‘Character Happens!’ Revised Blog…

Now that the Character Happens! book has been revised, maybe it’s time to redo this blog to reflect all the changes.

First of all, the books cover color has changed from red to yellow. The artwork has changed as well from a picture of an angel to one of 18th Century golfers, (sitting on rock), speaking with the young caddie. The subtitle is now: How Golf Teaches You (and your children) About – Honesty, Integrity, Courage, Compassion, Humility. This change was made to target the ‘inspirational readers,’ of the golf population. Yes, Amazon really has one.

The entire narrative of the book has been edited more closely with improved developmental structure, while revisions in grammar, spelling and word omission were corrected. Making the tome more palatable, perhaps.

The Amazon link, for the new version, has been inserted into the blogs upper right location. Also, I’ve ridded the blog of extraneous matter hoping to simplify the blogs look.

The old blog posts remain for those who desire a more complete history of the book, of me, and this blog.

Please take a moment and ‘follow’ the blog. You can do that by the ‘Email Feed’ selection, located top, upper right. OR, below the Amazon book link, where it says: ‘Subscribe to This Blog.’ Further down on the right are other pictured ‘joining’ sections, please join if you like.

Yet to be modified is the introduction section (near the bottom). That will be revised shortly.

Thanks for your support; for the book and the blog. And me.

'Missing Person -- Returns!'

  Yes, I've been missing from this blog for awhile (thanks for putting out those 'missing-person' posters). Computer problems! Thinking it couldn't happen to me, it did. The dreaded blue screen.

  I suffered with it for awhile, trying all my tricks, remedy's and screaming at it while making lewd gestures. Nothing I had -- worked. So...packing the magic box up I was convinced some other expert needed to work their genius on this, now, piece-of-crap.

  35 days later, picking up the POC, while plunking down my $200, the young guru gushed from across the sales counter, 'I think I got it fixed.' No, no...he may have thought he had it fixed, but no...he didn't. So now it's at the neighbor lady's house, whose day job is heading the IT department of a humongous engineering firm. Hopefully my computer will be back in perfect form within the not too distant future. I love and miss that computer. It's my friend. Except. When it seems to have a brain of it's own, then, there's a problem.

  Using Linda's computer cramps me. It's small, a laptop. At my age (and size), things, all things, need to be bigger. The screen is too small, can't see it. The keys are too close together, allowing my fat fingers to pound more than one at a time. Her chair is terrible. Her work space is miserable...looking out the window at all those leaves. Makes me tired.

  Anyway, that's why you haven't heard from me in a while. BTW, am thinking of creating another, separate, blog containing information about the books I've written, and will write. Having all this information together, I believe, will be much better than separate, stand-alone blogs for each book. I'll let you know when that all inclusive blog is up and running.

  All for now. Thanks for following my escapades in this writing venture. The latest book, 'Bloody Omaha,' is selling a respectable 250-300 ebooks per month. Not bad, I guess. Could always be better. Also, I'm happy to help, advise, or converse with anyone, who thinks they might be interested in doing some writing, themselves. Just drop me a note, here:
garry m graves at gmail dot com.
Regards, --gg
PS -- Do me a favor. Share this blog post with your friends and family. And, if you do, let me know and I'll send you a free PDF version of 'Bloody Omaha' for your own reading or sharing. Thanks.

Character Happens! Amazon's #4 in 'Inspiration' Category

  It pleases me that Amazon has thought to include Character Happens in the category ‘Sports-Golf-Inspiration.’ The unfortunate thing is they don’t list the ‘Inspiration’ category under the bestsellers ranking on the books sell page. That sucks!
 
  Yes, its ranked 36 and 50 in two other categories… but having it ranked 4th in any category is much, much better. Am wondering why even have the ‘Inspiration’ category if you’re not going to list it with the other two. Geeish!
 
  Amazon rankings are critical to any books success. They, along with reviews, give the potential reader additional input regarding their purchase decision. Who doesn’t want that?
 
  Nevertheless, it is always nice to see your book continue to be bought and read by so many people. People who play golf and those who don’t. Remember, this is a book about ‘Character,’ and not necessarily about golf. The five stories are written around the game of golf because, its; A) a fascinating game the whole family can enjoy, B) its a game where you are the referee (so to speak), whereby golfers call penalties on themselves (a real character revealer) and C) the stories are funny, simple, complex, compelling, loving, respectful, joyful, teaching…along with a myriad of other ‘good things’ about golf, life, and decision making.

  You might enjoy Character Happens.  You might even want to recommend it to your teenager. (Its an ebook so they can read it on their gadget – pc, Kindle, Nook, iPad, smartphone, etc…)
‘Character Happens - The 5 Most Important--But Fleeting Virtues,’ by Garry M. Graves

  Thank You, enjoy. And don’t forget to post an Amazon review when you’re done.

Character Happens! 17th in ‘Responsibility’

  Here’s a Amazon ranking category that gives me pause. How so? It’s the sub category; Parenting Morels & Responsibility. This category seems, to me at least, to capture what I believe to be the most important aspect of the book.

