E.G. Manetti's Blog, page 40
July 4, 2016
Liberation - a tale from the Legend of the Five Warriors
The cell is dark and cold. The toilet doesn't flush and the stench is so strong it has mass. She hasn't been fed. The guards fowled her water with their personal waste.
The dark and cold were meant to destroy her will, make her beg. The lack of food and water were meant to kill her. Not the warlord's will. His guards' retaliation for the death of one of their own. Rapist pig. Or would be rapist. The memory makes her smile as she bites down. Rat blood is disgusting. It has enough liquid and protein to keep her alive. The dark is her friend. The stink hides her location.
It's been two days. She can wait no longer or her strength will fail. Her weapon tight in her grip, she crouches by the entrance. It is time for her so-called meal.
"Haven't heard a peep in hours," the baritone grunts, sliding the feeding slot open. "Here girly, girly."
She doesn't move, keeping her breath a shallow whisper in the cold and dark.
"Hear anything?" A gravelly voice demands.
"Nah, she's done. Probably fainted from hunger 'n thirst," the baritone says. "Easy pickins'"
"Gotta kill her," Gravelly's voice is harsh. "If he finds out, we're as good as impaled."
"You got high?" Baritone asks.
"You're low," Gravelly agrees.
The door opens, the light is blinding. Or would be. Eyes closed, she surges forward - high then low. The small, overlooked blade slashes fast and deep.
The sound of falling bodies tells her she is free. Dead, dying, or wounded, it makes no difference. Springing into the hall, she shields her eyes with the hand not holding the blade. Her feet follow the pattern she memorized when they dragged her here. Her heart hammers and she drags in clean air.
Weak, half blind, she bursts into Jonathan's hall. Her thorn flies before her, slashing half-seen shadows from her path. Shouts echo in panic.
"Crap, it's Adelaide! She's loose!"
The dark and cold were meant to destroy her will, make her beg. The lack of food and water were meant to kill her. Not the warlord's will. His guards' retaliation for the death of one of their own. Rapist pig. Or would be rapist. The memory makes her smile as she bites down. Rat blood is disgusting. It has enough liquid and protein to keep her alive. The dark is her friend. The stink hides her location.
It's been two days. She can wait no longer or her strength will fail. Her weapon tight in her grip, she crouches by the entrance. It is time for her so-called meal.
"Haven't heard a peep in hours," the baritone grunts, sliding the feeding slot open. "Here girly, girly."
She doesn't move, keeping her breath a shallow whisper in the cold and dark.
"Hear anything?" A gravelly voice demands.
"Nah, she's done. Probably fainted from hunger 'n thirst," the baritone says. "Easy pickins'"
"Gotta kill her," Gravelly's voice is harsh. "If he finds out, we're as good as impaled."
"You got high?" Baritone asks.
"You're low," Gravelly agrees.
The door opens, the light is blinding. Or would be. Eyes closed, she surges forward - high then low. The small, overlooked blade slashes fast and deep.
The sound of falling bodies tells her she is free. Dead, dying, or wounded, it makes no difference. Springing into the hall, she shields her eyes with the hand not holding the blade. Her feet follow the pattern she memorized when they dragged her here. Her heart hammers and she drags in clean air.
Weak, half blind, she bursts into Jonathan's hall. Her thorn flies before her, slashing half-seen shadows from her path. Shouts echo in panic.
"Crap, it's Adelaide! She's loose!"
June 12, 2016
My KU Experiment Comes to an End
My KU experiment with The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1 ends today.
There is no question that the per 'book' royalty is substantially better than on the $1.99 that seems to be price point needed to encourage readers to give it a try.
The loss of sales from other platforms was roughly offset by what appears to be increased 'book' sales on Amazon, but the KU experiment didn't increase sales. Although the actual number of 'new readers' is a guess due to the way KU reads are tracked and reported.
As we know, KU's page counting algorithms are limited. Claims that KU can 'tell if pages have been read rather than skipped' have been debunked. So, I have know way of knowing: 1) if the page counts reflect complete reads or a high incidence of abandonment; or 2) if readers have finished, but reset to the prologue or character list before returning.
To be fair to Amazon's KU program, I have not fully exploited all the marketing and advertising programs available. So it is possible, more 'sales' of the Cartel could have been achieved. Somehow, there is never enough time to market as well as write.
BUT - this is a big one - sales of the next books in the series are not as strong as when readers 'buy' The Cartel. Is that because KU readers simply move onto the next 'free read' - of which there are thousands? Is that the 'sales' are people more willing to try an unknown author but also quicker to abandon and move on to the next 'freebie'? I have no way of knowing.
Ultimately, what I hope for with each sale of the Cartel is an enthusiastic reader who will go onto buy and read Bright Star: The Apprentice, Volume 2, Transgressions: The Apprentice, Volume 3 and all the other books to come.
So, for now, KU and The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1 are parting ways. It will remain available on Amazon at the bargain price of US$1.99 and will reappear at Barnes & Noble, Apple, and Kobo.
