2 months since my last post...yeah, sorry about that! But if it counts for anything, I have been staying busy at work. Working 11:30 to 8pm Monday through Friday can take its toll on time for other things and if you add in getting up between 6:30 and 7 am to play taxi for kids, and again from 10-11, well that doesn't leave much time for anything.
But that's about to change. I was informed yesterday that layoffs are coming at work. I work a seasonal job, so I knew this would happen. It's not like it's a total shock or anything. And in all likelihood I think I may get called back to work in mid to late January. Regardless though, I should have plenty of time for writing again during the layoff period.
1st on the agenda is my next book project. Based on true events, it's the story of how a seemingly perfect marriage can fall apart. It's got sex, violence, and betrayal. People involved in the real life events went to jail. But not for something you might think. I can't really reveal any more than that so you'll just have to check out the book when it's released in early 2011. The working title is: Anatomy of a Divorce.
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
For those following along...
Really, I have to get better at posting! Just a quick update this time though...
I have started working again! Since late July actually, but not with Wal-Mart. I am working with Lifetouch again and I am really enjoying it. It's a full-time schedule that unfortunately runs over a split shift. This does tend to eat into personal time, which in turn eats into writing time, but my next project is moving forward. Seriously...
As for past projects, I have received some good suggestions, so thank you to those of you who have written and offered them to me. One method I may be trying is a book purchase exchange. It will be on a trial basis because financially I can't keep doing it but in a nutshell it's like a "scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" type of thing.
Here's how it works: If you buy my book through Lulu.com, you will receive an automated thank you note from me. Cheesy yes, but what the hey. If you are an author with Lulu, simply reply to my automated email with the following information:
That's all I have time for today. In the immortal spirit of Heroes, Save the Authors, Save the World.
I have started working again! Since late July actually, but not with Wal-Mart. I am working with Lifetouch again and I am really enjoying it. It's a full-time schedule that unfortunately runs over a split shift. This does tend to eat into personal time, which in turn eats into writing time, but my next project is moving forward. Seriously...
As for past projects, I have received some good suggestions, so thank you to those of you who have written and offered them to me. One method I may be trying is a book purchase exchange. It will be on a trial basis because financially I can't keep doing it but in a nutshell it's like a "scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" type of thing.
Here's how it works: If you buy my book through Lulu.com, you will receive an automated thank you note from me. Cheesy yes, but what the hey. If you are an author with Lulu, simply reply to my automated email with the following information:
- Tell me which of my books you bought
- Tell me if it was a print version or download
- Provide a link to your Lulu storefront page.
That's all I have time for today. In the immortal spirit of Heroes, Save the Authors, Save the World.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
So....How ya been?
Forgive me if it seems like I'm whining a little bit today. I certainly don't mean to. But sometimes people just piss me off.
Point 1: Nearly 3 weeks ago, I interviewed with and received a job offer from WalMart. I went and peed in a cup for them and was told I would be contacted soon regarding a start date. A week went by, nothing. I called them and was told they were waiting on my background check to come in. OK, fine. Another week goes by and nothing. Same story. Now it's nearly 3 weeks later and still nothing. I mean, how long should this take? Meanwhile unemployment benefits have run out as congress continues to twiddle their collective thumbs up their asses (or each others, I don't know) and I sit here broke. I interviewed with another company earlier this week and they are doing the background check before sending out for my urine. Let's hope they can move a little faster, shall we?
Point 2: No one is buying my book. GASP! OK, I don't have a professional agent and not a lot of marketing dollars, so there really is no advertising budget. Advertising on this page (below) is just one of the few easier ways I can afford (and now available on Amazon.com as well!). But it is a good story and those who have read it (during the proofreading and editing process) agree with me. But with a facebook fan page of over 80 people not to mention a similar number of friends on facebook, one would think that a few of those people would show some interest in at least reading it via a downloaded copy. I hear from some people "I'm broke, I can't afford to go buy your book right now." Well, I can appreciate being broke, but it's not like I'm asking anyone to fork over a ton of money. Plus broke people buy cd's, dvd's, and books all the time. So what's the difference? Honestly, I'm just trying to use my creative abilities to maintain an income, legally, without scamming anybody so I can try to stay off the welfare system. Take your pick - you can support me by ordering my books and get something in return, or you can support me with your tax money on welfare. It's up to you, America.
