The last few weeks have been about the highs and lows of life for me. I had a successful week of sales during Read an E-book Week. My youngest got over the stomach flu. My oldest was getting ready for spring break. I'm not one to wait for the other shoe to drop - I believe that to be a bad habit that should be avoided, but I am willing to concede that with the highs of life often comes the lows.
It's been a bit of a roller coaster ride the last few days. I had the joy of participating in a fundraiser for my friend's mother, who is raising funds for a kidney transplant. She is an amazing woman, and I am glad that the funds are coming in for her. When I was growing up, she was like a mom to all of us troubled kids. I spent so much time at their house that people thought I lived there. I consider the whole family to be my own family, so it really was a joyous occasion to be a part of.
I also got to hang out with another dear friend for her son's birthday. She's actually my sister's friend, but she has been through so much crazy stuff with us that she is pretty much family. It was a pure joy to celebrate with her and her family. It also gave my kids a chance to play with other kids, which is always fun for them. For the most part, things have been nothing but up for us.
And then came the flip side of the coin. My wife's nana fell ill. As of this writing she is still with us, but she is being made comfortable for the next part of life's journey. It all happened so fast, it is still difficult to process. She is another amazing woman, so her loss is a tremendous blow to my wife and her family, and to me as well. I have nothing but fond memories of her. It is important to celebrate her life, but taking the time to mourn is also of great importance.
Life is crazy sometimes. You just never know what you are going to get. We take the highs with the lows, and that's okay to me. I think it is important for us to enjoy every good moment. Never take life for granted. None of us know how things will turn out. None of know when we will see the end. Really enjoy life. Savor every moment. Take the time to tell those important to you that you love them while you can. Anyway, these are my thoughts this week. Above all, I want you all to live, I mean really live! Have a wonderful week everyone!
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Monday, March 2, 2015
It's Time for Read an E-Book Week 2015
I got the message a little late this year, but yesterday I finally received my email from Smashwords asking if I would like to participate in "Read an E-book Week 2015." Unlike other promotions, I have no problem getting behind this one because I already participate in multiple efforts to promote reading in general. I read to kids on a regular basis. I also participate in field trips for preschoolers to check out the local library. I help with book fairs. I try to participate in anything that promotes reading.
I truly believe we need to promote reading as much as humanly possible. It's sad how far reading has declined over the years. One of the worst comments I hear on a regular basis is, "I'll wait for the movie to come out because I don't like reading." I know more people who use their Kindle Fire to play games than to read books. As a result, I meet a lot of kids who don't like reading because the adults in their lives do not read. They fail to understand how important reading is, until it is too late. Take it from me, a person who made it to college before I realized I had the reading level of a child: reading is very important!
If you're an author on Smashwords, consider participating. My results from from last year were pretty good. I saw about a 20% increase in sales. However, I believe we have to look beyond sales and really promote reading. If you are already participating, great job! Let's keep promoting Read an E-book Week. Readers, there are thousands of books for sale at discounted prices, and many are free. Browse through the catalogs. Find something you like. Above all else, keep on reading. Have a wonderful week!
For those of you interested, my book, Beyond Heights and Depths, is free this week with coupon code: RW100.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
A Brief Review of Tsu Social Network
As an independent writer, I find myself spending a lot of time on social media. It's a necessity as an independent writer. I also spend some time checking out new or different social networks. I often receive suggestions from fans or other readers, so I try to take at least a little time to check it out. I will admit: some are pretty good, but most are kind of awful.
A couple of weeks ago, someone suggested I check out Tsu. For those of you that don't know, Tsu is a newer social network. The main attraction to this site is that they pay users for their content. You can find out more about Tsu here: https://www.tsu.co/faq. I was invited to join by a friend, but if you need an invitation, feel free to use mine: https://www.tsu.co/CBrownHI. If you are already on there, please take a moment to follow me or add me as a friend.
Alright, enough about that stuff. I'm not in the business of convincing people to join. I'm just here to give my take on the experience. So far, I really enjoy using Tsu. There is a tiny learning curve, but overall, the site functions very much the way Facebook does. The only major difference is that Tsu functions like a combination of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In fact, uploading pictures works the way Instagram does, and you can edit and add filters to your pictures - something Facebook does not have. Tsu allows the use of hashtags, as well.
One drawback, that really isn't much of a drawback to me, is that I am mostly friends with strangers at this point. As my network grows, more of my friends and family are joining, but so far, I am friends with more people I just met. This doesn't really bother me. My twitter account is over 90% strangers, so this is nothing new to me. I think this is a good thing, because I am constantly trying to increase my platform and reach new people. I'm sure all of you other independent writers can relate. Tsu works really well for this, and the potential for the site to go viral and draw a huge following is definitely there - something I can't say about many of the other new supposed social networks out there.
