What Happened to Country Music?

When I was three years old, “I’m from the Country” and “Bye Bye” were my two favorite songs. I was quite familiar with names like Jo Dee Messina, Tracy Bird, and Alan Jackson. I was also familiar with Shania Twain and Dixie Chicks, though whether the latter two really qualify as “country” is debatable. But then, what passes for “country” music today falls into that category as well. To me, the endless parade of beer-themed anthems sung by lookalike scruffy dudes in baseball hats and plaid warrants the subgenre label of “urban cowboy” at best; “rap with phony Southern accents” at worst.

So what did happen to country music? Where did it all go wrong? In this unscientific post/rant, I shall attempt to figure that out.Continue reading “What Happened to Country Music?”

Happy Veterans’ Day!

It is now 103 years to the day since the ceasefire that effectively ended WWI, but we have not forgotten. At least, a few of us haven’t. To those who give their all to keep this country safe, my heartfelt thanks. God bless, and have a wonderful Armistice Day.

Marketing Matters: Age Ranges

Though it has always been my opinion that the best works are those that can be enjoyed by anyone of any age, not everyone is capable of writing that perfect story every time. As a result, we generally have to be a little more selective regarding our audience (see my previous post on “Defining Your Audience“).Continue reading “Marketing Matters: Age Ranges”

Plans for November

October was a phenomenal month. I made progress on my rough draft, reviewed another book thoroughly for next spring, created yet another drawing for next winter’s book, partly revamped an old short story/novella for possible publication this winter or next spring, and worked on my ongoing linguistic project besides. In addition, I am pleased to announce that both Sauragia and its sequel, Journey to the Red Mountain, are now available on Dreame!

This November, I expect things to move at a more leisurely pace. I shall give a thorough look at what I hope will be my magnum opus for next year, rough out another drawing for it, and continue my current rough draft. I will also finish revising my old short story and hopefully finish my linguistic project. If there is time, I may even record my first ever audiobook! Either way, it’s a new month with lots of potential, so let’s make the most of it.

One Year Anniversary Sale: ‘Sauragia’!

Greetings, all! It is hard to believe but it is now one whole year since the release of my very first book, Sauragia. To those of you who have purchased it in its various editions over the past year, I thank you whole-heartedly.

To mark this most special occasion, I am hereby offering 50% off e-book editions of both titles in the Sauragia series from now until the end of the month. So, if you have collected one but not the other, now may be a fine opportunity to complete the set. I am also offering FREE SHIPPING on all Sauragia series print books purchased from this site. Check out my Books page for more info. Thanks, and have a great day!

25 Memorable Quotations

This week, I’m taking a little detour from writing-related topics to list some of my favorite lines from book, movie, and song. Some are profound; some inspirational; and some may be just a little bit silly. Anyway, here they are:Continue reading “25 Memorable Quotations”

Martin the Warrior: Worst Protagonist Ever?

N. B.-This post contains spoilers.
Redwall is a great series by a fine author. It has a wonderful charm all its own that simply draws you in and allows you get lost in the depths of its vividly created world for a whole 22 books and beyond. Of course, it does have its flaws (as I have detailed in an earlier post), and perhaps one of the biggest is the mouse who could be considered the main protagonist of the series: Martin the Warrior.Continue reading “Martin the Warrior: Worst Protagonist Ever?”

Marketing Matters: The Art of Self-Promotion

Once you’ve been published, you might think that your job is done, and that it is time to move on to your next project. You would be right on the latter account; wrong on the former.

There are a number of ways to get the word out about yourself and your book. Here I shall focus on the three I consider the most important. They are: social media, paid advertising, and live appearances.Continue reading “Marketing Matters: The Art of Self-Promotion”

Plans for October

September was a bustling month indeed! While not all was accomplished that I had hoped, it was nevertheless a good one. In it I managed to make improvements to an old story, continue work on my Woodland Tales translation, plan a couple of short articles/essays, rough out another drawing for next year, and complete my research project…for the moment. I am also pleased to announce that it is now possible to purchase print books directly from me via my newly renovated Books page or Alibris.com–including signed editions that cannot be attained anywhere else! (Hardcover only at the moment, but paperbacks will be along shortly.)

October will be an interesting month as well, beginning with a live appearance I will be making in Missouri Town 1855 this weekend (Oct. 2 & 3)! It will be unrelated to my writing, but nevertheless, if you happen to be in the area, feel free to stop by the Civil War miniatures tent and chat it up about books, history, or just about anything else I reckon. I also hope to continue work on my current rough draft for the third Sauragia book, give a once over to a book I have delayed until next spring, create yet another drawing, write out and submit my articles, and perhaps finish my translation so I can have it edited in November.

So, lots to do, as always!