So Long 2021

At my age, I'm not one who wishes my life away, but I must admit that I'm glad  2021 is behind me.

It wasn't a particularly bad eight months of the year for me as a writer because I had two novels published — Make Room for Family on February 1 and Reunion of Familiar Strangers on September 1. I also had several successful book-signing events and the novels have had reasonably well online sales.

However, since September, I've been at a loss for words. And that's not good for a writer. It was my hope to get reenergized in November in the National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, but I produced only 5,000 or so words the first few days before zoning out to an empty wasteland.

Even with this blog,  I only posted three times in the past four months, and this will be the fourth if it sees daylight before midnight. 

My goal is to get refocused and get back to writing beginning Jan. 1. During these semi-barren months, I have been thinking about the sixth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. I believe I have some ideas to proceed. Only time will tell. 

I confess that I get moody about things swirling around me, such as the seemingly never-ending COVID-19 virus that has affected lives in countless ways. I especially feel for those who have lost loved ones to the deadly disease which has claimed nearly 825,000 lives among the 54 million cases in the U.S. (globally, nearly 5.4 million deaths and almost 283 million cases) And sadly, more will die in the coming months. My unsolicited advice is to be vaccinated, if not for yourself, then for those who care about in your life. At the very least, wear a mask. Their lives may depend on it. 

The political turmoil in the United States hasn't lifted my spirits. I worry that the damage done will take years to repair. I fear the future that my sons, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and others may face as our democracy appears to be on the brink of collapse.

 I hope America will experience a great awakening, a renewed spirit in creating "a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity" before it's too late. 

While I wasn't able to write a lot, I did read a lot. More than 30 books in the Goodreads reading challenge. I plan to do the same in 2022.

You've probably heard the aphorism that "writers write." That's what this writer will be doing in 2022. And a lot of other things in the new normalcy.

I wish you success, health, and happiness as we embark on a new year. 

Until the next time . . .

NaNoWriMo Fail

 I gave it a shot but I couldn't complete the National Novel Writing Month, better known as NaNoWriMo, challenge in November. 

I only wrote for about a week, knocking out only 5,000 or so words, before throwing up my hands and giving up. I kept thinking I would get back into it after a day or so, but those days turned into a week and the week into weeks. 

And then it was over.

I suppose the reason for not going full bore into the challenge, as I have done on previous occasions, is that I didn't have anything to write (or say). I'm a pantser, and when I write, I get into a groove and the words begin to flow like a river. This time I must have hit a dam or some other impediment that stopped me cold on the keyboard.

Looking back, perhaps I should have put more into planning. Maybe compose a synopsis of sorts to guide me along the way. I've done that in the past and it helps me work through dry spells. 

I've chatted with some other authors who said the pandemic has stifled their creativity. I'm not sure I have much of an excuse since I had two books, "Make Room for Family" and "Reunion of Familiar Strangers," published this year. If there is an excuse, I wrote one in 2020 and completed the first draft on the other in June. Most of my time after that was in editing and then promoting the books. 

I still have plans of writing the sixth novel in the "John Ross Boomer Lit Series" in 2022, and seeing it published later in the year. I've been self-brainstorming (is that a word?) and feel that I have some key ideas to build a story around. 

I know writers have periods where they sense a lack of motivation. Many simply need a virtual kick in the rear. That's what I need.

Until the next time . . .

Back to NaNoWriMo Challenge

 It's been two months since the release of my last novel, Reunion of Familiar Strangers, the fifth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series.

Now it's time to move on after spending time promoting the book, and frankly, taking a breather from writing. For those who follow this blog, you may have noticed this is my first post since Sept. 1.  

But while the creative writing was put on hold,  I've done some research in the interim as part of the preparation for my next novel in the series.

So tomorrow (Nov. 1), I'll take on the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenge of writing a novel in 30 days. I've participated in four challenges since  2012, and each produced a published work.

The goal is to average 1,667 words a day for the entire month to reach 50,000 words. I've never written a 50k novel, so I continue until the first draft is completed. Sometimes that runs through December and into the first weeks of the new year. I usually end up with more than 75k words, and I add and subtract from that while going through several rewrites/revisions before the work is completed to my initial satisfaction.

What I like about the plunge is that it keeps me focused on writing each and every day. I've always been an early riser so that's what I'll turn my attention to every morning after I feed my dogs and get some coffee in my system to clear the cobwebs in my head.

Are any of you taking on the challenge?

Until the next time . . .

Publication Day of New Novel and Some Recent Reads

The fifth book in my John Ross Boomer Lit series, Reunion of  Familiar Strangers, hits the online bookstores today.

