Rolf Margenau's Blog, page 4
March 22, 2016
National Parks Update
Although more than 600 readers nominated my latest novel for Kindle Scout, the Amazonians chose not to add it to their list. So, trusty Frogworks Publishing will present it to the world in a few weeks. Watch for giveaways in April. Frogworks will also offer a 99 cent Kindle short term deal in April or May,
Preliminary reviews are very positive. Apparently this crazy political season has whetted appetites for satirical political humor. Even though current candidates are spoiling satire by outrageous behaviors that challenge the wildest comic imaginations, National Parks manages to lampoon the future Congress.
One critic likens the book's content to sessions with John Oliver and Steven Colbert. I hope that catches on!
Preliminary reviews are very positive. Apparently this crazy political season has whetted appetites for satirical political humor. Even though current candidates are spoiling satire by outrageous behaviors that challenge the wildest comic imaginations, National Parks manages to lampoon the future Congress.
One critic likens the book's content to sessions with John Oliver and Steven Colbert. I hope that catches on!
February 16, 2016
National Parks
First three chapters free
Amazon is offering a look at the beginning of this as yet unpublished book to readers who click here https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/LUUV...
It's not exactly a dystopian future, but our country is almost broke. Congress was so busy with gridlock, bickering, and putting party above people that it lost sight of basics. To bail us out, Congress decides to sell our national parks to the highest bidders.
This is a very funny, satirical look at what happens when wrong headed people and ideas hold sway. Three strong women seek to challenge the sale and the story reports the hilarious consequences.
Readers who nominate the book win a chance for a free copy.
Don't miss this opportunity to be the first to read one of this year's best sellers!
Amazon is offering a look at the beginning of this as yet unpublished book to readers who click here https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/LUUV...
It's not exactly a dystopian future, but our country is almost broke. Congress was so busy with gridlock, bickering, and putting party above people that it lost sight of basics. To bail us out, Congress decides to sell our national parks to the highest bidders.
This is a very funny, satirical look at what happens when wrong headed people and ideas hold sway. Three strong women seek to challenge the sale and the story reports the hilarious consequences.
Readers who nominate the book win a chance for a free copy.
Don't miss this opportunity to be the first to read one of this year's best sellers!
February 2, 2016
I could use a little help.
I am about to release another novel. It is being promoted by amazon.com with a view toward publishing it. To encourage its publication, readers need to preview the book. They also get a chance for a free book.
The campaign begins tomorrow and is seen here https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/LUUV.... You can see my other stuff at www.frogworks.com
National Parks is a satirical examination of what happens, in the near future, when our Congress, through inaction and gridlock, brings our nation to the brink of bankruptcy. Their solution is to raise money by selling the national parks to the highest bidders. Hilarity ensues as three heroines battle this nutty notion. The book is funny, not smutty.
Amazon’s program involves readers voting on the first few chapters of the book. Obviously, the more votes it receives, the better for me and the book. I hope my friends will visit the book’s site and encourage their friends to do so too. I think you’ll enjoy the opening chapters.
Prizewinning author David Aretha says: “Margenau’s sardonic wit is a big step above Saturday Night Live’s and on par with Stephen Colbert and John Oliver, both of whom would benefit by having this octogenarian on staff. I can envision each of those comics pounding the table in laughter, like I did, while reading National Parks.”
I’d be grateful if you would pass this on.
The campaign begins tomorrow and is seen here https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/LUUV.... You can see my other stuff at www.frogworks.com
National Parks is a satirical examination of what happens, in the near future, when our Congress, through inaction and gridlock, brings our nation to the brink of bankruptcy. Their solution is to raise money by selling the national parks to the highest bidders. Hilarity ensues as three heroines battle this nutty notion. The book is funny, not smutty.
Amazon’s program involves readers voting on the first few chapters of the book. Obviously, the more votes it receives, the better for me and the book. I hope my friends will visit the book’s site and encourage their friends to do so too. I think you’ll enjoy the opening chapters.
Prizewinning author David Aretha says: “Margenau’s sardonic wit is a big step above Saturday Night Live’s and on par with Stephen Colbert and John Oliver, both of whom would benefit by having this octogenarian on staff. I can envision each of those comics pounding the table in laughter, like I did, while reading National Parks.”
I’d be grateful if you would pass this on.
February 1, 2016
National Parks Cover
Although the book is still a month or so away from publication Sue Haake, my designer, says the cover is ready. What I think she means is that she is sick and tired of having me mess with it and she is done with it. Actually, I think it is very good, since it conveys the idea that the national parks might be exploited for the money they are worth.
Anyway, there is a sneak peek at www.frogworks.com
Comments and observations? Susan would just love to play with it some more.
Anyway, there is a sneak peek at www.frogworks.com
Comments and observations? Susan would just love to play with it some more.
January 31, 2016
New satirical novel coming
National Parks is sliding down the slippery slope to publication. The final draft finally passed the gimlet eye of its editor and it is on its way into the publishing stream. The initial buzz is encouraging. Another author said: "Margenau’s sardonic wit is a big step above Saturday Night Live’s and on par with Stephen Colbert and John Oliver, both of whom would benefit by having this octogenarian on staff. I can envision each of those comics pounding the table in laughter, like I did, while reading National Parks."
