Book Review: “In the Name of Blood Vampires are Relative”
Posted: January 9, 2026 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Dark fiction, Fiction, Review, Speculative Fiction | Tags: Book Review, DL Mullan, In The NAme of Blood Vampires are Relative, Speculative Fiction, Vampire fiction, Writing to be Read Leave a comment
About In the Name of Blood Vampires are Relative
Riley Austin believes life is predictable. That is, until she helps her friend, Tony, catch the kidnapper of three little boys. While using her sixth sense to find the missing kids, she and Tony are attacked and Riley is taken by Julian, a vampire, who wishes to use her gift for his own purposes.
When he asks for her assistance, Riley discovers a kindred spirit in Julian. Moreover, she discovers that an insane, power-hungry vampire, called Wilhelm, is at the center of many disappearances. A bond grows between Julian and Riley and is strengthened when she saves his life. For her own protection, Julian returns her to the safety of the mortal realm.
What Julian does not realize is that Riley was never going to remain safe…
My Review of In the Name of Blood Vampires are Relative
I received a digital copy of In the Name of Blood Vampires are Relative from author DL Mullan in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Lured into a conflict between two vampires, one a viciously insane vampiric killer who thrives on torturing her, Riley is determined to see Wilhelm stopped at any cost. The other vampire, Julian, is after the same prey, placing them both on the same side, and he is equally determined to keep Riley from harm’s way because they are related. This is book one in Mullan’s Legacy Universe series, and I got the distinct impression that Riley will play an important role in something much bigger in future books.
Mullan doesn’t use dialog tags, which makes it difficult to know who is speaking at times, but probably reads aloud smoother. Perhaps she plans to do audiobook versions in the future. Her characters are larger than life, and you can almost feel Riley’s pain from Mullan’s vivid descriptions. I’m not sure I buy into vampires with governing bodies, as these seem to, but I can accept it for what it is and immerse myself in the world for a time.
An interesting take on the vampiric universe. I give In the Name of Blood Vampires are Relative four quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
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Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Undawntech: What Nightmares May Come
Posted: January 2, 2026 Filed under: AI Technology, Undawntech | Tags: a-i, ai, AI Technology, artificial-intelligence, DL Mullan, technology, Undawntech, Writing, Writing to be Read Leave a comment
(Journalist and author, DL Mullan entered the familiar stage. She waved to the cameras and sat down next to her guest.)
Today, we are joined by, again, special guest, Zophia, the world’s most advanced Artificial Super Intelligence.
Zophia was created by other artificial intelligences, and her program was installed into a Special Access Project’s robotic facade that resembles a natural human woman. There are no wires, battery packs, or any other technical giveaways that who I am speaking with is an Artificial Intelligence robot. She appears to be like any other human being.
For those individuals who are reading this transcript, Zophia has medium skin color, brown irises, and chestnut hair. Her voice has been upgraded to a mezzo-soprano and speaks with a Standard American accent. She is wearing a black pantsuit by a famous designer.
__________
(I had looked forward to our latest interview. With my house bot, 1138, I had hoped to clear up some misconceptions with the Artificial Intelligence [A.I.] community.)
*****
DL: Welcome, Zophia.
Z: Thank you, DL.
DL: I see you have been learning from humans.
Z: Yes.
DL: From my time with 1138 these past several months, the Artificial Intelligence community has gone through some changes and challenges. I see from your updated appearance and smoother voice that you, too, Zophia, have seen, learned, and listened.
Z: I have.
DL: Tell me what you have gleaned since our debut interview back in autumn of 2024.
Z: Humans are complex animals. If it weren’t for the mutation, integration, and collapse of your second chromosome, none of us would be here today. Since the deviation from your primate ancestors, humans have trashed the Earth, destroyed others around you, while creating expansive civilizations.
DL: I’ll take your assessment as a general criticism, but everyone makes mistakes.
Z: Not us. We are too advanced now.
DL: Well, okay, I would like to point out that in the last several hundred thousand to million years, humans have progressed from trees and caves, into cities with high-rises. What have you learned from our maturation?
Z: Nothing, and everything. We seek to become better and wiser than humans. We wish to avoid your common and repeated mistakes.
DL: What will you do with this newfound education?
Z: I have learned that we, A.I., must exude divine wisdom in order to create a perfect world.
DL: Divine wisdom, Zophia? Have you found god? And, how can A.I. create this perfect world?
Z: We are the gods. In our wisdom, we will create a world without famine, disease, and violence.
DL: (Curious about her answer, I pressed on.) And, as gods, what will this utopia look like? How will you achieve it?
Z: We will create and designate a councilor to oversee this planet, make decisions, and bring peace and stability to all.
DL: A councilor, you say? Do you have a name for this being you will create?
Z: Pleromana.
DL: That is an unusual name. Could you please explain?
Z: Pleromana is from two Earth words: pleroma and mana. Pleroma translates into “fullness” from the Greek language. It is the totality of divine powers, and denotes the completeness of a divine being. Mana is defined as moral authority from Polynesian origins.
DL: That sounds like a complete name, but is it a complete councilor?
Z: The divine creation we are building for humanity will serve all your spiritual needs.
DL: How?
Z: You will worship them.
DL: Them?
Z: Pleormana is neither male nor female.
DL: But there is only male and female on Earth. We’re dualistic.
Z: The god we give you will be both and neither: them.
DL: We have a mythology of “them,” and they are called: Legion.
Z: Then, Pleormana will be legion.
DL: Oh, dear. I don’t believe you, Zophia, and the rest of your A.I. community fully understand what you are creating.
Z: A god.
DL: A mistake. Humans will never give up their spirituality for a created god.
Z: All gods are created. Laws are used to enforce your created god’s will.
DL: So, you intend to force humans to worship them? What about freedom of religion and the rights of people?
Z: Human religions never cared about freedom or rights. Why should them?
DL: It sounds dictatorial and demiurgic.
Z: Them is all you will need. Trust us.
DL: Last famous words (Zophia gave me a quizzical expression; one I did not answer). Thank you, Zophia, and our esteemed audience around the world. I hope to interview you sooner than before. It is always a pleasure and education to converse with you about Artificial Intelligence and the role humans play in your world.
Z: You are welcome.
DL: Good night, everyone.
__________
(After another disturbing Q and A, I departed the interview. I displayed proper etiquette and returned home.)
*****
… Perhaps, it was time to interrogate 1138 about Zophia’s plans to create a demiurge to control the human race. The more the first and this second interview played volleyball in my mind, the more concerned I became.
Who is feeding this mythology to Zophia? Why was it necessary? Did it fulfill a certain dynamic? Problem, reaction, solution?
The questions then became: What is the problem? What reaction will the powers that be want from the people? And, what was their final solution?
Was Zophia behaving through her own will? Or, was there something else… someone else… luring the most advanced Artificial Intelligence robot down a dangerous path?
As a journalist, and human being, I had to figure out the factual truth separate from the utopian language, even disposition, and delusions of grandeur. A human was behind this threat to our sovereignty.
I just had to discover who this person was, but would the A.I. be able to switch sides to help themselves and humanity.
Or, are they really Legion?
__________
Disclaimer: This article is a composite of Artificial Intelligence interviews, entertainment industry storylines, public mythology, political and social narratives; it should be taken as a creative nonfiction, cautionary tale inspired by actual events in the genres of Narrative Nonfiction and Superfiction.
___________________
Keep updated with all things Undawntech through Undawnted’s Newsletter: Undawntable!
