Allan Krummenacker's Blog, page 26
October 6, 2013
Short Story Sunday Time....
Today, instead of a one of my usual posts I decided to change gears and try something a little different. I thought some of you might like to see a sample of some of my other writings that are not related to the Para-Earth Series. So here's a piece I did for my creative writing class a couple of semesters ago. The premise was to write a scene where something unexpected happens. Well, I went beyond that and created an entire short story. I hope you enjoy it.
BAD HAIR DAY
By
Allan Krummenacker
Jane couldn’t believe it, the call had come. They had wanted to see her the next day. She had spent the previous evening going through her clothing for just the right look. Glancing over at the corner of her bedroom, she could still see the pile of rejects she’d tossed aside during her quest. They seemed to glare at her with resentment for being treated so poorly. She promised to give them all a good washing and to put them away nicely when she got back. Right now, she had to get ready. Quickly she moved over to the sink in the bathroom to fix her make-up. Everything had to be just right or she’d be sunk. Everything was lined up just as she had left it the night before. Lipstick, eye-liner, blush… all of it was just waiting there for her. Then she looked up and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and cried out in horror. Clutching her chest she backed up into the wall, eyes wide, mouth gaping… BED-HAIR! But not just ordinary bed-hair, no this was possibly the worst case on record. “Why, why today of all days?” she wailed and sank to the floor. The interview was in an hour. What was she going to do? Pulling herself together she grabbed a brush and went at the tangled mess with a vengeance. No good. Instead of taming the wild look, her frantic efforts had only made things worse. She looked like a poodle who’d tried pissing on a power transformer. Dropping the brush she made a dash back to the bedroom in search of a hat. That might at least help calm things down. She searched high and low but only found a baseball cap. That wouldn’t do… or would it? No, with her luck, the interviewer was probably a fan of a rival team. No she’d have to think of something else. Maybe she could shave her head and say she’d been going through treatments? No that would be disrespectful of people like her sister-in-law in Tennessee. Not that she ever cared for the woman, but still. “What am I going to do?” she moaned and sank down on the bed. She could see it all now. As soon as she walked in the receptionist would take one look at her and hide behind the desk. One of the other candidates would smirk and ask her long it took her to get her finger out of the electric socket. Or even worse, they might take one look at her and ask security to remove the homeless bag-lady that had wandered in. Oh what was she going to do? Just then there was a knock at the front door. Groaning she started heading towards it while the pit of despair grew larger and larger in her mind. Then suddenly she stopped. What if it was someone who could help her? Maybe it was one of her friends? A fairy-godmother, come to render aid in her hour of need. Hour… she looked up at the clock, only 45 minutes until the interview. Panicking she raced to the door and found a man in a UPS uniform standing on her stoop. He had a pleasant face and was holding a package, along with a clipboard and pen. “Unnnghhh….” was all she managed to say as he greeted her warmly. “Oooo… that’s some hairstyle you have there, Miss,” he chuckled. “I haven’t seen a case of bed-hair that bad since my days in cosmetology school.” Jane perked up. “You did hair?” “Well yeah but…” Grabbing him by the hand Jane hauled him inside and closed the door and locked it. Leading him to the bathroom she babbled an incoherent explanation of what was at stake and how she needed his help. Then she handed him the scissors and comb and told him to get to work. If he was fast enough, she’d still have time to make the appointment. The man tried talking but she told him they could talk after he was done. There was an edge to her voice that she hoped would block any further protests. It worked. With a resigned shrug, the fellow went to work. Ten minutes later he stepped back and let her take a good look in the mirror. Jane screamed. The sides were uneven, her bangs were lopsided, it was worse than before. She hadn’t thought such a thing was possible. “I thought you said you went to Cosmotology School!” she cried. “I did,” the man explained backing up. “But I sucked at it, that’s why I wound up getting a job with UPS.” The wail of frustration Jane uttered took them both by surprise. She never knew she could hit such a high note with her voice. As the for the failed-hairdresser, the he stumbled backwards into her bedroom and wound up tripping over the pile of discarded clothes. Jane watched in horror as the world slowed down and the poor guy fell backwards and cracked the back of his head against the corner of the nightstand and then the floor. He did not get back up. Nor did he move. Eyes wide Jane started to let out an unholy, “OH MY GO…” “THAT’S GOOD, WE’VE SEEN ENOUGH!” a voice from out of nowhere announced. Turning toward the front of the stage, Jane stared out at the darkness where the director, the producer and the playwright were sitting. “Could I do that last part again?” she asked, “I don’t think I really captured the mood when Tony went down.” The director waved a reassuring hand, “Don’t worry. You were great. In fact you’re exactly the person we’re looking for. You’ve got the part. Why don’t you gather your things and we’ll see you back here tomorrow at 2 o’clock.” Delighted with this turn of events, Jane squealed with glee and rushed off the stage. Once she was gone the trio slowly made their way onto the stage and glanced down at the still unmoving figure in the postal carrier outfit. “It worked,” said the producer. “I can’t believe it,” said the director.
Only the playwright smiled, “Well, you won’t have to worry about your little blackmailer anymore. It will be ruled as an accidental death. See, I told you I know how to write killer scenes.”
