Clint Stoker's Blog, page 6
August 19, 2012
I'm Back!
Over the past eight months or so I'm been extremely busy. I finished my Bachelors degree at the University of Utah. As if that wasn't enough, I've also been working on two more books. Of course, I'm working on "All For Owen" but I'm also working on a new story that is tentatively titled "Cowards Don't Die".
I wouldn't normally work on two stories at the same time, but inspiration struck really hard, so I thought I'd go with it.
Now that school is finally over for good, I'm all about writing so I'll try to keep this blog updated on my latest endeavors in the writing world.
I wouldn't normally work on two stories at the same time, but inspiration struck really hard, so I thought I'd go with it.
Now that school is finally over for good, I'm all about writing so I'll try to keep this blog updated on my latest endeavors in the writing world.
January 12, 2012
Fun While It Lasted
In a two day frenzy, over 10,000 people downloaded a copy of The Cause. That's pretty awesome if you ask me. All day, I was watching the numbers go up on Amazon. Even though I didn't make a cent, It makes me feel warm all over to know I have 10,000 more perspective readers.
Thanks to all who participated, especially Bookish Ardour for the awesome advertising.
I know I've been posting a lot recently because of the promotion, so don't be too let-down when this blog goes dormant over the next few days.
I'm going to crawl back into my writers cave for a while to work on All For Owen.
Thanks to all who participated, especially Bookish Ardour for the awesome advertising.
I know I've been posting a lot recently because of the promotion, so don't be too let-down when this blog goes dormant over the next few days.
I'm going to crawl back into my writers cave for a while to work on All For Owen.
January 11, 2012
Last Chance!
Free ebooks are flying off the shelves like hot-cakes.
Currently, 9500 people have downloaded a free ebook copy of The Cause. That put's us at #37 in Amazons top 100 free ebooks.
Needless to say, this promotion has surpassed my expectations dramatically. If you haven't downloaded a copy yet, hurry! If you haven't told your friends about this freebee, hurry!
I'm working furiously on All For Owen Act 1. So I'll get back to work.
Currently, 9500 people have downloaded a free ebook copy of The Cause. That put's us at #37 in Amazons top 100 free ebooks.
Needless to say, this promotion has surpassed my expectations dramatically. If you haven't downloaded a copy yet, hurry! If you haven't told your friends about this freebee, hurry!
I'm working furiously on All For Owen Act 1. So I'll get back to work.
January 10, 2012
48 Hours Of Freedom!
Special announcement today! I'm giving away a free ebook copy of The Cause to anyone who wants to download it from Amazon.com.
This promotion ends January 11th at midnight Easter Standard Time.
This giveaway is young, and already 3000 people have downloaded The Cause free.
To all you free-loaders - tell your free-loader friends!
This promotion ends January 11th at midnight Easter Standard Time.
This giveaway is young, and already 3000 people have downloaded The Cause free.
To all you free-loaders - tell your free-loader friends!
January 5, 2012
Serial Novel
Here's a pretty exciting announcement. I've decided to publish my current work-in-progress "All For Owen" as a serial novel.
What does that mean?
I'm planning on releasing the novel in three sections. (This is subject to change. I might go for four or five sections.) That means the story will be coming out sooner, and in smaller portions.
Why?
There are several reasons: 1- I am a new author and In the internet age people want more sooner or else they loose interest. 2- This will help me to narrow my focus, and thus create a better story. 3- I'm looking for street-cread as an author, that means more publications.
Is this a stunt to make more money?
No - If I were doing this for money, I've already failed. All For Owen will still be released as a full novel on Amazon once it's finished. So if you are the type of person who'd rather read it in it's entirety in one sitting, that's ok - just wait for the big release. If you aren't a patient person, great! You can read each section as it comes out.
The bottom line is, I'm still writing. I'm still publishing. I have complete creative control, so why not try something new?
What does that mean?
I'm planning on releasing the novel in three sections. (This is subject to change. I might go for four or five sections.) That means the story will be coming out sooner, and in smaller portions.
Why?
There are several reasons: 1- I am a new author and In the internet age people want more sooner or else they loose interest. 2- This will help me to narrow my focus, and thus create a better story. 3- I'm looking for street-cread as an author, that means more publications.
Is this a stunt to make more money?
