Laura's Obscure Reference to a Sci-Fi / Fantasy Author

[Lauranimal]

Something has been niggling at the back of my mind.

I tried to do a search on the QFG sights, but the search function seems to be dis-abled, and the the search function on SOTT does not seem to encompass the index of QFG articles. Hmmmm...

Well ... I recall reading at some point in either the Wave series, Adventure's with C's or articles on psychopathy. (I think it was Adventures, and I tried culling through the material, but still couldn't find it.)

All this adu about what? Laura made an obscure and passing reference to having corresponded for a short time with a sci-Fi / Fantasy author, never having given his name. Is it now possible to reveal that information?

I ask out of a deep curiosity because I have been reading (since 1990) a series called the 'Wheel of Time' by, Robert Jordan who died in September of 2007 having completed his notes for the final book in a series of, up untill now, 11 books. (FYI; The author who has taken up the reigns in writing the final book has actually found it necessary to divide it into 3 more books in order to do the story and their original author, 'justice'.)

From: Abbyland (I find this to be a pale review that does not seem to cover the depth and richness of the series, but it gives a general starting point) _http://www.abbygoldsmith.com/wot/

So what's the PLOT SYNOPSIS?
The Wheel of Time takes place in an Age of Exploration type of world; [as if] "the late 17th century [...but clearly not ours...] without gunpowder," according to Robert Jordan in his interview with Locus Magazine. Magical ability called the One Power is practiced by a small percentage of humans with the lucky genes (or unlucky genes, depending on the culture). Due to a mistake made by well-meaning scholars in the distant past, only women can wield the One Power without going insane. Men who are born with this ability get exiled, tortured, or executed. The saga centers around one young man, a sheepherder's son from an isolated region, who can wield the One Power. His fate is to defend the world from evil forces (most of them human, and each nearly as powerful as he is) while battling his own growing insanity and the thousands of people who fear him, want to use him, or seek to destroy him.

It's really a story about struggle, when all is said and done. He hears voices in his head. He has memories of a childhood experienced by someone who lived and died three millennia ago. He's afraid to hurt anyone whom he considers a friend, and he's developing a stress complex over it. What could make a better hero than that?

What the series is REALLY about is the struggle between STO & STS !

Some of what I find interesting is that as I have read through these books, I would come across words that somehow seemed familiar. Seemingly, they were words that he had created for his story, but many years ago, I started looking them up. As it turns out, the man is a historian and he wasn't just borrowing words from history, but using them by their original symbolic meanings and weaving their threads into the fabric of the story with perfect integrity.

He was a graduate of the Citadel (Military College of South Carolina), fought in Vietnam, and so had a strong grasp of strategy and understanding for politics,war and the causes and consequences of them. He also possessed a degree in physics and one of his hobbies was chess.

Those things being said, all of this background is clearly reflected in the depth of his writing. And it occurred to me that since he was deeply grounded in history, physics and the idea of an alternate dimention and 'unknown' qualities of THIS one, that he could very well be the Author that Laura had fleetingly referred to.

Any comments?

~Lar

 

[Gimpy]

I think its a big time distraction from your Work. ;)

Of all the fruitful information to be found amongst the writings and books on offer here, why has THIS become such a focus?


Strikes me as silly, fwiw.

 

[Beau]

Strikes me as silly, fwiw.

I don't think it's silly. Their is a lot of great allegorical material in science fiction, especially from the great writers of the 60s to the 80s. I think it conveys a lot of truths about our world and is a great place for our imagination and fantasy to surround into. Just read Dune, and you'll be captivated.

Lar, the author you are thinking of, I believe, is Keith Laumer.

 

[Laura]

Something has been niggling at the back of my mind.

I tried to do a search on the QFG sights, but the search function seems to be dis-abled, and the the search function on SOTT does not seem to encompass the index of QFG articles. Hmmmm...

Well ... I recall reading at some point in either the Wave series, Adventure's with C's or articles on psychopathy. (I think it was Adventures, and I tried culling through the material, but still couldn't find it.)

