my biggest "thank you" goes to the best assistant an author could have, Fran Romero. What a yeoman's job she did in arranging the program, the snacks and making sure all the little details were just right for everyone. Thank you, Franny!! You're the best!!

Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore Front Window

Book I is now available everywhere. The nice folks at Mysterious Galaxy, the largest Sci-fi store in Southern California, did a wonderful job of displaying the book. Thank you, MG!!

Notice the thin dude to the right keeping an eye on things.

Clickity-clack.

THE COOLEST DOG SURFER EVER!

Check out this video for how surfing is done with four legs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc7nS5ldE0M

Gamadin News story

Today's Local News, a San Diego North County newspaper, recently did a story on me and my book. They got it right, too. I want to express my appreciation to TLN's reporter, Leah Masterson, for doing such a professional job, coming to my house (on time :) ), her thoughtful questions and her concern for detail to get the story right, and to photographer Scott Linnett for the great photos, next time I want to be taller than the robob.

Thank you, Leah and Scott!!

READ THE STORY

On Winning

Mark Twain said it best:

Every man has a secret ambition:

to outsmart horses, fish and women . . .

My Dad, 1st Sgt Jack D. Kirkbride

My dad was my greatest hero. Some of the military types in my book were patterned after him. To the left of one of his two Purple Hearts is the Bronze Star. Click the highlight to hear him sing the Marine Corps Hymn in 1941 without any musical back up.

Gamadin Book Jacket

Many of you have asked what the final book jacket will look like. This is pretty much it, except that what you can't see in the photo is the starburst will be gold . The entire logo, including the starburst, will be embossed along with the ship. A big thanks goes to the book designers at Greenleaf Publishers who helped me put the cover design together.

Mike McCombs Painting

I made contact with Mike McCombs, a Lakewood High School friend of mine whom I hadn't connected with in years. I wanted to send him a book because he had read one of my earlier manuscripts way back when and liked it. What better way to return the favor of reading my unedited version, than to send him one of the my first "signed" editions? To my surprise since I last talked to him, Mike has been busy creating some fantastic paintings. Check out this cool painting of a surfer slicing down the face of a wave. Way to go, Mike!

Drop by his website at: http://www.mccombsstudio.com/ and check out the rest of this work. He's even got them for sale, too, in limited edition, signed prints.

The Wedge

In the book, Harlowe rescues the half alien babe, Leucadia Mars, from the movie star Simon Bolt's capsized yacht after it was crushed by a giant wave at the Wedge in Newport Beach, Calfornia. See for yourself at the Wannasurf.com website (http://www.wannasurf.com/spot/North_America/USA/California/Orange_County/the_wedge/), that this surf spot is no out-of-this-world place. The Wedge really does exist and is as dangerous as the book portrays. Visit Daniel's Starr's informative website (http://home.new.rr.com/gemsandus/Wedge.htm) for even more photos of the Wedge and a link to an old Surfer Magazine story I know you'll enjoy.

Teachers and Educators

To my delight, many Teachers and Educators have been ordering my young adult sci-fi book for their classes. They are very excited about a new sci-fi series for their students. To further help the education process, I'll do my best to supplement the reading with some cool websites and blogs where both teachers and students can visit to learn about the many ways science helps make their lives better and fun. I can't imagine my daughter going five minutes without text messaging one of her friends about something. Then there's the Science Channel website (http://science.discovery.com/) where I learned how a pinball machine was made. I didn't know there was a half mile of wiring in every machine, and all done by hand, too. So in the column to the right, as you begin the ride with Harlowe and his gang throughout the cosmos, have fun enjoying the many places you'll go to learn about their world and beyond . . . Do, do, do . . . do, do, do. . . Like the book, I guarantee, life will never be dull.

Special Thanks

I would like to give a special thanks to some very important people in my life that help make this Gamadin Series possible. My parents, Jack and Phyllis. My daughter, Lara. Frank Gaspar's writing class at Long Beach City College. My Pals, Dennis, Dave, Richard and Steve. The best story editor in the world, Suzanne Wishner, who won most, if not all, the battles. Fellow writers, Darlene Quinn and Kathy Porter, for their support. Art Roscoe for having the patience to read my first drafts and supply me with a lot of great criticism. Francesca Romero, for making me look good and for all her hard work in getting the word out there about my book. My publisher, Greenleaf Book Group, for their diligence in making my book the best it could be. And finally, to the many unnamed others who have all contributed along the way . . . THANK YOU!!

Tom

Welcome!!

Hi Everyone! Harlowe, Riverstone, Wiz, Lu, Simon, Monday, the robobs, Mowgi, and yes, even the Dakadudes welcome you all to the Gamadin Blog site. Have fun and enjoy the ride. You're about to travel in a new, high adventure sci-fi series with a couple of seemingly ordinary surfer dudes who rise up to do some extraordinary things. We would love to hear from you. So drop by often and join our heroes as they go INTERGALACTIC, fighting for justice!

Tom vid interview

I'm really excited about my new interview and would like to share it with you. It's a VERY BRIEF insight about the book, plus a few fun pics I know you'll enjoy. Roll 'em!
Tom