No, that is not the title of my new novel. I cut my hand last Friday and had to go to Emergency to get it treated. They gave me a tetanus shot just as a precaution. The last shot I had was over twenty years ago when I got my finger caught in a fishhook.
The booster shot hurt for the first few days. The pain is mostly gone but I developed a bit of a rash around the injection area. So I checked it out on the internet. It is a reaction and not that uncommon. I found a site http://www.wisegeek.com/why-does-the-tetanus-vaccine-hurt-so-much.htm with comments from other people about their experience. Here are some of the funnier ones:
I took the first tetanus vaccine after I got hit on the head with a metal bar. They gave me the shot on my right and left arm in the ER and told me to get another after a month. No side effects. The one I took after a month was in the right arm only and I didn't expect anything to happen. I wasn't warned about any side effects.
My God!! It is a killer. A hard lump on the right arm where the injection was administered. Chills and joint aches. Muscles twitching. Throat inflammation. Neck muscles tight. A feeling of my chest being pressured downwards. Dizziness. Nausea. Loss of appetite. Weight loss. And the most weird feeling is the itching with the sensation of a worm moving up and down my skin! If only they had told me. I am so annoyed they didn't warn me. I thought I had a disease. I thought i was dying!!
I just got my tetanus shot for college. I also just started playing drums for my university's gospel choir. It’s been a day since I got it and I tried to practice playing but my arms felt weak. People at church have been welcoming me back from college (I’m on break) and have giving me pats on the arm which has also made the day hard on my arms. The moral of this story is that Tetanus shots and God don't mix.
I got my shot 3 days ago and I feel like death. The doc said it should go away in 2 days. It seems to be getting worse. After reading all these posts... Im beginning to lose faith.
My arm is useless and I wanna die. Thats all.
it does not hurt that much. very bearable. but then again, I'm strong
i am getting my injection in a couple of days and now i feel like hell from all the things i have heard i hate this needle as it is and now i am scared to even go to school.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Pirates and other criminals
Yahspirit1 left a comment regarding my last post, quoting Proverb13:8. This is what the proverb says: The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
Like all other proverbs the meaning of this one can be interpreted in many ways. I read some of these interpretations. According to these ‘wise men’ money is the root of all evil, and it is better to be poor than rich, because you have nothing anybody else wants. You have no worries (except for all the worries being poor throws at you!).
Of course, the pirates don’t live by this principal. They want what a rich man (or woman) has and they take it by force.
Like I said before being poor is no excuse for committing a crime.
In a free, democratic country with laws to protect its citizens anyone who has ambition and is willing to work does not have to be poor. Of course, there are always those lazy ones who want to take a shortcut and, instead of working and saving, they take from the ones who do. As yahspirit1 said there has to be evil as well as good in the world. That’s fine, but good builds and evil destroys, and the evil ones have to be punished. Crime and punishment go hand in hand.
Instead of praying and waiting for some higher power to change things we have to realize if we don’t act it won’t happen. God helps those who help themselves.
Oh well, now I’m beginning to do exactly what I hate…preaching and quoting. I’m not a religious fanatic. I’m barely religious but I believe there are basic universal laws we Humans must follow, and one of those laws is to respect other people’s life and possessions. If you want something you have to earn it, not take it from others. If you violate this law you will suffer the consequences. It can’t get any more basic than that.
Thank you, yahspirit1, for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.
Like all other proverbs the meaning of this one can be interpreted in many ways. I read some of these interpretations. According to these ‘wise men’ money is the root of all evil, and it is better to be poor than rich, because you have nothing anybody else wants. You have no worries (except for all the worries being poor throws at you!).
Of course, the pirates don’t live by this principal. They want what a rich man (or woman) has and they take it by force.
Like I said before being poor is no excuse for committing a crime.
In a free, democratic country with laws to protect its citizens anyone who has ambition and is willing to work does not have to be poor. Of course, there are always those lazy ones who want to take a shortcut and, instead of working and saving, they take from the ones who do. As yahspirit1 said there has to be evil as well as good in the world. That’s fine, but good builds and evil destroys, and the evil ones have to be punished. Crime and punishment go hand in hand.
Instead of praying and waiting for some higher power to change things we have to realize if we don’t act it won’t happen. God helps those who help themselves.
Oh well, now I’m beginning to do exactly what I hate…preaching and quoting. I’m not a religious fanatic. I’m barely religious but I believe there are basic universal laws we Humans must follow, and one of those laws is to respect other people’s life and possessions. If you want something you have to earn it, not take it from others. If you violate this law you will suffer the consequences. It can’t get any more basic than that.
Thank you, yahspirit1, for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Somali Pirates, Murder and Justice.
