Not A Dollar Store / Happenings In The Outhouse 05-Sept-2025

There are a lot of changes on the horizon.  So much so that I am excited for what the future is going to bring.

I am currently taking an online course taught by Dean Wesley Smith and Kris Rusch about creating your own short story market, and one of the things I learned in the very first week was about pricing your stories.

One trend I have noticed lately (and this may be purely psychological) are the number of books in the $1.99 range.  Short stories, despite them being short, should never be $.99.  It makes your work look and feel cheap.  So the starting point for short stories should be at $1.99 (the exception would be if you were a massive bestselling author, where you could start at $2.99).

Over the next few months, I will be reviewing all of my stories and pricing them accordingly.

Don't sell yourself short by selling cheap.  Cheap never wins.

This also works the other way too.  Don't price your work too high either.

Realistic View Of Business / Happenings In The Outhouse 01-Aug-2025

A few days ago, someone on social media (this person calls himself a "6-fig entrepreneur" which means this "entrepreneur" states he makes over $100K a year which is a flat out lie for a variety of reasons) posted this photo below, along with a statement about everyone getting comfortable doing what's easy, rather than what is difficult, and how he has achieved so much:

First, I want to point out how incredibly inaccurate this photo is when compared to reality.  No job, unless you are salaried (and this is for a single year, not over the course of a decade or more), stays completely 100% stagnant month after month.  And even then, there are increases (and other incentives) over the years and decades.  Also, for $2500 a month comes out to $625 a week (given a 4-week month).  Divide that by 40 hours is $15.62 or so an hour.  And so many jobs now offer that as a minimum wage.  Minimum!  When I was in high school, I made a fraction of that an hour for my grocery store job.  And if you wanted to make more money, apply toward a higher paying position or job.  You may have to work two or three jobs to provide for yourself and your family too, or even have a side hustle to bring in some money.  But the top line is highly inaccurate and should be angling upward and to the right.

Second, the bottom half of the photo is equally as inaccurate, if not more.  No business can sustain a growth trajectory of "up and to the right" all the time.  All business goes in cycles, even small businesses.  I work for a multi-billion-dollar company and its sales growth looks like a roller coaster over the months, years, and decades.

I hire a gentleman to mow my lawn.  That is his business.  A side hustle turn full-time gig.  He used to work a full-time job years ago and mowed lawns on the side, but the growth in his business over the years has earned him the freedom to do it full-time.  I can only speculate, but if one was to review his financials and chart it on a graph, he has a HUGE spike in the summer months for cash flow and a much less one during the rest of the year.  Now, this guy also has other side gigs in his business, from snow removal to vehicle detailing, to keep cash flowing during the "off" season, but the bulk of his business is during the summer when he mows lawns.

I am all for thinking positively and motivating yourself to better your life.  Why do you think I get up at the butt crack of dawn and write EVERY SINGLE DAY?  If you were to chart the cash flow for my writing business, it goes in cycles, much like a roller coaster too.  But I'm not going to lie, to call myself a "6-fig author" just to try impress others who don't give a rip about me.  Who am I trying to prove?  No one.  Also, I'm not going to boast about how much money I'm making.  Seriously, it's none of your goddamned business.

When it comes to business and money, keep it to yourself.  Seriously.  Keep.  It.  To.  Yourself.  Celebrate the wins quietly and, if you have to, only with your very closest loved ones.  Again, only if you have to.  Most of the time, I do not.  Whatever you do, don't boast online about what HUGE business you're doing when it's a complete lie.

Let's Talk About Money (again) / Happenings In The Outhouse 20-June-2025

Let's have a quick chat about money.  I've done it before, so let's revisit this topic again.

Not about how to make more or how to handle it, but . . . rather, how much to share.  Not sharing your money, but sharing with others how much you make.

