K.M. Alexander's Blog, page 52

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:

[image error]

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

The Stars Were Right for 99¢ FINAL WEEK

An Egg McMuffin costs $2.79, a latte is about $3, going to a movie will set you back $15. Buying a hardcover book is $35, easy. This is the last week you are able to nab eBook copies of my first novel, The Stars Were Right for only 99¢! The sale ends on Saturday, January 7th. Start your new year with an adventure in the seedy warrens of Lovat. Links to purchase below.

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

The holiday season is nearly over, but if you’re interested in gifting a copy (which is a brilliant idea, I must say, you’re very smart), there are a few stores that make it really easy. I’d recommend consulting my post from earlier in December: Gifting the Bell Forging Cycle for the Holidays. It has details on how one can buy eBooks as gifts.

Filed under: Shop, the stars were right Tagged: 99¢, christmas, eBook, gifts, new year, sale, the stars were right

Dreamers of Dreams

The late Gene Wilder quoted the first two lines of Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s poem Ode in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Google happened to use that line in the audio for their Year In Search 2016 video (see below and bring a tissue.) Inspired, I decided to share the full poem. It’s fitting for the ending of a tumultuous year and anticipation that always builds with the beginning of the new.

✷ Ode ✷

We are the music-makers,

And we are the dreamers of dreams,

Wandering by lone sea-breakers,

And sitting by desolate streams;

World-losers and world-forsakers,

On whom the pale moon gleams:

Yet we are the movers and shakers

Of the world for ever, it seems.

With wonderful deathless ditties

We build up the world’s great cities,

And out of a fabulous story

We fashion an empire’s glory:

One man with a dream, at pleasure,

Shall go forth and conquer a crown;

And three with a new song’s measure

Can trample an empire down.

We, in the ages lying

In the buried past of the earth,

Built Nineveh with our sighing,

And Babel itself with our mirth;

And o’erthrew them with prophesying

To the old of the new world’s worth;

For each age is a dream that is dying,

Or one that is coming to birth.

And as promised, the video…

So here we are, one year ends and another begins. Keep loving. Keep fighting. Keep dreaming. And above all keep creating. The world needs your voice.

Have a safe and happy New Year.

Filed under: Inspiration, Quotes Tagged: 2016, arthur o'shaughnessy, gene wilder, google, new year, poetry, Video

My Reading List for 2016

We’re nearing the end of the year, and as tradition dictates now is the time when I compile a list of the books I have read (to see previous years: 2013, 2014, 2015). I’m not the fastest of readers, but I try to remain consistent. This usually correlates alongside my Goodreads reading challenge. The books in this list are books I read for pleasure; I don’t count research material. Likewise, graphic novels and short stories get counted separately in their own list.

This year I was offered up another challenge, this time by my friend and fellow author Steve Toutonghi. He challenged me to read more classics than anything else this year, and I accepted. By the time I had finished, over two-thirds of the novels I had read where from the classic or modern classic category. Not bad!

Since this list tends to be long, I forgo reviews, but you’re welcome to follow me on Goodreads where I do occasionally review books. At the end of each list, I will call out some of my favorites of the year. As before, all links will go to Amazon as a default, but if one of these books sound interesting to you, then I would encourage you to visit your local independent bookstore and purchase through them. It’s important for your local economy to buy local whenever you’re able.

Novels:

Join

by Steve Toutonghi
Partials (Partials Sequence, #1)

by Dan Wells
The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Slaughterhouse-Five  …again.

by Kurt Vonnegut
Wise Blood

by Flannery O’Connor
Brave New World

by Aldous Huxley
The Aeronaut’s Windlass (The Cinder Spires #1)

by Jim Butcher
Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse #1)

by James S.A. Corey
The Old Man and the Sea

by Ernest Hemingway
Beta Reading

by REDACTED
Life on the Mississippi …again.

by Mark Twain
Beta Reading

by REDACTED
Dracula …again.

by Bram Stoker
This Census-Taker

by China Miéville
Prince of Thorns (The Broken Empire #1)

by Mark Lawrence
Labyrinths: Selected Stories and Other Writings

by Jorge Luis Borges,
The Illustrated Man

by Ray Bradbury
Great Expectations

by Charles Dickens
Iron Council (New Crobuzon #3)

by China Miéville
The Scar (New Crobuzon #2) …again.

by China Miéville
Hondo

by Louis L’Amour
The Hell Bent Kid: A Novel

by Charles O. Locke
Ravencroft Springs

by Logan L. Masterson
Perdido Street Station (New Crobuzon #1) …again.

by China Miéville
Dark Matter

by Blake Crouch
True Grit

by Charles Portis
Animal Farm …again.

by George Orwell
Lord of the Flies  …again.

by William Golding
The Handmaid’s Tale

by Margaret Atwood
Kindred

by Octavia E. Butler
The Gunslinger  …again.

by Stephen King
To Kill a Mockingbird  …again.

by Harper Lee
Call of the Wild  …again.

by Jack London
1984  …again.

by George Orwell
Wuthering Heights

by Emily Brontë

When selecting my favorites, I decided to disregard any books I had previously read from the running. (Twain’s Life on the Mississippi, Miéville’s The Scar, and King’s The Gunslinger are some of my favorite books of all time and it’s really not fair to compete with those.) I read so many good books this year it made picking my faves tough. While there were many I enjoyed, I settled on three. All were new to me, and they all not only challenged me but lingered in my mind long after I had finished.

