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).