Showing posts with label Bayou Boys Adventures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bayou Boys Adventures. Show all posts

Friday, October 13, 2017

Plodding Through Plot Problems

Cover Concept Art
My last book came out on Valentine's Day this year (2017). I've been working on and off on another novella, but a few other things have taken from my book writing time AND, when I have been writing, it's been a struggle with my present work. There have been plot perplexities, which I am now working out...when I have the time.

It's not that I'm not writing.

This year I've done a lot of work for local news services and a magazine, not to mention editing and other business writing work. So, I have my excuses, I guess. (Don't we all?) We've been running Harbor House Writing Center this year and we opened Harbor BOOKs & Gifts in September, too.

I wanted to get the new Bayou Boys Adventure, Alien Ambush, out for Thanksgiving 2017 (because the story takes place over the holiday and addresses timely matters).

That may still be possible, but it will be a challenge. I have about fifteen writing days to write half the work (that's 15K words) and then it still has to go through editing and polishing and formatting within the three weeks following.

I may yet do it, but some days I just have too many other things on my mind and on my plate. And honestly, I'm pretty lazy, too. So, please, bear with me. Maybe say a little prayer for me as well.

Monday, January 2, 2017

A Writer's New Year's Revolution, well, ya know...

I hope y'all had a great Christmas and a good start to the New Year. What are YOUR plans for 2017?


Me? Oh, I thought I'd do a little writing and publishing. (BTW: Christmas was great.)

I've got a new book titled Beyond Insanity (the sequel to Rocketman) coming out in February, so I'm in the thick of putting that together for print.

The wife and I are editing Another Load of Chicken Poop (the sequel to Chicken Poop on My Sole), due out in the spring. Get your short story submissions in for that ASAP if you'd like to be included. Email me for details.

And, hopefully, I'll have the fourth Bayou Boys Adventure, Alien Ambush, out for Halloween. I'll be finishing that this summer if all goes well.

I've been recently published in the winter edition of Washington Coast Magazine and in December I had three front page stories for The Daily News (Aberdeen, Wash. newspaper). I've also begun writing for Grays Harbor Talk.com.

Meanwhile, I'm at work working for other writers with Harbor House Center for Writing and the Arts. Lots of good teaching and activities coming up there. Check it out.

Drop me a comment or email and let me know what you're up to.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Pending Penning and Publishing Plans

I'm not sure what I'll be working on for NaNoWriMo, but, rest-assured, I'll be working on something (plenty of story ideas in my files). It may not be a novel though. (It may be finishing the novella, Alien Ambush; maybe not. I've not decided.)

I actually plan to do  LOT of writing over the next three months (working six hours a day at Harbor House). I'll be taking a two week break the latter part of December, then back at it for the new year.

My publishing plans are as follows:

Beyond Infinity (the sequel to Rocketman), March 2017
Another Load of Chicken Poop (editing), April 2017
Alien Ambush (a Bayou Boys Adventure), October 2017
and maybe something for summer 2017?

Stay tuned.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

New/Upcoming Publication News & New Cover Designs

With the publication of Joe Benjamin's Silly Billy and Ducky Dee through my press, my self-publishing workshop over, and the Indie Author & Book Fair done and gone it's time to turn my attention back to my own work. That is the work of writing, editing and designing stuff that is my own.

Some of you may know that I've been casually working on new cover designs for some of my older books. Actually, I've been working on a new cover for Rocketman: From the Trailer Park to Insomnia and Beyond and now have the concept design finalized. I just have to complete the final art. That should take about a day.

I'm also doing up an omnibus of my three Bayou Boys books (Voodoo Virus, Marsh Monster and Playhouse Phantom). That means I'm compiling all three books into one volume, titled simply The Bayou Boys. I'm working on the cover for that. I came up with four designs and sought opinions and comments. My readers and fellow authors supplied and they definitely ruled out one of the four, but, as yet, I have no clear consensus on the remaining three. LOL I do have one I'm leaning toward, though (see the concept art below).

When I do finally and firmly know which cover I'll go with I'll have to complete the final art, compile the texts and format the interior. That's a good solid week's work. (BTW: I have no plans at this time to complete the fourth Bayou Boys Adventure, Alien Ambush.) I have begun work on the interior layout as of this writing.

Finally, I'm working toward completion of Chicken Poop on My Sole. I still need a couple stories and I have a cover design that needs fleshed out and completed. I have begun formatting the interior, but that, too, needs work. Should I get those stories in (Might you have one you'd like to submit?) I could be done inside two weeks.

All in all, I'm looking to complete these projects before the end of May. Chicken Poop is slated to be released on Memorial Day weekend.

I'm not sure what the summer will bring yet. I do have a humorous short story that I'm looking into possibly making into a graphic novel or something, but haven't really decided what to do with it. I might just put it into another anthology.

You can read it here.