The e-version of the novel has been available on preorder from Amazon since Aug. 27. It should now be in both e-book and print if everything goes as planned from Wings ePress. And with the book being printed and distributed by Lightning Source, a division of Ingram, it is available to bookstores, libraries, and other places that sell and purchase books.

  

In this novel, John and Sally attend his 50th high school class reunion. It's an event that has been mentioned in the four previous books. He doesn't want to go but reluctantly agrees to because his daughter Chloe has paid all expenses as a gift to him.

John runs across an array of old classmates, creating a sense of mixed emotions in him. Some he wishes he had stayed in contact through the years, several he remembers by name only, and a few he didn't care to ever see again. I hope it's an enjoyable read, one that brings back many good memories and possibly a few bad remembrances as you recall your reunions.

And now a couple recent reads:

Noel Prince seeks answers to an array of problems in this coming-of-age novel, the second book in Chris Boucher's "Pivot" series for young adults. The story centers on his later father's actions while serving in Afghanistan and how it affects the family. Noel's tenacity drops him in the middle of an event that proves enlightening in his search for the truth. Basketball plays a role in this story about family.

Three 66-year-old men get together for a mini-reunion on Cape Code. They are longtime friends but have traveled different paths through the years. The one thing they have in common is a woman who disappeared from their lives. Richard Russo provides adequate backstory in this novel about how lives intersect over the course of time. Russo is the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Empire Falls. 

Until the next time . . .

Mackinac Island: A Trip Back in Time

 My wife and I fulfilled a "bucket list" trip earlier this month when we traveled to idyllic Mackinac Island to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. 

Overlooking the bay

The 4.35 square mile island is located on Lake Huron,  between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. The islet is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Mackinac Island State Park covers about 80 percent of the area.

While the island has been a popular destination since the late 19th century, the 1980 movie "Somewhere In Time," starring Jane Seymour, Christopher Reeve, and Christopher Plummer,  brought more exposure to the picturesque locale. A popular event is the Somewhere in Time Weekend (Oct. 29-31), held annually at the hotel.

Grand Hotel 

After arriving at Mackinaw City (lower peninsula) or St. Ignace (upper peninsula), visitors board ferries to the island that takes about 25 minutes to reach one of three docks. One of the views, as you approach the island, is the majestic Grand Hotel, a 19th-century Victorian-style structure that overlooks the bay. 

Hotels, restaurants, fudge shops, historic buildings, parks, and churches, and souvenir stores line  Main Street, from one end to the other. Something you won't see is motorized vehicles since they are prohibited on the island (the exception is carts on the Grand Hotel golf course but that's because the grounds are private property.)

Bicyclists rule the streets

If there's something you have to watch out for, it's bicycles so look both ways before crossing the street.  You'll see hordes of bicyclists traversing the numerous paths and roads on the island. A lot of folks bring their bikes on the ferry to tour the island. Visitors can also rent bikes.

"Road apples"

There are horse-drawn carriages and buggies that take visitors to most places (we took a leisurely tour on a carriage). And the island being so small, you can walk to many places or hike the marked paths in the forested parts. But be careful where you step because horses leave their mark in various places (a carriage driver referred to the clumps as "road apples.") 

Fort Mackinac

Besides the Grand Hotel (where we splurged on lunch but didn't stay), other points of interest include Fort Mackinac, St. Ann's cemetery, Arch Rock, and several museums. We especially enjoyed touring the fort and hearing about its history from the costumed guides. The restaurants were a bit pricey, but the food was very good. My wife liked the whitefish at Mary's Bistro Draught House.

You'll discover that fudge is a popular product, so much so that Mackinac Island is regarded as "America's Fudge Capital," with an annual festival dedicated to the sugary concoction (Aug. 27-29 this year). 

While sitting on the porch of the Lake View Hotel, we talked to a couple from Troy, Ohio, frequent visitors to the island. The man said little has changed since his parents took him there in the 1950s. I bet if you could go back in time to the '50s, perhaps his parents would say it hasn't changed much since the turn of the century.

That's a big part of the charm of Mackinac Island, an escape that harkens back to a simpler time and place.

Until the next time . . . 

Cover and Title Reveal of New Novel

 We're a month away from the publication of my next novel, the fifth in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. 

And today, I'm announcing the title and revealing the cover. Drum roll, please:

The cover was designed by graphic artist Trisha Fitzgerald-Jung, who has produced many covers for Wings ePress in the past few years.  She designed the last two  books in the series, "New Horizons" and "Make Room for Family."

As the title suggests, John and Sally Ross attend his 50th high school reunion, an event mentioned in the first novel, "Old Ways and New Days," in 2015. He's not keen about going but reluctantly decides to make the trip because his daughter, Chloe, has picked up the tab for everything. It turns out to be a memorable blast from the past as he encounters old friends and "familiar strangers."

