B.C. Crow's Blog, page 5

The Pretty Little Dolly Song

For fun this year, my wife and I decided we'd plan out our church group's Christmas Party. It was a lot of fun. Also, this was probably the first chance anyone got to see my writing performed. Yes, I actually wrote a Christmas program to go with that party.Not only was it a success, but I got to make a complete fool of myself. That might be unfortunate for some people, but for me, I just thought it was fun. This is because I got to sing a song that I've been dying to try.Now don't assume that I'm a good singer. This is actually the only song I've ever been able to sing. The only reason I can sing it, is because nobody is worried about me being off key. This song was originally performed by Mona Abboud on the Johnny Carson Show. I had to change some of the lyrics to make it more appropriate for a church setting. Also, there is no sheet music available for this, so I had to ask my neighbor, a very talented musician, to listen to it and try to re-make it.I won't post my whole program here, because I don't know if the other performers would be willing to give their permission for that. But for no other reason than I might like to spread a little innocent Christmas cheer, even if it is at my own expense, I hope you enjoy this.

Will The Nephilim Series Be Revised?

Will you ever release a better version of your Nephilim Series?

Yes, I spent so much time and money on that first series. I paid professional editors to go through my books. I can’t tell you how many times I read through and fixed these books.

If you’ve ever read my Nephilim Series, I hope you enjoyed them. Recently, I’ve revisited them. I was shocked to realize how much I’ve grown as a writer. My upcoming book, Swing Low, is written so much better.

So yes, I’ve decided to go through my first three books and revise them. I know that many authors do this. I’d hoped to avoid it. But in the end, especially if you are going to pay money to read them, I want them to be the best they possibly can be.

If you’re reading this, wondering if you should avoid buying my first series until I come out with the revised version, I don’t blame you. I’d want to wait and buy the best version of the book also. But really, the books aren’t bad. They’re just not their greatest yet.

So when will the revised edition be released?

I don’t know. It’s sort of a side project that I’ll be working on in between all my other major projects. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to have a better version of The Nephilim Device out by February 2017, The Nephilim Effect by April or May, and The Nephilim Conspiracy by July or August.

In the meantime, if you haven’t read any of these books, you’re still welcome to buy them. Maybe one day, if I ever become famous, the early printed versions of these books might even be worth something. Most likely not, but the books aren’t all that expensive, and the same story is being told. So as long as you can be a little forgiving, of a new author’s debut series, I think you should be like them.

Thanks for giving my books a try. My promise is that I’ll always try to deliver my best. And my best is always getting better.

Why Write?

Why did you decide to write?
Some years ago, I got married. Like most newlyweds, I was happy for that first year. But then child number one came along. I don’t know if this is the same for every father, but it was a big moment for me.

Suddenly, I realized that I was responsible for raising a family. My wife and I decided that we wanted to give our children the best possible upbringing that we could, so she decided to stay at home to raise our kids instead of trusting that job to someone else. This isn’t for everyone, I understand, but it was what we wanted for our family.

All of a sudden, my little salary and our 700 square foot condo on the top of an old, nearly ghetto complex, seemed very small. Since we saw the police more than we saw the mailman, we knew that we didn’t want to raise our kids there long term.

It was about this time that I felt an overwhelming need to up our living standards. I was already working ten hour days doing construction. Any more side jobs would take me out of the house when I needed to spend quality time with my family.

I remembered a conversation I once had with an English college professor. After aweing my class with a story, she told me to publish the short. I never did. Good thing too. I revisited that story a couple years ago, only to find out how much I needed to bury it. But the conversation still lingered in my mind. I always enjoyed writing, for as long as I can remember. I just never thought it a practical path to money.

So I brainstormed with my wife over a good story, then sat down at my laptop to type. In all honesty, this wasn’t my first attempt. Before I’d met my wife, I’d half-heartedly attempted the feat. But now I had motivation. It was rough and go for the first three years. I hadn’t developed a routine. But I kept at it.

Then a funny thing happened. I fell in love with writing. I got to the point, where I actually felt like I was a writer. Somewhere around year two, I developed a routine that has guided my writing discipline. Every morning now, for about an hour before I start work at my real job, I write my stories. I love this time of day. Most people I know are still sleeping and nobody is in my office. It is my time.

I can’t really describe why writing is so important to me. As I’ve stated, I started doing it to create another revenue stream. So far, I’ve spent more time and money pursuing my writing than it has generated for me. But there’s something about telling stories and honing an age-old craft that fascinates me. I’m constantly reading and trying to find better ways to tell my stories. The more I learn, the more I want to apply those principles.

