I decided to try Amazon's new KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) -- whereas I agree to make the eBook format of my novel exclusive to Amazon for 90 days.
I have to admit, I was skepitcal. But, since I hadn't sold many on other sites I decided it give it a try. Also, they have make it possible to download your book for free for any 5 days during those 90. I received a Kindle Fire for Christmas (or a few days early) from my lovely wife. One of the first things I did was search and download any free books that caught my attention. So, I reasoned other new Kindle owners would do the same.
As of this posting, my 1st novel - The Coming of the Wolf - has been downloaded 619 times! I am thrilled. Granted I didn't make a dime on the downloads but that is 619 new readers. That is great news to me. Just wanted to share....back to the writing.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Enter the Wolf
Whew....Its done and available on Amazon.
I hope to have it available on Smashwords later this week.
Time for work, got to go. See ya.
I hope to have it available on Smashwords later this week.
Time for work, got to go. See ya.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Enter the Wolf
Its done. I finally wrote those two words that every writer longs to write.... The End.
I have been through the book several times but now it is time to pass it over to my test readers. I will keep you posted on an expected publishing date...still targeting before Thanksgiving.
Gotta go. Time to put on my 'publishing hat' and work on that aspect of my writing.
-- Drew
I have been through the book several times but now it is time to pass it over to my test readers. I will keep you posted on an expected publishing date...still targeting before Thanksgiving.
Gotta go. Time to put on my 'publishing hat' and work on that aspect of my writing.
-- Drew
Monday, October 31, 2011
The Sequel
Just a quick update....
I have been working on 'Enter the Wolf' - the sequel to 'The Coming of the Wolf' almost daily but life has kept me busy. So, I will not be making my self-imposed deadline of Halloween for the sequel. I am close, but still not ready to send it to my test readers. Soon....I hope.
On a related note, I am always amazed at how 'easy' people think writing is....several people at work can't believe that I haven't finished the sequel yet. I guess they just don't realize how much time really goes into writing a novel. On a side note, that is heart-warming because they are anxious to read the sequel.
Oh well, time to head off to my day job. Have a good day everyone!
I have been working on 'Enter the Wolf' - the sequel to 'The Coming of the Wolf' almost daily but life has kept me busy. So, I will not be making my self-imposed deadline of Halloween for the sequel. I am close, but still not ready to send it to my test readers. Soon....I hope.
On a related note, I am always amazed at how 'easy' people think writing is....several people at work can't believe that I haven't finished the sequel yet. I guess they just don't realize how much time really goes into writing a novel. On a side note, that is heart-warming because they are anxious to read the sequel.
Oh well, time to head off to my day job. Have a good day everyone!
Monday, October 17, 2011
MS Word and Synonyms
Okay...I have to rant for a moment.
To any who know me, I like to write on the computer. The words seem to flow more easily when I'm sitting at the keyboard. Maybe its partially that I hate the sight of my own handwriting but that is a completely different subject.
Back to my writing....I have tried several different programs but I really like MS Word. Overall, its a good program. When I am writing, I don't always have a dictionary or thesaurus handy but MS Word has a built-in thesaurus function and many times that's all I need to find the right word that I am looking for. However, the other day while writing a new chapter in 'Enter the Wolf' - I needed a different word for slave. And what did MS Word suggest you might ask? Nothing...nada. Knowing that the word serf was similar but not exactly what I wanted either, I tried that. What what my suggestion? Nothing....nada.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a Thesaurus as: A book of selected words, a dictionary of synonyms are related words. That same dictionary defines a synonym as: A word having the same or similar meaning as another word. How do you think the dictionary defines serf? 1) a member of a feudal class of people in Europe, bound to the land and owned by a lord. 2) a slave And the definition of slave? 1) One bound in servitude as the property of a person or household
My point is, why wouldn't MS Word at least give me the word 'serf' when I went looking for a synonym for 'slave'? I'm not mentioning several other synonyms I found for 'slave' in a printed thesaurus I had lying around. Could it be that Microsoft is trying to be politically correct? I have to think so... but why? Why would a company as large and global as Microsoft worry about being politically correct in a thesaurus function in a writing program?
Words are only tools. It isn't any particular word that is politically incorrect, it is how people use those words. Which is something wonderful when you think about it. Words can be used for good or ill. It all depends on the speaker or the writer. So...how have you used your words today?
To any who know me, I like to write on the computer. The words seem to flow more easily when I'm sitting at the keyboard. Maybe its partially that I hate the sight of my own handwriting but that is a completely different subject.
