Steve Wilson's Blog, page 3
March 22, 2014
Trinity Icon--The 'Back of the Book Summary'
For everyone who's been asking what 'Trinity Icon' is all about, here's the summary that will appear in all press releases and promotional material. Keep in mind that this was written a year ago when I put the outline together for the book. I'd like to think it's prescient; at the very least, it's fascinating to see how fiction sometimes gets ahead of reality.
One more thing; I'd like to post another excerpt from the book. There's no time limit, but once I reach 125 likes on The Michael Neill Adventures Facebook page, I'll post one right here. I think that's a reasonable figure, given that the page currently has 109 likes.
Enough of that. Here's the summary...
"A new president is elected, and Willis Avery is tapped to fill the position of Secretary of Defense. But before he can accept this new role, he must navigate a maze of foreign policy issues--and keep the Russian government at bay.
In Central Europe, Poland has rejected a plan to position a missile shield on their soil--until a threat from beyond their borders creates havoc. Fanning the flames of conflict, Moscow begins supplying Tehran with new weaponry, and during testing, an Iranian ICBM veers off course with tragic results. The Polish government turns to NATO--and the United States--for protection.
The National Security Advisor conceives a plan to strengthen ties with the former republics. With the defensive shield now back on the table, Willis Avery envisions an even broader network of emplacements, providing greater security to nations bordering Russia. His strategy depends on the cooperation of the breakaway states in the region--and the help of Captain Michael Neill.
After successful assignments in Ukraine and the South China Sea, Neill is tasked as a liaison. To convince the republics, he enlists the aid of an old friend, General Andrei Ulyanov—and, if he can keep her alive, the dynamic and beautiful Viktoriya Gavrilenko.
The stage is set for increased tension when the former Soviet empire threatens an arms race, and along the way, Neill becomes caught up in the search for a lost religious icon--foretold by legend to restore the faith of a disheartened people. But that’s not all; the Marine’s very heart is laid bare, and there’s no denying the growing feelings he has for someone very close to him . . ."
One more thing; I'd like to post another excerpt from the book. There's no time limit, but once I reach 125 likes on The Michael Neill Adventures Facebook page, I'll post one right here. I think that's a reasonable figure, given that the page currently has 109 likes.
Enough of that. Here's the summary...
"A new president is elected, and Willis Avery is tapped to fill the position of Secretary of Defense. But before he can accept this new role, he must navigate a maze of foreign policy issues--and keep the Russian government at bay.
In Central Europe, Poland has rejected a plan to position a missile shield on their soil--until a threat from beyond their borders creates havoc. Fanning the flames of conflict, Moscow begins supplying Tehran with new weaponry, and during testing, an Iranian ICBM veers off course with tragic results. The Polish government turns to NATO--and the United States--for protection.
The National Security Advisor conceives a plan to strengthen ties with the former republics. With the defensive shield now back on the table, Willis Avery envisions an even broader network of emplacements, providing greater security to nations bordering Russia. His strategy depends on the cooperation of the breakaway states in the region--and the help of Captain Michael Neill.
After successful assignments in Ukraine and the South China Sea, Neill is tasked as a liaison. To convince the republics, he enlists the aid of an old friend, General Andrei Ulyanov—and, if he can keep her alive, the dynamic and beautiful Viktoriya Gavrilenko.
The stage is set for increased tension when the former Soviet empire threatens an arms race, and along the way, Neill becomes caught up in the search for a lost religious icon--foretold by legend to restore the faith of a disheartened people. But that’s not all; the Marine’s very heart is laid bare, and there’s no denying the growing feelings he has for someone very close to him . . ."
February 28, 2014
Chapter One excerpt--Evil Empire
The lobby was enclosed by expansive glass panels that ran from floor to ceiling. The visual effect was intentional. A local architect had designed the building, paying particular attention to the entrance, and giving the structure a certain symbolism. It was a nod to the newspaper’s mission—providing transparency to life—but the metaphor was lost on most city-dwellers.