No - If I were doing this for money, I've already failed. All For Owen will still be released as a full novel on Amazon once it's finished. So if you are the type of person who'd rather read it in it's entirety in one sitting, that's ok - just wait for the big release. If you aren't a patient person, great! You can read each section as it comes out.
The bottom line is, I'm still writing. I'm still publishing. I have complete creative control, so why not try something new?
January 4, 2012
A few Comments On Editing.
I got my bad review today for The Cause. I knew it was coming, because... well, everyone gets bad reviews at some point.
This particular review made some valid complaints about editing. I thought I'd clear a few things up for those of you who read The Cause and didn't notice any editing mistakes.
When I first decided to go the indie-publishing route, I was over zealous to get my work out there. I edited the novel myself, my wife edited it, and a few other friends edited it. I sent out advanced readers copies to reviewers, and then published The Cause.
Needless to say, after a few months I had several more people read it and give me feedback. There were several editing errors.
I didn't loose any sleep over this because I knew there would still be mistakes. The beauty of indie-publishing is that I can make corrections and post a new edition. Is it possible that there are still editing mistakes? Yes - I'd bet money on it. That is the ugly truth of self-publishing.
I'm confident that the current edition is up-to-par, because readers have grown exponentially, and I haven't had any complaints yet.
As for the future, I'm definitely going to do more editing before publishing my next novel. As always, I do the best with what I have.
This particular review made some valid complaints about editing. I thought I'd clear a few things up for those of you who read The Cause and didn't notice any editing mistakes.
When I first decided to go the indie-publishing route, I was over zealous to get my work out there. I edited the novel myself, my wife edited it, and a few other friends edited it. I sent out advanced readers copies to reviewers, and then published The Cause.
Needless to say, after a few months I had several more people read it and give me feedback. There were several editing errors.
I didn't loose any sleep over this because I knew there would still be mistakes. The beauty of indie-publishing is that I can make corrections and post a new edition. Is it possible that there are still editing mistakes? Yes - I'd bet money on it. That is the ugly truth of self-publishing.
I'm confident that the current edition is up-to-par, because readers have grown exponentially, and I haven't had any complaints yet.
As for the future, I'm definitely going to do more editing before publishing my next novel. As always, I do the best with what I have.
December 15, 2011
One More Review!
Another review of The Cause. This time on A "Good Day To Read".
I'm really pleased with the response I've been getting for The Cause. I've had thoughts of writing a sequel, but I haven't decided anything yet.
For now, I'm going to be putting more time into "All For Owen". I'm planning on making some serious progress during the Christmas break.
Thank you for all your support. Again, check out the review and share it on Facebook and/or Twitter!
I'm really pleased with the response I've been getting for The Cause. I've had thoughts of writing a sequel, but I haven't decided anything yet.
For now, I'm going to be putting more time into "All For Owen". I'm planning on making some serious progress during the Christmas break.
Thank you for all your support. Again, check out the review and share it on Facebook and/or Twitter!
December 13, 2011
Words Of Encouragement
Yet another review, this time from an Australian blogger, has graced the internet with more insight on THE CAUSE.
As I read this review, I was really nervous. I'm always nervous when I read a review of my own work, but this time my gut was in slightly tighter knots. Not because this review was bigger or father reaching, but I could really tell she dug deep.
So how did it turn out? Great! She gave THE CAUSE 4 out of 5 stars, and said some really encouraging things like:
"The ability to raise questions is only one element of what I feel makes a great story, a story everyone should try reading at least once... The Cause, for me, was one of those books."
Yeah, pretty cool, right? This was possibly the high point of the article, though there was a lot of good stuff. Rather than filling you all in, I suggest you go check out the BOOKISH ARDOUR blog yourself. And to all you loyal readers, please, please, please share the link of Facebook and/or Twitter. It helps me a lot in my future writing endeavors.
As I read this review, I was really nervous. I'm always nervous when I read a review of my own work, but this time my gut was in slightly tighter knots. Not because this review was bigger or father reaching, but I could really tell she dug deep.
So how did it turn out? Great! She gave THE CAUSE 4 out of 5 stars, and said some really encouraging things like:
"The ability to raise questions is only one element of what I feel makes a great story, a story everyone should try reading at least once... The Cause, for me, was one of those books."
