Josh Handrich's Blog, page 7
December 22, 2011
Free book in exchange for review
If I offered my book, Raw Vengeance, to you for FREE, would you be willing to submit a review of it on Amazon and B&N in exchange? Let me know if you're interested and I'll see if I can figure out a coupon. 
December 20, 2011
What is Raw Vengeance about?
Rookie Chicago television reporter, Rich Fordham,is determined to become a war correspondent. To do so, he must prove himself.When his coverage of a school shooting has racial and political implications,his decision to get involved could cost him his career and his life.
Set in 2001, the events of 9/11 have a profound impact on Rich. He wants to make a name for himself and needsto be distinguishable from fierce competition. The only person that stands inhis way is veteran reporter, Wayne Vale.
Chicago mayor Shantell Cogan is planning to run for President on therepublican ticket. Her problem child, Tyler, is entering high school. He isconfronted the first day of class because he is different—and later for beinggay.
The story takes a provocative look at bulling, racism, homosexuality,and the media.
A Political Thriller. A Novella
December 15, 2011
My writing buddy—my wife's cat, Pacey
Okay, time for the collective "Awwww..."
At home, within fifteen minutes of writing he has to make his presence made.
Someday, I hope to be a big-name writer and I can loaf around all day and live off of royalties.
At home, within fifteen minutes of writing he has to make his presence made.
Someday, I hope to be a big-name writer and I can loaf around all day and live off of royalties.
December 14, 2011
Sales of Raw Vengeance after week 1
With week one over with, I thought I'd share with you how sales are going. I'm still shooting for one hundred by the end of the year, but that doesn't seem realistic. As it sits, Amazon is blasting the competition. My ranking during the first twenty-four hours in Amazon went as high as 8,500. Unfortunately, it's already past 100,000 (already in obscurity). Here goes the numbers:
Amazon's Kindle: 18
B&N's Nook: 0
Smashwords (iTunes, Kobo, Sony): 0 This number doesn't count because Smashwords takes forever to approver formatting. It's much more fussy than the others.
What do these numbers mean? For a newbie novelist these are actually quite good. In talks with other writers, most people only sell 4-8 copies their first month. I'm three times that in one week so I'm ahead of the curve. Obviously, with a 35% commission I've only made just over $5.50—enough for a really expense coffee and a bagel.
What's next? Promote, promote, etc. I've sent quarries to newspapers, blogs, and others for reviews. It's all about word of mouth.
I'm also working on my next novel, Kingdom of Rage. I have over 70,000 words written (235 pages), but I'm having a case of writer's block because it's been three months since I've really sat down with it and focused. There's a few scenes that I need consultation with but I'm confident that the end product will be awesome.
One last note: would the 18 folks with a copy be so kind as to submit their review on Amazon? As I said earlier, sales are all about spreading the good word. Trust me, I need all the support I can get.
Thanks so much!
Josh
Amazon's Kindle: 18
B&N's Nook: 0
Smashwords (iTunes, Kobo, Sony): 0 This number doesn't count because Smashwords takes forever to approver formatting. It's much more fussy than the others.
What do these numbers mean? For a newbie novelist these are actually quite good. In talks with other writers, most people only sell 4-8 copies their first month. I'm three times that in one week so I'm ahead of the curve. Obviously, with a 35% commission I've only made just over $5.50—enough for a really expense coffee and a bagel.
What's next? Promote, promote, etc. I've sent quarries to newspapers, blogs, and others for reviews. It's all about word of mouth.
I'm also working on my next novel, Kingdom of Rage. I have over 70,000 words written (235 pages), but I'm having a case of writer's block because it's been three months since I've really sat down with it and focused. There's a few scenes that I need consultation with but I'm confident that the end product will be awesome.
One last note: would the 18 folks with a copy be so kind as to submit their review on Amazon? As I said earlier, sales are all about spreading the good word. Trust me, I need all the support I can get.
Thanks so much!
Josh
December 9, 2011
Why isn't Occupy Wall Street taken seriously?
The ninety-nine percenters are going about it all wrong. I cringe when they block roads and assemble in public parks. It's embarrassing to see them interrupt the President during a speech. Determined? Yes, but eloquence is lacking. You're alienating the players on your own team.
As much as I agree with the folks parading around our nations metropolitan areas taking part in the Occupy Wall Street movement, I take issue with how they are presenting their objectives and their complete lack of organization. I turn on the news and see what looks like a bunch of young, disenfranchised, pissed-off yuppies and people wearing ridiculous masks in tents chanting about being victimized. Obviously, these people are out of work or they wouldn't be there. Or, maybe it's the cool thing to do on a Wednesday night. I kid, I kid.