Point 3: I have a retirement account from my days at the University of Missouri. When you stop working for them, and if you've been there enough years to be vested in a retiremenbt plan, they tell you how much you have in your retirement account and then give you options of receiving it in a lump sum payout, leaving it invested with them until you are ready to retire, or roll it over into another IRA of some sort. Oh, but you can only receive the lump sum payout IF the amount is below a certain dollar amount. For once in my life, I actually have too much money and as a result, I can't touch it (Cue MC Hammer). At least not until I turn 55 at the earliest. Still exploring other options involving rollovers though.
OK, that's enough of that. I haven't been able to afford my diabetes meds for a few months now, and I seriously think it's starting to have an effect on my eyes, so I may need to rest them. It sucks when collecting unemployment puts you over the income requirements to qualify for medicaid but barely gives you enough to live on. But now that unemployment benefits are exhausted I might have better luck. We'll see...
Point 1: Nearly 3 weeks ago, I interviewed with and received a job offer from WalMart. I went and peed in a cup for them and was told I would be contacted soon regarding a start date. A week went by, nothing. I called them and was told they were waiting on my background check to come in. OK, fine. Another week goes by and nothing. Same story. Now it's nearly 3 weeks later and still nothing. I mean, how long should this take? Meanwhile unemployment benefits have run out as congress continues to twiddle their collective thumbs up their asses (or each others, I don't know) and I sit here broke. I interviewed with another company earlier this week and they are doing the background check before sending out for my urine. Let's hope they can move a little faster, shall we?
Point 2: No one is buying my book. GASP! OK, I don't have a professional agent and not a lot of marketing dollars, so there really is no advertising budget. Advertising on this page (below) is just one of the few easier ways I can afford (and now available on Amazon.com as well!). But it is a good story and those who have read it (during the proofreading and editing process) agree with me. But with a facebook fan page of over 80 people not to mention a similar number of friends on facebook, one would think that a few of those people would show some interest in at least reading it via a downloaded copy. I hear from some people "I'm broke, I can't afford to go buy your book right now." Well, I can appreciate being broke, but it's not like I'm asking anyone to fork over a ton of money. Plus broke people buy cd's, dvd's, and books all the time. So what's the difference? Honestly, I'm just trying to use my creative abilities to maintain an income, legally, without scamming anybody so I can try to stay off the welfare system. Take your pick - you can support me by ordering my books and get something in return, or you can support me with your tax money on welfare. It's up to you, America.
Point 3: I have a retirement account from my days at the University of Missouri. When you stop working for them, and if you've been there enough years to be vested in a retiremenbt plan, they tell you how much you have in your retirement account and then give you options of receiving it in a lump sum payout, leaving it invested with them until you are ready to retire, or roll it over into another IRA of some sort. Oh, but you can only receive the lump sum payout IF the amount is below a certain dollar amount. For once in my life, I actually have too much money and as a result, I can't touch it (Cue MC Hammer). At least not until I turn 55 at the earliest. Still exploring other options involving rollovers though.
OK, that's enough of that. I haven't been able to afford my diabetes meds for a few months now, and I seriously think it's starting to have an effect on my eyes, so I may need to rest them. It sucks when collecting unemployment puts you over the income requirements to qualify for medicaid but barely gives you enough to live on. But now that unemployment benefits are exhausted I might have better luck. We'll see...
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
New Promo and Upcoming Books
Yesterday, after some frustrating mishaps with various software applications, I produced my first video promotion for the book It's All Fun and Games Until Somebody Gets Murdered.
