Travis Erwin's Blog, page 4
December 4, 2013
December 2, 2013
July 16, 2013
Thank You
Today is a big day. I'm embarking on a promo blitz in the hopes of getting my Amazon ranking high for TWISTED ROADS to help increase sales beyond my normal circle of readers and friends.
So if you'd like to help and planned on buying the book and can do so anytime today that would be great but you can also help by tweeting, facebooking, pinteresting any of the following links.
My guest post today at Women's Fiction Writer's.
The Twisted Party over at Facebook.
The Amazon link
Twisted Roads page at pinterest.
And of course good old fashioned word of mouth helps too.
Thanks for the support.
So if you'd like to help and planned on buying the book and can do so anytime today that would be great but you can also help by tweeting, facebooking, pinteresting any of the following links.
My guest post today at Women's Fiction Writer's.
The Twisted Party over at Facebook.
The Amazon link
Twisted Roads page at pinterest.
And of course good old fashioned word of mouth helps too.
Thanks for the support.
July 3, 2013
Never Scrimp on Beer, Toilet Paper, Or Prophylactics
The title of this post is solid advice. Words to live by if you will.
I'm known as a cheap frugal guy and while I personally only buy two of the three items above, I felt obligated to warn the rest of you since I have no idea what your state of family planning is.
Now it's no secret my employer, the United States Postal Service is going through some tough times financially. You people simply do not mail the volume of letter you used to. I get cutback and all but come on Uncle Sam. One-Ply toilet paper ain't the way to go.
And I'm not talking about soft one ply I'm talking about rough one ply with the feel of a wino's three day stubble. The texture of gift wrapping tissue paper and cliche as it sounds ... thin enough to read a book through.
Oh you don't believe me?
Now lucky for me I'm a social media whore guru. You see I belong to Klout. Klout measures a person online presence if you will and sometimes awards perks from companies based on your so-called fields of expertise.
Here is a little video about my latest Klout perk.
Now strange as this product might seem let me tell you given my employers decision to sand my ass off one breakfast burrito at a time this free sample of One Wipe Charlies has been a life saver.
And might I say that little peppermint tingle does add a jauntiness to your step.
Yeah I realize that my social media presence has obviously led the fine folks at klout and One Wipe Charlies to think I'm full of shit.
Maybe they are right, but hey, free is free. And for a cheap frugal guy like me that's A-Okay.
I'm known as a cheap frugal guy and while I personally only buy two of the three items above, I felt obligated to warn the rest of you since I have no idea what your state of family planning is.
Now it's no secret my employer, the United States Postal Service is going through some tough times financially. You people simply do not mail the volume of letter you used to. I get cutback and all but come on Uncle Sam. One-Ply toilet paper ain't the way to go.
And I'm not talking about soft one ply I'm talking about rough one ply with the feel of a wino's three day stubble. The texture of gift wrapping tissue paper and cliche as it sounds ... thin enough to read a book through.
Oh you don't believe me?
Now lucky for me I'm a social media whore guru. You see I belong to Klout. Klout measures a person online presence if you will and sometimes awards perks from companies based on your so-called fields of expertise.
Here is a little video about my latest Klout perk.
Now strange as this product might seem let me tell you given my employers decision to sand my ass off one breakfast burrito at a time this free sample of One Wipe Charlies has been a life saver.
And might I say that little peppermint tingle does add a jauntiness to your step.
Yeah I realize that my social media presence has obviously led the fine folks at klout and One Wipe Charlies to think I'm full of shit.
Maybe they are right, but hey, free is free. And for a cheap frugal guy like me that's A-Okay.
July 2, 2013
A Tragic Shame
Most of blog circle knew Chris Eldin. At least those of you who have been reading this blog for years. She was in our circle. She was one of us. Before Chris began putting her real name out there she blogged under the name Church Lady.
Most of y'all have who knew here have heard the tragic news by now. Chris took her own life last August. Most of us thought she was simply taking a social media break. I heard the new first thing yesterday morning. it ook me all day just to attempt putting my thoughts in words to post a message on Facebook. here is what I wrote ....
Early this morning I learned that a friend of mine committed suicide
nearly a year ago. This was a friend I never met in person, but once upon
a time communicated with on a near daily basis. A fellow writer. A
blogger. A friend in every sense of the word even if we never spoke face
to face.
The news hit me hard. She had disappeared a good
while back but people take social media breaks so while several were concerned in our circle, no one I know feared her absence was due to
anything this drastic. This was an intelligent and talent woman. Who
decided her best option was to step into oncoming traffic.
It happened a year ago. Some might say a real friend would know about this event long before now.
