the thread: Classic Retellings: King Lear in Deep Space with Author C. David Belt > Likes and Comments
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If Time's Plague was turned into a movie, who would be your "dream cast" for Edgar and Llyrica?
Your bio is incredible, you’ve been a pilot, a singer, and a software engineer. Which of these past lives shows up the most in your writing?
Edgar’s journey sounds so intense. To be framed by those closest to you and then have to protect one of them while disguised? That is such a powerful test of character. I’m really interested in the 'Tom Bedlam' persona, it sounds like a brilliant way to explore madness and survival at the same time. This is definitely going on my 'must read' list!
Dream cast...
Llyrica: Scarlett Johansen
Edgar: Chris Evans
My past lives in my writing:
A lot of my male protagonists tend to be software engineers, often with a military aviation background. At least two have been B-52 pilots. But music... music infuses so much of my writing.
Porine wrote: "Edgar’s journey sounds so intense. To be framed by those closest to you and then have to protect one of them while disguised? That is such a powerful test of character. I’m really interested in the..."
Thank you. As a teenager, the "B" story in King Lear fascinated me, particularly the story of Edgar and Edmund and their father. Edgar, posing as poor mad Tom Bedlam, attempting save his father (who betrayed Edgar).
I totally agree with you—that 'test of character' is what makes Edgar such a compelling hero.
Dige wrote: "Your bio is incredible, you’ve been a pilot, a singer, and a software engineer. Which of these past lives shows up the most in your writing?"
Last year, my first B-52 novel was released. I've had a B-52 book in me for decades, but so many aspects would have been classified when I conceived it. I had to wait until recently to be able to tell the story without disclosing formerly classified information. It was fun digging into my old flight manuals.
I strive for historical accuracy in my writing.
I am honestly so gripped by this premise. A quick Q&A isn't enough! Can we please make Time's Plague an official Group Read for the month? I’d love a dedicated space where we can discuss the chapters as we go—there is so much to unpack with the Shakespearean parallels!
Shannon wrote: "I totally agree with you—that 'test of character' is what makes Edgar such a compelling hero."
Edgar certainly feels resentment, even hatred, toward Llyrica, but he just can't bring himself to allow Llyrica to die if there is anything he can possibly do to save her.
Gebare wrote: "I am honestly so gripped by this premise. A quick Q&A isn't enough! Can we please make Time's Plague an official Group Read for the month? I’d love a dedicated space where we can discuss the chapte..."
For what it's worth, you've got my vote!
Dave, your background as a pilot adds so much layers to this. I have a few friends who aren't in this group yet but would LOVE this book. Dee, will there be a recap or a feature on this in the next Club Newsletter? I want to make sure I can forward the details to my fellow sci-fi fans
Joyce wrote: "Dave, your background as a pilot adds so much layers to this. I have a few friends who aren't in this group yet but would LOVE this book. Dee, will there be a recap or a feature on this in the next..."
Thank you. Although I've never been in space, many of the grittier aspects of aviation, particularly military aviation applied: g-forces, physiological effects on the human body, etc.
it sounds like the 'Hades' colony is officially taking over our calendars. I’m going to look into our 'Featured Book of the Month' schedule right now. Dave, we’d love to have you drop in for a 'spoiler-friendly' chat once everyone has finished the final chapters
Gebare wrote: "it sounds like the 'Hades' colony is officially taking over our calendars. I’m going to look into our 'Featured Book of the Month' schedule right now. Dave, we’d love to have you drop in for a 'spo..."
I'd be thrilled to participate. I love these characters. Especially, Ted and Eilie.
that is so wonderful to hear! We would absolutely love to welcome your friends into the community whenever they are ready to join the conversation.
Regarding your question about a recap, we are actually planning a deep-dive feature that will highlight these specific technical nuances. We want to ensure that those who couldn't join the live discussion still get a sense of how those "gritty" aviation details shaped the realism of the story. Stay tuned for the next update, as we’ll have more details on that soon
I love that you mentioned Ted and Eilie, Dave! Every great epic needs those characters that the readers just want to protect at all costs.
Dee wrote: "I love that you mentioned Ted and Eilie, Dave! Every great epic needs those characters that the readers just want to protect at all costs."
In many ways, Ted and Eilie represent the concept of finding nobility in the unlikeliest places.
