Michael Watson's Blog, page 5

Gold Star From The Book Designer

Today I received notice and congratulations from Joel Friedlander, The Book Designer, for receiving a gold star for the e-Book cover  for Treasure of the Anasazi designed by Laura Wright LaRoche which I submitted in January. I knew I liked it when I first saw it, but then what do I know. I was pleasantly surprised that the cover received a gold star. Laura is very creative and does a superb job. That is why I had her also redo the cover for my first book in the Jack Trader adventure series. I have submitted it for this month. Much thanks to Joel for this recognition. It is greatly appreciated.  The link to The Book Designer site for e-Book Cover Design awards is http://goo.gl/9ELyc.

Great Book Signing

My last comments were about a book signing I had at a local library a couple of weeks ago. It was a bad experience, disappointing to say the least. It was the second time to try one there. Same results. I must be a slow learner.Saturday I had another book signing at a different library, the Derby Public Library with an informal talk and Q&A session. Couldn't have been better. Preparation was the key. They mad big posters showing the cover of the book, Treasure of the Anasazi, a short blurb about it, and my mug shot. At the desk they handed out bookmarks with the same info. It was placed on the local newspapers facebook page. For some reason neither of the local papers placed a notice in the newspaper, regardless of multiple requests. Even so, there was a good turnout, but better than I have ever had before and almost everyone bought both the 1st and 2nd books in the Jack Trader series. I was overjoyed and shocked at the same time. Kristy Norman, the Public Support Services Coordinator, was terrific. She set me up in a meeting room with an audio/visual setup so we could show the 2nd book's trailer. I had never been asked to give a talk before, so I had to wing it. Since these attendees had not read my book yet, there wouldn't be questions about the story itself. So I came prepared to talk about some history of the Mesa Verde National Park area and the Anasazi. I handed out fact sheets with historical info that related directly to the story.Discussed some about why I chose the 1950's time period. I also asked who were in the process of writing something and recommended a couple very supportive writer groups I belong too. Touched on self-publishing. I thought it went pretty well. At least no one walked out.Today I celebrated by going out for Chinese. Life can be good. 

Book Signing No-Show

Well, I tried it again. Are there points for persistence? I tried it last year with my first book and again today with the 2nd in the series. No one showed up either time. Maybe a public library isn't an ideal place for a book signing. I mean, there are free books everywhere, even those I have donated. Why would anyone buy a book when they can check one out for free. It was advertised weeks in advance and the Librarian set me up with a table near the door. I hope the one I am having on April 6th will be different (better). It was advertised as a 'talk' with a Q&A session.Let's move on to something else. Last week I purchased self-advertising on Goodreads. So far over 9,000 views with 3 clicks. That's right, three. I have changed the description, but it obviously hasn't made a difference. And then there is the 'free' copy of my newest novel, 'Treasure of the Anasazi: A Jack Trader Adventure,' that I have been offering on Smashwords. Isn't free cheap enough to just try it? Very frustrated. The time and effort I spend attempting to market appears to be a complete waste of time. Sales are near zero. My rating on Amazon should be proof. I should be spending that time writing, which I would prefer to do.Okay. Enough ranting for now. I'm going to go watch some March Madness and relax. My alma mater, Wichita State, plays tonight. Hope you all have a great weekend.

Book Signing Prep

I am being allowed the opportunity to have a book signing at one of the local libraries on April 6th. They will be setting me up in a media room where I will be able to show my book trailer. They would like for me to present a short talk also. I am creating a handout with my photo, the book cover to "Treasure of the Anasazi," and a list of a few historical facts related to the story and the book's setting at Mesa Verde. 
Just for instance, did you know that women Rangers weren't allowed to go through law enforcement training until 1971? And it wasn't until 1978 until women were given the right to wear a "man's" uniform, badge, and the "Smokey Bear" hat? Before that it was more of a stewardess uniform.
This is just one of the things Samantha is up against in this 1953 story and why she feels she has to prove herself after her boss and friend, Ranger Emitt Barnes, is shot.
I am not a public speaker. I break out in a sweat just thinking about it, but it needs to be done. Hopefully, I will improve with time.

