David Meyer's Blog, page 7

Custer’s Blood Treasure (America Unearthed)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

David Meyer at “Custer’s Last Stand”

Date: 12/03/2014

Bestselling author David Meyer makes television debut on Custer’s Blood Treasure

David Meyer teams up with the #1 hit show America Unearthed for Custer’s Blood Treasure.

On Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 9pm EST, bestselling action/adventure author David Meyer will team up with world-renowned forensic geologist Scott Wolter in the world premiere of Custer’s Blood Treasure, the latest episode of H2’s #1 hit original series, America Unearthed. David Meyer is an adventurer and creator of the Cy Reed Adventure series. In Custer’s Blood Treasure, he helps Wolter unravel the mystery behind a legendary treasure dating back to one of America’s most infamous events, Custer’s Last Stand at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

David Meyer is the international bestselling author of the Cy Reed Adventure series. Praised for relentless pacing and thrilling, twisty plots, his books—Chaos, Ice Storm, and Torrent—have taken readers on unforgettable journeys into ancient ruins, secret bases, and lost worlds.

Official Website: http://www.DavidMeyerBooks.com

Follow David Meyer on Social Media:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GuerrillaExplorer

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DavidMeyer_

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Published on December 03, 2014 05:25

The “Pantsing It” Revolution Begins!

Pantsing vs. Planning

I’m trying something new with this latest book, namely “pantsing it.” In other words, I tossed my outline into the digital trashcan (or more accurately, skipping the outline process all together) and proceeded to let it rip (err … not my pants). The resulting book, Collapse (Cy Reed #5), is looking good so far.

On the bright side, I’m writing fast and with good scene-to-scene creativity. Collapse begins with a bang and doesn’t rest for the over 80 pages I’ve written. Mysteries deepen. Surprises abound. Danger piles upon danger. Hell, this might just be the best set of action-oriented scenes I’ve ever written. Even better, it hasn’t really felt like work. I could get used to this type of writing.

Two drawbacks, though. First, I’m writing loose. Side characters have gotten lost in the mix. Plot lines have been dropped. I’m not too worried … this happens to me when I’m writing with an outline as well. The second drawback should be obvious … I have no clue where I’m going next. I conceived of Collapse in a single afternoon as a four-part story. To start, I put Cy into a crazy situation and then raised the stakes repeatedly. Now, I’m nearing the end of Part I and I’m starting to get nervous. I have a setting for Part II and a basic idea about what happens in it. But it’s vague. And I have no clue what will happen in III and IV.

So, the jury is still out on pansting it. But the early results are promising. If I’m able to connect disparate story lines, deepen the characters, and enhance the themes over multiple drafts, pantsing could be a winner.

Ruins & Upcoming Releases

Collapse, you say? Whatever happened to Ruins? For those of you who don’t know, I started a new book right after getting back from Turkey. Tentatively titled, Ruins, it was to be my first attempt at a pantsing novel. Unfortunately, I gave into planning early on in Ruins and started trying to outline it. Since that defeated the whole purpose of the book, I immediately shelved it and came up with the idea for Collapse. I still plan on writing about Turkey, but it won’t be for a little while yet.

Miasma (Cy Reed #4) remains on the shelf. I hope to finish the first draft for Collapse in late October. After a little break, I’ll begin work on the Miasma edits. Miasma is my most complicated book yet and it’s also a bit of a mess, so it could take some time. I’m tentatively setting aside four months for edits, cover building, and formatting. If all goes well, you’ll be able to get your hands on it in mid-March 2015. Future stories, especially if this pantsing strategy works out, will hopefully be finished much quicker and with far less aggravation.

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Published on September 30, 2014 06:12

My Big Announcement … I am a Writer!

It’s time to make an announcement I honestly never thought I’d be able to make. No, it’s not the long-awaited film deal. But in many ways, it’s much bigger than that. So, here it goes. I’m pleased to announce my official retirement from the financial industry. Today, I formally conclude my old career and begin my new one … as a full-time writer. This has been a long time coming, far longer than many people probably realize.

It’s time to move forward!