I do plan to write more short works: articles, personal essays, short fiction, and poetry. Sure, I have ideas for novels, but I'm not sure that's what I want to pursue right now.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Get a $2-5 Rebate Just for Buying My Book(s)

Just in time for Christmas:

Buy any one of my books on Amazon, take a picture of you holding it and send it to me at gregory.zschomler@gmail.com along with your address and I'll send you $2! That's right, two bucks for your photo with any one of my books! And if you buy all three Bayou Boys Adventures I'll send you five bucks!!! Now through Black Friday only. Previous purchases not eligible.



Friday, October 30, 2015

ZOMBIES Will Be Having Fun at the Library Saturday

Halloween they'll be seen at the Cannon Beach Library. Fun for all ages (eight and up) will be had at the ZOMBIE FEAST...uh, I'm mean, ZOMBIE FEST, October 31, 2015 from 1 to 3 p.m.

The event opens with icebreaker games and features me (author Gregory E. Zschomler). I'll be reading from my books The Amish vs. the Zombies and Voodoo Virus. And sharing zombie poems and songs, plus giving a zombie makeup demonstration (in which I'll be using items easily found around the house).

Plus they'll be games and treats and prizes! I'll have my books available for purchase.
The Bayou Boys Adventure series (pictured at right) will be on sale as a set of three for the special Holiday Pricing of $20.>

SPECIAL FEATURE: During the makeup demonstration I'll answer frequently asked questions and answering other questions from the audience. Questions about the "writer's life," publishing, makeup, and (most importantly) "why zombies?"

FREE MAKEUP TIP HERE.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

HALLOWEEN READING for Chills, Thrills and More

NOW AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD


Upcoming Sales & Signing Events:

Sept. 19/20 Rose City Comic Con (Oregon Convention Center)*
Oct. 1-4 Portland Fall Home & Garden Show (Portland Expo Center)*
Oct. 10 Coos Bay Book Fair ( 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Coos Bay History & Maritime Museum)
Oct. 17 Written in the Sand (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Beach Books, Seaside OR)

Upcoming Book Release:

Nov. 7, 2015 Plays and Sketches for Schools and Churches

*I will not be at these events; for signings visit the events not marked with an asterix.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

MARCH MADNESS BOOK SALE: Low, Low Prices

That's right! I have some VERY Special Specials on select books beginning Monday, March 2 and running through Sunday, March 15, 2015 (limited to stock on hand). Now is the time to buy! Just look at these deep discounts:



Buy ALL three Bayou Boys Adventure books (for middle-readers) at the ridiculous price of $20 post-paid. That's right, twenty dollars even for Voodoo Virus, Marsh Monster and Playhouse Phantom, signed, sealed and delivered wherever you please (in the USA). I have never before offered this set at this low, low price. While on-hand supplies last; I only have seven full sets on hand. When they're gone that's it for this deal! (AND you'll be the first in line to purchase the forth and final book in the series, Alien Ambush, when it comes out near the end of the year.)

I have four additional copies of  Voodoo Virus (originally $6.99) on hand and these are now just $5 each (and ship for $2 more). I also have four additional copies of Marsh Monster (originally $8.99) for just $7 each (and ship for $3 more). The price on this one has never been so low.

Again limited to supplies on hand. Sorry, no additional copies of Playhouse Phantom are available (but you can buy it for full price online or through your favorite bookstore).

BONUS: If you order any of the above books or sets now I'll also throw in a slightly blemished* copy of The Amish vs. the Zombies for the cost of shipping ($2). Limited to seven on hand. *There's an almost unnoticeable printing error on the front cover. Due to some graphic  content (violence) the book is recommended for readers 16 and up.

I also have ten unblemished copies of The Amish vs. the Zombies available. They usually sell for $9.99 plus shipping, but you can have one signed, sealed and delivered for just $10 even. That's virtually FREE postage!

Plus, I have just two copies of Big Papa Zee's Cajun and Caribbean Cookbook on hand. And I'm letting them go for dirt cheap. This were printed prior to the inclusion of my recipes for my Ragin' Cajun and Caribbean Jerk seasonings. They sold for $5.99 online and I have never offered them for less than $5, but you can have one for just $3 post-paid. And I'll even throw in the seasoning recipes (printing on an insert). Wow!

The New Books, Too!


I now have eighteen more copies of my newest book Rocketman: From the Trailer Park to Insomnia and Beyond on hand. The book of humorous tales, poems and other writings (along with a mess of photos) "from my sleepless life and addled imagination" sells for $9.99, but you can have one of these (again signed, sealed and delivered) for $10 even. Again virtually FREE postage! This offer is limited to the supplies on hand.

I also have nine copies of my children's picture book "I'm Samson," said Sydney (illustrated by April Bullard) on hand. They usually sell for $14.99, but you can buy one now (signed, sealed, delivered) for just $12. That's right, the price includes shipping. This delightful book of lovely illustrations and playful verse will be loved by any child under six. Limited to the supply on hand.

