D.J. Wilde’s Comments (group member since Nov 04, 2015)

D.J. Wilde’s comments from the Ask D.J. Wilde group.

An excerpt from the novel, Chaos Rising! :

Disorientation owned him and Death looked over his shoulder with favor. Somewhere in his subconscious Hakim knew he was in trouble, but his mind retreated into a dream state. Several days ago he stowed away on a trip to an archeological dig about a thousand miles from the Thebes ruins. It was easy to mix in with the other students and escape the notice of Professor Ahmen. He lay with some baggage in the back of a jeep and slept most of the journey. It meant missing his boring agriculture classes, but it was worth it for the sake of a beautiful girl. From the first time he saw her, Ella glowed in his mind.

Angel, that is absolutely awesome. I believe that our kids on the spectrum can show us so much about life that we never knew existed. My son is also on the spectrum and while we worry, he proves what he can do all the time.

How do I get anything done? This is a good question and I'm asked this fairly often. To see what I accomplish, people wonder how I get past my difficulties and actually complete the work. Some people who live with multiple sclerosis (especially if they really struggle) get offended by this question. They feel it diminishes their struggle. I see it as a chance to educate. What I do I have to space out and take my time with. But that still doesn't explain it very well, does it?

When I talk about the mental fogs and severe fatigue it sounds like I just lay in bed every day and do nothing. That certainly is not true. Yes, I struggle and I have to really push myself to get some things done. There are days I get a couple paragraphs written or a section of pencils on an illustration and then I have to stop. Sometimes for hours, sometimes for days. This includes household chores. My cognitive mind derails in mid-project and I have to change up what I'm doing to re-calibrate.

And then, how is it I'm able to social so well in writing when I'm clumsy in person? Not that anyone tells me I'm clumsy socially in person (but I assure you that I am). It's because writing is a different set of social skills. I've also lived a life of baptism by fire. I've had to grow up long before I was supposed to. I apply those experiences to my writing.

Have questions? That's what this group is for! Ask away!

