Mark R. Hunter's Blog, page 75
February 7, 2016
Have a Great Super Bowel
Apparently there’s a super bowel coming up today? Possibly the result of a stomach flu going around, or maybe somebody didn’t properly refrigerate the egg salad. Or does having a super bowel mean you don’t get the stomach flu? I’ll have to Google this …
Oh.
Turns out it’s the Super Bowl.
Well, as long as I’ve got it up here, might as well look into details. Okay, so the Denver Broncos and the … Carolina Panthers? Aren’t they a college team? How badly did the NFL teams do this year, to get beat by a college team? Oh, turns out they’re a pro team. I wonder which Carolina it is … Okay, Charlotte, so that’s North Carolina. I thought all the sports air down there was taken up by NASCAR. But I don’t watch NASCAR either, so what do I know?
Say, it’s the 50th Super Bowl! I haven’t watched one since the Colts played, maybe I should check it out. Let’s see … kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. Nope—that’s about the bedtime before my third shift job.
Guess I’ll catch the commercials later.
Oh.
Turns out it’s the Super Bowl.
Well, as long as I’ve got it up here, might as well look into details. Okay, so the Denver Broncos and the … Carolina Panthers? Aren’t they a college team? How badly did the NFL teams do this year, to get beat by a college team? Oh, turns out they’re a pro team. I wonder which Carolina it is … Okay, Charlotte, so that’s North Carolina. I thought all the sports air down there was taken up by NASCAR. But I don’t watch NASCAR either, so what do I know?
Say, it’s the 50th Super Bowl! I haven’t watched one since the Colts played, maybe I should check it out. Let’s see … kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. Nope—that’s about the bedtime before my third shift job.
Guess I’ll catch the commercials later.
February 5, 2016
Taking February Off—Kind Of
For the rest of this month I’m going to try a little experiment: absolutely no book promotion. Why? Curiosity.
There’ll still be posts about various things, including writing—I just won’t sell my own books during that time. When it’s over, I’ll compare the results with figures from previous Februaries, and other months in general.
I suspect I’ve reached a limit in current social media efforts. It feels like people who’ve followed/friended me either have already bought whichever of my books they’re interested in, or they just aren’t going to.
There are plenty of good reasons for that. An online friend may love my fiction, but have no interest in history, for instance. Some are so far behind in their reading it would take years for them to get to my more recent efforts. Some don’t read at all. Do I want someone to buy my books when they’re never going to read them?
Well … sure, now that I think about it, any literary port in a storm … but still.
That’s one reason why I’ve been asking everyone to repost about my stories, or give reviews, or other such things that might help spread the word. But I’m going to take a month off to reassess my promotional ideas, and also to finish a few projects that need done. And maybe catch up on reading myself, since I’m one of those far behind people.
What do you think? If you’re a writer, what are your most and least successful selling ideas? If you’re a reader, what attracts you to buy a book, or read an article?
There’ll still be posts about various things, including writing—I just won’t sell my own books during that time. When it’s over, I’ll compare the results with figures from previous Februaries, and other months in general.
I suspect I’ve reached a limit in current social media efforts. It feels like people who’ve followed/friended me either have already bought whichever of my books they’re interested in, or they just aren’t going to.
There are plenty of good reasons for that. An online friend may love my fiction, but have no interest in history, for instance. Some are so far behind in their reading it would take years for them to get to my more recent efforts. Some don’t read at all. Do I want someone to buy my books when they’re never going to read them?
Well … sure, now that I think about it, any literary port in a storm … but still.
That’s one reason why I’ve been asking everyone to repost about my stories, or give reviews, or other such things that might help spread the word. But I’m going to take a month off to reassess my promotional ideas, and also to finish a few projects that need done. And maybe catch up on reading myself, since I’m one of those far behind people.
What do you think? If you’re a writer, what are your most and least successful selling ideas? If you’re a reader, what attracts you to buy a book, or read an article?
February 3, 2016
Groundhog for President
The Groundhog came out, saw the Iowa Caucus, and is predicting ten more months of misery.
February 1, 2016
A Political Bear ... sleeping through the season
Presidential election years make me wonder: Is it possible to be put into a voluntary medically-induced coma for, say, ten months or so?
January 31, 2016
A cute dog can only help
Book Promotion Goes To the Dogs
http://markrhunter.blogspot.com/2016/...
A book selling idea born in the fur.
http://markrhunter.blogspot.com/2016/...
A book selling idea born in the fur.
January 28, 2016
Calling Noble County, Indiana authors to a block party!
I had this idea to bring Noble County authors together as a club, armed with clubs … a club club. Its goal: to force everyone else to read. But that seems excessive and possibly illegal, so how about we all get together for an author appearance?
Actually, that’s the idea of Joy LeCount and the Albion S.T.A.R. Team, which plans a Noble County ALL-IN Block Party around the courthouse square Saturday, June 25. (ALL-IN is a statewide effort by Indiana Humanities.)
Joy asked me to reach out to Noble County authors, and I think we can include authors from Noble County and those with a heavy presence in Noble County. Her idea was to have the authors together during the event, which goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for book signings, photo opportunities, question answering, solving mysteries, and being ruggedly handsome.
