BookFreak - The ProseFreak Files

Mixed News if You Self Publish

2011-12-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

Anyone could have seen this coming. In fact, it's nothing new, publishers have always invested more into hardcover versions of books with the reasoning that readers collect them.

Now they've gone all out with book covers in hopes of luring readers away from eReading devices. I think publishers are on the right track, although if most readers are anything like me, they collect hardcover books and still buy the digital versions as well.

The major drawback is for self-publishers who cannot afford nor do they have the resources to produce these kinds of covers. I've asked CreateSpace if they're going to print uncoated, or matte (not shiny) book jackets or give the option to coat portions of the cover or offer embossing, but they have no plans to offer these options in paperback or offer hardcover versions. Hopefully that will change.

I think the main problem is obviously the cost factor. Hardcover books offered by outfits such as LULU, are already too costly and I doubt they'll be adding premium printing options such as embossing, coating, and gold or silver foil to their covers.

So what does this all mean to independent publishers like you and me? We're screwed for now but all things in life are subject to change, hopefully for the better.

Click on the Title for the whole story.

Was Shakespeare a Fraud?

2011-10-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

Here's an idea that's been floating around for some time. Were the works of Shakespeare really his own words?

Who's to say? I don't think the movie will answer the question either, but it's going to be interesting to see how it tries.

Why Emily Dickinson? Protagonists We Love

2011-10-08T05:07:00.000-07:00

(Emily Dickinson, circa 1863)

Ever wonder where the fascinating characters in your favorite novels come from? Protagonists in particular can sometimes pique our interest especially when we see ourselves reflected in these characters, or even better, when we want to become these characters. It’s an exercise in vicariousness that readers live by.

Whenever I read Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, I always put myself in Finn's shoes, or lack thereof, and imagine what it would be like to be Huck Finn. This is the real reason we read. We want to become someone else for a time. It’s the perfect escape into another world—-another time and place. We want to live another life in someone else’s shoes and walk around in their skin, as Atticus Finch would say, which begs the question, who was the star in To Kill a Mockingbird anyway?

Forgive my digression, but it seems to me it was Scout who led the way in the book and in the movie version, although Atticus, played by Gregory Peck, was clearly in the lead role, it was his daughter, Scout, who the story centered around for the most part. Having seen the movie as a young boy, I naturally identified with the young, curious, and feisty tomboy that dominated most every scene.

That’s the same effect I tried capturing when I created my main character, Virginia Mae Mercy in A Death for Beauty. First, I thought, Virginia had to be a complex woman. A confident woman with many personality quirks, but also, someone with a vulnerable disposition. Because what good is a strong main character without faults and insecurities?

For the most part, I modeled Virginia after both, a common and uncommon woman of the mid nineteenth century. Modern women can certainly identify with Virginia’s feminine traits, her needs and wants as a woman who takes care of herself and someone who aspires to be something more than she is. A woman in search of herself. I think most women can relate to that.

Virginia’s flip side is less predictable, however. While she often comes across as surefooted and resolute, in the same breath, she questions everything around her. She’s never certain of anything. This wavering is what makes Virginia human. It’s what readers empathize with above all else and what they connect with. In essence, it’s the one trait, which drives her character forth and propels readers into the story. They want to care and they want to follow her along her journey.

Multifaceted characters are what makes stories resonate and can sometimes take readers by surprise, but again, that’s what readers enjoy and what they expect from interesting characters. Aside from Virginia’s quirky personality, I had to tap into a voice that fit. At first, during my research for part two of the story, where the Sioux tribe absorbs Virginia into their culture, I couldn’t get the voice of Fanny Kelly—-the woman in the true story—-out of my head so Virginia sounded very much like Fanny. But once I decided to include Emily Dickinson’s poetry, for some reason, I thought Emily Dickinson’s tone of voice, her manner of writing, was more fitting and almost inescapable from my point of view.

The rhythm of Dickinson’s poetry (featured in chapter openings) was more than an accompaniment to the writing, it was for me, a melody of words that set the tone for the whole novel, so giving this voice to Virginia was as natural as including the poetry itself.

I think I can safely admit that Virginia Mae Mercy’s personality has shades of Emily Dickinson. They certainly share a fierce and witty style all their own and writing that kind of dialogue was a lot of fun.

Virginia:

“I love you Darlin, let’s go. Birdy would never forgive me. Besides if he were here he’d knocked the old croaker galley-west.”

Better World Books - A Better Way to Buy Books

2011-10-06T05:22:00.000-07:00

Here's a great way to feel even better when you buy books. Maybe it's just me, but when I indulge in a book buying spree, I feel a little guilty about it. (probably for good reason) but buying from Better World Books has changed all that. Now I can go nuts and buy all the books I want because for every book I buy, Better World Books donates a book to someone else. Plus shipping is free.

That's a pretty good deal and a great business model, which I'm sure will catch on and keep spreading throughout the world. We can credit Kelsey Timmerman with that business innovation, at least its publicity, as he's sold millions of shoes that way too. Toms.com

BWB is now matching that business model with great fanfare. Check out their books here: See the Green Video (bottom, right) Better World Books

Subtext in Literary Fiction -- It's Good for You

2011-09-24T05:22:00.000-07:00

Fans of literary fiction have a dirty little secret. At least I’d like to think they do. I’ve heard derogatory remarks about fiction from comedians and the scientific crowd, all denouncing how fictive stories are a waste of time and that if they wanted the real truth they’ll seek it elsewhere. I suppose they could find it in a non-fiction title or the KJV Bible perhaps?

What critics of literary fiction—or any other type of fiction for that matter—don’t realize is that the truth about anything is always hard to find, regardless of the medium. Even the King James Version of the Bible can be a bit confusing at times and finding the truth within its pages, a labyrinth at best.

What critics are missing is that fiction is about the truth. The secret is that writers cloak the truth in a veil of mystery, comedy, and tragedy. But that’s what makes literary fiction so fascinating.

For example, let’s take Flannery O’Connor’s short story “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” If comedic intellectuals can’t find any truth in that story, they certainly are missing the point altogether. What is the point? Well, let’s see … how about that the world is a dangerous place, filled with uncertainties and fatal pitfalls at every turn, and that unless we’re careful or hyper vigilant, it’s just a matter of time and place, and we’re all in for a surprise, sooner or later.

I think that sums up the status quo very nicely. O’Connor’s story is a statement about many things, many truths that lie dormant in society, dormant until they appear in the headlines and remind us what the truth really is—that the ugly truth lurks in plain sight.

It’s like searching for sex offenders in your neighborhood. You can’t see them because they don’t parade the dirt roads in shimmery hot-pants or stand on street corners waving colorful signs that read: “Hello neighbor, I’m a sex offender and I want to snag your little princess, or your little boy.”

That sounds absurd, but when you search your local sex offender’s database, you’ll be surprised to learn that all those little red dots, like buckshot scattered around your town, each represent a registered sex offender in your precious neighborhood. If that isn’t the truth, I don’t know what is, but that’s truth enough for me, and reason enough to believe that fictive stories are in fact plausible and can indeed represent the hidden status quo—the truth beneath the surface.

And that my friends, is the beauty and the ugly truth, all wrapped up in one neat little package writers call, literary fiction. So the next time you’re searching for the truth and you need a break from the KJV, dive into some good old-fashioned literary fiction and enjoy the ride because the words between those salient covers, are just as good for your soul.

DIY Author 101

2011-08-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

Last time I checked, America was still a capitalist society. Want something done right? Do it yourself, of course. After all, commissions and incentives only go so far.

It amazes me when people suddenly realize something that has been around since the founding of this nation. In a word, "Capitalism." What's wrong with that anyway? What's so bad, so evil and so deviant about being a capitalist? Isn't that how America was born over 200 years ago and still thrives today? These are rhetorical questions, folks. Don't bother trying to formulate an answer for each and every one.

The answers are quite simple. YES, to all the above.

Okay, but what does capitalism have to do with writing books? Yes, another annoying rhetorical question.

Want to build your author platform? Sure you do, but what does that mean? Well, you know, you want to become a well-known writer who has something interesting and important to share with the world.

You want to be known in social circles as an authority in your field. You want to be top dog because people believe, follow and buy from the top tier, and more importantly, they want to associate with them, on their level, which makes them feel and appear just as relevant and important. They want to belong to and be part of the best because that kind of status could bring them fame and fortune when their Amazon ranking skyrockets due to a spike in book sales.

Got all that?

If you don't and you'd like an in depth, professional take on author platforms, I'll defer to Alan Rinzler, who offers an insiders scoop. Unless you want to take my word for it, here's all you need to know: Get the most attention, be controversial, witty, be attractive, and for the love of God, write a damn good book. Leave any one of those elements out, and you're SOL.

http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/

Can You Hear That Fantastic Whooshing Sound?

2011-07-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

Two Authors Stick it to The Man!

Gotta love it folks. Authors like J.K. Rowlings and Seth Godin are finally taking control of their intellectual property and raking in big cash in the process. The process of digitizing their own books, that is.

The beauty of capitalism is that it works for one and all. Rich or poor, young or old, it doesn't matter. If you know how to market yourself and how to present your products, there's no one to stop you from making a good profit.

And that whooshing sound? That's the gust of wind from millions of authors rushing to do the same thing.

Right. The man's been sticking it to you. It's time to turn the tables.
Here are the articles:

J.K. Rowlings Cashes in: (Titles are mine.)

Seth Godin Sticks it To The Man--Hard!

*********************************************

BOOK TOUR ALERT: "A DEATH FOR BEAUTY" VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR STARTS THIS OCTOBER (Unless I change my mind again, which I doubt because I'm not getting any younger. Besides, with all this "sticking it to the man" going on, I'm inspired too.)

The Death of Pulp Books? Please.

2011-04-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

You can feel it coming. Everywhere you look, headlines scream from mountaintops. “Paper and ink books are dead!” Really? At some point, I’m expecting the coroner from The Wizard of Oz to officially declare it. “The wicked book is undeniably, most certifiably dead!”

Seems to me that certain people want to see the demise of the printed book. Could it be a group of environmentalists leading the cause to bury pulp books so they can save more trees. Or could it be a handful of manufacturers who’ve conspired to put the old, tired, pulp fiction six feet under and profit from the newest trend of e-gadgets?

Is the printed book really dead, or are electronic reading devices the equivalent of microwaves? Ovens are still around, you know. Nobody shouted from mountaintops about the demise of the oven back in 1945. Microwaves were just a new, faster way to cook.

Hmm, maybe it’s a given that reading devices will some day replace printed matter altogether. So, we should get over it. Let’s not forget the dwindling newspaper and magazine subscriptions. Have you seen a copy of the Sunday newspaper lately, or the thinning monthly magazines? They look more like flimsy pamphlets on crash diets these days. Remember when the Sunday newspaper was part of your muscle toning routine? Whatever happened to that? Heck, the Kindle only weighs about ten ounces, and the iPad isn’t that much heavier. Bummer.

One thing’s for sure. The days of rolling up newspaper and bitch slapping your Chihuahua when it pees on your imported Oriental rug, are most definitely over. And what’s one to do when you need to level your dining room table with a good hardcover book, wrap yesterday’s fish, or soak up that oil stain from your garage floor?

Yes. If you ask me, we still need paper books and monstrous Sunday newspapers. They’re still useful for something.

All I know is that electronic gadgets don’t work as well for any of that other stuff. Not even when all their wondrous electronic components have inexplicably failed.

Believe me, I’ve tried.

The Orphan Book Rescue Society

2011-03-31T05:31:00.000-07:00

It's a crying shame, but there it was. That poor book stood proud among the other rejects and misfit books in the Dollar Store bargain bin. It had a magnificent cover, an intriguing title, and a great story concept. What's wrong with this book, I wondered?

I turned to the back cover and read all the glowing reviews, opened to the back flap and saw the Random House logo in all its glory, along with the author's photo and short bio. Everything was certainly in place and the book was in pristine condition. No remainder marks, no stains, no dents, no curves, a straight spine. It was a brand new hardcover book in perfect condition.

I flipped to the first chapter and began reading. Sounds like a good story, a strong opening, filled with intrigue. Nice first chapter cliffhanger. Gotta have it. WTF! Why is this book in the bargain bin? Beats me. I've never heard of it though, or its author. What gives?

Then it hit me. As an author, peddling my own literary mystery novel, is this what I have to look forward to? Uh, yeah. Why should I expect my story to do any better, especially these days? Can things possibly get any worse than for a great book to wind up in the bargain bin of a Dollar Store? I thought the Dollar Store was already a bargain.

Hey, it's not all that bad though. The books weren't tossed about like yesterday's trash. They were neatly stacked and displayed with a good measure of dignity. They just looked like lonely orphans waiting for someone to rescue them. They seemed helpless. I rescued all 37 of them and took them home where they stand tall in my library. I'll keep my favorites and give the others away as gifts.

Come to think of it, some day I hope to reach this level of success in today's publishing world. The Dollar Store dollar bin. Heck, might even be a step above self-publishing.

You see, I knew there was a bright side, after all.

But, the real question is. What's an "emerging author" like me doing at the Dollar Store anyway? Oh, I get it. I'm not the next James Patterson. Right.

I Was So Bored, I Joined Shelfari

2011-03-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

(This article is from my initial ProseFreak Blog concept. I had to scrap it for lack of time and segued into this one. I'd finally realized there were only 24 hours in a day and I needed at least 4 to sleep.)

Here's the classic article and what really happened:

I unleashed one of my classic, and extreme ProseFreaks, just for Shelfari readers, inside my profile, and it goes like this:

The books I enjoy are like music. I'm really selective about what I read because life is way too short to waste time with a book that you're not absolutely crazy about. I do stick with mostly mainstream and popular titles. For me, it's many of the classics: Tom Sawyer, The Catcher in the Rye, and the tried and true; a lot of the books that have been made into films, such as: The Scarlet Letter, The Bridges of Madison County, The Hunt for Red October, Apocalypse Now, Platoon, All The Pretty Horses, to name just a few.

I also love to read screenplays because they’re much faster to get through: Moonstruck, The Fourth of July, JKF, Jackie Brown, Pulp Fiction; you gotta love Oliver Stone and Quentin Tarantino. Too many others to mention: The Godfather Sagas, great dramas, and just about every war movie you can think of. Kubric’s Full Metal Jacket, a favorite. (How can you not love a movie that inspired the song, “Me so Horny”?) A few romantic comedies/comedic movies: Monster in Law, Meet the Parents.

I’ve also authored several screenplays and my first novel, A Death for Beauty. What can I say, it’s inspired by many of the great books that I’ve read and it’s a story that’s very close to my heart and soul--I enjoyed writing it. I love mostly literary fiction, westerns and coming-of-age stories.

Biographies/Anthologies: My favorites so far, Norman Mailer’s, The Spooky Art. And Summer's/Swan, Sinatra.

Yeah, I’m also a big Frank Sinatra fan: He's the subject of one of my screenplays. His daughter, Nancy Sinatra’s, classic oldies hit: These Boots are Made for Walkin', is cool too. If only she could’ve realized that my story, some day would also become a classic. After all, I did make Nancy the subject of my letter, but I prosefreaked my pitch right into it, near the ending. The moment she opened that letter, and I know that she did, I swear that I felt the tectonic plates of planet earth, shift and moan, ever so slightly in my direction, in the form of a curse.

Yeah, I was brash (and stupid) enough, and tried pitching my Sinatra screenplay to Nancy Sinatra ( I made a big point about how she was mentioned in it, as a baby.) but she still wasn’t interested. Where did I go wrong? Well, I could hardly believe it, but I had dug deep into her website and came up with her home address in Beverly Hills. And I sent her the sweetest letter ever, trust me.

