Keith Robinson's Blog, page 16
May 8, 2013
The cost of shipping books internationally
This week I sent out pre-ordered signed paperback copies of Chamber of Ghosts. In the process of doing that, I realized that the US Postal Service doesn't want my business anymore, or anyone else's for that matter.
I used to send up to three books in a flat-rate envelope for $13.95 to anywhere in the world. Three books was a tight squeeze, but they fit, and the post office was fine with it. By the end of 2012, this flat rate had gone up to $16.95. That's quite a jump, but still acceptable. Today the same flat rate is $23.95.
Just so we're clear -- the international flat-rate postage has jumped from $13.95 to $23.95 in the space of a year. Now it's cheaper to send a single book using the first-class service ($16.75) while reserving the flat-rate service for packages containing two or three books. This is all way more expensive than it used to be.
Because of this, signed paperback copies of my books are now only available to readers in the USA -- unless of course anyone wants to email me and pay the ridiculous shipping, which I wouldn't recommend. Honestly, I know I'm a fabulous author and really famous and everything, but I don't think my signature is worth that much!
It's a shame, but since most of my sales are electronic these days, this shipping limitation will probably only affect a handful of readers. The trouble is, that handful are the ones who have been with me from the beginning, faithfully buying each new book as it's published. So for those readers I would still be happy to make a special arrangement. For everyone else, I'm afraid you'll have to order from Amazon wherever possible -- which is easy for UK readers, but not so easy for those in Australia and other countries.
This seems to be the way of things today. Because of the internet and email and electronic books, we use the traditional post office less, and they have to recover costs any way they can. But still, how about spreading the cost a little more? I can send books anywhere in the USA via media mail for a couple of dollars even when there are three or four in the package, yet it costs at least $16.75 to send ONE book overseas, and $23.95 for two or more. Yikes!
April 27, 2013
Last orders, please!
My proof print copy of Chamber of Ghosts arrived today. It looks great and is ready to go, and I'm about to place my first stock order. So if you want a printed and signed copy, please click here to add a copy to your cart and order today.
Click for larger viewNon-signed copies will be available from Amazon sometime soon as well.
April 24, 2013
Chamber of Ghosts is published
It's April 24th, exactly four years to the day since Island of Fog (Book 1) was published. For all those who are tearing out their hair and jumping up and down with anticipation, Chamber of Ghosts (Island of Fog, Book 6) is now published on Kindle. Go get it here:
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.ukAmazon lets you read the first couple of chapters via their LookInside! feature, or you can go to my Chamber of Ghosts page instead.
I'm now working on getting the print edition ready. This is just a matter of uploading the files to CreateSpace, but of course then I have to wait for the proof before ordering my first stock, so that's probably 1-2 weeks in total. Those who have pre-ordered are first in line. Those who have not pre-ordered but want to, now would be the time to do it! Just click the button below to add a copy to your shopping cart. You can pay using PayPal or Google Checkout. Or, if you're local and would prefer to pay in person, just email me and we'll sort it out.
A special thanks to all my beta readers who found numerous typos, various continuity issues, and larger points of discussion that needed to be addressed. No matter how much I edit my own work, it definitely takes other pairs of eyes to iron out all the wrinkles!
Chamber of Ghosts -- now available on Kindle. Go get it before digital stocks run low!
April 19, 2013
Island of Fog Book 7 - including prequel!
Yes, you read it correctly. Book 7 of the Fog series is in the works. Previously, Book 6 was to be the last book in the series for the foreseeable future. A prequel was planned, but that idea has now evolved into something far more exciting. Book 7 will be another Hal book, and will include the prequel -- and much more.
This idea stems from my indecision about my Chamber of Ghosts ending. Now, when I say "ending," I really mean a little additional "twist" scene at the very end of the epilogue, really a minor sub-plot separate to the main story, and not even much of a twist for some. I just thought it would be neat to include. A couple of beta readers didn't care for it, but most liked it a lot. One said this:
Loved it! Loved it! BUT... you. just. can't. leave. us. hanging. :( :(
The problem is, most agreed that the twist ending demanded another book to deal with it, which I hadn't planned on. I was really only intending to write a prequel. So I announced to the beta readers that I would drop the twist ending. Then I received notes like this:
I was disappointed that you decided to revise the end as I loved it, but I understand that that would tie you down significantly for the the next book.
