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Nosey My prominent proboscis has never been an eff

Nosey
My prominent proboscis has never been an efficient appliance. So I’m having nasal surgery. Today.

I’ve always been a mouth breather. I’ve never gotten much air through my nose. My dad used to make fun of me: “Close your mouth. You’ll catch flies.” Several yoga teachers have told me I breathe all wrong and have had no patience for my telling them I don’t get enough air through my nose to sustain life.

I pretty much lost my sense of smell a few years ago. Also, I have seasonal allergies, which usually add another layer of congestion. This spring I was totally stuffed up for months — no air in or out — and sounded like I had a clothespin over my nose. Awful. I went through rounds of nasal sprays and sinus rinses with my doctor, and finally he referred me to ENT.

After examination, CT Scan and consultation with the surgeon, here’s the upshot: I have nasal polyps and a deviated septum. They can correct it in a few hours in the OR, through the nostrils, no external cutting. General anesthesia, outpatient, home the same day. I’m excited about doing it and looking forward to being able to breathe through my nose, the goal in all this!

It’s a little scary. I’ve never had anesthesia or any kind of operation (or even broken a bone), but I’ve been inspired by recent successful surgeries among my family and friends. And I’m not afraid of hospitals, after spending many working hours shooting patients and procedures in ORs and ICUs and other medical facilities.

Ironically, as I’ve gone through the process to date, diligent use of the sprays and rinses has opened up a bit more airway than usual, so I don’t sound as nasal, and, amazingly, my sense of smell returned in the past, with a vengeance. Some things, like coffee, smell very pungent and burnt right now. But I know I still need the surgery, because I still don’t get enough air through my nose to sustain life.

Wish me luck.

Oh, and one more thing: if you have medical or surgical horror stories you want to share, please DON’T. I don’t wanna hear ‘em. Thanks.

ON SALE NOW For a limited time, all e-book editio

ON SALE NOW

For a limited time, all e-book editions of FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE are on sale for 99 cents! If you want to read it but haven't gotten around to ordering, do so now at this deeply discounted price.

Kindle: https://bit.ly/FGWkindle

Nook: https://bit.ly/FGWnook

Kobo: https://bit.ly/FGWkobo

Apple: https://bit.ly/FGWapple

FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON
A Time Travel Tale by BILL ZARCHY

https://findinggeorgewashington.com/
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/blog/

#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington #timetravel #timetravelstories #speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction #revolutionarywar #warofindependence #baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants #worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge

In Praise of Research When I was a kid, I used to

In Praise of Research
When I was a kid, I used to challenge myself: how would I explain the workings of modern technology to George Washington, if he were suddenly to appear?
When I finally decided to try my hand at fiction, I wondered if that old idea about George could be the basis for a charming, funny, perhaps exciting novel. Maybe a goofy, fish-out-of-water story.
Only one problem: I knew very little about Washington. Of course, I knew the broad strokes: Revolutionary War General, first president, married to Martha, lived at Mount Vernon.
But what else? I recalled old stories of George as a lad chopping down a cherry tree (but confessing his guilt to his father) and throwing a dollar coin across the Potomac. And didn’t he have wooden teeth?
READ MORE — New blog:
https://bit.ly/FGWresearch
I realized I needed extensive research.

What are you reading? I am enjoying Barack Obama‘s book, The Promised Land. Right now, I am in his back pocket, as he takes us through his first presidential campaign. Great reading! What are you reading? Are you enjoying it? Why or why not?

"Overcoming Obstacles to Publishing" I consulted a

"Overcoming Obstacles to Publishing"
I consulted a good friend who works in the publishing business, to find out if anyone was still publishing books during the pandemic. The conversation went something like this:
“I’m fed up with querying agents, who rarely write back and don’t seem at all interested. Would it make sense for me to abandon that approach and, instead, start approaching independent publishing houses directly?”
“Why? How many agents have you written to?”
“Over 100. Actually, over 120.”
“And how many have asked to see the full manuscript?”
“None.”
“Oh. Well, Bill, there’s a fine line between persistence and delusion.”
READ MORE — New blog:
https://bit.ly/FGWobstacles

Dog walk photos: Rose, street watchers, Gazania.

