Social Commentary through Fiction
Activist Uses Science Fiction, Psychological Drama to Highlight Societal Ills
Rapid City, S.D. Author Ace Lundon shares two completely different stories in his book, Through the Needle's Eye/Legend of the Planet Itnava (now available through AuthorHouse).
The first story, Through the Needle's Eye, is a psychological drama about wealth, politics, religion, medical science and the AIDS virus, an unseen enemy. Three friends join to battle the bigotry which threatens America.
A reflection of the last two decades and a commentary on the plague of the century, Lundon says Through the Needle's Eye is about people more than it is about the lethal virus.
"This book isn't about AIDS," he writes. "It's about fear and family, bigotry and courage."
The second story, The Legend of the Planet Itnava, is Lundon's foray into science fiction as social commentary. The high council of Itnava has decided to send a second colonization to the planet Earth. However, the crew of the flagship Eyks realizes how different this mission will be from the first colonization when they see what human beings have become. In an attempt to save the planet and the galactic order of the galaxies, the crew is forced to become human beings. "It would be their greatest challenge to pull another being fron the depths of a hole without lowering themselves into that hole," Lundon writes.
Lundon has lived an extremely full 75 years. Born in Beresford, S.D., in 1936, Lundon was raised on a farm. He attended several colleges and studied English, abnormal psychology and counseling, social science, biblical history and theology, journalism, history and public relations. Though he is a lifelong Republican, Lundon is an activist for women's rights and minority rights. He devoted a portion of his life in the 1950's and 1960's to evangelism as a youth pastor, and he is a firm believer in the separation of church and state. After spending most of his life in the closet, he is now an advocate of gay rights. Lundon has also worked as a syndicated columnist, reporter, movie reviewer and the managing editor of two national publications: Zipper magazine and The Coast To Coast Times, a homophile newspaper with the second largest circulation in the United States in the 1970's. After losing his soul mate, Patrick John Algarin, to AIDS, Lundon became a board member of the Nevada AIDS Foundation and raised more than $10,000.00 for a memorial. His first book, an autobiography titled, The Closets Are Empty The Dining Room's Full, was published in 1993.
AuthorHouse Publishing press release for newspapers written by Karen Green. AuthorHouse is a premier publishing house for emerging authors and new voices in literature.
" . . . got to be the most unforgettable character I've ever met." Jeramie (the former Mrs. Richard) Dreyfuss
On our stage of life, there are many acts . . .
It is a metamorphosis of wrinkles.
Ace Lundon
2005
His autobiography, now out of print, was published in 1993 Ponderosa Publishing House:
ISBN # 0-9635670-4-7
Available on
"Nice to meet you. What's your sign? I'm a quintuple Leo with two Grand Trines."
Ah yes, a wonderful memory of getting acquainted in the Age of Aquarius!
Since I'm a writer, you know that words are my tools; therefore I have provided a brief autobiographical sketch of 40,000 words to introduce myself. You shall be able to speed read this in approximately six and one half minutes. To see enlarged please click on the picture below and arrow through manually. You can pause or and even mute the music using the controls on the bottom of the screen while viewing the sketch.
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS! THANK YOU FOR GETTING TO KNOW ME!
Click here to read Ace's full bio on the Speaking Engagement page.
Scroll through to see what these folks had to say about:
The Needle's Eye
Cheryl Schmidt,
Rapid City, SD
D. Schreiber,
Collinsville, CT
Shawn Curran,
New York City, NY
Shelia Knight,
Dr. David Hurt,
Golden CO
Scott Coors,
Golden, CO
Jonette Jamieson
Redding, CA
Tonya Harlow,
Tucson, AZ
Clarence W. Skye
Pierre, SD
===============
Cheryl Schmidt, U.S.P.S. Clerk
A dynamic story that is thought provoking, imaginative and wonderfully written. This not-soon-to-be forgotten novel offers insights and possibilities as man attempts to deal with his fearful self. Read it and ponder.
It is a `must read' for those of us who would like to see society get their heads out of the sand and deal with reality. It will be quite disturbing to the Sunday worshipers and I'm sure they will think of it as evil.
I can definitely see this as a motion picture. It could be a very emotional story. The Family Tree helped me keep the characters in focus. The story isn't about decoration, but, in fact, gut-wrenching social issues.