Finding nobility in the unlikeliest places... I think that is the perfect note to end our live session on. It’s a reminder that even in a place like Hades, the human spirit can still shine.
My heart breaks for Edgar. To be disfigured and lose your voice, then have to protect the person who betrayed you... it’s such a powerful test of character. Do you think Edgar is looking for revenge, or is he secretly hoping for a reason to forgive her?
Dee wrote: "Finding nobility in the unlikeliest places... I think that is the perfect note to end our live session on. It’s a reminder that even in a place like Hades, the human spirit can still shine."
Thank you for inviting me.
And that’s a wrap on our live session!
To our incredible members: Thank you so much for joining us today and for your thoughtful, deep questions. Your passion is what makes the Cosy Book Club the best community on Goodreads! I’m so glad so many of you connected with the themes of loyalty and 'finding nobility' that Dave shared with us.
To C. David Belt: Dave, a massive thank you to you for being so generous with your time and your stories. From the cockpit of a B-52 to the prison moons of Callisto, you’ve taken us on quite a journey today! It’s been an absolute pleasure hosting you.
Dave, before we sign off:
How did you feel about the discussion today? Did our readers' perspective on Edgar and Llyrica surprise you?
Looking ahead, what do you feel is the one thing your book needs right now to reach even more readers? (Is it more reviews, a wider spotlight, or getting into the hands of more 'Classic' fans?)
We’d love to hear your thoughts as we prepare to make Time's Plague our featured read!
Dee wrote: "And that’s a wrap on our live session!
To our incredible members: Thank you so much for joining us today and for your thoughtful, deep questions. Your passion is what makes the Cosy Book Club the..."
I thoroughly enjoyed our discussion. Did your reader's perspective on Edgar and Llyrica surprise me? Not really.
More reviews and a wider spotlight would definitely help.
I'm so grateful that you are going to feature Time's Plague. I look forward to further interactions and more questions.
Thank you.
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If Time's Plague was turned into a movie, who would be your "dream cast" for Edgar and Llyrica?
Your bio is incredible, you’ve been a pilot, a singer, and a software engineer. Which of these past lives shows up the most in your writing?
Edgar’s journey sounds so intense. To be framed by those closest to you and then have to protect one of them while disguised? That is such a powerful test of character. I’m really interested in the 'Tom Bedlam' persona, it sounds like a brilliant way to explore madness and survival at the same time. This is definitely going on my 'must read' list!
Dream cast...Llyrica: Scarlett Johansen
Edgar: Chris Evans
My past lives in my writing: A lot of my male protagonists tend to be software engineers, often with a military aviation background. At least two have been B-52 pilots. But music... music infuses so much of my writing.
Porine wrote: "Edgar’s journey sounds so intense. To be framed by those closest to you and then have to protect one of them while disguised? That is such a powerful test of character. I’m really interested in the..."Thank you. As a teenager, the "B" story in King Lear fascinated me, particularly the story of Edgar and Edmund and their father. Edgar, posing as poor mad Tom Bedlam, attempting save his father (who betrayed Edgar).
I totally agree with you—that 'test of character' is what makes Edgar such a compelling hero.
Dige wrote: "Your bio is incredible, you’ve been a pilot, a singer, and a software engineer. Which of these past lives shows up the most in your writing?"Last year, my first B-52 novel was released. I've had a B-52 book in me for decades, but so many aspects would have been classified when I conceived it. I had to wait until recently to be able to tell the story without disclosing formerly classified information. It was fun digging into my old flight manuals.
I strive for historical accuracy in my writing.
I am honestly so gripped by this premise. A quick Q&A isn't enough! Can we please make Time's Plague an official Group Read for the month? I’d love a dedicated space where we can discuss the chapters as we go—there is so much to unpack with the Shakespearean parallels!
Shannon wrote: "I totally agree with you—that 'test of character' is what makes Edgar such a compelling hero."Edgar certainly feels resentment, even hatred, toward Llyrica, but he just can't bring himself to allow Llyrica to die if there is anything he can possibly do to save her.
Gebare wrote: "I am honestly so gripped by this premise. A quick Q&A isn't enough! Can we please make Time's Plague an official Group Read for the month? I’d love a dedicated space where we can discuss the chapte..."For what it's worth, you've got my vote!