The day after she got my pitch in this gigantic certified envelope, she yanked her address off the website so fast, that I think her Webmaster is still reeling from it. Did she really think that her home address would be safe? She could thank her agent for dodging me for so long.

That was soooo wrong, but I knew it would be fun somewhere along the line. Either that or I might’ve gotten a call. (Sure thing.) Gotta work on my pitch, the screenplay is on the “dinero” folks.

Uh…still planning on selling that Sinatra story. Trust me, it’s a modern cult classic. You heard it here first.

*******************************************************************************
This PF is extreme because I worked my shameless plug into it.
Masterful.

Be proud Shelfari Reader: You’ve just been tagged by ProseFreak!

"South of Broad" by Pat Conroy

2011-03-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

Ever since I saw the movie The Prince of Tides, and then read the book, I've been a Pat Conroy fan. Critic's pet peeve about Conroy is his over-the-top use of literary devices, namely, purple prose, if we can call it that. I suppose it's a matter of taste, since I tend to enjoy his writing style. I'll admit Conroy seems to get carried away with some of his most promising passages, although, I can only wonder if Pat Conroy would be himself without them.

In his latest literary endeavor, South of Broad, which refers to Broad Street in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, Conroy delves into a familiar and too close to home subject--suicide.

I'll be in Charleston this weekend and with some leisure time on my hands, and in honor of Conroy's new novel, I hope to read as much of it as I can.

http://www.patconroy.com/south-of-broad.php

"The City of Falling Angels" by John Berendt

2011-03-06T20:12:00.000-08:00

I just ordered this book and I have no idea when I'll start reading it. I started about half a dozen books and can't seem to find the time to finish any of them. I love to collect my favorites though. Tiger, Tiger seems like a good read too. Good thing I can speed read (what a sin) because that's how I have to read these days. What a shame, especially for someone that likes to enjoy the words.

That's what it's all about and I can usually savor my literature on Sundays with a nice glass of wine. I like Boonesfarm, BTW. Kidding, of course. That's what we'd get high on in high school. Ahh, those were the days, my friend.

Okay back to "Falling Angels." John Berendt is not exactly a household name when it comes to authors, but you'll know his other book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. This is one of those books I haven't finished yet. I just saw the movie (How far behind am I?) starring John Cusack and Kevin Spacey, who steals this movie with his performance as the wealthy antiques dealer. Loved this film.

Berendt's new book, also categorized as non-fiction with not as many fictive elements as "Midnight," according to the author. Here, Berendt delves into the city of dreams, Venice, Italy. How could I pass this up? The story centers around the Fenice Opera House fire but offers so much more about this nostalgic city. It's sure to be an eye-opener. I Look forward to getting it.

I've had to limit my book reviews for lack of time, so I'm just posting my favorites here, highlighting the most interesting things about them. I think I'll finish this one.

"TIGER, TIGER" by Margaux Fragoso

2011-03-04T13:15:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting take on pedophilia, for those who can handle this sort of thing. The book, which is actually Ms. Fragoso's daring memoir, chronicles her life and times as a 7 year-old girl who was seduced by an older man. A fifty one year old man, at that.

Among many things, what makes this story so interesting to me is its setting, which takes place where I lived for many years, in Weehawken and Union City, New Jersey. The many references to the Cuban culture certainly brings back memories. In 1985 I was 24 and for all I know, I might have crossed paths with Margaux at the Pollo Supremo, (Supreme Chicken) one of my favorite eateries mentioned in the book.

But what really makes this story so compelling is that we can only wonder how something like this could ever happen. Based on Fragoso's introduction and her opening paragraphs, I get the eerie feeling that many young girls (precocious and misguided) have also dabbled in this kind of forbidden love affair at such an early age. I can only surmise the publication of this book might serve as a catalyst in bringing out another disturbing truth.

Whatever the case might be, this story brings to mind, "Last Tango in Paris," which also has shades of pedophilia or at least, very graphic sexual content between an older man and a younger woman, which also borders on hardcore pornography.

Strangely, Margaux Fragoso's lover of 15 years encouraged her to pen this story in many of the suicide notes he left behind. (No spoiler.) How's that for artistic encouragement? Very freaky indeed.

Do I recommend this book? Everything I post here is highly recommended, albeit of the unusual but intriguing variety. If you're a subscriber to this Blog, you already know that I painstakingly choose my literature, and this is no exception. While written mostly for a female audience, there's enough here to keep me, as well as other men, interested and intrigued, hopefully, to the bittersweet end.

The book borrows its title from a William Blake poem by the same name (although spelled "Tyger") and used metaphorically, of course, reflecting the authors fascination with tigers and apparently, how they prowl the dark, dangerous jungles of life, hence, the cover.

"Out Stealing Horses" by Per Petterson

2011-01-13T06:56:00.000-08:00

While this book is not new, I've always had an interest in it because of its curious title so I just got a nice hardcover copy of it and after starting to read it, I've had a hard time putting it down. Petterson begins the telling gently, which I'm lead to believe by the reviews, that it ends on a much different note, and it seems to be headed in that direction after the first chapter.

Originally written in Norwegian, this tale has won Petterson various literary awards over the years and has proven to be a favorite in its genre. Seems like a book I'll be able to finish. A much easier read than Froderberg's Old Border Road, which I'd been enjoying and expect to finish too. What a difference in writing style. Although, I think it's safe to say that Froderberg's style, while reminiscent of McCarthy's, is all her own and not to be compared with other writers in this genre.

My review of both of these wonderful books is in the works.

Oprah's Surprise Book Club Pick for 2011

2010-12-31T06:38:00.000-08:00

Wishful thinking, but it doesn't hurt to dream. In fact, you have to believe first. That's what makes turning a book no one has ever heard of into a national bestseller. (Publishers, heads up.)

Oprah is really on to something with her new OWN Network. I'm looking forward to her new shows, which have traditionally been very feminine-centric. This year she kicks things off with shows like Miracle Detectives and Master Class. Check out OWN. Happy New Year folks!

Old Border Road by Susan Froderberg

2010-12-29T06:50:00.000-08:00

Here's another new author I recently came across. What interests me about this book is the author's writing style more than the story, a relationship story, which sounds interesting enough. Susan Froderberg's writing has been compared to Cormac McCarthy, (her literary mentor) and a comparison to McCarthy is probably the worst thing for any author, but the opening pages of Old Border Road do bring McCarthy to mind, if not a self-conscience semblance of his style, but with a poetic quality all its own. Somewhat awkward to the ear at first but it grows on you.

I'll have to see how Ms. Froderberg's voice pans out throughout the remainder of her story--if it serves the story or detracts from it. I think it works so far but hard to tell until I read the ending. Can't wait to get the book.

"An Object of Beauty" by Steve Martin

2010-12-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

Here's a book I'll be ordering and I think I've just found a new author to follow. This is Steve Martin's third novel and while his writing may not be for everyone (whose is?) I enjoy his style and inventiveness. If you like art as much as I do, this one is for you. Hope to make time for it next month and post a review. So far critics like it, even though he's received some one-star (hilarious haters) reviews on Amazon, but most books do.

"HEREAFTER" A Film by Clint Eastwood

2010-10-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting take on life after death:
The biggest surprise about this movie for most people is that Clint Eastwood composed the musical score for this entire film, just as he did with the heartbreaking "Bridges of Madison County" and so many other of his fascinating films. He's a true genius in so many ways and his music evokes deep sentimentality and longing. Very moving and inspiring. (Tissue please.) Click the link above for the soundtrack. (boo-hoo-hoo! Someone hug me... I hope this soundtrack comes with a big box of Lindt chocolates so I can sob all night long...ohh...the agony of it all...

"Make a Scene" by Jordan Rosenfeld - It's About More Than You Think

2010-10-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

(Right, the subtitle says it all.)

Okay folks, I've come out of my glorious coma and look what was in my face. Just a good book I want to pass along. A little something that's helping me out of my delusions. Nothing earth-shaking or outrageously hilarious or anything even close to that. Just another book I wish I'd read long ago, that's all. (Woo fuckin hoo. Let's face it, I just thought all this drab grey could use a touch of burgundy.)

Okay, enough of that.

Check out Jordan Rosenfeld's Make A Scene. A whole book about scenes? (Yes, moron. Why do I find that so impossible? Could it be that I've always thought that writing scenes is common sense and not a damn science? Or is this author just trying to cash-in on the obvious? Why should I buy a damn book just about scenes? Hell, all scenes have a beginning, a middle and a godforsaken ending. What else is there to know? Oh... this interior monologue is absurd, but it feels so good to chastise myself!)

I had checked this book out on Amazon long ago and thought at the time it was too basic and that almost all the information was so obvious to most writers, (especially gifted writers like me) but I finally decided to buy it. (An editor recommended a book to me that some people didn't like and they mentioned this one as a better choice. How funny is that? But it gets even better--then someone trashed this one and recommended another book, which I didn't get. I'm telling you, those Amazon reviews are amazing.) I'm wondering what kind of fog I was in the day I searched inside this book and passed on it because I think it has a lot to offer, especially for newcomers to writing. Turns out the author covers a lot of other things such as specific types of scenes, scene intentions, POV, Character Development/Motivation and much more. (That's right, take a look at the TOC.) (Forgive me, I have a thing for acronyms, initials, whatever.)

If you're an experienced writer, you'll still find this book useful as a refresher or you might find Rosenfeld's explanations about plot, for instance, easier to absorb. She breaks writing techniques down into specific modules in such a way that her remarks and insights might seem obvious on the surface, but she delivers the information in a way that resonates and sinks in. If you're brain dead like me, that's definitely a plus.

I've found the book helpful and for me at least, I think I finally "get it" as far as some of my issues about POV, plot, and a few other things. So if you're looking for a well-rounded book that covers other important topics aside from writing great scenes, blah, blah, blah. (Why bore you with the obvious, check it out already. I'm going to slip back into my coma. Do not disturb.)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

BTW, I've managed to read about 100 pages of Kings of the Earth and the story is growing on me but I put it down for this book and hope to get back to it and finish it. I think I cheated and read the last page though. Trust me, it's just as boring and uneventful as the first. What a shame. I don't like to bad-mouth any books but this one is testing me. I'm almost sure that Jon Clinch has written his one and only masterpiece, Finn, but I hope not. He's capable of so much more than Kings. My review is still pending and I plan to redeem myself, and this honest story, all in one.

Oh... did I promise a review of Child of God? Dream on. (How condescending can I get? Keep reading and find out. Nothing personal, it's just business folks.) Just for the record, I thought Child of God was a brilliant take on the underbelly of a society I think still exists in the outskirts of the mountains of Tennessee, and likewise for the Blue Mountains of West Virginia and other places like it, I suspect.

As usual McCarthy manages to thrill and surprise us by the story's end. Another gem. What else can one say about it? It's vintage McCarthy at his very best. Writing reviews for McCarthy books takes a lot out of you. There's just no simple way or any shortcuts you can take and do justice to the book the way it deserves. While his stories (their premises) might be simple, thematically they're complex and require plenty of thought, editing and time (motivation is more like it), which I've been short on lately.

Your moment of Zen:
Life is all about an even balance of all things and through meditation you can experience wellness. (write this down) Seek your balance. Money must solve your needs, but not your wants, because you will always want something you cannot have.

Book Reviews Pending: Kings of The Earth, Blood Meridian

2010-09-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

BTW, I had a few book reviews lined up but I haven't had enough quality time to finish them up. I finished McCarthy's Child of God (loved it) and now reading Blood Meridian, (enjoying it) both reviews pending. As far as Marlante's Matterhorn, as they say in New Jersey, Forget about it!, I ditched the book for lack of interest in the story line. Seems like the same old thing throughout, can't get through it, however well-written it is, just pressed for time on this epic story. Peeked at the ending and sounds just like the beginning, same note. Love his writing style though, but the story seems predictable from the outset.

That's probably the worst thing for a book. (There's a lesson here.) I love a story that is full of surprises, twists and turns, and keeps you guessing the outcome. What's the point of it all otherwise? Morals, great literary writing, and strong voice alone is not enough! This is the kind of great book that would have mattered more to more people, thirty years ago. Vietnam is hardly relevant, but when presented as in Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried, it becomes fresh and engaging.

So far I also had to bail out on Jon Clinch's Kings of the Earth. Very disappointing. The opening didn't do it for me and I'm having a tough time getting through any of it, mainly because of the odd structure, but still want to give it a second chance, in hopes that Clinch will finally come through like he did with Finn. I doubt it though. I just don't see this story taking off and since it's based on a true story, that alone diffuses the surprise factor for me. We'll see, so far Blood Meridian is way too interesting (as old as it is, but a timeless classic) to put down. Now there's something women readers will find impossible to believe. I'm sure they couldn't get through the first paragraph. (It's a guy thing, and I'm loving it.)

I'll be away for a week but hope to come back with renewed literary vengeance. Feel free to scour through my files while I'm gone!

Book Tourism

2010-09-14T04:29:00.000-07:00

Tours to Book Stores? Brilliant!

Here's where I found the "Google me" link. I think Larry Portzline is on to something, but his little venture is missing one very important, recession-proof gimmick. He needs nerdy tour guides that look like Pamela Anderson. Okay, okay, how about Jennifer Lopez?

Check out Book Tourism!

Let Me Google That For You!

2010-09-14T04:06:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,
Just came across this link I thought you might get a kick out of. It's a snippet of code that people click on and Google your name, business, or whatever. Totally useless, but interesting for about a minute. Have fun!

Now, Google me! (I have no shame.)

Google Alberto here! Who is this loser anyway?

Book Teasers Pub! An Effective Approach For Your Book Promotions

2010-09-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

Looking for an effective way to promote your books? Check out my new Blogspot: Book Teasers Pub! For many years, I've been designing and producing effective book trailers, mini teasers, and videos that not only excite readers about your books, but promos that make you look good as an author.

Each week you'll find informative articles about promoting your books, looking good on video, and enhancing your platform as an author, plus much more! Watch the Book Teaser Samples here:

http://bookteaserspub.blogspot.com/

Inside Google Books: Books of the world, stand up and be counted! All 129,864,880 of you.

2010-08-20T05:35:00.000-07:00

Inside Google Books: Books of the world, stand up and be counted! All 129,864,880 of you.

Nerd Alert - Get Your Facebook Game Face On

2010-07-16T04:06:00.000-07:00

OMG have you ever seen such an exciting dork-fest before? I mean, ever? My gosh, those Harvard boys sure know how to "par-tay" and rattle the proverbial cage. They're so sassy, so witty and so damn gay! How wonderful is that?

I think I'm going to love this movie! After all, what's not to like? It's ultra-white, super geeky, and ever so flamingly gay and happy. Don't you just love the way they enunciate every syllable? Makes you wonder if they're going to break out and do the robot dance to Styx' Mr. Roboto. Now wouldn't that be a blast?

It just can't get more Anglo Saxon than this! I think they should put out a "Black Folk Alert" just to warn all our dark-skinned friends, you know. You think they should include subtitles just for ghetto minorities like me? You know in Spanglish or Ebonics. That would be so cool, don't you think?

Gosh darnet, I know this movie will win an Oscar. After all, their PR firm says it will, so what's stopping it now? How exciting! I just can't wait till October to chat with all my Facebook buddies while we're waiting on line at the theater. That's going to be the best part, all the socializing and the snappy repartee to be had. ooogah!

OMG, this is huge! Don't you think?

Uhh?...yeah!

You go Justin! (J.O.K.E.)

