“In Search of…” is an American TV series (broadcast weekly from 1977 to 1982) devoted to Mysterious Phenomena. It was created after the success of three one-hour TV documentaries: “In Search of Ancient Astronauts” in 1973 (based on the book Chariots of the Gods? by Erich von Däniken), “In Search of Ancient Mysteries” and “The Outer Space Connection” (both in 1975). It was recently revived in 2018 with host Zachary Quinto, currently airing on the History Channel.

The program travels the world, seeking out … Mysterious Historical Events, Myths and Monsters, The Paranormal, Strange Visitors, The Outer Space Connection, Lost Civilizations, and More — narrated by Leonard Nimoy.

We invite you now to explore Great MYSTERIES … through Native American, Asian and African MYTHOLOGY in … THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY.

A GLEAM OF LIGHT
Book 1 explores NATIVE AMERICAN Mythology in Hopiland. The Hopi live in Arizona (an area known as Four Corners, where the state lines of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado meet). It is the “heart” of Turtle Island (the U.S.) and of Mother Earth. GLEAM draws inspiration from Hopi Mythology, in its concept of Guardianship given by the “Great Spirit” to each of four human races: red, yellow, black, and white.

MYSTERIOUS HISTORICAL EVENTS

“In Search of…” explores Mysterious Events like “The Lost Colony of Roanoke” in 1590, the “Siberian Fireball” of 1908 that flattened about 80 million trees and the disapperance of famed aviator “Amelia Earhart” in 1937 over the Pacific Ocean.

A GLEAM OF LIGHT begins with a Documented Historical Event: May 25, 1995 — America West Flight 564 from Florida to Las Vegas. Around 9:20 p.m. a flight officer noticed strange lights nearby. The crew witnessed a “row of bright white lights” seemingly part of a solid object. The captain described it this way: “…There is a strobe on it and it starts from going counterclockwise. And the length is unbelievable!” Our half-Hopi central character — Una Waters — is on that Flight.

MYTHS AND MONSTERS

“In Search of…” explores Myths and Monsters in episodes like “Bigfoot”, “The Loch Ness Monster” and “The Abominable Snowman”.

In A GLEAM OF LIGHT, Una ventures into the desert at night with friends, hoping to find the Mystery Cave that has sparked controversy and triggered a U.S. Army invasion of Hopiland’s Sacred Peaks. Near the cave entrance, she is attacked by a beastly creature known as a Skinwalker (To the Navajos … ‘he who walks on all fours’.)

THE DRAGON’S GLARE
Book 2 explores ASIAN Mythology among Immigrants in New York City’s Chinatown. Through meditation, Tibetan Masters reach ENLIGHTENMENT, communicate with Otherworldly Inhabitants in Shambhala, and confront the violent threat of gang members controlled by a modern day DRAGON.

THE PARANORMAL

“In Search of…” explores The Paranormal in episodes like “The Bermuda Triangle”, “The Magic of Stonehenge” and “UFO Captives” .

In THE DRAGON’S GLARE, Una experiences an episode of “Missing Time” when she cannot account for her whereabouts for eight hours following a Chinese New Year’s Parade. Much later she comes to realize that she must have had a “Close Encounter” with Extraterrestrials. In his book, Missing Time (1988) abduction researcher Budd Hopkins reports how people who have experienced Alien abductions often retain no memory of them — until the details are recalled under hypnosis.

STRANGE VISITORS

“In Search of…” explores Strange Earthly Visitors in episodes like “Ancient Aviators”, “Martians” and “Aliens”.

In THE DRAGON’S GLARE, Una realizes that she is being followed by a mysterious stranger in Chinatown. She finally meets him Face-to-Face late one night at the Hayden Planetarium — to discover that he’s an Alien-Human hybrid. Una calls him CASPER — because he reminds her of a “friendly ghost”.

BEYOND THE WORLD
Book 3 explores the AFRICAN Mythology of Kenyan immigrants from the Kikuyu Tribe, on a field trip to Yosemite National Park. Una learns about Ngai, divider of the universe, (who gave them Guardianship of the Water) from new friends in Explorer’s Club as they journey across Yosemite and discover an ALIEN Conspiracy … that threatens the Future of Humanity.

OUTER SPACE CONNECTION

“In Search of…” explores The Outer Space Connection to Earth in episodes like “UFO Australia”, “A Call from Space”, “UFO Coverups”.

