R.R. Campbell's Blog, page 9

What I Learned About Writing by Not Writing in Montana

On the longest day of the year, my wife and I set off on a westward trek across five states and countless cities. From La Crosse to Rochester to Sioux Falls to Gilette to Missoula (and so many places in between), we took in the wildlife, played 90s Trivial Pursuit, and listened to the Hamilton soundtrack ad nauseam.

Writing, however, was the one thing I didn’t do during our week of road tripping.

[image error]Some of Montana’s approximately six quadrillion mountains.

That’s right. There were no fresh words for any of my manuscripts. No outlines. No new blog posts or (writing-related) Instagram pics. Yes, all really was quiet while I was on our equivalent of the western front.

This may sound glorious to some, but those who know me are likely ready to dial a doctor, concerned about what this lack of productivity might mean for my general wellbeing.

Well, I’m here to say at ease, folks.

[image error]The view from atop the land on which we stayed.

In fact, a week away might have been the best thing I could have done for my writing. By putting some space between me and the daily writerly grind, I’m seeing it anew. For the first time in months, I’m not just feeling good about getting back to the keys; I’m genuinely excited for it.

That said, I really should have seen this coming. The weeks leading up to our trip weren’t the first during which I felt as though I was on the verge of a creative meltdown, only to see it countered by taking some time away.

And I know I’m not alone in experiencing these on-the-brink-of-creative-disaster scenarios, either. Far too often I talk to writers and other creatives who’ll say their work is giving them trouble or that they’re feeling stuck. These can be (and in a great number of cases are) story-related issues, but many times I suspect it’s an ongoing or impending burnout that’s causing such frustration.

[image error]Yes, the water was *that* blue.

For as counterintuitive as it might seem, if you’re feeling as though you’re in this position, take a break. Stop trying to untie that plot knot for a day, a week, or a month, and fill your time with anything else instead (90s Trivial Pursuit, anyone?). Or, even better, fill your time with absolutely nothing (by which I mean take a hike or go for a swim or recline outdoors and listen to the birds, letting your thoughts go where they may).

[image error]A scene from Glacier National Park.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll find that putting some time and distance between you and your projects is all that’s required to recognize possibilities you once thought impossible or to feel rejuvenated enough to breathe new life into your work. It took me a week of driving, hiking, and keeping my ears preened and eyes peeled for bears to finally overcome the malaise that had me in its grips, but perhaps all you’ll need is a day, an afternoon, or an hour of lounging to get your groove back.

So go on. I dare you to do it. I dare you to not write.

Your writing will thank you for it.

Like what you’ve read here? You can subscribe to my newsletter to get more articles like these throughout the year. And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, too. You can also meet me at any one of my upcoming events, or reach out about having me speak at one of your own.

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Published on July 01, 2019 05:30

Imminent Dawn – The Reviews Are In!

We’re now five months removed from the release of Imminent Dawn, and a number of glowing reviews have come in from around the globe! Be sure to check out a sample of them below before cashing in on great deals on print and e-book versions of Imminent Dawn!

But act soon—these deals expire on June 30th!

Book Description

Art-school dropout Chandra would do anything to apologize for her role in her wife’s coma—including enroll in the first round of human trials for an internet-access brain implant.

At first, the secretive research compound is paradise, but a dark wave of uncertainty soon crashes down on the study, pitting Chandra against ruthless tech magnate Wyatt, a man whose own secrets compel him to press on with his work at all costs.

Beyond the complex’s walls, horrifying rumors about the EMPATHY brain implant reach the desk of investigative journalist Meredith, who strives to verify her mysterious source’s veracity—until threats of unknown origin force her to choose between her sleuthing and her life.

All the while, advancement-hungry administrative assistant Ariel eagerly does the bidding of her higher-ups, woefully unaware they might not have the best interests of the compound’s patients in mind.

Forced to confront conspiracies stretching from the highest levels of the North American Union government to the lowest dredges of its shadowy hacking collectives, all four characters are set on a collision course that will leave them fighting to reclaim that which they value most: their loved ones, their freedom, their lives.

A twistedly delightful clockwork of intrigue and suspense, Imminent Dawn is an electrifying sci-fi debut from author r. r. campbell.

And this June, signed print copies are 15% off with keyword SUMMER19! You can also get 40% off ebooks with keyword PRIDE if you order directly from my publisher.

Imminent Dawn

Mourning Dove

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Published on June 28, 2019 09:00

EMPATHY on Tour – Thank You, Books and Beer!

I had a blast at last night’s Books and Beer event in Columbus, Wisconsin. Thanks to everyone who attended, to author Valerie Biel for organizing the event, and to Cercis Brewing Company for hosting.

This was the final stop of the EMPATHY spring tour, but I’m already adding new events for this summer! Be sure to keep an eye on that page and on my Facebook events page for additional events in the coming months.

That said, here are some photos from Books and Beer!

The event might have been called Books and Beer, but that didn’t stop me from having a Moscow Mule instead.

Valerie Biel (right) was a great host; she kept the conversation flowing and moderated the event expertly.