Hmm. What to do?
Well, I remember saying that Mountain of Whispers was the last book in the series back in 2010, and obviously I changed my mind. So I suppose that means I can change my mind again. Right?
The solution hit me this morning as I was doing some final edits. And this isn't just a fudged workaround. I couldn't have come up with a better idea if I'd tried. I'm possibly more excited about Book 7 than any other book to date.
I can't give too much away, but there's a new character named Chase who shows up in Chamber of Ghosts, and he has a story of his own involving a time when Miss Simone and her classmates started shapeshifting at age eight. But Chase's story isn't really part of this book. Instead, this book merely introduces him and paves the way for the planned prequel.
Well, it turns out that I would be much better off writing another Hal story that happens to include Chase's prequel story. So there will be two timelines -- one in the present where Hal and Chase are on a quest, and another in the past as Chase is telling his story (he'll have entire chapters dedicated to him, written from his point of view in real time as though the reader is "there" in the past). Both timelines -- and both stories -- will converge toward the end. And since this is another Hal book, I get to explore that "twist ending" I mentioned, which will fit in nicely, thank you very much.
I knew the answer would come to me if I waited. You can't shoehorn stuff in. You just have to wait for inspiration. This idea fits so perfectly in every conceivable way that I now can't imagine doing anything else.
All right. Back to Chamber of Ghosts. It's due out next Wednesday, after all.
Oh, and speaking of that, none of my beta readers appeared to have noticed a little joke I included in Chamber of Ghosts. Beta readers, if you understood the connection between my werewolves and the movies, then kudos to you; let me know, but don't reveal it here. When the book is published, I wonder how long it will take for someone to spot it...
Anyway -- see you next Wednesday!
April 8, 2013
Pre-order Chamber of Ghosts
Chamber of Ghosts is into its last few weeks of editing and is due for publication on April 24th.
Half my beta readers have already finished and provided feedback, while others should be done in the next couple of days. I've been correcting typos along the way as well as making alterations here and there. I have a few matters to put out for discussion with all the beta readers on April 11th, but so far the feedback has been positive and I don't see a lot of work ahead of me. It's hard to post any of those comments without giving anything away, so I won't even try.
There are a few things for me to deal with, and that's the entire point of having beta readers. As it happens, most of what was brought up was mentioned two or more times, so I'm addressing those things without question. Curiously, I have a 50/50 split over a tiny scene at the very end of the epilogue. Some loved it, others didn't. I'm leaning towards removing it because even those who loved it said it made them impatient for the next book, which is not a good sign because this is the last book in the series! So that will be altered.
Certain typos were caught by all, but it amazes me how many more were picked up. This is the beauty of having over a dozen beta readers. Also, I've been reading the series myself lately, and I'm now into the second trilogy (specifically Lake of Spirits). I ran across an inconsistency that nobody has mentioned but is glaringly obvious now that I think about it. When we first meet Molly, she wears a veil but is otherwise human; her gorgon death gaze is so powerful that it presents itself even while in human form. In Chamber of Ghosts, I have her with a veil as usual but also a head of snakes -- while in human form! Those snakes shouldn't be writhing around on her head unless she's in full gorgon form. I've now fixed that little issue, but it demonstrates the type of thing that can slip through when the author is looking the other way.
Anyway, for the most part I'm happy. I haven't had anyone tell me it's trash yet, so that's a good sign. I do have two nice reviews already on Goodreads if you're interested.
Finally, it might be worth mentioning that you're welcome to pre-order a signed copy from my personal stock if you want to. Publication on Amazon is set for April 24th, so the printed books should be available around that time regardless, but if you do want a signed copy, pre-ordering is better because then I can make sure I buy enough copies.
More news soon.
April 1, 2013
Movie adaptation of Island of Fog for release in 2015 (April Fool's)
I've been chomping at the bit to announce that Island of Fog will be made into a movie! The first call about this came two months ago, and I've been sworn to secrecy ever since, but now that contracts have been signed I can finally let y'all know that Hal and his shapeshifter friends are coming to a cinema near you sometime in 2015.
With a budget of $130 million, and digital effects by the same team that created 2002's excellent Reign of Fire movie, this will at the very least look good on screen! But even great-looking movies need a good screenplay, and I've been told the writers will need to make a few changes to the story to better suit movie audiences. That's okay as long as the essence of the novel is there.
