Well, Someone Checked Out My Little Book...

Tonight, I stopped by our community's second largest library (it's also our community's smallest library...) to see if my book might still be there.

It wasn't.

And I think that's a good sign.

Back in August of last year I dropped off my short story collection Speckled. A few weeks later, I stopped to see if the book was still there. Nope--it was gone. I thought at the time that it was either borrowed, or someone tossed it. I don't know if anyone decides which books are worthy to be included in the Little Free Library. I suppose my sense of inadequacy thought the book might not belong. It was self-published and maybe they have a rule against that.

Fast forward about eight months and I dropped off another book, this time, Chaser. This book's different. It's a novel published by a real publisher! It's been a few weeks since I dropped this book off so I thought I'd check again.

Same result.

I'd like to think the book is currently being enjoyed by a middle grader (the target audience...), or a middle grader's older/younger siblings as well as their parents. One can dream. Of course, the book might not be coming back to the Little Free Library and I'd be sad if that were the case. I wrote the book to be read and enjoyed by as many people as possible.

In each book, I wrote a little note. On August 16, 2017 I blogged about dropping off Speckled. You can read that blog post: HERE. With this latest book, I again wrote a note, but I asked for the reader to send me an e-mail with their thoughts. I haven't received any e-mails yet, and I may not get any feedback. Still, it would be cool to hear back from someone.

One can dream.

At Salt Lake Comic Con...You Buy My Book, I Give The Profits To Charity

It helps, when you write a daily blog, to store blog post ideas for later. It saves time when it comes to writing. I've got a few blog post ideas lined up. I've written recently about our Seattle trip, but I haven't highlighted the main reason we went--my nephew's wedding. I could write about that. On my commute this morning two cars crashed into each others right in front of me. That can be another blog post. And I even saw and videoed a small snake slithering in our back yard this after noon.

But with the terrible storms destroying lives and news of today's Mexico City earthquake, those topics just didn't seem appropriate. So, what to write about?

Earlier this month I placed an order of Speckled, my one and only book, for this week's Salt Lake Comic Con. The number of books I ordered was based on past cons, plus I added a couple more because the last thing you want to have happen at a con is to run out of books.

My family and I were kicking around an idea earlier--what if I donated all book sales from this year's con to disaster relief charities. After today, I've decided that's exactly what I'm going to do.

Now, before you think this is going to be a huge life-changing financial contribution, it probably won't be. I charge a little less for my collection of short stories than if it were a novel. It's shorter than most of the books sold at the convention as well. But, it's something. It's something I can do to help out in a small way. Plus, I get my book out to more people and hopefully those people will not only enjoy the collection, but will feel good about helping out as well.

So if you're at this weekend's Salt Lake Comic Con, 2017 edition, look for Booth #639 and check out mine and all the other books we have for your reading, and philanthropic needs. Hopefully, I'll see you there!

Well...My Book's In One Library

My mother-in-law first told me of the little lending library on Main Street in our town, but it took until last week before I visited it. I decided to check it out, and I thought it would be neighborly to help out.

So, I took a copy of Speckled and donated it.

I put it among the others. There were some westerns, a few political books, and even a Robert A. Heinlein in the collection. There was a cowboy poetry book that I'd like to check out, and the book Christmas Jars that I've always wanted to read.

Before I dropped off my book, I wrote a note to all my fellow Farmington-ites. I hope if they do choose to read my book that they enjoy it, and I'd love to hear what they think.

Tonight, after cub scout pack meeting, I stopped by the little library to see if my book was still there. I'm happy to say it was not. Of course all the books had been re-organized. When I saw that I wondered if maybe I had violated some rule of the Little Free Library I didn't know about and they took it out. Maybe I can't just add books whenever I want.

Then again, maybe some fellow towns member took a chance, picked up my little collection of stories and gave it a shot. That would be cool. But, hey--if anyone asks me if my book is in any libraries, I can honestly say it is.

Meeting A Fan...At A Bookstore

Back at the beginning of this month, I was with two of my children at Barnes & Noble. The boys were finishing their deserts and I did a little wandering. When you write, one of your dreams is to go into a bookstore and see your book(s) on the shelf. Years ago I even took a picture of where my books would go. I think I even parted the two books showing a space where a novel by Scott William Taylor would sit (but hopefully, not too long...).

Bookstores are, in a way, like a finish line for a writer, even though getting a book published is more the like the start of a new leg of the race, not a finish line. Still, the building, the books, the space on the shelf, remains a goal. Even with none of my books inside, it's still cool to see books written by my friends as part of the store's collection.

I was looking around when I noticed a patron walk in. Two weeks earlier I sold my book, Speckled to her at Salt Lake Comic Con FanX. She has a distinctive hairstyle--that's how I recognized her.

