Looking at the number pattern for the day, the first thing that came to mind was the old (where from when I stand) series “3-2-1 Contact.” A half-hour show that piqued my curiosity – as well as amusement in younger sibling’s interest in it – it did for science what “Electric Company” did for reading – it made it fun! Granted, I ended up using “3-2-1 Contact as a reference in a different location, along with “Star Trek,” “Cosmos,” “X-Files,” and if I was lucky, “Quantum Leap.” I’ll confess that I haven’t looked to see what children’s television has brought (I’ll admit the definition of “Saturday Morning Cartoons” does have me a bit…scared).

In short, I’m a space cadet. Seriously. If given a preference of which genre to dive into first, it would be Star Trek (original), followed by mystery. Why? That’s a mystery in and of itself in terms of series books to read. Then again, maybe it’s because I’ve yet to find a sci-fi series worth following (outside of Warehouse 13, but there’s only one book written for that series at the moment).

Stepping out of the ‘serial collection’ – a couple of terrific finds!

Gather the Children by Mari Collier. A wonderful blend of old-west and sci-fi, I have read it twice now. A sequel was just released Before We Leave and maybe – just maybe – I’ll consider breaking down and buying one of those Nook/Kindle/e-book gadgets. The writing device I enjoy supposedly allows for e-book reading, but I’ve yet to find the instructions on how to make it work. That may be my maddening project for this weekend.

Mind Space is a website of articles and excerpts from David S. Moore. Some of the questions he brings up have me rethinking what is and isn’t sci-fi, what is and isn’t fantasy.

Both of these great writers have given me much to ponder as my fiction veers to the outer realms of reality. Sure, there are the greats, like Asimov, Bradbury, Butler, Crichton, and McCaffery. Worlds created, enveloping, engaging, enlightening – a terrific escape from the ‘everyday earthly boredom of mundane meandering’ when there is nothing worthwhile on television, cable or radio. (Or, you know you’ve watched the short-lived, well hidden series “Masters of Science Fiction” so many times that you can recite lines without having an episode playing).

Having just discovered Steam Punk, a great series worth reading is Martius Catalyst. Co-written by Casondra Brewster and Samantha Tiner, illustrations that paint the rest of the picture, it’s worth the updates to see the latest adventures of Penelope “Penny” Davenport and Margaret “Maggie” Clayton. So yes, I’m a space cadet. Still in search of other great stories to read, authors to follow, aka procrastinating while my own fantasy series percolates. Any suggestions, thoughts or ideas would be perfect.