BAD HAIR DAY
By
Allan Krummenacker
Jane couldn’t believe it, the call had come. They had wanted to see her the next day. She had spent the previous evening going through her clothing for just the right look. Glancing over at the corner of her bedroom, she could still see the pile of rejects she’d tossed aside during her quest. They seemed to glare at her with resentment for being treated so poorly. She promised to give them all a good washing and to put them away nicely when she got back. Right now, she had to get ready. Quickly she moved over to the sink in the bathroom to fix her make-up. Everything had to be just right or she’d be sunk. Everything was lined up just as she had left it the night before. Lipstick, eye-liner, blush… all of it was just waiting there for her. Then she looked up and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and cried out in horror. Clutching her chest she backed up into the wall, eyes wide, mouth gaping… BED-HAIR! But not just ordinary bed-hair, no this was possibly the worst case on record. “Why, why today of all days?” she wailed and sank to the floor. The interview was in an hour. What was she going to do? Pulling herself together she grabbed a brush and went at the tangled mess with a vengeance. No good. Instead of taming the wild look, her frantic efforts had only made things worse. She looked like a poodle who’d tried pissing on a power transformer. Dropping the brush she made a dash back to the bedroom in search of a hat. That might at least help calm things down. She searched high and low but only found a baseball cap. That wouldn’t do… or would it? No, with her luck, the interviewer was probably a fan of a rival team. No she’d have to think of something else. Maybe she could shave her head and say she’d been going through treatments? No that would be disrespectful of people like her sister-in-law in Tennessee. Not that she ever cared for the woman, but still. “What am I going to do?” she moaned and sank down on the bed. She could see it all now. As soon as she walked in the receptionist would take one look at her and hide behind the desk. One of the other candidates would smirk and ask her long it took her to get her finger out of the electric socket. Or even worse, they might take one look at her and ask security to remove the homeless bag-lady that had wandered in. Oh what was she going to do? Just then there was a knock at the front door. Groaning she started heading towards it while the pit of despair grew larger and larger in her mind. Then suddenly she stopped. What if it was someone who could help her? Maybe it was one of her friends? A fairy-godmother, come to render aid in her hour of need. Hour… she looked up at the clock, only 45 minutes until the interview. Panicking she raced to the door and found a man in a UPS uniform standing on her stoop. He had a pleasant face and was holding a package, along with a clipboard and pen. “Unnnghhh….” was all she managed to say as he greeted her warmly. “Oooo… that’s some hairstyle you have there, Miss,” he chuckled. “I haven’t seen a case of bed-hair that bad since my days in cosmetology school.” Jane perked up. “You did hair?” “Well yeah but…” Grabbing him by the hand Jane hauled him inside and closed the door and locked it. Leading him to the bathroom she babbled an incoherent explanation of what was at stake and how she needed his help. Then she handed him the scissors and comb and told him to get to work. If he was fast enough, she’d still have time to make the appointment. The man tried talking but she told him they could talk after he was done. There was an edge to her voice that she hoped would block any further protests. It worked. With a resigned shrug, the fellow went to work. Ten minutes later he stepped back and let her take a good look in the mirror. Jane screamed. The sides were uneven, her bangs were lopsided, it was worse than before. She hadn’t thought such a thing was possible. “I thought you said you went to Cosmotology School!” she cried. “I did,” the man explained backing up. “But I sucked at it, that’s why I wound up getting a job with UPS.” The wail of frustration Jane uttered took them both by surprise. She never knew she could hit such a high note with her voice. As the for the failed-hairdresser, the he stumbled backwards into her bedroom and wound up tripping over the pile of discarded clothes. Jane watched in horror as the world slowed down and the poor guy fell backwards and cracked the back of his head against the corner of the nightstand and then the floor. He did not get back up. Nor did he move. Eyes wide Jane started to let out an unholy, “OH MY GO…” “THAT’S GOOD, WE’VE SEEN ENOUGH!” a voice from out of nowhere announced. Turning toward the front of the stage, Jane stared out at the darkness where the director, the producer and the playwright were sitting. “Could I do that last part again?” she asked, “I don’t think I really captured the mood when Tony went down.” The director waved a reassuring hand, “Don’t worry. You were great. In fact you’re exactly the person we’re looking for. You’ve got the part. Why don’t you gather your things and we’ll see you back here tomorrow at 2 o’clock.” Delighted with this turn of events, Jane squealed with glee and rushed off the stage. Once she was gone the trio slowly made their way onto the stage and glanced down at the still unmoving figure in the postal carrier outfit. “It worked,” said the producer. “I can’t believe it,” said the director.
Only the playwright smiled, “Well, you won’t have to worry about your little blackmailer anymore. It will be ruled as an accidental death. See, I told you I know how to write killer scenes.”
September 29, 2013
A Celebration of Life For My Late Father-in-Law...
Thomas Henry, the Explorer:
He walks the road ahead,In the undiscovered country,Learning the calls of the dodo, Tracing the prints of the sabertooth. He does not forget,Nor will he be forgotten.Love knows no time or distance,Love knows only truth.
He is with us, with the unfurling of the flower.I hear his voice vibrating in the rustle of the leaves. I see his shadow pacing so we need not walk alone.The connection is unbroken; that's what I believe.
