Sir,

Thanx. You [and Conrad and others] got me through many a long cold lonely night. USMC 6 years...'nough said 'bout that.

Never read anything from you that I did not like.
Thanx Again.
jon

Hi Leo,
I was just looking at your website with all the info on your life, castle, new family, Russia, Tver and political opinions. It was rather interesting and enjoyable. You're really quite coherent!
Unfortunately, I haven't read the book you gave me so I'm not able to comment on it yet. I seem to have some sort of pychological disorder similar to writers block that prevents me from getting all but the most essential chores accomplished. I'll find a way to fight it and finish The Radiant Warrior. I really just wanted to touch base with you and say hello. I hope this note finds you and your family in the best of spirits and health.......Bill Lightcap

Hello Leo: It has been a while since I visited your website. In that time many things have happened including your falling out with Baen and his subsequent death. I know things have been tough for you, as they have been for many of us. I am one of those crazy book people who read and reread our favorites; the Stargard books are at the top of my list as favorite rereads. I'm thrilled that there is a new book in the series. I'd love for you to email me. I have some questions about the series that, as an academic, I'd love to ask you. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Jerry

Leo,

I was skimming your guestbook when I caught a reference to e-books. Since I have been unable to complete a trade paper collection of your Adventures of Conrad Stargard (I have only the first five and they are of different printings), I was wondering what e-books were all about and how to go about finding out. Any information you care to share on this topic will be welcome. Since I am not going to be revisiting this guestbook, please send your comments to the email address provided. If others wish their comments to reach me, please feel free to use james_thirteen@yahoo.com and do include something in the subject line so that I will know it is not SPAM.

May the future be kind to you
James

---===---

Dear Mr. Frankowski,

It is amazing how much about the world around them people don't know. I have used your books, particularly the Conrad series, to teach many people about the things they take for granted. You have a gift for sharing information in a way that is as entertaining as it is informative. My one regret is that I shared my copy of the Crosstime Engineer with someone who never gave it back and when I repurchased it (As I have many times.) it was different! It had more of the "interludes" where as my first copy did not and the cover art was different. Coppernick's Rebellion was another favorite of mine and I did not think it beyond the realm of possibility that such technology would exist soon.

Just wanted to thank you for informing and entertaining us so well. The Stargard series makes an excellent teachers aid (Just did not cover the sex sections to the young ones) 'cause it keeps them riveted!

Peace.

Greetings from S. Illinois! When I picked up that first book 20-odd years ago (now I feel old!) it was almost as though my mind was crammed into a photocopier! Just the engineering aspects, mind you. Never was much of a writer - other than technical, so you're safe! At that time I was fresh from dropping out of college and working in telecomm designing new (now very obsolete) phone switching equipment.

Its refreshing to read a story with just enough engin-ese to keep things interesting. Sorry, but Heinlein is like reading a Harlequin "novel" when compared to yours. Asimov is a close second, but thats all theoretical - no nuts and volts.

For those non-engineering types - yes it is pretty much the Sir Leo decribes it - sans gorgeous ladies. We are expected to have a design, from neuron to reality - YESTERDAY ("If I wanted it tomorrow, I would have asked for it tomorrow!"). Never try to explain glitches to anyone wearing a suit - if they had any glimmering of a clue, they certainly wouldn't have you on the carpet vainly explaining it.

While many will argue the philosphy, engineers are made, not taught. Given the many aspects and convolutions of engineering, we MUST have been dropped on our heads as babies! And we DO occasionally get a perverse joy of making something that makes people go "How the hell can/does it work?!" Yeah, the VCR that perpetually flashes 12:00 was created by engineers as a practical joke on the world. If you can't figure out what button to push, well...

Am currently gainfully employed as an electron jockey working on/redesigning digital transmitters (that farce called HDTV) for two television stations. My non-profit hobby is applied to the disciplines of the VERY non-PC domain of high pressure/velocity mechanical engineering (firearms). Every new design that gets spit out of my little milling machine is a thrill. Now I know what those aquebusiers many centuries ago were thinking - "Hope this thing doesn't blow up!" All this has been learned through the Institution of Inpenetratable Impacts with a good dose of math and physics thrown in. Have even rebuilt an old Turkish Mauser to use what I've dubbed the 8mm Stargard. Its a standard military 8x57 cartridge but instead of the mercury fulminate or lead azode priming compound - its piezoelectric! I must say that while its a novel approach, the cartridge in itself is not fool-friendly ("foolproof" is neither!). If its dropped "just right" it will detonate. Any small arms cartridge that explodes outside the confines of a barrel is just like a big firecracker with a little brass shrapnel. Hardly lethal but will make you change your shorts! Clears the riffraff from around a campfire too!

