J.C. Mastro

A new reader fan email this morning made me realize it's been a minute since I've posted anything... Not to mention fully uplifted my 3:00am chemo-fuzzed mood 😁

Today is my last day of my last cycle before something really big that I've been in an almost manic, daily, preparation for. It's been all consuming, but incredibly positive and proactive and, at times, kicking my ass and driving everyone nuts. I'm not ready to say anything about it just yet, but you'll know when the time is right. It's big, and I have to do these things. My personality type and zodiac won't let me do otherwise.

This state of being, however, has affected my writing time and (brutal honesty here) headspace to even sit down and engage it. I want to, very much. For myself, for my writing/publishing partners who are counting on me, for the over $10k in support of our new anthology, and for the growing and very vocal sequel-hungry readers I'm so honored to have earned on this journey.

I'll get back to it, friends. That's my promise to you. If I can keep fighting off this aggressive cancer that's lack of quit will not surpass my own, I can fight back to the keyboard and bring the next chapters and stories to life. Stay with me... You are my wingmen, and you don't leave your wingmen.

Last high note to end on with a bit of actual news... You may have seen that ACADEMY BOUND won a Best Science Fiction and Young Adult International Impact Book Award(s)! I was in a slight funk when I posted it, but it feels amazing and empowering, and thank you all so much for the congrats! I won't be paying for the privilege to attend their awards banquet and speak in Feb (don't even get me started on that racket 😆), but I will share the trophy when it comes and try to rally this little victory!
Also, not sure if you saw that AB also won a handful of Outstanding Creator Awards Summer 24, including Best Fiction of the Summer (right next to a book by Sir Michael Caine... Can you say THE Batman's Alfred who voiced Giles in my head?? Ain't that some cool stuff!), Category Wins, and an Ultimate Champion trophy! These guys make recognition for your work a lot of fun, and it feels awesome to be among such great talent and receive such vibrant feedback.

If you stuck with me through all that, thank you for reading and supporting me! I know I don't always deserve that when I get distracted and lose touch, but believe that all of you who care mean the world to me. Don't hesitate to nudge once and awhile, k? Now, it's 4:08am and I'm going to go install a smart light switch or something before a doctor's appt at 8, and then getting pumped full of my last dose of "poison juice" as the woman next to me yesterday called it, before I'm ringing the bell to celebrate finishing chemo. For the second time. For the last time, damn right

Tell your brother, your sister, and your mama too. It's about to go down, and you know just what to do!

Eek, I'm so excited!!! 😁

Review of “Academy Bound” by J.C. Mastro (Paperback & Audiobook)

https://www.outstandingcreator.com/3/post/2024/08/review-of-academy-bound-by-jc-mastro-paperback-audiobook.html

An outstanding YA sci-fi book! A young man dreams of becoming a fleet commander and starship pilot, following in his mother's footsteps. He faces a lot of the challenges of coming-of-age including falling in love, dealing with increased responsibility, and wrestling with crippling anxiety. The many relationships navigates (including with his dad, best friend, bully, and love interest) are captivating and deep. There is also a lot of tension and mystery.

This makes my year! 😁

After a 3 week insurance snafu, I'm headed back to treatment! Huge relief, feeling good... Oh, and rocking new kicks! Never paid $200 for shoes in my life, but they're the best I've had with this drop foot AFO 😁

Working on our new anthology, Fairy Tales, Folklore, and Fables Reimagined, I was reminded of one of my favorite books as a kid. Fun stories with the cleverest endings! Does anyone else remember Uncle Wiggly?

Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2 is really dang good! Sure, it's geared at kids. But the animation is great, solid Trek story, and as an old fan of Voyager and TNG, the cast is awesome 🖖
Have you watched it? What do you think?