The Liebster Award for Blogging

So, I'll guess your first question is the same as mine was, what is a Liebster Award? With a little research, it seems it originated in Germany in order to give smaller bloggers recognition for their hard work. So, Congratulations! If this is not for you, no problem. You are under no obligation to continue,but you just might find it entertaining and enlightening.

There are rules. First, I am asked to tell you eleven random facts about myself. Second, I answer the eleven questions sent to me by Rachel Amphlett, who nominated me, who had been nominated by Clive Eaton. Third, I nominate up to eleven author/bloggers and fourth, I give each of you eleven questions to answer. It's not as bad as it sounds.

First, Here Are The Eleven Random Things About Myself
1) I didn't start writing seriously until I was 50 yrs old
2) I've been married 38 yrs (to the same woman)
3) I actually like fruit cake
4) Self-employed since 2000 (Environmental geologist and surveyor)
5) I collect vintage 3D posters, viewmasters and stereoscopes. Not so much for movies. However, Avatar wasn't too bad. I collect old reel movies too, 8-16 mm. Sad, huh.
6) My favorite time of day is in the morning when I go to the cafe with my spiral notebook to write.
7) I also collect sports memorabilia, much of it KC. Don't say it!
8) I like browsing antique malls. (See item 5)
9) Nothing like a good farm auction.
10) Re-furbishing '63 T-bird.
11) I'm only allowed to bring anchovy pizza into the house once a year on my birthday. 

Answers To Rachel's Questions
1) Favorite album cover and why. The first one that comes to mind is a vinyl from the 70's. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. It had a cover with texture like a bible.
2) If you could travel back in time and be in your favorite movie, which movie and which character. Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark and of course I would be Indiana, the person, not the dog. You have to be a fan to get that.
3) If you can interview any person of your choice, who and what would be the first question. I would ask Moe if he knew he could put someone's eye out with those two fingers.
4) Speaking to a group of 12-yr olds about writing. What advice aren't you going to give. Remember to always outline before starting to write.
5) Worst joke. Two Eskimos are in a kayak fishing, They get cold and make a fire. The boat sinks. Moral: You can't have a kayak and heat it too. (I read this somewhere on twitter last week)
6) Relaxing or action holiday and where. Definetly relaxing on a sandy beach anywhere it is warm.
7) If given the chance to go back to your school days, what would you do differently. Maybe try harder in school. Not!
8) House is burning. Which book do you save and why. Photo album with all it's memories.
9) Superhero or villain. Who and why. Not sure about this one. Most good guys get the girl, don't they?
10) Animal, vegetable or mineral. Not sure what I'm suppose to do with this one. I think I'm getting a headache. 
11) What instrument would you like to play and why. The tamborine. It's got to be the easiest to fake.

Now My Questions For You
1) How old were you when you had your first romantic kiss?
2) What would it take for you to think of yourself as a successful writer?
3) What is your favorite holiday and why?
4) What was your first car?
5) What was the first movie you saw at the theater?
6) Who influenced you most growing up, other than a parent? How?
7) What is your favorite place in the continental U.S.?
8) Milk chocolate or dark chocolate?
9) How often do you take your significant other on a date? Planned or spontaneous?
10) Do you watch cartoons when you're all alone? Despicable Me counts.
11) Are you still on track with your New Year's resolutions?

The following individuals are now tagged/nominated. Have fun with this.
1) Eric Thomasma @seams16 : http://www.ericbt.webs.com
2) Dan Moore @DanMooreAuthor : http://www.danmoore.com
3) Wayne Zurl @waynezurl : http://www.waynezurlbooks.net
4) C.L. Withers @CLWithers1 : http://www.clwithers.com
5) George Wier @BillTravisWrite : http://www.billtravismysteries.com
6) Dennis Burns @DennisJBurns : http://www.burnsclanmedia.com
7) Chris Petersen @ChrisPetersenTX : http://www.christopherdavidpetersen.w...