I don’t always write about my books. Sometimes I need to write about other stuff, things that bug and upset me. This time it is the murder of those four people who sailed around the world, trying to enjoy life and experiencing the adventure of a lifetime. They meant no harm to anyone. The dream ended when Somali pirates captured their boat and kidnapped them. When a rescue team tried to free them, all four people had been wounded by the pirates to such an extend they died from their injuries. I wasn’t there so I don’t know any details, only what the media reports, but according to some sources it was a botched rescue attempt. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t. There is one fact: four innocent, good people were kidnapped by Somali pirates. Had it not been for that they would still be alive. The pirates were taken prisoner and will stand trial in the US for kidnapping, murder, and whatever.
I hope they will all be found guilty and sentenced to death. I have no mercy or pity with criminals. Unfortunately, with all the bleeding hearts out there, they’ll find a lawyer, who doesn’t really care about justice, only about becoming famous and filling his pocketbook. Those poor Somalis…they have no choice but to rob and kill people. After all, they are living in poor conditions, no money for food, shelter and all the good things. Being poor is no excuse for committing crimes, be it in Somalia or in any other country. They do have money for arms, ammunition, and ships, though. My suggestion: get an honest job and spend your energy to change things in your country.
It’s a good thing these murderers weren’t brought to Canada. They would have been eligible to apply for refugee status, and our immigration people would have allowed them to stay here, given them money and shelter and get them established so they can maybe start up a gang and rob people here. Possibly bring all their relatives later on.
One thing I can’t understand: Why doesn’t the rest of the world get together and blow these pirate ships out of the water and get rid of them for good? We know who and where they are. I guess there is no money in it…no oil interests to protect for one thing. They do buy weapons and ammunition. Somebody is making money somewhere.
In my novel, ‘Lizard World’, the first book ‘Epsilon’ which will be published in July of this year, the main character Terrex Stonewall is put in a position where he has to deal with a criminal gang. Backed by Military Law he deals with it swiftly and efficiently by condemning them to death and immediate execution.
Sometimes we writers are asked: how much of yourself do you put into your characters? My answer to that is: Sometimes my characters are nothing at all what I am. They may say and do things I would never condone in real life, but sometimes I do put my feelings and thoughts into my characters. The way my character Terrex Stonewall deals with the situation is the way I would have dealt with it…had I been in his shoes.
I was raised in the Christian Faith and taught to forgive, not to be the aggressor. That is a noble principle…in dreams. We live in a brutal world; it is filled with all kinds of criminals, with thieves, murderers, and religious zealots who blow themselves up for idiotic reasons like promised sex in the afterlife, murdering innocent people in the process. It is filled with people who want to do you harm, who break into your home, hold you hostage, try to steal your money directly or indirectly. Drugdealers…Slavers…I could go on. You can only be forgiving for so long until you have to say: enough is enough. It is time to remove some of these people.
Ahh…I’ve ranted enough. Back to some serious writing. I’ve written 44,000 words so far in Book Six in the Xandra series. No title yet.
I hope they will all be found guilty and sentenced to death. I have no mercy or pity with criminals. Unfortunately, with all the bleeding hearts out there, they’ll find a lawyer, who doesn’t really care about justice, only about becoming famous and filling his pocketbook. Those poor Somalis…they have no choice but to rob and kill people. After all, they are living in poor conditions, no money for food, shelter and all the good things. Being poor is no excuse for committing crimes, be it in Somalia or in any other country. They do have money for arms, ammunition, and ships, though. My suggestion: get an honest job and spend your energy to change things in your country.
It’s a good thing these murderers weren’t brought to Canada. They would have been eligible to apply for refugee status, and our immigration people would have allowed them to stay here, given them money and shelter and get them established so they can maybe start up a gang and rob people here. Possibly bring all their relatives later on.
One thing I can’t understand: Why doesn’t the rest of the world get together and blow these pirate ships out of the water and get rid of them for good? We know who and where they are. I guess there is no money in it…no oil interests to protect for one thing. They do buy weapons and ammunition. Somebody is making money somewhere.
In my novel, ‘Lizard World’, the first book ‘Epsilon’ which will be published in July of this year, the main character Terrex Stonewall is put in a position where he has to deal with a criminal gang. Backed by Military Law he deals with it swiftly and efficiently by condemning them to death and immediate execution.
Sometimes we writers are asked: how much of yourself do you put into your characters? My answer to that is: Sometimes my characters are nothing at all what I am. They may say and do things I would never condone in real life, but sometimes I do put my feelings and thoughts into my characters. The way my character Terrex Stonewall deals with the situation is the way I would have dealt with it…had I been in his shoes.
