Michael Poeltl's Blog, page 5

Bearded Authors and their Wisdom, Revealed

I'm growing a beard because there is a proud and primal history of beards among authors. Joining the ranks of Ginsberg, Whitman, Hemingway and the like if only in facial hair. Though I have my doubts I'll ever rank among these literary heavy-weights in the written word, I am determined now to meet them head on with a beard of my own.
I may be only 46, but since I'd gone grey prematurely, I thought it time to mimic the great ones whose beards were as mine; the salt 'n pepper, the silv...

ALITA, Battle Angel - December, 2018

Okay, so after writing AI Insurrection, I hear rumblings of Alita, the ambitious Manga adaptation brought to us by James Cameron. I'm immediately excited.
The story goes: when Alita awakens with no memory of who she is in a future world she does not recognize, she is taken in by Ido. As Alita learns to navigate her new life and the treacherous streets of Iron City, Ido tries to protect her from her mysterious history, which is glimpsed in the trailer. Her street-smart new friend Hugo offers to...

How a writer knows they're a writer

Ever wonder how a story is conceived? That book you’re reading wasn’t made in a day.  But you knew that already. What you may not know are the processes involved in hammering out a plot, characters, settings and the unique voice each character must sustain, their relationships with one another and growth throughout the book. None of that comes easily unless you somehow manage to tap into the Ether and allow the characters to speak for themselves and the story to work itself out. I’ve don...

How Westworld is similar to AI Insurrection

So, the 1973 movie Westworld has been starring me in the face for the last 45 years. Though I’ve never seen the movie or the TV show which has been running since 2017. So, after reading up on them and watching trailers I know enough about both the TV Show and Movie to say they share many themes with my new book; AI Insurrection.
Westworld isn't your typical amusement park. Intended for rich vacationers, the futuristic park -- which is looked after by robotic "hosts" - allows its visitors to l...

You've got to show gratitude as an Indy author. Video is key.

Thanking my editors and readers in my book's acknowledgements just wasn't enough so I thanked them with a video too! Video is a powerful tool for indy authors and a great way to market yourself and your book(s). Let your audience get to know you through personalized video presentations. It's so much fun!



All of my videos for my books and book trailers can be found on my Youtube playlist, including a few radio interviews I've done in the past.

www.mikepoeltl.com

Arts & Culture Support for Authors

If you live in a city, town or borough, you need to look into its artistic support services.  That's what I've done, and it has helped get the word out to my new city that I am here, and a local author.  July 2018, I am now their featured artist and seeing some good publicity opportunities.

I approached the library next, and with this new article written by the city staff authenticating my status, was given the contact info for the library's buyer. Now my new book may be placed in th...

Living with A Writer is Bliss. Sometimes.

Because there is always someone who has to put up with a writer, this MEME seems so, so right. AS entertaining as it can be exhausting.


But writer's aren't to blame, I mean, we can't help it. If we see an opportunity to be creative, we take it. Most authors are quite witty even if they are the wall flower at the party. Once you get them started, there's really no stopping them.

Enjoy.

Comparisons are Necessary in Order to Build Your Audience

It’s nice to get a review which offers comparisons to your book so those reading the review can get a clearer picture of your plot. i.e. “A great read for anyone who enjoys extensively built worlds, philosophical questions, and an ol' fashioned A.I uprising. Reminiscent of I-Robot and Do Androids Dream of Sheep, I really liked the core premise of the plot and the irony of the outcomes.”
If they’d read and enjoyed one of the books being compared to yours, then they know there is a good ch...

Winning on the ratings game with Indy Sci-fi

It can be said that a smaller number of reviews and ratings still reflects a book’s worth. Whether you have over 100,000 reviews or under 100, the book is honestly represented by the reviews and ratings it has garnished. When looking for a book, reviews are important. They give a potential reader an idea of how someone else perceived the work. Even bad reviews from the right person will sway someone else to buy a book in spite of their scathing review.

Regardless, just because a book has 10,00...

How an Indie Science Fiction Novel beat out Traditional Publishers

So, they say video is king, and I know they're not wrong, but I'm an author, not an actor and not one to particularly enjoy the spotlight. But, being in front of a camera rather than live in front of  250 guests at a wedding (which I have managed twice) was easier than I thought. Though I miss the wild applause, I don't miss the sweaty palms and pounding heart that accompanies a traditional 'speaking' engagement.

 Yes, I have shot a few videos now which have to do with A.I. Insurrect...