And just like that, the glass ceiling shatters, raining down shards of glittering frustrations and dashed ambitions down upon the floor.
I now have a contract with Ellechor Publishing company for The Lost Scrolls. True, I haven't signed it yet - that'll happen this week after I have a lawyer friend take a look-see through it just to be sure everything's all copastetic, but I'm pretty-well decided on the matter.
Nothing will happen for a few months after the signing. Then, in February we'll start the editing process to be sure the manuscript is in tip-top shape before going to press. I have a few weeks to paw through the material myself and snip any dangling threads, tie up any loose dialogue or verbage, etc.
It isn't slated to come out until March/April of 2012, timed to the summer reading season. We're obviously too late to make it happen in time for 2011. No worries.
In the meantime, this means I can dust off any sequels and other Christian-market works I have and try to get them ready for the next go-around. Ellechor is asking for first right of refusal on any Christian action/adventure stories I develop from here on out for the foreseeable future. I'm down with that. Dance with the girl what bring ya, y'know?
My Jefferson's Road series will remain untouched by this agreement, because it's targeted to the general market. Which is fine with me. I'd rather keep JR to myself, for now.
But since I've made it as a published author, I'm ready to shatter the next ceiling, and become a successful published author (meaning the book has to sell well) or even a best selling author (meaning sell really well), all the way to multiple best-selling author and multiple best-selling author with film deals.
I know that's a long way off yet. May, in fact, be the final result of a twenty-five year career at this (assuming I retire at 67, which won't happen), but that's okay. This first major milestone has been reached. Actually, I suppose it's the second, since the first was actually finishing a novel.
Anyway, I'm delighted, excited, and looking forward to a long and prosperous future. God is good!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Now that's what I'm talking about!
Check out this five star review on Amazon:
Now that just makes me feel all warm and excited inside! I don't know who Jaffy is, except that he/she read my book and thoroughly enjoyed it. This makes me feel great as a writer, and inspires me to keep going on the next installment. I've got someone waiting for it!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking!, August 20, 2010
| By | Jaffy - See all my reviews |
This review is from: Jefferson's Road: The Spirit of Resistance (Kindle Edition)
Well written, well researched book! I highly recommend it! It's nice to see a writer who has the intestinal fortitude to address such topics. Keep up the good work! I anxiously await the next installment! Oh, one more thing! You cannot pass on the price! $2.99?! It's on my iPhone and kindle!Now that just makes me feel all warm and excited inside! I don't know who Jaffy is, except that he/she read my book and thoroughly enjoyed it. This makes me feel great as a writer, and inspires me to keep going on the next installment. I've got someone waiting for it!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Big Changes for The Autographs
I had a bit of an epiphany a few weeks ago regarding my previous novel, The Autographs. One of the sticking points for those who've read it had to do with the romance between Izzy and Jonathan. Given that Isabel was married to Stephen, who dies early on in the book, any thought of a relationship just felt "distasteful." And it would be, too.
Unless Izzy wasn't married to Stephen. Or in love with him that way at all. I finally realized that Isabel is Stephen's sister, not wife. Thus, Jon going after Stephen's integrity while they were in college together still calls upon Isabel's loyalty for her brother, but as the truth comes out, she is able to soften her stand and still have room in her heart for Jon.
This done, there may be one or two edits left (like giving a few lines to Anthony about how he thinks the Autographs would disprove Jon's belief in the reliability of scripture), but I think I'm ready to seriously start marketing this to agents.
Oh, and I've retitled it as well. It's now called The Lost Scrolls. I've worked up some potential cover art for the book, in case I decide to self-pub or go the e-book route. Here is what it looks like now.
I'll keep you posted as to how it goes.
Unless Izzy wasn't married to Stephen. Or in love with him that way at all. I finally realized that Isabel is Stephen's sister, not wife. Thus, Jon going after Stephen's integrity while they were in college together still calls upon Isabel's loyalty for her brother, but as the truth comes out, she is able to soften her stand and still have room in her heart for Jon.
This done, there may be one or two edits left (like giving a few lines to Anthony about how he thinks the Autographs would disprove Jon's belief in the reliability of scripture), but I think I'm ready to seriously start marketing this to agents.
I'll keep you posted as to how it goes.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
New article on E-publishing at AuthorCulture
Click the link above to go to my most recent article, posted courtesy of Linda Yezak.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Reviews for Jefferson's Road
I'm posting some of the reviews I've received so far from the good people at Authonomy. All in all, this is a pretty good showing for the book, given that it's only been up there for a couple of days.
You have crafted a most intriguing and complex storyline. I like your choice to use the first person narrative voice. This allows you to convey, and you do it well, Peter's feelings, observations and thoughts. Your character development of Martin and Peter is well done and your descriptive writing makes your work a pleasure to read. Backed.
- Andrew Burans, The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning
____
You sure write well.
Very impressed
Yasmin Esack, THE DATE
____
Fantastic (hopefully!) idea for a book. I loved the way you dived straight in with the dialogue! Backed.
- Gordon, The Harpist of Madrid.
