Michael K. Rose's Blog, page 5
April 27, 2014
99¢ Sale: CHRYSOPTERON!
"...a story of hope, adventure, love and friendship."
~ Hobbes End Reviews
Captain John Hayden, haunted by memories of war and still grieving the death of his wife, is about to embark on the most important mission of his career: to discover the fate of the Chrysopteron, one of five generation ships which left the Earth centuries earlier. The descendants of the Chrysopteron’s original crew had successfully colonized their planet, but less than a hundred years later, all contact was lost. Hayden knows that a mysterious new religion which formed aboard the ship may have played a role in determining the fate of the colonists, but there is no way to know what he and his crew will find when they finally arrive.
In a story that touches on issues of faith and self-determination, Chrysopteron explores the fundamental elements that define our species. Even though we may leave the Earth, we cannot leave behind that which makes us human.
Chrysopteron has been called "...an epic book with a wide scope," "a masterpiece," and "...a must read..." for science fiction fans.
Only 99¢ for a limited time!
Available at:Amazon US - Amazon UK - B&N's Nook Storeand all other Amazon Kindle stores.
~ Hobbes End Reviews
Captain John Hayden, haunted by memories of war and still grieving the death of his wife, is about to embark on the most important mission of his career: to discover the fate of the Chrysopteron, one of five generation ships which left the Earth centuries earlier. The descendants of the Chrysopteron’s original crew had successfully colonized their planet, but less than a hundred years later, all contact was lost. Hayden knows that a mysterious new religion which formed aboard the ship may have played a role in determining the fate of the colonists, but there is no way to know what he and his crew will find when they finally arrive.In a story that touches on issues of faith and self-determination, Chrysopteron explores the fundamental elements that define our species. Even though we may leave the Earth, we cannot leave behind that which makes us human.
Chrysopteron has been called "...an epic book with a wide scope," "a masterpiece," and "...a must read..." for science fiction fans.
Only 99¢ for a limited time!
Available at:Amazon US - Amazon UK - B&N's Nook Storeand all other Amazon Kindle stores.
February 24, 2014
Is This Literally the Worst Thing an Author Could Do?
Maybe.
If you haven't heard by now, the Huffington Post published an article called "If JK Rowling Cares About Writing, She Should Stop Doing It." The author, a historical novelist named Lynn Shepherd, claims that Harry Potter author JK Rowling's success is preventing other authors from having successes of their own. I know. It doesn't make any sense to the rest of us either.
Well, perhaps this was just click bait. Maybe Shepherd thought she'd get a lively debate going and in the process her name and books would get a good bit of exposure. Hey, exposure is good, right? No such thing as bad publicity, right? Right?
Well....
She's gotten exposure, yes. But let's look at the results of the past couple of days of that exposure. Search Twitter for "Lynn Shepherd." All those Tweets you see? Yeah. That's how it's been on the author's Facebook page as well as many blog posts (like this one! Whaddaya know?). It's even spread to major news outlets like the BBC. In addition, the less restrained among us have descended upon her books on Amazon, leaving dozens of 1-star reviews on her books, which has sent her review averages into whatever the opposite of the stratosphere is.
Look, we've all thought about writing juicy and controversial articles to get money-spending eyeballs on our work. Shepherd was looking for her fifteen minutes, perhaps. But I think the backlash from this is going to last much, much longer. Amazon isn't exactly Johnny-on-the-spot when it comes to removing abusive reviews. She is published by Random House, so maybe they can pull a little more weight than we lowly Indie writers. Still, as long as they're there, making light of what she wrote, it's going to make many, many readers either go look for the article she wrote to see what this is all about or just click away after coming to the conclusion that she's a mean, bitter person. I'm not saying she is, but the rest of the internet has certainly interpreted her article that way.
Even if she does manage to get those reviews taken down, there will forever be a digital record of all that has transpired. How many thousands now know her name and have vowed to never buy her work? I've seen many such declarations. How many more thousands are going to make the same declaration in the coming couple of weeks as news of her article continues to spread? How many thousands more will, upon searching for information about her over the next months, years or decades, also find out what she wrote and have the same negative reaction to it the entire book-reading world is having right now?
How will her publisher react to this? Call my crazy, but I don't get the sense corporate types are exactly thrilled when people they're paying do things to derail the Profit Express (also known as the Gravy Train or the Simoleon Central Line).
