Peter Lukes's Blog

Welcome to our little blog hop.  I'm honored to be a part of this promotion with some truly talented authors. We're all giving away one of our books at each of the participating blogs (the five other blogs are listed below).

This means everyone who enters has the chance to win a book package of over seven books by five different authors that each blog is giving away.  One book is a trilogy, so that's over seven different books from six different authors, all in the sci-fi or speculative fiction genres.

You can enter by simply following this blog (little blue bar to the right of the photo of me that says "join this site"), or follow me on twitter (another link on the right) or post some comment below.  That's it!  Then go on to the next blog and enter again for more chances to win.

We were asked to write a little something about the book we're giving away, and I wanted to talk a little bit about the main character in my book, The Dominus Runes.

Thomas Gianmarco is part Han Solo, part James Bond, and part Tony Soprano.  That's a pretty interesting combo, don't you agree?  His name was a combination of Saint Thomas, who was known to question the apostle's claims regarding Jesus (this is where we get the term "Doubting Thomas"), and Gianmarco, an Italian name that has derivations from personality traits of an aloof person who is actually quite kind and caring on the inside.

These do describe our protagonist, who not only doubts the new religions of his post-apocalyptic world, but often behaves as a misogynistic philanderer.   Ultimately we see that he's actually a pretty decent guy underneath the exterior.  

He is a modern day outlaw, and he definitely knows how to party.  But what he doesn't seem to realize is that he's not as selfish as he likes to believe.  Growing up in a war torn and ravaged world where few if any showed him love has created a hard shell and forced him to do many things that were pretty ugly in order to survive, but he has never lost his humanity.  This concept is key to the novel- where humanity can fall, it can also rise again, both physically and metaphorically.  

In the end, the book is an adventure novel, plain and simple.  I wanted to write the kind of book that I loved reading as a kid, and the kind of book I'd like to read now.  Fun is the key ingredient, along with a pretty wild post-apocalyptic world where basically anything goes.  Did I mention it's a world ruled by demonic supernatural overlords?  Yeah, there's that too.  Take a look.  I hope you win the contest and I hope you get to enjoy all of these fine novels!


Tammy Salyer | http://tammysalyer.wordpress.comContract of Defiance
Isaac Hooke | http://isaachooke.com The Forever Gate Compendium
Moira Katson | moirakatson.com The Light; Shadow Trilogy (That's right! Trilogy!)
Scott Whitmore | http://scottwhitmorewriter.wordpress.com/The Devil's Harvest
Joseph Lallo | www.bookofdeacon.comRise of the Red Shadow

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Giveaway ends August 05, 2013.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

   I know that I haven't blogged in a while, but I've been trying to, ya know, write books and such.  I do keep my Twitter account quite active, and I wanted to share some beautiful artwork that Laia Zacarias sent me via Twitter.  
   Laia is in Barcelona, Spain and if you need cover art or really ANY cool artwork, look her up at AyshaQueenBee on Twitter!  These particular pictures are her interpretation of our hero from Perchance to Dream, Manuel Corr, doing his thing in the Sub-Net.  I personally think they are, as we say in Massachusetts, wicked cool.  
   A big THANKS to Laia!!

