Halloween Giveaway!

AI has bats in the belfry in my latest book AI: Artificial Incompetence – FREE to download today only! Don’t miss your chance to snag the ebook readers are calling an absolute delight!

Check it out at the link below and grab your copy on Amazon now.

https://amzn.to/3YmXVBs

Currently #1 FREE EBOOK for YA/Sci-Fi on Amazon. Rated 4.5 on Goodreads!

Free Download Ends Midnight Pacific Time!

If you’re going to be near Amelia Island, Florida this weekend, then please take a moment to stop by The Book Loft in Fernandina Beach’s downtown historic district on Centre Street (details below).

I’ll be signing copies of my latest book titled AI: Artificial Incompetence this Saturday, August 31st from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

So if you love books and you’re in the area, stop on by! We can talk shop, science fiction, all-things fiction, or anything else that comes to mind. I’d love to meet you!

Where:

The Book Loft

214 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

When:

Saturday, August 31st from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hope to see you there!

Stephen King’s Revival is a haunting exploration of faith, obsession, and the destructive power of unchecked desire. This tale, set against the backdrop of a small American town (a common Stephen King trope), delves into the complexities of human nature and the potential consequences of dabbling in the unknown.

At the heart of the story is the enigmatic Reverend Charles Jacobs, a man consumed by his fascination with electricity. His obsession leads him down a dangerous path, culminating in a tragic accident that shatters his life and leaves him searching for answers. Years later, a young boy named Jamie Morton witnesses a horrifying event involving Jacobs and becomes entangled in his world of darkness.

Reverend Charles Jacobs is the very definition of the fifth business.

King masterfully weaves together a tale of friendship, loss, and the supernatural. The characters are deeply flawed and relatable, their struggles with addiction, grief, and the search for meaning resonating with readers. The author’s prose is both lyrical and chilling, creating a sense of dread and anticipation that lingers long after the final page.

Revival is a departure from King’s more traditional horror fare. While it contains elements of the supernatural, the true horror lies in the exploration of human darkness and the consequences of our actions. The ending is both shocking and thought-provoking, and left me questioning the nature of reality for a solid week after reading; I don’t think you’ll see this one coming.

If you’re a fan of Stephen King or enjoy dark, character-driven stories, Revival is a must-read. Its exploration of faith, obsession, and the power of the supernatural will leave a lasting impression.

Stephen King’s Revival is available on Amazon.

In the realm of psychedelic research, few books have had as profound an impact as DMT: The Spirit Molecule by Dr. Rick Strassman. Published in 2000, The Spirit Molecule delves deep into the world of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), the most powerful known hallucinogen in the world (Interestingly enough, it’s also the only hallucinogen that’s endogenous to many plants and animals, human beings included). Through a combination of rigorous scientific research, compelling narrative, and philosophical exploration, Strassman offers readers an unprecedented look at one of the most mysterious substances known to science.

Overview of the Book

DMT: The Spirit Molecule chronicles Dr. Strassman’s groundbreaking research conducted at the University of New Mexico in the 1990s. Over the course of five years, Strassman administered approximately 400 doses of DMT to 60 volunteers in a controlled clinical setting. The book meticulously documents these experiments, providing detailed accounts of the experiences reported by the participants.

Key Themes and Insights

The Nature of DMT Experiences

One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is Strassman’s exploration of the nature of DMT-induced experiences. Volunteers reported a wide range of phenomena, from vivid visual hallucinations to encounters with otherworldly beings. Strassman’s detailed descriptions and analyses of these experiences offer a rare glimpse into the profound and often mystical states of consciousness that DMT can induce.

Scientific Rigor and Ethical Considerations

Strassman’s work is notable for its scientific rigor and ethical considerations. He meticulously designed his studies to ensure the safety and well-being of the participants, setting a high standard for future research in the field. The book provides an in-depth look at the methodologies used in the experiments, offering valuable insights for researchers and clinicians interested in studying psychedelics.