I have no words. No excuse. Not on my behalf, or the hoards of other
online friends Chris left. But I hope that if any of my other friends,
whether they be people I see face to face, or merely talk to via social
media feel this kind of desperation that they will reach out. Ask for
help. There are people who care. Probably far more than you realize.
A group of Chris's friends are compiling a tribute project in her memory. If you knew Chris and are interested in contributing anything a memory ... a story ... a letter to Chris or whatever to the project please contact me and I will get you the particulars and in touch with the right people.
Most of y'all have who knew here have heard the tragic news by now. Chris took her own life last August. Most of us thought she was simply taking a social media break. I heard the new first thing yesterday morning. it ook me all day just to attempt putting my thoughts in words to post a message on Facebook. here is what I wrote ....
Early this morning I learned that a friend of mine committed suicide
nearly a year ago. This was a friend I never met in person, but once upon
a time communicated with on a near daily basis. A fellow writer. A
blogger. A friend in every sense of the word even if we never spoke face
to face.
The news hit me hard. She had disappeared a good
while back but people take social media breaks so while several were concerned in our circle, no one I know feared her absence was due to
anything this drastic. This was an intelligent and talent woman. Who
decided her best option was to step into oncoming traffic.
It happened a year ago. Some might say a real friend would know about this event long before now.
I have no words. No excuse. Not on my behalf, or the hoards of other
online friends Chris left. But I hope that if any of my other friends,
whether they be people I see face to face, or merely talk to via social
media feel this kind of desperation that they will reach out. Ask for
help. There are people who care. Probably far more than you realize.
A group of Chris's friends are compiling a tribute project in her memory. If you knew Chris and are interested in contributing anything a memory ... a story ... a letter to Chris or whatever to the project please contact me and I will get you the particulars and in touch with the right people.
June 27, 2013
The Road Less Traveled
So it's no secret I wrote this novel ... a women's fiction novel to be exact.
The e-book came out in May and has gotten great reviews. I like that I've heard from quite a few people telling me how much I/the book surprised them. Then true to its name TWISTED ROADS veered from the straight and narrow. the print edition got lost in a loop somewhere between my publisher, the printer, and the distributor.
One delay led to another. Release days got pushed back. One date after another came and went. My blog tour fell apart. The podcasts and radio interview I had set up slipped away. My release party and bar room reading flat-lined.
Now I'm trying to put things back together, but finding it harder to regather the troops than it was to rally them in the first place. The print is available for order now at Amazon and other fine book retailers. Though the cover art and reviews for the e-book have not meshed with the print just yet. Hopefully soon. Anyway I want to thank those who have read the book, reviews it, and told your friends to do the same. We writers need people like you. I'm lucky to have y'all.
The e-book came out in May and has gotten great reviews. I like that I've heard from quite a few people telling me how much I/the book surprised them. Then true to its name TWISTED ROADS veered from the straight and narrow. the print edition got lost in a loop somewhere between my publisher, the printer, and the distributor.
One delay led to another. Release days got pushed back. One date after another came and went. My blog tour fell apart. The podcasts and radio interview I had set up slipped away. My release party and bar room reading flat-lined.
Now I'm trying to put things back together, but finding it harder to regather the troops than it was to rally them in the first place. The print is available for order now at Amazon and other fine book retailers. Though the cover art and reviews for the e-book have not meshed with the print just yet. Hopefully soon. Anyway I want to thank those who have read the book, reviews it, and told your friends to do the same. We writers need people like you. I'm lucky to have y'all.
June 21, 2013
What Do You thINK?
I have no tattoos. Perhaps one day I will. Maybe if I even have a book take off and land on NYT bestseller list I'll get some celebratory ink, but thus far I simply have not been compelled to have anything etched upon my skin.
I have no issue with those who do. But recently I have had two vastly different discussion about tattoos.
The other day I was at Whataburger about to throw down a tasty bacon cheeseburger. I noticed the girl taking my order had numerous band aids and ace bandage wraps on her face hands and arms. The one on her face was at her eyebrow and obviously covered a piercing. So then I noticed the edge of a tat extending beyond the cover on her hand.
Okay I'm a pretty devout meat man so I don;t care what her piercings or ink looked like nothing was going to put me off my feed and make me say, "Nevermind Whataburge, I'll forgo your tasty burger and go have a crappy Micky D's from around the corner."
Well maybe if her tattoo read EAT MORE LETTUCE but what kind of crazy person would get that?
So I ask. What do y'all think is worse. Having a fast food worker with piercings and ink or position one at he counter covered in bandages that make her look like she jsut got out of the leprosy ward?
