Book Signing AFTERMATH (1 Viewer)

[Captain Fantastic]

Summary Intro Info:

Working on the dream of being a full-time novelist (without my kids starving). Debut novel - Hostile Takeover - published last fall. Great reviews and solid sales thus far (phew!). 

Some of you have sampled some shorter work (short story featured in MENSA Magazine and a "back-of-the-cereal-box" short flash fiction story that recently won an award).

Comments have been generally positive thus far but you're always welcome to criticize and tell me my mother was a hamster and my father smelt of elderberries. 

EVENT:

Anyway, if you happen to live in the north Texas area, I have a book signing this Sunday (May 22nd) at a winery north of Dallas...because alcohol. 

SUNDAY, MAY 22nd

2:00-4:00pm

Eden Hill Vineyard

4910 Eden Hill Ln

Celina, Texas

MAP

The winery is scenic and quaint (and the wine is excellent). Come enjoy a late-spring day with warm sunshine and fragrant grapes still-on-the-vine. Eden Hill is family friendly but also a great place to bring some friends and sit outside to visit over a tasting. Oh, and buy a book while you're there! (Note - Mention FBG to get a spectacular discount of an undetermined amount.) 

Here's the event on Facebook. More info at derekblount.com and at EdenHill.com 

Just wanted to share. Hope to see you there! 

 

[rockaction]

Summary Intro Info:

Working on the dream of being a full-time novelist (without my kids starving). Debut novel - Hostile Takeover - published last fall. Great reviews and solid sales thus far (phew!). 

Some of you have sampled some shorter work (short story featured in MENSA Magazine and a "back-of-the-cereal-box" short flash fiction story that recently won an award).

Comments have been generally positive thus far but you're always welcome to criticize and tell me my mother was a hamster and my father smelt of elderberries. 

EVENT:

Anyway, if you happen to live in the north Texas area, I have a book signing this Sunday (May 22nd) at a winery north of Dallas...because alcohol. 

SUNDAY, MAY 22nd

2:00-4:00pm

Eden Hill Vineyard

4910 Eden Hill Ln

Celina, Texas

MAP

The winery is scenic and quaint (and the wine is excellent). Come enjoy a late-spring day with warm sunshine and fragrant grapes still-on-the-vine. Eden Hill is family friendly but also a great place to bring some friends and sit outside to visit over a tasting. Oh, and buy a book while you're there! (Note - Mention FBG to get a spectacular discount of an undetermined amount.) 

Here's the event on Facebook. More info at derekblount.com and at EdenHill.com 

Just wanted to share. Hope to see you there! 

Writing sex scenes is a tough endeavor. James Salter, in a Sport and a Pastime, wrote excellent ones. Salter is apparently a "writer's writer." Writing about race in America is just as hard, if not more impossible than writing a sex scene in Paris. Berkeley Breathed once said that white/black humor in America is only done in black comedy clubs. Is New Orleans a tough club town? Bet it. A Confederacy of Dunces almost lampooned itself with Jones, the Night of Joy man. It will surely lampoon itself in the future in a movie if I already haven't lampooned it enough. 

Nice MENSA story. I found the arthritis touch to be a good one. I've seen white blues players succumb within my own immediate family as many people were praising them. You should post more here, and do so to elevate the place.  

Good luck in Dallas. I hope the FBG's out that way support you.  

 

[Bogart]

Looks like a good time. About an hour fifteen away from me. Will try and make the trip.

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

Rules.  Good luck to you man.

 

[Statcruncher]

Would be there but will have my boys this weekend, sorry. Is your book appropriate for a 17 year old girl? My daughter is a voracious reader and would be cool to support you while giving her a good book.

 

[Johnny Rock]

Huge advocate of reading and writing. Can I order a hard copy and have you sign it? Let me know either here or PM. Thanks!

 

[culdeus]

Celina is closer to Oklahoma than Dallas.  Why so far out?

 

[Joe T]

Free wine?

