You know how in my last post I compared releasing your first novel to losing your virginity? How both were things you could only do once? Turns out I was wrong about that. Turns out you actually can release your debut novel more than once; or at least you can have more than one release date.
I woke up this morning excited about the February 1 release of FINAL VECTOR, certain I was on the verge of selling millions of copies of my debut thriller. Or at least dozens. Or maybe a few. One, definitely. I checked Amazon and discovered . . . drumroll, please . . . wait for it . . . nothing.
It turns out even my conservative estimate of one potential sale was wildly optimistic. There were no sales, because the book was not on the site! So I waited a while and I checked again. Still nothing. I checked Barnes and Noble. Nothing. Went back to Amazon and, well, you get the idea.
After a few emails and a couple of lengthy phone calls with the folks at Medallion Press, my publisher, it turns out the release of FINAL VECTOR has been delayed for a few days due to problems with the ebook file conversion at the distributor.
I know what you're thinking: what the hell does that mean, and why didn't I find out sooner?
Answers: I'm not quite sure, and I'm not quite sure.
I received a series of effusive and, I believe, sincere apologies from the folks at Medallion for not keeping me in the loop better (which I accepted), as well as explanations about overworked file conversion houses who prioritize their work based upon client and publisher size and pull (which I sort of understand).
At any rate, the upshot of all this is that the book will become available for purchase at various outlets - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc - at different times over the next several days. So, while Medallion's official release date for FINAL VECTOR is now February 11, it is entirely possible, even likely, that you will be able to get the book before then, depending upon the retail outlet.
Confused yet?
Don't worry about it; so am I. But trust me when I tell you I will be shouting from the highest rooftop, or at least from this blog, the moment I learn my book becomes available at each of the various bookselling sites.
In the meantime, my blog tour in support of the book that kind of, sort of, almost exists continues tomorrow with a guest post and book giveaway at Between the Pages. I know, there's nothing to give away! But there will be, recent events notwithstanding, and I promise I will get the free copy to the winner the instant it rolls off the presses, or the Innerwebs, or, you know, whatever the hell an electronic book rolls off.
Seriously, thanks so much to everyone who has expressed an interest in FINAL VECTOR. I truly appreciate your patience and your support. Nick Jensen will face off against those terrorists any day now.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Releasing Your Debut Novel is like Losing Your Virginity
After what seems like an eternity, my debut thriller, FINAL VECTOR, launches in just over twenty-four hours. I signed the contract with Medallion Press in December, 2009, so this day has taken a while to get here. At times it felt like it never would.
I was thinking about it earlier tonight and it occurred to me that for an author, the release your very first novel resembles nothing quite as much as losing your virginity. Think about it:
- In both cases, you have absolutely no idea what you're getting into when you start.
- In both cases, your mood is ninety percent breathless anticipation and ten percent absolute gut-wrenching terror, especially as the big moment gets closer and closer.
- In both cases, you are plagued with self-doubt, with the exact same thought running through your head: "What if my reviews suck?"
- In both cases, as soon as it's over, your immediate goal is to do it again, despite the fact it can only be your first time once.
- In both cases, it's a moment you will remember the rest of your life.
Of course, there are differences, no matter how similar the two events are. For example:
- I didn't write any of my book in the back seat of my mom's car.
- I was alone for most of the writing of my book, unlike when I lost my virginity. As far as you know.
Still, despite these minor differences, I believe my point is a good one. FINAL VECTOR will be available beginning at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and all major online booksellers beginning Tuesday, February 1. I would love it if you check it out.
I was thinking about it earlier tonight and it occurred to me that for an author, the release your very first novel resembles nothing quite as much as losing your virginity. Think about it:
- In both cases, you have absolutely no idea what you're getting into when you start.
- In both cases, your mood is ninety percent breathless anticipation and ten percent absolute gut-wrenching terror, especially as the big moment gets closer and closer.
- In both cases, you are plagued with self-doubt, with the exact same thought running through your head: "What if my reviews suck?"
- In both cases, as soon as it's over, your immediate goal is to do it again, despite the fact it can only be your first time once.
- In both cases, it's a moment you will remember the rest of your life.
Of course, there are differences, no matter how similar the two events are. For example:
- I didn't write any of my book in the back seat of my mom's car.
- I was alone for most of the writing of my book, unlike when I lost my virginity. As far as you know.
Still, despite these minor differences, I believe my point is a good one. FINAL VECTOR will be available beginning at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and all major online booksellers beginning Tuesday, February 1. I would love it if you check it out.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Dear Blog
Dear Blog,
This isn't an easy letter to write. We've been together exclusively since July, 2008, just the two of us, you and me against the world, joined at the keyboard, facing down every challenge thrown at us.