So while we weep, we smile,And hold him in our hearts,Because we don't forget him, We'll never truly part.
by Helen Kathryn Henry Krummenacker (my wife)
Yesterday, I went to Stockton with my wife to attend the "Celebration Of Life" her mother was holding for her late husband, my father-in-law Thomas Henry. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever been to. This was not a memorial service, it was exactly what the name says. We celebrated this wonderful man's life and how he touched each of our lives. I had no idea what to expect, but both my wife and I needed to be there for her mother, her brother, the rest of the family and ourselves. It was a moving experience.
A slide show played on 2 computers, showing photos from throughout his life, while music he loved played in the background. A table was set up with objects from his life, a t-shirt from the Atlanta Olympics that he and my mother-in-law went to see in person, a medal he got for taking part in a marathon, a camera (he was a fantastic photographer), objects he'd picked up on his many visits to the woods and mountains (he loved the outdoors) and many other things that showed just how much he did in one lifetime.
Outside, the garden had been restored to the way he had envisioned and worked so hard to make happen before he became too ill to tend to it. Amidst the flowers, were easels with some of the photos he'd taken and even won awards for a few of them. There were a few tears but mostly joy and talk about this wonderful man who lived life so fully and did so many things. In turn the event reminded all of us that we all still have each other and so much more life ahead, that he'd want us to live to the fullest. It was invigorating and healing all in one shot.
He was a huge supporter and inspiration to me. The laptop I had that recently died on me, had come from him. And now, his desktop computer has been handed down to me. It is on this new computer that I write this and will be finishing my second book "The Ship" on and then write more stories and novels. I can feel him at times as I work on this machine and I can sense him nodding in approval. Thanks Dad, for everything. Especially for still being there for all of us in your own way.
Thanks for reading this folks. I'll get back to my usual type of posts about writing in my next entry. Take care and keep writing.
September 15, 2013
Special Deal For Nook, Sony, Apple and Kindle E-readers, This Week Only...
Starting today (9/15/13) and ending midnight next Sunday (9/22/13), the e-book version of my paranormal/mystery novel "The Bridge" is available for just 99 cents on Smashwords and Amazon.
Smashwords covers Nook, Apple, Sony, and other e-readers as well as PDF copies of the book. Amazon has the Kindle version.
So take advantage of this opportunity while you can. Ghosts, police, psychics, shamans and a 300 year old bridge with a terrifying secret awaits you within the pages of this book.
This novel is also the first in the Para-Earth book series. Book 2, "The Ship" will be coming this December and will follow two of the main characters in "The Bridge" as they journey to the west coast to bury one of their own.
Just click on the appropriate link below to get the e-book version that works best for you. And if you already have a copy, please help spread the word of this one week special deal. Thank you.
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/272613
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/The-Bridge-Para-Earth-Series-ebook/dp/B00B86DR9G
Smashwords covers Nook, Apple, Sony, and other e-readers as well as PDF copies of the book. Amazon has the Kindle version.
So take advantage of this opportunity while you can. Ghosts, police, psychics, shamans and a 300 year old bridge with a terrifying secret awaits you within the pages of this book.
This novel is also the first in the Para-Earth book series. Book 2, "The Ship" will be coming this December and will follow two of the main characters in "The Bridge" as they journey to the west coast to bury one of their own.
Just click on the appropriate link below to get the e-book version that works best for you. And if you already have a copy, please help spread the word of this one week special deal. Thank you.
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/272613
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/The-Bridge-Para-Earth-Series-ebook/dp/B00B86DR9G
September 12, 2013
Google Drive/Docs, A New Tool In Your Writing Arsenal...
As most of you probably know, my beloved laptop died a few weeks ago and I have yet to replace it. I will be getting a desktop computer towards the end of the month luckily. But in the meantime, it's been hard not being able to access my novels and work on them. At least, that was the case until yesterday. I am now able to continue work on book #2 "The Ship" and am in no danger of losing any changes I make to it (at least as far as I know). And it's all thanks to my G-mail account.
Now a lot of you are probably thinking, "Well duh, you simply mail what you wrote each day to yourself and it will be safe in your e-mail." That is definitely a method that a lot of people use, but I have a tendency of deleting or accidentally deleting e-mails due to clumsy fingers or a computer acting strange.
What I'm going to talk about today is Google Drive (aka Google Docs). Now I know Google had provided a "Cloud"-like service for all who use Google but I didn't know a lot about it. It is very similar to Amazon's Cloud system, where you have a huge amount of storage in cyberspace to save photos, documents, etc. But I'm one of those who does not jump on the new-tech bandwagon right away. I always hang back and let time pass for others to give these services a test run and see if there are any bugs that need working out first. After I've heard more about the new technologies, then I'll give it a whirl. I hate to try things and lose stuff because there were issues that needed to be fixed. Especially where my writing is concerned.
So, when my laptop started acting strangely I backed up all my writing files onto memory sticks (flash drives). My wife then urged me to transfer some of the docs from the sticks onto Google Docs, informing me that I already had an account with Google because of my e-mail. So I proceeded to do as she instructed. I uploaded my writing files and could access the novels that way thinking I could access the novels on any other computer I could get my hands on. Right? Wrong! Because I uploaded the novels in MS Word, I could not bring up the novels on computers that did not have MS Word. Our new laptop, which is primarily for my wife's university schoolwork does not have MS Office or Word on it.