Am about halfway through your latest creation, "Conrad's Crusade" and am soaking up every word. Couldn't help but grin a little at the analogy of "Africa Corps".

During a lull in user-induced breakdowns (ID 10-T errors) here at work, was musing about what to read next, and call it karma or whatever, but your name leaped out. A "wonder what's he been up to?" kind of thing. So, did a net search on you, and well I was surprised to say the least! Got both the paperback and the e-book just so I can read it on the sly at work. Have to do some scrounging elsewhere to find the prequel, but it'll be worth the hunt. Thank you for the great stories! Am glad you're doing well in your new locale.

Can't recall, but did the bio in the early books mention your association with Sterling Tool? If so, I still have one of your fine drills - still going strong punching holes in PC boards.

Yeah, the paragraphs are a bit fragmented. Have to resolve some "crisis" every 10 minutes and I hate having to edit.

And I fully agree. Engineers ARE the real superpower. Heck with the rest, we do the REAL magic. Of course, there are a few ladies that are magical in other respects...

Keep up the outstanding work, can't wait for the next one!

Dear Leo,

We met YEARS ago when the southeast science fiction writes group was active in Ann Arbor. In fact, I met my husband at the hospitality suite the group hosted at Decadent Confustion in 1984.

I'm now a published e-author and wanted to thank you for all those ages ago when you encourage me to write.

My oldest son has read all your books which we've collected over the years and we're getting ready to start child #2 on them. We especially liked the Fata Morgana.

Lucynda
PS In case you don't remember, you came to my apartment in Monroe and had mostaccioli.

Dear Mr. Frankowski,

I have finished reading all three books in the series (so far) for forth time and I truly enjoy your writing style. After finding your web site, to my horror I discovered that Jim B. fired you. Does this drastic turn of events mean that we, your adoring fans, will not graced with the conclusion of this series.

Dear Leo
While you are busy working on YOUR castle,I have building something a little more modest here in the north of Thailand. My wife and I have just completed our new home here in Lampang, where I am teaching English a a local high school. Shipping rates are astronomical, so I could only bring a small number of my things here. But your books were one of the first things I unpacked.....and re-read for what must be the umpteenth time! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, for all the hours of pleasure you have given me over the years. I just discovered your web-site, and seeing that you actually LIKE fans to write, I just had to send a quick note. I know how busy authors are, and have never wanted to waste anyone's time. Reading, let alone responding to fan-mail would take up just too much time. But in my mind I've sat around an imaginary dinner table with you having some wonder BS sessions! I wish you continued success, health and happiness. Now that I've found out about Conrad's Crusade, I MUST have it!. I hope My Bookstore ships overseas! Again thanks for just doing what you do best.

Sincerely

Lawrence Geller

Let me just say that Conrad Stargard basically influnced me to become an engineer. I have enjoyed your books immensely, and have worn out the Cross-Time Engineer series at least twice (nice to see them back in Hardcover, will have to snag me those).
I just found your site, and I must say you seem to be doing well for yourself. I have always wanted to visit Russia, and you words may yet again inspire me to do interesting things with my life. I hope you continue to write, as I look forward to your work. Good luck, and good health.

Am reading the Conrad series again for the 6th time since I first read them in 1991. Quick read, and lots of fun. I think Leo is a bit more technical from the engineering side than I, but we otherwise share a lot of interests....

Including mead making. I have made a few batches (5-6) over the past few years, and noted in both the books and the bio that Leo also makes mead. My last batch turned out disappointing (See the Blue Heaven recipe at www.gotmead.com, but when they say 1/2 cup of tea, they mean BREWED tea, not 1/2 cup of dry leaves brewed into a tea). Do you have any favorite recipes to share with the rest of the world?

Castle looks fantastic!!! What a life you have chosen/made for yourself. Thanks for sharing....

GK

While working a dead end job trying to pay for college, a manager of mine introduced me to Robert Heinlein "Time Enough For Love" and then to your first book in the Cross Time Engineer series. I read through the whole series in a couple of weeks. Granted, i was not a strong reader, but your books are amazing. At the time, i could not get the books from anywhere, so i offered him alot of money to get these books. Best investment ever made on my part (besides paying tuition).