Praise for DMT: The Spirit Molecule

Theoretical Implications

Beyond the empirical data, DMT: The Spirit Molecule delves into the theoretical implications of Strassman’s findings. He explores the potential roles of endogenous DMT in the human brain, hypothesizing that it may be involved in naturally occurring mystical and near-death experiences. This speculative aspect of the book prompts readers to consider the broader implications of DMT on our understanding of consciousness and spirituality.

What I Liked about the Book

Strassman’s writing is both engaging and accessible, making complex scientific concepts understandable to a broad audience. His narrative style draws readers in, creating a sense of immersion in the world of psychedelic research.

The book strikes a balance between scientific rigor and personal reflection. Strassman doesn’t shy away from discussing the challenges and controversies associated with psychedelic research, providing a comprehensive and balanced perspective.

DMT: The Spirit Molecule is thought-provoking, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about the nature of reality and consciousness. Strassman’s willingness to explore the mystical and spiritual dimensions of DMT experiences adds a rich layer of philosophical inquiry to the book.

Regarding Strassman himself, he’s super accessible to readers and fans of his work, and was kind enough to sign my paperback copy of The Spirit Molecule in 2017 back when I read it for the first time. It’s also worth noting that what I’ve learned from Strassman’s research and the many of the speculative concepts throughout his work inspired several themes found in my own R.E.M. book series.

Fun fact: J.M. Lanham is my pen name

Recommended? A Mind-Blowing YES

DMT: The Spirit Molecule by Dr. Rick Strassman is a landmark work in the field of psychedelic research. Through a combination of scientific rigor, engaging narrative, and philosophical exploration, Strassman offers readers a comprehensive and thought-provoking look at the world of DMT.

The book’s insights into the nature of consciousness, the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelics, and the broader implications for our understanding of reality make it an essential read for anyone interested in the mysteries of the human mind.

If DMT: The Spirit Molecule sounds like a read that’d be right up your alley, you can grab your copy by visiting Amazon at this link!

DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting indie authors!

If you’re a book lover looking for things to do on Amelia Island, Florida next weekend, you won’t want to miss the 19th annual Amelia Island Book Festival.

The event runs Thursday, February 13th through Saturday the 15th. This year’s three-day literary celebration is going to feature over 100 upcoming and bestselling authors, including New York Times Bestsellers David Baldacci, Sandra Brown, Sharon Robinson, Kathy Reichs, Lisa Scottoline, and Margot Lee Shetterly. 

Want to learn more about the headlining authors? Click on the names above to be taken to their respective websites.

This year I’ll be at table #78 to promote The REM Series during Saturday’s Author Expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The expo features over 100 authors who will be answering questions, signing books and promoting new works, with contests, prizes, and more. They’ll be plenty of coffee to go around, and the best part is that parking and admission is FREE.

Want to learn more? Find Expo Saturday details, times, and directions by clicking here.

Hope to see you there!

— J.M. Lanham

If you’re going to be near Amelia Island, Florida this weekend, then please take a moment to stop by The Book Loft in Fernandina Beach’s downtown historic district on Centre Street (details below).

I’ll be signing copies of my books from the REM Trilogy this Sunday, September 29th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

So if you’re in the area, stop on by. We can talk shop, science fiction, baseball (Braves made the playoffs!), or anything else that comes to mind. I’d love to meet you!

Where:

The Book Loft

214 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

When:

Sunday, September 29th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

It may sound like science fiction, but proponents of antisense therapy have long believed antisense drugs hold the key to inhibiting the very proteins responsible for debilitating—and often terminal—diseases such as Huntington’s, Lou Gehrig’s, muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis, to name but a few (And while human applications may be promising, it’s important to note that the blood-brain barrier still poses significant technological challenges to antisense that have yet to be overcome. More on that here).

A brief history of antisense gene therapy

Antisense therapy—also referred to as oligonucleotide, or ON intervention—has made incredible progress during the 21^st century, but the technology is far from new. Methods for ON synthesis date back to the early 1970s, with a number of scientific contributions leading up to the Zamecnik and Stephenson articles published in 1978.

These articles highlighted the discovery that infected cell cultures of Rous sarcoma virus could be inhibited with antisense therapy. Nine years later, the first antisense patent was filed.