My Youthful Encounter with The Gods and Heroes of Greek Mythology


     Hello, and welcome to my entry in the Mythology Blog Hop.  First of all, I will be giving away two e-books of each of my titles, as well as one paperback copy of each, for a total of six prizes.  You can see more about either book by clicking on their covers to the right.
     I ask that you enter the contest by following my blog by clicking that little rectangular blue box to the right that says "Join This Site."  If you aren't on Google or you can't do that, then please follow me on Twitter by clicking here.  Leave me a comment below to let me know what you would prefer (e-book or paperback) and that you've entered the contest.
     So, on to my mythology thoughts.  My first encounter with mythology was the Greek variety.  I remember seeing the "older" kids in junior high who were carrying an assigned book for English that had all sorts of mythological characters on the cover.  Since I wouldn't be assigned that reading for two more years, I "borrowed" a copy from the English teacher.  I don't recall asking to borrow it and I don't recall getting permission, and I know that the book itself is still on a shelf in my room at my parent's house, but you get the idea.
     The stories were fascinating.  I loved every word and I read them over and over.  Being partly of Greek descent, but having never attended real Sunday School, I asked my parents why we didn't still worship the Greek Gods.  It all seemed so cool and, hey, we came up with it in the first place.  After a convoluted answer about "paganism" and "Jesus" which really didn't register, I dropped it, still thinking that my ancestors made a big mistake by giving this stuff up.  Regardless, the fire was lit, and a love for fantasy and science fiction was hastened.
     The difficult thing about the Greek myths has always been that they don't follow a real flow, mostly because many of the stories were conceptualized independently by many different authors.  They were also passed on by word of mouth and, well, we all know how that can go.  Thus, we have characters who are simultaneously sisters and mothers and cousins to one another, and plots that don't always make perfect sense.  
     Even with the many inconsistencies, most of the characters and basic stories have survived, and been imitated, for thousands of years.  Mythologies and stories of "Gods" were the original science fiction/fantasy. These are stories that have captivated humanity since story-telling began.  In our modern-day thinking, there are those who are actually re-examining many of the myths and putting scientific (or perhaps science-fiction-y) spins on them with terms like "Ancient Aliens."  Could so many of the myths have some shred of truth to them, and if so, are there realistic explanations for supernatural occurrences that took place thousands of years ago?
     Like many others, I'm fascinated by the possibility of myths being real.  Until we find the actual crashed space-ship, however, I will stick to enjoying the stories and adding some story telling of my own to hopefully create myths that another generation can enjoy.  Who knows, maybe in five thousand years someone will be interpreting one of my wild plots and giving it a scientific explanation too.
Thanks for reading my brief addition to the hop!  If you'd like to return to Book Lover's Hideaway, click here.

Or, follow the next link below.  Thanks again!

1.Book Lover's Hideaway- Both28.Layna Pimentel55.Not Now... Mommy's Reading2.Rosalie Lario29.Mina Khan56.Bookswagger3.Identity Discovery30.M.W. Muse57.K.E. Saxon4.Salacious Reads31.Emily Fuller's Fantasy Blog58.Aubrey Rose5.Booked & Loaded32.Indy Book Fairy59.A Fantasy to Remember6.The Jeep Diva33.Sapphire Kande - BDSM Author60.Susan Frances7.Buffy's Ramblings34.Mary @SweepingMe (Int)61.Urban Fantasy Author Angela Roquet8.Close Encounters with the Night Kind35.DC Juris62.Romance Book Club (US)9.herding cats & burning soup36.Confessions of the Paranormal63.Jess Buffett - M/M Erotic Romance Author10.Katie Teller37.Jennifer Wedmore64.Tabitha Conall11.Love Saves the World (INT)38.2 Bibliophiles Guide to Seriously Awesome Books65.Taylor Michaels12.Share My Destiny (INT)39.Christina Condy66. Peter Lukes 13.Ellie Potts40.Ohana Day Academy (AUS)67.Keith Yatsuhashi14.Carly Fall41.Mary Lynn Bast68.Kaitlin Bevis (INT)15.Sabrina Garie42.Book Monster Reviews (INT)69.Ann Gimpel16.Sheri Fredricks, Modern Mythic Romance43.Victoria Pinder70.L. J. LaBarthe17.Carly Fall, Where Fantasy Meets Romance44.Felicity Heaton - Paranormal Romance Author (INT)71.Fangs, Claws and Demons YA Blog18.D. X. Luc's Island45.Lisa Beth Darling72.Crystal's Random Thoughts ( Int)19.Rosanna Leo46.Victoria Danann73.J. Lynnes20.My Reading Obsession47.Savings in Seconds74.Mandy Earles21.LM Preston48.tessa stokes75.Twisting Minds One Word at a Time...22.Just Jeannie's Books & Bling49.H. D. Thomson - Paranormal Romance76.Reading Reality23.Orin's Insights50.Kindred Dreamheart77.Jianne Carlo24.Read Our Lips! Book Review Blog51.Erotic Paranormal Romance Author Rose Wynters INT78.Just Jeannie's Book's & Bling25.Kelly L Lee52.Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews79.Tmonique Stephens26.Dana Littlejohn53.Kendall McKenna - Love & Dog Tags

