CLIMBING FICTION - THE RED CURTAIN - A Climbing Expedition to Mars
Update
29 Mar 2021
"The Red Curtain is a great blend of adventure and science. Dave does a great job imagining exploring and climbing on another planet while being rooted in solid science." Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj, geologist and mission commander of NASA HERA XII (more about the mission here: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/hera-xii-lifts-off-for-last-30-day-mission)
Update
03 Feb 2021
The Red Curtain is receiving its copy edit, the publisher is secured and I hope to have it in your hands within the next eight weeks. Here is a snippet for followers. Thanks for your support.
Conrad joined Tyler on a narrow ledge at the end of a tenuous pitch of climbing. He sat back and looked at the red Martian plain and a pale blue sky.
“That was a glass and a half.” Conrad said.
“This place is a snake pit. It wants to do us - slowly. Why do we want anything from this place?”
“Knowledge and power.” Replied Conrad. “An expedition like this - it’s not about the climbing.”
Tyler was tightening her harness and checking her vitals flashing on her visor computer. When done she patted her partners knee and asked,
“How about you Commander. What are you doing here?”
I suppose, to be honest, I’m here for the same reason I always have gone into the hills - to find myself.”
“Well let’s get at it.”
The climbers swapped the rack of gear and set up the haul. Tyler readied herself on belay and watched Conrad reach up to find not just himself but a solid hold to get himself there.
Update
02 Jan 2021
I interviewed Theo Blass in 2020 after he had completed an 8c climb in the south of France. Theo was 12! He heralds the future of climbing and will be a prime candidate to climb on Mars in 2043. Here is his recommendation for The Red Curtain.
“I always liked the idea of climbing on another planet, so I am very keen to join the mission.”
Enjoy the adventure Theo!
Update
27 Dec 2020
What a welcoming time of year. I hope folks have managed to find a present under their tree and hope for 2021 in your hearts. This week more people donated to the Red Curtain cause and I am so great full. It’s a story to bring adventure and excitement to the climbing world and your contribution adds to that. Thank you.
I only need $185 dollars to finish the public fundraising and then it is a countdown to launch, aiming for February. if you are able please contribute to the cause.
Karmelo Ornate is my climbing and artist pal from Spain. He has created several pieces of art to accompany the climbing adventure on Mars. Here is one that made a future cover of Common Climber Magazine.
Update
20 Dec 2020
Hello All
Thanks to all of you who have donated to My Red Curtain Cause. I still am working towards the total of $2000. This will greatly assist my covering publishing costs.
Writing has assisted my recover from a significant brain injury. It took my ability to work full time and function normally. It didn’t take my imagination. I am so great full to the climbing community and my family and friends who have supported my efforts and overlooked my shortcomings.
The goal is to have the story blast off in February. At present I have a volunteer copy editing the the text. A publisher is ready. I’m doing it on my own as it maintains the climbing integrity of the story and just as importantly, it helps me see something through.
Please have a safe holiday and enjoy the updates I will post here from International climbing friends from around the World. Climbing’s future is about to arrive.
Kindness
Dave
Update
15 Dec 2020
Annie Chouinard is a Canadian Crusher. She sends climbs up to 5.14c and is super strong. I interviewed Annie after her ascent of Pure Imagination (5.14c/34) at RRG. She shared these words supporting my novel, The Red Curtain.
“Dave writes to communicate to the hearts and minds of others, finding aspects in his stories and characters that climbers deeply relate too. His life is fuelled by climbing, and here he is self-publishing his first novel using a subject he knows in depth. He is an experienced and talented writer, and beyond his talent lie discipline, love, passion, and most of all, persistence. This climbing adventure on Mars will definitely be an exciting one!”
Update
02 Dec 2020
Paul Pritchard is an accomplished climber and adventurer. He also visited me in hospital after a significant injury and took me on my first climb on my return to the World. What’s more, he is a great writer and guy. He shared this support for The Red Curtain.
“ I have known Dave for a long time. He’s an imaginative, powerhouse and all round nutter - aren’t all the best climbers? I cannot wait to read The Red Curtain.”
Thanks Paul for your friendship. DB
Update
23 Nov 2020
An Endorsement of The Red Curtain by German Climber, Thomas Huber
"Dave Barnes is one of those species who has wonderfully described a path of daring that is full of craziness, courage and and humor. The Red Curtain is still fiction today but time has taught us that, in our world, impossibility manifests itself only in you, but when you are ready for the adventure, this limit dissolves. Thank you Dave for your inspiration. I am ready for this adventure."
DONATIONS44
Anonymous
Fri, 3 Sep 2021
$ 20
$ 20
Jayne Weston
Wed, 25 Aug 2021
$ 20
Good work David! Proud to know you.
Good work David! Proud to know you.
$ 20
Stella Chiu
Wed, 27 Jan 2021
$ 50
Dave, thanks for creating this novel. Support!
Dave, thanks for creating this novel. Support!
$ 50
Anonymous
Sat, 23 Jan 2021
$ 100
Good luck!
Good luck!
$ 100
Cath Stephensen
Mon, 4 Jan 2021
$ 85
Courage & perseverance wins!!! Go Dave!
Courage & perseverance wins!!! Go Dave!
$ 85
Chris Nawrocki
Thu, 24 Dec 2020
$ 100
Dave
Wishing you every success with the book launch and publication.
Dave
Wishing you every success with the book launch and publication.
$ 100