My journey from Wall Street to adventurer / full-time writer has been a crazy one and perhaps I’ll devote a few posts to it someday. But for now, I’d like to thank the people who supported me along the way, namely my wife Julie, my family, and especially all of you, my readers. I wouldn’t be here without you.

Unlike most traditional writers, I’m basically a one-man operation (with a little editing help from the wife-thanks Julie!). I don’t hire researchers to generate ideas. I don’t employ substantive editors to shape and mold my novels to meet market demands. I don’t utilize copy editors to correct my grammar and spelling. I don’t hire cover artists or formatters to create attractive packaging. And most importantly, I don’t have a team of salespeople and publicists pushing me and my books into bookstores, libraries, and onto the general public.

But while I lack the vast resources available to other authors, I’ve managed to sell tens of thousands of books across the globe over the last few years. That level of success has allowed me to make a career change that would’ve seemed unthinkable just a short while ago. So, once again, thank you. Thank you for buying my books. Thank you for rating and reviewing them. And thank you for spreading the word. Without all of you, I wouldn’t be making this transition—and achieving a lifelong dream—today.

If I’ve learned one thing over the years, it’s that the secret to happiness is to live your truth. With that said, it’s time to live my truth …

I’m a writer. And I’m damn proud of that.

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Published on August 04, 2014 08:55

My Big Announcement

It’s time to make an announcement I honestly never thought I’d be able to make. No, it’s not the long-awaited film deal. But in many ways, it’s much bigger than that. So, here it goes. I’m pleased to announce my official retirement from the financial industry. Today, I formally conclude my old career and begin my new one … as a full-time writer. This has been a long time coming, far longer than many people probably realize.

It’s time to move forward!

My journey from Wall Street to adventurer / full-time writer has been a crazy one and perhaps I’ll devote a few posts to it someday. But for now, I’d like to thank the people who supported me along the way, namely my wife Julie, my family, and especially all of you, my readers. I wouldn’t be here without you.

Unlike most traditional writers, I’m basically a one-man operation (with a little editing help from the wife-thanks Julie!). I don’t hire researchers to generate ideas. I don’t employ substantive editors to shape and mold my novels to meet market demands. I don’t utilize copy editors to correct my grammar and spelling. I don’t hire cover artists or formatters to create attractive packaging. And most importantly, I don’t have a team of salespeople and publicists pushing me and my books into bookstores, libraries, and onto the general public.

But while I lack the vast resources available to other authors, I’ve managed to sell tens of thousands of books across the globe over the last few years. That level of success has allowed me to make a career change that would’ve seemed unthinkable just a short while ago. So, once again, thank you. Thank you for buying my books. Thank you for rating and reviewing them. And thank you for spreading the word. Without all of you, I wouldn’t be making this transition—and achieving a lifelong dream—today.

If I’ve learned one thing over the years, it’s that the secret to happiness is to live your truth. With that said, it’s time to live my truth …

I’m a writer. And I’m damn proud of that.

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Published on August 04, 2014 08:55

Me on TV, Miasma, and Chaos

David Meyer in Montana

David Meyer on Television

Some big news for me lately. As reported on my Facebook Page …

Just got back from Montana where I was filming my first major television appearance. I can’t say much at the moment, but I had a great time. Expect it to premiere sometime in the next 6 to 9 months … stay tuned!

Miasma Update

In other news, I finally moved Miasma past the 1/3 point today. It’s been slow out of the gate, as I’ve spent way too much time revising early drafts. My first drafts are very messy and full of inconsistencies. Characters are flat. Some vanish for no reason. Others die only to be resurrected. Subplots get dropped. Story points don’t connect. Locations change, sometimes in the middle of chapters. Some scenes go on and on. Others move way too fast. And so on.

In the past, I’d write 50 pages, become frustrated with the problems, and revert to endless rewrites. And that would work … to a degree. The section would markedly improve. But when I’d try to move the story forward, I’d hit more walls as I attempted to connect the new, messy material with the older, polished stuff. I’d then go back and start over again, often writing the first section over and over again, in several different ways, as I tried to figure out how to make everything fit together.

