Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Adventures Self-Publishing


 I recently self published a short story Moore For Less Investigations: The Husband that is a precursor to my forthcoming novel Moore For Less Investigations: The Kid. It was brought up to me that I should start a discussion about what I went through.
 The actual publishing part is easy. The preparation is the challenge. Kindle Direct Publishing requires the document be in either MOBI or EPUB format for the upload. There are a number of options for this. Kindle offers Kindlegen which is a bit tricky and requires the use of the Terminal or Command Prompt to convert the file. There is also Mobipocket Reader which is another free software, I found this one a lot easier to use.
Personally I use libreoffice as my word processor and used writer2ePub which is an extension to format the file. Both the Mobipocket Writer and the writer2pub allow you to load a cover, metadata and a table of contents. The TOC is the toughest part for me so far and I was happily able to skip for the short story. Kindle prefers that a TOC with hyperlinks be created for your ebook. Now as i said the application to create the ebook can make them if the proper information is provided in the file. The Table of contents have to be created and have the link predetermined.
Once have the file upload you are prompted to read the term and conditions. As with any contract you should take the time and read them. Next is choosing your pricing  With Amazon anything under 2.98 allots 35% of the return to the author. Any thing 2.99 and higher will see 70% return to the Author.
You will also get the option to use the  KDP Select plan  which mean you agree to give amazon exclusive digital publishing for 90 days during that time. the book is eligible to be included in the Kindle Owners' Lending Library and you can earn a share of the fund based on how frequently the book is borrowed (click to see how payments are calculated). In addition, by choosing KDP Select, you will have access to a new set of promotional tools, starting with the option to offer enrolled books free to readers for up to 5 days every 90 days. Authors and publishers can enroll a single title, their whole catalog or anything in between within KDP Select. 
I went with this option. After you submit there is a 12 hour reviewing process to make sure the file is up to spec and there you go you are a self  published writer.
Though the work is no where near done. That however is a topic for another discussion.

You can grab a digital copy of "The Husband" on amazon either from my website or  from the following link http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B623PCQ

I fighting with the Table of Contents on "The Kid" once I have that functioning I will be releasing the book.

Monday, January 21, 2013

The Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest

So a good friend of mine pointed out that Amazon was having this beast of a competition going on.

http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Novel-Award-Books/b?ie=UTF8&node=332264011

To the grand prize winning goes 50,000 dollars and a full publishing deal. Now i'm no fool to think I've written something that good. This is my first novel. But even if I could become one of the many second place winners I would get a solid review for the book from Amazon and the book would already be on sale at that point. In other words I have absolutely no reason not to enter.

My awesome stepmother is finishing up the edit today and I have finished the revision of the first chapter taking into account the solid feed back I got back from my beta readers. Seriously I heart you guys! I'm giving myself two days to rework the first three chapters to give them a bit more pop.

The competition is split up into three parts, Round one is the Pitch in three hundred words or less i have to see my book. Round two is an Excerpt with the first 3000 to 5000 words I have to capture the judges attention. Round three is the overall manuscript.

I believe the book is good enough to sell and do well as it is. I have a good feeling that I could make it to the third round. If I don't I'm OK with it as I rarely win anything anyway which is why I'm not a gambling man. Those of you who follow me on twitter and/or facebook know that i have declared I intend to release a Moore For Less Investigations Short Story subtitled The Husband this month. My lovely wife just finish a pretty sweet portrait of Marcus that I will be using for the cover. If you want to see and example of her skills you can visit her deviant art page http://naiya1982.deviantart.com/

Here's a sample of  MFLI: The Husband


This case started like nearly all my cases start. I was sitting at my desk in my office on the third floor of 1651 Windsor Street in Middle city, Luimere. I had only been in business for two months at this point. Business had been slow and to be frank, I was bored. I knew moving into the private sector was risky, but I had had a problem with authority figures nearly all my life. As an officer of the Luimere police force there was far too much red tape to get any real work done.
As I sat there, going over my bills and what I had left in my savings, the sweet scent of raspberries and melons caressed my exceptional sense of smell. I was not gifted with a talent for magic, my parents, Fates, rest their souls, left me with a few natural abilities. A moment later, a shadow appeared in front of the frosted glass pane in my office door that read Moore For Less Investigations. The figure rapped timidly against the window. I quickly sorted the papers on my desk and rose from my seat.

Come in.” I said, as I made my way to greet her.

