Jot In The Dark
Why we're here.
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Where Angels Dance Published
Monday, November 17, 2025
Rejections and Acceptances
It's been a while since I updated this site. Not only has "ALONE" been long since published, I've already ordered and received my own copy.
So, what's new in creative writing?
Not a lot, publishing wise. It's been a long time since I submitted anything.
A few weeks ago, I finished my very untraditional superhero story, Token Heroes, and submitted it to Clarkesworld, earning a one-day form-rejection. (Totally expected, but their quick turn-around is one of the reasons I started there). Next, I submitted it to The Colored Sky, for another one-day rejection—this one personal, and with some useful feedback.
"...I thought this was an entertaining, dynamic story, but I think I might have liked a little clearer understanding of the motives of the aliens. Additionally, I think I would have liked a little more character development..."
Monday, September 15, 2025
ALONE to release September 30
Step inside Alone, and discover what lingers when the world falls quiet. These brief but brutal visions remind us that sometimes the scariest thing in the dark… is being the only one left."
ALONE, an anthology of flash fiction horror (200 scary words) is set to launch on September 30, 2025.
This anthology contains my flash fiction story, "The Lonesome Curse."
Prepurchase Link: https://books2read.com/BHP-ALONE
This anthology contains TEN of my science-fiction drabbles:
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
THE UNLIKELY MIRACLE OF INTELLIGENT LIFE
The emergence and persistence of intelligent life on Earth depends on a remarkable chain of conditions and events—many of which seem extraordinarily improbable. While some may eventually be explained by necessity or probability across vast cosmic scales, from our limited view, they appear as striking “coincidences.” Here’s a catalog of major ones, grouped into cosmic, planetary, and biological categories:
🌌Cosmic-Scale Coincidences
1. Fine-Tuned Physical Constants
2. Stable Universe with Long Lifespan
Only massive stars can forge elements like carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and iron in their cores—and only supernovae or neutron star mergers can disperse them into space.
These elements are essential for rocky planets and organic life.
🌍 Planetary Coincidences
4. The Sun’s Unusual Stability and Type
5. The Right Location in the Galaxy
Not too far into the sparse outer regions (with fewer heavy elements).
6. Earth’s Size and Composition
7. A Large Moon
8. Plate Tectonics and the Carbon Cycle
9. Presence of Water in All Three Phases
Water vapor and ice also help regulate temperature via the greenhouse effect and albedo.
10. A Fortunate Impact History
The Earth-Moon system likely resulted from a giant impact with a Mars-sized body (Theia).Subsequent impacts delivered water and organics—without destroying the biosphere.
Crucially, no sterilizing impacts have occurred since life became complex.
🧬 Biological and Evolutionary Coincidences
11. Abiogenesis (Origin of Life)
Life arose from non-life in a chemical process not yet fully understood—possibly in deep-sea vents, tidal pools, or ice.The emergence of self-replicating molecules was a huge leap, requiring very specific conditions.
12. Development of DNA/RNA and Protein Synthesis
The transition from simple molecules to complex informational systems like DNA and RNA is an extraordinary leap in complexity and efficiency.13. Photosynthesis and the Oxygenation of the Atmosphere
Cyanobacteria evolved photosynthesis, transforming Earth’s atmosphere.Oxygen was initially toxic, but later enabled complex aerobic metabolism.
The “Great Oxygenation Event” was both a mass extinction and a requirement for complex life.
14. Eukaryotic Cell Evolution
The merger of primitive cells (symbiogenesis) led to mitochondria and complex eukaryotic cells.This allowed the emergence of multicellular organisms.
15. The Cambrian Explosion
Around 540 million years ago, a rapid diversification of body plans and organisms occurred.It might have required just the right combination of oxygen, genetic innovation, and ecological feedback.
16. Mass Extinctions and Evolutionary Bottlenecks
Several extinction events (e.g., the Permian-Triassic and Cretaceous-Paleogene) cleared ecological niches, enabling mammals—and eventually humans—to rise.The asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs was an especially critical moment.
17. Complex Brains and Self-Awareness
Intelligence evolved only in a few lineages—cephalopods, birds, and mammals—with only humans achieving symbolic language, abstract thought, and technology.This required long periods of evolutionary experimentation and environmental pressures.
18. Survival Through Climatic Catastrophes
Ice ages, supervolcanoes, and other catastrophes could have ended the line of intelligent evolution.Humanity narrowly avoided extinction multiple times (e.g., the Toba eruption ~74,000 years ago).
🧠 Final Reflection
Even with a universe containing billions of galaxies, stars, and planets, the number and specificity of these “coincidences” has led many to see Earth as a uniquely fortunate cradle of life. Whether viewed through a scientific, philosophical, or theological lens, it underscores how delicate and contingent our existence may be.Thursday, July 24, 2025
ALONE
Also, note that Watership Sideways is already available.
Thursday, June 26, 2025
WATERSHIP SIDEWAYS AVAILABLE JULY 19, 2025
Watership Sideways, a contemporary Wonderland adventure for a grown-up, modern version of the classic Alice, will be published July 19th, 2025, but is available for prepurchase today here: https://books2read.com/AA-Shawn-M-Klimek







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