D. Schreiber, Business Intelligence Consultant
Insightful, with far reaching implications about the dangers within us as individuals. Definitely a potential for a movie script. I find the book suspenseful and masterfully engrossing and my senses were teased as the layers of the story unfolded. It was slow reading at the beginning however.
Shawn Curran, Creative Development President, Oh Yeah! Productions
As an observer, Ace Lundon exposes the fact that, as a people, we are hesitant to operate for the good of our own society. The underlying theme, within our collective, is personal greed, and that the personal advancements of some become the societal limitations of all.
Shelia Knight, Community Health Clinic
I probably wouldn't have read it if I hadn't been familiar with the author's name; I had previously read his autobiography in the early Ninety's and I type of story but it held my interest so I didn't mind reading it. Readers of alternative history will probably enjoy it a lot. The gay twist was a bit shocking.
Dr. David L. Hurt, M.D. and Scott Coors, Entrepreneur
In a story line which cleverly intertwines a fictional storyline with a very real social crisis, An Insidious Passage Through The Needles Eye describes an eerily plausible and unsettling social and political response to the 1980s AIDS epidemic in the United States. The story
paints a hauntingly familiar picture of how basic human fear, prejudice, and ignorance can result in seemingly well intended strategies with dangerous consequences for basic human liberties.
In a political and intellectual call to action, Lundon gives a compelling example of the counter-productive results of thinking about issues such as AIDS, which
affect all of humanity, as isolated to one group or another.
We applaud Lundon for his ability to entertain the reader while clearly conveying the importance of possessing knowledge before implementing solutions, and more importantly, of treating others with compassion and respect for each others fundamental liberties as human beings.
Dr. Hurt found it somewhat difficult to believe the books leading family could all be intelligent, beautiful, witty, loaded, open-minded, loving and touch psychic all at the same time. While Coors agreed to the improbability, he considered it a wonderfully blissful ideal for all families to strive for. Regardless, both agreed that the underlying message is compelling any way you look at it.
Occupational Therapist
"To put it in a one sentence nutshell: This book isn't about AIDS, it's about fear and family, bigotry and courage. There is a prophetic direction taken by the author which is going to upset a whole bunch of people. Unfortunately, it appears much about this book has already taken place since being written. When is the rest going to happen?"
Tonya Harlow
Software Engineer
A fantastic story, combined with the author's distinct style, equals a great read!
Director United Sioux Tribal Development Corp.
I, for one, enjoy reading science fiction stories as they take a person away from the day to day routine of life and you can go off into another world to seek enlightenment.
The book, Through the Needles Eye, is nice reading as it explains all the problems dealing with AIDS and the human complications involved with the disease. The ignorance of the disease is a real problem, affecting the ideals of the people who live in our society. More education is needed in our society to force people in this country to find cures for such diseases; as many more are coming in the future as the population grows.
Synopsis
Three lifelong friends join forces in using "extreme prejudice" measures to free America from a tidal wave of bigotry which is threatening the fabric of the country's democracy.
It is a novel of psychological drama, suspense and intrigues; set in a dynasty of wealth, politics, religion and medical science; as narrated by J.P. Scoop Danielson.
A possible alternative history; Through The Needle's Eye is a reflection of the last two decades of the 20th century - - - an hysterical time of twenty historical years, when an unseen enemy created the plague of the century, plus a lethal mutant virus, and revealed how a people coped and reacted to fear of the unseen.
To put it in a one sentence nutshell: This book isn't about AIDS, it's about fear and family, bigotry and courage. There is a prophetic direction taken by the author which is going to upset a whole bunch of people. Unfortunately, it appears much about this book has already taken place since being written. When is the rest going to happen?
One may be left to wonder if the possible might also be a future probable!
Scroll down to see
what these folks had to say about:
Planet Itnava
Patrick Boyle,
Morris, MN
George Sanders,
Diane Cody,
Catalina Island, CA
Stormy Caldwell,
Reno, Nevada
Amber Braithwaite-Ver Hoeven ,
Windom, MN
Beverly Defrain
Summersville, WV
Paul Gonsior
Anne Ducote
San Antonio, TX
Patrick Boyle, Sophomore at UNM
The aliens are coming to earth! But don't worry; they don't want to conquer earth. They wouldn't want us even though they could quite easily have us. They are coming to help us because, quite honestly, we are a bunch of backwards ape people. Come along on the voyage of the Itnavian flagship Eyks as her crew prepares to blend in with humanity in an attempt to steer the growth of our species. Through the pedantic lectures of the Hi Council, the Itnavians learn how appallingly backwards humanity is, and, dear reader, hopefully you will too.
