Character names--potential often left unexplored

Merlin, Voldemort, Frodo, Captain Nemo, Lancelot, Aslan... when you hear these names they immediately draw you into other worlds. They are distinct in their application to stories we know and love.

There is a trend with some editors at publishing houses that seems to ignore the power of original character names; names that have been invented by the author. In Christian fantasy there is little encouragement to be creative with names. I was pushed a few times to change several of my characters' names in The Sword of the Dragon series, but I think it is essential to creating a story world that people are drawn to and will live on as a classic.

When readers are finished with the third book in my series The Sword of the Dragon, I think they will not be able to hear the names of Specter, Oganna, Cromlin, and Valorian without their minds racing back to The Sword of the Dragon series.

Q: What character names have the power to pull you back to a favorite book or series?

Thoughts on book promotion?

As you all know I focus a lot of my efforts on hand-selling my books. But things are financially very tight right now and so I am trying to focus on other ways of spreading the word to new readers who will enjoy my series.

I am looking for an hourly job at the moment. Once I have secured one, I will look into doing some advertising.

But what primarily interests me is growing my online following. I would love to hear ideas from my fans on how to reach readers by growing my online presence. I know that there are ways to do it, but I'm not sure how.

For certain, I know that I need to exchange my current website (which is flash-based) to an html format. This is especially important due to the popularity of iPads, smartphones, and similar devices. Flash sites do not translate on those devices, and an html site can be optimized for better search results, thus driving more traffic to my website.

If anyone can recommend a good book for online marketing, please do.

I am skilled at sales. Now I need to translate out of my comfort zone and learn how to develop a truly impressive online presence.

"Key Of Living Fire" It has arrived!

Today, at long last, FedEx dropped off my author copies of my third novel! This is good news for all my eager fans. The book has shipped from the publisher's warehouse and will begin hitting stores and online retailers next week. If you have already ordered this book, I know you'll enjoy it! And if you have not: What are you waiting for? (-:

Coming soon! I promise!

I have received a lot of complaints that my third novel isn't out yet. I've heard from a LOT of readers who are impatiently waiting this book's release. I just looked at Amazon and Barnes & Noble; they are saying May 10th is the release date.

So hang on just a little longer... Key Of Living Fire is coming!

Why would you buy it?

If you run into a salesman in a store, why would you buy the product  he is pushing? This is important in the book industry. Every author wants readers to buy their book. But every author has to consider that they have to convince buyers to hand over their money for that product.

The key to success is: the product must stand out. In today's world with many thousands of new books being published each year, your title melts into the sea of choices... unless YOU make it stand out.

Publishers do not effectively market books for untried and newer authors. It is up to you to meet your readers where they are at. Tell them why your product is different. But (and this is going to sound a bit contradictory) do not push your product. A good product merely needs to be introduced; the buyer will make that final decision. If they seem on-the-fence, invite them to open the book and read a portion.

Ask yourself: Why would you buy it if you were that customer?

Finding fulfillment: how?

I think Sunday is the best day to discuss fulfillment. It is the day that most people head to church to re-center themselves around God and their spiritual condition.

Money, power, spiritual growth... In what do we find fulfillment? Or what should we find fulfilling?

As I look at my family, I have a wonderful wife and two young children. My little boy is a year-and-a-half and he is full of energy. He finds fulfillment in the simple things: looking at a book, listening to music, playing with his toys. I find my greatest fulfillment in seeing smiles on my wife's and kids' faces (my baby girl is very smiley!)

But I also find fulfillment in writing. Through writing I can express my heart. I can relieve it of its pain, rejoice in good times, etc. I can take readers on a spiritual journey that is part of everyday life. I want readers to learn through the fictional characters in my stories. I want them to consider: how they treat people, and whether they stand firm on their principles.

"This life is only a vapor. It will soon pass. Only what is done for Christ will last." -unknown source

I cannot remember where I heard that, but it is so terribly true.

Consider today: How do you find fulfillment?

Why have I signed with an agent?

For the past couple years I have been following Chip MacGregor's blog. He is an agent in the CBA market of great reputation, and I have watched as his agency grows and expands with a carefully selected few: talented, enthusiastic, and energetic people. 

Back in 2006 when I first interested AMG Publishers in my The Sword of the Dragon series, I also acquired an agent. But after nine months that agent decided she wasn't going to do fantasy after all. Fortunately for me, I was already working with AMG toward a contract. Two years later the contract failed to happen, so I self-published and sold enough copies that AMG again looked into my books.

When AMG offered me the contract I considered looking for a literary agent because 1) they understand contract language and negotiation, and 2) I considered that future projects could be shopped to other publishing houses.

I decided not to 1) because I didn't want to give 15% of my royalties to an agent, and 2) I felt I had a good handle on what I wanted from AMG.

My first AMG novel has been out for over a year now, and I've found that I need someone in my corner with the publishing houses. Someone who can 1) connect my projects with publishers looking for them, 2) shop foreign and subsidiary rights, and 3) help guide my career so that I end up making a good living at what I do.

MacGregor Literary Agency added Amanda Luedeke to their roster and at a recent point she wrote a series of posts on Chip's blog. I found her refreshing, driven, and imaginative, and kept my eye on her progress from then on. 

Today I am pleased to announce that, after a lengthy phone conversation with Amanda, she is signing a contract with me as my agent. I am very excited about this. With all of the book touring I've done, the writing, and the editing, I can't take the time to attend enough writer's conferences or retail shows to make the contacts I need, and land good contracts. Amanda has those contacts and I thank God for this opportunity to work with a strong agency, and an agent who is keen on the very genres I love to write.

Here are a couple links for more info:

MacGregor Literary Agency website

Amanda Luedeke's facebook