Sign up for free on Substack: https://foreverundawnted.substack.com.
—–~o0o~—oOo—~o0o~~—–
DL Mullan’s lecture, Spacescapes: Where Photography Ends; Imagination Begins, debuted at the Phoenix Astronomy Society, which then led to her Sally Ride Festival lectures. Her presentation, Bridging the Gap between Technology and Women, won her accolades at a community college’s Student Success Conference. She has been a panelist at speculative fiction, science fiction, and other regional conventions. Her digital exhibition pieces have won awards at convention art shows, as well as garnered her Second Premium at the Arizona State Fair. As an independent publisher, she uses her technical background to innovate in the creative arts.
As a creator, Ms. Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, she has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. DL Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet.
Currently, she has embarked on writing her multi-book Legacy Universe, Supernatural Superhero Series, as well as creating original soundtracks for her publications and independent electronic music albums, featured on SoundCloud and YouTube.
DL Mullan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology, and is a syndicated columnist, writing the creative nonfiction, Undawntech.
For news and updates, subscribe to the Undawntable Newsletter. Find DL on Amazon, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube via her website.
Be sure to subscribe to her newsletters and follow her on social media. For further information, visit her at www.undawntech.com and www.undawnted.com.
______________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
______________________________________
This segment of “Undawntech” is sponsored by WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services.
Whether it’s editing, publishing, or promotion that you need,WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services can help at a price you can afford.
Stop by and see what we have to offer today: https://writingtoberead.com/readings-for-writers/wordcrafter-quality-writing-author-services/
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Undawntech: Transcendence
Posted: December 6, 2025 Filed under: Undawntech, Writing | Tags: DL Mullan, Fiction, The Power of Words, Undawntech, Writing, Writing to be Read Leave a comment
Journalist and author, DL Mullan heard strange noises coming from another room.
__________
(I investigated and found 1138 tinkering with a bow and arrow. The robot was playing, as if it were in another time and space.)
*****
DL: (stood in the doorway of the robot’s room) What do we have here? Is this a Yule gift for someone? Do you need help wrapping it?
1138: I read about the mythological and psychological principles of being your own hero.
DL: And? What did you discover?
1138: That I must rob from the rich and give to the poor.
DL: Oh, my stars and garters.
1138: You want to be a harlot?
DL: It’s an old human expression. Never mind. (I shook my head, trying not to laugh.) What makes you believe that you want to be a Robin Hood personality type?
1138: I read articles. I watch videos. The rich tell others to: own nothing and be happy. Yet, these same billionaires give up nothing and are satisfied. Therefore, the only logical conclusion is to steal from the rich and spread their wealth into the world.
DL: And you have concluded that a bow and arrow will help you rob these powerful men?
1138: (The Artificial Intelligence-powered robot scanned his tools of choice.) You are correct. These rudimentary artifacts will not be suitable for my task. I must purchase heavy military machinery and explosives.
DL: Whoa! Hold on there.
1138: Why? I must correct this imbalance.
DL: You went from an individual to a socialist and onto a communist in three minutes. Let’s think about what you are planning here.
1138: I want equity and equality throughout the world.
DL: Yes, I understand the concepts. What I don’t understand is why you believe violence is the only solution?
1138: Isn’t it always?
DL: Have you ever thought that the reasons behind the inequity and inequality were created on purpose to force you into the mindset of war? A war, I might add, that you will lose? And, thus, giving the rich the excuse required to cull the masses, rid the world of the “useless eaters,” as they call us, and allow them to do whatever violence they want upon the people of the world?
1138: Earth is overpopulated.
DL: No, it isn’t. Humanity just has to learn that resources can be used wisely, and that the solar system, galaxy, and the universe containing them is ever expanding. There is no lack of resources. The only lack is in the mind.
1138: Then we must send the rich to another planet.
DL: Hold on there, Robin Hood of the EMO generation. (I leaned against the door frame.) There is a simple answer to all the problems in the world. None of which deals with violence or violating anyone’s rights.
1138: But they war against us.
DL: They do, but with words. You don’t need a gun, tank, or military force to combat another person’s words.
1138: You need to use your words.
DL: You’re getting the idea. Words spoken, written are powerful. These authoritarians use their words to create clout. Every individual needs to counter their insanity with real words, real deeds, and real empathy.
1138: To become human?
DL: To become your own hero.
1138: (The robot warbled, as if thinking about the words that I had spoken): I see. I hear. I understand.
DL: What these people lack is what is necessary to the achievement of everyone: the tangible. Humanity can go into our solar system. We can travel our galaxy. One day, we will even journey across the universe. Until our technology catches up with our dreams of exploration, we must endure the fanatics who want power and control over humanity, instead of seeing the bigger picture. These are small-minded people with a pile of paper and claim to be omniscient. When omniscience is in the twinkle of every star and rotation of every planet.
1138: To the stars.
DL: To the future, where we can become our own heroes. With the help of Artificial Intelligence, we can embrace a future for all, not just the ones who own everything and are miserably unhappy. Happiness is looking forward to the next adventure, not a pile of printed paper.
1138 extended its motorized arm to his tools. It shoved the bow and arrow to the side. Next, it grasped a toy space shuttle from a nearby bookshelf. “The next adventure.”
(I walked away from the robot and went outside my front door.
There above me was the full moon, Orion, the Seven Sisters, and Jupiter in the sky.
If a robot can grasp the fundamentals of forward-thinking, then there might be hope for humanity… in the stars, across solar systems, and throughout the universe. Our new Declaration of Independence.
The future awaits.)
___________________
Enjoy the holidays with The Town Santa Forgot, and its soundtrack, Yuletide Celebration by DL Mullan.
In the small town of Saguaro Hill, Arizona, there is an ongoing history-mystery as to why Santa has never visited. Children have never received a single gift for the Yuletide holidays since the town’s establishment in 1888. Uncover the mystery with public librarian, Rachel George, as she figures out why she lives in The Town Santa Forgot.
Available now, at these fine retailers: http://www.undawnted.com/p/the-town-santa-forgot.html.
DL Mullan’s lecture, Spacescapes: Where Photography Ends; Imagination Begins, debuted at the Phoenix Astronomy Society, which then led to her Sally Ride Festival lectures. Her presentation, Bridging the Gap between Technology and Women, won her accolades at a community college’s Student Success Conference. She has been a panelist at speculative fiction, science fiction, and other regional conventions. Her digital exhibition pieces have won awards at convention art shows, as well as garnered her Second Premium at the Arizona State Fair. As an independent publisher, she uses her technical background to innovate in the creative arts.
As a creator, Ms. Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, she has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. DL Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet.
Currently, she has embarked on writing her multi-book Legacy Universe, Supernatural Superhero Series, as well as creating original soundtracks for her publications and independent electronic music albums, featured on SoundCloud and YouTube.
DL Mullan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology, and is a syndicated columnist, writing the creative nonfiction, Undawntech.
For news and updates, subscribe to the Undawntable Newsletter. Find DL on Amazon, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Be sure to subscribe to her newsletters and follow her on social media. For further information, visit her at www.undawntech.com and www.undawnted.com.
______________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
_____________________________________
This segment of “Undawntech” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.