Viktoriya Gavrilenko checked her image in the glass, heels clattering as she exited the offices of the Odesa Sivodnya. Her outerwear did little to deflect attention, but that was never her goal. The coat she wore was a double-breasted trench, made of white leather, with wide lapels on either side of the cowl-neck sweater crowning her shoulders. An ivory belt was cinched around her narrow waist, with black denim jeans and matching shoes for contrast.
The young journalist took to the sidewalk and began moving east on Balkovskaya Street. Her appearance earned a few admiring glances, but Viktoriya paid no attention. Navigating through pedestrians, her head was tilted down as she checked her phone.
“She just came out.” The man in the car had a wireless headset.
His accomplice was across the street, leaning against a kiosk and pretending to read the morning edition. A receiver was stuck in his ear.
“Right on time.”
She checked her email first. Viktoriya’s in-box contained only a few messages—which was both a relief and a disappointment. A trending story on a news site caught her eye next. Archaeologists in neighboring Poland were poking around a riverbed near Warsaw. The report looked interesting; she scanned the highlights and then filed it away for later.
There was a chill in the air, not uncommon for Odessa on an October afternoon. Viktoriya clutched her collar just a bit closer and kept walking. A tram stop was one street over on Rozumovskaya. The aging conveyance was always on time, and if she caught the 5:05, she could be home in less than twenty minutes.
From half a block away, Sergei Holcek matched the woman’s pace and kept his distance. He allowed himself a smug grin. She was making his job easy. With the way she was dressed, it would be hard to lose her now.
A head taller than those around him, he was a stocky man, in his mid-forties with graying temples. He had been watching Viktoriya’s movements for the past two days. She didn’t own a car, and the towering Russian knew she’d hop on the trolley approaching from the far side of town.
“Get into position,” Sergei ordered.
“On my way.”
The driver revved the engine. The Mercedes crept past Viktoriya slowly, allowing him one last eyeful. The woman had more curves than—
“Focus on your driving, tavarisch,” the Russian snapped.
The man in the car turned away.
“Such a waste.”
He left Viktoriya and Sergei behind, and then turned on the next street, headed north.
Holcek stared ahead, scouting the terrain. The intersection was crowded with Ladas and other Eastern European models. The congestion didn’t concern him; in fact, he was silently thankful for it. A glance to the north gave him a fix on his escape route, an alley between the main thoroughfare and Kolinsky Street. The Russian breathed deeply, measuring his steps and gauging the arrival of the tram.
Sergei resumed his surveillance. His mark was right where she should be, so the Russian began assessing obstacles. There were no militia cars in sight, and no officers walking a beat.
All the better, he thought.
Small groups began milling toward the corner, waiting for the trolley. Holcek glanced at those closest to Viktoriya and moved a little faster. She arrived at the stop just as he crossed Rozumovskaya.
It was time for one last check.
“Ready?”
The receiver crackled in Holcek’s ear. “Waiting for you.”
“Keep the motor running.”
The driver could hear the anxiety in Sergei’s voice. “I’ll do my job. You do yours.”
She was still alone. A loose-knit throng of commuters stood nearby. Sergei gave them a studied look. Most were simple office workers who wanted to go home. A few tourists had wandered up from the port, and students from the Institute huddled together, portfolios clutched under their arms. Close to the corner, an old babushka sold flowers, a display of nested matryoshka dolls on her cart.
The tourists and students weren’t a concern. Holcek was more interested in picking out individuals. Beneath the stop’s canopy, a transient weaved from side to side, his posture stooped. He wore a dirty, hooded sweatshirt; Holcek gave him a passing glance and then dismissed his presence. Another man was now standing to Viktoriya’s left, stealing glances as she waited. A third—very tall—ignored everything else except his hand-held mobile device.
Truly a shame, Holcek reflected. Throughout his life he had been a connoisseur of beautiful women. Under different circumstances, he would have liked to enjoy this one; but business was business, and his handlers were paying him well. It was just too bad that Viktoriya Gavrilenko had to die.
