Ask the Author: Alan Black
Answered Questions (19)
Alan Black
Originally, Metal Boxes was a single book. Currently, a prequel series is in the works, though we do know where book 5 of the original series is going. There will be more to come. Book five in on the planning list.
We recently published "A Planet with No Name" about space colonization (ASIN: B07Q4PK9X4). It's available in print, eBook, and KindleUnlimited.
We recently published "A Planet with No Name" about space colonization (ASIN: B07Q4PK9X4). It's available in print, eBook, and KindleUnlimited.
Alan Black
Happy to hear you enjoyed the story. Plans for a sequel have been discussed but it is not on the current publication schedule.
Alan Black
The Cover Collection at www.thecovercollection.com designs almost all the science fiction and fantasy covers. Willard (Bill) Wright at www.flickr.com/photos/billwrigt1 handled the artwork for the Metal Boxes series.
Alan Black
Currently, no, but one never knows about the future. For now, the series is complete. Thanks for asking. I hope you enjoyed it. My next science fiction book, A Planet with no Name should be published in a couple months.
Alan Black
Actually, I don't have secrets. It is all about consistency and repetition. If you would like some marketing tips, go to http://tinyurl.com/pa662gx
I have a few ideas saved there for review. Maybe some will strike a chord with you and help.
I have a few ideas saved there for review. Maybe some will strike a chord with you and help.
Alan Black
I have 2 sequels to Empty Space on the production schedule. If everything goes right, you should see BLANK SPACE in February 2017 and VACANT SPACE in October 2017. FYI, the names given here are just place holders. The actual titles may change a dozen times before we publish.
Alan Black
We already have the first three books in the Metal Boxes series.
Metal Boxes
Metal Boxes - Trapped Outside
Metal Boxes - Rusty Hinges
and I am writing book four now. It is Metal Boxes - At the Edge and should be ready around October of 2016.
The series is planned for one more, making a total of five books in the series.
Alan Black
Metal Boxes
Metal Boxes - Trapped Outside
Metal Boxes - Rusty Hinges
and I am writing book four now. It is Metal Boxes - At the Edge and should be ready around October of 2016.
The series is planned for one more, making a total of five books in the series.
Alan Black
Alan Black
Thank you, Lidia. I will certainly check out your links.
Alan Black
Danny,
Nope, except for being in the same state. Lyons in in Rice County in south central Kansas. Salina is in Saline County in north central.
Nope, except for being in the same state. Lyons in in Rice County in south central Kansas. Salina is in Saline County in north central.
Alan Black
Barry,
Thank you. It is one of my favorite too.
It is hard not to leave a door open for a sequel unless the author kills the main characters. Still, this book was written as a cross between a 'coming of age' and 'a fish out of water' story. Having Tasso reach both of those goals and beyond, I met my original story line goals. AS much as I would like to tell you that something is coming, that won't be the case. Titanium Texicans is slated to remain a stand alone novel.
Alan Black
Thank you. It is one of my favorite too.
It is hard not to leave a door open for a sequel unless the author kills the main characters. Still, this book was written as a cross between a 'coming of age' and 'a fish out of water' story. Having Tasso reach both of those goals and beyond, I met my original story line goals. AS much as I would like to tell you that something is coming, that won't be the case. Titanium Texicans is slated to remain a stand alone novel.
Alan Black
Alan Black
Wolfgarr,
Thanks.
Metal Boxes - Rusty Hinges (book three) is scheduled for publication by May 2016 and Metal Boxes - At The Edge (book four) is on the production schedule for release no later than November 2016.
Alan Black
Thanks.
Metal Boxes - Rusty Hinges (book three) is scheduled for publication by May 2016 and Metal Boxes - At The Edge (book four) is on the production schedule for release no later than November 2016.
Alan Black
Alan Black
My next book will be available in February 2016. It is a standalone #scifi story; a zany look at first contact.
Alan Black
I have become a complete pantser, writing from the seat of my pants. I have a start point, an approximate end point, and I know about how long it should take me to get to the end. Other than that, I don't plot.
For example, I am working on the sequel to my #1 best selling scifi novel METAL BOXES. I'm on chapter 11 or 12 and I don't even know where I am gong in the next paragraph.
I can determine the length of the book by imagining a sympathetic and likeable protagonist. Then I throw all of the crap at him/her that I can think of. The more trouble I can get them in, the longer it will take them to get out.
PS This also helps me stay away from the dreaded writer's block. I have to keep writing in order to figure out how to get my characters out of the trouble I got them in. It is sort of like using a cliff hanger on myself.
For example, I am working on the sequel to my #1 best selling scifi novel METAL BOXES. I'm on chapter 11 or 12 and I don't even know where I am gong in the next paragraph.
I can determine the length of the book by imagining a sympathetic and likeable protagonist. Then I throw all of the crap at him/her that I can think of. The more trouble I can get them in, the longer it will take them to get out.
PS This also helps me stay away from the dreaded writer's block. I have to keep writing in order to figure out how to get my characters out of the trouble I got them in. It is sort of like using a cliff hanger on myself.
Alan Black
write something else.
It is all about writing, so write something.
It is all about writing, so write something.
Alan Black
The boss is an a-hole, but I can say anything I want to him and he can't fire me.
Alan Black
Write.
You must write to be a writer. Don't edit. Don't rewrite. Don't fuss with research. Don't check you spelling. Don't correct your grammar. Write your story. You can't fix what hasn't been written.
I usually think up a nice, sympathetic character, I throw a lot of bad things at them and then I write the story of how they get out of trouble.
You must write to be a writer. Don't edit. Don't rewrite. Don't fuss with research. Don't check you spelling. Don't correct your grammar. Write your story. You can't fix what hasn't been written.
I usually think up a nice, sympathetic character, I throw a lot of bad things at them and then I write the story of how they get out of trouble.
Alan Black
I am working on the rewrites to "Larry Goes To Space" and writing (a new genre for me) a Christmas Romance novel. The romance one may never get published since my wife says I don't understand romance.
Alan Black
It is not really inspiration with me. It is more of putting my backside in the chair, fingers on the keyboard, and then just going to work. It is just a job. I will admit that it is the best job in the world, but it is still a job.
Alan Black
My most recent is a western novelette about one woman's struggle to survive in 1890 North Dakota. It is called A COLD WINTER. I met a movie producer at a recent church function. He was looking for a western story set in North Dakota with a small cast. So, I wrote it for him. It doesn't take any more inspiration that that.
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