____
Dear Michael
What a thoroughly interesting premise for a book, and quite the original read. Your characters are strong, so much so that this was not the book to open when I wanted to go to bed, cant put it down. i I will carry on reading and comment further on as I would like to get this book of yours backed to assist it on the climb to the top.
Backed for sure by me...The VERY best of luck with your book
Denise
The Letter
____
Intriguing, entertaining start.
I enjoyed the opening scene very much, and the pace keeps up; well written, witty, and following a strong storyline.
- AlleJo
____
This is a story based on an interesting premise: what would happen if a guy decided that killing a President could lead to revolution? It’s doubly interesting because the person who will be responsible for stopping Martin’s plan is his brother – and brother/brother battles are always interesting. You have good contrast between the two brothers. Makes this a good read. I’m adding it to my shelf.
- Burgio, Grain of Salt
____
Exciting book, always running at a fast pace.
Well thought out and descriptive. You have a good writing talent that shines through.
I like it . Backed. and SHELVED.
- Neville, The Secrets Of The Forest
____
Dear Michael,
This is an excellent piece which I am more than happy to back. Thrillers are always my favorite genre and by the tone of your synopsis I know this one's going to keep me on the edge of my chair. Backed with pleasure
- Helen, The Last Dream
___
Darn good beginning, Michael.
I confess, I just skimmed cause I'm not in the mood for reading right now. I'll check out some more of it later. Still, I see competent writing and good structure right off the bat, so I'm sure you're going to carry this off well. I'll go ahead with the backing now. Best of luck with it.
- Groaner
____
Very clever title, this always inspires confidence and the brother's spat drew me right in. Well done.
- Paula Barrett, Cuthbert-how mean is my valley
____
Excellent! Easy to back for talented and creative writing!
- Liz, The Cheech Room
You have crafted a most intriguing and complex storyline. I like your choice to use the first person narrative voice. This allows you to convey, and you do it well, Peter's feelings, observations and thoughts. Your character development of Martin and Peter is well done and your descriptive writing makes your work a pleasure to read. Backed.
- Andrew Burans, The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning
____
You sure write well.
Very impressed
Yasmin Esack, THE DATE
____
Fantastic (hopefully!) idea for a book. I loved the way you dived straight in with the dialogue! Backed.
- Gordon, The Harpist of Madrid.
____
Dear Michael
What a thoroughly interesting premise for a book, and quite the original read. Your characters are strong, so much so that this was not the book to open when I wanted to go to bed, cant put it down. i I will carry on reading and comment further on as I would like to get this book of yours backed to assist it on the climb to the top.
Backed for sure by me...The VERY best of luck with your book
Denise
The Letter
____
Intriguing, entertaining start.
I enjoyed the opening scene very much, and the pace keeps up; well written, witty, and following a strong storyline.
- AlleJo
____
This is a story based on an interesting premise: what would happen if a guy decided that killing a President could lead to revolution? It’s doubly interesting because the person who will be responsible for stopping Martin’s plan is his brother – and brother/brother battles are always interesting. You have good contrast between the two brothers. Makes this a good read. I’m adding it to my shelf.
- Burgio, Grain of Salt
____
Exciting book, always running at a fast pace.
Well thought out and descriptive. You have a good writing talent that shines through.
I like it . Backed. and SHELVED.
- Neville, The Secrets Of The Forest
____
Dear Michael,
This is an excellent piece which I am more than happy to back. Thrillers are always my favorite genre and by the tone of your synopsis I know this one's going to keep me on the edge of my chair. Backed with pleasure
- Helen, The Last Dream
___
Darn good beginning, Michael.
I confess, I just skimmed cause I'm not in the mood for reading right now. I'll check out some more of it later. Still, I see competent writing and good structure right off the bat, so I'm sure you're going to carry this off well. I'll go ahead with the backing now. Best of luck with it.
- Groaner
____
Very clever title, this always inspires confidence and the brother's spat drew me right in. Well done.
- Paula Barrett, Cuthbert-how mean is my valley
____
Excellent! Easy to back for talented and creative writing!
- Liz, The Cheech Room
Monday, July 26, 2010
First Review of Jefferson's Road Is In!
Hey all, the first review of Jefferson's Road is in. I've copied it straight from amazon's website.
From Linda Yezak (pprmint777)
"The reasons were compelling--reasons he'd thought of himself. Reasons he himself had written in cyberspace for all the world to see. Reasons to kill the president.
But his brother wanted him to go beyond writing about it, beyond talking about it.
His brother wanted him to pull the trigger.
Tension builds throughout this novel as discussion segues into action; suspense mounts from the question always dangling in the forefront of reader's mind: will he do it?
Michael Scott's masterfully written novel explores what could be the very real, very private thoughts of angry American citizens . . . and what would happen if those citizens acted on their thoughts.
Chillingly realistic; frightfully feasible."
That nicely sums it up, IMHO. Thanks, Linda!
From Linda Yezak (pprmint777)
"The reasons were compelling--reasons he'd thought of himself. Reasons he himself had written in cyberspace for all the world to see. Reasons to kill the president.
But his brother wanted him to go beyond writing about it, beyond talking about it.
His brother wanted him to pull the trigger.