  Sometimes the real essence or premise of Character Happens! is blurred. Blurred because the storyline is written using a golf setting…and even though I provided a glossary of golf terms, some readers still stumble when reading about golf, or sports for that matter. Actually, using the game of golf to convey the importance of ‘a virtuous decision,’ along with ‘good character development and awareness’ – was my intention from the beginning. There was great method in my madness, I thought.

  Golf is different from other sports because of who enforces the rules of the game. Unlike baseball, football, or basketball, with separate individuals serving as umpires, referees, etcetera…golf is officiated by the player of the game. Most unique! Naturally, this golf-playing environment is a hotbed of character revelation…and perhaps, character development.

  So…this ‘responsibility’ category is meaningful to me, perhaps readers too. It makes me proud that the book is in this group with hundreds of others, now rising to the position of 17th best selling. Even ahead of Dr. Laura, who would’a thought?

Scott Nicholson Interview…

  It’s always nice when you get a big name author/writer to come by and Scott Nicholson qualifies in every regard.

Bio:   Author Scott Nicholson has written 12 thrillers, 60 short stories, four comics series, and six screenplays. He's also a freelance editor and journalist. Nicholson has written hundreds of songs and poems and was a musician in a former life. As a newspaper reporter, he's won three North Carolina Press Association awards. Nicholson also won the grand prize in the international Writers of the Future contest in 1999. That same year, he was first runner-up for the Darrell Award. He studied Creative Writing at Appalachian State University and UNC-Chapel Hill. He has been an officer of Mystery Writers of America and Horror Writers Association. He's had the usual collection of odd jobs: dishwasher, carpenter, painter, paranormal investigator, baseball card dealer, and radio announcer. He lives in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, where he tends an organic garden, successfully eludes stalkers, and generally lives the dream. He's online at www.hauntedcomputer.com.

  Aside from several thriller, paranormal, horror books…too many to list, Scott aids the writer as well with offerings such as: Self-publish or Perish, Seven Bad Habits of Highly Unsuccessful Writers and Why You Need An Agent (Except When You Don't). Spend some time (not much required), and review these articles, some real pearls of wisdom from someone whose been in the business for awhile. Scotts’ gift to you.

  Okay, let’s get to it.

Garry: You’re an accomplished writer...how did you get that way?

Scott: I don’t feel all that accomplished. I’m just a student of the game who has been around long enough to pile up a bunch of stuff. I think I’ve finally figured out how to write a sentence. Ten more years and maybe I’ll master the paragraph. In the meantime, it’s fun to be able to tell these stories.

Garry: Scott, I’m gonna do a one-eighty on you here because writers, particularly self-pubber’s, are always concerned with ‘how best to get the word out,’ and the various vehicles to use, etc., can you speak to that?

Scott: Well, you actually need to be doing that as part of your apprenticeship. As you develop your writing skills, you can be learning about the business and your audience at the same time. That means reading widely, not only in the types of books you want to write, but writer and industry websites. If you hang out in only one or two places, you’ll get a skewed view of things, so sample broadly and don’t fall into the trap of trying to please a few people instead of the big world.

By the time you’ve matured enough to have a novel or book ready to go, you should know enough to get by. At that point, you will need to employ everything in your promotional toolkit—that mailing list or newsletter you’ve been building, the friends in the forums, good old-fashioned advertising and sponsorships, and general visibility. Some of it is traditional—library events and store signings if you’re in paper—and the rest is invention and creativity. It takes more creativity and persistence to sell a book than to write a book. And I don’t mean sell a book to a New York publisher. I mean selling a book to a reader, who in some ways is more discriminating than an agent or publisher. While people in New York merely want to make money off of you, readers want their money’s worth and a good return on the time they invest.

If you are in the self-publishing business, your reader is your customer, and the customer is always right. That one-star review you got? You deserved it, because the customer was right. Think about your reader as an actual human, with all the regular pressing demands of life, and ask why they should spend their valuable time with you. Then deliver.

Garry: Interesting...I, as well as many others appreciate your insight...now, before you go, I want to tap that insight thingy again and ask you for some predictions...it could be whatever you think is important, you know; about the publishing business, trad publishers, distributors like Amazon, B&N, others...whatever you’d like us watch for?

Scott: I’ve gotten out of the prediction business because they all seem stupid and outdated about five minutes later. This is an entirely new thing, a cosmic shift in communication, and it’s out of everyone’s control. I love it. The more radical and freely I approach it, the better I do, and the more fun I have. So I’d say try not to get locked into a certain way things should be, or the advice of people who think they know what they’re talking about, because nobody does. Fortune favors the bold.

Garry: Great...thanks for coming Scott.

For those of you who have commented or have asked Scott questions, he will be back intermittently the next couple days to answer. Alternatively, here is a link to Scott’s contact page on his site with an explanation on how to contact him privately.

Scott Nicholson visits Wednesday, March 30.