The Russian stood patiently as the tram slowed. The students moved toward the street, and would be the first to board. Holcek got into position next to the man with the roaming eyes, while Viktoriya fell in behind the tourists.
“Astarozheneh,” Attention; a metallic voice squeaked from a speaker. “Dveri atkraviyetseh,”—doors opening. No one disembarked at this stop, and the small group began crowding forward.
Holcek reached into his jacket. A 9 millimeter Beretta rested in a holster on his left side. The weapon was heavier than usual, equipped with a noise suppressor. The Russian had also chosen subsonic ammunition, not terribly effective over great distances—but certainly lethal at close range.
The plan was simple enough, and bold. Sergei would wait until Viktoriya took her first step into the tram. He would press in from the rear, raise the weapon to the base of her skull and fire two rounds.
Things would happen quickly from that point.
As the young woman fell forward, Holcek intended to make a hasty retreat, capitalizing on confusion and shock. Street traffic would slow anyone who might try to follow him. The Russian would then race into the alley, and the driver would take over, carrying the assassin on a pre-determined path out of town.
Holcek filled his lungs again. The tourists had taken their time—had he imagined their sloth, or was he just nervous?—but had finally entered the idling streetcar. Viktoriya paused as the last one ascended the steps, and then edged to the open door.
Time to move...
Viktoriya Gavrilenko checked her image in the glass, heels clattering as she exited the offices of the Odesa Sivodnya. Her outerwear did little to deflect attention, but that was never her goal. The coat she wore was a double-breasted trench, made of white leather, with wide lapels on either side of the cowl-neck sweater crowning her shoulders. An ivory belt was cinched around her narrow waist, with black denim jeans and matching shoes for contrast.
The young journalist took to the sidewalk and began moving east on Balkovskaya Street. Her appearance earned a few admiring glances, but Viktoriya paid no attention. Navigating through pedestrians, her head was tilted down as she checked her phone.
“She just came out.” The man in the car had a wireless headset.
His accomplice was across the street, leaning against a kiosk and pretending to read the morning edition. A receiver was stuck in his ear.
“Right on time.”
She checked her email first. Viktoriya’s in-box contained only a few messages—which was both a relief and a disappointment. A trending story on a news site caught her eye next. Archaeologists in neighboring Poland were poking around a riverbed near Warsaw. The report looked interesting; she scanned the highlights and then filed it away for later.
There was a chill in the air, not uncommon for Odessa on an October afternoon. Viktoriya clutched her collar just a bit closer and kept walking. A tram stop was one street over on Rozumovskaya. The aging conveyance was always on time, and if she caught the 5:05, she could be home in less than twenty minutes.
From half a block away, Sergei Holcek matched the woman’s pace and kept his distance. He allowed himself a smug grin. She was making his job easy. With the way she was dressed, it would be hard to lose her now.
A head taller than those around him, he was a stocky man, in his mid-forties with graying temples. He had been watching Viktoriya’s movements for the past two days. She didn’t own a car, and the towering Russian knew she’d hop on the trolley approaching from the far side of town.
“Get into position,” Sergei ordered.
“On my way.”
The driver revved the engine. The Mercedes crept past Viktoriya slowly, allowing him one last eyeful. The woman had more curves than—
“Focus on your driving, tavarisch,” the Russian snapped.
The man in the car turned away.
“Such a waste.”
He left Viktoriya and Sergei behind, and then turned on the next street, headed north.
Holcek stared ahead, scouting the terrain. The intersection was crowded with Ladas and other Eastern European models. The congestion didn’t concern him; in fact, he was silently thankful for it. A glance to the north gave him a fix on his escape route, an alley between the main thoroughfare and Kolinsky Street. The Russian breathed deeply, measuring his steps and gauging the arrival of the tram.
Sergei resumed his surveillance. His mark was right where she should be, so the Russian began assessing obstacles. There were no militia cars in sight, and no officers walking a beat.
All the better, he thought.
Small groups began milling toward the corner, waiting for the trolley. Holcek glanced at those closest to Viktoriya and moved a little faster. She arrived at the stop just as he crossed Rozumovskaya.