I was SO glad when i actually came across a web-page that you had created, so that i could get updates on the newest books to the series and tell you how gratefull i am you wrote such amazing books.

Since, i have shared them (barely, read them SO many times they are falling apart, but i paid to much to put them to rest) many times. You are truly an inspiration.

I hope all goes well for you in Russia, as i know already you are living it up, and write more books for people like me who fianlly found a great writer. Keep up the good work!

dont be scared to drop a line, i would love to hear from you!

Hey, I'm a feminist AND a liberal and I LOVE this series !!! And ah, geez, American wimmin aren't that bad, we can be every bit as nice as furrin wimmins. That said in response to some of the other posts, on with my question. My husband is a jazz musician and has boxes of his CD releases in the basement and I was wondering ... is it like that with you? Do you have boxes of the Conrad Stargard series around or know where one can purchase it? It's impossible to find the series even used. And I really want my husband to read it - or will it really be released soon? Yes, please reply back and let me know if it's possible to purchase in the near future. Or any type of information. I find it absolutely crazy that all my favorite books I read when I was growing up are now out of print - Inferno by Pournelle - Wild Card series by George Martin - The Fleet series. But it's great being to email you and tell you how wonderful your books are and how much I love them! It would be so awesome to be able to see them on tv or the bigscreen. Take a tip from Stephen King though and don't give up your say on the characters and screenplay. See ya! (write back if possible)

hi there Leo
first thanks or some great entertainment i have just discovered
conrad and am ordering them all!!
on another note i am from the uk and your comments on pcetc
strike a bitter chord of recognition for my homeland as well
i have spent some time in moldova so i know some of the fun
of eastern europe but i send this from thailand where a fellow
fat 50 year old like myself can make a new life they will have to
drag me back in chains lol

Hey Leo,
I’m big fan of your writing. I own almost all your books, and have been a fan of your writing since I first discovered your novels. Your books are well written and you have created some awesome story lines. I’m glad things are working out for you, I found it surprising reading your new autobiography, in your old books you refer to yourself as a lifelong bachelor living is Michigan, and now all of a sudden you have a wife and daughter, and your building a castle in Tver Russia!! Congratulations!! I’m currently a student and I find that your books are a welcome retreat from busy college life, and I’ve reread all of them many times. Keep up the good work and hope all goes well in Russia, Mark M./ makarenko69@hotmail.com

Mr. Frankowski,

First off I would like to add my appriciation of your books. I am a fan of your Conrad series, having read it several times, as well as recently reading Copernick's Rebellion and the Two Space War.

I have recently started some training to change from being a Armor officer to a Military Intelligence (no jokes neccessary) officer and have the honor of having a former Polish national as part of my class. During one of our numerous runs I found my self struggling to stay up with said student, one Rafal Stachowski or nearly universally - "Ski". In an attempt to get my mind off my numbing legs and burning lungs I mentioned (gasped) that I had just finished (re)reading a series about a guy from Poland who gets sent back in time to ten years before the Mongol invasion. He was very interested and directly after the run went to a computer to try to find copies of your books... in the original Polish... I tried to tell him that I was sure that you had been born in America and that the books were probably written in English... but he wouldn't be diswaded.

It was actually Ski who later (today) told me about your (this) website and he related some of the anicdotes from your stories and essays. I came home to find my copy of C's Rebellion waiting for me in the mail which I devoured and then came to check out your site. Which I have enjoyed.

One question that I had while reading C's Rebellion, and especailly after reading some of your comments about political correctness, is have you ever come accross Ayn Rand? I'm sure that you have and, like most people feel about you, I'm sure that you either love or hate her... But I am curious if you have any passing thoughts? Myself I feel that she has identified many of the critical issues effecting America even now, but I'm not sure that her... extreams or correct... But I'm looking for your thoughts.

Again, thank you for your writings. I truely enjoy then each time I read them.

Mitch McCann
CPT, MI

ps (I recently read "Kildar" by John Ringo and I've found some similarities between your Conrad books and that one (normally I don't relaly like most of Mr. Ringos books but at the time it looked like the best choice...) I was wondering if you could recomend any other books where in "civilizations" are (re)created on either Macro or Micro levels... oh, I think that Farnhams Freehold (sp) is similar as well.

Again thank you for your time and writings, may they and your health continue for years to come!