This is my 11th novel and should be available on pre-order at Amazon and Barnes and Noble soon. If you're interested in a postcard announcing the book, send your address to michael.embry@gmail.com. I have a limited supply so get in touch with me soon (put "Postcard" in the subject line).

Until the next time . . .

Spreading the Word About Blurbs

Are blurbs more effective in brick-and-mortar stores where prospective readers could pick up the book off a shelf and read the blurbs on the back cover or on one of the inside front pages? Or are they stronger on websites with catchy phrases to lure in potential readers?  

In other words, do they help readers find out what the book is about and generate sales? 

There are basically two types of blurbs. One is generated by the author or publishing house and generally found on the back cover.  Other blurbs are solicited by authors or publishing houses for use in an author's book. But there are exceptions. 

Gelett Burgess, an American humorist, author, and artist, coined the word in 1907, defining it as "a flamboyant advertisement; an inspired testimonial." He used it in the promotion of his book, "Are You a Bromide?" 

All of my novels have blurbs, written by me. Several include additional blurbs from others who read the advanced reader copy, and I've written blurbs on books for authors. I've read blurbs on digital and traditional books. And I've ignored some blurbs because they are basically sales pitches and generally over the top in praise. Not that there's anything wrong with that but most of us know the primary reasons they're used—to attract attention and increase sales.

When I write blurbs or ask for them, I prefer those that capture the essence of the novel in two or three sentences. If the blurbist (is that a word?) can do that, then there's no reason for any hyperbole. Believe me, it's difficult to do that in a few sentences.

But what do others say about blurbs?

The blogger Charvi maintains in a post that blurbs "can seriously make or break your book." She believes they give readers some knowledge about the book's genre; provide readers with an idea of what they're reading; and give a hint as to the writing style (of course, that depends on the author's blurb). 

A post on Busybird says the blurb "defines what the book is about in 200 words" and that it creates mystery but "mystery can't give the story away." In other words, arouse the reader's interest to read the book. 

Besides writing a good book worthy of readers, it takes a strong blurb and eye-catching cover art as well as word-of-mouth recommendations to gain a degree of attention in a packed and growing marketplace that had more than 750,000 books published in 2020.

I suppose I should add one more element to a book's success: luck. 

Until the next time . . .    

 

Writing in the Mood

 While having lunch with a longtime friend, he mentioned that he enjoyed my novels but confessed that he almost couldn't finish one because he found it depressing. 

He said he stayed with it and was relieved when it lightened up to some extent. I thanked him for the feedback. I told him that the novel probably reflected my state of mind at the time, but also that it was a mood that I wanted to convey to the readers. From his observation, I believe I succeeded.

The novel in question is Old Ways and New Days, the book that launched my John Ross Boomer Lit series in 2015 (I retired that same year).

The story begins with John Ross clearing out his office, where he was sports editor at a newspaper. The paper is being downsized so he takes an early buyout. But he is depressed as part of his life has been turned upside-down. He has spent most of his adult life in the workplace. Now he has to find a new purpose in life. 

John wrestles with these feelings of emptiness for part of the book until he gets involved in a community activity. He has a wife who provides moral support.  He also gets a dog. And then he begins to reconnect with some old friends, all retired, who help him gain perspective on his life.

There are various moods in novels and other forms of fiction as well as nonfiction — from dark to humorous to melancholy to fatalistic and everything in between and beyond.

Mood is created by the characters, especially the protagonist and that person's state of mind. In Old Ways and New Days, John was depressed by the turn in his life. He was in a deep funk. 

Mood is also conveyed in settings. The opening setting with John, alone in his office, putting personal belongings, books, and memorabilia in a box. While that initial scene invokes sadness, later scenes in the book have him accepting these "new days" in his life.

John drives home in the dark, alone in his thoughts, he thinks about the previous years he spent at the newspaper and what the future will hold for him. 

As the series has moved on to three other books, and a fifth being released on Oct. 1, they present different moods as John is dealing with new challenges and opportunities in his life. 

Different moods can be felt with novels, while some carry from the first page to the last. And when deciding on what to read, don't we also choose books depending on our mood at the time?

For more tips about mood, check out these posts (and Google for more):

Literary devices: Mood

Novel writing: How to create strong mood

How to set the mood in your novel

Until the next time . . .

Manuscript Report: Galley Finished and Recent Reads

It's been a while since I last posted (a little more than two months) and there's really no excuse for it. I believe it may have been a mild, or perhaps moderate, case of writer's block because I've never gone that long without posting something.

