Ian Randal Strock

Taking a stand against the abomination that is punctuational minimization, Ian Randal Strock takes a big look at the little marks between words that mean so much. Delving into the genesis and history of punctuation marks (both individually and collectively), he also looks at proposed-and failed-punctuation marks, and suggests new ones. You'll laugh, you'll cringe, you'll sigh with relief. But maybe... just maybe... you'll come away from this book realizing that saving fractions of column inches is no reason to cede the clarity, vibrancy, and artistry of proper punctuation to the legions of language-devaluing, space-saving, text-messaging philistines. Join the fight for proper punctuation Read Punctilious Punctuation▬

Taking a stand against the abomination that is punctuational minimization, Ian Randal Strock takes a big look at the little marks between words that mean so much. Delving into the genesis and history of punctuation marks (both individually and collectively), he also looks at proposed-and failed-punctuation marks, and suggests new ones. You'll laugh, you'll cringe, you'll sigh with relief. But maybe... just maybe... you'll come away from this book realizing that saving fractions of column inches is no reason to cede the clarity, vibrancy, and artistry of proper punctuation to the legions of language-devaluing, space-saving, text-messaging philistines. Join the fight for proper punctuation Read Punctilious Punctuation▬

Things to do while perambulating through the cosmos: ● Invent time travel to avoid being late for work.● Die young to achieve immortality.● Colonize the stars via conspiracy theory. And the big one: ● Learn how to recognize your time-traveling self. Ian Randal Strock's short fiction travels from the deep past to the far future, from the horrifying to the fascinating, and from just next door to the farthest reaches of the imagination. These stories represent the first three decades of his writing career.

Sorcerers, superheroes, and zombies. Out of work, out of luck, out of practice. Gods, clods, or four simple lads. Here are the Beatles as you've never known them before: singing for their supper, singing for their souls, and singing to save the world. Join 25 remarkable authors as they take you Across the Universe. Featuring the stories of: Spider Robinson, Gregory Benford, David Gerrold, Allen M. Steele, Pat Cadigan, Lawrence Watt-Evans, Jody Lynn Nye, Gregory Frost, Cat Rambo, Keith R. A. DeCandido, Gail Z. Martin, Bev Vincent, Brenda W. Clough, Alan Goldsher, Gordon Linzner, Beth W. Patterson, Christian H. Smith, Sally Wiener Grotta, Kenneth Schneyer, Charles Barouch, Carol Gyzander, Patrick Barb, R. Jean Mathieu, Eric Avedissian, and Matthew F. Amati. "This collection is a Magical Mystery Tour through alternate universes where the familiar narrative of the Beatles is turned on its head. Or ear. Or ass. It's fun, irreverent, sexy, and twisted--just like the Fab Four themselves." --Vicki Peterson, The Bangles "I must have read a thousand Beatles books. But not one of them mentioned that the Beatles were attacked by aliens at the Hollywood Bowl. Or talked about their encounter with the Mersey Monster. Or discussed how they became zombies. I had to learn all of this from the thoroughly entertaining anthology Across the Universe. Each of its 25 stories of speculative fiction re-imagine The Beatles in alternative universes, allowing us to laugh at and with John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Highly recommended " --Scott Freiman, creator of Deconstructing the Beatles "Across the Universe is way too much fun It's the Beatles in the Twilight Zone of infinite possibilities Highly recommended " --Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of V-Wars and Rage "Across the Universe is a fantastic, freewheeling, and imaginative romp of a collection. The authors transported me not only across the universe, but to what might have been in many and various alternate universes, all populated by the Beatles and their peculiar possible transmutations. Totally engrossing." --Paul Marshall, I See Hawks In L. A., Strawberry Alarm Clock

