Michael Embry's Blog, page 18
December 17, 2017
Opioid Epidemic in U.S.
The opioid problem in the United States has reached epidemic proportions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC reports that since 1999, deaths involving the use of opioids, including prescription drugs and heroin, has quadrupled. Figures reveal that more than 500,000 have died from overdoses since 2000. Ninety-one die each day from this scourge that has spread across America, filtering into all economic classes.
Every day when I pick up my daily newspaper, the State Journal in Frankfort, Ky., I read about drug arrests and overdoses, sometimes covering nearly a page in court news. Check out this story from last June about the increase in opioid deaths. Frankfort is the state capital, the fourth smallest in the nation with a population of about 28,000.
The CDC also notes that each day more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments nationally for misusing prescription opioids.
Kentucky has addressed the problem with legislative initiatives to curtail the abuse of opioids and use of heroin in recent years. The state Office of Drug Control Policy reports that more than 1,000 Kentuckians die each year from overdoses. Furthermore, Kentucky ranks in the top three, along with New Hampshire and West Virginia in opioid deaths.
My latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," concerns drug addiction as it affects a family. I hope it brings more attention, more discussion, and more action to the problem as an increasing number of people are touched by this deadly disease.
To learn more about opioids and other drugs, read the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's fact sheets.
Until the next time. . . .
The CDC reports that since 1999, deaths involving the use of opioids, including prescription drugs and heroin, has quadrupled. Figures reveal that more than 500,000 have died from overdoses since 2000. Ninety-one die each day from this scourge that has spread across America, filtering into all economic classes.Every day when I pick up my daily newspaper, the State Journal in Frankfort, Ky., I read about drug arrests and overdoses, sometimes covering nearly a page in court news. Check out this story from last June about the increase in opioid deaths. Frankfort is the state capital, the fourth smallest in the nation with a population of about 28,000.
The CDC also notes that each day more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments nationally for misusing prescription opioids.
Kentucky has addressed the problem with legislative initiatives to curtail the abuse of opioids and use of heroin in recent years. The state Office of Drug Control Policy reports that more than 1,000 Kentuckians die each year from overdoses. Furthermore, Kentucky ranks in the top three, along with New Hampshire and West Virginia in opioid deaths.
My latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," concerns drug addiction as it affects a family. I hope it brings more attention, more discussion, and more action to the problem as an increasing number of people are touched by this deadly disease.To learn more about opioids and other drugs, read the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's fact sheets.
Until the next time. . . .
November 29, 2017
No NaNoWriMo
I must admit that I didn't complete the National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, in November.
On the first day, I wrote about 1,300 words. The next morning I sat down and couldn't find the file. I could have swore I saved the initial entry but it was nowhere to be found.
I tried to start again, but faltered after 500 words or so. And then I flamed out.
My heart really wasn't in it this year because of the passing of a loved one and a prior commitment to judge entries in a writing contest. I couldn't get focused even though I had a rough outline, one that I will be using when I start the third installment in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series.
I plan to get moving on the next novel in a few weeks when I don't have any extraordinary distractions.
This is the first time that I haven't completed a NaNoWriMo challenge. The previous efforts evolved into novels -- "Shooting Star," "The Bully List," "Old Ways and New Days," and the recently published "Darkness Beyond the Light."
I hope those who took the grueling challenge completed the 50,000-word goal. Any may you get published for all the hard work.
Until the next time. . . .
(P.S. While you're here, click on the Goodreads giveaway for "Darkness Beyond the Edge" at the upper right. And I would be honored if you'd follow the blog as well.)
On the first day, I wrote about 1,300 words. The next morning I sat down and couldn't find the file. I could have swore I saved the initial entry but it was nowhere to be found. I tried to start again, but faltered after 500 words or so. And then I flamed out.
My heart really wasn't in it this year because of the passing of a loved one and a prior commitment to judge entries in a writing contest. I couldn't get focused even though I had a rough outline, one that I will be using when I start the third installment in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series.
I plan to get moving on the next novel in a few weeks when I don't have any extraordinary distractions.
This is the first time that I haven't completed a NaNoWriMo challenge. The previous efforts evolved into novels -- "Shooting Star," "The Bully List," "Old Ways and New Days," and the recently published "Darkness Beyond the Light."I hope those who took the grueling challenge completed the 50,000-word goal. Any may you get published for all the hard work.
