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WINNER for genre fiction in the Writer's Digest's International Book Awards
WINNER for science fiction, ForeWord Magazines's Book of the Year Award
MULTIPLE FINALIST for the Independent Publishers Book of the Year Award
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THE PRESENCECOMING TO STORES NATIONWIDE DECEMBER 1ST!
THE PRESENCE
COMING TO STORES NATIONWIDE DECEMBER 1ST!
Bio
Book Signings
Interview
Pictures
PAUL BLACKgrew up in the western suburbs of Chicago, where his passion for art and writing began early. By the time he was 11 years old, he had advanced into high level adult drawing classes and by high school, he had completed a book of poetry and his first novella. But it was his love for gymnastics that brought him to the University of Oklahoma, where he won the Big-8 team and individual championships twice, along with two NCAA Division 1 Team titles, and earned a BFA in graphic design. Since settling in Dallas, Texas, he has worked in corporate communications for over 25 years, and has been an integral part of the national design community, winning numerous awards and having been featured in many national and international design annuals.As a writer, Paul has published the trilogyThe Tels,Soulware andNexus Point.And now his new near-future thrillerThe Presencewill be in stores in December of 2010.Today, Paul lives and works in Dallas, where he divides his time between writing novels, managing his design firm(www.paulblackdesign.com)and feeding his passion for tennis.
PAUL BLACKgrew up in the western suburbs of Chicago, where his passion for art and writing began early. By the time he was 11 years old, he had advanced into high level adult drawing classes and by high school, he had completed a book of poetry and his first novella. But it was his love for gymnastics that brought him to the University of Oklahoma, where he won the Big-8 team and individual championships twice, along with two NCAA Division 1 Team titles, and earned a BFA in graphic design. Since settling in Dallas, Texas, he has worked in corporate communications for over 25 years, and has been an integral part of the national design community, winning numerous awards and having been featured in many national and international design annuals.
As a writer, Paul has published the trilogyThe Tels,Soulware andNexus Point.And now his new near-future thrillerThe Presencewill be in stores in December of 2010.
Today, Paul lives and works in Dallas, where he divides his time between writing novels, managing his design firm(www.paulblackdesign.com)and feeding his passion for tennis.
I'll be at the 2010 Dallas Comic Con, August 28-39 signing and smiling. It will be at the Richardson Civiv Center, 411 W. Arapaho Road in Richardson, Texas. it starts Saturday at 11 and runs to 6. Sunday it starts at noon and runs till 4. Come on out, it should be a blast!
I'll be at FenCon VII, September 17-19, 2010. signing and smiling. FenCon is a literary science fiction and fantasy convention with quite a lot of filk programming, some science programming, an outstanding collection of guests, an art show, a charity auction, a short story contest, and a writers workshop. I'll be doing the workshops, so come on out! It will be at the Crowne Plaza North Dallas in Addison Texas.
A CONVERSATION WITH PAUL BLACK ABOUT THE TELS SERIESby Jay Johnson, Executive Editor, Novel Instincts.Q. When I first read The Tels, I was very impressed by its crisp writing style and fascinating storyline, especially for a first-time writer. How did you come up with the idea of The Tels series?A. I was rereading one of Williams Gibsons books and having been an art director and writer in advertising, I always wondered if I could write a novel. And I loved the near future work buy Gibson, Besher, Rucker and Sterling...so one day, I stopped wondering and got down to writing.Q. A lot of people try to write a novel, but never seem to get started. How did you get started?A. Well, before I wrote anything down, I did my outline, plot development, and I wrote bios for each of the characters. I also mapped out the entire trilogy...that way, I knew where I was going. I saw Truman Capote on an old Carson show once, and he said that he always wrote his endings first, that way he knew where he was headed. It made sense, and thats how I did it, sort of.Q. Did you attend any seminars or classes in writing, and did you do a lot of research?A. No, I didnt go to any special seminars or classes. In fact I was talking with a writer friend, early in the first book, and as I explained my process he was floored, because he had been trying to start his great novel, and had done all the seminars...and what I was doing was exactly what they taught in these classes he had spent hundreds of dollars to attend. He was a