I do have another motivation, but I’d still keep writing even without it. I plan to start an independent movie studio someday. To do that, I’d either need to buy other peoples’ stories, or I’d need to have a few of my own to draw from. I’d rather make my own.

[image error]The best part about writing is perhaps that I’m allowed to daydream. As a kid, that was always getting me in trouble. My head was always in the clouds. Now I can make those imaginations real. If done right, I can give other’s a sense of wonder and adventure. I can even build a world so completely foreign to this world, and make it more real than this world. Writing does good for others, even fiction. It helps people escape some of their dull-drums and find excitement. They’re able to place themselves in someone else’s shoes. They can receive the same excitements and anxieties, then recover from those traumas from the safety of their sofa, living out some other character’s adventure. The stories can teach, or they can just offer a diversion. But I know of few other things in this world that are a more powerful tonic for the human condition than stories.

I am proud to be a writer, but more importantly, I want to be known as a quality storyteller. Stories, both fiction and true, whether handed down from family or from strangers, has helped shape my life. They are the core of what shapes all of our lives. We are all story tellers. I just like the idea of putting mine on paper to share with a larger audience. I hope you enjoy my stories. As I continue to pursue my craft, I hope you follow my writings and have patience with my earlier works that may not be crafted as well.

Most importantly, I thank you for giving me a chance to inspire a sense of wonder in your idle time.

For more frequently asked questions,visit my FAQ page.

Why Did You Dress Me In A Pink Tiara and Ribbon?

I look ridiculous.True, I could have chosen to dress you a little differently. Mostly I used you as hat rack before you got a hat of your own. Before that, you were just collecting dust in the corner of the basement. At least now you have a prominent place next to my office table.The pink tiara is actually from my daughter. She left it at my office one day, and I stuck it on my faithful hat rack. It wasn’t ever meant to stay, but it just fit you so perfectly. Next, I was given a cake with a pink ribbon. I wanted to just throw the thing away, but it matched your tiara so nicely. Plus, the tiara was so small, that it looked lonely on top of your head.So yes, now you know how you came to be dressed the way you are. Every time I look at you, I remember all the good things in life: Nature, family, chocolate cake, and hats.How about you ask me a question about me?Anyhow isn’t that what this FAQ is all about?Find answers to more questions: FAQ

Why You Did Shoot Me?

Why did you kill me?Okay, I know, you would rather I didn’t shoot you. I understand. There’s a lot of people out there who might not understand why I did it either. But let’s face it, you were going to die that day anyway.I hate to sound unsympathetic, but your mountain was a very popular place to find deer of your particular size. I was fortunate enough to have the chance of hunting there. I went with my dad, my cousin and a couple of business associates.After a couple of days of hiking and searching for what could very well be my best chance for a trophy deer, I found you. Keep in mind that I wasn’t the only person in my party with a gun.If I’d passed you up, someone else would have pulled the trigger.You were a big buck on a limited entry permit. What else could you expect?Sure, I understand the argument that you and granola crunching people make: Humans are always hunting the biggest and strongest of the species, causing them to disappear. That all works into this 6th extinction that you hear now days. Whether you trust in evolution or not, the fact remains that animals got big and strong to survive the wilds. Humans did not get bigger or stronger, with very few chemically aided exceptions. We got smarter, or at least we got smarter than you and the other animals. Somehow in that jumble, we decided that in order to survive and thrive, we had to kill the biggest and the strongest of other species. Less larger animals, less threat to us. After all, how can we compete against animals that are bigger, stronger, and faster than us if we don’t kill them off?Frankly, I’m usually happy killing the smaller of your species. They taste better. But I’d never gotten a big buck before. Maybe it’s genetics, maybe it’s cultural. Put the blame wherever you want. In the end, while humans can survive on plants, we’re also predators in our own way. I think many people are starting to see this. I’ve been a hunter and a fisher most of my life. I’ll continue to do so, though I do much less now than before.So while you weren’t my first kill, you won’t likely be my last. You should at least take some comfort in knowing that I really do respect you—enough so, that I didn’t waste any of your meat. I tanned your hide. I also had you stuffed as a memorial to my predatory prowess and to your beauty. Your perfectly preserved head will likely look better than mine in another 100 years. If I could, I would choose to be remembered in much the same way.Maybe I should put that in my will, to have my head removed, stuffed and displayed openly across the threshold of my offspring’s front entry. Of course, by then, I fully expect to be a national treasure—an author of great renown. I’m sure only the Smithsonian would be able to hold my remains, along with all the throngs of admiring public that will eventually want to behold my face. If this ever happens, rest assured, I’ll request that you be mounted in the display case next to me.But until that day, I look forward to coming into work and hanging my hat on your impressive rack. Thank you for your sacrifice.Any more questions? Back to FAQ~>

