Posts tagged digital publishing
Cat French Get’s Jack’d
May 27th
It’s that time again kitties and catses — time for another jack’ing of another innocent victim. This time around it’s fellow steampunk writer (I can say that now because, well, I can.. so there, shut it!). So let’s all grab a nice bowl of schmilk and a can of tuna and curl up in the smallest of boxes as we Jack the crap out of Kat French.
Email PostKlockwerk Kabaret: Sample this!
May 22nd
Ladies and gents of the Jackverse, I cannot tell you how thrilled I am about one of my upcoming releases — my first steampunk novel. So excited am I, that I am going to share with you a portion of the first chapter of this book. And so, without further adieu, I give you chapter 1:00 O’CLOCK from the first draft of Klockwerk Cabaret.
Variations on a theme: Steampunk
May 8th
As everyone in the Jackverse knows, I am about to complete the first book in my Klockwerk Kabaret steampunk series. During the process of penning this tale, I fell in love with the genre. Not only does it offer the joy of creating something wholly unique, it allows the writer to dive into worlds unseen; with a fabric so flexible, the dirigible-filled sky is the limit.
Before this book is released, I wanted to touch on the variations on the steampunk theme — so you can have a full understanding of just what steampunk is before you lay down your iron coins to purchase my book.
In respect and defense of indie artists
Jan 4th
Imogen Heap, Mazzy Star, Jackson Pollack, Jack Kerouac, Arthur Miller, Samuel Barber, Damien Rice, Death Cab for Cutie… any of these sound familiar? They should. These are all artists, of various mediums, that are (or were) all considered ”indie”. Typically, being an “indie” artists brings along with it a certain respect and status. Those artists aren’t beholden to the “main stream” or dependent upon “the man”. Those artists are also often considered bold and driven by an integrity not found in the mainstream.
Until you get to authors. The general public opinion still seems to point a dirty finger at indie authors.
And, to a certain degree, with good reason. Let me explain…
Unleashing the beast
Dec 5th
Here at the Jackverse, there is always some mischief brewing. And right now… the mischief is dark, twitchy, and oh so delicious. I have plenty of fabtastic to drop on you, so I’m just going to cut to le chase and get to the big funky… drop me a beat.
Make the most out of your convention
Oct 3rd
During the last week of Septemter 2012, I had the pleasure of attending Scarefest as a dealer. My booth was proudly displayed on Celebrity Row and I got to spend the entire weekend staring and chatting with the likes of Nicholas Vince, Doug Bradly, Tony Todd, Denise Crosby, and much more. It was a fanboy’s dream come true — with benefits! The benefits being that I was there to sell my books.
Out of this experience I learned a great deal, and I have decided to share what I have drawn from Scarefest, so you too can make the most out your convention. So, if you think you might be attending some sort of convention to ply and plug your wares — read on. I believe what I have to say will help you out a great deal.
The homogenization correlation
Sep 5th
I was riding my bike the other day (as I am wont to do) and noticed a number of new eateries popping up around my stomping grounds. Now, I should mention that Louisville, Kentucky has a LOT of really cool, unique places to break bread that are menu, style, and user-base specific. It’s actually suprising how many great places to eat we have.
I have a point that is universally awesome — stick with me.
Talkin’ ’bout Meme Generation
Aug 15th
I’ll confess, I’m not a Who fan, but the title was a perfect fit to something I want to address. What’s that, the Jackverse cries out?
MEMES.
Say what? You mean those guys in the black and white that clowns hate? No my dears, not MIMES…MEMES. And why are MEMES something to be addressed? Because we’re facing what I’m calling The MEME Generation.
Claudia Lefeve gets Jack’d
Jul 16th
Ladies and gentlechums, the getting of jack’d has been on one Hell of a serious ride lately. Continuing on with the trend, I have another major player in the game of awesome. This time around it’s Claudia Lefeve. A lover of skulls, pugs, and one of my favorite television shows. Are you ready for this? Let’s Get Jack’d!
Shero II: Zombie A GoGo now available
May 31st
Ladies and Gentlemen, children of all genders…I give unto you that magical, mysterious, uber smexy superhero that crosses gender and makes everything fabulous! That’s right, Shero II!