No news on young actors, but it's still early in the process. I do know who the director is but can't yet reveal his name. It's so frustrating not being able to blab!
Also in the works is a major publishing deal, which apparently is what happens whenever movie contracts are signed. I'm thinking about saying "no" and continuing to self-publish. From what I understand, when a property has been snatched up by a producer and a movie is in the works, publishers really don't bring much else to the table. They're kind of like sharks homing in on the smell of money. They just want a piece of the action. Why should I let them have a cut now when they had no faith in my books before?
Anyway, stay tuned for more detailed news when I get it. :-)
Movie adaptation of Island of Fog for release in 2015
I've been chomping at the bit to announce that Island of Fog will be made into a movie! The first call about this came two months ago, and I've been sworn to secrecy ever since, but now that contracts have been signed I can finally let y'all know that Hal and his shapeshifter friends are coming to a cinema near you sometime in 2015.
With a budget of $130 million, and digital effects by the same team that created 2002's excellent Reign of Fire movie, this will at the very least look good on screen! But even great-looking movies need a good screenplay, and I've been told the writers will need to make a few changes to the story to better suit movie audiences. That's okay as long as the essence of the novel is there.
No news on young actors, but it's still early in the process. I do know who the director is but can't yet reveal his name. It's so frustrating not being able to blab!
Also in the works is a major publishing deal, which apparently is what happens whenever movie contracts are signed. I'm thinking about saying "no" and continuing to self-publish. From what I understand, when a property has been snatched up by a producer and a movie is in the works, publishers really don't bring much else to the table. They're kind of like sharks homing in on the smell of money. They just want a piece of the action. Why should I let them have a cut now when they had no faith in my books before?
Anyway, stay tuned for more detailed news when I get it. :-)
March 26, 2013
Island of Fog featured as Book of the Month
My three local libraries in Chickamauga, Rossville, and Lafayette have been good to me over the years, supporting my books and keeping them in stock, even promoting them when readers come in asking for recommendations.
Recently, a high school student popped into Rossville Public Library and said he was planning to do a book promotion as part of his senior project. He asked Brandy for suggestions on what might be a good book to promote, and she (bless her!) recommended Island of Fog, adding that the author is local. And that's how my book ended up being chosen for this project.
As well as Ridgeland High School being on board to help promote the book, the student (who I shall simply call Jason, for that's his name) has arranged for Island of Fog to be Rossville Middle School's "Book of the Month" for April.
This is all good timing because the sixth and final book in the series will be released on April 24th. Hopefully this will give new local readers a chance to get through the series just in time for the launch!
Thanks as always to Brandy at the Rossville Library, to the schools mentioned above (especially Ms. Jackson, the librarian at the middle school), and to Jason for working hard to promote my books!
March 18, 2013
Letters and artwork from a classroom in North Carolina
Each year, Brian Clopper -- talented writer and illustrator as well as a good friend and really cool fifth-grade teacher -- reads Island of Fog to his class. I'm still wondering how I got so lucky, how a teacher chose MY book over so many other possibles, but Island of Fog seems to have formed part of the Clopper Curriculum at his school in North Carolina. And each year, after reading the book, the students write me letters and show off their fabulous artwork.
I've put together all the questions in no particular order, along with my answers. But let's start with the art...
Click thumbnails for larger views of artwork!
(reset to original picture)
And now to the questions. I love the diversity of imponderables, and there are a lot of them!
How do you create your ideas?
What I DON'T do is sit down and stare with a perplexed expression at a screen and hope I'll get an idea. I believe that only happens on TV, and it always baffles me. In real life, an author has ideas all the time, just little ones that pop into his head at random times. He then chews on the idea and lets it undulate through his mind for a while. Eventually, if the idea is still nagging at him, he might start fleshing out the details.
Where do your word choices come from?
I just use what I have available in my head. Occasionally I'll look in a Thesaurus. Sometimes I end up using a word more than a few times. Interestingly, you all picked out a few words that I apparently use too many times in Island of Fog, and those words were undulate, perplexed and baffled. However, I counted and found that I'd used undulated only 5 times, perplexed 6 times, and baffled only once. I suspect I must have used the first two words in a short space of time, hence why you noticed them, but I'm baffled about the third since I only used it once!
