tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92106563971474417462024-03-05T15:14:40.112-06:00Robert A. MichaelA blog site for writers, readers and fans.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-60607140901009942642016-01-21T20:24:00.000-06:002016-01-21T20:29:28.755-06:002016: The Promise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A new year.<br />
<br />
Normally, I approach each new year with new optimism. Life will be incredible! Financial rewards will finally find me! I make promises for a slimmer me, a more devout me, a more spiritually aware me.<br />
<br />
I am not always disappointed. I see growth. I see positive changes.<br />
<br />
2016 doesn't feel like one of those years. It feels like it will all balance out. A "blah" year. Some good, some bad. Some devastatingly bad, some excruciatingly wonderful things will happen. <br />
<br />
I could be wrong.<br />
<br />
This could be a great year. Everything from health, to spiritual development, to four rough drafts finished, a successful promotion that lands me on the best seller lists, win the lottery (or just start my modest home inspection business successfully would be nice), closer family relations, several fun and fruitful trips to Cozumel and West Virginia--all these things could feasibly go off without a hitch. I could manage to improve my prayer life. My Bible study time. Grow more hair on my head.<br />
<br />
Those things are more than just possible. They are probable; except for the lottery, maybe.<br />
<br />
The problem is that I am afraid. Afraid that so many things could go bad. My parents' health. Weather. My job. My writing career. Our nation's politics. Falling gas prices. Joblessness. World hunger. My family's faith.<br />
<br />
I worry that as many things that could go right this year, there is an equal amount of things that could go wrong. I have friends whose families' are struggling with health, friends who are struggling with finances, jobs, and weighty decisions. It's not all about me. I am effected by those I care about.<br />
<br />
In all of this I know that I am forgetting the one thing that can make it all right despite my worries. Despite the crazy things that happen in this crazy world of ours. Earthquakes in Oklahoma! Who would have thought of it? I am forgetting something more important than my diet, my exercise regimen, my prayer habits, my greed. Bigger than my expectations, stronger than my concerns, more powerful than my self-loathing.<br />
<br />
My God will make this all right. Every year we see changes. God is unchangeable. This world is not. We are not. We can be molded. Wet clay in the hands of our Maker. We can be hammered, beaten and forced into the fire. Swords of steel, flashing brightly in the molten heat of this world. We can receive the breath of God, fanning our flames, creating a delicate and beautiful thing, like the art of Chihuly. We can succumb to the pressures that turn us--lumps of coal--into diamonds. Strong and brilliant, multi-faceted and unique.<br />
<br />
We are not the sum of where we have been. We are constantly becoming. We will never be exactly who we are at this moment. Some are less malleable than others, I am sure. Some of you may be stubbornly holding on to the same hair spray from the 70s or the same WWJD bracelets from the 90s. God is constantly working on us. We are a work always in progress. The trick is to let Him do his work and get out of his way.<br />
<br />
My realization is that I need to put my life in more capable hands than my own. To be that clay vessel, to be that fiery sword, to live my life as transparent as glass or as strong and unique as a diamond, I must allow God to shape me. I must find God's will in every event in my life: good and bad.<br />
<br />
The change this year begins with me. I make a promise. Not that I am going to write 1 million words or that I will lose 20 pounds, read fifty books, or pray ten times a day. I will be even bolder than that. I promise to give my life. I promise to sacrifice myself as much as I am able. I promise to let God use me for His will.<br />
<br />
I don't know what this will look like. I am sure it will tax me. I am sure I will struggle with it. But I know there will be a change. There always is. The difference this year, whether it is good or bad or even "blah," is that I am going to allow God to change ME. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-86815309803245143272015-11-30T22:27:00.000-06:002015-11-30T22:29:48.742-06:00NaNoWriMo 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok, it's over. I did it and I'm glad.<br />
<br />
2015 has been a very bad year for my writing. It has kicked me in the square pocket side of my pants. It has eaten my proverbial lunch (and then my snack to make things worse). I started the year with a pure goal: write four full-length novels.<br />
<br />
Somewhere I lost sight of that goal. In fact, it fell completely off the earth. So, I went into self-flagellation mode and got nothing done. Then, October rolled in and my mind kept turning to the craptastic nothingness that I managed to achieve. Part of this difficulty I understood. I was extremely distracted. I tried to do too many things at once which just meant that in the end I might as well have done nothing at all. Mission accomplished.<br />
<br />
I had too many novels floating to the top of my head every day. Too much indecision about which novel to write, whether to add another Kindle World novella, or to write under a pen name, to write a devotional book, or a romance, or to abandon all of it. Part of this was fueled by lack of sales, a profusion of bad reviews, and a sense that I was perhaps a failure. I struggled with not wanting to do all the publishing. I wanted to maybe just write and put it out there for wolves to tear me apart slowly (traditional publishing for those of you perhaps unfamiliar with the monster).<br />
<br />
Finally, I made a decision. I am a finisher. I hate quitting. I quit football my senior year in high school and regretted it because I quit for a stupid reason: the new position coach didn't know my name (it was on a sticker on the front of my helmet, yet he couldn't remember it--or read, evidently). All those summer workouts, all those runs up heartbreak hill, all those thousands of pounds of iron pushed for nothing. Instead of fighting for my position on the depth chart I allowed a green position coach to determine the outcome of my senior year. That stuck with me. I've fought for a lot of things in my life since then. My family. My marriage. My career. I wasn't going to let one stubborn manuscript get me down.<br />
<br />
That was at the core. The manuscript I didn't want to write. The one I never expected to write. The one that haunted me (and still does because it's not finished). Lonely Creatures. I decided to kick its butt. The jury is still deliberating that part, but once I decided that I was going to compete in NaNoWriMo this year, it was the point of no return.<br />
<br />
I started at midnight of November 1 and started the story where I had left off in May.<br />
<br />
There is a back story here. Maybe I should back up and tell it first.<br />
<br />
In 2009 I finished my first NaNoWriMo from a book that began as a book cover blurb in my mind. It was more or less a fifty word summary of a book I hadn't written, one that was frankly inspired by the cover of THE SHACK. One that was predicated on a single image in my mind: if I came upon a shack like that in the middle of the woods (and I have before), what would be the creepiest thing I could find there?<br />
<br />
That spawned DARK MOUNTAIN, my first complete novel. I finished the rough draft almost a year later and was working on my second novel, CRY ME A RIVER. I was peddling my first novel to editors and agents while I worked and re-worked the first three chapters, hoping that I could get an agent's attention. It was a horror novel of sorts, but I really wanted it to be a suspense novel. It wasn't until I started to get feedback from others that I realized I was categorizing it wrong. Not only that, I needed to do some heavy-duty editing.<br />
<br />
Also, if you know me, and I mean on a deep spiritual level (or you are just generally observant, I guess), you would know that I lack patience. I could not stand waiting on one agent to say "No thanks," for four to six weeks just so that I could send it to another overwrought, overworked agent that would do the same thing. I realized that even if I had managed to attract an agent to represent me, I would have a minimum of three years ahead of me to get that one book into print!<br />
<br />
I did some studying about independent publishing. So, I got about my business and two years later, in April 2012, I published it myself on Amazon, and in paperback through CreateSpace.<br />
<br />
It was a wild ride. I sold enough copies to pay for my initial investments. It got lots of great reviews. Family and friends loved it. Complete strangers even liked it! And then I started to get three main points of feedback: 1) it felt like a movie, 2) people gravitated to the character of Luke, but were disappointed that he never went anywhere, and 3) I needed to write a sequel.<br />
<br />
Now, fast-forward to 2015. I have already designed a cover for the sequel, come up with a clever and thematically relevant series title, re-branded the first book and changed its cover almost a dozen times, and also created an outline of the final two books in the trilogy.<br />
<br />
I began writing the rough draft in May in just fits and starts, anguishing over the chapter outlines as I did, fussing with re-writing the first scene, the third chapter, and then it fell silent in my head. I didn't lose the muse. I shoved her out of a moving vehicle doing ninety on a narrow stretch of desert road in the middle of the night.<br />
<br />
In October, I had a "come to Robert" meeting with myself. I'm good at that whole self-flagellation thing. I decided to not give up on the manuscript. I decided that I would have a reunion of sorts. I finished the first draft of Dark Mountain in 2009, and I would finish the rough draft of its sequel in 2015!<br />
<br />
And, that's what I did. I even finished a day early--mostly out of spite.<br />
<br />
I have a lot further to go. I need to add another 15,000 to 25,000 words. And, I realize that I have a bunch of editing to do. Not just the garden variety of catching grammatical mistakes and starting sentences with "and" or "but," either. Some heavy lifting that will require entire scene re-writes, the expulsion of major plot elements, and some really difficult alone time with some of my favorite characters just to get it all right. Because I'm not settling. I'm not putting out inferior stuff just for the sake of hitting some imaginary and arbitrary publishing deadline.<br />
<br />
I'm proud and excited to have completed the challenge. I want to thank all the good and wonderful folks over at the NaNoWriMo headquarters who push writers to do the unthinkable. Even though I'm an old hand at this now and 50,000 words in 30 days doesn't seem daunting to me anymore, I appreciate the kick in the rear. I respect the offer of a good challenge.<br />
<br />
I encourage you if you think you might have a novel somewhere in that pumpkin of yours, don't wait for next November. Sit down and just do it. Don't edit while you write. Do it later. Just get the words out on paper. Write an outline if you want. Write from the seat of your pants if it feels right. Just do it. Plant your hinder parts in a chair, place your digits at the keyboard and cut a vein and watch yourself bleed words all over the terminal. It is cathartic. It is therapeutic. It is beautiful and inspiring, uplifting and rewarding. Its also really hard. Don't let me fool you with all the other romantic stuff. Sometimes you do it with your teeth gritting as if each word you type is a fingernail scraping slowly along a chalkboard (do they even make those anymore, btw?).<br />
<br />
But, when you finish--and you will--you will have something you will love. Something you created. It makes you appreciate God, the ultimate creator, the grand author. If you have it in you, get it out. Trust me, it will just fester inside of you pointing its ugly finger at you telling you that you should have done it years ago. But, once you get the thing out, it is no longer the boss of you, no longer has one shred of guilt with which to hold you hostage.<br />
<br />
That's my pep talk and I'm sticking to it.<br />
<br />
NANO YOUR WRIMO!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-58459158878118374962015-08-24T22:31:00.001-05:002015-08-24T22:32:51.057-05:00Absence Does Not Make a Blog Grow FonderI have been away too long. I was reminded of this today when my oldest son proclaimed that he was starting a blog.<br />
<br />
Giving him some advice, I was reminded how infrequently I have blogged. Ahem. Humility can be such a catalyst for me.<br />
<br />
Is this the new me turning over a new leaf where I blog weekly? Probably not.<br />
<br />
I am however interested in broaching a few topics. Some questions. Some tips about writing. Some observations about books I have read recently. Some finer points about story-telling, grammar, and editing. Even some things about the phenomenon of the blog itself.<br />
<br />
So, I have a makeshift list of sorts of topics. Now, to find the time, the energy, and the discipline to do what I know I should.<br />
<br />
I have not followed publishing much in the past year and I feel a bit out of touch. I have spent most of my time trying to motivate my latest book out of my head and onto paper. I have spent time reading reviews, reading books, and playing games.<br />
<br />
As far as the reviews go, I think I have found a common thread among them that I think is something with which I can work going forward. I tend to be too "stilted" in my writing. I guess I use too many subjects and verbs not connected with an apostrophe (don't, won't, I'm, etc.). Who knew? I did not.<br />
<br />
But, it begs an interesting question: why does this resonate with readers but they can ignore poor grammatical construction? I do not get it.<br />
<br />
Oh! And I must fact-check more. I mis-spelled "Krav Maga" and put an extra "r" in there. I knew better. Got spell-checked and everything. Spelled it that way every time. Not sure why. Evidently, it was enough to rate the story a 2-star. That's the break, folks.<br />
<br />
I reserve the right to not be too fazed by reviews. I am critical myself in my reviews of books and such. I complain about ignorant sports announcers. I "tsk-tsk" at grammatical faux pas in commercials, the newspaper, in other books. I cannot stand in judgment like that and not expect the same treatment in spades.<br />
<br />
