Friday, August 28, 2020

My gift to you / Happenings In The Outhouse 28-Aug-2020

I have a gift for you.  I told you about it a few weeks ago.  It's the first novel in the Central Division thriller series: Beholder's Eye.


 As you may notice, it is still not free on Amazon.  I would appreciate it if you would let them know this book is free on other ebook platforms, from Barnes and Noble Nook to Google Books and others.  Here's the link on my website, which has all of the ebook platforms it is on.

Friday, August 21, 2020

Thinking like a garage band or amateur chef / Happenings In The Outhouse 21-Aug-2020

Beginning artists/creatives start by learning the basics.

Painters don't go from paint-by-number to Picasso or Bob Ross just by the snap of the fingers.  It takes practice.  Learn, and master, the basics.  Then, you know where you can go creatively.

I've watched the Food Network for quite some time.  I'm always amazed at how such simple ingredients and techniques can create such masterpieces.  Again.  Practice.  Years and years of practice.  Sure, talent has something to do with it.  But you need to master the basics, to go from amateur kitchen cook to a full-blown master chef like Gordon Ramsey or Bobby Flay.

The same goes for musicians.  When I was in my teens, I wanted to be a rock star.  No kidding.  But then again, isn't that every kid's dream when they're that age, to be a star of some kind?  But I certainly couldn't start out by joining a garage band.  I needed to learn the basics of whatever instrument I chose.  In that case, it was the guitar.  Once the basics were mastered, then one could move on to more collaborative work with a garage band.  And even your most seasoned bands started out by playing in their garage for hours and hours on end, for years.

With writers it's no different.  You need to practice writing.  For years.  You also need to read.  Like musicians need to listen to music and painters need to study other painters, writers need to read.

Before an artist/creative can experiment in their craft, the basics need to be studied and mastered.  That's what makes a master chef instead of a garden variety kitchen cook.

Friday, August 14, 2020

Beholder's Eye is free / Happenings In The Outhouse 14-Aug-2020



Beholder's Eye, the first novel in the Central Division thriller series, is free.  Permafree, to be exact.  Click on this link to my website, to view your favorite ebook retailer--please note, as of this writing, it is not free on Amazon but if you click on the link of the Amazon page to advise them of the lower price (and where) it won't take them long to make it free.

I will expand more on this in the upcoming weeks on the strategy behind this move.

Friday, August 7, 2020

This pandemic will pass / Happenings In The Outhouse 07-Aug-2020



This week is week number 20 of me working from home.  Hard to believe.  Yet at the same time I'm blessed to have an employer who has the capability of so many of its employees to work from home.  Not all businesses have that luxury.  Some have remained open, like grocery stores, hardware stores, auto mechanics, carpenters, restaurants (as limited as their capacity is) and so many more, to serve customers who need them.

Frankly, all businesses are essential.  All workers, no matter the business, are essential.  If you don't think an artist is essential (I use the term artist to capture a wide range from those who create physical art to authors and actors/actresses and anyone who creates something from nothing), when was the last time you were entertained?  Who entertained you?  Even professional athletes are essential for those who enjoy their craft.

Let me tell you again: EVERYONE is essential.

No matter your circumstances, don't let the media get you down.  Watch what you listen to as far as media is concerned.  Life isn't that bad.  Get a new mindset.  Look around.  Talk to people.  Read a good book.  Watch a movie.

In these past twenty weeks, my family has grown much closer.  My youngest knows my daily schedule, my breaks and lunches, and plans for those times.  Our supper time has been earlier simply because I'm already home.

While the debate of masks and vaccines and pandemics and politics rages on, I'm putting my head down and working.  At my job as well as my writing.  The new thriller is coming along nicely and I'll give further updates as the weeks and months go by, as I near closer to it being finished.

Because this one I will finish.

And publish.

Then, it's on to the next book.

Happy and productive days are ahead.

So I strongly urge you to clear your mind, ignore the petty differences on social media, and be the best you can be to one another.  The world needs a better you.

Do it today.