K.M. Alexander's Blog, page 52

Triggers for Experiences

“Stop thinking about art works as objects, and start thinking about them as triggers for experiences. (Roy Ascott’s phrase.) That solves a lot of problems: we don’t have to argue whether photographs are art, or whether performances are art, or whether Carl Andre’s bricks or Andrew Serranos’s piss or Little Richard’s ‘Long Tall Sally’ are art, because we say, ‘Art is something that happens, a process, not a quality, and all sorts of things can make it happen.’ … [W]hat makes a work of art ‘good’ for you is not something that is already ‘inside’ it, but something that happens inside you—so the value of the work lies in the degree to which it can help you have the kind of experience that you call art.”

— Brian Eno

Filed under: Quotes Tagged: andrew serranos, art, brian eno, carl andre, Emotions, experiences, little richard, roy ascott

LAST DAY – Old Broken Road eBooks only 99¢

AHHHHHH! Today is the LAST DAY to buy eBooks of Old Broken Road for only 99¢! (I’m also discounting The Stars Were Right as well.) Everything reverts to full price tomorrow, and it’ll probably be a while before we see another promotion. Links to purchase below.

Kindle • Kobo • Nook • iBooks • GooglePlay • DRM-Free ePub

Thank you to everyone who has already bought a copy, last week I had my biggest sales week to date and even made some pretty exclusive lists on Amazon. (Click the link and check it out.) I’m flattered that so many readers, new and old, are excited about The Bell Forging Cycle and are joining Wal and his compatriots in the hardscrabble world of the Territories. There’s more to come.

One last thing, if you have finished one of my books, please leave an honest review. Reviews help readers like yourself and allow me to continue offering promotions like this one. They’re important and I’d be grateful.

Filed under: Old Broken Road Tagged: 99¢, bell forging cycle, eBook, reviews, sale, The Stars Were Right

The Mid-Atlantic Accent

I’ve long been interested in the origin (and evolution) of language and accents. In this quick video, Jonathan Strickland from HowStuffWorks’ series BrainStuff breaks down the Mid-Atlantic accent. It’s worth checking out.

Filed under: Videos Tagged: accent, brainstuff, howstuffworks, language, mid-atlantic accent

It’s Raining Books, Hallelujah! It’s Raining Books, Amen!

Apologies to the Weather Girls, but I couldn’t resist that title. (Also, I’m surprised at how literal they went with that video. Damn.)

It’s been a wild and strange week so far and I have some positive developments that I want to share. Documenting the journey of writing/publishing/promoting has always been a mission of this blog, both good and bad, and it’s time for some good.

On Sunday, I launched another promotion through BookBub, my second, in it I discounted Old Broken Road to 99¢. (I also discounted The Stars Were Right, because, why not?) I’m happy to report the promo has been a wild success. More than I could have ever expected. Here is Old Broken Road’s ranking at the height of the sale:

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Sales were solid and steady, and as you can see it became a best seller in quite a few categories. I saw a lot of people picking up The Stars Were Right and Red Litten World, which was encouraging. As a result of this promotion, there are a lot of new readers just now experiencing the Territories for the first time. Welcome to the company, roaders. I sincerely hope you enjoy the ride as much as I enjoyed writing it.

I also hit another milestone, one I am quite proud of:

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For a few glorious days, I was listed on Amazon’s Most Popular Authors in Science Fiction and Fantasy for the Kindle. Amazon Author Rank a new-ish list that highlights and tracks the bestselling authors on the platform. I got to be one of them, and for a while, I was ranked higher than two of my writing heroes: Kurt Vonnegut and Stephen King. It was a surprise, so much so even I had issues with it.

That is higher than @StephenKing & Kurt Vonnegut who are both better writers than me. Which means I have a real problem with this ranking.

— K. M. Alexander (@KM_Alexander) January 30, 2017

I’m still sorting through my emotions. I am flattered that so many people decided to jump in a read some of my books, I’m humbled to see that you’re willing to give my work a chance, and I’m excited to hear what you think. Please, feel free to drop me a line at any time good or bad. Don’t forget to leave a review on Goodreads and Amazon. Reviews are what allow me to do promotions like this one.

Old Broken Road will continue to be on sale through next Monday. You can find out more on this post including links to all the stores.

