If Only This E-Mail Went To Everyone...

So, the e-mail hit earlier today, another ad from Audible...

Or, so I thought.

When I clicked the ad, I saw something familiar. 

My own name on a book I wrote.

Yes, it's been over two years since my book was released. Any self-respecting author would have at least two or three books released since then. All I can say is, I'm working on it.

I thought seeing the ad was cool, then I wondered if others had been sent this particular ad. You get kind of excited thinking of the possibility of many, many people seeing this ad. I mean, Audible.com, and by extension, Amazon, is endless. The thought made me a little giddy, to be honest.

Then, reality hits and I returned to earth.

I know at least the basics of algorithms--like interests generate like ads. I may be the only one who saw this particular ad. I saw it because, not only did I write the thing, but I bought copies on-line, I bought an audiobook version, and I've blogged about it several times. My digital signature is all over this book, just as much as how my name graces the cover.

Ask any writer and they'll tell you, finishing the book is only Step 1. In many ways, it's only the beginning. I've found it interesting to watch first-time authors and see what they do after their baby has been delivered. And the choices open to new authors for marketing is unbelievable. With money--sometimes, lots of money--you can buy exposure, ads, blogs, reviews. I did not take this path, and many will say, the sales figures reflect that. I'm okay with my decision. A good number of those choices is throwing good money after bad.

Still, on a cloudy day in May when the world is insane, it was fun to see my book in my inbox. Maybe it'll happen again.

A Free "Chaser" Audiobook Giveaway...Hurry And Sign Up!

If you love books with a great message for your kids and your kids love stories about dogs, space, and adventure, now's your chance to sign up for a free audiobook! The incredible author Dave Butler (and he's a better person than author...) is holding a giveaway on his website for a chance to win an audiobook copy of Chaser: an Interplanetary Tale of a Boy and his Dog!

Both the novel and the audiobook were released in 2018 through Immortal Works Press. It's gotten fantastic reviews and is a great book for your reluctant middle-grade reader, or anyone who loves an exciting story.

Here's a taste of what the story's about:

How far would you go to be with your best friend? Would you give up a chance to travel to a new planet? Would you disobey your parent? How important would it be? 

Twelve-year-old Kennedy Barnes and his dad are on an interplanetary mission to transfer Earth’s animals to Planet X489-B, a habitable world without animal life.

But one animal not on their spaceship’s manifest is Kennedy’s dog Chaser. Unable to part with his beloved Chaser, Kennedy smuggles the Labrador Retriever onto his father’s ship.

What follows is a story of strength, deception, harrowing escapes and painful lessons learned.

Join Kennedy, Chaser, and the entire crew of Trinity Base as they travel billions of miles from home on an adventure as big as the universe, and find out just how far one boy will go to save his best friend.

The audiobook is narrated by the über-talented Mark Sanderlin who captures both the fun and the seriousness of the story.

If you'd like a chance to win, go to Dave Butler's website by clicking: HERE or HERE. And while you're at it, please check out any of Dave's amazing books--you can find them by clicking: HERE.

Hurry--this giveaway will only be available until the 6th of January! And if you want to order the audiobook yourself, you can go to the Audible website: HERE and just order it. It's a great book, and you'll be glad you did. Start 2019 with an amazing story! Check out Chaser today!

It's FINALLY Here..."Chaser" On Audiobook!

I got the word last night, as I was wrapping up my daily edition of my blog, as it happens. The audiobook of Chaser was not only done, but available for all the world to purchase.

It's one of those "Oh my gosh" moments that occurs many times to some, not many times to me.

It felt awesome!

I know I've gone on-and-on about this little book. It's something I'm proud of, not necessarily because I wrote it, but because of the positive response I've gotten from readers. Those who have read it and taken the time to leave comments have been so kind and said such nice things. If I never write another thing, I'll always be proud of how Chaser turned out.

I've blogged many times about many audiobooks. It's the main way I'm able to read anymore. I do love a real book you can hold in your hands, smell the pages, and enjoy the experience of reading how God intended us to read. But in our crazy hectic lives, audiobooks allow those who might not get the chance to sit and read to consume books. I blogged a few weeks ago about Mark Sanderlin's narration. I personally think it fits the material perfectly.

If you'd like your own audio copy of Chaser, and, quite frankly, why would you not? Just click: HERE to access Audible.Com and get one yourself. I'll even autograph your phone if you'd like (I'm sure you would not like that...).

Yesterday was cool. I hope you pick this up and listen with your kids. It's a fun fun read.

Meet Mark Sanderlin...The Guy Who Read My Words

Today I finished listening to the audiobook of my middle-grade novel, Chaser. It was read by Mark Sanderlin.

And it was one of the coolest things I'd ever heard.

One of the things that drew me to Immortal Works Press is their commitment to releasing an audiobook with every book they publish. Not all small press publishers do that. I'm sure some out there do that, but I don't know of any other that do.

I've had the audiobook files for a few weeks to listen for any problems. Because of my crazy life, I was unable to listen to the whole thing, but the last couple of days, I've been able to sit down and play chapter after chapter until this afternoon when I heard Mr. Sanderlin say, "the end." Hopefully soon it will be available to purchase and download. I'll make sure I let everyone know when that happens.

I don't know Mark. I believe he lives in New York. I'll most likely never meet the man, but his voice will now forever be the voice of Chaster. When I read parts of the book, or listen again to the audiobook files, it'll be Mark I hear. He has narrated several other books and does other voice work as well. You can access his website: HERE.

Thank you Mark for given a voice to my words.