Are there some negatives? The short answer is: Yes. I don't think the security on Tsu is as strong as on Facebook, but Facebook has been around a lot longer. The Tsu network is getting bigger, better, and safer everyday. I have no doubts they will be up to par soon. The mobile app is also weak, but then again, so is Facebook's. And like I said before, you will likely be friends with strangers when you start out.
These are my thoughts on Tsu. Personally, I like it, and I am thoroughly enjoying my experience on there. I am not making big money by any measure, but I'm not there for the money. Independent writers are always looking for ways to reach and interact with more people, and I am able to do that on Tsu. I meet people from all walks of life and there is some really good content on there. I would also add that there are much fewer adds and junk than I find on Facebook.
If you are interested, come by and check it out. Hope I find you on there! Have a great week everybody!
A couple of weeks ago, someone suggested I check out Tsu. For those of you that don't know, Tsu is a newer social network. The main attraction to this site is that they pay users for their content. You can find out more about Tsu here: https://www.tsu.co/faq. I was invited to join by a friend, but if you need an invitation, feel free to use mine: https://www.tsu.co/CBrownHI. If you are already on there, please take a moment to follow me or add me as a friend.
Alright, enough about that stuff. I'm not in the business of convincing people to join. I'm just here to give my take on the experience. So far, I really enjoy using Tsu. There is a tiny learning curve, but overall, the site functions very much the way Facebook does. The only major difference is that Tsu functions like a combination of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In fact, uploading pictures works the way Instagram does, and you can edit and add filters to your pictures - something Facebook does not have. Tsu allows the use of hashtags, as well.
One drawback, that really isn't much of a drawback to me, is that I am mostly friends with strangers at this point. As my network grows, more of my friends and family are joining, but so far, I am friends with more people I just met. This doesn't really bother me. My twitter account is over 90% strangers, so this is nothing new to me. I think this is a good thing, because I am constantly trying to increase my platform and reach new people. I'm sure all of you other independent writers can relate. Tsu works really well for this, and the potential for the site to go viral and draw a huge following is definitely there - something I can't say about many of the other new supposed social networks out there.
Are there some negatives? The short answer is: Yes. I don't think the security on Tsu is as strong as on Facebook, but Facebook has been around a lot longer. The Tsu network is getting bigger, better, and safer everyday. I have no doubts they will be up to par soon. The mobile app is also weak, but then again, so is Facebook's. And like I said before, you will likely be friends with strangers when you start out.
These are my thoughts on Tsu. Personally, I like it, and I am thoroughly enjoying my experience on there. I am not making big money by any measure, but I'm not there for the money. Independent writers are always looking for ways to reach and interact with more people, and I am able to do that on Tsu. I meet people from all walks of life and there is some really good content on there. I would also add that there are much fewer adds and junk than I find on Facebook.
If you are interested, come by and check it out. Hope I find you on there! Have a great week everybody!
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Three Years: Catching Up with Cybil
This week I am incredibly blessed to share the testimony of my friend Cybil with you. She presented this talk about a week ago while accepting her three year chip. To say she has been through a lot is not nearly enough. I truly admire her strength and willingness to share what she has been through with others. Her message is one of hope, love, and grace. She has overcome the stuff of nightmares, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to share her story with others.
Monday, January 19, 2015
How Social Media Benefited Me as an Indie Author
I don't do many of these writing posts, mostly because I don't feel like I have a lot to add, but since my third book was released I've been asked how social media has benefited me numerous times. I know many of you are hoping for advice on selling more books. I know this because my twitter feed is still loaded with posts on book sales. Truth be told, I'm not sure how many books I have sold as a direct result of posting on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media site, if any. If I had to venture a guess, I would say not many.
I don't know many people who buy books as a result of reading a post on Facebook or Twitter. I admit, I still try the hard sell on both - though mostly out of habit and the hope that it works. No, I'm not here to talk about marketing or how to sell more books. Honestly, that is not how social media has benefited me. Social media is an amazing tool to have in your repertoire, but not exactly for selling books.
Social media should be used to help you build your platform, sure, we all know this. The bigger the platform, the bigger the chance of success. However, through social media - specifically, Facebook and Twitter - the biggest benefit I have received is the help of other indie authors and the various blogs and sites each run. I have been blessed to receive help from some of the best indie folks I know, and their help has been invaluable to me.