I’ve come to realize my creativity comes in waves. The first draft is going to be messy no matter what I do. But at the same time, it contains a layer of creativity. Further drafts add more creativity. Characters get combined and fleshed out. Story points get connected. Scenes settle into place. Moving forward, I’m going to take advantage of this. My plan is to finish the first draft of Miasma, warts and all. Only then will I begin the creative rewrites.

Chaos Update

I published Chaos way back in October 2011. I read it the other day and found myself dissatisfied with the writing style. I still like the story. But it’s a bit bloated. So, I’m thinking about publishing a second edition. I’m not even halfway through my first take and I’ve already cut over 10,000 words. Anyway I hope to get this done within the next month or so. And don’t worry … if you’ve already bought Chaos you should be able to update it to the second edition with no problem.

Word Count

Miasma: 22,076 words / ~80,000 words

Chaos (Second Edition): 32,045 words / 83,135 words (Words Cut = 10,102)

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Published on July 17, 2014 10:23

Back to Work!

Delaware River

Back to writing after a few days in Pennsylvania. I hate taking time off in the middle of a book, but at least it was a scenic trip.

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Published on May 27, 2014 06:09

Torrent is Here!

I’m pleased to announce the arrival of Torrent, the third book in the Cy Reed Adventure series. This time, Cy Reed matches wits with a long-deceased Maya architect as he races to uncover the shocking truth behind one of the greatest treasures of all time. You can pick up the e-book at any of the retail outlets listed below. The paperback is available through Amazon.com, other online outlets, or your local bookstore.

Torrent by David Meyer

Torrent Kindle E-Book

A PRICELESS TREASURE LOST TO TIME …

In 830 AD, a brilliant Maya architect constructed a massive vault deep within a hidden canyon. For centuries, it has protected an astonishing treasure … and a terrifying secret.

A SALVAGE EXPEDITION TO PARTS UNKNOWN …

Haunted by tragedy, Cy Reed leads a salvage expedition to one of the last untouched places on Earth. Meanwhile, a shaman senses a disturbing shift in the natural order. And a famous archaeologist searches for the fate of a lost civilization.

A SECRET OF CATASTROPHIC PROPORTIONS!

Assaulted by endless rain, bizarre phenomena, and mythical creatures, Reed races to solve a puzzle millions of years in the making. Forging a path through cursed tunnels and deadly traps, he fights his way toward an epic discovery that could free him from his demons … or drown him under a tidal wave of destruction.

Amazon Paperback * Kindle E-Book * Nook E-Book * Smashwords E-Book * iBooks E-Book * Kobo E-Book * Diesel E-Book

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Published on March 06, 2014 07:34

First Draft of Cy Reed #3 is Done!

I finished the first draft of Cy Reed #3 earlier today. It’s tentatively titled Lost Canyon and clocks in at 404 pages. No idea on the publication date yet but I’m shooting for January 2014. I’d love to have it out sooner, but this book is going to require a little editing magic.

Today also marks the three-month anniversary of Ice Storm‘s publication. It wasn’t easy to get it out the door. On one hand, I was thrilled to put it behind me. On the other hand, it’s always hard to let a book out into the real world. I don’t have kids, but I imagine the feeling is similar.

Anyway I didn’t have much clue how Ice Storm would do once it hit the market. Chaos sold reasonably well for a first novel but it certainly wasn’t a best-seller. Well, these past three months have been a wild run to say the least. I’m humbled to report Ice Storm has sold far better than even my wildest expectations.

I had my first real “sales breakout” on August 3 in the UK when Ice Storm cracked the Action & Adventure Kindle list at #84. I’m not sure where it peaked but it did get to #18 at one point and #483 in the overall UK Kindle store.

Ice Storm’s experience in the U.S. market has followed a different, but also exciting path. Since publication, it’s risen steadily in the overall Kindle rankings. It reached #7,864 a few days ago and has since settled back down to 11,478. I’m not sure if it’ll keep rising or not, but it’s been fun to urge it on.

