Monday, April 29, 2013

What if you could go back in time?


How many times have we asked that question in our lives? That whole thing about "knowing then what you know now" has a tendency to crop up every so often. You are just cruising along, and then you have something crop up that makes you think, Damn, if I knew now...I would have never gotten on that bus... or something else along those lines. We all have events in our lives that we can trace back to a certain moment that, had we only turned left...or not said "hi" to that girl or guy.

Well, I doubt we will ever see an honest-to-goodness time machine, so maybe we can settle for the next best thing. Many of you are writers, or trying to carve out your niche as you begin on the journey. Some of you have been on the path for a while. So...what sort of advice do you wish you would have been told earlier on that would have perhaps made things a bit easier or smoother?

Now before any of you "non" writer folks think you have nothing to contribute...actually, you have a big role...

As a reader, what are you looking for in your next book selection? What are some of the things that really bring you in? What will get you to walk away?

I figure that I would start the week off on a positive note...and what better way than to lend a helping hand to my fellow authors. No matter how far along you are on this journey...you have SOMETHING to offer here, so let the comments fly.

My own little insight would be this...

Always have a new project in the hopper. The early days, I was so excited about finishing that first story, I would take this nice long break between projects. If you want to make a name for yourself (at least in the Indie scene) you need to be coming out with something on a regular basis. Sure, George R. R. Martin can wait two or three years between installments in his series...but I am NOT him.

I decided it would be a great idea to write an installment from Zomblog, and then one from DEAD. Well...as much as I would like it to be different, not everybody who reads one will necessarily read the other. If I could go back, I would finish one series BEFORE diving into the other.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Where have all the reviewers gone?



 I won't lie, my reading has slipped in the past few weeks. Mostly because I am deep into edits for John O'Brien's new release, writing the fifth book in the Zomblog saga, wrapping up final edits on the sixth book in the DEAD series, Dead: Confrontation, edits on Mark Tufo's upcoming release just beginning, edits for Chantal Boudreau's next book in her Fervor series (one of the most under-rated series ever...trust me, you should read these books), and listening to the final product on a couple of my books that are coming out on Audible.com very soon, and my daughter just having moved in (not to mention her new 9 week old Border Collie puppy).


But it seems that reviews have almost completely fallen by the wayside lately. I have only written a few in the past couple of months. And my own books have not seen new reviews in a while. Most disappointing is the lack of reviews for the new book in my That Ghoul Ava series in comparison to the number of review copies that I gave out. (3 out of almost 100 is pretty bad.) 


Now, don't get me wrong, I am not seeking pats on the back or anything of that nature, I prefer honest reviews. Not everybody will like what you do. (Heck, some people will hate it solely based on the fact that it was written by me...but I could give a flyin' monkey's butt about those people anyway.) And the trend is the same on my audible titles. Actually, to date I have yet to see any reviews on Audible.com. 


So, here is my question. Where have all the reviewers gone? Or is it just me? Now, I will say that when I put out the call for any of my peers to tell me what they thought, I heard zip. (That stung considering how many of their books have been read and reviewed by yours truly.) So, yeah, as we go into the weekend, I am actually breaking my rule and being kinda cantankerous. I have avoided call outs and climbing up the crazy tree...but, honestly, after a while, you feel like saying "WTF". Next week I will probably be back to my normal cheerful self, but right now...well, I am just not feeling the love.


Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Some very random stuff...

His name is Darwin and he lives in a tank above my desk where I write. Sometimes it feels like he is staring at me...but I'm not paranoid. 

My computer crashed on Friday (actually Thursday night). I never realized how much of my life is tied up in that silly black box until it was gone for three days. I also discovered that my phone is lousy when it comes to email. My entire livelihood exists in those twin terabyte hard drives...so when the mirror breaks (the twin TB drives are connected so that one is always automatically backing up the other, but when the mirror connection breaks, it no worky like it is supposed to) I am set adrift.