27.Nya Rayne54.Caris Roane

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Goodreads Book Giveaway The Dominus Runes by Peter Lukes Giveaway ends May 27, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win

Welcome to my chapter of the Heroes and Villains Blog Hop.  I will be giving away TWO PAPERBACK copies and TWO E-BOOKS of my latest novel, The Dominus Runes, for a total of four individual prizes.  Please let me know if you can only accept paperbacks, as I wouldn't want you to win a useless gift.
In order to enter, do any of the following:
1) Become a "follower" of this blog by clicking that little blue button that says "Join This Site" over there to the right of my photo ---->2) Become a fan of mine on Goodreads, Click Here.3) Follow me on Twitter, Click Here.4) Leave some sort of comment at the end of this article to tell me you did any of the above and, if you need to, let me know if you can only accept a paperback.
Thanks for participating in our blog hop!
Now, on to my thoughts about Heroes and Villains.
Originally, I was going to discuss the blurring of lines between antagonists and protagonists, since that seems to be the big trend these days.  We keep seeing how bad guys are often just "misunderstood" or that they have a softer side once you get to know them.  Lots of authors, myself included, also tend to get into some of the less appealing sides of our heroes, because that's really what makes them human and, for the reader, relate-able. 
I had a change of heart halfway through writing the article, however, for a few reasons.  First, the Boston Marathon bombing hit close to home for me.  I'm from Massachusetts and I used to watch the marathon from ground zero when I lived in Boston.  Second, I've had the opportunity to view a plethora of children's super hero cartoons over the last year, having a son who is into that stuff.  What do these two things have to do with my article?
First, I think that evil-doers, although justified in their own minds, are not justified from a societal standpoint, and that evil acts should be called just that- evil.  Certain universal traits of bad behavior characterize evil no matter what, and villains should be made to pay for their acts.  This is true in life as it is in fiction.  The antagonist gets it in the end, and we cheer.  Rightfully so.  Fiction seems to be increasingly excusing villains through justifications or worse, sometimes fiction portrays evil as being "cool."  While I understand that television series such as Dexter are for adults, fiction of this kind is nevertheless idolizing a serial killer and justifying homicide.  Granted that none of us want cookie cutter stories, and the change of perspective inherent in a Dexter storyline is intriguing, but writers should bear some responsibility to present our heroes and villains with proper consequences for their actions, good or bad.
While I don't want to give a sermon here, this does bring me to the second reason for my topic- the super hero cartoon. Through the modern use of Netflix and other systems, we have a multitude of super hero cartoons at our digital fingertips in my house.  This has allowed me to watch the genre from 1970's era through today, and my how they've changed.  I'm not talking about the animation or even the plots, but about the level and type of violence being committed by both heroes and villains.
In the 70's and 80's versions, we often see the hero use a superpower to constrain the villain indirectly.  For instance, Superman creates an avalanche that buries his foe, rather than picking the foe up like a ragdoll and smashing his entire body repeatedly against the ground, as the more recent episodes show.  Our kids are even getting the message that evil can be good and good can be bad, and that it's all a matter of perspective.  But is it?  Aren't there behaviors and actions that are inherently wrong, as well as those that are admirable or righteous?
The actions of our fictional heroes and villains can become incorporated into society, and vice versa.  I like to get into the heads of characters, good and bad, when I read a book, but as a writer I am going to make sure that I arrange the behavior and the consequences to reflect what I would like to see happen in the real world around us.  I think it can be done without being preachy and without sacrificing originality or depth.   And wouldn't it be great if art could have a positive impact on the behavior or philosophies of society, so that villainy is frowned upon and heroism praised?

