Your Novel Isn't Going to Write Itself

If your New Year's Resolution is to finish your novel break it down. Write everyday. Make that your goal. A small goal, just to write, not to make a novel.

After you get into the habit of writing everyday, set a word count. Not too big at first. Say, 500 words. Don't ever stop until you reach your goal! Don't edit, don't re-read, just write. Let it flow.

Up that count when it gets to be habit. You should be able to get to 1,500 words a day by the end of February. If you can write more, great. By year's end you could have that novel done.

For more about reaching your goals with small steps read this:

http://lifehacker.com/accomplish-any-goal-by-doing-something-small-every-day-1491749639?utm_campaign=socialflow_lifehacker_facebook&utm_source=lifehacker_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

Humor: Editing "The Night Before Christmas"

This, from Baltimore's Towson University, is great. 

You may know the Clement C. Moore poem as The Night Before Christmas though it's true title is A Visit From St. Nicholas. 

What if it were edited today? Would it be The Night Santa Claus Visited the non-Jewish, non-Islamic, semi-Christian Children of the World?

Editors can be rough. 

http://pages.towson.edu/lieb/bestchristmascard.html

Christmas Gift Books

You can order my books through today on Amazon and get FREE shipping for arrival in time for Christmas. All three Bayou Boys Adventures and my cookbook are available.

Of course you may still order RUSH shipping tomorrow through the 22nd for the appropriate fee. AND I DO have one (1) signed copy of the cookbook and several of the others still available directly from me.

Buy all three Bayou Boys adventures from me for just $23 + S/H (a $25 value). The cookbook is $5.99 with a sample of my seasonings or FREE with the purchase of my seasoning set ($15). OR order all four books and you'll have them for $25 (first buyer only).

Great for the readers (and cooks) on your list.

This Video is a Hoot, but also Very, Very Real

Writing Routines: What's Yours?

What's your writing routine?

Give me a coffee shop and a mocha and I'll crank out the pages. (Of course, this time of year an eggnog latte will also do the trick.)

10 PARADOXICAL TRAITS OF CREATIVE PEOPLE link to Leadership Now article by Faisal Hoque

From an article in Leadership Now:

CREATIVE PEOPLE ARE HUMBLE AND PROUD. CREATIVE PEOPLE TEND TO BE BOTH EXTROVERTED AND INTROVERTED. CREATIVE PEOPLE ARE REBELLIOUS AND CONSERVATIVE. HOW CREATIVE ARE YOU?

Quoted from the full article by FAISAL HOQUE

“I have devoted 30 years of research to how creative people live and work, to make more understandable the mysterious process by which they come up with new ideas and new things. If I had to express in one word what makes their personalities different from others, it's complexity. They show tendencies of thought and action that in most people are segregated. They contain contradictory extremes; instead of being an individual, each of them is a multitude."   ~Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s (pronounced me-HIGH chick-sent-me-HIGH-ee) seminal book Creativity: The Work and Lives of 91 Eminent People (HarperCollins, 1996).

READ THE 10 DUAL TRAITS HERE.

Books at Bazaar

My Bayou Boys Adventure series will be available all month in Silverton, Ore. at the Borland gallery. The holiday bazaar will feature the work of more than twenty local artists, authors, and crafters.

It's open seven days a week from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m., now until December 22. Just look for the NIWA booth.

For more information or directions visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/231376870362532/

Cookbooks to Arrive Friday the 6th

Just thought you ought to know in case you might want to be as excited as I am.

What Fictional Character Are You?

Find out, by taking this test: https://frozen-everglades-6644.herokuapp.com/

It was a gas.

Big Papa Zee's Cajun and Caribbean Cookbooks are on their way

The Back Cover

The first batch of cookbooks I ordered have been shipped to me and will be here in a little over a week. 

I will have six on hand to sell. They are $5.99 each and come with a three tablespoon sample of each seasoning for no extra charge.

First come first served. Don't miss out!

I also have a new batch of my Big Papa Zee's Seasoning ready to roll out the door. 

Two cups of each (Ragin' Cajun Seasoning and Caribbean Jerk Rub) are just $15 (for the two) and you get the book FREE!

Several of the recipes in the book do not require the seasonings and you can sub your own for those that call for it (But who would want to?)

ORDER NOW to assure delivery in time for Christmas (you have until Black Friday)!