Review Of: The Boy Who Played With Fusion

The Boy Who Played with Fusion: Extreme Science, Extreme Parenting, and How to Make a Star by Tom ClynesMy rating: 5 of 5 starsIf you've read my reviews on Goodreads, you'll know that I'm not very generous with my 5-star ratings. This book totally deserves it! I rate books differently than most. 3-stars, I like. 4-stars, I like a lot. 5-stars, holy cow this is amazing!!!My wife is probably getting tired of listening to me rave about this book.Okay, so the title of this book didn't really interest me at first. Honestly, I just got it because it was available at the library, and I didn't see anything else at the time that I cared to try. Sometimes I find my favorite books this way.Anyhow, this is the book about a boy prodigy that was doing some pretty amazing things before he was even a teenager. While his story is inspiring, what really makes this a great read, is that Tom Clynes includes research into child development and education, showing how our system and values currently are, and how they and our parenting could be improved.Granted, I've never read much into political candidates promises as they pertain to educational reform, but now I will. After reading this book, I want to be involved in helping our children not only catch up to the rest of the world, but possibly even advance beyond. We used to be good at this, but we've slipped in the last few decades.Of course having young children, this book hits close to home. Still, there is a cultural shift that needs to happen if we are to stop holding our children back, and start letting them fly.I'd rate this book as G or possibly PG for some adult ideas.Mostly though, I believe that this book is a MUST READ for everyone that is affected by the education our children receive. That pretty much includes just about everyone.I can't recommend this book enough. Thank you Tom Clynes for doing such a good job with this. I can see that you put a lot of time and effort into your research.Check me out on Goodreads to see more of my reviews. Not only do I review every book I read, but I also give a movie style rating for it. Hope to see you there. Oh, and don't forget to sign up for my newsletter for the free book I'm releasing this winter (2016).

The Boy Who Played With Fusion

The Boy Who Played with Fusion: Extreme Science, Extreme Parenting, and How to Make a Star by Tom Clynes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


If you've read my reviews, you'll know that I'm not very generous with my 5-star ratings. This book totally deserves it! I rate books differently than most. 3-stars, I like. 4-stars, I like a lot. 5-stars, holy cow this is amazing!!!

My wife is probably getting tired of listening to me rave about this book.

Okay, so the title of this book didn't really interest me at first. Honestly, I just got it because it was available at the library, and I didn't see anything else at the time that I cared to try. Sometimes I find my favorite books this way.

Anyhow, this is the book about a boy prodigy that was doing some pretty amazing things before he was even a teenager. While his story is inspiring, what really makes this a great read, is that Tom Clynes includes research into child development and education, showing how our system and values currently are, and how they and our parenting could be improved.

Granted, I've never read much into political candidates promises as they pertain to educational reform, but now I will. After reading this book, I want to be involved in helping our children not only catch up to the rest of the world, but possibly even advance beyond. We used to be good at this, but we've slipped in the last few decades.

Of course having young children, this book hits close to home. Still, there is a cultural shift that needs to happen if we are to stop holding our children back, and start letting them fly.

I'd rate this book as G or possibly PG for some adult ideas.

Mostly though, I believe that this book is a MUST READ for everyone that is affected by the education our children receive. That pretty much includes just about everyone.

I can't recommend this book enough. Thank you Tom Clynes for doing such a good job with this. I can see that you put a lot of time and effort into your research.



View all my reviews

Free Pre-release Copy of 'Swing Low- The Hangman of The Woods'

There’s only one thing that dedicated book lovers like more than good literature, and that is to get it all for free.But books aren’t free, not unless you like long lines at your local library.Fortunately, for you, you found me. Yes, that’s what I tell my wife too, and just like you, she's sometimes skeptical. Still, despite my constant obsessions with storytelling, she puts up with me, even loves me most of the time—bless her compassionate heart. Hopefully, I can find a similar soft spot in your heart, or at least while you’re reading.Like any underpaid author, I’m not too keen on giving my books away for free, but for you, I will make an exception, at least for a little while.So, how can I get a free book?Good question. It’s easy, and fun. Just sign up for my newsletter on my website. If you’re already signed up, just hang tight, or better yet, tell your friends and family to sign up as well. The more, the better, at least for me.So here’s how it’s going to work:First, you sign up for my newsletter. Don’t worry, I’m not fan of spam, unless it comes in a can. You’d be surprised how many ways you can cook that stuff.Second, as soon as I’ve finished the final draft of my latest book: Swing Low, I’ll start emailing it out, 3 chapters each week until the book is ended. Isn’t this fun! Wait, it gets better.At the end of this string of emails, I will gift the entire ebook to you, most likely in the form of a Kindle download.Why would I do this?Simple I need to get the word out about me. This isn’t my day job. I do construction for a living. I love my job, but it leaves little time for writing, even less time for promoting my books. Since I’d rather keep writing books than spend time selling them, I’m hoping that you’ll help get the word out for me. If you don’t like my books, fine. But if you do, please, please, without sounding desperate PLEASE HELP ME!I’ve become addicted to storytelling, and every book I work on gets better and better. I’m honing my craft. I’ll keep writing whether or not anyone buys my books, but it sure would be nice to eventually make a penny on the side.So now that I’ve finished my extremely selfish rant, please remember, that this book offer is completely free. You can’t lose.To see what Swing Low is all about, visit theBooks Pageon my website. You can also see what other books I’m working on or finished.You can also visit myCatalog Pageto find several great books by authors who are local to me, and you’ll also find several of my own personal book recommendations.Just look at the bottom of any page on my website to sign up for my newsletter.

Brandon Sanderson: A Utah Author

Several months ago, I was in a funk. I’d just come off of reading the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. I loved these books. When I finished reading the last book, I didn’t even want to read another book for at least a month because the ending was so good that I wanted to soak it all in.

Of course that sentiment only lasted about a day, then I was itching to pick up another book.

I wanted a book that could transport me to another world in much the same way that the Wheel of Time did. Since Brandon Sanderson finished out the last few books for the late Robert Jordan, I decided to give him a try.

My first attempt was dismal at best. I don’t even know which book of his I started, but I had such a hard time getting into it that I put it down for a while. Then about two months ago, I decided to give it another try.

I picked up The Way of Kings. Just like before, the first forty or so pages were a little tricky to get through. Not that they were bad, because they were good, but Brandon was building a complex world that is as different from ours as can be. Also, as I understand, it’s going to span into a ten book series. But having been warned of this, I pushed on through.

How glad I am!

This is officially my new favorite book series, and I think that’s saying something, considering that I read nonstop, several books and genres at a time. I consume new books every week.After having finished The Way of Kings, I jumped right into Words of Radiance. Likewise, I couldn’t put that down.

Unfortunately, now I’m stuck waiting for the next installment of the series. Sigh…

So who is Brandon Sanderson?

Born in Nebraska, Brandon served an LDS mission to Korea before returning home to start an English degree at BYU.

Working hard and writing profusely, Brandon under the mentorship of the famous writer David Farland, was able to get his books published. Aside from writing, Brandon enjoys sharing his advice through the creative writing classes that he now teaches at BYU and through other means.

Married, with kids, and living in Utah, Brandon Sanderson is one Utah author that you simply shouldn’t ignore.

BOOKSSteelheart Series:
Steelheart
Mitosis
Firefight
Calamity
The Stormlight Archives:
The Way of Kings
Words of Radiance
Mistborn Series:
Mistborn
The Well of Ascension
The Hero of Ages
The Alloy of Law
Shadows of Self
The Bands of Mourning
Elantris Series:
Elantris
The Emperor’s Soul
Alcatraz vs The Evil Librarians Series:
Alcatraz vs The Evil Librarians
The Scrivener’s Bones
The Knights of Crystallia
The Shattered Lens
The Dark Talent
Legion Series:
Legion
Skin Deep
Infinity Blade Series:
Awakening
Redemption
Wheel of Time Series:
The Gathering Storm
Towers of Midnight
A Memory of Light

White Sand
Warbreaker
The Rithmatist
Arcanum Unbounded
Plus lots more to come…

Overall Rating
PG to PG-13
For violence and a little mild language

Of the books I’ve read so far, Brandon is able to transport the reader to some extremely well thought out and unique worlds. His books are clean, and if you’re looking for a multiple award winning fantasy writer, give Brandon Sanderson a try!

If you'd like to read more, please visit his website athttp://brandonsanderson.com. You’ll see what new books he’s currently working on and get a better feel for an author who deserves the success he’s gained.

You can also search for and purchase books by Brandon on ourExtended Catalog, hosted by Amazon.

Don't forget to check out other great authors that we're reading about on ourUtah Author's Spotlight.

Most importantly, don't forget to check out ourPromo Pagefor FREE books or other great specials from Blue House Publishing!

Dream Big Release Date

Many of you have been waiting all year for this. Well it's finally here. Dream Big, Leslie Zimmerman's debut children's book has arrived.The official release date for this adorable children's book will be August 1st, 2016. For those of you who have pre-ordered the book through our online catalog, we'll be shipping these out around July 15th so that you can get them before they're available to the rest of the world.We're all excited that you've placed so much trust in Leslie and her illustrator