Hey folks,
Just a quick update of my writing progress to date. I'm finishing the final tweaks of Shadow's Lure and should finish them this week, depending on how I feel. (I've been fighting a cold for the past couple days.)
And the groundwork for Book 3, Shadow's Master, is picking up. I finally have a solid frame for the middle of the novel, which is the hardest part for me. Next I need to lock down the ending.
All in all, things are progessing well.
I don't have any conventions planned for 2011 yet. I applied for Guest Status at next year's Dragon*Con, but haven't heard back yet. I'd also like to hit some of the local cons, like BaltiCon and PhilCon.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Hour of the Wolf Postponed
Hey folks,
I've just been informed that my appearance on the "Hour of the Wolf" radio show has been postponed due to difficulties beyond my or the host's control. I'll let you know when a new date has been set up.
Best,
Jon
I've just been informed that my appearance on the "Hour of the Wolf" radio show has been postponed due to difficulties beyond my or the host's control. I'll let you know when a new date has been set up.
Best,
Jon
Thursday, November 4, 2010
French Copies Have Arrived
Sacrebleu! My copies of the French version of Shadow's Son arrived today. Hmmm, the cover art looks familiar...
Thanks to Eddie, and the fine folks at Bragelonne, for such a beautiful book.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Observations at Book Signings
I love people watching. Give me a comfortable seat on the edge of a big crowd, and I can watch them for hours, which is pretty much what a book signing feels like for those of us who aren’t named Paris Hilton, Sarah Palin, or Stevie King.
(Interesting side note: Only two of those listed authors are actually able to pick out a noun and a verb in a sentence. But I digress . . .)
However, whether you sell a thousand copies or three, a book signing is an excellent opportunity for us reclusive-writer types to observe the book-buying (and, presumably, book-reading) public up close.
For example, most people in a book store, when greeted by a friendly hello, will respond in kind as they stroll past your table. A special few will stop and ask you what your book is about. Yet, it’s the alarmingly-high percentage of folks who blithely pass by, not even looking in your direction, that makes me raise an eyebrow. Where are they going in such a hurry? Nine times out of ten it’s the coffee bar, which just goes to prove you can’t compete with caffeine.
But when someone does stop, the pressure is on. Your hands sweat, your voice quavers, and sometimes you even forget what your book is about. (When this happens, I usually say, “It’s like Harry Potter combined with Twilight and The Stand. Only cooler.”)
I have to give a shout out to all the ladies in the house. Women are much more likely to stop and chat, and they buy a copy two or three times more often than the guys. Slackers! What happened to manly men who read novels while chopping firewood and saving babies from burning buildings? Meh, I guess those days are gone. Now, it seems like many men only read the Sports section of the newspaper and an occasional biography (ghost) written by some washed-up athlete.
Still even with the fly-bys and the blank stares, I have to say that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of each book event I’ve done. There’s something thrilling in introducing yourself, and your work, to new people. So here’s to everyone I’ve met out on the road. Thank you. You make a lonely profession all the more worth it.
(Interesting side note: Only two of those listed authors are actually able to pick out a noun and a verb in a sentence. But I digress . . .)
However, whether you sell a thousand copies or three, a book signing is an excellent opportunity for us reclusive-writer types to observe the book-buying (and, presumably, book-reading) public up close.
For example, most people in a book store, when greeted by a friendly hello, will respond in kind as they stroll past your table. A special few will stop and ask you what your book is about. Yet, it’s the alarmingly-high percentage of folks who blithely pass by, not even looking in your direction, that makes me raise an eyebrow. Where are they going in such a hurry? Nine times out of ten it’s the coffee bar, which just goes to prove you can’t compete with caffeine.
But when someone does stop, the pressure is on. Your hands sweat, your voice quavers, and sometimes you even forget what your book is about. (When this happens, I usually say, “It’s like Harry Potter combined with Twilight and The Stand. Only cooler.”)
I have to give a shout out to all the ladies in the house. Women are much more likely to stop and chat, and they buy a copy two or three times more often than the guys. Slackers! What happened to manly men who read novels while chopping firewood and saving babies from burning buildings? Meh, I guess those days are gone. Now, it seems like many men only read the Sports section of the newspaper and an occasional biography (ghost) written by some washed-up athlete.
Still even with the fly-bys and the blank stares, I have to say that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of each book event I’ve done. There’s something thrilling in introducing yourself, and your work, to new people. So here’s to everyone I’ve met out on the road. Thank you. You make a lonely profession all the more worth it.
Monday, October 18, 2010
French Ebook
Just received the contract for French rights to ebook versions of the Shadow trilogy.
Shadow's Son has been doing well on the Kindle here in the U.S.. For everyone who has asked, I'm still waiting for news about other e-format versions. I'll keep you posted.
Shadow's Son has been doing well on the Kindle here in the U.S.. For everyone who has asked, I'm still waiting for news about other e-format versions. I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Turning 40
It didn't hurt as much as I anticipated. A long time ago, I told myself I would be published before I hit thirty. I missed that mark, but at least I snuck in before 4-0 hit.
Aging is very strange. Little things sneak up on you. One day you have a few gray hairs, and then suddenly they're taking over. Or taking your kid to the park. I remember the days when I could run and jump without hurting yourself. Now I just shamble along behind him. At least I'm still (mostly) of sound mind.
Aging is very strange. Little things sneak up on you. One day you have a few gray hairs, and then suddenly they're taking over. Or taking your kid to the park. I remember the days when I could run and jump without hurting yourself. Now I just shamble along behind him. At least I'm still (mostly) of sound mind.
Friday, October 1, 2010
October Events
This month I have a few book-related events:
Two book signings for Shadow's Son:
* Oct. 2 - Borders at Lycoming Mall. 2-4 pm.
* Oct. 17 - Barnes&Noble at State College, 12-3 pm., with uber-talented author Susan Kelley.
The Hour of the Wolf radio appearance has been postponed until Nov. 13. (5-7 am.)
Two book signings for Shadow's Son:
* Oct. 2 - Borders at Lycoming Mall. 2-4 pm.
* Oct. 17 - Barnes&Noble at State College, 12-3 pm., with uber-talented author Susan Kelley.
The Hour of the Wolf radio appearance has been postponed until Nov. 13. (5-7 am.)
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