Here is an excerpt from the novel Chessmen: Opening Moves

The Queen of planet Chyssia is dead. She died in childbirth while her infant girl survived. The humble and peaceful people of the planet were wrought with grief. The Queen was loved greatly amongst her subjects for she was fair and gentle in all ways. Nothing would sooth this pain for some time. Even the proud beauty of their world; the luminous grasses and high red mountains, could offer no comfort or peace.
The Falconer has served proudly as leader of the Royal Guard for two generations. He stood just outside the door with the King, while the Queen labored. When the Chancellor came out to report her death, the Falconer had to catch his King who crumpled toward the floor. As his beloved monarch cried and asked how this could be, it pained him to have no answer. Falconer’s mind raged in turmoil.
He went to the top of the highest spire of the castle, where he took time to think and reflect. This was, to him, the most peaceful place in the entire kingdom. He could gaze out upon the beauty of the land and clear his mind. This time, the mind clearing wouldn’t be so easy. There were things that didn’t make sense about the Queen’s death, but Falconer couldn’t put a finger on it. The Chancellor had reported her death as natural from complications in child birth. Despite those findings, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something evil was involved. So he needed to think and think hard. It had now been three days since her death and he felt like the clock was ticking toward some horrible event. He took a deep breath and closed his silvery eyes. He felt the wind course through his ash white hair and press against his chest. The breezes whispered in his ears and cooled his skin. Up there, he could let go of everything and just be one with the air and sky. In his mind, he only saw the smile of the Queen and the face of the infant Princess. He breathed deep and hoped for some answer to come to him, but it was only the sound of the wind. His eyes snapped open as he felt a pair of small feet land on his shoulder. Sharp talons rested against thick black cloth but didn’t pierce through. His spirit-mate, Sersi, nudged his right temple with her beak.
“You still fretting?” she said in his mind.
“Yes,” he answered aloud, not even thinking about their psychic bond. He stared out over the countryside.
“It’s a terrible tragedy, I know. But we don’t have any proof of our suspicions. Shouldn’t we concentrate on protecting the ones that are left?”
“Sersi, you are right, as usual. I just needed to clear my head. We should get back down there now.”
She fluttered away from his shoulder, “See you there!” and she dove fast toward the courtyard below. Few creatures anywhere are as fast as a falcon in a dive. Sersi dropped like a missile toward the ground below. In only a second or so, she spread her wings and lightly landed on the head of a statue in the courtyard. She made flying look ridiculously easy. Sersi craned her neck to look up and watch Falconer.
Falconer gazed down at the courtyard, hundreds of feet below and let go of the pole he stood by. He and Sersi were no strangers to heights. For that matter, no one in the castle was. The entire royal palace was built into the high cliffs of the red mountains. It could only be reached by airship. Falconer leaned forward and let his body yield to gravity. Air rushed past as he sped toward the ground head first. His clothes rustled and wind filled his ears. The courtyard below grew quickly in visual size. The rounded stones of the courtyard floor seemed to reach for him as he plummeted. With a few yards before impact he slowed, turned his body and gently landed on his feet.
“Always catching yourself at the last second,” Sersi chuckled.
“It’s good practice for the reflexes,” Falconer replied, “And as I remember, it’s a trick you taught me. Come, let’s go and check on the King.” He held out his left arm and Sersi fluttered down and landed on it.
They crossed the lush green courtyard and entered a long marble hall. High windows opened to vast balconies. The colors of the tapestries rippled alive in the sun. The Chancellor stood halfway down the hall, waiting for him. The Chancellor always seemed to be an extra serious, if not bitter man. His face carried a scornful expression that moved about as much as the faces of the statues. Falconer couldn’t remember ever seeing the man laugh, much less smile. His robes and ornaments of office were ruler straight, just like the rest of him. Even his long gray beard seemed to have been trimmed with some measuring device. The Chancellor glared hard as Falconer approached, but it was hard to tell the difference from any other time.
“It seems the King is taking some stock in your suspicions about the Queen,” he grumbled, “He wants to see you.”
Falconer paused and looked the Chancellor in the eye, “I know you take offense because my suspicions are against your own findings. But it’s not meant to offend you. Besides, you know my gut feelings. When have they ever been wrong?”
“To your credit, never. None the less, the King will see you know,” the Chancellor cut the conversation and gestured down the rest of the corridor.
Falconer shook his head and carried on toward the throne room.
“Crusty old goat needs to get over himself,” Sersi said.
“Don’t you get started now,” Falconer remembered to use their telepathy this time. He didn’t like having to talk this way. It made him feel like he was hiding something. Still, he didn’t want to escalate bad feelings with the Chancellor any more than they were.
“Well, you’re only doing your job.”
“I know.”
Two armored guards swung the great doors to the chamber open for him to pass through and bowed their heads as customary. Reverence was always required to any member of the royal guard. King Stymus looked up from his kerchief where he had been covering his tear filled eyes and smiled.
“Ah, my trusted friend,” he hefted his large and portly body to standing and his golden robes draped the floor around his feet. His wide and dark red beard showed traces of tears caught in falling. “I’ve been thinking about what you said. Have you had any more thoughts on who could have done this or how?”
Falconer bowed and as he stood, looked back to see the Chancellor glaring at him from the great doors. “No, my King, but my heart and mind know no other questions. I will not give up my cause unless it is your order, as I believe you were considering.”
“Yes, I was. I have decided that you should keep those bright eyes of yours wide open. I have decided that I cannot ignore your suspicions. You have been right far too many times.”
“Then what shall we do, my King?”
“The other Federation members are coming for an emergency meeting. I will have all of my guards and many soldiers here for my protection. I want you to take my daughter out on an airship to protect her. Out there, no one should be able to reach you. The Chancellor will hand pick the crew. Once all is clear, you will bring her back home.”
Falconer nodded, “Your Majesty is most wise. If you say you will be safe, then I will see to this task without fail.”
“I know you will, my friend. I would not trust the job to anyone else. Go now, and prepare your men.”
Falconer bowed again and left the throne room. The Chancellor followed.
“Hold on a moment,” the Chancellor ordered outside the throne room doors.
“Yes, Chancellor?”
“I want to talk to you about that new recruit of yours.”
“Helshred? What about him?”
“He’s a brain damaged brute, that’s what. I know he’s been your little pet since you found him half dead on a mountainside, but he’s a Teri-Moor and I don’t trust him.”
“He’s loyal to a fault.”
“You’ve said that. But every time I see him crouching around with his four hands in those bladed gauntlets, clicking them together like some strange child, I feel sick to my stomach. You better keep your pet on a leash, Falconer.”
“He hasn’t been any trouble and won’t be. Now if you’ll excuse me.” Falconer turned on heel and briskly walked away. It seemed like the Chancellor just wanted something to pick at ever since Falconer aired his suspicions on the Queen’s death. Falconer held high faith in Helshred, even if he was a member of a warring race from another solar system. Teri-Moors boast a muscular red skinned body with four thick arms, three eyes and a long prehensile tail. They were very efficient in battle and known for violent tendencies. When Falconer found Helshred, he was unconscious on a mountainside with a severe head injury. He had on gauntlets with long blades from the fingers that no one could remove. They thought perhaps, he was exiled and the gauntlets were some kind of punishment, meant to make caring for himself difficult. Falconer nursed him back to health and Helshred vowed service in return. No one knew his story past that. They weren’t even sure if he remembered anything of his past. He never said. For that matter, he seldom said anything. His brain damage caused him to use his hands and move by crouching low to the ground like a great ape. When agitated, he would click the blades on his fingers together and mutter his name over and over again. He’d only been seen in combat by practice. He attacked statue dummies with devastating effect. They had an opening in the royal guard when their mind reader died a few months ago. Falconer, brought Helshred in to keep him close and give him a chance at a new life. So far, Helshred had given no reason for doubt in his service. Despite others fears, he had always been gentle and yet protective of everyone in the castle.
Falconer paused and remembered Gren, the mind reader. He had been troubled before being found dead in his quarters. The Chancellor called it a natural death, citing that his time had come. But now Falconer wasn’t so sure. Could the death of the mind reader and the Queen be connected? He shuddered at the thought, trying to dismiss it, but now it nagged him even more. He quickened his pace toward the chambers of the Princess where he found Reigndale standing at her door. Reigndale made military precision a science and he stood steadfast, unmoving at Falconer’s approach. Reigndale was a soldier for one of the other Federation planets. Unlike the other guards who used medieval scales of weaponry, he preferred his energy rifle. He was a crack shot with speed equal to precision. Still, if needed, he had other tricks up his sleeve besides marksmanship. Stark Reigndale served as Falconer’s second in command of the Royal Guard. Next to Helshred, where was no one in the Guard more loyal. Helshred crouched against the wall opposite of Reigndale with most of his claws resting against the stone floor. The Teri-Moor’s eyes were sharply watching from one direction to another. Even if they weren’t, he heard Falconer coming at the same moment Reigndale saw him. Sersi flew over to a nearby window ledge ahead of Falconer and just over Helshred’s shoulder.
“I’m glad I found you together, we have a job to do,” Falconer said as he approached.
“Excellent, sir,” Reigndale nodded.
“Helshred,” the Teri-Moor said gruffly, clicking his blades together.
Falconer filled them in on the details as given by the King.