The story is about what happens, in the near future, when Congress, through inaction and gridlock, drives our nation to the brink of bankruptcy. To bail us out, the legislature decides to sell our national parks to the highest bidder. Comic mayhem ensues.
Amazon is considering the novel as an eBook for its "Scout" program, and the paperback version should be on bookshelves in April.
Watch this space for the much awaited cover reveal.
The story is about what happens, in the near future, when Congress, through inaction and gridlock, drives our nation to the brink of bankruptcy. To bail us out, the legislature decides to sell our national parks to the highest bidder. Comic mayhem ensues.
Amazon is considering the novel as an eBook for its "Scout" program, and the paperback version should be on bookshelves in April.
Watch this space for the much awaited cover reveal.
January 25, 2016
Snow Day!
As in trying to cut paths through an unprecedented thirty inches of snow sparkling thickly outside my window and stretching up across the back to our wood lot. Luci-fur, our cairn terrier puppy, was so impressed with the blanket of show she attacked it the way terriers do and became the abominable snow dog. We were blessed with continuing power, not like those unfortunates who choose to live on the Jersey shore, snug and warm.
I cut a path to the wood box this morning and seasoned maple logs are now glowing in the fireplace. It will be a good day for writing.
My editor, Dave Aretha, and I emailed yesterday. He's about finished with my latest book and enjoyed some of the future technical stuff I included, like -- A drop of a woman’s blood on her fob will inform her if she’s pregnant, and if so then the fob will emit “romantic violin sounds” along with electronic congratulations.
There is still time before the book is published, probably late spring.
Hope all are enjoying this wild winter.
I cut a path to the wood box this morning and seasoned maple logs are now glowing in the fireplace. It will be a good day for writing.
My editor, Dave Aretha, and I emailed yesterday. He's about finished with my latest book and enjoyed some of the future technical stuff I included, like -- A drop of a woman’s blood on her fob will inform her if she’s pregnant, and if so then the fob will emit “romantic violin sounds” along with electronic congratulations.
There is still time before the book is published, probably late spring.
Hope all are enjoying this wild winter.
January 21, 2016
Storm Coming
A Nor'easter is predicted for tomorrow night in the New Jersey Highlands so we carried more firewood to the box by the house and checked the whiskey supply. We want to be prepared for the first real snow of the season. I am eager to see how our 6 month old cairn terrier puppy deals with snow.
I am taking a break from writing to honor the woman, my first wife, who has put up with me for sixty years. She's like Cleopatra--her beauty never fades!
Otherwise, I expect the edited proofs of National Parks by the end of the month, so there is a good chance this satirical novel (what happens when Congress decides to sell the national parks to avoid our nation's bankruptcy) will be "on the shelves" this spring. Meanwhile, I have assembled the many comments and complaints from veterans about Public Information and rewriting it for a second edition.
Only 60 days until spring!
I am taking a break from writing to honor the woman, my first wife, who has put up with me for sixty years. She's like Cleopatra--her beauty never fades!
Otherwise, I expect the edited proofs of National Parks by the end of the month, so there is a good chance this satirical novel (what happens when Congress decides to sell the national parks to avoid our nation's bankruptcy) will be "on the shelves" this spring. Meanwhile, I have assembled the many comments and complaints from veterans about Public Information and rewriting it for a second edition.
Only 60 days until spring!
January 1, 2016
Happy New Year!
Wylie Cypher and all the other characters in the books where he appears hope you have a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. Enjoy! No excuses!
His author is busy rewriting Public Information so a second edition may be published in the spring, while editor, David Aretha, ferrets out bad grammar, construction, and plotting in National Parks--also out sometime in spring 2016.
Meanwhile, research is beginning for a new book, tentatively titled New Haven, a potential pot boiler about the German community in New Haven, CT from about 1930 to 1950. It will be a story about immigrants, aspiration, discrimination, and assimilation. Maybe it will see the light of day in a couple of years.
His author is busy rewriting Public Information so a second edition may be published in the spring, while editor, David Aretha, ferrets out bad grammar, construction, and plotting in National Parks--also out sometime in spring 2016.
Meanwhile, research is beginning for a new book, tentatively titled New Haven, a potential pot boiler about the German community in New Haven, CT from about 1930 to 1950. It will be a story about immigrants, aspiration, discrimination, and assimilation. Maybe it will see the light of day in a couple of years.
December 2, 2015
Commode Companion - new captions
I was happy to receive a few recommendations for new or changed captions for some of the photos in this book. Happy because the idea of making it an interactive book for its readers was working, not so happy because some of the ideas are better than mine. Anyway, there are four new captions. They will be seen in any new orders for both the print and eBook.
The contributors chose to be anonymous. I look forward to receiving more good ideas!
Rolf
The contributors chose to be anonymous. I look forward to receiving more good ideas!
Rolf
September 15, 2015
The Commode Companion - Sample Pages
Every week or so, a new photo from the Companion is featured on my Facebook page. To see the latest one, go to https://www.facebook.com/Rolf-Margena...
This week it's a caged cat.
This week it's a caged cat.