little pissed, but hey, it just made sense a lot of sense to do it that way. As far as research, yes, I did a lot of that during the writing, especially for the science behind the Tels. I dont have a science background, so I needed to make sure that the concepts werent too unbelievable.Q. The concept of the Biolution is very intriguing, where did that come from?A. I needed a Star Trekian platform, you know, one that could allow me to give the reader a future full of cool gizmos, but not so advanced that it was all about the technology. So I came up with this revolution where biology and technology have mergedQ. Do you think its going that way?A. Possibly. If you read articles in magazines like Wired, the concepts are very plausible. Ive been told that my books, though, arent really about the tech stuff, and I take that as a compliment, because I want the technology to be part of the fabric the books, not the main thing. The books are really more about the characters growing and developing. But Im sure Ill get blasted by some techno buffs who will come after me with issues.Q. Are your characters based on real people?A. Not really. Theyre more like composites of people Ive known. They say you should write from what you know, and thats what Ive done. The people, places, environments...all are, to some extent, from what Ive experienced in life.Q. Your main character, Jonathan Kortel, isnt really a black and white hero-type, is he?A. No, not at all. Hes more like a Hitchockian hero...an everyday kind of guy who has these extraordinary events happen to him. He does grow into a powerful person over the course of the story, and I had a few complaints from people who had read early drafts. They thought he wasnt hero enough, but I didnt want him to be. The story is about his journey, as all good books really are...a journey for their protagonist. Q. And what about Tamara, shes kind of a bad girl, isnt she?A. Yeah, and what was really odd, I thought, was that the women in the initial testing group liked her, which was curious to me, since shes a stripper and all. But to my surprise, most women liked her toughness, and the fact that shes trying to pull herself out of a bad situation. Shes the classic bad girl trying to be good, like the hooker character in Pretty Woman, or Helen Hunts character In Pay It Forward. And their (Jonathan and Tamaras) attraction was just good for the story. Q. The terrorist destruction of the Hawaiian Islands was so reminiscent of 9-11, was it meant to be?A. I wrote most of the book, including that concept, prior to 9-11. Its a sad part, and Ive had comments about it...that its disturbing and some what too real. Its only background filler, but Ive had so many people zero in on it. It was meant to give Jonathan a sympathetic quality that the reader could get behind. It occupies about 2 pages, but it seems to resonate for a lot of people.Q. Were currently editing Soulware, the second book in the series. When will you start on the third book in the series?A. When I get paid to. No, seriously, Ive stepped away from The Tels for the moment, and have started on a new book that still takes place in this future Ive created, but its a totally different story concept, and one that Im very excited about. It will have a little different writing style...more gritty and sharp-edged, and I hope fans of my work will like the change. I still plan to finish the series, but probably not for a while. I have to concentrate on the distribution and selling of the first book.Q. Well, I know what a challenge writing a novel can be, and if Soulware is half as good as The Tels, you could have the start of something big here.A. Thanks, Jay. Its not big yet, but maybe someday...who knows? Strange things happen in the world of the Tels...
A CONVERSATION WITH PAUL BLACK ABOUT THE TELS SERIES
by Jay Johnson, Executive Editor, Novel Instincts.
Q. When I first read The Tels, I was very impressed by its crisp writing style and fascinating storyline, especially for a first-time writer. How did you come up with the idea of The Tels series?
A. I was rereading one of Williams Gibsons books and having been an art director and writer in advertising, I always wondered if I could write a novel. And I loved the near future work buy Gibson, Besher, Rucker and Sterling...so one day, I stopped wondering and got down to writing.
Q. A lot of people try to write a novel, but never seem to get started. How did you get started?
A. Well, before I wrote anything down, I did my outline, plot development, and I wrote bios for each of the characters. I also mapped out the entire trilogy...that way, I knew where I was going. I saw Truman Capote on an old Carson show once, and he said that he always wrote his endings first, that way he knew where he was headed. It made sense, and thats how I did it, sort of.
