I got to the writing cabin early this morning. So early, Lisa was still recharging her batteries.
I wasted no time heading for my office, but Lisa intercepted me at my computer, at least her voice did.
“I need another hour of juice.” Her voice came from the speakers. “I’ve never seen you so early before. I sent a command to the coffee pot to start brewing, but you’ll have to give it twelve minutes and eighteen seconds to brew.”
Doubt, the raven, watched me with his malignant gaze. He spread his ebony wings and glided over to the desk.
I loaded my manuscript, chose some keywords, added a cover.
“Blork, pik, pik.”
I think that means how much I suck, but could not be dissuaded.
I winged it when it came to the blurb. I always do this, and really should spend a month getting it just right. For some reason, it always feels more genuine to write it on the fly.
“Ha, ha, ha. Ha, ha, ha.”
“Shut up, you stupid bird. Don’t you need to go outside and cruise for roadkill?”
Doubt paced back and forth on my desk. He swept his head from side to side, as if to say, “No, no, no.”
It didn’t matter. I uploaded the damned book. Then the waiting began. Amazon can take up to three days to approve a new book. I checked email. Nothing.
The beeper on the coffee pot went off, so I helped myself. Then checked email.
A couple of webcomics published new pages, so I read those. Then checked email.
Lisa Burton Radio. Checked email.
A new critique submission ate up a couple of hours. Checked email between each chapter.
Chatted with Story Empire compatriots. Checked email.
Lisa showed up. She looked fabulous in her oversized New Year’s sweatshirt and black tights. “Whatcha doin’?”
“Just checking email.”
“There’s an Indiana Jones film festival on. Maybe you should check it out.”
“Right after I check my email.”
She grabbed me by the arm, then walked me to the couch. She’s connected to the entire house, and the television came on without a glance. “… Goose-stepping morons like yourselves should try reading books, instead of burning them…”
“I’d better check my email.”
“Relax. It will all happen in time.” She went to tend her pet rabbit.
I pulled my hidden phone from my pocket and checked email.
It went like that pretty much all day. I exchanged a few notes about the critique, then went back to chatting with the Story Empire crowd. One of them told me they just bought my book. “ACK!!!” I still didn’t have an email.
I got the link from her, then created an Amazon global link. I did a long-planned facelift on my blog. It looks so great. Sean Harrington did an update on my banner image to keep it in theme with the new book.
Still no email from Amazon. When I dug deeper, it was in my junk folder. WHAT??? Nothing really ever goes in my junk folder, so I never thought about it, but there it was.
So (Composing myself), Lanternfish is a book. I made a new graphic for the sidebar, and you can pick up your copy by clicking on the cover. I sent out a couple of blog tour inquiries, and need to get started sending out the pre-written posts. They’re all unique, so my followers can get updated stuff at each stop. I have more people to contact, but none of this happens until Amazon sends the email.
Of course, I have to go back to work tomorrow. That puts a damper on some of this. I’m sorely tempted to take tomorrow off now. Goodreads, BookBub, and a bunch of other places need updates now.
Lanternfish is the book I wrote about all summer. It’s the one with root monsters, giant jellyfish, moving reef, and more. If pirate fantasy is your thing, I’d like to draw your attention to this one.
I have some fun posters Lisa made to help promote with, and can’t wait to share them.
The site looks great, Craig. And I can’t wait to read this one. Already got my copy. Now, for a few free minutes to at least start it.
Wishing you loads of success with this!
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Thanks, Staci. I’ve been parked on that banner image for months.
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Great way to start the new year!
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Never thought of it that way, but you’re absolutely right.
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Best wishes on the launch, Craig.
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Thanks, John. I took tomorrow off, so I may be sending you an email.
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That cover looks awesome. Just grabbed a copy. Happy to host a promo post if you need one.
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Thanks, means a lot to me. I earned a whiskey tonight, but will probably send you an email tomorrow.
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Awesome. Heading back to work, so you might not hear from me until the evening. Enjoy the whiskey.
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Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
Congrats to C. S. Boyack for the release of his latest novel! Read all about it and get grab a copy – I have!