I have mentioned this particular "entrepreneur" before, and it's worth noting this same one again.  Because this person seems to be doing it all wrong.  At least from a perspective customer (if I was one).  Do not . . . and I stress DO NOT . . . tell everyone how much you made.

"Oh, my, I made ten G's last month, yippee, motherf**kers!"

It's very unprofessional, and quite frankly, for those who also have businesses on the side, it's makes us shake our heads in bewilderment.  I had a talk with my wife the other day and I told her that I have NEVER told anyone how much I made on my writing.  NEVER.  Now, if she wants to know, I'll tell her in private.  But it's not anyone's business how much my business makes.

If it sounds like I'm on a soapbox, well I am.  Very irritating, to say the least.

Greener pastures revisited / Happenings In The Outhouse 14-Feb-2025

Last week, I touched on this subject of always looking elsewhere, never sticking with one thing, even though it's working.  Keep in mind, it may not be working as fast as you wish, but there is truly nothing long term for those seeking quick riches.

Many years ago, I sought out literary agents through query letters, for possible representation to publish my novels.  I repeated the process over and over again.

Then, I heard about self-publishing and was curious about it.  I researched it--I read about vanity presses and didn't want to go down that route--and then decided to dip my toes into the self-publishing waters in April 2012.  It was a small nonfiction book, but at the same time I was still writing and submitting with minimal success.

Once I dipped my toe in and researched more on it, I tried one last push for an agent, even connecting with them on social media . . . but in the end I self-published my books and have never looked back.

Will this work for everyone?

Everyone's path to success is different.  But when something doesn't work right away, don't dismiss it right away.

Some things take longer than others.

Patience . . .

QR Codes (Ways To Hinder An Easy Buy) / Happenings In The Outhouse 20-Sept-2024

Ever since one of my daughters went off to her first year of college, we have visited her a few times, to take her to brunch/lunch, and to bring her things that she needed.

One thing I noticed lately was on one of these visits, when we took her to lunch.  It was our second time at this restaurant--one featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives--so we knew the food was good.  But the main difference I noticed between this restaurant and others was that the menu could only be accessed by a QR code.

Okay, you may ask what's the big deal?

The big deal is: what is someone doesn't have a smartphone?  Also, when I asked a few people who were of the older generation, they didn't have a clue what a QR code was.

During our last visit, we took our daughter to a diner for brunch.  I had the French toast, which was like eating a cinnamon roll.  My wife had a pancake that was as big as her plate--she couldn't even eat it all.  But in order to reserve a table, you had to scan a QR code and reserve a table.

Hmmm, again, same question as before.

How's this for an interesting concept: I get why a restaurant owner may want to run their business this way, but in doing so it alienates a segment of the population.  And if you're alienating a segment of the population, what other barriers are you putting in place that hinders an easy buy?

Battling Complacency / Happenings In The Outhouse 02-Aug-2024

It's easy to stay in one spot, be it career or job position or hobbies or place of residence or . . . well, just about anything at this point.

But what if . . . 

Now, I'm not saying that everyone should quit their job, abandon their hobbies, and move away.  But if you are given an opportunity to do something different, even for a little while, what's stopping you?

Reminder to Buy / Happenings In The Outhouse 29-Sept-2023

My annual gym membership came to an end for another year a few weeks ago.  I received no reminder, no head's up that "hey, do you want to renew?"

Nothing.

This would've been a great opportunity to reach out and let me know about any new deals or even a simple reminder that my membership was coming to a close.

How does this apply to your art, to your creations?

You need to remind people that you're still creating, still working on your craft.  Whenever you have something new, tell people.

Concert Etiquette / Happenings In The Outhouse 11-Aug-2023

Okay, I'm going to rant a bit.

Over this past year, I've been going to quite a number of concerts and as well as a sports event, and I've noticed a trend that is a bit disturbing.

Much of this may seem petty to some, and frankly I don't care how it comes across.  If you feel it does, then move along.  This post isn't for you.

