Saturday

Tomorrow I will be near Paw Paw, MI selling and signing books. Where will I be exactly? Reits Flea Market. Most of you reading this most likely live nowhere near Paw Paw or anywhere in Michigan. It's not too far from Lake Michigan. Right now, I'm only accepting cash. I hope one day to process credit or debit cards via Paypal Here or Square Reader. I just need a smartphone first.

I like selling directly to readers because they don't have to pay shipping and handling charges. This is definitely a bonus. Anyway, if you happen to be in the area and wish to say "hi," then here's a link to Reits Flea Market to find out where it is. Good luck finding me, though. It's a huge flea market.

Be good to yourselves!

Why Crazy Adventures?

What's the purpose of Crazy Adventures? To give 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders something to read, of course. It's so hard to get kids to read. Crazy Adventures is meant for those kids who want to read, but also want to hurry up and get it over with. Parents and teachers win because they managed to get their kids to read something. And not just anything! These are short stories with plots--beginning, middle, and end. 

Kids win because they can pride themselves on reading something. Many of the stories are just plain goofy. Most kids like humorous tales. Some of the tales are somewhat frightening--perfect for kids at a sleepover hoping to scare themselves silly. What kid doesn't love being scared silly?

Do you know a kid, parent or teacher who could benefit from Crazy Adventures? Let them know. They can even get a buggy ebook version for free (instructions on side panel of blog). For 99 Cents, they get a less buggy version (follow the Kindle link). Maybe they enjoy actual pages in their hands. Ahh! No ebook feels quite like a print copy. For $10.30 ($5.30 including the book price and tax and shipping/handling) they get an autographed copy from me. I'll even throw in a free bookmark. Or, order a non-autographed copy off Amazon or other cool online book sellers (no bookmark included). 

Happy reading!

 

Here It Goes

Okay...I've got an option to buy autographed copies of my books via Paypal. I don't know how well it will work. Remember, I'm not Amazon, so all books will be shipped by snail mail. It will get to you eventually. For now, I'm only selling within the 48 continuous United States. Until I get comfortable with selling books this way, I'll expand beyond the U.S. 

When you process at Paypal, there should be a place where you can tell me where to ship your book. For now, I'm just signing my name. Please, if you ordered a book and want me to put anything more than my name, just leave a comment on the blog. I'm going to brave making the comments open for anyone, including anonymous posters. However, if trolls surface, I'll make it more restrictive.

Also, I carry a small inventory of books, so if I run out, I'll temporarily shut down the Paypal button until I'm replenished. Next mission--I'm going to have YouTube videos explaining each book with me being as entertaining as possible.

Be good to yourselves.

Remember, the Jimmy Miller the Super Powerful Books are young adults for 6th grade readers on up. Crazy Adventures is a collection of goofy short fantasy stories mainly for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. Although, older readers have been known to buy Crazy Adventures. So, what do I know?

Business News

I've been mulling a way to sell autographed copies of my books. Ordering off Amazon will get you a print copy, but my signature won't be a part of it. So, in the near future I will experiment with a Paypal button. What I have to figure out is how potential buyers can let me know what to write on the inside--unless my name is sufficient. Also, shipping methods and costs are something to consider. Of course, I will let you know when and if I get it set up. 

Be good to yourselves!

Paperback Buttons Are Back

Links to the paperback versions on Amazon for Books 1 & 2 are back! So...click away.

It's a Friday Update!

I'm slowly bringing Book 3 to life in rough draft form. I have to be strategic in how I write it. One wrong move and the story will have me checkmated. What does that mean? I don't know for sure.  

My time is very limited. Because of a cooler, wetter than normal summer, my yard is threatening to transform into a jungle. All I have is a lawn mower, clippers, and other equipment. It is growing so fast. I can't even wait a week before mowing again. If I do, the lawn becomes thick. It clogs my mower. I have to say, it's worse than snow removal in the winter.

Not only that, but the mosquito population has exploded. You've heard of Jurassic World. Well, my backyard is Mosquito World. I use near 100 percent deets Deep Woods Off. And they just laugh at my pathetic attempt to ward them away. Someone forgot to tell them that they're supposed to be repelled by that stuff.

I'm proud to say I set off fireworks on the Fourth of July and didn't blow up any parts of me. I didn't burn down my house or anyone else's. We have a large enough space in our backyard to keep them away from homes--as long as I don't do anything stupid. I bought a hundred dollars worth of fireworks and shot them off in ten minutes time. Shopping for fireworks has almost surpassed Christmas shopping in terms of cost. They were a bit lame when they burst in the air. My formula for launching fireworks and not causing bodily injury is simple--light the fuse and run like hell. I also have a brick that stays nice and level. Luckily, it wasn't windy. I'd be afraid the launching tubes might blow over just as a shell shoots off. 

Speaking of the deep woods, next week I'm off to Webelos Scout Camp with my son and my den. Being the Den Leader, I get to go, too. It's only for three days and three nights. So, I won't be doing much writing. And the coffee is wretched. Other than that, it should prove to be a great time. 

Soap Box Time! I have to vent. WHAT THE HELL ARE WE DOING TO OUR CHILDREN!? There's a family court judge here in Michigan who sent three children to juvenile detention for refusing to spend time with their father. I know court orders should be followed, but for this? Locking up our children for no real offense should be illegal. So, the court system kidnapped these children and are holding them hostage. That's how I view it. That's it, I'm voting Libertarian. 

Well, that's enough updating and venting for now. Don't you hate Windows Updates. They just take over your computer, ready or not. Be good to yourselves.

Ample Avoidance

Being a super powerful writer means not following the crowd, regardless if it's marketable or not. The following is a list of things I avoid, although it may ruin sales.

• I avoid stories involving zombies and vampires. These have been so overdone. 
• I avoid dark fiction that is dark, but doesn't really have a point. Dark fiction should be dark for a reason other than "let's be dark, even if the plot suffers."
• I avoid foul language in my writing. Since I was nine, I fell into the swearing habit. I thought I was being more grown-up. Only, it led to a lifetime of cursing. I think going through life never swearing is crazy. Life just brings the worst out of a person. However, swearing like a sailor isn't necessary. If I use foul language, I try and be purposeful. So, kids, just avoid this nasty habit.
• I avoid erotic language or sexual content. Since much of my writing is geared towards the young and young at heart, I try and keep it clean.
• I avoid politics. Politics...who needs 'em?

Well, that's it. Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans! Happy weekend to all!