Filed under: News, Old Broken Road Tagged: amazon, bestseller, bookbub, Kurt Vonnegut, sale, stephen king, the bell forging cycle, the weather girls

Old Broken Road – 99¢

For the next week, I’m discounting eBooks of Old Broken Road down to only 99¢! If you need an escape from reality and have been wanting to travel down that old abandoned trail now is the time. Strange things are happenin’ on that road, so consider yourself warned. Links to purchase below.

Kindle • Kobo • Nook • iBooks • GooglePlay • DRM-Free ePub

Each of the books in the Bell Forging Cycle are standalone novels and can be enjoyed in any order. But, for those who are completionists, I’m also discounting The Stars Were Right, for this week as well. Prices are good through February 6th. Enjoy and don’t forget to leave a review when you’re finished!

Filed under: Old Broken Road Tagged: 99¢, bell forging cycle, eBook, sale

Three Quotes on Libraries

“Without libraries what have we? We have no past and no future.”

— Ray Bradbury

“I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card.”

— Laura Bush

“Don’t join the book burners. Don’t think you’re going to conceal faults by concealing evidence that they ever existed. Don’t be afraid to go in your library and read every book.”

― Dwight D. Eisenhower

There’s intent here, a reason why I selected libraries as today’s topic. Consider this a passionate plea in support. Why? Well, yesterday, Seattle Review of Books shared a proposed Republican budget from Texas Representative Bill Flores, chair of the Republican Study Committee. Within their Blueprint for a Balanced Budget (read it at that link) it proposes cutting federal funding for Libraries (less than 0.01% of the budget.)

Appalling as that may sound, it’s a serious proposal and one that could end up on the desk of our new President. I shared it yesterday unsure of how to react. I was stunned and shocked and disappointed. Especially knowing how important the library system has become for our country. The library meant so much to me as a child and remains crucial to me as an adult. In an era when non-profits are struggling to make ends meet the Library system remains a vital institution in helping enrich our communities. Cutting funding is an ignorant and dangerous step in the wrong direction and it baffles my mind that defunding would even be considered.

This morning, my friend Matt Nelson (creator of the wonderful Catbeard the Pirate) joined me in an impassioned plea for the support of American libraries. I highly recommend you read his own thoughts and experiences. You can either start reading using the tweet below or check out this easy to read Storified version. It won’t take long and it’s worth your time.

So, I don't usually talk politics, but let me jump on this one for a second. Long ramble coming your way. https://t.co/tsc16sEFui

— Matt Nelson (@mattwnelson) January 25, 2017

Filed under: Quotes Tagged: america, bill flores, dwight d. eisenhower, laura bush, libraries, library, matt nelson, ray bradbury, reading, republican, seattle review of books

What’s in a Name?

Naming a project can be a complicated affair, and when you have a series with an enormous fan base, I am sure it’s even tougher. As expected there has been a lot of discussion around the internet regarding the announced title for Star Wars: Episode VIII. The subtitle has a pretty common motif, and it got me thinking, we have…

The Last…

…Airbender (Anime, but also a movie, card game, and video game.)

…Picture Show (Movie, also a book.)

…American Hero (Movie)

…Guardian (Game)

…House on the Left (Movie… twice.)

…Unicorn (Book, also a film, album, song, and EP.)

…Question (Short Story)

…Starfighter (Movie — thanks, Miguel! Can’t believe I forgot this one.)

…Witch Hunter (Movie and Vin Diesel’s personal D&D Campaign)

…Supper (Painting, but so much more…)

…Act (Short Story)

…Castle (Movie)

…Boy Scout (Movie)

…Waltz (Concert)

…Time (Movie, also a pair of albums and so many songs.)

…Man on Earth (TV Show, also three films and a book.)

…Olympian (Book)

…Voyage of the Starship Enterprise (SNL skit)

…Uniform (Manga)

…Valley (Book)

…Year (Movie)

…Yankee (Play)

…Confession of Alexander Pearce (Movie)

…of Us (Game)

…Word (Cocktail, also so much more…)

…Tycoon (Unfinished Book, also two movies, album, and a tv series.)

…Detail (Movie)

…Emperor (Movie, also an actual person, album, and documentary.)