I was raised in the Christian Faith and taught to forgive, not to be the aggressor. That is a noble principle…in dreams. We live in a brutal world; it is filled with all kinds of criminals, with thieves, murderers, and religious zealots who blow themselves up for idiotic reasons like promised sex in the afterlife, murdering innocent people in the process. It is filled with people who want to do you harm, who break into your home, hold you hostage, try to steal your money directly or indirectly. Drugdealers…Slavers…I could go on. You can only be forgiving for so long until you have to say: enough is enough. It is time to remove some of these people.
Ahh…I’ve ranted enough. Back to some serious writing. I’ve written 44,000 words so far in Book Six in the Xandra series. No title yet.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone who visits me.
I promised you a free copy of my short story 'Gin and Tonic'. Is is one of the stories in the digest 'Summer Sensations' from Melange Books, LLC
To get your free copy of my story send me an email to hegro@shaw.ca and ask for it.
I promised you a free copy of my short story 'Gin and Tonic'. Is is one of the stories in the digest 'Summer Sensations' from Melange Books, LLC
To get your free copy of my story send me an email to hegro@shaw.ca and ask for it.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Free copy of Stardogs Book One
To get a free download of Stardogs, Book One, Return to Redsky, just send me an email to hegro@shaw.ca and tell me what month and year Book Four of The Xandra, Lure of Seduction will be published and by what publisher.
Hint: You need to scroll down.
Hint: You need to scroll down.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
The Xandra Book Four and Five
Yesterday I signed the contract with my publisher Melange Books, LLC for 'The Xandra, Book Four, Lure of Seduction' and 'The Xandra, Book Five, Escape from Paradise'. They'll be published February and April 2012. Seems a long time away, but I already have six books coming this year and one in January 2012. In the meantime I'll keep on writing. As of today I've written 34,000 words in Book six of The Xandra. I don't have a title yet, but it'll come to me when I'm done with it. It seems to flow quite nicely right now. There will definitely be a seventh book in the series, possibly even an eighth one. I went to see a movie last week (The Tourist. I enjoyed it). While watching it I was hit with an idea for a novel. I even wrote down some things. It's still vague but it deals with dimensions, maybe even time travel. But first I have to finish with the Xandra, at least with Book six and seven. That's what happens sometimes. An idea comes and wants to see the light of day. Sometimes I have to drop what I'm working on, but I must be strong...strong...
Thursday, February 03, 2011
I have to admit when it comes to Facebook I am 'Facebook-challenged'. I wrote
some comments on my 'Wall', (I do know a couple of 'slang words'). I questioned
on that 'Wall', if anybody actually sees what I wrote? Most of the stuff on my
FB site is from a guy by the name of Miachael Todd Shields. He's got 4,800
friends. I don't even know who the guy is. Why did I become friends with him?
Most of the stuff he writes is gibberish to me. Is that some kind of new
language I don't understand? Why does his stuff appear on my site? How can I get
others to see what I wrote? As you see, I am totally lost when it comes to FB
(When I saw the letters FB for the first time I though it meant FBI, with the
'I' missing.)
I get constantly emails from people who want to make me rich. They tell me to use the 'Social networks', like Facebook, Twitter and all the others I don't even know about. Even my blog could be used. My question always is the same: How do people find me? Sure, I know about search engines and stuff like that. I belong to a number of yahoo groups where other authors post news about their books, hoping readers will see them and hopefully buy their books. I'm not even sure if readers belong to these groups, because there is always a ton of promos and excerpts from other writers and I'm wondering do readers actually see my posts and promos among all those ads. There are millions of people using the internet and there have to be millions of readers and potential buyers out there. How can you get those people to visit your blot or website without paying out a lot of money for advertising. I even question the ads from commercial advertising companies I see on the sites. Do they bring in more buyers than my own ads? I doubt it.
Lately I've spent way too much time cruising the internet for ways to advertise my books and have not discovered a satisfying way to do so.
I'd like to spend my time writing and not waste it visiting all these websites to see the same stuff over and over: ads from other hopeful authors. And many of the yahoo sites advertise nothing but personal ads from people who want to have threesomes and who-knows-what. But I guess that's the age of the internet and if I look long enough I may even find what I'm looking for. It's like looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I can only hope not too many have found the pot before me and if they did they've left a few coins for me.
some comments on my 'Wall', (I do know a couple of 'slang words'). I questioned
on that 'Wall', if anybody actually sees what I wrote? Most of the stuff on my
FB site is from a guy by the name of Miachael Todd Shields. He's got 4,800
friends. I don't even know who the guy is. Why did I become friends with him?
Most of the stuff he writes is gibberish to me. Is that some kind of new
language I don't understand? Why does his stuff appear on my site? How can I get
others to see what I wrote? As you see, I am totally lost when it comes to FB
(When I saw the letters FB for the first time I though it meant FBI, with the
'I' missing.)