Long live the well written hero and villain, and let them be distinctive in their roles!
Below are the list of other authors on the blog hop so that you may continue on your way.  There are some fantastic people here, so please visit them all, and thanks again!
-Peter
Blog

Nyki BlatchleyMartin BoltonDebra BrownAdrian ChamberlinMike CooleyKarin CoxJoanna FayPeter B ForsterRon FritschJoanne HallJolea M HarrisonTinney Sue HeathEleni Konstanine“K. Scott LewisPaula LoftingLiz LongPeter LukesMark McClellandM. Edward McNallySue MillardRhiannon DouglasGinger MyrickDavid PillingEM PowellKim RendfeldTerry L SmithTara WestMike Cooley

Click on the link below to enter if you're on Goodreads.  Contest ends May 6!!
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Goodreads Book Giveaway The Dominus Runes by Peter Lukes Giveaway ends May 06, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win

THE NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP
What is a blog hop? Basically, it’s a way for readers to discover authors new to them.  I hope you'll find new-to-you authors whose works you enjoy. On this stop on the blog hop, you'll find a bit of information on me and one of my books and links to three other authors you can explore!My gratitude to fellow author T. L. Smith for inviting me to participate in this event. You can click the following link to learn more about her work. Website:  http://tlsmith-sfauthor.blogspot.comIn this blog hop, I and my fellow authors, in their respective blogs, have answered ten questions about our book or work-in--progress (giving you a sneak peek).  We've also included some behind-the-scenes information about how and why we write what we write--the characters, inspirations, plotting and other choices we make. I hope you enjoy it!
Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions. Here is my Next Big Thing! 1: What is the working title of your book? American Soil 2: Where did the idea come from for the book?It's kind of a cross between Red Dawn and Game of Thrones in the sense that post-apocalyptic fiction is huge right now, along with governmental/societal collapse.  But much of the fiction relating to post-apocalyptic America from a survivalist or prepper standpoint is extremely simple.  The current works are more like a litany of survivalist and prepping jargon strung together loosely with some story, than an actual adventure novel.  I'm thinking that the genre is getting mainstream enough that readers want more; more drama, more exciting characters, more story.
3. What genre does your book come under?Post-apocalyptic survivalist
4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?Main character would probably be Tom Cruise because the guy is short and small in stature but powerful underneath.  I have a psycho Texas colonel who would probably be best portrayed by Matthew McConaughey, and a love interest who is another tough Texas gal who could be brought to life by Reese Witherspoon.  Ideally, I would love Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to play one of the military CIA special ops characters and R. Lee Ermey to act as the love interest's father who is a militia leader.
5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?When America falls, will her patriots stand tall in the face of enemies, both foreign and domestic?
6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?I haven't decided yet.  It's still in the process of being written!
7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?I estimate that it will take about a year by the time I'm finished.
8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?There is no book in this genre that is like this one.  The number of strong characters and the plot will be much more in depth than any similar novels.  This is why I compare it to The Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones).
9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?I've always loved similar novels even though they have been incredibly simplistic from a story perspective.  I'm a bit of a survivalist and prepper myself and, like many people, I worry about the state of the world and what could happen...  Along with what we'd have to do to survive.
10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?The entire Tea Party/Prepper/Survivalist/Government Conspiracy crowd will enjoy this story because it has elements of every one of those group's beliefs contained within it.  Financial ruin brought on by disastrous government policy, terrorist suitcase nukes, EMP, Illuminati control over governments- it's all in here but focused on one man's journey through the rubble.  Who’s next on the NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP?
So glad you asked!Below you will find authors who will be joining me by blog, next Wednesday. Do be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for updates on Works in Progress and New Releases! Happy Writing and Reading! Vasileios Kalampakas blog: www.stoneforger.com
Jasper T. Scott's blog: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Clarissa Johal's blog: http://clarissajohal.blogspot.com/ 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Spectrum of Speculative Fiction Blog Hop!  I had a lot of fun hearing from people and I hope the participants had a great time meeting some new authors.
Now, drum roll please...  We have the winners to announce:
Winners of a copy of Perchance to Dream are:Jaime B.  and Rosie from Atomic Whale Designs
Winners of a copy of The Dominus Runes are:Rainbow and Elizabeth B.
ATTENTION "RAINBOW"- I do not have an email address for you, so when you see this, please email, tweet or message me in some form to give me your contact info.  Thanks!
I hope you all enjoy your books and congrats to the winners on the other 14 blogs!

