I Can't Help Myself! The Kindle Version Will Be Out Before MAY 1st!

It could be out even sooner, so check at Amazon.com from time to time for the e-book format! This hurry up and wait thing is driving me crazy, but I'm excited.

The paperback version will be available somewhere around the end of the first week in May unless the process is faster than expected, as this one was. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

"Pssst...There's A New Book Due Out In May!"

I was trying to keep this under wraps, but it's getting harder with all the busy bodies running around the place this spring.

She just told my Oregon farmer friend Don about it and he said she planned to duck back into her burrow until all the excitement's over. I think she was badgering him. She's not a big fan of the North Slope.

Since she can't keep her furry trap shut, here's the news: It looks like Heart of the Unsung will be released around the first week of May. It is the sequel to Song of the Unsung that came out last year. It will be available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.

Consider yourselves badgered!

Gary

Rejoicing In The Streets Of Boston Came At A High Cost

It is good that the Boston terrorists were killed or captured before they could cause more harm to others during their lifetimes. They were prepared to do it. I don't believe it was by chance that resources were placed where they needed to be to stop them.

Meantime, there are many grieving families affected by the bomb blasts and ensuing murder of the MIT police officer. There is no dancing in the streets for them. Nothing will bring back a sense of normal or the sanctity of lives lost. Reverence is in order.

I hope we find a way to honor our fallen and injured loved ones that will reflect their sacrifices and celebrate their contributions to our communities. God bless the fallen and provide comfort where it is needed.

Gary

Today I'm A Bostonian

My thoughts and prayers are with those who were killed and injured and their families in the bombings in Boston. May they somehow find comfort in knowing the Country stands with them and may the bomber(s) find a special place to suffer in Hell.

Rollie's Gone Home

Last night I had to let my fury sidekick Rollie Dawg go to the pack in the Great Beyond. I could write volumes about the pup, but that'll have to come another day. My heart has a massive hole in it but he's not suffering anymore. He will always be a part of me and for that I'm grateful.

Gary

Sometimes Writing Takes A Back Seat

When does a writer not care about writing? When the pup he raised is hanging onto his life by a thread. Ol' Rollie Dawg is known for being stubborn at times and this is one of those times it may be the thing keeping him alive. He's got some type of blood disease that cropped up a few days ago and is at the vet's endeavoring to endure.

Me? I've been gut shot. I thought I'd lost him yesterday, but he made it through the night and is a little perkier today, which doesn't necessarily mean things are better, but hope is hope.

If there ever comes a time when he is back beside my chair as I write, I shall take every opportunity to let him know he's my bud and keep a few extra treats on hand. It's awfully quiet around here.

Pow Wows Are Happening All Over The Country

There is some simple Pow Wow etiquette to learn that is contained in many Native American websites, but this would be a great way to find out more about the culture of the Indigenous people around the country!This is only one example of the beautiful regalia worn in dance.

This is on my bucket list!

Gary

Interested In Becoming An Author?

I'll give you the quick and dirty version and then it's up to you!

#1. Write something - a short story; an idea for a book (a chapter/chapters); a poem; JUST WRITE IT. You've probably had an idea or two percolating in your brain for a while now, anyhow. Start there. Always write in 12 font, New Times Roman, double-spaced. Use your tab key for paragraph indentation.

#2. Find a local writers' group to join and learn the basics as you get your work critiqued by the group. Bring copies for the group. This part will take time, but you'll appreciate it in the long run. These are usually free and they're way different than book clubs.

#3. Find training events to attend, i.e., conferences, seminars, workshops. Joining a writers' association, such as the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, helps you find them. Expect to put out some cash for this part.

#4. Leave your ego in a safe and secure location. You won't be needing it for a bit. Prepare to get chewed up and spit out. Rejection's just part of the reality of writing.

#5. Your first published work will usually take 145,615 times longer to see on the market than you originally anticipated. Then you can take your ego out for a short walk before putting it back and beginning the next manuscript.

I don't want to get into the marketing aspect for fear you'll fry a circuit. That will come soon enough.

Is it worth it? Not if you're looking to earn your fortune or want to quit your day job before you retire (unless your one in a million number comes up). Otherwise, yep, it's worth it. Good Luck!

BUFFALO HUMP was two and a half years in the making before it was published in December of 2012. I was my third manuscript.

Gary