The door opened to lovely female. She was about five feet nine with coppery colored skin in an amber gown with a cream bodice. She was human with curly black hair and emerald green eyes. She was lovely, in her middle years and judging by her clothing rather well off.

Um.. Mister Moore?” She asked almost cautiously.

Yes, Miss..”

Mrs. Chambers, Veronica Chambers.”

Well, Mrs. Chambers, nice to meet you. I am Marcus Moore. You can call me Marcus or Mister Moore. Please allow me to assist you with your cloak.” I said.

I aided her out of her heavy woolen cloak of a dark brown and hung it on the nearby coat rack. I closed the door behind her and waved my hand toward the chair in front of my desk.

It is rather chilly out of late. Would you like a cup of tea or coffee? I asked as I escorted her across the room.”

The winter does draw nearer and yes a cup of tea would be delightful.”

I pulled out the simple chair and Mrs. Chambers sat. I went over to the small table that possessed a small stove top enchanted with a small fire stone. By turning the little knob, the stone is lifted up completing the magic circle. It did not take long for the water to boil.

Any sugar ma'am?” I asked her.

Yes, please, one spoonful should be plenty.”

I placed the cup of tea on the desk before her, then I walked around and took my seat.

Very well Mrs. Chambers. How might I assist you?”

Well it's my husband... He's been missing for the past two days.”

I'm sorry to hear that, ma'am.” I said “Have you spoken with the Police?”

Disdain appeared on her face.

Yes, they told me that since he has only been gone for two days there wasn't much they could do. They claimed it was likely he just got drunk somewhere and would turn up. I tried to explain that this was not the kind of behavior my husband perpetrated.”

I see, so he has no history of taking time to himself?”

No! Not once in the twenty-two years of our marriage, has he not sent me a summons whenever he was going to be late or had a sudden business trip.” she proclaimed “I even called his office and they said he hasn't been to work for the last two day either. I am at my wits end, Mister Moore”. Small tears began to well up in the corners of her eyes. She whispered quiet sobs and withdrew a handkerchief from her handbag.

I could literally smell the fear and worry from her. I admittedly have a weakness for damsels in distress. The need to save and protect is ingrained into my being as much as my inner beast. I knew I was taking the case. I could not afford denying the request. Still I did not wish to appear too anxious.

Mrs Chambers, might I ask what brought you to my door? I mean, there are a number of arcane investigators that could divine your husband's location without leaving their office.”

I have tried those, three different ones in fact, not a single one could pinpoint his location. It was one of those fine gentlemen, that informed me that there was a new private investigator that did not rely on magical means.”

Well, that was a small favor. I cannot make any promises, but I will do my very best. My fee is twenty-five sovereigns a day, is that all right with you?”

Yes, that is fine.”

Monday, January 7, 2013

Fingers to keys

   Durning the time waiting for my edited to comeback I completed the first part of my novella series and completed MFLI: The Husband short story.  But that was last year and only the begining of our jonery to become a successful writer. The guides and books say in order to be a successful as a self-publish/Indy writer you need first and foremost a presence.

   Social media is the means to an ends for getting your work out there. I have since set up a facebook page, twitter, goodreads, wattpad, and other forums to build intrest in my work. The guides also say you have to build a network of other authors and work together to achieve your common goals. It is funny how many people that you already know that are working on a book or have release books.

    I have three Jeremy Kester @ www.jeremykester.com, C.W. Walker http://theruinsofeden.com/, Ophelia Julien http://www.opheliajulien.com/ all have books for sale on amazon, right now. My good friends Odin http://odinsmusings.blogspot.com/ and Tony Smith are working on novels as we speak. In my  time working on my books I've inspired others to finally work or their own.

    The next phases are have quality cover art and a good editor. Now I'm on a budget (no budget) and admittedly cheeped out on both. Luckily I have a bit of talent with the pencil and Photoshop and cranked out a decent cover for each project I plan on releasing this year. For editing I was fortunate enough to have a family member who has dedicated her life to education and has a knack for catching grammatical errors.

    The latter two phases of the process have a wait time. So what do you do?

    Put fingers to keys that's what. It is said in many of the guides that a indy writer should release a book or novella at least once every six months. That means realistically while one book is being edited, the writer should be working on the book and when the first book has been released  the next book should be in line for editing and so on and so forth.

   Is this doable for a person with a wife, a kid, and a full-time job?