Tension builds throughout this novel as discussion segues into action; suspense mounts from the question always dangling in the forefront of reader's mind: will he do it?
Michael Scott's masterfully written novel explores what could be the very real, very private thoughts of angry American citizens . . . and what would happen if those citizens acted on their thoughts.
Chillingly realistic; frightfully feasible."
That nicely sums it up, IMHO. Thanks, Linda!
Friday, July 23, 2010
My First Sale!
Today I sold the very first copy of the very first book I've ever placed on Amazon. Wow. This is a pretty cool feeling, everyone. I don't know who bought it, or really even what they think about it. I hope they enjoy it and tell their friends.
I also hope very much that we can repeat this experience many, many times over. If we sell even a hundred copies, it'd be a nice chunk o' change to drop in our account. If we sell as many as I hope, this could be the first drop in a waterfall about to break through the dam of frustration that's held back my hopes for so long.
I also hope very much that we can repeat this experience many, many times over. If we sell even a hundred copies, it'd be a nice chunk o' change to drop in our account. If we sell as many as I hope, this could be the first drop in a waterfall about to break through the dam of frustration that's held back my hopes for so long.
Pretty cool feeling. Doing the happy dance. :)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
More Exposure for Jefferson's Road
So I see there have been seven samples of Jefferson's Road downloaded from Smashwords. This is a good thing, I think. And my views at youtube have been climbing a bit as well. It's up to forty right now. I still don't have any purchases yet, which is just as well, given that I found two errors last night that I had to correct. One had Peter calling the bullets "incendiary rounds" instead of "armor-piercing," and the second was a simple typo, but one of the kind that totally changes the word, and therefore the meaning of the sentence.
I've uploaded the most recent versions to Amazon and Smashwords, but it's a bit frustrating that I'm still finding things like these after having "fine-tooth combed" the manuscript so many times already. My only consolation is that the previews available on Smashwords won't get you this far into the story line (I think I allow something like 33%), and since nobody's purchased it yet, no one has discovered the errors in something they've actually paid for. But what it does do is give me an appreciation for the tremendous vetting job that gets done with traditional publishing (and even then you can still find mistakes).
Regardless, I have to move to the next stage of my "marketing" plan, which is to announce the book is available on Smashwords and will be available in Barnes and Noble, Borders, and for the I-phone within a few weeks. Also, I will be letting people know (soon) that I've created a fan page for the novel as well.
The goal is just to keep the book in front of people, keep reminding them that it's out there, in the hopes that someone picks it up and actually reads it. In the meantime, I still don't have any reviews of either the book or the video, so I may need to start actively soliciting those as well.
In about two week's I'll be sending out my mass email letting everyone know the book is available as an e-book, and then we'll see what happens from there.
Meanwhile, I'm writing chapter eleven of Patriots and Tyrants.
I've uploaded the most recent versions to Amazon and Smashwords, but it's a bit frustrating that I'm still finding things like these after having "fine-tooth combed" the manuscript so many times already. My only consolation is that the previews available on Smashwords won't get you this far into the story line (I think I allow something like 33%), and since nobody's purchased it yet, no one has discovered the errors in something they've actually paid for. But what it does do is give me an appreciation for the tremendous vetting job that gets done with traditional publishing (and even then you can still find mistakes).
Regardless, I have to move to the next stage of my "marketing" plan, which is to announce the book is available on Smashwords and will be available in Barnes and Noble, Borders, and for the I-phone within a few weeks. Also, I will be letting people know (soon) that I've created a fan page for the novel as well.
The goal is just to keep the book in front of people, keep reminding them that it's out there, in the hopes that someone picks it up and actually reads it. In the meantime, I still don't have any reviews of either the book or the video, so I may need to start actively soliciting those as well.
In about two week's I'll be sending out my mass email letting everyone know the book is available as an e-book, and then we'll see what happens from there.
Meanwhile, I'm writing chapter eleven of Patriots and Tyrants.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Patriots and Tyrants Cover Art
I'm somewhere in the middle of chapter ten of Patriots and Tyrants, the next mile on Jefferson's Road, but I thought it might be cool to show you what the cover art looks like for when the book is finished. I've modified it somewhat from a previous version, to reflect the font changes made to The Spirit of Resistance.Anyway, let me know what you think.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Glacial...
So the newest favorite activity at the Scott home is checking to see whether or not any books have sold. After all, it's been what, forty whole hours since I posted Jefferson's Road online? We ought to be rolling in dough by now!
Sigh.
I try to explain to people that this takes time. I told the fam, "Give it a month," only to hear, "What if it doesn't sell in a month?" I said, "Give it a year, then. This won't happen overnight, you know."
I'm truly grateful that I've picked up as much exposure as I have to this point. So far, the book trailer has been viewed more than thirty-five times (and I've only been responsible for maybe half of them - assuming it does record me every time I log in to see how many have viewed it), and the book has had five samples downloaded from Smashwords - and that's without me even announcing that it's available on Smashwords.
And it's only been 40 hours!