Like any successful organization, there needs to be cohesiveness, leadership, vision, and a clear message. For starters, let talk about the lack of a clear message. I've watched CNN and FOX *gasp*, read all the papers (my one Palinism), and I still don't have a clearcut notion of what the movement stands for. I hate to say it, but I know what the Tea Party's message is. What is it you want? Less taxes? Bank bailout? You can't piss and moan without having an objective.
Where's the leadership? Who's piloting the ship? Google "occupy leader" and the first hit is Miley Cirus. Maybe she really can lead a revolution. At least she sings okay. The only folks that the media says is running the place is purely by chance. The soldier in Oakland who became an instant celebrity? Purely chance.
I sigh heavily when the images of a typical rally looks like a bad episode of Yuppies Gone Wild. Guess what folks, this isn't where the 1% hang out—not even close. You need to compile a list of names and corporations most at fault. Make their life miserable. Did I just hear Newt's name calling in the wind?Let me ask: Who are you protesting? The banks? Lobbyists? Specific people? Target the people who are responsible.
Where are the conservatives? More specifically, where are those that call themselves "strict constitutionalists"? Why aren't they outraged by the images of police brutality? Because it does not fit into their agenda. You'll never hear Fox News or any of the GOP advocating the rights of the Occupiers. Their constituents wouldn't be too happy, would they?
The Founding Fathers would be rolling over in their graves if they saw the actions of our police, violating the First Amendment. Oh, but the legislators found a loophole and have set guidelines for curfews in parks, so we'll let the cops off the hook—they're just the messengers. What about the cops in Oakland and UCDavis incidents? Their asses should be fired.
As much as I agree with the folks parading around our nations metropolitan areas taking part in the Occupy Wall Street movement, I take issue with how they are presenting their objectives and their complete lack of organization. I turn on the news and see what looks like a bunch of young, disenfranchised, pissed-off yuppies and people wearing ridiculous masks in tents chanting about being victimized. Obviously, these people are out of work or they wouldn't be there. Or, maybe it's the cool thing to do on a Wednesday night. I kid, I kid.
Like any successful organization, there needs to be cohesiveness, leadership, vision, and a clear message. For starters, let talk about the lack of a clear message. I've watched CNN and FOX *gasp*, read all the papers (my one Palinism), and I still don't have a clearcut notion of what the movement stands for. I hate to say it, but I know what the Tea Party's message is. What is it you want? Less taxes? Bank bailout? You can't piss and moan without having an objective.Where's the leadership? Who's piloting the ship? Google "occupy leader" and the first hit is Miley Cirus. Maybe she really can lead a revolution. At least she sings okay. The only folks that the media says is running the place is purely by chance. The soldier in Oakland who became an instant celebrity? Purely chance.
I sigh heavily when the images of a typical rally looks like a bad episode of Yuppies Gone Wild. Guess what folks, this isn't where the 1% hang out—not even close. You need to compile a list of names and corporations most at fault. Make their life miserable. Did I just hear Newt's name calling in the wind?Let me ask: Who are you protesting? The banks? Lobbyists? Specific people? Target the people who are responsible.
Where are the conservatives? More specifically, where are those that call themselves "strict constitutionalists"? Why aren't they outraged by the images of police brutality? Because it does not fit into their agenda. You'll never hear Fox News or any of the GOP advocating the rights of the Occupiers. Their constituents wouldn't be too happy, would they?
The Founding Fathers would be rolling over in their graves if they saw the actions of our police, violating the First Amendment. Oh, but the legislators found a loophole and have set guidelines for curfews in parks, so we'll let the cops off the hook—they're just the messengers. What about the cops in Oakland and UCDavis incidents? Their asses should be fired.
Raw Vengeance is finally LIVE!
Raw Vengeance went live on December 7th and already garnered fourteen sales on Amazon, and B&N. My goal is 100 sales my Christmas, so that means I have 86 to go. Priced at $0.99, that should be easy.
Curious? The story takes a provocative look at bullying, racism, politics, the media, and *gasp* homosexuality. Let me know what you think. Happy reading.
Curious? The story takes a provocative look at bullying, racism, politics, the media, and *gasp* homosexuality. Let me know what you think. Happy reading.
