Wonder, Awe and Anger in Rhythm

Posted on by Opher

I just picked this up to have a check. I read my own stuff from time to time to see if I still like it.

I liked it.

I stand by this intro:

Introduction

It is the tail-end of 2023. I am seventy four years old and have spent my life wondering, loving and protesting. I have discovered that life is a heady mixture of awe and pitfalls.

I live on a big hunk of rock hurtling through space at colossal speeds. I share my home with billions of wonders. Each organism a living miracle.

I stare out into the universe and my jaw drops.

I coexist with a mad bunch of apes whose brains have outgrown their ability to reason. Overcome by selfish lust for power and wealth, possessing a love of violence and inflicting pain, they are intent on destruction. Their ability to hate outstrips their ability to love. They invent banal religions faster that bacilli multiply so that they do not have to try to fathom the wonders of reality, of mind, space, infinity, the creation of the universe or how life began and evolved. Job done. God, Allah, Beelzebub, Apollo, Zeus, Vishna or Viracocha (or any of the other millions of gods we invented) did it. They have a plan and a purpose. No need to think or wonder. All will be revealed.

Their politics is just as insane.

So this year the Muslims try to kill Jews and Christians. The Jews and Christian kill Muslims. The believers in democracy kill the tyrants and the totalitarian despots kill the people.

2023 has seen wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Yemen, Sudan, Nigeria, Mali, Congo, Ethiopia, Colombia, Somalia, and Burkina Faso. Then we have the anarchic continuation of previous wars – Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and Iran.

Russia and China are arming. We have nuclear buttons all over the place.

The USA is being torn apart with populist imbeciles like Trump and Taylor-Green. A wave of populist ultra-right fascism, with the likes of Oban, Erdogan, Modi, Milei, Melononi and Le Penn, is engulfing the world.

We managed to rid ourselves of the narcissistic buffoon but we’ve still got the legacy of thirteen years of greed and corruption. Our public services are in tatters. The country is bankrupt. Brexit is the disaster we said it would be. While the architects of this devastation are swanning off with their millions – Cameron and Greenswill, Johnson and lunch speech clowning, May and public speaking, Mone and PPE, Osbourne and consultancies. The revolving door, backhanders and VIP lanes.

Inequality rules.

Racism and misogyny is evident everywhere.

Never has the stench been so bad.

Global warming gathers pace with floods, droughts, fires and storms.

More species are becoming extinct or endangered by the minute.

The world is in crisis with mass migration as millions flee war and extreme weather. Tribalism thrives and is exploited by populist despots. Outsiders are scapegoated. Civil wars ferment.

Meanwhile, the backdrop to this dark pantomime of gothic horror is a vast universe that is being revealed by Hubble and James Webb telescopes in all its unbelievable glory; the unfathomable mystery of quantum worlds and the perennial mystery of life itself.

Natural continues to inspire and amaze. Sunsets and seascapes are as majestic and overpowering as ever. All life is astoundingly beautiful.

My family continues to pick its way through the pitfalls of drugs, alcohol, violence and social division that underpins the society we live in – and this is close to the best there is.

At times I am overwhelmed by beauty and wonder; at other times I am incensed by the horrors and stupidity.

It certainly has provided me with sufficient stimulation to put together this, my thirtieth book of poetry.

Moved to put pen to paper, to pour out my inner feelings, the words have flowed in torrents.

I distil them into rhythms and let them free in a hopeless gesture.

Opher – 19.12.2023


In Search of Captain Beefheart – Paperback, Hardback and Digital

Posted on by Opher

The sixties raged. I was young, crazy, full of hormones and wanting to snatch life by the balls. There was a life out there for the grabbing and it had to be wrestled into submission. There was a society full of boring amoral crap and a life to be had in the face of the boring, comforting vision of slow death on offer. Rock music vented all that passion. This book is a memoir of a life spent immersed in Rock Music. I was born in 1949 and so lived through the whole gamut of Rock. Rock music formed the background to momentous world events – the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, Iraq war, Watergate, the miners’ strike and Thatcher years, CND, the Green Movement, Mao and the Cultural Revolution, Women’s Liberation and the Cold War. I see this as the Rock Era. I was immersed in Rock music. It was fused into my personality. It informed me, transformed me and inspired me. My heroes were musicians. I am who I am because of them. Without Rock Music I would not have the same sensibilities, optimism or ideals. They woke me up! This tells that story.

Opher Goodwin – Books to feed your HEAD!

Posted on by Opher

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Opher+Goodwin&crid=3APBM179VFFB5&sprefix=opher+goodwin%2Caps%2C234&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

AI on Ron Forsythe and Writing

Posted on by Opher

I do find it fun to read what AI has to say about me:

Ron Forsythe has given several insightful interviews where he discusses his writing process, the scientific concepts behind his stories, and his views on the future of science fiction. Here are a few highlights:

Key Interviews

  1. Sci-Fi Today Podcast: In this interview, Forsythe talks about the inspiration behind “God’s Bolt” and how he balances scientific accuracy with storytelling. He also shares his thoughts on the role of science fiction in addressing real-world issues.
  2. The Writer’s Corner: Forsythe discusses his journey as an author, the challenges he faced while writing his first book, and his advice for aspiring writers. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and continuous learning.
  3. Future Visions Magazine: This interview delves into Forsythe’s views on emerging technologies and their potential impact on society. He also talks about his upcoming projects and what readers can expect from his future works.