It might be under the umbrella of Noble County libraries, which makes sense to me, but that hasn’t been decided yet. For now, anyone who’s interested let me know with your name and contact info (preferably an e-mail address), so we can get a count and give further information as plans firm up.
I’m not going to organize it myself, due to time constraints and the inescapable fact that I’m a terrible organizer, but I’ll be as involved as possible. If anyone is interested in being the official author organizer, please let us know.
S.T.A.R., of course, stands for the Super Town of Albion Revitalization Team. If you look carefully, you’ll find their website here: http://www.albionstarteam.org/#.
The S.T.A.R. Team does all sorts of neat things around Albion, but in this case it’s a Noble County-wide event highlighting county organizations. The block party is designed to get residents more involved in their communities, and to celebrate that aforementioned bicentennial which, after all, doesn’t happen every decade.
Look for scads of activities on the square that day, and as you all know a scad is substantially more than a dozen, so let me know soon if you’re interested. There are plans for a photo booth, a book exchange, DNR demos on boat safety, and participation by groups like the Noble County Extension Homemakers and the Noble County Saddle Club. Also, yes, the Noble County Quilters are making a Noble County Quilt. (Maybe I’m getting older, but I think that’s a cool idea.) There’ll be an eight foot Indiana State Torch on the Courthouse lawn, so lighting won’t be a problem. There is also, naturally, a plan to honor veterans, and look for a United Way sponsored Bison-tennial Statewide Art Project. (‘Cause it’s Indiana’s bicentennial, and we had bison, so …)
So let me know, and I’ll start compiling a list of interested authors. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there! (Also, please repost this unnecessarily long appeal.)
Actually, that’s the idea of Joy LeCount and the Albion S.T.A.R. Team, which plans a Noble County ALL-IN Block Party around the courthouse square Saturday, June 25. (ALL-IN is a statewide effort by Indiana Humanities.)
Joy asked me to reach out to Noble County authors, and I think we can include authors from Noble County and those with a heavy presence in Noble County. Her idea was to have the authors together during the event, which goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for book signings, photo opportunities, question answering, solving mysteries, and being ruggedly handsome.
It might be under the umbrella of Noble County libraries, which makes sense to me, but that hasn’t been decided yet. For now, anyone who’s interested let me know with your name and contact info (preferably an e-mail address), so we can get a count and give further information as plans firm up.
I’m not going to organize it myself, due to time constraints and the inescapable fact that I’m a terrible organizer, but I’ll be as involved as possible. If anyone is interested in being the official author organizer, please let us know.
S.T.A.R., of course, stands for the Super Town of Albion Revitalization Team. If you look carefully, you’ll find their website here: http://www.albionstarteam.org/#.
The S.T.A.R. Team does all sorts of neat things around Albion, but in this case it’s a Noble County-wide event highlighting county organizations. The block party is designed to get residents more involved in their communities, and to celebrate that aforementioned bicentennial which, after all, doesn’t happen every decade.
Look for scads of activities on the square that day, and as you all know a scad is substantially more than a dozen, so let me know soon if you’re interested. There are plans for a photo booth, a book exchange, DNR demos on boat safety, and participation by groups like the Noble County Extension Homemakers and the Noble County Saddle Club. Also, yes, the Noble County Quilters are making a Noble County Quilt. (Maybe I’m getting older, but I think that’s a cool idea.) There’ll be an eight foot Indiana State Torch on the Courthouse lawn, so lighting won’t be a problem. There is also, naturally, a plan to honor veterans, and look for a United Way sponsored Bison-tennial Statewide Art Project. (‘Cause it’s Indiana’s bicentennial, and we had bison, so …)
So let me know, and I’ll start compiling a list of interested authors. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there! (Also, please repost this unnecessarily long appeal.)
January 26, 2016
Author Roger Lawrence Answers Seven Questions
Still way behind—only a month, now—but here’s another installment of Simon Goodson’s “The Seventh Question”, featuring author Roger Lawrence who, like me, writes in different genres.
http://www.simongoodson.com/the-seven...
“I get the ideas for new books every day and have subsequently lost ninety percent by forgetting to write them down.”
Roger is the author of nine novels so far, but is putting the finishing touches on a trilogy that should be ready by Christmas.
http://www.simongoodson.com/the-seven...
“I get the ideas for new books every day and have subsequently lost ninety percent by forgetting to write them down.”
Roger is the author of nine novels so far, but is putting the finishing touches on a trilogy that should be ready by Christmas.
January 24, 2016
Nope. Still don't wanna build a snowman.
I posted this back in February of last year, and for some reason I started thinking of it again this weekend. Really, it works best if you have the music playing in the background while you’re reading it.
____________________________________________________
Maybe you’ve seen “Frozen”. Maybe you’ve been frozen. Either way, I think you can relate to how I changed the song’s words, to reflect my feelings about winter. If you’re not familiar with the song, just ask any kid. If they don’t have the soundtrack or a karaoke version, they can probably still hum the tune from memory.