And I've enjoyed every minute of it, Blog, I really have. I think it's fair to say I've . . . loved it. That's what makes what I am about to type so difficult. I have something to confess. I think I have to get back out there in the game, Blog. I think I have to . . . post on other blogs.
There. I said it. Wow. I feel a lot better, don't you?
You don't? Why not? You don't understand? What do you mean you don't understand?
Here's the thing, Blog. I've written a book; you know that, right? Of course you do. FINAL VECTOR. Well, there is this thing called, um, a blog tour that I will be doing when my book comes out, and that means I will be making guest posts on other blogs, blogs from all over the country, maybe even the world, and it will be really good exposure, and -
- What? What did you say, Blog? A tramp? I am not a tramp. I'm doing this for us, don't you see? I will be getting much-needed exposure for us, so that my book will sell.
And besides, it's just a blog tour. It's no big deal. It will be like The Bachelor, only without the chicks and the sex. And the hot tubs. I'm pretty sure there will be no hot tubs.
Don't be so upset, Blog, it's not forever. It's only two months, and besides, it's not like we won't be seeing each other at all. I will be posting my tour stops here as I go, so really, we will be seeing more of each other now than we have in the past!
So how about it, Blog? Maybe we can even get a few authors to provide guest posts here every now and then, how does that sound? Can you live with that?
Excellent, Blog, you're the best! And when this blog tour is all over it will still be you and me, just like always, I promise!
What's that? A blood test? No, I won't get a blood test afterward. Jeez, Blog, don't be such a drama queen for chrissakes. And don't look at me with those disapproving fonts. You're making me feel dirty.
This isn't an easy letter to write. We've been together exclusively since July, 2008, just the two of us, you and me against the world, joined at the keyboard, facing down every challenge thrown at us.
And I've enjoyed every minute of it, Blog, I really have. I think it's fair to say I've . . . loved it. That's what makes what I am about to type so difficult. I have something to confess. I think I have to get back out there in the game, Blog. I think I have to . . . post on other blogs.
There. I said it. Wow. I feel a lot better, don't you?
You don't? Why not? You don't understand? What do you mean you don't understand?
Here's the thing, Blog. I've written a book; you know that, right? Of course you do. FINAL VECTOR. Well, there is this thing called, um, a blog tour that I will be doing when my book comes out, and that means I will be making guest posts on other blogs, blogs from all over the country, maybe even the world, and it will be really good exposure, and -
- What? What did you say, Blog? A tramp? I am not a tramp. I'm doing this for us, don't you see? I will be getting much-needed exposure for us, so that my book will sell.
And besides, it's just a blog tour. It's no big deal. It will be like The Bachelor, only without the chicks and the sex. And the hot tubs. I'm pretty sure there will be no hot tubs.
Don't be so upset, Blog, it's not forever. It's only two months, and besides, it's not like we won't be seeing each other at all. I will be posting my tour stops here as I go, so really, we will be seeing more of each other now than we have in the past!
So how about it, Blog? Maybe we can even get a few authors to provide guest posts here every now and then, how does that sound? Can you live with that?
Excellent, Blog, you're the best! And when this blog tour is all over it will still be you and me, just like always, I promise!
What's that? A blood test? No, I won't get a blood test afterward. Jeez, Blog, don't be such a drama queen for chrissakes. And don't look at me with those disapproving fonts. You're making me feel dirty.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Knights of the Thriller Roundtable
Back in December I participated in my first International Thriller Writers weekly Thriller Roundtable, in which authors discuss a predetermined topic and what role that topic does - or in some cases does not - play in their work.
It was a lot of fun and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to take part in another roundtable discussion this coming week, from Monday, January 17th through Friday the 21st. This week's topic is, "Do you plot, plan or outline? Or, do you just go where your characters lead you?"
If you know me, you probably realize planning and outlining aren't necessarily my strong suits, except when it comes to controlling airplanes. I have a knack for mis-reading my work schedule that would be hilarious if it weren't so freaking annoying. This would probably lead you to believe I just sit down and start pounding away at the keyboard when I'm writing a book.
You might be surprised.
But I'm not giving away any trade secrets here. If you want to find out for sure whether I'm a pre-planner or whether I sit back and follow meekly along wherever my characters lead me, you will have to check out this week's Thriller Roundtable starting on Monday. And don't worry, there will be eleven other authors contributing to the roundtable, including award-winning, bestselling folks like Weston Ochse and LJ Sellers. You know, people who actually know what they're talking about.