HELLHOUND ON HIS TRAIL - The Stalking of MLK

2010-07-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Stalking of Martin Luther King Jr.

This book was hard for me to put down. I devoured half of it in almost one sitting, right up to the point when Galt, a.k.a., James Earl Ray, had finally shot MLK.

Borrowing from the song title "Hellhounds on My Trail" - by Robert Johnson, (Blues singer, 1911-1938) this book serves as a good example of what it takes for readers to be spellbound by so many elements of a particular story. First of all, I was only ten years old when this happened, so at the time it had made an indelible impression on me, till this day, I might add.

I remember seeing a lot of it unfold on television (when color television itself was in its infancy) right before my curious eyes and ears, not unlike the JKF assassination in 1963, the slaying of a Muslim activist by the name of Malcolm X, or the Bobby Kennedy assassination only months after the MLK tragedy. It's no wonder I'm so fixated with these kinds of stories. I've lived through so many of them and I have always been curious about the details of each of these crimes.

First, let me say that if you have a sensitive stomach to bloody details, beware because this account is quite graphic, although it is not overtly presented just for the sake of dramatization. Hampton Sides, at least as far as I can tell from this story, has a very matter-of-fact writing style and by no means seems to embellish this story. He has authored several other good books as well.

What really appeals to me about this book though, is how the author peppers his narrative with unrelated events such as the whereabouts of Elvis Presley, the goings on in the world of music in Nashville, or how Pete Townsend was putting the finishing touches on his song about a pinball wizard, all this intersecting during this precarious time in American history. All those gregarious details adding plenty of texture and a peculiar interest that almost seems out of place if it were not for their almost comic convergence in this unsettling timeline.

It's almost as if we are watching a film reel countdown of the year 1968 in slow motion, where the main event is blurred by so many asides. If not for its lack of artistry, one might easily construe this technique with a bastardization of the plot through-line. Instead, Sides manages to succeed by delineating historical facts, however unrelated, in a most satisfying, if not perverse literary mash-up all his own.

But this is non-fiction, after all, and regardless of sensationalized fictive elements, if any, at the beginning of this story, without another alternative, Sides ends this thriller just as uneventful as the understated events that took place in real life back in June of 1968.

MLK's assassin was caught without incident or struggle (no spoilers here) in London after a daring escape from a seedy Memphis motel in early April of that same year after traversing his way through Canada, supposedly on his way to Rhodesia.

I think the most poignant aspect of this book is its honesty and its unrelenting attention to detail, much of which Sides had insiders help with by way of a retired Memphis detective that was working on this case. Sides also says that he went on his own journey around the world, as he literally traced James Earl Ray's fidgety footsteps that eventually led to this crime.

That kind of dedication to story is commendable to say the least and without question adds a richness and a resounding depth to the narrative that might have otherwise been obscured by second-hand facts.

Some may argue that this version of the MLK assassination only helps raise more questions than provide answers to an already suspicious set of circumstances surrounding Rays final prison break, which led him to commit this murder. Was it a conspiracy or not? Did Ray in fact have help escaping the ultimate security penitentiary in Missouri, and was he paid to silence Dr. King?

James Earl Ray had once said that he would take many secrets to his grave regarding this crime, and he probably did. Then again, he was also known as a pathological liar.

Whatever your point of view, Sides brilliantly succeeds in presenting this killer just as he was. A troubled, delusional man, a racist, and a cold-blooded killer.

Nothing more or nothing else should do.

*********************

I'm working on reading Karl Marlantes epic about his Vietnam experience, "Matterhorn," so this review will be forthcoming in several months since my reading time is short these days. What attracted me to this story, aside from its gripping narrative, is its author, and how he developed this story over the course of 30 years. You gotta love a behind-the-scenes story like that. Stay tuned.

The Things They Carried--What's The Moral?

2010-07-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, talk about another book that was hard to put down, The Things They Carried certainly was a treat for the ears and a treat for the weary soul too. This little book has it all. Witty storytelling, an interesting non-linear plotline, and plenty of humor along the way. What more can you ask for? A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize to go with it? Sure, why not? This is the kind of stuff that Pulitzer committees live for.

Since I have scarcely turned the pages of my upcoming book for review, Karl Marlantes’ “Matterhorn,” the best way I can compare these two books about Vietnam is on their tone. While Matterhorn sticks to the standard, rigid plotline, (nothing wrong with that) right to the end, TTTC, tells its protagonist’s semi-autobiographical story through a series of vignettes and short stories instead.

I’ve always liked this technique because it’s so easy to get through the story even if you happen to skip parts of it for whatever reason, without really missing important plot-points along the way (great for lazy, hurried readers like me).

And that’s not to diminish Marlantes’ style of storytelling by any means, mind you. Every author has their own voice and both these master storytellers know how to use their strengths to their advantage.

At first glance, Carried comes across as a tedious lesson about military artifacts and the endless gear, “humped by frontline grunts marching into the shit,” only for events to turn on a dime and smack us with a decapitation or a horrific dismemberment along their merry way. The ultimate juxtaposition of tragedy and comedy, not unlike many Shakespearian plays, harrowing events that broadside you when you least expect it.

The brilliance of “Carried” certainly comes from its almost flippant view of the Vietnam War, reminding us in part of Kurt Vonnegut’s, Slaughterhouse Five, and his own brand of humor about the ironies of WWII. Although, Tim O’Brien, treads on very different waters throughout his own peculiar narrative, which borders more on cliché, that is, the birth of clichés, as they apparently happened.

We get that eerie feeling that somehow, some way, from someone, we’ve heard many of these outlandish war stories before, yet O’Brien manages to package them in such a way that they become fresh, exciting and new all over again. And it’s that uncertain familiarity that we embrace and enjoy from one unbelievable story to the next.

It’s almost as if we want to hear these stories repeated, as they are time and again by different characters, each time every character adding their own brand of incredible details that mesmerize us on the spot, and just like the gossipmongers that we are, we clamor more.

Like this gem:

“But Ted Lavender, who was scared, carried 34 rounds when he was shot and killed outside Than Khe, and he went down under an exceptional burden, more than 20 lbs. of ammunition, plus the flak jacket and helmet and rations and toilet paper and tranquilizers and all the rest, plus the un-weighed fear. He was dead weight.”

“There was no twitching or flopping. Kiowa, who saw it happen, said it was like watching a rock fall, or a big sandbag or something―just boom, then down―not like the movies where the dead body rolls around and does fancy spins and goes ass over teakettle―not like that.”

“…the poor bastard just flat-fuck fell. Boom. Down. Nothing else.”

O’Brien delivers in grand style throughout of course, as he wittingly takes us through seemingly unrelated short stories and artfully threads his word-fare with brilliant metaphor, again, blindsiding us with his literary prowess unlike anything we’ve ever witnessed before in the course of such a short book.

Brandishing the fine sword of a wordsmith with the sensitivity and morals of an evangelical minister. And yes, forever endearing us to the Gospel of Vietnam, all according to Tim O’Brien.

Touché.

****************

Upcoming Book Reviews:
Hellhound on His Trail, by Hampton Sides
Child of God, by Cormac McCarthy
Kings of The Earth, by Jon Clinch
MatterHorn, by Karl Marlantes

Gran Torino, The Movie by Clint Eastwood - Liberals, Get a Clue!

2010-07-02T04:26:00.000-07:00

When will it end? No, not this long movie, the white man's guilt and the quasi race relations messages that most movies strive for these days. Don't you people in Hollywood get it already? Films will never save the day or even begin to improve race relations, ever.

Hey, you guys really want to improve race relations? Join the ACLU! Stick to making lousy movies and a good one every now and then and for the love of God, stop pandering to black folk. They're going to despise you anyway, and you deserve it, so suck it up and "shut the fuck up!" (Just to borrow a damn good line(s) from Julianne Moore in the movie, Assassins.)

That being said, Eastwood is one of my favorite actors and this film is among one of my favorites because it doesn't take itself too seriously. It serves up a strong message about gang violence, racism, and morality, plus it's very funny in a Clint Eastwood kind of way, a lot like Heartbreak Ridge.

Yes, it's worth a few hours of your precious time, despite its preachy undertow.

*********************

My next Post will be about author Hampton Side's new book, Hellhound on His Trail - The Stalking of MLK. Look for it on Monday, July 12th.This story is too good to pass up so I hope to Post it soon, and I'll try to bang out the review for "The Things They Carried" this book is also one of my favorites. Sorry folks, been through hell lately, hope to catch up soon.
Godspeed.

Create Your Own Product Search Ad on Google!

2010-06-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Someone emailed me this link and I thought it was a fun idea.
Here's my own Google Search ad for my novel:

I know, I know, these promos are pretty lame but they're okay for about a minute then they get on your nerves. Not enough music to choose from, no voice overs, etc. And of course, Google gets all the glory. Who really cares? Have fun. ( I think.)

http://www.youtube.com/user/SearchStories#p/search

The Things They Carried--What's The Moral?

2010-05-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

Okay folks, once in a while you come across a fascinating book that you must tell about. Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried," has done it for me. I know, I know, it's an old book (first published in 1990), and an even an older topic, but if you're into the Vietnam thing, this book is probably one of the best you'll ever read about the Vietnam experience.

This gem has recently been released as a Twentieth Anniversary Hardcover Edition, and my blistering review is coming soon!

*****************
Really? I have yet to see it. Don't remember if I ever wrote this review. For the handful that may be interested in reading it, drop me a comment and I'll Post it.

Better late than never. This long-awaited, highly anticipated review is finally up. Read it and weep. (Not even close, but it's ok.)

"Tinkers:" You Too Can Win the Pulitzer Prize

2010-04-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Fear not rejections my fellow scribes, for even you can win a Pulitzer. Well, maybe not, but it doesn’t hurt to dream. Paul Harding, winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Letters, awarded for his debut novel, Tinkers, was rejected numerous times by savvy New York publishers, who seem to be in search of something a little racier than an old man’s last days on his deathbed. "They would lecture me about the pace of life today. It was, 'Where are the car chases?' Nobody wants to read a slow, contemplative, meditative, quiet book" (Paul Harding).

You know, I doubt that NY publishers regret not publishing this story. They could probably care less about high society Pulitzer Prizes and even less about a book that is not an out-of-the-gate huge blockbuster bestseller, which, I predict Tinkers will eventually become in due time.

This is nothing new, where big publishers miss out on the book of a lifetime. New York publishers, in particular like to keep their publishing picks, “down and dirty” and usually frown upon uppity little feel-good books like Tinkers. And no, this is not a wake-up call for publishers. They do have a “list” (code word for micro-market) to fill and your book is most likely not a good match for their list so, no regrets. To hell with art, they prefer the money.

Is this wrong? After all, everything is about money and far less about art, and what’s wrong with making a fortune selling pulp-fiction? Isn’t that what most readers want? Yes. Well, there you have it.

It just seems bizarre to me why most New York publishers are obsessed with fast-paced, edgy, commercial stories, as if this brand of story represents or justifies the citified image of New York City, just because it was published there. Are they campaigning for the city of Manhattan or trying to sell books? Seems to me that most NY publishers are caught-up in all the big city hype and are too blind to see what’s real in the world, or what is noteworthy in the world of literature. Have they forgotten that literature is all about the human condition, whether it’s pulp-fiction or not. The humanity of things is always at the core of any worthwhile story, in any genre. Period.

BTW, university presses are always a good option when trying to market literary stories, especially when themes in the story (epilepsy in this case) match the institution’s background. I suspect that writers whom have written these kinds of stories will query more of them in the months to follow. But don’t get your hopes up too high. Don’t forget, you still have to write a great story first. Yes, there is always a catch.

I congratulate Mr. Harding with his wonderful book and his Pulitzer Prize win. He didn’t give up for too long and eventually got around the publishing maze and found a publisher in New York (an editor, as in Erika Goldman, editorial director) that not only liked his story, but championed it to resounding success. Good for him and the Bellevue Literary Press, and especially good for the readers who still believe in this kind of story.

Readers are still human--last time I checked. It’s no wonder they like Tinkers.

*************************************************

BTW, if anyone knows where I can get a hardcover copy of Tinkers, please drop me a line. And no, I’m not plunking down $2000 for one. I’ll be happy with a copy from the next printing, fourth, I think. First printing limited run was only 3500 paperbacks and 1250 hardcover (500 copies produced for The Book Passage Bookstore, and 750 copies for Powell's Books. How I wish I had a handful of those, they were all signed!

A note about the book jacket: First of all, it is minimalist, fitting the themes of the story, and the image appears to be a dreamy, cold, snowy field in heaven with a lone man wandering about, lost perhaps. It’s a simple, austere, and beautiful cover, but more importantly, it stands out like a sore thumb in store bookshelves since it’s mostly white.

This is an old advertising technique used by admen where they use a lot of white space to compete with the colorful and mostly cluttered ads (book jackets) that surround it. This seems like somewhat of a trend these days. Kitty Kelly’s new book, Oprah’s Unauthorized Bio, also uses white space to its advantage.

Gruesome and Beautiful Zombies: Viewer Beware

2010-04-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

Interesting, although somewhat disturbing.

Death & Beauty (Photo Slideshow) from Nakayama Studios on Vimeo.

Dracula, The Un-Dead "Sequel?"

2010-04-28T04:42:00.000-07:00

I came across this book when it was first published last year and meant to buy it but for some reason it slipped through all the other more noticeable books of its time. I think I had balked at getting it because it has mostly negative reviews since it's touted as a sequel to the original and is anything but according to critics and purists.

Maybe so, but there's something about this version that intrigues me and makes me curious, especially since Dacre Stoker is its co-author, along with Ian Holt, a Dracula historian, I figure this has to be good, and I think it is in its own way. I'm waiting for my copy and will post my review here next month.

I did enjoy the opening to this story and I was drawn into it right away, plus the red book jacket is very appealing on this hardcover. The U.S. market paperback (yellow cover) was designed to look just like Bram Stoker's original, published in 1879.

More about the cover artwork in my review next month. More pix, more about the background to this amazing story, plus a whole bunch of weird stuff about the book.

So whatever happened to this review? Never got around to finishing this book, but working on that so I'll keep you posted on my progress. (Ahh, Fanghoul!)

The Road: A Bizarre Pathway into the Mind of McCarthy

2010-02-21T08:30:00.000-08:00

Cormac McCarthy has done it again, and he has done so in typical McCarthy style. Let’s define the ground rules for a CM story. First, there’s the premise--the high concept. In this case, an unknown catastrophic event has decimated planet earth, covering everything under gray ashes. Utter destruction.

The survivors at the center of this heartbreaking story: A father and son, who travel cross-country with nothing more than a wonky shopping cart filled with their meager earthly possessions, and a pistol. Crossing paths with marauders, they must fend for their lives across a desolate American landscape. Their destination: the coastal cities.

That’s the set-up. Right from the start there are far more questions than answers. We don’t know who the man and his young boy are by name or where they came from, but we are fully aware of their dire circumstances and their trek across this dystopian landscape, which, McCarthy evokes with such spare, yet striking detail. And even though McCarthy does not mention this catastrophic event by name, we know by his descriptions that a nuclear blast has ended the world as we know it.

For those of us who have read most, if not all of McCarthy’s work, we know from the outset that he is about to examine this crippled world he plunks us in, from every possible angle, as he explores every metaphor, and every minute detail to its fullest, and then some. It’s the kind of description that we followed in The Crossing, where McCarthy begins his story with a she-wolf that two brothers rescue and try to return to the northern mountains of Mexico.