Did you miss me? Don't answer that! 

It's not like I've been sitting around doing nothing I've read two manuscripts from friends for blurbs to be included when their novels are published. 

I also read another book, mine. 

It was the galley to proofread for any typos or other problems. It's probably the 12th or 13th time I've read the manuscript, which will be a published work on Oct. 1. I'll have another post about it in a week or so that will include the cover. 

As for the galley, I didn't find many things to fix, which is good. And I thought the novel read well — if I say so. I thought my editor and copyeditor did a great job in preparing the novel for readers. 

It will be the fifth novel in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. The most recent was "Make Room for Family," which was released last Feb. 1. Time flies. 

Here are couple recent reads from the young adult market: 

Ken Hodge's coming-of-age story about a boy growing up in Oregon in the decade before World War II. Hamilton Skutt, the narrator, has plenty of tales to tell, with some salty language to go along with his humorous escapades with family and friends. Skutt certainly had a colorful life that brought him into contact with lots of people including a mysterious Mexican who enters and leaves his life, always handing him a card that has him perplexed about what it means. 

Mike Ryan weaves a time-travel novel for young adults that provides history lessons as well. The story centers around Gordon Beckwith, a history buff, who lands a summer job working in the Massachusetts government. He discovers a time portal that carries him back to the Revolutionary War. The story presents interesting characters, mostly young teens, who bring diverse backgrounds as they try to grow and work together. Until the next time . . .

Manuscript Report: Back to the Editor and Recent Read

My latest manuscript is back in the hands of my able and trusting editor. She'll make the edits, send it on to a proofreader, and format the work into a galley proof. 

I probably added another 800 words to the manuscript, bringing the total to about 60k. There were some transitions needed between scenes, dialogue fixes, and additional descriptive passages in the "show, don't tell" category.

The galley will return to me for a final read and minor edits for any typos as well as grammatical errors, and misspellings that may have slipped through on the first edits. If you're wondering if I'm getting tired of reading and editing the manuscript, well you're right. But it's a process that has to be done to make things right for the writer and reader.

While I'm busy with the words, the graphic artist at Wings ePress will try to capture the essence of the words into a book cover that will pique the interest of readers. 

If all goes well, the manuscript and cover will magically (at least in my mind) transform into a book, the fifth in the John Ross Boomer Lit series, on Oct. 1. 

And here is a recent read:

William H. Coles's book is for those who are interested in writing fiction, providing examples of how to approach different areas such as scenes, characters, structure, dialogue, and revision. He's the author of novels, short stories, and essays,  He also created www.storyinliteraryfiction.com, a useful website with resources for writers, illustrators, and readers of literary fiction. Check it out!

For those on Goodreads, feel free to follow and/or friend me by clicking here.

Until the next time . . .

 

 

Manuscript Report: The Big Edit and Recent Reads

 It took me a while but I completed the editor's edits on my latest manuscript. I hope to return it to her in the next few days, but first I want to give it one more read to make sure it flows and there are no holes to swallow readers. 

One change I did make in the story was to change the name of one of the characters because it was similar to another character's name. A few years ago I attended an author's talk about his works and mentioned that he regretted naming primary characters with similar names because it was confusing to readers. 

From my experience, I also found it confusing while writing the novel, especially when the characters were conversing. If I can lose track, it has to be difficult for readers. I certainly don't want to lose them through confusion. 

Back to the editor's edits, she noted a few problems that I fixed and made some recommendations that I considered. I didn't agree with everything, but I appreciate her concern. I believe that she'll understand my reasoning for why it was written the way it is, or was. Editing is a difficult, sometimes thankless job. I'm always thankful when my writing is edited. 

I confess that I don't really enjoy this phase of the editing process. Why? Because I get upset with myself for making stupid and, at times, careless mistakes. They seem to explode on pages when I open the document. There are some that I can't believe are there, thinking that some gremlin must have inserted them after I sent the manuscript to her. If not that, perhaps something saner as forgetting to hit the "save" button after making changes. I don't mind constructive criticism, and that's what I receive from my editor (even if we don't always see eye-to-eye). 

I'm also working with the art director on a cover for the novel, which will be the fifth in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. I give suggestions and she does all the work. More on that later. 

Before leaving, here are a couple recent reads:

Virginia Smith's romantic thriller involves innocent bystanders who get caught up in the world of drug trafficking and a corrupt politician. Ben and Nikki are former lovers who get pulled into the web of crime. They come across numerous deadly encounters along the way. Some things about their relationship also come to light in this story. The novel also falls under Christian romance as the couple seeks refuge through prayer.

