Joshua P. Simon's Blog, page 5
May 11, 2015
Music Monday - Deep Purple - Highway Star
This Music Monday is for my son. At 5 years old, this is probably one of his favorite songs and he’s turning into a big fan of Deep Purple (which is awesome).
May 7, 2015
General Update
I haven’t done a very good job of updating my blog these last six months or so. Other than a few random posts and some end of year lists, it’s mostly been information about new releases. Not necessarily a bad thing, but not ideally what I’d like my blog to be about either. Even my Music Monday posts are getting less consistent.
There are a lot of reasons for that, but mostly it goes back to time and priorities.
You see, though I do get some traffic here, it isn’t a huge amount so it is hard for me to justify writing a deep and meaningful blog post that may take 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on content and length) only to have it go mostly unread. Especially because I can be more productive using that time to write and get my next book out sooner (something most people reading this would probably rather anyway). Even still, I’d like to get a bit more regular with blogging again. I thought the best way to do that might be to get some general updates out the way.
New state, new house, new job and so on . . .
We moved from North Georgia to North Texas (in order to be closer to family) in February after a quick job search and house hunt. It was in the middle of all the crazy snow and ice storms so that made life pretty interesting for us (try traveling with 3 kids under 5 across that many states and then camping out in a single hotel room).
We got a lot more house than what we had before with only a fractional increase in price (Thank you Texas!). Overall, we love it, and the area. However, like most people we’ve been busy with all the small things you have to do with a new place: a heavy cleaning, some painting, fixing clogs and leaky toilets, replacing ceiling fans, etc.
Most of the pressing improvements are out the way, but there’s still a few things we’ll be working on in the coming months.
The new job is great too. It’s a step up in position and salary with lots of room for growth. The work is interesting and the people are really great (a few are big geeks like me). The one negative is that I don’t have quite as much personal time as I did before. 7:30-5:00 are the core hours with not much in the way of flexibility. The different hours and the inability to write during my lunch break as I used to have taken some getting used to. Making my word count is a bit more difficult.
Though I can’t write during lunch, the group I work with plays board/card games in the conference room during that time (pretty geeky ones) and that’s been really awesome. I’ve always loved that stuff, but rarely have I been around people with that interest. I’ll have to do a separate blog post on those I’ve played so far.
Writing . . .
Wayward Soldiers came out earlier this year. It’s sold well so far and helped increase sales on the first book in The Tyrus Chronicles, Forgotten Soldiers. I’ve been really pleased with how well the series is doing, even more so because there has been a carryover into my backlist. Hopefully, that continues.
Overall, they books have been well reviewed too, especially from those with a military background or interest which really means a lot to me. Granted, the series is different than most of what’s out there so it doesn’t necessarily resonate with everyone. That’s ok. To paraphrase Wayne’s World: “Even Led Zeppelin didn’t write songs that everyone loved.”
The fourth Andrasta and Rondel book, The Maze of Hidesi, is off with betareaders right now. Fingers crossed on feedback. It should go to my editor in early July. I’m hoping for a late August release.
I’ve started work on the third Tyrus book, Resurrected Soldiers. Though it’s early, I’m really enjoying the process so far. Ava gets to take a more prominent role in the narrative than she has in the past, and I think the story will be better because of it.
So, that’s it for right now. Busy as usual. Lots of stress and little sleep. But isn’t that everybody?
There are a lot of reasons for that, but mostly it goes back to time and priorities.
You see, though I do get some traffic here, it isn’t a huge amount so it is hard for me to justify writing a deep and meaningful blog post that may take 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on content and length) only to have it go mostly unread. Especially because I can be more productive using that time to write and get my next book out sooner (something most people reading this would probably rather anyway). Even still, I’d like to get a bit more regular with blogging again. I thought the best way to do that might be to get some general updates out the way.
New state, new house, new job and so on . . .
We moved from North Georgia to North Texas (in order to be closer to family) in February after a quick job search and house hunt. It was in the middle of all the crazy snow and ice storms so that made life pretty interesting for us (try traveling with 3 kids under 5 across that many states and then camping out in a single hotel room).
We got a lot more house than what we had before with only a fractional increase in price (Thank you Texas!). Overall, we love it, and the area. However, like most people we’ve been busy with all the small things you have to do with a new place: a heavy cleaning, some painting, fixing clogs and leaky toilets, replacing ceiling fans, etc.
Most of the pressing improvements are out the way, but there’s still a few things we’ll be working on in the coming months.
The new job is great too. It’s a step up in position and salary with lots of room for growth. The work is interesting and the people are really great (a few are big geeks like me). The one negative is that I don’t have quite as much personal time as I did before. 7:30-5:00 are the core hours with not much in the way of flexibility. The different hours and the inability to write during my lunch break as I used to have taken some getting used to. Making my word count is a bit more difficult.
Though I can’t write during lunch, the group I work with plays board/card games in the conference room during that time (pretty geeky ones) and that’s been really awesome. I’ve always loved that stuff, but rarely have I been around people with that interest. I’ll have to do a separate blog post on those I’ve played so far.