He tells all about this she-wolf for an exhausting one third of the book, as if the world of endangered wildlife depends on the life and times of this very maligned and misunderstood creature. The wolf, in essence becomes a transient character in the story, and an important one at that. Its demise dramatically sums up everything that McCarthy had built up to that point between the wolf and the boy. A poignant payoff indeed.

The payoff in The Road, however, is far more poignant and heartfelt, as McCarthy expertly weaves his tale of doom and horror with McCarthy-esque flairs sprinkled throughout this haunting narrative. Passages filled with eye-opening observations and humorous description. Like this gem:

“This was the first human being other than the boy that he’d spoke to in more than a year. My brother at last. The reptilian calculations in those cold and shifting eyes. The gray and rotting teeth. Claggy with human flesh. Who has made of the world a lie every word.”

This is vintage McCarthy. Dropping in an almost comical description of a suspicious man right in the middle of all the despair he has masterfully painted up till then. Hilarious, yet brilliant, and one reason why, I suspect most McCarthy fans read his work.

If we can say anything to compliment McCarthy’s method of telling a story, it is that he commits to it wholeheartedly and without apologies. He owns and lives up to every word, big and small. Thrusting us and enthralling us with a storytelling path, we think we are familiar with, but it is a pathway that only McCarthy can traverse with his unsettling choice of words. His brand of humor and misdirection, far from the apparent tragedy he has unfurled before us.

In the blink of an eye, it becomes profoundly clear that McCarthy is orchestrating, conducting a symphony of words and mental images that coalesce into an extraordinary work, like fine art—an unlikely mix of Picasso and Salvador Dali perhaps, as he plunges us through sometimes grotesque, sometimes surreal imagery that sears our minds with the realization of uncompromising truths along the way.

A stark juxtaposition of love, despair, and tragedy, all rolled into a relentless vision that not only captivates out hearts, but brandishes our mind with a profound silence that pierces our very soul. Every McCarthy story is a masterpiece in its own time and in its own way. Each one more heartfelt than the last.

If The Road can tell us one thing about McCarthy, it is this: He is capable of so much more than thrilling westerns set in New Mexico. Lest we forget tales such as The Orchid Keeper, and Child of God. We know that the mind of McCarthy works in very mysterious ways—-sometimes predictable, sometimes enigmatic, but always entertaining, always moving us. And, if we can learn something from this story, it is that love is all there is. There is nothing left to hold McCarthy’s dim world together, nothing but unflinching and unconditional love. The kind of love a father has for his young boy, and his son evokes for him in return.

On a whole, this story resonates with many of the qualities that embody a classic story, but none more than its poignancy. The striking memories it leaves in its wake. This story’s hard-hitting premise; the plausible reality of world war three.

Yet, as profound as this story is, it is also strewn with annoying dialog that doesn’t quite ring true to life. Yes, there is always a fly in the McCarthy soup.

But, not even Cormac McCarthy is a perfect writer, although he certainly comes close. To the chagrin of many critics, evil characters still hiss in McCarthy’s world. Main characters also talk in stilted one-word sentences, and say “Okay,” a lot. And no one in McCarthy’s story’s ever knows anything, except for the all-knowing narrator who always embodies these tales from a cosmic or scientific standpoint, almost eager to share his vast knowledge of all things peculiar, albeit to mythic proportions. But for those who know something about Cormac McCarthy’s personal life, unfortunately, it is apparent that Cormac’s voice is clearly echoed behind this narrator.

At any rate, everything lends itself to a clever juxtaposition of his central characters, struggling against the world. Against themselves in most cases--a reflection of why we are but mere mortals, thrust haphazardly into this vast and unforgiving world that always seems to dominate, to prevail in one form or another.

Yet, it is this very juxtaposition of man against nature, this dominant thread that permeates every McCarthy tale with such darkness. A relentless undertow with a magnitude that brings its only opponent into clear focus; the protagonist against himself.

Less is more, is clearly the strength of this story. One main character, one point of view throughout. One narrator in third person omniscient, and very little dialog. Sparse dialog because when you’re dying every minute, there is little to say. Very little to live for.

In another review of Robert James Waller’s, High Plains Tango, I had mentioned the similarities between the narrator and the author in that particular story. Unfortunately, the same holds true for this one.

I suspect it’s one of the main reasons that writers like McCarthy avoid the media for so long, to avoid comparisons to their characters. In Oprah’s interview, just last year, McCarthy admits dedicating this story to his son and that it was inspired from a dream, a vision he saw one night and just took dictation by day. (Didn’t John Milton [Paradise Lost] say the same thing?) It is clear that McCarthy’s authorial voice creeps up throughout this entire story in dialog that only McCarthy can tenderly evoke for his beloved young boy; the apple of his eye.

That’s a shame for this reader, but I quickly was able to put all that aside and enjoy the story as it was meant to be enjoyed. Savoring every word, because McCarthy never seems to run out of metaphor or bizarre adjectives for almost 250 pages. That in and of itself is an amazing feat, but nothing new to McCarthy and his loyal followers. Eye-opening passages in all the right places seems to come easy to McCarthy. In this story, the pacing of the man’s sickness, his demise, was rhythmic and delivered with a cadence that’s hard to match.

The Road is a seamless and cohesive tale, told as simply as only McCarthy can tell it. Strikingly real, despite its usual McCarthy flaws that always seem to show up in his dialog. Again, in The Crossing, it was the Indian at the opening of the story who, perhaps intentionally, came across as a comic book character. Here, McCarthy seems to delegate to each of the transient characters, a good measure of both, stupidity and poor comic timing, all rolled into one.

"Is it me, or has McCarthy revised passages from Jon Clinch’s Finn? Similarities between Finn’s “Preacher Man” and the “Lost Blind Man” in The Road seem quite obvious to me. Like bad caricatures in a Popeye cartoon, dissonantly off-key. Although, the effect that McCarthy is after here, I suppose, is that of incredulity which hopefully echoes realism. An effect beyond the suspension of disbelief."

But all those somewhat personal annoyances are one thing, and if one were to look through the eyes of a cynic, we can also see that critics and book reviewers have repeatedly and unabashedly espoused McCarthy as their hero, simply because the world of literature needs a hero, just like the NBA needed Michael Jordan.

Let’s face it, agent’s jobs depend on heroes, because heroes bring in spectators and sell tickets and books. They make things exciting, and excitement always motivates people to buy.

Does any of this diminish accomplished writers like McCarthy? That’s in the eyes and ears of the beholder. McCarthy knows better, and so do his fans.

In this reader’s view, McCarthy usually tells his tales like quasi Milton-esque poems strung between philosophical bookends. You can take a shortcut by reading the first and last chapters and still get the meaning behind all the words, but unfortunately, you would miss all the interesting words and ideas in between.

Once you’ve read much of McCarthy’s work, you find his technique. His modus operandi, if you will. The dark colors of his pallet. The broad brushstrokes and minute detail in all the right places. You begin to notice all the key words and phrasing that he so masterfully splashes across his canvas. The literary masters he revises, such as his mentors: William Faulkner (As I Lay Dying), Herman Melville (Moby-Dick), and the granddaddy of them all, John Milton (Paradise Lost).

But this is McCarthy’s tenth book, and suddenly, McCarthy must now revise (see revisionist literature) McCarthy just as other writers are now revising his work, not just for the sake of revision and homage, but for the sake of literature as an art form.

In McCarthy’s own words:

“The ugly fact is books are made out of books," he says. "The novel depends for its life on the novels that have been written.”

If this is indeed the case, and one can assume that it is, then The Road, his forthcoming novel, The Passenger, plus three other books in the works, each owes a debt to novels similar to them.

We can only imagine which novels those might be, although based on what we’ve already seen, his picks are most likely somewhat narrow and his themes maybe even predictable.

Yet, we can hardly wait for another mind-blowing adventure from the mastermind behind it all. A writer’s writer. The one with a mind all his own who writes without fear, without explanation, and without malice.

Cormac McCarthy may not be a great writer to many readers who never seem to understand his stories, but to writers, he is the epitome of a [literary] giant without boundaries.

Shouldn’t that be what all writers and all human beings aspire to?

*********************************************************

My next Post is up in the air folks. Some of the author's I'm reading are way to complex to do them justice here. I'm talking about Norman Mailer's Oswald's Tale, or Milton's Paradise Lost.

I'm also waiting for Jon Clinch's upcoming Kings of The Earth to hit the shelves in March, I think. Check out my archives for plenty of interesting stuff in the meantime.

I'll surprise you with something next week. BTW, thank you for your comments folks, and if you want to keep on top of all these Posts, you can subscribe to this Blogspot for all the latest.

Godspeed.

Here are the amazing before and after photos of Maria Schneider:

2010-02-07T23:35:00.000-08:00

You can see the dramatic difference since 1972, at age fifty-five. The smile is gone, her defenses are up, but we can still see that lovely, baby face under her guarded expression.

Ms. Schneider has not aged so much as she has changed her mind about posing nude.

Not only does she regret making this movie, but she believes it has ruined her chances for legitimate roles. That is a shame because I think she is a very good actress/actor, but unfortunately she believes she needs to prove otherwise.

This sort of thing happens all too often, where young actresses are comfortable in front of a camera in the nude and then eventually have a change of heart for whatever reasons. They think it diminishes them as women, and in the eyes of other women and some men in particular, that may well be the case, but it is not the predominant viewpoint.

In my opinion, I think that Maria has nothing to be ashamed of and she performed her role in a professional manner with dignity and respect for her craft. Today, she uses no make-up and poses in such a closed manner that we can only imagine what she is still going through.

From the outside looking in, and from a male point of view, we think she should simply carry on with her life and forget the so-called stigma associated with her past. But in reality, trauma like this needs nurturing and a great deal of attention and counseling so that old wounds will slowly begin to heal.

I hope Ms. Schneider finds her way to healing soon. She certainly deserves it, and always seems to find enough humor to deflect her painful past.

"I love to cook, but I don't use any butter. Only olive oil." she says.

*************************************************************

Upcoming Review: The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Okay, I've had it with the publishing industry, because even though what I'm going to say is true, it tends to diminish the work of one of my literary mentors. (CM of course) But, have no fear folks, true-to-form, I'll end my review on an upbeat note.

Okay, here's the premise: This story centers around a man and his son who try to survive against clans of marauders in the midst of a nuclear winter.

Don't we already know what the story is all about? My upcoming review will blow the lid off that Logline.

What X-Rated Movie was Novelized in 1973?

2010-02-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

Written and directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, he filmed the movie in Paris, 1971. The story centers around a middle-aged man (Brando) whose wife has just committed suicide. While grieving this loss, he enters into a steamy affair with a teenager (Jeanne, played by Maria Schneider) who he has met by chance in a vacant apartment in Paris which they separately had an interest in renting.

From the moment they meet, we know what will become of it because very little is left to the imagination. The now infamous movie, Last Tango in Paris, premiered in New York in 1972 to plenty of controversy, mainly because its star, Marlon Brando, improvised a scene performing anal sex, using butter as a lubricant. A scene where Schneider says she cried real tears, as she felt raped by Brando.

"That scene wasn't in the original script. The truth is it was Marlon who came up with the idea," she says. They only told me about it before we had to film the scene and I was so angry. I should have called my agent or had my lawyer come to the set because you can't force someone to do something that isn't in the script, but at the time, I didn't know that. Marlon said to me: 'Maria, don't worry, it's just a movie,' but during the scene, even though what Marlon was doing wasn't real, I was crying real tears. I felt humiliated and to be honest, I felt a little raped, both by Marlon and by Bertolucci. After the scene, Marlon didn't console me or apologise. Thankfully, there was just one take."

There were plenty of other scenes that raised eyebrows just the same, although probably not as graphic, or should we say pornographic, but I think it’s safe to say that this particular scene was the one everyone talked about the most, and why not. This scene, its perverted overtones, encapsulated the central themes of the movie: despair, sexual frustration, and masochism, all rolled into one.

The movie ends on a tragic note and sadly, the inside story of what happened to its young co-star was almost as tragic. Then 19, Maria Schneider, who played Jeanne, turned into a heroine and cocaine junkie when her life took a dark turn after the release of the movie. Allegedly, because of the negative image associated with the young actress, which dead-ended her career into nothing more than a series of offers for pornographic roles, which she turned down, including a role in Bob Guccioni’s, Caligula.

Schneider now admits that she is no longer friends with Bertolucci and that he used her and manipulated everyone on the set, including Brando, who also admits he felt raped by Bertolucci at the time.

Dell Publishing first published the novel in 1973, authored by Robert Alley, who followed the screenplay almost to the letter, including black and white photos from the film. Although, what is outrageous, and almost hilarious about the making of this movie is that most of its participants, Bertolucci in particular, received a four month suspended prison sentence for “obscenity,” and the filming of these explicit scenes. Brando and Schneider were similarly charged. The Italian Supreme Court also ruled to destroy all remaining copies of the film in 1976. What were they thinking? They lifted the censorship ban fifteen years later. What had changed? It was the same movie, minus ten seconds of implied raw sexual behavior.

Many opponents argued the film was nothing more than pornography masquerading as art. There certainly is a fine line here and, we might say that art pushed the boundaries of acceptable artistic expression, or that the male fascination with sexual angst and female domination, overtook the sensibilities of filmmakers. One thing is certain, the film’s sultry, evocative score will endure forever with the accompaniment of Gato Barbieri’s jazzy saxophone riffs that really set the tone and underlined the nuances of the time and place like nothing else does.

Whatever the case, this ingenious work is a perverse masterpiece, a testament to Bertolucci’s vision, a yearning from his sexual fantasies. Fantasies almost turned real. Lest we forget Brando’s own request to write his lines of dialog across Schneider’s rear end. To which the almost unscrupulous Bertolucci, said ‘no’.

He did have to draw the line somewhere, and some men might have agreed.

Now, can someone please pass the butter?

The DNA of Classic Literature:

2010-02-04T19:03:00.000-08:00

The Birth of a Classic

When we think of classic novels, probably only a handful come to mind. To Kill a Mockingbird, The Catcher in the Rye, Beloved, just to name three favorites, but of course, there are many others, such as, Mark Twain’s, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Finn, The Old Man and the Sea, and Gone With the Wind, for example, are among the top tier of modern classics. It all depends on whom you ask, and what their favorite genre is.

Notice, although, that in my second short list I snuck in the novel Finn, by Jon Clinch. This contemporary novel, a take on Huck Finn’s father, published only several years ago to high praise by most critics, was hailed as a masterpiece with a flavor akin to Faulkner, and rightfully so. It is in effect, a modern classic literary work. So if the passage of time alone does not make a classic novel, then what does?

Although, in some cases, time periods have helped to define a particular work as classic because of its subject matter, its era. For example, The Scarlett Letter, is very much a classic work and a very important one at that. Important in the sense that this story introduced many classic characters, such as Hester Prynne’s baby, Pearl, who in this author’s mind, is a reincarnation of Ira Levin’s 1967 classic, Rosemary’s Baby, and again in 1996 in another classic, The Devil’s Advocate by Andrew Neiderman. Also, the fact that it was set in the 17th century by a 19^th century author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, who penned it in 1850, to be exact, gives this novel an authenticity that truly harkens back to a bygone era when read today.

Its importance weighs in as a classic because it was a groundbreaking story for its time, yet it still resonates today because of its timeless themes. Meaning that many of Hawthorn’s literary devices and imagery, its nuances regarding the genre(s) (Horror, Romance, Gothic) were sparkling fresh and brand new; shocking even. (Unless we consider another timeless classic: Mary Shelley’s, Frankenstein, first published in 1818, whose origins came out of Greek Mythology: Prometheus, the creator of mankind)

The setting for “Scarlet” alone is classic, just as the subject matter is, when compared to present day America. Boston Puritans, blasphemy, fornication? Enough said. However, there are many other factors to consider for a novel to be hailed as a classic. While there is no magic formula, there are very specific criteria that a novel should adhere to in order to fall into “classic” parameters.

