A recent term that’s largely Science Fiction related, but encompasses also any “what if.” That broad net can cover paranormal, fantasy, you name it. Speculative Fiction is at its root speculative, asking questions there may not be answers for. Twilight Zone might feel like horror, but I’d plant it firmly here.

To my knowledge, this is a made-up genre, but hey, we’re working in fiction here, so why not? I tire of depressing dystopian worlds where everyone has radiation poisoning and the planet is doomed. I set my characters up in post apocalyptic ruins, but they’re scrappy survivors who look on the brighter side.

In the Endless Tempest series, a Rainmaker is a massive airship built by Winston Water Works. These vessels fly in armadas that cover the sky horizon to horizon, and they move at speeds that evoke storm fronts. Thus, they have the ability to change weather patterns.

Mark Landon Jarvis writes speculative fiction that entertains more positive futures than most. The work is not larded with sex, violence, or profanity. The best reason to read MLJ, however, is the engaging stories and characters he has invented and shared in his novels.

Call him simple, but Mark Landon Jarvis marvels at everything, from wood grain to jet engines. He’s fascinated with ergonomics and pirates. Like a child, Jarvis can ask questions all day long of an expert, of his AI companion, or even of himself. In short, like the song, MLJ believes “Everything is Awesome.”

Unlike magician Raymond Teller, MLJ does talk! He’s led college classrooms in constructive conversation for decades. He’s toured Kansas speaking to crowds of thousands about community service. He’s getting on the circuit now reading his works and sharing his story about story.