In BEYOND THE WORLD, with the help of friends from Explorer’s Club, Una discovers a UFO Mystery at Upper Young’s Lake in Yosemite National Park — and coincidentally, maybe the biggest OWL she ever saw. In his book, The Messengers: Owls, Synchronicity and the UFO Abductee (2015), Mike Clelland demonstrates that the UFO phenomenon often uses the owl motif as a means to mask the real nature of “Close Encounters”. Witnesses report seeing impossibly large owls associated with UFOs.

LOST CIVILIZATION

“In Search of…” explores Lost Civilizations in episodes like “Mayan Mysteries”, “Inca Treasure” and “Atlantis”.

In BEYOND THE WORLD, Una and friends enter a cave in Yosemite to elude a military style manhunt … and discover something more — a Secret Underworld of Ancient Tunnels built with advanced technology. For many years, California tales and legends have spoken of advanced ALIEN technology found in UNDERGROUND caverns and tunnels, with surface openings from which UFO’s emerge.

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These Great MYSTERIES and more … await for You to explore in THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY on Pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/tjwolfauthor/ . Get your copy from Amazon or Audible … today.

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Millions of people around the world believe we have been visited in the past by Extraterrestrial beings. What if it were True? Did ANCIENT ALIENS really help to shape Human History?

THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY explores this possibility … through the eyes of fictional character Una Waters.

Book 1 : A GLEAM OF LIGHT

Book 1 explores NATIVE AMERICAN Mythology and its connection to Ancient Aliens in Hopiland. The Hopi live in Arizona (an area known as Four Corners, where the state lines of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado meet). It is the “heart” of Turtle Island (the U.S.) and of Mother Earth.

Sometimes referred to as “the oldest of people” by other Native tribes, the Hopi consider their land to be sacred. Received from the “Great Spirit”, it is their duty to guard and care for it. With no written records of their ancient myths and legends, Hopi use oral traditions to preserve their knowledge of ANCIENT VISITORS.

Benevolent Ant People
According to Hopi legend, the “First World” (or World-Age) was destroyed by Fire. The “Second World” was destroyed by Ice. During these global cataclysms, members of the Hopi tribe were guided by the sky god named Sotuknang to the ANT PEOPLE — who escorted them into subterranean caves, where they found refuge.

The Hopi words for the Ant People (Anu Sinom) create a direct link to stories of the ANUNNAKI — giant, winged gods credited with helping the Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia make huge advances in human civilization. In The Lost Book Of Enki, scholar Zecharia Sitchin describes the Anunnaki as Extraterrestrial Beings who created the Human race.

The Stars of Orion
In his book The Orion Zone researcher Gary David shows that the Anasazi (Hopi ancestors) placed their villages on three peninsular mesas, First Mesa, Second Mesa, and Third Mesa — to mirror the constellation of ORION. Researchers suggest that Orion may have been a so-called “Stargate”, or entry point, for Extraterrestrials visiting Earth.

Spirit Messengers
The Hopi celebrate KACHINAS, benevolent Beings in headdresses and costumes that appear to resemble modern helmets and protective clothing. Kachinas bring rain, control aspects of the natural world and society, and act as Messengers between humans and the Spirit World. Their mission is to teach, defend, and watch over the Hopi.

Masked members of the Hopi community represent Kachinas and dance at religious ceremonies. Carved “Kachina dolls” are given as gifts to children.

Hopi Prophecy
According to Frank Waters in Book of the Hopi , ancient Hopi mythology indicates that appearance of the “Blue Star Kachina” will signify the beginning of a New World. A number of authors refer to it as the ninth and final sign before the “Day of Purification” — described as a catastrophe that will lead to the purification of planet Earth — in preparation for the arrival of Extraterrestrials.

The Hopi are convinced that on that day … their Ancestors will return.

A GLEAM OF LIGHT draws inspiration from HOPI Mythology and Prophecy, in its concept of Guardianship given by the “Great Spirit” to each of four human races: red, yellow, black, and white. This lays the foundation for THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY.

Book 2 : THE DRAGON’S GLARE

Book 2 explores ASIAN Mythology and its connection to Ancient Aliens among Tibetan immigrants in New York City’s Chinatown.

The Lost Kingdom
On the northern side of the Himalayas in East Asia lies the highest geographical region on Earth: TIBET. Known as “the roof of the world,” it has an average elevation of nearly 15,000 feet. There is less oxygen to breathe, and the weather can be dangerous and unpredictable. Humans have inhabited Tibet for at least 20,000 years. Much about its early civilization is still a mystery.