But we live in a microwave culture, and everyone wants what they want yesterday. Personally, I'd rather it take some time and build correctly. There are marketing steps I won't even take until next week (like announcing the book is available on Smashwords... okay, maybe here, but not on Facebook.) and the week after (like announcing there's a fan page on Facebook. Okay, maybe here, but not on Facebook! Not yet, anyway). The goal is to keep putting this novel in front of people every little bit at a time and pray that a few bits stick together until a snowball forms, until an avalanche starts. But it takes time, people!
Soon. Everything will come together when it's supposed to. In the meantime, I have a second book to write. I only have nine chapters done, and I'm expecting at least fifty for this one.
Sigh.
I try to explain to people that this takes time. I told the fam, "Give it a month," only to hear, "What if it doesn't sell in a month?" I said, "Give it a year, then. This won't happen overnight, you know."
I'm truly grateful that I've picked up as much exposure as I have to this point. So far, the book trailer has been viewed more than thirty-five times (and I've only been responsible for maybe half of them - assuming it does record me every time I log in to see how many have viewed it), and the book has had five samples downloaded from Smashwords - and that's without me even announcing that it's available on Smashwords.
And it's only been 40 hours!
But we live in a microwave culture, and everyone wants what they want yesterday. Personally, I'd rather it take some time and build correctly. There are marketing steps I won't even take until next week (like announcing the book is available on Smashwords... okay, maybe here, but not on Facebook.) and the week after (like announcing there's a fan page on Facebook. Okay, maybe here, but not on Facebook! Not yet, anyway). The goal is to keep putting this novel in front of people every little bit at a time and pray that a few bits stick together until a snowball forms, until an avalanche starts. But it takes time, people!
Soon. Everything will come together when it's supposed to. In the meantime, I have a second book to write. I only have nine chapters done, and I'm expecting at least fifty for this one.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Jefferson's Road Is Now Available Online!
And it's in! Here is the link to Jefferson's Road: The Spirit of Resistance on the Amazon Kindle!
Now all I have to do is let others know how to find it, and create a few more avenues on how to get it.
Now all I have to do is let others know how to find it, and create a few more avenues on how to get it.
Jefferson's Road Is Live
And just like that... the book is live and available on Amazon.com. Of course, no one can find it yet. I think it might take another day before the search function works.
Jefferson's Road Is Going Live
Just to give you an update, I've checked the status on Amazon, and Jefferson's Road is now in "Publishing" status, which means they're converting it from a Word doc into the Kindle format. It'll take a couple of days (assuming there are no hiccups, which from reading the forum posts, there often are), and then the book will be available for purchase. I've only listed it at $3.99.
Once this is done, I'll upload the video trailer to Youtube, announce it on my Facebook page, and create a fan page.
I will also be setting up a couple of other locations in which to purchase the book for those who don't have Kindle.
Once this is done, I'll upload the video trailer to Youtube, announce it on my Facebook page, and create a fan page.
I will also be setting up a couple of other locations in which to purchase the book for those who don't have Kindle.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
A Day at The Theme Park
So today the whole family is going to Darien Lake for a day of fun and frivolity amidst the rides and water slides. Meanwhile, we're praying against rain because we don't want to get... wet.
Have I mentioned that I hate theme parks? I mean, like, passionately? I've explained this to the fam, and they've threatened to leave me home (probably appropriately), but I'd rather go and paste on a smile than face the wrath of having missed out on a day for the kids. They want me to go and they want me to like it. Whether I like it or not.
So I'm going. I'm missing out on my writers' group tonight as well, which is a double-whammy. It gets frustrating, because until I can show an income from this writing, I cannot legitimately justify (to them) the time needed to develop these stories.
So hopefully, Amazon will approve my Kindle book and I can start selling it and earning some bucks from it.
This isn't so I can escape from the kids. Honest. I just don't like being made to feel guilty for doing something that I love, something that I believe will make life better for all of us once I make it.
At least I can pack a notebook and pen...
Have I mentioned that I hate theme parks? I mean, like, passionately? I've explained this to the fam, and they've threatened to leave me home (probably appropriately), but I'd rather go and paste on a smile than face the wrath of having missed out on a day for the kids. They want me to go and they want me to like it. Whether I like it or not.
So I'm going. I'm missing out on my writers' group tonight as well, which is a double-whammy. It gets frustrating, because until I can show an income from this writing, I cannot legitimately justify (to them) the time needed to develop these stories.
So hopefully, Amazon will approve my Kindle book and I can start selling it and earning some bucks from it.
This isn't so I can escape from the kids. Honest. I just don't like being made to feel guilty for doing something that I love, something that I believe will make life better for all of us once I make it.
At least I can pack a notebook and pen...
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Coming Soon to Amazon.com...
Yes, I've gone and bit the bullet. I've submitted Jefferson's Road: The Spirit of Resistance to Amazon.com as an e-book for their Kindle reader.
Really hoping I haven't just stepped in a big ole' pile of poo.
Anyway, I will keep this blog posted on what happens--if anything--with the book. Assuming Amazon approves it for their store (it's that whole "Is this guy recommending sedition?" thing that's got me a bit nervous, truth be told), then I'll announce it on Facebook, create a fan page there, and upload the (slightly revised) video below to youtube and any other video site I can think of. I'll also be announcing the book on the Tea Party website I joined a while back, as well as anywhere else I can think of.