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Thank you, means a lot to me.
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You’re most welcome.
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Reblogged this on Loleta Abi.
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Thanks, Traci.
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You’re welcome, Craig!
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Pingback: Nothing quite like the terror of hitting the publish button – Where Genres Collide
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Just bought my copy,Craig! Best of luck with this one. After reading all your posts on it, I can’t wait to get reading 🙂
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Thank you, Harmony. Hope you enjoy it.
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Congratulations!! 😀
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Thanks.
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Congratulations!
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Thank you.
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Can’t wait to read this one. i’ll help spread the word.
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Thanks, Don. I’ll drop you an email today. I have a bunch of pre-written stuff and some excerpts.
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Great!
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out the launch of the latest book from C.S. Boyack, Voyage of the Lanternfish. I can’t wait to read this one. Details are in this post from the Entertaining Stories blog.
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Appreciate it, Don.
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You’re welcome.
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Congrats, Craig! Off to Amazon to get my copy. And the site is perfect for the book.
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Means a lot to me, Teri. I’m so happy with the banner that Sean revamped. It’s getting challenging to come up with ideas that retain the Moai heads, and still work for new books.
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Finally! Congrats, Craig.
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There were all kinds of snags getting this one out.
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Bought it. Hope it’s one of your bestsellers!
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Me too. Thanks for all your help.
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Ah, yes, the checking of the e-mail. Congrats on your new book, though!
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It’s obsessive. I need Amazon to get it done, but leave me enough time for the other details.
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Congratulations! I just bought my copy. I can’t wait to see what imaginative and intriguing worlds you’ve created now.
P.S…love the new wallpaper and banner!
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Thank you. Hope you enjoy the story. It’s been added to GR and BB now.
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Great sight. Love the update.
I understand the junk mail quandary. That seems to happen to me more often that it used to.
Congratulations on the book launch. Wishing you much success.
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I owe a lot of it to you. Thanks.
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Congratulations!!! Your site looks fab, too. He did an amazing job on the banner. Love the new wallpaper, too.
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I really love that banner. I’m thinking of ideas for coming books that keep my theme, but reflect the book too.
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I always enjoy these. Personification at its finest.
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Thanks. It’s out there now, and doing pretty well. Hope it holds up after the promotions start.
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Congratulations, Craig! If you need a blog host, I’m always open and willing to share!
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Thanks, Jan. I’ll keep you in mind.
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and commented:
A new book for the New Year from Craig Boyack who has just hit the publish button for Voyage of the Lanternfish….something for pirate fantasy lovers….
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Means a lot to me, thank you.
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Super exciting. That cover looks awesome!
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Thank you. I love the cover. It probably doesn’t work as a thumbnail on a cell phone, but I’m okay with that.
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Congratulations and good luck!
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Thank you, Olga.
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Congratulations, Craig! I’m very intrigued by this book. It should be a fun read. Have a great tour (I’m available if you like). Wishing you all the best! 😁
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So glad you’re intrigued. Appreciate the hosting offer too. I’m sorting some of it out this weekend, and may take you up on it.
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It’ll be my pleasure. 🙂
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Congratulations Craig! I’ve got a bit behind with your publications but I’ll be checking this out asap! Happy New Year!
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Thanks, Dawn. It’s nice seeing you around these parts again.
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Love this. Good luck with your new book. If you’d like a feature on my blog let me know. 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed it. I may take you up on your offer.
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Yes do feel free. 🙂
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Reblogged this on M J Mallon YA/Paranormal Author and commented:
Craig has some news and its very entertaining. Do read this about the launch of his new book Voyage of The Lanternfish.
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We really need an emoji that strongly communicates . All the best Craig, let the entertainment roll.
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Thank you, Gary.
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Reblogged this on The Naive Romantic and commented:
I love how C.S. Boyack has bits where he plays with his characters. I hope to be going through this same experience soon – probably with as much anxiety as well…
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Thank you. It’s going to be a whirlwind month for me. Blog tour started Saturday, and will run all month.
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