Still with me so far?  Here we go . . .

First, these concerts or games, even in the cheaper sections, cost a bit to get into.  Depending on your situation, you may have to book a hotel or Airbnb.  You may have to pay for parking or an Uber/Lyft driver.  You may even have to pay for drinks/food once you're there.  Here's my issue: did you go there to enjoy the event or go there just to socialize and pay absolutely no attention to the event/concert at hand?  For some, this may be the only event they're able to go to this year.  It's special.  Quite possibly a once-in-a lifetime event.

My issue is the many who seem to ruin it all by their rudeness, drunkenness, and downright disregard for public decency.

Think of others for a change.  If you find yourself getting up from your seat every few minutes to grab a drink or something to eat and not even pay attention to what's going on, then why did you even go?  You are simply ruining it for others who DID go to see what's going on.

There.  Rant over.  Who knows, I may expand on this later.

Peace out.  Enjoy life.

Dreams Are Great (But Ground It In Reality) / Happenings In The Outhouse 02-June-2023

You start a business.  You sell your first product.  Maybe you get a customer to sign a contract for your services/product.

Wow!  You are flying high!  You dream of vacations, houses, cars, all kinds of stuff!

Dreams are great.  I'm a dreamer.  But I am also a realist.  Having the responsibility of a family and current bills/debts, I cannot bank on my writing income to sustain me alone.

Maybe you just got your real estate license and sold your first house for a nice commission.  At what point to you throw all the chips on the table and go full bore?

These are questions you need to have with yourself (and loved ones), but honestly you'll probably just ignore me and do what you want.

My writing is what I love to do, and at this point is a side hustle.  There's nothing wrong with side hustles.  You need some sort of guaranteed income until the side hustle overcomes the day job.

And here's another piece of advice, to take or leave: do not proclaim every single victory from the mountaintop.  Keep them to yourselves, with the exception of your most loved one.  Celebrate the victories with that one, because chances are, they are also sacrificing something so you can do your dreams.

And, hopefully, one day that dream will become a reality.  But until then, keep your head down and keep working.

Lastly, have fun!

Princess/Prince Mentality (AKA I Want It Now!) / Happenings In The Outhouse 07-April-2023

 We've all seen the meme, from the Gene Wilder movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: 

Funny how this movie came out in 1971 yet there is so much in our society now in 2023 that reflects with the character Veruca Salt.  With the advent of the internet and technology as a whole, things are moving faster and faster.  Movies go from the theaters to the digital platforms/DVDs/Blue Ray in a matter of weeks and days.

Even information can be had by quickly searching your favorite search engine.

My current work-in-progress is set in the mid-1980's, and it's funny to think about how children today could never survive during the 80's, despite the many shows/movies set during that time.  Even the mentality many have today seems so out of whack when I reflect on my own childhood.  Never did I ask my Mom what was for supper, and, if it wasn't something I liked, I never told her as such--rarely did she make something I didn't like, as she is a fantastic cook.

So many things are given to people today without thinking.  The starting wage on many jobs in the area are around $15 or so an hour.  The starting wage at the grocery store where I worked at when I was sixteen was around $3-4 an hour.  When I started at my current job at $7 an hour, back in 1997, I thought I was rich!

I don't mean to pick on kids either.  I meet many adults who have this mentality that they are a princess or a prince, and that everyone has to kneel before them, to always do their bidding or else they'll whine and moan.

In the words of W. Axl Rose, we need a little "patience."

Take a deep breath.  Pause.  Reflect.  Pray.

Planning For The Future / Happenings In The Outhouse 24-March-2023

Ironically, today is my late wife's birthday.  She would've been 51.

A few weeks ago, I read a blog post by Dean Wesley Smith on estate planning.  It is well-written and thought provoking, for sure.  Please take the time to read it, save it, and come back to it time and again.