It was time for one last check.
“Ready?”
The receiver crackled in Holcek’s ear. “Waiting for you.”
“Keep the motor running.”
The driver could hear the anxiety in Sergei’s voice. “I’ll do my job. You do yours.”
She was still alone. A loose-knit throng of commuters stood nearby. Sergei gave them a studied look. Most were simple office workers who wanted to go home. A few tourists had wandered up from the port, and students from the Institute huddled together, portfolios clutched under their arms. Close to the corner, an old babushka sold flowers, a display of nested matryoshka dolls on her cart.
The tourists and students weren’t a concern. Holcek was more interested in picking out individuals. Beneath the stop’s canopy, a transient weaved from side to side, his posture stooped. He wore a dirty, hooded sweatshirt; Holcek gave him a passing glance and then dismissed his presence. Another man was now standing to Viktoriya’s left, stealing glances as she waited. A third—very tall—ignored everything else except his hand-held mobile device.
Truly a shame, Holcek reflected. Throughout his life he had been a connoisseur of beautiful women. Under different circumstances, he would have liked to enjoy this one; but business was business, and his handlers were paying him well. It was just too bad that Viktoriya Gavrilenko had to die.
The Russian stood patiently as the tram slowed. The students moved toward the street, and would be the first to board. Holcek got into position next to the man with the roaming eyes, while Viktoriya fell in behind the tourists.
“Astarozheneh,” Attention; a metallic voice squeaked from a speaker. “Dveri atkraviyetseh,”—doors opening. No one disembarked at this stop, and the small group began crowding forward.
Holcek reached into his jacket. A 9 millimeter Beretta rested in a holster on his left side. The weapon was heavier than usual, equipped with a noise suppressor. The Russian had also chosen subsonic ammunition, not terribly effective over great distances—but certainly lethal at close range.
The plan was simple enough, and bold. Sergei would wait until Viktoriya took her first step into the tram. He would press in from the rear, raise the weapon to the base of her skull and fire two rounds.
Things would happen quickly from that point.
As the young woman fell forward, Holcek intended to make a hasty retreat, capitalizing on confusion and shock. Street traffic would slow anyone who might try to follow him. The Russian would then race into the alley, and the driver would take over, carrying the assassin on a pre-determined path out of town.
Holcek filled his lungs again. The tourists had taken their time—had he imagined their sloth, or was he just nervous?—but had finally entered the idling streetcar. Viktoriya paused as the last one ascended the steps, and then edged to the open door.
Time to move...
February 5, 2014
An Update on 'Trinity Icon'
The third book in the Michael Neill series is a little different from the first two. Trinity Icon gives me the chance to expand Captain Neill’s universe, flesh out more of his background, and explore the unpredictable world of geo-politics.
This third installment has allowed me to bring back several characters from Red Sky at Morning and Tempest of Fire. Andrei Ulyanov is front and center, along with the popular Ukrainian journalist, Viktoriya Gavrilenko. Readers will also be pleased (I hope) with the appearance of a few others, heroes and villains alike. And as always, Trinity Icon will be a faith-based yarn, with strong elements of espionage and mystery.
What surprised me about this book is the way some characters have taken on a life of their own. In Red Sky at Morning, Viktoriya was just such a character. Her presence in the book was almost an afterthought. At first she was just a foil to help move the story along, but she soon became an integral player.
In Trinity Icon, another individual has risen to the top. In my outline for the story, this person was nameless, intended to fulfill an important but minor role. But after adding a little depth and pathos, I am considering a corollary series built around this character.
All of that speaks to the creative process, and that fiction is truly fluid. At times I find myself as much a spectator to the series as my readers. The twists and turns compel me to keep writing, and I hope that fans of the Michael Neill series will keep coming back for more.
This third installment has allowed me to bring back several characters from Red Sky at Morning and Tempest of Fire. Andrei Ulyanov is front and center, along with the popular Ukrainian journalist, Viktoriya Gavrilenko. Readers will also be pleased (I hope) with the appearance of a few others, heroes and villains alike. And as always, Trinity Icon will be a faith-based yarn, with strong elements of espionage and mystery.