George Sanders, Award-winning entertainer and director
Ace Lundon is a visionary and an historian. His eye objectively peers into our world as if he's dropped in from a sensible, fair-minded planet that exists somewhere in our galaxy. He reports on us humans with humor, intelligence, and biting wit. A must, if you've ever questioned the sanity of the world.
Diane Cody, Visitors Information Specialist Avalon Chamber of Commerce
Lundon either has a great imagination or he was smoking some great stuff! He makes the reader be able to visualize. The Legend reminded me of Star Trek at its finest but reminded me also of Battlestar Galactica. The `intro' material before the story begins is absolutely essential.
Stormy Caldwell, CPA (retired)
"With Through the Needle's Eye posing an alternate (alternative) history and the Legend of the Planet Itnava an alternate universe, Lundon allows a reader to consider alternative (ultimate) choices in their own life. I can't put my finger on what I'd call his style of writing, but I'd bet I'd be able to distinguish Lundon from any other group of todays leading authors. He has an easy-to-read style all his own; capable of prickling a readers emotions.
Now, we have the alternative to make a choice: to buy or not to buy? I'd say buy!
Amber Braithwaite-Ver Hoeven
American Sign Language Interpreter
The story pulled me in immediately! The story line also offers interesting theories on historical events we thought we understood . . . smile. I hope to read more in the future about both the Itnavians and their impact on our world. Wonderful story! When is the next book going to be ready??
Bev Defrain
Wal-Mart associate
For a fantasy Space story, the characters were definitely interesting; intriguing may be a better definition. However, their names were so unusual and hard to pronounce. I loved the story line and wouldn't it be fun to learn we have Itnavians here already! I hope to read this author for the third time - his words flow.
Entrepreneur
Lundon's at it again! Unputdownable!
6 - 12 English teacher
"Ace Lundon's two new novels may not be Travel Guides, but this will not stop readers from taking a trip . . . into the Past, Present and Future! His Legend of the Planet Itnava should be called Science friction; it philosophically bites!"
When the Hi Council of the planet of Itnava chose to send a second colonization to the planet Earth, the crew of the Flagship Eyks would learn it would be a very different planet from what Itnavians had encountered on their first colonization on the Atlantean continent.
Becoming an undetectable earthling-in-disguise in present times might prove to be the ruination of a beautiful being; once they learned what the earthling human had become . . . but, there would be no turning back; the peaceful future existence between planets and the possible destruction of galactic order for the galaxies of Itnava and of Earth was at stake.
They would have to learn to `become humans', as philosophically demeaning as that might be. It would be their greatest challenge to pull another being from the depths of a hole - - - without lowering themselves into that hole.
Of course, they could use their superior intelligence and powers and make Earth a subservient planet. If they heralded the fact that they were from another inhabited planet of the Universe, this would send earthlings into a chaos of probable destruction of their `civilization'; for an announcement of alien existence being made would mean - - - earthlings might not be the superior beings they believed; they would have to be prepared psychologically and philosophically - - - and this would have to come about by Itnavians becoming faux earthling humans. It would mean the establishment of an actual earth-business where Itnavians could work and be the humans-in-disguise acceptable by earthlings if they were to accomplish the salvation of the planet Earth.
If you would like to read the book free online please click on the book cover above.
Click the Author House logo to purchase The Needles Eye/Planet Itnava:
It has been suggested by several of your friends offering help, who have read both of your manuscripts; that the use of AIDS and gays is only a "tool" to get to the fear and bigotry lurking close beneath the surface of most of the world; for some, it's very close.
We don't think, what with the issues of our world today, that it would be too
difficult to find another "issue" which would garner the fears/bigotry of
the world. Especially, we believe, if we place the story ten or fifteen
years in the future, say, 2019. There is the Bird Flu, Muslim terrorists,
Iran, etc. which could, given a tweak or two, result in panic, terror and
public outcry and violence.
