Michael Watson's Blog, page 6
December 15, 2012
eBook Formatting
For the second time, I chose to go to Guido Henkel to format the manuscript, ready for upload to Kindle, B&N, and Smashwords as an eBook. He was very quick and reasonably priced. There were cheaper resources out there, but Guido was already proven to be very capable. A few changes were needed and he quickly took care of them. Check with Guido for your book at guidohenkel.com/ebook-services/.
Today, I uploaded the 2nd novel in the Jack Trader Adventure series to CreateSpace. This year they allowed the ability to print out a copy of the book for proofing. This helped considerably. Last year I had to order a print version to proof. After going through the proof copy several times, I am happy to say that the print book is now available for purchase at www.createspace.com/4086218. It should be ready at Amazon in 5-7 business days.
Today, I uploaded the 2nd novel in the Jack Trader Adventure series to CreateSpace. This year they allowed the ability to print out a copy of the book for proofing. This helped considerably. Last year I had to order a print version to proof. After going through the proof copy several times, I am happy to say that the print book is now available for purchase at www.createspace.com/4086218. It should be ready at Amazon in 5-7 business days.
December 5, 2012
New Jack Trader Adventure (#2)
I'm getting very close. Final revisions have been made for the second in the Jack Trader adventure series. I am now working on the cover, or more correctly, I have asked B.Z. Hercules to design one for me. I will be releasing this book as an ebook on Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords and as a paperback through Amazon (Createspace). The following is a blurb about the story.
The Anasazi have survived for hundreds of years in a secluded canyon at Mesa Verde. Discovered at the turn of the century by a rancher, the U.S. government stepped in to establish the Restricted Area for their protection.
Now the secret of their existence and location are in jeopardy. The journal of a past Ute Indian agent has been found with entries about the Anasazi, a miraculous spring and a treasure. Two strangers hear about the treasure, becoming obsessed with locating it by any means necessary. Their searches progressively edge closer to the settlement.
The spirit of a young Navajo woman, befriended by the Anasazi, asks Jack Trader for his help. The Anasazi have witnessed the archeologist’s respectful ways at the cliff-dwellings and trust him.
After the Park Ranger is shot, Jack joins forces with the interim Ranger, Samantha Baker, an old flame, to stop the two men. Samantha is determined to prove herself in the Ranger’s absence.
As a last resort, the Anasazi will protect themselves. They are the ‘coyote people’, able to transform with deadly consequences. However, the unwanted attention could also bring their way of life to an end.
Hope this sounds interesting and worth your time to read it. I'll let you know when it's ready. Happy Holidays.
Mike
The Anasazi have survived for hundreds of years in a secluded canyon at Mesa Verde. Discovered at the turn of the century by a rancher, the U.S. government stepped in to establish the Restricted Area for their protection.
Now the secret of their existence and location are in jeopardy. The journal of a past Ute Indian agent has been found with entries about the Anasazi, a miraculous spring and a treasure. Two strangers hear about the treasure, becoming obsessed with locating it by any means necessary. Their searches progressively edge closer to the settlement.
The spirit of a young Navajo woman, befriended by the Anasazi, asks Jack Trader for his help. The Anasazi have witnessed the archeologist’s respectful ways at the cliff-dwellings and trust him.
After the Park Ranger is shot, Jack joins forces with the interim Ranger, Samantha Baker, an old flame, to stop the two men. Samantha is determined to prove herself in the Ranger’s absence.
As a last resort, the Anasazi will protect themselves. They are the ‘coyote people’, able to transform with deadly consequences. However, the unwanted attention could also bring their way of life to an end.
Hope this sounds interesting and worth your time to read it. I'll let you know when it's ready. Happy Holidays.
Mike
May 27, 2012
New Book Progress
A few weeks ago I attended the OWFI writers conference in Oklahoma City. I pitched my newest book, Treasure of the Anasazi, the second in the Jack Trader series, to three individuals, one agent and two publishers. All three asked to see the manuscipt. I hope it wasn't just a matter of being nice. It was a new experience. Last year at the same conference I pitched to three individuals and only one asked to see it. She was a big time agent. You'd know her name. I sent it and never heard back from her. I got the impression at the time that she was just going through the motions. The three I pitched to this year gave me the feeling that they were genuinely interested. I should point out that it was a different book that I pitched this time. Perhaps I would have had the same response if I had pitched the same book again. I still haven't sent it to them yet. I asked if they would mind if I went through it again to identify any errors, grammar, punctuation, or otherwise. None had a problem with it. It is now in the hands of my editor to find anything I missed and/or find problems with the story. The beta readers who have already read it were encouraging by saying they liked it and I shouldn't change a thing. Only one was a family member. I am working on the synopsis and should finish it soon. Before too long I will submit it and get back to work on my third book, Tragedy in Durango.
