If You Love a Book and/or Author and Want to Help Spread the Word

"I loved your novel! What can I do to let others know about it too?"

I've heard avid readers ask this question, or a close variation, occasionally about Flank Hawk but with respect to other authors they enjoy reading as well. I suspect that this question crosses a reader's mind quite often, but they're simply at a loss as to what they can do.

I have a few standard suggestions and all of them fall within the scope the 30 ideas that an article at Bookmarket.com provides (see link below). But, instead of the article just providing a list, each suggestion is accompanied by an explanation. Some are common sense, such as 'Buy the book and encourage others to do so.' Other suggestions are not.

Give the article a look and see what you might be able to do. As I'm always happy to receive a little help, I'm more than confident other authors, whether debut or bestseller, would appreciate your assistance in spreading the word.

Article: If You Love a Book Author and Want to Help them...

I will add that I am forever grateful to those friends, readers, and fellow authors who've helped me out so much--reviews, interviews, telling friends, giving me a heads-up for events, and more. You never know when or where a good deed will appear. The picture above shows a cookie given to me by Susan Swinehart, an investment professional who helps me and my wife out with our IRAs and other retirement investments (we're minor clients at best). Although I only see her twice a year, when she found out about Flank Hawk being published, the cookie showed up at my place of employment. Beyond that, I know she she spread the news about my novel, as a person from her office soon after showed up at a book event specifically to obtain signed copies for gifts.

Hopefully I've helped other authors out a fraction of how much I've been assisted, and I will continue to lend a hand where I can.

By the way, I've begun a project for this blog to interview authors. If you're an author (or know one), contact me so that we might put something together.

A Story of Survival: Physical & Spiritual

The survival story ("A Glimpse of Eternity") told by Ian McCormack himself, is compelling to say the least. It's one so well told, I suspect I'll never in my writing ever be able to match it.

It's a gut-filled to the core struggle for survival filled with episodes of courage and despair, uncaring cruelty and indifference, racism and loyalty, and so much more, including a glimpse of Heaven and shaft into the dark depths of Hell.

If stories with even a hint of religion aren't your thing, don't let that keep you from listening. Thus, if you find the beginning a bit hokey or scripture isn't your thing, skip into the video about four minutes. Sit down and relax, maybe with a handy beverage, and listen. Video: A Glimpse of Eternity

Or, if you prefer a written version which is much the same, here it is: "A Glimpse of Eternity"

Better than the Super Bowl's

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Sure, Super Bowl XLV had some funny commercials. But in my opinion, none came close to matching this one:

Freedom vs. Security: Demoliton Man

A few weeks back, a late night movie caught my attention. You might guess from the title of this post, picture to the right, and video clip below what movie that was. It certainly wasn't the first time I'd seen it. It won't be the last time I'll enjoy it.

Although Demolition Man isn't exactly a classic, it's solid entertainment: Action, Conflict, Humor, and an underlying Question: How much freedom would you be willing to give up for a sense of security? In other words, are you willing to cede power to governmental authority for the promise of security, peace and tranquility?

What must the authorities do to keep such a promise? Can such a promise be kept? How much would liberty and individuality necessarily be restricted (or eliminated)? And once such freedoms are traded, could they ever be regained--and at what cost? Finally, how does risk, consequences, and personal responsibility fit into the balance of Freedom vs. Security?

All of these questions form an underlying theme to the action flick. Next time you get the chance to see Demolition Man, do so, while thinking about what you would give up for a supposed utopia and the resulting consequences.

Although nothing really new, such is the stuff of good Science Fiction, whether in written form, in film, or both.

Beyond that, it's a question citizens across the globe faced yesterday, continue to face today, and hopefully will have the opportunity to face for many tomorrows.

Short Story Contract Signed and in the Mail

Signed and sent off a contract yesterday after work to Strange, Weird and Wonderful Ezine for my SF short story "Accelerated Justice."

It should appear in the Summer Issue (July 1, 2011).

Bookstore Closing

The Ole Book Nook was the closest bookstore to my home, being about 15 miles away (east). The next nearest is about 25 miles to southwest and the next nearest is about 30 miles northeast. Even the 'local' malls no longer have a chain bookstore.

The owner, Vicki, is a very nice lady and interesting to talk to. A lot of bookstore knowledge coupled with understanding of readers goes with her into retirement. She tried to find a buyer and had some interest, but nothing came through. Tough economic times, especially for brick & mortar bookstores.

While Flank Hawk certainly wasn't a best seller at The Ole Book Nook, sales averaged almost one copy a month. I guess that means with the store closed, a dozen fewer readers in 2011 will stumble across Flank Hawk, (and Blood Sword--when I finally get it finished--squeezed in 500 words tonight). Will just have to find another way to reach them.

Two Disappointments--But that's Okay

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I got word last week that my short story "Seconds of Eternity" accepted by Aberrant Dreams will not be published. The story was released as the managing editor is (and has been) struggling with health problems. The ezine and print anthology may return. I've enjoyed most of the stories Aberrant Dreams has published over the years, and hope some day to read more.

Also, today, I received a polite rejection from Dark Discoveries: "Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. Submissions increased tremendously in 2009 with the announcement of our pro rates. Thank you for letting us see "The Candy Bar Game," but we are going to pass on it. It's very good, the characters are compelling and likable, the suspense is there, but it's really more of a straight mystery/suspense story than a horror story. Hope you find it a home, though!"

I'd submitted it as suspense/horror and thought the story contained horror elements, but not enough for Dark Discoveries.

I have the next market for "Seconds to Eternity" already selected. Just have to finish up the cover letter. Will have to check my notes for "The Candy Bar Game" and maybe adjust to more mystery/suspense oriented magazines.