This is literally the worst thing an author could do for his or her career. But Lynn Shepherd has learned/is learning that. Leaving 1-star reviews on her work goes too far, as does saying horrible things about her that one does not know to be true. She made a mistake, certainly. Let's not the rest of us make mistakes in our responses to it. There's a lot to learn from this. I just hope we learn the right lessons: how not to draw attention to ourselves and also how to respond to such things without debasing ourselves in the process.
If you haven't heard by now, the Huffington Post published an article called "If JK Rowling Cares About Writing, She Should Stop Doing It." The author, a historical novelist named Lynn Shepherd, claims that Harry Potter author JK Rowling's success is preventing other authors from having successes of their own. I know. It doesn't make any sense to the rest of us either.
Well, perhaps this was just click bait. Maybe Shepherd thought she'd get a lively debate going and in the process her name and books would get a good bit of exposure. Hey, exposure is good, right? No such thing as bad publicity, right? Right?
Well....
She's gotten exposure, yes. But let's look at the results of the past couple of days of that exposure. Search Twitter for "Lynn Shepherd." All those Tweets you see? Yeah. That's how it's been on the author's Facebook page as well as many blog posts (like this one! Whaddaya know?). It's even spread to major news outlets like the BBC. In addition, the less restrained among us have descended upon her books on Amazon, leaving dozens of 1-star reviews on her books, which has sent her review averages into whatever the opposite of the stratosphere is.
Look, we've all thought about writing juicy and controversial articles to get money-spending eyeballs on our work. Shepherd was looking for her fifteen minutes, perhaps. But I think the backlash from this is going to last much, much longer. Amazon isn't exactly Johnny-on-the-spot when it comes to removing abusive reviews. She is published by Random House, so maybe they can pull a little more weight than we lowly Indie writers. Still, as long as they're there, making light of what she wrote, it's going to make many, many readers either go look for the article she wrote to see what this is all about or just click away after coming to the conclusion that she's a mean, bitter person. I'm not saying she is, but the rest of the internet has certainly interpreted her article that way.
Even if she does manage to get those reviews taken down, there will forever be a digital record of all that has transpired. How many thousands now know her name and have vowed to never buy her work? I've seen many such declarations. How many more thousands are going to make the same declaration in the coming couple of weeks as news of her article continues to spread? How many thousands more will, upon searching for information about her over the next months, years or decades, also find out what she wrote and have the same negative reaction to it the entire book-reading world is having right now?
How will her publisher react to this? Call my crazy, but I don't get the sense corporate types are exactly thrilled when people they're paying do things to derail the Profit Express (also known as the Gravy Train or the Simoleon Central Line).
This is literally the worst thing an author could do for his or her career. But Lynn Shepherd has learned/is learning that. Leaving 1-star reviews on her work goes too far, as does saying horrible things about her that one does not know to be true. She made a mistake, certainly. Let's not the rest of us make mistakes in our responses to it. There's a lot to learn from this. I just hope we learn the right lessons: how not to draw attention to ourselves and also how to respond to such things without debasing ourselves in the process.
February 13, 2014
Jilly of Earth #2 is Now Available!
When Jilly and Jake decide to get away for the weekend, they have no idea how far their trip will actually take them. Abducted by the malicious aliens known as the Greys, they are held ransom until the Galactic Command Committee agrees to release several Grey prisoners. But if anything goes wrong, the Greys will avoid capture at all costs, even if it means crashing the ship and killing everyone aboard.Just 99¢ at: Amazon US - Amazon UK
To get Jilly of Earth #1, "One Big Rock," please visit the Jilly of Earth page here !
January 2, 2014
Introducing Jilly of Earth!
Meet Jilly, Earth’s representative in the Galactic Command Committee. When a large piece of space debris mysteriously changes course and threatens the planet Korlan, she is summoned to a briefing aboard the Galactic Command Station. But as her alien partner Phil steps through a wormhole and into her bedroom, he finds her occupied with a new boyfriend, Jake. They must drag Jake along despite the sensitive nature of what he’ll see aboard the station and hope he won’t get into too much trouble while they’re sent off to save Korlan. However, this mission will be anything but ordinary, and before it’s over, Jilly will have to survive the greatest danger she’s ever encountered.“One Big Rock” is the first story in the fun, fast-paced Jilly of Earth series. Look for the next Jilly of Earth adventure, “The Abduction Blues,” within the month!