In the end, reviews are skewed. They are harder and harder to come by, for one. For another, many readers who are not the target audience for the book are often the most vocal about their disappointment. Why is that? I am not entirely sure. Sometimes you get it right, though, and that is satisfying. It's why we write in the first place, folks. To connect on a creative level, on a human level, with others who can share our experience with humanity. Since we all have different experiences, very individual lives that we live, making this connection can be dicey.<br />
<br />
An example of this difficulty can be summed up in this analogy: the other day, for the first time since 1987, I met another human being that shared an appreciation of <i>Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins</i>. I was too shy to ask if <i>The Greatest American Hero</i> theme song was one of his favorites of all time or if Alan Alda's voice gives him shivers. If he agreed with those, too, I would have freaked out. Too much of a good thing, I suppose. The point remains: it is a rare thing to share the way we do as authors and expect a massive outpouring of common experience. It can happen. Like lightning in a bottle. Like tapping into a global conduit, a hive brain of sorts, where thousands upon thousands of people share a similar like for what we express. That, my friends, is author heaven. Mass understanding and appreciation of our work, of our imagination, of the characters that inhabit our dreams.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-82538703651530386112014-08-07T12:16:00.000-05:002014-08-08T00:14:26.066-05:00Much Ado About Publishing<a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2014/08/07/opinion/patterson-if-i-were-jeff-bezos/index.html" target="_blank">Watch and read this--CNN Opinion: If I Were Jeff Bezos, by James Patterson</a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="James Patterson\n" border="0" class="box-image" src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/140806154941-james-patterson-hedshot-left-tease.jpg" height="122" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="214" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Why so serious, James?</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have a different take on the Amazon/Hachette Book Group dispute, but this CNN piece (and James Patterson's rambling muses that are attached to the piece) are interesting. I find it funny that Hachette continues to use the media to shape the public's perception of the business dispute and yet most people continue not to care. The ones who should care the most--the authors--are taking the wrong side.<br />
<br />
Out of loyalty to their publisher, they continue to vilify Amazon. Amazon gives the publisher 70% of the revenue generated per book sale. The publisher, in turn, gives the author 25% of that. Yet, if the author published <i>directly</i> to Amazon, THEY would receive the 70%.<br />
<br />
The other thing that should be made clear is that Amazon is not fighting for more than 30%. Many of the pieces I have seen claim that Amazon is fighting for a larger share of the revenue. That simply is not true. <i><b>Amazon is fighting to keep ebook prices from being more than or the same as hard copies. </b></i><br />
<br />
This obviously appears to effect the revenue of the publisher and therefore the authors. This is not always true, especially for authors who are considered "midlist" authors (outside of the top 50 sellers). Amazon's models have shown that the best pricing practices are under $9 for ebooks. They know that volume will increase if that pricing model is followed. With the increased volume, the total volume of sales will increase.<br />
<br />
On the other side of this paradigm, publishers want to retain control over the pricing of their product.This is only slightly different than Wal-Mart telling Coleman that they need to make a sleeping bag that they will price at $25, even though Coleman would prefer to set the manufacturer's price at $35 for the same product.<br />
<br />
This model threatens smaller distributors of books, like local independent book stores more than it does the big publishers. Amazon is leveraging their already considerable power to capture even more of the market by setting pricing models that only they can support. They can do this because they can offer you more than just the book. They have socks, computers, soap, raincoats, umbrellas, cell phones, ereaders, and more that they can market to the same customers who are learning just how great it is to purchase from Amazon. Their pricing strategy is a brand recognition incentive.<br />
<br />
Where do I personally fall on this issue? Well, I have watched and read, listened and waited. The debate has raged on, with petitions signed, and famous authors like Patterson and even Stephen Colbert weighing in on the publisher's behalf. I do not think that either corporate giant needs a helping hand. This is a business dispute. I see benefits and concessions under both outcomes.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>IF AMAZON "WINS"</b></span></h4>
If Hachette finally gives in and allows Amazon to set the pricing models, then some good stuff and some bad stuff will happen. First of all, let's all understand that when we speak of this pricing model, we are mostly speaking of new release books by best-selling authors. We are not talking about a book that is more than a year old, or that is written by an author in the midlist.<br />
<br />
<b>The Good Stuff </b><br />
<i>Readers win.</i> Instead of paying $14.99 or $19.99 for the newest James Patterson novel, readers will only have to pay $9.99. Arguments will be that most people would pay $20 for that. I would not agree. But, if you saved $5 to $10 on his book, read it in a weekend and then received an email showing ten more books in that genre by authors similar to him where they had a deal on an older Harlen Coben book for $4.99, you'd be tempted to get it, right? You spent the same $14.99, but two authors benefited. The reader finds that they got a great deal, two books for the same price as what they would have spent on one before the Amazon/Hachette war. So the <i>authors win</i> as well.<br />
<br />
With the increased traffic, increased publicity (although most of it was negative), and a chance to prove their algorithms are correct, Bezos and Co. will likely note an increase in revenue. More people will sign up for Prime (getting access to streaming movies, unlimited book borrows from 600,000 titles, and the availability for discounts and free shipping in some cases will be a no-brainer for Amazon regulars). More customers will buy ancillary products like movies, games, clothing, or electronics. More people will discover the greater Amazon community from reviews, to resellers, to blogs and sites dedicated to Kindle apps, Kindle accessories, and book discussions. So,<i> Amazon (DUH) wins.</i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The Bad Stuff</b><br />
The other publishers (Penguin, MacMillan, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster) are going to have to come to the negotiation table soon as well and will be faced with a precedent that has been set. They can fight it, but for how long? At what cost? How long will their authors be willing to continue to be loyal, knowing that results of Hachette's failure actually benefited their authors in the long run? Will they see that Amazon is actually reaching out to help them, or will the perception continue to be "Big Bad Amazon" vs. "Little Publishing House?" <i>The other publishers lose.</i><br />
<br />
This is potentially bad, because a repeat of this current dispute is not healthy, especially from a public perception standpoint. When it gets to the point of public apathy, then everyone else is getting hurt: publishers, Amazon, authors, and readers.<br />
<br />
If Amazon "wins" <i>independent book stores lose again.</i> Already hurt by the burgeoning ebook market, independent book stores will have to continue to scrabble for ways to stay relevant. Pricing for them will remain the same for their stock. The pricing model that the publishers employ actually keep brick and mortar booksellers relevant and competitive. The price difference between a hard cover and an ebook is not significant. The good news is that the majority of people continue to PREFER printed hard copies over digital and pricing is not an issue to them as long as it maintains. However, if Amazon "wins" the dispute, this is still another dagger in the dark, another straw on the camel's back.<br />
<br />
If Amazon "wins" <i>Barnes & Noble loses.</i> Again. Barnes & Noble continues to lose due to their dinosaur-like ability to move in the market and adjust. Their search engine still lags behind, their purchasing strategies are stuck in the 1990s, and their inability to market their superior ereader product perplexes even the staunchest retailers. If this dispute is solved in Amazon's favor, B&N may become the injured elk in the herd, crippled, wounded, and floundering, a target for some predator to take it out. That, in turn, would be a loss for readers. We NEED a good brick-and-mortar store to get books that curates more than just the best-sellers (like Target & Wal-Mart).<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
IF HACHETTE "WINS"</h4>
<b>The Good</b><br />
<i>Independent book stores win. Barnes & Noble </i>gets a bit of breathing room and perhaps some collateral they can use when negotiating with the other Big 5 publishers. <i>Big authors win.</i> They lent their voice in defense of their publisher and get rewarded. Their face and name is associated with the winner. They helped slay the giant. Not the truth, you understand, but the perception, and in today's world, that is all that matters in the end.<br />
<br />
<i>The other Big 5 publishers win. </i>They now have a precedent in their favor. They can leverage that in their negotiations without being accused of collusion. In their minds, Amazon used a "nuclear" method of negotiating, and if Hachette lost then they would have to threaten with their own nuclear option: pull their books from Amazon's store. Not the wisest decision and certainly one that will hurt them dearly, but also not an empty threat. But, with Hachette winning, this sacrifice will not be necessary.<br />
<br />
<i>Hachette gets their way.</i> Although it is arguably to their detriment in the long run, in the short run, they win respect of their publishing peers, become heroes to their authors, build credibility with literary agents, and elevate themselves as a true defender of the publishing industry.<br />
<br />
<b>The Bad</b><br />
<i>Readers lose.</i> They lose because publishers will continue to set the prices to ebooks at the same or sometimes higher than their printed counterparts. Which, makes absolutely NO SENSE. No printing costs. No distribution costs. Minimal "middle-man" costs (wholesalers and retailers are cut to only Whispersinc and Amazon). NO RETURNS (Where a store sends back their purchases to the publisher). <br />
<br />
Why does Hachette (and RH, S&S, HC, and Penguin) want to keep ebook prices high? THEY MAKE MORE PROFIT. Simple. Plus, they also do not want to scavenge from their baby: hard cover sales. Even though the margins on hard covers are slightly lower due to their higher production and distribution costs, hard covers still represent a larger volume of revenue than publishers think they can recuperate from ebook sales. In addition, in their minds it would mean more RETURNS. This would dig deep into their pockets.<br />
<br />
<i>Authors lose. </i>If you haven't read a publishing contract, you should. I am sure they are not too dissimilar to contracts offered to any type of artist. They are rarely favorable to the artist. Extended rights, clauses, terms--everything favors the distributor (Publisher, record label, art gallery, etc.). If Hachette wins, then their clout and perceived heroics will create an atmosphere that may enable them to continue to demand status quo in terms of author contracts. Why fix something that is obviously not broken, they will argue. In the meantime, they will continue to receive $10.50 in revenue for every $15 book and pay their authors $2.36 (after their agent's 10%). What is the publisher doing for their $7? A whole lot less than they would for that same title in paperback. So, why pay more? Publishers will argue: so the author gets a fair share. Bull. If the publishers were truly interested in the authors, then they would negotiate a better deal with them. If they were truly interested in ALL THEIR AUTHORS, then they would see the marketing logic that Amazon is presenting to them that would increase the sales of ALL of their titles and therefore benefit everyone.<br />
<br />
I ramble. I could go on. Obviously, <i>Amazon loses.</i> Maybe only loses face, maybe some reputation, but ultimately, it will continue to be a mega-giant. Who knows how this will effect them in future negotiations? Will they continue to strong-arm their way into these deals if the strategy does not work with Hachette? Will they increase the pressure? Give in? Change direction? Aggressively pursue more authors themselves in order to put pressure on publishing in that way? Who can predict that?<br />
<br />
Ultimately, this exchange has deepened my resolve to stay an independent publisher. I have even played with the idea of eventually becoming a small publishing house myself, offering editing, marketing, and publishing services to aspiring writers. I have to first become successful, I suppose. However, even though I am more committed to this path of self-publishing, I am saddened by the rhetoric and the clamor. I am appalled at the continued practices of gatekeepers who, under the guise of culling literary worth, manage to merely act as prophets of profit. They want to find the next <i>50 Shades</i>, the next <i>Harry Potter</i>, the next <i>Hunger Games</i>. Not the next masterpiece of literature. <br />
<br />
I am not knocking those books. I am merely pointing out that publishers continue to leverage their expertise and clout in the name of literature when they are actually only interested in money.<br />
<br />
What do you think? Where do you fall in this dispute? Who would you like to see win? Do you even care? The Hachette authors would like for you to boycott Amazon on their behalf. Is that likely something you would do?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-54800405288202023532014-07-23T17:53:00.000-05:002014-07-23T17:53:50.195-05:00I've Been a Bad Boy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DI_UM8PfEYWPktFC1v0remcj2Kbczx8VptVimIMgoQSYTYTqjCpDuyiZp0726hQuGXv8sc0Px3rAm5sHGl5cLXY61mJFlAQRfbSqHOTu-GMxSmJ14nE3tYjUP3s4N3Z68W4dabOxzLcI/s1600/rw-bg-nonmember._V348792836_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DI_UM8PfEYWPktFC1v0remcj2Kbczx8VptVimIMgoQSYTYTqjCpDuyiZp0726hQuGXv8sc0Px3rAm5sHGl5cLXY61mJFlAQRfbSqHOTu-GMxSmJ14nE3tYjUP3s4N3Z68W4dabOxzLcI/s1600/rw-bg-nonmember._V348792836_.jpg" height="93" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Kindle Unlimited</b></span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have been away for too long from this blog. I can throw more excuses out than an NFL wide receiver caught breaking the law (again), but for what purpose?<br />