"I Don’t Want To Build a Snowman"
(sung to the tune of Do You Want to Build a Snowman)
I don’t wanna build a snowman.
Come on, are you crazy?
I’m not going near that frozen door
Call me a bore
I’m not going to freeze today.
I’m used to being warm
and when I’m not
I wish that I could die!
I don’t wanna get the frostbite.
I don’t want to see fingers white.
Go away, Winter.
Okay? Bye...
I don’t wanna build a snowman.
Or get hit with wet snowballs.
I think the outside may be for you,
I don’t like turning blue
and suffering from falls.
(Just hangin’ at home.)
I’ll stoke a fire or two
Staying in my room,
and at least then I won’t die.
(Brrrrrrr)
Please don’t make me go out there,
People are asking when it will end.
They say their skin has turned to ice,
Out there it’s not so nice:
Just go back in.
We’re not such a fan
Of this icy land,
But what are you gonna do?
I don’t wanna build a snowman. [sniff]
____________________________
So ... should I post my next great song, "Stop the Snow"?
____________________________________________________
Maybe you’ve seen “Frozen”. Maybe you’ve been frozen. Either way, I think you can relate to how I changed the song’s words, to reflect my feelings about winter. If you’re not familiar with the song, just ask any kid. If they don’t have the soundtrack or a karaoke version, they can probably still hum the tune from memory.
"I Don’t Want To Build a Snowman"
(sung to the tune of Do You Want to Build a Snowman)
I don’t wanna build a snowman.
Come on, are you crazy?
I’m not going near that frozen door
Call me a bore
I’m not going to freeze today.
I’m used to being warm
and when I’m not
I wish that I could die!
I don’t wanna get the frostbite.
I don’t want to see fingers white.
Go away, Winter.
Okay? Bye...
I don’t wanna build a snowman.
Or get hit with wet snowballs.
I think the outside may be for you,
I don’t like turning blue
and suffering from falls.
(Just hangin’ at home.)
I’ll stoke a fire or two
Staying in my room,
and at least then I won’t die.
(Brrrrrrr)
Please don’t make me go out there,
People are asking when it will end.
They say their skin has turned to ice,
Out there it’s not so nice:
Just go back in.
We’re not such a fan
Of this icy land,
But what are you gonna do?
I don’t wanna build a snowman. [sniff]
____________________________
So ... should I post my next great song, "Stop the Snow"?
January 22, 2016
Snowmeggedon Preparation
Blizzards happen. This one affecting much of the east is particularly bad, but they happen--and they'll happen again.
Most of the things people should do to prepare for one disaster are the same for any disaster: Stocking food, water, first aid supplies, battery powered lights and radios, and so on. When you're hit by a tornado, earthquake, snowstorm, or many other catastrophes, you might be on your own. Emergency services might not be able to get to you at all, or they might be overwhelmed.
Whenever an emergency comes, someone who thought it wouldn't happen to them has it happen to them. Don't wait until it's too late to be prepared. It's not silly. It's not overkill. It's what may keep you and your family alive.
Most of the things people should do to prepare for one disaster are the same for any disaster: Stocking food, water, first aid supplies, battery powered lights and radios, and so on. When you're hit by a tornado, earthquake, snowstorm, or many other catastrophes, you might be on your own. Emergency services might not be able to get to you at all, or they might be overwhelmed.
Whenever an emergency comes, someone who thought it wouldn't happen to them has it happen to them. Don't wait until it's too late to be prepared. It's not silly. It's not overkill. It's what may keep you and your family alive.
January 21, 2016
Submission Season
They say a writer shouldn’t submit to publishers during the Christmas holiday season—apparently all the editors are busy spilling eggnog on their keyboards, or something. One industry insider suggested not submitting until after January 10th, to give time for the publishers to clear their backlog of submissions.
With the surgery and all, I got behind anyway. Then I became part of the backlog being cleared, and received a few rejections between Christmas and January 10th—one on January 10th.
So now I have a novel and four short stories trapped in rejection purgatory, which will keep me busy researching and submitting for a while.
This doesn’t include the Indiana history humor book: If we get a rejection from the publisher we submitted it to in early December, we’ll self-publish. Traditional publishing lead time is so long that if we submit and wait, we might miss the entire Indiana bicentennial year—which is what compelled me to write it in the first place. (Look for me and hopefully many other local authors at a bicentennial related block part around Albion’s courthouse square on June 25—more info to come.)
I also have big plans later this winter: to forward my writing career by doing some actual writing.
With the surgery and all, I got behind anyway. Then I became part of the backlog being cleared, and received a few rejections between Christmas and January 10th—one on January 10th.
So now I have a novel and four short stories trapped in rejection purgatory, which will keep me busy researching and submitting for a while.
This doesn’t include the Indiana history humor book: If we get a rejection from the publisher we submitted it to in early December, we’ll self-publish. Traditional publishing lead time is so long that if we submit and wait, we might miss the entire Indiana bicentennial year—which is what compelled me to write it in the first place. (Look for me and hopefully many other local authors at a bicentennial related block part around Albion’s courthouse square on June 25—more info to come.)
I also have big plans later this winter: to forward my writing career by doing some actual writing.
