Unfocused in 2024

It's been a while since I've posted a blog. That's going to end today.

I'm unsure why there's been a drought since Dec. 7, 2023. It's been frustrating. I've had things to write about, especially travels to various places, but I haven't been inclined to put those trips down in words. Maybe it's a little laziness on my part. I plan to rectify that in the coming weeks.

I have been writing, though. I'm working on the seventh novel in my John Ross Boomer Lit series. I also post book reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and other sites. 

I also edit the monthly newsletter from Wings ePress. You can check it out here. I encourage you to subscribe, too! 

 I plan to get back to the writing here. I've even had a few folks ask me when I was going to start posting again. 

Well, I'm back!

Until the next time . . . 

Alive and Well, and Writing

 I haven't posted a blog in about three months. That's a long time in cyberspace. It was my plan at the start to have a minimum of one post per week and usually exceeded that number.

 But sometimes life gets in the way of intentions. It's not like I've been in a vegetative state, even though I'm a vegetarian. 

I'm still working on the third rewrite of the sixth book in my "John Ross Boomer Lit Series." It hasn't come along as smoothly as the previous entries, but still, there's progress. I'd like to finish it in a few weeks to submit to my publisher for publication later this year. It might be wishful thinking on my part. I hope not, but we'll see.  

I've also taken on some responsibilities with my publisher, Wings ePress. The primary job is marketing coordinator. I promote the authors, books, and the publisher through Facebook, Twitter, website, and other venues.

 I also handle the monthly newsletter that made its debut in April. Check it out here, and if interested, subscribe. 

Also, query the executive editor at Wings at executive-editor@wingsepress.com if you have a complete or near-complete manuscript. You should visit the website to see various genres and submission guidelines. Tell them I sent you! 

That's it for now. I do hope to get back to posting on a semi-regular basis. 

Until the next time . . .

 

Looking Back

 This year wasn't the most productive for me. 

I reached a few of my personal goals. I don't know if it's age or what. Perhaps I don't have the stamina and motivation. I don't know if that's attributable to growing older or simply limited interest in doing things. Only time will tell.

On the writing front, I didn't have many posts here, probably the fewest ever. As mentioned before, I don't want to post something for the sake of posting something. It's a waste of my time and of readers as well. I do plan to write more about music and travel. There's such a glut of posts out there about writing that it's very repetitive. 

I'm still working on book six in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. I wrote more than 40k words but stopped last spring. I admit it was partly due to the declining health of my beloved dog, Bailey, who eventually passed on June 16. Seven months later, I still think about him. Yes, dogs are certainly family. I'm thankful I have Belle.

Another obstacle I faced is seeking to have the entire series on Ingram Lightning Source so that they'll all be available to bookstores and various online stores in addition to Amazon. It would help so much with my marketing. I hope the problem is resolved soon.

On the positive side, my wife resumed our travels in 2022, spending a week in Portugal and 12 days in Banff, Canada, and Yellowstone and Glacier national parks. We also traveled to Asheville, N.C. We're still deciding on where to journey in the coming year. Maybe Spain.

I'm doing marketing for Wings ePress, hoping to bring more exposure and sales to its talented authors. It's an appreciable change of pace for me at this point in my life. I've always needed to have a purpose in my daily life.

Photography is still a keen interest that I will continue to do. I'll add a point-and-shoot travel camera to my equipment. Some of my DSLRs are getting too heavy to lug around and too much to pack for long trips involving flights. I'm too old to move to the lightweight mirrorless cameras. 

Wishing you all the best in the coming new year!

Until the next time . . .

A Post about Nothing

 It's been six weeks since I posted anything on this blog site. For those who are subscribers, I apologize. For others, I will return at some point in time. Bear with me. 

The point I want to make today is that I'm not going to post something for the sake of posting something. If I don't have anything to say, I'm not going to fabricate some line that is a waste of my time, and more importantly, of yours! 

I do intend to get back to regular posts, after the holidays and when I have the time to write something worthy of your time. 

