Happy Halloween and helping others / Happenings In The Outhouse 31-Oct-2014

Happy Halloween, to all of those who celebrate said holiday.  For others . . . well, it's Friday.

Last week, my family and I got back from a short trip to Walt Disney World.  We had a blast, and it was great just getting away.  Of course, there is always work to come back to.  Work does go on.  But we must work in order to play.

This week, I also helped out a dear friend who has finally decided to put the first of many ebooks up on the Kindle store.  I have to admit, for many people, the process of putting an ebook together can be daunting.  It was for me at first.  Over time, and after seven ebooks so far, I have a lot of the process down to a science.  I'm far from an expert though.  But for some simple formatting, I can handle it.  I helped my friend out, and all she has to do now is have a cover designed.

And when it's up and for sale, I'll share the details.

I am also in the 19th chapter on the second book in the Central Division Series.  It's titled Straight Razor.  I have over 22,000 words written so far.  Not sure if it'll get done by the end of the year.  Stay tuned.

Speaking of staying tuned, did you know I have a newsletter.  I have only a handful of subscribers right now, so if you like this blog, please be sure to sign up.

On Hiatus / Happenings In The Outhouse 24-Oct-2014

I have been on vacation most of this week.

Even though little new words have been written, stories still swirl around in my head.

Hiatus doesn't mean lack of activity.  Hiatus, in my case, means I am taking a brief vacation, I am recharging my mental batteries, and will continue my work (my craft) upon arrival back home.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter too. That way you'll get updates on upcoming publications.

Stay out of debt / Happenings In The Outhouse 17-Oct-2014

There are tons of writing advice out there:

Butt in chair, hands on keyboard.

Write everyday.

Think of your writing as a business.

And so on . . . and so forth . . .

Now, all of this is fine, great, and dandy.  However, I am going in a different direction when it comes to writing, especially when you're thinking of self-publishing (indie publishing).  Here it is:

Stay out of debt

 

When I examine what I'd love my publishing empire to look like, one major factor hinders it.  Debt.  The dreaded d-word.  Debt has hindered much of what I've been able to accomplish.  I've had to do everything on a shoestring budget.  From covers to editing and everything in between, our major debt load has handcuffed me.

 

But has it stopped me?  No.  I just keep trucking, working a full-time job and diligently working at reducing our debt.

 

So, although the sit-butt-in-chair-and-write-everyday writing advice is worthy noting, one very few talk about is debt.

 

Stay out of debt.

 

Your life--and your future--depends on it.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter too. That way you'll get updates on upcoming publications.


Don't throw in the towel yet / Happenings In The Outhouse 10-Oct-2014

You feel like everyone is out to stop you from achieving what you want to achieve.

Your spouse, who has supported you for years, is now doubting the time you spend on your craft.

Your friends slowly peel away the time you have allotted to your craft, to do mindless, chemical-induced tasks.

Your family--none of which have ever really supported you anyway and told you just to "be like everyone else"--keeps nagging at you to do this and that, that and this.

The dedications to your books were once the list of those proud supporting souls.  Now, you feel like eliminating the dedications altogether.

The time you had dedicated is limited more and more like a knife whittling on a piece of wood.

And, of course, there are those who tell you they follow your blog, yet fail to ask you about the book you just published last month or the new cover you just commissioned or the latest promotion--hint, they're not really reading your blog.

There are times when you think Ernest Hemingway or Robin Williams had a good idea when they decided to end their careers on their terms.

Sound familiar?

If it does, do this.  Don't throw in the towel.  Don't do it for me or for your friends or even for your family (your kids, if you've been blessed to have them, seem to be immune to the poisonous drama of the other family members and may be your biggest cheerleaders).

Do it for the fan who has yet to find you.

Also, do it for yourself.

Don't throw in the towel.  Yes, life can suck at times, but focus on your craft.

The world depends on it.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter too. That way you'll get updates on upcoming publications.

Killzone: Book 1 of the Shadowkill Trilogy can now be found on all platforms

Killzone: Book 1 of the Shadowkill Trilogy is no longer exclusive to Amazon.  It can now be found on all ebook publishing platforms.

Here's a link to Killzone's page on my website, which has links to all of your favorite retailers.

You can also subscribe to my newsletter by clicking on this link.

The makeover of Beholder's Eye

Beholder's Eye has recently undergone a transformation.  Well, not a very major one.  But I did add something to the beginning.

I added a prologue.

(insert wave around the stadium here)

For those who already purchased it, the new edition should be automatically updated.  For those who haven't, I feel it's a nice addition.  It adds a little more flavor to the story, and has more of a typical thriller feel to it as well.

Hope you like it.

Here's the Amazon link to purchase the book or acquire it through the Kindle Unlimited program.

Also, don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter, for information on upcoming publications.

How is your year so far? / Happenings In The Outhouse 03-Oct-2014

With this being the first week of October, this is the final three months of the year.  How are your 2014 goals coming along?

Earlier in the year, I made an effort to whittle down the list from over eighteen down to a more manageable twelve.  I have finished six so far--half, for those mathematically-challenged.

Not bad.

For 2015, my focus will be on two things: publishing more and losing weight.

That's it.  Of course, my goals aren't that simple.  They are specific, like lose 10 pounds by this date or to publish X amount of novels.

How are your 2014 goals?

Have you started thinking about 2015 goals?

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter too. That way you'll get updates on upcoming publications.

Oh, BTW, I'm putting the finishing touches on the "new and improved" Beholder's Eye.  Stay tuned.  Next week, I'll share what it is.