Here are some of the recipes you'll find:

• Big Papa Zee’s Holy Trinity Jambalaya
• Big Papa Zee’s Chicken and Shrimp (or Seafood) Gumbo
• Big Papa Zee’s Four Square Gospel Shrimp Creole
• Big Papa Zee’s Jerk Chicken with Pineapple and Cilantro
• Big Papa Zee’s Island Jerk Pork
• Cajun Corn on the Cob
• Sister Suzi’s Seafood Boil
• Amanda’s South Seas Seasoned Sweet Potatoes
• Big Papa Zee’s Chicken or Shrimp Entouffee
• Jeremiah’s Favorite Cajun Popcorn Shrimp
• Big Papa Zee’s Red Beans and Rice
• Granny’s Grits ‘n’ Red Eye Gravy
• Buccaneer Bacon Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs
• Big Papa Zee’s Sizzlin’ Louisiana Blackened Steak (or chicken or fish)
• Sweet Potato-Pumpkin-Pecan Pie [Elijah made two of these for Thanksgiving]
• Pralines
• Caribbean Grilled Pineapple
• Big Papa Zee’s Southern Sweet Tea
• Virgin Mint Juleps

Now Available for Immediate Download

My newest book, Big Papa Zee's Cajun and Caribbean Cookbook, is now available on Kindle as an ebook.

Download the ebook edition here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GXHY5VY

To order it in paperback, either wait until it comes out on Amazon or order by contacting me at gregory.zschomler@gmail.com

Glad Me For Education

I Have a New Book Coming Out!

I have a new book coming out in time for Christmas (2013)! It's a cookbook.

Yes, indeed.

Read all about it here:
http://gregoryezschomler.blogspot.com/p/books.html

Wordstock News

The annual Portland book festival will take a hiatus in 2014 to return to a new location in 2015. Traditionally the Woodstock festival has been a fall event held at the Portland Exposition Hall, but will move to Portland State University in the spring of 2015.

Meanwhile there are some important staff changes as well. To read about the changes click here.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered, They're Yours

I have a goodly stock of books available for Christmas gift giving. The new book, PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM, is yours, signed (by the author), sealed (gift-wrapped if you like) and delivered (includes postage and handling) for just $12. Same for MARSH MONSTER and VOODOO VIRUS for $10! Or any two books for $22.

Better yet, get the trio (all three books) for $25 postpaid. A great gift idea for the reader on your list and you don't even have to leave your home for Black Friday.

Order before December 10, to assure delivery in time for Christmas.

gregory.zschomler@gmail.com

Another Bazaar Author Appearance?

I may be appearing for the selling and signing of my books at Gramma’s Bazaar on November 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the CLC Gym at Vancouver First Church of God. (I'm on the waiting list and may not know until an hour before, but plan to show up anyway--it's one of the best holiday bazaars around.)

Shop from over 100 vendor tables featuring one of a kind, hand crafted items, holiday gifts (including books), and homemade treats! For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact the Church Office.

Author E. B. White Quote for the Day

Author Ted Dekker to Speak and Sign in Vancouver

Author Ted Dekker

I am not a huge fan of best-selling author Ted Dekker. I know many people are. And I, too, can appreciate his writing genius, however, I’m just not much into the kinds of things he writes. I’ve read a few and I have some minor problems with some of his theology. That’s okay, I don’t have a corner on all the right doctrine. His books are powerfully written and have touched millions.

That said, I know many of you will be interested in seeing him and having your Dekker books signed. He is making a rare appearance this week in Vancouver—one of just eighteen city stops on tour; the first time he’s done such a thing in fifteen years! [It must be nice to write and just have your books sell themselves.] He rarely does this sort of thing, so it should be a treat for fans.

But, he claims this event isn’t about him; it’s about YOU. The “Who Said Your Light was Little?” event not only promotes his new book OUTLAW, but he will also share his never-before-told life journey. He will be speaking and signing at Living Hope Church (2711 NE Andresen Rd., Vancouver, Wash.), 6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 14. The event is free.

Dekker, known as “the master of suspense,” is the award-winning author of 30 novels with more than 10 million copies sold world-wide. A more detailed story about the tour can be found in the November issue of Christian News Northwest and tour information (and a chance to win prizes) can be found at www.theoutlawtour.com.

Bazaar Appearance by Local Authors

Phil Silver and I will be at Vancouver's Best Christmas Bazaar tomorrow, Saturday, November 2,  from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with books to sell and sign. Time to buy books for those young readers on your Christmas list. Come on out and see us (and a whole lot more)!

Mention this post and you can have all three of my Bayou Boys books for $20.

The bazaar is at the Clark County Christian Center, 5411 E Mill Plain Blvd ~ Suite 22 and is hosted by Maplewood Neighborhood Association.