All this adu about what? Laura made an obscure and passing reference to having corresponded for a short time with a sci-Fi / Fantasy author, never having given his name. Is it now possible to reveal that information?

No. He's still living and we still correspond occasionally.

 

[Laura]

Strikes me as silly, fwiw.

I don't think it's silly. Their is a lot of great allegorical material in science fiction, especially from the great writers of the 60s to the 80s. I think it conveys a lot of truths about our world and is a great place for our imagination and fantasy to surround into. Just read Dune, and you'll be captivated.

Lar, the author you are thinking of, I believe, is Keith Laumer.

No, Keith was more than a correspondence. I worked for Keith and was very close to him for many years despite a rather roller coaster like relationship.

 

[Lauranimal]

I think its a big time distraction from your Work. Wink

Perhaps in some way it is a distraction, in the sense that the work is VERY intensive and focusing on literal and technical understanding of complex human issues and applying them in the real world on daily basis; it is INTENSE!, perhaps all the more so, because I take it very seriously. I am almost affraid to start the E-E program, as I have to keep a very even-tempered and gregarious nature in my work. I know from past experience of bringing up deeply emotional and anciently programmed material, that it can disrupt my life to a degree that could potentially threaten my ability to be practically functional. So... I approach that end of it with a degree of care. I suppose you could say, I am consciously preparing myself incrementally to begin the breathing program. (<--- course I might just be lying to myself on that one... it is just as true to say I am scared. I have no idea what will come up.)

Of all the fruitful information to be found amongst the writings and books on offer here, why has THIS become such a focus?

I would not say that it has become "such a focus". It is AN interest. I am reading the board every day, multiple threads (thank gawd for the new bookmarks!!!) and reading Political Ponerology (which is a VERY difficult read for me.) and also taking bites of "The Mozart Effect". I am interested in The Work, I am interested in The Reading Materials Suggested, I am interested in Quantum Physics, sound and vibration and I cant WAIT for the next Wheel of Time book to come out in exactly 42 days, 6 hours and 26 minutes!!!

I gotta say, I pretty much agree with Heimdallr on this one:

I don't think it's silly. Their is a lot of great allegorical material in science fiction, especially from the great writers of the 60s to the 80s. I think it conveys a lot of truths about our world and is a great place for our imagination and fantasy to surround into. Just read Dune, and you'll be captivated.

And on that note, as I mentioned in the opening post of this thread, Robert Jordans book is ALL about the struggle between STO and STS and also, it is about alternative realms. Most people who read his books recognize that he blurrs the lines between the fictional reality he creates in the books and what most of the people on this forum would recognize as being most likely true reality. Plus! He was a brilliant writer!!! (FYI Heim, I LOVED the Dune series. Another great book that gets in to the intricacies of politics and power vs. force.)

Strikes me as silly, fwiw.

wow... hmming and hawwing on what to say here.

.... Thank you for pushing my buttons, Gimpy. My first emotions when I read your post was. "who are you to make that judgement? Have you read the books? Do you have some basis on which to determine if they are entirely unrelated to the work?"

That what I had to say was being dismissed as invalid and un-important, made me feel VERY defensive. An old program immediately started running, from when I was a child and my older sister spent all her energy trying to discredit me and damage my character in the eyes of others. She made sure that my parents saw me as overly immaginative, not to be taken seriously; silly. (not to mention what she was covering up about herself, by doing this)

I didn't expect to have to "defend" my point of view on this. So I did something that I have been practicing as much as possible lately; I stepped back. Went and had a ciggy and read a few other posts and then came back to it knowing that I could now look at it with a little bit more objectivity instead of just reacting to the immediate defensive emotions/program.

And, as it happens, Heimdallr put it better than I ever could have. Again, thank you; seems this is part of the work, after all ;D

No. He's still living and we still correspond occasionally.

Thanks for clearing up that little mystery, Laura.

