First Promotion

The first promotion for my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," is on Amazon through Nov. 23.

It's a giveaway of five e-books. You need to click here and tweet that you entered. It's that simple. Also, you don't have to own a Kindle to read the book. Amazon offers an app for Apple, Android, and Windows devices.

I know some folks don't have Twitter accounts so don't despair. I plan to have several other contests in the coming weeks to promote the John  Ross Boomer Lit novel. Stay tuned!

Until the next time. . . .

Published!

My latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," is now out there for the world to see -- and to read -- from Wings ePress.

Here are the links for the e-book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

And for the print edition:

Amazon
It also will be available at Barnes & Noble. You can also order the novel through your local independent bookstore through CreateSpace.

Check back for updates and giveaways.

If you do purchase the novel, please leave a review and/or rating at the website. And that goes for all books because authors appreciate feedback.

Until the next time. . . . 

New Beginnings

While looking forward to the release of my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," on Nov. 1, I'll also begin another novel on the same day. "Darkness Beyond the Light" is the second installment in the John Ross Boomer Lit series, following "Old Ways and New Days." On a side note, this will be the 12th book, and eighth novel, I've written. I still get excited about release dates; it doesn't get old.



In writing the third part, I'll be participating in the annual National Novel Writing Month. It's something I've done in the past, resulting in published books. While producing 50,000 words in a month can be kind of daunting task (averaging 1,667 words a day), it's a great way to stay focused in reaching the goal. I encourage you to participate in NaNoWriMo if you have a novel inside you that's begging to see the light. You might be pleasantly surprised by what happens once you put your hands on the keyboard for several hours each day.

For me, it will be the first draft. I usually add another 35,000 or more words to a manuscript over the course of several rewrites and revisions. Writing a novel is more work than meets the eye.

For the past few weeks, I've been working on a rough outline to keep me on track, especially the first couple of weeks. If the story takes hold, I veer off and go along for the ride. It's like a controlled stream of consciousness, if that makes any sense. And it can be exhilarating.

And it can be the opposite as well, at least for me, if the story is static and doesn't take hold of my imagination. And, unfortunately, it can be drudgery.

Now back to the outline because I don't want 30 days of drudgery.

Until the next time. . . . 

P.S. Be sure and check back Nov. 1 for the release of "Darkness Beyond the Light."

One Week Before Publication of Novel

It's down to the final week before the release of my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light."

It's been a difficult but rewarding journey over the past year, from those first words to first draft to revisions to edits to cover art to final read to publication, which will be Nov. 1, when it's available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Wings ePress and other book-related websites. 

I have been working on  promotion and marketing the past few weeks. I'll be mailing postcards this weekend, sending news releases to various outlets, and notifying others through emails. I've been working on a book trailer for YouTube. 

I've also been reading blogs and listening to podcasts for other recommendations from authors on most cost-efficient ways to market and promote a book. I plan a giveaway on Goodreads on the release date. There will be other surprise promotions as well.

My hope is that those who purchase the novel (or win a giveaway) will leave a review and/or rating on various websites. I've always believed that word of mouth is the best way to spread the word.

Until the next time. . . .

 

One Month Before Publication of Novel

The publication of my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," is only a month from today. 

As with my previous books, I'm excited about finally seeing  it in print. I've already seen the e-book version, but being a traditionalist in many ways, there's nothing like holding a physical, page-turning print edition in my hands.

"Darkness Beyond the Light" is my eighth novel, and the first time that I've written a sequel to a book. It carries on with the trials and  tribulations of John Ross, family and friends who were introduced in "Old Ways and New Days."  My novels are published by Wings ePress.

I also plan a third installment in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. I wanted to get working on it sooner, but now I will write the first draft during National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, in November.

In the meantime, postcards will be mailed to libraries, bookstores, friends, and others in the next few weeks announcing the arrival of "Darkness Beyond the Light."  I already have bookmarks, display posters, and various handouts ready to distribute at book signings this month (check appearances at bottom of page).

I'll also have promotions on Goodreads and Amazon so be sure to visit those websites and enter (there will be reminders posted here as well). If you're a Goodreads member, please send me a friend request. You can also like my Facebook author's page by clicking here.

Until the next time. . . .

 

 

Promote...Promote...Promote...

It's been several weeks since I posted something here. I must confess that I needed a breather, especially after finishing my latest novel and all that comes with it, such as edits, cover design, and promotion.

"Darkness Beyond the Light" will be released Nov. 1, by Wings ePress. While it's still more than five weeks away, I've tried to do several things to have a successful launch.

I have postcards, business cards, and a display poster printed printed. The postcards will go to selected libraries, bookstores, and readers in the coming weeks. The business cards will be handed out at book signings and related events while the poster will be prominently displayed with my books. I've also ordered bookmarks that will be given to those who purchase the novel. 

I've also had periodic updates on my Facebook author's page (be sure and visit and "like"), personal website, and other book-related sites the past few weeks. More will be forthcoming. And I have some book signings scheduled (check at the bottom of this post).

I hope to get back to working on the third installment in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series in November, perhaps with National Novel Writing Month. I have some life events that need my attention before I go full bore into another manuscript.

So that's where I'm at right now. I plan to get back to regular postings if life doesn't get in the way.

Until the next time. . . .

Progress Report: Back to the Manuscript (The Cover)

Drum roll, please! My manuscript now has a cover—the last step before being published. 

Richard Stroud, who has designed more than 400 covers, came up with the artwork for "Darkness Beyond the Light." The novel will be released Nov. 1 by Wings ePress.

Richard interviewed me several times, on Skype and by telephone, to get an idea what the story was about. I had already filled out an artist information form that provides background about the manuscript—scenes, characters, plot, etc. Needless to say, it's difficult to describe the main theme from the 93k words that comprise my eighth novel—in 100 words on less. 

He was patient, asked pertinent questions, and did an excellent job in conveying the essence of the novel through several captivating images. Richard seeks to avoid clutter, as I do when I write, which I think he accomplished. I hope readers will be enticed to pick up the novel and consider reading it, simply by looking at the cover.

Richard will redo the "Old Ways and New Days" cover, the first "John Ross Boomer Lit Novel," so it will have a stronger and compelling connection to "Darkness Beyond the Light." And when I finish the third book in the series, he'll handle that as well.

Between now and the release date, I'll be promoting "Darkness Beyond the Light" through traditional means, social media, and other avenues. And I'll be working on the third installment. Busy days ahead.

Until the next time. . . .