  Please mark your calendar—Wednesday, March 30, 2011. This date signifies a visit to this blog-space of an accomplished and exciting author, Mr. Scott Nicholoson, speaking about his latest work, perhaps some things currently in progress…along with some general comments about the book publishing industry.

  Interested persons to include; published and non-published writers, existing authors and publishers, as well as mystery/thriller/horror readers. All are invited to this open event, 3/30/11. Don’t miss it – pass this event info on to others you know.

  Scott will answer your most thought-out questions so bring your inquisitiveness and scholar. Thanks, –gg

Free excerpts from Scott. ‘Speed Dating with the Dead’ (An urban fantasy thriller by Scott Nicholson) ‘Red Church’ (Horror)

Baylor study emulates Mr. Obvious…

  This article title caught my eye this morning, ‘Honest, Humble Workers Associated with Higher Job Performance.’ I wondered what a heavily-researched scientific study might contribute in promoting my book further, Character Happens! Always on the lookout for supporting studies, white papers, et al, I figured this might aid marketing efforts.

Think I’ll look a little further.

Writer, Laura Walter, EHS Today, said this…

“While honesty and humility might be good attributes to have in a friend, they also could have positive implications in the workplace. According to a recent Baylor University study, the honesty-humility personality trait is a unique predictor of job performance.”

Ya think?

A Dr. Wade Rowatt, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience (sounds to be a heavy-hitter, but???), at Baylor, who helped lead the study, said this…

“Researchers already know that integrity can predict job performance, and what we are saying here is that humility and honesty are also major components in that…This study shows that those who possess the combination of honesty and humility have better job performance…In fact, we found that humility and honesty not only correspond with job performance, but … predicted job performance above and beyond any of the other five personality traits like agreeableness and conscientiousness.”

Baylor researchers found individuals who scaled as being more honest and who possess humility scored significantly higher in their job performance…defining honesty and humility as those who exhibit high levels of fairness, greed-avoidance, sincerity and modesty.

The study, they agreed, had implications for hiring personnel by suggesting that more attention should be paid to those applicants who tested high in possessing these particular character attributes, saying…

“Honest and humble people could be a good fit for occupations and organizations that require special attention and care for products or clients. Narcissists, on the other hand, who generally lack humility and are exploitative and selfish, would probably be better at jobs that require self-promotion.”

Incredible.

Not the study. The study is not incredible, it’s the fact that a this learned professor, this monolith of a university, thinks they have discovered something…something we all knew. Peeshaw.

Sherlock Holmes style…wha?

  Here is a tentative book cover for my fiction writing…yes, I said fiction. It’s time for a new journey into some other venue and given that I’m a Sherlock Holmes junkie, I figure it’s a natural. As always, readers will decide their acceptance of this project by voting with their ‘click to buy’ selection of this new offering. As it should be.

  Am thinking of using a pen name, re: Henry H.H. Hittlebloome. Sounds English doesn’t it? I’ve researched the Hittlebloome name and have found nothing, which is good in many respects. The name sounds English old country, circa 18th, maybe 19th century. Perfect.

  Naturally, I wanted it to be similar to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, writer of the Sherlock Holmes series. If you’re going to write fiction like Doyle then maybe you should have a name like him. Also, am hoping to style the writing in a Sherlock Holmes-esque fashion with a deductive reasoning bent, similar to Holmes, but with a present day setting, 21st century.

  Because the ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,’ was such a incredible classic I figured ‘the mystery styling's of Jake Spade,’ would sound…uh, current. Thinking the words, ‘mystery styling’s’ as a substitute for ‘The Adventures of…,’ would be a perfect replacement for the original and yet convey a present day setting. Yes…I realize it’s a funny title and maybe it doesn’t need to be funny. Yet, I’m thinking the title needs to speak to those who want funny (today)…who need funny (now). So, there you have it. Who knows, maybe I can cross-market the book as a coping stratagem.

  This information is made available now as: 1) an introduction to my writing fiction, re, mystery/detective/investigative/thrillers, and 2) your opinion about the books cover and title, and pen name, and (insert here)… 3) because I want those people who follow my escapades, to be informed of what’s coming in 2011.

  Am thinking of releasing episodes (under the books title), in a 15 to 20 thousand word segments, making them available as they are written one after the other, after the other…then later compiled into one large offering. This method keeps the ebooks cheap and I dig that.

  Okay, here’s your task: tell me what you think (comment section below), about…the book cover, the title, the pen name and/or whatever you feel you need to comment on.

  As always…Thank You for buying my books. And, Thank You for your support.

Respectfully, Garry M Graves

Interview @ blog, ‘So, Write,’ Wednesday March 2nd

  On Wednesday of this week please take some time and visit writer, G.P. Chings’ blog, ‘So, Write,’ where Ching interview’s me about my book Character Happens!. And, my self-pub experience.

  Here’s reason enough:

  …another diversion from Facebook, interesting tidbits about the book, quasi-interesting tidbits about the author (me), opinions about the self-publishing book phenomena, super-secretive-interesting things about…(its secretive, you have to visit on Wednesday).