*************
Tattoo discussion #2
I friend of mine who attends the same church I do was telling me about a guy who sits in front of his family every week at mass. On the guys arm is lots of ink including the words FUCK OFF in big bold script.
My friend has three sons the oldest of which is 12.
My friend was and is offended that this man would not try to cover up the tattoo in anyway with a long sleeve shirt or such. Now I should point out my friend was not judgmental. He made it a point to say he was glad Mr. Fuck Off came to mass every week and that he came with his own family and that the man had obviously lived a colorful maybe even troubled life at some point because much of his ink looked like prison tats. So my friend said he believed this guy had turned a corner in life, but he found the words on his arm offensive on behalf of both his wife and kids but also on behalf of the church body.
My friend was seeking advice. Asking if we thought he should befriend this man and then at some point when they were comfortable with each other broach the subject of his f-bomb arm.
Everyone in the group thought that was a good idea.
Except me.
I had no problem with my buddy befriending the man but not with the words on his arm as the primary motivation.
I said the words on his arm were just that. Words. The only power they have is what those who read them give them.
But what about the innocent kids? Came the shouts. They shouldn't be exposed to that.
Kids are gonna hear F Bombs in this day and age. They are going to be exposed. I say use this man and his arm as an example of how long a bad decision can stay with you. I say don't make the words FUCK OFF to be some magical rebellious taboo for his kids or any others.
And maybe this guy needs this reminder of his past life. Of the choices he's made. Maybe He looks down at those words while listening to the priest and needs that stark comparison of the then and now. And isn't a church supposed to be God's house? Isn't God supposed to be all seeing? So covering it for God's sake is asinine. And that tattoo is part of who that man is even if it is a more direct reflection of who he was. As parishioners and God's children why should we expect him to hide more from our eyes that what God can see?
No, I see the tattoo as mere words. Words that testify to the man's journey. Ia m not offended but inspired that he is sitting there in church.
Thoughts?
I have no issue with those who do. But recently I have had two vastly different discussion about tattoos.
The other day I was at Whataburger about to throw down a tasty bacon cheeseburger. I noticed the girl taking my order had numerous band aids and ace bandage wraps on her face hands and arms. The one on her face was at her eyebrow and obviously covered a piercing. So then I noticed the edge of a tat extending beyond the cover on her hand.
Okay I'm a pretty devout meat man so I don;t care what her piercings or ink looked like nothing was going to put me off my feed and make me say, "Nevermind Whataburge, I'll forgo your tasty burger and go have a crappy Micky D's from around the corner."
Well maybe if her tattoo read EAT MORE LETTUCE but what kind of crazy person would get that?
So I ask. What do y'all think is worse. Having a fast food worker with piercings and ink or position one at he counter covered in bandages that make her look like she jsut got out of the leprosy ward?
*************
Tattoo discussion #2
I friend of mine who attends the same church I do was telling me about a guy who sits in front of his family every week at mass. On the guys arm is lots of ink including the words FUCK OFF in big bold script.
My friend has three sons the oldest of which is 12.
My friend was and is offended that this man would not try to cover up the tattoo in anyway with a long sleeve shirt or such. Now I should point out my friend was not judgmental. He made it a point to say he was glad Mr. Fuck Off came to mass every week and that he came with his own family and that the man had obviously lived a colorful maybe even troubled life at some point because much of his ink looked like prison tats. So my friend said he believed this guy had turned a corner in life, but he found the words on his arm offensive on behalf of both his wife and kids but also on behalf of the church body.
My friend was seeking advice. Asking if we thought he should befriend this man and then at some point when they were comfortable with each other broach the subject of his f-bomb arm.
Everyone in the group thought that was a good idea.
Except me.
I had no problem with my buddy befriending the man but not with the words on his arm as the primary motivation.
I said the words on his arm were just that. Words. The only power they have is what those who read them give them.
But what about the innocent kids? Came the shouts. They shouldn't be exposed to that.
Kids are gonna hear F Bombs in this day and age. They are going to be exposed. I say use this man and his arm as an example of how long a bad decision can stay with you. I say don't make the words FUCK OFF to be some magical rebellious taboo for his kids or any others.
And maybe this guy needs this reminder of his past life. Of the choices he's made. Maybe He looks down at those words while listening to the priest and needs that stark comparison of the then and now. And isn't a church supposed to be God's house? Isn't God supposed to be all seeing? So covering it for God's sake is asinine. And that tattoo is part of who that man is even if it is a more direct reflection of who he was. As parishioners and God's children why should we expect him to hide more from our eyes that what God can see?
