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.