  The book cover above is G.P. Chings’ new spring 2011 novel, ‘The Soulkeepers.’ Take some time now and read the description of this new novel, here.

  Finally…don’t forget the interview Wednesday, March 2nd.

Regards, Garry M. Graves, Author, Character Happens!, now $.99

Character Happens! The ‘Revised’ Edition…

  Pictured is the new cover for the ‘Revised’ Character Happens! book.

  The book is being revised for many reasons, to include; a sub-title more descriptive of the books context, artwork more congruous to the theme, revised Foreword and Afterward, revised back cover and new yellow overall book cover. And, specifically revised text/developmental editing with enhanced graphic inclusions.

  Character Happens! discusses the concept of personal character and decision making…all wrapped within a golf storyline. The newer subtitle; ‘How Golf Teaches You (and your children) About…’ will more aptly define for potential readers the content of the book. At least better than the previous subtitle; ‘The 5 Most Important—But Fleeting Virtues.’ I was relatively happy with this first subtitle as it was received well by many readers, however, it didn’t include the two key concepts this newer subtitle does: ‘How Golf Teaches’ and ‘your children.’ In my opinion, those two phrases are magical and will be incredibly important in the books marketing.

  Replacing the angel on the original cover with the new 1700’s era illustration; the golfing couple conversing with the younger caddy person, is quite illustrative of the books title. The picture reminds me of the ‘Old Course at St. Andrews.’ A definite improvement to the new book cover.

  As many of you know, with some bringing it to my attention…the original text contained some errors; misspelled or misused words, missing words, other grammatical and developmental faux-pas. So the book needed some revisions. Being an ‘Indie’ or self-publisher, as I am, it’s not such a monumental task in making these adjustments to a previous work. And that I will do…hopefully targeting potential reader’s better, more complete.

  For those interested…I need beta readers, or proof readers. With several other sets of eyes the comments are plentiful and immensely helpful. So if you a mind to help and have the time, you can reach me here. I promise all who participate with me a ‘new’ and ‘improved’ copy (print or ebook) of Character Happens! Free!

Many Regards, Garry M Graves

Character Happens! Bloody Omaha (Both $.99 @ Amazon)

Character Happens! (the book), finally #1

•   #1 in Books > Sports > Golf > Inspiration
• #9 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Parenting & Families > Parenting > Morals & Responsibility
• #12 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Sports > Miscellaneous > Sports Psychology

  Character Happens! finally, surprisingly…reaches number ONE.

  Sure…it’s selling price is $.99, but so what. Sure…the category is specifically defined; Books, sub-category Sports, sub-category Golf, sub-category Inspiration. So what! I’ll take it.

  Some will say; ‘it’s an ebook, not a real book.’ FYI, ebooks are selling better than hardbacks, better than paperbacks, better than audio-books. People are buying and reading more books today…and it’s because ebooks are cheaper and now the reading devices (Kindle, Nook, iPad), are plentiful.

  Regardless…at 2:53 P.M., Tuesday, January 25, 2011, my first book reached the #1 sales spot on some obscure category on Amazon, making me feel good, once again, about this writing endeavor. It encourages me…and in this day and ‘age’ it’s nice to be encouraged by something.

  So, if you’ve a mind, click on the ‘Inspiration’ link above that takes you to Amazon’s listing in this category. Oooops, too late, Character Happens! has already dropped to second place. Still…you’ll see plenty of books trailing behind the number two slot, so I’m ahead of somebody.

  For those who’ve bought the book, you have my appreciative THANKS. For those who have not yet read a ‘character’ book with a golf storyline, then click here. You might think the $.99 is not such a bad investment.

  Many Regards, Garry M Graves

‘Book Review’s’ -- how important are they?

  Reviews? Just how important are reviews in aiding your decision to buy something today?

  If you’ve ever bought anything from Amazon then you’re aware of their product rating format; one to five stars with five stars being the best, blah, blah, blah. They go to great lengths in soliciting your rating after a purchase, regardless the product; TV’s, camera’s, shoes, whatever. Amazon is recognized for being the biggest book seller in the world. About 40% of all books sold. It’s always helpful (and informing), prior to a purchase, if you can read what others have to say about the book. And, how the reviewer tagged the books rating, one to five, in their opinion.

  Some are crude reviews with slights about the books storyline, grammar,  scene/character/plot development and even the catching of misspelled or missing words. It’s not that the slight review is unwarranted, what is is. Most of the time, book review’s contain positive (or negative) comments that aid the next buyer in their buying decision. This, IMO, is a good thing.

  Here’s my point.

  My two books, up on Amazon, have few reviews and ratings, too few. Sure, the last book, Bloody Omaha, has only been out less than 30 days. I’m just saying…reviews are important to buyers…so if you can take a moment and write a review (on either book), then maybe someone else might do the same. Think of it as…paying it forward. You’d like to know what others think about that 60” 3D HDTV, before you hit the buy key, wouldn’t you? So, write a review on whatever you buy. If the site does not have a review format, you might want to give that some thought as well.

