Sorry For The Delay
Sleepaway has been out with a couple of editors for five or six weeks. No response that I know of. This is a brief novel, more of a novella really, so I have my doubts about it fitting in with anybody's publishing plans. But I'm sitting on my hands for the moment, doing what I'm told (for the moment).
Also, Goodreads used to include a reader count at the bottom of each blog entry, which I found to be a useful gauge of what was interesting to you and when most everybody who was going to read an entry had read it, but one day that feature just disappeared.
When I asked why, I was told I could get a similar measure of reader involvement by way of likes and comments, so I went back and looked at an archived blog entry: 580 readers, 10 likes, 18 comments. Perhaps one of you could do that math for me since I can't begin to figure it out.
So if my blog entries are ill-timed and spotty, it's because the site has been "improved".
And FYI -- all of my books that are available at Amazon are now also available through B&N, Apple, Kobo, etc., in both physical and electronic editions at the customary low, low prices.
I'll check back in when I know something. In the meantime, I'll assume you're seeing this.
Also, Goodreads used to include a reader count at the bottom of each blog entry, which I found to be a useful gauge of what was interesting to you and when most everybody who was going to read an entry had read it, but one day that feature just disappeared.
When I asked why, I was told I could get a similar measure of reader involvement by way of likes and comments, so I went back and looked at an archived blog entry: 580 readers, 10 likes, 18 comments. Perhaps one of you could do that math for me since I can't begin to figure it out.
So if my blog entries are ill-timed and spotty, it's because the site has been "improved".
And FYI -- all of my books that are available at Amazon are now also available through B&N, Apple, Kobo, etc., in both physical and electronic editions at the customary low, low prices.
I'll check back in when I know something. In the meantime, I'll assume you're seeing this.
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Hi Bill,I hardly think it matters what you call anything, so I'm not the one to ask. I can say that writing a short novel (like being hanged), concentrates the mind. No spare room for fiddling around, which I found kind of refreshing.
The best professor I had in college always said it is much harder to right a really good *short* paper or article. That seemed counter-intuitive to me, but it makes sense, really -- every part of the paper carries so much more weight. There's no room for fluff.I suppose the same thing can be said for fiction!
Thanks for the info on B&N and others. I'll definitely use it. Just finished BRIGADE and getting ready to start SERPENT OF OLD. I'm a little behind on your recent work but it's because I take spells going back reading some of the earlier books. I read Off FOR THE SWEET HEREAFTER and GOSPEL HOUR after about a twenty year hiatus and I think enjoyed the second time around more than the first, which I didn't think was possible. I don't know if you do festivals much anymore, but my wife and I would sure like to see you in Nashville again!
Hi Meredith,I've written short-ish novels before, but in each case that was because the full version simply didn't work. So I cut my way to a short novel. With Sleepaway, I set out to write a short novel. I didn't find it more or less difficult than writing something baggy, but this novel sure called for a different way of thinking about what to say and where to go. I'll be interested in the response.
Thanks for checking in.
Hi Ralph,I don't get around much anymore in a professional way but just hit the road as a civilian these days.
I'm glad to know those books held up for you. I doubt I could make my way through them without wanting to edit them to death. I find I have a lot less patience with myself these days.
Thanks for writing. Best to your wife.
Origin story? I can only assume Ray was launched on a rocket from his dying planet by his biological parents and sent to Earth where he discovered the yellow sun activated his super powers, which he used to fight evil while posing publicly as a mild mannered reporter.
I just finished A Short History... and can't believe you wrote it when you were under thirty. I found you through a Rick Gavin book I happened upon and loved Nowhere Nice. I love what I've read so far.
Thanks, Betty. Boy have you read two very different novels. Here's hoping you keep enjoying yourself.
Well, in keeping with the annoying blog changes, I didn't get a notice about this entry. Nice work, Goodreads!
So did you manage to find a publisher? I've already ordered digital, but since I prefer paper I'll be ordering that as well.
Hi Steven,I emailed you copies of this novel in several formats. Did you not get them?
The novel is still out with a couple of editors, but the publishing biz is just too slow and unwieldy for this world. So unless someone makes a spectacular offer (they won't), I'm almost certain I'm going to handle this myself rather than wait a year for it to come out.
No, I haven't seen it. I've emailed you directly with more information.
By Kafka is a classic novella-or a short story? Enjoy all your work!