I get constantly emails from people who want to make me rich. They tell me to use the 'Social networks', like Facebook, Twitter and all the others I don't even know about. Even my blog could be used. My question always is the same: How do people find me? Sure, I know about search engines and stuff like that. I belong to a number of yahoo groups where other authors post news about their books, hoping readers will see them and hopefully buy their books. I'm not even sure if readers belong to these groups, because there is always a ton of promos and excerpts from other writers and I'm wondering do readers actually see my posts and promos among all those ads. There are millions of people using the internet and there have to be millions of readers and potential buyers out there. How can you get those people to visit your blot or website without paying out a lot of money for advertising. I even question the ads from commercial advertising companies I see on the sites. Do they bring in more buyers than my own ads? I doubt it.
Lately I've spent way too much time cruising the internet for ways to advertise my books and have not discovered a satisfying way to do so.
I'd like to spend my time writing and not waste it visiting all these websites to see the same stuff over and over: ads from other hopeful authors. And many of the yahoo sites advertise nothing but personal ads from people who want to have threesomes and who-knows-what. But I guess that's the age of the internet and if I look long enough I may even find what I'm looking for. It's like looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I can only hope not too many have found the pot before me and if they did they've left a few coins for me.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Free copy of Stars in Chains, Slave
Thanks for visiting. To get a free copy of Stars in Chains, Slave, send me an email at hegro@shaw.ca and tell me which book am I working on right now. A hint: It can be found in my January 13th post if you scroll down a little.
Lizard World
I just signed the contracts with Melange Books for Lizard World. Book One will be published July 2011, Book Two in September 2011, and Book Three in November 2011.
Here are the covers:
Here are the covers:
Traveling around the world in ten years
Last night on the news they showed this Canadian guy who took a trip around the world. It took him ten years. He just landed in Vancouver and is on his way home to Montreal…still walking. He only took a ship to cross the Pacific Ocean from Australia. I don’t remember what cause he claimed as a reason for this venture and actually I don’t care to know. The news announcer ended with the word ‘Wow’.
I guess people will call the man a hero and an adventurer. I have a different opinion. He’s no hero. He left his wife alone for ten years…to tend for herself all those ten lonely years. Both are ten years older. You can never get back those years. I’m surprised she didn’t divorce him.
Years ago I was listening to one of those Evangelists on the radio. He told the story about a man who went to Africa to do missionary work, leaving his family and five children. “When the Lord calls you to do his work you go, even if it means to leave your family and friends behind. The Lord will take care of them,” the Evangelist said.
And I thought, “Holy crap! What a bunch of B.S.” If you really want to do the Lord’s work you take care of your family. Family always comes first…even before God. Sounds like blasphemy? In my opinion if you turn your back on your family you turn your back on God. What a copout to leave your five children without a father to take care of them if they become a burden!
To come back to the world traveler…had he not been married I would have said, “What an adventure,” but now I can’t. I don’t know where he got the money for food and lodging during those ten years. I suppose he worked once in awhile, but most of the time he depended on the charity of strangers. Of course, now he’ll probably write a book; it will become a bestseller, because people are suckers for those kinds of stories, and he won’t have to work for the rest of his life. Maybe traveling around the world is not such a bad idea. Hmmm…
I guess people will call the man a hero and an adventurer. I have a different opinion. He’s no hero. He left his wife alone for ten years…to tend for herself all those ten lonely years. Both are ten years older. You can never get back those years. I’m surprised she didn’t divorce him.
Years ago I was listening to one of those Evangelists on the radio. He told the story about a man who went to Africa to do missionary work, leaving his family and five children. “When the Lord calls you to do his work you go, even if it means to leave your family and friends behind. The Lord will take care of them,” the Evangelist said.
And I thought, “Holy crap! What a bunch of B.S.” If you really want to do the Lord’s work you take care of your family. Family always comes first…even before God. Sounds like blasphemy? In my opinion if you turn your back on your family you turn your back on God. What a copout to leave your five children without a father to take care of them if they become a burden!
To come back to the world traveler…had he not been married I would have said, “What an adventure,” but now I can’t. I don’t know where he got the money for food and lodging during those ten years. I suppose he worked once in awhile, but most of the time he depended on the charity of strangers. Of course, now he’ll probably write a book; it will become a bestseller, because people are suckers for those kinds of stories, and he won’t have to work for the rest of his life. Maybe traveling around the world is not such a bad idea. Hmmm…
Monday, January 24, 2011
Posting on the groups
It is Monday and I posted an excerpt from 'Stars in Chains, Liberator' on the groups that allow posting. I discovered to my delight that the cover of 'The Xandra, Book Three, Goddess of Life' is featured on the Romance Excerpts Only group site.