Actually, there was one word I really had a problem with when I first wrote the book, and that was gloom or gloomy. I had to go through cutting it out, and now there are only 12 uses throughout. However, I used fog a staggering 271 times. But hey, it's a book about fog. What do you expect? :-)
How do you create your names?
Usually I look at websites that have lists of names and run through them finding names I like. I do the same with last names, then mix them all up until I have good, solid names. It's not completely random though, because parents tend to think about the names they give their children. They have to sound good, and roll off the tongue. In my later books, there's a character called Orson. His parents would never have called him Orson if their names were Mr. and Mrs. Cart, you see? That would be unfortunate.
Why does Fenton stay in serpent form?
Some of the children just can't make their transformations work properly. It takes time to learn that stuff, you know.
How do you come up with such brilliant work?
Oh, well... *turns red*
When did you start writing books?
I always liked writing, but started in earnest in 2002 after I moved from England to the United States. I was working from home in a strange land, and had time on my hands. It was just a good time to indulge in something I always enjoyed.
Are there other islands apart from Hal's?
Oh yes. But they're all ordinary, nothing strange about them at all.
Will the shapeshifters ever start an army?
Well, they're sort of an army already. But if you continue reading the series, you'll see such an army in Book 3, Mountain of Whispers.
Did you ever consider having one child turn into an owl to be a messenger?
Have you been watching Harry Potter again?
Is Hal always green as a dragon, or is it just his rash that's green?
He's always green. His rash is actually scaly dragon skin.
What color are Abigail's wings?
They're mostly transparent, much like a dragonfly's.
What do you write on?
My laptop (which mostly stays on my desk).
How long do you write daily?
It depends. I don't bother writing at all unless I can devote at least an hour. Since I work for myself, designing websites at home on my computer, sometimes I just decide to take a day off work and write. Then I can get a lot done!
What software do you use?
I've tried different things but always end up back on Microsoft Word (the old 2000 edition, just because I don't have the newer version).
What encouraged you to write this book?
The thought of being a world-famous author and earning millions of dollars and having a blockbusting movie made.
Does Hal ever fly?
You'll have to read other books in the series to find that out. ;-)
What was your favorite part about writing this book?
Finally getting past Chapter Eight. I wrote those first eight chapters several times and finally got it where I wanted it. I was super-excited when I at last moved on to the next act.
How old are you?
43. Why, does that change your opinion of me? *sob*
Who is your favorite monster in Island of Fog?
I have to go with the manticore here. I just think they're so deliciously sinister.
How long have you been writing?
About twenty minutes. Oh, wait, you mean overall? Since February 2002, so eleven years or thereabouts.
When did you start like writing and know you wanted to be a writer?
I always liked writing. The big question here is when I wanted to be an author. There's a difference between wishing I were an author and knowing I could actually be one. That transition came around November 2008 when I sent the manuscript to a professional editor and she said that, apart from a list of minor typos, it was publishable. I was amazed.
Could you have included a unicorn in the book?
I could have, but didn't. I had a centaur already, and I thought one equine-type was enough. But you'll discover, later in the series, that there are unicorns. One of Miss Simone's friends is one.
Do you like how Britain runs the government?
Uh -- wow! Um. Honestly, I live in the USA now and have lost touch. But if you speak to someone who lives there, they'll probably say no, the country is going downhill for various reasons. But you could say that about any country. Everyone has a complaint. I don't remember a time when people walked around beaming and saying, "I just LOVE how the country is run at the moment, don't you?"
Do you have a map of Miss Simone's world?
Great question! I do have a map, although it's not publishable yet. It's something I intend putting together at some point. It includes the island plus all the surrounding area and coastline -- in both worlds.
Does Miss Simone's world have a name?
It's simply Earth, as Hal's is. Both are the same place, just different. In retrospect I wish I'd called Miss Simone's world something different so I didn't have to keep saying "Hal's old world" and "Miss Simone's world," but oh well. Live and learn.
How did you decide to make the front cover a manticore?
It just stood out as being an obvious choice. The original cover was just the woods, but since later books had a creature of some kind taking centerstage, I decided I needed to do the same for Island of Fog. And rather than change it too much, I simply added the manticore, thus keeping the same scene of Black Woods in the background.