According to Tibetan traditions, hidden in the Himalaya Mountains is a kingdom of the gods — SHAMBHALA. The region is filled with stories of so-called “celestial beings” who descended from the sky in flying vehicles.

Otherworldly Chinese Dragons
Chinese mythology explains that the god Huang Di emerged from the belly of a fire-breathing “Dragon” to become China’s first emperor. It is entirely possible that early accounts could really be descriptions of misunderstood technology involving mysterious otherworldly Spacecraft.

Apocalypse and “The Change”
Embedded in numerous ancient cultures and religions around the world is the idea that civilization as we know it will come to an Apocalyptic End. These stories describe events that essentially cleanse the planet, forcing Humanity to start over again. Ancient Astronaut theorists believe that such events may be caused by Extraterrestrials.

In 2004, a massive underwater earthquake produced a Tsunami that killed over 230,000 people in 14 coastal countries. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. Just days before this event, eyewitnesses reported seeing strange UFOs. Ancient Astronaut theorists say that warnings of an Apocalypse may have another purpose — to caution us about the prospect of Alien Invasion.

Researcher Dr. David M. Jacobs has spent more than 40 years studying abductees and their Alien encounters through the use of hypnosis. Jacobs reports that Aliens are engaged in a Program of breeding genetic Hybrids — referred to as THE CHANGE — leading to a Future with Aliens and Humans living together on Earth.

Enlightened Lamas
While countless expeditions have failed to find Shambhala, Buddhist Priests known as LAMAS claim to have found a way to communicate with its otherworldly inhabitants. They believe that through Meditation, it is possible to access another Dimension — where the kingdom of Shambhala actually exists.

Research shows that in a state of Meditation (a higher state of consciousness), the human body emits a huge amount of light. According to Tibetan tradition, once a LAMA has achieved this state of being, they are able to “travel to other star systems … connected with the Earth, and that Beings come and go, bringing ENLIGHTENMENT to other civilizations”.

As science begins to understand more about human consciousness, we may learn what Tibetan Masters have known for centuries — that we can reach the Stars by mastering the power of the Human Mind.

THE DRAGON’S GLARE explores ASIAN Mythology inspired by Tibetan Masters and their use of Enlightenment to confront the threat of a Chinese Dragon to the inhabitants of Chinatown in modern day New York City.

Book 3 : BEYOND THE WORLD

Book 3 explores AFRICAN Mythology and its connection to Ancient Aliens among Kenyan immigrants of the Kikuyu Tribe, on a field trip to Yosemite National Park.

Paranormal Yosemite
Could paranormal activity be explained by beings entering our world from other dimensions? At first glance, the natural splendor of Yosemite would seem to be the last place where one would expect to find dark mysteries and the supernatural, but the park has a surprising history of Paranormal phenomena.

One example: Missing Children — with all evidence washed away by a storm that quickly follows. When the children are found, it is always far away without clothing or shoes … but no signs of scrapes on their feet. Local legends blame supernatural beasts, including some that haunt the skies.

Ancient Astronaut theorists believe the technology for Invisibility exists and is attainable today. UFO Abduction Researcher Budd Hopkins (1931-2011) agrees in his 2004 book: Sight Unseen: Science, UFO Invisibility, and Transgenic Beings.

Strange Sightings
California has a history of Extraterrestrial Encounters stretching back to at least the 1890s, continuing to the present day. Reports abound of Mysterious Creatures that walk through the Yosemite woods. When the Ahwahneechees (Native inhabitants of the Valley for 7,000 years) were questioned, they reported that “Nightcrawlers” are a peaceful race of beings that came from another planet to rebuild the union between man and nature.

On the evening of September 19, 2002, a strange disk appeared in the sky over Yosemite. A number of people captured the craft on video, and it is now widely regarded as some of the best UFO footage to date. Moments after this strange object was seen in the sky, air force jets arrived and circled the area. But the pilots were unable to find anything. Many park visitors claim to have seen strange lights in the sky.

Secret Underworld
Ancient Astronaut Theorists wonder if should we be looking for proof of Alien existence not in the heavens above … but in mysterious worlds deep beneath the surface.

The native tribes of the American southwest, including the Navajo, Zuni, Pueblo, Hopi, and Apache all have legends that they emerged from UNDERGROUND … into today’s world. The shamans and elders of Native Americans report that before these people were able to emerge out of planet Earth, they were brought here by the Star-People, who arrived from outer space.

