Publishing options

When I first published Blood from Sand, I felt the need to share the event with a couple of friends.  You see, the world of Torin Pah was my idea.  But it was an idea that was going nowhere.  So, I shared it with these friends, who were also writers of fantasy.  Together we fleshed out my initial ideas, and laid the foundation for publishing an anthology set in Torin Pah, and featuring stories from all three of us.  Blood and Sand was to be my first entry for that, with two more stories planned.

However, things being what they are, we have all gotten busy with other things, and not just writing.  Long story short, the anthology has sat on the backburner for so long, the heat seems to have dwindled to almost nothing (though both have expressed interest in trying to get it done eventually).  Meanwhile, this story sat collecting virtual dust for several months.

I had a special place in my heart for this story, because it was actually my first attempt at a female protagonist, with mild romantic elements.  It was kind of a new direction for me, and I have been eager to get it out there and see what people think of it.  So, when the idea of SASE came up, I dug this story out, dusted it off, did a bit of fine-tuning, and put it out for the world to see.

Anyways, back to my friends.  One of them has recently published a serial of stories about a teeneage vampire.  His take is very not-Twilight (think more like World of Darkness).  And he made a couple of good points.  First, by eschewing Amazon, I was neglecting a large marketing opportunity.  This is very true, and I have to take that into consideration.  Second, he reminded me about Smashwords, which I had attempted with my first couple of stories, but backed out in order to take part in Amazon's KDP program (which has netted me nothing to date).

So, here's a possible revised plan.  I will continue to publish stories here, on my SASE page.  However, I will also publish at Amazon (removing them from KDP) and Smashwords.  The price point for all of my stories will go up in those areas to $1.25, as well.  I'm fairly confident in saying that I think my stories are of better than average quality, and deserve to be priced a bit higher than they have been.

Thoughts?

As a related aside, I am currently working on a third Gortek and Pekra story, this one more focused on Pekra, and the renegade dwarf, Bofdak (if you haven't read Pekra and The Orc Way, you should).  I gave the verbal pitch to my wife, and she is excited to read it.  I also have ideas for the sequel to Blood from Sand, as well as one for Blackskull's Captive.

With recent events in my personal life, I have a renewed motivation to start scheduling writing time.  So, here's to hoping I can get more organized and start acting like a writer.

This post brought to you by…

As a way of saying thank you to some of my close friends, I have decided that this post will be about promoting them, and their works and endeavors. Each one is a talented person who gives me inspiration, and often guidance, as I muddle my way towards my dream of being a successful writer (by my standards).

Joe Bonadonna
Website
On Amazon
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Joe and hanging out with him, and let me tell you he is the genuine dude. He’s one of those eclectic people who dabbles in all sorts of things, and certainly has some stories to tell. His writing is fun and gritty, and takes you on adventures just like they should. Joe’s latest work, a supernatural pirate story he wrote with David C. Smith (himself a noteworthy writer) looks amazing. I can’t wait to dig into that one!

Charles Gramlich
Website
On Amazon
Though I’ve never met Charles in person (which I hope to remedy soon), communicating with him through his blog and on Facebook has always been a treat. A professor of Psychology, Charles has a teacher’s way of communicating with readers and "students." I always learn just a little bit more when I discuss writing with him, or read his opinions and advice on the craft. His own works of fiction are excellent. I especially like his anthologies. And, like me, his taste in genres runs a wide spectrum.

Scott Oden
Website
On Amazon
I “met” Scott on the official Conan forums. I immediately felt a connection with him because, not only did we share a love of Conan and Robert E. Howard, he is also an Orc-o-phile. Last year my wife and I went on a road trip to visit Scott and his wife, and much fun was had. He is a good guy, no doubt about it. As to his writing, Scott’s historical novels are well-researched and engaging, and his Historical Fantasy, The Lion of Cairo, is just a wonderful book. But, I am most excited about his current project, A Gathering of Ravens, wherein he places Orcs smack dab in the middle of Norse history and mythology.

These next authors are the ones who inspire me with their works and words, even though they don’t know me from Adam.

David Morrell
Website
On Amazon
It started with First Blood, and his novelizations of the sequel films. However, I have read several other books by Mr. Morrell (my favorite being Brotherhood of the Rose), and he is a master storyteller with a level of authenticity rarely seen in literature. He’s also the first professional author I ever corresponded with. I mailed him a letter back in the 90’s, and he sent me a typed (on a typewriter) response, complete with corrections done with a pen. Since then I have communicated with him a few times through email, and on his Facebook page.

Stan Nicholls
Website
On Amazon
I read his first Orcs trilogy in an omnibus edition, and it remains one of my all-time favorites. Full of action, dark humor, and interesting characters, his stories are a joy to read. His subsequent books are all on my ever-growing To Be Read pile as well. Stan is also a genuine guy, and I have communicated with him a bit here and there on Facebook. And I still get a little thrill when I see he “Liked” one of my random statuses.

Of course, I wouldn’t even be dreaming of being a writer without the influence of these legends; Robert E. Howard and Edgar Rice Burroughs. Anyone who reads my blog shouldn’t need to hear anything more about these two. Their writing forms the backbone of much of my tastes.

There are lots of other people whom I draw inspiration and support from, as well; fellow writers, fellow bloggers, fellow writer/bloggers. But none more so than my wife, Michele. She is the light in my day, and inspires me with her support, encouragement, and often her example.