"I remembered you," I said and I think I startled her. "You bought my book at FanX." 

She looked at me, then said, "You wrote, Speckled."

"Yeah, that's mine."

"I can't believe it--I have that book in my car right now. I just finished it and I loved it!"

I stood there, stunned. It is not an everyday occurrence for me, being recognized, and in a bookstore, no less. 

"Wow, thank you," I said. She continued.

"I took your book to work with me and people wondered what I was reading. I loved the way your stories were so uplifting--the first one, about the village elder who looked at the stars (Stars) was my favorite."

I did not know how to react. I probably just stood there with a stupid grin on my face. Her voice carried and my son heard what she was saying. It was almost a surreal experience, my words affected this person I'd only met once in my life.

She said she was going to write a kind review on social media and I should be on the lookout for that. I've since searched for her review and as of yet, she's not posted it. And, to be honest, that's okay. I was lucky enough to hear it in person.

"You Know...This Is Now Library Property"

I work p/t at our local library. As p/t jobs go, it's a great job, especially for a writer. Several of my co-workers are aspiring writers, and in speaking with one of them after I first began working there, I was told I could submit my works.

Last week I did.

I worked the early shift so before we opened the doors, I handed my book to the branch manager. I've gotten to know her since working there and I thought how cool it would be to walk by the T section of the adult fiction books and see mine among the stories.

Before I handed it over, I was a little nervous, which surprised me, to be honest. I didn't expect that. I mean, I'm proud of the book and can stand before thousands of convention goers and sell it with confidence. Why was I nervous? I don't know--I just was.

"I heard that we can donate books to the library?" I asked the manager. She said it was. I handed over the book.

Then she said something. "You know, once you donate a book to the library, it becomes the property of the library."

I nodded like I understood.

She continued. "And because the book belongs to the library, we're free to do whatever we want with it."

I nodded again.

"Which means, it can end up on a shelf, or a library book sale, or the dumpster."

"Oh yeah," I said trying not to sound surprised. No author likes the thought of having someone judge your book and deem it worthy throw it in the trash. I never considered that when I decided to donate the book.

It makes sense, though. They get thousands of books, movies, magazines donated to their system. The buildings just aren't big enough to contain all of it. I don't know how long it will take for someone to make the call as to what happens to my little collection of stories. Nor do I know who will make that determination. It could very well end up in the garbage, or on a shelf. Either way, it's still pretty cool to be able to donate something with my name on it in the first place.

I'll keep checking the shelves as I put books away. Who knows? Maybe one day my book just might be found among the others.

So...I Sold Two Books Today!

Out of the blue a co-worker ponied up some cash and bought two of my books. It was a surprised, a very nice surprise. I don't sell a lot of books--I admit it. I'm not necessarily proud of it, but I'm not ashamed either. Right now I'm working a lot of hours and I don't have a lot of free time. 

What does that have to do with selling books?

That's a fair question. I suppose the two subjects, writing books and selling books can be done independent of each other. They're two different actions. But for me they seem linked. It's like when I'm writing a lot, I feel more confident to sell what I've written. And when I have more to sell (because I'll have written more...), that will help, too.

So, tomorrow I'll pack up a couple of my books and take them to work with me. Rarely do I have books with me to sell. She wants them signed--her family's coming into town this summer and she'd like copies to give out. What a sweet, sweet gesture.

Looks like I've got to put in another order of books to sell.

The Book At The End Of My Desk...

If you work in a place that has cubicles, you'll see different things that adorn the walls, desks (and sometimes floors...) of the work spaces. We humans like to show our individuality any way we can. I'm working in a new building and I'm getting to know my co-workers in part by the things they've surrounded themselves with while at work.

A co-worker at my part-time gig asked to read some stories from my book. I happily agreed and loaned it to him for a couple of weeks (he had some kind words about the stories he read, and he gave me an awesome review on Amazon, the reviews you can read: HERE...). He gave the book back after the last shift we worked together and I decided to put it at the end of my desk as a way to show a little of my individuality. So far no one's asked about it or even taken notice, as far as I can tell.

Maybe they'll just see it as another book, something that I'm reading during my breaks. If they take a closer look, they'll see the the author's name and that it matches the name hanging on the cubicle wall letting everyone know the name of the person assigned to this particular cubicle and the one currently sitting in the chair staring at the twin computer monitors and typing away at the cubicle.

I recently attended a panel at a writing symposium where the incredibly talented and multi-New York Times Bestselling Author Kevin J. Anderson spoke. I've heard him speak several times, but this time he talked about success. The term "Don't quit your day job" came up and I was impressed by his response. The man had several books on the bestseller list before he quit his day job. Thinking about this, I wondered what the end of my cubicle desk would look like with a string of books with my name on them on my desk, books that are in libraries and on sale at book stores. I wonder if anyone would notice them then.