Check it out if you're so inclined, and if you do, say hi or ask a question; get involved! I'd love to see you there.
It was a lot of fun and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to take part in another roundtable discussion this coming week, from Monday, January 17th through Friday the 21st. This week's topic is, "Do you plot, plan or outline? Or, do you just go where your characters lead you?"
If you know me, you probably realize planning and outlining aren't necessarily my strong suits, except when it comes to controlling airplanes. I have a knack for mis-reading my work schedule that would be hilarious if it weren't so freaking annoying. This would probably lead you to believe I just sit down and start pounding away at the keyboard when I'm writing a book.
You might be surprised.
But I'm not giving away any trade secrets here. If you want to find out for sure whether I'm a pre-planner or whether I sit back and follow meekly along wherever my characters lead me, you will have to check out this week's Thriller Roundtable starting on Monday. And don't worry, there will be eleven other authors contributing to the roundtable, including award-winning, bestselling folks like Weston Ochse and LJ Sellers. You know, people who actually know what they're talking about.
Check it out if you're so inclined, and if you do, say hi or ask a question; get involved! I'd love to see you there.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Deathwatch
Is there anything more difficult to watch than the struggles of a dying entity? Is there anyone who truly believes the Borders chain of bookstores is anything other than a "dead man walking?"
On December 31, Publishers Weekly reported that the Borders Group, which saw third quarter sales drop an astounding 12.6% (By comparison, Barnes and Noble sales rose 9.7% for the nine week period ending December 31), began suspending payments to "some publishers." Which publishers were affected was not specified, but in response, PW reported that at least one of the "big six" New York publishing houses retaliated by suspending book shipments to Borders.
It gets worse. This morning, Publishers Weekly reported that, on the eve of "complex negotiations with vendors and lenders," Borders Executive Vice President and General Counsel Thomas Carney has resigned along with Chief Information Officer Scott Laverty. Apparently these two saw the handwriting on the wall and made for the lifeboats before the SS Borders slips below the surface of the sea of debt.
According to a Borders spokesperson, senior corporate officials (minus Carney and Laverty, of course) are even now in New York, "in discussions regarding the refinancing of existing senior credit facilities." In case you're like me and don't speak legalese, PW goes on to explain that the discussion involves a "new refinancing plan that includes new money from a new bank."
Is there anyone anywhere who believe Borders, at least in its current form, is anything other than a goner? Is there anyone anywhere who believes a bookseller which suspends payments on its inventory can survive? Is there anyone anywhere who believes Borders will be the last bookselling chain to fail?
Independent booksellers, which by definition don't have access to the kinds of resources the huge chains do, have been struggling - and failing - for years now, victims of a lethal combination: a weak economy and the rise of electronic books. It was only a matter of time before one of the Big Guys fell by the wayside, too.
It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who has been paying attention to the lightning-fast changes taking place in this industry. But anyone who likes to curl up at night with a good book can't help but feel at least a little sense of loss. Borders may not go down without a fight, but they're going down, and when they do, they won't be back.
On December 31, Publishers Weekly reported that the Borders Group, which saw third quarter sales drop an astounding 12.6% (By comparison, Barnes and Noble sales rose 9.7% for the nine week period ending December 31), began suspending payments to "some publishers." Which publishers were affected was not specified, but in response, PW reported that at least one of the "big six" New York publishing houses retaliated by suspending book shipments to Borders.
It gets worse. This morning, Publishers Weekly reported that, on the eve of "complex negotiations with vendors and lenders," Borders Executive Vice President and General Counsel Thomas Carney has resigned along with Chief Information Officer Scott Laverty. Apparently these two saw the handwriting on the wall and made for the lifeboats before the SS Borders slips below the surface of the sea of debt.
According to a Borders spokesperson, senior corporate officials (minus Carney and Laverty, of course) are even now in New York, "in discussions regarding the refinancing of existing senior credit facilities." In case you're like me and don't speak legalese, PW goes on to explain that the discussion involves a "new refinancing plan that includes new money from a new bank."
Is there anyone anywhere who believe Borders, at least in its current form, is anything other than a goner? Is there anyone anywhere who believes a bookseller which suspends payments on its inventory can survive? Is there anyone anywhere who believes Borders will be the last bookselling chain to fail?
Independent booksellers, which by definition don't have access to the kinds of resources the huge chains do, have been struggling - and failing - for years now, victims of a lethal combination: a weak economy and the rise of electronic books. It was only a matter of time before one of the Big Guys fell by the wayside, too.
