Readers Draft Done!

The "readers draft" of Vatican Ambassador: Vatican Assassin Part Two is at lulu.com getting printed and shipped as I write this. So, if you've read Vatican Assassin and would like to read the RAW version of the sequel, talk to me, or get yourself a copy at lulu.com\mikeluoma... just follow the links on the right.

This isn't the official release, mind you. I self publish, and have no editor, so I rely on friends to read, critique and proof my books. This is the "Whew! It's done, I think... what needs to change to make it better?" I know of one change I'll be making: smaller type. I had the first book printed in 12 pt type, so I did the same for this one. But Vatican Ambassador is 120 pages longer! That makes the book more costly. Smaller type will bring the price down!

I should thank again those who helped by reading the first book, some of whom have offered to do so once again: John Blaha, Josh Bridgeman, Jeremiah Cook, Johnnie Day Durand, Chris Stecher, and... I know I'm forgetting someone... damn, killed too many brain cells over time.

Slacking...

I've been slacking... not too many posts at this here blog. I wrote a new poem, "Lasers, Your Eyes", just posted below. Still writing the 3rd draft of "Vatican Assassin." Working part-time for "The Point" on the air on Saturday afternoons from 2 until 7 (pointfm.com). Just published "Synthetic Marmalade" whose cover is pictured below. Also put out "Neo Gnosis". Get 'em all at glowinthedarkradio.com!

Lasers, Your Eyes.

Lasers, Your Eyes.

Scratching lines, ink on paper:
Circles, shadows, cast a spell –
Cast a cage around my heart:
Build back the walls,
Bring back cozy comfort,
Restore my shattered shell.

Lasers-
Your eyes are pale blue lasers.
I can’t hide!
Locked on –
Steady beams burn through,
Slice this shell apart,
Break out the chill heart
I keep safe inside.

I stare into your solar source,
Two pale blue suns.
Going blind…
Can’t look away!
A blink and
You’re gone.

More ink, another page,
A sigil calls your name:
Play games with my mind,
My time and attention.

Close my eyes, I still see
Yours in my memory,
Afterburned images
Seared onto retinas:
Pale blue
Lasers, Your eyes.