I told my wife about this and she informed me that the files she'd put on Google Drive were easy to access and she could make changes to them. Long story short, she finally realized how I'd uploaded the actual files in their original program. Whereas she had simply copied her files and pasted them into a Untitled Google Doc, which is the first option that comes up when you enter Google Drive. That Google Doc is always accessible from ANY computer and you can make changes, edit, or add to a doc. So yesterday I got onto a computer that had MS Word, opened my original document and then copied the entire book into a Google Doc. Then I went home and tried to access it and make changes on the new laptop at home that did not have MS Word. It worked. I can now access the novel, make changes and continue to finish writing the first draft while I wait to get the desktop at the end of the month.
I'm back in business and it feels great. So check out Google Drive (aka Google Docs) and start saving your files over there gang. Remember, if you want to be able to make adjustments to your doc, copy and paste the file into a Google Doc template. If you simply want to have a back up copy, then upload the file in its original format.
This is a great tool and I'm so glad it's available. You can also make certain files accessible to others like Beta-Readers or your editor through Google Drive. PLUS... you can make it that no one can tamper with the document while it's on Google Drive. They can read but not touch it.
Check it out, it's really worth it folks. If any of you have other advice about Google Drive or other similar services please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. That's all for now. Take care and keep writing.
Now a lot of you are probably thinking, "Well duh, you simply mail what you wrote each day to yourself and it will be safe in your e-mail." That is definitely a method that a lot of people use, but I have a tendency of deleting or accidentally deleting e-mails due to clumsy fingers or a computer acting strange.
What I'm going to talk about today is Google Drive (aka Google Docs). Now I know Google had provided a "Cloud"-like service for all who use Google but I didn't know a lot about it. It is very similar to Amazon's Cloud system, where you have a huge amount of storage in cyberspace to save photos, documents, etc. But I'm one of those who does not jump on the new-tech bandwagon right away. I always hang back and let time pass for others to give these services a test run and see if there are any bugs that need working out first. After I've heard more about the new technologies, then I'll give it a whirl. I hate to try things and lose stuff because there were issues that needed to be fixed. Especially where my writing is concerned.
So, when my laptop started acting strangely I backed up all my writing files onto memory sticks (flash drives). My wife then urged me to transfer some of the docs from the sticks onto Google Docs, informing me that I already had an account with Google because of my e-mail. So I proceeded to do as she instructed. I uploaded my writing files and could access the novels that way thinking I could access the novels on any other computer I could get my hands on. Right? Wrong! Because I uploaded the novels in MS Word, I could not bring up the novels on computers that did not have MS Word. Our new laptop, which is primarily for my wife's university schoolwork does not have MS Office or Word on it.
I told my wife about this and she informed me that the files she'd put on Google Drive were easy to access and she could make changes to them. Long story short, she finally realized how I'd uploaded the actual files in their original program. Whereas she had simply copied her files and pasted them into a Untitled Google Doc, which is the first option that comes up when you enter Google Drive. That Google Doc is always accessible from ANY computer and you can make changes, edit, or add to a doc. So yesterday I got onto a computer that had MS Word, opened my original document and then copied the entire book into a Google Doc. Then I went home and tried to access it and make changes on the new laptop at home that did not have MS Word. It worked. I can now access the novel, make changes and continue to finish writing the first draft while I wait to get the desktop at the end of the month.
I'm back in business and it feels great. So check out Google Drive (aka Google Docs) and start saving your files over there gang. Remember, if you want to be able to make adjustments to your doc, copy and paste the file into a Google Doc template. If you simply want to have a back up copy, then upload the file in its original format.
This is a great tool and I'm so glad it's available. You can also make certain files accessible to others like Beta-Readers or your editor through Google Drive. PLUS... you can make it that no one can tamper with the document while it's on Google Drive. They can read but not touch it.
Check it out, it's really worth it folks. If any of you have other advice about Google Drive or other similar services please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. That's all for now. Take care and keep writing.
September 4, 2013
Available Now For Nook, Sony, Apple and Other E-readers...
"THE BRIDGE" is back on Smashwords!!!
What does this mean? Those of you with Nook, Apple, Sony, and other e-readers can now get your own copy of book #1 in Para-Earth Series for just $1.99
Click on the link below to get yours. Remember, book 2 is coming in December so don't fall behind. See where the paranormal/mystery all begins here.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/272613
What does this mean? Those of you with Nook, Apple, Sony, and other e-readers can now get your own copy of book #1 in Para-Earth Series for just $1.99
Click on the link below to get yours. Remember, book 2 is coming in December so don't fall behind. See where the paranormal/mystery all begins here.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/272613
August 24, 2013
"The Bridge" Is Returning....
*****ATTENTION NOOK, APPLE AND SONY E-BOOK FANS****
"The Bridge" is coming back to you. One week from today, the first book in the Para-Earth Series will be available once again through Smashwords. Psychics, ghosts, police and one hell of a mystery await you. More updates to come...
"The Bridge" is coming back to you. One week from today, the first book in the Para-Earth Series will be available once again through Smashwords. Psychics, ghosts, police and one hell of a mystery await you. More updates to come...
