My hard drive died several days ago, so I've been completely isolated at home until today. I am writing this to check in from a friend's PC. I will hopefully be back online in another few days, and I'll be back with you then.

Love to all,
Pat.

Hey guys,

I just want to tell you that I am currently experienceing an attack of severe depression. Rather than stay off of here entirely, I am just going to try and not let it influence the comments I make or the advice I give. However, if anything I say seems unduly morose or pessimistic, just take it with a grain of salt, because it's probably just the Depression Hydra rearing one of its ugly heads. Since a lot of you also suffer from the same thing, I'm sure you'll understand where I'm coming from. Severity-wise, on a scale of one to ten...last night was a 25. Today (tonight...I slept today), I'm going to try and work my way out of it, or at least back to a point where things are manageable.

You guys are one of the biggest reasons I can keep on going through these crushing episodes...so thanks for all that you give back to me.

Love to all,
Pat

Hi Guys!

I just wanted to let you know that I'm back here on a regular basis now, but that my time is limited. Other than the few kids that I regularly give advice to because of other associations we have (such as writing tutorials), I more or less just go and pick random threads to respond to because it's all I've got time for. I take a long time to respond to most of these because I always try to weigh my words carefully, and so I don't get to do many in a given session.

However, if there's ever any post to which you would like me to respond, all you have to do is send me a little message along with the name of the post. I will be more than happy to read it and give the best advice, commiseration, love squeezes, or whatever I believe the situation calls for.

I just wanted to make this clear so that no one thinks I am ignoring them or just cherry picking posts to respond to. It really is largely random, but I'm more than happy to be there for anyone at all who needs or wants whatever sagacity I might have to offer.

Love to all,
Pat

Well, December is turning out to be a rather crappy month. I've had two dates planned scheduled so far (okay, not dates, per se, but plans with men). First, my BFF Casey was supposed to take me out to dinner on my birthday, but he got sick and had to cancel. Then tonight, another friend, Martin, was supposed to come over and do the pizza delivery+movie thing. So can you guess what happens? That's right. He gets sick and has to cancel too. I suppose the bright side is that it wasn't me that got sick, but it sucks, nonetheless. I am going to order food and watch movies by myself tonight, and talk to the cat. Of course, I do that fairly regularly, so it's not exactly a red letter evening for either me or the cat (Raja tends to prefer it when I just shut up and let him sleep). Oh well.

Why am I bothering to tell you all this? I don't know. Just to show you that I have the same disappointing experiences that you guys do at times, I suppose. Plus, if anyone else out there is having a rotten night tonight, you can take some comfort in the fact that I am having one too. Misery does love company, after all.

Good tidings to all,
Pat

...don't forget that gay marriage is now legal in Connecticut (and of course Massachusetts). Here's a story about it:

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/connecticut/ny-bc-ct--gaymarriage...

As someone who grew up in New England, I find that fascinating, because I never saw NE as particularly progressive. Of course, I was living in Maine, which pretty much explains the disconnect.

Hey guys!

I just wanted to share with you all the most recent book review of Orphan's Quest, posted today by Ruth Sims, award-winning author of The Phoenix. For those of you not familiar with the book, The Phoenix is a gay-themed Victorian novel that was named Foreword Magazine's book of the year in 2005, so a glowing review from her is a pretty big get. In fact, I'm already seeing a spike in my Amazon sales!

Anyway, here's the link for anyone who wants to check out the review:

Click Here for Ruth's OQ Review

Don't forget, my e-books are always free for you guys. No strings attached. You just have to message me and ask for the link. Remember to specify whether you need Book 1 (Orphan's Quest) or Book 2 (Scion's Blood). Book Three, Numen's Trust should be out early next year and that, too, will be free for Oasis members.

Hope you all had a fun Halloween. I stayed home and watched horror movies, which is one of my favorite pastimes - sicko that I am. :-)

Hugs to all,
PNC
http://www.chroniclesoffirma.com

Hi guys!

Just wanted to share the cover of Numen's Trust, Book Three of The Chronicles of Firma, with you:

Just a reminder - Oasis members can get my ebooks free by sending me an email at patrick@patnelsonchilds.com. You can also message me here, but I don't sign onto Oasis much these days, so the other way is much faster. Just mention Oasis when you email, and tell me if you want Book one (Orphan's Quest) or Book Two (Scion's Blood), or both. Numen's Trust will be out in late August or thereabouts, and as soon as it comes out, you can ask me for that one too.

Hugs to all!
PNC

Randon Notes on Being a Writer - #42

Genius never strikes at convenient times. Be prepared to lose sleep, be late for appointments and drop all the things you're supposed to be doing when those AHA moments hit (and leave enough time, because the AHA is usually followed by several hours of mad typing or scribbling).

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU EVER SAY TO YOURSELF: "I really gotta go to bed. I'll remember to write this all down when I wake up in the morning". You will remember only that you had a stroke of genius, it will be gone forever from your consciousness, and you will kick yourself in the ass for days - nay - forever. It's a mistake that most writers make several times in their lives. It's like forgetting what an ice-cream headache feels like and, once again, wolfing down that DQ Banana Cream Pie Blizzard in just a few tasty gulps.