   I honestly don't know. With the right amount of sacrifice, I believe so. The end goal of course is to cut the full time job out of the equation and make writing the full-time job.

It's been a bit since of given a sample of one of my works.

From The Violet Eclipse- A time in shadow part 1


The crowd surged wildly as the four gladiators enter the jungle morphed battlefield. The group felt the pressure of the damping collars greatly lessen granting Kritis and Durane access to more of their physical strength, Meida access to her shadow power and natural speed and Ambrii more access to her magical talents.
Kritis scanned the high grass and trees in front of them. “I counted ten riders, Durane?”
Same, in this high grass they will attempt to divide and conquer.”
Then I shall remove the grass” Ambrii started the incantations to summon the fire elements.
"Let this battle begin.” The High Chancellor professed with the sound of horns playing.
Ambrii whispered the words to the spell in her elven tongue. Before her a swirling glyph of orange red light appeared a foot away from her face. From the opposite side of the arena several arrows streaked toward the gladiators from the shadows of trees and high grass.
Durane moved with haste deflecting many of the arrows with his massive shield. Kritis slashes the remaining arrows out of the air with the quick motions of Firous. Meida rolled clear and in the same motion and threw three knives in the general direction the arrows originated. There was a thud and a groan of pain from amongst the tall grass.
As Kasan Muria Udindas Firios Belin Toranos!” Ambrii chanted the final words.
Ambrii extended her staff out just past the protection of Kritis and Durane. As she did, she pressed her gathered power forward and through the swirling glyph. The circle of orange red light erupted into a massive wave of roaring flame. The flame raged across the battlefield consuming all in its path.
The crowd cheered loudly and nearly all rose to their feet as the heat wave slammed into them. And just as suddenly as it appeared, the flame winked out leaving behind scarred land and charred trees. Standing amongst the barren ruins of the battlefield, six of the mounted shifters remained.
Nicely done, Ambrii. OK, Durane, Meida, I believe it is our turn.” Kritis took a defensive stance.
His sword held low and comfortable, the flat of the blade parallel to his body. The point of the blade aimed towards the dirt. Durane stood close by with his large round shield pressed forward. His spear, which would have been a full size spear in the hands of a man, He held low with the point aimed high. Meida took a position in Durane’s shadow and nearly vanished from sight.


Thursday, January 3, 2013

A Writer's Resolution

Let us start with happy New Year for those of you whose New Year started on the first. Delayed on the blog as I was looking for a good topic to write about. The road to Luimere is currently in traffic waiting on the edit of book one to return. I did complete the prequel short story and I will be revising and having that read by a few beta readers shortly. Sadly, I won't be able to give any samples as I am attempting to submit it for extra press. 

So traditionally folks set a unrealistic resolutions that they eventually forget. Last year I stated I would get back into fighting form, which for the first 6 month I did. Then I moved, lost the free equipment and got lazy again. This year, I'm making a writer's resolution. In actuality I'm setting goals I wish to achieve during the new year.

To Do's

1. Self publish MFLI: The Kid
2. Self publish Serial Novella  Violet Eclipse- A Time In Shadow, Part 1
3.Submit/Self Publish MFLI: The Husband short story
4.Write Book 2 MFLI: The Machine (tentative title) est. 75000-80000 words
5. Write Serial Novella Violet Eclipse- A Time In Shadow, Part 2 est 30000 words
6. Self publish Book 2 The Machine (tentative title)
7. Self publish Serial Novella Violet Eclipse- A Time In Shadow, Part 2 

The above list are doable for 2013. The following are proposed for 2013/2014.

1. Write Book 3 MFLI:(untitled) est. 75000-80000 words
2. Write Serial Novella Violet Eclipse- What Lies Outside, Part 1 est 30000 words
3.Write The Misfits- Bloodlines (novelization of my webcomic) est. 75000-80000 words
4. Write Serial Novella Violet Eclipse- What Lies Outside, Part 2 est 30000 words

I think the above is doable if the Muse remains with me. I believe I'm being realistic with my goals as I'm only set to write one book and one novella this year. The proposed list are wants,but I'm not pressuring myself to write those this year.  More likely than not I will write the third book in the MFLI book this year as well.

So now the question for you writers out there. What's your Writer's Resolution?