Karen Hudgins mixes murder and art in her entertaining murder mystery. A noted art restorer is slain while examining a Monet painting in her studio. P.I. Diane Phipps is brought in from Florida to assist local law enforcement in the Colorado town to solve the murder that has few clues. But that's Phipps's forte as she delves into the crime that appears at first has no motive or witnesses. Hudgins keeps you guessing until the end.

Until the next time . . .

Boomers: Simple Reality

I often see posts and memes on social media sites from baby boomers about yearning to return to simpler times, years ago when we didn't seem to have a care in the world. 

It was back in the days when we watched "The Lone Ranger," "Superman," and "Leave It To Beaver" on television sets. We played out outside until the street lamps came on, without being distracted by smartphones or other tech devices. We rode in cars without seat belts, or if younger, safety seats.  We played board games such as Monopoly, Yahtzee, and Scrabble and various card games, those family-oriented activities on dining-room tables or living-room floors. It seemed that everyone remembers being at chuch on Sundays.

There's a reason most of us, especially those living in white middle- and upper-class America, had easy lives. We were much younger and had relative few cares or responsiblities. It was our parents and other adults who took us by the hand and guided our charmed lives.

A simpler time

Most of us who had mothers who stayed home and cared for us, from feeding our hungry little mouths, wiping our dirty little butts, reading to us and then tucking our tired bodies in bed. They washed and ironed our clothes, volunteered to chaperone on school field trips, and served as den leaders in cub scouts.

For many of us, our dads got up early in the morning and spent most of the day at work to pay our food, clothes, shelter, toys, and medical expenses. They also served as coaches and umpires in youth leagues. They also found time to mow the lawn, especially if we were too young to help, wash the car, and assist mom with various honey-dos. 

Yes, it was a simpler time, for those of us growing up because we had little or no responsibilities other than to keep our noses clean and show a degree of respect to our elders. It was our parents and guardians who paid and paved the way for our wonder years.

Nostalgia is a wonderful but it's not possible to return to that life unless one can turn back the biological clock.  Yes, I can yearn for the time when I was a preteen, but that's six decades ago. 

Time marches on, and you can either keep in step or wallow in period that will never be.

Until the next time . . .

Brief Timeout from Manuscript and Recent Reads

 My work-in-progress is now a work-in-process as it has been sent to my editor to begin steps to publication so I'm taking a short breather and relax.

This will be the fifth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series and will be published Oct. 1 by Wings ePress. I've put in a lot of hours the past couple of months so it's time to sit back for a day or so. 

I missed my deadline of completing it on April 1 by one day because I made several final-day changes before hitting the send button. I could have made more edits/rewrites but there comes a time when you have to hand it over to the editor because it can become an all-consuming process that has no end.

Between now and then, the manuscript will be edited and returned to me to make corrections and consider suggestions. After issues are resolved, it will be sent to a proofreader to spot other problems such as typos and grammatical errors. The manuscript will then be transformed into a galley proof for one final read to make any additional changes before being published. 

In the meantime, I'll be working on loglines, website blurbs, marketing input, and working with a graphic artist on a cover. So there's lots of work ahead of me and the talented folks at Wings ePress before the launch date. 

By the way, the manuscript clocked in at 59k words, about 9k more from the first draft following National Novel Writing Month last November. The finished novel could be more or less, depending on what happens during this next phase of the editing process. 

I also hope to begin working on the sixth book in the series after completing some of the odds and ends. There's more to tell about the life and times of John and Sally Ross. 

***

Recent reads:

Paul Maher Jr.'s book sets the stage for Jack Kerouac's classic On the Road, providing background on the real-life characters and places that populate the popular novel. This book is a must-read for those who want to understand the life and times of the Kerouac as well as his inspirations and aspirations as a writer.

I revisited George Orwell's classic dystopian novel, curious to see how it has held up, especially since 1984. It's still an interesting read but overwritten (my humble opinion) in parts. But overall the book is a cautionary tale about totalitarian government, published after World War II (1949). We learn about "Big Brother," thought control, and much more. Chilling! 

Until the next time . . . 

Another Progress Report on Manuscript

I've completed making the line edits on my work-in-progress, the fifth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. 

While fixing the various and sundry marks noted in red ink on the hard copy, I also jotted down some additional work that needs to be done before submitting the manuscript to my Wings ePress editor by March 31. 

I noticed several scenes that need to be expanded. There were a few minor changes that I will address such as character names and background. I'll be doing that while giving the novel-to-be one final read over the next five days. I have a notecard listing the rewrites/edits that I will check off when completed.