Back to my writing....I have tried several different programs but I really like MS Word. Overall, its a good program. When I am writing, I don't always have a dictionary or thesaurus handy but MS Word has a built-in thesaurus function and many times that's all I need to find the right word that I am looking for. However, the other day while writing a new chapter in 'Enter the Wolf' - I needed a different word for slave. And what did MS Word suggest you might ask? Nothing...nada. Knowing that the word serf was similar but not exactly what I wanted either, I tried that. What what my suggestion? Nothing....nada.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a Thesaurus as: A book of selected words, a dictionary of synonyms are related words. That same dictionary defines a synonym as: A word having the same or similar meaning as another word. How do you think the dictionary defines serf? 1) a member of a feudal class of people in Europe, bound to the land and owned by a lord. 2) a slave And the definition of slave? 1) One bound in servitude as the property of a person or household
My point is, why wouldn't MS Word at least give me the word 'serf' when I went looking for a synonym for 'slave'? I'm not mentioning several other synonyms I found for 'slave' in a printed thesaurus I had lying around. Could it be that Microsoft is trying to be politically correct? I have to think so... but why? Why would a company as large and global as Microsoft worry about being politically correct in a thesaurus function in a writing program?
Words are only tools. It isn't any particular word that is politically incorrect, it is how people use those words. Which is something wonderful when you think about it. Words can be used for good or ill. It all depends on the speaker or the writer. So...how have you used your words today?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
My Author's Website
Okay, I finally got around to making my author's website. It isn't perfect but its up and running.
I figured since I had it listed in front of The Coming of the Wolf, I needed to get it done. Check it out: http://www.aemccullough.com/
I figured since I had it listed in front of The Coming of the Wolf, I needed to get it done. Check it out: http://www.aemccullough.com/
Sunday, September 25, 2011
My Blogging Habit
Okay...honestly, I don't have a blogging habit (yet).
I tend to check and post on my blog sporatically. Usually when I have been writing and feel the need to connect with my readers. Hopefully, there are a few of you out there following this blog. Not sure, but I'm going to assume so. Yes, I know the old saying about 'assuming' but even so, I find it slightly liberating to think that someone is following my blog :-)
Update time on my writing:
-- Enter the Wolf
The sequel to 'The Coming of the Wolf' is progressing slow. Its different working on a sequel. I catch myself referring to the 1st book (since its already in print) to make sure that I have my facts correct. After all, the 1st book has been thru numerous revisions over the years. The cover is complete and I have about 84K words written on it atm. Still targeting late October for release <fingers crossed>
-- Lost Lands: the Game
Another fantasy novel that I'm working on is progressing nicely. Its is completely different from my 1st book which makes it fun to work on. If things go perfectly, I would like to have this one ready by Christmas.
-- The Last Spartan
A Sci-Fi novel that I worked on alot last year. It is already about 3/4 done and I have just recently dusted it off. Sometimes my mind needs a break from the fantasy realm and this is the novel it came up with. I am excited about working on it again. I can't wait to finish writing it. In a perfect world, it will be ready by Thanksgiving. Of course, I haven't even considered what my cover would be for it.
Just a brief update for anyone out there reading my blog. More info to come soon and maybe even some teasers.....
I tend to check and post on my blog sporatically. Usually when I have been writing and feel the need to connect with my readers. Hopefully, there are a few of you out there following this blog. Not sure, but I'm going to assume so. Yes, I know the old saying about 'assuming' but even so, I find it slightly liberating to think that someone is following my blog :-)
Update time on my writing:
-- Enter the Wolf
The sequel to 'The Coming of the Wolf' is progressing slow. Its different working on a sequel. I catch myself referring to the 1st book (since its already in print) to make sure that I have my facts correct. After all, the 1st book has been thru numerous revisions over the years. The cover is complete and I have about 84K words written on it atm. Still targeting late October for release <fingers crossed>
-- Lost Lands: the Game
Another fantasy novel that I'm working on is progressing nicely. Its is completely different from my 1st book which makes it fun to work on. If things go perfectly, I would like to have this one ready by Christmas.
-- The Last Spartan
A Sci-Fi novel that I worked on alot last year. It is already about 3/4 done and I have just recently dusted it off. Sometimes my mind needs a break from the fantasy realm and this is the novel it came up with. I am excited about working on it again. I can't wait to finish writing it. In a perfect world, it will be ready by Thanksgiving. Of course, I haven't even considered what my cover would be for it.
Just a brief update for anyone out there reading my blog. More info to come soon and maybe even some teasers.....
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Hard at work on the sequel
Greetings.
Even with the excessive heat and my busy schedule this summer, I'm hard at work on the sequel. It is titled: Enter the Wolf (Tales of the Wolf - Book 2)
I am just shy of 70k words in and feel that it is coming along fine. Hawkeye is still trapped underground atm but things are happening around him. I'm always amazed when the story takes a turn that I hadn't planned out but its also enjoyable when it happens.
More later....back to the keyboard.
Even with the excessive heat and my busy schedule this summer, I'm hard at work on the sequel. It is titled: Enter the Wolf (Tales of the Wolf - Book 2)
I am just shy of 70k words in and feel that it is coming along fine. Hawkeye is still trapped underground atm but things are happening around him. I'm always amazed when the story takes a turn that I hadn't planned out but its also enjoyable when it happens.