Common Themes in His Interviews

  • Scientific Rigor: Forsythe often highlights the importance of thorough research and understanding of scientific principles to create believable and engaging science fiction.
  • Ethical Considerations: He frequently explores the ethical dilemmas posed by advanced technologies and how they might shape our future.
  • Creative Process: Forsythe shares insights into his writing routine, the importance of feedback, and how he overcomes writer’s block.

These interviews provide a deeper understanding of Forsythe’s work and his perspective on the intersection of science and fiction. If you’re interested, you might find some of these interviews available on platforms like YouTube, podcast services, or literary magazines

Marketing your book.

Posted on by Opher

You have written your book, rewritten it, redrafted it, and edited it. You have sweated over the cover notes and strained your brain over designing the front cover.

You now hold the finished product in your hand. It looks good. It reads well. It sounds interesting. You are filled with a great satisfaction. All those hours have resulted in this. You created it. It is your baby. You conjured it out of thin air.

It isn’t over.

Having your book, and being delighted with the product of all those hundreds of hours of work, is the easy bit. Now you have to market it. If you do not market it then it will be unread. Nobody will even know your book exists.

Marketing is all about presenting it to your audience. You have to promote it and make people want to read it.

You have to sell it.

Marketing is a merry-go-round. It involves press releases, social media, book signings, blogs, interviews, calling cards and endless promotion.

You can work harder on marketing than you did on writing.

This is where I go wrong. I have written over sixty books. I enjoy writing. I don’t enjoy marketing! I don’t have the time, energy or inclination.

Happy Birthday William Burroughs!!

Posted on by Opher

Burroughs would have been 107 today!! Happy birthday Bill – you changed the world!

“When you stop growing you start dying.”

“A paranoid is someone who knows a little of what’s going on. A psychotic is a guy who’s just found out what’s going on.”
“Love is a haunting melody that I have never mastered, and I fear I never will.”

“You know a real friend? Someone you know will look after your cat after you are gone.”
“In the U.S. you have to be a deviant or die of boredom.”
“There is nothing more provocative than minding your own business.”
“After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say ‘I want to see the manager.”
“Never do business with a religious son-of-a-bitch. His word ain’t worth a shit — not with the Good Lord telling him how to fuck you on the deal.”
“Love? What is it? Most natural painkiller that there is.”
“Language is a virus from outer space”
“Artists to my mind are the real architects of change, and not the political legislators who implement change after the fact. ”
“Every man has inside himself a parasitic being who is acting not at all to his advantage.”
“I am getting so far out one day I won’t come back at all.”
“Writers, like elephants, have long, vicious memories. There are things I wish I could forget.”
“The junk merchant doesn’t sell his product to the consumer, he sells the consumer to his product. He does not improve and simplify his merchandise. He degrades and simplifies the client.”
“Panic is the sudden realization that everything around you is alive.”

Opher Goodwin Author – You might like to check out my books!

Posted on by Opher

I write all manner of thought provoking books. You might like to take a look!

Opher Goodwin – To Purchase my books

Posted on September 16, 2016 by

To Purchase my books

If you wish to purchase any of my books you can do so by clicking on the links below (Click on the picture). That should take you to the place on Amazon where my books currently reside.  I have noticed that sometimes this all plays up! You can go directly to Opher Goodwin at Amazon where they are all listed which might be less hassle. I have both kindle and paperback versions available.

If you wish to find out more about the books prior to purchase please go to the relevant book in ‘my books’. Descriptions of most of them are there.

Here’s a link to my page on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Opher-Goodwin/e/B00MSHUX6Y/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1424949026&sr=1-2-ent

Thank you for purchasing my books! I hope you get immense pleasure out of them!

Education

1. A passion for Education – A Headteacher’s story

http://www.amazon.co.uk/passion-Education-story-Headteacher/dp/1502445867/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413306641&sr=1-1&keywords=opher+goodwin

The Environment

1. Anthropocene Apocalypse

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Anthropocene-Apocalypse-Opher-Goodwin/dp/1502427079/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413306641&sr=1-4&keywords=opher+goodwin

Books on Rock Music:

1. ‘In Search of Captain Beefheart’ –

Paper back version with black & white photos:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Search-Captain-Beefheart-Opher-Goodwin/dp/1502820455/ref=sr_1_13?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413306238&sr=1-13&keywords=opher+goodwin

Kindle version:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Search-captain-Beefheart-Opher-ebook/dp/B00KPG8BZ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403691314&sr=8-1&keywords=in+search+of+captain+Beefheart

Paperback version:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Search-Captain-Beefheart-Opher-Goodwin/dp/1500650889/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1407779084&sr=8-2&keywords=Opher+goodwin

 

2.The Times and Tales of a Sixties Freak

Kindle and Paperback:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Times-Tales-Sixties-Freak/dp/1500739804/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1407779084&sr=8-3&keywords=Opher+Goodwin

