A working bachelor

I spent a major portion of my time finishing a book for a friend. I sent some remarks that might be helpful, and got a positive response back, i.e. we’re still friends. (It’s a great story.)

I looked at the answers to my blog question and everyone seemed to like the vignette posts. I took the time to make a new category called Short Stories & Vignettes. Then I added the category to three old posts. I also updated my “about me” page to explain the new category. It was time to shake things up around here. These will probably never outnumber the Muse posts, but I think they’re fun. I’m trying to work up some creepy Halloween shorts to post during October. They will go in the new category. (Covertly, I have a place to remind myself of my good ideas.)

After that, I started on a new story called The Playground. This one is about a creepy social network for kids. It’s going to be somewhere between science fiction and paranormal. I need some technology, and some boogie men both.

It’s easy to write while I have an outline. I haven’t outlined Act II yet. This story requires me to get a feel for the characters and let the plot free flow. When I finish Act I, I’ll probably come to a screeching halt. Today I managed 1592 words. This isn’t very good by my standards when I have an outline, but I only had a half day. Without an outline, I have a hard time managing 500. Maybe that will get the Muse off my back for a little while.

It feels good to be writing again, even if most of it turns out to be crap. That’s what rewrites are for.

Meanwhile my editing has been completely abandoned. The dwarves and centaurs are sitting around picking their noses. I may give them an hour of my time before bed. Maybe I can get through a chapter or two. I entered into a conversation with a cover artist, but we haven’t decided on anything yet. I’ll keep you posted on this.

Someone finally used Amazon Unlimited to download one of my books, (Arson). After I finished my happy dance, I said a little prayer that they will read 10% of it so I can see how the rest of the system works. Who am I kidding, I want them to read it all and enjoy it too. Thank you whoever you are. You’re about to learn how to start nefarious fires, and how Spanks underwear work. It’s a great combination; enjoy.

I think Amazon Unlimited is a great setup for voracious readers. At ten bucks per month you can download up to ten books per month. That’s a lot of reading if you choose 99¢ books. If you choose something from one of the big five, you might see savings on the first book. Best of all, the authors get paid. They just need to get off the stick and make it available internationally. People like Karen read and review a ton of books, it’s a benefit to Amazon to make it available to these international readers.

“Alright, get off your asses you dwarves. It’s time for some serious work.” Catch you bloggers later.

Meanwhile, back at the writing cabin

I tried to sleep in this morning, but I was pretty uptight about the formatting on Arson. I fed the old pit bull, made the coffee and logged in. The book looks awesome. The promo pages in back don’t look like what I uploaded. They’re serviceable, but not how I wanted.

I started on a task list when Old What’s Her Face* said, “Oh no you don’t. We’re going to the farmer’s market today. I want to find some fresh green beans”

I didn’t panic, I always enjoyed the farmer’s market. I may have to chock it up to a fond memory though. See, some of the vendors stared fighting with the establishment, and with other vendors. They branched off and opened a different farmer’s market. This is about the third time this has happened.

The old farmer’s market just isn’t as good as it used to be. I don’t care to spend forty bucks driving all over the valley to check out all the other options. I’m willing to visit one good location in hundred degree heat, and that’s it. One of the others might even be better now, but I like everything in one place. We never found any green beans either. No problem, the Boise Co-Op had plenty. Sorry farmers.

I didn’t get to the cabin until about 11:30 today. Lisa** and Lindsay*** were outside having tea on the porch. They both wore billowy summer dresses and huge straw hats. The tiny insects were reflected the sunlight across the meadow like a scene from a beautiful old movie. Awesome background for the tea party.

“What are you two doing?” I asked.

“We stayed up all night gabbing,” Lindsay said. “I never realized Lisa is a robot. The fact that she can drink tea is amazing. All the robots in my world a just data servers or vacuumes.”