You can view it here:
Yesterday, a thought came to me of the video I want to create to promote the erotic anthology My Lust for Anna and Other Erotic Tales. Imagine the look on the faces of my girlfriend and my 17 year old son when I announced to them that I needed a webcam to create the video. Don't worry, it won't be too graphic. It has to be clean enough for YouTube, right?
Now I just have to get myself switched back into writing gear so I can get my next book a little further off the ground. It's already been started, so at least the framework is in order for it. And I've got the next one after that in development, so as long as I can stay focused I will have what I think will be two very good reads out and on the market within the next year.
Book number 1 has a working title: Anatomy of a Divorce. It's about a couple with a seemingly perfect marriage until several little things snowball into several big things and before the couple knows it, the proverbial rug has been pulled out from beneath their feet.
Book number 2 has no working title as of yet, but it deals with a woman who endured years of sexual abuse in her childhood and the effects such abuse has had on her life.
If you have not yet done so, I encourage you to visit lulu.com by clicking on one of the book images at the bottom of this blog page and ordering a copy of any of my books. You will not be disappointed.
Thanks!
You can view it here:
Yesterday, a thought came to me of the video I want to create to promote the erotic anthology My Lust for Anna and Other Erotic Tales. Imagine the look on the faces of my girlfriend and my 17 year old son when I announced to them that I needed a webcam to create the video. Don't worry, it won't be too graphic. It has to be clean enough for YouTube, right?
Now I just have to get myself switched back into writing gear so I can get my next book a little further off the ground. It's already been started, so at least the framework is in order for it. And I've got the next one after that in development, so as long as I can stay focused I will have what I think will be two very good reads out and on the market within the next year.
Book number 1 has a working title: Anatomy of a Divorce. It's about a couple with a seemingly perfect marriage until several little things snowball into several big things and before the couple knows it, the proverbial rug has been pulled out from beneath their feet.
Book number 2 has no working title as of yet, but it deals with a woman who endured years of sexual abuse in her childhood and the effects such abuse has had on her life.
If you have not yet done so, I encourage you to visit lulu.com by clicking on one of the book images at the bottom of this blog page and ordering a copy of any of my books. You will not be disappointed.
Thanks!
Monday, May 24, 2010
So Now What?
Well, today the proof copies of my 3 books arrived for my approval. They look great, and I wasted no time getting online into my lulu account to approve them.
So...where do I go from here? I've fulfilled my dream of publishing a book. 3 books, really, with 2 more in progress. But what does it mean if I can't share that dream with the world? How do I go about marketing my books in a way that does not seem intrusive? Well, advertising is an intrusive business. We are bombarded with advertisements every day - on television, the radio, in the newspaper, and on the internet. How many pop-up ads have you seen today?
As for me, I have a few vehicles for getting the word out. I have this site here at blogger. I have my facebook profile as well as a fan page also set up at facebook for the book It's All Fun and Games Until Somebody Gets Murdered. I have a myspace profile, and I have set up a promotional site at webs.com for all of my published books.
My dilemma is not so much driving traffic to my websites, but the quality of traffic to those sites. There are plenty of traffic exchange services around the internet that will get people to my pages, but I've found in the past that the traffic it generates is not the kind that translates into sales. I've tried pay per click services in the past with zero results. So perhaps the problem lies in the way my material is presented?
I am open to suggestions regarding changes to the material and finding affordable ways to make my books appeal to those who come to check it out. Perhaps creating a video advertisement for YouTube would help? But how do you create a commercial for a book? Read a passage? Find some actors and actresses to act out a scene?
Seriously, if anyone has any suggestions, I'm listening...and may I suggest reading the book might help spur the thought process? Just sayin.... :-)
So...where do I go from here? I've fulfilled my dream of publishing a book. 3 books, really, with 2 more in progress. But what does it mean if I can't share that dream with the world? How do I go about marketing my books in a way that does not seem intrusive? Well, advertising is an intrusive business. We are bombarded with advertisements every day - on television, the radio, in the newspaper, and on the internet. How many pop-up ads have you seen today?