I'm sure a mass e-mail wouldn't be too inappropriate, either. Yeah, it's SPAM, but it's my address book. Just saying.
For anyone curious why I'd do something like this, check out the following links. You'll see what I mean.
http://christianwriters.com/showthread.php?t=31559
http://christianwriters.com/showthread.php?t=31569
Thanks for listening.
Really hoping I haven't just stepped in a big ole' pile of poo.
Anyway, I will keep this blog posted on what happens--if anything--with the book. Assuming Amazon approves it for their store (it's that whole "Is this guy recommending sedition?" thing that's got me a bit nervous, truth be told), then I'll announce it on Facebook, create a fan page there, and upload the (slightly revised) video below to youtube and any other video site I can think of. I'll also be announcing the book on the Tea Party website I joined a while back, as well as anywhere else I can think of.
I'm sure a mass e-mail wouldn't be too inappropriate, either. Yeah, it's SPAM, but it's my address book. Just saying.
For anyone curious why I'd do something like this, check out the following links. You'll see what I mean.
http://christianwriters.com/showthread.php?t=31559
http://christianwriters.com/showthread.php?t=31569
Thanks for listening.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
On The Edge...
I'm still officially awaiting word from Kelly Mortimer about whether or not she'll represent Jefferson's Road: The Spirit of Resistance. Meanwhile, I'm hearing more and more good things about self-publishing via e-books and P.O.D., and I must confess: I'm seriously thinking about it.
For one thing, there is the chance to utterly control the content, artwork, format - everything about my book. That's nice.
Another thing, there is the chance to earn some money sooner rather than later, and more regularly than a traditional press paying me maybe twice a year.
Final thing, there is the real opportunity to get this book out there now, rather than later, when the market conditions (read: political climate) is ripe for something like this. I feel an urgency with this book, and I don't know if I'm willing to wait the one and a half to two years it'd take to get it out there for the world to see. Honestly, this has nothing to do with impatience on my part to see my work in print (okay, maybe a little, but a very little, I promise!). It really has to do with the urgency I felt to put together a story like this in the first place, and the warning I sought to issue about the divisive rhetoric I'm hearing on both sides of the aisle.
So what's holding me back? Well, on the one hand, I don't feel like withdrawing my query to Ms. Mortimer. I committed when I sent it to her, and I feel like I should honor that commitment until/unless she turns it down.
More to the point, I know enough about marketing to know that I'm no good at it. There are so many ways to do this, I'm pretty much bound to do it wrong.
I realize, of course, that that's the fear talking, and shame on me for letting fear run my writing career. I didn't shy away from putting the story together in the first place, I mustn't let fear dictate my success (or lack thereof) now.
What I do need to do is this: devise a full-fledged marketing plan. Everything from step one through step one thousand about how to assemble this book, build the connections, and market it to the right people, and deliver it through the right vehicles. At this point, I don't believe I know enough about how to do this to do it effectively, and I'm anxious to learn.
So here's the thing: I'll give Kelly first right of refusal on this because she asked for a partial. But in the meantime, I'm going to plan and prepare for how to publish this book myself in every way and every where I can. Who knows? Even if she says "Yes," to it, this information may only serve to benefit my future success. And if she does turn it down, then I'll be better prepared to go it alone, like so many other beginning and midlist authors are having to do.
Now all I gotta do is figure out the best way to do this...
For one thing, there is the chance to utterly control the content, artwork, format - everything about my book. That's nice.
Another thing, there is the chance to earn some money sooner rather than later, and more regularly than a traditional press paying me maybe twice a year.
Final thing, there is the real opportunity to get this book out there now, rather than later, when the market conditions (read: political climate) is ripe for something like this. I feel an urgency with this book, and I don't know if I'm willing to wait the one and a half to two years it'd take to get it out there for the world to see. Honestly, this has nothing to do with impatience on my part to see my work in print (okay, maybe a little, but a very little, I promise!). It really has to do with the urgency I felt to put together a story like this in the first place, and the warning I sought to issue about the divisive rhetoric I'm hearing on both sides of the aisle.
So what's holding me back? Well, on the one hand, I don't feel like withdrawing my query to Ms. Mortimer. I committed when I sent it to her, and I feel like I should honor that commitment until/unless she turns it down.
More to the point, I know enough about marketing to know that I'm no good at it. There are so many ways to do this, I'm pretty much bound to do it wrong.
I realize, of course, that that's the fear talking, and shame on me for letting fear run my writing career. I didn't shy away from putting the story together in the first place, I mustn't let fear dictate my success (or lack thereof) now.
What I do need to do is this: devise a full-fledged marketing plan. Everything from step one through step one thousand about how to assemble this book, build the connections, and market it to the right people, and deliver it through the right vehicles. At this point, I don't believe I know enough about how to do this to do it effectively, and I'm anxious to learn.
So here's the thing: I'll give Kelly first right of refusal on this because she asked for a partial. But in the meantime, I'm going to plan and prepare for how to publish this book myself in every way and every where I can. Who knows? Even if she says "Yes," to it, this information may only serve to benefit my future success. And if she does turn it down, then I'll be better prepared to go it alone, like so many other beginning and midlist authors are having to do.