Here are the most relevant, in no particular order:

1. Subject matter/concept

2. Era

3. Genre

4. Language and style

5. Scope

6. Message

7. Allusions

8. Symbolism

9. Author’s status

10 Controversy

11. How memorable it is

12. Its social impact/relevance

13. Its connection with readers

14. Publicity

15. Word of mouth

16. Its universal appeal

17. Marketability

18. Timelessness

I’ve numbered well over a dozen here, you might suggest a few of your own, this is not rocket science folks, but I think this number of attributes covers the “classics category” to a reasonable extent.

I’m not about to define each one, because that will turn into a boring lesson, which this already is on the verge of becoming. Instead, I’ll comment in general and try to cover each of the criteria.

First and foremost, a classic novel must be an unforgettable story that touches readers in an emotional way. That alone is one of the cornerstones of a good classic. It must be a memorable tale that readers identify with, for whatever personal reason, and also feel a strong connection to. This connection is what brings the story to life, a life of its own, through the new eyes of every reader. It’s what makes the story, heartbreaking, or a raving controversy, a shocker, take your pick, the beauty of it, or its inherent evil, is in the eyes of the beholder.

If a modern classic work of literature, such as Clinch’s Finn, debuts to rave reviews and accolades by his piers, then even so-called debut authors such as Kathryn Stockett and her first novel, The Help, can write classic novels too. Need more proof? Look no further than Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. This was Lee’s first and only novel. A book written only decades ago and considered today as one of America’s greatest novels of the 20^th century. Make a list of all the attributes that I’ve numbered above and see if most, if not all of them are a part of Lee’s novel. They most certainly are.

Also, many of yesteryear’s classics were revolutionary in their time because the subject matter was so controversial and so daring to begin with. Sensitive issues spark controversy, which spreads like wildfire and before you know it, one story remains indelible in the minds of its audience. That collective spark also unites like-minded zealots who will die defending their point of view either against or in favor of the story. This mob mentality is what imbues a particular movement, in this case, a story of injustice that raises questions about morality, and the preservation of freedom for all in America.

Which, is to say that some of these books will endure for many generations, while others, would hardly matter in today’s publishing world because of their particular subject matter, especially in today’s volatile publishing environment, where profit is the first and last consideration. Not a mega money-maker? Not relevant? No contract. It’s just that simple.

Look no further, that’s today’s publishing model in a nutshell. But then again, there were very few publishers back in those days so getting published was probably not so easy either. There were fewer writers per square mile so just about anyone with a little extra gray matter had an edge over the less fortunate, usually rich folk with a good dose of higher education and social status.

Traditionally, classic works of literature have also had their share of controversy in their time, another essential gene that is part of the DNA of classical literature. The Catcher in the Rye, dealt with a coming of age story that dared to say the “F” word when the word “fuck,” was not even in fashion. “Mockingbird,” dared to expose racial injustice when racial tensions were at their peak in the sixties. The Thorn Birds dared to expose the corrupt priesthood in its time. All these novels dared to confront social issues that were at a crossroads in American history. Many of these books have been banned from public schools and libraries, while others are still a standard in the reading curriculum, selling millions of copies every year to students, who either praise or loathe them.

Which brings to mind a novel’s artistic side; its use of language and symbolism. While classic novels fall into a number of genres, literary novels by far encompass the widest range of literary techniques that are unique to this form. The use of elevated prose, if you will, where the author’s form of expression overrides the plot, for instance. And where the strong use of symbolism, themes, and motifs are all part of the art-form. The novel as a work of art, so-to-speak. It’s what typifies the writings of Toni Morrison and Cormac McCarthy, for instance.

Words and symbols are important to these authors and they are masters of high prose for the sake of the novel as art, which by definition requires a minimum number of pages to qualify the work as a novel, not a novella, such as Hemingway’s classic, The Old Man and the Sea, or Morrison’s newest classic, A Mercy. Both these Pulitzer Prize winning authors have written comparatively short novels (about 200 pages) according to standards, but classics nonetheless. Which also proves that novels don’t have to be epics to fit the classics mold, such as Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind, or Herman Wouk’s, The Winds of War.

What makes a classic, more than anything else, is its message, whereby the author intends to impart his or her statement to the world. (Paolo Cohelio must be hyperventilating right now.)

And yes, there is always a statement to be made, whether the author admits it, or realizes it or not. What would the purpose of a story be without a statement? (Breathe Cohelio, exhale slowly, my friend.) Entertainment alone would not begin to justify the reason a story is born. There’s always much more to stories than that. Otherwise, we would not be talking about them so much, making them viral with our own word-of-mouth publicity and promotion.

It’s the kind of stuff that makes stories stick in our subconscious and resonate in our minds. It’s what brings us to rage or to tears. It’s the kind of stuff that really matters to each of us individually and collectively as a society.

Gifted authors that are connected enough, get paid for their writing. Not by readers who buy their books in mass, but by award committees that are enraptured by their words. This is very much the case with Cormac McCarthy. McCarthy had written most of his novels when hard sales numbers were not such a priority in the publishing world, and based on the strength of his words and captivating stories, they awarded him Grants to continue writing. That sure goes a long way into the making of classic literature. Something that seems to come very naturally to McCarthy. His awards and Grants are well-deserved.

Classics also make use of allusions. Common literary devices (references, citations, comments) used by authors to add depth and resonance to their work. While some of the allusions are self-explanatory, others remain obscure and they are intended for readers with both, a keen sense of their use, and a sensitivity towards the subject matter, i.e., the author’s intentions within the framework of the story.

Classic stories such as Blood Meridian, Moby Dick, and Slaughterhouse Five, among others, all make use of allusions that echo other works, whether they be artistic, literary, or allusions that reference a particular person or place.

And finally, and probably most importantly, the strength of the story concept must be memorable and timeless. In Hollywood, high concepts rule, and successful stories must adhere to strong concepts, universal ideas, relatable tales that connect at a deep psychological level. These are stories that stick in reader’s minds with lasting impressions, generation after generation.

You’ll notice that in my long list of almost twenty attributes, I don’t list any publishers. That’s because no one buys a book or a novel based on the publishing house that printed it. Readers could care less about the publishing house, because in fiction, it’s all about the story first, the author second.

How many stories do you know and cannot name who their author’s are?

When was the last time you bought a classic novel because Random House printed it?

Classic literature is all about these three most important things: it’s all about the story, the story, and yes, the story.

Not just the story for the sake of stories, mind you, but stories because they affect and sometimes change what we think and how we process the world around us. That’s the power and influence of classic novels.

Something that not all books are born to do.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A Reminder of my Next Post: What foreign movie was novelized in the seventies?

Hint: An American actor starred in this unforgettable role. Can you guess who it is? Find out on Monday, and see the unbelievable before-and-after pictures of his unknown co-star and her near tragic future. Shameful.

J.D. Salinger's Publicity Secret

2010-02-02T16:54:00.000-08:00

Was J.D. Salinger really a recluse because he detested publishing his work or the process of publishing? Of course not. Don’t even believe he shunned the media because he wanted to just write for himself, as he has repeatedly said. If that were indeed the case, he never would have published any of his work.

If it weren’t for the publication of Catcher, Salinger would probably be broke and living in his car. Instead, he has enjoyed the security of income that the book has provided him since its publication in 1951, to the tune of one million books a year today, thanks to the public school system. Worth about 250k a year to Salinger. Who in their right mind would complain about that?

The fact is that just as Harper Lee had done after the success of Mockingbird, Salinger also went into seclusion after the success of Catcher. Before that, he had no problems publishing his short stories. Some people like their privacy and just don’t want to be bothered. Much like Cormac McCarthy. He too is among the recluse writers that avoid “the media” for the same reasons.

J.D. Salinger Quoted in The Onion: June 8, 2009

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/new_terminator_movie_brings_j_d

"I believe that a writer's privacy is among his most precious possessions, in that personal information about him distracts readers from what is most important: the work itself."

This entire excerpt is priceless and a must read. It’s so outrageous I thought it was a hoax. But it goes to prove how right Salinger was about avoiding the media, and we can clearly see why by this encounter with reporters in Cornish, New Hampshire, outside a movie theater. His comments destroy the mystery behind his most popular story. A mystique which he had managed to keep under wraps for so long. He sounds a bit like Holden Caulfield and that’s really unfortunate.

QUOTE Aug 4, 1961

From the dustjacket of Franny and Zooey:

"It is my rather subversive opinion, that a writer's feelings of anonymity-obscurity are the second most valuable property on loan to him during his working years."

But let’s get to the other reason I believe Salinger continued to despise publicity for so many years. Yes, he was a private man. We all like our privacy and don’t appreciate being stalked, let alone for over 50 years. Things like that do get annoying, and eventually Salinger had the tendency to despise it, but he also had the power to avoid it—except when he needed it most.

It all started in 1939 when his writing teacher at Columbia University, Whit Burnett, discovered Salinger. Burnett took notice of Salinger’s talent and made sure that his magazine, the popular Story, would be the first to publish Salinger’s short story, The Young Folks in the 1940 April issue. Because of Burnett’s magazine, Salinger eventually broke through to mass-circulation magazines like Collier’s, Esquire, and The New Yorker; that was the magazine he wanted so badly to appear in--a publication that would validate him not just as a professional but also as an artistic writer. The New Yorker also was the only magazine to publish everything that Salinger had to say, including the very popular The Catcher in the Rye. Everything, except this:

"There is a marvelous peace in not publishing. Publishing is a terrible invasion of my privacy. I like to write. I love to write. But I write just for myself and my own pleasure."

(J.D. Salinger to the New York Times, 1974)

Obviously, he would not have made that statement in 1940 at the beginning of his writing career when he needed to get published and noticed. Salinger was a very astute man with keen marketing sensibilities. He knew that the more you denied someone a particular thing, the more they were going to want it and the more controversy would grow as a result of his defiance. It’s pretty simple. Refusal to share something is grounds for gossip, particularly in the eyes of the controversy-centered media.

You mean the author of the wildly popular Catcher in the Rye doesn’t want to give interviews? He refuses to discuss his novel? He slams his door on reporters? Please, if all this isn’t fodder for the media, I don’t know what is. On top of that, he simply enjoyed and relished refusing media attention. That gave him power, authority, and above all, pleasure. Plus, and more importantly to Salinger, it kept the author and his characters in two separate worlds.

Just imagine the opposite. What if a reporter showed up at Salinger’s door and Salinger greeted him with open arms and invited him in for coffee and batches of Ladyfingers. Where’s the story? In fact, this just makes us want to hurl. There is no story. And had Salinger divulged stories about his personal life, well we can only imagine how that would feel. And that’s the whole point.

Salinger knew how to create publicity and he capitalized on his power to deny the media what they wanted, and what his readers hungered for. He was in a very good position to do so, and he did it with gusto.

He also knew that exposing his personal life, like an open book to the public at large, would be detrimental to his stories. It’s a lot like actors who avoid interviews for fear of diminishing their on-screen characters. (I touched on this in my review of Robert James Waller’s novel, High Plains Tango, where I mention Salinger.)

I certainly agree with Salinger. The less an author or an actor divulges about their personal life, the more intriguing and believable their characters become, and remain. It’s just good business.

Good for him, because in the process he has also created an unprecedented demand for his book and all his work, published or not, for generations to come.

Salinger’s reclusiveness has not made him a footnote in the world of literature. It has made him an icon.

Thank you for sharing your story, J.D. Salinger, wherever you are. You have enriched us because of it.

Godspeed dear friend. Holden Caulfield has caught another child in the endless fields of rye.

Want a similar take about Salinger? Check out Slate for more.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Coming up for next Monday's Post: What X-Rated movie was novelized in 1973?

Hint: It was a foreign film, starring an American actor. Another Pavlovian Post. These revealing shots and the before and after pix of this unforgettable actress will speak for themselves. Shameful.

iPad What is This Thing?

2010-01-31T12:39:00.000-08:00

I just opened an email about the new iPad and frankly, I was blown away. Okay, okay, let me not get too carried away. The iPad is nothing more than an oversized iPhone, right? Well, no, just like the iPhone, it can’t make any phone calls. Ouch! Hey just kidding, what do I know, I don’t even own an iPhone.

But an iPad, yes, I’d love to have one. Where can I order one? I think it’s just what I’ve been waiting for. Not that I can get rid of my laptop and replace it with an iPad, but since the iPad comes with a virtual keyboard, it sure comes close.

The iPad offers the best of all worlds. It’s the kind of product that I envisioned when electronic Tablets first emerged. This device is a natural progression from laptops or Netbooks, it is much lighter (only 1.5 lbs.) and more portable, and that makes it more accessible and easier to use than a laptop. It functions just like a regular computer via integrated Wi-fi, plus you can access a database of over 140,000 apps and plenty of iBooks, in full color, of course, all for about $499. What’s not to like? I’ll take one!

Sorry nook, so long Kindle, but I think that the issue of e-ink technology vs. IPS Display Multi-Touch screen technology is a moot point here. Bezo's answer to the iPad is the Kindle DX, which is about the same size as an iPad, except that it looks like a gigantic calculator, and it still comes only with a black and white e-ink screen technology that according to Bezos, promises to catch up with full color displays in about a year.

The make or break point here is barely the pricing, which is about a $10 difference between the Kindle DX and the iPad. Yes, The Kindle DX is priced at only $10 less than the iPad. ($489, I think this is laughable.) These two products are clearly in a market all to themselves for the moment, however, the iPad has blurred the lines to the point of no return. The question is: How many ebook enthusiasts are willing to pay a little more for all the extra features the iPad offers? If you do the math, it's easy to see how and why the iPad edges out the Kindle DX in so many ways.

People are looking for accessibility and a wide range of features that makes their lives easier—an all-in-one device. The iPad offers all this and more for about the same price as a standard eReader. Plus, it's much more stylish and fun to use. Looks like a no-brainer to me. Right now, the iPad rules and I don't think that will change for some time to come.

So what’s next in the land of eBook Readers? Knock-offs, of course. A year from now, you’ll have your choice of dozens of models from just about every computer manufacturer you can imagine. The competition is on folks. If you like Apple products, look no further than the iPad. Otherwise, wait for the barrage of new PC tablet products that are now on drawing boards.

How will this affect pricing? I think the price of a PC Tablet will bottom out at about $399, which means that the price of both the Kindle and nook Readers may drop considerably, to about $199 each. Then again, these eReader products might hold their own in the marketplace as a separate entity from eTablets altogether and their current pricing could remain intact. Which is to say that there’s always room for more electronic gadgets like the iPad, regardless of the price.

But as always, Apple leads the way in innovation--exemplifying capitalism at its very best. But Apple beware. If Jeff Bezos does in fact come up with a full color e-ink touch screen technology, which he has already bought from another manufacturer and continues to develop, the iPad could get a run for its money.

At any rate, the iPad is still a very exciting, revolutionary and fun product and I can’t wait to get mine in March. Here’s a demo that shows off its amazing features!

Upcoming Articles You Don't Want to Miss:

2010-01-29T05:52:00.000-08:00

Steve Jobs (Apple) Unveils the New iPad: Monday, February 1, 2010

WTF is this thing?

J.D. Salinger Dies at 91: Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Was his anti-publishing stance just a marketing ploy?

The Birth of a Classic: Friday, February 5, 2010

What Makes a Novel a Classic?