“She was set up to pass for human. The tea goes–

“Stop.” Lindsay held up her hand. “I don’t want to know. She’s cool, and that’s enough for me.”

“And Lindsay hasn’t tried to burn down the cabin, or to burn anything really,” Lisa said.

I went inside and brought back a coffee mug. “Hit me with a snort of that, then I’ve got to get to work.”

Lisa poured the rest of their tea in my cup. Lindsay’s face sank.

“It’s okay, I’ll make us a fresh pot,” Lisa said.

“Maybe later. I still want to go for a ride in your motorcycle,” Lindsay said.

I left them to their fun and got down to business. There are plenty of things to address after a new book publishes.

I spent an hour trying to remember how I loaded a cover image on my blog that allows folks to download the book. It’s all set up and works now. Go ahead, you know you want to try it. Maybe I screwed up, you’ll never know if you don’t click on the cover image. (Subliminal message, click on the cover art. It will make you happy. It will make me happy)

I updated my Gravatar, but I’m not real happy with it. I added links to the bio section and posted cover images as art only. You still can’t shove a rectangular image in a square hole. I’m not too happy with the results, but I’m thinking about what to try to improve it. I’m open to suggestions.

The Harley rumbled down the road and I went to work on my “about me” page. I changed the fact that Arson was coming soon to “available now”.

Then I checked my Amazon author page and made sure Arson was listed. That went well, but it can take up to five days to display my author link on the Arson book page. I don’t understand such things and deserve instant gratification at all times. Guess I’ll have to be patient.

I also sent an update to the Rave Reviews Book Club. I’m allowed three books in their catalog, but only two with cover art. Seems odd, but Them’s the rules. I told them to strip the cover off Wild Concept, leave Panama alone, and add Arson in all it’s glory. (Don’t tell Lisa, she’s stronger than I am.)

I didn’t get everything finished. Now that I have an Amazon link, I need to add a page to the back of Panama and Wild Concept to tell future readers about Arson. I’ll work on it, but I think I’m done for today.

I filled up the old kettle and put it on to boil. The girls would appreciate more tea when they returned. I sat outside with my iPad and watched them wander across the meadow. They made floral decorations for their hats. It really was a soothing and beautiful scene. Good clean fun, not a fire in sight.

* Not my wife’s actual name.

** Lisa is the main character in Wild Concept. She’s a robot and helps me at the cabin these days.

***  Lindsay Pennington is a supporting character in Arson, available via that awesome cover art on the right. There is more to her than meets the eye.

I’m thinking of deleting some of the widgets in my sidebar. I’d like some comments from my blog friends. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a regular to offer an opinion. Does anyone think the monthly posting roster adds anything? Does anyone think the most popular posts is worth keeping? I’ll leave them if they’re uber awesome for some reason. I suspect new people may click on the most popular posts.

In my mind, the categories have to stay. Most of you like the Muse category, but some people are more interested in finding morels or cooking with sourdough. This lets them find what they prefer in a hurry.

I’m thinking about a bit of a redesign and would like to hear from you. I’ll give myself a day to bask in the glory of my accomplishment, then I have to start on my epic fantasy, The Cock of the South.

Blog updates

I’m at Old Chicago adding numbers to my World Beer Tour. This is my first time using the iPhone app.

I changed my “About Me” page. Now that I’ve posted a few times, I’ve got a better feel for things. I explained the categories I’m using to make it easier for readers. I may add links, but I’m still thinking about it.

Today brought me readers from France and the Philippines. Welcome to them.

My haircut goal was achieved, so I won’t look like a slob at a big meeting next week. I also bought some craft beer at the Boise Co-Op. That way I can have some tomorrow too. I wound up with a couple doppelbocks, a scotch ale, and a couple porters. Not hard to guess my preferences.

Tomorrow I’m editing the story about the dwarves within an inch of its life. Tonight is all about beer and calzone.

Just a quick edit for anyone who cares. Leinenkugel Big Eddy is outstanding.