Check it out here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/romanceexcerptsonly/
Check it out here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/romanceexcerptsonly/
Thursday, January 13, 2011
My books at All Romance and other news
They sure don't keep the featured books for long. Mine are already taken off the display, but you can still find my books by searching for my name at the site.
This internet publishing is a fast moving medium. New books come out every day. It's a paradise for readers but hell for authors. Unless a book makes a big splash right from the beginning it is forgotten in a short time. The only things that helps is to keep on writing and publishing. I'm aiming to do that. Right now I'm not making much progress with Book Six in the Xandra series. I write a few lines every day (well...almost every day.There is always something else that needs to be done). The story is not flowing as I had hoped. Maybe it's the weather. The sun isn't showing its face. Actually, we are quite lucky here in the Winnipeg area. Not too much snow and not that cold either. Other parts of Canada and the USA are not so lucky. I don't even want to mention Australia. They are certainly getting their share of bad weather with the flooding of such a huge area. We'll get our flooding again in the Spring. BC had a dumping of snow according to my friend Don who is there right now. But it will melt again in a few days with the warmer weather and rain forecast. I'm not sure if I like that kind of weather.
Even though we don't have much snow, we do get a little bit coming down, just enough to make the streets slippery. Every day we hear the news about cars sliding off the road into the ditch or worse, getting into accidents, some of them fatal. I'm not surprised. The way some people drive it is no wonder they end up that way. Driving too fast is the main reason for these accidents. Unfortunately, these reckless drivers involve other drivers, even the cautious ones, in their mishaps. There is this idea about installing snow tires on your vehicle for safer driving being pushed right now. I think it is just another ruse to sell tires. I'm not saying snow tires don't help. Sure, they help...in deep snow. The only way to drive safe is to slow down. Drivers in trucks and cars with four wheel drive believe they are safe. How wrong they are. They need just as long to brake than cars without four wheel drive.
Well, enough ranting. Everyone reading this stay safe and come back again.
This internet publishing is a fast moving medium. New books come out every day. It's a paradise for readers but hell for authors. Unless a book makes a big splash right from the beginning it is forgotten in a short time. The only things that helps is to keep on writing and publishing. I'm aiming to do that. Right now I'm not making much progress with Book Six in the Xandra series. I write a few lines every day (well...almost every day.There is always something else that needs to be done). The story is not flowing as I had hoped. Maybe it's the weather. The sun isn't showing its face. Actually, we are quite lucky here in the Winnipeg area. Not too much snow and not that cold either. Other parts of Canada and the USA are not so lucky. I don't even want to mention Australia. They are certainly getting their share of bad weather with the flooding of such a huge area. We'll get our flooding again in the Spring. BC had a dumping of snow according to my friend Don who is there right now. But it will melt again in a few days with the warmer weather and rain forecast. I'm not sure if I like that kind of weather.
Even though we don't have much snow, we do get a little bit coming down, just enough to make the streets slippery. Every day we hear the news about cars sliding off the road into the ditch or worse, getting into accidents, some of them fatal. I'm not surprised. The way some people drive it is no wonder they end up that way. Driving too fast is the main reason for these accidents. Unfortunately, these reckless drivers involve other drivers, even the cautious ones, in their mishaps. There is this idea about installing snow tires on your vehicle for safer driving being pushed right now. I think it is just another ruse to sell tires. I'm not saying snow tires don't help. Sure, they help...in deep snow. The only way to drive safe is to slow down. Drivers in trucks and cars with four wheel drive believe they are safe. How wrong they are. They need just as long to brake than cars without four wheel drive.
Well, enough ranting. Everyone reading this stay safe and come back again.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
All Romance e-books
Stardogs 1 and Stardogs 2 are featured at ‘All Romance’ books. Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/
Here is a list of my books available now from ‘All Romance’ books. To find them just go to 'All Romance' books and search for 'Herbert Grosshans' under 'Authors'
Stardogs 1, Return to Redsky
Stardogs 2, Redemption
Stars in Chains, Book One, Slave
Stars in Chains, Book Two, Liberator
Orola, Warrior Priestess
Orion, Symbiont of Passion
Here is a list of my books available now from ‘All Romance’ books. To find them just go to 'All Romance' books and search for 'Herbert Grosshans' under 'Authors'
Stardogs 1, Return to Redsky
Stardogs 2, Redemption
Stars in Chains, Book One, Slave
Stars in Chains, Book Two, Liberator
Orola, Warrior Priestess
Orion, Symbiont of Passion
Monday, January 10, 2011
A few words of Wisdom
Here are some truths I posted on my blog January 1st, 2007. I thought it would be a good idea to post them again. Most of them are probably not new and someone else may have said them in different words, but they might give somebody something to ponder.
Small words of wisdom:
By Herbert Grosshans
To be timid is to lose.
Success does not come to the one who never tries.
Speak and be heard, stay silent and be ignored.