Dog walk photos:
Rose, street watchers, Gazania.

Big podcast fun — talking about the San Francisc

Big podcast fun — talking about the San Francisco Giants and my debut novel, FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE, with Daniel Zarchy and Thomas Todd, proprietors of Giantspod, aka "Two Guys, a Glove, and a Coke Bottle."

The podcast is audio only, but we grabbed this quick photo as we got started. In the early part of the show, we hash over the Giants in this 2021 season. Book talk starts about 39:20. Check it out!

Click here to listen: http://bit.ly/FGWgiantspod

#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington#timetravel #timetravelstories#speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction#revolutionarywar #warofindependence#baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants#worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge

ONLINE BOOK CHAT THURSDAY! Thursday, June 10, at 5

ONLINE BOOK CHAT THURSDAY!
Thursday, June 10, at 5 pm Pacific / 8 pm Eastern
Register now for this week's online author talk — about my debut novel, FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE.
👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/3fNTlHh
👉 Buy the book: https://bit.ly/3wVh5ix
Co-sponsored by SAUSALITO BOOKS by the BAY in Sausalito, California. We truly appreciate their support!
I’ll be in conversation with fellow writer Matthew Félix, who edited and published the book.
Celebrating our 1000th book sold!
COMING THIS SUMMER: the Audiobook!

When I decided to publish FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTO

When I decided to publish FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON last fall, I thought that selling 1000 copies in a year would be an amazing goal. This week, about 6 1/2 months after publication, someone bought the 1000th copy and we're approaching 100 online reviews. That's not a best seller, by any means, but it is a lot of eyeballs! Thanks to all those readers and reviewers, as well as to everyone else who encouraged me about this story over the years. I am so grateful for your support!
ONLINE BOOK CHAT THIS WEEK!
Thursday, June 10, at 5 pm Pacific / 8 pm Eastern
Register now for this week's online author talk — about my debut novel, FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE.
👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/3fNTlHh
👉 Buy the book: https://bit.ly/3wVh5ix
Co-sponsored by SAUSALITO BOOKS by the BAY in Sausalito, California. We truly appreciate their support!
I’ll be in conversation with fellow writer Matthew Félix, who edited and published the book.

Poppy, bud, hibiscus

Poppy, bud, hibiscus

It’s not an easy story to characterize. Genre: a

It’s not an easy story to characterize. Genre: a fine sci-fi blend, with notes of history, baseball saga, and action thriller. But I had lived with it long enough to have some images in mind for the cover of FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE.

I knew I wanted to feature a picture of George. Not the old marble-faced George on the dollar bill, but a younger version, Revolutionary War George, in uniform. George at 45, his age in my story. The one who disappears from his own time and shows up in 2014 on the shores of San Francisco Bay.

READ MORE: http://bit.ly/FGWcover

#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington #timetravel #timetravelstories #speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction #revolutionarywar #warofindependence #baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants #worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge #books #writing #publishing #book #authors #writers #author #train #trains #trainstories #railroad

What are you reading? I have just started Messenge

What are you reading? I have just started Messenger of Truth, by Jacqueline Winspear, the fourth book in her Maisie Dobbs mystery series. What are you reading? How do you like it, and why?

Why The 'Axe' Bat Is Taking Over Major League Base

Why The 'Axe' Bat Is Taking Over Major League Baseball
Baseball has always been an old-school game, but the fact that many players are still swinging bats designed 150 years ago is pretty crazy. Luckily, bat designers no longer have to be limited by the production capabilities of the lathe.
(Article from 9/19)

https://www.stack.com/a/a-new-type-of-baseball-bat-is-propelling-dustin-pedroia-carlos-correa-and-other-mlb-players-to-career-years

Another reader enchanted by Finding George Washing

Another reader enchanted by Finding George Washington!

