I know, I know, it’s been a whole freaking year since I last shared something. That’s mostly because 2017 was all about transitions in my writing relationships. I had to fire my publisher of five years for nonpayment of royalties. That little drama left me with no continuous means of generating book sales and a dwindling stock of my current titles. Later in the year, I had to fire my literary agent for not being able to interest publishers in my science fiction manuscript. (Yes, I write sci-fi, too. I’m the Baskin-Robbins of authors: 31 genres. Not a wise business model, but if you like variety in your reading materials, I’m your guy.)
The truth is, all this provided an excellent excuse to stop my periodic newsletter. Frankly, I couldn’t imagine anyone cared; it was easier to envision you being relieved at having one less email to delete. So, I immersed myself in the two Atlanta Writers Conferences I run each year for the Atlanta Writers Club, completed a new manuscript (a suspense novel–new genre for me, no surprise), and managed to sell my supply of books.
In the fall of 2017, however, my fortunes and my attitude began to change. I found a new publisher for my four previously published novels: SFK (Southern Fried Karma!) Press, located in Newnan, Georgia. Founder Steve McCondichie is a literal real estate novelist who, unlike the character in Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” did have time for a wife (and family). He also has an interest in authentic traditional publishing, where he makes an investment in his authors and then follows through with attractive books and active marketing efforts. Furthermore, Steve is publishing not only paperbacks and eBooks, but audiobooks as well. So my novels are being released with new covers, better-edited interiors, and new versions for your ears–and I’ll have a new suspense novel coming out in the fall of 2019.
SFK recently released the audiobook version of Hardscrabble Road, which is free is you’re new to Audible, and they’re giving away the Kindle eBook version of The Five Destinies of Carlos Moreno from December 10-14, 2018. This should be great news, but then I realized I had to confront my old insecurity about self-promotion again. I was still wrestling with this when I met one of my best friends for lunch. After I confessed my anxiety, I received some exemplary advice about focusing my blogposts on helping others: it’s the reason why I’ve volunteered with the Atlanta Writers Club since 2001 and run all their conferences. Why shouldn’t my newsletters focus on assistance, too?
As I took this in, a server stopped by to chat. My friend asked her if she liked to read; she replied that she loved books but didn’t have anything good on her nightstand now. We talked like we’d all known each other for decades. Before long, my friend had sold her on Hardscrabble Road. The server ended up with a personalized, autographed copy. I contributed very little to this exchange, other than the copy of the book and the dubious value of my signature and written expression of thanks. Yet, I ended up with a new friend and maybe a new fan.
My lunch partner pointed out to me that joy comes from friendships: nurturing current relationships and creating new ones. Helping others with advice, empathy, or something to read are ways one friend honors another.
So, friends, help me by letting me help you: what do you want to read about in these periodic (shooting for monthly) blogs? If we were having lunch, what would you want to talk about?
Here are some ideas—please go to my Contact page and tell me which one(s) appeal to you:
A. Stories behind the stories––why I write what I do
B. What readers can learn from writers and vice versa
C. The future of books and reading
D. Strange and astounding tales from the literary world, with tips about the craft and business of publishing
E. Other (please tell me what you want): _______
I look forward to your reply and to doing whatever I can to honor you.