Until the next time. . . .
(P.S. While you're here, click on the Goodreads giveaway for "Darkness Beyond the Edge" at the upper right. And I would be honored if you'd follow the blog as well.)
November 24, 2017
Third Promotion
My third promotion for "Darkness Beyond the Light" will begin on Nov. 26 and run until Dec. 24 on Goodreads.com.
The first promotion was an ebook giveaway on Amazon and the second was an advertisement in Facebook. I plan to announce other promotions in the coming weeks so stay tuned.
The latest giveaway is for five print copies of the novel. I've done three previous contests on Goodreads with positive responses from readers wanting to enter.
While the promotion involves some financial outlay on my part—five books and postage to the winners—it also attracts attention and exposure for the novel. Most of the readers will since most click the "Want to Read" button, and perhaps a percentage of those will eventually purchase it.
So if you've like to enter, simply click on the button to the right of this post or go to Goodreads. By the way, Goodreads is a wonderful website that connects readers to authors and vice versa. I'd be honored if you decided to follow and/or friend me when you visit the page.
Until the next time. . . .
The first promotion was an ebook giveaway on Amazon and the second was an advertisement in Facebook. I plan to announce other promotions in the coming weeks so stay tuned.
The latest giveaway is for five print copies of the novel. I've done three previous contests on Goodreads with positive responses from readers wanting to enter.
While the promotion involves some financial outlay on my part—five books and postage to the winners—it also attracts attention and exposure for the novel. Most of the readers will since most click the "Want to Read" button, and perhaps a percentage of those will eventually purchase it.
So if you've like to enter, simply click on the button to the right of this post or go to Goodreads. By the way, Goodreads is a wonderful website that connects readers to authors and vice versa. I'd be honored if you decided to follow and/or friend me when you visit the page.
Until the next time. . . .
November 21, 2017
New Cover
Sometimes you have to take a step back in order to move forward. That's what the folks at Wings ePress have done with "Old Ways and New Days."
Since the novel is the first in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series, the cover needed to redone to reflect the change. Digital artist Richard Stroud has designed the new cover, which I believe gives more of an idea of what is between the covers.
Old 
New
Besides the new artwork, Stroud has added the "John Ross Boomer Lit Novel" strip across the bottom and uses a similar font to the one used in "Darkness Beyond the Light." Those elements will continue forthcoming books in the series.
Coming up with a cover that says something about the book is as difficult as trying to say what a book is about in 30 words or less. Authors try to do that (most of us don't) since it is something that would fit nicely in a sound bite.
And if that's not the case, they want a back cover blurb (my publisher prefers 75 words or less) that attracts potential readers. Just watch readers in a book store, library or some other place as they quickly scan blurbs to see which books they want to read—it's a quick process to capture their attention, or not.
So with the new cover, it's the hope that it will boost sales, especially from those who've read "Darkness Beyond the Light" but haven't read "Old Ways and New Days" because they will see the connection.
Until the next time. . . .
Since the novel is the first in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series, the cover needed to redone to reflect the change. Digital artist Richard Stroud has designed the new cover, which I believe gives more of an idea of what is between the covers.
Old NewBesides the new artwork, Stroud has added the "John Ross Boomer Lit Novel" strip across the bottom and uses a similar font to the one used in "Darkness Beyond the Light." Those elements will continue forthcoming books in the series.
Coming up with a cover that says something about the book is as difficult as trying to say what a book is about in 30 words or less. Authors try to do that (most of us don't) since it is something that would fit nicely in a sound bite.
And if that's not the case, they want a back cover blurb (my publisher prefers 75 words or less) that attracts potential readers. Just watch readers in a book store, library or some other place as they quickly scan blurbs to see which books they want to read—it's a quick process to capture their attention, or not.
So with the new cover, it's the hope that it will boost sales, especially from those who've read "Darkness Beyond the Light" but haven't read "Old Ways and New Days" because they will see the connection.
Until the next time. . . .
November 12, 2017
Second Promotion
I began a second promotion today, using Facebook to spread the word about "Darkness Beyond the Light."
Since the coming-of-old-age novel focuses primarily on AARP-age folks, I targeted baby boomers in major cities in the United States. It will run for 14 days. I've used Facebook in the past to promote by author page, garnering a good degree of success. I hope that holds true for the novel.