<br />
The truth is, I am back again. I have been writing like mad to hit my self-imposed deadlines (and mostly failing, to be honest). I am in a small lull in writing the rough draft for the seventh installment of the Jake Monday Chronicles (while the 6th installment is getting edited). Therefore, here I am tossing out parenthetical expressions like they are going out of business.<br />
<br />
So, here is my update. <i>Mad, Mad Monday</i> will be published as soon as I get it back, make corrections and re-writes, format it, and upload it to the mighty 'Zon. The final book in the series, <i>Monday Bloody Monday</i> will be published in September along with Volume 2 of the <i>Monday Collection</i> (which will contain parts 4 through 7 of the series). Before Christmas, I will publish an Omnibus Edition called <i>Monday: All Week</i>, which will include all 7 installments plus tons of extras (I will brag that <i>Monday: All Week </i>will contain 10% more week!) like an origin story, "the making of Jake Monday," deleted scenes, and a companion story, the first in a series of shorts called Monday Missions. It will be busting at its seams at almost 1,000 pages!<br />
<br />
<br />Recently, Amazon unveiled their new program for Prime Members, called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-eBooks/b/ref=ARRAY%280xa24ea36c%29?_encoding=UTF8&ie=UTF8&node=9578129011&pfShowFeatures=&ref_=amb_link_423126042_2&ref_=amb_link_423126042_2" target="_blank">Kindle Unlimited</a>. I have heard a ton of great stuff about it so far from readers. Power readers love it. Current Prime members see it as a huge improvement over one book a month from their Kindle Select collection. It is the same collection, now there are no limits. This makes getting Prime ($9.99/month) sound like an even better deal than ever. Amazon really understands how to capture and retain customers.<br />
<br />
I have been hearing a totally different song sung by independent authors. For us, Kindle Unlimited (or KU, as we call it), is still an unknown. We understand how it works, but the big question will be on the long tail, how effective it will be at providing us more exposure AND more income. Some estimate that volume will increase, and Amazon has prepared to add funds to our shared kitty, but what happens when the volume increases past Amazon's ability to keep up with the increased demand? Others are worried about a dip in normal sales as more potential "power readers" see a way to make an immediate impact on their bottom line by becoming a Prime Member. <br />
<br />
From what many are observing so far, the KU "borrows" effect ranking almost immediately. This creates more buzz for books that Prime Members are excited about reading on their Kindle Unlimited account, which is awesome. However, the potential issue is that to break into the top 5,000 now, an author whose books may not be in Kindle Select will have an even more difficult time. Of course, this pushes many authors to re-think the way they go to market.<br />
<br />
Do we give Amazon exclusivity to our product offerings? (I will mention that many of the traditionally published books in KU do not have to maintain that exclusivity, but who am I to rock that particular boat?) Do we abandon our loyal fans that find our books on their favorite reading devices on Barnes & Noble, or Android, or Apple, or Kobo?<br />
<br />
For many authors, this is not even an option. The increase in visibility and income from KU will not replace the diversity and volume they are experiencing by having their product in several (if not all) stores. All eggs/one basket is the common cautionary refrain I hear most often.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, some authors already have given Amazon their all. Some have multiple product offerings, often under different brands (pen names), with some in and some out of the Kindle Select program. These authors and publishers stand to net the bounty (or downfall) of this fledgeling program.<br />
<br />
For the author who does not have all that much traction other than Amazon (like me, for example), will it be worthwhile to pull out of the other stores and abandon diversity for exclusivity even if it is only for the first three months (the length of the contractual obligation to participate in the Kindle Select program)? Some might say: "Go for it! What do you have to lose?" Others may caution: "Don't be a follower. Exclusivity is the wrong move. Don't cave to the big bully on the block with all the best toys."<br />
<br />
Both are good advice, but my retort is simply: I am looking at it from all angles. I am not making any rash decisions. I have three titles in Select now. The final three installments of the Jake Monday Chronicles will be in Select until just before Christmas. My only fantasy title available to date is currently in Select. You can read it for free if you are a Prime Member. It is also on sale this week for 99 cents if you are not a Prime Member.<br />
<br />
I will wait and see, monitor and observe, calculate and weigh my options. Maybe by Christmas I will have a better marketing strategy other than "wait and see."<br />
<br />
How about you? If you are a reader, what do you think about this new program? If you are a writer/publisher, how is it impacting you? <br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-78345646288666551962014-03-19T21:40:00.000-05:002014-03-19T21:50:35.130-05:00Why I am NOT Crazy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXp9Gcj6F_Ajs1zle-_EGPj-XwICBUAOc2l0u-usk46whsb5QD27xx2CcSRWnEBYnEuk_oLdiQ1P2jZuy6rPyP1YqXTtRd9p7C3TV0EnV9J1LvfxPQWOkg539yT0A3lH09uadYHPmaoWZ/s1600/Manic+Monday+New+Feb+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3F6uuuQQ3X7Hgumq0aaJATbxiHRvkDV5khnSAxFTQ1qeruM2CAjyVmFDP2gqJpW2sTk0g_XrweU-x1kTSMPRH4F2t5zs7vvrCIdfoKx3LgouUEUkvegelPE6OSgsvtjnHr1VuqeaMPpw/s1600/A+Month+of+Mondays+New+Feb+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3F6uuuQQ3X7Hgumq0aaJATbxiHRvkDV5khnSAxFTQ1qeruM2CAjyVmFDP2gqJpW2sTk0g_XrweU-x1kTSMPRH4F2t5zs7vvrCIdfoKx3LgouUEUkvegelPE6OSgsvtjnHr1VuqeaMPpw/s1600/A+Month+of+Mondays+New+Feb+2014.jpg" height="200" width="129" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXp9Gcj6F_Ajs1zle-_EGPj-XwICBUAOc2l0u-usk46whsb5QD27xx2CcSRWnEBYnEuk_oLdiQ1P2jZuy6rPyP1YqXTtRd9p7C3TV0EnV9J1LvfxPQWOkg539yT0A3lH09uadYHPmaoWZ/s1600/Manic+Monday+New+Feb+2014.jpg" height="200" width="129" /></div>
I just gave away 7,801 copies of a book.<br />
<br />
Some feel this is insanity. <i>Why give it away?</i> The answer is complicated and not necessarily a good argument for my mental clarity. The same week I gave this book away, I also offered the second book in that series discounted to 99 cents. Crazy? I wish I was nuttier, actually.<br />
<br />
I missed my goal of book give-aways, and books sold at discount. I intended to give away 10,000 books. ON THE FIRST DAY. I wanted the other four days to get that number closer to 20,000 or even 30,000 copies.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>But, why? What good does giving away so many free copies achieve?</i> you may ask.<br />
<br />
Because no one knows me. I am a very small speck of plankton among hundreds of thousands of plankton. I want someone to notice me. I need to glow. Grow abnormally large. Send off book-reading pheromones. Develop a book-reader-attracting mating call.<br />
<br />
One sure way to do that is to give away something.<br />
<br />
People LOVE free.<br />
<br />
<i>But</i>, you may argue, <i>doesn't offering something for free devalue your work?</i><br />
<br />
You may have a point. I am willing to take that risk. Because of numbers.<br />
<br />
I have been in sales all my adult life and I live by numbers. "X" number of presentations will produce "Y" opportunities to close a sale which at "Z" close rate will result in "AA" number of sales at "BB" average revenue which will earn me "CC" dollars of commission. I intended to use a similar method of success for selling books.<br />
<br />
See, that is the difficult part for me. I am the creator. The author, editor, publisher, cover artist, social platform manager, literary agent, sales manager, and public relations specialist. I wear a bunch of hats. Sometimes that is the part that wears me down.<br />
<br />
So, when I produce a great story, get it edited, go through the hard work of packaging it, formatting it, creating a cover, writing the doggone blurb, pricing it, getting it beta-read, and then uploading it to the online book stores, I expect results. I have so much control over everything. That is what I LOVE about independent publishing. I have control. Well, over everything except people buying it.<br />
<br />
I am looking for raving fans. Fans that tell other fans. I am risking my neck by tossing my book out into the maw of the free book binge. There is a whole culture of book collectors who look every day for new free books. Some of these people are voracious readers. Not all of them will like my book. That is risk number one: my work will be downloaded and read by readers who are not my target audience.<br />
<br />
Risk number two is the devaluing of books we discussed earlier. Not just my book, understand. All books. It has come to the point now that we indie authors have conditioned folks to think that a "cliffhanger" in a short work is a cheat. That we are trying to milk them for all the book money they have. In a way, I suppose that would be nice. I will take milk money, too, if they will depart with it. But, this pervading perception that free is a springboard to capturing readers is exactly correct. It is what we want. Are you not entertained? Try my book for free. It is the first in a series. The other six are priced competitively in their genre for their length.<br />
<br />
Are free books conditioning readers to not purchase? I don't think so. Most of the readers who fill their ereader devices full of free downloaded books are the same people who read books from the library, buy books from used book stores, and borrow books from friends regularly. I don't begrudge them their buying habits. They are not the audience I seek. For every one of these readers, there are potential buyers who snatch up series like they were going to out of print tomorrow if it is in a genre they like/author they like/ or set of covers they like. Those readers are my audience. Or at least I hope they are.<br />
<br />
Which brings us back to why I am not crazy.<br />
<br />
My number theory about book selling is simple. I think that for every 10,000 books I can give away, 80 to 100 people will buy at least one other book in the series. Not only that, I believe that within 6 months, I will get: 10 new book reviews on the free book alone; 40 new subscribers to my newsletter; an additional 100 or so sales from carry through from book 2 to 3, etc.; 20-40 new sales at every new release, and 20 new Twitter/Facebook/Google+/Goodreads followers.<br />
<br />
Those numbers are conservative and only refer to the readers who originally downloaded the free book. It does not take into account that with enough quick growth (several dozen sales in one day, for example), my titles will shoot up the best seller lists and gain more visibility. More potential sales. More potential reviews, newsletter subscribers, followers on social media, more website hits, and more reader engagement. It is a snowball. The thing is, to make that snowball grow in diameter, I have to pack the core and roll it down the hill, hoping it will pick up momentum and attract more mass.<br />
<br />
Offering my book for free is like packing that snowball core. Ten thousand downloads is a bunch of potential readers. Not all will stick. Hundreds will never get around to sampling my free offering and may even delete it later to make room for more free books. Those ereaders have a capacity, you know. Hundreds of the people who DO read the free sample will just nod, smile, thank me silently, and read the next free book on their to-be-read pile. Then, some will read it, love it, and want more. Leave a review, sign up for my newsletter, tell a friend, share it with a colleague at work, write a book blog about it, or simply visit my website and get a copy of another book. Soon, the snowball is rolling down the hill and picking up speed. Maybe before it gets to the bottom and sits for weeks melting it will get really big. That is the plan, anyway.<br />
<br />
How many potential readers will join the snowball? Less than 1% is my guess. Which is why 10,000 is such a crucial number.<br />
<br />
Am I crazy? Probably. I intend to make the first book free permanently. OK. Not permanently, permanently. Just permanently for now. Beginning in April, actually. For an indefinite time.<br />
<br />
So, if you have the patience, you can save 99 cents and get the book free if you have not already downloaded it. MANIC MONDAY is the first novella (which means under 250 pages) in my 7-part series called THE JAKE MONDAY CHRONICLES. It is an espionage thriller in the vein of Jason Bourne and James Bond.<br />
<br />
You can pick up a copy of MANIC MONDAY or any of my novels <a href="http://www.infinitewordpress.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-65233719472923873112014-02-17T23:05:00.002-06:002014-02-17T23:19:25.047-06:00Book Review: Doctor Sleep by Stephen King<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml36A7VX1lqs6DzR1ZJZPSB5GhVCpAjYxuFvxj8NR8hUSaPRM4u8YhQiVQo1ULQSaUlgZ-IEtoM1LqrEaHjizU90JimIcYFRYQQTidFrMXHCCbg0wwZ-h-zFUSB2lqFjZKjiODn3uuBjR/s1600/513Af1pjdGL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml36A7VX1lqs6DzR1ZJZPSB5GhVCpAjYxuFvxj8NR8hUSaPRM4u8YhQiVQo1ULQSaUlgZ-IEtoM1LqrEaHjizU90JimIcYFRYQQTidFrMXHCCbg0wwZ-h-zFUSB2lqFjZKjiODn3uuBjR/s1600/513Af1pjdGL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
I am impressed with King's return to Danny's world. King really flexed
his considerable writing muscles in Doc ZZZZ. Some may criticize the
elements of the True Knot, or the introduction of a new main character,
but the truth is, from a pure writing standpoint, this is a better
effort than The Shining.<br />
<br />
I was mildly disappointed in the lack of
a Randall Flagg reference, which easily could have been applied. I
thought that was a missed opportunity.<br />
<br />
I really liked the idea of
Abra. Thought the naming convention was a little trite and ironic, but I
have been known to indulge in similar naming conventions (my Jake
Monday series titles, for one). But, as a character, Abra is not as
well-drawn as Danny. I imagine it would be difficult for a man of King's
age (and sex) to do a character like Abra justice. I say that,
realizing of course, that he did a wonderful job of that in The Girl Who
Loved Tom Gordon.<br />
<br />
Adult Danny got on my nerves a bit at first.