There is no question that the per 'book' royalty is substantially better than on the $1.99 that seems to be price point needed to encourage readers to give it a try.
The loss of sales from other platforms was roughly offset by what appears to be increased 'book' sales on Amazon, but the KU experiment didn't increase sales. Although the actual number of 'new readers' is a guess due to the way KU reads are tracked and reported.
As we know, KU's page counting algorithms are limited. Claims that KU can 'tell if pages have been read rather than skipped' have been debunked. So, I have know way of knowing: 1) if the page counts reflect complete reads or a high incidence of abandonment; or 2) if readers have finished, but reset to the prologue or character list before returning.
To be fair to Amazon's KU program, I have not fully exploited all the marketing and advertising programs available. So it is possible, more 'sales' of the Cartel could have been achieved. Somehow, there is never enough time to market as well as write.
BUT - this is a big one - sales of the next books in the series are not as strong as when readers 'buy' The Cartel. Is that because KU readers simply move onto the next 'free read' - of which there are thousands? Is that the 'sales' are people more willing to try an unknown author but also quicker to abandon and move on to the next 'freebie'? I have no way of knowing.
Ultimately, what I hope for with each sale of the Cartel is an enthusiastic reader who will go onto buy and read Bright Star: The Apprentice, Volume 2, Transgressions: The Apprentice, Volume 3 and all the other books to come.
So, for now, KU and The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1 are parting ways. It will remain available on Amazon at the bargain price of US$1.99 and will reappear at Barnes & Noble, Apple, and Kobo.
June 3, 2016
Bad days and Good Movies
Sometimes the sad takes me unaware.
Nothing is wrong. At least, nothing I can point to. But, I'm sad. Want to crawl into bed and weep for hours sad.
I can't, of course. Work to be done. Meals to cook. Elder care. Marriage care. Puppy care...
And sometimes, I get lucky. The meal goes well. Everyone is content. The media coughs up something uplifting.
Thank you Mr. DeNiro and Ms. Hathaway. I thoroughly enjoyed The Intern.
Nothing is wrong. At least, nothing I can point to. But, I'm sad. Want to crawl into bed and weep for hours sad.
I can't, of course. Work to be done. Meals to cook. Elder care. Marriage care. Puppy care...
And sometimes, I get lucky. The meal goes well. Everyone is content. The media coughs up something uplifting.
Thank you Mr. DeNiro and Ms. Hathaway. I thoroughly enjoyed The Intern.
May 26, 2016
Amateur Marketing
I love writing and have enough positive feedback to believe I tell a good story - with much room for improvement in the craft.
Marketing is kind of a necessary evil. I try, but it is always a bit like holding my nose and jumping into the deep end. Sometimes it's totally great. Just as often - lame, awkward, and humiliating.
So, I have zero issues with coopting anyone else's marketing that works. Legally that is. *Plagiarism and piracy turn me into the Hulk.*
I'm totally thrilled to see my recent InD'Tale review converted into marketing material. I gave it shot and their's is so much better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB0mD...
It's not ideal - my vague recall of Marketing 101 says be the first image or the last. But, the way the music crescendos, it works.
So, with their permission, I'm working the image and tag line into the Twelve Systems video trailer that is under development. *Fingers crossed that it's totally great and not lame, awkward, and humiliating.*
Marketing is kind of a necessary evil. I try, but it is always a bit like holding my nose and jumping into the deep end. Sometimes it's totally great. Just as often - lame, awkward, and humiliating.
So, I have zero issues with coopting anyone else's marketing that works. Legally that is. *Plagiarism and piracy turn me into the Hulk.*
I'm totally thrilled to see my recent InD'Tale review converted into marketing material. I gave it shot and their's is so much better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB0mD...
It's not ideal - my vague recall of Marketing 101 says be the first image or the last. But, the way the music crescendos, it works.
So, with their permission, I'm working the image and tag line into the Twelve Systems video trailer that is under development. *Fingers crossed that it's totally great and not lame, awkward, and humiliating.*
May 6, 2016
Rave Review from InD'Tale for Transgressions
The latest volume in the Twelve Systems Chronicles received a rave review from InD'Tale Magazine. If you aren't familiar with InD'Tale - it's a magazine dedicated to identifying the best in indie romances of all sub-genres.http://www.indtale.com/reviews/other/...
Check out the on-line magazine and you will see that Transgressions: The Apprentice Volume 3 received the coveted 'Crowned Heart' for excellence!
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
April 6, 2016
The KU Experiment - Early Returns
The big bucks aren't rolling in, but I have discovered a huge - unforeseen - benefit of this experiment. I might get an idea of the DNF rate on The Cartel: The Apprentice Volume 1.
After three weeks, the 'pages read' reports indicate completed reads. Color me relieved. My worst fear is that readers are abandoning The Cartel after three or four chapters.
Of course, that may be personal paranoia based on my reading habits. These days, when it comes to reading, I seem to have the attention span of a gnat. At free to 99c (even $1.99), I tend to skim samples and take a chance. So far, this month I've abandoned two books.