I have raised almost $1,000 in support of NaNoWriMo with the help of some wonderful people. One of the things that will be funded? An extension of the Come Write In program for juvenile halls and prisons. This is a wonderful and worthy cause in my opinion. I can not begin to express my gratitude for all those who helped.


I have been busy writing the 5th volume in the Zomblog series. Zomblog: Snoe's War will be out in June. Also, one of my treats as an editor is that I get to read the works of Mark Tufo and John O'Brien before the general public...all I can say is...WOW!


Several of my books will be coming out via Audible very soon. I am blessed to have very talented people working to make my books come to life. Stay tuned because I plan on making a big fuss wen the DEAD series comes out later this summer. Also, the entire Zomblog series (to date) is currently in production.

In other news, Vinnie called and has agreed to return this Friday. That is all I know at the moment.

Can I mention that some of the people out there seem to only be happy when they are bitching.  I feel sorry for them. The next time you are in line behind one...really take the time to observe. The next time you are about to lay in to some service industry person...let that image take root. Do you really want to be THAT person?

I got a few new cichlids for my tanks. And my daughter now has her very own Border Collie puppy. His name is Daryl (after her favorite character from The Walking Dead).

I have been running...the app "Zombies Run" actually makes it bearable. I have lost 15 pounds since I got back to the gym and I might see about getting my bench back above 300 pounds this summer just one more time to see if I can. I am just glad that I can bench my body weight again (252 at last weigh in FYI), those first few weeks back were a humbling experience.

Have a great day.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Does it matter to you if you make the list?


We are a status-driven society. We have all heard the phrase "Keeping up with the Joneses" or something to that effect. So...for all of my writing friends, and even those who are just readers, I need you to weigh in on this.

This was as of 5AM PST 4/19/13 on the Amazon Dakota page.

Yesterday, I put my book "Dakota" on sale for .99. It was promoted through an excellent site, eReader News Today. For those of you unfamiliar, it is ENT and sites similar that really opened the floodgates for promoting "freebie days" in the heyday of the KDP promotion. To give you an idea of their influence...a freebie giveaway for a book like Zomblog without their promo can see around 1,000-1,500 downloads...if the book is featured on ENT, I saw around 5,000-7,000. I have moved away from the "freebie" (I said away from...not eliminated, I still toss out a freebie now and then) and have replaced it with the .99 deal. Seriously, a book for under a buck...little risk and often great reward. For the first time ever, "Dakota has cracked the Top 100 in sales in the Action/Adventure and Historical Fiction genre. Also, it cracked into the top 1,500 overall from the hundreds of thousands of titles available. Now, that may not seem like much to some, but to me, this is "dance around the Maypole" exciting.


So, I am on three lists as a "Best Selling" author. I have now had two books crack the list top 100 Best Sellers list. I guess I have to ask my peers, does this officially allow me to use the title "Best Seling Author"? And as for the other part of my question...do any of my other writing friends get excited to see where they come in on the rankings. Or am I the only one who gets jazzed by seeing something that I wrote pop in above some of my lifelong literary heroes? (When I was just above Stephen King's The Stand--my all-time favorite book, I almost broke down into man tears!) 

And on a more personal note, totally unrelated, "Well Done!" to those responsible for bringing down one of the bastards who perpetrated evil over in Boston. I don't have to be PC here...most of you know me, and so I can say here exactly how I feel...I hope Dzohokar Tsarnaev meets the same fate as his brother Tamerlan. Why tie up the courts and go through the charade of that initial "not guilty" plea so they can bargain for a better deal?


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Thanksgiving in April? Hell yeah!

So, while the month flies by and I strive to complete the 5th Zomblog book for Camp NaNoWrMo, I have to give you all an update, share some stuff, and introduce you to a soon-to-be-hated Supervillain. You need to be informed that something AMAZING happened. The secret will be how I pull that off in a short blog post that compels you to read it all...and not get bored.