This was perhaps the part of the novel I liked least. Tearing him down
to the lowest point is a common fiction convention, and certainly in
character considering his father, but the low was not as low as his
father. It fell a little short of that. Not that I want Danny murdering
someone or beating his child or chasing his wife with an axe. It just
felt over-blown. I found it interesting that when Dan Torrance finally
opens up about it at the AA meeting, the audience there has the same
ho-hum attitude about the story that I did.<br />
<br />
One thing about this
criticism, if I look at it objectively: we often are more harsh on
ourselves regarding our redemption and deep, dark secrets than others
might be when they compare our deeds or or lack of action to their own
experiences. For every person who feels awful about themselves, totally
disappointed that they neglected their aging parent, there is someone
who shot a kid while cleaning their gun, or hit their child in anger, or
hit a woman while driving drunk. It is all relative. Not that it
expunges each of us from the guilt we feel. This guilt is a cleansing
thing, a reminder that we are fallible and must try harder, strive more
for peace, love, and serving others--change the way we act and think.<br />
<br />
I
think that is the deeper message King is sending in Doctor Sleep. He
explores it with the night clerk, Torrance's AA mentor, Abby's
grandmother, and even the True Knot. We are responsible for our actions
and how those actions impact those around us.<br />
<br />
All-in-all, this is
a book I will highly recommend. Not as good as 11/22/63 in many ways,
but a healthy reminder that King is only getting better at this writing
thing. I think he might be famous some day. :)
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-57445376801847455542013-12-31T17:18:00.000-06:002013-12-31T18:56:14.900-06:00A Review of Blue Like Jazz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I wrote this review on GoodReads and on Amazon. I highly recommend that when readers finish a book, they review it at least on the site where they purchased it.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">My Review of Blue Like Jazz:</span></b><br />
<br />
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Well written, but mostly immature. Although his take on topics are
challenging at times--his insistence to look at things differently--it
began to wear on me. By the halfway point, the book was pushing 3 stars.
He redeemed himself in the end when he pointed out what I had felt from
the beginning: he was being hypocritical. He approached the problems of
not receiving love and his own prejudices late in the book and so I
bumped it back up.<br />
<br />
I read this book after having read two books
by Eldredge and one by Francis Chan in the last 30 days. It is odd to
see the similarities among these books. Especially the references to pop
culture. One thing he added was his apparition of Emily Dickinson. I
don't think any Christian writer in his right mind would actually tell
that tale. It was the beginning of his redemption for me, though. It was
when he first began to be "real" as he puts it.<br />
<br />
Nothing about
culture validates philosophical thinking, religious beliefs, or human
suffering. This is perhaps my biggest problem with his writing style. He
elevates a progressive-thinking anti-religious think-tank, a hippie
commune, a bachelors-are-us retreat, and an on-the-edge church as
morally and spiritually more pertinent than the Midwestern
"Republican-supporting" churches of his youth. It revolves mostly around
the lack of structure, the value of not being judged, and the name
brands of their clothes, the social consciousness of the music they
listened to, the authors they knew, the quality of the coffee and beer
they consumed, and the lofty intellectual relevancy of their
conversations.<br />
<br />
Christianity, or "Christian spirituality" as he
puts it, is not made more pure because one is socially conscious. I
think sometimes this is a misconception that is spread by mainline
Christianity's fear-induced hatred of people we see as opposed to our
values, our choices, and our love for God. We DO care about other
people. We give. We battle our own prejudices. However, in the process
of Don Miller's accusations about the Christian experience, he committed
the same sin he was pointing towards. The speck of dust he was trying
to remove from their eye was in his own as well. By midway through his
book, he sounded....judgmental. Unforgiving. Unloving. The only causes
that were worthy were the ones that made him appear "socially
conscious."<br />
<br />
In the end, as I have said, he recants. Repents. The
truth is that we all have to struggle to be less selfish. We must all
learn to die to self, and to live in love. This delicate balance of
acceptance--of God's Great Gift, of each other as made in His image--and
sacrifice is the key to living as God designed us.<br />
<br />
Also:<br />
On
marriage and relationships, he was rather hysterical and clueless. These
two qualities are intertwined. His friend, Paul, was actually more
insightful.<br />
<br />
On the topic of the metaphors of love being metaphors
relating to economy: that was pure genius, and admittedly not his own
idea. I think there is a book title there, something maybe I will
pursue: The Economy of Love. Maybe use math symbols and NYSE symbols on
the cover. My idea. No one take it, please.<br />
<br />
On the topic of
loneliness: probably his most lucid writing. I think this is because the
topic was near his heart and wired to his life.<br />
<br />
On the concepts
of serving self: he began the book with this and then spiraled into its
net. Even the "Confession Booth" scene was all about him, really. His
own need to feel forgiven. To feel a part of something bigger than
himself.<br />
<br />
On the subject of his father: I think many of his
problems actually stem from this loss, this emptiness in his life. His
lack of intimacy, his living life like it is the radio station, "K-Don,
All Don, all the time," and his need for acceptance comes from this
loss. I am possibly playing the Monday-Night psychiatrist here, but I
think I am on to something.<br />
<br />
I have rambled long for a book I found only mediocre.<br />
<br />
In
the end, his deliberate cleverness, his way with words are compelling,
but his theology is skewed. At the same time it is raw and real,
personal and genuine. These qualities overcome his immature theology,
his hypocritical liberal bias, and his sloppy scriptural references.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-80492816286478783592013-09-06T22:49:00.000-05:002013-09-07T09:31:53.299-05:00Where to Go From Here<br />
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<br />
<br />
I am at a crossroads in my writing. I have tons of ideas and limited time to write. I have even less time to promote, market, and directly sell my books. I have practically no presence on social media. My current books are languishing in the basement of the Amazon store. Even sales of new releases are non-existent.<br />
<br />
I am confident that my novels are fit for public consumption. I just have not found my audience yet. When I do, I would like to have a large amount of product from which they can choose (or buy it all--I won't mind). To that end, I am compelled to write more. Some would say that having eight titles (3 novellas, a collection of novellas, 2 full length novels, a short story and a collection of shorts) out in just over 18 months is prolific writing. Considering that I am writing part time, perhaps it is. My goal for production is much more aggressive, though. I simply have not found the time or the rhythm to meet that rate.<br />
<br />
My secondary concern is that in search of my audience and in order to build my brand, I would like to prioritize what I am writing. I have struggled with deciding what to write next. I have a two-month hole (Sept-Oct) which represents about 7 weeks now that the first week of September is gone. In 7 weeks, I can write approximately 50,000 to 60,000 words. This would be equivalent to two novellas. Or a short novel (perhaps in the thriller genre). It could also be a novella and three short stories. Or perhaps two devotional books (non-fiction, religious).<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>What happens in November?</i> you ask. Well, November is NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month. It is a month in which I will partake in the challenge of writing 50,000 words in 30 days. Actually, I am aiming at about 60,000 words and 30,000 more in December. I will write the next three novellas in the Jake Monday Chronicles. Then, I will spend January, and February editing the fourth book in the series, release it in March, rinse and repeat (so releases in March, April, and May).<br />
<br />
So, my writing schedule is typically constant. In spurts. For example, I finished a fantasy novella Sunday. I edited it on Monday, Labor Day. I have not written since. Except for this blog. However, my writing is always more productive if I have a plan.<br />
<br />
So, I want you to help me make my plan. Tell me what you want to see. Here are my novel ideas (pardon the pun):<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1)<i>Built in a Day</i>--Re-telling of Roman history. Grand tale that focuses on the Romulus and Remus story and uses it as a device to fictionalize history. Imagine: Tudors meets Game of Thrones.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This one requires some intense research of history. I want to make it series, perhaps 3 full-length novels over three years or 9 novellas, with three installments each year, packaged as a set of 3 in each for Christmas.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2) <i>All Roads Lead Here</i>--a short story (about 10,000 words) set in a Kindle World: Wayward Pines by Blake Crouch. Kindle Worlds are a separate store on Amazon where authors can download what essentially is "fan fiction." I want to write this story and perhaps 2 more. I want to do it more for the exposure and fan reach than actual sales. Priced at 99 cents, I will probably never make a lot from this one, but Blake has a medium-sized following and a new release coming out this month that perhaps I can ride the momentum. That was my philosophy, anyway.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3)<i>Transforming Souls: Diamond, Steel, Clay & Glass</i>--a devotional book. It will be organized to be used as a book for Adult Bible classes. I plan on writing a sequel to it for teens as well at some point. It can also be a good personal devotional book. I have an outline for it and some great ideas. This is the one I am tempted to start this week. My soul is sort of calling for it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4)<i>Almost Heaven</i>--a "Love Story" in the vein of Nicolas Sparks. It is about a lawyer from West Virginia who decides to represent a young woman who has been given custody of her autistic niece when her sister dies. The biological father (who had never before seen the child or supported her) is suing for custody and the rights to the inheritance. I plan on writing this one in a pen name. I already have 18,000 words written and it is almost half finished (the goal is 40,000 to 45,000 words, or about 200 pages--a short novel, like the old Harlequin romances from the 70s). I plan for it to be the first book in a series with a connected narrator. The second book in the series is the next one.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5)<i>The Nightengale Effect</i>--a "Love Story" in the vein of Nicolas Sparks. It is about a male nurse who falls in love with a patient. She is a famous local newscaster whose family is involved in politics. She is also addicted to drugs, which is why she is in the hospital. The novel is about how powerful love is, even in the face of addictions and betrayal. This is supposed to be the 2nd in my series (I am thinking of calling them American Heart or something like that) with the connected narrator. It will be 40,000 to 45,000 words (short novel) and written in a pen name.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">6)<i>Grey Guards of Avignon</i>--this is a series. I have just finished the rough draft and first edit. It is in the hands of 10 Beta readers and the editor. I hope to publish it next week. However, I plan on writing four novellas in this series. It is a fantasy story about an elite group of body guards (think 3 Musketeers or US Secret Service) who find themselves compromised in a kingdom that is totally corrupt. It is about making moral choices when none exist. Epic fantasy. The first novella was 38,000 words or so (about 170 pages). Although I really enjoyed writing the first installment, I have some reservations about continuing this one too soon.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">7)<i>The Man Under the Mountain</i>--another short story set in Wayward Pines. I want to wait until I purchase the 2nd book in the series and read it before I write this one. It could go down in October, if all goes right. As far as marketing and competition goes, I anticipate that Blake Crouch's friends will be writing several books in this world: JA Konrath, Crouch's brother, Scott Nicholson, and even Barry Eisler. Maybe even Ann Voss Peterson. This could be good or it could be devastating.