For many years, California tales and legends have spoken of advanced ALIEN technology found in underground caverns and tunnels, with surface openings from which UFO’s emerge. Said to be monitored by hovering basketball-sized metallic spheres with electromagnetic ‘vortex’ energy fields. Other claims include UFO bases built by an ancient race of Reptilians to carry out “genetic experiments” on Earth.

Is it possible that Extraterrestrials came to Earth long ago … and hid evidence of their journeys deep within caves and tunnels? Ancient Astronaut Theorists say, “Yes”.

Impossible Realities
Thousands of people have encountered what they describe as a “living pterosaur” in the state of California. One was reported in Altadena, California, in 1969. The eyewitness said that it had a wingspan similar to the length of a bus.

People who claim to have been abducted by Aliens also say their DNA was manipulated and that Human-Alien Hybrids live among us. According to Abduction Researcher Dr. David M. Jacobs, their claims may be true.

BEYOND THE WORLD explores AFRICAN Mythology about Ngai, divider of the universe, (who gave Guardianship of the water to the Kikuyu Tribe) as Una and new friends from Explorer’s Club journey across Yosemite … to solve a mystery that threatens the Future of all life on Earth.

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A “Close Encounter” describes an Event in which a person witnesses an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) — derived from Ufologist J. Allen Hynek ‘s classification in his 1972 book, The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry.

THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY features many Out-Of-This-World Encounters — the kind that tingle your spine … and make you Wonder about your Place in the Universe.

 

Book 1 A GLEAM OF LIGHT

The story begins with a documented UFO event (May 25, 1995) — America West Flight 564 enroute from Florida to Las Vegas around 9:20 p.m. — when a flight officer reports something strange. The crew witnesses a “row of bright white lights”, part of a solid object. In the captain’s words: “…the length is unbelievable!” Our central character, Una Waters (age 8) is on that Flight.

Twenty-one years later, a plea for help brings Una back to her roots in Hopiland, where she seeks advice from old ‘spirit woman’ Kuwanyauma. When she speaks, it is like hearing Ancient Voices. Una learns about the Four Races in Hopi Mythology — and the roles of Guardianship given to each by the Great Spirit.

Una ventures into the night desert with friends, hoping to find the Mystery Cave that has sparked controversy and triggered a U.S. Army invasion of the Sacred Peaks. Near the cave entrance, she is attacked by a beastly creature known as a SKINWALKER (To the Navajos … ‘he who walks on all fours’.)

The Mystery Cave reveals an ancient underground city — Palatkwapi — part of Hopi Mythology about the five Ages of Mankind, and Help with our SURVIVAL from one Age to the next — from beings referred to as the “Ant People”. UNA discovers an Ancient Artifact — the Hopi Rattle — and its power to open “doorways” to other Dimensions.

Book 2 THE DRAGON’S GLARE

Three years later, Una comes face-to-face with the gaping maw of a Chinese Dragon — at the New Year’s parade in Chinatown, New York City. Unexplained events, including a cyberbreach at the NYPD and an episode of “Missing Time” will lead to an Out-Of-This-World Encounter — that confirms Una’s childhood beliefs in Sky People.

At the 5th Precinct in Chinatown, RUFUS (resident computer geek and symbology expert) tries to analyze mysterious Graffiti left at a crime scene during the Chinese New Year parade. UNA and Maddie, on special assignment from D.C., will need his help.

With Maddie’s help, Una befriends the owners of a Chinese restaurant — Lao-Chi. The grandfather, MR. LAO, a Tibetan Lama with mystical powers, offers her timely advice derived from Ancient Wisdom.

Una comes to realize that she is being followed by a mysterious stranger in Chinatown. She finally meets him Face-to-Face late one night at the Hayden Planetarium — to discover that he’s an Otherworldly Visitor. Una calls him CASPER — because he reminds her of a “friendly ghost”.

Book 3 BEYOND THE WORLD

One year later, during her ‘Honeymoon Adventure’ in Yosemite, Una discovers a UFO Mystery at Upper Young Lake with the help of new friends from Explorer’s Club — and coincidentally — encounters “maybe the biggest OWL” she ever saw.

The UFO (combined with dead birds falling from the sky) has UNA all shook up. She calls for Help — from the one person who would believe her — Jack Howser, investigator of UFOs and all things Paranormal from Books 1 & 2. Jack will not let her down.

Soon after entering forgotten Indian Caves to elude a military man-hunt, Una and friends discover Living Pterosaurs — and their role transporting contaminated water from Yosemite to major cities like Sacramento. It’s all part of an ALIEN Conspiracy to take over planet Earth.