I'm also working on a book title. I have a working title (something I do with every WIP). I've compiled a list of about 10 that I'll tinker with over the next five days. Much like a book cover, a title is important because an author wants it to provide a strong first impression on potential readers. As for a book title, that'll be taken care of in the next few months with the publisher's art director.

My only concern right now is that I had received my second COVID-19 vaccine this morning. The nurse told me that I could have some side effects from it, including flu-like symptoms. Friends have told me they ran low-grade fevers and felt lethargic for a few days. I hope it's no more than that for me.

As mentioned in previous posts, the novel will be published Oct. 1, eight months after the release of Make Room for Family, the fourth book in the series. For a list of my novels, visit my webpage. Other sites include Amazon and Wings ePress.

Until the next time . . .

More Progress on Manuscript and Recent Reads

 I've made more progress on my manuscript while approaching an end-of-the-month deadline.

For those who read my last post, you know that I printed out the novel-to-be for a hard read with red-ink changes, corrections, deletions, and revisions. For those who didn't read my last post, now you know (you can follow my blog by clicking on "follow" button in the lower right column). The next order of writing will be to make the changes to the manuscript. And then it's probably on to my editor at Wings ePress unless I decide to give it one more read (and I most likely will).

Marked-up manuscript

It's probably because of my background in newspapers in the pre-computer era (we used typewriters) as well as my years in high school and college that editing on paper seems more natural. It's akin to those folks who prefer reading a book in print, to where they can hold a book, turn and feel the pages, etc., then reading a book on a tablet, Kindle, Nook, or another electronic reader. I worked on the manuscript at the kitchen table to give myself a fresh view; the book in the right-hand corner is The Random House Thesaurus. 

Since my last post, I've learned the publication for this book will be Oct. 1, rather than Nov. 1. It will be the fifth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. 

Recent reads:

Toni Kief's Mildred in Disguise: With Diamonds could probably fall under the boomer-lit banner since the protagonist is 71-year-old Mildred Petrie. Rather than enjoy retirement, Mildred has to return to work after her husband's death. She takes a position as an undercover detective because of her previous police experience as a parking cop. Her observations and investigations after a robbery lead to some wild times for the wily septuagenarian. Kief has crafted a clever read with snappy dialogue, colorful characters, and a compelling storyline.

Susie Kelley's La Vie En Rose: Notes From Rural France is a fun read by a British ex-pat. Kelly shares anecdotes about her life in France and adjustments she and her husband had to make. I found myself laughing out loud at some of her entries. She writes about rude salespeople, quirky neighbors, different customs, gardening, contacts with animals and insects, and a few recipes you may or may not want to try. Kelly has a cute sense of humor who doesn't hesitate to laugh at herself. I found that refreshing. It's only about 100 pages and a quick read. 

Until the next time . . .

Progress Report on Manuscript and Recent Reads

 I've completed the first rewrite of the fifth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. I'll sit on it for a couple days, then get back in earnest to have it ready for my editor by the end of the month.

So far this is what I've accomplished:

• The first draft was written during National Novel Writing Month in November.
• Read the manuscript in January, making minimal changes (spelling, grammar, etc.) to see how flows. I also wanted to see if I like the story; if I didn't, then the readers probably wouldn't either. (FYI, I like it.)
• I returned to the manuscript for a rewrite in February, increasing the word count by about 3k words. I also deleted a few scenes and dialogue as well.

What I've done this time is print the manuscript. I'll go over it with red ink (much like the editing many of us experienced in high school and college), and make needed fixes while giving it a read from a different perspective. Believe it or not, I see and read things differently on paper than on the computer screen (much like a book and e-book). 

Then I'll go back to the saved manuscript on my computer and make the red-line edits and perhaps make a few minor changes that catch my eyes. Most authors will tell you that editing is a neverending task.

If all goes well, after all the changes, I'll give it another quick readthrough and send it on to my trusted editor at Wings ePress.  By the way, the manuscript is scheduled to transform into a book on Nov. 1 so stayed tuned for further announcements such as the title and cover reveal.

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A few book recommendations:

Chris Boucher's Pivot Move is a young adult novel that deals with basketball, peer pressure, bullying, and divorce. Boyd Kindle is a raw but talented basketball player who is dealing with several issues in his life. He has alopecia, a condition that causes the body to shed hair, which he tries to cover up by wearing a hoodie.  He's a confused and angry 14-year-old. Boucher writes in the first person to give readers a feel for the boy's angst but also provides empathy and humor.

Michael Jennings' Like a Wary Blessing is a collection of short stories that delve into the effects of war on individuals. Jennings, a Vietnam vet and former newspaper reporter, writes with precision and depth as he examines how soldiers and citizens attempt to cope with the ugly side of combat from different perspectives.  Some individuals succeed and others don't in these insightful stories that cover topics such as race relations, suicide, and post-traumatic stress syndrome. 