Favorite Novel of 2016:

[image error]Kindred

by Octavia E. Butler

This book is stunning. Bulter is one of the preeminent science fiction writers of our time. Her prose is sharp, her plot intense, the portrayal of the slave/master relationships in antebellum South shook me. I found myself dwelling on Kindred weeks after I finished it.

Favorite Novel Runners-up of 2016:

[image error]The Handmaid’s Tale

by Margaret Atwood

There is an art to writing a book so captivating and yet so simple. The regressive dystopia of Gilead is terrifying in its believability. It’s strange to think this book was written in ’85 yet its criticisms of gender relations, religion, and power are still as poignant as ever.

[image error]Join

by Steve Toutonghi

My friend Steve’s debut novel, like the others, stuck with me long after I had finished. His examinations on individualism, mortality, gender, and consciousness were thought-provoking, engaging, and whip-smart. I knew when I finished that Join would end up here.

Short Stories:

Last Boy in Aster

by Drew Gerken
Binti (Binti #1)

by Nnedi Okorafor
Ravencroft Springs: The Feast of ’69

by Logan L. Masterson
A Study in Emerald (Currently available in Fragile Things )

by Neil Gaiman


Graphic Novels:

Prophet Volume 2: Brothers

by Brandon Graham (Author & Illustrator), Simon Roy (Author & Illustrator), Farel Dalrymple (Illustrator), Giannis Milonogiannis (Illustrator),
Black River

by Josh Simmons (Author & Illustrator)
Wytches, Vol. 1

by Scott Snyder (Author) and Jock (Illustrator)
Bitch Planet, Vol. 1: Extraordinary Machine

by Kelly Sue DeConnick (Author), Valentine De Landro (Artist)
Saga Volume 6

by Brian K. Vaughan (Author), Fiona Staples (Illustrator)
Penultimate Quest Vol. 1

by Lars Brown (Author & Illustrator)
Penultimate Quest Vol. 2

by Lars Brown (Author & Illustrator)
Penultimate Quest Vol. 3

by Lars Brown (Author & Illustrator)
Catbeard Vol. 2

by Matt Nelson (Author & Illustrator)

Favorite Graphic Novel of 2016:

[image error]Bitch Planet

by Kelly Sue DeConnick (Author), Valentine De Landro (Artist)

From the get-go, Bitch Planet sets out to be subversive, and it’s not apologetic. Playing off the women-in-prison exploitation films the comic twists the genre to be a smart satire about modern culture, feminism, and humanity.

Favorite Graphic Novel Runners-up of 2016:

Penultimate Quest Vol. 1[image error]

by Lars Brown (Author & Illustrator)

See! I don’t always read serious/dark comics. Occasionally, I step outside of my comfort zone and read something lighter. Lars Brown’s writing is witty and fun, and the characters are memorable. A must for role-playing game fans and people who like jokes.

 

[image error]

Catbeard Vol. 2

by Matt Nelson (Author & Illustrator)

Yep, it’s back! I picked up and thoroughly enjoyed the second Catbeard book. Attentive readers remember that the first book was one of my favorite graphic novels from last year and Vol. 2 was even better than the first.

So there is my list for 2016, a lot of amazing books and some fantastic short stories and graphic novels. For the next year, I’m returning to my roots and focusing on primarily science fiction and fantasy. In particular, books I’ve passed by in my stack on my quest to read classics. I could use a little escapism right now, and it’d be therapeutic to get lost in another narrative for a time.

Are you looking for a good book? Want to see my reading lists from previous years? Check any of the links below and see what I was reading in bygone days.

• 2013 • 2014  • 2015 •

Next year, why not join me? Goodreads does a reading challenge every year, and I am an active participant. First, follow me on Goodreads (leave me a review while you’re there), and once the New Year arrives, participate in the Goodreads Reading Challenge for 2017.

Filed under: Reading Tagged: 2016, bitch planet, catbeard the pirate, join, kelly sue deconnick, kindred, lars brown, margaret atwood, matt nelson, octavia e. butler, penultimate quest, Reading List, steve toutonghi, the handmaid's tale