Finding readers can be challenging. Discovering that readers just don't like and are abandoning my story in droves - that's the stuff of nightmares.
We shall see.
After three weeks, the 'pages read' reports indicate completed reads. Color me relieved. My worst fear is that readers are abandoning The Cartel after three or four chapters.
Of course, that may be personal paranoia based on my reading habits. These days, when it comes to reading, I seem to have the attention span of a gnat. At free to 99c (even $1.99), I tend to skim samples and take a chance. So far, this month I've abandoned two books.
Finding readers can be challenging. Discovering that readers just don't like and are abandoning my story in droves - that's the stuff of nightmares.
We shall see.
March 31, 2016
THE CARTEL - FREE APRIL 1-5
For the first time since March 2013, The Cartel: The Apprentice Volume 1 is available for a free download - Amazon only, due to my experiment with the exclusive Kindle Unlimited (KU) program.
April 1-5 Only
Why after three years? Goodreads Kiss & Tell Group (K&T) will be featuring The Cartel: The Apprentice Volume 1 for its April Book-of-the-Month Read. No need to join the group or the discussion to enjoy the freebie, although are all welcome.
Links to the freebie:
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00AGNFHJA
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00AGNFHJA
All Amazon stores, to my knowledge. PM me if you need an Amazon store link not shown.
Link to the Kiss & Tell BOM Discussion: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
April 1-5 Only
Why after three years? Goodreads Kiss & Tell Group (K&T) will be featuring The Cartel: The Apprentice Volume 1 for its April Book-of-the-Month Read. No need to join the group or the discussion to enjoy the freebie, although are all welcome.
Links to the freebie:
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00AGNFHJA
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00AGNFHJA
All Amazon stores, to my knowledge. PM me if you need an Amazon store link not shown.
Link to the Kiss & Tell BOM Discussion: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
March 18, 2016
Into the Crevasse - The Cartel is locked into KU
Vast and complex, a source of great danger, as well as potential wealth - the Crevasse of the Twelve Systems are not to be entered lightly. Committing The Cartel: The Apprentice Volume 1 to an exclusive contract with KU for the next three months inspires the same blend of excitement and terror.
Of those who enter the Crevasse, some never leave. Others rise to heights of commercial success. Many books enter KU to be lost in the overpopulated void - others rise to the top 100 in their subgenre. Which fate awaits The Cartel?
I have no idea.
I have found that KU does offer some additional promo options. A biggie for all my Kindle friends with The Cartel on their TBR - Freebie Promo! And it's coming soon!
The Cartel has landed the April BOM read in the Kiss & Tell Group - so the Amazon freebie promo starts April 1. More to follow on the freebie.
Of those who enter the Crevasse, some never leave. Others rise to heights of commercial success. Many books enter KU to be lost in the overpopulated void - others rise to the top 100 in their subgenre. Which fate awaits The Cartel?
I have no idea.
I have found that KU does offer some additional promo options. A biggie for all my Kindle friends with The Cartel on their TBR - Freebie Promo! And it's coming soon!
The Cartel has landed the April BOM read in the Kiss & Tell Group - so the Amazon freebie promo starts April 1. More to follow on the freebie.
March 11, 2016
KU or not KU?
For an obscure author - new readers are the holy grail. With the rise of Kindle Unlimited, more and more readers are voting to test 'new to them authors' with the no risk program.
Wise readers.
A bit dangerous for authors. If - or should I say once? If, Amazon achieves total ebook domination, independent authors will suffer as small businesses have from Amazon Prime.
That said - new readers are the holy grail of the obscure author.
Reluctantly, starting next Friday, I am committing The Cartel: The Apprentice Volume 1, to KU for the minimum 3 month period.
It's what Lilian would do - Embrace the necessary to achieve the dream.
Wise readers.
A bit dangerous for authors. If - or should I say once? If, Amazon achieves total ebook domination, independent authors will suffer as small businesses have from Amazon Prime.
That said - new readers are the holy grail of the obscure author.
Reluctantly, starting next Friday, I am committing The Cartel: The Apprentice Volume 1, to KU for the minimum 3 month period.
It's what Lilian would do - Embrace the necessary to achieve the dream.
February 25, 2016
Updated Website
Writing is so much more fun than marketing. Which is why the Twelve Systems Chronicles website has languished for ages while I finished Transgressions: The Apprentice Volume 3
.
With Trangressions' release, I could dodge it no longer. Please check out the revamped website including my author page that has a new place for leaving messages. http://www.buniac.com/aboutegmanetti....
Interested in my notably erratic updates on the Twelve Systems? Send your email to 12systems@buniac.com.
www.buniac.com
Please be gentle.
. With Trangressions' release, I could dodge it no longer. Please check out the revamped website including my author page that has a new place for leaving messages. http://www.buniac.com/aboutegmanetti....
Interested in my notably erratic updates on the Twelve Systems? Send your email to 12systems@buniac.com.
www.buniac.com
Please be gentle.
