A few weeks ago, I joined a freelance writing website called Suite 101, and today they published my first article for me. The piece, entitled “Death by Obituary: Memories of an Obit Writer,” talks about he lesson I learned while writing obituaries when I was a reporter. Check it out, leave comments.
Yours Truly interviewed on Derailed Trains of Thought podcast
My college friends and fellow writers, Nick Hayden and Tim Deal, interviewed me for episode three of their podcast, “Derailed Trains of Thought,” which was posted yesterday. The interview is mostly about my new novel, Pandora’s Box, but I do talk about how I discovered my talent for writing, among other things. They even let me pick their second “Soundtrack” selection at the end of the show. The interview consists of the second half of the podcast.
I highly recommend subscribing to their podcast. Both Nick and Tim are quite insightful about storytelling, writing, books, film, and other forms of media.
Listen to Derailed Trains of Thought, Episode 3: From Boredom to Book.
The Drawing for “Pandora’s Box”
As I say in this video, it took longer than I expected, but I finally had 10 entrants for the drawing for a free signed copy of my first novel, “Pandora’s Box.” In case you don’t know, I started a Facebook group for the book shortly before it was published. About two weeks ago, I announced that the next ten people who “Liked” it would be entered for a chance to win a copy. Here, without further ado, is the result.
Congratulations, Mark Sproles, on winning!
P.S. This video, too, was filmed by my little sister, Sarah.
First signing of 2011 to be held in Columbia City, IN
A date and location for my first Pandora’s Box book signing of 2011 has been decided. It will be at the Peabody Public Library in Columbia City, Indiana, January 15 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Here’s the library’s website.
Be there, or be square!
10 entrants for ‘Pandora’s Box’ drawing
I now have the 10th and final entrant for the drawing! Congratulations, Kelsey Getzin!
Here is the complete list of entrants: Devin Schrek, Beth Bongard, Lacus Clyne, Mark Sproles, Luke Schutt, Sarah Deal, Koko-chan Shoryuu, Levoira ‘philip’ Hanamura, Nicole Dynes, and Kelsey Getzin.
I will have the drawing ASAP and announce the winner.
The drawing is now closed, but please join the site anyway.
Opening ‘Pandora’s Box’
After 8 1/2 years of waiting, I finally received copies of my first novel, Pandora’s Box. (FYI: It didn’t take that long to write it. I first conceived the story 8 1/2 years ago). This was a momentous occasion for me, one that I wanted to share it with everyone. So, I had my little sister, Sarah, record it.
Set in 2110, Pandora’s Box tells the story of a lone female soldier defending the world’s last stockpile of weapons of mass destruction from a ruthless dictator intent on using them to upset the balance of power in a world war.
This video was recorded by my little sister, Sarah.
DToT podcast interview recorded; new e-mail subscription
Last night, I went to the home of my friend and fellow writer Nick Hayden to record an interview for the third episode of his podcast, Derailed Trains of Thought, which he hosts with our mutual friend, Tim Deal. The interview was mostly about the process of writing my novel. Not only do you get to hear some insider info about my book, but the podcast is excellent and well worth your time. I highly recommend it. The podcast with my interview will be posted next week.
Also, thanks to FeedBurner, you can now subscribe to my website via e-mail. That’ll make it much easier to keep up with my updates, news, and stories. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Date for Noble County Public Library book signing finalized
I talked with a librarian at the main branch of the Noble County Public Library, my home library, and not only did I hear that they had received the three copies of Pandora’s Box they had ordered, but I finalized a date and time for a book signing there. It will be held December 6 at the main branch in Albion, Indiana, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. I may do a presentation about the book beforehand.
Be there, or be square!
‘Pandora’s Box’ drawing on Facebook
Want a free signed copy of Pandora’s Box? All you have to do is join its Facebook page!
Starting today, the next 10 people who “Like” my novel on its page will be entered into a drawing for a free signed copy. There are, however, some rules I would like to lay down for this:
1. You can’t “un-join” the page and then rejoin to be entered.
2. The drawing has no set time. It will be held once I have 10 names (so please be patient).
3. You can enter even if you already have a copy of the book (though I’d then suggest you give one copy to someone as a gift).
4. Unless I see you in person, you must provide me with your mailing address so I can send you your book (I’ll cover shipping).
5. I reserve the right to refuse to send you a book and draw another name.
6. Leaving the group before the drawing disqualifies you from winning.
I may add more later, but that’s all I have for now.
So go join the book’s Page here.
‘PANDORA’S BOX’ NOW AVAILABLE!
Mr. Hades at Absolute XPress, the publisher of my novel, surprised me today.
PANDORA’S BOX IS NOW AVAILABLE!
You read that right. The book has been released early. I don’t know how or why, but it has been. There’s still no info on it on the publisher’s website, but you can buy it on Amazon here. It’s a bit more expensive than the suggested retail price, but that may have to do with fees or whatnot that Amazon has to pay.
A few years ago when my friend Nick Hayden published his first novel, I said you’d know you made it as a writer when you were on Amazon. I said that not sure I could repeat his accomplishment.
Now I’m flabbergasted.
God has funny ways of surprising me.
So please do me a favor, “True Believers”–GO BUY MY BOOK!