…Gangster (Movie)

…Five Years (Musical, also a movie.)

…Juror (Book)

…Vampire (Book series, also an anime.)

…News From France (Song)

…Lion (Horse)

…Empress (Book, also an actual person, musical, movie, and biography.)

…Song (Movie, also another movie, two novels, and a lot of actual songs.)

…Ninja (Game)

…Knight (Book, also another book, and a terrible Transformers movie.)

…Temptation of Christ (Movie, also a book.)

…Exorcism (Movie)

…Lecture (Book)

…Remnant (Game)

…of the Mohicans (Book, also many films, tv shows, and a pair of albums.)

…Judgment (Tynpanum, but also so much more…)

…Outlaw (Movie, also 3 other movies, a Miniseries, and a Pro Wrestler.)

…American Virgin (Movie)

…Flight of Noah’s Ark (Movie)

…Mimzy (Movie)

…Kingdom (Book, also a Miniseries.)

and now: …Jedi (Star Wars: Episode VIII)

There is so much more I could have added. (The list could easily double in length.) Does this mean The Last Jedi is a bad title? No, but it’s fair to say it’s not the most original in the series. It’s safe, informative, and inoffensive which seems to be Disney’s strategy with the Star Wars franchise. Besides, I’m not sure it matters.

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet.”

—Juliet Capulet, Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

Juliet’s right, a rose by any other name would still smell good. In the end, The Last Jedi will still be Star Wars. It’ll most likely be as enjoyable as The Force Awakens. Fans will flock in droves to the theaters. But in a universe of Rogue Ones, New Hopes, and Empires Striking Back, I found myself wishing for something more.

Filed under: Random Tagged: movies, romeo and juliet, star wars, subtitle, Titles, Writing

Bell Forging Cycle Avatars

Are you bored with your current photo on Twitter or Facebook? Looking for something different? In between events this weekend. I had a few moments so I put together some free avatars you can use for your social media accounts. You can find the full list over on my Free Stuff page alongside cool backgrounds and info on how to get free swag packs. Hooray!

Once there, you’ll be faced with a choice, and you must choose your allegiance wisely. Will you lace up your boots and join Bell Caravans, find a spot in the multi-level City of Lovat, or will you side with the aggressive empire-building policies of the City of Syringa? The choice, dear reader, is yours!

Think I’m missing something? Would you like to see a Cedric’s Eatery avatar? Sardini Market? St. Olm’s? Shoot me an email or let me know in the comments below.

Filed under: Swag, The Bell Forging Cycle Tagged: avatars, bell caravans, city of lovat, city of syringa, facebook, twitter

Riverboats & Levees

It’s no secret how much I love riverboats. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen a few hints at my love. Some of my first posts on this blog were me sharing images steamboats and packets. I find them to be a fascinating piece of history, a mode of transportation that, like airships, have faded away from practical use but still retain a sense of wonder and freedom.

“It is a strange study, — a singular phenomenon, if you please, that the only real, independent and genuine gentlemen in the world go quietly up and down the Mississippi river, asking no homage of any one, seeking no popularity, no notoriety, and not caring a damn whether school keeps or not.”

—Mark Twain, Letter to Will Bowen, August 25, 1866

I like riverboats so much, I’m writing Coal Belly, a western fantasy set in a world covered in twisting rivers. It’s a place where riverboats are ubiquitous and necessary, and I have been having a blast writing it. It’s allowed me to do a ton of fascinating research. Along with extensive reading, I’ve been exploring the vaults of the Library of Congress looking for images. Within, I have found quite a few old photos, and I figured it’d be fun to share a few with you.

There’s a lot out there, so I am going to pick a theme. Today’s theme focuses on steamboats alongside the levees where cargo and passengers were loaded and unloaded. You can click on any image to view it larger.

If everyone enjoys this post, I’ll be sure to share more going forward. All images were acquired from the Library of Congress’s website. In some cases, I did some minor color correction and cropping. While my knowledge is not as extensive as others, I’d be happy to answer any questions folks have about any of these images.

Filed under: Coal Belly, Research Tagged: levee, mark twain, packets, riverboats, steamboats

No Lips Dare Speak Aloud

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Filed under: The Bell Forging Cycle Tagged: look west, roaders