So, when I put out the call for NaNoWriMo fund-raising support...I was overwhelmed when an individual donate $750. You read that correct. And here is the real kicker...the donor wished to remain anonymous. In fact, my top three donors all came from anonymous sources. Now before anybody gets their feelings hurt, I appreciate every single donation...$1...$750, and everything in between. But you have to admit...a donation like that is pretty cool. I may not have as many fans as King or Koontz, but I will say that mine are all the more amazing.

In honor of the donors who wished to remain private, I have decided that my new villain that will debut in book 7 of the DEAD series (Dead: Reborn) shall be named Ann Onymus (the last named will be pronounced Oh-nee-mus). I want to create the most hated figure in zombie literature. Beware...if you thought Garrett was evil...Ann will make him seem like a cuddly teddy bear. So...you who made your anonymous contributions...this is my way of saying thank you on behalf of the wonderful people sequestered away in the mythological Offices of Letters and Light. (Sounds like there should be pixies and fairies flitting about...maybe you should get on that Mr. Kim...demand cartoon woodland critters and winged pixies at the next meeting!)

A personal update...my daughter is thriving and doing well here. For me, it is a dream come true to spend this time together and help her get her life back on track.

Last, I want to express my deepest sympathies to the people affected by the Boston Marathon terrorist attack. I realize it deserves to be first and foremost in our hearts and minds right now, my hope is that I provided a moment of diversion and a chance simply to take a breath and realize that, in the face of evil, there are WONDERFUL people out there...you pass by them every single day. They remain anonymous...but their deeds shape the best parts of our lives.

I return you to your regularly scheduled cup of coffee.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Busy times...

So much going on right now...I have a HUGE thank you to share, but things are a bit crazy. So...indulge me in a revisit to a past post. Wednesday...please come back, I have so much to share.

Every morning at around five, I wake up to my Border Collie wriggling up my chest and licking my face. That is Aoife's way of letting me know that it is time to get my butt out of bed. So, after watering my tomato plants and feeding my fish, and taking the dogs out with Denise, I settle in at my desk. April of this year (2012) I left my "day" job to devote my full attention to writing and editing. I found out just how far behind I had fallen these past few months as I can not seem to dig out from under all of the editing projects and get in some quality writing time. I am pleased to say that I am almost at a point where I can breathe. 


Next month, I will be immersed in the August edition of Camp NaNoWriMo. For those not familiar, that is where you set out to write 50,000 words in a month (or 1,666 words a day). I will be using this time to get deep into the fifth book in the DEAD series, titled Dead: Siege & Survival. I looked at my writing calendar and decided that was my priority. Oh yeah...I got a few other stories in the pipeline. "Such as?" Thanks for asking. I am cleaning up Zomblog: Snoe for the October release. (That is book four of the Zomblog series for those keeping track.) I have the second Gruesomely Grimm Zombie Tales book where I will take on the next 20-30 of the 200+ stories attributed to the Brothers Grimm. I am committing to the second book in my non-horror Dakota series. Last, but not least, I will be making a go at writing a full-length offering for my That Ghoul Ava horror/comedy. All the while, I am dipping my toe in the blogosphere (thanks for visiting by the way). All that and I haven't even mentioned my editing jobs or my quest to reach the top 1,000 as an Amazon reviewer (as of July 19, 2012 I am ranked 3,233) and make regular posts on Brutally Honest Reviews. Yep...I am a busy guy.


Some might say I have too much on my plate. Others may worry that I may get sloppy. THAT is the problem. What you are not seeing on my list is spending hours each day skulking around Facebook. It's not that I don't think there is a certain degree of necessity when it comes to the social media, but hanging around in a bunch of rooms TALKING about all the work I have to do is not GETTING any of my actual work done. Thank goodness I have a wife who is very supportive and helpful. She reads various posts to me throughout the day. If I have an opinion that has not been hashed and re-hashed over and over again, I offer my two cents. Sometimes I just say hello to a few people that I really like. (If I try to list you all, I will leave somebody out, so...you know who you are.) I just don't have time to relive high school.