August 21, 2013
One Size Does NOT Fit All..
Okay gang, guess what I'm up to this week? I'm redoing "The Bridge"...AGAIN!
Let me clarify, I'm reformatting "The Bridge" specifically for Kindle e-readers. Last night I got a 3 star review on Amazon, which I've been anticipating for some time. I mean, in spite of all the 4 and 5 star reviews, it was bound to happen right? Of course. But when I read the review I was stunned to see where some of the problems were for this reader. They considered the story itself a 5 star read. But the editing and formatting were barely 1 star. Now I've known about the editing for some time and have plans in the very near future to get the book the professional edit treatment it needs. I'll finally have the funds to do it, I'll explain how that happened in another post.
But the formatting issues that were raised stunned me and I couldn't help but smack myself in the head for being a fool. Especially, when I went over to Amazon and took a look at the sample of what the book looks like in Kindle form.
I had made the cardinal mistake of assuming that when I first created the book on Createspace and used one of their templates, that the system knew what it was talking about when it offered to send the finished product to Amazon for Kindle. BIG MISTAKE!
Now please understand, I do not own any type of e-reader. I'm still a "Turn-the-paper-page-by-hand" Man. So I never considered what the format might look like on an e-reader. What works for paperbacks does not automatically work for e-readers.
First off, I have a tendency to use space gaps to indicate when I'm changing points of view in any scene. But I also use those for entire scene changes. In paperback this is forgivable, but in e-reader format it can be confusing to the reader. And if the change happens between the bottom of one page and the top of another, it's even more confusing for which I apologize folks. These things never occurred to me.
Plus, I got a good look at how the indentations appeared in the Kindle version. I nearly screamed. I had no idea the system would reformat things so unevenly.
So I'm reformatting the entire book right now specifically for Kindle e-readers. I'm also trying to do a bit of editing along the way, but it's still a far cry from the professional job this book needs. Yet, I'm also close to having the money to get that done, which leaves me with a quandary. My KDP Select ends in about 10 days. Should I just go ahead and take the book down and send it off to be given a proper professional editing job and then put out a really good 3rd edition, along with the new formatting? Or just reformat for now and then have that much less to do after getting the book professionally edited?
I ask you all for your opinion on this. Personally, I'm leaning towards doing the reformat now AND then sending it off right away to the editor for a good makeover. Then re-releasing the book to Kindle, Nook, Sony the works as soon as the work is finished. My only concern is that this will leave me with no books on the market in the meantime. But a part of me thinks it might be worth the risk. What do you all say? Please leave your thoughts and comments below. I really need some feedback on this one.
Thanks. Take care and keep writing.
Let me clarify, I'm reformatting "The Bridge" specifically for Kindle e-readers. Last night I got a 3 star review on Amazon, which I've been anticipating for some time. I mean, in spite of all the 4 and 5 star reviews, it was bound to happen right? Of course. But when I read the review I was stunned to see where some of the problems were for this reader. They considered the story itself a 5 star read. But the editing and formatting were barely 1 star. Now I've known about the editing for some time and have plans in the very near future to get the book the professional edit treatment it needs. I'll finally have the funds to do it, I'll explain how that happened in another post.
But the formatting issues that were raised stunned me and I couldn't help but smack myself in the head for being a fool. Especially, when I went over to Amazon and took a look at the sample of what the book looks like in Kindle form.
I had made the cardinal mistake of assuming that when I first created the book on Createspace and used one of their templates, that the system knew what it was talking about when it offered to send the finished product to Amazon for Kindle. BIG MISTAKE!
Now please understand, I do not own any type of e-reader. I'm still a "Turn-the-paper-page-by-hand" Man. So I never considered what the format might look like on an e-reader. What works for paperbacks does not automatically work for e-readers.
First off, I have a tendency to use space gaps to indicate when I'm changing points of view in any scene. But I also use those for entire scene changes. In paperback this is forgivable, but in e-reader format it can be confusing to the reader. And if the change happens between the bottom of one page and the top of another, it's even more confusing for which I apologize folks. These things never occurred to me.
Plus, I got a good look at how the indentations appeared in the Kindle version. I nearly screamed. I had no idea the system would reformat things so unevenly.
So I'm reformatting the entire book right now specifically for Kindle e-readers. I'm also trying to do a bit of editing along the way, but it's still a far cry from the professional job this book needs. Yet, I'm also close to having the money to get that done, which leaves me with a quandary. My KDP Select ends in about 10 days. Should I just go ahead and take the book down and send it off to be given a proper professional editing job and then put out a really good 3rd edition, along with the new formatting? Or just reformat for now and then have that much less to do after getting the book professionally edited?
I ask you all for your opinion on this. Personally, I'm leaning towards doing the reformat now AND then sending it off right away to the editor for a good makeover. Then re-releasing the book to Kindle, Nook, Sony the works as soon as the work is finished. My only concern is that this will leave me with no books on the market in the meantime. But a part of me thinks it might be worth the risk. What do you all say? Please leave your thoughts and comments below. I really need some feedback on this one.
Thanks. Take care and keep writing.
August 18, 2013
My Thoughts On KDP Select...