It is selfish not to plan for the future, not to plan for your eventual demise.  It warms my heart to think about the words I'm publishing today producing fruit for my children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren and beyond for others to enjoy.

Do not put this off until tomorrow.  Do it today.

And do not--and I stress do not--instruct others to throw away your writing.  I can't think of a more idiotic way of disposing of your hard work.

If you don't know, there is a world of knowledge right at your fingertips.  Use Dean's post as a starting point.

Thinking To The Future / Happenings In The Outhouse 03-Feb-2023

A few weeks ago, a big-name musician announced that he sold his entire music catalog for (reports say) around $200 million.

I have mixed feelings about this, from an artist's perspective.  Obviously, my writing doesn't bring anywhere near this amount if someone were to ask me to sell my entire writing catalog to them, but down the road, what if someone would?

It's an interesting concept.

Now, a lot depends on the terms of the contract.  Would said-musician get all $200 million at once?  Of course, Uncle Sam will take a huge bite out of it, but taxes would come out anyway, even if it was much lower.

My first thought when I heard this was, "What about future heirs?  What about the rest of their life?  What if they create more music?"  The musician in question is very, very young.  Does this musician plan on not making anymore music?

If, over the course of their lifetime, the amount would bring more than what is offered, then it's a bad deal.  Then again, if you bank the $200 million (minus taxes) and invest it wisely, it may bring in much more.

I then ask, "Why not both?"  Invest earnings and continue to create?

Again, it's an interesting concept to ponder.  So much more than this tiny blog post.

Supporting The Artist / Happenings In The Outhouse 28-Oct-2022

A line from Robert Heinlein's Stranger In A Strange Land struck me right to the core:

"'I want praise from the customer, given in cash because I've reached him--or I don't want anything.  Support for the arts--merde!  A government-supported artist is an incompetent whore!'"

Wrap your mind around that one for a moment, shall we?

In the end, we want people to buy our product, our work of art.  That's it.  And if we've reached them at a certain level--at a fan level--they will shell out more of their money to support the work we produce.

We do not need to rely on a government to support artists.  If you feel this is the only way, step back and imagine how it could work.  What would need to be true in order to make it a reality.

Then . . . make it a reality.

I Want To Be Born Rich / Happenings In The Outhouse 07-Oct-2022

Last week, I was in a meeting and the topic of money came up.  One person said, "I wish I was born rich."

Just that statement got my wheels churning.

How different would your life be if you were born rich?  And, for that matter, what is your definition of rich?

For those living in far off lands, those living in America must be rich.  One person's definition may be to be debt free and have enough to live off of for the rest of their lives.  Another is to have all of the toys a typical billionaire seems to possess: yachts, luxury cars, mansions, private jets.

Instead of focusing on something you have no control over, try concentrating on something you can: your life.  And then ask yourself, "What can I do to be rich?"  Wealth, as you may or may not know, is best achieved slowly instead of all at once.  Some people's retirement plan is . . . winning the lottery.  Seriously.

Maintain a winning mindset.  Instead of asking why your life wasn't different, ask how can you make your life better?

Your Worth / Happenings In The Outhouse 29-July-2022

How much are you worth?

In the world of "doing everything yourself", does it truly pay to do everything yourself in the long run?

Some mundane tasks may seem easy enough, like mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway or changing the oil on your car, but if someone else could do those tasks for you, how much time could you devote to your next project?  An hour here and there adds up over time.

"But, Mark, these things cost money.  I simply can't afford to have someone else do everything."

I get it.  I really do.  I've been so broke (many years ago) that my checking account had a negative balance more than it did a positive one.  I recall the days when all I'd have for lunch are ramen noodles.  Been there, got the T-shirt.

But a little bit here and there pays off in the end.  I have a guy who mows my lawn (truth be told, my mower broke down and it was a hassle to try fix it, since that's another task I'm not real good at: fixing engines).  Now, my lawn gets mowed weekly, and it's trimmed nicely.  It's kept up and I don't have to devote the hour or two each week to do it.