There is no way I could have completed and released three books without help. I could not have sold nearly as many books as I have without some kind of help. Even help with simple tips and grammar mistakes have been a huge help. All of this came through social media. Thus, there is a benefit to maintaining all of you social media accounts, but the benefit is not necessarily immediate, nor is it always in the form of a substantial increase in sales.
Anyway, these are my two cents this week. Thank you everyone who has helped me along the way. I could not have accomplished any of this without you. All of you new indies reading this, spend less time on the hard sell and more time building relationships, which, incidentally, is what social media was designed for. Have a wonderful week, everyone!
I don't know many people who buy books as a result of reading a post on Facebook or Twitter. I admit, I still try the hard sell on both - though mostly out of habit and the hope that it works. No, I'm not here to talk about marketing or how to sell more books. Honestly, that is not how social media has benefited me. Social media is an amazing tool to have in your repertoire, but not exactly for selling books.
Social media should be used to help you build your platform, sure, we all know this. The bigger the platform, the bigger the chance of success. However, through social media - specifically, Facebook and Twitter - the biggest benefit I have received is the help of other indie authors and the various blogs and sites each run. I have been blessed to receive help from some of the best indie folks I know, and their help has been invaluable to me.
There is no way I could have completed and released three books without help. I could not have sold nearly as many books as I have without some kind of help. Even help with simple tips and grammar mistakes have been a huge help. All of this came through social media. Thus, there is a benefit to maintaining all of you social media accounts, but the benefit is not necessarily immediate, nor is it always in the form of a substantial increase in sales.
Anyway, these are my two cents this week. Thank you everyone who has helped me along the way. I could not have accomplished any of this without you. All of you new indies reading this, spend less time on the hard sell and more time building relationships, which, incidentally, is what social media was designed for. Have a wonderful week, everyone!
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Christmas in Hawaii - Excerpt from Beyond Demons and Protectors
Christmas in Hawaii is unique in many ways. I am often asked what it is like to celebrate the holidays here. I love Christmas here. I have spent Christmas in many places, but Hawaii is still my favorite. In my novels, I always planned on writing a Christmas scene that would be easily recognizable to locals here. I was very pleased to be able to do so in my second novel.
Here is an excerpt from Beyond Demons and Protectors ©2014:
We reappear in the middle of a grassy area. As I take in our surroundings, being extra
cautious to make sure we are in the right place, I can see colorful lights everywhere. The trees have Christmas-colored lanterns hanging from their boughs. Nearby, children are
riding a small train in circles. A light breeze carries the sound of old Christmas tunes in
our direction. Further ahead, I see a sidewalk, couples walking hand-in-hand, and smiling
families with excited children making their way up the street. I know where they are
going. I can see the bright lights off in the distance. Brief flashes of light tell me people
are taking pictures at the various displays along the way. If I remember correctly, some
extremely large Christmas decorations should be near the first group of people taking
pictures. We are definitely in the right place.
Ash takes a hold of my hand and leans against my shoulder. She begins to weep,
though she doesn’t appear to be sad. Truth be told, I am more than a little surprised that
this is where she wanted to come. This time and place does not carry good memories for
her. The last time she was here at Christmastime was with her parents. Her entire life
changed that night. “We could go to the East coast,” I try. “I’ve never seen the big tree or
the ice skating rink out there.”
“No, this is our home,” she says with a crooked smile.
I give her a warm smile in return, “Shall we go, then?”
She nods excitedly, “Let’s.”
“I haven’t been here in ages,” I say while we walk over to the sidewalk. “Honolulu
Hale is up ahead, right?”
“It is,” she says.
“I think my phone has a camera. We should take pictures!”
We take a leisurely stroll to Honolulu Hale. Along the way, we stop to take pictures at
several of the large Christmas displays. A little boy runs into Ash. She smiles at the boy.
He hugs her leg, and then takes off to find whoever he is supposed to be with. The
happiness in the air is contagious. Ash watches the boy leave. I’ve never seen the look
she has in her eyes as she watches him walk away. “What is it?” I ask.
“Nothing,” she says without looking at me. “I just felt something I don’t think I have
before.”
“This is our first Christmas together,” I remind her.
Her attention snaps back to me, “I love this.”
“Me too,” I say and kiss her romantically under the lights of the beautiful display,
though lightly, so we don’t accidentally set the dang thing on fire.
Every year Honolulu Hale is transformed into a winter wonderland - island style, of
course. It really is spectacular. We pass by the fountain, wishing pool, and large
Christmas tree on our way toward the entrance. A mixture of Christmas smells drift out
of the doorway: cinnamon, citrus, and pine, at least I think the smells are coming from
inside. Now that I think about it, Ash smells very similar to me.