  Writing a review at Amazon is painless. If ever you’ve bought something from Amazon, anything, then you’re allowed to post a review (on whatever) regardless if you bought the item from Amazon on not. Specifically, its called ‘having an account,’ to qualify for writing a review.

  If you don’t care to buy my books just to write a review, fine. I’m not asking that. In fact, if you want my books free then let me know and they will be sent to you, in a PDF file for reading on your computer. Not good enough you say…(you like to hold the printed book in your hands), then email me and I’ll send the first 25 inquirer’s a free printed paperback book.

  Not so fast. You have to promise to write a review on Amazon. Good or bad, positive or negative. Your rated-review is needed and most important.

  Thanks to those who have bought the book(s)…now all I need is your review.

Many Regards, and have a great 2011. –gg

Amazon Book Links: Character Happens!  Bloody Omaha

Character Happens! at #5, and climbing…

• #5 in Books > Sports > Golf > Inspiration
• #14 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Sports > Miscellaneous > Sports Psychology
• #24 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Parenting & Families > Parenting > Morals & Responsibility

Guess when you price your book at $.99 more readers will give you a ‘chance read.’ It makes sense/cents (excuse the pun), particularly when you’re an unknown, first-time author. This 99 cent price point has been offered throughout December to entice readers to try it…and, besides, it’s always nice to be thought of as a ‘bargain’ instead of a ‘expensive lessen.’

December results so far: *drum roll* Character Happens! is at #5 (category—books-sports-inspiration) Thanks everyone.

For 2011, this book will experience some changes. A revision. Maybe it’ll be a 2nd Edition. Not sure yet how it will be introduced. But, will incorporate these changes for sure, perhaps others:

• New Subtitle – Keeping the Character Happens! portion but will follow with, ‘How Golf Teaches You (and your children), the Virtues-Honesty, Integrity, Courage, Compassion and Humility.’ I know its a longer title but it better describes the context of the book.
• The books cover color will be predominantly yellow.
• The angle will change to a 1700’s golf couple on the ‘old course.’
• The book will be edited extensively, by professionals.
• The Foreword and Afterward will be revised.
• Hope to have some ‘praise’ blurbs on back cover.

Don’t have eReader yet? Here’s a link (click picture) to the one I own and endorse wholeheartedly, the Kindle Reader with Wi-FI.

Thanks Again, for driving the book to #5.

Many Regards, Garry

P.S. Character Happens! can be ‘free’ to you, (PDF file), for your review on Amazon. Just go here to receive this free offer.

Holiday Special—$.99 for ‘Character Happens!’

  Price reduction!

  Beginning December 1st and throughout the month, the eBook Character Happens! can be acquired for $0.99, at Amazon.

  Why you ask . . . because it’s a new book from a new author – and its the giving time of year. Giving is good.

  Not familiar with the book, no problem. Character Happens! is a ‘character themed’ tome. It presents the 5 ‘Most Important—But Fleeting Virtues’ wrapped inside a golf storyline. Yes, I said golf! It identifies the virtues: Honesty, Integrity, Courage, Compassion and Humility and their use in decision-making. Making a more virtuous decision . . . could it be what you need in your life? I think it might.

We all have a ‘fleeting’ nature. None of us are consistent in our habits, mores or decisions. It’s natural, so don’t sweat it. Just admit it.

So . . . go now, ur, soon, to Amazon and click on the buy button. It may be the best $.99 you’ve spent this holiday. OR, buy a snicker bar—wait, that costs more than this eBook.

Also, if you a mind to, visit Amazon later and post a review. Everyone likes to know what others think about a book and if it’s recommended.

Thanks for coming and enjoy the savings. My treat.

Character Happens! The 5 Most Important—But Fleeting Virtues by Garry M. Graves

Holidays … warmth and comfort ??

  The warmth and comfort of the holidays soon will be upon us. Yes, warmth and comfort.

  Some find holidays sad, lonely and generally discomforting. Surely if people tried just a little harder…they might find joy in the simplest of activities. Like reading a book.

  Haven’t read a book in some time? Not to worry, it’s much like riding a bicycle, you hardly ever forget. Today, reading books can be different than what you’ve experienced in the past. The digital revolution has changed how people read books. Some still prefer the older methods using books made with paper, but the newer digital version is catching on fast.

  Sure, reading a book on a computer is tiring; eyestrain, uncomfortable chair, upright position…all can add to some unpleasantness. The now popular eReaders; the Kindle from Amazon, the Nook from Barnes & Noble, the iPad from Apple and others make reading a book much more pleasurable. Here’s my favorite and endorsement. 

  If you’re one of those people who can always find something sad about the holidays…you might find a world of comfort in reading a good book. BTW, here is a site with 33,000 ‘free’ eBooks, it’s called Project Gutenberg.

  Holiday discomfort? Eat. Read. Enjoy.