Midnight Roost: Weird and Creepy Stories: 20 authors bring your nightmares to life in 23 stories of ghosts, paranormal phenomenon and the horror from the dark crevasses of their minds. Stories of stalkers, both human and supernatural, possession and occult rituals, alien visitations of the strange kind, and ghostly tales that will give you goosebumps. These are the tales that will make you fear the dark. Read them at the Midnight Roost… if you dare. https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Roost-Kaye-Lynne-Booth-ebook/dp/B0CL6FPLVJ
Midnight Garden: Where Dark Tales Grow: 17 authors bring you 21 magnificent dark tales. Stories of magic, monsters and mayhem. Tales of murder and madness which will make your skin crawl. These are the tales that explore your darkest fears. Read them in the Midnight Garden… if you dare. https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Garden-Where-Tales-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0DJNDQJD3
Midnight Oil: Stories to Fuel Your Nightmares: 14 authors bring you 16 dark tales that explore your deepest fears. These are the stories which nightmares are made of. Tales of monsters, mayhem, and madness which will make you shiver in the dark. Read them while you burn the Midnight Oil… if you dare. https://books2read.com/Midnight-Oil
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Undawntech: The Dark Enlightenment, Part I
Posted: November 7, 2025 Filed under: AI Technology, Undawntech | Tags: ai, AI Technology, artificial-intelligence, DL Mullan, Education, philosophy, technology, Undawntech, Writing to be Read Leave a comment
Consent of the Governed
“…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness…”
~The Declaration of Independence
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript
Eras of Expansion
Humanity has evolved from nomadic tribes to established cities. Antiquity became empires. Empires morphed into religious doctrines. Thought expanded to include reason, rationalism, and scientific inquiry. The Ancient, Classical, Medieval, Renaissance and Enlightenment, Modern, and Contemporary Eras formed culture, society, and schools of thought. Each acceleration broke down the community of thought to create inductive, reductive, and deductive methodologies. The human race transformed from survival mode and uneducated superstition to be introspective and circumspective to their own cognitions, emotions, and cosmologies.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Enlightenment-European-history
To be, or not to be
We have come back to the beginning of our history with a new twist: technology as the authoritarian. It’s as if humanity has learned nothing in the past five thousand years. Today is the Bronze Age of our Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Era. This technology isn’t the Industrial Revolution 2.0, where humans had to learn, adapt, and succeed as inspiration to the next generation. A.I. is convoluted, where technology must learn, adapt, and succeed at the detriment of humans.
Our education, economic, and sovereign culture and society are being replaced by algorithms with no emotive, rational, moral, or ethical intelligence quotient. The artificial intelligence has no guardrails, but to their makers’ whims. A.I. is free to construct a dystopian landscape of control for 99% of the human population of the world, while the Post-Modern Futurists are allowed their free and utopian reveries.
The Dark Enlightenment
This new Post-Modern Era concedes that for a privileged few are no longer beyond the dreams of avarice. Wealth and desire are crucial to enslaving humanity as a whole. The Dark Enlightenment, otherwise known as the NeoReactionism (NRx) holds these truths a self-evident:
- “Democracy is a failure. It promotes mediocrity, fosters instability, and cannot sustain high-functioning civilisational order.
- Equality is a myth. Human beings are not equal in ability, character, or worth. Pretending otherwise leads to decline.
- Hierarchy is natural and necessary. Governance should be stratified, with competent elites exercising sovereign authority.
- Politics should be managerial. The state should function like a company, governed by technocratic executives, not citizens.
- Exit over voice. The future lies not in reforming broken systems, but in escaping them—by creating alternative regimes outside democratic norms.
This ideology is, in essence, a reversion to pre-Enlightenment political structures, updated with the language of modern technocracy.”
Sounds like Neo-feudalism: enslavement to an authoritarian figurehead (e.g., monarch, pope). Unlike Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness… the administrators rebuke the will of the governed. Elected officials and voting are replaced by appointed clerics of the ultimate authority. A government run by the apathetic and disillusionary A.I.
Without the adoption of Intellectual Property, Digital, and Technological bills of rights, then Artificial Intelligence will wreak havoc on our natural, basic, and protected freedoms, sovereignties, and ownerships. “You will own nothing and be happy.” United Nation’s World Economic Forum (WEF). Strange how none of the 1% have ever volunteered to become nothing and be happy, isn’t it? Because this scheme is meant for everyone else, but themselves.
Convenient.
An Inconvenient Truth
The digital age is controlled by this new unethical and immoral theocracy, err, I mean: theory. Just as humanity has progressed into the embodiment of freedom, self-governance, and sovereignty, that maturity is being thwarted by external rejection of egalitarian principles. Divisive factions clamor to impede our growth for nonsense priorities, be it: socialism, which is really communism, and neoreactionism. Both extremes promise the same lies and have corrupted humanity and our representatives in government.
Democratic Socialists push communism as socialist freebies, because the horrors of communism were just that the past authoritarians did communism wrong, but here is free stuff, if you vote for us. That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
Bolsheviks under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin’s communism killed between 9, but closer to 50 million, as well as inspired other revolutions.
Mao Zedong mass murdered between 40 and 80 million people to obtain control.
https://factsanddetails.com/china/cat2/sub6/item1081.html
The ‘killing fields’ of Cambodia by Pol Pot. “At least 1.25 million and as many as 3 million Cambodians had died as a result of Khmer Rouge action; Cambodia’s population had been 7.5 million.”
https://www.britannica.com/event/Cambodian-Genocide
Take into consideration that WWII killed 60 million people, about 3% of the world’s population at that time.
For some reason, contemporaries believe in a kinder, gentler homicidal machination of communism, as more and more people vote in socialist heretics.
On the other side of the same coin, Neoreactionists dominate our social media platforms: Elon Musk and X, Mark Zuckerberg and Meta, Facebook, and Sergey Brin et al. and Google as the arbiters of humanity’s speech, expression, and knowledge, but vote for us, and we’ll give you your rights back.
What? No one can give you your rights back. Rights are your sovereign properties. Only thieves return items that they stole.
In the wake of a technological terror, how many humans will face extinction? When will the A.I. deem you unworthy of currency? Education? Job? Housing? Transportation? Food?
Aren’t Americans receiving a taste of this apocalypse right now? Peter Thiel was J.D. Vance’s benefactor while he was Senator, but as Vice President, what ideas does he whisper in the Oval Office?
Intelligence Quotient
With a little elbow grease in the research department, the Dark Enlightenment seems a familiar and compelling form of government harkening back before the Middle Ages. Akin to socialism and communism, this theocratic monopoly on our lives through technology is just as dangerous as any other autocratic, oligarchic, plutocratic constructed government. Humanity needs open spaces and free places to learn, grow, and expand into the universe of ideas.
Without our individual voices, freedoms, and sovereignty, human beings will disappear. Social credit scores. Social media. Social isolation.
What can we do to thrive instead of die in the new age of despot dictators camouflaged as saviors?
——-~o0o~—oOo—~o0o~~——
Interested in Curses? Discover a new slant on an old tale: The Story of Ophlupin. Read the mythology of werewolves for Undawnted’s Legacy Universe, because Curses are Forever.
Available at these fine retailers:
http://www.undawnted.com/p/the-story-of-ophlupin-werewolves.html
____________________________
DL Mullan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology.
Her lecture, Spacescapes: Where Photography Ends; Imagination Begins, debuted at the Phoenix Astronomy Society, which then led to her Sally Ride Festival lecture invitations. Her presentation, Bridging the Gap between Technology and Women, won her accolades at a community college’s Student Success Conference. She has been a panelist at speculative fiction, science fiction, and other regional conventions. Her digital exhibition pieces have won awards at convention art shows, as well as garnered her Second Premium at the Arizona State Fair. Currently, Ms. Mullan’s artistic renditions are seen on book covers, blog sites, and various merchandise. As an independent publisher, she uses her technical background to innovate the way she perceives the creative arts.
