Paranormal Anti-Romance, anyone? The Gloom Queen is coming soon!
Follow me on twitter or facebook for updates, and sign up here to get a free copy when it comes out!
Free Ebook – Social Media Secrets For Authors
While wandering the AWP Conference, I met Amy Quale from Wise Ink, a Minneapolis-based business offering creative and publishing services to independent authors.
One of the tools Wise Ink is using to promote their business is a beginners-level book titled “Social Media Secrets for Authors ” written by Wise Ink founders/editors Dara Beevas and Amy Quale. The book covers “The Big Four” of author social media: Blogging, Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads. If you’re an author who is just starting out, and don’t have these four social mediums locked down, then I highly recommend this book. It has action plan checklists, ideas for blog posts, and is essential ‘Social Media 101’ for new authors. [Read more…]
What is a Drabble?
Drabbles are growing more and more popular. I’m seeing more and more drabble compilations, and I’m seeing more and more publisher calls for drabble-format fiction.
So what is a Drabble anyway?
A Drabble is a 100-word fiction story. Exactly one hundred words. No more. No less.
I’ve had several drabbles published over the last year: [Read more…]
Reflections on AWP 2015
The ‘Largest Literary Conference in North America’ comes to Minneapolis
The Association of Writers and Writing Programs (or AWP) holds a conference each year in a different city. Minneapolis, MN was lucky enough to be chosen this year to host the ‘largest literary conference in North America.’ Approximately 13,000 people attended.
What’s the AWP you ask? Good question. From their website: [Read more…]
Spooky Halloween Drabble – My Boss Is Evil
When I learned about the opportunity to write a “drabble” for a Halloween-themed drabble anthololgy, I didn’t even know what a drabble was. I had to look it up.
According to wikipedia, a drabble is a 100-word fiction story. Exactly one hundred words. No more. No less.
As you can imagine, I was able to write one very quickly. It was more of a challenge than I thought to get exactly one hundred words. But in an evening, I’d written a spooky little drabble about someone having a bad day at the evil office performing evil tasks for their evil boss. [Read more…]
Conrad Zero On KFAI Radio This Sunday!
No seriously. My voice will be riding the radio waves this Sunday!
Sunday, March 3rd, 2013 at 10 a.m. – KFAI’s Wave Project will host the Writers Reject Sack with guests: Abra Staffin Wiebe, Joel Arnold, Dana Baird, and myself.
Not sure which I like less: the word “reject” or the word “sack”. Nevertheless, I’ll be there. We’ll be talking about writer stuff, traditional publishing, self-publishing, podcasting and the Minnesota Speculative Fiction Writers’ Group.
Tune in to:
- 90.3 FM Minneapolis, MN
- 106.7 FM West St. Paul, MN
The show should be recorded and listed on the KFAI website, I’ll be sure to link back to it when the recording is posted!
Buying Your Way to Bestsellerdom
The Feb 22, 2013 Marketplace Section of the Wall Street Journal reports that authors are buying their way onto bestseller lists. The title of the article is “The Mystery of the Book Sales Spike – How Are Some Authors Landing On Best-Seller Lists? They’re Buying Their Way”
But, I already gave you this info back in 2009:
http://conradzero.com/when-is-a-bestselling-author-not-a-bestselling-author/
Not to mention I tell you how to do it yourself for free, instead of hiring a marketing agency for eighty grand, like the person mentioned in the WSJ article. Glad to know that gaming the system hasn’t changed in the past three years.
Minnesota Speculative Fiction Writers Group Podcast – Episode 14 – Barbara DaCosta
In 2012, Barbara DaCosta broke into mainstream publishing with her first picture book, Nighttime Ninja, including artwork by Ed Young.
Barbara talks with the MNSpec writer’s group about her experience with the publication process of picture books — from original concept, to working with editors and illustrators, to marketing and getting the word out.
Sky-Tinted Waters Release Party! 26 Aug 2012
There will be a release party for Sky-Tinted Waters, the MinnSpec compilation containing my story, Pinky the Invisible Flying Pony vs the Giant Carnivorous, Poisonous Exploding Spider-Leeches.
- Date: Sunday, 26 Aug 2012
- Time: From Noon Until 4PM CST
- Place: Waterbury Center, Geek Partnershi
p Society (Suite 106) 1121 Jackson Street, Minneapoli s, MN - Clothing: Optional
- Facebook Event Link: http://www.facebook.com/events/181301265334496/
- No cover charge, but the book will set you back around $12, bring cash, I don’t think checks or cards are accepted.
There will be some food available, although I suspect “food” might mean something different to speculative fiction authors. So, consider there will be snacks available.
I’ll be there from noon till 4PM. I have no idea if there is any structure to the event, so come and go as you see fit. There will be copies of the book available for purchase, and most of the contributing authors will be there to sign and give readings.
Hope to see you there!
Minnesota Speculative Fiction Writers Group Podcast – Episode 13 – Traditional Publishing Vs Self-Publishing DEATHMATCH!
Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing–FIGHT! Two publishing methods enter, two publishing methods leave!
Episode 13: Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing Death Match!
Those interested in the music can download “The Last Song” from Jagged Spiral’s debut album, Days From Evil free on bandcamp: