Something new – a writing challenge

I’ve decided to use Kait Nolan’s Round of Words in 80 Days to kick-start me into finishing Back in Black (and Blue) – Black Knight Chronicles, Vol. 2. I’m about 7,000 words into the book now, and I should be able to finish it out within 80 days if I have someone that I have to report in to. So here goes – I’m going to write the last 50,000 words of Volume 2 between now and March 24th, with an intermediate goal of 5,000 words each week. I usually write 1,000 words per day during the week and give myself the weekends off, but this will let me use the weekends to catch up if I fall behind. I should be able to finish up the first draft during that time, which lets me get the print edition ready to go for the Heroes Con in June!

This word count should leave me a little float time near the end because I know I have a lot of work travel in the beginning of March that could screw me. Wish me luck!

Write-in Campaign!

Write-in Campaign!

I want to sell books. I want to sell a LOT of books. One of the ways I can sell a lot of books is by getting noticed by a lot of people. Right now, Goodreads.com is having a Best of 2010 contest, and I’d like all of you to write in The Chosen for Best Debut Author. Most of you have told me you liked the book, and it would increase my recognition quite a bit to make the top ten or so on the list. Also feel free to vote me in on any other categories that make sense. I promise it won’t hurt my feelings.

So please take a moment and click the widget below or on the right side of the page. Then click on Debut Author, scroll down to the bottom, and write in my name. When The Chosen pops up, click on it and vote!  And hurry – you only have until January 5th to make it happen! But you guys rock, so I have faith in your ability to click a button!
And thanks.

Write me in for Debut Author!

It’s that time again

I suppose as I look around and see a bunch of my friends putting up year in review blogs that it’s time to either look back and evaluate the year that was, or look forward into the future and see what kind of year I want to have. Since the immediate past sucks, let’s look forward, shall we? Here are my goals for the year 2011, and since I didn’t make any type of resolutions in 2010, I have nothing to compare it to.

Writing – I want to keep it up. I’ve published two novels and a collection of poetry in 2010, and my current plan for 2011 is to write two more books in The Black Knight Chronicles series, and maybe go back and hack some more on Return to Eden, an epic fantasy trilogy that I’ve started and abandoned a couple of times. I’m getting the itch to revisit those characters, though, so I might touch on them some this year as well. But definitely two novels in 2011, and some more convention appearances and things of that nature.

Weight loss – I gotta start it. A few years ago I managed to lose over 50 lbs, which was great. Except that in the years since I’ve managed to find 60 brand new pounds! So Suzy got us an exercise room for Christmas, complete with treadmill and recumbent bike. Monday I’m starting on the Couch to 5K program with several co-workers, and I hope that the social aspect in addition to the outlay of cash will motivate me to exercise. My goals in this area are 50 pounds lost this year, and to complete a 5K, 10K and half-marathon run. I was initially planning to do a marathon this year, but realized that I need to spread my goals out over a longer period of time, or I’ll plow through them and then have no impetus to continue exercising.

Podcasting – you forgot I co-hosted a podcast, didn’t you? Well, for a little while so did I. But Special K and I are back in the saddle and ready to go, so with the help of the greatest online poker site in the world, The Gambling Tales Podcast has all sorts of cool things coming your way in 2011.

Existing books – I plan to sell books at the Heroes Con in June, which is one of my favorite cons to attend as a fan. It’ll be a whole new world sitting on the other side of the table, but I had a blast at the NC ComiCon with folks like Rob from Panda Dog Press and Chris from Capes n’ Babes, so I’m really looking forward to Heroes.

Travel – I want to go to at least one place I’ve never been before. Work may be taking me to Wisconsin in early 2011, so that gives me a chance to fly into Chicago and then spend the weekend there once my training is done, so that could take this one off my list early.

Friends – I had a great time in Vegas spending time with all my internet friends, and the outpouring of support and love that has come from all of you folks in my brother’s time of troubles has been so amazing, I gotta make it a point to see you guys more. I did a better job of hanging out this year at the WPBT gathering instead of playing poker all the time, so that’s a trend that’s likely to continue.

Family – I gotta help get my bro back on his feet. That’s the most important thing right now, and not likely to change. My sister is in pretty good shape after two hip replacement surgeries this year, and my dad is doing well. Mom is batty as hell, but that’s just a situation that won’t ever really get any better, so I need to just treasure what time I have left with my folks while they’re still around.

That’s what I’m trying to do in 2011, I know it seems pretty ambitious, but I’m nothing if not self-confident, right? What do you have planned?

The beginnings of thanks

First I’d like to say thanks to everyone who has linked to the story on Facebook and a huge thanks to folks who have donated already! My invisible internet friends came up with several hundred bucks in just a couple of hours, and I appreciate everything. I can’t tell you how touched we all were with the community efforts this weekend, and I continue to be amazed at what everyone is doing. I’ll never be able to thank everyone enough, but I’ll try to start here.

You people are all amazing!

Shannon Jones Anderson, one of my dearest friends from college

StB, who despite his love for the Cowboys is one of the best guys I know

Boy Genius, who chipped in some of his last American dollars before moving Down Under

BadBlood, who is always welcome at my table and in my home

WolfsHead, a great guy who tries to put on a gruff exterior (and fails, you big softy!)

Doc Chako, my very favorite war hero

Stuart, the best Horton in the world

Angie and Charlie Flynn McIver, who produce some of the greatest theatre in the Carolinas and have hearts as big as their talent

And John Lee from New York, who I don’t even know if I know, but since enough people have re-linked to the original post, I appreciate the kindness of a friend of a friend

All these folks have answered my call for help for my brother and his wife, and I can’t thank you guys enough. I’ll be back in a day or so with an update, and with some plans for the new year, which include there being a whole lot less Falstaff to love in 2011! And more Falstaff to read!

But again, I can’t say it enough and it doesn’t really come close, but thank you all.