As many of you probably know, I try to avoid politics. It's not that I'm not political, but I want my blog to be an escape from the polarization and turmoil on the political front. Furthermore, there are more than enough political blogs out there to more than satisfy political junkies.

I'll continue to focus on travel, music, books, and occasionally items that capture my fancy. I also have another novel that I need to finish in the next few months.

I wish everyone a holiday season of peace and happiness — and hope you spread joy to others in this uncertain world we live in.

Until the next time . . 

Back to the Keyboard

 It's been a while since I've written anything here; on Feb. 11 to be exact when I posted about a few love songs for Valentine's Day.

For those who are concerned or curious, I have been writing. Just not here. 

I'm a contributor on Medium, where I've had about five posts in recent weeks. I call them "Random thoughts" if you'd like to read them. I plan to eventually have them here.

And I've written book reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and other places. 

Oh, almost forgot. I'm also working on the sixth book in the "John Ross Boomer Lit series." It's a slow process but I'll eventually have it finished. I'm not as fast at writing novels as I used to be. It's an age thing like so many other tasks that take time to finish.

On a personal note, my wife and I traveled to Portugal in late February and I intend to have something about that fabulous country in the coming days, much like I've had about our other travels. Photos will be posted as well. Needless to say, it was great to be traveling again (even if the pandemic has only slightly subsided), and we've got more adventures lined up in the coming months.

So, I hope you haven't abandoned me. I simply took some time off to get recharged and refocused on my writing. We all need that once in a while, regardless of our interests and endeavors. 

Until the next time . . . 

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 . . .

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 . . .    

 

Sayonara 2020

It's almost over,  2020 that is.

It's the year that will live in infamy around the world as millions of lives have been disrupted, put on hold, or come to a heartbreaking end, by the coronavirus pandemic. In my lifetime, it's difficult to remember any event that has had such a far-reaching effect for such a long time.

I recall the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 when it appeared that much of the world was on the brink of nuclear annihilation. There have been other health scares but they didn't reach the proportion and magnitude of the ever-expanding COVID-19 outbreak that promises to be around for the foreseeable future.

Several economic meltdowns impacted many lives but didn't leave thousands dead or massive suffering in their wake. And there have been weather catastrophes, but they've been limited, for the most part, to specific parts of the world. Unless, of course, we view climate change as an Earth-altering phenomenon.

There's been political turmoil that has left people upset, angry, or sad, depending on one's views. Can the new year bring about civility and healing? Or will people wallow in their hate and divisiveness?  

I don't know what 2021 will bring in the coming months. COVID-19 vaccines are being dispersed throughout the world, but with 7 billion inhabitants, that may take a while. I should receive mine in February (I guess age has its privileges in some instances). It brings about a glimmer of hope that life will eventually return to some degree of normalcy.

The past year hasn't been a total wash for me. My wife and I have been relatively healthy (no COVID-19). I've been able to see my sons and their families. I had occasional visits with good friends (keeping a safe distance, of course). I've made a few instate day trips to help satisfy my photography habit. I completed one novel (to be published Feb. 1) and wrote the first draft of another. And I was able to complete some things on my wife's neverending honey-do list.

If things go as planned (do they ever?), my wife and I will travel to eastern Europe this spring, a trip that was postponed in 2020. And if the overall outlook gets even brighter (a hopeless optimist?), we may visit Portugal in the fall.  We're also looking at some domestic trips, perhaps to Washington, D.C., or the far western states. Only time will tell.

I'm also looking forward to extended time with family and friends. A few hugs and shared laughter will serve as a strong tonic to move on with our lives in 2021 and beyond. It'll be nice to return to favorite restaurants and movie theaters, to be among others, if still at a safe distance and probably with masks. I also miss music concerts and theatre productions which I hope will return in the new year. 

I'm ready to put 2020 behind me, much like I do other years, and move ahead on life's journey. How about you?

Until the next time . . .

Return to Facebook

I ended my self-imposed exile from Facebook on Sept. 15. I decided to take a sabbatical from the social-media site after it proclaimed one of my posts violated its guidelines (you'll have to go to my page to see what I shared on Aug. 15) and prompted a 30-day banishment (all I could do was be a spectator). It wasn't worth my time to be there.