James M Turner – Author/Composer/Musician, visits…

The following is ‘my’ stop on author’s James M. Turner’s blog tour.

Bio - James M. Turner is an author, composer, musician and screenwriter. Born in the UK in the heart of rural Cheshire in 1961 where he completed his secondary education before re-locating to Manchester in the late 1970's to begin studying the Saxophone. During the mid 80's establishes himself as a popular choice for successful pop groups of the day and goes on to play with many acts including UK pop phenomena 'Bros' and 'Take That'

Moves to Thailand in 2002 which is largely the setting for his first auto-biographical book 'Beyond The Comfort Zone' based partly upon his experiences there. Relocates again in 2005 to Los Angeles California and begins to work in the Film business, working on films such as Crystal Sky Pictures 'Tekken' (imdb), El Dorado (imdb) as well as 'Annihilation Earth' (imdb) and 'Witchville' (imdb) for the Sci-Fi channel. His first Television series screenplay 'The Taker' is currently in development.

Besides his other talents James is a keen swimmer and linguist. As well as English he speaks both Spanish and Thai, his Mandarin Chinese is still a work in progress. When he is not on film sets he divides his time between Los Angeles, Manchester and Asia.

Should you have a question or comment for James, please utilize the below comment space provided. James will answer as many questions as possible within the next few days. Please check back.

Without further ado, I proudly introduce James M. Turner. Thanks for visiting with us today James…

JMT: Thanks for having me.

GG: James, your new book, ‘Beyond The Comfort Zone’ is damn gritty. Is this what the industry calls a ‘memoir-thriller’ genre?

JMT: That's the first time I've heard that expression. But yes, I think that would definitely sum up the nature of the journey of the book, it certainly has some of that aforementioned grit sprinkled about the pages. Memoir/thriller is a phrase I'll be using from now on, so thanks for that!

GG: Who are you? How did you reach this point in your life—writing all this chaos with subtle, international intrigue?

JMT. I'm originally from Manchester in the UK, but have lived in a few countries now. Something which I seem destined to continue for quite a while. I was, for most of my adult life, a professional musician and although I've always written in some form or another my music career was forever overshadowing any writing I did. I do believe fortune favors the brave though, so I've never been short of an adventure or two in my life. All that probably contributes to my writing.

GG: You’ve mentioned having offers for BTCZ by traditional publishers but decided to write your ‘own’ story, tell us about that.

JMT. Because I have played with some fairly big artists there was a suggestion that I should write a more music focused book. I didn't really want to write another kiss and tell, about life on the road or the people I had worked with. I thought it was an important element to include in the book, but not that it should be the core of the narrative. The end result is better for it I think and I'm pretty happy with that. Now that I have the book as I want it and it has been favorably received, I'm not against another publisher coming along and taking on certain foreign territories, such as the USA, because I do have limited resources of both time and money.

GG: In fact, one editor said: “...You seem to be a method writer, and I don't recommend it for anyone. Most never return....” You didn’t know whether to consider it a compliment or a warning—please elaborate.

JMT. I think that he was referring to the fact that this kind of approach (like method acting) can leave a very deep and lasting emotional legacy with the person engaged in it. For me, at the end of a day's writing, it did leave me emotionally exhausted. Some parts of the book are very sad, others joyful and each leaves its residue long after the keys have stopped chattering. I can't write any other way. I have to be that person, live their pain, try to understand their joy. Sometimes I take a very deep breath before starting to write.

GG: Will you continue to write, perhaps a sequel? Have you anything in development now?

JMT. I will continue to write and I feel this may be my newest and last incarnation. I have a couple of book ideas forming at the moment, as I mentioned though, that will involve me travelling to one location to absorb it for a while. I have a finished screenplay for a TV series I have written, which is heading into further development or pre-production this year, and another in the early planning stages. I don't think a sequel to BTCZ is on the agenda at the moment, but a lot of people have asked me to write one. You never know.

GG: James, in your interview (blog stop), with Zoe Winters you said: “...I did set out as if I was writing a fictional book....” And yet BTCZ is non-fiction; that my friend is hairy stuff. Honestly, the story begs for further media...tell us how the film venture is going?

JMT. I wanted the book to be as exciting to read as it was to live it. I think I managed that, but my template was always movie/thriller right from the start of writing. I'd like the story to reach as many people as possible, that's largely in the hands of others, but I'd like to see some foreign rights deals in the near future. I would dearly love to tell you what is going on with the film rights to BTCZ at the moment, but I can't. Let's just say that there are conversations taking place as we speak.

GG: Amazon, both US and UK editions, has BTCZ with nothing but 5 star reviews, that has to convince you the story resonates. Elaborate specifically/concisely why you think that is?

JMT. That's a difficult question to answer. I guess we all feel for the suffering of a helpless child. Also, this isn't just a story about me. It's actually a story of two young men, basically good people, who are stuck in the middle of a maelstrom trying to do the right thing and help others - with little concern for personal safety or financial gain. I think we all need to believe that there are still those of us out there who will risk everything for a stranger.