Finally, I have an overstock (50 copies) of Lights, Camera, Worship! (my text for pastors and church techs) on hand. They normally sell for $14.99, but I'm letting them go for $10 plus $2 postage. I also have nine more copies of this title which have a misprinted spine (nothing was printed on it) that I will let go for $5 post-paid. That's the best deal I've got! This makes a great gift for your church.

Remember: ALL these super deals are limited to ONLY the stock I have on hand right now. Fiirst come, first served, and when they're gone they're gone.

Friday, December 12, 2014

BIG SALE on the Bayou Boys Adventure Series AND Pre-Orders on ALIEN AMBUSH, BBA Book #4

Did You Know...?


The fourth book in The Bayou Boys Adventures, ALIEN AMBUSH, comes out this spring? April 21, 2015 to be exact. Though the story (like all the BBAs) stands alone it picks up where PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM left off.

That means that...

The current trilogy would make an exceptional Christmas gift for readers 10 to 16 years of age. The first book can be read in January, the second in February, and the third in March leading up to the April release of the fourth.

And now through December 15, 2014 all three books, VOODOO VIRUS, MARSHMONSTER and PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM (a $24.97 value) are on sale for only $21. That's right all three books for just twenty-one bucks.

But that's not all...

The price includes FREE gift wrapping and a personalized signing!

This offer is limited to supplies on hand and exclusively through this website. Shipping costs ($4 per set) apply. Or get FREE POSTAGE when you pre-pay for ALIEN AMBUSH (discount priced at $9 post paid) and be among the first to have it.

That's $25 (postage incl.) for the first three books or $30 for the set of four (three now, and the fourth in April 2015). That is such a deal and will NOT be offered again.

ORDER NOW BEFORE THIS DEAL DISAPPEARS!





ALIEN AMBUSH releases April 21, 2015. UFO sightings and a missing crew of roughnecks (oil platform workers) have Peter and Bart curious and on the case. This time they bring along their paranormal pal Reed and skeptic friend Dallas.

The rough concept art to the right shows the proposed cover layout for ALIEN AMBUSH.>

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

My NaNoWriMo Plan

I will draft the fourth Bayou Boys Adventure, titled ALIEN AMBUSH.


I'm planning to write every day except Sundays and a three day Thanksgiving holiday off . I will write 1,600 words a day.

Thus, Nov.1: 1,600 words; Nov. 3: 3,200 words; Nov. 4: 4,800; 5:6,400; 6: 8,000... etc. By

November 30: 36,000 words total*.


The longest BBA (Playhouse Phantom) to date is 30,000 (also drafted in a month). The Amish vs. The Zombies is 40,000 (a month to draft).

*the finished product could be longer or shorter, depending upon editing, redraft and the needs of the story.

I could use some prayer for perseverance, discipline, and sanity.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Shelfie! Placement at Beach Books in Seaside, Oregon

My Bayou Boys Adventure book PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM, concerning a haunted theater on Halloween, was just stocked at Beach Books in Seaside, Oregon. It's on the shelf and in the window with the Halloween boo-ks.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

A FIVE STAR Amazon Review for "Voodoo Virus"

Don't Let the Title Scare You


"I bought this copy from the author at a fair. It's actually the most fun I've had in ages. I've been reading a ton of Y/A for friends and found them enjoyable despite the fact than I'm not the target age group at all. This is Middle Grade, so it's even further from something I'd read (my daughter is only 4 months old so we're not there yet). But I cut my teeth on Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. I watched a lot of Scooby Doo as a grade-schooler. This book took me back. It was a fast, fun trip back in time.

"Let's get to the hard parts. This has got to be a marketing challenge for the author. His message is positive, the language and content are age appropriate, and his treatment of the topic is perfect. We live in less innocent times, however. I can imagine a lot of people getting turned off by anything Voodoo. Cast your mind on Disney for a second, and the difference between their treatment of fairy tales and Grimm's telling of them. The author here is solidly in the Disney camp, only he's got a Scooby Doo style twist that means that it's not really Zombies.

"In conclusion: I wouldn't hesitate to let my daughter read this book when she reaches middle grade. In fact I'd encourage her to read it. I believe children get better at reading when they can enjoy it. ~Andy

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY!


Three (3) FREE Books! And NO Postage. All you have to do is like my author page (Gregory E. Zschomler) and say you want to win. If you've already liked my page just post that you wanna win. There will be ONE winner chosen randomly from all entries. No purchase required. 

Young readers (or the parents/grandparents) are encouraged to enter (the books are excellent for readers 12-15). Contest closes September 1, 2014. Please share with young readers you know.