Dave, your background as a pilot adds so much layers to this. I have a few friends who aren't in this group yet but would LOVE this book. Dee, will there be a recap or a feature on this in the next Club Newsletter? I want to make sure I can forward the details to my fellow sci-fi fans
Joyce wrote: "Dave, your background as a pilot adds so much layers to this. I have a few friends who aren't in this group yet but would LOVE this book. Dee, will there be a recap or a feature on this in the next..."Thank you. Although I've never been in space, many of the grittier aspects of aviation, particularly military aviation applied: g-forces, physiological effects on the human body, etc.
it sounds like the 'Hades' colony is officially taking over our calendars. I’m going to look into our 'Featured Book of the Month' schedule right now. Dave, we’d love to have you drop in for a 'spoiler-friendly' chat once everyone has finished the final chapters
Gebare wrote: "it sounds like the 'Hades' colony is officially taking over our calendars. I’m going to look into our 'Featured Book of the Month' schedule right now. Dave, we’d love to have you drop in for a 'spo..."I'd be thrilled to participate. I love these characters. Especially, Ted and Eilie.
that is so wonderful to hear! We would absolutely love to welcome your friends into the community whenever they are ready to join the conversation.Regarding your question about a recap, we are actually planning a deep-dive feature that will highlight these specific technical nuances. We want to ensure that those who couldn't join the live discussion still get a sense of how those "gritty" aviation details shaped the realism of the story. Stay tuned for the next update, as we’ll have more details on that soon
I love that you mentioned Ted and Eilie, Dave! Every great epic needs those characters that the readers just want to protect at all costs.
Dee wrote: "I love that you mentioned Ted and Eilie, Dave! Every great epic needs those characters that the readers just want to protect at all costs."In many ways, Ted and Eilie represent the concept of finding nobility in the unlikeliest places.
Finding nobility in the unlikeliest places... I think that is the perfect note to end our live session on. It’s a reminder that even in a place like Hades, the human spirit can still shine.
My heart breaks for Edgar. To be disfigured and lose your voice, then have to protect the person who betrayed you... it’s such a powerful test of character. Do you think Edgar is looking for revenge, or is he secretly hoping for a reason to forgive her?
Dee wrote: "Finding nobility in the unlikeliest places... I think that is the perfect note to end our live session on. It’s a reminder that even in a place like Hades, the human spirit can still shine."Thank you for inviting me.
And that’s a wrap on our live session! To our incredible members: Thank you so much for joining us today and for your thoughtful, deep questions. Your passion is what makes the Cosy Book Club the best community on Goodreads! I’m so glad so many of you connected with the themes of loyalty and 'finding nobility' that Dave shared with us.
To C. David Belt: Dave, a massive thank you to you for being so generous with your time and your stories. From the cockpit of a B-52 to the prison moons of Callisto, you’ve taken us on quite a journey today! It’s been an absolute pleasure hosting you.
Dave, before we sign off:
How did you feel about the discussion today? Did our readers' perspective on Edgar and Llyrica surprise you?
Looking ahead, what do you feel is the one thing your book needs right now to reach even more readers? (Is it more reviews, a wider spotlight, or getting into the hands of more 'Classic' fans?)
We’d love to hear your thoughts as we prepare to make Time's Plague our featured read!
Dee wrote: "And that’s a wrap on our live session! To our incredible members: Thank you so much for joining us today and for your thoughtful, deep questions. Your passion is what makes the Cosy Book Club the..."
I thoroughly enjoyed our discussion. Did your reader's perspective on Edgar and Llyrica surprise me? Not really.
More reviews and a wider spotlight would definitely help.
I'm so grateful that you are going to feature Time's Plague. I look forward to further interactions and more questions.
Thank you.
Join the Cosy Book Club for an exclusive Q&A with author, historian, and former B-52 pilot C. David Belt! We are diving into his gripping sci fi novel, Time's Plague, a masterfully crafted tale of betrayal, spiritual blindness, and survival on the hellish moon of Callisto.
Dave brings a staggering amount of experience to his writing from his time flying 200 feet off the ground in mountainous terrain to his obsession with medieval weaponry. Today, he’s here to discuss how he wove the classic themes of King Lear into a high stakes interplanetary thriller.
Whether you’re a fan of the Bard, a sci-fi enthusiast, or just love a story about an underdog fighting for honor in the unlikeliest of places, this is a discussion you won't want to miss.
Dave will be joining us live at 3:00 PM (London Time) to answer your questions!
Pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s welcome Dave to the club. Drop your questions in the comments below!