Jessica McHugh get’s Jack’d
May 28th
Dare I try to introduce the one…the only? I don’t think so. Besides, anything I could say would only pale in comparison to the brilliant reality that is the queen of awesomestuff – Jessica McHugh! Let’s get this woman Jack’d!
The lemming effect
May 22nd
Another working day has ended
Only the rush hour hell to face
Packed like lemmings into shiny metal boxes
Contestants in a suicidal race
Lyrics from Synchronicity, by the Police. We all know exactly what they are referring to. Lemmings have been been ill-perceived as a rodent that does little more than follow its fellow rodentia — even to their death. There is no truth to that myth, but the image holds strong. When you see one person doing nothing more than what the person in front them is doing, you think Lemming.
Axel Howerton Gets Jack’d
May 18th
Annnnd we’re back with another episode of Get Jack’d. This time around I have the pleasure of jacking fellow author du’ grim Axel Howerton. As everyone on the Jackverse knows, the getting of jack’d is a deep, funky process… so let’s skip the pleasantries and get knee deep into the big funky.
What genres do you like and why?
Apr 25th
As a writer of horror (and other sundries) I am always asked why I write a genre that will forever take a back seat to most other genres. The answer to that one question is simple — because it’s my passion. But that question actually begs of numerous, multi-layered questions. I thought, what better place to ask these questions than here, where blood, gore, and fabulous spills from fountains made of bone and satin.
Writely Advice: Back it up!
Feb 27th
I not only write fiction, I also write tech articles. I’ve been writing technology-based articles for nearly fifteen years and during that time the one thing that always shocks me is how many people do NOT back up their data. As writers, our data is our life. Imagine the horror of spending months on that new manuscript, only to have a disaster (a broken hard drive or fire) take it away from you. To prevent this type of loss you only need do one thing — back up your data.
Writely Advice: It’s all about balance
Feb 20th
Recently I had an extended conversation with a dear writer friend that spanned a vast number of topics. From that conversation a number of conclusions were drawn — but one of the most important conclusions was the different types of writers there are. I’m not talking about genre writers or those that hand write first drafts — I’m talking about those that look at this craft as a business vs. those that look at it as nothing but an art. It became very clear to me that I fell closer to the latter than the former. But what was even more important was how neither type could survive without balance. That’s right, a perfect mixture of the business and the beauty.
Writely Advice: Turn away from rankings
Feb 13th
Last week I had one of those moments where I though my heart was going to slosh out of my nether-holes and I was just going to give up the writer ghost.
Okay, I kid — I didn’t let it effect me THAT badly; but I must channel George Washington and say I cannot tell a lie, it did bother me. What? What exactly was it that bothered me? Hold your panties, I’m trying to build up an air of suspense.
Writely Advice: The Writer Brand
Jan 23rd
When you think of brand, what comes to mind? Any number of images, sound bites, catch phrases, etc pop up to smack you upside the mind’s eye. Why does that happen? Because marketing execs are paid large sums of money to ensure that those brand names are burned into your psyche. And it pays off. Had it not been for brand, Apple wouldn’t be where it is today. Brand has brought Volkswagon back into relevancy.
There are plenty of books, sites, lectures, and articles centered around you getting your brand out there as soon as possible — in some cases, even before you have that first book published. And they’re all true. It’s hard work that will seem like a constant flow of pimping. In the end, it pays off. But what exactly is it you need to do? Let’s take a look.
Fabulous Friday: Win a Kindle Fire
Jan 20th
Come On Baby Win My Fire! Enter for your chance to win a free Kindle Fire!
Valentine’s Day is coming up. That’s right. We love it. We hate it. But it comes around every year whether we like it or not. This year The Eclective will be giving away one Kindle Fire to one of our readers. Just because we love you!
Desperation leads to more desperation
Jan 9th
Lately I’ve been taking up some of my regular blog spots to address various issues surrounding the indie author scene. I thought I would continue this practice once again… only this time dig a bit deeper into the muck and underbelly of the beast of which I am a part of. And as I dug my fingers deep into the viscera and gore, what I discovered is a cross section of authors on the ugly side of begging and pleading. Their sales aren’t there (yet) and they have resorted to desperate measures and Hail Mary passes. The sad bit of news I have to give them is that it won’t work. Desperation will only lead to more desperation.
