Jan Notzon's Blog, page 20

audiobook

I finally FINALLY got someone to covert my recording of my 2nd novel, "And Ye Shall Be As Gods" into an audiobook. I was trying with ACX which I believe is the Amazon service. After many emails only answered with a "no reply" form email, I went with a business called Authors District.

I am paranoid about trusting anyone in this business, especially those who contact me out of the blue. I just hope the endorsements/reviews they sent me were actually legitimate.

I've been burned too many times.

Puzzling

I did a comparison study of two peoples presently engaged in conflict and I am puzzled.

One side tries to maximize civilian casualties, the other side tries to minimize them. One side uses their own people as human shields, the other side does its best to protect their people. One side kills parents in front of their children, children in front of their parents, the other side would never intentionally kill a child or a parent. One side rapes, tortures and mutilates women. The other side respects women as it does men. One side CHOPS OFF BABIES HEADS WITH SHOVELS! The other side would never intentionally harm a child, much less a baby.

And there is a movement among many of the young to support the first and condemn the second?

How can this be?

Pitches

I'm happily finding that I'm better at pitching my work to producers than I thought I'd be. Once I have the idea down and have practiced it until it is second nature, I think my experience as an actor kicks in.

It is simply speaking off the cuff that I am abysmal at. A friend invited me to toastmasters and I went once with the intention of attending on a regular basis. If I could find the time somewhere to actually do so, I know I would greatly benefit.

In this annoyingly limited world, however, I simply cannot do it. But I must confess, as good as I think it would be for me, the idea is not the most palatable. I have to admit that my lack of attendance might be as much my fear as a lack of time.

The great irony is that I taught public speaking or oral communication in college! I once confessed to my students when I was covering nervousness--read outright terror--that I was nervous during each class I taught.

They didn't believe me. I suppose I'm a better actor than I thought.

Not A Talker

I quit doing my radio show on WDRBmedia.com today. Aside from the fact that I had to pay for the privilege of doing the show, their administration left a little to be desired.

However, I have to be honest with myself. I just don't like talking. Keeping up a conversation--read, monologue--is not my cup of tea. I much prefer listening to what other people have to say.

I really enjoy hearing other people's experiences, opinions, thoughts on this crazy, enigmatic thing called "life" that we share.

Am I just lazy? I wonder.

Press Release

New Historical Novel "Only the Dead (Know the End of War)" by Jan Notzon Illuminates the Turbulent Births of the Mexican and Texas Republics. "Only The Dead (Know the End of War)," a historical novel by Jan Notzon, explores the tumultuous births of the
Mexican and Texas Republics through the
intertwined lives of three families facing wars, societal upheaval, and personal dilemmas.
The novel has received critical acclaim for its deep historical insights and compelling narrative, highlighting both individual and collective struggles.

Renowned novelist and playwright Jan Notzon returns with his latest historical epic, "Only the Dead (Know the End of War)," a profound exploration of the births of the Mexican and Texas Republics in the 19th century, a period marked by severe conflict and the forging of new nations at a great human cost.

Set against the backdrop of brutal wars, political deceit, and societal upheaval, Notzon's novel intricately weaves the lives of three families—two Mexican and one Texan—through their struggles with external enemies and internal betrayals. The narrative delves
into the raw encounters with savage adversaries, the fierce ideological battles between idealists and cynics, and the personal sacrifices demanded by such tumultuous times.

This expansive tale not only highlights the violent confrontations and societal shifts but also portrays the individual stories of survival and moral conflict within a rigidly hierarchical society. The characters' journeys through these adversities reveal the complex interplay between personal initiative and collective destiny that characterizes the historical narrative of Western expansion.

Critics have lauded the novel for its emotional depth and historical accuracy. Publishers' Weekly praised Notzon for writing a "gripping and heartfelt 19th-century tale," while Literary Titan highlighted the "intricate ethical dilemmas" faced by the characters, particularly through José Necahuatl, whose internal conflicts embody the broader societal challenges of the era.

"Only The Dead (Know the End of War)" has already received critical acclaim, with a perfect
rating from early readers and reviewers who commend its evocative prose and impactful
storytelling. As one editor poignantly noted, "This is a masterful, epic tale, evocatively and
beautifully written... Rarely have I been assigned a book so eloquently written."