Two Of My Favorite People Happened To Stop By...

I can't call it "Con Crud" because I started feeling bad eight days after Salt Lake Comic Con ended. And I'm not "down-in-bed-unable-to-move-and-wishing-I-was-dead" ill. But I was feeling poorly this morning, so much so, that I decided to say home from work.

I wouldn't have guessed that two of my most favorite people in the whole wide world would drop by.

My father passed away over forty years ago and the one man who helped fill that void for me was my Uncle Arlin, my mom's brother. He and his wife Coralle stepped into our lives big time and helped give support to my mother and her three young children.

And I can't imagine my life without them.

We chatted and enjoyed each other's company. They always ask about my writing. I gave them a copy of my book. They were so grateful. But a book can in no way repay all they've done for me and my family. 

Eventually they needed to be on their way. They invited us once again to come up and spend time on their Idaho farm, and we said we really want to (because we REALLY do...). I hope we can find the time next spring or summer to make that happen. We hugged and said our goodbyes, then they drove away. It made being home sick a pretty great day.

Day 1 At FanX, Great Harry Potter Panel...And I Sold A Book!

I always say after coming home from a day at a major convention, "I should have taken more pictures," which is weird  because if anything, I take TOO many pictures. There's just something about being at Comic con where I don't necessarily want to take pictures. I just want to enjoy the experience.

And that's exactly what I did today.

It was a great first day. I even sold a book!

Doors opened at 3pm for VIP's and 4pm for everyone else. Our table (Purple #8) has a great view of those attending. We're also right across the way from the Studio C booth. I met many new authors and hopefully made some new friends. I also participated on my first panel.

And that was fantastic!

The line to get into the panel stretched almost half the length of the hall. The sight of all those people lining up for a panel was a bit daunting. With everyone seated, there were a few seats here and there, but it was mostly a packed house. And the fellow panelists were great! We even had a doctor from Utah State on the panel and she helped SO much to add a depth to the event that I've rarely experienced when doing these type of things.

Tomorrow I've got two panels: How To Get Past Writer's Block, Ballroom C, 11am to 11:50am, and How To Write For Middle Grade/YA To Specific Audiences, Room 150G, 1pm to 1:50pm. If you're in the neighborhood, I'd love to see you!

And finally, I sold a book. I know that's not monumental news and many authors sold many many more books today. But for me, it's a milestone and it made me feel good. Thank you fellow author from Utah County for the purchase!

Day 1 = done. Day 2, bring it on!

Feast Or Famine? For Me...It's Time To Feast

You know how some people believe that when the planets align, something big is going to happen, or those who say, "When it rains, it pours?" Perhaps you don't know anyone like that. Perhaps you do. When I think about the first two months of 2015, my mind thinks of things like planets aligning and pouring rain.

I can't believe the things that are happening to me in the next couple of weeks--each one would be newsworthy on its own, but you add them together, it's almost overwhelming!

A few months ago I was informed a short story I submitted to Xchyler Publishing was selected for their upcoming anthology. This was special news to me because about two years ago Xchyler gave me my first break in the publishing game--a short story in Mechanized Masterpieces Steampunk Anthology, or MMSA for short. That, in turn, opened up many new doors for me and is still providing benefits to this day. The next edition comes out next month, Mechanize Masterpieces II, and this one's going to be a great book as well. I'll be sure to update my blog with the book release information. Again, a very exciting development.

Speaking of books, for the past several months I have been working to get a collection of short stories published. After months of edits and working here and there on the project, Speckled became available to the general public in both paperback and Kindle versions (you can find them: HERE...).

 Over the past two years I've gotten to know a lot of writers, many of them newly-published authors. I've read of their reactions to getting a box containing fresh, never before read copies of their published book in the mail and the incredible feeling they have as they open the box and see those beautiful books, all awaiting anxious readers (whether the readers knew it or not...). I can say with one-hundred percent certainty that those newly published authors were not exaggerating. It was a very cool thing to experience.

The reason I wanted to get my book done was the upcoming Salt Lake Comic Con FanX event happening at the end of January. Because of some wonderful people, I've been privileged enough to be a panelist at each of the past Salt Lake Comic Cons. This time, however, they chose to highlight me as a featured guest. That was a shock, a shock about which I am very happy. Many of my friends have been featured guests in the past, and for good reason. They've earned it. As for me, I'm working on it. I'm excited for the con that begins in less than a week.

Also at this year's FanX Comic Con Xchyler Publishing will have a table--the first time our publisher has had an official presence at this convention. I will be there with not only great writers, but great people.

Which brings me to the last of the cool things that seems to be converging--next month's Life, the Universe and Everything convention (or LTUE...) begins its thirty-third installment. I've gone twice before to LTUE, once in 2012 as a attendee and last year as a panelist. This time the cool people at LTUE highlighted me being a panelist. There are bigger conventions, but LTUE is the most affordable and one of the most fun events I've ever been to. It's a great place to really get to know the local talent as well as some of the biggest names in the business.