GG: James, you’ve written an extraordinary piece of work...tell us the secrets of your writing process...those elements you consider most important?

JMT. Thank you for that compliment, it's very humbling. I don't know that I have a secret. I know that I spend a lot of time thinking about the balance between too much and not enough. Whether that's in descriptions of environments, or people. There are some places where you just have to let the story run and keep the prose direct and the dialogue crisp. That's my main area of concentration, walking the knife edge. At the end of it all when the last full stop is in place it is all about how something makes you feel. Not how clever it is, how delicate the prose, how beautiful the descriptions. But, did this book make me feel anything deeply enough to live with me after the page is closed.

GG: Given the story premise and your heart, it seems only natural for you to have established a charity...please tell the readers about it.

JMT: At the moment I have just established a mechanism for donations on my website. The goal of this is to provide for children who have little opportunity or access to some of the things we in the west take for granted. Food, clothing, education, even the right to a life without fear. In the first instance it is likely that this will be a support mechanism for others already doing this work. So we are talking about orphanages etc; providing food, clothing, or whatever they are lacking or need help with. In the long term I'd like to build an infrastructure that helps children build value in their lives. Education, computers, work skills, sustainable business models that not only help them move forward but allow them to help others do the same.

GG: James, you have my sincere appreciation and thanks for making the Character Happens! blog a stop on your tour. Is there anything you would like to say in general?

JMT. I would like to thank you for inviting me on to Character Happens! and presenting me with some very thoughtful and insightful questions. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank everyone that has taken the time to vote and review BTCZ on Amazon as well as the many people who send me emails from around the world. I'm glad that the book has touched you enough to write to me and I'm always grateful to receive your messages (I reply to all…eventually). Please continue spreading the word.

Beyond The Comfort Zone is an incredible read. I highly recommend James’ book and guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Thanks again to this new and exciting author, James M. Turner. (site)

Author Tour – James M Turner visits 9/23/10

  Please mark your calendar—Thursday, September 23, 2010. This date signifies a visit to this blog-space from a new and exciting author, Mr. James M Turner. James is an author/composer/ musician/screenwriter who recently published a memoir that reads like a fictional thriller. You won’t believe this true story!

James will discuss his current book Beyond The Comfort Zone (Non-Fiction/Thriller-International/Asia-A+ Character Development), now available at Amazon. Additionally there will be pointed questions relative to the writing, publishing and book industry.

Interested author/writers, publishers and readers alike are invited to this open event, 9/23/10. Don’t miss it!

James will return to answer your most thought-out questions so bring your inquisitiveness and scholar. Thanks, --gg

K3 ‘New’ Kindle unit best in my mind…

The Kindle 3 looks to be the eReader of choice present day. Given the price: $139 for the Wi-Fi version and $189 for the 3G/Wi-Fi version. Since a cheap price is not always the best choice…everything considered in this instance, it is. Here’s a few features making this unit well worth your hard-earned money. (My personal choices)

1. It’s weighs nothing; less than 9 oz., which is lighter than a paperback. Important feature cause you don’t even want to have to hold the device with both hands. It’s a biggie.

2. Page turning is faster/quieter. When a device is not this way, it stinks.

3. The E-Ink screen is brighter/darker when it needs to be. Turn on/off a light next to your bed or reading in sunlight makes a difference with most devices…this one, not. Another biggie in my mind.

4. Aside from Amazon’s eBook reservoir, their lower overall price per eBook, the K3’s battery life, storage capacity, etcetera…the unit is a winner for the money. But…you have to wait to get yours cause of a delay in shipping (it’s popular). Looks like bought today, is 9/20/10 delivery. Not bad.

Still, you’ll love reading with it (you’ll read more actually-which is good) and you’ll look cool and your grandkids will think you’re hip. When’s the last time that happened?

 

If you read in bed then the cheaper unit with the Wi-Fi is all you need. It’s only $139. Having a router hooked to your desktop computer creates the Wi-Fi in your house. Done. Enjoy. Kindle 3

Stacey Cochran – Writer/Author/Educator, visits…

The following is my ‘stop’ on author Stacey Cochran’s Blog Tour.

Bio - Stacey Cochran was born in the Carolinas, where his family traces its roots to the mid 1800s. In 1998 he was selected as a finalist in the Dell Magazines undergraduate fiction competition, and he made his first professional short story sale to CutBank in 2001. In 2004, he was selected as a finalist in the St. Martin's Press/PWA Best First Private Eye Novel Contest. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his wife Dr. Susan K. Miller-Cochran and their son Sam, and he teaches writing at North Carolina State University.

Should you have a question or comment for Stacey, please utilize the below comment space provided. Stacey will answer as many questions as possible within the next few days. Please check back.

Without further ado, I proudly introduce Stacey Cochran. Thanks for visiting with us today Stacey…

STACEY: Thanks for having me.

GARRY: With all the components necessary to write a great thriller, like Claws 2, how come reviewers say you’re ‘the best’ regarding ‘Scene?’