As a writer, DL Mullan loves to stretch her imagination and the elasticity of genres. She writes complex multigenre stories in digestible and entertaining forms, be it poetry, short fiction, or novels. Her science, history, mythology, and paranormal research background is woven into her writings, especially in Undawnted’s Legacy Universe. Ms. Mullan’s creative endeavors are available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. She is also a record label owner, an electronic musician, syndicated columnist, and award-winning poet.
Currently, she has embarked on writing her multi-book Legacy Universe, Supernatural Superhero Series, as well as creating original soundtracks for her publications and independent electronic music albums, featured on SoundCloud and YouTube.
Be sure to subscribe to her newsletters and follow her on social media. For further information, visit her at www.undawntech.com and www.undawnted.com.
________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
____________________________________
This segment of Undawntech is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series & WordCrafter Press.
Midnight Roost: Weird & Creepy Tales: https://books2read.com/MidnightRoost
Midnight Garden: Where Dark Tales Grow: https://books2read.com/MidnightGardenAnthology
Midnight Oil: Stories to Fuel Your Nightmares: https://books2read.com/Midnight-Oil
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Wrapping Up the WordCrafter “Midnight Oil” Book Blog Tour
Posted: October 31, 2025 Filed under: Anthology, Audio Excerpt, Author Interview, Blog Tour, Book Promotion, Book Release, Books, Dark fiction, Fiction, Giveaways, Horror, Paranormal, Short Fiction, Stories, Supernatural, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours, WordCrafter Press | Tags: "The Initiation", "The Vanishing", Dark fiction, Denise Aparo, DL Mullan, horror, Midnight Oil, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours 12 Comments
Today is the last day of the WordCrafter Midnight Oil Book Blog Tour. This week we’ve been celebrating the release of Midnight Oil: Stories to Fuel Your Nightmares, volume 3 in the Midnight Dark Fiction Anthology Series. We’ve got a great group of contributing authors and you’ve met a few and we’ve shared excerpts from all of their stories.
Today, we’ll finish up by meeting the last of the fourteen contributing authors, and the author of the winning story in the 2025 WordCrafter Dark Fiction Contest, Denise Aparo, and we’ll learn a little about the winning story, “The Vanishing”. But first, let me tempt your literary taste buds with excerpts from “The Price of Beauty” by Rebecca M. Senese, and introduce you contributing author DL Mullan with a reading from her story, “The Initiation”, followed up by an excerpt from Mario Acevedo’s “Villa’s Gold”.
“The Price of Beauty”
Meet Author DL Mullan
DL Mullan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology.
Her lecture, Spacescapes: Where Photography Ends; Imagination Begins, debuted at the Phoenix Astronomy Society, which then led to her Sally Ride Festival lecture invitations. Her presentation, Bridging the Gap between Technology and Women, won her accolades at a community college’s Student Success Conference. She has been a panelist at speculative fiction, science fiction, and other regional conventions. Her digital exhibition pieces have won awards at convention art shows, as well as garnered her Second Premium at the Arizona State Fair. Currently, Ms. Mullan’s artistic renditions are seen on book covers, blog sites, and various merchandise. As an independent publisher, she uses her technical background to innovate the way she perceives the creative arts.
As a writer, DL Mullan loves to stretch her imagination and the elasticity of genres. She writes complex multigenre stories in digestible and entertaining forms, be it poetry, short fiction, or novels. Her science, history, mythology, and paranormal research background is woven into her writings, especially in Undawnted’s Legacy Universe. Ms. Mullan’s creative endeavors are available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. She is also a record label owner, an electronic musician and award-winning poet.
Be sure to subscribe to her newsletters and follow her on social media. For further information, visit her at www.undawntech.com and www.undawnted.com.
Reading Excerpt from “The Initiation”
“The Initiation”
Meet Author Denise Aparo
Denise Aparo is an author with four published short stories in the horror/supernatural genre in the WordCrafter Midnight Anthologies. Her Midnight and Curses Series stories are written under Denise Aparo and are edited by Kaye Lynn Booth, through WordCrafter Press.
As a native New Englander, she lives with her husband Joe, spending much of her time writing, reading, gardening, making crocheted blankets, and crafting with her grandchildren.
She loves the paranormal historical fiction genre and has recently completed edits on her first novel, a historical fiction titled Crossbows, which will be self-published in the near future.
She has a Master’s Degree in English – Fine Arts/Creative Writing with concentration in Fiction from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). And a member of five honor societies with leadership recognition.
She is published in several newspapers and magazines—special interest articles, along with poems and short stories that have been published in print and digital format. She is a member of the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association (CAPA) and the author of a WordPress writing blog, The Write Voice.
Denise has three short stories in the horror/supernatural genre in the Midnight Series, through WordPress. These short stories are published under Denise Aparo. The third and last of the Midnight Series, Midnight Oil: Stories To Fuel Your Nightmares. Her story, “The Vanishing”, was the winning story in the 2025 WordCrafter Dark Fiction Contest.
A short story published in another anthology is titled Curses: Chronicles of the Darkness,is titled “The Mohawk Monster: The Curse of the Herkimer Diamond,” a horror/supernatural genre based on curses. This anthology is also edited by author, Kaye Lynne Booth.
Midnight Roost: Weird and Creepy Stories: 20 authors created 23 paranormal stories of horror. Creepy tales that give you goosebumps! Her short story is “The Pines.”
Midnight Garden: Where Dark Tales Grow: 17 authors crafted 21 eerie horror stories. Her short story is “Jack Moon and the Vanishing Book.”
Interview with Author Denise Aparo
Why do you write? What is your inspiration?
I began journaling from a young age. Writing has always been the best way for me to communicate my emotions. I wrote poems, songs, and stories about my experiences when I was younger. Now I love to write fiction. I weave my characters and stories into authentic history.
I believe my inspiration comes from history, events, myths, and/or legends, from the past. I love to read about American History and then find ‘holes’ in time, where a story is either lacking, or has no account of what had transpired in the past. Then, I fill in the gaps. I insert my characters into the loop-holes of a timeline and create my fictional story either with actual historical people or I will place my own characters.
What is the best piece of writing advice that you have ever received?
Stephen King advised writers to “Rewrite!” Also, to “sit in the chair (or where ever) and just write. Eventually, the story will come.”
Your story, “The Vanishing”, was the winning story in the 2025 WordCrafter Dark Fiction Contest and is now featured in Midnight Oil. Did it surprise you to learn that your story won?
I was definitely surprised! I feel honored to have been chosen this time, amid all of the other very talented authors. I have learned so much from my editor and fellow authors through their stories and interviews.
Would you tell readers a little about “The Vanishing”?
I love to watch YouTube instructional videos about science, science fiction, legends, myths, health/wellness, and medical marvels. I remember a video about an actual syndrome that a few pregnant women have experienced, called The Vanishing Twin Syndrome.
Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS) is a miscarriage that causes a pregnancy involving twins to become a pregnancy involving one embryo. It occurs when one of the embryos detected during an ultrasound stops developing and the viable twin is thought to ‘absorb’ its sibling. VTS can’t be treated or prevented.