Now all I gotta do is figure out the best way to do this...
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Video Trailer for Jefferson's Road
Okay, so here is the new video trailer I just produced for Jefferson's Road: The Spirit of Resistance. I'm curious to get anyone's thoughts out there. Just one caveat: no, the book isn't available on Amazon yet (or anywhere else for that matter). I'm just prepping the marketing stuff ahead of time, because even if no traditional press buys this book, I'm going to publish it anyway. Print On Demand, if I have to.
Anyway, let me know what you think.
All right, enough of that now. I have to get back to work on Patriots and Tyrants.
Anyway, let me know what you think.
All right, enough of that now. I have to get back to work on Patriots and Tyrants.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Do You Believe in Prophecy?
A friend and I get together for breakfast every other week or so - just two guys trading ideas, stories and the like, sharing what God is doing in our lives and how He's calling us to serve Him next. He told me that he thought God might've spoken to him in his quiet time, and that he thinks God told him that I would get a book contract in a week.
That was on June 25th.
Naturally, I had him write this down on a scrap of paper I'm keeping in my wallet, but I thought I'd record it here as well, just because... you know... just in case it's true.
I don't doubt for a minute that God can speak today. I've heard His voice myself a time or two (at least once He yelled at me. Deservedly so, of course). Some like to assert that God doesn't speak anymore, but I find those arguments unbiblical. It's not like He has cosmic laryngitis or anything. And why would He give us the indwelling presence of His Spirit if He didn't aim to talk with us now and again?
Of course, that doesn't mean we always hear Him right. I think it's fairly easy to insert our own wishes in place of God's actual voice, and maybe that's what my friend has done. Which is kinda cool in its own right - means I've definitely got people pulling for me on this one.
On the other hand, maybe he did hear from God. I guess we'll find out in a few days.
On a different note, I've been working up a book trailer for Jefferson's Road. Yeah, I know - it ain't published yet. But I've pretty much decided that it's going to be - one way or another. If Kelly Mortimer declines to represent it, and no one else picks it up, I'm going to go ahead and use a POD printer to get it done - then find a way to get it into as many hands as I can. I figure I'll have to do some marketing anyway, even if it is picked up by a traditional house, so it won't hurt to be prepared.
Thing is, it's just one of those stories that needs to be told. There's too much crap coming down the pike not to do something about it. I fear for my country - not so much from what the current adminstration is doing, but from how it continues to divide us. I don't think the rifts will heal, and with continual pressure pulling us in both directions, I don't foresee us holding together as a people much longer.
I know I sound like some kind of moderate. I'm really not. But I don't think the Left will let up until they've destroyed the country, and I don't think it will be much longer before the Right is so fed up that they do something rash - like the Baird's in Jefferson's Road.
In a way, Jefferson's Road is my own prophetic warning. See, it ain't really about killing the President at all. It's about a new Civil War ravaging our country - a war based not on geography, but on ideology. No convenient lines will demark the battle fronts. Not even red state vs. blue state. I'm anticipating a complete, societal meltdown. That's what I want to warn against. I just hope somebody's listening.
Maybe you think I'm being overly dramatic. Maybe you think it can't happen here (thank you Sinclair Lewis). Or maybe it's already happening. I read about bricks being tossed through election headquarters and political volunteers getting roughed up. Protests and counter-protests. People getting arrested for daring to pray in public (happened in Elmira). Assaults on free speech. And the President appointing more leftist czars than you can shake a stick at. I keep an eye on the news, and I think "It can't be long now," and I just feel such an urgency to finish the next book and get these stories out there before it's too late.
Back on 9-11 the whole country came together because we had a readily identifiable enemy. But our togetherness didn't last long, did it? That's the problem. There are two ways to unite a people. You either give them a common vision, or you give them a common enemy. We don't have a common vision anymore. So common enemies are all that work.
Nietzsche said, "Only a horizon ringed about with myths can unify a culture." The common myths that made us Americans have been under assault now for generations, and I fear that the new generations don't even know what it means to be an American anymore. And without that common vision, and without a common faith in a Creator God, we will not stand much longer. A strong wind will blow us down like a hollow oak. Anyway, that's just my take on things.
That was on June 25th.
Naturally, I had him write this down on a scrap of paper I'm keeping in my wallet, but I thought I'd record it here as well, just because... you know... just in case it's true.
I don't doubt for a minute that God can speak today. I've heard His voice myself a time or two (at least once He yelled at me. Deservedly so, of course). Some like to assert that God doesn't speak anymore, but I find those arguments unbiblical. It's not like He has cosmic laryngitis or anything. And why would He give us the indwelling presence of His Spirit if He didn't aim to talk with us now and again?
Of course, that doesn't mean we always hear Him right. I think it's fairly easy to insert our own wishes in place of God's actual voice, and maybe that's what my friend has done. Which is kinda cool in its own right - means I've definitely got people pulling for me on this one.
On the other hand, maybe he did hear from God. I guess we'll find out in a few days.