Writing . . .
Wayward Soldiers came out earlier this year. It’s sold well so far and helped increase sales on the first book in The Tyrus Chronicles, Forgotten Soldiers. I’ve been really pleased with how well the series is doing, even more so because there has been a carryover into my backlist. Hopefully, that continues.
Overall, they books have been well reviewed too, especially from those with a military background or interest which really means a lot to me. Granted, the series is different than most of what’s out there so it doesn’t necessarily resonate with everyone. That’s ok. To paraphrase Wayne’s World: “Even Led Zeppelin didn’t write songs that everyone loved.”
The fourth Andrasta and Rondel book, The Maze of Hidesi, is off with betareaders right now. Fingers crossed on feedback. It should go to my editor in early July. I’m hoping for a late August release.
I’ve started work on the third Tyrus book, Resurrected Soldiers. Though it’s early, I’m really enjoying the process so far. Ava gets to take a more prominent role in the narrative than she has in the past, and I think the story will be better because of it.
So, that’s it for right now. Busy as usual. Lots of stress and little sleep. But isn’t that everybody?
May 4, 2015
Music Monday - Michael Jackson - BAD
Been introducing my kids to some stuff from my youth as of late (MTV era). I know Michael Jackson was a weird person and there’s a ton of controversy surrounding what he did or didn’t do, but the music still holds up well.
As a kid, I remember wearing out the BAD cassette.
Below are my two favs from that album.
Music
As a kid, I remember wearing out the BAD cassette.
Below are my two favs from that album.
Music
April 17, 2015
THE TOWER OF BASHAN is now an audiobook!
The Tower of Bashan is now available as an audiobook!
Her goal is in sight. His plan is in place. Those who force their hand will pay.
The journey to the Tower of Bashan has tested Andrasta and Rondel’s partnership, threatened their friendship, and left them with a wealth of scars. After months of research and careful planning, the tower is now before them. They are confident that with the knowledge they have gained, they will defeat the guardians protecting the Jewel of Bashan within.
Their progress is halted when they discover that the entrance is no longer the same. With the tower taunting the pair and their plan useless, they take out their frustration on each other until a quick-witted, young girl gives them an idea on how to succeed. A new plan is formulated, creating political waves and upsetting the criminal underground.
They entered Bashan to steal a jewel, but they may just quicken a civil war.
The Tower of Bashan is the third volume in The Epic of Andrasta and Rondel.
You can get your copy through Amazon or Audible by clicking on the buttons below.
Her goal is in sight. His plan is in place. Those who force their hand will pay.
The journey to the Tower of Bashan has tested Andrasta and Rondel’s partnership, threatened their friendship, and left them with a wealth of scars. After months of research and careful planning, the tower is now before them. They are confident that with the knowledge they have gained, they will defeat the guardians protecting the Jewel of Bashan within.
Their progress is halted when they discover that the entrance is no longer the same. With the tower taunting the pair and their plan useless, they take out their frustration on each other until a quick-witted, young girl gives them an idea on how to succeed. A new plan is formulated, creating political waves and upsetting the criminal underground.
They entered Bashan to steal a jewel, but they may just quicken a civil war.
The Tower of Bashan is the third volume in The Epic of Andrasta and Rondel.
You can get your copy through Amazon or Audible by clicking on the buttons below.
April 13, 2015
Music Monday - Allman Brothers - Whipping Post
The musicianship speaks for itself.
March 23, 2015
Music Monday - Sister Rosetta Tharpe
I just learned about Sister Rosetta Tharpe this past week and that’s a shame. This woman could flat out play and sing. She did both better than most of the blues and rock legends of the time. Seriously, Chuck Berry doesn’t have anything on her.
Awesome stuff.
Up Above my Head
(A very obvious influence to King’s X – Over my Head)
That’s all
Didn't It Rain
Awesome stuff.
Up Above my Head
(A very obvious influence to King’s X – Over my Head)
That’s all
Didn't It Rain
March 20, 2015
THE CITY OF PILLARS is now available as an audiobook!
The City of Pillars is now available as an audiobook!
A partnership formed. A friendship grew. Both are tested. Neither may endure.
Andrasta and Rondel have spent months in the city of Zafar, obtaining knowledge they will need to steal the famous Jewel of Bashan. Something goes wrong when pilfering an artifact crucial to their goal, bringing the wrath of the local authorities against them.
A beautiful woman helps them escape Zafar in exchange for their help recovering a family heirloom.
The seemingly simple job turns complicated as they learn the heirloom is in the possession of the feared Hubul’s Host, a band of warriors devoted to the Erban father of the gods.
The City of Pillars is the second volume in The Epic of Andrasta and Rondel.
You can get your copy through Amazon or Audible by clicking on the buttons below.
A partnership formed. A friendship grew. Both are tested. Neither may endure.
Andrasta and Rondel have spent months in the city of Zafar, obtaining knowledge they will need to steal the famous Jewel of Bashan. Something goes wrong when pilfering an artifact crucial to their goal, bringing the wrath of the local authorities against them.