As for me, I have a few vehicles for getting the word out. I have this site here at blogger. I have my facebook profile as well as a fan page also set up at facebook for the book It's All Fun and Games Until Somebody Gets Murdered. I have a myspace profile, and I have set up a promotional site at webs.com for all of my published books.
My dilemma is not so much driving traffic to my websites, but the quality of traffic to those sites. There are plenty of traffic exchange services around the internet that will get people to my pages, but I've found in the past that the traffic it generates is not the kind that translates into sales. I've tried pay per click services in the past with zero results. So perhaps the problem lies in the way my material is presented?
I am open to suggestions regarding changes to the material and finding affordable ways to make my books appeal to those who come to check it out. Perhaps creating a video advertisement for YouTube would help? But how do you create a commercial for a book? Read a passage? Find some actors and actresses to act out a scene?
Seriously, if anyone has any suggestions, I'm listening...and may I suggest reading the book might help spur the thought process? Just sayin.... :-)
Thursday, May 20, 2010
It's Out!
I've done it...
I have finally released my project of nearly 30 years in the making. After a brief debate over the title of the book, I give you....
...now available on Lulu.com and coming soon to Amazon!
Of course, once I figured out how to navigate Lulu's system, I figured why stop there. I have also re-released... Click here for the book page
and....announcing for the first time anywhere....my erotic anthology!
All three of the above books are available in paperback and download. Just visit Lulu.com!
I have finally released my project of nearly 30 years in the making. After a brief debate over the title of the book, I give you....
...now available on Lulu.com and coming soon to Amazon!
Of course, once I figured out how to navigate Lulu's system, I figured why stop there. I have also re-released... Click here for the book page
and....announcing for the first time anywhere....my erotic anthology!
All three of the above books are available in paperback and download. Just visit Lulu.com!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Ummm...Hi. Remember Me?
Yeah, it's been awhile. But November?? Has it really been that long since my last post?
Wow. Sorry about that. My bad.
So what's new?
On my end, I have finally completed the coursework for my AAB degree with University of Phoenix. Applied for the diploma today and graduation will be in late June.
And my writing career is being resumed....
What, no pic? I thought we had a pic...oh well...
My latest book is soon to be released. It's a smart-ass comedy/romance/murder mystery of sorts called It's All Fun and Games Until Somebody Gets Murdered. It's currently awaiting processing with the publisher, but if you'd like a sneak peak, just visit my author's page. You'll find info there on both books I've written -- Erotic Adventures of Steve and Brooke and the murder mystery.
Meanwhile though I continue to search for work. I was laid off from my last job in December and have been unemployed ever since. The time was spent wisely, as I was able to concentrate on my schoolwork and various book projects.
So that's what's going on in my world. What's going on in yours?
Wow. Sorry about that. My bad.
So what's new?
On my end, I have finally completed the coursework for my AAB degree with University of Phoenix. Applied for the diploma today and graduation will be in late June.
And my writing career is being resumed....
What, no pic? I thought we had a pic...oh well...
My latest book is soon to be released. It's a smart-ass comedy/romance/murder mystery of sorts called It's All Fun and Games Until Somebody Gets Murdered. It's currently awaiting processing with the publisher, but if you'd like a sneak peak, just visit my author's page. You'll find info there on both books I've written -- Erotic Adventures of Steve and Brooke and the murder mystery.
Meanwhile though I continue to search for work. I was laid off from my last job in December and have been unemployed ever since. The time was spent wisely, as I was able to concentrate on my schoolwork and various book projects.
So that's what's going on in my world. What's going on in yours?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Hello...You have reached....
Just popping in to say hello to everyone and apologize for not keeping things up to date. I am currently on the road in Muncie, Indiana as I prepare to move here next month. I just got here yesterday, after spending the first part of the week traveling to Kansas City and back, then to West Plains, MO on Tuesday and back to Columbia on Wednesday. Between homework and traveling and identifying potential new employers, I just haven't had much time to post here.
