"Voices from Beyond" in SCI-FI: may indicate Contact with another Dimension, a Higher Intelligence, or Entities trapped between realities. In A GLEAM OF LIGHT, exploring the Hopi Mystery Cave, Una encounters "Voices" from beyond our Reality ... with a message for her alone. #SFF #scifi #YA #booksky

"Disclosure" in SCI-FI: the moment Humanity learns about Alien Life, government Cover-ups, or the Truth about our existence, exploring the Impact of such revelations. In THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, Una's awareness comes through personal Contact ... before it is shared with others. #SFF #scifi #YA #booksky

"Telepathy" in SCI-FI: psychic ability to communicate directly from one mind to another -- (reportedly experienced by ALIEN Abductees for decades). In THE DRAGON'S GLARE, during a New York City blackout, Una 'hears' a voice in her mind ... coming from her Mysterious Guardian. #SFF #scifi #booksky

"UFO Experiencers" in SCI-FI: share Human Emotions and Fear associated with ALIEN Abduction. (Based on books like "Intruders" by UFOlogist Budd Hopkins.) In THE DRAGON'S GLARE, hearing first-hand accounts from "Experiencers", Una is suddenly overwhelmed ... with anxiety. #SFF #scifi #booksky #books

"Change is Coming" SCI-FI: when ALIENS tell Humanity that we must Evolve to a Higher State of Consciousness to prepare for the Future. In THE DRAGON'S GLARE, Una is told: "There's a CHANGE coming ... difficult, but inevitable. Everything you've learned is all ... part of it." #SFF #scifi #booksky

"Lost Cities of Wonder" in SCI-FI: before Atlantis there was "Palatkwapi", built by Kachina STAR PEOPLE from the Pleiades, a great center of Wisdom. In A GLEAM OF LIGHT, Una finds the Lost City underground with advanced technology ... of Otherworldly origin. #SFF #scifi #booksky #booklover #fantasy

"Fighting the Future" in SCI-FI: when Humanity strives to resist CHANGE from perceived Threats to our Existence or way of Life, like Contact with Alien Civilizations. In THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, Una learns that we cannot stop their Arrival, because ALIENS are already here. #SFF #scifi #YA #booksky

"Heartfelt Messages" in SCI-FI: ground the story in Human Emotion, conveying personal Feelings across time -- about Love, Loss, Trauma, and Connection. In A GLEAM OF LIGHT, a handwritten plea for Help from an old friend after many years ... brings Una back to the Hopi Reservation. #SFF #scifi #YA

"Machines Gone Rogue" in SCI-FI: when Artificial Intelligence turns against its creators, becoming a Threat to Humanity. In THE DRAGON'S GLARE, from a secret Military Complex beneath New York City, Ashcroft must stop a rogue satellite ... from starting WWIII. #SFF #scifi #YA #booksky #booklover

"Aliens Among Us" in SCI-FI: explores Human fear of Outsiders with stories about ALIENS living secretly on Earth, sometimes revealing themselves to a select few. In THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, Una's struggles as a Native American help her relate ... to their point of view. #SFF #scifi #booksky #booklover

"A Better World" SCI-FI: encourages us to embrace a Hopeful and Optimistic view of the FUTURE -- where people live in a more Fair and Just, Prosperous, and Peaceful World -- achieved through Advanced Technology or Social Progress. (Read our BLOG at tjwolfauthor.com) #SFF #scifi #booksky #booklover

"Seeing the Future" in SCI-FI: can be a Misinterpretation or Incomplete -- revealing only One of many possible Futures -- because any Action taken in the present can CHANGE the course of events. In THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, Una's awareness of Hopi Prophecy fills her with Hope ... and Fear. #SFF #scifi

In "Beyond the World," Una's journey through Yosemite reveals the chilling depths of an alien conspiracy. It made me ponder our existence and the fragility of humanity. Books like this let my imagination soar! #booksky #books

"ALIEN THREATS on Earth" -- range from Outright Invasion to Territorial Aggression to secret Infiltration (to weaken or control Humanity from within). In BEYOND THE WORLD, Una uncovers an Alien Conspiracy in Yosemite ... to create Human Hybrids. #SFF #scifi #YA #booksky #booklover #authorsky #books

"DEAR MR. SPIELBERG: We all remember J. Allen Hynek's iconic appearance in 'Close Encounters'. Rumors suggest your new Movie is about 'Real-World UFOs' & 'Extraterrestrial Contact'. Please consider one of these tireless UFO Truth-seekers ... for a Cameo (they've earned it!)" #SFF #scifi #YA #booksky

"Shaping our Reality": By imagining possible futures, SCI-FI can stimulate Creativity and empower individuals to actively Shape the World to come. (One example: the 1960s Star Trek "communicator" inspired engineers to create modern day "flip phones".) #SFF #scifi #booksky #Indie #booklover #writing

Famous SCI-FI Authors who began with self-publishing: Andy Weir (The Martian), Hugh Howey (The Wool Trilogy), Christopher Paolini (Eragon), and J.A. Konrath (Trapped) -- all driven by passion for storytelling. Want to feel it? Read THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY. #SFF #scifi #booksky #booklover #authorsky