A beautiful woman helps them escape Zafar in exchange for their help recovering a family heirloom.
The seemingly simple job turns complicated as they learn the heirloom is in the possession of the feared Hubul’s Host, a band of warriors devoted to the Erban father of the gods.
The City of Pillars is the second volume in The Epic of Andrasta and Rondel.
You can get your copy through Amazon or Audible by clicking on the buttons below.
March 16, 2015
Music Monday - Armored Saint - Can U Deliver
Can U Deliver? (live)
March 11, 2015
Wayward Soldiers - OFFICIAL RELEASE
A father. A mentor. A leader. Still, a soldier.
Wayward Soldiers: The Tyrus Chronicle - Book Two is now available! Click here for your Kindle now. A paperback version can be found here.
Wayward Soldiers is the second book in The Tyrus Chronicle. Two more books are planned for this series: Resurrected Soldiers and Forever Soldiers. Stay tuned for their anticipated release dates.
Here's the description for Wayward Soldiers.
Tyrus expected his world to change once the Geneshan War ended. He expected it to change more once he finally reunited with his family.
He did not foresee that the biggest upheaval to his world would be caused by Turine sorcerers tampering with an ancient Geneshan artifact in the capital city of Hol.
The land stands devastated and covered in a haze. Sorcerers are unable to use their power. The king and capital are likely destroyed. Raiders seek to profit in a world without law.
Tyrus decides that he must get his loved ones to the safety of the Southern Kingdoms if they are to have any chance of surviving. The quick flight he plans turns into a labored journey when local townsfolk join his party. Expecting only new dangers now before him, Tyrus fails to anticipate old ones haunting his steps.
Wayward Soldiers is the second volume in The Tyrus Chronicle.
If you enjoy the story or any of my other works, please consider leaving a rating or review at the site of purchase as well as other places such as Goodreads and Librarything. Like many other indie authors, I do not have a marketing team working for me and a positive review (even if only a couple of sentences long) can go a long way in enticing others to give my works a try.
Thanks for the continued support!
Wayward Soldiers: The Tyrus Chronicle - Book Two is now available! Click here for your Kindle now. A paperback version can be found here.
Wayward Soldiers is the second book in The Tyrus Chronicle. Two more books are planned for this series: Resurrected Soldiers and Forever Soldiers. Stay tuned for their anticipated release dates.
Here's the description for Wayward Soldiers.
Tyrus expected his world to change once the Geneshan War ended. He expected it to change more once he finally reunited with his family.
He did not foresee that the biggest upheaval to his world would be caused by Turine sorcerers tampering with an ancient Geneshan artifact in the capital city of Hol.
The land stands devastated and covered in a haze. Sorcerers are unable to use their power. The king and capital are likely destroyed. Raiders seek to profit in a world without law.
Tyrus decides that he must get his loved ones to the safety of the Southern Kingdoms if they are to have any chance of surviving. The quick flight he plans turns into a labored journey when local townsfolk join his party. Expecting only new dangers now before him, Tyrus fails to anticipate old ones haunting his steps.
Wayward Soldiers is the second volume in The Tyrus Chronicle.
If you enjoy the story or any of my other works, please consider leaving a rating or review at the site of purchase as well as other places such as Goodreads and Librarything. Like many other indie authors, I do not have a marketing team working for me and a positive review (even if only a couple of sentences long) can go a long way in enticing others to give my works a try.
Thanks for the continued support!
March 9, 2015
Music Monday - Judas Priest - Hell is Home
I’m a huge Judas Priest fan. To me Rob Halford is the perfect metal singer. That being said, the two Ripper albums don’t get enough credit. For example, this track is not only one of my favorite Judas Priest songs, but one of my favorite songs of all time. Period.
I usually focus on lyrics last with any song, but this is a case where I’ve always felt a connection to them. I’ve played this song on repeat for like 10-20 times before (something I never do) when I’ve gone through some really dark stuff in my life. One of the few songs, I actually get chills from every time I listen to it.
FYI, a little NSFW in the beginning.
My favorite section is below.
Say my whole life I've always been disliked
Ignored unless you're spitting insults at me
And I don't know why you felt so justified
In all the degradation that you dished on me
Oh! Now my status has changed
And you've got yourself to blame
Oh! I'll grab all the attention I crave
Now I'm running Hell - Heaven won't be the same
I usually focus on lyrics last with any song, but this is a case where I’ve always felt a connection to them. I’ve played this song on repeat for like 10-20 times before (something I never do) when I’ve gone through some really dark stuff in my life. One of the few songs, I actually get chills from every time I listen to it.
FYI, a little NSFW in the beginning.
My favorite section is below.
Say my whole life I've always been disliked
Ignored unless you're spitting insults at me
And I don't know why you felt so justified
In all the degradation that you dished on me
Oh! Now my status has changed
And you've got yourself to blame
Oh! I'll grab all the attention I crave
Now I'm running Hell - Heaven won't be the same