 

[Dr. Octopus]

 flash fiction story

very clever

 

[Captain Fantastic]

Would be there but will have my boys this weekend, sorry. Is your book appropriate for a 17 year old girl? My daughter is a voracious reader and would be cool to support you while giving her a good book.

Hi, Statcruncher. Appropriateness for your daughter really depends on her (I think those mid-teen years probably have wild variations in the "level" of most readers, but if she's a voracious reader, then she's probably comfortable with adult-level thrillers).

If Hostile Takeover was a movie, it would be R-rated but a relatively lite R (if that makes sense). There's violence and suspense and some language, but no over-the-top gore or hardcore sex scenes (gotta save something for the next book, right?).

From a teen girl standpoint, it might be slightly more "adult" than the Hunger Games series or Maze Runner or Divergent, but less "adult" than your average Stephen King novel or the "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" series. How's that?

Wait...what I meant to say was: "ABSOLUTELY, it's totally appropriate. You should buy a copy for your daughter. And her friends. And your mother-in-law. And that guy who cuts your lawn." 

 

[Captain Fantastic]

Celina is closer to Oklahoma than Dallas.  Why so far out?

Total exaggeration, culdeus...it's more like "equidistant". 

My wife and I actually saw a sign for the winery one day and made the trek to Celina just to check it out and do a tasting. We sat out by the pond, had a couple glasses and listened to the wind in the trees. The lady running the shop came out to chat. We talked about books and about what kind of events were held at the winery. The conversation evolved and the owners of the winery said they'd be interested in hosting a book signing (something unique for their patrons).

I'll never turn down free promotion. As an unknown author, I need all the promotion and "brand awareness" I can get. So here we are...

Not sure what to expect, but at least it looks like it will be a nice day. Hoping for some success in reaching a new audience. 

 

[ZenMaster]

I'd be in but we're headed for a week's vacation on Saturday. I'll definitely check out the book, though.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

Free wine?

Sadly, the wine is not free at this event. BUT, the winery is offering a discount tied to the book. Oh, and on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness. So there's that.

The book launch party for Hostile Takeover was a more upscale event that took place at Million Air (a luxury private jet charter service). That one had wine and hors d'oeuvres and all that good stuff. I hope to do something similar for the launch of the next book later this year. I'll be sure to post here if anyone wants free booze. 

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Nice, way to go.

 

[Statcruncher]

Hi, Statcruncher. Appropriateness for your daughter really depends on her (I think those mid-teen years probably have wild variations in the "level" of most readers, but if she's a voracious reader, then she's probably comfortable with adult-level thrillers).

If Hostile Takeover was a movie, it would be R-rated but a relatively lite R (if that makes sense). There's violence and suspense and some language, but no over-the-top gore or hardcore sex scenes (gotta save something for the next book, right?).

From a teen girl standpoint, it might be slightly more "adult" than the Hunger Games series or Maze Runner or Divergent, but less "adult" than your average Stephen King novel or the "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" series. How's that?

Wait...what I meant to say was: "ABSOLUTELY, it's totally appropriate. You should buy a copy for your daughter. And her friends. And your mother-in-law. And that guy who cuts your lawn." 

I'm sold. Any way to buy a paperback from you and have it signed without showing up to the event? Or should I just buy one from Amazon and be done with it?

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

Congrats man. 

 

[skol asylum]

Will your book be available as a Nook book?

 

[Captain Fantastic]

Will your book be available as a Nook book?

Hi, cap'n. I've actually been debating this. Amazon is the 800-lb gorilla of book distribution in the market (both paper and digital) and there are certain benefits to giving Amazon an "exclusive" on digital distribution. But if I end up going with a multi-platform digital distribution, I'll let you know.

The funny thing is, since the book was released last fall, I've only had a couple of questions regarding availability on Nook/etc, but I've probably had twenty different requests to produce an audiobook and make it available. I didn't realize just how many people do their "reading" through audiobooks. Something I've definitely got to work on this summer. 