 

[Gimpy]

Quote

I think its a big time distraction from your Work. Wink

Perhaps in some way it is a distraction, in the sense that the work is VERY intensive and focusing on literal and technical understanding of complex human issues and applying them in the real world on daily basis; it is INTENSE!, perhaps all the more so, because I take it very seriously. I am almost affraid to start the E-E program, as I have to keep a very even-tempered and gregarious nature in my work. I know from past experience of bringing up deeply emotional and anciently programmed material, that it can disrupt my life to a degree that could potentially threaten my ability to be practically functional. So... I approach that end of it with a degree of care. I suppose you could say, I am consciously preparing myself incrementally to begin the breathing program. (<--- course I might just be lying to myself on that one... it is just as true to say I am scared. I have no idea what will come up.)

The breathing program, if I had to describe its function...is like priming the pump on a well. It takes a little effort at first, but the water doesn't start running until you're used to the process. I've had the same reservations starting, but after the third run through the benefits were worth any side effects. You always have the option of listening to the whole thing first.

I gotta say, I pretty much agree with Heimdallr on this one:

And on that note, as I mentioned in the opening post of this thread, Robert Jordans book is ALL about the struggle between STO and STS and also, it is about alternative realms. Most people who read his books recognize that he blurrs the lines between the fictional reality he creates in the books and what most of the people on this forum would recognize as being most likely true reality. Plus! He was a brilliant writer!!! (FYI Heim, I LOVED the Dune series. Another great book that gets in to the intricacies of politics and power vs. force.)

I've never read Robert Jordan, and at the moment I don't remember why not. Dune I did read, but I don't remember how far into the series I stopped. :)

Quote
Strikes me as silly, fwiw.
wow... hmming and hawwing on what to say here.

.... Thank you for pushing my buttons, Gimpy. My first emotions when I read your post was. "who are you to make that judgement? Have you read the books? Do you have some basis on which to determine if they are entirely unrelated to the work?"

That what I had to say was being dismissed as invalid and un-important, made me feel VERY defensive. An old program immediately started running, from when I was a child and my older sister spent all her energy trying to discredit me and damage my character in the eyes of others. She made sure that my parents saw me as overly immaginative, not to be taken seriously; silly. (not to mention what she was covering up about herself, by doing this)

Ok. You're welcome?

I didn't expect to have to "defend" my point of view on this. So I did something that I have been practicing as much as possible lately; I stepped back. Went and had a ciggy and read a few other posts and then came back to it knowing that I could now look at it with a little bit more objectivity instead of just reacting to the immediate defensive emotions/program.

And, as it happens, Heimdallr put it better than I ever could have. Again, thank you; seems this is part of the work, after all Cheesy

Same here, the stepping back part. It could just be the frustration of being flat on my back in bed for so long, its making me snippy without meaning to. I do apologize.

 

[thevenusian]

Lauranimal-
I also very much enjoyed the Wheel of Time series, which I started reading a long time ago. I see the story as the battle between humans with souls and those without (and those in 4D who use them), which is a variation on the STS/STO theme idea you are presenting. I must confess I have very little time for pure fiction these days, though, and wouldn't recommend it to fiction lovers here simply due to its length. My god, what an epic. I am curious about how it will end, though! And really enjoyed many of the characters and the fact that so many are strong, determined women. I would agree it is near the top in its genre.
I also found Political Ponerology a difficult read, but grasping it really helped me understand something about what is happening in these times, and the central role psychopathy plays. I found it really helpful to search out comments, commentary and analysis on the forum in general and from Laura in particular while reading it. Of all I have read on the recommended list, this was one of the most difficult to get through, but well worth the trouble.

 

[Mike]

The first book to capture my attention and made me interested in reading was the first book in the series 'The Eye of the World'. I read each one as they came out after finding that one and this past winter decided to read the series again in preparation for what I thought was going to be the final book. Figured I would read it slowly over nine months interspersed with my normal reading. Nope, read all the books in less then two months. I found it hard to stop and found the series was even better then I remember it. So readers beware, if you start it... Tried other fantasy/Sci-fi and the only one that I found a slight addiction to ;) was the Ender's Game series. Might give Dune a try.