What surprised me about this book is the way some characters have taken on a life of their own. In Red Sky at Morning, Viktoriya was just such a character. Her presence in the book was almost an afterthought. At first she was just a foil to help move the story along, but she soon became an integral player.
In Trinity Icon, another individual has risen to the top. In my outline for the story, this person was nameless, intended to fulfill an important but minor role. But after adding a little depth and pathos, I am considering a corollary series built around this character.
All of that speaks to the creative process, and that fiction is truly fluid. At times I find myself as much a spectator to the series as my readers. The twists and turns compel me to keep writing, and I hope that fans of the Michael Neill series will keep coming back for more.
December 5, 2013
Interview by Heidi Glick
Last week I was contacted by 'Dog Tags' author, novelist and blogger Heidi Glick. Heidi asked if I would be interested in a blog interview. I am in the middle of an 'interview tour' staged by my publicist, and I found the idea appealing.
Heidi asked some thoughtful questions, and posted my answers on her website earlier today. Here's the link:
http://www.sleuthsandsuspects.blogspo...
This particular question and answer session gave me the opportunity to talk a little more about Michael Neill, and bring out details about his character that have only been lightly touched upon (so far) in the books. A few people have wondered why my lead protagonist plays his cards so close to his vest, and I think with book three, those readers will begin to understand why.
I hope you enjoy the interview, and to Heidi, I'd like to offer my heartfelt thanks, and much success in your published efforts! For those of you who have read this far, I encourage you to check out this young lady's website, and become familiar with her fiction.
Heidi asked some thoughtful questions, and posted my answers on her website earlier today. Here's the link:
http://www.sleuthsandsuspects.blogspo...
This particular question and answer session gave me the opportunity to talk a little more about Michael Neill, and bring out details about his character that have only been lightly touched upon (so far) in the books. A few people have wondered why my lead protagonist plays his cards so close to his vest, and I think with book three, those readers will begin to understand why.
I hope you enjoy the interview, and to Heidi, I'd like to offer my heartfelt thanks, and much success in your published efforts! For those of you who have read this far, I encourage you to check out this young lady's website, and become familiar with her fiction.
November 24, 2013
The Role of Research
A frequent question relates to research. How much is required to create one novel? In my case, nearly 50% of my time is spent gathering background, and a great deal of that is done on the front end. My current manuscript is backed up with an outline that runs 23 pages; additionally, I have a lined pad where I've jotted down notes that are just as long. To compose a single paragraph sometimes requires several trips to the internet, to confirm a source or refresh my memory about something I've learned in the past (I try not to take anything for granted).
And speaking of the third installment, consider these topics. For book three, I had to return to Neill's roots in Eastern Europe (and to a greater extent, Central Europe). Here are a few of the subjects that required research:
* Poland's Husaria
* Russia's political structure
* Missile defense shields
* Tactics of the Russian Navy
* The role of the media in Polish life
* The missile technology of Iran
The tone of this book is different from the preceding two, but it could be argued that each varies in flavor. 'Red Sky at Morning' was couched in the politics and culture of Eastern Europe, and was the introduction to the series, and to Neill's character. 'Tempest of Fire' was more of a 'boots on the ground' type of story, with a heavy emphasis on technology and the volatile interactions of the Asian world. In 'The Trinity Icon', (working title), questions raised in 'Tempest' begin to be answered, the intricacies of geo-politics are explored, and there is more of a revelatory aspect to Neill's background--along with a heightened sense of romance.