Angel wrote: "From what I've read of these excerpts your books have a very interesting start to them."

Thank you :D

They are the members of the Chyssia royal guard. When framed for royal murder, they have no choice but to run with the infant princess to save her from the real killer. This proves to be only the beginning of their problems as a threat develops to the entire solar system.

But who are they? Read on to find out.

Falconer: The leader of the guard. He's an elemental of vast power, capable of controlling weather or summoning elements to his command. If only his problems were so simple he could just blow them away. But they aren't. He'll need every ounce of his elemental power for the monsters that will be sent for him. He's a true leader and inspires the ultimate loyalty of his team.

Sersi: The mystical falcon. She's highly intelligent, telepathic and capable of moderate spell use. She harbors a secret that she doesn't even show to her ultimate friend, Falconer. Not to be underestimated for her size, a power dive from her will knock down large enemies. Sersi keeps the group in contact with each other at short distances with her telepathy, making them a tight unit in battle.

Reigndale: An Amnath soldier and the best sniper of his generation. He's second in command of the guard even though he's not from Chyssia. He also holds a secret that not even his Amnath commanding officers ever knew. Only his closest friends in the guard know what happens at certain times when a battle is at it's most dire climax. The very core of his beliefs will be tested when he discovers he can truly never go home.

Helshred: It was long ago that Falconer found a severely injured Terri-Moor on the side of a mountain. After being nursed back to health, Helshred became the most loyal member the guard has ever seen. He is the one who is directly accused of killing the king, but Falconer knows better. Helshred was found bonded to gauntlets with long finger blades on all four of his hands. Due to brain injury, his speech and memory are affected. But in combat, he's fearsome to behold.

Halley: The only human of the guard, he found Chyssia long ago while aimlessly travelling the universe. His Halley's comet shield allows him to travel with the power of the comet, able to smash through nearly any obstacle. This isn't the only power of the shield and Hally's not afraid to demonstrate it.

Viro: Permanently contained in armor of high technology, he can create viruses of his green mists for nearly any purpose imaginable. He's not without his limits, needing to recharge after major feats of his power. He must be vigilant for if his armor is breached, he could destroy worlds. Even great power like his is not enough to solve his home world's problems alone.

Major Xeroh: No one knows where he is from, but the boisterous Major is possibly one of the most powerful beings in the galaxy (when he's with others). Major Xeroh is a cumulative mimic. The more people and creatures around him, the stronger and faster he becomes. He's also able to use the powers of others that are near him. Will this situation be the one to break his ultra-confident spirit?

Messiah: The power of faith can move more than mountains. Messiah's spiritual essence is a bright light that can heal and defend. Can even his faith be tested?

Daxeon: He's a big blue angel of vengeance. How does he appear? The guard are just glad he's on their side. When Daxeon shows up, it's a good time for the opposition to start running.