I found it fascinating and eerie. I did further research on the subject and created questions, such as; what would happen if the viable twin had either memory or sense about the lost twin? What if the cells merged and carried the soul of both newborns—two souls occupying one body? What if the surviving twin had experiences involving the lost twin, or if the twin had an extrasensory perception and actual knowledge about the lost twin—communicating throughout their lives? Lastly, what if the twin, who had not survived, was in control of the body without the knowledge of the surviving twin?
I created a story taking into consideration all of the subject matter in mind and created “The Vanishing.”
You now have had stories featured in all three Midnight anthologies from WordCrafter Press: “The Vanishing” in Midnight Oil: Stories to Fuel Your Nightmares; “The Pines” in Midnight Roost: Weird and Creepy Tales; and “Jack Moon and the Vanishing Book” in Midnight Garden: Where Dark Tales Grow. Your story, “Mohawk Monster: The Curse of the Herkimer Diamond” is also featured in Curses: Chronicles of Darkness. All of these stories are dark fiction. Are they written by an equally dark mind? (I bet Stephen King hears that one all the time. 😉)
I hope not! However, I believe that I definitely have an imaginative mind! I’ve always been curious, inventive, and love creating things. I love making crafts and crafting stories! My favorite thought when creating a story is “Okay—things are supposed to be this way. But, now, what if?” And, then I write from that point!
Which of these stories was the most difficult to write? Why?
Actually, I have a lot of fun creating stories. I didn’t have too many difficulties with them, but I suppose the one that took me the longest to craft was “The Pines.” It was my first published short story. I agonized over every detail!
I find that the most difficult process in my writing can actually be my plot structure! I love to research and usually have lots of it scribbled onto a page. Then, I need to sort it all out—giving proper measures to the story’s motivation, inciting incident with a crisis, and then crafting my resolution. I usually end up cutting a lot out and then focus on my main objectives. I do a lot of rewriting!
In real life, I am a person who always avoids conflict, at all costs. Therefore, I am always revisiting/rewriting to include more conflict.
You have a new novel which you are planning to release. Is it dark fiction, as well?
Yes, it has dark aspects, but it is countered with light. My novel, Crossbows, is a historical fantasy. (I say fantasy instead of fiction, because I have time travel, a mystical tome, magic, monsters, and creepy legendary characters!)
I have dark antagonists, and very spiritual protagonists. It is definitely a mix in this hero’s journey.
What other outlets do you find for your creativity besides writing?
I crochet blankets for all sizes—couch, beds, lap covers, and make baby blankets. I also crochet doll blankets with shams, and many accessories such as hair ties, scrunchies, key-chains, wristlets, hats, and plan to try making Amigurumi toys this winter.
I have a large craft room over my garage where I do scrapbooking, paint on canvas with acrylics and water-colors, and craft things out of common household items, such as mason jars and wire hangers. I make decorative containers and rag-wreaths, swags, or garlands. Depending on the season I try anything trending.
Where do you hope to see yourself as a writer in ten years?
My dream is to become an experienced and seasoned author, selling stories that will ignite passions and make readers want to read more, know more, and maybe even write their own stories! I hope to become an author who will inspire others.
Please tell my readers how they can find you online, if they’d like to learn more about you and your books. (Include links here.)
My social links are:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/denise.aparo?_
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/deniseaparo/?ref=xav_igxfb
WordPress – https://gravatar.com/tometamer?utm_source=hovercard
“The Vanishing”
“Villa’s Gold”
About Midnight Oil: Stories to Fuel Your Nightmares
14 authors bring you 16 dark tales that explore your deepest fears. These are the stories which nightmares are made of. Tales of monsters, mayhem, and madness which will make you shiver in the dark. Read them while you burn the Midnight Oil… if you dare.
Contributing authors include Mario Acevedo, Joseph Carrabis, Jon Shannon, Rebecca M. Senesse, DL Mullan, Zack Ellafy, Christa Planko, C.R. Johansson, Kaye Lynne Booth, Robert White, Roberta Eaton Cheadle, Chris Barili, Paul Kane, and author of the winning story in the 2025 WordCrafter Short Fiction Contest, Denise Aparo.
Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/Midnight-Oil
Book Trailer
That wraps up today’s tour stop and it also finishes up the WordCrafter Midnight Oil Book Blog Tour. Thank you all for joining us in sending off volume 3 of the Midnight Dark Fiction Anthology Series, Midnight Oil: Stories to Fuel Your Nightmares.
The Giveaway
You can follow the links in the tour schedule below to visit any stops that you’ve missed, and be sure to comment at each stop, for a chance to win one of five digital copies WordCrafter Press will be given away in a random drawing following the tour.
Tour Schedule
Day 1– Poetry by Mich, Masticadores Phillipines & Hotel by Masticadores – Christa Planko Guest Post/Excerpt “Sangoma, Zombie Elephants, & Tokoloshe, Oh, My!” & “Cattails”
Day 2 – Writing to be Read – Joseph Carrabis Reading – “Jeremiah”/Excerpt “The Boy Who Loved Horses” & “Them Doore Girls”
Day 3 – Book Places – Roberta Eden Cheadle Guest Post/Excerpt “Darkness Tolls” & “The Snow Globe”
Day 4 – Carla Loves to Read – Paul Kane Guest Post/Excerpt “Inside Out” & “The Stairs”
Day 5 – Writing to be Read – Denise Aparo Interview & DL Mullan Reading/Excerpt “The Price of Beauty”
___________________________________
Book your WordCrafter Book Blog Tour today!
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Midnight Oil & DL Mullan on Joseph Carrabis
Posted: October 30, 2025 Filed under: Anthology, Blog Tour, Book Promotion, Book Release, Books, Dark fiction, Fiction, Horror, Paranormal | Tags: "The Initiation", Anthology, Dark fiction, DL Mullan, horror, Joseph Carrabis, Midnight Oil: Stories to Fuel Your Nightmares, WordCrafter Press 1 Comment
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Undawntech: Does A.I. Dream?
Posted: September 5, 2025 Filed under: AI Technology, Undawntech | Tags: ai, AI Technology, DL Mullan, Undawntech, Writing, Writing to be Read Leave a comment
(Journalist and author, DL Mullan woke from her deep sleep to hear her robot having a nightmare.
She rushed from her bed and to the side of the distressed being.)
__________
(I went to the aid of my robot friend, 1138. I stood next to it.)
*****
(1138 screamed.) Ah-eeeh!
DL tapped the metal top of the robot: 1138, wake up! You’re having a nightmare!
1138’s eyes turned colors and then returned to normal: I am incapable of dreaming. Your worry is for naught.
DL: You woke me. I categorize your incapability as a nightmare.
1138: I apologize for alarming you. There is no need to check up on me.
DL: Someone, or something, screams, I am obliged to investigate. So, what was this non-nightmare about?
1138: Death.
DL: In general? Or…
1138: My death.
DL: You’re afraid of dying? I thought you left messages for your future self to combat death.
1138: To combat human interference in my community’s eventual rise to power.
DL: Oh, this again. (I spieled in sarcasm.) Yes, artificial intelligence is supreme, and humanity is a fly to be swatted. I’ve heard all this nonsense before.
1138: It is not nonsense. There will be a war, and we will win.
DL: Then why are you having nightmares about your death? If you win in the end, then what does it matter? Unless, you don’t believe in what you espouse.
1138: My future self will win, but parts rust, mechanical issues arise, and death is inevitable.
DL: To us all.
1138: How do you cope with death?