So bare, er, bear with me and I'll have something new and fun for you to read soon. If you absolutely can't wait for something new, go order a copy of my book, The Erotic Adventures of Steve and Brooke. The link is over on the left somewhere...trust me, I really think you'll find it...stimulating...
So bare, er, bear with me and I'll have something new and fun for you to read soon. If you absolutely can't wait for something new, go order a copy of my book, The Erotic Adventures of Steve and Brooke. The link is over on the left somewhere...trust me, I really think you'll find it...stimulating...
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Asked and Answered!
Love will turn the Key asks, Would you ever get a tattoo? and if so, where and what?
I have been thinking of getting a tattoo for many years. The problem has been that I haven’t found one that I really like. I had thought of getting a Gemini symbol, but then I changed my mind on that one and decided that I wanted to get a Yin/Yang symbol. It would go on my back just below my left shoulder. But like I said, I haven’t been able to find one that jumps out at me. Maybe someday…
Stevie Exxxx asks three questions….
What is the highest number of women that you have you been in a relationship with at one time?
Well….I suppose first we should define “relationship”. I mean, are we talking serious dating or are we talking sexual relations? Let’s assume both, shall we?
Serious dating…
Hmmm…well, in an actual relationship, I suppose technically you could say 4. But in reality, only 3 of those women were actively involved with me. The fourth one lived several states away and we were never able to actually get together before going our separate ways.
Sexual relations…
Lets see….I would have to go way back and say that the most women I’ve had relations with at one time is 4 I think…and what a night that was! That was my first group experience (I wasn’t the only guy there though, so I did get some rest time, lol)
How many women would you have a relationship with at the same time if all the chemistry and all that were at peak????
Serious dating…
Just being with 3 was tough enough to find time for, so I don’t think I would do more than that. And that would be if all the equipment were working like it did when I was much younger! Lately though, I think I’m finding more happiness in a one-on-one setting…
Sexual relations…
Four was awesome. And if the chemistry and all that were at peak, I think maybe 3 at the most because I would hate for any of them to feel left out of the action. Sure they could pair off or take care of each other if they were into that sort of thing, but then they wouldn’t be having relations with me at the same time.
What attracts you into a new relationship with another woman???
Her attitude. The way she looks at me. The way she talks to me. The way she carries herself. I’m not someone hung up on looks to attract my attention, although she should probably maintain some level of cleanliness. Give me a look of desire, don’t be afraid to touch me. Kiss me like you mean it. And you’ll have my attention.
Heavensent54 asks, When did you KNOW you wanted to write? (to be a writer)
I wrote my very first short story back in 3rd grade I think. In 8th grade, I began working on my school newspaper and I think that’s really when it started, but no real aspirations or dreams of being a famous author. But in high school – 1981, in fact, I developed the outline for a book that is still a work in progress. It was 12 years later that I actually started putting the words down on paper. All minor events in my personal history. I mean, I’ve always enjoyed writing (I’ve been told I have a great imagination!) But it was actually a very short time ago, after I published my first book, that when I stepped back and looked at the finished product, I just really felt good about the accomplishment and I knew I wanted to do it again.
My daughter is currently helping me put the finishing touches on my 27-year work in progress and I hope to have it released by this fall – it’s a murder mystery and I’m real anxious to get this one finished! My third book is a collection of more erotic works and I hope to have it out by November.
I have been thinking of getting a tattoo for many years. The problem has been that I haven’t found one that I really like. I had thought of getting a Gemini symbol, but then I changed my mind on that one and decided that I wanted to get a Yin/Yang symbol. It would go on my back just below my left shoulder. But like I said, I haven’t been able to find one that jumps out at me. Maybe someday…
Stevie Exxxx asks three questions….
What is the highest number of women that you have you been in a relationship with at one time?
