Generations

We just came back last night from a family reunion in Heavener, Oklahoma. My mother’s maiden name was Haynes, and she had eight sisters and four brothers. That means a lot of cousins, aunts and uncles and other relatives for me. In addition to the Hayneses, her mother’s maiden family, the Stacys, were there, as … More Generations

My 99 Cent Sale

In the past 18 months since I started my indie author enterprise, I have experimented with lots of ways to get readers’ attention. After all the contests and advertising and promotions, I have come to the conclusion that the bottom line for selling books online is in reviews. How does one get reviews? You get … More My 99 Cent Sale

Positive Strokes

If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I have said more than once that there are no guarantees in life. And that goes for writing as well. I told a fellow magazine editor one time while we were watching our first issue roll off the press: “Enjoy … More Positive Strokes

Critical Mass

I have a new theory when it comes to book publishing. Well, it’s actually not that new. I’ve been thinking about it for the past year. At 18 months in the indie book business, I am still an adolescent when it comes to publishing. I continue to read advice from other indie authors. Some of … More Critical Mass

Let Your Freak Flag Fly

I can still remember the day when my mom brought me to Mountain View Academy to register me as a high school freshman. Part of the registration process was getting your photo taken for the “Funnybook” and adding a word to describe yourself. I couldn’t–or wouldn’t–give them a word, but after I left that table, … More Let Your Freak Flag Fly

Office Karma

About 20 years ago, I was a magazine/book editor in Idaho, and one of my best friends was the designer for myriad projects I was involved in. He got moved into a new office, but was surprised to see that it was just that: four walls, a light switch and a ceiling. No furniture. I … More Office Karma