A Writer's Notebook

I was going to continue with my observations on the book-selling business, but then Infinity Publishing sent me the proof book on my latest novel, Pennington's Patrimony, and it seemed more expeditious to clean it up and get it back to them in order to hasten the time when the novel gets online, on the bookshelves or wherever.

I was not elated to find that in 368 pages I could find only 34 lines that called for repairs of various sorts. I'd like to say that they were all typographical errors, but that would be self-serving, if not dishonest. It took two days to read it, mark it up, and get it in the mail. Infinity should receive it 10/19, if UPS does its job properly. My object, obviously, is to get the book before the public before the holiday buying spree begins. No use writing a book, if you can't make a few bucks on it.

Don't get me wrong: I don't have any illusions about making a bundle. On the contrary, of the six self-published books I've written so far, I am approximately $3,000 in the hole, Reason: I suckered into every ploy of the book-selling industry, only to discover that most of them fall far short of the publisher's promises of "exposure" of y our work.

Young writers beware: You are the only one who can pitch your own product to your own satisfaction. It's a bitter lesson, believe me.

Maybe I can get back to my dissertation on the book-publishing, book-selling industry in a subsequent blog. I've got some horror stories to tell that might spare you a lot of pain and heartbreak.

A writer's notebook

Happy with the results of my website makeover, I ventured into a new realm of the writing industry - bookstores. I had always thought of them as warm and cozy places far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Wrong. They are engaged in competition just as vigorously as any other business, and as you might have guessed, it is the writer who pays.

My interest was in advertising the fact that I had a new book coming out, and what better way to call attention to my eighteen months of research and hard labor than holding a reading/book signing at local bookstores - two major chain stores, and one independent. I learned that the latter apparently was engaged in a pitched battle with the former. The upshot was that there
"ain't no free lunch," and there was scant possibility of selling enough copies of my book to cover the expenses involved. Writer beware: Independent bookstores don't come cheap. Investigate the indy thoroughly before cutting a deal, and have plenty of the long green stuff in your pocket before making a commitment.

And what about the majors? I don't know yet. They're next on my research agenda, and I'll certainly let you know the results. But first, have you ever wondered about the proliferation of publishing houses catering to the self-published writer? As a self-published author myself, I think I can answer that question next time around on this blog. Stay tuned.

A writer's notebook

A major step forward: My new website, which still needs a little tweeking, is now online. The designer is Ann Hughes (anniehug@earthshinedesign.com). Next step will be to get a proof copy of Pennington's Patrimony from Infinity Publishing so I can give it a close read, hopefully to catch the errors that might have slipped by me during the book's writing. Meantime, anyone who's curious about my books will find them on my website, www.jameskruger.com, or www.jameskruger.net. So we're on our way.

Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to a local book-signing, arranging a review or two, and sending out emails acquaintances, friends and relatives to announce the book's publication. It should be an interesting few months. Release date should be sometime in late October or thereabouts.

And remember: Books make wonderful holiday gifts. I mean, doesn't everyone reads books? I hope so. More later.

A writer's notebook

I'm having a hard time learning how to work this blog thing. Maybe it's old age, or perhaps it's the terminology used in the high tech industry. Point is that I like the concept, and see blogging as a way to connect with the "outside world". It's worth a try anyway, so here's blog #3.

For someone who has spent well over fifty years writing one thing or another there is nothing more devastating that to suddenly be without inspiration. That's how it has been since I sent my most recent manuscript to the publisher. That simple act has left a void in my life, and there's nothing worse. I think that as a stop-gap measure I'll return to an unfinished family history if only to keep myself occupied.

Checked in with the Boulder Public Library yesterday 9/11 to donate nearly 40 books I have used for reference over the years. This batch all had to do with the Civil War, all were hardcover books, and all were in mint condition. (I avoid writing in books, other than my name on a fly leaf where it can be easily removed.) The librarian who assisted me seemed totally ambivalent about my donation, which is understandable for someone who is surrounded by thousands upon thousands of books every work day.

Also got the name and phone number of the library's program organizer. I was told an author's program is in the works for this fall, and perhaps I can get myself invited to take part. I would like to talk about books and writing, and participation might help fill the void until my latest book is released.

At any rate, such is the writer's life - when you're not writing you are nothing more than a lost soul wondering what to do next. I think the blog will help fill the gap until the next inspiration comes along. We shall see.

A writer's notebook

Post #2 - Major step forword: Graphic artist completed the cover art for my book Pennington's Patrimony. Not only that, but she transmitted it to the publisher (Infinity), saving me a good deal of trouble. Her work will be on the cover; Infinity artists will do the spine and back page.

This book started out to be about the young protagonist and the father-figure he "adopts" to make up for the absence of a father in his own life (he was born as a result of a rape). But as the story developed, I realized that nearly all the major characters in the book, both male and female, have "issues" with their fathers - whether they be good fathers or bad, absent or present.

My conclusion was that fathers play a huge role in the lives of their offspring, much larger than I had suspected as I was growing up. Stereotypes aside, we all harbor fond memories, and we often cannot forget the slights, real or imagined, that helped to define our relationship with our fathers. Strange how it all developed - strange, but interesting.

A writer's notebook

This is post #1 - I sent my latest manuscript to Infinity Publishing on Sept. 1. They publish just about anything for what I consider a reasonable price. You pay, they print. Why don't I use a major publishing house for my work? Because the major houses only take manuscripts submitted and recommend by agents, and literary agents are reluctant to even look at the work of someone my age. Understandably they prefer younger writers who will be around for a long time, and ostensibly will provide them with an income over that period of time, while I might not last through lunch tomorrow. This fact was explained to me after I had spent several years trying to find an agent. Finally, one took pity on me and explained the age factor. Forget it, she said, you're just too old. I was 62 at the time. and newly retired from the newspaper business.

Since them I've had six books published (see my bio) and a seventh on the way. I don't think I've sold enough books to cover my expenses over the years, but my books are being read by a few discerning readers, and that's enough for me. Do you like to read? Check them out at my webside, jameskruger.com or jameskruger.net. I own both domains. And welcome. I look forward to hearing from you.