The ad will send folks to my author page on Amazon, where they will (hopefully) purchase the book. It will also expose them to my other novels and nonfiction books. I especially want them to consider "Old Ways and New Days" since it is the first book in the series.
I considered using Twitter, and I may still do so, but I'm going to do more research before I spend allocate any funds. If any authors out there, have you had success using Twitter?
I'll do a Goodreads giveaway as well, when the Facebook promotion is about over. I want to promote the book through the holiday season. By the way, "Darkness Beyond the Light" is set during the Christmas season.
I've looked into other places but have found them rather pricey, and a few simply come across as scams.
As I've noted in previous posts, promotion and marketing is not my forte. I do as much research as possible. Networking helps as other authors tell me of their experiences.
Until the next time. . . .
Since the coming-of-old-age novel focuses primarily on AARP-age folks, I targeted baby boomers in major cities in the United States. It will run for 14 days. I've used Facebook in the past to promote by author page, garnering a good degree of success. I hope that holds true for the novel.
The ad will send folks to my author page on Amazon, where they will (hopefully) purchase the book. It will also expose them to my other novels and nonfiction books. I especially want them to consider "Old Ways and New Days" since it is the first book in the series.I considered using Twitter, and I may still do so, but I'm going to do more research before I spend allocate any funds. If any authors out there, have you had success using Twitter?
I'll do a Goodreads giveaway as well, when the Facebook promotion is about over. I want to promote the book through the holiday season. By the way, "Darkness Beyond the Light" is set during the Christmas season.
I've looked into other places but have found them rather pricey, and a few simply come across as scams.
As I've noted in previous posts, promotion and marketing is not my forte. I do as much research as possible. Networking helps as other authors tell me of their experiences.
Until the next time. . . .
November 8, 2017
First Promotion
The first promotion for my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," is on Amazon through Nov. 23.
It's a giveaway of five e-books. You need to click here and tweet that you entered. It's that simple. Also, you don't have to own a Kindle to read the book. Amazon offers an app for Apple, Android, and Windows devices.
I know some folks don't have Twitter accounts so don't despair. I plan to have several other contests in the coming weeks to promote the John Ross Boomer Lit novel. Stay tuned!
Until the next time. . . .
It's a giveaway of five e-books. You need to click here and tweet that you entered. It's that simple. Also, you don't have to own a Kindle to read the book. Amazon offers an app for Apple, Android, and Windows devices.I know some folks don't have Twitter accounts so don't despair. I plan to have several other contests in the coming weeks to promote the John Ross Boomer Lit novel. Stay tuned!
Until the next time. . . .
November 5, 2017
Published!
My latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," is now out there for the world to see -- and to read -- from Wings ePress.
Here are the links for the e-book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
And for the print edition:
Amazon
It also will be available at Barnes & Noble. You can also order the novel through your local independent bookstore through CreateSpace.
Check back for updates and giveaways.
If you do purchase the novel, please leave a review and/or rating at the website. And that goes for all books because authors appreciate feedback.
Until the next time. . . .
Here are the links for the e-book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
And for the print edition:
Amazon
It also will be available at Barnes & Noble. You can also order the novel through your local independent bookstore through CreateSpace.
Check back for updates and giveaways.
If you do purchase the novel, please leave a review and/or rating at the website. And that goes for all books because authors appreciate feedback.
Until the next time. . . .
October 30, 2017
New Beginnings
While looking forward to the release of my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," on Nov. 1, I'll also begin another novel on the same day. "Darkness Beyond the Light" is the second installment in the John Ross Boomer Lit series, following "Old Ways and New Days." On a side note, this will be the 12th book, and eighth novel, I've written. I still get excited about release dates; it doesn't get old.
In writing the third part, I'll be participating in the annual National Novel Writing Month. It's something I've done in the past, resulting in published books. While producing 50,000 words in a month can be kind of daunting task (averaging 1,667 words a day), it's a great way to stay focused in reaching the goal. I encourage you to participate in NaNoWriMo if you have a novel inside you that's begging to see the light. You might be pleasantly surprised by what happens once you put your hands on the keyboard for several hours each day.