Also, currently, with the AIDS virus's losing their effectiveness and
the recent announcement that there is actually a killer AIDS virus now being
found here and there, that the "Needle" seems prophetic. It is not also
unlikely that the Christians of the world are going to have their own little
civil war; this will get nasty. The tip of this iceberg can be found in the
considerably emotional discord in the promotion of gays to leadership
positions in major church denominations.
The "Needle" reveals the deep seated bigotry and fear in most of the
people in the world. There is a riot mentality easily reached in any
gathering of people where issues are surrounded by the fear of death or
loss.
"Needle" does not respond to this fear and bigotry, it only uncovers it - - -
And, we learn about some people willing to use "extreme prejudice" measures
in an effort to "rescue" America and save it's Democracy.
Then...
Here comes your next book "Legend"...where aliens have an answer to
this underlying level of bigotry, fear, greed, etc. in all of us.
It seems you, my friend, have, in one book exposed all of us to one degree or
another, and in the other book provided the solution. Bet you didn't
realize that, before.
Lundon Calling
The Talk Show you have been waiting for.....
Let me know what you think! Get in touch via email by clicking the mailbox
GO!
When Ace heard the Sheriff say let's book him, he had no idea he was even wanted.
They booked him anyway . . . to speak about their community diversity issues at their convention dinner.
You might wish to book him also!
Learn to know where Ace has been and what he may be remembering!
To know what a man is really saying, one must first learn to know what he is remembering. Psych 101 says we are what we have been becoming.
A BIT OF BIO FROM SEVENTY FIVE YEARS
Learn to know where Ace has been and what he may be remembering . . .
Ace Lundon was born August 1, 1936 in Beresford, South Dakota at the home of midwife, Lydia Nelson, to parents Ray and Amy Lundberg; arriving only hours after Amy's father had died from a stroke. They named the child Adrian Raymond. Four and a half years later, he was joined by a baby brother, Manford Lee. The South Dakota farm became their playground and instilled a love for animals. Ace subsequently became a 4-H purple ribbon sheepman and a blue ribbon poultryman in the State. The farm labors established a set of work ethics that would follow throughout life. At age 17, he left home four days after being graduated from High School to create his own life and a career as a vocalist.
Further formal education covering a six year period was garnered at Pasadena City College, Citrus Junior College, Azusa Pacific University and the U of Minnesota with four Majors: English, Abnormal Psychology & Counseling, Social Science and Biblical Literature & Theology. Accompanying Minors included Psychometry, Journalism, History and Public Relations. Private studies included Voice and Stage Presentation under Harry Fields and Myrton Blackler in Beverly Hills, CA and learned the world of modeling under the tutelage of the William Adrian Agency and nationally known designer, Don Loper.
His love for poetry was instilled by his Elementary School teachers and his Aunt Minnie Abraham. He considers Trees by Joyce Kilmer, It Couldn't Be Done by Edgar A. Guest and If by Rudyard Kipling to be his life poems. His favorite book was implanted in his mind at age six by his grandmother Ida Westberg - - Emerson's Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Ace has lived lifelong with what folks call psychic abilities and has had to learn to live and cope with unexplainable messages that cannot be founded upon reason. A life to death to life experience in his late teens set him on a quest for more answers and knowledge; guiding his formal education path and search for truths.
A lifelong Republican; he is an activist for human rights of women and minorities. Today, he is also considered amongst the pioneers for gay rights. He learned in the Fifties what it was like to be blackmailed and paid a high dollar plus subsequent fallout price. He believes that life in any kind of closet is a high security risk category. Closet living is a form of suffocation of one's true self.
His greatest political concern at this time is that the separation of Church and State remain firm lest we drift into a Theocracy. He spent a few years in the ministry in the late 50's/early 60's as an evangelist and Youth Pastor and co-founded Youth With A Vision, Inc., a ministry reaching out to musically gifted youth.
He has the first patentable design since the turban for a hat/headwear which he has called The HandiKapp© or chapeau dans les mains actives - - translating to the hat in the active hands.
Rejecting a full scholarship to the famed Pasadena Playhouse per the advice of hit mentor, the veteran character actor Morris Ankrum, Ace nonetheless spent three decades involvement in the entertainment industry. Early labors included vocalist - - from the little boy with the big voice to the boy with the champagne voice with Mr. Welk; modeling, as a lead runway model for Don Loper creations, plus photo shots and hand modeling. Mr. Loper gave him his PKA of Don Adrian.
