New blog for Russ
March 31, 2011
Check out my new blog started to keep fans of my science fiction, fantasy and horror stories updated on new releases as they occur.
My plan is to migrate all non-romance stories to other blogs. So stay tuned.
Interview by Author JS Nichols
March 29, 2011
Jess Nichols does a very nice interview with me today about my new release Antique Virgin. Thanks, Jess.
An invaluable discussion about self-publishing
March 26, 2011
Dean Wesley Smith, J.A. Kornth and Barry Eisler are having a lengthy discussion about business models in the new world of self publishing.
Follow the link to Dean’s blog and Joe and Barry’s websites. I highly suggest you read the comments as well because it is an education you won’t get anywhere else.
The business model that has existed in publishing for decades has shifted. This is good news for authors, and readers.
Amanda Hocking and the Good Story
March 25, 2011
There has been a lot of online discussion about Amanda over the past week and her 4 book deal with St Martins Press for over $2 million dollars.
if you don’t know who she is, Amanda has been very successful as a self published writer of young adult urban fantasy. As she states in her blog she isn’t concerned if the St Martins books do well or not. She can make just as much money from her self publishing (which is also around $2 million) so why did she sign with a large New York house?
The answer is complex and you should read her full reasons on her blog. My reading of her blog is she isn’t concerned about the money, or if the books sell. (Not that she wants them to do poorly) With 19 books published she knows some books sell better than others.
That’s an absolute truth and true across every type of product. The public decides what they like. A big deal with a NY publisher will not change anything. No amount of marketing will change this truth.
Do I think her books will continue to sell well in print and e-book form? Yes, absolutely, I don’t think she’s in any danger at all of losing her audience.
The significance of this deal is Amanda will continue to self pub and sell to NY. This validates my thinking that print and e-pub compliment each other, and readers don’t care who publishes the book, be it the author, or some big house. Readers love good stories.
Amanda’s deal is a significant marker of these changing times in publishing and I say good for her.
Read Dating May 12, 2011
March 21, 2011
On May 12, 2011 I will be at the Read Dating at the Vancouver Public Library from 6 pm until 9 pm.
Authors of various genres will be in attendance to meet with small groups about their work, and to answer questions. Everyone is welcome to attend.
There are some outstanding authors going to be at the event so you don’t want to miss this one.
I’m now on Facebook!
March 19, 2011
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002181340091&sk=wall
Weird as it seems I started a Facebook page. I’ve resisted for a long time, but with 2 new novels about to appear I thought i better take the plunge.
Winners!
March 5, 2011
The winners of a free e-book copy of Bachelorette Zombie edition are Amanda Futch and Dennis Clarke.
Congratulations to Amanda and Dennis.
Many thanks to Neil and the rest of the folks over at homepageofthedead.com for their support.
Contests are such fun, I think I’ll have a new one whenever a new book of mine comes out.