Cubeball
by Michael Leon
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GENRE: Sci-fi
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BLURB:
A
naturally gifted ex-national champion and a savant with a computer-like mind
compete against the world's best in the 22nd century's most popular sport -
CUBEBALL - the chess-like, technology-enhanced, snooker of the future where the
world stage is dominated by gambling, drugs and massive audiences.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT:
Jules’ gaze emboldened Mickey to reveal his special gift to
her. He strode confidently to the cue-ball and lined up one of the most
difficult shots in cubeball. Then with little thought, he cracked the cue-ball
with a force that matched the passion he was feeling. The curve on the first
line was more pronounced than the programmed line set by the computer.
Mickey had struck the
perfect shot. Sam and Riley sat staring at the console, mesmerised by what they
had just seen and eager to re-capture its perfection on replay. Only champions
could play this way and it was clear to all that Mickey was developing into
one.
“Fucking incredible,” said Johnnie. His eyes were wide.
Filled with awe for Mickey’s skills and expectation with how much he could earn
from it.
Mickey didn’t hear his appreciative manager. He didn’t see
the small tear that had formed in his kid sister’s admiring eye. His gaze
remained on Jules. She brushed her hair back on to her shoulders before resting
her slender hands on her hips. Her mouth was wide open, breathing in her excitement
for what she had just seen. Then her eyes revealed that there was more to her
feelings than that of an adoring fan. Her gaze began to fill with a stirring
hunger. Fate was beginning to move into Mickey’s life like an evening moon
tide.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
I worked with
national and international organisations as a business analyst in Australia and
overseas. I authored many business books analysing the foodservice and food
retail industry in Australia, Europe and Asia, as well as agribusiness global
trends. I also ran a consultancy
business that assisted Australian enterprises to develop new markets in
Australia and overseas.
I commenced
writing science fiction novels full time in 2009. It was a life-long interest
of mine. I have written five novels - all exploring contemporary social issues
in future speculative worlds. They are: Shadow Dance; Extinction; Cubeball;
Titan Sages and Alive. My novels blend speculative science, new age and poetry.
Readers of novels such as Carl Sagan’s Contact would enjoy my novels.
Links:
Website:
http://www.michaelleon.com.au/
Buy link:
Advice for writers.
First and foremost, write a story that
is important to you. Writing a book to publisher stage is a long and exhaustive
process, sometimes taking years! So make sure you believe in the project. Then
you will be more likely to succeed.
I’m not from the school of writers who
overly plan. Don’t get me wrong, I do research for many months before
commencing my novel. But once I commence the process of writing a first draft,
I try to write it quickly. So I rely more on my creativity to develop the plot.
Then I work with my characters to move the action forward.
Some of my best science fiction ideas
come from science fact. I’ve always enjoyed reading popular science, as so much
of the work carried out by scientists in the last century has been
awe-inspiring. I am a voracious reader and viewer of popular science books and
shows. Studies of the cosmos are of particular interest, starting way back with
Carl Sagan’s Cosmos. I liked the way he blended physics with poetic verse.
Brian Cox is of a similar vein. I enjoyed his Wonder of the Universe series.
My next novel actually pays tribute to
a fascinating area of physics, known as multiverse theory. Some scientists
believe that we live in a multiverse made up of possibly an infinite number of
universes. If this were true, it could mean that we have an infinite number of
lives – a mind-boggling thought!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will
win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
Thank you LibriAmoriMiei for hosting me today and thanks to Goddess Fish! Wishing everyone good luck in the giveaway!
RispondiEliminaCubeball! What an interesting concept.
RispondiEliminaHi Silvia! Thanks for visiting! I'm glad you found it interesting. I tried to imagine how sport would evolve in the next century. If you find the time to read Cubeball, I hope you enjoy it and I'd appreciate your feedback!
EliminaI appreciate the advice!
RispondiElimina--Trix
Hi Trix! You're welcome. I appreciate your wonderful support! Good luck with the giveaway!
RispondiEliminaSounds like an awesome book - I'm looking forward to checking it out :)
RispondiEliminaThanks, Victoria! Your support has been awesome, too! Best of luck with the giveaway!
RispondiEliminaGreat post! Thank you for sharing!
RispondiEliminaHi Dee! Thanks for visiting!
EliminaLove the review,the title and cover are very catchy also....can't wait to read the rest..
RispondiEliminaThank you, Bethany! I appreciate your feedback and encouragement!
EliminaSounds like a great read, thank you for sharing!
RispondiEliminaThanks for your visit and support, Dario! Good luck with the giveaway!
EliminaHow did you go from the food service field into writing?
RispondiEliminaHi Jenny! I worked in food retailing for a decade before I moved to trade development. They got me leading missions overseas and writing reports about the findings. I ended up writing around ten books on the subject and gaining a lot of experience in researching, writing, editing and publishing. So admittedly, it was a long-winded way of becoming a science fiction writer, but I learnt a lot about the processes of writing, before making the change.
RispondiEliminaI used to play on the Busch League in 8 ball pool. Our team advanced from local to the World Championship of Pool in Las Vegas. That was years ago, and I haven't played pool since; Playing computer pool just isn't the same, lol. I'd also like to read your book!
RispondiEliminaHi Jan! If you read my book, I'd very much value your feedback! Thanks so much for visiting!
EliminaYou made major career changes. Was it difficult?
RispondiEliminaHi Mystica! I've made two big career changes. They seem difficult at the time, as it can take a number of years to build your new career. But I have had no regrets. Thanks for visiting!
EliminaThank you for sharing!
RispondiEliminaHi Maria! Thanks for visiting!
Elimina