A. Lee Martinez

It’s not as if the films are completely aligned. The nature of Monarch as an organization varies tremendously in each film. And that’s fine with me, since the Monsterverse films are among my favorite movies at this time.

This doesn’t mean we need forgive lapses, but rather we need not define good storytelling by obedience to continuity.

For Monarch, I’m less inclined to care that their rules of the Hollow Earth are different from the films as long as the story is engaging.

One concept I love is Hypertime. It’s the proposition that every story is set in its own universe. Even stories with the same characters.

Continuity is only a suggestion, not a requirement.

I liked the first season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters but you have to just accept that the continuity and rules don’t fit with the rest of the Monsterverse. Season 2 looks like even more so.

Which is fine. I’m not a huge continuity nerd in general.

One of these books might be in the wrong section:

Sharing this again, just in case anyone missed it

In every Republican presidency of my lifetime there's been a recession and a new war in the Middle East.

I’ve been writing for 30 years. Earlier today, I sent @cgolden.bsky.social my latest story. He said it was one of the best things he’s ever read by me. I needed to hear that. Whether you’re a wide-eyes newbie or a jaded veteran, occasional accolades from a peer make this writer journey much easier.

Unsure as of yet. But fingers crossed.

Announcing new book deal, Unbearable, by A. Lee Martinez with Baen Publishing

There’s a lot of chaos in this world. Always is, but we are generally living in the stupidest time.

But I take good news when I can get it.

"Trans people no longer allowed to drive in Kansas" is a real headline. In case you don't think this is Nazi shit, let me assure you: this is Nazi shit.

I might have a book out later this year. I assume it will be adapted to audio format, but can’t say for certain yet.

The amount of nautical metaphors in an English is astounding.

“I know! Let’s cut off Medicare! That should make people like us!”

As of tonight, licenses of trans people across Kansas are being invalidated en masse, enabling the overnight criminalization of an entire group of people for going about our lives. It’s often said you never know when you’re living through history, so let me assure you: that’s what’s happening now.

I’m not going to watch Trump’s State of the Union address tonight.

I urge you not to, either. Here’s why…

Editing is where the story is made. And editing isn’t just cutting, but if you aren’t cutting then you’re probably not editing.

Some movies demand more than 2 hours.

Most don’t.

That’s my movie hot take.

Didn’t see a couple of interesting movies in the theater lately because they were both well over 2 hours. Having not seen them, I can’t say they are overlong, but my general experience is that neither deserves that much of my time based on the premises.

Finally caught Predator Badlands. An all around excellent movie. Surprising for me because I’ve always thought the idea of Predator as protagonist to be pretty unappealing, but it really works here.

Also, a masterclass in plant and payoff. Worth lauding for that alone.

I’ll be at Fencon this weekend in Dallas. I should have mentioned that earlier, but I am bad at promotion.

is wishing the happiest of birthdays to colorist Anthony Tollin.

Is remembering writer Dwayne McDuffie on his birthday.

All interaction here and in most internet spaces is voluntary. Never be reluctant to shut doors on people for any reason.

Authoritarians descend into madness, seeing conspiracy in every dissenting voice, setback, and failure. It is no wonder that they all self destruct at some point.

Above all, we must be reminded that our leaders are still mortals with all the weaknesses that come from that. They do not stand above and beyond us.

Hell, some are pretty far below us.

This is also not an endorsement of kicking politicians in the balls. Just a reminder that they have them, just like the rest of us.

Unless they / you don’t have them (no shade). In which case sub whatever vulnerable bits work for you. It’s a flexible metaphor.

The act of holding a President accountable would change a lot of things. It’s like kicking Batman in the balls. He might seem like a larger than life figure, but under the cape, he’s human. Easy to forget that.

NOTE: Please, don’t kick Batman in the balls. He looks scary, but he’s there to help.

At some point in our history, we needed to arrest and prosecute a sitting President, even put them in jail. It would have reminded us that the President is not a king.

Because we’ve waited too long and now the President is practically one.

Doesn’t mean it can’t change in the future though.

Heard through the grapevine that someone likes my Bluesky content. And like all artists, I am starving for approval.

So thanks, guy who talked to my wife!

Current Administration:

“What is so enticing about my forbidden closet of mystery?”