Kyleen Valleaux

Contact Kyleen
@kyleen66
facebook.com/kyleenvalleaux

Location

Michigan, USA

Following6 Creators

China's Peacetime War
September 2, 2015 18:03:17
China's Peacetime War
Quora
https://defensetalk.quora.com/Chinas-Peacetime-War
China is preparing for what they hope to be a monumental event - one of the worlds largest peacetime military parades in history. The event celebrates the 70th anniversary of its defeat of Japanese...
https://qph.is.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-9dd414a4861f26177371b34dc798fd80?convert_to_webp=true
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China's Peacetime War

Hey patrons. Read about the major military parade taking place in China today, how it relates to the recent Chinese stock market crash, and how all of this bodes for the future of China and the future of international politics. 


https://defensetalk.quora.com/Chinas-Peacetime-War

Jon Davis

September 2, 2015 18:03:17

August 2015 Patreon supported
September 1, 2015 06:59:00
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August 2015 Patreon supported

Thank you so much for the support this month!

Patreon

September 1, 2015 06:59:00

August 2015 Patreon supported
September 1, 2015 06:59:00
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August 2015 Patreon supported

Thank you so much for the support this month!

Tab Kimpton

September 1, 2015 06:59:00

August 2015 Patreon supported
September 1, 2015 06:59:00
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August 2015 Patreon supported

Thank you so much for the support this month!

Alitha E. Martinez

September 1, 2015 06:59:00

The Next Warrior: Proving Grounds - Part 1
September 3, 2015 02:38:41
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The Next Warrior: Proving Grounds - Part 1

Hey Patrons,


Today is the official opening of the book. If you want to share it with friends (please do) you can share this link to the wattpad:

https://www.wattpad.com/signup?nexturl=https://www.wattpad.com/home


or to the Quora link:

http://thewritersblock.quora.com/The-Next-Warrior-Proving-Grounds-%E2%80%93-Part-1


Once again, this wouldn't be possible without all of you. Thanks Patrons.

Jon Davis

September 3, 2015 02:38:41

SPQR Blues Chapter V: XIII
September 3, 2015 16:39:46
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SPQR Blues Chapter V: XIII

The as-finished-as-it's-gonna-be version :)


I don't think Friday's comic will be done early enough for me to post a patron's-only preview here.

klio

September 3, 2015 16:39:46

SPQR Blues Chapter V: XIV
September 9, 2015 22:58:08
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SPQR Blues Chapter V: XIV

Finally! Not perfection, but I like how it turned out.


I'll catch up on some email replies shortly :)

klio

September 9, 2015 22:58:08

The Next Warrior: Proving Grounds - Part II
September 10, 2015 00:24:43
The Next Warrior: Proving Grounds - Part 2
Quora
http://thewritersblock.quora.com/The-Next-Warrior-Proving-Grounds-%E2%80%93-Part-2
In his fear and frustration to reload his empty M-27 rifle, Romero made a cardinal error in escaping; watch where you are going. While he was successful in reloading the weapon, in his flash of dis...
http://qph.is.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-37451ce861aff29a1e2430158d819664?convert_to_webp=true
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The Next Warrior: Proving Grounds - Part II

The next installment of the book is live.


http://thewritersblock.quora.com/The-Next-Warrior-Proving-Grounds-%E2%80%93-Part-2

Jon Davis

September 10, 2015 00:24:43

SPQR Blues Chapter V: XV
September 12, 2015 22:29:10
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SPQR Blues Chapter V: XV

And now with all the greys in place.


Felix is liking that tunic a lot less than Damon and Persephone are enjoying the toga.

klio

September 12, 2015 22:29:10

Act and Think as a Unit
September 13, 2015 00:10:09
They are Called "Drill" Instructors for a Reason.
JDT
https://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/09/09/they-are-called-drill-instructors-for-a-reason/
Drill, or the endless marching about that is synonymous with military life, is part of the ancient traditions of martial culture that, in all honesty, have very little with getting people from plac...
https://i1.wp.com/jonsdeepthoughts.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/130625-m-rt059-269.jpg?fit=440%2C330
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Act and Think as a Unit

The question comes up a lot on why we still drill in an era where armored troop transports carry Marines across the battlefield and 747’s can fly them across the world. Here I talk about the reasoning behind the tradition dating back thousands of years, as it is applied today.


https://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/09/09/they-are-called-drill-instructors-for-a-reason/