Stay tuned for all this and so much more starting next Monday, right here. Very busy working on too many things, but the best is yet to come. Mark your calendars and don't forget to sign up and Subscribe to this Blog so you can keep getting all the latest about books, publishing, marketing, and of course, satire, all in short, but densely packed Posts that don't highlight the obvious, but expose what's lurking beneath. That's all the good stuff you really want to know.

Come on back and find out. The truth, will set you free.

The Lovely Bones: Is it Really a Big Deal?

2010-01-17T13:43:00.000-08:00

Since the movie has just been released, I figured it was a good time to review the book because of all the hype. Let’s face it, these days they turn many novels into movies because there are so many dull screenplays out there. Are you buying into that idea? Because here’s something closer to the real truth behind it all; there are plenty of good screenplays roaming around Hollywood. Well, maybe not plenty, but a good handful at least.

The reason most producers and directors usually don’t attach themselves to a particular film project is that a screenplay alone has little merit. (Ouch! Sorry new screenwriters.) That is to say, that a screenplay has not proven itself to be a money-maker, a bestseller like a novel might have already done in the marketplace. The formula is simple: bestselling novels equal blockbuster movies. End of equation. If a novel is successful then its counterpart, a movie by the same title will also be a smash hit, and it usually is.

Which makes me wonder why more screenwriters don’t first learn to write novels instead. (laughter here) Like Michael Blake did with Dances with Wolves, for example. The fact is that very few writers can master both art forms as convincingly as Blake has. Although, the success of his wonderful novel, in this case depended largely with the success of the movie first. Go figure. You get the idea. Sometimes it takes both the movie and its novel, or vice versa to make either one a raving success. Oh, the madness of it all! But here’s a consolation to aspiring screenwriters: you only need 120 pages as opposed to about 350 for a novel. Hmm…there must be a catch. (You better believe it.)

The fact remains, producers don’t take any chances with their 50 million dollar film projects, and why should they, when there are plenty of successful novels already on the bestseller list that prove a film version (a good screenplay) can and usually will succeed.

Okay, enough of that. Let’s get to this incredible book. And let me say that as soon as the book came out, it was already known, by all those who needed to know, that it would be a bestseller and the movie rights were sold to DreamWorks two years before the book was even released. Now that’s good buzz folks, and this story deserves it because the author earned it. Yes, Alice Sebold earned her place as a bestselling writer in the world of American Literature, and she also earned a nice paycheck to go with it--her first novel. Her first book, was a memoir titled Lucky, which dealt with her real life rape experience, and which paved the way for The Lovely Bones ten years later. So it’s safe to say that some of the details in the novel may be true to life. Details that the movie left out, in fact.

Okay, as a graphic designer, I always take note of book jackets and this one intrigued me right away. First of all, since the story’s protagonist is only 14, the jacket appeals to young women, who make up about 85% of the reading and book-buying market anyway. The graphic, integral to this storyline, is a charm bracelet in the form a halo, floating over a baby-blue sky above the provocative title. Oh, how simple. How curious. Yes, of course it works. Why shouldn’t it? It hits all the right hot buttons.

In my case, since I am such a male, bestowed with tons of testosterone, I balked at the whole idea, except for the title, which stopped me cold. The Lovely Bones covers all the bases as far as its appeal to both men and women. Can you think of a better contradiction than the word “lovely” (for women) and “bones” (for men)? Which market do you think the show BONES is written for? Thank you.

This title is poetic and garish, all in one breath. Brilliant. But more importantly, the idea behind the title, its sentiments are echoed at the end of the story, which ties everything together beautifully.

Another selling point for this book was the shocking opening scenes. It has plenty of shock value. A dead girl telling the story of her own gruesome murder? Why not? But this was no ordinary murder. First, it was a brutal rape, then a cold-blooded murder, and finally, a hideous dismembering in bits and pieces. This is hard-hitting stuff folks. Gets you deep in your gut. It’s an opening that shakes you and rivets you to the entire story. Suddenly, you must read every word. The idea, the great (high) concept compels you to. Ironically, it is those same grizzly details that make producers and directors think twice about investing in such a morbid story like this. After all, viewers and readers alike are already bombarded with plenty of it on the evening news and in the newspapers and gossip tabloids. Who needs more?

The twist with this story, however, is that the book, for the most part focuses on finding this killer and bringing him to sweet justice, while at the same time we experience the family’s grief through the eyes of their murdered daughter. And let me say that this concept is not entirely unique, (Remember GHOST, with Patrick Swayze?) but I think the author’s style brought something very unique and fresh to this story and that was its saving grace, as it were. Like they say in Hollywood. “We like the same old stories, but in different flavors, please.”

Furthermore, Sebold indulges in another literary device that she handles superbly, tragedy and comedy. (You know, like those two theatrical faces I can’t stand.) This is classic theatre on the written page, and it just doesn’t get any better than this. Sebold is a master at juxtaposing both the tragic and the comic by referring to Susie’s naïve use of words such as “neato” and by embarrassing Susie by exposing her silly family stories. Yet it is these very same stories that tickle the reader’s sensibilities in a bizarre way. Right in the middle of a murder scene, no less.

What more can we ask for? It’s the kind of story readers look for. But not so fast, because the book and the movie both opened to mixed reviews in their own time. What was the problem? Well, for starters, the movie was rated PG, which meant a wider audience (more profits) of young adults, many, which were without a doubt to be protected by their doting parents about repulsive matters such as rape, murder and dismemberment. Talk about misplaced concerns folks. Don’t worry, your children already know about it. They probably learned it during their first grade years, so why sweat it now? It’s too late.

Okay, so why all the controversy? Oh right, heaven was a middle-ground, an in-between place that enraged theologians to no end. “You mean that’s what heaven is really like?” they asked. Sounds to me like they were searching for alternative answers about heaven and they didn’t agree with Sebold’s take. How lame is that?

And so, the list goes on. Some critics thought the ending was too tidy and sappy. Maybe too simplistic, while others saw it as fine literature in the capable hands of an emerging writer.

As with all opinions, they are subjective and every reader will have their own interpretation and views on the book and the movie, and they would all be right.

Whatever you think, whether you are in favor, or against this story, one thing is certain: this story has all the hallmarks of a classic tale, whether you like it or not, and I’m sure that Alice Sebold is very happy with its outcome in more ways than one.

So yes, it is a big deal. Worth millions to Sebold, and worth an initial $70 million to DreamWorks, and counting.

For Screenwriters: Here's your chance to see the difference between a First Draft, a shooting script and a Final Cut version of a script. Also, Filmmaker's Commentaries.

http://www.lovelybones.com/scripttoscreen/index.html

Here's the Official Movie Trailer:

Can You Connect This Sultry Blonde with a Classic Novel?

2010-01-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

If you don't recognize her right away it's because she was only 14 when she debuted as the unfortunate teenager who lost her leg in the very popular movie The Horse Whisperer starring Robert Redford in 1998.

The novel by Nicholas Evans debuted in 1995 to mixed reviews.

She's the lovely Scarlette Johanssen, who lit up the big screen with her performance as Grace MacLean in the movie version of the novel.

To me this is a case where the movie turned out much better than the book. Not to diminish the nice work by Evans in the book. I just thought the the novel was a bit stale by comparison. Johanssen is the kind of actor that once you see one of her performances you want to see them all, which is the hallmark of a powerful actor. One that commands big bucks and lures in moviegoers with just their name. She did win a Young Star Award for her performance in the movie and deservedly so, and she hasn't looked back since.

Although, I liked the book too, but Grace comes across as a spoiled, privileged child in the novel, while all that changes because of Johanssesn's strong performance in the movie, which helped the popularity of the book.

Click on the title of this Post for the link to Google Books Excerpts and check out Nicholas Evans' opening chapter, I think it is among the best I've read in a long time.

*******************************************************************************

My Next Post: Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones. Here's another good story that deserves a movie and the film is just as good or better than the book this time. How did this amazing story come about? Come on back for all the juicy details.

Buh-bye Kindle! Look Out Nook...

2010-01-09T06:06:00.000-08:00

Sorry Bezos, but I'm so happy I never bought a Kindle. So far I like the nook so much more and I'm hoping they improve the next model since I'd like to buy one but, now there's even more competition in the ebook Reader market, so I'll have to think again.

Say hello to Blio. Unlike other eReaders, this device displays books in full color via your computer or iPhone, for example. It's basically a software program that synchronizes with the internet so it's interactive too. Sounds interesting but it might still be in development stages. Hey, sometimes, it pays to procrastinate. I'm sure there are plenty more devices like this one on the way.

And as far as the Kindle goes, Bezos should not be shaking in his Eddie Bauer Penny Loafers yet. Just design a slicker, more appealing Kindle and you're back in the running. Now, is that so hard?

Check out the whole story on NPR.

Would You Like Paris Hilton to Promote Your Book?

2009-12-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

Here's something I recently came across that I thought was interesting. It so happens that I've been looking for an image I could Photoshop my DFB book jacket onto, but I think the good folks at Photofunia have that covered already.

<-- Check out more in the left column.

Can Your Book Trailer Do This?

2009-12-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

Okay, I’ll admit the headline is a bit pretentious, but it works. It piques your curiosity, or at least it should. The same goes for book trailers. Many authors think that book trailers all by themselves will sell books, and although that might hold true in some cases (with well-known, established authors that you’ll buy anything from) most of the time a book trailer will serve as part of the marketing mix in your advertising campaign.

Everything that encompasses advertising, to include: websites, marketing, publicity, public relations, posters, brochures, and so on, is only a fraction of the entire sales picture. Selling your product, your non-fiction book in this case, needs specific marketing goals tailored to your book and its audience. The role that book trailers play in this mix is important because imagery and music help sell products like nothing else can, save for a personal visit from a persuasive salesperson.

As I’ve mentioned before (Article: What Makes this Book Trailer So Effective?), the real purpose of any book trailer is to make you curious enough to seek more information about the product. But, it must also reach prospects in an emotional way. It’s what good advertising has always been about, evoking emotional responses, pushing all the right buttons at the right time. Everything has to be just right, nothing out of place, and when that’s accomplished, magic happens.

Here’s a book trailer I put together for Dorothy Thompson, CEO/Founder of Pump Up Your Book! (gotta love that name). It's designed for Kay Marshall Strom, who is an established speaker/writer specializing in inspirational and motivational speaking and keynote presentations for many different events throughout the country. Her new book: The Second-Half Adventure: Don't Retire-Use Your Time, Skills & Resources to Change the World.

The goal here is to introduce Kay as an experienced, dynamic speaker/writer that you can trust and believe in to help turn your dreams into reality. A tall order indeed, but you must sell the author first, her book, second. And with the right imagery and a powerful soundtrack to match, you can put together an effective trailer that will inspire viewers and potential customers to take action.

Once prospects click on a book trailer link, or any button that will lead to a landing page, the book trailer’s job is essentially over. It’s time to push more hot buttons. The kind of hot buttons that will lead to a sale, and that, is the subject of another post.

Enjoy the trailer and if you’re in the market for good books like these, or the least bit curious, take a look at Kay Strom’s website for much more about her, her speaking engagements, and all her books. Meet Kay here: http://www.kaystrom.com/

Kay Strom Book Trailer

For more information about how to Pump Up Your Book!, visit Dorothy Thompson's website for the latest about online book promotion tours:

www.PumpUpYourBook.com/

Book Chase: Google and On Demand Books Partner to Make Hard-to-Find Books Readily Available

2009-11-26T04:04:00.000-08:00

Book Chase: Google and On Demand Books Partner to Make Hard-to-Find Books Readily Available

Espresso Book Machines

2009-11-26T03:26:00.000-08:00

Hey folks, I just thought I'd post this interesting video about an instant bookmaking machine.

This technology has been around for decades, (color copiers and robotics) but packaged now to fulfill an ever increasing demand for "instant books, hot off the press."

Enjoy the holidays! See you back here soon.

"A Death For Beauty" The Novel Update

2009-09-06T03:03:00.000-07:00

Okay folks, a lot going on with the novel. First of all, I tweaked the DFB website and I think it looks better. No major changes, but I've added a few more links. I've even added my own Classics Bookstore from Amazon. I like the way everything looks and the flickering B&W images really work with the theme. If you're using the IE Browser, you'll hear a new musical score that's a better fit than the previous one. Overall, this scheme works so I'll leave it alone for a while.

Okay, good news and bad news. Good news is that after the Book Giveaway on Goodreads, which went up to 569 requests for the book, many people said they were going to buy the book. They were very excited about it and about 35 people added it to their "to read" list, but guess what? Nobody has kept their word and bought a copy of the book. That doesn't surprise me because it takes a lot of momentum to build up a sales pitch and once that momentum is broken, for whatever reason, it's all over, you've lost the chance to make a sale. Besides, most readers on all those bookish websites are very fickle and their main purpose for being there is to socialize, not to buy books. (Wrong frame of mind.)

I'll have to admit that I'm not one to chase down prospects and beg for an order so I'll have to build all that sales momentum up again and this time keep my shame in check and ask for the order. Yes, that does work, but I hate to ask for the order. It sort of obligates people to buy and I think that's a bit pushy. Me pushy? I should go for the jugular but believe it or not, I'm a very sensitive guy. (Oh please.)

"In essence, the best offer that motivates book buyers, is the novel's story itself."

Okay, enough of that. Here's one more thing. Bookbrowse "offered me" an ad spot for $200 a month, (they make it sound so exclusive) but I just can't swing that right now. I think it might not have worked so well either, although I think this website is a dynamic place to advertise, but I haven't been able to try it. When I did have the money, they didn't have the space. They do have good ad placement though and apparently, loyal readers but a one month trial may not be enough, so I'll have to think about that one. In a perfect world, I'd place at least 3 different ads on 3 venues and test them out that way for several months or more and see if that works. But, if I didn't see results within the first month, that's a good indicator that the ads are not going to work.

It takes a lot of experimentation with advertising, but the bottom line is this: If you put together a good ad and place it in a fairly high profile website where readership is not just high but where the website can show you stats on how many buyers order certain books, (Bookbrowse does.) then you might have a good chance to make sales that way. Of course, an ad by itself is usually never enough to make a sale. That's where everything else in your marketing plan comes into play.

You must have a good, effective website in place where prospects can land and then you must have good offers in place to motivate sales as well. I've got all that, but what I don't have are advertising dollars to point prospects to my website to begin with. Not good. Effective advertising in all the right places is a must. (But you know how life is, baby needs new shoes.)

I still have a handful of reviews pending from both Goodreads and LibraryThing but those will take some time in coming. And although, reviews do help sell books, a review by itself is not enough to motivate prospects. I'm convinced that the main factor in determining what produces a sale is the connection that a reader makes with your book, its story. Second in line as a motivator is the author's platform. Their position in the marketplace in relation to the story, their background. (Mine is a bit fuzzy.) And last but not least, a great offer.

You know the offers, two for the price of one, or buy now pay later. Problem is, those offers work for just about any product, except for books because usually the profit margin on books is so low that those kind of offers are not viable.

In essence, the best offer that motivates book buyers is the novel's story itself. That's why it's so important to present your book so it offers intrinsic value to the prospect. You must present your book in such a way that the prospect will think that if they don't order your book, they will be missing out on adding something very important and meaningful to their lives. Just that simple, and that complex.

Again, having all that in place, as I believe I have, is no guarantee of sales. (I'm living proof of that.) You must find an effective way to drive qualified traffic to your website where closing the sale must happen. And that folks, takes plenty of cash that you must invest and possibly lose in the process. But who said selling books was easy? You haven't heard that from me. What you have heard is that good, repeated advertising is the key to consistant sales.