Janet (right) was visiting from California! She’d already read Imminent Dawn; I was more than happy to sign it and a copy of Mourning Dove for her.

Behold! The signed copy of Mourning Dove.

Thanks again to everyone who made this a memorable evening.

Want to get in on the book that brought all of these people together? Good news—this June, signed print copies are 15% off with keyword SUMMER19! And you can get 40% off ebooks with keyword PRIDE if you order directly from my publisher.

Imminent Dawn

Mourning Dove

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Published on June 21, 2019 07:00

He’s Back! R.R. Campbell at Turtle Creek Books

On the heels of May’s successful event at Turtle Creek Books in Beloit, I’ll be returning to that very place (during the farmers’ market again, I might add) on September 14th, 2019.

You can join me that morning between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to talk all things EMPATHY and science fiction and to grab signed copies of either (or both!) Imminent Dawn or Mourning Dove. Be sure to RSVP at this address.

And before and after you’ve paid a visit to Beloit’s favorite bookstore, don’t forget to swing by the farmers’ market, which will be going on right outside the store’s doors!

If you can’t wait until September to get your hands on the first two books of the EMPATHY series (and I can’t blame you for not wanting to wait), you can buy them at the links below.

Oh, and this June, signed print copies are 15% off with keyword SUMMER19! And you can get 40% off ebooks with keyword PRIDE if you order directly from my publisher.

Imminent Dawn

Mourning Dove

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Published on June 19, 2019 07:00

R.R. Campbell Comes to Milwaukee!

It’s finally happening.

This September, I’ll have my first event in the Milwaukee area since the debut of Imminent Dawn in January of this year. That’s right, I’ll be at at Mighty Con in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 7th, 2019.

You can find full details about the conference here, and don’t forget to RSVP that you’ll be swinging by my table during the course of the day.

As always, I’ll have books available to purchase and will be there to talk all things EMPATHY and sci-fi. Be sure to find me in the products pavilion and say hello!

If you can’t wait until September to get your hands on the first two books of the EMPATHY series (and I can’t blame you for not wanting to wait), you can buy them at the links below. And of course I’ll gladly sign any copies you’ve bought prior to the event at Mighty Con in September.

Oh, and this June, signed print copies are 15% off with keyword SUMMER19! And you can get 40% off ebooks with keyword PRIDE if you order directly from my publisher.

Imminent Dawn

Mourning Dove

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Published on June 18, 2019 07:00

Coming Soon: R.R. Campbell at Mighty Con – Madison

There may be one event left in my spring tour, but I’m already looking forward to events this late summer and fall, including this newly announced stop at Mighty Con in Madison, Wisconsin on August 4th, 2019.

You can find full details about the conference here, and don’t forget to RSVP that you’ll be swinging by my table during the course of the day.

As always, I’ll have books available to purchase and will be there to talk all things EMPATHY and sci-fi. Be sure to find me in the exhibition hall and say hello!

If you can’t wait until August to get your hands on the first two books of the EMPATHY series (and I can’t blame you for not wanting to wait), you can buy them at the links below. And of course I’ll gladly sign any copies you’ve bought prior to the event at Mighty Con in August.

Oh, and this June, signed print copies are 15% off with keyword SUMMER19! And you can get 40% off ebooks with keyword PRIDE if you order directly from my publisher.

Imminent Dawn

Mourning Dove

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Published on June 17, 2019 07:00

EMPATHY Series – June Updates

It hasn’t been especially long since I’ve provided an update on the series, but there have definitely been a few developments in the EMPATHY sci-fi saga, so let’s explore!

Audiobooks!

I’m working on it, trust me.

After feedback from a number of people at WisCon in May, it seems there really is a decent demand for this series in audiobook format, which is great! The challenge here, unfortunately, is that audiobooks are very costly to produce, and finding the right voice actor can be tough.

There is something you can do to help get us closer to making EMPATHY audiobooks a reality, though!

Voice actors want to know they’re going to get a good return on the time they invest recording, so they often turn to reviews on Amazon and Goodreads to see how much traction a book has. That means both quality and quantity of reviews are important.

You likely see where this is going, but in case not—if you’ve read any of the books in this series, please consider leaving an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads. And note this: you don’t have to have purchased a book on Amazon in order to leave a review on Amazon. It’s true, I promise.

Despite the hype there might be behind the scenes and person-to-person, the more demonstrable hype we have online for this series, the more likely its installments are to be made into audiobooks (and sooner, too)!

And thank you to everyone who’s already left a review. They really do help other readers find the series, which is all any writer can ask for.

También disponible en español

Well, not quite yet, but soon(ish)! That’s right; Imminent Dawn is now scheduled to be translated into Spanish. As of now, the timeline for this isn’t certain, but all of the dominos have been placed, and I’m hopeful the first few of them will fall starting later this year.

This means Imminent Dawn isn’t likely to be available in Spanish until 2020 at the earliest, but until then it’ll be exciting to imagine copies of Amanecer Inminente in manos everywhere!

EMPATHY – Now Streaming Everywhere

Hopefully. Eventually.