Jon Davis

September 13, 2015 00:10:09

The Crucible and Endurance Training
September 14, 2015 19:08:03
The Crucible - On Endurance Training
JDT
https://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/09/10/the-crucible-on-endurance-training/
Among the many training elements that recruits must endure, the greatest obstacle they all must face is one of immense endurance, pushing their physical and mental stamina well beyond anything most...
https://i2.wp.com/farm7.staticflickr.com/6186/6093692164_e26427e6de_o.jpg
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The Crucible and Endurance Training


After the drilling, the workouts, and the yelling, you reach a point where you are on your own. You're still surrounded by the rest of your platoon, but you are relying on your individual mental strength to continue on. This is the point where all the seemingly needless intensity will be required to see if a warrior has been pulled from the rough.


https://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/09/10/the-crucible-on-endurance-training/

Jon Davis

September 14, 2015 19:08:03

Why Boot Camp Won’t “Brainwash” Recruits
September 14, 2015 19:12:29
Why Boot Camp Won't "Brainwash" Recruits
JDT
https://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/09/12/why-boot-camp-wont-brainwash-recruits/
Today, on social media, I was again told that the military only do what they do simply because they are all brainwashed. Don't we love social media, the place where anyone, no matter what their pla...
https://richeyrich.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/mmk.jpg?w=853&h=480
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Why Boot Camp Won’t “Brainwash” Recruits

This one got a little personal. Before closing up the boot camp articles, I felt compelled to do something different and talk about a touchy subject where military training is concerned. The word "Brainwashed" is thrown around way too much, and by people who really don't understand what the term means, burdening the military with negative stereotypes of being mindless, often dangerous and unstable drones. This article confronts that, explains some of the truth behind the myth, and what military training actually does in the way of military cognitive conditioning.


https://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/09/12/why-boot-camp-wont-brainwash-recruits/

Jon Davis

September 14, 2015 19:12:29

SPQR Blues Chapter V: XVI
September 13, 2015 16:01:03
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SPQR Blues Chapter V: XVI

Monday's comic.


I think the story loses its urgency when the updates run late. I'm going to spend this afternoon working on next week's comics so they can post regularly, on time, and keep that pacing going.

klio

September 13, 2015 16:01:03

Jaren Provo Hey, that's great news! I think you're right -- a bit more regularity would probably help, from a reader's perspective. But at the same time, don't let it tire you out! I think most of us would rather that you take a bit more time than have rushed art and rigid storylines. Deadlines and structure can be helpful to promote focus and to justify creative "indulgences" ("I _have_ to work on my novel today because I have a benchmark to meet!"), but too much of it and the work becomes mechanical. It's a tough balance to strike -- at least it has been for me. I'm all for more predictability in access and more of your work! And if a pace focused on regular updates helps you creatively, go for it! But don't let a sense of obligation kill your spirit or the spirit of your work. Also, we really like you, and would prefer that you stay healthy and sort of sane. :)

September 13, 2015 18:25:50 · Reply

klio Hi - Thank you for the supportive and encouraging comment! A little occasional cheerleading really helps me stay sort-of-sane :D

September 14, 2015 20:02:39 · Reply

Jaren Provo I really marvel at the quality of your work, and wonder how you manage to do it so well every week, on top of your "real job" (in quotation marks here not to devalue your freelance work, but to avoid devaluing your work here on SPQR Blues). You have a lot to be proud of. I guess I consider this more pointing out the truth than cheerleading -- but maybe you don't hear that as much as you deserve to. I find a lot of value in what you do, and I know I'm not the only one. So hang in there! I always look forward to seeing your work. (Even if you _did_ shave off our hero's manly stubble. :) )

September 14, 2015 22:24:26 · Reply

SPQR Blues Chapter V: XVII
September 15, 2015 12:56:08
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SPQR Blues Chapter V: XVII

Wednesday's comic.

Maybe he'll just case the joint, then.

If you find they're speaking too softly, here's a link directly to the image (full size).

klio

September 15, 2015 12:56:08

View all 4 comments

Kyleen Valleaux What mischief is Felix going to get that boy into?

September 15, 2015 14:20:07 · Reply

klio Oh, just a little skulking and sneaking.

September 16, 2015 07:31:18 · Reply

Iagoba Ferreira People form Madrid (city, not province) still have the nickname "gatos" (cats, or felix) as a legend says that when the city was besieged by the christians, a boy climbed the wall like a cat to change a muslim flag for a christian one. Damon has earned that nickname by itself...

September 15, 2015 15:38:17 · Reply

klio I'm not sure Damon would have climbed a wall to raise his people's flag...maybe if you paid him to do it!

