Life Resumes

With my first novel published, life resumes its normal flow with the added piece that I'm now thinking about how to promote the book. Aside from that, I continue to revise Book 2 and I've begun to plan out Book 5.

Work on poems and short stories continues as well. And I continue to plod along taking care of my house, my dogs, the car, and spending time with my wife.

Just regular things that everyone does.

That said, there is a book launch event that is supposed to happen. The publisher is arranging that. I've asked for details because I've not herd a word. And this morning, it appears that I've sold one or two short stories. I need to check my mail to be sure.

Additionally, I've begun work on arranging an event at my local library so that I can have the local TV station cover it and/or interview me. I really want a TV interview to spread the word about my book.

This is the new normal I guess. And I'll find out in January when the sales numbers come in how success -- or not -- I've been.

Keep writing everyone.

Interview: Me, my world, and other things

I posted on Twitter yesterday reminding everyone that only three days remain until my novel releases. This prompted at series of question from Giselle Marks, a writer who follows me, about my book, myself, and other things. I thought it made a good impromptu interview, so here it is. Enjoy.

https://twitter.com/feitelberg/status/391581505715052544

Keep writing everyone.

When Ideas Won't Come

I've been struggling with a short story recently, one that I thought was ready to go. But based on a few test reads, I decided to revise it instead. But every revise comes up flat. So I decided to take a step back.

I re-read the story and cut away everything I didn't like before moving forward again. Then I resumed my revision, more slowly this time. Inching my way forward, writing a paragraph or two and them putting it away.

I salvaged a few sections from a previous draft too where they made sense and slept on it.

I did that because I know that if I sleep on something, I usually will have something to writing the following morning. And sure enough, I did. I finally had the answer I was looking for.

Well, not the whole answer but a new direction to explore. I still don't know how it will work out because I put the story away again just before starting this blog entry.

I don't want to rush this. But I have a direction and a few ideas where there were none yesterday.

I don't know if this approach will work for anyone else, but if you are struggling to find a way out of a story you've started, what do you have to lose? Try it.

Keep writing, everyone.

Aure, the Topaz, Book 1 of the Aglaril Cycle

I like to think that I'm not so arrogant or full of myself that I can't admit when I wrong. And at those times, I'd like to think that I can just admit it and move on. So here goes.

I never really expected to receive a physical proof of my novel because the publisher seems so inept. But over the last month they've been proving me wrong repeatedly and this past week they put the icing  on that cake. The physical proof on Wednesday and I approved it.

This opens up the floodgates for everything else needed to release the book to happen.

The release date is October 22 but you can order the paper version from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The electronic versions should be in stores soon for those with book readers and tables.

After that I'm not sure what happens. I asked about a book launch event. The publisher is going to handle that. I will be getting the word out too. So if you know anyone who likes to read fantasy novels, please spread the word.

Beyond that I guess I need to think about attending book promotion events like ReaderCon. And I need to get moving on Book 2.

Keep writing everyone.