Yeah, pretty cool, right? This was possibly the high point of the article, though there was a lot of good stuff. Rather than filling you all in, I suggest you go check out the BOOKISH ARDOUR blog yourself. And to all you loyal readers, please, please, please share the link of Facebook and/or Twitter. It helps me a lot in my future writing endeavors.
December 9, 2011
Sneak Peek
I have some new concept art for my next novel. My brother, Russell, made an awesome sketch for the cover and I've been playing around with several ideas. Nothing is set in stone - except for the title... Well, maybe not even that. I like the title so far, but I want to see if i still like it in a few months. Tell me what you think.
Title: ALL FOR OWEN
Ta-da! I thought it was pretty cool. Especially because it's very fitting to the story.
Now here's the really cool stuff. This is the original sketch Russell did.
In case you're wondering what the heck it is, it's a dude wearing an Italian plague doctor's mask. I don't want to give away too much of the story just yet, but I can say that it is also crucial to the story.
Next, I added some color and texture to make it look more realistic.
After sever hours of playing, I decided to go less real and more artsy. This is the cover so far.
I'm going to keep playing, so let me know what you think.
Title: ALL FOR OWEN
Ta-da! I thought it was pretty cool. Especially because it's very fitting to the story.
Now here's the really cool stuff. This is the original sketch Russell did.
In case you're wondering what the heck it is, it's a dude wearing an Italian plague doctor's mask. I don't want to give away too much of the story just yet, but I can say that it is also crucial to the story.
Next, I added some color and texture to make it look more realistic.
After sever hours of playing, I decided to go less real and more artsy. This is the cover so far.
I'm going to keep playing, so let me know what you think.
December 6, 2011
Shout Out.
Feels like forever since I last posted. I guess the holidays and finals do that.
I've been thinking a lot about marketing my books lately. So far, I've had more success that I had actually expected, though I'm far from a best seller. I think a HUGE part of my success has been the book trailer that Jay Jensen did for me. Seriously, it's hard enough to write, publish and promote your own novel, but making everything look professional is another challenge altogether.
A big part of my marketing strategy has been to send free e-book copings to my friends and anybody else willing to blog or vlog about it. I believe this is where most of my success has come because my readers sell the books for me. Sweet deal huh? Well, nobody with a trusted opinion would read my book if it weren't for the trailer Jay did.
I like to troll the internet looking for book reviewers with big audiences. When I find them, I send them an email along with the book trailer. And that's when I have them. I always get a response that goes something like this.
"Wow! This book looks awesome! I can't wait to read it!"
I know they aren't getting that impression because I'm such a handsome guy. I don't send pictures after all. (Hmm... there's an idea) No, they are drooling over the novel because of the video trailer.
So here I go. I try not to do this took often, but here is my official endorsement for JJ Productions. I wouldn't have sold books without readers, I wouldn't have readers without reviewers, and I would have no reviewers if it hadn't been for the amazing book trailer.
If your thinking about going the ind-publishing rout, let me know! What are the best book trailers you've seen?
I've been thinking a lot about marketing my books lately. So far, I've had more success that I had actually expected, though I'm far from a best seller. I think a HUGE part of my success has been the book trailer that Jay Jensen did for me. Seriously, it's hard enough to write, publish and promote your own novel, but making everything look professional is another challenge altogether.
A big part of my marketing strategy has been to send free e-book copings to my friends and anybody else willing to blog or vlog about it. I believe this is where most of my success has come because my readers sell the books for me. Sweet deal huh? Well, nobody with a trusted opinion would read my book if it weren't for the trailer Jay did.
I like to troll the internet looking for book reviewers with big audiences. When I find them, I send them an email along with the book trailer. And that's when I have them. I always get a response that goes something like this.
"Wow! This book looks awesome! I can't wait to read it!"
I know they aren't getting that impression because I'm such a handsome guy. I don't send pictures after all. (Hmm... there's an idea) No, they are drooling over the novel because of the video trailer.
So here I go. I try not to do this took often, but here is my official endorsement for JJ Productions. I wouldn't have sold books without readers, I wouldn't have readers without reviewers, and I would have no reviewers if it hadn't been for the amazing book trailer.
If your thinking about going the ind-publishing rout, let me know! What are the best book trailers you've seen?