Book Review: BEYOND THE WORLD (by Reviewer K.C. Finn for "Readers' Favorite"). She also writes: "The novel sparks many references to other great science fiction works like those of Michael Crichton and H. G. Wells." (Full Review: readersfavorite.com/book-review/beyond-the-world) #SFF #scifi #booksky

Book Review: THE DRAGON'S GLARE (by Reviewer Liz Konkel for "Readers' Favorite"). She also writes: "The characters are diverse and from various backgrounds, all finding common ground through a possible prophecy." (Full Review: readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-dragons-glare) #SFF #scifi #booksky

Book Review: A GLEAM OF LIGHT (by Reviewer Liz Konkel for "Readers' Favorite"). She also writes: "Each moment builds and draws Una closer and closer to the truth until she uncovers a startling discovery." (Read full Review here: readersfavorite.com/book-review/a-gleam-of-light) #SFF #scifi #booksky

To give THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY Authenticity, we found Inspiration from Real Events: to infuse our Story with credible details and believable characters that reflect the human experience, combining multiple events and transforming key elements to fit the narrative. (You can, too.) #SFF #scifi #booksky

While creating THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, we found great value in Reading each Chapter OUT LOUD -- to connect Emotionally with Characters, adjust Pacing, listen for Natural Dialogue, and improve our Story Flow ... details that might otherwise go Unnoticed. #SFF #scifi #YA #booksky #booklover #writing

From the start, we wanted THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY right for adaptation to the Screen, so we studied Successful Screenplays to learn about: Structure, Character Development, Dialogue and Pacing, and Visual Storytelling ... with Consistent Themes. (You can, too.) #SFF #scifi #booksky #booklover #writing

"THE POWER OF MYTH": Mythologist and Storyteller Joseph Campbell joins journalist Bill Moyers to explore how Timeless Myths continue to have a Powerful Influence on the Choices we make and the ways we live. (PBS Documentary 1988) An absolute must for all Writers -- highly recommended!!! #SFF #scifi

"Hospital Escapes" in SCI-FI: involve extraordinary efforts to overcome confinement, through physical strength, technological advancements, or otherworldly means. In THE DRAGON'S GLARE, Una and Jack help Rufus escape from police custody ... in a hospital "Security Corridor". #SFF #scifi #booksky #YA

"UFO Dreams" in SCI-FI: may explore an altered state 0f Consciousness, Mysteries of the Unknown -- or represent actual UFO encounters. In THE DRAGON'S GLARE, Una's "Missing Time" event at a New Year's parade returns to her in flashbacks, offering Insights along the way. #SFF #scifi #YA #booksky

"Teen Explorers" in SCI-FI: venture into the Unknown, relying on wits & resourcefulness to face Supernatural Phenomena or Alien Life. In BEYOND THE WORLD, with teens from Explorers Club in Yosemite, Una encounters Supernatural Wonders ... and an ALIEN Conspiracy. #SFF #scifi #YA #booksky #booklover

"Murals Coming to Life" in SCI-FI: advanced technology where Virtual Reality becomes REAL, entering the 3D World -- sometimes with Deadly Consequences. In THE DRAGON'S GLARE, Una finds herself mesmerized by a mystical mural of Tibet ... where animals come to Life. #SFF #scifi #booksky #booklover #YA

"Breathtaking Mountains" in SCI-FI: may include Alien Worlds or futuristic, transformed versions of Earth, ranging from snow-covered Ice Planets to crimson landscapes. In BEYOND THE WORLD, Una begins her Yosemite adventure with a breathtaking climb to "Cloud's Rest", 9,926 feet high. #SFF #scifi #YA

"Tattoos" in SCI-FI: mysterious body markings can indicate Genetic Origin, Forgotten Memories, Special Powers, or membership in a Secret Society. In THE DRAGON'S GLARE, recovering the body of a crazed suspect from a New York train station ... Una finds an unmistakable Cult Tattoo. #SFF #scifi #books

"Yosemite" in SCI-FI: the vast, natural beauty of Yosemite National Park conveys a sense of Wonder, Isolation, and the natural Grandeur of Earth for space travelers. In BEYOND THE WORLD, Ashcroft and Una's honeymoon adventure is disrupted ... when he must answer a military distress call. #SFF #scifi

"Foreign Ambassadors" in SCI-FI: can represent Extraterrestrial governments in stories of First Contact, Interspecies Conflict, and Galactic Politics. In THE DRAGON'S GLARE, Una must deal with controversy and tension surrounding a visit from the Chinese Ambassador to Chinatown, NYC. #SFF #scifi #YA

"Missing Time" in SCI-FI: Unexplained Gaps can be a consequence of fictional technologies like Time Dilation, Wormholes, Faster-than-Light Travel -- or ALIEN Abduction. In THE DRAGON'S GLARE, Una cannot explain her Disappearance from a night parade route ... to a dumpster 9 hours later. #SFF #scifi

"Archaeology" in SCI-FI: explores discovery of Ancient ALIEN Technology left behind by a previous civilization, which can be a source of Wonder, Danger, or Conflict. In A GLEAM OF LIGHT, Una discovers a Hopi Artifact in an Ancient underground city ... with Power to change the World. #SFF #scifi #YA