September 16, 2015 07:23:50 · Reply

The Next Warrior: Proving Grounds - Part 3
September 16, 2015 22:10:37
The Next Warrior: Proving Grounds - Part 3
Quora
https://thewritersblock.quora.com/The-Next-Warrior-Proving-Grounds-%E2%80%93-Part-3
Romero instinctively froze like a frightened rabbit, as if he were a stone that had been born to this patch of earth eons ago. The boot, and the hunter it belonged to, landed a few inches from wher...
https://qph.is.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-37451ce861aff29a1e2430158d819664?convert_to_webp=true
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The Next Warrior: Proving Grounds - Part 3

Part 3 of the book. Romero just doesn't know how keep himself out of trouble. Hope you all enjoy it. 


https://thewritersblock.quora.com/The-Next-Warrior-Proving-Grounds-%E2%80%93-Part-3

Jon Davis

September 16, 2015 22:10:37

SPQR Blues Chapter V: XVIII
September 19, 2015 13:58:58
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SPQR Blues Chapter V: XVIII

The finished version.


Historical Spoiler: Two of these men get a chance at being hailed as Emperor. Only one will be happy about it.

klio

September 19, 2015 13:58:58

The Next Warrior: Proving Grounds - Part 4
September 24, 2015 19:49:26
The Next Warrior: Proving Grounds - Part 4
Quora
https://thewritersblock.quora.com/The-Next-Warrior-Proving-Grounds-%E2%80%93-Part-4
It was all to impress a girl. In hindsight, it had all been to impress a girl. Two years ago, Nathaniel Romero was just an average and unremarkable kid in his last year of high school; just another...
https://qph.is.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-37451ce861aff29a1e2430158d819664?convert_to_webp=true
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The Next Warrior: Proving Grounds - Part 4


Part 4 of the book. Back to the beginning. Hope you all enjoy it. 


https://thewritersblock.quora.com/The-Next-Warrior-Proving-Grounds-%E2%80%93-Part-4

Jon Davis

September 24, 2015 19:49:26

SPQR Blues Chapter V: XIX
September 26, 2015 18:40:56
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SPQR Blues Chapter V: XIX

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.


I'm going to call this the official #XIX, and we'll carry on the story from here.


There will be a second comic in just a little bit.

klio

September 26, 2015 18:40:56

SPQR Blues Chapter V: XX
September 26, 2015 18:43:52
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SPQR Blues Chapter V: XX

Here's the installment I drew Friday at Carmine Street Comics. I also just updated the previous comic.


I'll work on some weekend extras today and tomorrow. I'm still swamped with freelance projects, so will have to balance out the time between them and the fun, Roman stuff!

klio

September 26, 2015 18:43:52

SPQR Blues Chapter V: XXI
September 30, 2015 21:42:52
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For Patrons Only

To become a patron, view this post, and contribute in this activity feed, click here.

klio

September 30, 2015 21:42:52

The Next Warrior: Proving Grounds – Part 5
October 1, 2015 01:16:46
The Next Warrior: Proving Grounds - Part 5
Quora
https://thewritersblock.quora.com/The-Next-Warrior-Proving-Grounds-%E2%80%93-Part-5
"Sweet." Romero thought to himself while lying in bed that night. The word sat caustically in his mouth. The moonlight shown through his window, illuminating his room as his thoughts stirred ceasel...
https://qph.is.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-37451ce861aff29a1e2430158d819664?convert_to_webp=true
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The Next Warrior: Proving Grounds – Part 5

Chapter 5 is up! And now we know the wicked web of lies by the sly recruiter SSgt Nobles. Just kidding, Nobles is a great guy. Looking forward to my patrons reaction to the next chapter.


https://thewritersblock.quora.com/The-Next-Warrior-Proving-Grounds-%E2%80%93-Part-5

Jon Davis

October 1, 2015 01:16:46

September 2015 Patreon supported
October 1, 2015 06:59:00
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September 2015 Patreon supported

Thank you so much for the support this month!

Gina Biggs

October 1, 2015 06:59:00

September 2015 Patreon supported
October 1, 2015 06:59:00
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September 2015 Patreon supported

Thank you so much for the support this month!

Patreon

October 1, 2015 06:59:00

September 2015 Patreon supported
October 1, 2015 06:59:00
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September 2015 Patreon supported

Thank you so much for the support this month!

Tab Kimpton

October 1, 2015 06:59:00

September 2015 Patreon supported
October 1, 2015 06:59:00
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September 2015 Patreon supported

Thank you so much for the support this month!

Alitha E. Martinez

October 1, 2015 06:59:00

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