Find out how to win a free copy:
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/album/
FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON
A Time Travel Tale by BILL ZARCHY
#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington #timetravel #timetravelstories #speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction #revolutionarywar #warofindependence #baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants #worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge #books #writing #publishing #book #authors #writers #author #train #trains #trainstories #railroad

All e-book editions of FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON:

All e-book editions of FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE are on sale ON SALE NOW for 99 cents through Monday, May 3rd!
Order now at this deeply discounted price.

Kindle: http://bit.ly/FGWkindle
Nook: http://bit.ly/FGWnook
Kobo: http://bit.ly/FGWkobo
Apple: http://bit.ly/FGWapple

FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON
A Time Travel Tale by BILL ZARCHY

#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington #timetravel #timetravelstories #speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction #revolutionarywar #warofindependence #baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants #worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge #books #writing #publishing #book #authors #writers #author #train #trains #trainstories #railroad

Bronze sculpture of George Washington in the Orien

Bronze sculpture of George Washington in the Orientation Center at Mount Vernon in Virginia, part of a grouping with statues of Martha and her two grandchildren Nelly, age six, and Washy, age four. From a research trip for my new novel, FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE.

#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington #timetravel #timetravelstories #speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction #revolutionarywar #warofindependence #baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants #worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge

Some notes on character development: A FOIL FOR MY

Some notes on character development:
A FOIL FOR MY FOIL

Early in the development of my debut novel, FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON: A TIME TRAVEL TALE, I knew that I wanted to tell the story in the first person, from Tim’s point of view. I wanted to bring General Washington to the present, and I figured that I could show George’s personality and response to the 21st Century through his interactions with Tim.

Tim was George’s foil, a character whose purpose is to contrast with another character, often the protagonist, to bring out their differences. Think Sancho Panza in Don Quixote, Dr. Watson in the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, or Bud Abbott playing straight man to Lou Costello. Having Tim as the foil certainly worked out in many ways, but pretty soon, I began to think that I needed to provide him with a sidekick.

Read more here:
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/a-foil-for-my-foil/

FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON
A Time Travel Tale by BILL ZARCHY

#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington #timetravel #timetravelstories #speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction #revolutionarywar #warofindependence #baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants #worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge #books #writing #publishing #book #authors #writers #author #train #trains #trainstories #railroad

Time Travel in Finding George Washington, my debut

Time Travel in Finding George Washington, my debut novel

... In many time travel tales, a change in the past often leads to momentous — and immediate — consequences in the present. With some exceptions. In the Back to the Future movies, Marty McFly, the Michael J. Fox character, goes back in time and learns that his very existence depends on his future parents meeting and falling in love while in high school. Marty has to go through often-hilarious machinations to make sure this happens. At several points, when events seem to be conspiring to prevent his folks from meeting, Marty notices that his own image in a precious family photograph has begun to fade. When the parents do get together, his image becomes clearer, less vague.

I loved this idea, that the consequences of changes in the past might not be sudden and immediate, but gradual and incremental. I enjoyed creating a world in transition. Washington’s absence from the past causes a slow pattern of change from the world his new friends in 2014 can still remember, devolving to an impoverished colonial backwater they would rather forget …

GO HERE TO READ MORE:
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/time-travel-in-finding-george-washington/

FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON
A Time Travel Tale by BILL ZARCHY

#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington #timetravel #timetravelstories #speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction #revolutionarywar #warofindependence #baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants #worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge #books #writing #publishing #book #authors #writers #author #train #trains #trainstories #railroad