How long did it take you to write the book and edit it?
About six years in all. But subsequent books in the series have only taken six months. The main difference is that the first book was more of a hobby than anything. Once it was published and I started selling it, I got serious.
Do you like sports?
Um... well, I do like Dragon-Tag. Have you played that? It's just like normal tag, only with dragons. You need some friendly dragons, though; it can get messy when you involve the vicious types. I also like Hide-and-Seek-Dryads, but they always, always win for some reason.
How long have you known Mr. Clopper?
Since March 2010, which was when I received my first batch of letters and artwork for Island of Fog from the class at that time. We and our families eventually met in Asheville, which is about a four-hour drive for each of us, about halfway between his home in North Carolina and mine in Georgia. That was a great weekend break, yet still nowhere near enough time to talk about writing and drawing. Bah!
Do you know any other writers?
I know several, yes -- Brian Clopper for a start, and Roger Eschbacher (who has written a lot of Scooby Doo episodes), and numerous others -- and of course a best-selling author, Piers Anthony, whose books I read when I was sixteen.
How many books do you think you've read?
Since I learned to read? 1,404,232 and counting.
Do you write during the day or night?
Just whenever I can. It doesn't matter when as long as it's quiet. I write for longer periods during the morning (sometimes 3-4 hours) but I write more often for an hour or so late at night (after everybody else has gone to bed).
Does Mr. Clopper help you use our Word of the Day?
I don't know about your Word of the Day, but he does sometimes introduce me to a word I haven't used before. Like recently he used "tamped" and I decided I needed to make use of that one. It's a funny word. At the time, I said I hadn't heard of it before, but I suppose I had -- it's just not one I've ever used. Now I see it everywhere I look!
Why did you make the goblins trustworthy?
And why not? Do you have something against poor goblins? Why should they always be the bad guys? ;-)
How did you come up with the creatures for the kids?
I just used whatever creatures popped into my head. Some were obvious choices, but about half of them were ones I decided on later. I wanted to make sure they were all different. I didn't want to have a manticore as well as a griffin and sphinx, for example, which you might say are similar in that they all take the form of a lion.
How many more IOF books will you write?
I have six in total planned at the moment, plus a prequel. Then I'll be taking a break. But I do plan to return to the series in the future, maybe after a year of doing other things.
Will you make another series?
Yes! I'm looking forward to the challenge of writing not only standalone books, but a new series as well.
How did the sea serpent get to the island in the first place?
The same way it got home at the end of the book.
Who is the sea serpent?
Ah, now, that's an interesting question. As it happens, the sea serpent is just a sea serpent. But when I was writing the book all those years ago, I had ideas about Miss Simone being the sea serpent. In the end it just didn't fit into the plot well enough.
What is Emily?
She's a naga.
What does a naga look like?
Half human, half snake. Take a look here for examples.
What exactly is Fenton?
He's a rare, unnamed monster lizard. At first the children thought of him as a gargoyle because of the way he stuck to walls and spouted water, but he's not that at all, as Graham the Gargoyle will confirm. In a later book, Miss Simone wanted to call the monster an oroborous, which is a giant serpent symbolizing infinity. The creature might be found circling a moat and chewing on its own tail, thus forming a complete circle. But Fenton remains unnamed. He's a creature I made up.
Did you get any of these ideas from childhood experience?
Oh, sure. I was always tangling with dragons and manticores and the like. :-)
Are there any writers who inspired you?
Enid Blyton (an English author who died in 1968, the year before I was born). Her books were fabulous, full of adventure and mystery. Oddly enough, I didn't read fantasy back then, just young detective stories -- but these days I don't read crime and mystery, only fantasy and science fiction. Later, in my teens, I read Piers Anthony, Douglas Adams, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, and many others.
Who will play Hal in the movie?
That depends on when the movie is made. As you know, children grow up fast, and there's no point speculating about a young actor to play Hal when that actor might be too old by the time the movie is made. Plus of course, it would help if a movie were actually being made in real life instead of just in my head.
What color is Abigail's hair?
Dark brown.
Will Hal and Abigail start dating in other books?