View Larger Map

NaNoWriMo Isn't a Thick-skinned, One-horned Creature from the Planet Ork

Pam Dawber (Mindy) with Robin Williams as Mork.

...though that may describe a writer you know.

Okay, I explain: "nanu nanu" was the catch phrase greeting of Mork, an Orkan (from the planet Ork), played by Robin Williams in his breakthrough TV role, from the 1978-1982 show Mork and Mindy. [A spin off from Happy Days, no less.]

So what is NaNoWriMo? Na = National, No = Novel, Wri = Writing, and Mo = Month.

The idea is to get some words down each day for the thirty days of November. They don't have to be good. They don't have to be edited. You just write. 

I set a goal of 1,500 words per day. That can only take a couple hours. Sure, I have to carve them out. Truth is, sometimes I get in the groove and that closes in on 3K. Other times I squeak in 500, but mostly I make my goal and by November 30 I have 40,000 words. 

Brock D. Eastman is a busy man. He works F/T at a "regular" job and has a family, too, plus volunteer activities, etc. Yet he finds (makes) the time to write. He's the author of Howl Sage and the Quest for Truth Series (newest title is Unleash). 

Another great YA writer is a Wayne Thomas Batson. He's a school teacher which means he brings home papers to grade at night. He, too, has a family. He is also a prolific writer. His works include pirate tales and Curse of the Spider King as well as a couple of fantastic series.

Time Will Tell

"One does not simply find time to write..."

One does not simply find time to write lying around in some extra time bin. Writers make time. They set it aside and use it to their advantage.

You see, writer's have to write, and they will do it because where there is a will there is a way. There is no life pause button for us and we work at writing more than play--though there is a certain joy in it.

The itch might be inside you, but you have resisted for practical reasons, telling yourself it's a pipe dream. Do you feel that little tingle? 

Then take the NaNoWriMo challenge! Make up your mind to do it and you may very well find your true center that brings you the joy you've been missing. 

Just write.

Any nimnul can do that, if they try. And if you don't make your goal you can always say "shazbots!"

http://nanowrimo.org/

The Final Four: Tips to Help Your Author Friend

12. The Southern Independent Booksellers Association (SIBA) has created a unique book promotion program they are calling “Parapalooza!” It is a new YouTube channel that SIBA has created for you to read the parts you like most from your favorite books which, of course, could include your friend’s new title. Here is the address provided by Executive Director Wanda Jewell for you to submit your own short videos to the channel: parapalooza@sibaweb.com.

13. Create a short video about the book and post it at youtube.com.

14. If you are in a reading group, suggest they select the book for an upcoming discussion.

15. To help with “word of mouth”, tell at least one person you work with —or, if you’re in school, tell at least one classmate something memorable about your friend’s book.

- See more at: http://indiereader.com/2013/09/15-ways-to-help-promote-your-friends-book/#sthash.ILYua0BL.dpuf

Can you think of others?

I Like Tip Number Eleven (LOL)

9. If you read a tweet by someone else about the book that you think should be shared, retweet that tweet. If you read a tweet and you think that person would like to hear about the book, send a tweet to him or her about it with a link to the author’s or publisher’s website or directly to the book.

10. Throw a publication party for the author.

11. Take the author out to dinner to celebrate.

- See more at: http://indiereader.com/2013/09/15-ways-to-help-promote-your-friends-book/#sthash.rHreB0KN.dpuf

More Tips for Helping Out an Author Friend

6. After you read the book, if you like it, write a review at any of the brick-and-mortar stores with online sites for posting reviews or at the sites for online retailers like Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound.org, etc.

7. Share about the book with your Facebook friends. If your friend or his/her publisher has a Facebook page, ”like it” and post a comment.

8. Tweet about the book to your followers through your own twitter account (http://www.twitter.com).

- See more at: http://indiereader.com/2013/09/15-ways-to-help-promote-your-friends-book/#sthash.sPnuTUod.dpuf

Tips Two Through Five for Helping Your Author Friend

2. Buy one copy of the book for yourself and let others know that you’ve purchased the book through Twitter, Facebook, or verbally.

3. Buy a second copy of the book for a gift.

4. Buy a third copy of the book and donate it to your local library or, if it’s intended for children or teens, to the local school library.

5. Read the book and, if possible, read it sooner than later.

- See more at: http://indiereader.com/2013/09/15-ways-to-help-promote-your-friends-book/#sthash.Y5F6aGS2.dpuf

Word of Mouth Begins With YOU

Yes, congratulating the author on Facebook or in an e-mail is a nice thing to do, but you should think bigger. In five separate blogs–15 suggestions each–I’ll be sharing 75 possibilities and ways in which you can help get the word out about your friend’s book:

1. Start by verbalizing your appreciation of what your friend has achieved with statements like “Congratulations! I’m proud of you!” or “Good job!