What did I miss while being away from Facebook? From what I could gather, not much. A friend's spouse passed away as well as the parent of a friend, and a former AP colleague. I was invited to "like" several pages; some folks changed the names of their pages; I lost about 25 "likes" to my author page (feel free to "like" if you go there). I also missed the endless political babble. Not! 

What I was able to accomplish during the past 30 days? I finished my next novel (to be published Feb. 1) and completed my editor's edits (I'm currently working with the design artist for the cover). I read several books (about one a week), wrote several blog posts and book reviews (Amazon and Goodreads), celebrated a couple's 60th wedding anniversary, had my eyes examined, got my annual flu shot, took care of some yard work, accomplished a few honey-dos, and decluttered a little of my study (a neverending task). 

So what's in my Facebook future? I won't be there as much, freeing up precious time to be more productive in other areas of my limited life. You can always reach me through Messenger, Google Hangouts, or email. And if you want to show support for our beleaguered U.S. Postal Service, send me a letter. You can also call me on the phone (but I can't promise to answer). 

Until the next time . . .

A Timely Update on WIP

I don't know if it's age-related, manuscript-related, or retired-related, but work on my latest novel seems to be moving at a snail's pace. 

Truth be told, it's probably a bit of each: I don't have the energy I once had, the manuscript is resulting in a more detailed rewrite, and I may have too much on the platter in my twilight years.

My energy level is definitely not what it was, even five years ago. For example, I recently went to the doctor for two vaccinations. My body ached for several days and it affected my sleep. I felt physically drained. I have two more vaccinations coming up this week and I dread it because of what may happen again.

I spend each day on the manuscript, the fourth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. As mentioned in a previous post, I put the first draft in hibernation for about six months before getting back to it. Now, for various reasons, the manuscript almost seems like reading a new book. I wanted to put fresh eyes on it, but sometimes wonder if this is almost to the extreme. 

I do try to stay busy each day. I'm up before the crack of dawn, usually working on my novel. I also read each day. I do some book promotion and marketing. I'm involved in the Bluegrass Writers Coalition. I meet friends several times a month for coffee or breakfast. And I have family matters as well to attend to most every day; just ask my wife and dogs. I also have hobbies that include photography and travel. 

I've read that it's important for folks around my age to stay mentally sharp and physically fit (that probably includes any age from what I've observed). I wonder, though, if a person can overdo it? I certainly don't want to spend my days sitting in a rocking chair in front of the TV, wasting away in mind and body.  I guess balance is the keyword.

So that's where I am on my novel—in a roundabout way. I've contacted my editor at Wings ePress and the novel should be published in 2020. Now to avoid going around in circles and get back to the manuscript!

Until the next time . . . 

Quick Update on WIP

It's been nearly three weeks since I last posted anything about my work in progress (actually, it'll be three weeks tomorrow).  

Time flies by when you're immersed in writing.

And I've been busy writing each and every day, topping 80k words, so that's why you haven't heard from me. The sequel to "Darkness Beyond the Light," is coming along and the first draft should be completed in the next week or so.

As mentioned in a previous post, it appears that what I'm working on will be divided into two books; in other words, a fourth novel in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. We'll see.

So that's where I stand at this point in time. I hope to announce to everyone in the next week or so that I'm about to delve into the rewriting phase. 

***

I've got two library appearances lined up:

June 20 at the Montgomery County Public Library in Mount Sterling, Ky. I'll be discussing my work and taking questions, and trying to provide answers. It begins at 7 p.m. (ET).

July 14 at the Warren County Public Library, Bob Kirby Branch, for its Indie Author Fair. It runs from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. (CT)

***

I'm also involved in the Bluegrass Writers Coalition in Frankfort, Ky. It's open to writers of all levels in central Kentucky. The next meeting is June 14, 5:30 p.m., at the Thorn Hill Learning Center.

Until the next time . . . 

Back to Work on No. 3

I took a two-week break from my work in progress, and now I'm back at the keyboard, churning out words and not missing a beat.

I spent a week in Ireland, and after returning home, took another week to get my bearings straight (jet lag, home chores, and the like) before delving back into the sequel to "Darkness Beyond the Light."

I had the best intentions to continue writing while in Ireland, even taking two notebooks with me. But looking back, it was delusional of me to believe that I could actually find the time to focus on the manuscript.

But I did read during that time, taking along my Kindle Fire to peruse books I downloaded,  during the flights to and from and before going to sleep each night. One of my few good habits is to read each night before turning out the lights. 

So I'm back at the manuscript, topping 66k words this morning. The WIP is actually two parts. I'll be returning to the first part, which takes place in Europe, in a few weeks. The second part is about what happens when John and Sally Ross  return home to Kentucky. And I already know what I'm going to write about in the fifth book.

While I don't generally recommend taking a break from a WIP, sometimes you can't avoid it. Besides reading, I did jot down a few notes to consider in the story, such as character development. I've also spent time researching a few topics the past week. 

I hope things are going well with your WIPs.

Until the next time . . .  

Another Update on Third Boomer Lit Novel

I'm nearing the end of the first draft to the third novel in the John Ross Boomer Lit series, with more than 53k words on the hard drive. 

When all is written and done, I envision the novel to be around 75k words. The first draft should be around 60k, with another 15k (or more) added during the rewrites.

I'm a freestyle writer when working on first drafts, letting the words flow from my plotting brain to my plodding fingers to the plastic keyboard. Many of the scenes, subplots, and even a few characters, will disappear by the time I'm finished with the manuscript, which usually involves at least 10 rewrites.

I do start with a rough draft—thoughts and ideas I want to address in the novel. But as I get into the novel, there are unforeseen changes in the direction the story is going and how some characters are developing. At that time, I'll write a second draft to see where I've been and where I want to go to complete the work.

The new book takes John and Sally Ross for a 10-day vacation to Budapest (one of my favorite cities), a stopover in New York, and back home to Kentucky. For those familiar with the first novel, "Old Ways and New Days," the European trip is a retirement gift from their children, Brody and Chloe.

John and Sally put off the getaway in the second novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," after discovering that Brody had serious  personal problems. And a visit from Sally's judgmental mother, Geraldine, only complicated matters during the holiday season.

I'll be introducing a few new characters and bring back some familiar names from the previous novels. And for those who are wondering, badboy Brody and snippety Geraldine are still alive and well in the series.

Until the next time . . . 

 

 

 

Can Journalists Become Successful Novelists?

A comment I've heard more than a few times is that journalists can't write good novels. I'm not sure what that means, unless there is some thought that journalists are hacks who don't have the skills and imagination to weave fictional stories.

As a former journalist—spending more than 30 years as a reporter, editor, columnist for newspapers, national news service, and magazines—I'm a bit taken aback by that kind of thought. There's almost a snobbishness to it, and it  usually comes  from those who majored in English, creative writing, or some artsy-fartsy degree. 

For some reason,  lawyers can write novels and doctors can write novels, but those whose lives are immersed in words (reading, writing, and editing) are somehow unprepared or ill-equipped to compose fiction.

Robert McCrum, in The Guardian, in defense of journalists, wrote "...we somehow want our hacks to be hacks, and our storytellers to be… masters of the fiction universe."

But is it that difficult?

Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Robert Dietrich, who has authored 15 fiction and nonfiction books, offered this opinion in the Nieman Reports as part of the transition a journalist must make: "In journalism you often conceal your heart; in fiction you mine it. In journalism facts can carry a story; in fiction the telling becomes crucial so style and insight grow in importance. Newspaper editors cut the clutter of descriptive detail while fiction editors demand it. In journalism the punch line usually comes at the beginning, in fiction usually at the end."

Lucy Moore, writing in Female First, noted 10 reasons why journalists have the tools to become novelists. Among the skills is being a good listener, ability to research details, "quietly" observing others as well as surroundings, and being able to focus on writing and meeting deadlines.

