P.G. Shriver's Blog, page 4
September 7, 2016
Adventure 2016 Kicked Off in West!
Sally and Red Wagon Were in the WestFest ParadeOur first parade of Adventure 2016 took place this past weekend in the wonderful city of West, Texas.I lived in West for a few years, and I remember visiting my grandmother's house on Davis street many holidays throughout my life until she passed away in April of 2006.
It was nice to be back in West over the weekend, and to be in a parade that my family used to go to every year was even more awesome! My nieces rode their decorated bikes and my brother and sister-in-law worked the crowd with bookmarks! It was so much fun sharing Sally the saddle with the young children.
Once I heard my name called out. Once I heard, "There's Sally!" from a child in the gathered crowd.
What a thrilling day it was. Next up, the parade that is the destination of the second book: The Little Red Wagon Parade in George West, Texas. I can't wait to hang all of those wonderful mascot decorations on Red Wagon, decorate the signs, and do it all over again. This will be a new experience for Sally and me. Neither of us have ever been to George West... well, at least I don't think Sally has been there. She used to travel all the time, you know. She is a saddle after all.
Hope to see you in George West, festival fans! I may even do a VLOG during the festival. Who knows? There will be a lot going on with the 100 Mascot Art Contest selfies and the book launch party at my table!
Until then, I will be working on book three in the Texas Festivals Series.
August 13, 2016
She's Coming Back!
Find the Texas Festivals Series at Sally the Travelin' Saddle!Loading...
Sally the Travelin' Saddle
Has your child ever wanted to see his or her name inside a book? We're running a preorder promotion right now before the release of Sally's second festival book!
Preorder Sally Travels Parade Style before 9/5/16 and your child will find his or her name before reading Sally's fun story! Choose the name during the order process and we'll add it to the front matter of Sally's new picture book! Visit Sally the Travelin' Saddle for order information!
Preorder Sally Travels Parade Style before 9/5/16 and your child will find his or her name before reading Sally's fun story! Choose the name during the order process and we'll add it to the front matter of Sally's new picture book! Visit Sally the Travelin' Saddle for order information!
July 31, 2016
While Searching for Pirates
Sadly, I discovered that three of my most popular books have been #pirated and are being distributed digitally through a subscription company.
Normally this would be great news. Those three books are reaching far and beyond! However, no contract was signed between myself and the websites pirating my books, which means the owners are profiting from my work and I am making nothing off my books. I've been on alert and doing Google searches daily to see who has my books listed. Of course, this cuts down on my writing time, which is probably one of the purposes. Like so many other entities in our world, greed drives decisions and when I thought about why someone would do this to the book industry, it came to mind just how much time it takes to research and email each of the lousy thieving website owners.
Who would do that?
Someone who wanted to profit, obviously, but on a deeper level, someone who wanted to cut into my writing time and keep me busy ranting (says my conspiracy theory double).
Why would they do that?
Hm... Maybe they are losing money on their own books, or losing money to the self publishing industry. (again, my conspiracy theory double)
It's a sad world we live in when internet pirates steal from people who are struggling to make it in this world, like them, and not from the "A" list authors. Yes, that's what I said. I researched some popular books by big name authors to see if their books were listed on those sites. No, they weren't. Games up?
A Facebook conversation drummed up mention that pirates were pretending to steal from authors to gain SEO optimization, therefore pointing users to their own sites and ultimately phishing information from those poor suckers who believed my book was "free" there. It's still wrong, pirates. The search for pirates goes on.
New Cover Design
At least during my morning coffee research of my YA paranormal romance, Dead Perfect, I found this old review and had to smile, about the same way I smile when I hear from an ex student how I changed his life or made such a difference for him. Sometimes you get the message that you're doing what you are supposed to be doing. Affirmation of our choices are much needed in this world.
So you see, bright spots are found when trying to fight evil!
Stay strong, online readers! Fight against those evil pirate promises of "free" works because that brings the whole world crashing down--and will likely cost you a few bucks you won't get a refund for as well as credit card information to be shared with other evildoers!
Take out your swords of truth and justice and fight those internet demons! Though the ships rage on in the stormy seas, stand strong with sword high! Only ongoing fighters can be called superheroes!
Back to my search.
Normally this would be great news. Those three books are reaching far and beyond! However, no contract was signed between myself and the websites pirating my books, which means the owners are profiting from my work and I am making nothing off my books. I've been on alert and doing Google searches daily to see who has my books listed. Of course, this cuts down on my writing time, which is probably one of the purposes. Like so many other entities in our world, greed drives decisions and when I thought about why someone would do this to the book industry, it came to mind just how much time it takes to research and email each of the lousy thieving website owners.