Available at:
Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon Deutschland Amazon Canada Amazon Australia
December 31, 2013
Writing Update: The Year to Come
Hello, friends! I thought I'd take the opportunity of the new year's approach to give an update about what I will be working on for 2014.With The Sullivan Saga now completed, I am looking forward to beginning a new project: Jilly of Earth. This is a light-hearted, fast-paced science fiction series following the adventures of Jillian Jarvis, Earth's representative in the Galactic Command Committee. The first story, "One Big Rock," is due out very soon and will introduce you to all the main characters as well as provide the background to this new universe. That's the cover over there to the right. It was a lot of fun to write, and my hope is that it will be just as much fun to read!
I also have plans to write at least one sequel to Darkridge Hall this year. The story will follow Andy as he discovers the origins of many of the Ancient Egyptian myths, including the truth behind Duat, or the underworld. The tentative title is Darkridge Hall 2: The Gate of Apophis.
Another thing I'm excited about is the launch of Spaceship Urff in January. If you don't know what that's all about, check it out here !
Beyond that, the year is wide open. I have several novel ideas I can work on, and I hope to complete three full novels in 2014. One possibility is a literary science fiction novel along the same lines as Chrysopteron (but not related in any way). I also have some non-speculative stories that have been simmering on the back burner for a couple of years as well as a werewolf story that needs completing. I'll have to see how things are going with the other projects before I decide whether or not I'll be able to get to them.
Thank you to all my friends and readers for making 2013 great! I wish you all the best for the new year!
Michael K. Rose
December 26, 2013
New Release: SULLIVAN'S WATCH!
Hello, all! Yesterday was the official release day for Sullivan's Watch, the third and final book in The Sullivan Saga! To get your Kindle or Nook copy, just click on the appropriate link below.
Best Wishes!Michael K. Rose
Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon Deutschland Amazon Canada Amazon Australia B&N's Nook Store
December 15, 2013
SULLIVAN'S WATCH - Arriving Christmas Day!
Hello, all!
I am very excited to announce that the final book of The Sullivan Saga, Sullivan's Watch, will be release as an eBook December 25th, Christmas Day! This book will bring to a close the story that began in Sullivan's War and was continued in Sullivan's Wrath. Look for more information over the next ten days, but to whet your appetite, here's your first look at the cover, designed by Alexia Purdy:
I am very excited to announce that the final book of The Sullivan Saga, Sullivan's Watch, will be release as an eBook December 25th, Christmas Day! This book will bring to a close the story that began in Sullivan's War and was continued in Sullivan's Wrath. Look for more information over the next ten days, but to whet your appetite, here's your first look at the cover, designed by Alexia Purdy:
December 3, 2013
SULLIVAN'S WAR Just 99¢ All Month Long!
I have decided to continue part of my Black Friday-Cyber Monday sale through the rest of December. With Sullivan's Watch, the final chapter of The Sullivan Saga, coming out on December 25th, I want to give everyone an opportunity to get the first book at a discount.eBook copies of Sullivan's War are just 99¢ at Amazon and Barnes & Noble:
Amazon US Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
Also remember that signed first editions of both Sullivan's War and my collection Short Stories are being offered at clearance prices. If you're interested, you can order from my web store here .
All the Best,Michael K. Rose
November 28, 2013
Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale: SULLIVAN'S WAR & SULLIVAN'S WRATH Just 99¢ Each!
The final book of The Sullivan Saga comes out on December 25th, and this is your chance to get caught up with the story for less than two bucks!
eBook copies of the first two books, Sullivan's War and Sullivan's Wrath, are just 99¢ apiece at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. This sale will only last through Cyber Monday (December 2)!
Sullivan's War
Amazon US Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
Sullivan's Wrath
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
eBook copies of the first two books, Sullivan's War and Sullivan's Wrath, are just 99¢ apiece at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. This sale will only last through Cyber Monday (December 2)!
Sullivan's War
Amazon US Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
Sullivan's Wrath
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
November 25, 2013
BUILDING A PROMOTIONAL PACKAGE is Free for 5 Days!
I have a little holiday treat for my writer friends. My eBook Building a Promotional Package: How to Prepare for Your Successful Book Launch is free for five days from November 25-29! I know a lot of authors release books around Christmas; this eBook will help you organize all your promotional information to make the launch as stress-free as possible. Get it free for your Kindle!
Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon Deutschland Amazon Canada Amazon Australia
Best Wishes!Michael K. Rose