Until the next time . . .

Back to the Manuscript and a Few Book Recommendations

The fourth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series is history as Make Room for Family was published on Feb. 1 by Wings ePress.

Now I'm working on the first rewrite of the fifth book. As noted in previous posts, I wrote the first draft during National Novel Writing Month in November. I let it sit for more than a month, then I opened it back on and reread the manuscript, only taking a few notes to keep everything straight. The purpose was to see if the story flowed or was a trainwreck. It nearly went off the rails a few times but overall, I liked what I created.

Now I'm rewriting the manuscript. I believe it's only going to take about four or five weeks to have it ready to forward on to Jeanne, my skillful editor at Wings. 

Furthermore, I have a publishing date for the book: Nov. 1, 2021. So I have the responsibility of getting the manuscript to her by the end of March.

For those who know my background in the media, having a deadline or due date is a plus. I spent nearly 18 years with a national news service, five years with newspapers, and eight years as editor of a regional magazine. 

I thrive on deadlines. When I don't have a deadline, I tend to diddle. Deadlines keep me focused.

In the meantime, I'm also marketing and promoting Make Room for Family. I've had several book reviews including feedback and ratings on Amazon. I've mailed several hundred postcards to bookstores, libraries, and friends (send me an email and I'll mail one to you).  I've also taken out ads on Facebook and soon on Amazon and possibly Google. 

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While you're here a few book recommendations from my recent reads:

Check out Chris Helvey's The White Jamaican, a clever and witty noir featuring detective Frank Quick. Helvey paints great scenes with his colorful prose and creates lively characters with down-and-dirty dialogue. 

Colston Whitehead's The Underground Railroad, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from 2017, offers a gritty and graphic story about the plight of Blacks during the slavery era in U.S. history. The story follows the trials and tribulations of Cora as she pursues freedom in a cruel world. It's not an easy read but it may change your perspective about slavery. 

Andrew G. McCabe's The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump is a fascinating read into the inner workings of the giant law-enforcement agency. While Trump is no longer in office, the book explains how the FBI takes on terrorism, the dedicated personnel who investigate crimes, and the threats to democracy we face today. 

Now it's back to the grindstone for rewriting and reading.

Until the next time . . . 

Officially Part of the Herd

 After several false starts, I finally received my COVID-19 vaccination today. Icy and snowy conditions prevented me from three previous appointments at the Franklin County Health Department. 

Today the sun was shining on me, literally and figuratively.

Wearing vaccination badge

As of Feb. 22, I'm one of 44 million Americans who have received at least the first shot; 19 million have been injected with two shots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

It's a relief to be vaccinated although I still have to wait another 28 days for my second shot. I know of people who have had the disease and a few who did not survive. 

So far, more than 500,000 Americans, including more than 4,600 in my native Kentucky, have lost their lives from the effects of the novel coronavirus. That's more than the total of those U.S. citizens who died in World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. Those are staggering numbers to comprehend.

It's a shame that the ineptitude of our government the past year didn't do more to educate our citizens about the disease and the simple ways to prevent the spread. It has been estimated the 40 percent of those lives (200k) could have been prevented if proper and prudent action had been taken. 

I haven't felt any side effects from the vaccine. I understand that those in my age group may suffer fewer problems because of a declining immune response. I'm guessing that is good. The only thing I noticed was my daily nap where I slept 90 minutes rather than my usual 45. 

Check out this article from AARP if you have questions and concerns about the vaccine. If we're going to lick this 21st century scourge, we need to work together and that includes getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and maintaining a safe social distancing until we'out of the woods with the herd immunity. 

I'm proud to be part of the herd.

Until the next time . . .

Putting a Freeze Hold on Vaccination

I had been looking forward to today since this past Sunday. That's when I scheduled my COVID-19 vaccination at the Franklin County Health Department. 

Then the freezing rain came yesterday, leaving a glistening and icy cover throughout much of Kentucky and surrounding states. I had the bright idea earlier that morning of backing my car out of the garage before things got too bad and leaving it at the top of the driveway so I could pull out on the salt-treated street and be on my merry way to the health department.

But I was too late, When I backed out my car, it kept going backward—off the driveway to the backyard. I wasn't too concerned because I thought I would be able to get traction on the grass and drive up the side of the driveway. Needless to say, the grass and ground were freezing and slick. Even having my wife push the car from the rear didn't help (just kidding, she was behind the wheel while I pushed.)