And speaking of the third installment, consider these topics. For book three, I had to return to Neill's roots in Eastern Europe (and to a greater extent, Central Europe). Here are a few of the subjects that required research:
* Poland's Husaria
* Russia's political structure
* Missile defense shields
* Tactics of the Russian Navy
* The role of the media in Polish life
* The missile technology of Iran
The tone of this book is different from the preceding two, but it could be argued that each varies in flavor. 'Red Sky at Morning' was couched in the politics and culture of Eastern Europe, and was the introduction to the series, and to Neill's character. 'Tempest of Fire' was more of a 'boots on the ground' type of story, with a heavy emphasis on technology and the volatile interactions of the Asian world. In 'The Trinity Icon', (working title), questions raised in 'Tempest' begin to be answered, the intricacies of geo-politics are explored, and there is more of a revelatory aspect to Neill's background--along with a heightened sense of romance.
November 9, 2013
Conversation with a Publicist
Tonight I'm feeling a lot better about this whole publicist business.
After a missed step or two, I spent some time on the phone with my agent and one of his media specialists this afternoon. We talked for about 45 minutes, discussing what it is about my novels that sets them apart from, say, something like Clancy's works, or a Vince Flynn novel. By the time I ended the call, we'd hashed out an appropriate direction, as well as a few descriptions of yours truly that I'm comfortable with.
If you're an author, or a writer aspiring to be one, you might gain something from what I've learned recently, and I offer up these lessons very humbly. After 'Red Sky at Morning' was published, I followed every axiom of the trade to promote the series. Social media, Facebook, Goodreads, blogging, setting up my own website (with special thanks to my oldest son, and webmaster, Adam), giveaways, Amazon.com, and a few others that I'm forgetting right now. Ultimately, there's only so much you can do on your own, and unless you've got just the right contacts, the struggle can seem uphill most of the time. If only getting great reviews translated into sales... but they don't. I've had many, many kind words said about my books, and from a lot of people I've never met, which is very encouraging. I hope that continues. But unless the word gets passed along, Michael Neill's world will be largely unknown by the reading public.
And that's where a publicist comes in. An agent has the contacts, and can line up interviews that I could never arrange on my own. This same specialist got my publisher (also an author) on one of America's biggest late night radio shows; which, in turn, got some very good results in terms of sales.
By the end of this afternoon's call, my agent/publicist had me pegged as a 'military advocate' and also a 'military researcher'. I have a background in the Marines and the Air Force, and by virtue of serving in the present, my insights into the armed forces are fresh. We also decided to promote the books by presenting me as a military novelist with ties to Christian fiction. Those are the distinctives that set me apart from some of the big names out there who write espionage.
Michael Neill's world is filled with The Hammer; but The Hope is also there. Wish me luck as I balance the two and try to give readers their money's worth!
Steve
After a missed step or two, I spent some time on the phone with my agent and one of his media specialists this afternoon. We talked for about 45 minutes, discussing what it is about my novels that sets them apart from, say, something like Clancy's works, or a Vince Flynn novel. By the time I ended the call, we'd hashed out an appropriate direction, as well as a few descriptions of yours truly that I'm comfortable with.
If you're an author, or a writer aspiring to be one, you might gain something from what I've learned recently, and I offer up these lessons very humbly. After 'Red Sky at Morning' was published, I followed every axiom of the trade to promote the series. Social media, Facebook, Goodreads, blogging, setting up my own website (with special thanks to my oldest son, and webmaster, Adam), giveaways, Amazon.com, and a few others that I'm forgetting right now. Ultimately, there's only so much you can do on your own, and unless you've got just the right contacts, the struggle can seem uphill most of the time. If only getting great reviews translated into sales... but they don't. I've had many, many kind words said about my books, and from a lot of people I've never met, which is very encouraging. I hope that continues. But unless the word gets passed along, Michael Neill's world will be largely unknown by the reading public.
And that's where a publicist comes in. An agent has the contacts, and can line up interviews that I could never arrange on my own. This same specialist got my publisher (also an author) on one of America's biggest late night radio shows; which, in turn, got some very good results in terms of sales.
By the end of this afternoon's call, my agent/publicist had me pegged as a 'military advocate' and also a 'military researcher'. I have a background in the Marines and the Air Force, and by virtue of serving in the present, my insights into the armed forces are fresh. We also decided to promote the books by presenting me as a military novelist with ties to Christian fiction. Those are the distinctives that set me apart from some of the big names out there who write espionage.
