THE GAME and the Genesis of Altered State of Affairs

THE GAME and the Genesis of Altered State of Affairs

Really, it’s not a game… it’s a culture—more than that—a legacy, handed down from generation to generation. Yes—even family before us! L’dor, v’dor. Seated in alphabetical order in Señorita Gonzales’s Spanish class is where it all began—where I met Terri. “But for Ohio State.” Two amazing sons, daughters-in-law, and five astounding grandchildren later—celebrating our heritage … Read more

How It All Began | BAT Brothers | by Jerald Kasimov

How It All Began

The process of writing is unique to every author. Like artists—with their special paints, paper, and brushes—writers use whatever makes them comfortable. Stephen King swears by #2 pencils. Neil Gaiman loves his Waterman fountain pen—even changes the color every day. Simone de Beauvoir was infatuated with the Schaefer Snorkel pen. Me… like my hero, King, … Read more

COMMUNICATION: The Written Word by Jerald Kasimov

COMMUNICATION: The Written Word

What is the written word? It can be anything—the Bible or a stop sign. Does it tell a story or send a message? It really doesn’t matter because the writer and the reader may have altered perspectives. Like with the visual arts, the creation and the creator may be in a different metaverse. Likewise, the … Read more

Writing Is Personal | Jerald Kasimov with Charleston

Writing Is Personal

I am an author—can you fucking believe that? It’s my being—consumes me. In my previous life as a dentist, I always wrote a little poetry and some short stories—never had time to do more—always working—growing a business and raising a family—not an easy task. Then, in 2007, we sold our dental group—went from 100 mph … Read more

Cindy

Chapter One | Altered State of Affairs

Chapter 1  The year 2006 was a very good one; very good indeed. Saddam Hussein was killed, and I want to snuff the next crazy jihadist and all his asshole friends. Terrorists, or destructionists, as they prefer to be called, are no longer satisfied with destroying a bus, a plane, two enormous buildings, or gassing … Read more

Prologue | Altered State of Affairs

PROLOGUE  Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary. ― Gerard Way  Dawn is breaking; it’s a beautiful morn. The sky, a bright azure, the air crisp—allowing nature’s dew to rejuvenate the thirsty foliage and elicit the therapeutic jasmine aroma. How do I know that condensation increases as the dew point decreases? Well, after taking … Read more