It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who has been paying attention to the lightning-fast changes taking place in this industry. But anyone who likes to curl up at night with a good book can't help but feel at least a little sense of loss. Borders may not go down without a fight, but they're going down, and when they do, they won't be back.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
One Last Gasp of Christmas Cheer...Sort of
Just in case you haven't had quite enough Christmas cheer, haven't taken your tree down or dumped it in the woods yet, haven't removed those garish lights hanging all over the shrubs in your front yard, and haven't sung (or hummed, if you can't quite remember the words, especially after that third or fourth eggnog) your final Christmas carol until next December, I cordially invite you to visit the blog from the good folks at Do Some Damage for a little Christmas noir flash story from yours truly.
Do Some Damage is a blog hosted by some of the hottest, up-and-coming members of the crime fiction community - Bryon Quertermous, Joelle Charbonneau, Steve Weddle, Jay Stringer, John McFetridge, Dave White, Russell D. McLean and Scott D. Parker, to be precise - and someone among them came up with the bright idea to host a Christmas noir flash fiction challenge.
The idea was for writers to come up with a noir flash story, no more than 1000 words long, somehow involving Christmas. The stories would be featured, a couple a day, at Do Some Damage, starting the week before Christmas and running through New Year's Day. The thing has been so successful, they're getting record numbers of hits every day as folks check out the unbelievable variety of holiday noir.
What's the point? Thanks for asking. I submitted a story after learning of the challenge, and mine is up at their site now. "Christmas Carole" tells the tale of a pair of brothers, one of whom is facing a weighty problem as Christmas approaches, and the unique way the other finds to deal with it.
Check it out if you have a few minutes. They say Christmas comes just once a year, but in this case, it's not really true.
Do Some Damage is a blog hosted by some of the hottest, up-and-coming members of the crime fiction community - Bryon Quertermous, Joelle Charbonneau, Steve Weddle, Jay Stringer, John McFetridge, Dave White, Russell D. McLean and Scott D. Parker, to be precise - and someone among them came up with the bright idea to host a Christmas noir flash fiction challenge.
The idea was for writers to come up with a noir flash story, no more than 1000 words long, somehow involving Christmas. The stories would be featured, a couple a day, at Do Some Damage, starting the week before Christmas and running through New Year's Day. The thing has been so successful, they're getting record numbers of hits every day as folks check out the unbelievable variety of holiday noir.
What's the point? Thanks for asking. I submitted a story after learning of the challenge, and mine is up at their site now. "Christmas Carole" tells the tale of a pair of brothers, one of whom is facing a weighty problem as Christmas approaches, and the unique way the other finds to deal with it.
Check it out if you have a few minutes. They say Christmas comes just once a year, but in this case, it's not really true.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Do You Like Short Fiction? How About a Free Book of it?
This past summer I downloaded Dave Zeltserman's incredible short story collection, 21 TALES, to my Kindle and devoured it like Charlie Sheen at happy hour. If you're not familiar with his work, you should check out one of his books; this guy can really write.
While reading the stories in his collection I remember thinking a couple of things:
1) This guy can really write, and
2) Why don't I do this?
Now, Dave Zeltserman is a pretty accomplished author. He has written some critically acclaimed stuff and although my first novel hasn't even been released yet, it occurred to me that releasing my own short story collection might serve a couple of purposes. It could introduce people who may not be familiar with me, and may not want to part with eight bucks for my novel, to my work. If they then decide they like that work, maybe they will go on to try FINAL VECTOR.
I have also had a decent amount of success with my short fiction and it makes a certain sense, at least to me, to release the short story collection, titled POSTCARDS FROM THE APOCALYPSE, on the eve of my debut novel's release.
So I'm excited to announce that anyone who has signed up for my email newsletter by midnight on Christmas Eve will be eligible for the drawing to win one of five copies of the upcoming POSTCARDS FROM THE APOCALYPSE. To sign up, simply go to http://www.allanleverone.com/ and click on the "Contact" button on the left sidebar, then enter your email info - it is secure and will NEVER be shared with anyone else for any reason.
Among the seventeen stories inside POSTCARDS are "Regrets, I've Had a Few" and "Independence Day," both finalists for a 2009 Derringer Award for Best Short Story, "Uncle Brick and Jimmy Kills," a Derringer Award finalist in 2010 for Best Novelette, and "Dance Hall Drug," a nominee for a 2011 Pushcart Prize.
There is a mixed bag of material in the book, some noir, some mystery fiction and some horror/dark fiction, but as I mention in the foreword, pretty much everything you read involves someone doing something bad to someone else and maybe - or maybe not - getting what's coming to them in the end.
POSTCARDS FROM THE APOCALYPSE will be available shortly after Christmas, but I'd love to see you win a free copy!
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