Announcing the Harbor House Grand Opening Open House! Come One, Come All

PUMPED: The Newest Harbor House Writing Center News and More!

Hello Friends. Thanks for joining me again. I'm pretty pumped today!

I got a new book in the mail that I've wanted for a long time. Well, I wanted it before it was available. It's newly published and we don't have a bookstore where I live, so I had to order it online. I've read excerpts and just had to have it. It's Hearing God in Conversation by Samuel C. Williamson.

Plus another book just came out I hafta get, it's The Long Journey to Jake Palmer by Christy Award winner James L. Rubart--my favorite author. So, I'm pumped about getting that soon.

Plus, last night my wife and I got the Harbor House website online and it is lookin' gooood. Be sure and check that out. We've been working on that, but we're also working on the physical building. My son and I just finished building a window seat into the bay window and the next step is covering it. Anyway, I am transferring most of the news about that to that blog,

And then there's the fact that...

I got the IndieGoGo campaign for the Harbor House up and running this morning AND we got our first backer contribution! Which means you can go-go there right now and get all the news about this exciting project.

Here's the video (but please, do go to the site and make a pledge--there's lots of cool swag):


Okay, nuff said. Now I'm going to go work on another refinishing project. Sigh. LOL

The New HARBOR HOUSE Swag is Coming!

Right now we're lining up some exclusive HARBOR HOUSE swag and rewards for our IndieGoGo backers that you won't want to pass up. These MUST HAVE GOODIES are just the ticket for you or a writer you know.

Here are just a few of the spiffy items we'll be offering to our generous benefactors:

Our Exclusive Harbor House Bookmark. 1.5" X 7" on 14 lb. glossy UV coated stock w/ rounded corners. Front^.

Bookmark backside^. URL not yet active.

To read what's on the back click to enlarge image.

<Or this: Our exclusive HARBOR HOUSE mug. (Be sure to read the backside.)

Plus, there will be monthly and yearly memberships.

But Wait! There's more!!!

Sure there's some groovy stuff, but what about the BIG STUFF?

Well, check out these great rewards:

• a two hour Personal Coaching Session (on any writing/publishing topics you desire) 
• a Custom Book Trailer 
• a Custom Cover Design
• a Manuscript Analysis
• AND an overnight stay at the Aberdeen Guest House Inn & Suites for two on Sept. 24 + a Cajun dinner for two with Ruth and Greg at the Harbor House prior to the Grand Opening Gala + a breakfast consultation at Denny’s the following morning + a signed copy of Chicken Poop on my Sole + two Harbor House mugs and two Harbor House bookmarks + a pre-publishing package for your completed manuscript which includes editorial services, typesetting and interior layout, a book cover design, and a custom book trailer!

Want to know more?

We urge you to watch this blog for further launch details and how you can acquire these and other rewards.

Local Writer Seeks "Pen Pals"

Well, as many of you know I have relocated from Cannon Beach, Ore. to Aberdeen, Wash. 

Back on Oregon's north coast I had a local network of writers to share with, grow with and commiserate with.

When I lived in Clark County, Wash. that network was even larger. Sure, we all stay in touch electronically, but it's not the same.

Here in the Grays Harbor area I have yet to develop a supportive network. The closest writer's group (that I know of so far) meets a half hour away on the second Saturday of the month. I have not yet been able to attend.

I'd like to meet and network with local writers in the greater Aberdeen/Hoquiam area. If you're a writer or author (or know of any) anywhere near here, please let me know.

North Coast Indie Author & Book Fair 2 Months Away

We're expecting 24 Washington and Oregon authors to join us for the second annual Indie Author & Book Fair on April 10, 2016. Eighteen of the twenty-four author spots have been reserved (we still have room for eight authors and expect the spots to fill quickly*).

The event follows directly on the heels of the Get Lit at the Beach event and creates a nice ending for the the weekend. To learn more about Get Lit click here.

*If you're an author wishing to participate contact: gregory.zschomler@gmail.com

Portland's Wordstock Coming Very Soon

Yes, it's that time again. Portland's Wordstock is just around the corner! You can get all the information here.

Attention Authors and Writers in the Vancouver Area

Oct. 18 “Story Con” at Vancouver Library Brings Together Readers and Authors

More than 30 authors lined up for discussions, readings and book signings

VANCOUVER, Wash. – More than 30 authors will be on hand to showcase their works and connect with readers at the first-ever Story Con 2014 to be held Saturday, Oct. 18, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (programs run 10:30 am to 4:30 pm) at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St . The free event will be held on the first and fourth levels of the library. The event promises to be “laser-focused on helping book lovers find their next great book.”

The website for the event is http://storyconvention.com/.

The day’s line-up is composed of author readings, interactive discussion panels and book signings. Session topics include: “The Wicked West” (what makes the Pacific Northwest a prime location for crime writing), “Hell on Heels” (female heroes and villains), and “Where to Find Great Flash Fiction Online” (finding very short stories – under 1,000 words). Featured authors include regional mystery writer Kate Dyer-Seeley, New York Times best-selling author Daniel Wilson, 2014 breakout novelist Jason Gurley, and Hugo Award winner David D. Levine. A complete schedule of events is available at http://storyconvention.com/2014-schedule/.

Story Con is the brainchild of Erik Wecks, the Vancouver science-fiction author of “Aetna Adrift.” Wecks brought his idea for a readers’ convention to Vancouver Community Library programming staff, who had already been looking to launch a distinctive annual author event. Wecks has been assisted by staff from both the downtown library and district headquarters in organizing and promoting the event.

Books will be available for purchase and signing during Story Con 2014. Sales tables will be staffed by Friends of Vancouver Community Library, a non-profit group that will earn 40 percent of sales revenue as a fundraiser for their ongoing support of library programs. Refreshments will be available for purchase from the Thatcher’s Coffee cart in the first level atrium.

For more information, visit the Story Con website or call the library at 360-906-5000.

Authors to Take Another Hit

"Authors practice one of the few professions directly protected in the Constitution, which instructs Congress 'to promote the progress of Science and the useful Arts by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.'"

In an article appearing in the New York Times we learn that there are many blows hitting the publishing industry and authors are taking the brunt of the hit. It's not just e-books and a glut of bad work in the self-publishing market, nor only the demise of the brick-n-mortar book store in favor of an online Amazon conglomerate. 

No, now the Supreme Court is allowing a "pirate" market to undercut book profits and cut authors off from deserved royalties. To learn more read the article by clicking the link below.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/08/opinion/the-slow-death-of-the-american-author.html?_r=0