What tasks can you delegate to others?

What more could you accomplish by doing so?

Buying Barriers (make it easy to do business/buy your wares) / Happenings In The Outhouse 03-Sept-2021

One of my daughters is at her first week in college and I wanted to send her something as a surprise.  The college had sent me info a few weeks ago on how I can order a care package for her, so obviously I'm all over that.  But when I start the process, there's a few problems.

I need the dorm where she's staying.  And her room number.  And a few other items, which made purchasing the care package a pain in the behind.

At the time, she didn't know any of the necessary info.

How many times have you just wanted go to some place, tell them what you want, hand over your money, and it's done?  All the time, right?

I hate buying vehicles.  Yes, you heard right.  Hate.  Not dislike or oh buying cars is a pain.  No, I hate it with so much passion that I'd rather drink the urine of a dead cow.  Why?  Because whenever I have bought cars, it's not easy.  Most of it did have to do with our financial situation, but still.  It could have been easier.  If the money portion was difficult, I would rather they say, nope we can't do it than the hours of waiting and waiting and waiting.

Amazon, for one, makes buying so damn easy.  Ebooks?  One click and done.  Merchandise.  Just a few clicks and done.

Almost two months ago, I went to a few hardware stores looking for yard maintenance equipment.  The two stores I frequented made it easy to buy.  I told them what I needed, and here you go, there it all is.  So easy.

The buying experience can either easy or not so much.  Put yourself in the customer's shoes.

One thing that irritates me is when authors offer incentives, but you need to download them in a different way than what you are used to.  I love my Kindle and I want to just read it on that.  Yes, there are ways of side loading items onto the Kindle, but that's too much hassle.

Make it easy to buy.

And people will buy more.

Fueling Your Creations / Happenings In The Outhouse 13-Aug-2021

Happy Friday the 13th!

I was recently asked, if I had all the money I needed in order to live and didn't need to work where I currently am, what would I do?

The answer was an easy one: writing.

For anyone who knows me, I love to write.  It's been in my blood since as far back as I can remember.  Stashed away in an old box somewhere could be a few worn and tattered tablets, possibly with Snoopy on the front, where I wrote many of my ideas and story starts.  How far back you may ask?  Thinking second grade, perhaps.  Now, these ideas are undoubtedly childlike and not very good, but for a budding writer they were my playground.

Since I have neither won the lottery (I don't play anyway) nor been granted a huge inheritance from a long lost relative, I use my current employment as a means to fuel my creations.  I can create what I want, when I want.  I still push myself to always do as much as I can, but without the added stress of a steady paycheck and health insurance.

I know a fair amount of writers who have jobs to fuel their creative side.  It isn't anything to be ashamed about.  In fact, it could be used as story fodder.  Let's say you're a trauma nurse.  There has to be stories there!  Or a corrections officer.  Bingo!  A convenience store clerk?  Of course!  Speak from experience and use that as an authority to speak about it, or to add color to your story.

If your goal is to have your creations fuel your finances by itself, learn all you can about the business side and work toward that as your goal.  Yes, I'd love it if I had millions in the bank and could do what I want.  But until that day comes, I have to be patient and keep creating.

Legal issues and traditional publishing / Happenings In The Outhouse 01-Jan-2021

Take a moment and search the following on your favorite search engine browser: Alan Dean Foster and Disney.  Then do a little reading.  It's quite the rabbit hole.  Don't worry, I'll wait . . .

Done?  Good.  What are your immediate thoughts?  Distain toward the house of mouse?  Head-shaking toward an author who has written much in universes they didn't create (and still writing) and they should just move on with the money they've been given?  Indifference to both sides?

Keep in mind, this is just one author who is being messed over by traditional publishing.  I've read other articles where there are numerous others in this mess too.  When you peel back the layers of the corporate onion, this is what may happen when companies are bought and sold like cattle on the market.  Not everyone benefits in a positive way.

