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.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, September 7, 2009
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.
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.
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