On a different note, I've been working up a book trailer for Jefferson's Road. Yeah, I know - it ain't published yet. But I've pretty much decided that it's going to be - one way or another. If Kelly Mortimer declines to represent it, and no one else picks it up, I'm going to go ahead and use a POD printer to get it done - then find a way to get it into as many hands as I can. I figure I'll have to do some marketing anyway, even if it is picked up by a traditional house, so it won't hurt to be prepared.
Thing is, it's just one of those stories that needs to be told. There's too much crap coming down the pike not to do something about it. I fear for my country - not so much from what the current adminstration is doing, but from how it continues to divide us. I don't think the rifts will heal, and with continual pressure pulling us in both directions, I don't foresee us holding together as a people much longer.
I know I sound like some kind of moderate. I'm really not. But I don't think the Left will let up until they've destroyed the country, and I don't think it will be much longer before the Right is so fed up that they do something rash - like the Baird's in Jefferson's Road.
In a way, Jefferson's Road is my own prophetic warning. See, it ain't really about killing the President at all. It's about a new Civil War ravaging our country - a war based not on geography, but on ideology. No convenient lines will demark the battle fronts. Not even red state vs. blue state. I'm anticipating a complete, societal meltdown. That's what I want to warn against. I just hope somebody's listening.
Maybe you think I'm being overly dramatic. Maybe you think it can't happen here (thank you Sinclair Lewis). Or maybe it's already happening. I read about bricks being tossed through election headquarters and political volunteers getting roughed up. Protests and counter-protests. People getting arrested for daring to pray in public (happened in Elmira). Assaults on free speech. And the President appointing more leftist czars than you can shake a stick at. I keep an eye on the news, and I think "It can't be long now," and I just feel such an urgency to finish the next book and get these stories out there before it's too late.
Back on 9-11 the whole country came together because we had a readily identifiable enemy. But our togetherness didn't last long, did it? That's the problem. There are two ways to unite a people. You either give them a common vision, or you give them a common enemy. We don't have a common vision anymore. So common enemies are all that work.
Nietzsche said, "Only a horizon ringed about with myths can unify a culture." The common myths that made us Americans have been under assault now for generations, and I fear that the new generations don't even know what it means to be an American anymore. And without that common vision, and without a common faith in a Creator God, we will not stand much longer. A strong wind will blow us down like a hollow oak. Anyway, that's just my take on things.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
And I keep waiting... waiting on my world to change
Update: After several months of going back and forth with rewrites and such, Steve Laube has chosen to decline representation for The Autographs. Sigh. It's not a big, big deal. Disappointing, sure, but I'm a big kid. I can deal.
The good news is that I now have a much stronger manuscript for the experience, and I plan to submit to a couple of smaller publishing houses in the next couple of weeks to see if I can't get anything started there.
The Spirit of Resistance (formerly called The Spark) is awaiting notice from Kelly Mortimer, who, according to her blog post of June 23, is caught up to the end of February on her submissions. This means I might not hear anything before September. Not that I'm in a great hurry, or anything. I once PM'd Michael Snyder and made the comment that the pace of publishing was glacial. He readily agreed. It certainly feels that way, and I guess that's just a frustration I'll have to get used to.
I'm still working on Patriots and Tyrants, and I'm tinkering with several others - waiting for something to reach out and grab me. The books at issue are Rock of Ages - an apocalyptic thriller about an attempt to blow up the Al Aqsa Mosque in order to rebuild the Jewish Temple; Waterless Places - a faerie story in the tradition of Raymond Feist's Faerie Tale, and an untitled alien abduction story with tie-in's to the apocryphal Book of Enoch.
BTW, if anyone wants a creepy read, you should check out the Book of Enoch. Even if we accept a second century B.C. date for the book, it still predicts a judgment upon the hybrid children of angels and humans (Genesis 5) coming in the seventieth generation from Enoch (which happens to be Jesus). Just creepy. There's more, of course, but I don't want to give away all the juicy tidbits which might find their way into the story line.
Anyway, four novels at once is too much for anyone to keep in their head. The ironic thing is that I have the most written on The Seven Sleepers, but I find that my characters still need a lot of development, and there's a ton more research to do if I want to do it justice, so it's effectively on the back burner with the fire off. Of course, if I do manage to sell The Autographs, I'll pull it out and get working on it right away. Nothing like an upcoming sequel to help the contract along.
The good news is that I now have a much stronger manuscript for the experience, and I plan to submit to a couple of smaller publishing houses in the next couple of weeks to see if I can't get anything started there.
The Spirit of Resistance (formerly called The Spark) is awaiting notice from Kelly Mortimer, who, according to her blog post of June 23, is caught up to the end of February on her submissions. This means I might not hear anything before September. Not that I'm in a great hurry, or anything. I once PM'd Michael Snyder and made the comment that the pace of publishing was glacial. He readily agreed. It certainly feels that way, and I guess that's just a frustration I'll have to get used to.
I'm still working on Patriots and Tyrants, and I'm tinkering with several others - waiting for something to reach out and grab me. The books at issue are Rock of Ages - an apocalyptic thriller about an attempt to blow up the Al Aqsa Mosque in order to rebuild the Jewish Temple; Waterless Places - a faerie story in the tradition of Raymond Feist's Faerie Tale, and an untitled alien abduction story with tie-in's to the apocryphal Book of Enoch.