"Funeral Traditions" in SCI-FI: feature variations from the real-world, like Burial at Sea (jettisoning a body into deep space). In THE DRAGON'S GLARE, the Lao family honors their fallen son with traditional Chinese customs: a white-edged burial blanket embroidered with lotus blossoms. #SFF #scifi

"Protests & Revolution" in SCI-FI: even in the face of overwhelming Power, ordinary people can come together to resist Authority and demand Change. In A GLEAM OF LIGHT, several Native American tribes join together, protesting outside a Military compound ... in the Sacred Peaks. #SFF #scifi #booksky

"Rogue Satellite" in SCI-FI: Malfunctioning or deliberately Dangerous Object orbiting Earth out of control, posing a Threat through Weaponized Technology. In THE DRAGON'S GLARE, Ashcroft must try to stop a Rogue Satellite from attacking China ... before it starts WW III. #SFF #scifi #booksky #read

"Underground Military Bases" in SCI-FI: Top-Secret facilities with Advanced Technology used for Exploration, Defense, or Hidden Projects (aimed at saving Humanity). In A GLEAM OF LIGHT, searching for Ashcroft, Una is escorted via secret entrance to "Alpha-Bravo" beneath the desert. #SFF #scifi #book

Alien Influence SCI-FI: explores idea that an Outside Force -- like Extraterrestrial Intelligence -- may be secretly Controlling or Influencing life on Earth from behind the scenes. In THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, Una must follow the Clues to find Answers ... and a way to Fight Back. #SFF #scifi #booksky

"Cult Transformation" in SCI-FI: through Mind Control, followers experience Loss of Identity, altered by an Ideology or some kind of Otherworldly Influence. In THE DRAGON'S GLARE, Una finds a link between violent acts and members of a UFO Cult in Chinatown, NYC. #SFF #scifi #YA #booksky #booklover

"Council of Elders" in SCI-FI: ruling body of Experienced, Knowledgeable or Wise ones -- with Authority to provide Guidance or decide a Hero's Fate. In A GLEAM OF LIGHT, Una must request permission from the Hopi Council to enter a Mysterious Cave ... beneath the Sacred Peaks. #SFF #scifi #booksky

"Chinatown" in SCI-FI: explores the challenges of Asian American identity, playing on the idea of a Secret, Fantastical World existing beneath the surface of the Ordinary. In THE DRAGON'S GLARE, Una finds answers in Asian Mythology to help her solve a Mystery ... rooted in Ancient Fear. #SFF #scifi

"Teen tragedy" in SCI-FI: in Dystopian futures, Teens can face overwhelming Odds or Identity Crises, trying to Save the World ... paying the ultimate Price. In A GLEAM OF LIGHT, the tragic Death of a Hopi teen (at the hands of U.S. Military) triggers Grief ... and Outrage. #SFF #scifi #YA #booksky

"Returning Home" in SCI-FI: explores themes of Displacement, Identity, and the nature of Belonging, when "Home" is radically CHANGED by Time, Technology, or natural Events. In A GLEAM OF LIGHT, Una returns to Hopiland after many years, feeling mixed emotions ... of Hope and Fear. #SFF #scifi #book

"Astrology" in SCI-FI: considers Human Destiny as Symbols linked to Ancient beliefs can foreshadow Supernatural events -- caused by Planetary influence or Alignments. In THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, Una's gal pal Maddie consults her daily Horoscope for Guidance ... in the face of Uncertainty. #SFF #scifi

"Spirit Ghosts" in SCI-FI: phenomena explained scientifically as higher-dimensional Entities, energy-based Life forms, or the echo of Consciousness. In THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, Una senses their presence in the Hopi graveyard and Mystery Cave, later in Chinatown and finally in Yosemite. #SFF #scifi #YA

"Supernatural Creatures" in SCI-FI: explained as Biological Mutations or Interdimensional Entities, with powers of Transformation that we do not understand. In A GLEAM OF LIGHT, Una & friends must face a Skinwalker acting as Gatekeeper ... to prevent them from entering an Ancient Cave. #SFF #scifi

The Storytelling Artistry of RAY HARRYHAUSEN inspired me in so many ways -- from Storyboard Art to amazing 3D Fantasy Creations to exciting stop-motion Effects he called "Dynamation". (I even attempted it once myself with hand-made models, a miniature tabletop jungle and Super-8 Camera.) #SFF #scifi

"Recovered Space Probe" in SCI-FI: whether Long-Lost from Earth (or originating from another Civilization) fuels desire to uncover its Secrets. In BEYOND THE WORLD, officials at Vandenberg AFB recover a lost Earth Space Probe that has returned with a Message ... from ANDROMEDA. #SFF #scifi #booksky

"Microscopic Threats" in SCI-FI: may include dangerous Microbes from Outer Space or Man-made organisms that evolve to threaten Human Life. In BEYOND THE WORLD, Una uncovers an ALIEN Conspiracy to transform Humanity via a Mutating Virus ... that enters pregnant Women. #SFF #scifi #booksky #booklover