Friday, July 06, 2012

My Brain and You.

It’s been an interesting experience to have people you know want to read your book because, well…they know you.  My first feeling is one of embarrassment really.  It’s hard to explain, but I’ll try because that’s why I blog.

I know quite a few authors.  I have been given books, have had offers to preview, and have bought books by people I know.  Some I have read thoroughly, some I’ve skimmed, and others I just looked at the signed title page.  I’m happy to own them all.

When someone you know wants to read your book they are not thinking “Oh, your ridiculous description of your book sounds very interesting, I want to buy it.” 

What they are saying is “I think it would be interesting to see what kind of crap spins around in that brain of yours.”

It could go pretty wrong too.

Let’s say your next door neighbor is the next Stephen King.  He’s currently writing a book that will be on the best seller’s lists and will be loved by everyone.  Hollywood will buy the rights to it and it will become the scary Summer blockbuster hit that will be the gold standard of scary thriller movies.

He’s not famous yet but he wants you to read it.  You discover that the plot is centered around the main character murdering his next door neighbor.  Your thoughts?

Your thoughts aren’t “Wow, this guy can really craft a thrilling story.  He is bound to break it big.”  Instead, you’re thinking, “Holy Crap! My neighbor is insane…is this the kind of crap that he makes up in his sick little head all day?  I'm moving!"

It’s a matter of perspective.

I make up stories.  It’s what I do.  If you read my book, don’t move away.

Sunday, July 01, 2012

Yeah, so my book is for sale.

What you need to know:
  1. You can get it by clicking here. It is $12 plus shipping and handling.
  2. This is a work of fiction. It contains people who are real and imagined but everyone is captured within the world I created in my own mind. Including myself. I've joked that all autobiographies are mainly fiction...I'm just telling you before hand.
  3. It's 100% self-published. All of the layout and design was done put together by me and my wife.
  4. Chances are if you know me, you or someone you know is fictionally represented in this book. You should buy it and find out what happened to you.
  5. I never planned to make much money on it though I wanted to take what it could make and turn it into a donation for the Everett Gospel Mission. Everett is a Navy town just north of Seattle and is the largest city in the county I live in. The Mission is a powerful force for good in the lives of those who are homeless or have addiction issues. I've known many success stories as a result of their ministry.
  6. Mature audiences should read this. I don't mean just grown up either...I mean if your sensibilities are easily offended then just buy a copy and put it on your shelf and then when someone asks about it just say "Yeah, I know the dumbass that wrote it." and then shake your head dismissively.
  7. I won't ask you what you thought of it...but don't think I don't want to know. Tell me anything you want or say nothing. Just know I won't put you in the awkward position of giving me feedback when all you'd really say was "Look man, I couldn't get past chapter 2."
I will report later on the check I'll write to the Everett Gospel Mission in August.