April 27, 2012
Newspaper Archives
Yesterday I received permission from Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection to use articles from area newspapers leading up to and following a shootout that occured in Durango, Colorado in January of 1906. The confrontation was between the sheriff and the marshal, the result of a long standing disagreement over gambling. I really appreciate being granted permission to use the articles which will show how and when the actual events took place. I will be creating a fictionalized version based on the facts surrounding the shooting in an attempt to show how tensions built until it came to its tragic conclusion. Check back for postings as the story evolves.
April 17, 2012
Update
I have received back the comments from my first beta reader for the second in the Jack Trader adventure series. As I suspected, there were things that I had seen multiple times but didn't recognize as being problems. But then, that is one of the reasons for having a beta reader. Another reason is to make sure the story or pieces of the story make sense. My first beta reader put a sticky note on a scene and stated "I don't know if this makes sense.' He was absolutely right. I have re-written it and now it is much more credible and more likely to happen. I made the changes and/or corrections suggested and now the manuscript is off to the second beta reader. The intent is that over the course of several readers the story will continue to improve. I'm not asking for grammar or spelling corrections at this time but for flow of the story and whether it makes sense and whether it is enjoyable to read. During the revision stage I had made changes, thinking I had taken care of anything that the change affected. Well, evidently not. Once the beta readers have finished and they, along with myself , are satisfied, then it will go to an editor for further fine tuning. One step at a time.
Post Title.
I have received back the comments from my first beta reader for the second in the Jack Trader adventure series. As I suspected, there were things that I had seen multiple times but didn't recognize as being problems. But then, that is one of the reasons for having a beta reader. Another reason is to make sure the story or pieces of the story make sense. My first beta reader put a sticky note on a scene and stated "I don't know if this makes sense.' He was absolutely right. I have re-written it and now it is much more credible and more likely to happen. I made the changes and/or corrections suggested and now the manuscript is off to the second beta reader. The intent is that over the course of several readers the story will continue to improve. I'm not asking for grammar or spelling corrections at this time but for flow of the story and whether it makes sense and whether it is enjoyable to read. During the revision stage I had made changes, thinking I had taken care of anything that the change affected. Well, evidently not. Once the beta readers have finished and they, along with myself , are satisfied, then it will go to an editor for further fine tuning. One step at a time.
March 19, 2012
2012 KWA Writer's Conference
Friday night and all day Saturday was the Kansas Writers Association annual writers conference at the downtown Hyatt in Wichita. We had some great speakers. Our keynote speaker was William Bernhardt, writer of the successful Ben Kincaid series. Most of the speakers were providing consultations. I'm still digesting the comments I received. They ranged from re-doing my cover to changing the title to... re-writing the book in a more current setting. Now what do I do? For those friends and family who have read my book, The Nestorian Alliance, I would love to hear or read your comments on those items. Or if you haven't read the book, was it because you didn't like the title or the cover? Also, please leave a review on amazon, b&n, smashwords or anywhere else you can think of.
On a positive note, the conference also marked the end of the writing contest. I tried my hand at a new genre, horror( implied gore). I was pleasantly surprised to be awarded second place in adult short fiction. My story, Stranger in Town, is now in the associations 2011 anthology, on lulu.com, if you're interested.
For now I'm moving ahead with second in the series, title is tentatively Secret of Mesa Verde. I'm now re-thinking that. Maybe too Hardy Boys. I am in one of the revision stages right now. I have actually written the final page, but the story continues to breathe and grow.
On a positive note, the conference also marked the end of the writing contest. I tried my hand at a new genre, horror( implied gore). I was pleasantly surprised to be awarded second place in adult short fiction. My story, Stranger in Town, is now in the associations 2011 anthology, on lulu.com, if you're interested.
For now I'm moving ahead with second in the series, title is tentatively Secret of Mesa Verde. I'm now re-thinking that. Maybe too Hardy Boys. I am in one of the revision stages right now. I have actually written the final page, but the story continues to breathe and grow.