Yep. There went a few ruffled feathers. but seriously...take a step back. Pluck you feelings off your shoulder and put them in your pocket. Pop in to some of these rooms lately and tell me I am wrong. Gossip. Name-calling...and cliques! Don't even get me started on that topic. Too late! Room after room it is the same thing. "He said this" and "She said that". Honestly, I just got tired of hearing who pissed who off. Everybody is an expert, nobody can take criticism, and the "I got a bad review...WAAAAAAA!" I started getting numb. One day, I just said "I'm done." Did anybody notice? Not likely. Why? Because I still say hi to my friends. I still support writers I enjoy, I read and review several books a month. I just cut out the garbage. It was a waste of time. Now I work 12-15 hours a day and I have never been happier. I still have a few problems to iron out...and I have yet to crack the top 100 in SALES in the Kindle Horror market. I flirted with it early this month...but ran out of gas. But I know I will get there one day and see my name up there with some pretty cool names. (I'm looking at you Mark Tufo...you are my benchmark.)


I am not doing anything special. I am just not wasting time with things that are meaningless. And if you think I am coming off snobbish, then you aren't paying attention. I still like all the people I liked before. I just don't get into the drama. And you KNOW there is a lot of drama lately. I don't need to name names...each of you can probably think of a half dozen on your own...some will be the same for many of you...others not. Instead, I have committed myself to READING. I decided it was time to support all these people I have cultivated relations with. And my TBR list is epic: Armand, Billie Sue, (the aforementioned) Mark Tufo, Jeff Dawson (thanks for the tee-shirt, Jeff!) and too many others to list. THAT is my new social media. Book reviews. Next, I will talk about how book reviews are way better than LOLing. Tune in.
>

Friday, April 12, 2013

If nobody cared...where would we be?

When I was younger, I used to look forward to a few things. The Jerry Lewis Telethon (because something would be on television all night long! Ah, the days before cable.); and the MS Read-A-Thon. Back then, you could actually go door-to-door as a kid and ask people in your neighborhood to sponsor you.

One year, an uncle of mine pledged $5 a book. My grandfather tried to warn him, after all, I was only eight. How many books could I read in a month. When I showed him my completed book sheet with twenty-three books on it (almost the entire 3 Investigators series fell prey to me during that year's spring break), he about spit up his coffee. He doubted my actually having read them and my grandfather told him to quiz me.

I won first prize for most money raised that year. My uncle donated fifty cents a book from that year on.

So, how many of you watch your local Public Broadcasting Station and suddenly find other things when the pledge drive begins? Seriously, I love Stevie Ray Vaughn as much as the next person, but $75 for a CD that I can get for less than $10. But then, one year I realized that if every single person who watched actually just donated one dollar...PBS would be 'politic' proof.

So, here I am, one-third of the way through Camp NaNoWriMo. As a writer, I believe very strongly that there needs to be an effort to foster the love of reading in  the "Twitter and Text" Generation. The Offices of Letters and Light offer up many programs that do that...and much more. I am a participant, but I am also a supporter. 

Yep. I am standing here with hat in hand. I have raised $60 so far (I set a rather lofty goal of $1000...oops) and am asking for everybody to donate just $1. I know this stuff gets tedious, but many of you are in pursuit of the same thing as I am--readers. Many others are parents. And a few of you know exactly what it feels like when your kids come home with a box of candy bars or cookies that need to be sold. So...click here and climb on board!

So, while it may not seem like much, if you add them together, it can make a difference. And every single person who donates will be listed on the dedication page in Zomblog: Snoe's War. Again, that may not seem like much, but how many of your friends have had a book dedicated to them?

This will be the last time on this blog that I ask during this current NaNoWriMo. And...yeah, I will be back next year...but that is so far away. After all there are still 256 shopping days until Christmas!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Camp NaNoWriMo 2013

So, an update on the fundraiser...I have raised $60 so far from donations. (Click here to take part in supporting NaNoWriMo) A big thanks to those of you who have supported the cause thus far. I am hoping that, like any telethon, there is a surge at the end.

