Marty Essen's Blog, page 290
April 18, 2018
Climbing the Amazon charts
On Tuesday, I began a week-long promotion with the goal of moving “Time Is Irreverent” to #1 on Amazon in at least one US category. Yesterday turned out to be my best sales day ever, and my novel is currently at #2 in LGBT Science Fiction, #5 in Humorous Science Fiction, and #6 in Dark Comedy.
The US Amazon charts are much more difficult to climb than the Canadian charts (where I’ve already hit #1 in six categories), because all the top books sell impressive numbers day-after-day. I have a chance of hitting #1 in LGBT Science Fiction today, but the book ahead of mine is part of a very successful series. I will have to beat yesterday’s sales record and then some to reach my goal. Maneuvering up the Amazon charts has become a sport!
The post Climbing the Amazon charts appeared first on Around the World with Marty Essen.
Baseball and boas
Marty’s photo of the day #2517: In honor of the Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Indians baseball games in Puerto Rico this week, I’m digging into my Puerto Rico photos. The island really needs these games as a pick-me-up, after the Trump administration botched the hurricane recovery efforts (they have enough paper towels now, however). Both Minnesota and Cleveland have Puerto Rican players. Cleveland won the first game, but tonight the Twins pitch their Puerto Rican ace, José Berríos, so it’s gonna be electric.
Today’s photo features a Puerto Rican Boa. These amazing snakes hang out at an obscure cave (I had to get special permission to go there) and catch bats in mid-flight each night.
The post Baseball and boas appeared first on Around the World with Marty Essen.
April 17, 2018
Baseball in Puerto Rico . . . and iguanas too!
Marty’s photo of the day #2516: In honor of the Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Indians baseball games in Puerto Rico this week, I thought I’d dig into my Puerto Rico photos. The island really needs these games as a pick-me-up, after the Trump administration botched the hurricane recovery efforts (they have enough paper towels now, however). Both Minnesota and Cleveland have Puerto Rican players, so I imagine the crowd will be split on who to pull for. That’s okay, it’s the event, not who wins or loses . . . as long as the Twins win.
Today’s photo features a green iguana that I photographed in San Juan.
The post Baseball in Puerto Rico . . . and iguanas too! appeared first on Around the World with Marty Essen.
April 16, 2018
The first major review of Time Is Irreverent
The normal process for books is to submit them to major reviewers months before publication, so that their comments can appear on the release date. Because Time Is Irreverent satirically skewers today’s Republicans and predicts their future course, I couldn’t follow the normal process and risk that it become dated before its release. Not that Trump and his minions are hard to predict, but already my novel has nailed the sending of troops to the Mexican border.
Consequently the first national review just arrived, and it’s a good one:
“Ironic, original, hysterically funny, deftly crafted, and an impressively entertaining read from first page to last, Time Is Irreverent by Marty Essen is an especially and unreserved recommended for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated science fiction fans that Time Is Irreverent is also available in a digital book format.”—Midwest Book Review
The post The first major review of Time Is Irreverent appeared first on Around the World with Marty Essen.
Baby bison!
Marty’s photo of the day #2515: Aaaaaah! Baby bison!
The post Baby bison! appeared first on Around the World with Marty Essen.
April 15, 2018
The landing
Marty’s photo of the day #2514: Birds in flight shots always fascinate me. Obviously, this gull’s mate was not nearly as impressed with the landing as I was.
(Photographed in Mexico.)
The post The landing appeared first on Around the World with Marty Essen.
April 14, 2018
Swimming with sea lions
Marty’s photo of the day #2513: I’ll never forget having the privilege of swimming with sea lions in the Sea of Cortez. They were such curious creatures—and they loved to demonstrate the proper way to swim. I’m sure they were wondering: Why can’t I move with such dexterity and grace?
The post Swimming with sea lions appeared first on Around the World with Marty Essen.
April 13, 2018
Victoria Falls rainbow
Marty’s photo of the day #2512: When I photograph famous sights, I always try to come up with an angle most photographers miss. Here’s an unconventional view of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
The post Victoria Falls rainbow appeared first on Around the World with Marty Essen.
April 12, 2018
Follow the eye
Marty’s photo of the day #2512: I love the feeling this photo projects. Mr. Moose can’t pass up stripping the branch of its tasty new growth, yet he can’t take his eye off of me either. And you can tell by the aim of his eye just how much he towers over me.
(Photographed in Montana)
The post Follow the eye appeared first on Around the World with Marty Essen.
April 11, 2018
Leaf-mimic butterfly
Marty’s photo of the day #2511: I photographed this leaf-mimic butterfly in northern Queensland, Australia. Its wings are not damaged. They evolved that way to look like a dead leaf.
The post Leaf-mimic butterfly appeared first on Around the World with Marty Essen.