Q. Did you attend any seminars or classes in writing, and did you do a lot of research?
A. No, I didnt go to any special seminars or classes. In fact I was talking with a writer friend, early in the first book, and as I explained my process he was floored, because he had been trying to start his great novel, and had done all the seminars...and what I was doing was exactly what they taught in these classes he had spent hundreds of dollars to attend. He was a little pissed, but hey, it just made sense a lot of sense to do it that way. As far as research, yes, I did a lot of that during the writing, especially for the science behind the Tels. I dont have a science background, so I needed to make sure that the concepts werent too unbelievable.
Q. The concept of the Biolution is very intriguing, where did that come from?
A. I needed a Star Trekian platform, you know, one that could allow me to give the reader a future full of cool gizmos, but not so advanced that it was all about the technology. So I came up with this revolution where biology and technology have merged
Q. Do you think its going that way?
A. Possibly. If you read articles in magazines like Wired, the concepts are very plausible. Ive been told that my books, though, arent really about the tech stuff, and I take that as a compliment, because I want the technology to be part of the fabric the books, not the main thing. The books are really more about the characters growing and developing. But Im sure Ill get blasted by some techno buffs who will come after me with issues.
Q. Are your characters based on real people?
A. Not really. Theyre more like composites of people Ive known. They say you should write from what you know, and thats what Ive done. The people, places, environments...all are, to some extent, from what Ive experienced in life.
Q. Your main character, Jonathan Kortel, isnt really a black and white hero-type, is he?
A. No, not at all. Hes more like a Hitchockian hero...an everyday kind of guy who has these extraordinary events happen to him. He does grow into a powerful person over the course of the story, and I had a few complaints from people who had read early drafts. They thought he wasnt hero enough, but I didnt want him to be. The story is about his journey, as all good books really are...a journey for their protagonist.
Q. And what about Tamara, shes kind of a bad girl, isnt she?
A. Yeah, and what was really odd, I thought, was that the women in the initial testing group liked her, which was curious to me, since shes a stripper and all. But to my surprise, most women liked her toughness, and the fact that shes trying to pull herself out of a bad situation. Shes the classic bad girl trying to be good, like the hooker character in Pretty Woman, or Helen Hunts character In Pay It Forward. And their (Jonathan and Tamaras) attraction was just good for the story.
Q. The terrorist destruction of the Hawaiian Islands was so reminiscent of 9-11, was it meant to be?
A. I wrote most of the book, including that concept, prior to 9-11. Its a sad part, and Ive had comments about it...that its disturbing and some what too real. Its only background filler, but Ive had so many people zero in on it. It was meant to give Jonathan a sympathetic quality that the reader could get behind. It occupies about 2 pages, but it seems to resonate for a lot of people.
Q. Were currently editing Soulware, the second book in the series. When will you start on the third book in the series?
A. When I get paid to. No, seriously, Ive stepped away from The Tels for the moment, and have started on a new book that still takes place in this future Ive created, but its a totally different story concept, and one that Im very excited about. It will have a little different writing style...more gritty and sharp-edged, and I hope fans of my work will like the change. I still plan to finish the series, but probably not for a while. I have to concentrate on the distribution and selling of the first book.
Q. Well, I know what a challenge writing a novel can be, and if Soulware is half as good as The Tels, you could have the start of something big here.
A. Thanks, Jay. Its not big yet, but maybe someday...who knows? Strange things happen in the world of the Tels...
Here some images from my adventures as an author.
My first book signing at the NorthPark Barnes & Noble. I had arrived...sort of.
Seattle is a great place to do signings. Everyone reads there...probably because it rains so much!
I actually had a few folks waiting for me to sign some books!
This is the first day my book, The Tels, hit the shelves nationwide! There's nothing like seeing it there next to Ray Bradbury!
This is how Barnes & Noble promotes you.
I do a lot of sci-fi cons, and I always bring my own security...
My cat Mikey loves the fire...he can't get close enough!
I love writing in Santa Fe. It's not Hemingway, but it's close!
I did a signing at the world's largest independent book store in Dallas, Legacy Books. I was a full house and a lot of fun!
Another happy fan!
I love talking about the craft of writing...to anybody who'll listen!
The proud writer and his books...
Legacy Books is the best. They put my books front and center!
Chatting it up at my Legacy Books event.
Roll over any image ange check out what it's about.
