Cameron Haley's Blog, page 2

A Review and Status Check

I've been somewhat remiss in updating the blog the last couple weeks. Here's why. I'm in the middle of reviewing the final proofs of SKELETON CREW, which I'd like to finish this weekend. Luna has also asked for a proposal for WITCH HUNT, the tentative title of Book 3, along with the first chapter. Huzzah! This means they'd like The Underworld Cycle to continue, which is a good sign. And finally, I'm pulling together a "making of" article on MOB RULES for Fantasy Book Critic, one of the top fantasy fiction blogs and one that covers UF extensively. And on that note, Fantasy Book Critic recently posted an excellent, in-depth review of MOB RULES.

"Overall a good debut effort and Cameron Haley marks himself out amongst the UF crowd with this dark tale."

Back to work! Happy Halloween!

Kindle Power

I've posted before on my possibly indecent affection for the Kindle. Now that my debut novel is out, I love it for a whole new reason: sumbitch sells some books.

Okay, MOB RULES isn't a romance — I've noticed a couple DNFs from paranormal romance readers at Goodreads* — but lots of readers who enjoy romances will also enjoy MOB RULES. Even if they remain unconvinced with the romantic shenanigans. Actually, that's a pretty healthy attitude, as I've noted before.

There's really no telling what this rank translates to in terms of sales. NovelRank estimates it at 69 Kindle books so far this month, fourteen of them coming today, but I've heard the estimates are unreliable–on the low side. Whatever, it's a nice amount of books, considering we're told digital books make up less than 10% of sales.

Maybe you're one of those 14+ readers who picked up the Kindle book today. If so, thank you. Just remember what I said about the "romance" bit. And, for that matter, if you're one of the people who picked up HARVEST MOON because it's a bestseller in a couple "Children's Book" sub-categories…sorry about the f-bombs and murders.

* Did Not Finish

Happy Birthday, HARVEST MOON!

Today is release day for HARVEST MOON! Remember, "Retribution," a prequel novella in The Underworld Cycle, is included in this anthology, along with stories from Mercedes Lackey and Michelle Sagara. RT Book Reviews Magazine has a review:

This is a somewhat uneven anthology; the contributions from Lackey and Sagara are well written, but confusing for newcomers, while Haley's tale is much stronger and well worth the time — Haley is definitely an author to watch!

For what it's worth, I didn't find either of the headlining stories confusing, and I plan to read the Elantra series on the strength of "Cast in Moonlight." Guess I'm biased, but a good story's a good story, I don't care who you are…

And for balance, here's what the first Amazon has to say about my effort.

The last story by Cameron Haley had too much gore and blood for me. The heroine (?) was not likeable at all and I personally felt she was too cold to make a good heroine. She murders a man at a cross roads to keep his ghost from haunting her but he has time to cast a death curse on her. The story deals with her attempts to either kill or subvert the messenger who will carry out the death curse. I did not feel any sympathy for any characters in this story. It was cold and left me cold.

Best bad review ever, but I feel guilty for dragging Mercedes and Michelle down with me.

SKELETON CREW release date

StatCounter tells me people want to know, so…SKELETON CREW is currently scheduled for release in May 2011. This is the publishing industry, things can change, but that's where we stand at the moment.

MOB RULES Review at AAR

All About Romance has an excellent review of MOB RULES today. Let me say that again: It's an excellent review. This part was interesting:

The one thing I did not get about Domino was who she crushed on – it just didn't read true. Finding out that author was a man explained a bit of that for me. Call it prejudice if you must, but I just think a middle aged male understands the attraction to something pretty but useless in the friend department more than your average woman. There isn't much of...

SKELETON CREW: Edits Done

I've completed the first round of edits on SKELETON CREW and sent them back to my editor. Now I wait to find out if I hit the mark or if a second round is forthcoming. I intend to celebrate with an adult beverage and the series premiere of Boardwalk Empire.

MOB RULES Review from the Book Faerie

The Book Faerie has a review of MOB RULES up at Journey of a Bookseller.

I'll be watching for the next book in this series. This story is too good to just stop here. Check out your local bookstore and pick up a copy for yourself. If you like action/fantasy/romance, this one will please you. I highly recommend it!

Interview at Bookyurt

There's a new interview with me about all things MOB RULES at Bookyurt. Check it out!

HARVEST MOON Review

There's a review of HARVEST MOON up at Dreams and Speculation. I particularly liked the reviewer's comment about "Retribution"

If I could complain about one thing in this story it would be that it's just too short and that I wanted more.  And that makes me look very much forward to Skeleton Crew, which is due to be out next summer (2011).

SKELETON CREW Edits

My edits are in for SKELETON CREW and I have to say I'm very happy with them. The pacing and plot are in good shape, no major structural issues, but Adan is going to get some more backstory and development. This makes me happy, because he's starting to grow on me.