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">8)<i>Bald Knobbers</i>--working title. A novel (sort of a western) about the vigilante group in Missouri who were a cross between the KKK and Sons of Anarchy. Their bikes were horses and their moral compass was questionable. They sought justice at the expense of bigotry and corruption. I want to focus on a single character who is working within the group but seeks to disband them. It is a thriller/western feel. About 40,000 to 50,000 words (think a short Max Brand book or Louis L'Amour). This idea was given to me by a young friend, Reese Crawford.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">9)<i>The Lonely Ziggurat</i>--a fantasy novel with steam-punk (or "gaslamp") tendencies. I am interested in fusing genres. I like the idea of incorporating some devices of steam punk (think of the game Bioshock or Dishonored) into the setting of fantasy (swords, demons, magic, and dragons). I want to also bring back some of the concepts of my favorite comics growing up--Xmen and Fantastic Four. I think it would be cool to have an "Underground City" ala The Underdark in Forgotten Realms but more like the Morlocks. It is a common theme running through steam punk but I want to insert it into fantasy in a cool and impactful way. I have about three pages of notes on this concept but no real direction for the plot. Just world-building. World building is fun, but it isn't words on paper production. That is what I need right now.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">10) <i>My Hand on the Hammer</i>--a short devotional book about our responsibility in the death of our Savior. It will be about 20,000 to 30,000 words (about 100 pages). It was an idea that germinated from Mark Lee's Lord's Supper Thoughts one Sunday. The idea is very dear to my heart and I think there is a place for it as an uplifting reminder to God's people and maybe even a book that an unchurched person might find inspiring and come to know Jesus.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">11)<i>Worth More Than Sparrows</i>--Short devotional book about understanding how special we are. It is about developing self-esteem, purpose, and direction in our lives. It is about accepting our roles as servants in God's Kingdom as Ambassadors, Conquerors, and Children. Again, about 20,000 to 30,000 words (about 100 pages). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">12) <i>Walk in the Park</i>--A full-length thriller novel about a young man with a unique power. Without warning, on occasion, he is given a message that predicts the death of a particular person within 48 hours. This "gift" has haunted him since he was a teen. His justification has always been that these were people he did not know. What could he possibly do to save these strangers? Why was he responsible?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sometimes he will see the message in the newspaper. Sometimes in a text. For years he has ignored the messages. When he gets a message about a former friend who lives about an hour away, he decides to (for the first time) intervene. He discovers that this power comes with great responsibility. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This book has elements of science fiction melded with a fast-paced story. It is essentially a novel that explores our tendency to be selfish and wrap ourselves in concern for only ourselves. It is a social novel (and a spiritual one, although God is not mentioned, He is there). I have about 4,000 words or so of this one started. I actually had written about 12,000 words, but lost them in a bad hard drive on an old laptop. Needless to say, I was disheartened and put it away.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">13) <i>Children of the Mountain</i>--Sequel to Dark Mountain. My original plan was to write this one in the Spring of 2014 and spend a bit of time on it. It is a horror novel that follows two characters from Dark Mountain. I only have it sketched out a bit. No outline yet or list of characters in the novel or anything. Have not even totally settled on a setting. Debating West Texas with Northern Arizona or Southern Colorado. Having problems deciding. Needs to be somewhere scary. Probably Colorado. I hate to compete with Blake Crouch, but I need to stay in the mountains. :) This book has been requested over a dozen times. I am dragging my feet. I do not know why. Dark Mountain is still my best selling book to date.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">14)<i>Monday Bloody Monday</i>--the final installment of the Jake Monday Chronicles. With it, I will also produce two more titles: The Monday Collection Volume 2, and The Monday Chronicles Complete Collection, Collector's Edition. This one I cannot write until I finish the other three (which I will write this winter). So, although it is in this list, I will not write it yet.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, which book suits you best? Or which story? I am aware that I am genre-hopping. Is that a problem for anyone? I know that it waters down my brand. The thing is, I want to write in all these genres. I read all these genres, including the devotionals. Let me know what you think. Give me some feedback. I may just be able to be swayed. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-88420091208836323722013-08-22T20:50:00.001-05:002013-08-23T10:27:12.892-05:00Challenge AcceptedToday, I was tooling around on the internet on my lunch break and came upon a link to JA Konrath's blog. I already subscribe to it, but I had not seen his most recent <a href="http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2013/08/guest-post-by-tim-myers.html" target="_blank">post</a>. What began as a short guest post turned into a challenge.<br />
<br />
Joe claimed that as a joke, for fun, he wrote four novels while drinking, to see if he could write, edit, format, design a cover, and publish the book within an hour. I was not impressed with his efforts, really. I think much of it can be blamed on the beer. Not all, I am sure.<br />
<br />
Joe continued to challenge his blog readers to do the same (without the drinking) and even gave us 8 hours in which to complete the "mission." The design was to find the fun in writing again. It is also to prove, I am sure, that independent writers can be so much more prolific in the volume of their work than authors who choose the traditional publishing route.<br />
<br />
So, I took the challenge. I began writing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Meeting-Monday-Chronicles-Origin-ebook/dp/B00EPW3XI0" target="_blank">MEETING MONDAY</a> at 11:45. I mentioned I was on lunch, right? I quit at 1:00 and went back to my day job. While driving, I put some thoughts together (five minutes and forty seven seconds on Voice Memo app on my iPhone). Then, when I arrived home at 5:39, I immediately sat down and finished the story. Edited it. Formatted it. Designed a cover. Wrote a very short blurb (that actually should not be qualified as a blurb). Picked categories, pricing, digital rights, etc. And hit "Publish." It was 7:42. Not bad.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Meeting-Monday-Chronicles-Origin-ebook/dp/B00EPW3XI0" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X1pwt8GKqtt3WLeXf3EpipffDxFQnJIOKvpkmZMcwcowz3yYWCvJwcsbWVGrVRjcHBwnSydiSixwSKHWNu4qeBfkKuyPLdJU6muhKr0JF_rZCFaNf-ZdRCKZyPLhJW5QbtgAGlPR84WM/s200/Meeting+Monday.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
What I wrote was a prequel to my Jake Monday Chronicles series. It is basically an origin story that tells the tale of how Jake and Halley met. I had planned on writing this in 2014 to go along with the release of the Omnibus Edition of the Jake Monday Chronicles. My intent was to write a slightly longer piece. However, the limit was set between 1,500 and 2,500 words. It came in at 1800. Good enough. I wrapped it up and put a bow on it. I will add some more to it and re-publish soon. And, of course, it will be included with the other extras that I am stacking into the Omnibus Edition.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I am going to finish the fantasy I started. It is a novella. I am on the tenth chapter of fourteen. It was inspired by a wild game of D&D Next with some college-age gentlemen that I DM'd. When we finished the session, the guys begged me to write a short story about it. I am windy. I turned it into a novella. I am quite happy so far. I am working with a young art student to draw the cover and several beta readers. I should have it published the first week of September.<br />
<br />
It was incredible to take this challenge. I know I can produce stuff really fast, but I usually drag my feet.<br />
<br />
This journey of indie publishing is incredible. It is so fulfilling. I am not getting rich, but every review, every sale, every borrow puts a smile on my face. Writing is fun to me. Thank you, Joe, for reminding me.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-55235721828541350392013-06-27T19:40:00.002-05:002013-06-27T21:20:20.738-05:00Amazingly Broken: The Plagiarism FalloutFor those who have not heard about the buzz today, a fellow indie author, Jordin Williams, has been accused of plagiarizing other authors' works. From the evidence I have seen <a href="http://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/the-plagiarizing-of-tammara-webbers-easy-by-jordin-williams/" target="_blank">here</a>, I believe that the accusations will hold true. Certainly, the actions of the author and of Amazon indicate that she is guilty.<br />
<br />
I do not want to broach the validity of the claims, as that is up to others and I trust the right things will be done in response. However, I think a discourse about professionalism, ethical behavior, and dedication to the consumer must be engaged.<br />
<br />
I will begin by saying that I find the actions of authors who plagiarize to be ironic. Hypocritical, even. We bemoan piracy of our work, but some among us are willing to steal from the others.<br />
<br />
The fallout will come, if it hasn't already. I have not even checked The Guardian or other periodicals hostile to independent authors. I am sure the lambasting will continue. Now, the target of their ire will be the unethical independent authors who are allowed to steal from traditionally published authors' works and make it into the top 100.<br />
<br />
The sad part is that they are right. We don't have any constraints. We have no "gatekeeper" to check our work and make sure it is original. It is bad enough that we have no one to validate our work in terms of its fitness as a literary work prepared for public consumption. We indie authors are rebels with a cause.<br />
<br />
That will be the mud that gets slung at us. And they will be right. To a point.<br />
<br />
I disagree that we do not have gatekeepers, that there exists no constraints, accountability, or repercussions for unethical business practice. I do not agree that we are all hacks with no talent that cannot get a "normal" book deal because our work is inferior. Or worse, we are in this book thing as a new business model to exploit. <br />
<br />
Our gatekeepers, our constraints, our accountability is the market itself. The readers provide the ultimate in judgment. Not that their judgment is consistent. Even the best written books in history have 1 star reviews. Even the most popular authors have detractors. In fact, it seems that the more popular a particular author becomes, the more they attract disappointed readers.<br />
<br />
But, I digress. Despite readers' fickle and contradictory natures, they provide a screen for what is deemed "good" or "acceptable." When something is wrong, and I mean really wrong, readers will sniff it out and that is the end of it.<br />
<br />
In addition, I believe this characterization of independent authors as incompetent as a whole based on this case is unjust. Our lot are not the first to participate in such incredibly repulsive business. We will not be the last, either. Traditionally published authors have participated in plagiarism, lying, making up facts, and such for years. They are not above this behavior and neither are their publishers. Isn't that right, Quentin Rowan? New York Times? Washington Post? Isn't that right, Oprah? <br />
<br />
The point, though, is that this behavior should not be condoned. Amazon did the right thing to pull it down immediately. People who went on the Goodreads page for Ms. Williams' book (which has now been pulled down, sort of) and flagged the book as plagiarized did the right thing. Readers who contacted the author with their displeasure did the right thing.<br />
<br />
The author, who has disappeared digitally in just hours after reaching as high as at least 58 in the Kindle store, did not do the right thing. Even more irony: the title of her book. Amazingly Broken. Well, she got that right.<br />