Inside the building are a series of decorated Christmas trees. Each one has a different
theme, although all of them are fun. I have never seen a bad one. A thought occurs to me,
“I didn’t get you a gift.”
“You are my gift,” she says, staring at a tree with colorful origami decorations all
over it. “Not to mention, my one of a kind engagement ring. I’m pretty sure no one in the
world has one like it. If anyone needs to worry about a gift, it’s me, not you.”
“You don’t need to get me anything, Ash.”
“When are you going to go,” she says, catching me off guard.
“Go?” I try to play off.
“To get Stana,” she says, finally looking at me again.
“Not for a little while. I…”
“No need to explain,” she says while leading me to a hallway on our right.
“What’s over here?”
“Contest wreaths.”
Down the hallway, on both sides, Christmas wreaths of all kinds line the walls:
colorful ones, artistic ones, large ones, small ones, and some that don’t look like wreaths
at all. I’ve never noticed these before. I glance at a plaque next to one of the closest
wreaths. This one appears to be made out of recycled products. Ooh, this one was made
by a third grade class from a school I’ve never heard of. More than a few were made by
children. The more elaborate ones appear to have been made by professional artists or
clubs for adults. Hardly seems fair; adults competing with children. I read the plaque for
one of the funnier looking wreaths. A chill runs through my body, “Did we lose another
year?”
“I’m afraid so, babe. Are you worried?”
“Nah,” I resolve myself to enjoy this time with her. “This is the best Christmas ever!
Let’s take a picture out front.”
“Okay,” she says cheerfully. “I like all these pictures. I think I want to start an album
or something. You know to keep all of our memories.”
“I think that sounds awesome,” I say. I really do.
We stand in front of the Mele Kalikimaka display and ask an elderly man to take our
picture. I’m amazed because he knows how to take the picture with my phone without
any hesitation. I don’t even know how to use my phone correctly. I thank him and hug
Ash. We stand hugging each other for a while, basking in the joy of the holiday season.
Here is an excerpt from Beyond Demons and Protectors ©2014:
We reappear in the middle of a grassy area. As I take in our surroundings, being extra
cautious to make sure we are in the right place, I can see colorful lights everywhere. The trees have Christmas-colored lanterns hanging from their boughs. Nearby, children are
riding a small train in circles. A light breeze carries the sound of old Christmas tunes in
our direction. Further ahead, I see a sidewalk, couples walking hand-in-hand, and smiling
families with excited children making their way up the street. I know where they are
going. I can see the bright lights off in the distance. Brief flashes of light tell me people
are taking pictures at the various displays along the way. If I remember correctly, some
extremely large Christmas decorations should be near the first group of people taking
pictures. We are definitely in the right place.
Ash takes a hold of my hand and leans against my shoulder. She begins to weep,
though she doesn’t appear to be sad. Truth be told, I am more than a little surprised that
this is where she wanted to come. This time and place does not carry good memories for
her. The last time she was here at Christmastime was with her parents. Her entire life
changed that night. “We could go to the East coast,” I try. “I’ve never seen the big tree or
the ice skating rink out there.”
“No, this is our home,” she says with a crooked smile.
I give her a warm smile in return, “Shall we go, then?”
She nods excitedly, “Let’s.”
“I haven’t been here in ages,” I say while we walk over to the sidewalk. “Honolulu
Hale is up ahead, right?”
“It is,” she says.
“I think my phone has a camera. We should take pictures!”
We take a leisurely stroll to Honolulu Hale. Along the way, we stop to take pictures at
several of the large Christmas displays. A little boy runs into Ash. She smiles at the boy.
He hugs her leg, and then takes off to find whoever he is supposed to be with. The
happiness in the air is contagious. Ash watches the boy leave. I’ve never seen the look
she has in her eyes as she watches him walk away. “What is it?” I ask.
“Nothing,” she says without looking at me. “I just felt something I don’t think I have
before.”
“This is our first Christmas together,” I remind her.
Her attention snaps back to me, “I love this.”
“Me too,” I say and kiss her romantically under the lights of the beautiful display,
though lightly, so we don’t accidentally set the dang thing on fire.
Every year Honolulu Hale is transformed into a winter wonderland - island style, of
course. It really is spectacular. We pass by the fountain, wishing pool, and large
Christmas tree on our way toward the entrance. A mixture of Christmas smells drift out
of the doorway: cinnamon, citrus, and pine, at least I think the smells are coming from
inside. Now that I think about it, Ash smells very similar to me.
