Tag Archives: Amazon

Quick update on After the Storm

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It’s been a while (nearly a year) since my last update, so with some prodding (thank you!) I wanted to take the opportunity to check in.

Lots has changed since March 2015 – I’ve changed day jobs, moved across the Pacific, and have reworked some longer-term arcs for further Hard Drop sequels (and potentially prequels) that required slowing down a little on the After the Storm process.

The good news is that, going forwards, the process should be a bit more streamlined.

After the Storm is coming together nicely. I’m aware of the shortcomings of various elements of the first novel (proofreading and some scientific elements in particular), and am taking some time to ensure that these are addressed in this and future sequels.

There will be a proofreading update to the first novel, which I am also working on and will figure out how to circulate to those of you who have already purchased it (as Amazon doesn’t make that easy). I will keep you updated on the progress there.

In the meantime, thanks very much for your support, and I look forward to exploring more Hard Drop with you!

Hard Drop Sequel: After the Storm First Draft complete!

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Dear readers –

On a quick, more personal note, some great news today on the writing front: following a hiatus of some length, the sequel to Hard Drop, working title After the Storm, is now complete.

This does not mean that the title is available for pre-order just yet, but it does mean that more Hard Drop is not too far away. Stay tuned for updates on the edit and polishing process, and I look forward to continuing the story with you soon!

Hard Drop Milestone: 100 Goodreads ratings!

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Hard Drop, the first title in the soon-to-be-expanded series about Tyco Hale and the OTL, has reached a major milestone: as of today, it has been rated 100 times on Goodreads.

It is a proud and humbling moment, and a good time to say thank you to everyone who has read the book since it was published almost two years ago: so, thank you to all, and I am looking forward to continuing the story shortly with the next novel, After the Storm!

In the meantime, Hard Drop can be found exclusively on Amazon.

Modern Combat: Choppers, ATVs and hit-and-runs

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Somewhat questionable source and tone notwithstanding, here’s a fascinating, almost sci-fi like description of evolving combat methods as the SAS takes on ISIS via choppers, ATVs, and guerrilla tactics.

While no one part of these tactics is strikingly new, it’s still interesting to see reports of combat forces evolving and incorporating a variety of tools and methods for the modern battlefield (and for specific tactical needs). Further, it’s a striking counterpoint to the idea that drones and robots will take over warfare in future – clearly, there is still room and demand for literal “boots on the ground.”

Finally, it is interesting to compare the combat styles and reports in the Near East as relates to ISIS with the reporting on eastern Ukraine – in one (the latter), the older notion of battlefronts, territory under control, and linear offensives appears still to hold, but in the latter (ISIS/Near East), these are much more fluid concepts, with debatable relevance.

Battlefield Science: 3D-printed supplies

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Word is that the US military is walking on 3D printing technologies for use on the battlefield…to print food for its soldiers.

It sounds like the technology in question has already been tested and proven in the civilian context, but that the military is working on adapting and customizing the same technology for battlefield use.

While 3D printing food has implications for all kinds of innovation, not least down the road as a survival technology, e.g. enabling distressed soldiers or civilians to harvest edible supplies in their environment and have the machine produce complex foodstuffs from them (once sufficient miniaturization advancements have been performed), the current applications are most interesting for supply chain innovations and cost savings here and now. After all, if it’s possible to provide a group of soldiers in the field the same basic ingredients in bulk and rely on their machine to churn out the necessary supplies (with water added, presumably), it saves all the effort and cost of shipping processed, individualized food halfway around the world to sustain an army.

Following the old adage that an army marches on its stomach, this is nothing short of revolutionary. If portable, sturdy 3D printing of food is achieved, it allows units to become fully self-sustaining, packs potentially lighter (as water makes up most of the weight in food), supply chains shorter, and costs exponentially lower. It adds new meaning to the concept of lightweight, high-speed, sustainable warfare.

And the craziest thing? The technology is (almost) already here.

Celebrate the weekend with on-sale Hard Drop!

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That’s right, after a short absence dedicated to writing the Hard Drop sequel, I have returned to announce a SALE: through the weekend, get Hard Drop at up to 2/3 off!

As ever, reach out and get in touch, either here or at @vandervaartwill for more Hard Drop.

Hard Drop Sale Long Weekend!

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It’s that time again – starting first thing this Thursday morning, May 29th, get your Hard Drop ON SALE at Amazon. For a limited time, through Sunday night, you can get your hands on this “balls to the wall action thriller” (per one enthusiastic reviewer).

Now is a great time to check out the first book in the Hard Drop series – with more to follow later this year. Check it out here and see for yourself.

And if you’re a Prime member, as ever, Hard Drop is available for FREE via the Kindle Online Lending Library!

Back on Prime (and it feels so good!)

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As of midnight PST, Hard Drop is once again exclusively available via KDP Select!

This means it is available for FREE to all Kindle Prime customers (as a borrow via the Kindle Online Lending Library), as well as opening a number of other perks. Keep a keen eye out for sales and, as always, watch this space for news on the sequel (coming soon!).

Sci-Fi to light up your holiday weekend

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If you’re looking for a change of pace, an excuse to stay in bed, or a fun way to work through your food hangover this weekend, take a look at Hard Drop, a “balls-to-the-wall action thriller” (Amazon review) and sci-fi shoot-’em up that follows a group of elite troops as they are deployed into the heart of a civil war. Available on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and at Smashwords, Hard Drop delivers a “good old rock ’em, sock ’em fighting military saga” (Amazon review) that will entertain you from start to bullet-riddled end.

Take a look now, for only $2.99!

Hard Drop and Old Fool’s Errand samples – now on Wattpad FREE!

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The first chapters of Hard Drop and Old Fool’s Errand are now up at Wattpad – take a look, leave a comment, get in touch!

Or, for a more traditional sampling experience, check them out at Amazon, B&N, or Smashwords now!