No, I see the tattoo as mere words. Words that testify to the man's journey. Ia m not offended but inspired that he is sitting there in church.
Thoughts?
May 27, 2013
The Real and The Imagined
It's Memorial Day. A day to think of those we have lost especially during military action. I'm fortunate in that I've never known anyone who dies while serving our country, but I admire all of those who honorably serve just the same.
The last twelve months or so have been tough in that I have lost many friends and family members. Of those many were unexpected untimely deaths. So today I am thinking about all of them.
##############
Moving on. I had an odd dream last night. I dreamt I was writing a new novel with a professional wrestler as a character so for the sake of research I decided to wrestle a few matches to get a feel of what it is like. But the other wrestlers didn't like me, a writer sliding in to steal their limelight so while I was wrestling another guy one fella snuck upo behind me and whacked me upside the head with a folding chair.
It ticked me off so I grabbed the guy and started slamming him against a cinder block wall in rather violent fashion. In my nocturnal illusion it took a good dozen people to pull me off of him.
But the best part of the dream was the video of the event became a Youtube sensation.
WOMEN"S FICTION AUTHOR GOES BERSERKO ON CAPTAIN CHAOS
And the next thing I know a big NY publishing house is offering my a huge contract for the book with the wrestling character.
Yeah, not too likely to come true. Never mind the fact I don't think New York editors spend a great deal of time perusing wrestling videos on Youtube ... I also have no work in progress with a wrestling character.
I am working on a story with a character whose job title is ... Semen Collector. Dang glad I didn't dream that one. I'd hate to see that YouTube video.
################
Speaking of YouTube videos and Memorial Day ... one of the friends I lost was AJ Swope. I've talked about him a good bit on here but he helped me a great deal with the writing of Twisted Roads and I hate that he never got to read the complete book. Anyway someone created this tribute video to honor his life and music. Give it a look ...
The last twelve months or so have been tough in that I have lost many friends and family members. Of those many were unexpected untimely deaths. So today I am thinking about all of them.
##############
Moving on. I had an odd dream last night. I dreamt I was writing a new novel with a professional wrestler as a character so for the sake of research I decided to wrestle a few matches to get a feel of what it is like. But the other wrestlers didn't like me, a writer sliding in to steal their limelight so while I was wrestling another guy one fella snuck upo behind me and whacked me upside the head with a folding chair.
It ticked me off so I grabbed the guy and started slamming him against a cinder block wall in rather violent fashion. In my nocturnal illusion it took a good dozen people to pull me off of him.
But the best part of the dream was the video of the event became a Youtube sensation.
WOMEN"S FICTION AUTHOR GOES BERSERKO ON CAPTAIN CHAOS
And the next thing I know a big NY publishing house is offering my a huge contract for the book with the wrestling character.
Yeah, not too likely to come true. Never mind the fact I don't think New York editors spend a great deal of time perusing wrestling videos on Youtube ... I also have no work in progress with a wrestling character.
I am working on a story with a character whose job title is ... Semen Collector. Dang glad I didn't dream that one. I'd hate to see that YouTube video.
################
Speaking of YouTube videos and Memorial Day ... one of the friends I lost was AJ Swope. I've talked about him a good bit on here but he helped me a great deal with the writing of Twisted Roads and I hate that he never got to read the complete book. Anyway someone created this tribute video to honor his life and music. Give it a look ...
May 21, 2013
Moore Heartbreak
As I write this, it is raining outside. Thundering and lightening too. The weatherman says we will have hail within the hour. And high winds.
We need the rain desperately, but I've having trouble mustering much enthusiasm for mother nature this morning. My heart goes out to the citizens of Oklahoma today. In all the areas that have been hit the last few days.
I have very close ties to the city of Moore, Oklahoma. I have always had family there. I have spent much time there and in neighboring Norman.
Most of my family has moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, but my deceased cousins wife and son still call Moore home. I have heard they are okay, but their house is not. A look at the tornadoes path tells me it tracked just a bit south of their house, and they had a basement but given the time I imagine he was in school and she at work.
He did not attend the elementary that was directly hit. I am thankful for that, but at the same time completely heartbroken for the families who did have kids in that school. Tragic. Devastating. Too close to home.
Moore has been hit hard many times. I live on the western fringe of what is called Tornado alley but my town is not much different than Moore. The same sort of working class people. The same set of ideals. So this rain outside that we so desperately have needed for months. It doesn't feel so much like a God send today but tears for friends, family and neighbors.
Stay strong Oklahoma.
We need the rain desperately, but I've having trouble mustering much enthusiasm for mother nature this morning. My heart goes out to the citizens of Oklahoma today. In all the areas that have been hit the last few days.
