Andrew John Valencia

(My e-Books)

I've done software, including UNIX kernels, symmetric multiprocessor algorithms, and I've even written two operating systems. I was also involved in the early days of the internet at cisco (lower case "c", long story), doing even more low-level software work as well as protocol design.

In more recent years, I've tried my hand at writing. I'm a part owner of a newspaper ("The Vashon Loop") and write columns for it on a regular basis. I've recently even put some short fiction onto its pages, and that's why I've assembled my writing here. I don't know if anybody wants to read what I've written, but if they do--I should make it as easy as possible!

How will you read these? I've decided to offer each book in three forms. As an "epub", a format which most "ebook readers" support. So install an ebook reader and then download the epub.

Each is also available as a PDF. Most people use this format to read government forms, and it's very unpleasant to view on phones. But almost every PC can view it. Or you could print it.

And finally, as one big web page served from right here. It'll format itself nicely for either a phone or a desktop, and there's no need to install an app. But it's a pretty big chunk of data, and if you close the tab (or even switch away), it might need to reload all that data all over again.

Your call.

(Quick tip: for the epub or PDF, you'll generally want to right-click on the file you want, and "Save as..." to get it onto your own device.)

Probe

My first work of fiction is fanfic, based on the universe of a short-lived 1988 TV show called "Probe". Isaac Asimov had a hand in the writing, and it was charming. This novelette is a post-apocalyptic treatment of the two protagonists from that show:

Shelf

I eventually had an idea for a world based upon events around our home here on a semi-rural island. I'll call it "young adult", although I really didn't write it with any particular demographic agenda. But if you're writing about hidden trails, wondrous chickens, and brave heroines, why would you spoil it by making it horrible? So it ended up being youth friendly.

Padre Linse

I next was inspired by my work at our local Catholic church. Did you know that there are priests who are married in the Catholic church? I did, but with all my hands-on experience in helping with masses and other services, it all came together in a story about a fellow who gamed the system to become one of those married Catholic priests. This is not a young adult novel, as there's enough violence for me to recommend it only for adults.

The Gentled of Mary #1

One day I was taking care of some items near the altar at my church, and I looked up at the figure of Jesus on the cross. I saw it was suspended by just a couple wires (stout ones, no doubt!) and wondered what would happen if they suddenly snapped. This led to the story of Ben.

The Story of Tom

We had our car totaled (fully stopped, then an EV his it from behind) and there was a weed which had been growing on its bumper for years. We lost the car but rescued the weed, which we found out is named "Tom". I wrote seven connected short stories concerning Tom, and they're coming out one per issue in our newspaper. Because of the short, serial format, I'll just link to our paper's web page for Tom:

Tom the Weed at The Loop

Future Works

I have half a novel sketched out for a second "Shelf" novel, and a little less than that for a second "Padre" novel. As anything comes up, I'll try to remember and put it here. I know, I should have a blog. Someday.

Thanks for visiting!

Andy Valencia
Contact me