Inside the building are a series of decorated Christmas trees. Each one has a different
theme, although all of them are fun. I have never seen a bad one. A thought occurs to me,
“I didn’t get you a gift.”
“You are my gift,” she says, staring at a tree with colorful origami decorations all
over it. “Not to mention, my one of a kind engagement ring. I’m pretty sure no one in the
world has one like it. If anyone needs to worry about a gift, it’s me, not you.”
“You don’t need to get me anything, Ash.”
“When are you going to go,” she says, catching me off guard.
“Go?” I try to play off.
“To get Stana,” she says, finally looking at me again.
“Not for a little while. I…”
“No need to explain,” she says while leading me to a hallway on our right.
“What’s over here?”
“Contest wreaths.”
Down the hallway, on both sides, Christmas wreaths of all kinds line the walls:
colorful ones, artistic ones, large ones, small ones, and some that don’t look like wreaths
at all. I’ve never noticed these before. I glance at a plaque next to one of the closest
wreaths. This one appears to be made out of recycled products. Ooh, this one was made
by a third grade class from a school I’ve never heard of. More than a few were made by
children. The more elaborate ones appear to have been made by professional artists or
clubs for adults. Hardly seems fair; adults competing with children. I read the plaque for
one of the funnier looking wreaths. A chill runs through my body, “Did we lose another
year?”
“I’m afraid so, babe. Are you worried?”
“Nah,” I resolve myself to enjoy this time with her. “This is the best Christmas ever!
Let’s take a picture out front.”
“Okay,” she says cheerfully. “I like all these pictures. I think I want to start an album
or something. You know to keep all of our memories.”
“I think that sounds awesome,” I say. I really do.
We stand in front of the Mele Kalikimaka display and ask an elderly man to take our
picture. I’m amazed because he knows how to take the picture with my phone without
any hesitation. I don’t even know how to use my phone correctly. I thank him and hug
Ash. We stand hugging each other for a while, basking in the joy of the holiday season.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Sometimes Christmas Sucks
Christmas is right around the corner. It's kind of hard to believe that Christmas is so close. This past year went by so fast.
This year I am attempting to turn myself into one of those crazy Christmas people that I have often talked poorly of. The house is decorated. The tree has been ready since the end of November. I've also been watching every single Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Seriously, I can rate and tell you about any of them. Feel free to ask.
This week, though, this is not what my post is about. I know this is the season for joy and giving. This is the season when we all try to be the best version of ourselves. I just want to take the time to acknowledge those that are struggling during this season. For many, Christmas just plain sucks, and I can understand that. I used to be one of them for many years.
Please keep in mind that there are folks that have lost loved ones this past year, and this is their first Christmas without their loved ones. There are folks who are struggling to pay their bills and can't afford to buy a single gift for anyone. I know quite a few people that suffer from depression, and for them, Christmas is miserable. Moreover, I know a number of people who are just plain struggling this year, and the thought of Christmas coming is not a reason for them to smile.
Please keep these folks in mind. Their lives matter, too. Say a prayer for them. Take the time to extend some kindness to someone who really needs it. I know it is an exciting time. A lot of us get caught up in the gift buying, parties, and other holiday events, but I really hope we can make Christmas special for some folks who could really use a break. Enjoy the holidays, everyone! Whenever possible, please do something to help someone, not because you want something in return, but because you could really make a difference in someone's life.
This year I am attempting to turn myself into one of those crazy Christmas people that I have often talked poorly of. The house is decorated. The tree has been ready since the end of November. I've also been watching every single Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Seriously, I can rate and tell you about any of them. Feel free to ask.
This week, though, this is not what my post is about. I know this is the season for joy and giving. This is the season when we all try to be the best version of ourselves. I just want to take the time to acknowledge those that are struggling during this season. For many, Christmas just plain sucks, and I can understand that. I used to be one of them for many years.
Please keep in mind that there are folks that have lost loved ones this past year, and this is their first Christmas without their loved ones. There are folks who are struggling to pay their bills and can't afford to buy a single gift for anyone. I know quite a few people that suffer from depression, and for them, Christmas is miserable. Moreover, I know a number of people who are just plain struggling this year, and the thought of Christmas coming is not a reason for them to smile.
Please keep these folks in mind. Their lives matter, too. Say a prayer for them. Take the time to extend some kindness to someone who really needs it. I know it is an exciting time. A lot of us get caught up in the gift buying, parties, and other holiday events, but I really hope we can make Christmas special for some folks who could really use a break. Enjoy the holidays, everyone! Whenever possible, please do something to help someone, not because you want something in return, but because you could really make a difference in someone's life.
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