Thursday, July 10, 2014

Dark Nights by Christopher A. Gray (spotlight, guest post and GIVEAWAY)




I am delighted to have a guest post by Christopher A. Gray, who is promoting his intriguing science fiction story, Dark Nights



Where do ideas come from?
by Christopher A. Gray

I’m fascinated by recent scientific discoveries, from the knowledge that other earth-like planets are out there, to the idea of artificial intelligence, and to the belief in alternate universes. Real science provides a fertile ground for science-fiction.

Ideas come if you have an open mind and let your imagination run free. When I write, I ask myself what kind of story would I like to read, and what kind of characters appeal to me. I strive to write believable characters with believable dialog, which helps immerse the reader into the story.

Science fiction by nature is fantastic and requires a little dramatic licence (e.g. interplanetary space travel, thinking supercomputers), so a reader must suspend their disbelief at least a little, even for those stories that profess to use “hard” science. I try to write action pieces that are believable, and with all due respect to those who like to write about wizards and magic, I prefer to keep things grounded in what is possible with current scientific theory. That’s not to say I don’t take artistic liberty... I enjoy the “what if” aspects of action and science fiction as much as the next guy.

An action piece usually unfolds in layers. You start with a general concept, then characters and goals, then add the events that help the characters reach their goals. Research plays a big part here, for example in the development of the characters involved in clandestine operations, and in the explanation of their actions.




                                    




Dark Nights
By
Christopher Gray

BLURB

The machine believed it knew best how to save humanity... even if doing so meant destroying half the population. 

Astrophysicist Doug Lockwood's unusual discovery during his observation of the sun kicks off a chain of events that nobody could have foreseen. The powerful political and military influences that compete to deal with his discovery set Lockwood on a course which will carry him across worlds, and into the grasp of a formidable new intelligence bent on accomplishing its goal at any cost. With Earth itself at stake and time running out, Lockwood and his team must find a way to counter this unprecedented threat before the powerful new enemy completes its plan. Two civilizations are pitted against each other in a desperate struggle for survival.


EXCERPT:

Bishop was wondering how long he could hold his position when he heard a noise behind him. He turned to see a floor plate rising. Two mechanical hands pushed up the plate from below, then tossed it aside. The RAKER used its powerful arms to quickly lever its bulk up from the floor beneath and climb out. Bishop stared at the RAKER, momentarily astonished at what he was seeing. He briefly considered shooting, but immediately realized his weapon would be next to useless against the armored android. The RAKER looked at Bishop and then deftly grabbed the pistol from his hand. Bishop, for all his training and experience, was startled. He had never seen anything that big move that fast. He just dropped his hands to his sides and took one step back. The RAKER ignored him and strode out into the corridor.

As soon as they saw the RAKER the tactical squad opened fire. The bullets were deflected off the androids advanced armor. It raised the handgun and fired expertly. Both soldiers fell to the floor, dead. The android picked up one of the assault rifles and tossed the Glock back along the floor to Bishop.


Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble


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AUTHOR INFORMATION:


Christopher A. Gray is a professional freelance writer living in Toronto. He has been a sales agent, project manager, actor, filmmaker, comedy writer & performer and world traveler.









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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here.







 

27 comments:

  1. Hi, thanks for hosting, and I'm glad to be here!
    I'll be around to answer any questions from readers. I hope they enjoy the excerpt.
    Christopher

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Christopher! I love science fiction because it gives a glimpse of what could be...and provides goals to achieve. I would be interested in finding out which authors you grew up reading?

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    2. I grew up reading Asimov, Clark, and Niven, mostly. Larry Niven was probably my greatest influence, he came up with some genuinely fantastic ideas, and backed them up with hard science. I've tried to do the same with my inclusion of the multiverse (using the latest theories available), and quantum computing artificial intelligence :^)

      Christopher

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    3. I never got 'into' Niven's books. I loved Clarke, Heinlein, Asimov, Norton and others of that ilk, as well as Cherryh, Hogan, Czerneda...well, the list is long and varied, lol.

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  2. Great post! Sounds like a good story :)

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    1. I agree, Crystal. I was torn trying to figure out which excerpt to post because I liked all of them so much! Thank you for visiting.

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  3. I enjoy your ideas about...ideas!

    vitajex(At)Aol(Dot)com

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    1. I love things that make us think, don't you? Thanks so much for dropping by!

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  4. Love the excerpt. Sounds like an exciting read.

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. I think so too, Rita! Thank you for visiting.

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  5. You are always very welcome!

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  6. Replies
    1. Glad you like it Edgar, thanks for visiting!

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  7. sounds interesting!!! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. It definitely does sound intriguing. You are quite welcome and I appreciate you taking the time to visit, erin!

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  8. Thanks everyone for your kind words. I hope readers enjoy the book! :^)
    Christopher

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    1. Thank you for being gracious enough to take the time to visit with us, Christopher. Good luck with the tour!

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  9. Sounds like a good book. I love the cover.---Rae

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    1. It is beautiful, isn't it? Thanks for visiting, Rae!

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  10. I always like knowing where ideas come from.

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    1. It's always intriguing to see other people's thought processes, isn't it? Thank you for dropping by, Mary!

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  11. Sounds really interesting. Thanks for the giveaway.

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    1. Glad you think so, Irma. I love giveaways also, don't you? Thanks for visiting!

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  12. Replies
    1. You are welcome, thank you for taking the time to visit, Karen!

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  13. the blurb's interesting

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    1. Glad you liked it, bn. Thanks for visiting!

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