February 4, 2012
First Book Signings
This week I decided it was time for a book signing. I am having no luck with ebook sales through Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Smashwords. I have tried to encourage traffic to come to my website through twitter and facebook with no results. I'm hoping the personal touch with the paperback version of my book will be better.
So, this week I contacted two local libraries to see if it would be possible to have a book signing at their locations. Both were extremelycourteous and very receptive to the idea. We scheduled one for February 18th from 1-3 at the Haysville Community Library (it's a Kansas town about seven miles from my house) and one for February 25th from 11-1 at the Clearwater Public Library. The Librarian, Betty, at the Haysville Library asked that I make it a discussion also. I'm not much of a public speaker so we'll have to see how that goes. I thought I would talk not just about the book specifically, but also about the process of writing and revisions. I have my three ring binder from my last revisions with almost every page dog-eared where I either needed or wanted to make changes. I also thought part of my show-n-tell would include my first proof copy that is full of sticky notes. Now I hope someone shows up. Selling a few books would be nice, but I will also just enjoy talking to anyone that is interested in the book or in writing in general.
I made flyers for each library to hand out and made an announcement fortheir entry doors to encourage attendance. I also contacted the two local newspapers and asked them to place a notice in the paper for the book signings. I'll let you know how it goes. If anyone reading this has a suggestion,please let me know.
So, this week I contacted two local libraries to see if it would be possible to have a book signing at their locations. Both were extremelycourteous and very receptive to the idea. We scheduled one for February 18th from 1-3 at the Haysville Community Library (it's a Kansas town about seven miles from my house) and one for February 25th from 11-1 at the Clearwater Public Library. The Librarian, Betty, at the Haysville Library asked that I make it a discussion also. I'm not much of a public speaker so we'll have to see how that goes. I thought I would talk not just about the book specifically, but also about the process of writing and revisions. I have my three ring binder from my last revisions with almost every page dog-eared where I either needed or wanted to make changes. I also thought part of my show-n-tell would include my first proof copy that is full of sticky notes. Now I hope someone shows up. Selling a few books would be nice, but I will also just enjoy talking to anyone that is interested in the book or in writing in general.
I made flyers for each library to hand out and made an announcement fortheir entry doors to encourage attendance. I also contacted the two local newspapers and asked them to place a notice in the paper for the book signings. I'll let you know how it goes. If anyone reading this has a suggestion,please let me know.
January 2, 2012
2012 - A New Year
It seems as though the Holidays went by awfully fast this year. This weekend I am taking down the lights from the house and storing away the yards decorations. They have been up almost a month, but it doesn't seem like it.
I'm hoping this year is better financially than the last. Besides writing, I am self employed as a surveyor and geologist. The number of jobs decreased again this last year. I don't think I'm going through anything different from what the rest of the country's going through.
My plan for the next year is to finish the second book in the Jack Trader adventure series and be well along with the next book, a historically based western adventure. It will also be based on Durango, Colorado. The idea for the book came to me as we were visiting the historical museum this last Summer.
Happy New Year and Happy Writing for the new year.
I'm hoping this year is better financially than the last. Besides writing, I am self employed as a surveyor and geologist. The number of jobs decreased again this last year. I don't think I'm going through anything different from what the rest of the country's going through.
My plan for the next year is to finish the second book in the Jack Trader adventure series and be well along with the next book, a historically based western adventure. It will also be based on Durango, Colorado. The idea for the book came to me as we were visiting the historical museum this last Summer.
Happy New Year and Happy Writing for the new year.
December 20, 2011
Cozumel Cruise -Part 3
Nacho took us on a walking tour for about 45 minutes, then turned us loose to explore on our own. I decided to climb to the top of one of the temples. My wife declined. From the top the view was fantastic. I could see most of the complex. Of course then I had to get down. The steps look steeper from on top, and if you did slip, there would be no stopping until you reached bottom. Carefull and slow worked well. My wife searched out shade whenever possible, as many did. The direct sunlight was very hot. The excursion was very worthwhile. The architecture, stone carvings and graphics, and learning about the history of the Mayans was a great experience. I would recommend this trip to anyone coming to this area. The reviews had said it didn't have the crowds like some of the other ruins and they were right. Access was only denied on one temple due to the restoration that was in progress. It was very quiet on the bus ride back. It appeared that most of the group were wore out, since they slept most of the way.