Jan Notzon's latest novel is available now on Kindle and in paperback on Amazon. Readers are invited to immerse themselves in this powerful narrative that not only recounts the past but also reflects on the timeless questions of morality, belonging, and the human cost of conflict.

About the Book
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In the blood-soaked soils of the 19th century, two fledgling nations emerge through a haze of gun smoke and the cries of the fallen. This sweeping saga intertwines the destinies of three families—two rooted in Mexico, one in Texas—as they navigate the brutalities of war, the duplicity of politics, and the stark divides within their own communities. As they face relentless threats from outside invaders and internal traitors alike, their journeys reveal the heartbreaking sacrifices required to survive in a time where loyalty is tested, ideologies clash, and every victory comes steeped in personal loss. Amid the chaos, these families discover the true cost of freedom, the weight of their heritage, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

About the Author
Jan Notzon is a distinguished novelist and playwright based in Charlotte, NC, with a rich portfolio of works that delve into complex human emotions and historical depths. His literary journey began with "The Dogs Barking," a poignant coming-of-age story set in a sleepy Texas border town during the 1950s. Over the years, Notzon has explored a wide range of themes and settings, from familial
struggles and spiritual crises in novels like "And Ye Shall Be as Gods" and "Song for The
Forsaken" to historical epics that capture the tumultuous dynamics of societal change. As a
seasoned actor with appearances in notable television series and films, Notzon brings a dramatic flair to his writing, imbuing his characters with life and his narratives with authenticity. His works are celebrated for their intricate plots, emotional resonance, and deep, philosophical questioning, earning him acclaim from critics and readers alike.
Contact Information
Company: New Age Literary Agency
Name: Jan Notzon
Email: jan@jannotzon.com
Country: United States
Website: https://www.jannotzon.com/only-the-dead

Promotion

I find the amount of money one has to pay, even--or perhaps, especially--if one has an agent truly obscene.

There are exorbitant (if understandable) costs for video trailers, reviews from prestigious companies, Search Engine Optimization charges and, the most outrageous, the price of hiring a professional screenwriter to create a screenplay of your novel. Then there's the rates you (or at least I) have to pay a recording company to do an audio version (since I definitely don't trust myself as a sound engineer).

Yes, I understand that you have to spend money to make money. And yes, it's an investment...but then, as some wise person said, life is a gamble from beginning to end.

As the title to my most recent published novel states that "Only the Dead (Know the End of War)" so I suppose that life only ceases to be a gamble when it's over.

Skype

I know almost all millennials through gen-whatever is the latest generation--will find this pitiful but I have finally created a Skype account. An absolute necessity, my agent tells me.

Now the task is to pitch my works with confidence. The pitiful irony is that I taught public speaking on a college level. After so many years away from it, however, I find the prospect truly terrifying.

I have got to remember to keep my focus on my audience: Am I communicating with you? Are you getting the information I'm trying to impart and the points I'm trying to make?

Focus on that and not on being judged!

Authoritarian Ideologues

Authoritarian Ideologues And Tyrants by Yong Holtzclaw
Authoritarian Ideologues And Tyrants: The Strange Politics In The World: Tyranny And Authoritarianism
by Yong Holtzclaw
12121037
Jan Notzon's reviewMar 07, 2024 · edit
it was amazing

I would give this book six stars if I could. Never have I read a book on the subject of philosophy and philosophies' politico-social implications so clear, comprehensible and informative.

I was quite surprised by many of its well-explained and well-supported conclusions about many philosophers' treatises. I can now understand why so many of them are so abstruse and often pedantic: their conclusions are often the result of pure sophistry.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who finds many philosophers' writings opaque and impenetrable. There is a good reason for it!

Review of Other

ews > Bow Before the Mystery that Remains
Bow Before the Mystery that Remains by Kathleen Shelby Boyett
Bow Before the Mystery that Remains
by Kathleen Shelby Boyett
12121037
Jan Notzon's reviewMar 07, 2024 · edit
liked it

While I think this to be a very valuable work for those with aged partners (and sometimes even not yet elderly as there is early onset dementia) both for those who might have to deal both with dementia and loss of a partner, it didn't particularly grab me.

I did like it, and I think those with partners or parents approaching senior status would find it very compelling. Not being in either of those situations, I only found it enjoyable but not overly so. For the rest, it is quite thorough and enlightening.

Elections

I wonder why the only choices for the last two presidential elections are between a disaster and a catastrophe.

Besides Nikki Haley, aren't there any adults out there?