Thanks for all the good reads, including this Web Site. You scared the hell out of me with a genetic nightmare straight out of my adolesent daydreams then built an empire in a time bubble. After my last visit to the LA Science Fiction Club Mausolium your present situation fills me with joy.

Henry

I like your writing style, and it does remind me of RH. I have only read what is here on your site, and am amazed I have not found you before. Just picked up on your site from the RWG an RWD. You Polish Hussar and Mongel themes are my favorite and have been studing the Eastern Marches theme for some time. I began reading RH in 1970 and kept it up till his passing, and now I think I found someone who can fill that spot. Thanks, Joe : PS I will soon depart for the trip of a life time. Cheboksary on the Volga to meet My RW. In studing the Chuvash people and region I find that when the Mongels came in 1223 they were repulsed by the Chuvash kingdom(Volga Bulgaria) till 1236, something no one else of that time were able to do. Check it out and when you need a Hussar Cavalier, to guard the March, give me a holler.

Sir,

I was given The Cross Time Engineer by a 7th grade student where I teach. I had asked him knowing he liked to read what his favorite 10 books were, and if he would write them on a list for me. Your book was on that list! I started loaning him a few of my favorites, including Shibumi, and one day he brought me yours. I very much enjoyed the book and plan to get more of the series.

Where did you get your Polish background information from? I'm sure you must have read James Michner's book, Poland. Your book led me to his though I have read The Source already.

I read your bio, and it sounds like you are a man other men can look up to. I wish you the best and thank you for the great read!

Paul

Leo,

Not sure that you have my addy. You can confirm this at the RWprimer.com helpdesk or PM (personal message) me.

Thanks.
Ronin

Leo,

I enjoyed your essays and stories about life in Russia. I too have married a Russian Women from Tver. If you don't mind I would like to drop a few links to your essays in my fledgling Russian Woman Info site. Perhaps it will direct more traffic to your way... eventually.

Ronin

I enjoy your website. It is almost as much fun as reading one of your books. That is, with the exception of Kren. With Kren you wanted to create a character who was truly evil, and you exceeded your intent. The book left a foul taste in my mind.
I grew up reading Heinlein, and I consider you to be carrying well the torch that he lit; also, like Heinlein, you have an engineering mindset, and that is rarer than it should be among today's SF writers.
Keep writing please!
Take care,
paul5019@comcast.net.

I actually read Conrads time machine first..then found the other stories..am currently rereading the series and up to the 5th book Lord Conrads Lady

I am doing this to reread something about the Mongols going away afterwards with a plane..with hints of them returning at a later date..which I hope does happen..now all I have to do is find the 6th and 7th book..though without Conrad as the main character, it may not have the enjoyment I found in the first 5.

Thanks for a great read, and entertainment.

ThunderGod

Mr. Frankowski,

I remebe enjoying your cross time engineer stories some years back. I have a question about one of them. I beleive this is where I read the comment, anyway.

It was about the Mongols actually being Causcasian rather than Asian in origin. I had never heard that before, but recently I saw it again, although without any references. And then there were the Causcasian mummies that were found in China some years back. Anyway, when I saw a new book by you in the bookstore the other day, it got me to thinking that you might have a reference for that. If so, I would certainly appreciate receiving it.

Thanks.

Hi Leo,
Over the years I've enjoyed reading most of your Conrad series (didn't realize I had missed some until now) and have just started The war with Earth novel. Thanks for some great writing. A lot of your Conrad series reminded me of the Flashman Series by George McDonald Frasier.
Good luck with your writings and enjoy your stay in Russia. It still seems so strange to a fella that spent two combat tours spanning the early 70's to early 90's to see how Eastern Europe has opened up to us. Strange--but good.

Respectfully,
Dave

Mr Frankowski,

I'd like to say how much I've loved reading your books. I too have moved out to Eastern Europe and found myself a damn fine woman. They really are the best in the world! May I take this opportunity to congratulate you on 'making the break' and finding a woman like Marina. Also, thanks for writing some great books!

Best of luck with the castle. Looks amazing!

HT

PS Lord Conrad's Lady is an inspiration!

Hi Leo, your newest book Lord Conrad's Crusade is fantastic, I hope you continue with the series, lol. I really want to see what Conrad does to the Mongels and to see just what they have made of the equipment they stole from Conrad's army (not much lol, other than having Chinese slaves and mercenary advisers, they do not have any type of scientific back ground). Keep up the great work :)

I hope everything is okay on the home front, if there is anything I can do to help just drop me a email :) Anything for someone who has kept me entertained and enthralled for more than a decade with the adventures of Conrad :)

Take care and talk to you later :)

Murray

I've been a fan of yours since 1986 when I read your first book. You motivated me through engineering school and countless projects that Conrad would be proud of. I'm glad to see you have found somewhere stimulating to live. I'm also looking forward to reading Lord Conrad's Crusade this weekend. Please keep up the great writing.

