Daron D. Fraley's Blog, page 15

Newly Updated Website!

I have integrated my blog with my website, folks! The entire site runs on Wordpress now, and has a few new features.

I am still trying to figure out how to have a "followers" box on the site, but have not been able to find such a widget for wordpress. If any of you have such an animal, let me know how you did it.

Spend a few minutes and explore, if you don't mind. Let me know if you find broken links, typos, etc.

Thank you!

Secret Name Contest Results In Reader Being Immortalized In Book

I considered giving away a netbook. I really did. After all, they have become quite affordable. I actually type my stories on an ASUS 1000-HE running Ubuntu Linux Netbook Remix, and it is awesome.

Then I thought about giving away an iPod. But everybody does that. It seemed much too generic.

After discussing my options with my publisher and peers at the training I went to last week, I have come up with something far better. My hat is off to BJ Rowley of Valor Publishing Group for getting me star...

Did God punish Haiti?

Have you ever heard somebody say, "If God truly existed, he wouldn't allow people to suffer." Many times, this sentiment is expressed by those who have tasted of suffering in their life. Losing a loved one, living through extreme hardship, or experiencing severe disappointment has made them feel abandoned, or even punished. They have wondered, "WHY?"

They ask: Why do people suffer? What good does it do anyway? How can God allow it? Is he not merciful? If he truly loved us, wouldn't he help?

The...

Soon to be armed with a pen and dangerous

I am so completely stoked. My publisher, Valor Publishing Group, is da' bomb.

How many publishers out there do Author Training?

Can those publishers even be counted on more than one hand?


What does an author get trained in, you ask?

Public Speaking. The distribution chain, top to bottom. The printing process from layout, to printing, to binding, to trimming, to boxed books. Marketing and social media. The editing process from critiques to galley reviews. Writing Articles. Media kits. Press releas...

The Calm Before The Storm – or – 10 Lame Excuses For An Author

I wasn't sure what to call this post. Part of me finds it easy to justify my complete lack of attention to my blog. Another part of me insists that I shouldn't let the other part of me which likes to come up with lame excuses get away with it. I am going to let the lamer win. At least for a moment.

My reasons:

1. The Holidays: I really enjoyed spending time with family through the Christmas season. We played games a lot, and ate way too much food. On New Year's Eve, my son, son-in-law, and...

The Calm Before The Storm - or - 10 Lame Excuses For An Author

I wasn't sure what to call this post. Part of me finds it easy to justify my complete lack of attention to my blog. Another part of me insists that I shouldn't let the other part of me which likes to come up with lame excuses get away with it. I am going to let the lamer win. At least for a moment.

My reasons:

1. The Holidays: I really enjoyed spending time with family through the Christmas season. We played games a lot, and ate way too much food. On New Year's Eve, my son, son-in-law, and myse...

Tu Publishing – Open for multicultural fantasy/sci-fi submissions

I was not able to financially contribute to the startup of this publisher, but since I admire and respect the editor who started this project, I still wanted to help them out where I could. During the month of December, I helped to spread the word about their fund drive on twitter and facebook. I am here today to let folks know they are now open for business.

As of this week, they are accepting submissions for "multicultural fantasy and science fiction for children and young adults."

You can...

Tu Publishing - Open for multicultural fantasy/sci-fi submissions

I was not able to financially contribute to the startup of this publisher, but since I admire and respect the editor who started this project, I still wanted to help them out where I could. During the month of December, I helped to spread the word about their fund drive on twitter and facebook. I am here today to let folks know they are now open for business.

As of this week, they are accepting submissions for "multicultural fantasy and science fiction for children and young adults."

You can ch...

Hanukka and Christmas Miracles

My heart is warmed when I see a lit menorah during Hanukkah. Called "The Festival of Lights" it speaks of a great miracle at the time when the Maccabees regained control of the Temple in Jerusalem and only had one-days worth of oil for the menorah in the temple. They lit it anyway, and miraculously, the menorah stayed lit and burning for 8 days. Hanukkah means "dedication". It is a festival of hope and joy.

I feel those same feelings of hope and joy at Christmas time. For me, Christmas is a ti...

Merry Christmas Merry Christmas Merry Christmas

My heart is warmed when I see a lit menorah during Hanukkah. Called "The Festival of Lights" it speaks of a great miracle at the time when the Maccabees regained control of the Temple in Jerusalem and only had one-days worth of oil for the menorah in the temple. They lit it anyway, and miraculously, the menorah stayed lit and burning for 8 days. Hanukkah means "dedication". It is a festival of hope and joy.

I feel those same feelings of hope and joy at Christmas time. For me, Christmas is a ti...