Back at the ship it appeared everyone had waited until the last minute to board based on the number of people in the lines. Of course we were no different. It was a relativelysmooth and fast process. Not long after everyone boarded the ship was under way again for the second port, just outside Cozumel.
We woke the next morning in port. The blue water was beautiful. We were already scheduled for an excursion from 10-12AM, riding in a mini-sub, the Atlantis. This left the rest of the day for sight-seeing around town. The sub ride was fantastic. We took some great pictures. We saw the reef, a baracuda, a shark, a ray, and a school of hundreds of fish just hovering at the edge of the reef. We went down to a depth of 105 ft. I thought it might be chlostrophobic in there but it was comfortable. There were seats/molded bench down the middle and windows down each side. The day wewent it wascloudy. Ithink the blue water would have been even more spectacular on a sunny day. I recommend this excursion.
There were shops at the port, which we shopped in briefly. Cozumel was actually three miles away, too far for us to walk. Cabs were available everywhere for $7.00 for both of us. We started walking and had an offer for $5.00. We took it. We had been told to check out Senor Frog. It's a bar and party location and very loud. It wasn't for us. As expected, walking down the main drag we were approached at every store front, persistently inviting us to come in. We resisted and time flew by. We headed back toward the ship on foot, knowing that Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville was on the way. This was our favorite stop. Everyone was very friendly, not pushy, and very accomodating. We ended up spending an hour there. (Pictures)
We had one negative experience during the five days. We were watching a movie on the outdoor big screen. Toward the end, the workers started collecting the lounge chairs all around us, walking back and forth in front of us and even stacking them in front of us. I told them to stop and let us finish the movie. They argued that they had to set up for the next event. Their boss, in whites, came over and explained that they had to continue. I told him no and he argued the point. Finally he pulled the crew over to the side near us and they all stood watching us until the movie was over. It is obvious that Carnival trains their personel to prioritize about schedules s, regardless of how it affects the passengers. I complained at customer services. Guess what? I was told they were just doing what they had to do. I wanted to fill out a customer complaint form but they told me I should be getting something sent to us in the mail. Haven't seen it yet. Didn't find a place on their website for comments/complaints either. This one occurence ruined it for us.
Next time we will cruise with someone else. I do not recommend Carnival.
Back at the ship it appeared everyone had waited until the last minute to board based on the number of people in the lines. Of course we were no different. It was a relativelysmooth and fast process. Not long after everyone boarded the ship was under way again for the second port, just outside Cozumel.
We woke the next morning in port. The blue water was beautiful. We were already scheduled for an excursion from 10-12AM, riding in a mini-sub, the Atlantis. This left the rest of the day for sight-seeing around town. The sub ride was fantastic. We took some great pictures. We saw the reef, a baracuda, a shark, a ray, and a school of hundreds of fish just hovering at the edge of the reef. We went down to a depth of 105 ft. I thought it might be chlostrophobic in there but it was comfortable. There were seats/molded bench down the middle and windows down each side. The day wewent it wascloudy. Ithink the blue water would have been even more spectacular on a sunny day. I recommend this excursion.
There were shops at the port, which we shopped in briefly. Cozumel was actually three miles away, too far for us to walk. Cabs were available everywhere for $7.00 for both of us. We started walking and had an offer for $5.00. We took it. We had been told to check out Senor Frog. It's a bar and party location and very loud. It wasn't for us. As expected, walking down the main drag we were approached at every store front, persistently inviting us to come in. We resisted and time flew by. We headed back toward the ship on foot, knowing that Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville was on the way. This was our favorite stop. Everyone was very friendly, not pushy, and very accomodating. We ended up spending an hour there. (Pictures)
We had one negative experience during the five days. We were watching a movie on the outdoor big screen. Toward the end, the workers started collecting the lounge chairs all around us, walking back and forth in front of us and even stacking them in front of us. I told them to stop and let us finish the movie. They argued that they had to set up for the next event. Their boss, in whites, came over and explained that they had to continue. I told him no and he argued the point. Finally he pulled the crew over to the side near us and they all stood watching us until the movie was over. It is obvious that Carnival trains their personel to prioritize about schedules s, regardless of how it affects the passengers. I complained at customer services. Guess what? I was told they were just doing what they had to do. I wanted to fill out a customer complaint form but they told me I should be getting something sent to us in the mail. Haven't seen it yet. Didn't find a place on their website for comments/complaints either. This one occurence ruined it for us.
Next time we will cruise with someone else. I do not recommend Carnival.