Best of Luck,
Roger Pflug

Hey Leo, this is Chuck. I stayed at your house about 20 years ago, and you took me to see The Ice Pirates. I just wanted to say I am really happy that you found someone. I am still looking! I am dating a girl right now, and we are having fun. I am also glad to see that you are still writing! More power to you. I have to do the same one of these days. Anyway, keep having fun, and good luck on that castle. Chuck

So, anyway, I liked Kren's book.
The previous two were pretty far out escapism, but hey if L. Ron Hubbard can revive his sci-fi by writing for the bad guy - I see no reason you can't do the same.
Hoping for a book 4, but unfortunately it sounds like that may be as likely as seeing you at Estrella (SCA war out in western US).

Respects,
Nathan

I liked the way that you envisioned the change from a economy based on machines to one based on biology. It reminded me of Thomas A. Easton vision of the future in Greenhouse. Your universe for A Boy and His Tank, as you allude to in your book descriptions seem to moving to a combination of a bioeconomy with intelligent machines. I will be fascinated to see the continuation of your story arc.

I also think that self-publishing is the way to go. Once you build up your content and have a good distribution network, theres no good reason to have a publisher, especially with the Print on Demand publishers.

Congratulations on your success in Tver.

In The Cross-Time Engineer (Conrad Book #1), COnrad mentions in passing Musashi, the great Japanese swordsman, who killed thirty men before he was twenty years old, and in most of the duels used a stick against a sword. COnrad had thought this was either a tall tale or that Musashi had culled the gene pool of thirty stupid duelists (who couldn't chop a stik in half before it killed them), until he foud a man who really knew how to use a stick. Eskrima, a Filipino martial art, shows you really how to use a stick.
http://www.black-eagle.org/

I'm a long-standing fan from Montreal in Canada, who started reading your books when "The High-Tech Knight" came out, and since then I've read all the Conrad books (many times) and your "Fata Morgana", which I enjoyed thoroughly, even though I was hoping for a Hollywood ending (which I'm actually glad I didn't get! lol).

I just bought the e-version of your lastest installment a couple of minutes ago, and know that I won't regret it, even though it means I will not be able to do much else until I finish it!

I love how your books entertain me (and those friends of mine lucky enough to have me lend them a copy). The Stargard series has left an impression on me that would last a lifetime, even if I didn't re-read them EVERY SINGLE YEAR!

-----------------------------------------------------------

You don't speak Russian? LOL
How about Polish?
C'mon, you HAVE to speak Polish, right? LOL

Kocham twoje ksiazki! (Translation: I love your books!)

Have they been translated into Polish yet? That could be a great source of fresh income, my friend!
I hope 2006 brings you an upswing in your luck.

Take care, and good luck with the castle!

-Adam

What fine work. I judge the worth of a book on whether or not I would be willing to reread it and I have re-read your Conrad series 7 times and counting. Thank you so much for writing them and please write more, write more!

As I've said before I've read all your books, even had to hunt down half of them since most of them are out of print. My dad-in-law have read all up to Kren and the War with Earth, Sadly he pased away last year without seeing "Two-Space" which I am in the process of re-reading. I am a USAF Communications NCO working on UAVs and I've always used "A boy and his tank" as an example to show the LTs what could be. Been in 8 years figured if things were going to be bad, might as well be in the middle of the melee.
Your books are an inspiration especially now I'm running out of Heinlein to read.
May you live forever and please keep the books coming. You probably dont need no stinking publisher.
Good luck on the Castle, hopefully I'll be able to build one myself in 5 years time.

I have been a huge fan of yours for many many years. I first fould Copernick's rebellion in spring of 1988 right after I was discharged from the military with a crushed ankle. I feel we have much in common. I to looked for and found a lovely wife in the FSU(former soviet union) We spent our first 16 days together in Kazan. I actually purchased a small company there, since sold. I have read everything you have written except for your latest book. Currently I am between jobs so I need to hold off on ordering it until I am employed again. Paka!

Didn't like it one bit. I threw it in the garbage after page 17.
I don't trade or pass along books like that...straight to the shitcan.Waste of good money.

