2017 in Review

Well, things didn't go much better for me in 2017 than they did in 2016. Here's my chance at looking back at 2017 and my goals for the year, and see what I didn't quite accomplish.

So, here goes:

1. Plot out a fifth Aston West series novel and write at least 10,000 words on it.

I came up with a general idea for the fifth novel, preliminarily entitled Before the Dawn. However, I have barely written 500 words on the novel. Hoping to get a better chunk written in 2018.

2. Plot out a third Aston West novella and write at least 10,000 words on it.

Didn't get anything started on this one, even though I do have a third Aston novella out there from years ago that I could finish if I really wanted.

3. Complete the first draft of my in-work "Demonkiller" WIP.

Although I haven't yet completed this novel, I have had the most success with this one. I have just under 40000 words written on this story, and am hoping to be able to finish it up this coming year. One bright spot in an otherwise gloomy year, writing-wise.

4. Complete the first draft of my in-work sci-fi suspense/mystery novel.

I haven't really had a chance to work this one this year, with most of my attention on the "Demonkiller" manuscript. However, I do have around 4500 words written, which is more than I had in all of my Aston work this year. Again, hoping to put some time aside to finish this one in 2018.

5. Finish the next novella in the Max McCannor series.

Nothing was worked on this one in 2017, but Lyndon and I have spoken, and the hope is to finish up both the second and third installments by March, so...

6. Plot out the final novella in the Max McCannor series.

Same situation as above. Lyndon and I expect to get together in January to come up with our final plotting for this series.

7. Write six Aston West short stories.

Didn't get a single short story written. Another blog post for another time, but my motivation just hasn't been there for writing more Aston stories.

Well, I'm hoping to improve things in 2018. I do think that I need to get back into the habit of setting obtainable writing goals, and then sticking to them. Looking forward to setting out a 2018 goals post in the next day or two.

Testing Theories

So, as an engineer in my day job, it's basically mandatory that I run my life by data and analysis. For example, those who have followed the site here for many years have seen several posts covering sales figures, word count goals/accomplishments, and other such fun. Publishing is a business, so they say, and any business needs facts and figures to pore over.

At the behest of Candice Gilmer, I'm going to be testing out some promotional efforts during the month of December. We'll see how it goes. And then, of course, I'll have to come back and provide some results from the test.

Air Cap Day 2

Well, I was hoping that Sunday's outing at Air Capital Comic-Con would be as good, if not better, than Saturday's. And I was not disappointed.

Actually had more books sold Sunday than Saturday (by one book). Sold 23 books total, which was my best outing of the year. Surprising even myself, I had two people who ended up buying the whole 4-book series. But even so, I sold more copies of Heroes Die Young than anything.

So, Air Cap is now completed, and I look forward to returning next year. My next event is scheduled in February, unless something pops up between now and then.

In the meantime, if you didn't get around to catching me at this event, all of my titles are available at Amazon.

Air Cap Day 1

Sorry for the delay between posts (another post for another day). I'm trying to make a concerted effort to post more frequently, so we'll see how things go.

Yesterday was the first day of Air Capitol Comic-Con, and it was a blast. Always enjoy myself at this local (to me) convention. People really go all out on their costumes, and have a good time. Sales were fairly good, although most came in sporadic bursts through the day.

I always enjoy talking with folks about my books, although many times the conversation is rather formulaic. It seems to me that back in the days when I was first getting started, more people would ask questions like "How do you come up with ideas for your books?" or "How long does it take to write one?" But now, most are content to just glance over the covers, or sometimes pick one up and read the back blurb.

Perhaps this is indicative of our culture in general. My guess on this particular convention is that people just don't have a lot of time, and are trying to cram as much into a single day as possible. And that means not taking time to 'stop and smell the roses,' so to speak.

Or they just don't really find my books (or me) that interesting...

The jury is still out.