Excerpt from the short story: London Fables coming in GZ Tales Vol 2

Chief Inspector Jeffries stood by his office door dunking the tea bag in his cup of hot water. He hated for anything to interrupt the ritual of the morning. He almost snarled at the Sergeant presenting him with the manila package.
“It’s marked urgent, Sir, and for you directly.”
Jeffries half groaned as he set down his cup of fresh tea and took the padded package. He tore the end open and a red striped object fell into his hand.
“A candy cane?” Jeffries handed it to the Sergeant and pulled out the folded paper.
In seven days 100,000 people are going to die a horrible death.
“Do you think it’s a joke, Sir?” The Sergeant asked.
“Done in poor humor if it is. Run this for everything. We’ll find the bugger and sort him out.”
“What about this candy cane?”
“Doubt we’ll get anything off that.” Jeffries took it and scrutinized it. “Trash.”
He dropped it in the garbage can near his feet. The explosion killed both men in an instant and tore a gaping hole out of the Chief Inspector’s office to the outside world.

So where can you find all things GZ? Here are the links!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Galaxy-Zento...

My personal FB: https://www.facebook.com/dave.wilde3

Twitter! https://twitter.com/GalaxyZento

Blogspot! http://galaxyzento.blogspot.com/

(Note that there are more links on the blogspot page in the upper right!)

Galaxy Zento on Wix: http://galaxyzento.wix.com/galaxyzento

The board game! https://www.thegamecrafter.com/games/...

Just a few places you can join up with and follow the antics of GZ! Lots more to come!

And don't be shy! Talk to me, I'll talk back!

His 6-foot frame floated in the hydro-chamber for all the scientists to see. His gaping mouth on his fish-like face showed off rows of long pointed teeth. Sharp claws protruded from his long webbed fingers and toes. From either side of his slender waist, the body of an eel protruded and waved back and forth. His black eyes stared without emotion and the fin down the back of his head rippled in the water.
The Coven scientist (pronounced koh-ven ) pressed a few buttons on a control panel next to the massive tank.
“Can you hear me?”
In response the aquatic creature jerked his head toward the man.
“Good. When we found you; you were a cannibalistic serial killer with the law closing in. Do you remember?”
The creature nodded.
“Good. Know that, if we hadn’t intervened, you would be in a cell. We have given you new purpose with Coven. You are a new form of killer we call, Pirahna. You liked to eat your prey and now you can with abandon. The only difference is that we will decide who your prey is. I assure you, there will be enough killing to satisfy your hunger.”
“I didn’t ask you to do this to me.” Piranha’s voice rasped over the speaker. “What if I decide to eat you?”
“Then you should know there are two implants in your body. One is near your heart and the other is in your skull. Any attempt to tamper with either of them will trigger them both and you will die. Try to kill us, and they will be immediately activated and you will die. You’re better off enjoying the power we have given you.”
“Other than being a chewing machine, what sort of power is that?”
“Speed. We’ve made you capable of swimming at least a hundred miles per hour. Your eels can withdraw into your body so they don’t slow you down. They can also deliver a powerful shock to your opponents. Your claws are sharp enough to slice concrete and they’re retractable. We have your first mission and meal all arranged for you. Do you need a day to think about it?”
Piranha only paused for a moment. “No.” He put a clawed hand against the unbreakable glass. “Give me someone to kill.”

Excerpt from Appetites for Power, short story coming up in GZ Tales Vol 2!

No advice is really free. All of it requires some effort on your part if you intend on following any portion of it. I'm posting this to mark the forum for writing advice. I will also consider snippets of your work for critique, but not on erotic or adult topics.

I'm a writer who lives with (brace yourself) Asperger's syndrome (and a sensory disorder), bipolar disorder, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Now anyone who tells you that has no bearing on their work is telling you stories or just has no freaking idea. Having severe disabilities has its impact on my life in every daily thing I do.

People have had all sorts of questions on this. How do I do what I do? All that comes in fragments and is on a day by day basis.

I push against the depression and mental fogs caused by my cocktail of conditions, but I don't win that fight every day. Some days, I just can't think clearly enough to work my craft. Others and thankfully more rare, the depression drains all motivation to try anything.

I take medications and live a personal protocol. I'll be sharing more on that as I go. In the mean time. Questions, personal stories, all welcome.

GZ (Galaxy Zento) is a universe of unique characters and their adventures. So far I have published three books on them and you can see them on the group shelf. I am about to release the second book of short stories.

Currently there are two stand alone novel series represented but eventually, all stories will begin to cross over. The lives of the GZ Universe will be deeply entwined.

GZ boasts "everything but the kitchen sink" not that I would leave out such an important item. There are super powers, futuristic technologies, robots, monsters, demons, dragons, aliens, and more.

Along with the books, I currently have a board game available and hope to expand GZ to graphic novels and even video games. Anywhere could be a stomping ground for GZ.