Don't have the money to invest in advertising? Then you can expect to only sell a handful of books if you're lucky. Which reminds me, my mom said she was going to buy a copy of my novel, but she never did. I'll see if I can work up the nerve to bring that up during our next conversation.

*******************************************************************

Meanwhile, consider breaking open your penny jar and buying as much advertising as you can. Believe me, you're going to need it.

My Review: High Plains Tango

2009-09-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

A Ballad From the Heart (Yes it's a somewhat sentimental review. I was having a tender moment with myself.) What I really like about this story is its soft, lingering pace. The lazy yawn of a tomcat named ”Dumptruck,” for instance, and the sensual dance of a mystic goddess that goes by the name of Susanna Benteen, better known as “the witch” among the locals in Salamander.

For those of you who saw one of my favorite movies, “Bridges of Madison County,” you’ll know what I mean about Waller’s languid, unhurried pace. In “Bridges,” Clint Eastwood evoked that mood with a musical composition of his own, titled “Doe Eyes,” towards the end of the film. And to complement those simple chords, the Bluesy ballads of Johnny Hartman, emanated from the muffled speakers of an old Victrola. That was then, in the movie, but this is Waller’s trademark, laid-back style, which he captures once again in this wistful novel. Another story underscored, if not with sorrow, then with melancholy―something I always fall for.

First, about the title and the Hardcover book jacket since that’s what attracted me to the story to begin with. I tend to judge a book by its cover and title so I had a feeling that whatever was beyond the dancing, ghostly figure on the cover, clad in a yellow dress, would be ever so nostalgic, and it was. That’s always one of those rare pleasures, when the title and cover artwork blends with the story in such an organic way.

Although, I’ll have to admit that it seemed a bit too romanticized for me but I soon got over it. The last chapter is as beautifully written as the first. Both serving as philosophical bookends to the writing in between, which seems to float somewhere amid the casual and unadorned, almost austere in its approach, which suits the storyline deftly. Clearly, we get from the outset that the main character, Carlisle McMillan, is a man of sparseness, a minimalist at heart.

We know we’re in for a slow, wandering excursion into something familiar, yet something difficult to put into words, wondering if Waller can pull this off―the ending that is, because we get the feeling that there’s a little something wrong with the telling along the way. It seemed as though there was no distinction between the narrator and the main character, and that’s too bad but I had already learned more than I should have about Waller’s own backstory, which inadvertently echo’s throughout this book so I always pictured him as the narrator. (That’s what I get for wanting to know more about the author.)

I’ll also admit that I skipped several chapters where a feud about the construction of a highway through sacred ground, took over and broke through the wonderful stillness that Waller, up until then, had so wonderfully managed to evoke. Yes, it’s conflict, but the kind of conflict that goes on for too long and with far too much detail. It seemed off key to my ear--cutting against the grain for this kind of story, to use a metaphor that Carlisle McMillan would appreciate.

The “mandatory” sensual scenes come across as awkward and almost gratuitous, compared to the overall tone and context of the story, but tastefully written nonetheless. Here again, my fault for delving too far into Waller’s background. (I know, I know. My psychiatrist has pointed out that I blame myself way too often.)

I just couldn’t get Waller’s image out of my head--his McMillan-esque ways and looks. It’s one of the reasons why high profile actors refuse to give interviews. It really spoils the mystery between the actor and the character they portray--the ability for the reader in this case to disassociate the main character from the narrator who also sounds like the author.

For me, it’s almost as if Carlisle McMillan and Robert James Waller were the same person. In my own mind, based on what I already knew about Waller, that seemed to ring true, and a little too close for comfort for my taste.

An aside: It’s a lot like when J.D. Salinger came out of hiding after 40 years of self-imposed seclusion. It was as if the mystery behind “The Catcher in The Rye” dissolved right before my very eyes. Especially when the 90-year-old Salinger commented on a scene from a Terminator movie, saying: “Holy crap, was that fucking cool or what?” Something outrageously disconcerting to that effect. Can someone please shoot me now? I’ll never be the same. Thank you.

Okay, as an author myself, not that I’ll ever reach the notoriety of Salinger or Waller, but I’m going to stay in hiding and keep my big mouth shut, just in case I ever do write a classic story―like Harper Lee. I just don’t want to spoil anything for the readers. Lord forbid.

All that nonsense aside, I don’t think this story can match the sadness of “Bridges” either, but we eventually realize that it is not meant to. Waller paints these words with honesty, longing, and a quietness that is both magical and gracefully inaudible at times.

Maybe even as lonely, as a High Plains Tango.

**************************************************************

Okay, you get the picture. Scratch the needle across the record. Here’s my favorite line in the book:

“It’s a Tango, you dumb bastard.”

BTW, this book has gotten many mixed reviews and for good reason. I believe that Waller is an excellent writer and that's clear based on the first and last chapter of this novel. But something happened in between, from chapter 2, in fact, that didn't ring true with most of this story. An environmental message and what seemed like a first draft as far as concepts go, permeated the middle of this story.

That's a shame because it almost comes off as a bad story, sandwiched between a great lead-in an a sentimental ending, which is the last impression one gets and the reason I liked it so much. Maybe this proves what they say: that the most important parts of a book are the first ten pages and the last ten pages. If that's the case, this book is the quintessential example of just that.

A contradiction in my review?

I know this comment may seem a contradiction to my review, and it is in hindsight, but the storyline I referred to between bookends, was referencing the pace of the story, not its content.

One more thing!

Amazon, I hope you run my review as is and don't edit the profanity like you've done in the past. I really don't get it. What's the big FUCKING Deal?

AMAZON MONSTER AD

2009-08-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

And now, without further ado folks. As promised, my “award-winning” Amazon Ad that will never see the light of day, thanks to the Amazon servers. I don’t think it would have won anyway, maybe because of copyright issues, but it was worth a try just for the fun of it.

Clearly, an ode to my favorite monster of all time. (Sorry, Godzilla)

BTW, I know this might look like a homemade piece of junk, but give me a break, I maxed out all the tools on Windows Movie Maker.

And I know something like this is too bizarre for Amazon, but only a freak like me can pull this one off. Who really cares anyway? Here’s the MF video.

BTW, this is what happens every time I try to logon to Amazon too. Ridiculous.

Author Q&A on Goodreads.com

2009-08-12T04:54:00.000-07:00

Okay folks, here's the scoop on my Q&A for Goodreads. The Q&A never took off, (ooohh, big surprise) however, over 500 readers signed up and requested a free copy of my novel. Not bad. I've only got 3 books to give away so I'll have to post it again to give others a chance to win. Best of all, I've made some very good friends along the way.

Q&A's are tough because a lot of people are not brave enough to ask questions for fear of sounding silly or whatever. Sometimes, they're just not comfortable with the author, especially if they look so mean in their Bio photo (like me) but I didn't want to change it. I like looking mean.

Anyway, aside from that, I think Goodreads needs to redefine their Q&A features so that authors get better and more exclusive exposure. The way it's set up now, it's nothing more than a Q&A Group the Author forms, which is too short a notice unless you already have a big following with another Group that will allow you to promote the Q&Q Group. It just doesn't work like it should. And I'm comparing Goodreads with LibraryThing's Author Chats which they promote with a special Author Chat page, including the author's photo and links to the Author Chat with dates for the chat, and so forth. This is far more effective and I'm sure will yield some interesting questions. At least I expect it too. But unless one is a famous author, nobody cares about asking you anything. It's not about the questions, as much as it is about making a connection with a "celebrity". (Yeah, I'm screwed.)

As far as the advertising on Goodreads, forget it. I spent $60 for an ad that is nothing more than a cover shot with a book description, which links to the author's website. (You get what you pay for, right?) Not very effective at all. The so-called ads don't look like advertising, which is what people expect to see. Advertising promo's, not a list of books. Big difference. Either way, it was a test, as all advertising is and for me, it doesn't work, just like I knew it wouldn't. You may have better luck. Who knows? Good placement also depends on how much one is willing to spend per click, and there are only 2 prime spots to feature the books though. I'm going to up my per click price and see what happens, but I don't think it will make much difference since the premium space is a list just the same.

I like an ad to look like an ad. With a headline and body copy and an offer of some kind. It attracts readers since they're always on the lookout for a bargain or something new. I'll make suggestions to the Goodreads staff and see what they come up with.

My "book giveaway" ends this Friday 14th and hopefully I'll get some reviews in exchange for the free book. That's the deal, sort of. The reviews are not guaranteed. Ufah! I thought this was a good deal? Well it is in many ways. It's all about exposure and credibility at this point. Sales are yet to pick up. It'll take a lot more promos and more time to get things rolling.

I did get a few good comments about the book and that's encouraging, so I need to connect with many more readers within the genre.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A lot going on with my book promos and I'll keep you posted. I'm having a great time! My LibraryThing Author Chat starts on September 1-11th. I've also posted my book as a giveaway there and so far over 240 people have requsted it. I think I'll switch my author photo to something dorky. That just might help.

Click My Lit

2009-08-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

With a name (anagram) like that, what else do you need? Well, for starters, a gorgeous face to go with it. Meet Erin, a very savvy and witty red-head with a great sense of humor and altruistic tendencies. (easy now) She likes to promote self-published authors on her Blog ClickMyLit. I peeped (forgive me, but what other word can go with "tweets") her Tweets (d.e. not intentional) and just couldn't resist finding out more about the blog and who was behind it. She's a sweetheart, check out her Blog and say hello. And if you have a book to promote, she just might feature it on CML.

Just let her know that ProseFreak sent you, you hear me. (That last part is an old expression from the Barrio. Roll with it folks, it's all I got for now.)

Jeff Bezos - Is He Money Hungry?

2009-08-02T04:03:00.000-07:00

And the answer to that would be a huge, resounding, neon flashing in gigantic red letters, YES! You bet he is. Not only is Bezos money hungry, but he aspires to become the richest and most powerful man in the whole wide world. Something like the Sultan of Brunei, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffet all rolled into one. What will he do with all this power and wealth BTW? Well, he’ll try to promote and sell shiploads of Kindles, of course.

You know, don’t ask me, but for some reason, Jeff Bezos thinks that the Kindle is the best contraption known to humankind. Don’t get me wrong, I think the Kindle is a good idea, but can you put some color into the damn thing for crying out loud? Now that would be ground-breaking! A new technology that would add full color, maybe even high def to the B&W Kindle and still cost only about $300 a piece. When you get to that milestone Mr. Bezos, I’ll by half a dozen Kindles and praise you from here till Kingdom come. Meanwhile, I’m not falling for it so forget it!

Okay, okay, what am I so huffed about? Oh, nothing really, just want to pick on Jeff Bezos, he’s such an easy target plus I hate the stupid Kindle too. Sue me Bezos, I could use the publicity, and I’d be glad to hand over the only piece of property I have left to my name, which happens to be this cheap-ass Gateway laptop that has a broken hinge BTW. You can have this beauty and revel in its splendor all day long, unless I fling it across the room and smash it to tiny pieces before the courts award it to you. Now that’s hilarious, if I say so myself. Laugh Jeff, it’s a joke!
All right, let me get to the real problem folks. First, I was born. Then, I was born again. But as Huck Finn would say, ‘I didn’t see nothin’ to it, so I let it go.’ Not true, but it sounds good right about now.

Jeff Bezos, WTF is going on with Amazon.com (USA) ? For the love of God, I can even log on to Amazon in Japan, Amazon.ca, Amazon.uk and every other Amazon on the planet, except the one I really need to log onto. Sure, could be my cheap-ass laptop, but I doubt it. Hey, I’m now buying from B&N, Target, and others. Check my purchasing stats for Amazon, they’re down to zero for the past month. You’ve just lost a customer Bezos. Is that what you really want? And to top it off, I couldn’t enter the godforsaken Amazon Ad Contest for the chance to win $20,000 worth of Amazon Gift Cards. Wow-wee,what a gyp!

Here’s the basis of my title for this Post. You better believe Bezos is money hungry folks. Lord forbid he gives away $20,000 precious American dollars with no strings attached. No way, he wants his money back! Hard to believe, but so true. This is shameful! Bezos, have a heart brother. You’re a billionaire many times over. Can’t you spare 2 cents? I pity the poor homeless!

Alberto R.Arias Author Chat on Goodreads.com

2009-07-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, I'm back, feeling great and busy as ever. I didn't expect to be away for so long but I'm finally over 2 big hurdles (2 major surgeries) and I hope to recover and literally be back on my feet within the next 6 months or less. It's hard to believe that a hip replacement is worse than open heart surgery, but it is. Still on the pain train but dealing with it.

Okay, here's what's going on. I'll be available for a Q&A and Author Chat on Goodreads.com starting next Saturday morning, August 1st-15th. The novel is also available as a Giveaway and will appear in the Book Giveaway starting August 1st. Request the Book here for your chance to win it or any other book you might be interested in: Good luck! Book Giveaway. (I also have another talk scheduled for September 1st on LibraryThing.com)

If you'd like to join me next Saturday, click on the title above and that will link you to the Goodreads.com website where you can let me know if you can participate or not. I'm also testing some advertising on this website. I'll let you know the results next month. If it's a good place to promote you might want to check it out. So far I don't see any results of any kind but that could change once the book giveaway begins promoting it. I doubt it though.

Enter to Win a Free Copy of DFB. Wow wee Mama! Uhaaaaw! (Geeky thumbs up)

You can also enter for a chance to win a free copy of the novel during this scheduled chat period. You can increase your chances of winning if you enter another DFB Book Giveaway on LibraryThing.com too.

Here's the link for the LT DFB Book Giveaway: http://www.librarything.com/er/giveaway/list

I hope to meet you for the Chat next Saturday up until the 15th. Any and all questions are fair game. You can ask me anything about the novel that you've been curious about or anything about marketing, writing, graphic design, whatever you want. If you know anything about me, it's that I will make it interesting and fun and it will be time well spent.

Check out my EVENTS page for some of my new pix. I'm suppossed to be talking up a storm. Not sure if that comes across or not but I tried not getting caught making an awkward face. Come to think of it, I think I look a little like Cameron Crowe if I had longer hair. (I'm sure one of us is insulted.) He directed Vanilla Sky and Almost Famous, which BTW are two of my favorite films. My kind of Director.

Here's the link to the pix: http://www.adeathforbeauty.com/events.html

See you on Saturday or beyond. Yeah, I'll be there, don't you chicken out!

Alberto

BTW, I have a feeling I'm going to be talking to myself for most of those chat days online since Goodreads.com doesn't promote the Book Giveaway's in advance of the Giveaway date like LibraryThingy does, where I already have 150 requests for the novel with over a month to go before the Chat begins on September 1st. By the time the Chat starts, hundreds of people will already be familiar with the book and more likely to discuss it online. Then again who knows, it may be a cricket festival after all.

Either way I'll survive at least until the next gorgeous sunrise dawns over the Yunque Mountains in sunny Puerto Rico. It's always like a dream come true.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

BTW, next Monday I'll be Posting an ad I put together for the Amazon Ad Contest, which I've been unable to uplaod and enter into the contest because my computer has some sort of virus and Amazon happens to be the only website on the planet it won't load up. (A coincidence? Please!) I can log onto Amazon.ca and Amazon.uk, even Amazon in Japan! But Amazon in USA, no can do folks. That may never happen again in my lifetime. I'm now ordering books from B&N and Target.com instead.

Come on back and check out my 30 second Amazon ad next Monday. I don't think it would have won anyway for too many reasons, and It's not LOL funny, but I think it'll put a smile on your face. Poor Frankenstein, he's in trouble again folks. You'll see what I mean.