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Because I have to Write


As I sit here today at the job filling my brain with new knowledge, I find my mind drifting to my works in progress. I saw the above image while web browsing and the message really hit home. More so now than ever I feel this way. One would think that after completing one book in a span of three months a break would be expected. But as I anxiously wait for the edit to return. The cogs and and wheels in the clockwork of my brain are winding and turning, new visuals are formulating and though I should be learning my mind is drifting. I find myself resisting the urge to open up Dropbox and loading up on of the two new projects, the prequel and the sequel to Moore For Less Investigations: The Kid. I find and internal conflict forming , though my logical brain will shut the other side up. I tell myself the job is for now, the writing is for the future.  

I read an interesting blog to day about becoming a full time writer. http://www.kseniaanske.com/blog/2012/10/17/you-can-write-full-time-quit-your-job.html

Now this is not something I could personally do at this point of my life, still it did make me think. I desire to make writing my career, not a wish blown on a dandelion. Do I have the gift? There are those out there that seem to believe so. Can I make it happen? A few months ago I would have said "Nah, it just a dream or one of these days" or "I'll get that book done.( After I beat this video game.)" 

That was then, however now, One novel down, the game has changed. The prospect of being a writer full time is not some mythical creature dreamed up from the hopes and wishes of a child. The idea that I have the the will, the skill, and the desire to make this a reality is tangible. The question is "At what cost?" What am I willing to sacrifice to make this happen?  The only thing I have to offer to the Muse is time. Honestly it is the one thing that any writer has to offer. So we sleep a little less, we watch little to no TV, we play fewer games and surf social media site far less. Note: that I didn't say we sacrifice these things, we are in fact sacrificing the time we dedicate to them. I personally don't believe you should totally cut yourself off from these things. Why? Because our environment inspires us.

Man cannot remake himself without suffering, for he is both the marble and the sculptor. (Alexis Carrel)

I wish to wish everyone a Merry Festivius and as all ways thanks for reading.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Turning the Page

Some people fear change. I pride myself in being person that embraces it. Now, I'm not saying that some change does not bug me. I just adjust to it extremely well. This week was day one in a major change in my life. I started a "real" job, I use the term "real" in reference to the job being a 9-5 with real benefits and weekends and holidays off. What does this mean for Marcel the writer? Nothing. I've made the decision that being a writer is not a goal to achieve. I am a writer, my words define me. My job is a ends to a means, but it is not a backup plan. We are only limited by our willingness to fail. How do you fail at being who you are?

So, we have turned the page in the book we call life.

I had the pleasure of resurrecting the a long running Dungeons and Dragons game set in one of my homebrew continents know as "The Hunted" for my beta readers this Sunday past. It was the first time I had really gotten to speak with them about the book and they had been waiting 9 months for me to be able to run the game again.

The general feeling was that the work was good and a hair short from being great. I tell you, hearing that was like the world being lifted off my shoulders. The anxiety of waiting to hear whether or not you have what it takes, really beats you down not matter how optimistic you are. They gave me some points of interest that they felt needed a bit of revision and after listening to the explanations, these points made sense and are easily adjustable. Now, I'm just waiting for the return of the edit so I can make the adjustments.

With my new job I have a pair of four day weekends ahead of me. Whoo Hoo! I hope to get both some reading and some writing done. As my beta readers are already asking for the next book, lol.

Speaking of which, the muse returned today on the drive into work. Honestly the worst time for her to show up and my recorder was no where to be found. I had to get my laptop up and running as soon as I got in the office just so I didn't lose the idea. Book two got a little jump start today and was planing on working on it til the new year, lol.

In other news because my blogs all ways seem to be my random thoughts. I purchased my domain and setup the offical Marcel Alexander website. www.marcelalexander.org. I will be setting up links to the books there once they are up for sell.

Also if any of you wish to read the first five chapters of Moore For Less Investigations: The Kid. Check out the link.  http://www.wattpad.com/story/3090251-moore-for-less-investigations-the-kid


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

The waiting game

Hey folks. Back again, so this past week I completed the reread  and sent the MFLI: The Kid  off to be edited as well as sent it off to my six beta readers. I find myself feeling anxious and nervous at the same time. Will they like it? Does it make sense? Did I keep my continuity together? Was it entertaining? I personally think it pretty good, But i'm admittedly bias. So now we wait. I know at least one of my readers has completed his first read, but is staying hush hush until  he has completed his second for a more analytical review. In the meantime I've been reading the WIP form a cohort http://odinsmusings.blogspot.com/ and started the MFLI: The Missing Short Story that's rolling around in my head. The Missing is intended to be Marcus first case that nearly got him killed and gave him the reputation of being resourceful and highly dependable among the upper class in Luimere.  In the weeks to come I will be sharing the SS with you all. As all ways thanks for reading.