Today I'm going to talk about my experiences with Kindle Direct Publishing, aka KDP Select. This is a special program offered by Amazon to help authors promote Kindle versions of their e-books. The program is worldwide which really helps make your work available to a huge market. You sign a 3-month contract, which can be renewed automatically or ended when those three months are up. During this period you have the opportunities to raise and lower the price of your work at your leisure.
This is where you will usually see the .99 Cent Weekend Specials coming from, or so I believe. When I was not in the program I could only lower my Kindle price for "THE BRIDGE" down to about $2.99. However, this might be so due to the size of the book (which came in at a little over 100,000 words) and/or the fact that I set my royalties at 70%. When my current contract with KDP ends this month, I may experiment with lowering my royalties cut to 35% and see if I can lower the price that way. I promise to do a follow-up after my contract is over and tell you what happens.
In the meantime, while under contract with KDP, you will also be given the option of having up to 5 days of free giveaways. You schedule these days in advance on the system's calendar. This way the system knows when to change the price to FREE for only those days. After your selected days are over, the system will then change the price back to normal automatically.
Now, in utilizing these special pricing features, you must have the right mindset. The purpose for lowering your price to .99 cents, or doing Free Weekend Giveaways is to simply INCREASE YOUR READERSHIP! If you're an little known author like me, your number one goal is to get your name out there and your product into the hands of readers. If they love what you've written they will be leaving reviews, which will be read by others who come across your work on Amazon. They will also be telling family and friends about your book. Some may even do a review on their blogs, or on Goodreads.com.
This is free publicity folks. It's not costing you a cent. No you're not making money on those sales but you are building a following of readers who may be much more willing to put out money for your next work. In the 3 months I've been on KDP Select the number of copies of my book in the hands of readers went from just under 100 to over 1400. And I can tell you right now, even though there are only 15 reviews on Amazon, a number of these readers have told me flat out they can't wait for the next book. I've also been seeing a slow increase in the number of paid sales, I've gone from low single digits to double digits for the past 2 months. It seems the word is already spreading. Some authors in the past have seen huge increases in their sales, but I'm still waiting to see if that really happens. I'll keep you posted. But I'm very excited by the number of new readers who are eager to get my next book "THE SHIP" which is coming in December of this year.
Now, with all these good words about KDP Select, there is one downside. While under contract with KDP they have the exclusive rights to the e-book version of your work. This means you cannot have your book available in any other electronic book form (i. e. Nook, Apple, Sony and other e-reader formats). Now, when I first put "THE BRIDGE" out, I had it available through Smashwords so it was available in those other formats as well as in Kindle form through Amazon. But lowering my price for the Kindle version on Amazon or doing free giveaways, was NOT an option for me on Amazon because was NOT part of the KDP Select program. So I had to make the difficult decision of taking my book off Smashwords and the other e-reader formats for the duration of my 3 month KDP Select contract. When the contract is finished at the end of this month, I will be making "THE BRIDGE" available on Smashwords once again. I basically used my time on KDP Select as wisely as I could, to increase readership and get my name out there more.
I'm hoping there will be a good strong increase of sales on Smashwords when I get the book back up over there. I've already had a number of people asking when will "THE BRIDGE" be available for Nook. That will be happening in the beginning of September, so just hang in there a little longer folks. It's coming.
So how do I plan on releasing my next book? Will I do KDP Select first for 3 months and then add Smashwords? Or shall I simply skip KDP Select and just put "THE SHIP" out for Kindle, Nook and ht other e-readers all at the same time?
I had planned on doing KDP Select first and then adding Smashwords (who distributes to Nook, Sony, Apple and the other e-readers). But that when I had hoped to release "THE SHIP" in October. By December I was going to add Smashwords in time for Christmas. But due to a family crisis, where I wound up losing my father-in-law to cancer, all those plans got pushed back.
Currently, I am planning to put "THE SHIP" out in December. As to whether I do just Kindle or Smashwords as well still remains a question. I don't want to leave my Nook and Apple readers hanging for 3 months AFTER Christmas. It just doesn't feel right. So if any of you loyal fans who have a Nook, Sony or other e-reader are reading this, please tell me if you want "THE SHIP" in time for Christmas. You're wish will be my command. After all, no author can survive without readers. You are what make or break an author and their works.
I hope this lengthy entry was of help to all of you. If any of you have had other experiences or things to do with KDP Select, please leave comments below. We'd all love to hear and learn from you as well. Until next time, keep writing!
This is where you will usually see the .99 Cent Weekend Specials coming from, or so I believe. When I was not in the program I could only lower my Kindle price for "THE BRIDGE" down to about $2.99. However, this might be so due to the size of the book (which came in at a little over 100,000 words) and/or the fact that I set my royalties at 70%. When my current contract with KDP ends this month, I may experiment with lowering my royalties cut to 35% and see if I can lower the price that way. I promise to do a follow-up after my contract is over and tell you what happens.
In the meantime, while under contract with KDP, you will also be given the option of having up to 5 days of free giveaways. You schedule these days in advance on the system's calendar. This way the system knows when to change the price to FREE for only those days. After your selected days are over, the system will then change the price back to normal automatically.