Tracking a series of Otherworldly Campsites — with clear signs of Terra-forming and genetic manipulation to recreate plants and animals considered to be Extinct — leads UNA to “OI” — one of the Alien-Human Hybrid camp inhabitants, being trained for Earthly occupation.

 

Out-Of-This-World Encounters, the kind that tingle your spine and make you Wonder about your Place in the Universe … can CHANGE your life Forever — the way Flight 564 did for Una Waters in A GLEAM OF LIGHT.

You may also find that Reading THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY … will change Yours.

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Close Encounters — THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY. Explore more on Pinterest — https://www.pinterest.com/tjwolfauthor/

FEMALE EMPOWERMENT may be defined as “Promoting a WOMAN’s sense of Self-Worth, and the Ability to make her own Choices.”

SCIENCE FICTION has been doing that — for decades!!! To name just a few examples:

Star Trek (1964) — Lieutenant Uhura
Nichelle Nichols caused a sensation in the 1960s (One of the first times a black woman was cast as a main character in a major television show.) Uhura is smart, capable, confident and respected by her crew for those qualities without question. In her own words. “I was projecting … what should have been quite simple. We’re on a starship. I was head communications officer. Fourth in command … They didn’t see this as being oh, it doesn’t happen till the 23rd century. Young people and adults saw it as now.”

Star Wars (1977) — Princess Leia
Princess Leia Organa — portrayed by Carrie Fisher — is a wisecracking, fearless rebel who isn’t afraid to fight dirty. She thwarts Darth Vader and helps bring about destruction of the Death Star, later commands a Rebel Base and helps rescue Han from Jabba the Hutt. Leia has been called a feminist hero and model for other adventure heroines. (No wonder!)

Alien (1979) — Ellen Ripley
Ripley — played by Sigourney Weaver — fights off extra terrestrial evil, rebels against a corporation, and manages to survive in a hostile environment where all men fail. She’s smart, tough, and riveting to watch. Entertainment Weekly called Ripley “one of the first female movie characters who isn’t defined by the men around her, or by her relationship to them”.

Terminator 2 (1991) — Sarah Conner
Sarah Conner — played by Linda Hamilton — develops from a timid damsel in distress victim in the first film to a wanted fugitive committing acts of terrorism, a hardened warrior and mother who sacrifices everything for her son’s future and is on the verge of losing touch with her own humanity, and a mentor preparing and protecting a protégée for her destiny.

The X-Files (1993) — Dana Scully
Scully — portrayed by Gillian Anderson — was resolute and logical (providing the foil to David Duchovny’s paranoid paranormal obsessive Fox Mulder) – and could close a case with a mere roll of her eyes. Dana is best known for her cool rationalism, advanced investigative skills, and fearless determination. Her biggest moments of power always involve staring down the face of danger to uncover the conspiracies of the shadow government despite the threat to her own life.

Avatar (2009) — Neytiri
Neytiri — played by Zoe Saldana — is a bold, agile warrior who meets her human/Avatar body mate Jake by saving his life. She represents justice, honesty, spiritual connectivity and a self-less defender of her entire species. Neytiri’s unflinching heroism to protect her immediate and extended family becomes a contagious addiction … that forces Jake to confront the larger moral and ethical issues that his fellow Earthlings are ignoring in the midst of their pillage of Pandora.

The Hunger Games (2012) — Katniss Everdeen
Katniss Everdeen — played by Jennifer Lawrence — has inspired a generation of young women by standing up for what she believes in no matter the consequences. Dystopian societies and totalitarian regimes are a dime a dozen in Sci-Fi, but there’s something particularly loathsome about one that uses teenagers to fight to the death for their amusement. Katniss volunteers to replace her sister in the annual Hunger Games in order to spare her life. Using her cunning, wilderness survival skills, and archery, she manages to buck the rules of the system by taking on a partner to jointly win the tournament — parlaying that success into a full-blown rebellion.

Arrival (2016) — Louise Banks
Louise Banks — portrayed by Amy Adams — lives quietly, working as a University linquist professor, until 12 mysterious Spacecraft land around the globe, sending humanity into a panic. The American military calls upon Louise to communicate with Alien “heptapods” onboard a ship. She is determined, intelligent, and patient — trying to examine things objectively and make choices based on logic, not fear. Her approach is the only one that can save humanity from itself.

Like other great SCI-FI, Female Empowerment also plays a vital role in the story of Una Waters — our central character in THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY.