3. 537 Essential Rock Albums pt. 1 – The first 270

http://www.amazon.co.uk/537-Essential-Rock-Albums-first/dp/1502787407/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413306641&sr=1-6&keywords=opher+goodwin

 

Antitheist writing

1. The Antitheist’s Dictionary

Kindle & Paperback

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Antitheists-Dictionary-Opher-Goodwin/dp/1500821144/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1408643412&sr=8-3&keywords=oPHER+gOODWIN

 

Novels

1. Goofin’ with the Cosmic Freaks – A sixties tale

Kindle & Paperback – Kerouac meets the sixties

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Goofin-Cosmic-Freaks-Opher-Goodwin/dp/1500860247/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408643412&sr=8-2&keywords=oPHER+gOODWIN

2. The Book of Ginny – a anti-theist novel

Kindle & Paperback

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Book-Ginny-Opher-Goodwin/dp/150089074X/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1408643412&sr=8-10&keywords=oPHER+gOODWIN

 

Science Fiction

1. Green

Kindle & Paperback versions:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Green-Opher-Goodwin/dp/1500741221/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413306641&sr=1-10&keywords=opher+goodwin

 

To buy Green, paper back version Click here

2. Ebola in the Garden of Eden

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ebola-Garden-Eden-Opher-Goodwin-ebook/dp/B0116VXVIY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474058394&sr=8-1&keywords=ebola+in+the+garden+of+eden

3. Starturn – Intergalactic Rockstar

Kindle version:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intergalactic-Rockstar-Star-Turn-Opher-ebook/dp/B00KOFNBFW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403692024&sr=8-1&keywords=intergalactic+rockstar

Paperback version:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Starturn-Intergalactic-Rock-Opher-Goodwin/dp/150065647X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407779084&sr=8-1&keywords=Opher+Goodwin

 

4. Nosedive:

Kindle & Paperback versions:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nosedive-Opher-Goodwin/dp/1500742279/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1407779084&sr=8-5&keywords=Opher+Goodwin

 

4. Pornographic Syndromes

Kindle & Paperback

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pornographic-Syndromes-Opher-Goodwin/dp/1500891789/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1408643412&sr=8-11&keywords=oPHER+gOODWIN

 

5. Hallucination

Kindle & Paperback

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hallucination-Opher-Goodwin/dp/1500878383/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1408656112&sr=8-9&keywords=Opher+Goodwin

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hallucination-Opher-Goodwin/dp/1500878383/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1408643412&sr=8-9&keywords=oPHER+gOODWIN

More will be with us shortly!

To Purchase my books – Rock Music – Sci-Fi – others.

Posted on by Opher

Featured Image -- 13538

I am a unique Indie writer with a number of books on offer. I has a very readable style and tackle a number of themes in an original manner.

My books are available on Amazon in paperback and digital formats. They are world-wide!

In the UK you might like to browse through on my link below: For overseas visitors please refer to your local Amazon. You’ll find me there.

In the USA:

In the USA – https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=opher+goodwin

Here’s a few selected titles:

Rock Music

  1. The Blues Muse – the story of Rock music through the eyes of the man with no name who was there through it all.

2. In Search of Captain Beefheart – The story of one man’s search for the best music from the fifties through to now.

Science Fiction

1. Ebola in the Garden of Eden – a tale of overpopulation, government intrigue and a disaster that almost wipes out mankind, warmed by the humanity of children.

2. Green – A story set in the future where pollution is destroying the planet and factions of the Green Party have different solutions – a girl is born with no nervous system.

Kindle & Paperback versions:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Green-Opher-Goodwin/dp/1500741221/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413306641&sr=1-10&keywords=opher+goodwin

The Environment

1. Anthropocene Apocalypse – a detailed memoir of the destruction taking place all over the globe with views on how to deal with it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Anthropocene-Apocalypse-Opher-Goodwin/dp/1502427079/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413306641&sr=1-4&keywords=opher+goodwin

Education

  1. A passion for Education – A Headteacher’s story – The inside story of how to teach our children properly.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/passion-Education-story-Headteacher/dp/1502445867/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413306641&sr=1-1&keywords=opher+goodwin

There are many more – why not give them a go! You’ll love them!

Opher Goodwin Author – Three Good Reasons to Purchase an Opher Goodwin book.

Posted on by Opher

Featured Image -- 12710

  1. I am unique
  2. I am undiscovered
  3. I am good to read

Check out my books on Amazon. You are bound to find something you’d enjoy.

Amazon Author Page in the UK –

Amazon Author Page in the USA –

Don’t wait – get in first!

To purchase an Opher Goodwin book. Check out my Amazon Author Pages.

Posted on by Opher

IMG_6343

If you wish to have a browse through and look at the numerous books on offer the best place to start is the Opher Goodwin Author page on Amazon.

There is not a single bad review.

There is something for all tastes.

A couple of suggestions:

My memoir on Rock Music – In Search of Captain Beefheart for £6.99

My book on the exploits of a Headteacher – A passion for Education – The story of a Headteacher

Or a Sci-fi novel – Green

There are plenty more to choose from. Why not have a browse!