So, I am busy with the 5th Zomblog (Zomblog: Snoe's War) entry for this camp. I am happy to say that, as of this morning, I am 18,000 words in. (Not bad for 9 days.)  So...here is a sneak peek for any who may be interested.

The Escape

What a crazy year! I know that I have a lot of catching up to do. I am sitting in camp with my pencil and a log book that will act as my journal. (The world has been dead for over two decades and one of the first things that people started making is writing material…I credit my father, Samuel Todd for that because of the success of his book.)

I wish I could have kept a journal this past year, I just know that I will be forgetting something…or a bunch of somethings. After all, you try writing down everything that happened to you in the past year, see how much you remember.

Needless to say, that cold morning where I walked into Dominique’s camp and surrendered, there was no way I could keep a journal. I did actually try while I was locked up, but it was discovered by Bruno and confiscated. (Bruno is what I called the monster of a man who was assigned to guard me, I never did learn his real name.)

When Dominique found out that I was keeping a journal…she got really mad. But that is getting ahead of the story. I guess I should start at the beginning—the day I surrendered was a day that would change my life and that of many of the people I know and love. Some for the better, many for the worse. Even with how things are turning out, I did what I felt had to be done at the time.

Was it the right choice?

Some will say yes, others would disagree. Of course they are probably dead and don’t get a vote. The losses that I—that we all—suffered, might not seem worth it when they originally happened. After all, even people who say that they are “willing to sacrifice for the greater good of humanity” don’t often expect that they will end up on the casualty list.

I think one of the most difficult things about sharing this will be when I have to look at my mistakes on paper. How many of you want a tally sheet of all the things you do wrong staring you in the face for the rest of your life? And since I already know that at least three people will be reading this besides my-self, that is three people who get to look at what I have done.

I guess, before I go much farther, I need to say this one thing up front. This is not going to be an apology. I did some things that I am not proud of, but they were necessary at the time. Or at least I felt that way then. I have always heard that hindsight is twenty-twenty. I never knew what that meant. (And actually, Mama Lindsay had to explain to me about eye exams and how they were graded back in the Old World since we don’t have people who specialize in just a person’s eyes. What a waste!)

So when last I wrote, I had given my journal over to Felicia and Bob. Then, I walked down to Warehouse City where Dominique claimed to be holding my mom. I thought it was a bit dramatic for her to paint the message on a flag, but I would soon learn that, if nothing else, Dominique enjoyed the dramatic.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Take life for granted at your peril.


Today I was going to talk about some upcoming stuff in my writing world that is fairly exciting...but it can wait. My daughter has moved in with me and it brought some reality crashing down on me hard. So I wanted to share.

Many of you know that I have done time. Because of that, I missed seeing my little girl Ronni grow up. I saw her on her second birthday...the next time was on her 18th. Those of you who read about the events last week are aware that my friend +Armand Rosamilia picked her up and drove her to Jacksonville where she caught a plane here to escape an abusive relationship. Now she lives here with +Denise Brown and me.

I am slowly getting to know my little girl...that should be thrilling enough. But that is such a very small part of it. Monday morning (last week) was the start of the "real life" coming back online. Ronni had been here for the weekend and it was all in the surreal stage. I had made more than one reference that things were likely to be "a bit boring" for her once the week started. After all, my day consists of a 5AM workout (she is sleeping), and a day spent writing and editing.

That first morning is the entire reason for this post. Monday, as I sat at my keyboard, the morning was off to its usual start. Denise had left for work and I was hammering away at final touches on the new DEAD book. I heard the door open to my daughter's room, but really thought nothing of it. I figured she would perhaps come out and pour a cup of coffee or something of that nature. I was not prepared for her to walk up behind me and lay her head on top of mine and give me a hug///then just rest there for a moment.

I felt everything inside me absolutely melt. For me, this was an entirely new experience. It filled every single bit of my heart with emotions that I had never believed I could or would experience. Since that day, each morning has been the same...and the feelings have not faded one single bit.

I continue to find things in my life that make me feel like the luckiest man in the world. 

