The real author is an eclectic scientist, teacher, and sometimes writer (who maintains all rights reserved for copywriting), which might explain why I use an over-the-top Pen Name. Also, a Pen Name allows the freedom to let the sometimes-disturbing aspects of a character or story go, which every way (or the random dice roll) takes.
Why Ash, in fourth grade some genius decided to assign kids to classrooms based on an alphabetical sort. Then set it on given names not family names. It wasn’t until the first day of school that they noticed one class at 28 Michaels and 2 Michelles, sorry Michaela didn’t make the list back in the dark ages. Being Mikey 3 did not really set well. Along comes Grandpa Ash to the rescue, who explained that during this time, the height of the cold war. That is given name of Ivan was worse, so suggested that in these situations that he would be willing to share Ash a moniker.
Yes I remember the cold war all too well, 10:15 am every Thursday my classmates and I would be hiding under the table during the nuclear attack drill. This is were the teachers would tell us the Russians are sending nuclear weapons to murder us all and everyone we know. That the desk that is uneven on the floor with folded paper to try to level it would protect us. That we are to hate everything Russian, or that everyone else was less than pure capitalist so you had to keep an eye on them. The less said about the middle east and the effect on the economy of the oil embargo and rationing of gas on even and odd days based on your cars plate number the better. Yes, there was a time when everything thing in Walmart had a made in the USA tag with old glory on it to prove that that was the truth. That being accused of not being nasty to a communist nation or national was immediate political death.
in that context the sharing the name Ash with grandpa was looking good as it worked for him, and over the years, depending on the situation, it has worked well for me. Ash is nice and nonpolitical, and usually someone does not have an ex-whatever or other person in their life that has emotional baggage for me to deflect when I introduce themselves. Thought I have been asked about 3 times about Evil Dead and have I met Bruce Campbell. I have not met him, though I suspect he is a lot of fun.
Growing up the child of an entertainment journalist did have me meet many hundreds of not thousands of famous people. I do wish I appreciated it more at the time, but 3 to 12 year old’s usually just want to go play with their friends, not dress up and sit around while mom does her job of talking to people. What I do remember is the real ones that lasted has a certain, “magical” energy. Too bad the entertainment business is also business, back in the day, autographs were free, now it is wait in line for hours to pay a lot. If you see me, I sign the paid for books for free. My business greed only goes as far as you paid for the book, before I sign it. Sorry I am not famous enough to sell photos, and I suspect might be worth more money to not take my picture, as I have a face and body for radio at this point in my life.
My current condition is too little hair on top, rapidly heading to my toes, and too much waistline in the middle. I taught in China, Dubai, and several US states over the years. This has allowed me to pursue my endless curiosity about all things science, including topics that are not currently studied but warrant a thorough examination. Currently, in my dissertation phase of a doctorate and learning Texan as a third language, as there are vocabulary, terms of art, and grammar that are unique to this language.
Yes, global warming is real, so get over it and do something useful to help.
No, I don’t know if UFOs or UAPs, or whatever the label of the week is, are real or not, but maybe we should support the efforts of MUFON or some other legitimate scientific research organization. Even if that research ultimately concludes they are not real, what if they are? And then, what are we going to do?
Yes, I am a serious Science Fiction Geek and will not wear Star Trek TOS Red Shirts as my first choice, just in case.
Yes, Star Wars and Battle Star Galactica rock, and I will not take sides as to which of these shows or universes are better. It is possible to enjoy all the science fiction genres and shows and appreciate each universe for itself.
Yes, I want a TARDIS, but who doesn’t everyone?
Unless I am dating you, and I am happily married, I don’t care about your gender Identity and orientation, other than not wanting to make a joke that is offensive and humor is to be funny and inclusive, not divisive. If I accidently say something that is offensive in the name of humor, there is a reason I am not a standup comedian.
If you’re not too offended, feel free to contact me through the author page, contact information, or try ashnomdeplume@yahoo.com or my website, www.ashnomdeplume.com. Sorry if I’m slow to get back to you, as I still need to attend to my day job. Check out other works I have done, which can be found below.
Hopefully, I will receive a sufficient refund of expenditures to purchase more coffee, allowing me to write more stories to add to the list below. I do make every effort to keep the price at a level of recovery of expenses and less than a cup of designer coffee at [insert name of your favorite place here] chain or restaurant. I also like good tea, though the purists out there may not like the amount of honey or sweetener I add that day. Look for significant discounts on box sets as my way of saying thank you for your support. Binge-reading is as addictive as binge-watching TV and movies.