December 1, 2011
First pro edit complete
The initial professional edit is done. I must admit that I'm a wee bit nervous about having my first discussion with my editor tomorrow morning. It will be the first non-family/friend person to give me constructive criticism about RAW. Here's to the ego and confidence being dropped down a notch (or several). If, and I stress if, all goes well this could be up an running within a week *fingers crossed*
November 26, 2011
New Facebook link
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rich-Fordham-series/128007773963257?sk=wall
Testing out a new Facebook link to the Rich Fordham series
Testing out a new Facebook link to the Rich Fordham series
November 8, 2011
Rate my novella's cover
The only changes I'm looking to do is to take out the space between the authors name and the title words.
Thoughts?
November 4, 2011
A short Q & A about the author and the upcoming debut novella, Raw Vengeance
Q: What inspired you to write novels, particularly political thrillers?
A: I love a good thriller, a book where I can zone out and forget about my problems and the world around me. I needed a creative outlet as well as a fallback for my day job so I decided to write what I enjoy reading about. Since there's a lot of downtime with what I do I can swing in two to five pages in a single sitting.
Q: How did you come up with the plot and storyline for Raw Vengeance?
A: I've always been interested in politics–especially social issues–so I wanted to give a voice to the issues. Frequently people spew hate and catchphrases they hear on cable news programs without giving any thought to the people that their rhetoric effects. My protagonist, Rich Fordham, is an up-and-coming journalist who meets these people and humanizes the experience. All too often I talk with people who express an opinion without any personal experience to back it up other than it's just how they feel.
Raw is about Rich Fordham, a journalist who wants to be the next major war correspondent like Dan Rather or Peter Jennings. His decision to cover a school shooting in Chicago has racial and political implications putting Rich's career–and his life–on the line.
I chose homosexuality as part of the story because it's the last major social issue that divides our country. Whether or not you agree with it is up to the reader; I attempt to personalize the issue by showing how bullying can have a traumatic effect on gays. In my novel Kingdom of Rage, I take on major corporations (big oil), women's rights, and the Middle East.
Q: Why write about bullying?
A: I was bullied back in elementary school because I was the quiet, shy kid who didn't know how to defend himself with words–I was too afraid of retaliation. It wasn't until my teens and adult years that I learned how to defend myself. In college, I was confident enough that I was the guy defending the guys being bullied. But really, my writing about bullying is a metaphor for how the middle class gets bullied around by large corporations and greedy CEO's, and corrupt politicians. It's the same mindset–it's all about power, control, and manipulation.
Q: How does your protagonist take on these issues?
A: Rich Fordham, the journalist, gets lied to the face by a CEO who's threatening to lay-off thousands of his employees and blames it on the economy. I paint the picture as the CEO's and managers who are inept and refuse to change and Rich is the one who cuts through the BS.
A: I love a good thriller, a book where I can zone out and forget about my problems and the world around me. I needed a creative outlet as well as a fallback for my day job so I decided to write what I enjoy reading about. Since there's a lot of downtime with what I do I can swing in two to five pages in a single sitting.
Q: How did you come up with the plot and storyline for Raw Vengeance?
A: I've always been interested in politics–especially social issues–so I wanted to give a voice to the issues. Frequently people spew hate and catchphrases they hear on cable news programs without giving any thought to the people that their rhetoric effects. My protagonist, Rich Fordham, is an up-and-coming journalist who meets these people and humanizes the experience. All too often I talk with people who express an opinion without any personal experience to back it up other than it's just how they feel.
Raw is about Rich Fordham, a journalist who wants to be the next major war correspondent like Dan Rather or Peter Jennings. His decision to cover a school shooting in Chicago has racial and political implications putting Rich's career–and his life–on the line.
I chose homosexuality as part of the story because it's the last major social issue that divides our country. Whether or not you agree with it is up to the reader; I attempt to personalize the issue by showing how bullying can have a traumatic effect on gays. In my novel Kingdom of Rage, I take on major corporations (big oil), women's rights, and the Middle East.
Q: Why write about bullying?
A: I was bullied back in elementary school because I was the quiet, shy kid who didn't know how to defend himself with words–I was too afraid of retaliation. It wasn't until my teens and adult years that I learned how to defend myself. In college, I was confident enough that I was the guy defending the guys being bullied. But really, my writing about bullying is a metaphor for how the middle class gets bullied around by large corporations and greedy CEO's, and corrupt politicians. It's the same mindset–it's all about power, control, and manipulation.
Q: How does your protagonist take on these issues?
A: Rich Fordham, the journalist, gets lied to the face by a CEO who's threatening to lay-off thousands of his employees and blames it on the economy. I paint the picture as the CEO's and managers who are inept and refuse to change and Rich is the one who cuts through the BS.
