Subject: Awe, delight, and gratitude
Date: Thu, 25 Nov 2004

Received book [Haltia and the Third Planet] and CD [Viv's Greenman] yesterday pm. Consumed them both without hesitation. My mind is thoroughly blown!

The book is the smoothest reading work of science fiction/speculative fantasy I've tasted in years. Age appropriate for all, it is seamless in delivery, and, more important, fresh and new in its creativity. Did I say somewhat timeless, too? Yes! It has something for everyone. YOU have something for everyone! Thank you VERY much for the signed copy. I'm honored deeply for your sharing, and I'd say I got a bargain at that!

On to Viv's Greenman: Whoa! The pdf on that is outstanding. Not often folks get a glimpse into what goes on in giving birth to a physical art. I particularly enjoyed (vicariously) your dilemma with the leaves and the subsequent resolution; and in the same breath I thank you for the most concise and straightforward explanation of the definition of abstract art I have ever heard!

I am ever indebted to you for sharing all this bounty. Jud, your work is freaking priceless!

Thank you.

JM
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Both books at http://lulu.com/JudPub

Just recieved this today:

"Hi Jud,

I just wanted to share something with you that I thought you'd get a kick out of!

If you remember, I won a copy of your book this summer. My whole family (5 kids ages 16, 14, 12, 10, and 7) are avid readers (and read books way above their age level). Anyway........we have bookshelves all over the house, with "MOM'S" bookshelf being right beside the computer. Last night my 12yo son, "T", was looking through "my" bookshelf as he was "bored and had already read everything in the house". lol

He pulled your book off of the shelf and was thumbing through it, asking me what I thought about it. My 14yo son, "H", overheard us and RAN from the kitchen into the living room YELLING... "Where in the world did you get that book? That is the COOLEST book in the WORLD!!!!!"

I asked him where had he seen it? He told me that you literally have to get on a waiting list at his school library to check it out! How awesome is that??????? You should have seen his face when I showed him where you had signed it to me personally! I almost died laughing!!!!! He asked me to personally give you a message... please understand that I'm quoting a 14-year-old! lol

"Tell him that if he doesn't write another one......I'm going to be P.O.'ed"

Like I said........I just thought you'd get a kick out my little story! lol

Hugs,
"S"
ºoº Mississippi

Comments on the preview:

"Thank you for sending me the link to for the preview of your book. I was able to access it and have read it. I must say that it was enough to get me very interested. My 17 year old daughter enjoyed it too." -D

"Jud, I love it. just love it, now I've got to read the rest of it. And you better start on another book if this is any indication of how
you write. Thanks for letting me have a preview." -P

"Finally had time today to sit down and read the book preview that you sent. Where can I get the rest of it??? I found it - um - interesting, and would REALLY like to finish it. And if you tell me it's not written yet, I think I'll explode! ;) Thanks," -JH

"I do like it! It's very interesting, and I like your writing style." -C

Comments from those who have read the whole book:

[re: the final cover] "WOW!!!!!!! Way too cool. The film clip's were just the right touch." [re: the book] "I can hardly wait to receive my [print] copy and re-read it. Thanks for letting us the readers get to meet Haltia and travel along on his wonderful adventures in time and space." -A

"Well I just finished your book, I really enjoyed it. I've always been a sucker for books or movies with happy endings. ;-) I'm waiting now to hear that your starting to develop the outline for your next book. Keep up the good work." -BM

"I read your book and enjoyed it. One other not on the book itself. I indicated that I enjoyed it. However there is one thing you might consider changing before you do anymore publishing. I suggest changing the ending. Leave the ending open so that there can be continuing adventures. One of my favorite science fiction writters is Anne Mccaffery and her Dragon riders of Pern series. Each book leads into the next." -BK

[Note: there are no plans for a sequel: I said everything I wanted to say. Not ruling it out, but it is not on the to-do list either. Of course, if Speilburg buys the movie rights... ]

"I finished H3P yesterday. Great job! Enjoyed it a bunch. Haven't read a fiction novel in ages." -GN

"I finished reading "Haltia". I enjoyed it, very good writing, you 'paint' a good image, like I was watching the movie, a very good one, while reading it. Although I was a little disapointed in the way the ending was written, as if it was rushed and just finished to put it end to it, didn't seem like the same writing as it was up to that point. Or maybe it's just that I didn't want the book to end. Do you have any more books, I want to read them! -RC

"I just finished "Haltia". It was a joy and delight to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought it was a well written, well thought out and a purely entertaining look at life from another perspective than we have on earth. I especially loved the Grand Canyon "trip" near the end of the story. Thank you, Jud, you are a wonderful optimist and we need more people like you in this world. For all you others who have not bought it or read it yet......you don't know what you are missing." -B

"I loved the book & it was so fun! I loved the light blue negligee, water skiing, the Grand Canyon, the travels. I stayed up a couple of nights, not able to put your book down- tired the next day at work (all worth it). I will read again. Well thanks to Haltia, husband & I will heading for the Grand Canyon. After reading how beautifully you described the Grand Canyon I picked up the phone and made reservations to go to Arizona. So when is your second book coming out? Please include Haltia since I fell in love with the little guy." -K