Since that time, researchers have worked to discover new ways antisense therapy could be used to treat genetic abnormalities in the future. It’s a revolutionary technology, and one that is a central theme in my science-fiction techno-thriller The R.E.M. Effect. But how does it all work?

Antisense therapy basics

Simply put, antisense therapy involves stopping a genetic mutation dead in its tracks. For example, mutations in the HTT gene are responsible for Huntington’s Disease; a fatal, progressive genetic disorder that leads to the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Such mutations are passed on through single-stranded messenger RNA (mRNA), replicating the faulty genetic instructions in cells throughout the body until the patient either succumbs to the disease, or something steps in to stop it.

This is where antisense therapy comes into play. Because mRNA is single-stranded, a synthesized nucleic acid called an antisense oligonucleotide can bind to the faulty mRNA, blocking protein synthesis and stopping translation.

And since genetic disorders rely on abnormal genes continually copying themselves to other cells, the ability to inhibit problem proteins is promising for those suffering from these diseases.

Of course, this is all easier said than done.

While the FDA has approved a small dose of antisense drug regimens used to treat genetic disorders from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) to high cholesterol, other drugs haven’t faired as well, like GlaxoSmithKline’s failed antisense drug designed to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) during phase three of the FDA clinical trials in 2013. Three years later, the FDA issued a Complete Response letter to GlaxoSmithKline, stating “the standard of substantial evidence of effectiveness has not been met.”

Research and development setbacks are a fact of life for pharmaceutical companies, but antisense is a particularly expensive venture, costing billions to develop new and experimental drugs that may never make it to market. It’s a risky business, and a step in the opposite direction of reliable Big Pharma cash cows such as medications for blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and anxiety—all of which bring in billions in revenue for drug companies each year.

Antisense in science fiction

R&D setbacks play a significant role in The R.E.M. Effect. In the novel, Asteria Pharmaceuticals has spent billions developing the perfect sleep aid. The pill is called Ocula, and it works by using antisense technology to inhibit a set of genes linked to insomnia.

The result? The perfect eight-hour sleep cycle. Unfortunately, a handful of clinical trial participants experience strange side effects that seem to be making their dreams come true.

This leads to an important question the book poses: How far would a pharmaceutical company be willing to go to hush up a few clinical trial outliers after putting every penny on the line to develop the drug of the century? Well, one can only hope such a company would just go as far as bankruptcy, but hey, this is supposed to be a fun, sci-fi thriller, right?

 While the story of Ocula takes an ominous turn in the book, the true promise of antisense therapy should not be overlooked. Pharmaceutical companies continue to shell out R&D dollars toward antisense and similar technologies like CRISPR, and for good reason.

Imagine diseases like sickle cell disease, Parkinson’s, cystic fibrosis, and Crohn’s disease being a thing of the past, joining the defeated ranks of measles, smallpox, and polio. What if one day a cancer diagnosis became little more than an inconvenience, with gene therapy there to stop malignant cells from passing their genetic misinformation from one cell to the next?

One can only hope. Until that day comes, I’ll be rooting for the very scientists tirelessly working to make antisense therapy a reality for every genetic disorder. And, borrowing a few headlines here and there to weave into my next science-fiction thriller.

J.M. Lanham is an American author of science fiction, thrillers, and suspense, and has been a professional copywriter and ghostwriter for six years. He currently lives in Florida with his wife and son.

You can check out the complete REM Trilogy by visiting the series page at Amazon.com.

ASTERIA IS FINISHED.
THE CIA IS ON THE DEFENSE.
AND THE OUTLIERS ARE DETERMINED TO END THE OCULA CONSPIRACY ONCE AND FOR ALL.

Get The R.E.M. Precept now!

After the crushing blow Paul Freeman and company just dealt to Asteria Pharmaceuticals, the ragtag crew of clinical trial outliers thought the Ocula threat was over. But one phone call from an unlikely contact has flipped their entire world upside down once more.

Now, they’ll have to work together while forging new alliances to expose the misdeeds of the most sophisticated intelligence agency in the world—without falling victim to the horrific side effects of the most powerful psychological weapon known to mankind.