Michael Neill's world is filled with The Hammer; but The Hope is also there. Wish me luck as I balance the two and try to give readers their money's worth!
Steve
October 26, 2013
Echoing
As a writer, have you ever run into that annoying tendency to use the same word more than once in a paragraph--or even a sentence? Here's what I'm talking about...
'Neill turned to face the Colonel. The expression on Ulyanov's face told him everything he needed to know.'
or...
'Michael took Christina's hand and helped her from the car. He couldn't help but notice the condition of the car.'
In that last example, two words got used twice. And here's what I've noticed. When I write something, and then re-read it silently, instances of echoing aren't always evident. It's only when I read the passage aloud that I notice them. Which is why I read to Sheila after I've finished a chapter. I've never been to a writing class or seminar, but to me, that's the best way to eliminate the problem (I was going to say 'eliminate echoing', but I'd already used it above).
Echoing isn't necessarily bad, but I think that as a rule, writers should avoid it. But what if the word that keeps cropping up conveys what you're trying to say? For me, that's when a thesaurus comes in handy--and I've always got an online resource running in the background.
Steve
'Neill turned to face the Colonel. The expression on Ulyanov's face told him everything he needed to know.'
or...
'Michael took Christina's hand and helped her from the car. He couldn't help but notice the condition of the car.'
In that last example, two words got used twice. And here's what I've noticed. When I write something, and then re-read it silently, instances of echoing aren't always evident. It's only when I read the passage aloud that I notice them. Which is why I read to Sheila after I've finished a chapter. I've never been to a writing class or seminar, but to me, that's the best way to eliminate the problem (I was going to say 'eliminate echoing', but I'd already used it above).
Echoing isn't necessarily bad, but I think that as a rule, writers should avoid it. But what if the word that keeps cropping up conveys what you're trying to say? For me, that's when a thesaurus comes in handy--and I've always got an online resource running in the background.
Steve
October 16, 2013
I've Hired a Publicist
As an author, you sometimes reach a point where you've done everything you can to promote your work. Giveaways, Facebook, blogs, social media, even sites like this one; I've used them all to market my novels and get the word out. And there's nothing like word of mouth to send your published efforts viral.
Not long ago, I came to the realization that I'd done everything I could to move the needle forward in promoting 'Red Sky at Morning' and 'Tempest of Fire'. There are only so many ways you can advertise your work, and eventually, you reach the end of your promotional avenues.
Recently my publisher mentioned his agent in a Facebook posting. To make a long story short, I've decided to enlist the same marketing professional to represent me and the Michael Neill series. Skip was recently interviewed on the 'Coast to Coast' radio show, a venue secured by said publicist. He's also snagged several appearances on other shows--all thanks to the publicist's efforts.
I have a few military obligations to fulfill over the next several days, but once those are complete, my newly-hired agent and I will start working on getting the word out about Michael Neill and the world of military espionage. Wish me luck! I'll keep you posted, and include updates and air times for any radio, TV, or print interviews as they become available.
And in a similar vein...
I've been writing quite a bit lately, several pages over the past few days. It's been good stuff (at least I think so), although some of it has been edited and re-written over the same period of time. Have you ever written something and decided, "Wow, that was stodgy."? I did that today. It became necessary to pull out a few high-brow words and replace them with more common ones. And I think that did it. I even commented to my wife that "I wrote something today that sounded like it came from a real author."
And one more thing. 'Red Sky at Morning' is now available on iTunes! How this whole audio book thing works was a mystery to me, up until just a few weeks ago. I had no idea what you got when you ordered one; did it show up in the mail, on a CD? Were cassettes or 8-tracks involved? Could I play it on my Walkman?
But now the audio book is out. And I know everything.
Keep reading!
Steve
Not long ago, I came to the realization that I'd done everything I could to move the needle forward in promoting 'Red Sky at Morning' and 'Tempest of Fire'. There are only so many ways you can advertise your work, and eventually, you reach the end of your promotional avenues.