Sorcerers, superheroes, and zombies. Out of work, out of luck, out of practice. Gods, clods, or four simple lads. Here are the Beatles as you've never known them before: singing for their supper, singing for their souls, and singing to save the world. Join 25 remarkable authors as they take you Across the Universe. Featuring the stories of: Spider Robinson, Gregory Benford, David Gerrold, Allen M. Steele, Pat Cadigan, Lawrence Watt-Evans, Jody Lynn Nye, Gregory Frost, Cat Rambo, Keith R. A. DeCandido, Gail Z. Martin, Bev Vincent, Brenda W. Clough, Alan Goldsher, Gordon Linzner, Beth W. Patterson, Christian H. Smith, Sally Wiener Grotta, Kenneth Schneyer, Charles Barouch, Carol Gyzander, Patrick Barb, R. Jean Mathieu, Eric Avedissian, and Matthew F. Amati. "This collection is a Magical Mystery Tour through alternate universes where the familiar narrative of the Beatles is turned on its head. Or ear. Or ass. It's fun, irreverent, sexy, and twisted--just like the Fab Four themselves." --Vicki Peterson, The Bangles"I must have read a thousand Beatles books. But not one of them mentioned that the Beatles were attacked by aliens at the Hollywood Bowl. Or talked about their encounter with the Mersey Monster. Or discussed how they became zombies. I had to learn all of this from the thoroughly entertaining anthology Across the Universe. Each of its 25 stories of speculative fiction re-imagine The Beatles in alternative universes, allowing us to laugh at and with John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Highly recommended " --Scott Freiman, creator of Deconstructing the Beatles"Across the Universe is way too much fun It's the Beatles in the Twilight Zone of infinite possibilities Highly recommended " --Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of V-Wars and Rage "Across the Universe is a fantastic, freewheeling, and imaginative romp of a collection. The authors transported me not only across the universe, but to what might have been in many and various alternate universes, all populated by the Beatles and their peculiar possible transmutations. Totally engrossing." --Paul Marshall, I See Hawks In L. A., Strawberry Alarm Clock

Eighteen authors took the writing prompt "release the virgins" and created science fiction, fantasy, comedy, and more featuring Manhattan gangsters, sad superheroes, marathon-running aliens, teenage Cthulhu worshippers, ghost dinosaurs, computer hackers, and even a unicorn or two.

Eighteen authors took the writing prompt "release the virgins" and created science fiction, fantasy, comedy, and more featuring Manhattan gangsters, sad superheroes, marathon-running aliens, teenage Cthulhu worshippers, ghost dinosaurs, computer hackers, and even a unicorn or two.

Breaking one of his own cardinal rules about marketing ("Always present a positive image"), publishing professional Ian Randal Strock offers honest insights for up-and-coming authors who want to make writing a career. The publishing world is constantly in flux, but some hidden truths are eternal. The way to succeed is to learn those truths, and also to pay close attention to the changing business of writerly creativity. Whether you choose to pursue traditional or indie publishing success, you need to know the pitfalls and traps that undermine many writers' careers. This book will give you the grounding you need. Conceived as a companion to Strock's well-received public lectures on the topic, this book deserves its place in your professional writer's toolbox. About the Author: Ian Randal Strock is the publisher of Gray Rabbit Publications/Fantastic Books; an award-winning author of both fiction and non-fiction; and a publishing professional with more than a quarter-century of experience. He has held editorial positions at a variety of magazines, newspapers, and book publishing companies. He is also available to speak to the public.

Breaking one of his own cardinal rules about marketing ("Always present a positive image"), publishing professional Ian Randal Strock offers honest insights for upcoming authors who want to make writing a career. The publishing world is constantly in flux, but some hidden truths are eternal. The way to succeed is to learn those truths, and also to pay close attention to the changing business of writerly creativity. Whether you choose to pursue traditional or indie publishing success, you need to know the pitfalls and traps that undermine many writers' careers. This book will give you the grounding you need. Conceived as a companion to Strock's well-received public lectures on the topic, this book deserves its place in your professional writer's toolbox. About the Author: Ian Randal Strock is the publisher of Gray Rabbit Publications/Fantastic Books; an award-winning author of both fiction and non-fiction; and a publishing professional with more than a quarter-century of experience. He has held editorial positions at a variety of magazines, newspapers, and book publishing companies. He is also available to speak to the public.

With all eyes on their Presidential bosses, the Vice Presidents of the United States have often been relegated to the background. But they are an intriguing group, and now?in this unprecedented and meticulously researched volume?the forty-seven men who have held this position take center stage. Anyone interested in going beyond the headlines and learning about the history of powers behind the Oval Office will want to pore over this one-of-a-kind reference. Here you will find the information you never knew you needed to know about the Vice Presidents, such as who lived the longest, who got married in office, who won the Nobel Prize, and who was charged with treason. Packed with facts, trivia, and lists about all of America’s VPs as well as many of the country’s high-ranking political appointees, Ranking the Vice Presidents presents the hidden history of the nation’s second-in-command.

Have you ever wondered about the lives of the Presidential wives? Much attention has been focused on the Presidents, often ignoring the women who accompany them to the White House. Now it’s time we turn the spotlight on the First Ladies, whose lives give fascinating insight into the history of our country. In this trivia lover’s paradise, no stone is left unturned. You will learn which First Ladies lived the longest, which were the best educated, which had the most children, and which were on the other end of the spectrum. You will also discover which women married their way into the White House, which causes and projects the First Ladies pursued, and so much more. Other family members, including Presidential children, are also described by the numbers; there is even a section on Presidential pets. Brimming with lists, anecdotes, and more, Ranking the First Ladies is a treasure trove for history lovers of all stripes.