In Book 1 A GLEAM OF LIGHT, Una survives a terrifying Encounter on Flight 564 at the age of eight. Twenty-one years later, a desperate plea draws Una away from a D.C. Government job back to her roots in Hopiland — to help solve a Mystery when the U.S. Army invades the Sacred Peaks. With boundless determination, Una must stand up to a stiff-necked General, to protect an Ancient Discovery and restore Peace to her people.

In Book 2 THE DRAGON’S GLARE, Una’s on Special Assignment in New York City to help solve a Chinatown Mystery. Searching for clues, she butts heads again with General Ashcroft. Unexplained acts of violence, an episode of Missing Time and an Out-Of-This-World Encounter confirm Una’s childhood beliefs in Sky People. WE ARE NOT ALONE.

In Book 3 BEYOND THE WORLD, Una’s Honeymoon Adventure in Yosemite is disrupted when Ashcroft gets called away on duty. With new friends from Explorer’s Club, Una uncovers a UFO mystery, survives deadly attacks and fights to defeat an Alien Conspiracy that threatens to end life on Earth as we know it.
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The Journey to THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY began years ago, with a Love for Science Fiction & Fantasy, inspired by visionary Storytellers … like Walt Disney, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Steven Spielberg.

My earliest attempts at line Art involved drawing DISNEY Cartoon characters, like Donald Duck, Goofy and Mickey Mouse. I dreamed of becoming an animator.

Around 1975, PLANET OF THE APES inspired me to create prosthetic “Apes” makeup, as I was hoping to work in Hollywood some day. Still in my teens, I created a plaster model of my own face, experimenting with latex rubber.

After years of watching Artist Friend CHRIS YAMBAR draw Comics in his basement, in the late 1970’s (while still in High School at Austintown Fitch) we imagined an ambitious Movie Idea — IN SEARCH OF OMARA — with prosthetic make-up for Beastly Heroes, Matte Paintings and Stop-Motion animated Monsters. We even produced a hand-written screenplay and scouted “shooting locations” in Mill Creek Park. It never went beyond the planning stage.

Together with High School Friends, I helped produce Independent Films, like the DANVILLE FAMILY CURSE (creating Werewolf Make-up for another Actor.) We filmed scenes at night in the woods with spotlights and attempted to create a soundtrack on audiocassette. Shortly afterward, the creator behind “Danville” asked me to transform him into a Giant White Rabbit for another Film — TERROR FROM LAB 109. His name? Pete Bishop (not to be confused with the character from FRINGE).

Classmate Ron Parker was a KISS Fanatic. He recruited Me & CHRIS YAMBAR to help create Costumes and wear grease paint for a KISS Photo Shoot with Ron (as Gene Simmons) Chris (as Peter Criss), Me (as Ace Frehley) and Ron’s cousin (as Paul Stanley) to enter a LOOK-LIKE CONTEST. We painted a “Wall of Fire” on basement walls for the backdrop, had a Hair-Stylist create the wigs and a real Photographer. Somehow … we did not win. But we had a lot of Fun!

In 1979 I created Concept Art (in colored pencil on poster board) to depict characters from THE KEY OF PEACE (an Epic Story written by CHRIS YAMBAR) — a “buddy tale” featuring two friends, one sort of Hobbit-like, the other a young Satyr — and their incredible adventures through an imaginary land, very much like Middle Earth.

I contributed to MANNA UNDERGROUND PRESS — a Christian publication created by CHRIS YAMBAR while working for Lamb Ministries in Youngstown — with some “Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” themed Artwork. It all led up to an actual event — A “Lord of the Rings” Party open to the Public — which I helped plan but was unable to attend (because it took place while I was away in College).

We created Huge wall murals on paper for the “RINGS” PARTY — one of “Gollum” from the Tolkien Calendar May 1978 by the Brothers Hildebrandt, and another of Orcs attacking Dwarves from the 1977 Rankin/Bass animated version of “The Hobbit””.

I contributed to MYTHOS, a “non-profit journal of mythopoeic art, comments, humor, and scholarship”. It featured “J.R.R. Tolkien and the Supernatural” — an article written and illustrated by Me (Reprinted, with permission, from Manna Underground Press 2:6, 1983). My original Art also appeared in REBEL GRAPHICS — a 1984 CHRIS YAMBAR publication (Issue #1 — Described as “A Powerful New Mag in 7-D”).

Over time, my Creative Focus turned to Storytelling. My first attempt at writing a book — THE GUARDIAN CONSPIRACY — was planned as Part 1 of a Trilogy. The story dealt with Extraterrestrial influence on a Mythical Empire in prehistoric Australia.