Well….I suppose first we should define “relationship”. I mean, are we talking serious dating or are we talking sexual relations? Let’s assume both, shall we?
Serious dating…
Hmmm…well, in an actual relationship, I suppose technically you could say 4. But in reality, only 3 of those women were actively involved with me. The fourth one lived several states away and we were never able to actually get together before going our separate ways.
Sexual relations…
Lets see….I would have to go way back and say that the most women I’ve had relations with at one time is 4 I think…and what a night that was! That was my first group experience (I wasn’t the only guy there though, so I did get some rest time, lol)
How many women would you have a relationship with at the same time if all the chemistry and all that were at peak????
Serious dating…
Just being with 3 was tough enough to find time for, so I don’t think I would do more than that. And that would be if all the equipment were working like it did when I was much younger! Lately though, I think I’m finding more happiness in a one-on-one setting…
Sexual relations…
Four was awesome. And if the chemistry and all that were at peak, I think maybe 3 at the most because I would hate for any of them to feel left out of the action. Sure they could pair off or take care of each other if they were into that sort of thing, but then they wouldn’t be having relations with me at the same time.
What attracts you into a new relationship with another woman???
Her attitude. The way she looks at me. The way she talks to me. The way she carries herself. I’m not someone hung up on looks to attract my attention, although she should probably maintain some level of cleanliness. Give me a look of desire, don’t be afraid to touch me. Kiss me like you mean it. And you’ll have my attention.
Heavensent54 asks, When did you KNOW you wanted to write? (to be a writer)
I wrote my very first short story back in 3rd grade I think. In 8th grade, I began working on my school newspaper and I think that’s really when it started, but no real aspirations or dreams of being a famous author. But in high school – 1981, in fact, I developed the outline for a book that is still a work in progress. It was 12 years later that I actually started putting the words down on paper. All minor events in my personal history. I mean, I’ve always enjoyed writing (I’ve been told I have a great imagination!) But it was actually a very short time ago, after I published my first book, that when I stepped back and looked at the finished product, I just really felt good about the accomplishment and I knew I wanted to do it again.
My daughter is currently helping me put the finishing touches on my 27-year work in progress and I hope to have it released by this fall – it’s a murder mystery and I’m real anxious to get this one finished! My third book is a collection of more erotic works and I hope to have it out by November.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Writing Projects
So last night, I'm laying in bed and it's about 3am...maybe 4, I don't remember. Hell it was probably both...and an idea pops into my head for a new book.
And its not all erotic and sexual - well, maybe just a little...
But the tale of two people and folks that they meet throughout the journey that this story will tell is one of love, lust, heartbreak, and drama. Lots of drama.
And it will be based on a true story. Trust me, when this one is finished you won't want to miss it. But I can't give too many details away...
****************************
It was suggested to me that I publish a book with my erotic poetry in it. While I haven't posted much of it over here, readers here have been treated (or perhaps subjected?) to a sample or two of my work. So what say you? I know it can be difficult to judge my abilities based on 2 poems, but yeah, that's all you've got to work with. Oh I'm no where near ready to actually publish it yet. I will need to write more. I'm actually putting together an anthology of my erotic short stories and poetry that I would like to publish sometime this fall - just in time to warm up those cold winter nights! But I likely need close to a dozen or so new poems to put in there before I can do that.
*****************************
And really, the best way to convince me that I should be publishing more stories and poetry is for people to actually buy copies of my current book, The Erotic Adventures of Steve and Brooke. I made the mistake of giving copies of this one away before it was published so several potential customers now have no need to buy it. So come on guys...what do you think? The women who I know have read this book have absolutely loved it. Just click on the link under recommended reading to get to the book's website and place your order.
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And finally, you all know what tomorrow is, right? It will be Thursday and that means you can come back and Ask Me Anything! I'll then post your questions and my answers on Friday in a hopefully somewhat entertaining manner. Come on everyone play along! It's fun and its also a great way to get a free mention of your site as well!
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