In the coming months, I plan on writing a possible pilot episode for an EMPATHY televised serial. I’ll be studying up on screenplay formatting and will start scrawling this July if my timelines remain on target. My plan is to use a few connections I’ve made with some folks in the world of TV and film to see what might be done about finding representation for those rights, as I’ve retained those in my publishing contracts.

It’s a dream, sure, but I figure doing the ground work here will be worthwhile. In the very least, I’ll learn a thing or two about writing for TV and film, which isn’t a bad thing.

What about Event Horizon?

Yes, I know. You’re wondering where book three of the series fits in amid all of these new ventures and exciting announcements.

Well, I won’t leave you high and dry here.

Event Horizon is now off to my editor and a small group of beta readers, all of which is to say a readable draft of this book exists! We’re definitely on target for our spring 2020 release.

I’m pretty pleased with how this installment turned out, though I can see how readers might view this one as another transitional book in the series. In some ways, books two through five will be the equivalent of pages one to two hundred in Imminent Dawn with a lot of build up and a few twists and turns along the way. The final one or two books in the series will then be where we get the final clashes, the high-stakes action, and the do-or-die moments that have been set up in the first installments of the series.

I think what I like most about Event Horizon is how much time we get to spend with Ty. He really carries this one, and I know he’s become a favorite to a number of you. I’m totally with you on that; he’s among my favorite characters to write (Chandra is still my first love where this series is concerned), and that makes getting his story down a really wonderful experience, even if he does have about nineteen pots too many on the stovetop in Event Horizon, so to speak.

Where in the world is Rubicon?

It’s on my mind, I promise. I plan on taking a few months off from writing the main thrust of the series, however, in order to keep myself from getting burnt out. I’ll have plenty on my plate with the above projects, and I want to make sure I don’t rush through the stories of Alistair, Heather, Peter, Ren, and Gary (and others!) when it comes time to pick up where I left off with book four, Rubicon.

All good things in time, folks, or at least that’s what I keep telling myself.

Until next time, you can find Imminent Dawn and Mourning Dove at the links below. And this June, signed print copies are 15% off with keyword SUMMER19! Oh, and you can get 40% off ebooks with keyword PRIDE if you order directly from my publisher.

Thanks for reading!

Imminent Dawn

Mourning Dove

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Published on June 14, 2019 05:00

Books and Beer Event featured on WiscNews!

We’re now only one week from the final event of the EMPATHY spring tour, and this one’s sure to be a doozy. And the hype is real; Thursday, June 20th’s Books and Beer event at Cercis Brewery in Columbus, Wisconsin was just featured on wiscnews.com!

You can read the whole article here.

Will you be joining me and dozens of others for this social book club event? Let us know here.

Unable to make it to Books and Beer but still need to get your hands on a copy of any of the books in the EMPATHY series? Remember, paperbacks are currently 15% off (with free shipping!) on my author site, and you can get 40% off ebooks at ninestarpress.com with keyword PRIDE.

Imminent Dawn

Mourning Dove

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Published on June 13, 2019 07:00

EMPATHY Goes International!

You read it here first; signed copies of the books in the EMPATHY series are now available to readers beyond the borders of the United States!

In Canada? Got you covered. Australia? No problem. Mexico? Austria? Brazil? You know it.

Now readers everywhere can get their hands on signed copies of the story of art-school dropout Chandra, ruthless tech magnate Wyatt, relentless investigative journalist Meredith, and advancement-hungry administrative assistant Ariel.

How do I get signed copies shipped internationally?

All you have to do is visit my author website at this link, add up to three books to your cart (don’t forget to use discount code SUMMER19 to save 15%!), and check out. Then you’re all set! I’ll have a signed, personally dedicated copy on its way to you, a loved one, or friend per your request.

Prefer e-books? Not interested in a signed copy? You can find the books in the EMPATHY series below using the following links, too!

Imminent Dawn

Mourning Dove

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Published on June 12, 2019 08:00

Limited Time Only: 40% Off EMPATHY e-books!

Four people. One study. The internet-access brain implant to bind or destroy them all.

Oh, and an awesome June deal on EMPATHY series e-books!

Thanks to NineStar Press, you can now get 40% off every e-book in the EMPATHY series by using code PRIDE at check-out on ninestarpress.com.

Not familiar with the first book in the series, Imminent Dawn? Check out the trailer below to get a feel for why it debuted at number one for its genre on Amazon!

Awesome, right? Now click here and use keyword PRIDE at check-out to get that 40% off while it lasts!

Have you read Imminent Dawn but haven’t yet jumped into book two, Mourning Dove? Or maybe you’re considering getting books one and two while they’re both on sale (which you should very much do). You can check out the trailer for Mourning Dove below!

I know, right? And the action only picks up from there with the later books in the series, which are due out in 2020 and beyond.

So get book Mourning Dove here, too, while you’re at it! There’s never been a better time to start working toward those summer reading goals.

Remember, this deal won’t last long. Act now and don’t miss out!

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Published on June 11, 2019 07:00