Eventhough ploughing through all the books and tossing much of the other reading aside was a bit excessive, I do think letting my mind rest for a time was a good thing.

I've thought about connections such as 'linking' in the book relating to 'connecting' the centers. Nice to have ideas and think abstractly, but it is fiction.

I've never actually been to a book tour, but plan on going to this one or volunteering for the event since one is scheduled near to where I live.

_http://www.dragonmount.com/News/?p=585
FYI, this is some info by a guy that has read the new book. The website has some good general info on the series for anyone that is interested.

Looking forward to this one when it comes out for a break.

 

[gaman]

Strikes me as silly, fwiw.

I don't think it's silly. Their is a lot of great allegorical material in science fiction, especially from the great writers of the 60s to the 80s. I think it conveys a lot of truths about our world and is a great place for our imagination and fantasy to surround into. Just read Dune, and you'll be captivated.

Lar, the author you are thinking of, I believe, is Keith Laumer.

No, Keith was more than a correspondence. I worked for Keith and was very close to him for many years despite a rather roller coaster like relationship.

Reminiscing for just a moment -- Keith Laumer wrote a science fiction short story called "The Last Command". It was the first sci-fi story I ever read (in middle school maybe 7th grade) and it hooked me on sci-fi for life (so far). I still have the book of short stories although it is in pretty bad shape.

 

[Lauranimal]

Quote from Gimpy:

The breathing program, if I had to describe its function...is like priming the pump on a well. It takes a little effort at first, but the water doesn't start running until you're used to the process. I've had the same reservations starting, but after the third run through the benefits were worth any side effects. You always have the option of listening to the whole thing first.

Thank you for the encouragement. Perhaps it is time to begin.

Quote from Gimpy:

Shocked Huh? Ok. You're welcome?

Quote from Gimpy:
[/quote]Same here, the stepping back part. It could just be the frustration of being flat on my back in bed for so long, its making me snippy without meaning to. I do apologize.[/quote]

Thank you for that. I appreciate that you cared enough to mention it. And right now? With what is coming in the near future ... the work is the most important factor in my life and I feel like I am racing not just to catch up with everyone here, but also to develop enough knowledge to meet my highest potential and purpose in 3D while there is still time. I do NOT want to get stuck here again!

I do hope your back feels better.

Quote from thevenusian:

I must confess I have very little time for pure fiction these days, though, and wouldn't recommend it to fiction lovers here simply due to its length. My god, what an epic.

No kidding! Heck of a thing to start from the beginning!

I am curious about how it will end, though!

Me too!!!

And really enjoyed many of the characters and the fact that so many are strong, determined women.

That is one of my favorite aspects, though I find that it was very well blended in that respect. (fang & flame or yin & yang)

I also found Political Ponerology a difficult read, but grasping it really helped me understand something about what is happening in these times, and the central role psychopathy plays. I found it really helpful to search out comments, commentary and analysis on the forum in general

Having read some of Laura's various articles on the subject was helpful as I was waiting for the book to arrive. Thank you for the advice. I will definitely seek out info on the board. I think my greatest challenge is that the way Lobaczewski structures his verbiage; makes it very difficult to follow. From one paragraph to the next I sometimes find it hard to pull the meaning from his referal to the previous concept. Makes me feel like I am not too bright, but I am managing. Sometimes I have to translate it. I write down what I think he meant in language that I understand, and re-read that chunk to make sure it jives.

In general, from other reading on the subject, and from my own unfortunate experiences with psychopaths ... I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on it. Still.... determine to mine every nugget of gold that I can from it.

Quote from Bear, RE: Wheel of Time:

Figured I would read it slowly over nine months interspersed with my normal reading. Nope, read all the books in less then two months.

Everyone I know who is in to it, has done the same. I thought I would too, but I am much to0 focused on the work. I will probably do a quick skim through the last book, and dig in to the new material. Quite engaging! Last time I read through the series, my dishes and laundry didn't get done for a while.