- See more at: http://indiereader.com/2013/09/15-ways-to-help-promote-your-friends-book/#sthash.cVhFEUmQ.9QpCXki7.dpuf

My Next Book-selling Event a Holiday Bazaar Nov. 2

I'll be at the Vancouver's Best Christmas Bazaar on, Saturday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. with fellow author Phil Silver. Location: 5411 NE Mill Plain Blvd, Suite 22. 

I'll be running a very special Christmas Gift Special: All three of the Bayou Boys books for, not $24.97 retail, not $23, but just $20!

Don't pass up this deal!

Three Photos from Today's Book Fair and Halloween Launch of PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM

My booth at the NIWA Book Fair and Latte Da Halloween Party.

Ready to sell books and do zombie makeups.

My first victim. Applying latex appliances at the Halloween Party.

A finished makeup. And, yes, I am available for hire.

Today's Book Fair and Makeup Thing at Latte Da

Made up kids today at Latte Da's Halloween Party after the NIWA

Book Fair and launch party for Playhouse Phantom.

Online News Media Post About NIWA Book Fair

This from The Daily Insider:

The Northwest Independent Writer’s Association (NIWA) announces the first annual NIWA Book Fair from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, 205 E. 39th St., Vancouver.

The event features the works of nine local indie authors in a variety of genres. Authors will have wares for sale and be available to meet readers of all ages and sign books.

The day is also the release date of “Playhouse Phantom”, the new and third volume of the Bayou Boys Adventure series by Ridgefield author Gregory E. Zschomler. The book, based on a true local story, will be available for the first time locally and celebrated with free giveaways. For more information contact gregory.zschomler@gmail.com.

Praise for PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM

"Just finished reading [PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM]. You do a nice job creating a compelling mystery. Great descriptions... Fun read. [I] like some of the local theater disguised homages, too." ~ David R.

You can pick up YOUR signed copy at the NIWA Book Fair Saturday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Latte Da Coffee House (or order online at Amazon).

For more information click here or see the Weekend in today's Columbian.

FREE and Open to the Public

Of Biscuits, Books and Bazaars

I, along with several other Northwest Independent Writers from NIWA, will be selling and signing our books next week at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar. There should be about ten of us under the canopy of the covered patio from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.. There may be a fire burning in the fire pit. The beverages and breakfasts will be on, too. Come on out for breakfast and/or lunch. Here's what The Columbian says about their biscuits and gravy:

"Biscuits are made at Bleu Door Bakery, and the gravy is made in house. The biscuits were soft inside with a firm exterior, yet still manageable with a fork. The gravy was thick but not too heavy, with texture and flavor from a generous amount of sausage. A few larger crumbles topped off the dish. Although biscuits and gravy can vary from plain to herb-laden, this dish reflected a classic homemade recipe." Read their full review of Latte Da here.

We expect the sun to shine, so it will be a great day to enjoy.

This is the day of the Official Book Launch Party for PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM, too!

Note: After the Book Fair, I'll be sticking around to zombify neighborhood ghouls and boos at Latte Da's Halloween Party. Something they do for the community, free of charge. While I'll be doing makeups, they'll be lots of other fun activities and food.

Also Worthy of Note

It's that bizarre time of year when the bazaars come out. I'll be making my first appearance at one on

November 1 (and possibly a second on the 16th). Phil Silver (PB&J Author) and I will share a table at Vancouver's Best Christmas Bazaar at Clark County Christian Center on Mill Plain. That'll be 9-5. Check he link for all the details. This is the time time to get all three of the Bayou Boys books as a signed set for just $23. They'll make a great Christmas gift for a young (or young at heart) reader you know.

This from page 11 of the October Issue of Christian News Northwest:

WASHINGTON AUTHOR PRESENTS HIS LATEST WORK OF CHRISTIAN FICTION

Gregory Zschomler

"Vancouver, Wash.- Southwest Washington author Gregory Zschomler will celebrate the launch of his new work of Christian fiction for middle readers Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Latte Da Coffee House, 205 E. 39th St.

"The third book in the Bayou Boys Adventure series is titled Playhouse Phantom and is a ghost story of sorts involving a supposedly haunted theater in the Garden District of New Orleans. The work of fiction is superimposed and based upon a real tale involving a theater in southwest Washington.