BTW, if anyone wants a creepy read, you should check out the Book of Enoch. Even if we accept a second century B.C. date for the book, it still predicts a judgment upon the hybrid children of angels and humans (Genesis 5) coming in the seventieth generation from Enoch (which happens to be Jesus). Just creepy. There's more, of course, but I don't want to give away all the juicy tidbits which might find their way into the story line.
Anyway, four novels at once is too much for anyone to keep in their head. The ironic thing is that I have the most written on The Seven Sleepers, but I find that my characters still need a lot of development, and there's a ton more research to do if I want to do it justice, so it's effectively on the back burner with the fire off. Of course, if I do manage to sell The Autographs, I'll pull it out and get working on it right away. Nothing like an upcoming sequel to help the contract along.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
What I've Been Up To Lately
So, ever since abandoning this blog about a year ago, I've remained busy. Still active on Christian Writers forums. Most importantly, I've finished two novels. The first is The Autographs, which I've submitted to agent Steve Laube for his consideration. The second is the first installment of a political thriller series called Jefferson's Road. The Spirit of Resistance is the first book. The sequels are entitled Patriots and Tyrants, The Tree of Liberty, God and Country, and We The People. I don't know for certain that I can pull off so many books on essentially the same subject, but since the good ole USA keeps giving me so much material, I think it worth the attempt.
Of course, I've started working on Patriots and Tyrants. It picks up right where The Spirit of Resistance leaves off - though I'm not fully committed to starting it this way. I may decide to go the route Lucas took with the Star Wars series and leave a gap of several weeks, months, or even years between the books. Whichever works out better. Right now, though, I only have what I have.
Also, naturally, I have a sequel to The Autographs called The Seven Sleepers that I've been working on. It's a fun adventure - not at all as serious as the Jefferson's Road books. I'm a little better than half done at this point.
The problem with it is that I haven't developed the characters as well, and I think I'm gonna have to go back and put some more of that in there. It just dawned on me the other day, though, so I haven't really taken a look at how feasible this will be. No doubt, it'll throw off the chapters and everything, but if the story is solid, it'll be worth the effort. I have found a novel with a similar premise, which is helpful for the query (because for some reason, no one wants to see a book that's completely original - even if it is. But then, since I've just found something similar, how original can I claim to be? Enough. I came up with my storyline without any awareness of this other book at all - so if I'm not original, at least I'm independent.). I plan to sign it out of the library (if available) and give it a read soon. It might spark some additional ideas, but I'd rather stay with what I have on my own.
Other than that, I am at least back to work, and I'm fortunate in that my schedule allows me time to write even while I'm at work. God is good.
Of course, I've started working on Patriots and Tyrants. It picks up right where The Spirit of Resistance leaves off - though I'm not fully committed to starting it this way. I may decide to go the route Lucas took with the Star Wars series and leave a gap of several weeks, months, or even years between the books. Whichever works out better. Right now, though, I only have what I have.
Also, naturally, I have a sequel to The Autographs called The Seven Sleepers that I've been working on. It's a fun adventure - not at all as serious as the Jefferson's Road books. I'm a little better than half done at this point.
The problem with it is that I haven't developed the characters as well, and I think I'm gonna have to go back and put some more of that in there. It just dawned on me the other day, though, so I haven't really taken a look at how feasible this will be. No doubt, it'll throw off the chapters and everything, but if the story is solid, it'll be worth the effort. I have found a novel with a similar premise, which is helpful for the query (because for some reason, no one wants to see a book that's completely original - even if it is. But then, since I've just found something similar, how original can I claim to be? Enough. I came up with my storyline without any awareness of this other book at all - so if I'm not original, at least I'm independent.). I plan to sign it out of the library (if available) and give it a read soon. It might spark some additional ideas, but I'd rather stay with what I have on my own.
Other than that, I am at least back to work, and I'm fortunate in that my schedule allows me time to write even while I'm at work. God is good.
Monday, May 17, 2010
It's been a while since I've written anything here, which is just a long way of saying I don't think I get the whole "blogging" thing. Anyway, rather than simply eliminate this blog, I think I'm going to give it one more go. I'm not sure exactly what I'll post on here, but I will try to be more attentive.
I just spent about fifteen minutes trying to get my identity changed so this blog will feed to the correct email account. Boy, what a pain! I've switched addresses more frequently than I normally do (I still have an active aol account from way back when, but my other accounts have moved around quite a bit), which meant I didn't even know how to log in and make changes - it's been so long.
Anyway, I'm back. I'll do a little updating of the info, and then we'll see where this goes. If anywhere.
I just spent about fifteen minutes trying to get my identity changed so this blog will feed to the correct email account. Boy, what a pain! I've switched addresses more frequently than I normally do (I still have an active aol account from way back when, but my other accounts have moved around quite a bit), which meant I didn't even know how to log in and make changes - it's been so long.
Anyway, I'm back. I'll do a little updating of the info, and then we'll see where this goes. If anywhere.
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