Now for some thing completely random. Back in high school for my creative writing class I created my first world. With that world I created a history for each city. Being a gamer I ran a game putting my players in that world and over the years fleshed it out. Luimere is currently my forth and i decided to take all for and make them separate continents on the same planet. Anyway in the first world the Major trade Hub was a city  know as NuLief which translated to New Life. This was not the cities original name before it was known as Maji the mage city and was rule by the council of mages not by a queen. So years ago I started writing a short story explain the transition. And  I'm going to share a bit with you all today. This has only been seen by my wife.

Sample form "Elona's Tale"


             "You must not leave the forest. There are men out there and they wish to do harm to you. You must train your mind and your body to be strong, if you wish to leave and not worry. Now child eat your fruit and sleep, for your training begins.”
            These words were commonly spoken among the women of Abunlief; also known as the ladies of the forest. However, these were not the words told to Elona, the heiress to the throne, for she was told by her mother that she was to never leave the city, yet she must train to be the strongest warrior within it. And so she lived a life of routine, she would wake, eat, train, learn, and sleep. But like any young woman, one can’t always do as one is told. At night, she would use her trained abilities to sneak out of the city, with a small band of her dear friends. The troupe would always sneak to the line of the forest and stare from afar at the small farming town of Cirla, this town consisted of mostly men of whom the women of Abunlief had their children, and this place was also the trade post between Maji the mage city and Abunlief. On one particular night, however, things brought about change.
            “ Elona, are you not getting tired of doing this every other night, I mean all we do is stare at this place in hopes to see a man.”
            “True, and have we seen one yet?”
            “No, but I’m still not enjoying this very much.”
            “Then go home and stop bugging me, I feel lucky tonight”
At that moment, there was a loud scream from the north side of town.
Elona immediately drew her sword and ran in the direction of the sound. The others cried out to her not to go, but she did not listen, her only thought was to save whoever was in trouble.
            She came to a cautious halt and hid behind a barrel, only a few feet away from the situation. Before her, she saw a grotesque figure hovering over two fallen bodies, she recognized the creature as a bubear, a foul creature that would feed on both the living and the dead. It is said that a bubear’s touch will paralyze you, like striking fear in one’s heart. This hence the name “Boo! Bear” which later became, as it is known to this very day
 She heard the scream for help once more, “Well, now is the moment of truth, either I take this thing out, or that person and myself are going to die this night.”
With a war cry, she fired three of her hand crossbows bolts into the beast, followed by a full slash across its back. The bubear roared in pain and turned to strike her, she swiftly dodged its strike and countered by slashing its inner elbow, chopping off its right forearm. The creature lunged back screeching in agony, then suddenly caught ablaze. Elona paused, and as the Bubear fell to his burning death, she saw the boy captive with the glow of magic still around him. She moved over to him and held him while he caught his breath.
            “What is your name child?”
The boy looked up to see Elona’s green eyes and a circlet around her head covered in flowing white hair.
            “Meldoren” the boy whispered.
            “Well, Meldoren you are safe now, but you must not tell anyone of my presence here. Tell them that it was you, who defeated the creature. See to it that they find you a new home. And here take this to remember me by.” She handed to him her amulet, one of the gifts given to a made-warrior on their naming day.  As Elona rose to leave, Meldoren grabbed her hand.
            “Wait, what is your name?”
            “Elona” she told him and then vanished into the darkness.
Elona returned to her friends who were still waiting at the forest’s edge.
            “Nice of you all to have stuck by my side, as you promised”
            “Elona that was against the law.”
            “Yeah and none of us could see where you went anyhow, you are one of the best at moving swiftly unseen.”
            “Regardless to any of those claims, you stayed here, what if I died? Could you have lived with the knowledge that you could have prevented my death by keeping your promise?”
The three women hung their heads low. The look of loss on their faces would have made any court jester shed a tear.
            “Anyway, stop with the long faces, I did see a man. As a matter of fact I rescued him.”
            “Really, what did he look like?”
            “Just like the old stories say, minus the evil part, I dare say he was cute.”
The others gasped, and began to giggle. They went silent, however, at the sound of town’s folk stirring about.
            “Well ladies, I believe it is time we head home, we can't get caught out here.”