Welcome, and thanks for participating in our blog hop.  I will be giving away two PRINT copies of my short novel, Perchance to Dream, and two E-BOOK copies of my latest full-length novel, The Dominus Runes.  Therefore, four lucky participants will get some new reading material soon!  If you'd like to learn more about either book, feel free to visit my author website by clicking here.

In order to enter my contest for this event, please do one (or both if you'd like) of the following:

1) Follow this Blog by clicking that little blue bar to the right that says "Join This Site" where you see my list of followers, OR

2) Follow me on Twitter, which you can do by clicking the "Follow Me on Twitter" button, also to the right. ----->

Lastly, leave me some comment on this post, telling me that you signed up for the contest.  Good luck!

Now, on to my actual blog post for your amusement...

This is a speculative fiction theme, and many times, speculative fiction means different things to different people.  For me, it means that you're writing (or reading) something that is outside the norm of reality.  This can include basic science fiction, or magical realism, or paranormal romance, or pretty much anything that DOESN'T, and COULDN'T, happen to people in their everyday lives.

I realize that's a broad interpretation.  Moreover, I like to take it to extremes in my writing.  I also like to mix genres, which is not always okay with some "purists."  Science fiction must involve real science or at least theoretical science that is based on solid math.  Really?  What fun is that?  Time travel fiction must adhere to absolute scientific theories of time and space.  Why?  Magical systems in fantasy literature cannot be mixed and matched with real science or chemistry.  Says who?

There are thousands of epic fantasy stories out there that adhere to the identical rhythm.  The same is true of the more traditional, hard science fiction.  Many of these such novels are exceptional and, don't get me wrong, I love a good old fashioned fantasy or sci-fi read myself.  But if I really want an escape, I go for something totally out of the ordinary.  Why can't I go on a journey into a world where magic happens, technology intrigues, different alien life exists, all on a foreign planet and within the same 300 pages?  Why can't I take my readers on that kind of a journey too?

That's the way I look at writing.  I like to create an adventure with a little horror, some supernatural and magic, and a sprinkle of futuristic technology here and there.  I've also made it a pseudo "trademark" to have some form of a zombie reference in everything I write, even if it's only a joke or minor comment...  Mostly because zombies are just super cool.

What say you on this topic?  Are you a fan who loves Star Trek but dumps on Star Wars or vice-versa?  Does the concept of a "space mage" irritate you?  Or are you like me, and you loved the movie "Time Bandits" when you were a kid, even though it defied common sense, history and realism?  Did you watch it when you were twelve and think, "I'd love that to happen to me!"  

Well, that's what you can expect with any of my projects; past, current or future.  I refuse to be restrained by the traditional limits of certain genres!  I'd love to take you on some of the wild journeys that find their way from my head to my laptop, and I hope you enjoy the other fine authors on this blog hop.

When you're done here, please "hop" to the next blog from the list of links below.  At every stop, you'll see this same list of links at the bottom of the post.  Each author will be offering something as a contest, so sign up for each and discover some new authors in the process.

Best wishes and happy reading!