As most are aware, because I annoy everyone in my social media circles to death with updates and such, I have written my first novel and have found a willing accomplice who has promised to publish my work. The first installment of what I hope will be a long-running series, Of Blood and Stone, is off to the printer for hardcopy proofs. After everything is approved by my publisher and me, it's off to the presses for mass distribution.
I cannot convey how apprehensive I am about the prospect of having something pulled from my own mind, documented and in the hands of readers. When I stop to think about it I realize how lucky I am, but also consider that some will enjoy it, while others will not--and that's the hard pill to swallow.
I'm not so insecure as to believe that there will be those who won't enjoy the book; I guess I fear failure or disappointing those who have supported me through this process. All of that being said, I'm not one to be a pessimist and know you all will enjoy the book and look forward to the next installment. Haha!
Bill Evers has been a character who was born from my zeal for the military, the art of fighting, conspiracy theory and travel. A man who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, who longed for nothing more than to be left alone in the deep woods of Alabama, Evers gets pulled back into action by his old mentor, Buddy Smith.
I look forward to "watching" Evers develop as an individual as he copes with his psychological disorder. More importantly, I love the process of writing and story telling in its purest form--the written word.
I can't stress enough how enjoyable it is to be in a slower paced environment. It took me a few years to realize I'm not cut out for the rat race, and in a couple short weeks Cathy will be here with me. She's looking forward to getting out of the race too, although I suspect it will take her a little more time to acclimate to the southern drawl, the pace, and the sweet tea.
Finally, I would invite each of you to check out my website, which is far from completion, and offer suggestions and feedback. Bear in mind I'm creating it myself, and I make no assertions about my website development capabilities. On the contrary, had it not been for "drag and drop," I don't know what I would have done. :)
www.howardupton.com
Peace, love, and yogurt to all y'all.
I'm not happy! I wrote a glowing commentary, with brilliant words of advice and sympathy for the fears you are feeling now...and cyberspace ate it. So you get this instead. Good luck, Howard...I know that Of Blood and Stone will be a huge hit.
ReplyDeleteI am more than ecstatic for you Howard! I cannot put into words how happy I am that your novel is being published, your back in the south and Cathy will be back by your side full time and you have a new positron with a new company! Life couldn't be any better for you!!! I can't wait to have "Of Blood and Stone" (a signed copy of course) in my hands to read, enjoy and anticipate book number two! I know it will get glowing reviews! Again, I'm so elated for you Howard!
ReplyDeleteCongratulation again :) I'm so proud of you and look forward to reading your work. I'm glad to hear you are no longer a racing rat ;) and be careful with those flying slug bugs!!
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ReplyDeleteROSEVILLE MAN PENS MEMOIR, REVEALS SECRETS OF HIS PAST
Mikee Richards wants his two sons to know about his eventful life. He had a compulsion to tell his story. It took him three years to do it, but now "The Blue Goose" is available @ http://net.ondemandbooks.com/odb/selfespress/9781941125076 and Amazon.com:Books.
Richards retired three years ago as a school custodian in Roseville. Previously he had worked for Hewlett Packard for thirty years. Since then, he has devoted himself to making the story of his life ready to share with family and friends.
"The Blue Goose" is the story of a boy growing up in rural Idaho in the 1950s and 1960s who seeks his father's approval and love. Much of this time was spent on a cattle ranch where there was lots of hard work. Always in search of his dad's love, Richards did things as a young boy that got him in plenty of hot water.
Now, the actual Blue Goose is a cute little candy and ice cream store nestled in a beautiful, peaceful valley in Samaria, Idaho, surrounded by the magnificent hills and mountains of southeastern Idaho. In the 1950s and 1960s it was a tavern where Richards's father spent a great deal of time drinking. He was a mean drunk and when he finally came home, abuse frequently occurred.
His father was also a womanizer and many of the most funny/sad stories in "The Blue Goose" are of the author telling falsehoods about sexual events that did or did not happen. Again, he was just trying to gain his father's approval.
Following his parents' separation when he was eight years old, Richards ended up on his own with a younger, mentally handicapped brother to take care of while his father was away doing construction work during the week In the book, the shamefulness of this situation is perfectly counterbalanced by a hilarious account of one of his father's sexual escapades.
When Richards was fifteen, his dad told him he was done with school and he was forced to find his own way. What follows is a touching description of his aunts and uncles trying to find a vocational school that will take him without a high school diploma. Is beauty college the first thing that comes to mind? With the help of friends and relatives and, as always, that iron determination to make it work, Richards completes beauty school and begins working as a cosmetologist.
Wow! Apparently, I have much to learn about internet marketing^^^^^^ lmao!
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