STACEY: Someone said I was “the best”? I’m sure they had me confused with someone else.

I’m kidding, of course. The truth is that I pay them.

GARRY: Do you teach ‘Scene’ as the more critical element to your writing students?

STACEY: I’m a big fan of scene writing. It’s true. It’s right up there with character, plot, and setting. Novels where there’s pages of internal monologue or someone’s wandering thoughts in some undefined setting aren’t interesting to me.

A good scene has at least two characters who have different wants and needs, and their wants and needs should conflict. This should be shown through the characters’ actions and dialogue in a specific setting (a car, a bus, a living room, a meeting room for members of alcoholics anonymous, etc.).

GARRY: Stacey, your first Claws book is generating more sales now that Claws 2 has come out -- is this the benefit of having a series?

STACEY: Definitely. And this is something I didn’t wholly anticipate. Seriously. Like when I first conceived of the books as a series, I could not have imagined how they would sell, where they would sell, or how they might work in tandem. In fact, eBooks were not even on my radar when I wrote the novels back in 2004 and 2005. At that time, there was no viable market to sell them.

And so, yes, I was surprised to see how strongly the first novel was selling during the first month of launch for the second book.

In recent weeks, I’ve even lowered the sequel’s price and actually raised the price of the older novel.

GARRY: A lot of my readers who are ‘self-pub writer-types’ are beginning to understand the importance of ‘marketing,’ which even the big traditional publishers are doing less of for their author’s...what word of advice can you contribute about marketing?

STACEY: The single best marketing tool is to write a great novel. After that, though, you’re absolutely right. Marketing is everything. It’s so much a part of everything that I do, I don’t even know where to begin.

I guess the best piece of advice I can give to your audience is to be absolutely fearless. Fear no one. Fear no critic. Fear no establishment. There is a sense among relatively new authors that they don’t want to say or do something wrong for fear of being perceived as a bad author… or an author behaving badly.

The best publicity comes when you’re getting tossed out of a place for doing the right thing. That alone will sell more books in the long haul than any ass-kissing, well-behaved douche-baggery.

GARRY: Stacey...like JA Konrath, I’m a big believer in this eBook thingy, it’s become a phenomena with Amazon, eReading devices, lower book pricing...what does a long-time author like you think about this new ‘industry?’

STACEY: You should read my 2004 introduction to the paperback version of THE KIRIBATI TEST. It’s remarkable to me in that I was basically saying that the time was here for a proletariat group of writers to change major publishing. In 2004.

So in a lot of ways, none of this is surprising to me.

GARRY: Your so damn young with a lot of writing ahead of you...does all this publishing industry confusion encourage or worry you?

STACEY: Great question. I find it immensely encouraging. It is the single most democratic thing to happen in the history of publishing. Period. Readers are deciding which books thrive. That is a good thing.

GARRY: You had mentioned somewhere that you’d really like the Claw’s series to be picked up with movie-rights...what’s happening with that?

STACEY: Realistically, nothing. That said, I have completed one short film project on my own under the Stacey Cochran Productions banner. We are currently shooting our second film. I could (at least in my own imagination) see one day filming the CLAWS movies on my own, if I have to. I could probably shoot the first book for under 200 grand, in case there are any investors in our audience today who want to get in early.

GARRY: Many writers rush their works to publish (like me) less some needed editing...is this ‘editing component’ the critical aspect of the book writing process?

STACEY: It’s definitely critical. I can’t tell you how many dozens of drafts CLAWS went through before the final published version. I had feedback from a writers’ group, a literary agent, and nearly a dozen of the best thriller editors in major publishing. And still I spent about four years in the editing phase once the first draft was completed.

GARRY: I see by your site ‘pic-page’ you’ve met James Patterson...tell us about that?

STACEY: I met Patterson at Thrillerfest a few years ago. We were staying on the same floor in the hotel, and we struck up a conversation waiting for the elevator the night of the awards banquet. I think his wife took the photo actually. Inside the elevator.

GARRY: Stacey, please accept my sincere appreciation for you taking the time to participate in my Authors Tour today...is there anything you’d care to say generally?

STACEY: Thank you for having me. It was my pleasure.

Thanks again to Stacey Cochran. His next tour stop is August 30th, at this blog location.

Author Tour features…Stacey Cochran, 8/26/10

Please mark your calendar—Thursday, August 26, 2010. This date signifies a visit to this blog-space from a very distinguished author, Mr. Stacey Cochran. Stacey is the author/writer of several books besides teaching writing at the university level, as well as hosting an author interview show on local TV.

Stacey will discuss his current book Claws 2 (Thriller-Present Day-A+ Scene Development), now available at Amazon. Additionally there will be pointed questions relative to the writing and book industry.

Interested author/writers, publishers and readers alike are invited to this open event, 8/26/10. Don’t miss it!

Stacey will return to answer your most thought-out questions so bring your inquisitiveness and scholar. Thanks, --gg