A Visit to Mount Vernon Researching my debut nov

On Sale Now! For a limited time, all e-book editio

On Sale Now!
For a limited time, all e-book editions of Finding George Washington: A Time Travel Tale are on sale for 99 cents! If you want to read it but haven't gotten around to ordering, do so now at this deeply discounted price.
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NXXNLBB/
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/.../finding.../1138366946
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/finding-george-washington
Apple: https://books.apple.com/.../finding.../id1541743641...
FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON
A Time Travel Tale by BILL ZARCHY
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/blog/
#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington #timetravel #timetravelstories #speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction #revolutionarywar #warofindependence #baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants #worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge #books #writing #publishing #book #authors #writers #author #train #trains #trainstories #railroad

Book Blog Tour and Price Cut I’m packing my virt

Book Blog Tour and Price Cut
I’m packing my virtual bags for an online book tour over the next two weeks!
And, for the duration of the tour, I’ve cut the price to $.99 for all e-book editions of Finding George Washington: A Time Travel Tale. Depending on their preference, I post an original blog or author interview on each blog site below, which hosts me for a day.
Check it out and follow the tour!
• April 12 — Rogues Angels http://roguesangels.blogspot.com/
• April 12 — Sybrina’s Book Blog https://sybrinapublishing.wordpress.com/
• April 13 — Becoming Extraordinary https://46ascending.xyz/
• April 14 — Kit 'N Kabookle https://www.kitnkabookle.com/.../interview-finding-george...
• April 15 — Aubrey Wynne: Timeless Love https://aubreywynne.com
• April 16 — All the Ups and Downs https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com
• April 19 — Candrel’s Crafts, Cooks, and Characters http://www.candrelsccc.craftylife.net
• April 19 — Long and Short Reviews http://www.longandshortreviews.com
• April 20 — Westveil Publishing https://www.westveilpublishing.com
• April 21 — Fabulous and Brunette http://fabulousandbrunette.blogspot.com
• April 22 — Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews https://lisahaselton.com
• April 23 — Hope. Dreams. Life… Love http://elainepcantrell.blogspot.com
FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON
A Time Travel Tale by BILL ZARCHY
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/blog/
#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington #timetravel #timetravelstories #speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction #revolutionarywar #warofindependence #baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants #worldseries #amtrak

Cape marguerite

Cape marguerite

What are you reading? I’m in the middle of Art i

What are you reading? I’m in the middle of Art in the Blood: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure, by Bonnie MacBird. It’s an intricate story and fascinating plot and reads like it was written by John H. Watson MD. Bonnie was a student of mine when I was a TA at Stanford back in the day, and I later did some cinematography for her company, Creative License. Highly recommended! What are you reading now?

I love this new review of my debut novel, Finding

I love this new review of my debut novel, Finding George Washington: A Time Travel Tale, now on sale:
https://www.bookpassage.com/book/9780984919123
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0984919120/
FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON
A Time Travel Tale by BILL ZARCHY
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/blog/
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#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington#timetravel #timetravelstories#speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction#revolutionarywar #warofindependence#baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants#worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge #books#writing #publishing #book #authors #writers#author #train #trains #train

FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY Did you enjoy Finding George Wa

FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY
Did you enjoy Finding George Washington?
Want to gift it to someone else?
>>> You send me:
(1) a photo of someone (human or fur baby) reading Finding George Washington: A Time Travel Tale (paperback or e-book)
OR
(2) a photo of the paperback or e-book in a lovely, interesting, or remote location.
>>> I will publish your photo AND send an e-book copy of Finding George Washington to anyone you choose.
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Here’s the Album so far:
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/album
(Link in bio)
FINDING GEORGE WASHINGTON
A Time Travel Tale by BILL ZARCHY
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/
https://findinggeorgewashington.com/blog/
#GeorgeWashington #FindingGeorgeWashington #timetravel #timetravelstories #speculativefiction #scifi #sciencefiction #revolutionarywar #warofindependence #baseball #sfgiants #sanfranciscogiants #worldseries #amtrak #valleyforge #books #writing #publishing #book #authors #writers #author #train #trains #trainstories #railroad

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