Only a fool swims against the stream.
To reach the end one must begin.
To give up is the way of the coward.
Acting the fool makes you one.
Love comes to the one who gives it...so does Hate.
An evil act does not spawn a good act.
Even a tiny spark can produce a large flame.
To deny the truth is to lie.
Even the tallest tree was once a tiny seed.
To give in does not show weakness...to be stubborn does.
To try does not guarantee success, but not to try guarantees failure.
To give is to receive.
Lie and you shall be lied to.
A cheater is a liar.
To be trusted one must show his face, to hide behind a mask invites mistrust.
To forgive does not mean one is forgiven.
An avalanche begins with a tiny snowflake.
One cannot be a teacher without being a student.
Don't shout into a canyon if you don't want to hear the echo.
Small words of wisdom:
By Herbert Grosshans
To be timid is to lose.
Success does not come to the one who never tries.
Speak and be heard, stay silent and be ignored.
Only a fool swims against the stream.
To reach the end one must begin.
To give up is the way of the coward.
Acting the fool makes you one.
Love comes to the one who gives it...so does Hate.
An evil act does not spawn a good act.
Even a tiny spark can produce a large flame.
To deny the truth is to lie.
Even the tallest tree was once a tiny seed.
To give in does not show weakness...to be stubborn does.
To try does not guarantee success, but not to try guarantees failure.
To give is to receive.
Lie and you shall be lied to.
A cheater is a liar.
To be trusted one must show his face, to hide behind a mask invites mistrust.
To forgive does not mean one is forgiven.
An avalanche begins with a tiny snowflake.
One cannot be a teacher without being a student.
Don't shout into a canyon if you don't want to hear the echo.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Advertising and selling
I've been uploading links and photo albums with a few of my book covers on the sites I belong to. The idea is to keep my name popping up for readers to notice and attract them to my blog or website. I don't know if it helps to sell my books. One thing I should have been aware of: Yahoo sends updates to the members of the sites and that is a good thing. Yesterday, in the update I received, my name popped up about twenty times on the same list. I guess that should grab peoples attention, but that's not how I planned it. If I would have played it smart, I would have dragged out my uploading over a longer period of time. People have short memories. If you want to sell something you have to remind potential buyers over and over again that you exist and have something to sell. Just look at the commercials on TV, the radio, in the papers, and in the household fliers filling your mailbox every day. Advertising is everything. Many bestselling books are not necessarily better than books that don't sell. They just get promoted more. E-publishing is so different from printed books. If a printed book is published, the way it used to be before computers and the internet, the publishers promote the book already before it is released to the public. That's not the case in e-publishing. It is pretty much left to the Author to promote his (or her) book. Besides, there are so many writers out there now and readers have a huge number of books from a ton of publishers to choose from. If the publishers don't get the traffic, the books simply don't sell.
Of course, publishing with one of the large, better known and highly visited e-publishers still doesn't mean a writer's book sells. What a writer can hope for is that his (or her) book gets featured and maybe offered at a discount, but that is up to the publisher. Book publishers, like any other business, want to make money. If they notice one particular writer sells more books than his (or her) counterparts, they will promote this writer's books, and it will lead to more sales. I have fourteen books out there and a few short stories in digests. So far I have 9 books scheduled for release this year and next year. I've noticed with every new book published my older books also start selling again, this means it is important to keep on writing and bring out new books to build up a large reader base. I'm still hoping for that breakout novel that will act like an avalanche and make my name as a writer known to a high number of readers. It's a dream, until then I keep on writing and hoping.
Of course, publishing with one of the large, better known and highly visited e-publishers still doesn't mean a writer's book sells. What a writer can hope for is that his (or her) book gets featured and maybe offered at a discount, but that is up to the publisher. Book publishers, like any other business, want to make money. If they notice one particular writer sells more books than his (or her) counterparts, they will promote this writer's books, and it will lead to more sales. I have fourteen books out there and a few short stories in digests. So far I have 9 books scheduled for release this year and next year. I've noticed with every new book published my older books also start selling again, this means it is important to keep on writing and bring out new books to build up a large reader base. I'm still hoping for that breakout novel that will act like an avalanche and make my name as a writer known to a high number of readers. It's a dream, until then I keep on writing and hoping.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Happy New Year
I wish everyone who visits me a great and wonderful 2011. It feels almost surreal to write the number 2011. Where has the time gone? I ask myself the same question every time I face a new birthday. Another year older.
Looking back at the year 2010 I accomplished a few things. I didn't have much published but I was writing. I finished and sent to Melange Books my latest novel in the Xandra series which will be published as two books because of its length (120.000 words). Book Four: Lure of Seduction, and Book Five: Escape from Paradise. It's been accepted by I don't know the publishing date. Presently I am working on Book six.