Three years ago Bustle.com published a list of the jobs that 13 writers had before they become successful writers such as Stephen King (janitor), John Green (chaplain), Nicholas Sparks (salesman), and Agatha Christie (pharmacy tech). You know they used those life experiences in revealing truths in their novels.

And Paste Magazine listed 10 authors who didn't graduate from college, and came from a varied backgrounds.

As for journalists, have you ever heard of Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, Ken Follett, George Orwell, Hunter S. Thompson, Norman, Mailer, Anna Quindlen, Stieg Larsson, Thomas Harris, and Pete Hamill? There are many more.

Some of my  friends with journalism backgrounds who write fiction include Cheryl Dellapietra (Gonzo Girl), Sharon Reynolds (Walking Air), Jonathan Miller (Alone Again), Silas House (Clay's Quilt, etc.), Ed Ford (The Plot), as well as the late David Dick (The Scourges of Heaven).

Novelists come from various backgrounds. Most folks can learn the craft of writing; it's not rocket science. Stephen King recommends reading a lot. Yes, there are rules but the primary trait is the desire to tell stories, and doing it.

Until the next time. . . .

Making Progress on Manuscript

I'm back in the writing mode in 2018, working on the third book in the "John Ross Boomer Lit Novel" series.

I've written every day since Jan. 1, except for one day, and honestly, I got so busy with other things that it slipped my mind. Poor excuse, but the truth. I've been writing at different times of the day, but the most productive is in the mornings.

Ken Follett

While I'm not going to set a timetable for completing the first draft, I do plan for this novel to be around 75,000 words. Perhaps fewer. And I plan for it to be published this year. I believe that most readers prefer shorter works (yes, there are exceptions but I'm not Ken Follett or Stephen King).  





Time is of the essence for readers and there are too many books and too little time to read as much as we'd like, and too many other things vying for their attention. Furthermore, James Patterson seems to be doing well with shorter works.

Stephen King

My last novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," clicked in at around 94k words. "Old Ways and New Days," the first book in the series. was about 85k. My longest book was "Foolish Is the Heart," which had 101k words. The shortest, "The Touch," had about 75k.


We'll see how it goes.

***

Now on to something else. I've given away several books in Goodreads and Amazon promotions. Lots of authors do the same. The purpose is promotion. 

John Grisham

Another goal is for reviews. I'm asking readers out there to help out your favorite authors by leaving ratings and/or reviews of their books. Especially when you've received them in giveaways. Many authors, especially the indies, have to spend their own dime, and it can be costly.

Richard Ford

So when an author is spreading the love by giving away a new release, I'm asking the recipient to do the same by writing a review (it can only be two or three sentences) and rating on your favorite book sites. Furthermore, if you really, really love the book, tell your friends and fellow readers because word of mouth is probably the best promotion for authors.

Anne Tyler

I recall back in the early '90s when a friend (Cam) raved about John Grisham. I searched for his books (I believe he had written only two at the time) and became a life-long fan.  The same goes for the late Sue Grafton.

Bobbie Ann Mason

I've done the same with contemporary writers I like such as Richard Ford and Anne Tyler; Kentucky authors Bobbie Ann Mason, Bill Noel, Christopher Helvey, Steve Flairty, Crystal Wilkinson, Tom Wallace, and others; and new finds such as Joanna Foreman. 

Crystal Wilkinson

So, readers, I'm asking you to spread your love of reading by writing reviews and telling others about your favorite authors and books.

Until the next time. . . . 

Bill Noel

Steve Flairty

Joanna Foreman

Christopher Helvey

Tom Wallace

End of Year Thoughts

It wasn't the best year in terms of writing and reaching creative goals.

I did have a novel published, "Darkness Beyond the Light," on Nov. 1, which was the highlight. I'm pleased with the story and the  feedback from reviewers and readers. 

As anyone who has been published knows, there's a lot that goes into the final product. That kept me busy for about six months—rewrites, edits, book cover, and other matters involved in publishing a novel. 

