The Sick Blog

I had this beautiful blog entry all set to go last night. In fact, I was in the process of applying the blog to test it when I got a dreaded time-out message. When I logged in again, the blog–all 45 minutes of my snappy, witty introspection–was gone forever. Cue about 10 minutes of expletives, followed by me simply giving up and taking my sick ass to bed.

So now, after having a full 24 hours to cool off and reflect on last night’s mishap, I’ve decided to type this blog into a separate program. I suppose I should’ve done this in the first place, but oh well. Live and learn.

Now let’s see if I can recall what I wrote last night. Having a severe head cold isn’t helping matters.

Stephen Smith, of 365tomorrows, asked me about being the site’s featured author for the month of September. He figured it would be a good way to raise awareness of my novel, A Life Transparent, and all I’d have to do is write four to eight pieces of sci-fi themed flash fiction. I spent most of July and August doing just that and, on Monday, the first of those eight pieces was featured. One of those stories will be featured every Monday and Thursday this month. The first, Channel Zero, can be read here. I’ve also made it available for download here as well. I’ll be uploading each of these stories a day or so after their feature on 365.

Oh, and for all of you VAST fans, yes, the name of the first story was inspired by the song of the same name.

In other news, I’m still waiting on the latest proof copy of ALT to arrive. This week’s national holiday will probably slow down the process a bit, but I expect to have it by Monday at the latest. The first proof came back with a funky cover, thanks in part to Lulu’s poor wraparound-cover support, and so it was back tot he drawing board. Now, provided nothing goes wrong with the new proof, everything should be well in order for an early December availability on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and any other bookseller that orders from an Ingram’s catalogue. Of course, the book is currently available from Lulu right now, if you absolutely cannot wait.

I’ve uploaded a promotional pack as well, in case you feel like promoting A Life Transparent in your town, library, coffee shop, church, etc. It’s a 9mb download with .pdf files to make your own posters, postcards and press sheets.

In the meantime Erica and I are still working on the site, tweaking things here and there, so if you happen to visit and see something that seems a little odd, that’s probably why. We’ve added a form so you can sign up for major updates. You’ll find it on the home page. We’re also working on adding a photo gallery for inclusion of pictures of satisfied customers, so if you’ve got a copy of the book, take a picture of yourself holding it up in some funny pose, email it to me and we’ll include it.

Tomorrow’s Thursday, so look for another story to pop up on 365.

For now, I think that’s all you’ll get from me. I’m off to take some medicine and chill out for the evening.

Until next time, folks,