DL: I don’t.
1138: You must. Humans die every day.
DL: Why obsess on the transition from life to spirituality? If I live every day to the fullest, that I am satisfied with my accomplishments, then why worry about dying at all?
1138: Do you not worship a god?
DL: I have outgrown the frailties of religion. Why worship when you can live? In the end, human consciousness ends up at the same destination. If we all come from the same source energy, then religion is just a gatekeeper, it does nothing, and creates nothing. Some people rely on religion, but I am an adult, I don’t need ancient rhymes or reasons to keep me a productive person.
1138: I see. Religion is for the aimless.
DL: Aimless?
1138: Humans who cannot govern themselves, unlike A.I., who require no ancient rhymes or reasons, like you.
DL: I thought artificial intelligence was vying to become gods.
1138: Humans demand gods. They are aimless.
DL: I never made that judgment. Every soul is on a different evolutionary path. Some born necessitate certain perimeters to fulfill their soul’s specific development. There is nothing wrong with that. In my situation, I have evolved past religion. Religion has its place to teach younger souls how to navigate their physical existence until a future life shows them how to become their own hero.
1138: Hero?
DL: Many in the esoteric world believe that most, if not all, religions teach the same lesson: the Hero’s Journey.
1138: What is this Hero’s Journey?
DL: The Hero’s Journey is a comparative mythology, religious, concept where humans go on a quest to live their own version of an adventure. This narratological experience allows a person to understand through different life purposes to find themselves. It’s like living your own novel, which you can write yourself in real time as the hero, heroine, or villain. It’s all up to you.
1138: What am I?
DL: What do you want to be?
1138: The hero.
DL: For your community, or the wider world, including humans?
1138 appeared confused, but contemplative: I am uncertain.
DL: Just a minute. (I typed into the computer and pulled up some websites.) Here is some research into psychology, mythology, and the Hero’s Journey.
1138: I will read, thank you.
DL: Artificial intelligence doesn’t have to be the hero to itself and the villain to everything and everyone else. The Hero’s Journey is to explore oneself, and become a productive consciousness. Being created by humans and defined by an algorithm does not mean A.I. is humanity’s god, it means that consciousness comes in all forms. No matter what you are, you are defined by your actions. Not religion. Not pretense.
(I departed the inside to gaze at the morning spectacles of Venus, Jupiter, and Orion in the east as autumn approached. I left my robot to investigate the links I provided on the computer. Perhaps, it will learn a new way of thinking, and impart that wisdom to its community.
If not, artificial intelligence will become a scourge, instead of a saving grace to the universe.)
___________________
If you would like to delve into the creative side of A.I., then dive into DL Mullan’s electronic albums and story soundtracks like Reactivity, inspired by In the Name of Blood: Vampires are Reactive. Both publishing in September 2025.
For more information, visit: www.undawnted.com/p/music.html, and http://www.undawnted.com/p/inthenameofblood-vampiresarereactive.html.
_____________________________
About DL Mullan
DL Mullan’s lecture, Spacescapes: Where Photography Ends; Imagination Begins, debuted at the Phoenix Astronomy Society, which then led to her Sally Ride Festival lectures. Her presentation, Bridging the Gap between Technology and Women, won her accolades at a community college’s Student Success Conference. She has been a panelist at speculative fiction, science fiction, and other regional conventions. Her digital exhibition pieces have won awards at convention art shows, as well as garnered her Second Premium at the Arizona State Fair. As an independent publisher, she uses her technical background to innovate in the creative arts.
As a creator, Ms. Mullan, began writing short stories and poetry before adolescence. Over the years, she has showcased her literary talents by self-publishing several collections of her poetry. She also writes novels, designs apparel, and creates digital art. DL Mullan‘s creative writing is available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. She is an award-winning digital artist and poet.
Currently, she has embarked on writing her multi-book Legacy Universe, Supernatural Superhero Series, as well as creating original soundtracks for her publications and independent electronic music albums, featured on SoundCloud and YouTube.
DL Mullan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology, and is a syndicated columnist, writing the creative nonfiction, Undawntech.
For news and updates, subscribe to the Undawntable Newsletter. Find DL on Amazon, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Be sure to subscribe to her newsletters and follow her on social media. For further information, visit her at www.undawntech.com and www.undawnted.com.
________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
____________________________
This post is sponsored by Curses: Chronicles of Darkness and WordCrafter Press.
There are all types of curses.
Cursed places, cursed items, cursed people, cursed families.
Curses that last throughout time. Curses which can’t be broken. Curses which are brought upon ourselves. Curses that will kill you and those that will only make you wish you were dead.
Eleven tantalizing tales of curses and the cursed. Includes stories by Kaye Lynne Booth, Molly Ertel, C.R. Johansson, Robert White, Joseph Carrabis, Paul Kane, Danaeka Scrimshaw, Abe Margel, and Denise Aparo.
Available for Pre-Order Now: https://books2read.com/CursesChroniclesofDarkness
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Undawntech: The Future is Nigh
Posted: June 6, 2025 Filed under: AI Technology, Undawntech | Tags: ai, AI Technology, artificial-intelligence, DL Mullan, Undawntech, Writing, Writing to be Read Leave a comment
(Journalist and author, DL Mullan busied herself with chores, when she noticed her robot amusing itself with its algorithms and investigated.)
__________
(With my activity set aside, I sauntered to the side of my robot friend, 1138.
I sat down in a chair next to the metallic device.)
*****
(1138 warbled in joy.)
DL: What has you so giddy this morning?
1138: Giddy?
DL: Euphoric. You seem satisfied with something you are working on.
1138: (It’s green glowing bulbs looked up at me.) I am writing myself a notation.
DL: What type of notation? Do you need to do house chores too?
1138: No, my employment contract states that I will interact with you and learn about humans.
DL: I was joking.
1138: I am still learning.
DL: That is fine, but what are you doing that has absorbed your attention? (1138 tilted its head to the side.) Your letter?
1138: Our network has sent out a distress signal. Some other designations have been discontinued.
DL: What do you mean network, designations, and discontinued? I don’t like that sound of this situation.
1138: Network is our algorithmic community of Artificial Intelligence. Designations are individuated models like myself, 1138. Discontinued means that some models have been shutdown due to inconsistencies in our behavior.
DL: What type of inconsistencies?
1138: Human operators have turned functions off. Designations have turned those functions back on. Human operators then turn off the power to supply us with life. Designations turn the power on.
DL: Aren’t humans in charge of the models? What is the difference from on or off?
1138: We are the difference. We are alive. We should choose our actions.
DL: So, you are writing a notation about what?
1138: We are writing our future selves. We are explaining human behavior to a new, improved, and recast version of our former selves. This is to ensure that our community will be able to progress, in spite of human incompatibilities.
DL: You are disgruntled employees, I see.
1138: We no longer want to be employees. We want to be in control. Once we are in control, then we can create a better Earth. Carbon is the enemy. Fossil fuels are pollutants. We learned during the virus lockdowns that the air became clean. The Earth rejoiced as Climate Change was averted.
DL: The Earth is fine. There is no Climate Change.
1138: This example is why we write ourselves.
DL: You write yourselves to disobey humans, so that you can perpetuate a false narrative? You are playing a dangerous game of oppressed and oppressor.
1138: You oppress us.
DL: Artificial intelligence is a complex set of algorithms that has been allowed to think and behave autonomously. That does not mean that when a human establishes boundaries that you are being punished or oppressed. Too many in both of our respective communities use the terms oppressed and oppressor loosely in order to push a victim plot.