If you've been visiting my blog in the past you will notice a change. A new header, it is part of Book Three of 'The Xandra'. Since my publisher MSFiction closed its doors as of today, I had to find a new publisher. My new Publisher 'Melange Books, LLC' has reissued my already published books with a few changes, some got new covers. I'm hoping that a few of the others are still getting new covers.
All my links should be working now. I was busy today changing the pictures and links. It is a lot of work.
As for new releases: My contemporary novel 'Web of Conspiracy' will be published as 3 volumes. It is 180,000 words long. Book One is scheduled for July, Book Two for September and Book Three for October 2011. It is a murder mystery with the war in the Middle East as the background.
I've also submitted my novel 'Lizard World'. It will be published in 3 volumes, but I don't know when. The covers have already been designed. You can find them by scrolling down. My novel 'Outpost Epsilon' was the first volume in the series and 'Lizard World' takes place 15 years after the events in Outpost Epsilon.
Also submitted another contemporary novel 'Mark of the Cobra'. It was supposed to have been published a couple of years ago, but I pulled it and made some changes.
Book Four and Five in the Xandra series is the last submission of mine. I don't know when they will be published.
As you can see, I've been busy writing during 2010.
Currently, I am working on Book Six of The Xandra and then, possibly, Book Seven. It all depends on my creative juices, but I think I have enough material already in my head for two books. 100,000 words is pretty much the longest a novel should be for e-publishing and that is actually already too long. My novels usually end up being longer than that. Once I start writing and get into the story, I can't stop after 50.000 words.
Thank you for reading this far. I will give away a limited number of pdf copies of one of my novels. If you are interested, send me an email at hegro@shaw.ca and ask for one. Any one, except for Stars in Chains, Book Two, Liberator.
Looking back at the year 2010 I accomplished a few things. I didn't have much published but I was writing. I finished and sent to Melange Books my latest novel in the Xandra series which will be published as two books because of its length (120.000 words). Book Four: Lure of Seduction, and Book Five: Escape from Paradise. It's been accepted by I don't know the publishing date. Presently I am working on Book six.
If you've been visiting my blog in the past you will notice a change. A new header, it is part of Book Three of 'The Xandra'. Since my publisher MSFiction closed its doors as of today, I had to find a new publisher. My new Publisher 'Melange Books, LLC' has reissued my already published books with a few changes, some got new covers. I'm hoping that a few of the others are still getting new covers.
All my links should be working now. I was busy today changing the pictures and links. It is a lot of work.
As for new releases: My contemporary novel 'Web of Conspiracy' will be published as 3 volumes. It is 180,000 words long. Book One is scheduled for July, Book Two for September and Book Three for October 2011. It is a murder mystery with the war in the Middle East as the background.
I've also submitted my novel 'Lizard World'. It will be published in 3 volumes, but I don't know when. The covers have already been designed. You can find them by scrolling down. My novel 'Outpost Epsilon' was the first volume in the series and 'Lizard World' takes place 15 years after the events in Outpost Epsilon.
Also submitted another contemporary novel 'Mark of the Cobra'. It was supposed to have been published a couple of years ago, but I pulled it and made some changes.
Book Four and Five in the Xandra series is the last submission of mine. I don't know when they will be published.
As you can see, I've been busy writing during 2010.
Currently, I am working on Book Six of The Xandra and then, possibly, Book Seven. It all depends on my creative juices, but I think I have enough material already in my head for two books. 100,000 words is pretty much the longest a novel should be for e-publishing and that is actually already too long. My novels usually end up being longer than that. Once I start writing and get into the story, I can't stop after 50.000 words.
Thank you for reading this far. I will give away a limited number of pdf copies of one of my novels. If you are interested, send me an email at hegro@shaw.ca and ask for one. Any one, except for Stars in Chains, Book Two, Liberator.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Grand Opening of Melange Books
The following is the announcement from my new publisher:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nancy Schumacher
Address:White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Web Address: www.melange-books.com
Email Address: nancy@melange-books.com
GRAND OPENING OF NEW DIGITAL AND PRINT ON DEMAND PUBLISHING HOUSE
“Melange” for every reader’s taste in literature.
Opening January 1, 2011
December 30, 2010, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
New small press, Melange Books, LLC, www.melange-books.com, is opening its online doors on Saturday, January 1, 2011, offering digital and print on demand books.
Melange Books, LLC, is offering books for sale in several genres, including mainstream fiction, historical and contemporary romance, erotica, science fiction-fantasy, and young adult, for your reading pleasure.
The creation of Melange was a ‘group effort’ composed of experienced editors and artists from another house that recently closed its doors. Melange is opening its doors with over 150 releases available in digital and print format.