More later....back to the keyboard.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Paperback is available on Amazon
Its official. The paperback version of The Coming of the Wolf is now available on Amazon. Of course, it is still available on my Createspace eStore and eBook format also on Amazon. Next, I will be targeting Barnes and Nobles and a few other distributors. Self-Publishing is different. Its fun in its own way but my love is writing. But, it is all part of the game. :-)
For those of you who have already bought my book, thanks. Please post reviews on Amazon or make some comments on here or Facebook. I am always striving to improve my writing and feedback is important. Thanks, Drew
For those of you who have already bought my book, thanks. Please post reviews on Amazon or make some comments on here or Facebook. I am always striving to improve my writing and feedback is important. Thanks, Drew
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Coming of the Wolf - print version is for sale!
The proof from Createspace came in and it looks GREAT!
I have approved it and the printed version is now for sale on Createspace and pending on Amazon.
The Coming of the Wolf
The link will take you to my eStore.
Get your copy today....and let me know if you enjoyed it.
Thanks,
Drew
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Amazon ranking of my eBook and printed version
Last night my eBook was ccurrently number 68,082 in the Kindle store. Not sure how but my it has jumped up to #59,343 overnight. Not a bad jump. Please pass the word to your friends....I would to like climb higher on that list, shooting for top 100. If you are unsure if it is your type of book, download a 'sample' - the first 3 chapters (and a bit) to see if you like it.
As to the printed version: I have my eStore at Createspace ready, just need the proof. I forgot that this was a holiday week for government employees and everything government related seems to run a day slower than normal. I'm hesitant to approve the printed format without physically looking over the proof. So, it has been delayed until sometime next week.
As to the printed version: I have my eStore at Createspace ready, just need the proof. I forgot that this was a holiday week for government employees and everything government related seems to run a day slower than normal. I'm hesitant to approve the printed format without physically looking over the proof. So, it has been delayed until sometime next week.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Coming of the Wolf is offically for sale!
Its official. My novel is for sale in eBook format at Amazon. I hope to have the print format reviewed and approved by the weekend.
If you have an eReader, check out my book and let me know what you think; good, bad or indifferent. As a new author, I am always open to criticism. I might not take it but I am open to it. :-)
Of course, I'm still juggling my real life job and writing. Working a different schedule over the summer but it will be fun and more fodder for stories. More to follow soon.
If you have an eReader, check out my book and let me know what you think; good, bad or indifferent. As a new author, I am always open to criticism. I might not take it but I am open to it. :-)
Of course, I'm still juggling my real life job and writing. Working a different schedule over the summer but it will be fun and more fodder for stories. More to follow soon.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Createspace
I should've added this with yesterday's blog...
My physical book was printed by Createspace, a POD company owned by Amazon. POD is a publishing term for 'print on demand.'
This is my first experience with them and so far I am super impressed. They were quick, submitted my manuscript on Wednesday morning and recieved confirmation of it shipping later that day. Then, I received it on Friday and it looks GREAT.
The binding and cover look top notch. The pages are bright white, while the printing is clear and precise. The only flaws are mine....but then, this is still the proof. Got lots of reviewing to do today.
My physical book was printed by Createspace, a POD company owned by Amazon. POD is a publishing term for 'print on demand.'
This is my first experience with them and so far I am super impressed. They were quick, submitted my manuscript on Wednesday morning and recieved confirmation of it shipping later that day. Then, I received it on Friday and it looks GREAT.
The binding and cover look top notch. The pages are bright white, while the printing is clear and precise. The only flaws are mine....but then, this is still the proof. Got lots of reviewing to do today.
Friday, May 27, 2011
First Proof
Today it happened. I recieved the first proof of my upcoming novel, The Coming of the Wolf. It was a GREAT feeling! Many of my friends at work have seen me scribbling or typing away in my spare time over the last few years. Writing has been a hobby of mine for many years. I really began to focus my writing back in 1995 and began the journey which lead to this day.
The Coming of the Wolf is an epic fantasy novel, set in my own imaginary world full of elves, dwarves, lycanthropes, wizards, gods and demons. It is the first in a series titled.......you guess it, Tales of the Wolf.
I have already found a few revisions I need to make before I can give it the go ahead for publishing. But with a little luck and God's grace, it will be available for sale on Amazon the beginning of June. I'll let you know.
First Blog Posting
Greetings to all.
Since I am about to enter the world of self-publishing, I decided it was time to start blogging. I have been an avid follower of JA Konrath's blog over the last few years and his advice to newbie writers has kept me plugging away at the keyboard.
This is all new to me but I will try to keep everyone updated on my writing and publishing successes (and failures). However, I am sure some of my 'real job' as a Corrections Officer will find its way into my writings, both here and in future books.
Thats all for now. Everyone have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.
Since I am about to enter the world of self-publishing, I decided it was time to start blogging. I have been an avid follower of JA Konrath's blog over the last few years and his advice to newbie writers has kept me plugging away at the keyboard.
This is all new to me but I will try to keep everyone updated on my writing and publishing successes (and failures). However, I am sure some of my 'real job' as a Corrections Officer will find its way into my writings, both here and in future books.
Thats all for now. Everyone have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.
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