For me, it will be the first draft. I usually add another 35,000 or more words to a manuscript over the course of several rewrites and revisions. Writing a novel is more work than meets the eye.For the past few weeks, I've been working on a rough outline to keep me on track, especially the first couple of weeks. If the story takes hold, I veer off and go along for the ride. It's like a controlled stream of consciousness, if that makes any sense. And it can be exhilarating.
And it can be the opposite as well, at least for me, if the story is static and doesn't take hold of my imagination. And, unfortunately, it can be drudgery.
Now back to the outline because I don't want 30 days of drudgery.
Until the next time. . . .
P.S. Be sure and check back Nov. 1 for the release of "Darkness Beyond the Light."
October 24, 2017
One Week Before Publication of Novel
It's down to the final week before the release of my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light."
It's been a difficult but rewarding journey over the past year, from those first words to first draft to revisions to edits to cover art to final read to publication, which will be Nov. 1, when it's available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Wings ePress and other book-related websites.
I have been working on promotion and marketing the past few weeks. I'll be mailing postcards this weekend, sending news releases to various outlets, and notifying others through emails. I've been working on a book trailer for YouTube.
I've also been reading blogs and listening to podcasts for other recommendations from authors on most cost-efficient ways to market and promote a book. I plan a giveaway on Goodreads on the release date. There will be other surprise promotions as well.
My hope is that those who purchase the novel (or win a giveaway) will leave a review and/or rating on various websites. I've always believed that word of mouth is the best way to spread the word.
Until the next time. . . .
It's been a difficult but rewarding journey over the past year, from those first words to first draft to revisions to edits to cover art to final read to publication, which will be Nov. 1, when it's available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Wings ePress and other book-related websites.
I have been working on promotion and marketing the past few weeks. I'll be mailing postcards this weekend, sending news releases to various outlets, and notifying others through emails. I've been working on a book trailer for YouTube. I've also been reading blogs and listening to podcasts for other recommendations from authors on most cost-efficient ways to market and promote a book. I plan a giveaway on Goodreads on the release date. There will be other surprise promotions as well.
My hope is that those who purchase the novel (or win a giveaway) will leave a review and/or rating on various websites. I've always believed that word of mouth is the best way to spread the word.
Until the next time. . . .
October 1, 2017
One Month Before Publication of Novel
The publication of my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," is only a month from today.
As with my previous books, I'm excited about finally seeing it in print. I've already seen the e-book version, but being a traditionalist in many ways, there's nothing like holding a physical, page-turning print edition in my hands.
"Darkness Beyond the Light" is my eighth novel, and the first time that I've written a sequel to a book. It carries on with the trials and tribulations of John Ross, family and friends who were introduced in "Old Ways and New Days." My novels are published by Wings ePress.
I also plan a third installment in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. I wanted to get working on it sooner, but now I will write the first draft during National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, in November.
In the meantime, postcards will be mailed to libraries, bookstores, friends, and others in the next few weeks announcing the arrival of "Darkness Beyond the Light." I already have bookmarks, display posters, and various handouts ready to distribute at book signings this month (check appearances at bottom of page).
I'll also have promotions on Goodreads and Amazon so be sure to visit those websites and enter (there will be reminders posted here as well). If you're a Goodreads member, please send me a friend request. You can also like my Facebook author's page by clicking here.
Until the next time. . . .
As with my previous books, I'm excited about finally seeing it in print. I've already seen the e-book version, but being a traditionalist in many ways, there's nothing like holding a physical, page-turning print edition in my hands."Darkness Beyond the Light" is my eighth novel, and the first time that I've written a sequel to a book. It carries on with the trials and tribulations of John Ross, family and friends who were introduced in "Old Ways and New Days." My novels are published by Wings ePress.
I also plan a third installment in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. I wanted to get working on it sooner, but now I will write the first draft during National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, in November.
In the meantime, postcards will be mailed to libraries, bookstores, friends, and others in the next few weeks announcing the arrival of "Darkness Beyond the Light." I already have bookmarks, display posters, and various handouts ready to distribute at book signings this month (check appearances at bottom of page).
I'll also have promotions on Goodreads and Amazon so be sure to visit those websites and enter (there will be reminders posted here as well). If you're a Goodreads member, please send me a friend request. You can also like my Facebook author's page by clicking here.
Until the next time. . . .