In the early Sixties, he created and hosted what was called the first male Dear Abby radio show; a syndicated Show dealing with the problems of child/parent relationships and the crime and delinquency problems of the time. The Show was called Ask Ace and at that time, he was also involved in social work as a Staff Captain in the Volunteers of America in Minneapolis, MN, Rockford, IL and Los Angeles and the Bar None Boys Ranch, Anoka MN.
In 1964 he married Marilyn Jean Will who became PKA Jean London. They had two adopted sons plus foster children during their years together. And, in addition to their normal business in the Industry, they produced an historical record: the longest running, only sustaining monthly Show in the history of the American Armed Forces - - entertaining 750,000 Marines heading to and coming home from Vietnam at the MCB Camp Pendleton, California.
Ace was involved in Personal Management and Public Relations during that time with clients including Jane Darwell, Mahalia Jackson, Jayne Mansfield, Randy Boone, Andrea King, his wife Jean, et al. He eventually branched into an Agency co-owner booking bands nationally. And, as an Art lover, he served with Adela Rogers St. John on the Advisory Board of Gallery+, an art gallery on Melrose Avenue in L.A. and produced photography exhibits for Museums.
As a teacher, he created the curricula and taught a self help class for over a twenty year period in CA, NV, NM and SD locations. His Acting For Everyone class was taught in Adult Night School systems and in private classes. He also did substitute teaching on the High School level.
In the field of writing and journalism, he has been a freelancer, a syndicated columnist, reporter, movie reviewer and the Managing Editor of two national publications: Zipper Magazine, an avante garde A & E, and The Coast To Coast Times, a homophile newspaper with the 2nd largest circulation in the 70's in the U.S. His autobiography, The Closets Are Empty . . . The Dining Room's Full, now out of print, was published in 1993.
In 1989, in Reno, Nevada, his soulmate of thirteen years, Patrick John Algarin, died in his arms from AIDS. For medical reasons, they had moved from Truckee, CA where they managed with a friend the old Hilltop Hotel. Following many months of care giving and losing 40 lbs. himself without realizing it, Ace became a member of the Board of the Nevada AIDS Foundation after Patrick died. He raised over $10G for a memorial by walking around town since he no longer drove a car. In his Through The Needle's Eye novel, the AIDS virus is the unseen enemy that created the fear and havoc, along with a mutant virus strain, sending tens of thousands into Containment Camps. He also used the mutant virus as the instrument of revenge.
Ace jokes about his life being a moving experience; he has called home in as many spots as a military brat. Puyallup, WA, Minneapolis, MN, Rockford, IL, Ruidoso, NM, Laughlin and Reno, NV and the following in California: Pasadena, Altadena, Monrovia, Azusa, Sierra Madre, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Whittier, Van Nuys, Sylmar, Glendale and Venice. In 1959, a stint in Old Mexico and, following his divorce, he experienced living on the mean streets of L.A. for a number of months as a homeless person.
If you may desire Ace to be your guest speaker at one of your functions, you may request a topic of your choice OR select from the following. Ace uses the main theme of
Everything you always wanted to know about . . . but were afraid to ask
The ABOUT topics include and always anticipate audience participation
About writing and becoming an author, child parent relationships, being an activist, death and dying, Hollywood behind the scenes, homosexuality, maturation, being in a closet, 80's AIDS care giving, unconditional love, Acting For Everyone, passion and visions, the psychic life . . . and of course his two new controversial novels.
Webmistress NOTE: Well, now we know who the model was for the Energizer Bunny! And, we didn't even mention Ace's Cornstalk Project vision which he continues to work on to bring the vision into a physical reality. So know what he might be really saying when you book him as a featured guest speaker for your Events.
Photographer: Dick Kettlewell, Rapid City Journal staff
A GOOD MAN IS HARD TO FIND.
LOOK NO FURTHER!
Lundon may be contacted for Talk Radio interviews at: 928-758-6090
Jeannie Allen Web Designer : jallen4767_gmail.com
www.vc_by_the_sea.com
Cover Artist:
W olf Gavin Peters
"Through the Needles Eye" artwork by:
The Kitchen Sink Art Gallery
611 1/2 Main Street
Rapid City, SD 55701
(605) 716-3405