Efforts to create realistic FANTASY ART in acrylic color on canvas included works like “DAMSEL IN DISTRESS” (it imagined a tiny Dragon coming to rescue a beautiful girl from a stone dungeon) and “SEA SERPENT” featuring a woman Warrior (modeled after the legendary Rachel Welch from “One Million Years, B.C.” ).

Years later, CHRIS YAMBAR and I reconnected @ 2003. WEREWOLF ORPHAN BOY was a Pen & Ink illustration for a short story idea. He shared it with me one day over a long breakfast at the Dutch Haus in Columbiana. It led to a brief renewal of our friendship — though the story was never published.

Around 2015, I pursued another Book Idea — PLIGHT OF THE OVERLORDS — about an Out-Of-Place-Artifact (super technology) discovered by Human Beings, then sought after by Aliens. The “Plight” of the Overlords was this: no matter how highly advanced they considered themselves to be … there was always someone Else ABOVE Them.

Soon after, my wife Marsha and I found inspiration in Hopi Mythology … and were fascinated with the concept of the Great Spirit giving specific forms of Guardianship to each of four Human Races based on skin color: red, yellow, black, and white. It seemed like a great foundation for a Story, and led to creation of THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY.

In 2016, the Story began to take shape with Book 1 A GLEAM OF LIGHT — opening with a Real-Life UFO Encounter (America West Flight 564 in 1995) … followed by a plea for help 21 years later, bringing Una Waters back to her roots in Hopiland. She faces up to a stiff-necked Army General, while trying to protect an Ancient Discovery.

In 2017 came Book 2 THE DRAGON’S GLARE, in which Una, on Special Assignment to solve a Mystery in New York’s Chinatown, butts heads again with General Ashcroft. An Out-Of-This-World Encounter confirms her childhood beliefs — WE ARE NOT ALONE.

In 2018, Book 3 BEYOND THE WORLD finds Una & Ashcroft’s Honeymoon Adventure in Yosemite National Park disrupted … when duty calls him away. With the help of new friends from Explorer’s Club, Una uncovers a UFO Mystery — that points to an Alien Conspiracy!

In 2019 A GLEAM OF LIGHT was an Award Finalist in the READERS’ FAVORITE International Book Awards — in the genre of Young Adult Sci-Fi. We traveled to Miami to participate in the Awards Ceremony. It was the thrill of a lifetime!

THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY has received glowing Reviews from Publishers Weekly, Readers’ Favorite, Audiobook Empire and more. All three Books have been released as Audiobooks through AUDIBLE, Amazon & iTunes — narrated by professional voice actress Kat Bohn with original Music from composer T.J. Wilkins.

The Journey continues …

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More than half of today’s YA Readers are over the age of 18. Why? For LOTS of reasons. Here are just a few:

1) The INTENSITY of First-Time Emotion
It’s completely different … and reminds Readers of a time in their lives more focused on Self-Discovery. They want to encounter Feelings that they recognize. These Emotions often lead to Attraction and Romance.

2) Real-Life STRUGGLES
YA Characters cope with Real-Life conflicts and obstacles. They wrestle with important concepts — like Friendship and Personal Identity (who they are and who they should be).

3) Limitless IMAGINATION
YA Fiction is all about Adventure, Exploring the Great Unknown and “Saving the World” from Forces of Evil. YA Characters tend to be Resourceful and Courageous.

4) Personal EMPOWERMENT
YA Characters often discover Hidden Abilities within themselves. This helps them find an identity and strength, becoming EMPOWERED against great odds. Many stories are Female-Driven (like Divergent or The Hunger Games).

5) HOPE for the Future
YA Fiction is generally Hopeful, with an underlying Optimism — even through the Darkness. Readers need to know that they’re not alone (dealing with Feelings like Anxiety or Depression) … and things will get better.

In addition to those above, there’s another Reason, mentioned less often but no less important: Embracing DIVERSITY. The Heroes are often more Diverse. Readers of all ages find themselves drawn to characters they can identify with.

Diversity in YA Fiction offers an opportunity for personal Growth. People-of-color struggle to overcome Obstacles wherever they occur. Increasingly, one can find more Gay, Lesbian and Transgender characters. Its far-reaching scope even contemplates Life elsewhere in the universe.

