I started this blog on August 21, 2012, with the release of my first book, Titan Encounter. Most of those posts are now in what I call the “Early Blog.” I’m gradually updating their format and bringing them into this new journal. Back then the sole purpose of the blog was to promote my books, but gradually that changed.
That’s how it started but, over the years, I’ve mused about other things that are important to me, such as my family, my farm, rural life, and occasionally about politics and country. However, I try to limit the politics in this journal. If you want to know more about my political leaning go to The Conservative Alternative.
This has been my best year.
Since I released my debut novel, Titan Encounter, in 2012, my book sales have grown each year, but this year has been exceptional. With more than a third of the year remaining, my sales have already exceeded those of 2015.
Read MoreI guess it’s only natural for writers to support libraries.
Back in September, I blogged about finding my novel, A Time to Endure, at my local Chehalis library. When I visited the library to get a picture for that September blogpost, my friend Amy, who works there, checked the database and discovered other libraries in the system had copies of Through Many Fires. This surprised me since I’ve never made an effort to get my novels in any library.
Read MoreYesterday, I received a letter from an old friend.
Several things were unusual about it. First, it was a real letter, the kind you get in the mailbox. I get close to a hundred emails a day, but very few letters. The other thing that immediately caught my attention was the picture that you see here.
Read MoreMarketing and publicity are part of being an author but, like most writers, I avoid them.
I’d rather stay in my office typing my next story than go to a party or even most meetings with other authors. It’s not as if I hate people. I don’t but, like most writers, I’m an introvert.
Read MoreLast night I sat at the dining room table and signed books.
Earlier, I had made a list of 39 people that would be receiving one, or more, of my novels. When all the books came from the printer on the same day I decided to just sit down, sign, and mail them all.
Read MoreI’m conducting two Goodreads giveaways.
My next novel, A Time to Endure will be released on December 12th and, as part of the celebration, I’m giving away ten copies of Through Many Fires and ten copies of Titan Encounter on Goodreads.
Read MoreWork began Titan Encounter audiobook in early March and now it is done.
We started by having Micah Hansen design a cover and moved on to listening to auditions. It didn’t take long to select actor Jeffrey Fellin to produce and narrate the novel. Jeffrey has extensive experience in both film and theater and the right voice for the book.
Read MoreI wanted to start the new year off right and so I arranged to do some promotions.
Readers of my newsletter learned earlier this month about Smashwords discount coupons for my novels. However, that is not the only promotion I am doing this month.
Read MoreOne of the nice things about being an author is being able to see your work in different places.
As my books have garnered wider distribution, from Amazon to Audible, iTunes, and more, I’ve started to see advertisements for them. Recently I was pleased to see this online ad by Barnes & Noble.
Read MoreThe Titan Encounter book trailer has been released!
We produced this book trailer to help promote my debut science fiction novel, Titan Encounter. We had to keep the costs low for this one-minute trailer but, I think it is well done. I hope you enjoy it.
Read MoreAmazon sent me an email today.
There is nothing unusual about that. I’m a good customer. I must buy a novel or non-fiction book on something every week.
Today’s email listed novels in the science fiction genre and said, “…you might be interested in these items.” But, the books Amazon thought I might be interested in brought a smile to my face.
Read MoreThe promotional copies of my debut novel, Titan Encounter, are in!
As I mentioned earlier, the novel is now out in paperback and is available on Amazon for $7.78. However, I have received a limited number of promotional copies to give away.
Read MoreAs a new author what I need most of all is for people to read my stories. I’m confident that if they do read my work they will spread the word and buy later novels. So, this week I have been promoting Titan Encounter and Final Duty in various ways.—and it has paid off!
Read MoreA few days ago I got an email from Amazon.com asking, “Are you looking for something in our Science Fiction & Fantasy books department? If so, you might be interested in these items.”
Read MoreThe world of books is changing every day for both authors and readers.
I received an email today from Amazon.com informing me that Titan Encounter is now available in India.
In the past, as an unknown author without a contract with a publisher, I would have to pay to print my books and then try to get bookstores to stock them. Then I would have to somehow market them.
Read More"Justin starts one morning as a respected businessman and ends the day a fugitive wanted by every power in the known universe. Fleeing with his ‘sister’ Mara and Naomi, a mysterious woman from Earth Empire, their only hope of refuge is with the Titans, genetically enhanced soldiers who rebelled, and murdered millions in the Titanomachy War."
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