Wow! Leo I have read all of your books at least ten times.That's saying a lot for a guy like me who has at least 2,000 books in his library and less and less time to read.I am a philosopher (PH.D), a martial artist (50yrs wirth),ex Spec ops , artist and writer myself (self-published so far).As a history nut,who started out with Arthurian studies, and as politically incorrect as you can get,your Conrad books were absolutly my cup of tea.Books like yours and the late Barry Sadler's "Casca" make me think.Wow, a thinking mans series with fighting,naked women, fun, and guys doing what I'd do if i had a Time Machine.

I am adding to your coffers today as I just found the web site and can't wait to read The Crusade.Leo,thank you so very much for giving me so many smiles and so many ah hahs over the years.Keep writing my friend,nobody does it better.

Sorry to hear of your misfortunes. Hope this finds you and your family recovered and well. Can you tell me how to order books from your new company? Jim Baen will probably come back around we all get stressed when we lose loved ones. Meantime I hope to continue to follow your writing.
How is the castle coming along? Have you put it on hold or is it progressing?
Thanks, Jack Chrisenberry
jackrncen@yahoo.com

Sorry to hear about what has happened, I hope everyone will recover. I have been reading your books since you started writing, and you are one of my favorite writers. From the sound of things you have found what most of us single, middleaged, antiestablishmental type male have been looking for, Grats on your finding a good woman. :) I am really tempted to save up some cash just to visit Tver and meet some of those lovely Ladies that you mention, lol. I am going to order Conrad's Lady in eBook version and your Lord Conrad's Crusade this month also in eBook format. Thanks and have a Happy New Year

I read your first seven books several years ago and throughly enjoyed them all. I was unable to find any others and assumed you were to longer writing. Glad you are back at it. In case you do not reconize my last name I'm your cousin. Keep up the good work and good luck with your castle.

My wife bought me your newest book for Christmas and, Baen's negative and unjustified commments notwithstanding, I found it to be excellent and in line with the quality of your previous work. Thank's for another great read and keep up the good work. P.S. When can we expect the next installments in each of your series?

Leo,

I worked at Energy Conversion Devices beginning in 1962. In the mid-60s Bill Pelletier came to work there. He had gone to High School with my then wife, Suzanne (nee Benedetti), and we became friends. One of Bill's favorite topics was you. I think we may have met, but I always felt that I knew you through Bill's eyes.

I have actually read your books, and I thoroughly enjoyed them. You should now write a biography, and try and get it made into a movie. Jack Black could play you perfectly.

Do you know what's become of Bill? I was at a retirement party for ECD's longest tenured employee, Max Powell, last week, and I talked to Stan Ovshinsky for the first time in about 30 years. That's what made me think of Bill.

You're every fat man's hero, Leo.

You look good without the beard and with the hair color.

Best regards,

Jack Lifton

Leo,

I am a great fan of your work. I just love Fata Morgana, Copernick’s Rebellion, and the first books of the Conrad series! Incidentally, you have played both sides so well, that I cannot tell whether you are, Leo, a devote Christian or a devote atheist.

My wife is from Russia; we both laughed, gasping for air, reading your account of food and innovative toilet designs in Russia.

We spent a week in Cyprus, where we got to know each other and make the decision to marry. That was three and a half years ago.

My wife tells me that, from her experience in Russia, the smaller the city the more glorious the feminine vista. True? Speaking of which, my wife shocked my cousin’s wife in Iowa, wearing throughout the visit a thin sweater with nothing underneath it. The wife said that she found it distracting—which I wholeheartedly concurred with. Pity that her conclusion differed so much from mine.

Know that you have transformed my perspective on engineers. When I grow up I want to be an engineer! Well, ok…Next lifetime then!

When I was six, I devised and built a steam-powered miniature boat. Five years later, my friend and I wrote a detailed schematic of a spaceship. It must have been the first Macedonian spaceship—something that a contemporary of Archimedes might have cooked up.

Childhood was the high point my life, as far as engineering capabilities are concerned. it was all downhill from there. No complaints, though.

I am thoroughly romantic about technology. A few years ago I wrote a fable about a woman who built in her barn a spaceship and sflew with it to the sun. Speaking of romantic technology, the book cover of The Two-Space War is totally up my alley. And it is next on my reading list.

Writing you from somewhere in the Sonoran desert between Phoenix and Tucson.

Regards,

Daniel Rirdan