Fortunately, I was able to reschedule my appointment for tomorrow afternoon. I'm hoping temps will rise to the mid-30s today and melt some of the stuff. It's probably wishful thinking since the forecast calls for a high of 30 and mostly cloudy. As I write this, it's 25 and overcast. The forecast for Friday is a high of 35 and partly sunny. 

Ever since the vaccines were announced back in November, I've been waiting for my time to face the needle. Every time I got a little sniffle, tiny cough, or some minor aches and pains, I was somewhat concerned that I could have symptoms and be the next coronavirus victim. I have friends and relatives who contracted the virus; if it happened to them, it could happen to me. 

I read this morning that about one in three Americans aren't sure they will be vaccinated. I'm telling you now that I'm in the two of three Americans category who will get the shot. I don't want to be a spreader of the potentially deadly disease that has claimed nearly 475,000 lives in the past year.

Until the next time . . .

Ready to Launch New Novel

 The journey to publication for my 10th novel, and fourth in the John Ross Boomer Lit series, is over with the release of Make Room for Family on Feb. 1.

I've spent the past few months promoting the novel on Facebook, Twitter, and several other social media outlets. For those who follow this blog, you've read occasional posts about the progress from start to finish in the writing process. I hope it's been helpful.  

This afternoon (Jan. 31)  I drove to the post office and mailed 100 postcards to friends, readers, libraries, and bookstores. They probably should have been mailed sooner but there were some extenuating circumstances that prevented me from taking care of that chore. I have several hundred more that will be going out in the coming week. (If you'd like a postcard, and live in the U.S., send your address to michael.embry@gmail.com with "Postcard" in the subject line.) 

Promotion and marketing are important aspects of book publishing that a lot of authors don't enjoy. You can count me among the dissenters but it's something an author must do if the book is going to come to the attention of potential readers. I'm sure you've seen some of the big-time authors getting the word out about their latest releases. In the past, I've used Facebook but I'm open to other venues if the price is right for my limited budget.

Other vital tools appreciated by authors are word-of-mouth and ratings and reviews of their books. Even in these solitary times, I stay in contact with various friends and we make book recommendations and sometimes mention books we didn't especially like. 

Whenever I read a book, I always leave a rating, and usually a review, on Amazon, Goodreads, and other sites. I also read reviews that others leave on books I may purchase. Other places I peruse for book recommendations and reviews are magazines, newspapers, and websites. 

I also watch Book TV on CSPAN and listen to literary podcasts when I have the time. Although in-person appearances and book signings have been put on hold the past year, it has afforded the opportunity to view interviews and discussions on Zoom and Skype. 

With Make Room for Family launched into the book stratosphere  I'll be turning my attention to rewriting and editing the fifth book in the series. You can find the novel on Amazon, Wings ePress, and other sites. The print edition may lag a day or so. I'll also offer signed editions in the coming weeks.

Until the next time . . .

A Novel Approach for Me

I took a different approach in reviewing the first draft of my 11th novel, written last November during the  NaNoWriMo challenge. It's a strategy I wish I had learned earlier in my writing career.

For those unfamiliar with NaNoWriMo, short for National Novel Writing Month, the goal is to write a novel, with a minimum of 50,000 words (more like a draft), in 30 days. As usual, I sat on the 50k words for about six weeks to figuratively catch my breath as well as let the story sink into my subconscious while I celebrated the holiday season or as much as one could during the pandemic.

But when I returned to the novel, I didn't start rewriting and editing as I have done on previous books. What I did was simple—I read it. 

I'm not sure where I got the advice, but my guess would be from one of Elizabeth Spann Craig's wonderful weekly Twitterfric posts. I recommend all writers subscribe to her blog because it contains some of the best resources for writers. She's also a bestselling cozy mystery author.

I did find a blog post written by Kristen Kieffer in 2015 that recommends: "Once you've let your first draft cool off for a bit, it's time to read through what you've written. During this time, resist the urge to take notes or make changes. read simply to reacquaint yourself with your work and try your best not to throw your manuscript out the window." Kristen has other good points so I suggest you read her complete post. 

I confess that I took a few rudimentary notes such as writing the names of the characters and making corrections to several glaring grammatical errors. But my primary purpose was to feel the flow of the story and see if it was a good read, as objectively as I could.

Needless to say, I like the story, the fifth in my John Ross Boomer Lit series. The fourth novel, Make Room for Family, will be released on Feb. 1. (For those interested, the ebook can be preordered on Amazon; the print edition will be available on publication date). 

I'll return to the manuscript today and begin the rewrite process that I hope won't take as long as previous efforts (sometimes up to 12 rewrites). If I had only taken this approach with my other novels.

Oh well, it only goes to show you aren't too old to learn something new. Now if I can only remember to do it with my next novel.

Until the next time . . .