<br />
However, painting all indie authors with the "incompetent" or "exploitative" brush is also wrong. A few bad eggs exist in every bunch. We cannot all be held to the same standard as an outlier. That has been our argument all along. Whether challenging the quality of our contribution to "literature," or our devotion to our craft and art, whether pointing at the ugly covers, or the poor marketing choices, whether laughing at the rate of financial failure of authors, or staunchly defending old business models for their own sake, the critics of indie authors really have no leg on which to stand in this matter. Williams screwed up. She will pay for it. And, for a time, so will every indie author. That is unfair.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-11483193013597333132013-04-25T18:55:00.002-05:002013-04-25T21:39:51.008-05:00One Book at at Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/426308_10150758237528828_929059162_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/318976_10151277151978828_729775788_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="240" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/318976_10151277151978828_729775788_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<br />
So, I was in a little town Wednesday, doing my day job (selling commercial
roofing solutions) and I saw a little "Chapters" book store on Main
Street. I was inspecting the building next door so I stopped in and gave
the manager my card. I hoped to get an agreement for a consignment
opportunity or maybe a book signing. This town is almost 100 miles from
my home.<br />
<br />
The manager informed me that she and the owner are very
particular in what they shelve because they are limited on shelf
space. I looked around, and she was right. I noticed that the mystery
and romance sections dwarfed everything else in the store. I got the
feeling that either that was the preference of the owner and/or manager,
or it was the preference of their customers.<br />
<br />
I also noted
something that I feel is becoming very common in book stores. Most of
the window space and the front of the store was home decorations,
nick-knacks, and local memorabilia. In a store that was 25 feet wide
and about 100 feet long, the first 20 feet of the store contained very
few books. It was an education to me. <br />
<br />
In the end, she
recommended that I donate a book for them to read and to determine if
they wanted to stock the book. I chose only to offer a book that had
some local flavor or interest. I don't think I would have much chance
getting some of my other titles past their vetting. She was very nice
and the next time I trek there, I will stop in again and hope to meet
the owner.</div>
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Sometimes authors have to find personal relationships with individual book store owners. Even though most books do not find a large success in individual<a href="http://www.thepassivevoice.com/04/2013/half-the-new-titles-received-from-a-publisher-dont-sell-a-single-copy-within-a-month-of-their-arrival-in-the-bookstore/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank"> stores</a>, the long tail story is that building on a dozen stores or more can significantly impact an overall sales plan. In the end, we have to sell one book at a time. In that relationship that we build as we hand-sell that title and connect with our readers, we can find a special moment that transcends the commercial aspect of writing.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-7880750372790435362013-02-06T11:09:00.001-06:002013-02-06T11:09:21.984-06:00Book Review--HANNAH COULTER by Wendell Berry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoRrR5gHJi30rNrLnQNPKeO15FzramSLUFgXPMlIcUGGFGqBKrzK4SPv7pedSHJOPYs7dupD5RVj8hymljxxhdlBWdw_lmdS0-0KsU557jNuPyf4YUqF0qK9ofoqvbACy55XtbQTYiqiF/s1600/41dJeP6EAQL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoRrR5gHJi30rNrLnQNPKeO15FzramSLUFgXPMlIcUGGFGqBKrzK4SPv7pedSHJOPYs7dupD5RVj8hymljxxhdlBWdw_lmdS0-0KsU557jNuPyf4YUqF0qK9ofoqvbACy55XtbQTYiqiF/s1600/41dJeP6EAQL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
HANNAH COULTER is like modern Faulkner. In sentence structure, tone, scene, and subject matter,it is reminiscent of Yoknapatawpha County (Faulkner's fictional county in Mississippi). The story held little suspense, marginal character development, and no discernible plot. However, the narration of an old woman reminiscing about her life held me in sway. It was like listening to an elderly grandmother weaving tales while crocheting and swinging on the front porch. I could almost hear the squeaking of the chains on the swing and the clicking of the darning needles. <br /><br />However, even though the narration was strong, I believe it was also its weakness. At times, the circular usage of a word transcended the poetic intent to become irritating. My wife and I both read the book and made great fun of this. One reflective word, like "love" or "live," would be repeated like: "We would live in our love and love the life we lived. Nathan and I found solace in our love because it was our love..." and so on. About the middle of the book, the narrator slips into this fugue of reflexive use of key words and phrases to the point where it almost became a drudgery to continue. Rather than waxing philosophical, it became pedantic. But, I carried on and in the end decided to love the one I was with (tee-hee). <br /><br />I can recommend this book to most folk who can do without car crashes (although there is one hilarious account), people being shot, detectives solving cases, conspiracy theories, court drama, zombie apocalypses, or shiny vampires. It is a novel about place. It is a novel about acceptance, growing old gracefully, and the distorted lens of nostalgia. It is an unassuming novel that laments simpler times, simpler ways of life, and the encroachment of "civilization." In this way, it connects again, perhaps more fully, with William Faulkner's works in a thematic way.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-31007025497359838382013-01-24T22:32:00.001-06:002013-01-24T22:35:27.155-06:00Tag, You're It!I read an interesting blog post today by agent Kristin Nelson that you can find <a href="http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2013/01/where-kristin-discusses-importance-of.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The hot topic this week in publishing concerned "discovery." Meta data key words reflect one way that end users search for books (and other products online). It got me to thinking about my own "meta data," blog labels, and "tags." In the past, I have just randomly selected some words that I thought people might search and then find my book.<br />
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I did not know that tools on the internet existed that track meta data and searches. If only I had known. This would effect the words I choose. Especially considering that on Kindle Direct Publishing they only allow you a total of seven meta data tags.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8d9DVsSStF6HG7_W9CK3v6KcyKGQVzZwWLzYY27KUGe-ubymDCdhP5TwwRwWrqx1kMU1PZqaFUl32aj-bbXHsLuecT7olxFbAnIj1Iq13yDXVLzKOKelkKlI-_qZmKNUUnMMjQykAwSc_/s1600/Dark+Mountain+NEW+Ecover+112312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8d9DVsSStF6HG7_W9CK3v6KcyKGQVzZwWLzYY27KUGe-ubymDCdhP5TwwRwWrqx1kMU1PZqaFUl32aj-bbXHsLuecT7olxFbAnIj1Iq13yDXVLzKOKelkKlI-_qZmKNUUnMMjQykAwSc_/s200/Dark+Mountain+NEW+Ecover+112312.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
My debut book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Mountain-ebook/dp/B007VSY08W" target="_blank">DARK MOUNTAIN</a>, is a thriller/suspense novel that has elements of paranormal/occult and some elements of horror (especially if people actually ingesting blood makes you queasy). I chose to use meta data tags for "vampires" and "werewolves" but I declined to mention them in the description. Then, I also have this dark cover with the tag line, "Sometimes evil runs in the family." My other five tags were, well, embarrassingly bland. My name. The title of the book. "Thrillers," "suspense," and "Oklahoma authors."<br />
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I have changed them now, almost 9 months later. My tags are now, "Stephen King," "horror," "vampires," "paranormal thriller," "occult," "Lee Child," and "suspense." We will see if this increases sales. This will be an interesting experiment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6I3E3T5V8gukv8kTRLVFnAQLYQ6ECyvB1UJxfg9RCS0Q9d2nokReTyktBXlConsIVoKKXRu4dIyFU-mTwXk334tr_W3V1crOwsX2LjYFN7JPXVpWjrRY5sPIlqg8xJDtEujZ6FKeap33/s1600/Cry+Me+A+River+ECover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6I3E3T5V8gukv8kTRLVFnAQLYQ6ECyvB1UJxfg9RCS0Q9d2nokReTyktBXlConsIVoKKXRu4dIyFU-mTwXk334tr_W3V1crOwsX2LjYFN7JPXVpWjrRY5sPIlqg8xJDtEujZ6FKeap33/s200/Cry+Me+A+River+ECover.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
My newest book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cry-Me-A-River-ebook/dp/B00AKWTZPE" target="_blank">CRY ME A RIVER, </a>is a suspense/thriller with elements of romance, adventure, and espionage. It takes place in Colombia. It has an assassin, a rogue DEA agent, a handsome photographer whose family owns a drug cartel and the woman who hires him. Of course, she doesn't know his past and soon she becomes a pawn in the fight to protect the family business.<br />
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The meta data tags I chose for it seemed fitting, but lo, I have only sold two copies since December 6. I thought with the Christmas rush and the fact that I gave away over 500 copies of DARK MOUNTAIN, that I would get some attention drawn to this book. I think it has a catchy cover, but I think that maybe the market is flooded right now. I don't know. I think it is the better book. So, I am experimenting with the data tags on this one as well. I chose "Lee Child," and "Clive Cussler" for this one as well as "romance," and some other tags that have been getting hits.<br />
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We shall see. I will give it thirty days before I evaluate other ways to boost my sales. How about you guys? What are the key words you search for when you are seeking your next read?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-70966356204008435762013-01-19T00:53:00.000-06:002013-01-19T00:53:54.450-06:00De Ja YouPlots are a dime a dozen in fiction. One author, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Basic-Plots-Tell-Stories/dp/0826480373" target="_blank">Christopher Booker</a>, would have us think that there are only truly seven plots in fiction: Overcoming the Monster,
Rags to Riches, The Quest, Voyage and Return, Comedy, Tragedy, and Rebirth. Whether you agree with his assessment, regardless of the finiteness of plots, there are thousand upon thousands of STORIES. An unlimited, unfathomable, inexhaustible supply of tales. <br />
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And yet, sometimes, we can find similarities. It would be easy for one to attribute this to influence. I read Stephen King and then write a story about a girl lost in the woods, or attacked by a dog. How many stories have been written about authors who have a "dark side" and it comes out to kill? I could, if I sat and thought about it, come up with hundreds of other examples from authors ranging from Virgil, to Homer, to Shakespeare, to Hemingway, to John Irving, to James Joyce and Nathaniel Hawthorne.<br />
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But, what if I said I opened a book to peruse it and found a story strikingly like my own? One which I had never before picked up? What if I said my own story is barely published and originally written in 2008 while the book in question was published in 2010?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkg2Px3ujwijR4OhF-d1TpX0xLIIK2Fae45-9jCV7z72RzbY8Zo-EU2DSXjJf6_rwom2FkgMRxJ-X5-irOw2PCiILsaoAo9P4azdhMtpn1QnJSY938nPnQvM7byIYGcXY3q2kRX4LW3Z0/s1600/51q4RcJFMWL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkg2Px3ujwijR4OhF-d1TpX0xLIIK2Fae45-9jCV7z72RzbY8Zo-EU2DSXjJf6_rwom2FkgMRxJ-X5-irOw2PCiILsaoAo9P4azdhMtpn1QnJSY938nPnQvM7byIYGcXY3q2kRX4LW3Z0/s1600/51q4RcJFMWL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a>Some would want more proof. Alright. I have published the story in question, the first chapter of a fantasy "Work in Progress," on my website. You can find it <a href="http://www.infinitewordpress.com/#!media--extras/c1km4" target="_blank">here.</a> It is the January excerpt. While you are there on my website, take 2 seconds to enter the contest by answering one simple question. There is a small prize in a drawing to be held at the end of the month.<br />
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Now, the published work, by an author which I like, SM Stirling is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Council-Shadows-Novel-Shadowspawn/dp/B005M493D4" target="_blank">here.</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9210656397147441746"> </a> You can read the sample (the first chapter) and compare for yourself.<br />