Embodiment in THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY

In Book 1, A GLEAM OF LIGHT, half-Hopi and still struggling to fit into a White Man’s World, UNA WATERS wrestles with her own definition of self. After leaving her childhood home as an Orphan — vowing to never look back, she returns to Hopiland as an adult, needing to reaquaint herself with her roots — and so the reader comes to learn about Hopi culture and mythology through her eyes.

 

 

Reviewer Comments:

“I loved the story of the prodigal child returning home after many years, not knowing if she will be accepted or shunned … — JennlyT

“From the moment I opened and read the first pages of this enchanting tale, I was hooked. I found it to be a mystical, otherworldly and totally riveting story … And as you read this wonderful book, you’ll begin to think that all things come together for a purpose and the very fact that you’re holding this great book in your hands was meant to be …” — DTChantel

“Armed with her knowledge, group of friends, and her own strength; Una Waters is in the surprise of her life as she navigates through beings and situations that don’t even seem possible to exist.”— Hannah Kercheval

“Her journey is one of discovery, not only into the events occurring on the peaks and the past, but into herself and the connection she had almost forgotten with the land and life.” — K.J. Simmill, Award-Winning UK Author and Blogger

” I enjoyed how the story was both the sci-fi mystery I was anticipating, but also a journey of the heart for Una.” — Sophia Rose on Audible

In Book 2, THE DRAGON’S GLARE, Una discovers connections between Hopi and Asian Culture (specifically Tibet) that she never anticipated, thanks to sparked memories of Hopi prophecy. Her hidden abilities (revealed by contact with an ancient Hopi artifact in Book 1) enable her to seek help from a Higher power — to resolve a very real crisis that threatens to start World War III.

 

 

Reviewer Comments:

“I find something in this for everyone. UFO buffs and conspiracy theory aficionados … a bit of romance … and mystery … More importantly I found a message of unity and hope. — Teresa A. Garcia, Star Dragon Publishing

“This book has a little bit for everyone, especially if you believe in aliens and love mythology. There is also a lot of action that is going to keep you on the edge of your seat.” — Jessica Bronder

“Una has been sent on a special assignment mission in Chinatown NYC … As the danger grows and humanity is in grave danger, Una knows that she needs to figure out the seemingly unearthly mystery before it’s too late.” — Hannah Kercheval

“Book 2 introduces a new character, Rufus, who is the computer geek. He adds a little more interest to the story and risks his life to save Una during a pretty spectacular UFO incident … The resolution of the conflict is the twist that wraps up the story, adds to the mysterious and keeps the series going.” — Riley Moreland

In Book 3, BEYOND THE WORLD, Una’s Extraterrestrial connection empowers her to fight back against an ALIEN Conspiracy that threatens the Survival of Humanity. New and old friends join Una in this larger-than-life battle to save the world, which just-so-happens to coincide with a romantic Honeymoon Adventure! It also points to renewed Hope for the Future.

 

 

Reviewer Comments:

“For Science Fiction fans who are particularly interested in extraterrestrial life, if you haven’t read this series, what are you waiting for? Beyond the World was my favorite of the three novels because the action was fairly quick to start and moved rapidly after that … Even if you are not a big fan of “alien fiction”, I would suggest giving this series a read. Even if you start out a skeptic, you may end up a believer in the end.” — JennlyT

“Upon turning the last page, all I could think of was Richard Dreyfuss in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” – WE ARE NOT ALONE. I get shivers just thinking about it, and of all the wondrous and mystical and mysterious things that come to light in this marvelous book. All I wanted to do was immediately grab the first book in this series and just start all over again.” — DTChantel

“Once again the pace is spot on, the twists a thrilling ride, and the characters and scenarios believable … It takes the narrative of good aliens and bad aliens and then makes it accessible … I think that this whole series ought to be available in high school and middle school libraries.” — Teresa H. Garcia, Star Dragon Publishing

 

One Reader appropriately describes THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY as “an emotional journey of the heart” for UNA. She makes sensible emotional decisions. As she overcomes each obstacle, Readers can identify with her struggle.

The Trilogy’s Cultural and Racial DIVERSITY explores Alien Mythology around the world, giving it universal appeal — Book 1 Native American, Book 2 Asian American, Book 3 African American.

Like the best books for YA Readers, it can inspire Conversation about Important topics.

Adult Readers will appreciate pop culture references to Star Trek, Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, ET the Extraterrestrial, and more — that will spawn fond memories of why they came to love Science Fiction in the first place.

Your Next YA Read? Try THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY. You may find it to be, in the words of one Reviewer:

“An Experience … like No Other.”

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