IT’S THE NEAR-FUTURE
A new revolution has spread across the human landscape. The Biolution and its flood of technology have changed almost every aspect of life. Also changed, is the face of terrorism.
Throughout his life, Jonathan Kortel always sensed he was different, but never imagined how different, until two rival factions of a secret group called the Tels approach him out of the shadows of government. He has a gift that could change his life, and possibly the world, forever.
This is his story. A battle for the loyalty of a man who could change the course of human evolution. And the struggle inside this man as he comes to terms with his destiny. Deeply intriguing and powerfully suspenseful, Paul Black has created a future described as “one of the best science fiction novels” by Marilyn Meredith of Writer’s Digest. Part X-Files, part cyber-thriller, Paul Black unveils a dark and compelling view of a world.
FINALIST for the Independent Publishers Book of the Year Award
FINALIST for the Eric Hoffer Book of the Year Award
Avaiable at all fine book stores and online at
(click on the logo to buy the book)
Download a PDF of the first 3 chapters
THE WORLD IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS
For Jonathan Kortel, his life has changed forever. He has a telekinetic gift that is faster than light, and he’s now part of a secret new group of humans. They’re called the Tels, and they live in the shadows of a future where the Biolution and its flood of technology has changed all the rules.
Having been thrust into a world he cannot control, Jonathan begins a quest to uncover what’s really going on in the Tel world. Because he soon realizes that he’s not only their star pupil; he’s their most important experiment.
Here continues the journey of Jonathan Kortel, author Paul Black’s fascinating future character, introduced in his award-winning 2003 novel The Tels. Soulware picks up where The Tels left off, following Jonathan as he discovers his true destiny. Deeply intriguing and powerfully suspenseful, Paul Black has created a vision of the future that is haunting and disturbingly real.
WINNER for science fiction for ForeWord Magazine's Book Awards
DESTINY AWAITS
Jonathan Kortel is the most powerful telekinetic ever. There are others like him, and they’re called the Tels. Able to manipulate gravity, they exist out at the edge of the next century, where the Biolution and its wave of new technology have changed life forever.
Blamed for the deaths of the Tel leadership, Jonathan escapes to a life of anonymity. But there’s something strange happening in space that threatens all life on earth, and only Jonathan Kortel has the ability to stop it.
Here ends the Tels trilogy, author Paul Black’s fascinating near-future series, introduced in his award-winning 2003 novel The Tels. Nexus Point continues where The Tels and Soulware (2005) left off, following the saga of Jonathan Kortel as he fulfills his prophetic destiny.
SOMETHING IS LURKING DEEP IN THE NET
North America is one union; trade in illegal cloning is thriving; and the Biolution has changed all the rules. It’s a dark new world in the 21st Century, and National Security Agency profiler Sonny Chaco is fed up with swimming the Net. His latest assignment is Alberto Goya, billionaire CEO of global media giant AztecaNet. The NSA thinks Goya is involved with racketeering, but Chaco knows that he has ties to the Mexican Mafia.
Chaco’s information is coming from Deja Moriarty, one of Azteca-Net’s brightest reality producers. Deja wonders if she’s really helping her country, while Chaco seriously questions his feelings for his sexy informant.
Just when Chaco thinks he’s got the goods on Goya and is ready to pounce, his superior assigns him to investigate a mysterious and powerful man who has appeared on the grid. It’s Chaco’s first field assignment, but everything goes sideways when he discovers that Deja knows the mystery man. AztecaNet’s head of security is soon on to Chaco and Deja, and there’s nothing he won’t do to stop them from bringing down his boss.
Armed with only his wits and a cast of unlikely accomplices, Chaco soon realizes that the mystery man isn’t just a threat to the nation…but the world.
Avaiable December 1st at
Click on a book.
“Dallas writer Paul Black makes his first foray into the world of science fiction with The Tels. It’s a highly original novel set in the near future and it moves at lightning speed. Mr. Black has quite an imagination and puts it to good use. The mind-bending plot centers on Jonathan Kortel, who is approached by a shadowy group called the Tels, who covet his telekinetic gifts. The ensuing action is bizarre enough to read like something straight out of The X-Files.”