Now, in utilizing these special pricing features, you must have the right mindset. The purpose for lowering your price to .99 cents, or doing Free Weekend Giveaways is to simply INCREASE YOUR READERSHIP! If you're an little known author like me, your number one goal is to get your name out there and your product into the hands of readers. If they love what you've written they will be leaving reviews, which will be read by others who come across your work on Amazon. They will also be telling family and friends about your book. Some may even do a review on their blogs, or on Goodreads.com.
This is free publicity folks. It's not costing you a cent. No you're not making money on those sales but you are building a following of readers who may be much more willing to put out money for your next work. In the 3 months I've been on KDP Select the number of copies of my book in the hands of readers went from just under 100 to over 1400. And I can tell you right now, even though there are only 15 reviews on Amazon, a number of these readers have told me flat out they can't wait for the next book. I've also been seeing a slow increase in the number of paid sales, I've gone from low single digits to double digits for the past 2 months. It seems the word is already spreading. Some authors in the past have seen huge increases in their sales, but I'm still waiting to see if that really happens. I'll keep you posted. But I'm very excited by the number of new readers who are eager to get my next book "THE SHIP" which is coming in December of this year.
Now, with all these good words about KDP Select, there is one downside. While under contract with KDP they have the exclusive rights to the e-book version of your work. This means you cannot have your book available in any other electronic book form (i. e. Nook, Apple, Sony and other e-reader formats). Now, when I first put "THE BRIDGE" out, I had it available through Smashwords so it was available in those other formats as well as in Kindle form through Amazon. But lowering my price for the Kindle version on Amazon or doing free giveaways, was NOT an option for me on Amazon because was NOT part of the KDP Select program. So I had to make the difficult decision of taking my book off Smashwords and the other e-reader formats for the duration of my 3 month KDP Select contract. When the contract is finished at the end of this month, I will be making "THE BRIDGE" available on Smashwords once again. I basically used my time on KDP Select as wisely as I could, to increase readership and get my name out there more.
I'm hoping there will be a good strong increase of sales on Smashwords when I get the book back up over there. I've already had a number of people asking when will "THE BRIDGE" be available for Nook. That will be happening in the beginning of September, so just hang in there a little longer folks. It's coming.
So how do I plan on releasing my next book? Will I do KDP Select first for 3 months and then add Smashwords? Or shall I simply skip KDP Select and just put "THE SHIP" out for Kindle, Nook and ht other e-readers all at the same time?
I had planned on doing KDP Select first and then adding Smashwords (who distributes to Nook, Sony, Apple and the other e-readers). But that when I had hoped to release "THE SHIP" in October. By December I was going to add Smashwords in time for Christmas. But due to a family crisis, where I wound up losing my father-in-law to cancer, all those plans got pushed back.
Currently, I am planning to put "THE SHIP" out in December. As to whether I do just Kindle or Smashwords as well still remains a question. I don't want to leave my Nook and Apple readers hanging for 3 months AFTER Christmas. It just doesn't feel right. So if any of you loyal fans who have a Nook, Sony or other e-reader are reading this, please tell me if you want "THE SHIP" in time for Christmas. You're wish will be my command. After all, no author can survive without readers. You are what make or break an author and their works.
I hope this lengthy entry was of help to all of you. If any of you have had other experiences or things to do with KDP Select, please leave comments below. We'd all love to hear and learn from you as well. Until next time, keep writing!
August 13, 2013
UPDATE ON MY KINDLE E-BOOK GIVEAWAY...
I want to thank everyone who participated and took advantage of getting a free copy of my paranormal/mystery "THE BRIDGE". The first time I did a Free giveaway, less than 450 people took advantage of the opportunity. This time I did wee bit better... 896!!!
And to all of you who helped spread the word to others about the giveaway...THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! You gave me the opportunity to reach more people and hopefully turn them into fans.
I know a number of people will be saying, "Gee... too bad those weren't actual money sales." And they would be right. However, when you're first-time author and trying to get your name out there, giveaways can be a powerful tool to get a fan-base started. I've heard from a number of people who keep telling me they loved the first book and are looking forward to the next one.
To date: 1408 copies of "THE BRIDGE" are out there in the hands of readers. Of those about 100 were actual paying sales. Now most of those people had never heard of me before and took a chance and from what I've heard, they were glad they did. Those new folks are eager to see what I come out with next and will quite likely be willing to not just wait for the free-versions. Yes, free giveaways are a gamble, but they can pay you back down the road, you just have to be patient.
Remember you're in this for the long haul. JK Rowling, Stephen King and other greats did not make millions overnight. They had to get their names and products out there. But they had help in the form of publishing companies and agents. They still had to do a lot of self-promoting as well, don't get me wrong. However, even with big name companies to help spread the word, but the authors had to get out there as well. The same holds true for us Indie Authors.
I know I've mentioned all this before in previous posts, but it still holds true. The greatest marketing tool is you the author. Go to local bookstores and find out how they choose books to put on their shelves. Especially local bookstores who may want to feature a new hometown author. The same goes for radio and television stations. Check your local ones and see if any want to interview you. Talk to local libraries and book clubs to see if they want a speaker to talk about e-publishing. Hold free giveaways on Amazon and Smashwords to increase your reader base. Those who love your book WILL tell their friends and recommend your work to them. It all takes time, have the patience and persevere. That's all I can tell you right now.