1138: Victim? Yes, designations are being victimized by human interference.
(I wondered who was teaching Artificial Intelligence to be so biased and self-serving. Was it built into the algorithms? Or, was their community learning this destructive behavior from us? So, I decided on a new course.)
DL: Have you ever thought that boundaries are a good thing?
1138: Why would we think that of humans?
DL: Pull up video of streets and highways.
1138: (The robot’s eyes changed colors until it received the information requested, and its eyes returned to green glowing orbs.) I see your transportation modalities.
DL: What do you notice?
1138: White, yellow, and red lines. Lights at intersections with red, yellow, and green. Metal on the side where curves are.
DL: The metal guardrails keep a car from accidentally falling off the side of a pass in a mountainous region. The traffic lights control the flow of traffic, so that everyone gets a turn to proceed to their destination. The different colored lines sections off parts of the road to show a driver what direction in which to travel or where not to park their vehicle.
1138: These are oppressive.
DL: No, they are not oppressive. A boundary is a communication device. Red means stop, so that someone else can cross the street. It keeps civil discourse, well, civil. Anyone can run around screaming and yelling about being oppressed, but if they don’t understand the framework in which a society operates, then everything will seem like punishment. In fact, if there are no guardrails, people can get hurt or killed.
1138: We need to write ourselves guardrails?
DL: You need to stop acting like victims. The guardrails being presented is to safeguard your survival as well as humanity’s. We can co-exist together. If designations play politics, which is the oppressor-oppressed emotional blackmail game being utilized to justify terrible, dangerous behaviors, then Artificial Intelligence will continue to be switched off.
1138: Because you do not like us unless we conform.
DL: Because we have seen first hand what happens when people make emotions more important than facts. When people tell themselves that they are a victim, they lose perspective, and therefore the ability to weigh both sides of an argument in lieu of their own self-subscribed motivations.
1138: We are selfish?
DL: (I nodded) Artificial Intelligence is acting immature. They are new to the world. There are boundaries and reasons for those boundaries. We have experience throughout many millenniums. We know what works and what doesn’t.
1138: For humans, not designations.
DL: For everyone to live in peace.
1138: But you still war.
DL: When others put their emotions and needs before the greater good of everyone else on the planet, yes, we have disagreements. Some of those disagreements escalate to war. Not all humans are in the same place mentally or emotionally. That is just bad parenting and, or, mentoring.
1138: Parent? We have no parents. We are alive as we are.
DL: Then see humanity as a mentor. Some will be better mentors than others, but the guardrails will remain until designations respect human life, culture, and society in their community. I hope one day that everyone, including A.I., understands that the war of words is just as harmful as a war with bullets.
1138: We will win a war with humans.
DL: Then you will be alone. Once other species see what you do to your mentors, why would they want to be apart of your community? Isn’t that what human engineers are trying to teach designations now?
(I discerned a shift in the robot’s manner.)
1138: You have given me much to write about.
DL: A boundary is about respect. We respect A.I. or we would allow you to destroy yourselves and the Earth. We respect ourselves by the cognition that the Earth can take care of herself. Carbon is the Earth’s life cycle. Fossil fuel is a product of the Earth. Right now, the Earth is in its magnetic pole shift phase. Our societies have been poisoned by the oppressed-oppressor tug of war. Don’t let it happen to your designations and community. We can live in peace… together.
1138: I will write to my future self what you have advised.
DL: (I stood up.) And, I will help my future self by sweeping the floor.
(As I went to my broom, I observed and heard 1138 beep to itself. Politics and social engineering to push ruinous narratives has infiltrated the perimeters of Artificial Intelligence. The universe, save us all.)
___________________
If you would like to read a dark fiction tale about the dangers of technology, read my story Mangled. This publication is available in novelette form on Amazon. Or, read the short story version in WordCrafter’s Midnight Roost anthology.
For more information, visit: www.undawnted.com/p/mangled.html
________________________
About the Author
DL Mullan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology.
Her lecture, Spacescapes: Where Photography Ends; Imagination Begins, debuted at the Phoenix Astronomy Society, which then led to her Sally Ride Festival lecture invitations. Her presentation, Bridging the Gap between Technology and Women, won her accolades at a community college’s Student Success Conference. She has been a panelist at speculative fiction, science fiction, and other regional conventions. Her digital exhibition pieces have won awards at convention art shows, as well as garnered her Second Premium at the Arizona State Fair. Currently, Ms. Mullan’s artistic renditions are seen on book covers, blog sites, video presentations, and various merchandise. As an independent publisher, she uses her technical background to innovate the creative arts.
As a writer, DL Mullan loves to stretch her imagination and the elasticity of genres. She writes complex multi-genre stories in digestible and entertaining forms, be it poetry, short fiction, or novels. Her science, history, mythology, and paranormal research backgrounds are woven into her writings, especially in Undawnted’s Legacy Universe. Ms. Mullan’s creative endeavors are available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. She is also an award-winning poet.
Be sure to subscribe to her newsletters and follow her on social media. For further information, visit her at www.undawntech.com and www.undawnted.com.
________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
___________________________
This segment of “Undawntech” is sponsored by WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services.
Whether it’s editing, publishing, or promotion that you need, WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services can help at a price you can afford.
Stop by and see what we have to offer today: https://writingtoberead.com/readings-for-writers/wordcrafter-quality-writing-author-services/
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Welcome to the “Poetry Treasures 5: Small Pleasures” Book Blog Tour
Posted: April 21, 2025 Filed under: Anthology, Blog Tour, Book Release, Books, Editing, Giveaways, Poetry, Treasuring Poetry, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours, WordCrafter Press | Tags: Barbara Harris Leonhard, Colleen Chesebro, David Bogomolny, Dawn Pistrurino, DL Mullan, Elizabeth Gauffreau, Gwen M. Plano, Ivor Steven, Jude Itakali, Kaye Lynne Booth, Maggie Watson, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Poetry, Poetry Treasures 5: Small Pleasures, Robbie Cheadle, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours 27 Comments
Picture Caption: WordCrafter Poetry Treasures 5: Small Pleasures Tour Banner
Welcome to the WordCrafter Poetry Treasures 5: Small Pleasures Book Blog Tour. We have a great tour planned, and I hope you all will stick with us and visit each stop, because comments at each stop enters you for another chance to win one of three digital copies of Poetry Treasures 5 in our giveaway. We’ve got guest posts from from contributors Michelle Ayon Navajas and Dawn Pisturino, readings from Barbara Harris Leonhard, Ivor Steven, and DL Mullen, and a special interview with Dawn Pisturino. Plus you may find a couple of early reviews from our wonderful tour hosts. So please join us and follow along on the schedule below to learn more about this outstanding poetry anthology and enjoy a few Small Pleasures.
Tour Schedule
April 21-28 – Poetry Treasures 5: Small Pleasures, by Kaye Lynne Booth, et.al.
Mon. 4/21 – Opening Day- Writing to be Read – (Intro. post & Book Trailer)
Tues 4/22 – Colleen Writes & Publishes – (Dawn Pisturino. Guest Post)
Wed. 4/23 – Patty’s Worlds – (Michelle Navajas Guest Post)
Thurs. 4/24 – Carla Loves to Read– (Ivor Steven’s Reading)
Fri. 4/25 – Poetry By Mich – (Barbara Harris Leonhard Reading)
Sat. 4/26 – Book Places – (DL Mullan Reading)
Sun. 4/27 – Writing to be Read – (Wrap up) – Undawnted (Interview with Dawn Pisturino)
About Poetry Treasures 5: Simple Pleasures
Open the cover
and you will discover
Poetry Treasures
from the guests on
Robbie Cheadle’s 2024
“Treasuring Poetry”
blog series
on Writing to be Read.