Who would do that?
Someone who wanted to profit, obviously, but on a deeper level, someone who wanted to cut into my writing time and keep me busy ranting (says my conspiracy theory double).
Why would they do that?
Hm... Maybe they are losing money on their own books, or losing money to the self publishing industry. (again, my conspiracy theory double)
It's a sad world we live in when internet pirates steal from people who are struggling to make it in this world, like them, and not from the "A" list authors. Yes, that's what I said. I researched some popular books by big name authors to see if their books were listed on those sites. No, they weren't. Games up?
A Facebook conversation drummed up mention that pirates were pretending to steal from authors to gain SEO optimization, therefore pointing users to their own sites and ultimately phishing information from those poor suckers who believed my book was "free" there. It's still wrong, pirates. The search for pirates goes on.
New Cover DesignAt least during my morning coffee research of my YA paranormal romance, Dead Perfect, I found this old review and had to smile, about the same way I smile when I hear from an ex student how I changed his life or made such a difference for him. Sometimes you get the message that you're doing what you are supposed to be doing. Affirmation of our choices are much needed in this world.
So you see, bright spots are found when trying to fight evil!
Stay strong, online readers! Fight against those evil pirate promises of "free" works because that brings the whole world crashing down--and will likely cost you a few bucks you won't get a refund for as well as credit card information to be shared with other evildoers!
Take out your swords of truth and justice and fight those internet demons! Though the ships rage on in the stormy seas, stand strong with sword high! Only ongoing fighters can be called superheroes!
Back to my search.
July 28, 2016
Sally Travels Parade Style
Sally embarks on a new journey with a new friend soon. Adventure 2016 has begun and I have made a decision to take a different route with the second book. Instead of self publishing, I will be speaking with a publisher tomorrow to give them my answer: yes, I will sign with them. Publishing, writing, illustrating, adventuring, farming and working a full time job is becoming too much. I want to have fun, too. It's time for somebody else to keep up with the numbers. It's time to change how I have been publishing for the past 10 years. I've come so close in the past to publishing with houses like Houghton Mifflin that I can't resist this opportunity. There's too much I'm missing out on as a self publisher.
This is the cover for Sally Travels Parade Style. The new publisher may not like it, and if they decide to change it, that's okay. It won't be a deal breaker.
It's time for Sally and I to have some fun! Join us on the adventure, will you?
I'm betting I won't need the support, and if that turns out to be the case, there will be one heck of a book launch party!
July 25, 2016
Dog Sitting
Saturday, I sat my grand dogs;it was a good time to catch up my blogs.
.
Meet Ryder, top, and Max, bottom. They've been outside and inside, running, jumping, and playing fetch. They've been #swimming and eating treats. These two dogs are as close as #brothers, yet as different as can be.
Ryder, though you wouldn't believe it from the picture above, is young and hyper. He tears up "indestructible" toys like they're treats! He runs until he can't run anymore. He splashes in the dog water troughs. He swims in the horse water trough--the horses do not appreciate that, either. He is so full of energy, and pictures like the one above are hard to come by because he doesn't lay down often.
Max is the quiet and loving older brother. He stands close to your leg and curls around you for hugs. He loves to spoon with grandpa when he stays the night at our house. He is such a sweet, social boy.
Dogs have been such a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I don't think I have spent many years without one.
With the temp at 101 today, even our big boy, Nemo the Great #Pyrenees, is laying in the living room floor. Yes, that's an empty wine bottle in the background, but I promise he didn't drink it. It's just a keepsake. He needs a good brushing, but he growls at me when I try to comb him out while he's in the house. Funny boy.
I've always been able to count on my dogs. As often as people have let me down, I find the company of #dogs preferable. We share a strong bond, one in which I read their eyes and they read my thoughts. Dogs offer #unconditional love and they deserve better treatment than some people give them because like these, dogs are #loyal to the end.
I love my dogs so much, I even treat my dogs to homemade dog treats. You can find recipes online, but mine vary in that there is a secret addition to the treats that make them much better for them. I haven't had a dog yet that refused my homemade treats and the treats keep their coats free of pests while soothing their joints and strengthening their immune system. I even cookie cut them into bone shapes because... Well... Dogs love bones.
My recipe is available for purchase below.
Just click the buy now button, purchase with a card or Paypal and you will immediately receive the download!
It is my special dog cookie recipe, but you can adapt it however you want. I guarantee if you make these treats for your dog, your dog will love them!
Click here to Buy my Good Bones Treat Recipe.
.Meet Ryder, top, and Max, bottom. They've been outside and inside, running, jumping, and playing fetch. They've been #swimming and eating treats. These two dogs are as close as #brothers, yet as different as can be.