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You can see that I don't have a naked person running through the woods, but I do write something similar: a panther that is able to communicate via telepathy. Ok, his is a tiger with black on black striping and eyes of molten sulfur (great imagery, I am sure you agree), while mine is a true panther, but there are similarities.<br />
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Now, this got me to thinking about every time I have read a fantasy that tread over the same dwarf, elf, and dragon cliche, or every police procedural that walked that familiar path of evidence, motive, accessibility, and concurrence. It also reminded me of the similarities of romances: boy meets girl, boy is a bad boy and girl finds out too late, etc. <br />
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I understand that as authors, we tap into the "Muse," and use our imaginations to concoct new, exciting, never-before-written accounts. We explore and create new worlds, our own sciences, our gods, religions, societies. We use our existing world and twist history or create new futures. Yet, every post-apocalyptic story seems similar in ways, don't they? Fantasy worlds, no matter how divergent, are familiar and share elements. Every genre has its iconic elements. Zombies lurch, vampires bite, dragons fly, women are swept up by the leading guy, and police solve crimes. <br />
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I am not trying to be negative here. I am saying that we share something. We share the wonderful world we live in and the thousand upon thousands of stories that have been and will be created. I think there is a wonder in it. Whether we are succumbing to influence or calling upon a common human theme of love, abandonment, grief, hope, triumph, quest, voyage, or death, we share a common story. We share a connection. There is no shame in what we have in common. There is no shame in our differences either because even in our individuality, we have something in common.<br />
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What about you? Have you ever come across a story like your own, even a simple element? Or have you read two books and found so many similarities that it made you wonder?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-16697492826018276492013-01-11T20:18:00.000-06:002013-01-15T13:07:26.799-06:00Death of a ProtagonistI am almost 75% through with reading George RR Martin's A STORM OF SWORDS and have invested approximately 2600 pages of reading into this amazingly gritty and realistic fantasy series he has created. Last night, as I neared the 70% mark, I almost threw the book across the room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_ncpf40P4QuvsrtSJWeEVq8SL4R7xeahEyMSgcAkW14N-USl2ZVkPXRNMXkofhdJMgZ11wVyxKr3VlsnTthUTIKOyxSL22bFEEAHS6eI-pG2CKkyniCZOXXMOQ_HK_qyHD7l6mXdz6OZ/s1600/62291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_ncpf40P4QuvsrtSJWeEVq8SL4R7xeahEyMSgcAkW14N-USl2ZVkPXRNMXkofhdJMgZ11wVyxKr3VlsnTthUTIKOyxSL22bFEEAHS6eI-pG2CKkyniCZOXXMOQ_HK_qyHD7l6mXdz6OZ/s320/62291.jpg" width="194" /></a>I don't want to spoil the story. Besides, many may not have read the books. I was mad, though. Disappointed, infuriated, annoyed, and mad.<br />
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For those that are familiar with Mr. Martin, I am sure you know what I mean. One protagonist, fine. Several flamboyant tertiary characters, alright. After GAME OF THRONES and especially A CLASH OF KINGS, I was beginning to get used to perusing the back of the book and considering striking out all the characters who are now dead. It felt novel that an author was as free with the deaths of so many characters. To be sure, he has populated this world with more characters than I have Facebook friends. To kill off a few feels like culling a herd or at the least, <i>As the World Turns</i>. Turnover is inevitable when betrayal and violence are common.<br />
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But, at the end of the chapter after the Red Wedding, I was shocked even beyond the loss I felt from the two noble wolves of House Stark. The pup, too! It cannot be!<br />
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Before you respond with condolences and a spoiler alert, I already know. I was weak and flipped through looking for Arya's chapter. Found it. Now I am wading through more about the Onion Knight and this weirdly accurate witch, Milisandre. Sometimes I wish he had put some of these story lines into another book entirely. I am always tempted to skip them. I guess some other readers may want to skip the feasts and the tourneys with their endless descriptions of armor and weapons, food and names of folk we will never meet again or that will soon be dead.<br />
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Case in point: the singer that threatened to blackmail Tyrion. Why even bother? He's dead in four paragraphs and mentioned in passing during the feast. But to what did he amount? Another corpse to add to the considerable pile. Another sick joke. I dunno. I guess I feel Martin's greatness is dulled through the continual cutting of ties with so many well-fletched-out tertiary characters that come and go so quickly. Their deaths are often more flamboyant than their lives.<br />
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Which leads me back to my original complaint and the rubbing of my cat the wrong way, so to speak. I am developing a love/hate relationship here. I am aware that some of this is manufactured. The author is deliberately pulling the strings. Characters are created for effect rather than catharsis, or triumph. As far as I can see, the great lesson, the moral of the story, as far as the Red Wedding goes is two-fold. Lords will always have bannermen that envy their positions; the only way to deal with them is with strength. The second is something that I think the author plans to use going forward: to harm others to whom you have extended hospitality under your own roof is to bring a curse upon yourself.<br />
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Despite this, I feel empty, betrayed, and am loath to trust Mr. Martin going forward. I don't know. Is it just me? I feel invested in Catelyn and Robb, Bran and to some extent, Rickon. Jon and Sam. Dany and even Ser Jorah. If these people die after we have invested 2600 pages in them and knowing that we have 2000 more pages yet to come, are we not to feel their loss? Or is that the point? Unless we care, they do not matter? Or is it what Little Finger says to Sansa?<br />
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"Always keep your foes confused. If they are never certain who you are or what you want, they cannot know what you are like to do next. Sometimes the best way to baffle them is to make moves that have no purpose, or even seem to work against you. Remember that Sansa, when you play the game...The only game. The game of thrones."--A STORM OF SWORDS pg 841.</blockquote>
What do you think?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-23465260791015737932013-01-09T13:35:00.000-06:002013-01-09T13:35:07.873-06:00Book Review--THE NEWBIE'S GUIDE TO PUBLISHING by JA Konrath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrYXzGNilLTC-m33SAiVPQ_VI2PM6QeAZQuIHlWVdxjw_l0StCtN7EdHnVg0L5OlGn95aTIRr2AdWSuulMxYMVV5voR62SVUT15blKaLsndPzwBl0koBICv8ZPrs-NryzW3evR7Mn1h0y/s1600/51TDpAL8N1L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-66,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrYXzGNilLTC-m33SAiVPQ_VI2PM6QeAZQuIHlWVdxjw_l0StCtN7EdHnVg0L5OlGn95aTIRr2AdWSuulMxYMVV5voR62SVUT15blKaLsndPzwBl0koBICv8ZPrs-NryzW3evR7Mn1h0y/s1600/51TDpAL8N1L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-66,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
I appreciated the journey, but not every avenue he took. The final
section was drudgery as much of it was regurgitated, poorly written, or
trite. I also respect the pioneer spirit for which Konrath is famous.
However, sometimes his ego is as large as Rush Limbaugh. Confidence is
an aspiring trait. Smugness and self-righteousness is not.<br /><br />If
you are considering self-publishing, or are just a writer and curious,
this tome can be instructive, inspirational, and at times witty.
Konrath's humor waxes from droll to dirty, but his wit is as fine-edged
as a sickle. The thing that I liked most about this book was that it
contained as much about the craft and business of writing as it did the
finer details of self-publishing. In terms of self-publishing, the
material answered more of the "Why?" of self-publishing (the moral,
ethical, financial, and cerebral reasons) than the "How?" (formatting,
cover art, editing, marketing, etc.).
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-45382757443045044892013-01-04T17:03:00.000-06:002013-01-04T17:03:35.718-06:00A Giving Mood<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl1ozML_SURVg0X2OOW1WV3_1ub9DpN72Q-ym7MvATvEKXh_7MvJUDfxllYFKWYYasZHh7Q6KSO31lgLdrnxf8odgJKyzKERdmjhF0MGQxyg3Je37SRBv4IfOx9uqITog3O9GSyR4ZG09/s1600/51NYymLFw6L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sometimes evil runs in the family." border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl1ozML_SURVg0X2OOW1WV3_1ub9DpN72Q-ym7MvATvEKXh_7MvJUDfxllYFKWYYasZHh7Q6KSO31lgLdrnxf8odgJKyzKERdmjhF0MGQxyg3Je37SRBv4IfOx9uqITog3O9GSyR4ZG09/s200/51NYymLFw6L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" title="Dark Mountain" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Mountain-ebook/dp/B007VSY08W" target="_blank">Dark Mountain</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have been in a generous mood lately. I just wrapped up a three-day free Christmas download offer for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Mountain-ebook/dp/B007VSY08W" target="_blank">DARK MOUNTAIN</a>. Over 400 people downloaded it this time. Now, over 2,000 people have a copy of Dark Mountain. I am excited and humbled. <br />
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I want to keep spreading the love, so I have been giving away three signed paperback copies of <a href="https://www.createspace.com/4055432" target="_blank">CRY ME A RIVER</a>. I am doing this via Goodreads.com. So, if you have a Goodreads account, you can still enter to win until noon Saturday, January 5th. Click on the link on my <a href="http://infinitewordpress.com/" target="_blank">website</a> or go to Goodreads and click on "Explore" and then "Giveaways" and then scroll down until you find CRY ME A RIVER. As of this post, over 400 people have requested to enter for the three free copies. The giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK0CRvzFLII2SR0W8VNRwG_Lv9qS67LDexFVWV90ng26i_WpsvE3xq6HcoMk6FqzSDQ6ScOoUhJtg2d7wMH-kvqDlifnZROn413uKoBR-xqsVXiAC5sni5qI0OQ7PUsjkeA0ZpFLFCv5X/s1600/51xwE9e2jiL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK0CRvzFLII2SR0W8VNRwG_Lv9qS67LDexFVWV90ng26i_WpsvE3xq6HcoMk6FqzSDQ6ScOoUhJtg2d7wMH-kvqDlifnZROn413uKoBR-xqsVXiAC5sni5qI0OQ7PUsjkeA0ZpFLFCv5X/s200/51xwE9e2jiL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cry-Me-A-River-ebook/dp/B00AKWTZPE" target="_blank">Cry Me A River</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, now I have concocted another giveaway. On my website I have been offering monthly excerpts of my writing. For the month of January, I have decided to run my first Quarterly Reader's Appreciation Contest. To enter the drawing for a free Scentsy plug-in, simply read the short (less than three thousand word) excerpt and answer the question in the month of January. Rules and more information are provided as well as book trailers, and previous excerpts to read.<br />
<br />
I plan to continue being generous. My next title, MANIC MONDAY is set to release by the end of February and I will be offering it only on Amazon, at an introductory price of 99 cents! It is the first of the MONDAY CHRONICLES and I am super excited about it. Also, I will be offering DARK MOUNTAIN for free 5 times every 90 days, so watch out for those giveaways if you haven't already downloaded it.<br />
<br />
Why am I doing this? I want to expand my readership is the simple answer. Also, I am naturally generous. My dream is that every title I offer is read by at least ten thousand folks. I don't know 10,000 people personally, so I am relying on good old "word of mouth." So, if you like my writing, or like me, please spread the word. Thank you in advance. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-78617861417434502052013-01-02T18:37:00.000-06:002013-01-03T13:20:22.369-06:00Book Review--LOVE DOES by Bob Goff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA0yTn7VoHiCY5CBveW1RsqkMBH2EvsjOm9ip8wJkzVB5q2rOZK8lrOhRPArPx7J66ulrZK3as-c8B7IT4picCqSEjt79YYGeucprp3k9IV5ox-luIE6ldMT3X2JQ2uwcGgDl6_0cUyWq/s1600/LoveDoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA0yTn7VoHiCY5CBveW1RsqkMBH2EvsjOm9ip8wJkzVB5q2rOZK8lrOhRPArPx7J66ulrZK3as-c8B7IT4picCqSEjt79YYGeucprp3k9IV5ox-luIE6ldMT3X2JQ2uwcGgDl6_0cUyWq/s320/LoveDoes.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
I am so glad that our youth minister, Mike Baskett, gifted this to me.