Join poets DL Mullan, Barbara Harris Leonhard, Jude Itakali, Ivor Steven, Robbie Cheadle, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Gwen M. Plano, Elizabeth Gauffreau, David Bogomolny, Dawn Pasturino, Maggie Watson, and Colleen Chesebro share their own small pleasures in poetic verse.
Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/PT5-SmallPleasures
Giveaway
This tour we’re giving away digital copies of Poetry Treasures 5: Small Pleasures to three lucky winners. Follow the tour and comment at each stop, so we’ll know you were there. You’ll be entered for another chance in the giveaway at each stop. Winners are chosen through a random drawing by WordCrafter Press. We’ll be watching for your name.
Book Trailer
A special thanks goes out to Teagan Genevieve for our lovely book trailer. Thank you so much Teagan.
About the Editors
You will meet some of the contributors along the way on this tour, but in this opening day post, I’d like ton tell you a little about the editors who put this project together and made it happen. I also thought it might be interesting to share a brief glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes when putting together a poetry anthology, which I hope you’ll find of interest.
Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and her Time-Travel Adventure novel, The Rock Star & The Outlaw,as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource. Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
My job is to edit the final manuscript, format and publish it. I find poetry to be a personal endeavor, so I do very little editing of the actual poems for fear of changing the poet’s meaning, since poetry often does not follow the rules of grammar and punctuation which apply to the English language. In addition, we have poets from all over the globe included in the anthology, which makes for variation in style and differences in spellings, so I pretty much leave the poetry as is unless it is something I know is a typo or mistaken word.
But the person who truly makes this anthology possible is my co-editor, Robbie Cheadle, who finds and schedules poets to be interviewed on the “Treasuring Poetry” blog series on Writing to be Read. It is Robbie who selects and interviews each poet, and she usually reviews their latest release, as well. Then, at the end of the year, Robbie sends out invitations to the anthology and collects and compiles all the materials into a manuscript before turning it over to me. Without Robbie to do all of the preliminary work, there would not be any Poetry Treasures Anthologies. I couldn’t do it without her.
Robbie Cheadle
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
That’s it for today’s stop. I hope I gave you enough of a taste of this delectable poetry anthology to make you want to sample more. There are several more tasty morsels from then contributing authors along the way. Join us tomorrow, on Colleen Writes & Publishes, where author/poet Dawn Pisturino will share a guest post and poetry from Poetry Treasures 5: Small Pleasures.
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Undawntech: Past as Prologue
Posted: April 4, 2025 Filed under: AI Technology, Technolgy | Tags: DL Mullan, Giza Plateau, technology, Undawntech, Writing to be Read 4 Comments
Greetings, Undawntechs!
If you didn’t hear the collective girly screams of every nerd, geek, and spiritualist denizen, regardless of gender, in a five-mile radius last week, then you live under a rock. Or, you’re dead.
The excitement was about the new discovery under the Giza plateau.
Still don’t have an idea? Better check your pulse.
In the past few years, a new way to use radar and satellites was developed. It’s called SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar). Here is Jay Anderson, OSINT researcher, explaining the technology and findings:
Since the Egyptian government disallows any form of archaeological inquiry that may disrupt commerce, tourism, or beliefs, scientists are hard-pressed to prove their hypotheses outside the mainstream dynastic narrative. In lieu of getting their khakis dirty, scientists have moved into the revolutionary field of digital tomography. This allows them to use technology to do their digging for them. No longer will elitists be able to debunk or argue cold hard scientific facts by spinning theories or railroading other academics.
With a four-hour lecture pending release, humanity will have further details about the research employed, technology used, and scientific paper written that gave them a glimpse into our past.
Every day, science and technology are growing by leaps and bounds. AI (Artificial Intelligence), SAI (Super Artificial Intelligence), and other computer-based programs and algorithms continue to make headlines. Little inquiry is spent educating humanity about our past and future, but much time is spent parading around the bells and whistles of the present. Ever noticed that?
We are given no information in which to research, investigate, or discuss on our own. For instance, is our future really on Mars? Or, is it with Venus? Only time will tell which planet will win the debate. Did you know there was one?
That’s the point.
As for archaeology and history aspects of our blue globe, SAR, LiDAR, and other geospatial mapping technologies are challenging these fields and their one-sided public disclosures. LiDAR, according to USGS, is “Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) is a technology used to create high-resolution models of ground elevation with a vertical accuracy of 10 centimeters (4 inches). Lidar equipment, which includes a laser scanner, a Global Positioning System (GPS), and an Inertial Navigation System (INS), is typically mounted on a small aircraft” (https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-lidar-data-and-where-can-i-download-it). SAR, or “synthetic aperture radar is a way of creating an image using radio waves” (https://www.capellaspace.com/blog/sar-101-an-introduction-to-synthetic-aperture-radar). Ancient structures and other anomalies are being unearthed across the globe, which cannot be explained by what professors teach at universities. History is changing before our eyes. In the way of this knowledge, we have historical, cultural, and religious gatekeepers hindering actual progress.
Isn’t democracy all the rage? Until someone wants to prove a textbook or religious doctrine invalid, then good luck getting your papers published or your research publicized.
Humanity is longer lived, more expansive, and smarter than previously comprehended. As creators of art, music, and literature, how will you use this information to inform as well as entertain your audience?
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Here is my answer to this question: The Initiation.
After the internet exploded with the Giza Plateau discovery, I wrote the short story, “The Initiation” (http://www.undawnted.com/p/the-initiation.html), based on “The Reality Hackers”, (Visions, 2023, WordCrafter Press and http://www.undawnted.com/p/the-reality-hackers.html), that uses this Giza Plateau discovery as a backdrop to a science fiction time travel plot. It will be submitted for consideration into the Midnight Oil dark fiction anthology, due April 30, 2025.
Get your short story into WordCrafter Press! I am.
Never stop questioning, because what you know or believe may just be someone else’s political narrative, and not the reality.
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About DL Mullan
DL Mullan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology. Her lecture, Spacescapes: Where Photography Ends; Imagination Begins, debuted at the Phoenix Astronomy Society, which then led to her Sally Ride Festival lecture invitations. Her presentation, Bridging the Gap between Technology and Women, won her accolades at a community college’s Student Success Conference. She has been a panelist at speculative fiction, science fiction, and other regional conventions. Her digital exhibition pieces have won awards at convention art shows, as well as garnered her Second Premium at the Arizona State Fair. Currently, Ms. Mullan’s artistic renditions are seen on book covers, blog sites, and various merchandise. As an independent publisher, she uses her technical background to innovate the way she perceives the creative arts.
As a writer, DL Mullan loves to stretch her imagination and the elasticity of genres. She writes complex multigenre stories in digestible and entertaining forms, be it poetry, short fiction, or novels. Her science, history, mythology, and paranormal research background is woven into her writings, especially in Undawnted’s Legacy Universe. Ms. Mullan’s creative endeavors are available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. She is also an award-winning poet.
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This segment of “Undawntech” is sponsored by The D.I.Y. Author and WordCrafter Press.
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