Friday, April 5, 2013

Catie Rhodes opens the "Forever Road"


Today I want to feature my friend, Catie Rhodes, author of Forever Road. We met through her blog...where I had one of those "Google Alerts" pop up to tell me somebody might be mentioning my book, Dead: The Ugly Beginning. Over time, that casual meeting (I signed up to follow her blog that day and left a comment saying thank you) turned into an honest-to-goodness friendship. Today is the launch of her DEBUT novel!!! I was fortunate to receive an ARC and will be posting a review this evening, but I want the day to be all about Catie, so please say hello to the lovely and talented Catie Rhodes.


What is your favorite part about being a writer?

Getting to do something I love that challenges me constantly. Not having to put on lipstick and pantyhose to go to work. Saying the eff-word when I feel like it.


What are some of the lessons you have learned as a writer that caught you off guard?

How hard it is! I mean, I thought I’d just sit down and pound out the next big thing. And that it wouldn’t take much effort. Boy, was I wrong. If I knew back then how hard it was going to be, I am not sure I’d have had the nerve to try.

Buy it HERE!!!

What can you share about your writing process?

I like to rough draft in Scrivener (software). The way the program allows me to see my book broken down into scenes and chapters at a glance helps me stay organized. The software also helps me see what is missing and evaluate continuity issues.

I rely heavily on my critique partner, Stacy Green, and my wonderful editing team. Forever Road would have been a piece of junk without their help.

If you could work with any other indie author on a book, who would it be and what would you like to explore?

Todd Brown. I’d like to write a story (or maybe series of them) exploring the darker side of human nature. Something with elements of Sons of Anarchy and Breaking Bad.

(Todd says, “That sounds like serious fun!”)

What could traditional publishing learn from the Indies? And how about the other way around?

Traditional Publishing – Pay attention to readers. They know what they like.

Indies – Invest in editors. They will make your story shine.



The writing community can be its own worst enemy at times. What are some of the issues you see cropping up? Solutions?

The divisiveness I see makes me want to run and hide. And I’m not just talking traditional vs. indie. I see it broken down into indies who have agents vs. indies who don’t. Indies who follow one marketing guru rolling their eyes at the devotees of another guru. You name it.

Humans are insecure creatures. One way of affirming we are traveling the right path is to denounce the other camp. I understand that, but it just gets old.

The social media is…

Social media is virtual methamphetamine. The instant gratification is addictive and affirming. It’s difficult to break away and, you know, get some work done.

Share some information about your work with us:

I enjoy exploring folklore and urban legends in my fiction. So far this has come out in the form of ghosts. But I have plans to incorporate elements of folk witchcraft as well as folklore involving creatures that may or may not exist into the Peri Jean Mace books. I also have plans for a few short stories involving urban legends.




What is one question you are sick of being asked—not in interviews, but by individuals who know you write?

Writing, you say? Isn’t that more like a hobby? What about a real job?

Or worse…

Aren’t you like forty? Isn’t it time to grow up? You know, stop wearing checkered Vans and mooning people on the freeway….

(Kidding, but only a little)

How will you deal with negative reviews?

As professionally as possible. Cry in private if necessary.

How much reading do you get in, and can a writer excel at his or her craft if they do not read?

I know of some writers who do not read fiction. I couldn’t do that. I’d be so sad. Reading fiction is what made me want to do this. I read every day, usually at bedtime and upon waking.

When does self-promotion cross the line and become a nuisance?

I dislike being included in email blasts (including Facebook private messages) without my permission. I think that’s not a great way to approach people.

It also annoys me to follow someone on Twitter and get an immediate direct message asking me to check out a book, a blog, whatever. I mean, come on. The most I’m going to do is send back a link to my book just to let them know how it feels.

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m working on a novella for the Peri Jean Mace series. It will take place the spring or summer after the events of Forever Road and will be set in South Louisiana. Peri will have to solve a 20-year-old murder and learn even more about her super power.

What is one thing about you that would surprise the readers who do not know you personally?