Ryder, though you wouldn't believe it from the picture above, is young and hyper. He tears up "indestructible" toys like they're treats! He runs until he can't run anymore. He splashes in the dog water troughs. He swims in the horse water trough--the horses do not appreciate that, either. He is so full of energy, and pictures like the one above are hard to come by because he doesn't lay down often.
Max is the quiet and loving older brother. He stands close to your leg and curls around you for hugs. He loves to spoon with grandpa when he stays the night at our house. He is such a sweet, social boy.
Dogs have been such a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I don't think I have spent many years without one.
With the temp at 101 today, even our big boy, Nemo the Great #Pyrenees, is laying in the living room floor. Yes, that's an empty wine bottle in the background, but I promise he didn't drink it. It's just a keepsake. He needs a good brushing, but he growls at me when I try to comb him out while he's in the house. Funny boy.
I've always been able to count on my dogs. As often as people have let me down, I find the company of #dogs preferable. We share a strong bond, one in which I read their eyes and they read my thoughts. Dogs offer #unconditional love and they deserve better treatment than some people give them because like these, dogs are #loyal to the end.
I love my dogs so much, I even treat my dogs to homemade dog treats. You can find recipes online, but mine vary in that there is a secret addition to the treats that make them much better for them. I haven't had a dog yet that refused my homemade treats and the treats keep their coats free of pests while soothing their joints and strengthening their immune system. I even cookie cut them into bone shapes because... Well... Dogs love bones.
My recipe is available for purchase below.
Just click the buy now button, purchase with a card or Paypal and you will immediately receive the download!
It is my special dog cookie recipe, but you can adapt it however you want. I guarantee if you make these treats for your dog, your dog will love them!
Click here to Buy my Good Bones Treat Recipe.
July 23, 2016
Dog Sitting
Today, I'm sitting my grand dogs;it's a good time to catch up my blogs
.
Meet Ryder, top, and Max, bottom. They've been outside and inside, running, jumping, and playing fetch. They've been #swimming and eating treats. These two dogs are as close as #brothers, yet as different as can be.
Ryder, though you wouldn't believe it from the picture above, is young and hyper. He tears up "indestructible" toys like they're treats! He runs until he can't run anymore. He splashes in the dog water troughs. He swims in the horse water trough--the horses do not appreciate that, either. He is so full of energy, and pictures like the one above are hard to come by because he doesn't lay down often.
Max is the quiet and loving older brother. He stands close to your leg and curls around you for hugs. He loves to spoon with grandpa when he stays the night at our house. He is such a sweet, social boy.
Dogs have been such a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I don't think I have spent many years without one.
With the temp at 101 today, even our big boy, Nemo the Great #Pyrenees, is laying in the living room floor. Yes, that's an empty wine bottle in the background, but I promise he didn't drink it. It's just a keepsake. He needs a good brushing, but he growls at me when I try to comb him out while he's in the house. Funny boy.
I've always been able to count on my dogs. As often as people have let me down, I find the company of #dogs preferable. We share a strong bond, one in which I read their eyes and they read my thoughts. Dogs offer #unconditional love and they deserve better treatment than some people give them because like these, dogs are #loyal to the end.
You know, it's said that people are the #intelligent #species on earth. Given recent events in the news, I beg to differ. People could learn a great deal from the #canines of the world!
.Meet Ryder, top, and Max, bottom. They've been outside and inside, running, jumping, and playing fetch. They've been #swimming and eating treats. These two dogs are as close as #brothers, yet as different as can be.
Ryder, though you wouldn't believe it from the picture above, is young and hyper. He tears up "indestructible" toys like they're treats! He runs until he can't run anymore. He splashes in the dog water troughs. He swims in the horse water trough--the horses do not appreciate that, either. He is so full of energy, and pictures like the one above are hard to come by because he doesn't lay down often.
Max is the quiet and loving older brother. He stands close to your leg and curls around you for hugs. He loves to spoon with grandpa when he stays the night at our house. He is such a sweet, social boy.
Dogs have been such a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I don't think I have spent many years without one.
With the temp at 101 today, even our big boy, Nemo the Great #Pyrenees, is laying in the living room floor. Yes, that's an empty wine bottle in the background, but I promise he didn't drink it. It's just a keepsake. He needs a good brushing, but he growls at me when I try to comb him out while he's in the house. Funny boy.
I've always been able to count on my dogs. As often as people have let me down, I find the company of #dogs preferable. We share a strong bond, one in which I read their eyes and they read my thoughts. Dogs offer #unconditional love and they deserve better treatment than some people give them because like these, dogs are #loyal to the end.