~ Steve Powers, Dallas Morning News
“(The Tels) is written so splendidly, at times I forgot I was reading science fiction – with the emphasis on fiction. The characters are realistic, and the hero is someone you relate to, worry about and wonder if he’s going to be able to cope with the reality that is set before him. This is definitely one of the best science fiction novels I’ve ever read...the book is remarkable.”
~ Marilyn Meredith, Writer’s Digest’s 11th Annual Book Awards
“...Soulware was a brilliantly embroidered story, mixing science and fiction in a plausible and entertaining way...I absolutely loved this book!”
~ Ismael Manzano, G-POP.net
“This story by Paul Black is as strong and well written as any of the stories of my heroes: Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Andre Norton, or Anne McCaffrey. He is one of those writers that we who worship this genre look
for every time we pick up the novel of an author who is new to us...The characters come alive for you. You feel right along with them. You can believe the decisions they make. And best of all, nothing is clear-cut and simple. The story brings us to a strong ending while leaving us with the desire for more...I recommend The Tels to every lover of sci-fi. Good work, Paul! Welcome to my bookshelves!”
~ John Strange, thecityweb.com
“Paul Black’s engaging prose promises big things for the future....”
~ Writer’s Notes Magazine
“...a great read, full of suspense and action....”
~ Dallas Entertainment Guide
“A riveting science fiction novel by a gifted author...The Tels would prove a popular addition to any community library Science Fiction collection and documents Paul Black as an imaginatively skilled storyteller of the first order. Also very highly recommended is the newly published second volume in the Tels series, Soulware, which continues the adventures of Jonathan Kortel in the world of tomorrow.”
~ Midwest Book Review
“I agreed to review the science fiction novel, The Tels, by Paul Black as a favor to my coworkers.... I had expected the handoff to come attached with a few snickers...I was truly amazed by how wrong I was. Not only did I enjoy the book, I almost feel guilty that I got to review it...The book is the kind of science fiction that I like to read, not weighed down with technical jargon that the average person cannot understand....The prose is light and catchy, but did not fail to bring the emotional hammer down when necessary. It’s a character-driven piece that was worth every second I’d spent on it...get your hands on a copy of The Tels.”
“The biggest complaint about science fiction is that there is always too much science and not enough fiction. In The Tels Paul Black brilliantly combines the two in a novel that is almost too plausible...Blending sex, government
intrigue and a new reality aren’t easy tasks but Black is up to it. Taking us for a ride through a world totally different from our own and yet with the emotions that aren’t going to change between now and 2109...The Tels doesn’t let go and stays with you after the last page.”
~ Leslie Rigoulot, Continental Features Syndicate
“...I was totally hooked...The Tels is for anyone who loves a good story, with lots of action and great characters.”
~ Jo Ann Holt, OC Tribune
“Black rises above the Trekkie laser tag spastics found in your typical sci-fi novels resting on the grocery store racks. His sensibilities broaden from machine gun testosterone to discreet fatherhood, from errant sexuality to wry humor. He delivers a charge of venture rarely found in first-time writers. And The Tels hits the mark as a solid adventure serial, leaving you hanging for the next publication.”
~ Brian Adams, Collegian
“The Tels is an addictive read from first-time novelist Paul Black, a promising new storyteller on the sci-fi scene. He manages to capture the reader in the first ten pages. He introduces us to a set of intriguing characters in a totally believable possible future. There is a grittiness and sensuality to his writing that pours out of every word in the book. Whether it’s his description of the preparation of a good meal, the seduction of a beautiful woman, or a fight to the death, The Tels has it all. Even people who don’t read sci-fi will want to read this book. The action is great and would make one hell of a movie. Is Hollywood listening? Paul Black has a winner on his hands. I can hardly wait for the next installment.”
~ Cynthia A., About Towne, ITCN
“Soulware doesn’t miss a beat as it continues Jonathan’s story, the story of his quest to find out exactly who he really is and why the Tels are so interested in him. The ending makes it clear that there’s more to come, and readers who crave their science-fiction with a hint of weirdness can look forward to the next book in the series.”
THE ERIC HOFFER
AWARD
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