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Published on October 14, 2013 10:20

Ice Storm is Here!

Ice Storm, aka my development hell book, is finally here!

Ice Storm Kindle E-Book

Ice Storm by David Meyer

Ice Storm is an action/adventure novel and the second in the Cy Reed Adventure series after Chaos. It features all of the things you’ve come to expect from me…forgotten history, crumbling ruins, lost treasure, and strange monsters. If you like Indiana Jones or novels by the likes of Clive Cussler, James Rollins, Steve Berry, or Douglas Preston, then Ice Storm is perfect for you.

You can pick up an e-reader version at any of the retail outlets listed below as well as the paperback at Amazon.com (all outlets should be available in a few days).

Amazon Paperback * Kindle E-Book * Nook E-Book * Smashwords E-Book * iBooks E-Book * Kobo E-Book * Diesel E-Book * Sony E-Book

Ice Storm Description

Ice Storm Kindle E-Book

A LOST BASE FILLED WITH DEADLY SECRETS…

Deep in the heart of Antarctica lies a forgotten military installation. Deadly secrets are secured behind its doors…including the remnants of a decades-old plot to devastate mankind.

A FROZEN CONTINENT SET AFLAME…

Disgraced treasure hunter Cy Reed is on the trail of an incredible treasure when a cargo ship mysteriously explodes. At the same time, a team of geologists makes an astonishing discovery that could rewrite ancient history. And a beast of impossible origins unleashes a bloody rampage across the ice.

A VICIOUS CONSPIRACY TO RAVAGE THE EARTH!

As Reed unravels the mysteries behind Antarctica’s dark past, he begins to uncover a sinister conspiracy. Plagued by ferocious storms and betrayed on all sides, he races toward an inevitable clash that could salvage his ruined reputation…or unleash hell upon the world.

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Published on July 18, 2013 05:39

Ice Storm: It’s Time to Pick up the Pace

The slow writing pace of my development hell book, Ice Storm, has finally gotten to me. So, I buckled down last night and ripped out 6,000 words.

Ice Storm: It’s Time to Pick up the (Writing) Pace!

My “open novel” experiment for Ice Storm, aka my “Development Hell” book, has been a rather brutal experience. Trying to rearrange and finalize a manuscript that’s undergone way too much rewriting is no easy task. A lot of free writers like to compare a novel to a dinosaur skeleton. The idea is that the story already exists inside one’s head. It just needs to be excavated. Actually, I think that’s a pretty good way to describe how my brain works. But for reasons I’ve talked about before, the Ice Storm excavation didn’t turn out so well. Thus, I’m sitting here with a jumble of mixed-up bones.

Up until now, I’ve been editing at a pace of 3,000 words per weekday and half that on weekend days. Ice Storm is about 90,000 words long, so it’s a five-week process. It’s hard enough to write a novel over multiple weeks. Editing that same novel over an extended period of time is just grueling. So, I picked up the pace yesterday. I edited 6,000 words yesterday, bringing my redraft to a word count of 63,000. I’m now in the last third of the book. If I can keep this up for another six days, my redraft will be finished. I’ll have to do another draft of course. And probably another one after that. That’s unavoidable. But this draft should put the bones in the right places. Then its just a matter of tidying up.

I created storyboards for two other novels yesterday. One is a science fiction book. The other is a paranormal tale. They don’t really fit into the Cy Reed universe. Well, the second one might. The science fiction story deals with some scientific theories I’ve written about in the past. They’re not particularly well-known but I find them fascinating. I might just take a crack at this one once Ice Storm is done.

Other Stuff

The Chaos paperback is now 10% off at Amazon ($12.56)! I see a few of you have taken advantage of the sale already. For the rest of you, act now before it goes back to list price. Other than that, I’m still thinking about making adjustments to my sidebar (that one on the right with Chaos in it). I might expand it to include international bookstores. And yes, the link to buy Chaos at Diesel (see sidebar) is STILL broken. Diesel has a revised version of Chaos but doesn’t seem to have posted it yet. I emailed Smashwords but haven’t heard back from them.

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