I have a thick East Texas accent. Watch the movie Bernie if you don’t know what I mean. It features faux interviews for which they hired locals as extras. That’s about how I sound. And I will do almost anything not to talk on the phone with people who have never met me face to face.

Since your playlist feature on your blog is my favourite, take a minute and share some of your playlist for Forever Road.

I listened to a lot of Ry Cooder while I wrote. My favorites were “Houston in Two Seconds,” “See You in Hell, Blind Boy,” and “Paris, Texas.”

Another favorite was Carl Orff’s “Gassenhaur,” which you may remember from the soundtracks of both Badlands and True Romance.

Is there anyone you’d like to give a mention?

My good friend and critique partner Stacy Green is releasing her second novel—and the first book in her Delta Crossroads Series—this month. The name of it is Tin God, and it’s a creepy suspense/thriller. Be sure to check it out.

What is in your “to be read” pile right now?

As always, a mixed bag.

The Trailer Park Tiara and The Goat Incident by Annetta Ribken
Graveyard Blues by Reina Salt
NOS4A2 by Joe Hill
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
Just Like That by Les Edgerton
Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris
That Ghoul Ava by Todd Brown

Links:


Forever Road (Super cool debut novel from Catie Rhodes!)

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

How can you help young readers?


NaNoWriMo is here once again. To be more specific, Camp NaNo...which is the same basic idea as the annual event that many of us partake in every November. This year I am once again embarking on the optional fundraiser with a FUNDRAISER PAGE (click on those words and you will be wisked away)! My goal is lofty...$1000! In their words,here is the mission statement of The Office of Letters & Light: 

The Office of Letters and Light organizes events where children and adults find the inspiration, encouragement, and structure they need to achieve their creative potential. Our programs are web-enabled challenges with vibrant real-world components, designed to foster self-expression while building community on local and global levels.

So, here is where I bribe you. Every single person who donates any amount (unless they state preferences to the contrary) will be named in the dedication of the novel that I am writing for Camp NaNo, Book 5 of the Zomblog series--Zomblog: Snoe's War. But that is not all, if you donate and then comment on this blog (any entry will do from this date forward...no rush) by telling me "Hero" or "Villain", then you will be a star in Book 7 of the DEAD series of your very own vignette. A character will be named in your honor...thus you secure your place as an immortal to live through history in a story read by millions (or at least thousands).

Not enough? Okay...how about any book from the MDP catalog (if it is one of mine, it will be signed personally. If you donate any amount over $25, you simply comment on the blog what title you would like and it is yours.

More? Okay...this one is tricky. Anybody who donates $100 has an open invitation (I just need a one week head's up) for a round of golf with me (my treat) where you are welcome to mock me for 9 holes of one-on-one time where we can talk about whatever interests you...it doesn't even have to be zombies. The catch is that you will have to either reside in or be visiting the Portland, Oregon region.

All of these offers are now on the table for any and all individuals.* 

*Golf prize only valid for individuals 18 years or older.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Walking Dead- Season 3 Finale


The Season is over! It is hard to believe that the story has come to a dramatic conclusion. The body count was high in a semi-dramatic fashion. I know that spoilers abound and everybody know what main character finished their run, but let's talk about Karl.

There is an arc in the graphic novel where Karl goes a bot off the rails and becomes a bit of a psycho. The post show wrap up made the comment, but my own mind had already started drawing parallel lines between him and the Governor. While this will allow Karl to become a heel in season 4. However, there is also one major theme in this series that requires some people to stray off the beaten path...redemption.

So, as the social media lights up and the hatred for Karl heads towards "Lori" levels...remember that nobody is beyond redemption, and before they can be brought up...they must fall. We will all be sitting there watching Karl spiral in season four, but will we remember how young he is? What he has seen? Experienced? He is a child. He had to watch his mother die after giving birth...and then shoot her in the head.

It was a great run. See you in season four.

So, come back Wednesday and learn how we can get together and shoot a round of golf...or how you can become immortalized as a hero or a villain...all while helping do something wonderful for literature, readers, and writers.