 

[ZenMaster]

Do you get more $$ from the paperback or Kindle, or does it make a difference?

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Added to the book stack. I read one book written by acquaintances for every best seller. Welcome to NY!

Congrats!  Writing books is way harder than writing screenplays!

 

[Cjw_55106]

Congrats Captain. Good luck! 

 

[Captain Fantastic]

Do you get more $$ from the paperback or Kindle, or does it make a difference?

Kindle royalties are slightly higher than paperback, but it's not a massive difference. I've never tried to push Kindle over paperback. 

It's funny. I consider myself old school. I love "real" books. I love the feel and weight of a book in my hands. I love the smell of the paper. All of it.

And yet, probably 9-out-of-10 books I read are on my Kindle. It's so convenient! Sigh... 

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Just curious, if you're interested, when you can would you discuss the process you went through to become a writer, how you managed to complete a book, how you edited or how you chose an editor, how you ended up getting published or how you decided to self publish (if that's what you did), any struggles or victories along the way, etc.?

 

[skol asylum]

Hi, cap'n. I've actually been debating this. Amazon is the 800-lb gorilla of book distribution in the market (both paper and digital) and there are certain benefits to giving Amazon an "exclusive" on digital distribution. But if I end up going with a multi-platform digital distribution, I'll let you know.

The funny thing is, since the book was released last fall, I've only had a couple of questions regarding availability on Nook/etc, but I've probably had twenty different requests to produce an audiobook and make it available. I didn't realize just how many people do their "reading" through audiobooks. Something I've definitely got to work on this summer. 

Makes sense. It's a shame IMO that B&N which has a far superior ebook store experience gets crushed by Amazon. The nook app for phone and tablet is so much better it's ridiculous. I can't speak to the ereader itself as i don't have a Kindle but have an older nook ereader. I actually read mostly on my Note 4 when it comes to ebooks in the nook app.

Great short story by the way. Have you looked into the International Thriller Writer's Association? I think they do alot of promotion for each other's books.

I need to start reading more. I'm always buying ebooks when on sale and have built up a pretty big library that will take me years to read.

 

[Gee Spot]

Dammit, my daughter has an event from 2-4 or I would be there.  Eden Hill is my favorite North Texas winery.  It's got the most scenic beauty outside, coolest atmosphere inside (always have football on the projector big screen when I've been there), the best wine (their Spanish Tempranillo is my favorite wine!!)  and the best knowledge of what to pair with the wine.  And to meet you and celebrate your book signing would be a pleasure.  Sorry I can't be there but please keep posting additional details.

 

[ZenMaster]

Kindle royalties are slightly higher than paperback, but it's not a massive difference. I've never tried to push Kindle over paperback. 

It's funny. I consider myself old school. I love "real" books. I love the feel and weight of a book in my hands. I love the smell of the paper. All of it.

And yet, probably 9-out-of-10 books I read are on my Kindle. It's so convenient! Sigh... 

Most of what I read is on my Kindle app except I still buy all the Stephen King books in hardcover. I'll also occasionally wander through Half Price Books to look for a new author to read. 

Paperbacks are great for reading at the beach. I was asking about the royalty difference because I didn't mind spending the extra on the paperback if you got a little more out of it. 

I'm off to Amazon to buy Hostile Takeover!

 

[Statcruncher]

The funny thing is, since the book was released last fall, I've only had a couple of questions regarding availability on Nook/etc, but I've probably had twenty different requests to produce an audiobook and make it available. I didn't realize just how many people do their "reading" through audiobooks.

Hostile Takeover on audiobook, narrated by Studs & Duds. I smell blockbuster.

 

[Bogart]

Hostile Takeover on audiobook, narrated by Studs & Duds. I smell blockbuster.