If any of you who read this blog have extra advice please leave those suggestions in the comments section below. We're all in this together and sharing our knowledge can help everyone. Until next time, take care and keep writing.
PS: My next entry will be my thoughts about KDP Select so stay tuned...
And to all of you who helped spread the word to others about the giveaway...THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! You gave me the opportunity to reach more people and hopefully turn them into fans.
I know a number of people will be saying, "Gee... too bad those weren't actual money sales." And they would be right. However, when you're first-time author and trying to get your name out there, giveaways can be a powerful tool to get a fan-base started. I've heard from a number of people who keep telling me they loved the first book and are looking forward to the next one.
To date: 1408 copies of "THE BRIDGE" are out there in the hands of readers. Of those about 100 were actual paying sales. Now most of those people had never heard of me before and took a chance and from what I've heard, they were glad they did. Those new folks are eager to see what I come out with next and will quite likely be willing to not just wait for the free-versions. Yes, free giveaways are a gamble, but they can pay you back down the road, you just have to be patient.
Remember you're in this for the long haul. JK Rowling, Stephen King and other greats did not make millions overnight. They had to get their names and products out there. But they had help in the form of publishing companies and agents. They still had to do a lot of self-promoting as well, don't get me wrong. However, even with big name companies to help spread the word, but the authors had to get out there as well. The same holds true for us Indie Authors.
I know I've mentioned all this before in previous posts, but it still holds true. The greatest marketing tool is you the author. Go to local bookstores and find out how they choose books to put on their shelves. Especially local bookstores who may want to feature a new hometown author. The same goes for radio and television stations. Check your local ones and see if any want to interview you. Talk to local libraries and book clubs to see if they want a speaker to talk about e-publishing. Hold free giveaways on Amazon and Smashwords to increase your reader base. Those who love your book WILL tell their friends and recommend your work to them. It all takes time, have the patience and persevere. That's all I can tell you right now.
If any of you who read this blog have extra advice please leave those suggestions in the comments section below. We're all in this together and sharing our knowledge can help everyone. Until next time, take care and keep writing.
PS: My next entry will be my thoughts about KDP Select so stay tuned...
August 9, 2013
"THE BRIDGE" Is Free For Kindle On Amazon! Plus a New 5 Star Review!
"THE BRIDGE" Book 1 in the Para-Earth series is free this weekend (August 10-12) for Kindle on Amazon. Here's the link so can get your own copy. If you already have one, then share the link with everyone you know so they can get their own copy:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B86DR9G
PLUS here's the latest review:5 STARS - Special in many kind of ways!, August 5, 2013By Raani York "Raani" - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)This review is from: The Bridge (Para-Earth Series) (Kindle Edition)
"The Bridge" is a paranormal novel of highest quality.
When one of the protagonists, Veronica Ross, a cop of 20 years experience, witnesses a strange car accident and tells her lover (and second protagonist) Alex Hill about it, she doesn't know yet, what she's going to face.
She doesn't know yet, that this case isn't simply a police matter - no, it gets further than anything she's ever experienced.
Not only does she find out that the case is deeply connected with her own past - she as well learns that her lover Alex is much more than merely a lover. There is in fact a loving and caring man by her side who is an anchor in her life - and well being - a man, with a past on his own and with abilities she had never expected.
There are in fact, several things to mention about this novel. I am a fan of supernatural novels. But during the past 15 years there were mainly female protagonists with special abilities. This time, "The Bridge", offers a man with this gift. Even though it surprised me at first, I do admit that while reading the book, this fact seemed more and more natural and I did enjoy the book immensely!
The final battle to me seemed a tiny bit too extended, but I doubt this is something that can be "generalized". I could easily imagine that another reader thinks exactly the opposite.
All in all I would say: To fans of the "Paranormal": This book definitely is a "must-read"!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B86DR9G
PLUS here's the latest review:5 STARS - Special in many kind of ways!, August 5, 2013By Raani York "Raani" - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)This review is from: The Bridge (Para-Earth Series) (Kindle Edition)
"The Bridge" is a paranormal novel of highest quality.
When one of the protagonists, Veronica Ross, a cop of 20 years experience, witnesses a strange car accident and tells her lover (and second protagonist) Alex Hill about it, she doesn't know yet, what she's going to face.
She doesn't know yet, that this case isn't simply a police matter - no, it gets further than anything she's ever experienced.
Not only does she find out that the case is deeply connected with her own past - she as well learns that her lover Alex is much more than merely a lover. There is in fact a loving and caring man by her side who is an anchor in her life - and well being - a man, with a past on his own and with abilities she had never expected.
There are in fact, several things to mention about this novel. I am a fan of supernatural novels. But during the past 15 years there were mainly female protagonists with special abilities. This time, "The Bridge", offers a man with this gift. Even though it surprised me at first, I do admit that while reading the book, this fact seemed more and more natural and I did enjoy the book immensely!
The final battle to me seemed a tiny bit too extended, but I doubt this is something that can be "generalized". I could easily imagine that another reader thinks exactly the opposite.
All in all I would say: To fans of the "Paranormal": This book definitely is a "must-read"!