The Secrets of Impulse Purchases

2009-06-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

Are you using them?

A few weeks ago, I posted an article and mentioned impulse buying. It’s an important topic I’d like to expand on. But why so much importance on impulse buying? Because, most of the time this is how sales are made. How many times have you not bought a product you really liked because you didn’t have enough information about the product to justify its price, or maybe you were interrupted in the sales process and abandoned the shopping cart, especially when you found out the so-called shipping and handling charge was too high? Or maybe the product presentation was so boring and so lacking in emotion, that you quickly passed on it because it didn’t move you. Maybe you were in a hurry for whatever reason, didn’t order and then forgot all about it five seconds later, forever.

There are a number of legitimate reasons why prospective buyers may not, or simply refuse to buy from you.

Here are the most popular:

1. Your price is either too high or too low. Your price is too high? There’s not enough information about the product to justify its price. And that includes the shipping and handling. What am I getting for $16.95 plus S&H? Is this book worth it or am I getting ripped off? Your price is too low? How can any price be too low? It’s too low when it’s so low that it says: This product is probably damaged and therefore this is why it is dirt cheap. Damaged how? Physically damaged, broken or torn? As far as books go, is the written content inferior? The printing and construction of the book shabby quality? Will it fall apart as I turn the pages? You get the idea.

2. Your credentials are shaky. Who is this guy or gal? What’s their expertise? How much experience do they have in their field? What makes them an authority on this subject? If it’s a novel, what qualifies them as a competent writer? What else have they written that proves they can interest me with a meaningful 400 page story? A story that will add something valuable to my life.

3. The presentation of your product is lame and unexciting. It’s boring and uninspiring. It’s lifeless and meaningless.

4. You’re trying too hard to sell it. You’re too pushy. It’s a hard sell. Something must be rotten in Denmark.

5. You’re not using any photos or videos of yourself. There’s no face to attach to your product. Do you have something to hide? Is this a scam?

6. They don’t like what you have to sell, regardless of your offer.

Okay, we’ll leave it at that. There are other factors but these are the most responsible and the most prevalent for losing a sale, or at least the thought of buying from you. You must realize that selling your book is an uphill battle, but you can level the ground by removing many of the obstacles that block a potential buyer’s way. Above, I’ve listed seven reasons why potential customers may not buy your product. Here’s how to overcome all those objections:

1. Pricing. If you’re not sure how to price your book, just take a look at the prices of similar books in your genre. You want the price of your book to be comparable to those. A little higher or maybe a little lower, but not by much, or the same price will do. Of course you must be able to make a profit at whatever price you set. This will also determine your price and sometimes that may put you out of the running if it’s much higher than other similar books. If so, you’re going to have to re-evaluate the company you’re doing business with. Find another with lower prices so you can mark up your book according to its retail price in the marketplace.

2. Who are you? Do you have some sort of Platform, whether political, societal or in the entertainment industry. If not, what kinds of issues do you stand for now with your book? What are you offering in exchange for trust? What are you promising in your book? A better life? A fulfilling revelation or story that will enhance their life in a meaningful way. What’s in it for them? Let them know with sincerity, passion and conviction.

3. For the love of God, put some emotion into your presentation. How does one go about doing that? Easy, you tie your all-important message, your hook, with relevant music. Not just any music, but music that inspires and moves people to react and take action. You put a lot of heart and soul into your presentation. People can feel it if it’s sincere and heartfelt and most likely they will respond to it.

4. You’re desperate and come across as pushy. You want people to buy your product without giving them a reason to buy it in the first place. You use the word BUY too much, an instant turn-off. You’ve placed Buy Buttons all over the place with red flashing arrows (good Lord). Stop trying to sell and start trying to introduce your product by featuring it in a way that seems useful and meaningful to the prospect. Show it off as large as you can without blowing people away with a huge image they have to back away from. Keep your presentation simple but interesting. Present, don’t sell.

5. Can people see you? Do they know who they’re about to do business with? What about you? Are you trustworthy? Are your photos or videos interesting and assertive, candid? This doesn’t mean you have to smile in every shot, but you must play the part and come across as legitimate and trustworthy. It’s not always easy to get the right shot, but keep trying until you do. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to helping you sell your book, this is truer than ever.

6. Now, if people just don’t like what you have to offer, then maybe they’re in the wrong place. Not much you can do there except adjust your keywords for Search Engine Optimization. Maybe folks are landing on your homepage by accident, because of irrelevant keywords and then quickly back out. Then again, search engines are not perfect either.

So what does any of this have to do with impulse buying and how do you encourage people to buy on impulse? Glad you asked:

1. Present your novel in such an irresistible way that people want to learn more about it. You can’t tell too much. This is the biggest mistake most people make. Stop trying to tell the whole story in one fell swoop. Leave something to their imagination. Tease them, make them curious, motivate them and show what’s in it for them right away. You can do that with the right title, something short (one word is best) and memorable. You must use the right artwork. Something that is thematic to the story or something that will entice them to ask “What’s this all about, what does that mean, why do they show this and not that?”

Give people more reasons than they know what to do with to buy your book. Yes it’s beautiful, yes it’s priced right, yes they trust you, yes they want it, but how do they get it, what’s keeping them from buying it, why should they buy it now?

Because they must have it now and they can’t wait to get it. Why? Because it means so much to them. Why? Because without it, their life will not be the same. Their mundane life will be missing something. Your book will feed their need for, whatever. Their need to understand, their need to be inspired, their need to learn, their need to laugh, their need to cry, their need to hear something different, bizarre, or fascinating. Take your pick, their need to “fill in the blank”.

Buyer’s needs are emotional. It is always that way and no other way. They are human, after all. Fulfill their emotions with your product. Showcase it in a way that fulfills their every desire. Reach deep into their psyche (based on demographics) and universal human needs and tap into their hot buttons then push them all. This doesn’t take force, it takes persuasion. How do you persuade? By answering as many questions about your product as you can and allowing them to come to their own decisions. Offer them more than they expect, if possible, for the same reasonable price. Give something of value away with your product if you possibly can. Make it easy for them to buy. Accept all forms of payment. In short, you must hit a home run with the bases loaded. Nothing else will do. Take no chances. Leave no stone unturned.

And remember this little gem: none of this will do you any good if your presentation falls into the wrong hands. There are plenty of wonderful books, and products out there that I have no interest in whatsoever. Why? Because they don’t hold a special emotional meaning for me and therefore, they are useless to me in all their grandeur and splendor. I can’t respond to (or buy) something that I feel has no emotional value to me. Period. You must get your message to the intended audience. How do you know who your intended audience is? You’ll know in part by instinct, in part by research, and in part by trial and error.

Most of the time, impulse purchases are the only chance you’re going to get to make a sale. People are busy, they are jaded, they’re in a hurry. Use these factors in your favor, not against you. Put together a lean and mean product presentation at the right price, in the right place, and at the right time, and see the difference it should make in sales. My definition of an Impulse Purchase is when a prospective customer is sold on your idea alone and everything else is icing on the proverbial cake. In other words, they've immediately decided that they want and must have your product, for whatever personal reason, and they want it now, and click away without a second thought. This is the ideal sales scenario. What if after they've bought your book and have second thoughts about it? Well, if they can't return it, they can always use it as a doorstop. Why should you care, you already sold it. (Oh my, how callouse. Although you should care because it hinders good word of mouth. Then again, any publicity is good publicity. Shameful.)

"Your objective is to align the moon and the stars in all their glory, insofar that they will shine upon you and your book in the most irresistible and flattering moonlight. In other words, get everything right the first time and don't look back."

Don’t keep this article a secret for fear of competition in the marketplace. Surely, it must have value to you. And it’s free. Read it again. Learn from it. Improve your marketing. Dare to share it. I just did. (Whatever.)

*******************************************************************************

I’ll be away next week but there are plenty of interesting articles you probably haven’t read before. Check out the archives to your right for more good stuff. I’ll be back soon. I bid you peace. Godspeed. (Look, they're right there -->>)

Chip Kidd--The Master of Design Disaster, and More

2009-06-07T12:06:00.001-07:00

Meet the rock star of Book Jacket Design

If you haven’t heard of Chip Kidd, well now you will. And the only reason I learned about him was because, as a designer myself, I was curious enough to find out who designed McCarthy’s Border Trilogy book covers. Not because I liked the designs, but because I found them…odd. Not odd in a bad way, but just strange enough to make me want to look into the story behind the designer.

His oddest cover of the trilogy is the first, from All the Pretty Horses. Every time I looked at that cover on the internet, I couldn’t make out the imagery. It looked like some kind of furry, freakish Teradactile, belly-up, wanting to take a bite out of something. (I know, I need help.) Of course, the image was just not large enough to figure it out. But when I got the book, I was amazed at the composition of this image. It was, of course, the mane of a young pony and what had appeared like the beak of the Teradactile was the pony’s ears. Why couldn’t I figure that out to begin with? Good question. I think it was like one of those Rorschach Inkblot Tests. Like when you look at the Batman logo, sometimes it looks like a pair of large fangs, sometimes it looks like, well, the Batman logo. It all depends on which image you see, the negative or the positive.

Okay, you get the idea. I’m delusional. The point is, opposites attract, meaning that unlike my designs, which are more like reality taken into another dimension, Kidd’s designs, for the most part, are very abstract, unconventional, and to me, disturbing. And I mean that in the sense that they’re so unusual, they make me uncomfortable, and I’m referring to my mind’s eye, as a designer.

Kidd certainly breaks every rule in the design book, over and over again. Of course you have to know the rules in order to break them. And I think it’s safe to say that Chip Kidd does not aspire to be the next Da Vinci or Michaelangelo of the modern art world. He’s very happy being Chip Kidd, the rebel, anti designer. Have you seen Tarantino’s Death Proof? There’s an interesting comparison, right there. (BTW, Tarantino’s upcoming Inglorious Basterds is sure to become a masterpiece.)

So let’s get to the real question. How do book cover designs influence your decision to buy the book? Or do they have any influence at all? I’ve never bought a book just because of its cover, I think. Although, book covers weigh-in as far as my decision to buy certain stories. Although, as an art lover, I’ve been tempted to buy a book just because of the cover artwork. Too many to mention, though. But the story does come first. It’s just so much better if I really like the cover. It makes my buying decision so much easier. And there you have the reason behind alluring covers. They help sell stories. If I had money to burn, I suppose I would collect thousands of books just for their cover artwork, but for the most part, I don’t. There are a few exceptions that I couldn’t resist and will remain unmentioned. (Go ahead writers, burn me at the stake.)

That in no way suggests that I’m putting art over literature. Although, I will buy a book based on its cover art, even if the story is not a genre that I usually read, as long as the story has something to offer that is useful to me. That said, I’m a stickler for Literary Fiction.

So here’s the thing. Many people do buy Chip Kidd’s cover designs for the sake of the art, not so much the story. Why? Because Chip Kidd is a brand unto himself, and his artwork is collectible. Yes, his art is hideous at times, “monstrously ugly” in the words of the late John Updike, but Kidd has managed to break through the stereotypical world of design and has become an icon of sorts to those who appreciate the Avant Garde. Not a bad position to be in if you’re a graphic designer.

But not all of Kidd’s jacket designs are hideous. I especially like, Celluloid Skyline, for James Sanders, Hard Rain for Tim Riley, and Augusten Burrough’s cover for Magical Thinking, to name just three.

So who is Chip Kidd, after all? Glad you asked. He’s more than a graphic designer. He’s also a writer and a musician. (Cool music too. He might have missed hi real calling—so far.)

Bottom line: Chip Kidd is a brave man. Check out this hilarious video to see what I mean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cChkIpYAvO0

Here’ his website: http://www.goodisdead.com/

*****************************************************************************************

So What's going on for next Monday? I'm delving into one of my favorite topics, Impulse Buying (yes, I'm preaching to the choir again) only this time I'll talk about another aspect about buying decisions that also influences the impulse purchase and how you can apply it to marketing your book. See you then.

Who the heck is Jerry D. Simmons

2009-05-31T06:42:00.000-07:00

Find out right now.

Last week I had mentioned something about a link to a website, which I highly regard as a place for accurate information about the Publishing Industry and how to get your books published. If you’re thinking about self-publishing or just trying to find a way to get your books through the grinding wheels of the publishing gatekeepers, go here:

http://www.writersreaders.com/freearticles.php

You’ll learn the nuts and bolts, in a real world scenario, on how to go about it with less frustration. Jerry D. Simmons (author and former executive with The Time Warner Book Group) puts out plenty of good information that should steer you in the right direction. His most recent book, titled: What Writers Need to Know About Publishing, is featured throughout.

What I like about this website is that Simmons doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He gives you the cold, hard facts and pulls no punches (any more clichés?). Once you get through that website, he also has another website, which is geared more towards promoting yourself and your books. Here’s the link: www.nothingbinding.com. I have an author’s page on this site and there’s a lot you can participate in, such as writing book reviews and getting your own book reviewed. Although, let me say that I had emailed one of the reviewers about reviewing my book and never got a response from him. I suppose he was swamped with reviews, so I just left that alone. I’m sure that with a little more determination I can get my book reviewed, I just don’t have the time any more.

Either way, you’ll want to check out these very generous and informative sites from someone who knows publishing from the inside and is willing to share his knowledge and expertise. Thank you, Jerry D. Simmons.

Now you know.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In next Monday’s Post I’m going to delve into the world of cover design. A topic that, as a graphic designer, is very near and dear to me.

The Mystery Question: Which book cover designer has earned his place in the world of book design as an “anti-designer” (my phrase). A designer whose designs John Updike had described as “monstrously ugly.” I’m sure you know some of his covers, and next week I’ll put a name and a face to the man behind the book cover design controversy and how he has influenced a generation of young designers. Believe me you don’t want to miss this Post. I have some funny video links to go with it too.

“A Death for Beauty” A Debut Novel by A.R. Arias

2009-05-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Okay folks, as part of my shameless self-promotion tour, I’m announcing the official publication of my debut novel, now available on Amazon.com. If you’d like to find out more about it, there’s plenty of info on this Blogspot (Duh!) and on my website, of course.

Let me just say that I’m glad this is over with. I mean, getting to the point of featuring my novel on Amazon. I know I have an uphill battle to promote it and get things going, but as I’ve said before, for the most part, I’ve written this novel for my children as a way to encourage them to explore literature and possibly write their own books. But of course it would be foolish to let a product sit there idle after all this work so I intend to sell as many as I can, but I won’t be devastated if I don’t.

I think they’ll enjoy the story whenever they’re ready for it. They don’t even know it’s published and I don’t intend to let them know until they’re much older. I realize they don’t have the time to read novels these days, especially a heavy-handed tome by their father. But it’s out there and I’m thrilled to get it done. I’ve accomplished my goal after several years of intense work and I’m on to the next thing, and whatever that is in my list of projects remains to be seen. Plenty of stuff on the backburner and if I can survive this horrendous heart surgery, I’ll be back pounding my keyboard after a much needed break from writing.

So, if you get a chance, check out this unusual story, set during the Civil War and it's populated with some interesting characters. The story revolves around a murder mystery, but at its core, it is really about death and life and it's filled with many relevant literary references and other motifs. I’m proud of it (depending on my mood) and I’m betting that anyone who likes this kind of story will enjoy it. I think it has a lot to offer in so many ways. Enjoy the words.

Alberto R. Arias

author, “A Death for Beauty”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Next Monday’s Post will be short, but comes with a link to an amazing website. Whether you’re looking to self-publish or just learn about publishing in general, this is a great place to start. Come on back and check it out.