But I didn't reach my goals in publishing another short-story collection, a second volume to "Laments." That's something I'll try to address in 2018.

I also didn't write as many posts to this blog as I wanted because of life events that got in the way. Some would say that's not a good excuse, but I counter that it depends on what those events are. I feel my reasons are understandable—and I'm not one to disclose all things that impact my life. Some things are private matters.

That being said, I do intend to be more productive in the new year. That's my intention. But only time will tell. Sometimes life takes turns that sidetrack even the best intentions.

Until the next time. . . . 

Happy Holidays

A quick note to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Like every year, 2017 has had its up and downs and a few things all around. That's what life is all about. You simply try to adapt and adjust to the situations confronting you and try to make the best of them, if possible.

Maybe 2018 will have more ups than downs. At least some days when life is at an even keel. I must confess, that at my age, deaths to family members and friends throw me for a loop. My guess that most people feel the same way, and perhaps regardless of age.

I certainly hope that all the writers out there keep the muse in their lives as they venture into uncharted territory. I've always believed writing was an adventure and the rewards came during the process that also involves thoughts being transformed into words.   

And I hope readers find entertaining and edifying books to satisfy their emotional and intellectual needs. I always want to gain something after investing time in this worthwhile pursuit. Furthermore, that's one of the things I try to deliver as an author.  Time is a precious commodity that I don't take lightly.



Until the next time. . . .

No NaNoWriMo

I must admit that I didn't complete the National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, in November.

On the first day, I wrote about 1,300 words. The next morning I sat down and couldn't find the file. I could have swore I saved the initial entry but it was nowhere to be found. 

I tried to start again, but faltered after 500 words or so. And then I flamed out.

My heart really wasn't in it this year because of the passing of a loved one and a prior commitment to judge entries in a writing contest. I couldn't get focused even though I had a rough outline, one that I will be using when I start the third installment in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. 

I plan to get moving on the next novel in a few weeks when I don't have any extraordinary distractions. 

This is the first time that I haven't completed a NaNoWriMo challenge. The previous efforts evolved into novels -- "Shooting Star," "The Bully List," "Old Ways and New Days," and the recently published "Darkness Beyond the Light."

I hope those who took the grueling challenge completed the 50,000-word goal. Any may you get published for all the hard work.

Until the next time. . . .

(P.S. While you're here, click on the Goodreads giveaway for "Darkness Beyond the Edge" at the upper right. And I would be honored if you'd follow the blog as well.) 

EPIC Finalist Update

Last March I was notified by the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition that my coming-of-old-age novel, "Old Ways and New Days," was a finalist in the contemporary fiction category.

EPIC recently announced the winners in the 17 categories in its annual competition for ebooks and my novel didn't make the list.

My congratulations to CJane Elliott for her coming-out novel, "Sex, Love, and Videogames," named the best in contemporary fiction. 

It was an honor for me to have my novel considered for the award. Simply being one of three finalists was gratifying.

Click here to see the list of all the winners, including Ariana Awards for best book covers.

EPIC is now accepting books through July 15 for its 2018 competition. Visit the website for more information. Best of luck to those who decide to enter their novel. 

You might also want to consider joining EPIC and be part of a network of authors, publishers, editors, and others in the industry.

Until the next time . . . .

Progress Report—Back to the Manuscript (Editing Update-Part Two)

I've spent the past month going over edits on my next novel. I'll be returning it to my editor in two days, then await the galley proof for one more read. 

The past few weeks have been grueling at times, especially when seeing things I wish I had caught before sending it to the publisher. That's a big reason to have an editor. They fix things you think you see and take away things the readers shouldn't see.

She also made recommendations on dialogue, scenes, and body language—and a few other things—that she believed would strengthen the story. Some I accepted, prompting a few rewrites;  and some I rejected because I felt didn't reflect the characters' personalities (only the author truly knows the characters although editors can flesh out more information).

I also found a few other problems that I was able to correct while reading the manuscript two times.

Once I finish with the galley proof, I'll turn my attention to the third book in the Old Ways and New Days series. 

Until the next time. . . .