You know, it's said that people are the #intelligent #species on earth. Given recent events in the news, I beg to differ. People could learn a great deal from the #canines of the world!
July 22, 2016
Media Fat
Here's a little poem for the day:
Feeling a little #lost in the #crowd.Nobody sees me.Do I scream too loud?I’m on #Facebook and #Twitter.I’m on this site and that.I #Insta and #YouTube.Am I media fat?No matter which site I visit,No matter who I #support,Nobody notices my meager #report.I think I’ll give up,Go back to my #blog.I’ve SM’d too much. I'm living in a #fog.Letting go of the #craze, now.It’s time to move on.It's each person for themselves,They won’t #notice I’m gone.
(c)2016 P. G. Shriver
July 21, 2016
Back to Blogging
Okay, it was a little rough, but Sally now has her own website.
This blog will be updated to reconnect with my readers and share some writing.
I've been doing a great deal of marketing lately and even more research. I've discovered crowdfunding, though I am not good at it, and other means of funding my book projects. I always wind up paying for it myself, though. Oh, well...
I read a blog post recently about how print book sales are on the rise and surpassed digital book sales last year.
Could it be?
Are people getting tired of reading electronically?
Is it becoming too much of a hassle to update their eReaders all the time?
Is it that the market has become crowded with so much "crap" writing that people are returning to bookstores to thumb through all the pages, or has a new generation of non electronic focused readers arisen from the ashes of the digital age?
Whatever the reason, I'm glad to see it taking place. As I work on illustrations for Sally Travels Parade Style, I find the message of that article comforting. I don't see how digital publication can make Sally books equal or better than the real hardcover picture book, though it is available in all formats.
This blog will be updated to reconnect with my readers and share some writing.
I've been doing a great deal of marketing lately and even more research. I've discovered crowdfunding, though I am not good at it, and other means of funding my book projects. I always wind up paying for it myself, though. Oh, well...
I read a blog post recently about how print book sales are on the rise and surpassed digital book sales last year.
Could it be?
Are people getting tired of reading electronically?
Is it becoming too much of a hassle to update their eReaders all the time?
Is it that the market has become crowded with so much "crap" writing that people are returning to bookstores to thumb through all the pages, or has a new generation of non electronic focused readers arisen from the ashes of the digital age?
Whatever the reason, I'm glad to see it taking place. As I work on illustrations for Sally Travels Parade Style, I find the message of that article comforting. I don't see how digital publication can make Sally books equal or better than the real hardcover picture book, though it is available in all formats.
March 5, 2016
Sally's New Website
Sally has a new website now, http://www.sallythetravelinsaddle.com. She will probably still hack me here and post silly writing!
Good plans are in the making for Sally and I. She drew much attention today and was asked to be in a Christmas parade with Red Wagon! Red is in her second book, Sally Travels Parade Style.
She's collecting mascots for Wagon's decorations.
Sally is also starting her own YouTube channel kid's show. She loves to read, so she will talk about the books she's reading in some segments. We picked up two books today from new young authors, both of them only 13!
She is also planning a pretty good sized book tour for fall in conjunction with the release of her next book. She's even thinking of Skype readings for some schools. With Skype, she can read anywhere and almost any time to anyone! She really likes that idea.
Sally is excited.
Sally is so busy, I don't know if she needs me much anymore.
Ah, well. At least I can start blogging again...when I'm not writing, painting, or sewing little saddle companion puppets for Sally to sell in her Etsy Store.
What's a writer to do? Freelancing with Sally has been fun, though, and two more festival books are in the making. Maybe now that she has her own website and upcoming YouTube show, I can complete some of my other projects. Ha!
Good plans are in the making for Sally and I. She drew much attention today and was asked to be in a Christmas parade with Red Wagon! Red is in her second book, Sally Travels Parade Style.
She's collecting mascots for Wagon's decorations.Sally is also starting her own YouTube channel kid's show. She loves to read, so she will talk about the books she's reading in some segments. We picked up two books today from new young authors, both of them only 13!
She is also planning a pretty good sized book tour for fall in conjunction with the release of her next book. She's even thinking of Skype readings for some schools. With Skype, she can read anywhere and almost any time to anyone! She really likes that idea.
Sally is excited.
Sally is so busy, I don't know if she needs me much anymore.
Ah, well. At least I can start blogging again...when I'm not writing, painting, or sewing little saddle companion puppets for Sally to sell in her Etsy Store.
What's a writer to do? Freelancing with Sally has been fun, though, and two more festival books are in the making. Maybe now that she has her own website and upcoming YouTube show, I can complete some of my other projects. Ha!