Please check out Rachel's site and blog at http://www.rachelamphlett.com.

New Cover For First Book

I recently had Laura Wright LaRoche of LLPix Photography come up with a new design for the cover of my first book. The original cover was of my own creation using Createspace. I thought it was great. I found exactly the image I wanted on Dreamstime. I suppose this error in judgement could be compared with a writer final editing his own work, not being able to see the forest for the trees. One comment I received was that it was hokey. Maybe it was. I still like it, but sales have been dismal at best. So, after having a fantastic cover designed for my second book, Treasure of the Anasazi, I decided to see what Laura could come up with for the first one. Once again I am very pleased. Whether it will increase sales? Only time will tell. I am attempting to be more pro-active with marketing. It still doesn't come easy to me and it takes up an exorbitant amount of time with seemingly no results. Please go to the 'books' page and take a look at both covers and watch the trailer for 'Treasure of the Anasazi'. Enjoy.

Book Trailer Completed

On Sunday, January 13th, I received notice by email from bzhercules (http://bzhercules.com) that the book trailer for Treasure of the Anasazi was complete and ready. After only minor changes, the trailer has turned out fantastic. If you haven't seen it, please go back to the title page and watch it. I think you will like it as well. Now is the next step, to share it with as many sites as possible. I would appreciate your help in this effort. Doris-Maria Heilmann (http://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com) of 111 publishing is helping me with ideas for marketing. I encourage you to contact Laura Wright LaRoche, the cover designer (http://llpix.com), bzhercules and Doris to help you too.

Book Trailer - Treasure of the Anasazi

The book trailer has just been completed by bzhercules. The link is http://youtu.be/UCQp1_NF9yU. Please take a look. I know you'll enjoy it. Please like and share it. Thanks.

Marketing

Treasure of the Anasazi is now available on amazon, B&N, and Smashwords as an eBook and at CreateSpace and Amazon in print. After a short query process I decided to self-publish again. I had no desire to go through the long drawn out process that I did with my first novel, The Nestorian Alliance. I have found it nearly impossible to get an agent or publisher to request even a part of the manuscript. I've followed all the guidelines for what should be in a query letter, how to format correctly for the mailed vs. the emailed versions. I find it difficult to understand how 'they' can tell the worthiness of a book strictly based on the query letter. My rejects from my first book was approximately 2 inches thick. I refused to go through that again, so this time I sent maybe a dozen queries to well chosen recipients. No interest. I have moved on. I am doing some things differently for this book. Last year I designed my own book cover through CreateSpace, this year I hired a book cover designer, Laura Wright LaRoche, through bzhercules. I am very happy with the results, which I'm sure you saw upon entering this website. Also I have hired 111 Publishing to help me with marketing. Doris-Maria Heilmann is now guiding me in that endeavor. Last year I had very minimal results while trying to do it all myself. My next step is to notify the local newspapers to request that they announce the release of my new book. Today, a giveaway on Goodreads concluded. I was pleased that 529 people signed up. I have used twitter as my primary location for advertising with almost non-existent results. I believe only a very small percentage of the contacts there affects sales. It would appear there are many cliches associated with the site. Repeated RT's to certain individuals never results in reciprocated RT's, but I will keep trying. I do not pitch my book continuously as some do, but try to interact with my followeFacebook has been even less successful. I'll keep you informed on how things are progressing.

eBook Formats

I received the mobi and Epub formatted files for my new book yesterday. The formatting was performed by Guido Henkel. Visit his web site at guidohenkel.com/ebook-services/. Now in the process of uploading to Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords, setting up a giveaway on Goodreads, and trying to think of ways to get this book into peoples hands. Of course I will begin to tweet about it and place it on Facebook. If you didn't already know, the book title is Treasure of the Anasazi, the 2nd Jack Trader adventure. Please take a look. Thanks.