You beat me to it. SWC needs to do the intro at least. And you can take that to the ba.... well, you know.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

Dammit, my daughter has an event from 2-4 or I would be there.  Eden Hill is my favorite North Texas winery.  It's got the most scenic beauty outside, coolest atmosphere inside (always have football on the projector big screen when I've been there), the best wine (their Spanish Tempranillo is my favorite wine!!)  and the best knowledge of what to pair with the wine.  And to meet you and celebrate your book signing would be a pleasure.  Sorry I can't be there but please keep posting additional details.

I'll be bumping this post every hour on behalf of the fine folks at Eden Hill. Excellent commercial! 

That's awesome, by the way, Gee Spot. I just learned about Eden Hill a couple months ago. Sorry you won't be able to make the event on Sunday. 

If this one goes well, we might look at doing another event when the next book is released later this year. I'll definitely post details if/when.

 

[Statcruncher]

How did this go? You manage to drink them dry and sell a lot of books?

 

[Captain Fantastic]

How did this go? You manage to drink them dry and sell a lot of books?

Sorry for the delayed response here. The book signing went well.

It was an interesting day. The winery has a couple of large fields for big events. On the day of the book signing, there was a simultaneous awards event for some big cheerleading league.   <== closest "cheerleading" smiley I could find

So there was the Hostile Takeover book signing - which consisted of a sales table and a signing table under a nice tent thing outside the winery "house" entrance - and then about a hundred high school cheerleaders and their parents in the adjacent field. Quite the combo. They did play great music the entire time. That was nice. 

Book signing went well. We had a steady stream but the line never got more than a few people deep (which is perfect since I like to be able to talk to readers for at least a couple minutes if they made the effort to come buy a book).

I thought it a wise marketing move to have one of the winery folks take a signed book over to the cheerleading emcee and use it as a door prize. "Surely that will generate some interest and a few people will walk over after the event." 

I was mistaken. Badly.

Apparently not a very book-oriented crowd (or at least not a "book-by-some-guy-no-one's-ever-heard-of" crowd).

Though the guy who won the book did walk over to meet me and learn about it. And there were a handful of cheerleaders who ventured over. None of them bought a book but one of them did tell me she was an aspiring writer. She took one of my cards and emailed me a short story the next day. It was...something else. 

Oh well. We still had a nice turnout of readers. And my wife - who is far more attractive than me and therefore sells the books while I sign - had a good time and we stuck around after packing up the books and drank most of our profit. A good day overall. 

 

[Polish Hammer]

So tell us about this short story...

 

[Captain Fantastic]

So tell us about this short story...

The cheerleader's story was...more Fifty Shades of Gray (plus violence) than made me comfortable. Not from the story itself (it takes a lot to make me uncomfortable on the page), but from the fact that a teenage girl wrote it and sent it to me.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a strong advocate of writing/storytelling regardless of form. If a young person reads a lot of Stephen King, they're probably going to write scary/suspense. If they read a lot of Hunger Games, they'll tend to set their stories in a dystopian future. Twilight leads to vampire/werewolf/romance.  Harry Potter to magic. Yada, yada, yada. I have no problems with any of it. Whatever gets a young person writing today is a positive. What they're writing when they're thirty may not be much like what they write as a teenager, but planting that seed is good. 

Kind of like youth sports leagues. A very small percentage will ever make a living as an adult by playing sports, but kids who learn joy through sports at a young age are probably more likely to be active into adulthood. There will always be people who take up soccer for the first time at the age of 40, but not many. Same thing with writing.

But digress I do. 

Anyway, I'm happy for this girl that she's stretching the writing muscle with some short stories. But if I were her parent, I would have to be very understanding that (a) she's writing in this genre at all, and (b) she's sending it to "man-technically-old-enough-to-be-her-father" to read it. 

 

[Mad Cow]

Just want to say that we are starting to get near the Christmas Season and I will be buying your Christmas story and enjoying it this year.  I have 2 daughters that love to write, one in 7th grade (my youngest) that writes stories and such all of the time.  I shared with her your flash fiction just now since she has to write a flash fiction for an assignment in her Creative Writing class.  Just thought I would share.

And give you a bump for your work.