Maybe. ;-)
Well, I hope that answers all the questions successfully! Students, thanks so much for taking the time to write and draw. I hope you enjoyed Island of Fog. The real test is whether you went on to buy any of the other books in the series. But either way, isn't it better to read about shapeshifting children than boring old Shakespeare?
March 13, 2013
Calling for Chamber of Ghosts beta readers
I'm now ready to compile a list of beta readers for the forthcoming Chamber of Ghosts (Book 6 in the Island of Fog series). I have four names already and would like about ten in total. Interested? Please email me at keith@unearthlytales.com.
What is a beta reader?
As Wikipedia says, a beta reader is "a person who reads a written work, generally fiction, with what has been described as a critical eye, with the aim of improving grammar, spelling, characterization, and general style of a story prior to its release to the general public."
You don't have to be a professional proofreader or anything like that. I just need fans of the series who are willing to provide some feedback with regards to anything that seems slow, silly, unrealistic, too dark, clunky, confusing, and so on -- basically drawing attention to anything you feel could or should be improved. Also, some of you might be adept at catching typos and grammatical issues, all of which would be gratefully received and dealt with.
When will the book be ready?
I'm working on a quick sweep to eradicate glaring typos so that your copy is as clean as can be at this stage. I still need a bit longer, but even if it's not completely ready, I'm aiming to be send it out to beta readers on Wednesday March 20th (a week from now).
How long do I have to read it?
The publication date is set in stone as Wednesday April 24th. I need about two weeks beforehand to iron out any final wrinkles and put things in order, and to prepare the book for publication. So that means I need comments and thoughts back by April 10th, or as early as possible. That gives you exactly three weeks.
Do I have to review the book afterward?
No, you don't have to, but ratings and reviews would be very welcome. The thing about beta reading is that the book may not be at its very best -- hence why you're beta reading. So if you read it and find things that could be improved, you would need to take that into account if and when you rate and review it. For instance, you might think it's a 5-star rating but only if a particular bit is rewritten, otherwise it's only a 4-star rating. And for that reason, I would suggest holding off on your review until you've seen the very latest pre-release version, or at least the relevant updated text.
What I don't want to happen is for beta readers to have posted reviews saying, "It was great apart from this really daft bit," when in fact that really daft bit was edited out before publication. So if you do rate and review the book, please take last-minute changes into account.
Where and when should I post a review?
You'll be able to post a review on Goodreads weeks before launch date because I'll have a book page set up already.
It would be great if you could copy-paste your Goodreads review into Amazon as well. Ideally, if you had to choose, an Amazon review is the most important to me. The problem is that you won't be able to post a review on Amazon until the book is actually published, so be aware that I'll be hounding you on launch day to go ahead and post those reviews! :-)
Do you care what rating I give your book in Goodreads and Amazon?
Heck yeah! Ratings are very important, particularly in the early days. I do want you to be honest, though, so if you think the book is only worth 3 stars or lower, then fair enough -- but then please don't rate it. No rating is better than a low rating! I'm hoping for 4- or 5-star ratings only, so if you think the book is worth it, then please shout it out.
In what format will the book be available for beta reading?
For beta purposes, Chamber of Ghosts will be available as a Kindle .mobi file or a standard .epub file that will work on Nook or other electronic readers. I'll also make it available in .pdf and .doc format. You'll need to let me know what format you prefer. It won't be available in print. That just takes too much time.
Will I get a copy of the book once it's finalized and published?
Yes, indeed -- those who provide useful feedback and/or a review will receive a free copy of the final book in either electronic or print form.
When the book is published, will it be available in print at the same time as on Kindle?
Possibly. It may be a few days later. When the book is finished, it takes no more than an hour to get it from a Word document into ebook format and uploaded to Amazon's Kindle system. The book is then available shortly after, usually within half a day. But the print process is much more complicated. Still, I'm aiming to get it in print on the same day. Just don't count on it.
Why are you pretending to be somebody else and asking all these questions?
Well, because -- well -- splutter! Look, this is just a nice, clear way to lay out a post, all right? Besides, I often talk to myself. Some of my conversations are really interesting, you know. Why, just the other day...
Anyway, stay tuned. And email me if you're interested in beta reading. Just to recap:
March 20th -- send book to beta readers.April 10th -- last call for feedback.April 24th -- publish to Kindle!If you want to be a beta reader, don't forget to let me know what format you'd prefer the book in.
Thanks!