So remember, children - "Don't Wolf the Blizzard!" Keep a notebook & pencil or laptop with you at all times, and when nuggets of gold hit you, get up out of bed, out of the shower, off your boyfriend - AND WRITE THEM DOWN.

Here endeth the lesson. Now I'm gettin' my ass to bed.

Hugs to you all,
Patrick

Hi Guys!

I got this email today and thought I'd share it, and my response, with all of you. I blanked out the sender's email address as a kindness to him/her. I guess I must be doing something right if I'm getting hate mail from religious fanatics, huh?

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

From: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 4:28 PM
To: pnchilds@glynworkspublishing.com
Subject: question to pat nelson?..:

sir---i happened to come across your work chronicles etc------i do feel so sad for you putting this garbage out to young people who are confused and vulnerable----please grow up and get some help for yourself------change is possible----i would like to refer you to richard cohens international healing foundation who work with gay men-----look up his book sometime coming out straight or gay children straight parents----a world of info on causes of homosexuality 10 of them and see if you fit into any of these i will be praying for you please do not destroy kids lives-----you are made in the image and likeness of
God----use your talents for writing for a wonderful God given project------at least you are honest about your aids problem------i thank you for that----------------from a caring parent of a young adult whom i hope and pray is not influenced by you--------------------again explore and look into your life at your deepseeded feelings-----God bless you sir-------and i will continue praying for you

_____________________________________

From: pnchilds@glynworkspublishing.com [mailto:pnchilds@glynworkspublishing.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 5:48 PM
To: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Subject: RE: question to pat nelson?

Dear sir/madam,

Thank you for your letter. It serves as a perfect example of the deep-seated fear and bigotry that is still, unfortunately, all too prevalent in this country. It is precisely this attitude that motivates me every day to continue my writing and my efforts to help gay and lesbian youth to realize that there is nothing at all wrong with them or the way that they love. Your type of narrow-mindedness is what really poses the greatest danger to young people, who at that age are all struggling to find, accept and love themselves. I plan to keep fighting every day to oppose those who self-righteously use God as an excuse to promote intolerance, and who (like Richard Cohen) perpetuate the myth that homosexuality is an affliction that needs to be cured.

I hope that one day you will see the light, or if not, that at least your children will. There is already more than enough ignorance in this world.

Regards,
Pat Nelson Childs
___________________________

Please visit my Myspace Profile and add me as a friend.
_________________________________

- Pat Nelson Childs
"bringing strong gay characters to Sci-Fi & Fantasy"

I chose my new publicity photo. What do you think? Not too goofy I hope.

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to say a quick hi to everyone here on Oasis. I miss you all. I'm not on here as much as I used to be or want to be, frankly because I'm behind schedule on book three of The Chronicles of Firma. But I do sign on frequently to check messages, so you guys can always write to me if you want a free e-copy of one of the books or for anything else you need. All my teenage and young adult fans give me huge moral support, and I'll always love you guys and do everything I can to make your lives better.

For anyone reading this who might be new to Oasis and not know who the heck I am, I invite you to check out my MySpace profile (link below)and add me as a friend. That's the best place to get info on me and my books for the moment. When the websites are up and running again, I plan to have some stuff going on there for GLBT teens. As that stuff develops, I'll come back and share it with you. In the meantime, as I said above, please feel free to hit me up anytime, either here or thru MySpace. I love hearing from you.

Hope you all have a great winter or, if you have S.A.D. like I do, an early spring.

Love and hugs,
Pat

My editor flipped over the OQ trailer and instructed me to get busy and do one for Scion's Blood ASAP. Well, here it is:

Or click here to go to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lh3PatV9Bc&rel

Pass the word if you'd be so kind and repost anyplace you can think of. Don't forget - Broke? Oppressed within your household? Just private me about getting the e-book version of either of these titles FREE OF CHARGE. My offer still and always will stand. No kid is going to miss out on reading my books cuz they have pinheads for parents or simply can't afford to buy them.

Life's been bad these past couple weeks, and having you guys around - all my friends - teens, YAs and even some grown-ups - well, it's one of the reasons I am still around. Don't feel bad asking me for the books because it's the least I can do in exchange for what you all bring to me.

I love you all,
Patrick

Hey guys!

Check out the trailer I did for Orphan's Quest!

Or click here to go to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kRjEkjKaKI

Spread it around, dudes!!! The series is really doing well now thanks in part to you all of you.

I'll do one for Scion's Blood in another month or so, next time I take a day off writing. Lol.

Muchos Gracias!
Patrick

Hi Guys!
Sorry I have been absent lately. Two two novels going at once, plus some health issues, has kept me away more than I wish to be. I wanted to share this poem with you, though. A friend of mine posted it on her blog and I couldn't resist borrowing it. I hope you all have a wonderful 2008. One of my resolutions is to try and spend more time with you here on Oasis this coming year. I really do miss you all. Love, Patrick
------------------------------------------

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

Just posted a new blog entry. If you want to check it out, here's the link:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=13365...

CAUTION: Contains sadness and self-pity. Read at your own risk.

Now I'm going to go try and finish Chapter Seven.

Hugs amigos.

"After all, tomorrow is another day." - Scarlett O'Hara