Now, first and foremost, I'm not an attorney and I sure as heck don't play one on TV, so I won't lay out all of the legal issues at play here.  That being said, the conglomerate involved in this should be absolutely ashamed of themselves--my opinion, of course.  Your opinion may differ.  Nothing screams corporate greed more than this--and I, for one, am a fan of capitalism, but this is just plain shitty.  Again, just my opinion.

When I told my youngest daughter what was done to Mr. Foster, she asked me, "What if Disney wanted you to publish a story?  Would you do it?"

Good question.  A challenging one too.  My answer: it depends on the contract and the money attached to it.

Go back to that same search engine and, this time, look up: friends (plus) residual checks.  One of the top hits states that the cast of the TV show Friends make several millions of dollars each year in residuals, from reruns.  Then, when you look at other TV series, even some of your favorites, the cast members in those do not share in the same residuals.

Why?

Answer: it depends on their contract.

My point in all this is simple: those who are in control seems to hold most of the money.  Keep as much control of your own work as possible.  If you want to license it away, educate yourself get proper legal advice.

Are you ready for success? / Happenings In The Outhouse 22-March-2019

As the first quarter of 2019 winds down and the weather starts to get warmer here in northwestern Minnesota, I'm reflecting on my writing goals for the year.

First, I am currently around the 25,000 word mark on my epic fantasy and I'm quite a distance away from completing the first part--there are four parts to the book; the original plan was to write one part per quarter.  That may not happen now.  I'm still writing everyday but the story is taking longer to tell.  Not a bad thing.  The story will get done.  Will it be done by the end of the year?  Who knows . . .

Reviewing my 5 goals for the quarter, I have completed 2 of them.  Yeah!  What they are, that is between me and the Almighty.

I've written before about success and how success is different for each person.  Here's one post from 2011.  It still holds true, in my opinion.

But how ready are for you for success?  What is the huge "pie in the sky" goal was to land on your lap?  Let's say your goal is to have a book made into a movie.  What if a big movie studio not only gave you a fat contract for your book but it also was speeding along to be made right away?  What if, all of a sudden, a book of yours sudden flew off the shelves and you made five and six figures a month?

How ready are you for it?  There's a mindset that needs to be firm in place.  It's a rarity for someone to come into massive amounts of money (there are other metrics to success, but I'm focusing on money as an example) and not have troubles.  Whether it's starting to do drugs and drink, or run around partying, or spending like money has no end, most who come into it aren't ready.  But if you mentally prepare for what you're going to do, it will help guide you.

What are you preparing for today?  What is your success metric?

Regrets on what I've done AND not done / Happenings In The Outhouse 23-Feb-2018

I was listening to a preview of Jon Acuff's new podcast--actually it was episode zero--and he spoke on regrets.  Not necessarily regrets on what one hasn't done, but even regrets on things one has done.

I look back on my life and, my oh my, I have plenty that fit in either category.

I regret comments I made to someone or about someone.

I regret doing the stupid things I had done.

I regret the poor financial decisions I made.

I regret not pursuing indie publishing sooner.

I regret not writing more short stories and sending them to short story markets.

I regret not speaking with my future wife much sooner than what I did--yes, I was a big chicken.

I regret . . . I regret . . . I regret . . .

Now, of all these regrets, I cannot change them.  All I can do is learn from them, the mistakes (if they were), and move on.  Too many people hold themselves back by their regrets, emotionally, mentally, physically.

Learn.

Move on.

I am nearing the end of Training Grounds.  I am currently at 21,500 words.  How much more, I don't know.  For a sneak peak, here's the cover:

Starting tomorrow, I am also starting a new segment on this blog: the story of the week.  This will feature a story I have written, to provide links on where it's sold--I do have two free stories on my blog too, so I might link there as well--and maybe give a little story about it.  Should be fun.