Recently my publisher mentioned his agent in a Facebook posting. To make a long story short, I've decided to enlist the same marketing professional to represent me and the Michael Neill series. Skip was recently interviewed on the 'Coast to Coast' radio show, a venue secured by said publicist. He's also snagged several appearances on other shows--all thanks to the publicist's efforts.
I have a few military obligations to fulfill over the next several days, but once those are complete, my newly-hired agent and I will start working on getting the word out about Michael Neill and the world of military espionage. Wish me luck! I'll keep you posted, and include updates and air times for any radio, TV, or print interviews as they become available.
And in a similar vein...
I've been writing quite a bit lately, several pages over the past few days. It's been good stuff (at least I think so), although some of it has been edited and re-written over the same period of time. Have you ever written something and decided, "Wow, that was stodgy."? I did that today. It became necessary to pull out a few high-brow words and replace them with more common ones. And I think that did it. I even commented to my wife that "I wrote something today that sounded like it came from a real author."
And one more thing. 'Red Sky at Morning' is now available on iTunes! How this whole audio book thing works was a mystery to me, up until just a few weeks ago. I had no idea what you got when you ordered one; did it show up in the mail, on a CD? Were cassettes or 8-tracks involved? Could I play it on my Walkman?
But now the audio book is out. And I know everything.
Keep reading!
Steve
October 10, 2013
'Red Sky at Morning' Now Available as an Audio Book
Yesterday I heard from Jack De Golia, the character actor who recorded 'Red Sky at Morning'. I'm pleased to announce that the audio version of the book is now available from Audible.
Here's the link:
http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-T...
Jack did a great job as the 'voice' for my first novel. You can listen to a sample of Jack's talents by accessing the link above.
Work continues on the third book in the series; I'm about 170 pages in. As of this morning, Michael Neill and company are in Poland--the man does get around!
Lately, my military obligations have kept me from writing as much as I would have liked, but that commitment pays dividends in terms of experience and research.
Steve
Here's the link:
http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-T...
Jack did a great job as the 'voice' for my first novel. You can listen to a sample of Jack's talents by accessing the link above.
Work continues on the third book in the series; I'm about 170 pages in. As of this morning, Michael Neill and company are in Poland--the man does get around!
Lately, my military obligations have kept me from writing as much as I would have liked, but that commitment pays dividends in terms of experience and research.
Steve
October 2, 2013
Rest in Peace, Tom Clancy
Of all the authors who influenced my decision to write and shaped my style as an author, Tom Clancy is at the top of the list. His unique style became embedded in my mind, and laid the pattern for how I approached the written word.
Last night, Tom Clancy died. He will be missed. His prose was especially thoughtful, particularly with his first books. He had some interesting things to say about life, and shared many of my own values. As a conservative, an advocate of our constitutional rights (including the 2nd Amendment) and an advocate of our military, Mr. Clancy was a kindred spirit.
Here's a quote attributed to Tom from several years ago. It's probably the best and most practical advice that writers should remember:
"You learn to write the same way you learn to play golf... You do it, and keep doing it until you get it right. A lot of people think something mystical happens to you, that maybe the muse kisses you on the ear. But writing isn’t divinely inspired – it’s hard work.”
I think Tom got that exactly right.
Rest in peace, Tom Clancy.
Steve
Last night, Tom Clancy died. He will be missed. His prose was especially thoughtful, particularly with his first books. He had some interesting things to say about life, and shared many of my own values. As a conservative, an advocate of our constitutional rights (including the 2nd Amendment) and an advocate of our military, Mr. Clancy was a kindred spirit.
Here's a quote attributed to Tom from several years ago. It's probably the best and most practical advice that writers should remember:
"You learn to write the same way you learn to play golf... You do it, and keep doing it until you get it right. A lot of people think something mystical happens to you, that maybe the muse kisses you on the ear. But writing isn’t divinely inspired – it’s hard work.”
I think Tom got that exactly right.
Rest in peace, Tom Clancy.
Steve