The third and final installment of the Ocula saga, The R.E.M. Precept answers old questions, posits new ones, and concludes the trilogy to bring a story readers have called “one brilliant science-fiction thriller” to an insomnia-inducing, mind-bending close.

To my loyal readers,

This story has been a long time in the making, and with the addition of the third book in The REM Trilogy, it’s finally a wrap. I’m excited to share this book with you, and sincerely hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it.

If you’re reading this message, odds are you’ve been following The REM saga for a while now, and for that, I thank you. To show my appreciation, I’m giving away 5 signed copies of the first book in the series, The R.E.M. Effect. Simply respond to this email with your name and a valid mailing address to qualify. First come, first serve.

Thanks so much for following along on this journey with me. It’s been a fun ride, and I hope you enjoy the outliers’ last hurrah in The R.E.M. Precept. Happy reading!

— John (J.M) Lanham

The R.E.M. Precept: Out September 13th on Amazon. Buy it now!

Just to give you a little insight into the self-publication process, this is where a lot of the work begins. Before I can release the book, I’ll have to run it by a flurry of beta readers to check for typos, weird run-ons . . . Things like that.

Then, I’ll have to create two versions: one for paperback release, and another for eReaders. These versions are formatted differently because what may look good in a paperback won’t necessarily translate to electronic formats like ePub and MOBI and .pdf.

Once the books are finalized, it’s time to collaborate with my book cover designer. I have to wait until everything’s final because a single error in page count can lead to cover flaws (especially in regards to the paperback spine). She typically sends me three cover versions to choose from, and I run them by readers to see which one they like best before choosing a final one.

This project is going to be unique too in that I’ll also be offering The REM Series as a box set, meaning I’ll need designs for that, too, along with a few extras to clearly identify each book in the series, and maybe a review or two on the front and/or back.

And of course I’ve got to send the manuscript into the Library of Congress to get the official copyright, assign ISBNs through Bowker, work on new marketing creatives and see if I can (hopefully) decode the Amazon Marketing algorithm to drive more traffic to my Amazon page . . . It’s a TON of work that I’m really not looking forward to. After all, I’d rather just write.

So, that’s where everything with The R.E.M. Precept stands now. Oh yeah, almost forgot to mention here at the end that I’ve got some back-cover copy, and I’d love to know what everyone thinks:

ASTERIA IS FINISHED.

THE CIA IS ON THE DEFENSE.

AND THE OUTLIERS ARE DETERMINED TO

END THE OCULA CONSPIRACY ONCE AND FOR ALL.

After the crushing blow Paul Freeman and Company dealt to Asteria Pharmaceuticals, the ragtag crew of clinical trial outliers thought the Ocula threat was over. But, one phone call from an unlikely contact has flipped their entire world upside down.

Now, they’ll have to work together while forging new alliances to expose the misdeeds of the most sophisticated intelligence agency in the world—without falling victim to the horrific side effects of the most powerful psychological weapon known to mankind.

The third and final installment of the Ocula saga, The R.E.M. Precept answers old questions, posits new ones, and brings a series readers have called a “brilliant science-fiction thriller” to an insomnia-inducing, mind-bending close.

—So, what do you think? Please feel free to email me or comment with suggestions, etc.

Thanks for your continued support of this little ‘ole indie author. Hope you like the final book in the REM series!

Best,

— J.M. Lanham

I’ve got some exciting news for fans of my sci-fi thriller series: the last book in the trilogy—The R.E.M. Precept—is getting closer to the editorial desk.

That means that we’re in the final stages of the writing process, and with a little luck, the third and final installment in the R.E.M. series will be out right before the kids head back to school.

It’s been a long and arduous process since the first book was released in November 2016, so I wanted to make sure fans of the series knew that I haven’t forgotten about them, and the story WILL be brought to a close.

So if you’ve been waiting to find out what happens to Paul Freeman and Company, the wait is almost over. And if you need a refresher, you can head over to Amazon to check them out.

Thanks so much for hanging in there this long. I’m really excited for you to read the final book in the trilogy, and I think you’ll get a real kick out of the ending.

All the best,

—J.M. Lanham