I do think letting my mind rest for a time was a good thing.

I agree. And it is both entertaining as well as still being instructive about human nature in many ways.

I've never actually been to a book tour, but plan on going to this one or volunteering for the event since one is scheduled near to where I live.

I was very fortunate to meet Robert Jordan on his final book tour the year before he died. Someone actually snapped a picture of me with him, and emailed it to me. It was SUCH an honor to meet him. I hope you have a blast at your event!

Thanks to all of you for your responses. In truth, I had just wanted to see if there was any relevance to my thinking that Laura may have corresponded with RJ.

~Lar

 

[CorkyC]

I don't think it's silly. Their is a lot of great allegorical material in science fiction, especially from the great writers of the 60s to the 80s. I think it conveys a lot of truths about our world and is a great place for our imagination and fantasy to surround into. Just read Dune, and you'll be captivated.

Was that the one that David Lynch made into a movie? I've seen pretty much all of his movies except that one (I heard it wasn't too good). Sometimes I feel like my life is one big Lynch movie, but that will have to wait for another post. ;)

I generally don't read much fiction either, but some of my favorite fiction books have been sci-fi. When I was a kid I was in my school's book club, so I got to read a lot of random books I otherwise would have never read. One of them was called The Giver by Lois Lowry. Here's a blurb from Amazon:

In the "ideal" world into which Jonas was born, everybody has sensibly agreed that well-matched married couples will raise exactly two offspring, one boy and one girl. These children's adolescent sexual impulses will be stifled with specially prescribed drugs; at age 12 they will receive an appropriate career assignment, sensibly chosen by the community's Elders. This is a world in which the old live in group homes and are "released"--to great celebration--at the proper time; the few infants who do not develop according to schedule are also "released," but with no fanfare. Lowry's development of this civilization is so deft that her readers, like the community's citizens, will be easily seduced by the chimera of this ordered, pain-free society. Until the time that Jonah begins training for his job assignment--the rigorous and prestigious position of Receiver of Memory--he, too, is a complacent model citizen. But as his near-mystical training progresses, and he is weighed down and enriched with society's collective memories of a world as stimulating as it was flawed, Jonas grows increasingly aware of the hypocrisy that rules his world

This is still one of my favorite books, and I have read most of the QFG booklist. It seems to me that everyone here has been given the job of "Receiver of Memory" in a society that would rather forget.

And somebody mentioned Ender's Game. I really, really enjoyed that whole series. I found his description of what a hive mind might be like thoroughly edifying. You can do some crazy things with sci-fi and Orson Scott Card is definitely one of the better sci-fi writers out there.

See...the good thing about these books is that you can literally devour them. In like a day or two. It's always when I sit down and try to read something like Fulcanelli or Ibn al Arabi that I have trouble. I started Sufi Path of Knowledge about three weeks ago and I'm only about 100 pages in. That's some pretty heady stuff right there.


(This was my shot at a first post. I told myself that I had to make an effort to post something this week...so...hello Signs forum!)

 

[Vulcan59]

Hi Corkyc,

This being your first post, it is normally customary to give a brief intro of yourself in the Newbies section. Have a browse through that section and you'll get the idea.

 

[Beau]

Was that the one that David Lynch made into a movie? I've seen pretty much all of his movies except that one (I heard it wasn't too good).

Yes, that's the one. It wasn't well-received by critics but I really liked it when I watched it a few years ago.

 

[Adaryn]

Was that the one that David Lynch made into a movie? I've seen pretty much all of his movies except that one (I heard it wasn't too good).

Yes, that's the one. It wasn't well-received by critics but I really liked it when I watched it a few years ago.

FWIW I have not read the book, but have seen the Lynch movie and was not too keen on it. Maybe because I was waiting for something entirely different from Lynch, knowing his style. I preferred the mini TV series which is apparently more faithful to the book. I think it was pretty cool and made me want to read the book (unfortunately, I don't think I'll have the time to do that before 2014 :D). For those interested: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Herbert%27s_Dune