So there it is! Two books, two conferences all in the next couple of weeks. I'll be on panels aside amazing writers and talking to the best audiences that can be found anywhere.

It's a good thing I'm not in a play rehearsing five times a week or that I have a major project at work coming on-line at the beginning of February, because...well, that would be just nuts!

Oh, An Editing I Will Go...

My friend Dave Butler (shameless name drop...) told me that before I order a whole mess of books from Amazon to sell at various events, I should get one to see how it looks as a printed book because sometimes what you see on the computer doesn't always come out the same as a printed item.

So, I followed his advice and printed a one-off.

Let me just say this, no matter how much you believe something is done, it's never done. Ever! I've experienced this when I submitted my short stories to Xchyler Publishing. After many versions have been submitted, there's that feeling when you know it's the last version to go and no matter how many times you've edited the darn thing, you somehow instinctively know, it's not done. I mean, it can't be done. There's always something that can be improved.

That, my friends, is a true statement. There's always something on which improvement can be made.

Always.

When the book showed up, I was excited, but not completely because I knew it needed to be reviewed and edited. I've started to read out loud everything I submitted. There's something about hearing what's written that I've found to be the most effective way for me to proofread and edit. Let's just say I had NO idea how many things needed to be fixed in the book. I knew there were some, but realizing just how many was a real eye-opener. And it proved to me once again to never assume something's done, or close to being done, without reading each and every word again and again.

No wonder a good editor is worth every penny they charge.

The good news is I'm getting closer to having the book ready for purchase. I will definitely let everyone know when that great day is here. It's getting really close now.

"Speckled"...Is It Real Now?

So, when does it become real?

I think my whole life I've asked myself that very question. When does it become real?

A few years ago I went back to school and got my masters degree and I got it in something that I found I really loved.

English.

I had dabbled in writing stories before I went back to school, but the degree pushed me, made me think I could actually put several thousand words together and get them published. Along the way I met amazing people who helped me, encouraged me, believed in me.

A couple of years later, I can call myself a published author.

Is it real now? 

When I started to write in the hopes of selling my stories, I always wondered what it would be like to be published. I went to conventions and heard authors who had done exactly that. What would it feel like to hold a book you wrote in your hand for the first time? What goes through your mind when you get the call or the e-mail delivering that news that the project's a go? Can it be as good as you imagine when you walk into a bookstore and see a book with your name on it?

Some of these things I know--some...not yet.

I always thought I'd feel like I made it when my first story sold, or when I got my first residual check. Those things happened and yet, I wasn't quite there. I was SO excited when I found out my story was chosen for the anthology--same went for the second story. Still, I didn't feel it was real.

Funny how we think sometimes, isn't it? We always want more, want bigger, want better. Today I received an advanced copy of my short story collection, Speckled. The fact that it's a physical book is amazing to me. It's fantastic. It's so cool! But I can also look at the book and see its deficiencies--that it's self-published, it's not a novel (with profit generating sequels--multiple sequels to follow...), and it most likely will never be in a bookstore.

So, to answer the question, "is it real now?" a person could go either way. No, it's not real because _______ (fill in the blank). Yes, it's real because...well, because it's real. It's a real book and after I edit the proof copy and get everything set up, I'll be able to sell it and people will read it and hopefully enjoy it.

Of course, writing novels and getting book deals and having books in bookstores--there's no guarantee that'll happen, but there's no guarantee it won't either. Chances are, if I do accomplish all those things, I could still be asking myself if it then becomes real. I hope that for me it's real the whole time.

A Five-Day Weekend...

Because of the work schedule I have and the 2014 holiday calendar, I took one day off this week and ended up having a five-day weekend.

I could get used to that!

That’s the thing about taking almost a week off from work—it makes going back to work that much more difficult. However, since I am only working today and tomorrow this week, it takes the sting out of returning.

So, what does one do during a five-day weekend? I had grand plans, some of which I actually accomplished, such as fixing the kid’s shower.

A major goal for my weekend involved writing. I’ve got a screenplay to re-write and a book of short stories to publish. I worked a little on both projects, perhaps the most work done on the screenplay. I finished the first act and I feel pretty good about it.

The thing about the screenplay is—at least for me—I have to see it in my mind, find major points where I want the characters to go and once I do, the writing is relatively easy. Maybe it’s because I’m creating something visual that I need to “see” it first. I don’t know. The next act will be the toughest, I think. It encompasses roughly ½ of the screenplay and will/should dictate the film’s ending. As far as the book is concerned, I’ll be working on that this next weekend.

Yes, give me five-day weekends and I’ll be a happy man!