Here's what you could win: 


The entire Bayou Boys Adventure series (Voodoo Virus, Marsh Monster, Playhouse Phantom), plus a free surprise extra. 

Chance of winning depends on the number of entries. If more than twenty (20) people enter I will also send out a consolation prize (a copy of Voodoo Virus) to a second winner. If thirty (30) people enter they'll be a second consolation prize (same); and so on for every ten additional entries.

Friday, April 18, 2014

YOU can Help Write the Next Bayou Boys Adventure

I got this great idea from Ridley Pearson, author of the "Kingdom Keepers" series. It worked well for him (but then he sells millions of copies and has as many fans), anyway, I thought I'd give it a try and see what happens.

Here's what Pearson did: "About 200 pages of [his last novel in the series] were 'crowdsourced,' with Pearson’s fans reading serial chapters and outlines once a week for about six months and voting for the next direction in which the novel should move. Pearson would then take the results under consideration while writing the next chapter, which would be posted the following weekend. Several dozen people who wrote fan fiction inspired by Pearson’s novels also had paragraphs they’d written included the new book."

I'm going to do it a bit different, but if you'd like to contribute to the fourth and final "Bayou Boys Adventure" book, titled "Alien Ambush," and you have read the previous books by October 31st, 2014 you may do so. I may include your actual words (or ideas) in the book and, if I do, I will include your name as a contributor in the acknowledgements.

You may contribute at any time and there is no age restriction. By submitting you are agreeing to the use of your contribution in whole or in part without compensation; and understand there is no obligation stated or implied by the author other than as listed above.

The final book will be drafted in November of 2014 and be released in the spring of 2015.

You can get an idea where the story is going by reading the last chapter of "Playhouse Phantom" and the opening lines from the coming title as follows:

Alien Ambush 

(A Bayou Boys Adventure #4)

It’s glorious day when you finally get your driver’s license. Sure, Bart had had his for a couple months now. He was older, so, in reality we both received our right to drive at the same age—sixteen years and four months—though he’d had that ‘freedom behind the wheel’ for four months longer. Now we argued about who would provide the transportation whenever we wanted to go somewhere together. The solution? A road trip where we would share the driving responsibilities.

“So, Dad, it’s like this: Bart and I want to drive ourselves to Gram’s for Thanksgiving. His dad gave him permission to come with us; they aren’t doing anything until Saturday. Their extended family will be coming in late Friday night so they aren’t celebrating until Saturday. And you know Bart, he can easily do two Thanksgivings.”

My dad laughed, “Fo Troo, that boy knows how to put away the groceries.”

“We thought we could, maybe, like, leave on Monday, and do a bit of a road trip on the way. If that’s okay.”

“Are you willing to get ahead in your studies by then?”

“We already are. By two weeks.”

“I’m impressed. Where are you going…besides Gram’s?”

“And Reed wants to come long.”

“Oh, I see! This doesn’t have anything to do with tracking down UFO’s does it?”

“Busted.”

Monday, March 3, 2014

Mardi Gras Deeply Discounted Deals on Books

Tomorrow (Fat Tuesday) is MARDI GRAS and I'm feelin' generous. What I'm going to do is [for a limited time only] offer up some DEEP DISCOUNTS (deeper than ever due to some overstock) of my books and seasonings. AND...

Every purchase (except the most recent book) comes with a lagniappe (/ˈlænjæp/ LAN-yap) which in Louisiana is a small gift given to a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase. I'm (get this crazy thing) throwing in a couple of strings of Mardi Gras throw beads in every box.

So here are the 3D deeply discounted deals (drum roll please):

A Bundle of all 3 BAYOU BOYS books for (whoa) just $15! Never before have I offered this set (retail valued at $25) at such a deep discount. [Marsh Monster and Playhouse Phantom are usually $8.99 and Voodoo Virus is normally $6.99.]*

Now the CAJUN and CARIBBEAN COOKBOOK. Price: FREE! (A $6 value.) That's right, you get the cookbook 100% free when you buy my two pack seasoning mix set. AND I've slashed the price on these as well. The two cup set: that's one cup of RAGIN' CAJUN and one cup of JERK RUB for twelve measly bucks. Normally $15, now just $12 with the cookbook (which sold quite well at the Home and Garden Show).*

Finally, I'm gonna let paperback copies of LIGHTS CAMERA WORSHIP! ($15 retail) go for the online ebook price of just $10. [Shipped via media rate USPS for $3 additional.]

These won't last at these prices and I am only offering the stock on hand at these prices. Quantities ARE limited. For example I have only ten cookbooks and maybe as many Playhouse Phantom.

Since I have more of them, I'll ship a two book set of Voodoo Virus and Marsh Monster for $12 postpaid (USPS media mail).

*shipped by USPS Priority box for $5 additional only.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

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.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

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/

Saturday, November 16, 2013

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

Saturday, October 26, 2013

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.