Melange owner, Nancy Schumacher, from White Bear Lake, MN, eagerly took on the creation, with very few bumps along the way. “I couldn’t have opened my doors without the help of the experienced staff I’ve been lucky to hire on at Melange,” Ms. Schumacher stated.
Books will be available through several online sources; the Melange website at www.melange-books.com, Fictionwise Books, www.fictionwise-com, All Romance Ebooks, http://www.allromanceebooks.com, Amazon books, www.amazonbooks.com, and in print through LULU publishing at www.lulu.com. In the very near future, all books will also be available in Kindle format.
Melange Books, LLC, is offering authors a competitive contract for publication, and in February will open its doors to submissions.
# # # #
If you’d like more information about Melange, or are interested in scheduling an interview, email Nancy Schumacher at nancy@melange-books.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nancy Schumacher
Address:White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Web Address: www.melange-books.com
Email Address: nancy@melange-books.com
GRAND OPENING OF NEW DIGITAL AND PRINT ON DEMAND PUBLISHING HOUSE
“Melange” for every reader’s taste in literature.
Opening January 1, 2011
December 30, 2010, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
New small press, Melange Books, LLC, www.melange-books.com, is opening its online doors on Saturday, January 1, 2011, offering digital and print on demand books.
Melange Books, LLC, is offering books for sale in several genres, including mainstream fiction, historical and contemporary romance, erotica, science fiction-fantasy, and young adult, for your reading pleasure.
The creation of Melange was a ‘group effort’ composed of experienced editors and artists from another house that recently closed its doors. Melange is opening its doors with over 150 releases available in digital and print format.
Melange owner, Nancy Schumacher, from White Bear Lake, MN, eagerly took on the creation, with very few bumps along the way. “I couldn’t have opened my doors without the help of the experienced staff I’ve been lucky to hire on at Melange,” Ms. Schumacher stated.
Books will be available through several online sources; the Melange website at www.melange-books.com, Fictionwise Books, www.fictionwise-com, All Romance Ebooks, http://www.allromanceebooks.com, Amazon books, www.amazonbooks.com, and in print through LULU publishing at www.lulu.com. In the very near future, all books will also be available in Kindle format.
Melange Books, LLC, is offering authors a competitive contract for publication, and in February will open its doors to submissions.
# # # #
If you’d like more information about Melange, or are interested in scheduling an interview, email Nancy Schumacher at nancy@melange-books.com.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Almost available: Stars in Chains, Book Two, Liberator
Book Two of 'Stars in Chains' is ready to be published. I already have the pdf copy. It won't be available until after January 1st, 2011, that's when my new publisher Melange Books opens the doors. I don't know when my other books will be available again. There are going to be a few changes on my blog and on my website. I will have to delete all of the books and links and start from scratch. It will take some time until everything will be up and running again. As you noticed I've changed my header. It is part of the new cover picture of The Xandra, Book Three, Goddess of Life. I was getting tired of looking at the same picture and since so much is changing I figured it is time for a new header. I would like to change to header on my website, but I'm kind of limited there. The picture needs to be long and narrow.
So far I haven't found one suitable. I'm disappointed with what I can do on my website, but it is free from my Service Provider and I have to be satisfied with what they give me. I wish I could at least install a counter to see how many people actually visit, but the website doesn't accept html. It sucks.
Book Four and Five of 'The Xandra' is finished. Book Four is titled 'Lure of Seduction' and Book Five 'Escape from Paradise'. I won't be sending it to Melange Books until after the New Year. They have too much other stuff to deal with right now.
Now I'm continuing with Book Six of The Xandra. No title yet. There may very well be Book Seven. I have a lot of ideas in my head. Enough material for 2 books. Book Four and Five are each around 59,000 words long.
So hang in there and keep on checking for updates and how things are progressing. There will be new cover pictures and new links.
So far I haven't found one suitable. I'm disappointed with what I can do on my website, but it is free from my Service Provider and I have to be satisfied with what they give me. I wish I could at least install a counter to see how many people actually visit, but the website doesn't accept html. It sucks.
Book Four and Five of 'The Xandra' is finished. Book Four is titled 'Lure of Seduction' and Book Five 'Escape from Paradise'. I won't be sending it to Melange Books until after the New Year. They have too much other stuff to deal with right now.
Now I'm continuing with Book Six of The Xandra. No title yet. There may very well be Book Seven. I have a lot of ideas in my head. Enough material for 2 books. Book Four and Five are each around 59,000 words long.
So hang in there and keep on checking for updates and how things are progressing. There will be new cover pictures and new links.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Free copy
Hello visitors. Just for visiting, send me an email at hegro@shaw.ca and I will send a free pdf copy of any of my published books. Just name the one you would like.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Lizard World
Here are the proposed covers for Lizard World Book One and Three. The books will be published some time next year by Melange Books.
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