"Zschomler writes his faith-based works as alternatives to much of today's teen reading fodder. Though his titles seem rather nefarious, his writing is Christ-centered and teaches Christian values. Study guides are available for educators and Sunday schools.

"The other  books in the series, Voodoo Virus and Marsh Monster, along with the new title will be available for purchase and signing by the author. Find out more at http://gregoryezschomler.blogspot.com/"

Author's Book Being Made Into a Movie

Graham Salisbury was one of the first readers of my book VOODOO VIRUS and wrote the blurb you'll find on the cover. He is an award-winning author and lives in Portland, Oregon.

His books are great and his best-seller Under The Blood Red Sun is being made into a movie. A Kickstarter campaign has been launched to produce the film. Please consider supporting the project.

 

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1671611056/under-the-blood-red-sun

Portland Home & Garden Show Book Booth

Here's a shot of the NIWA Book Booth at the Portland Home and Garden Show.

The books will be on sale throughout the show this weekend, but I won't be back until Sunday at 2 p.m. (until 8 p.m.).

Come on out and support your local authors. There are books in nearly every genre of fiction for teens on up (except children's books).

Here's the PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM Book Trailer #1

Not what I wanted to do, but cost effective.

Book Review: Eight Year-Old Author's Debut Work Artful

I met a striking young author this past weekend from the Portland area and I had to buy his debut book. Damien Macalino is just eight years old. His masterpiece, What if an Alligator Ate an Avalanche, is a children's picture book featuring an alphabet of awesome alliterations (and you know I love those). I enjoyed the fun and fancy frolic.

The book is available on Amazon at the link above. If you have a preschool child or grandchild (or just love cute and witty picture books yourself) please purchase a copy and encourage this young writer.

Here's the young man reading the book at his launch party:

A Funny Song I Reference in PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM About Chinese Food

PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM Now For Sale

PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM debuted at the Florence Festival of Books today, will be available at the Portland Home & Garden Show next weekend and is now available on Amazon.

The Halloweenie tale's official launch party is scheduled for October 26 NIWA Book Fair, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Latte Da Coffee House. So, if you're local (local, not loco), come on out and buy it from me and have it signed.

Love to meet you.

Florence Forecast for Festival of Books

Here on the Oregon coast. Ready for tomorrow's Florence Festival of Books.

Well, it's a bit rainier and windier at the coast than was earlier forecast. Now "it seems it will undoubtedly looks like a rather blustery day" tomorrow.

So, we'll be inside with the books. I'll be in booth 51 selling and signing books.

15 Ways to (Help) Promote Your Friend’s Book

By Guest Author

Yes, congratulating the author on Facebook or in an e-mail is a nice thing to do, but you should think BIGGER.

See more at: http://indiereader.com/2013/09/15-ways-to-help-promote-your-friends-book/#sthash.cVhFEUmQ.dpuf

Beautiful Beach and Bountiful Books

It looks like Friday will be a beautiful day at the beach. Weather for Florence, Oregon calls for mostly sunny skies and 65 degrees. Saturday is expected to be 68 degrees and overcast with a 30% chance of showers making it the perfect day to go to a book fair. Sunday and Monday's forecast calls for partly sunny skies, less rain (10% chance) and highs of 68. Now that sounds like a nice weekend to head to the coast. AND...

The Florence Festival of Books, which I will be at with nearly 70 other author's and publishers, takes place on Saturday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 28). A perfect time and place to shop for all the readers on your Christmas list (hint, hint: I have a trilogy of Bayou Boys Adventures for $23).

Reading from PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM at Creatures From the Book Lagoon Event at Latte Da

The Square and I

Got the new phone (Ruth's Samsung Galaxy S3) with The Square so I can take credit cards now today.

No more lost sales.

Happy 66th Birthday to Legendary Author Stephen King!

FVRL Resources for Indy Authors and Writers

Here's whats happening for y'all at the city branch of Fort Vancouver Regional Library:

• Self Publishing and the eBook Revolution: Saturday, September 28, 2:30-4 p.m., Meeting Room, Level 4. Learn from authors who have self-published.
• NaNoWriMo Kickoff! Sunday, October 27, 2-5:30 p.m., Columbia Room, Level 1.
• Speculative Fiction Writer's Group: Ongoing, second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. -2 p.m., Meeting Room, Level 4; given over to quiet space writing together with breaks for brief discussion (next meeting Oct.12).
• Writer's Workshop: Ongoing, first Thursdays, 6-7:45 p.m., Meeting Room, Level 4; support, feedback, community (next meeting Oct.3).

Maybe I'll Read a Little Something from the New Book