I have very close ties to the city of Moore, Oklahoma. I have always had family there. I have spent much time there and in neighboring Norman.
Most of my family has moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, but my deceased cousins wife and son still call Moore home. I have heard they are okay, but their house is not. A look at the tornadoes path tells me it tracked just a bit south of their house, and they had a basement but given the time I imagine he was in school and she at work.
He did not attend the elementary that was directly hit. I am thankful for that, but at the same time completely heartbroken for the families who did have kids in that school. Tragic. Devastating. Too close to home.
Moore has been hit hard many times. I live on the western fringe of what is called Tornado alley but my town is not much different than Moore. The same sort of working class people. The same set of ideals. So this rain outside that we so desperately have needed for months. It doesn't feel so much like a God send today but tears for friends, family and neighbors.
Stay strong Oklahoma.
May 15, 2013
Another Bend In The Road
Here it is May 15th.
The day I told y'all the print edition of TWISTED ROADS would be released.
I lied.
Not intentionally of course but you and I both know what they say about good intentions. I wonder if that paved road to hell is straight and narrow or windy and twisted.
Anyway, my publisher believes the print will be ready by June 1st. I thank those of you awaiting the hard copy for your patience.
In good news I really love the look of the book. The back cover is nearly as cool as the front.
Also I have begin hearing back from readers who have finished reading the novel. I appreciate all of those who spend their money to buy my work and then their time reading it, but the folks who take extra time to drop me a note with their comments, or to leave a review somewhere ... those are the souls that feed a writer's soul. So if you are one of those people let me shout. YOU ARE AWESOME!
Here are some snippets from my two favorite reviews thus far ....
From Marcus ...
Twisted Roads accurately shows the cause and affect of the lies we tell
and roads we take, and how easily our perception of
reality/people/gossip can be the sole spark to the truth that results in
a pile of burnt ashes.
This world can be an ugly place and most of
the time it's because of the sins of its people. But somehow, no matter
the lies and different roads, honest love seems to come out winning.
The
problem with this book is I want more. The characters have stuck with
my thoughts and won't leave me alone, even several days after finishing.
I want to know more!
Bravely written, wonderfully told. Make sure you read 'Twisted Roads.'
And from HuddleKay ...
Twisted Roads shows a different side of Travis' writing. Where his blog
posts, and even The Feedstore Chronicles give me the sense of oral
tradition, Twisted Roads is more sophisticated, more grown up. More
mature. More written.
I kick off a blog tour tomorrow and have several events planned for Amarillo, Colorado, and New Mexico but nothing is completely finalized yet. I'm also hoping to do some talks or Skype with Book Clubs as well as podcasts and things to coincide with the blog tour. So check back here, or on Facebook for more info.
The day I told y'all the print edition of TWISTED ROADS would be released.
I lied.
Not intentionally of course but you and I both know what they say about good intentions. I wonder if that paved road to hell is straight and narrow or windy and twisted.
Anyway, my publisher believes the print will be ready by June 1st. I thank those of you awaiting the hard copy for your patience.
In good news I really love the look of the book. The back cover is nearly as cool as the front.
Also I have begin hearing back from readers who have finished reading the novel. I appreciate all of those who spend their money to buy my work and then their time reading it, but the folks who take extra time to drop me a note with their comments, or to leave a review somewhere ... those are the souls that feed a writer's soul. So if you are one of those people let me shout. YOU ARE AWESOME!
Here are some snippets from my two favorite reviews thus far ....
From Marcus ...
Twisted Roads accurately shows the cause and affect of the lies we tell
and roads we take, and how easily our perception of
reality/people/gossip can be the sole spark to the truth that results in
a pile of burnt ashes.
This world can be an ugly place and most of
the time it's because of the sins of its people. But somehow, no matter
the lies and different roads, honest love seems to come out winning.
The
problem with this book is I want more. The characters have stuck with
my thoughts and won't leave me alone, even several days after finishing.
I want to know more!
Bravely written, wonderfully told. Make sure you read 'Twisted Roads.'
And from HuddleKay ...
Twisted Roads shows a different side of Travis' writing. Where his blog
posts, and even The Feedstore Chronicles give me the sense of oral
tradition, Twisted Roads is more sophisticated, more grown up. More
mature. More written.
I kick off a blog tour tomorrow and have several events planned for Amarillo, Colorado, and New Mexico but nothing is completely finalized yet. I'm also hoping to do some talks or Skype with Book Clubs as well as podcasts and things to coincide with the blog tour. So check back here, or on Facebook for more info.