It is a delightful book and made me laugh, inspired me, and made me
almost cry at one point. That is a feat. <br />
<br />
I highly recommend
this book to people who may struggle with faith from a standpoint of a
cerebral, bookish approach. Some people are more inclined to do, rather
than to analyze, theorize, or be a spectator. This book is for those
people who like to do. <br />
<br />
This book encourages us to grow closer
to God, to have a more personal relationship with Christ by being
servants, allowing Him to use us, and move us. Bob is a quirky fellow,
and his writing style is indicative of his whimsical nature. I am so
glad I read this book. It is perhaps the best individual book of faith I
have read outside of the Bible itself.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-37579442398759858132013-01-01T23:52:00.001-06:002013-01-01T23:52:57.819-06:00Happy New YearIt is a new year. I launched three titles in 2013. I have several titles planned for this new year. This means new writing goals. New opportunities. New relationships with new readers. I am excited about the stories I have to tell and the potential readers who will have a chance to enjoy them.<br />
<br />
New writing goals means that I need to be on this blog more in 2013. <br />
<br />
So, here is my resolution: I will post once every week at minimum. <br />
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Most of these posts will be in the form of writing tips, some will be excerpts of stories, some will be reviews of books, and some will be simply discussion about reading, writing, or publishing.<br />
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If you are reading this and are not a follower please consider joining me on my writing journey. I love to interact with fans, to share stories, to discuss characters and plot, grammar and punctuation. Come along, comment, and "Like," check out my website or click on the links around my posts. Life is about engagement, it is about being a participant. Join with me on this adventure and let's do something great together.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-47939630276217322692012-12-02T01:36:00.000-06:002012-12-02T01:36:17.783-06:00Formatting BluesI love being an author. I love being my own publisher. Mostly. <br />
<br />
Except when I can't get formatting correct.<br />
<br />
Ok. Be prepared to bored. Unless, of course, you are anal retentive and/or detailed oriented. Then, this might be some exciting stuff.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
See, books are more difficult to craft than they appear. First off, finishing a story of 60,000-100,000 words or more is a massive undertaking. Most people will tell you they have a book idea in them or have always written stories. I did that for years. Until I sat in the chair and did the WORK, I didn't realize how difficult it is to FINISH.</div>
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Secondly, books are not easy to get to them to appear the way they do. Why is that? It LOOKS easy. I suppose, in a world where I own my own copy of Adobe InDesign, formatting a book may just be a matter of the mastering the learning curve of the software. It is not for the faint of heart. And, neither is formatting a print book using Microsoft Word.<br />
<br />
I will refrain from going into the gory, boring details of all the ins and outs of publishing a book. However, to enlighten you a smidge, allow me to use one example. It is difficult to align the text at the bottom of page while not sending the first sentence of a paragraph to the next page or to finish a paragraph on the top line of the next page (called "Widows" and "Orphans"). <br />
<br />
Microsoft Word has a button you can choose that will automatically fix the widows and orphans. However, this causes several other odd occurrences. One thing it does is once in a while the lines at the bottom of facing pages do not line up. So, on the left hand page, the page ends one line up from the page number (or bottom of page), and on the right hand page, it ends two or three lines up. <br />
<br />
This may not sound like a great big deal. It is. A book needs to "look" a certain way. You may pick up a book with improper formatting and not realize what is wrong with it exactly, but you will probably be able to tell it was done by an amateur. Like me.<br />
<br />
So, I learned how to fix both problems. Sometimes it requires some creative paragraphing. Sometimes it requires some careful pruning or growing of the words used. It makes you look back over those two facing pages and ask the fateful question. "Is there anything here I don't need?" Or, an equally daunting question, "Should I add more here? What and where can I add?"<br />
<br />
When the editing is finally finished, I want the book to look a certain way. For DARK MOUNTAIN, I was merely tickled to have it on the bookshelf. For my next books, I want to perfect the craft of publishing.<br />
<br />
That goes true for my writing as well. Since I feel a greater affinity for the writing, for the cathartic process of cutting open a vein and bleeding onto the keyboard, I don't feel I am far from hitting my stride. I have a lot of room to grow my writing, but my graphic arts and publishing skills are just starting to shed the starter feathers. In contrast, my writing is ready to fly, I just need to get the altitude right.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-87338852348110164192012-12-02T01:13:00.001-06:002012-12-02T01:13:34.733-06:00About DeadlinesNormally, I love deadlines. They give me a finite amount of time to procrastinate. <br />
<br />
When deadlines are self-imposed, they seem more wishy-washy. Except, I was serious about my deadline for CRY ME A RIVER. And, I was serious about getting a play script together for my High School drama group for LTC.<br />
<br />
However, due to some plot snags and some huge deviations from my original outline, I managed to get the entire manuscript finished about a month before my deadline. Then editing happened. I had to change a lot. I had Create Space formatting problems. I wrestled with look and feel of the book. <br />
<br />
Finally, I submitted a (mostly) edited copy for proofing. I ordered that proof copy about a week before my deadline. It took six days to receive the proofs. <br />
<br />
Granted, the cover looks stupendous. However, I am finding more and more corrections to make. In addition, I have it submitted to two beta readers and my copy editor (my wife). She is still poring over the book and so I get regular updates on more of my idiotic mistakes. However, she isn't finished. Plus, I still haven't received feedback from my two beta readers. <br />
<br />
Once the editing/beta reading stage is finished, I will get it edited, re-formatted and submitted for publication immediately. So far, the changes are minor. It is such a good story, I am excited to have people read it.<br />
<br />
But, I feel like I am missing some opportunity. I wanted to make the Christmas rush.<br />
<br />
This whole deadline thing got me to thinking. Why am I so concerned about a deadline? I am not going to get demoted. Although many people are still looking for gifts for the holidays, I think the post-Christmas boom for ebooks will be greater than the pre-Christmas sales.<br />
<br />
And the play. Well. I am just being lazy. I want to get it written. I even have some great ideas that fit the theme and meet the criteria of the group. I am just feeling like it won't get done until January. I think my feeling is that over the next four hectic weeks, my drama group is NOT going to memorize their lines. The only good thing is that if I prepare it for the deadline tomorrow, we will be able to make changes to it so that we can have an edited copy by January's practice. <br />
<br />
Meh. <br />
<br />Now I think I am ambivalent to deadlines. Sure, they still give me a finite time in which to procrastinate. However, I just want more time.<br />
<br />
Do you relish or dread deadlines? Or, are do you care?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-75937865980076296952012-09-25T19:01:00.000-05:002012-09-25T19:01:27.183-05:00Good Day Green Country PromotionI was so happy when my friends from The Book Place in Broken Arrow contacted me to let me know they were promoting my book, DARK MOUNTAIN, on Good Day Green Country on FOX Channel 23 Tuesday, September 25th. <br />
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I embedded the video at the top left of this page. Check it out! <br />
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I was so excited to be mentioned in the same breath with the PC Cast, The Pioneer Woman, Dr. Oliver, JK Rowling! Such an incredible feeling.<br />
<br />
And if you haven't read my book yet, you can get it locally at The Book Place, or click through the orange link on the left here to get to my website, www.infinitewordpress.com. It's available on the Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and Apple ereader devices and you can also get a paperback shipped directly to you from Amazon.<br />
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Thursday, I hope to have a copy of the article that will run in the Weston Democrat from an interview I had with reporter Susan Bentley. God is so good.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-9973740217863707672012-08-10T15:22:00.001-05:002012-08-10T15:24:17.220-05:00Reviewing the reviewersWe are a culture that has grown accustomed to reviews. We review restaurants, movies, sports, television shows, and products. Reviews are what help consumers make choices. I want some good sushi, I will read what reviewers think. I want to make sure that hotel I just booked doesn't have mice, I will read the reviews on hotel.com. <br />
<br />
Reviews and reviewers are common and an important part of marketing. No one wants a bad review of their new theatre production or make-up collection, or oil change service. <br />
<br />
Two opposing problems are beginning to surface in the world of reviewing and I think books are getting hit the hardest by these excesses. <br />
<br />
First, the overly glowing review. Sometimes, people over react. Maybe the lasagna <em>was</em> the best you ever tasted, but are you sure? Maybe it <em>is</em> a great book, but is that adjective inclusive of a large range of greatness? <br />
<br />
The first thing that I think of when I read an overly glowing review is: "Who cares what their Mom thinks, anyway?" Worse, sometimes I wonder if the author PAID to have someone say that. In infomercials the advertiser is required by law to say that the people on camera were compensated for their appearance. <br />
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The reason for this is because it skews things. If someone made me ride the Total Gym and filmed it without my consent and didn't compensate me for it, they may not be able to use my opinions of the contraption to market their product. Pay me a few hundred dollars and prepare me for the experience and I will try to say something nice. You know, because everyone's watching. I'm not dishonest, I am just easy to manipulate.<br />
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Am I imagining these things? No. Some indie authors actually talk about it openly on forums. I just shake my head. As if indie authors weren't getting enough bad rap for the writing (most times, deserving, I know), now we are paying people to say nice things on Amazon just to falsely promote our stuff?<br />
<br />
When someone reads my books, do I want them to review it? YES! I even ask (read, beg) people I know who have read the book to take the time to review it for me. I don't care if they give it 3 stars out of 5. If that is their honest opinion, I will accept it. Plus, I need their feedback. I wanna get better, tell stories that resonate with people, create characters that people remember. With honest feedback like unbiased reviews, I can do that. But, will I ever PAY someone to do it, or even give away my book with the understanding that it will get a 5 star review before they even finish reading it? No.<br />
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The opposite end of the spectrum is the negative review. I understand when someone doesn't like a book (except for mine, of course). But, sometimes people go overboard. Look, I have endured some really bad movies. I just turn the thing off. If something offends me, bores me, makes me uncomfortable, or isn't my cup of tea, I try not to be too harsh. I might say: "It was so bad I turned it off and put it back in the mail to Netflix." Or, if the food is so bad or the service so horrible, I just don't tip, or go back to eat there. <br />
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I am not advocating not leaving a negative review. Don't get me wrong. Maybe someone else will be helped by learning that your local pub has cockroaches, or the waitress will hit on your husband unabashedly right in front of you. I just think that there is a decorum and a sense of right that needs to be followed. Sometimes, we Americans, especially we Christians, get too wrapped up in our own sense of righteous indignation. Sometimes, bigots, racists, atheists, functioning illiterates, and self-serving cynics leave reviews so scathing that their biases are evident. Maybe we feel some sort of calling to warn those other Christians, or bigots, or racists as to the nature of the poor novel or novelist. <br />
<br />
An example would be a Christian who would dain to read the 50 SHADES stuff. If they were brave enough to read that sort of book and then give a 1 star review with scathing remarks and a huffy manner, it doesn't really do what they wanted it to do. They made themself look worse than the book and might have just sold a few more copies of it. Conversely, if a person that is bigoted toward people from the Middle East were to leave a blistering review of THE KITE RUNNER, their bias may be so strong that people can see through it and buy the book just because they felt sorry for the author. <br />
<br />
Negative reviews, and there are a plethora of them even for the most popular and well regarded books, are most often the least helpful reviews. The three-star to four-star reviews often reflect more insight into the book and why it didn't work for that particular reader. Often, what is repugnant or boring to one reader will be exactly what another reader is wanting from their next read. The problem with negative reviews is that so much vitriol is expended about the level of just how poor the novel is, they don't give salient and intelligent reasons for why they hate said trash. <br />
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So, I guess I can sum this up by saying that reviews are important. If you have something good to say, be honest. If you have something negative to say, be specific. More to the point, specificity is global when it comes to reviews. <br />
<br />
Let me know what you liked: the characters, the way the book had twists and turns, the way it ended. If it sucks monkey butts, let me know why. Was the author's grammar so poor, you couldn't read it (I have had that happen a couple of times), was the drama too dramatic, or do you have a specific bias that the author just happened to rub the wrong way? Just admit it. Say it. That way I can review your review and maybe put a one star beside it instead of having a review smack-down right there on Amazon or Goodreads with you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210656397147441746.post-41931574382720152302012-07-17T14:47:00.001-05:002012-07-17T15:18:30.243-05:00Nittany Lion Death PenaltyI usually post about the writing craft: tips, book reviews, grammar nuances, essence of a story, etc. Today, I wanted to rant a little.<br />
<br />
First, I need to make it plain that I am in no way a Penn State fan. Never liked Joe Pa, really. Thought it was silly that he hung on past his prime, past his ability to coach. It was extremely egotistical and nostalgic for him to insist and the Penn State powers that be, to relent to his coaching past his 76th birthday.<br />
<br />
There, I said my peace on that.<br />
<br />
With all that behind me, I feel that the discussion of a "death penalty" for the university football team is a complete over-reaction to the sins of the father. I have heard this "sins of the father" bit spat out by well-meaning journalists and critics. The matter at hand is a larger, broader failure than a single football team, a single university. <br />
<br />
This phrase assumes first that Joe Pa was the father. He allowed the criminal, Jerry Sandusky, to continue his role with the university even after learning of Mr. Sandusky's proclivities. This was a grievous and unforgivable error, for sure. His storied career, his influence on young men, his legacy were tarnished by this one error of judgment. The crime, the criminal, his enablers, and the football department caused irreparable damage to the image of the school, the sport, and the NCAA in general. <br />
<br />
But, we are missing the point. <br />
The punishment of a "death penalty" does not fit the crime, nor does it fit as a proper punishment for the president, coach, athletic director, coaching staff, and student athletes of the university. Sandusky deserves a life sentence without parole, or worse. Joe's statue probably needs to come down, mostly due to the bad taste and the message of condoning it sends. But, the death sentence is a poor, desperate attempt for those with righteous indignation (and well-deserved) to appease their sense of justice.<br />
<br />
But, punishing a football program whose leader has passed from this life, whose athletic director, and school president no longer work for the university, serves to punish only those who had no direct bearing upon the crimes, the criminal that perpetrated them, or the blind eyes that were turned and allowed it to continue. A death penalty only punishes the students, the personnel, the boosters, the fans, and the people who are left to pick up the pieces from this unprecedented mess.<br />
<br />Our society is guilty of doling out meaningless punishment of demanding justice in as many ways as possible. The death penalty would be indicative of a punishment brought about because the public sentiment demands that a wrong was perpetrated and needs to be punished--justice must be meted out. Employees of Penn State managed to look the other way while a co-worker committed heinous crimes against children. These atrocities are both deserving of punishment. A death penalty for the university is perhaps the wrong target for that punishment. What do you think?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08257647241697248404noreply@blogger.com0