Some things I’m excited about lately: I’ll start with something that has nothing to do with writing but it’s just true: Season Eight of Doctor Who kicks off this coming Saturday, which for this family is a MAJOR event. Make your own conclusions about my family (as in, maybe we’re total nerds?) but we adore that show and cannot wait to see how Peter Capaldi fares in taking the reins from Matt Smith, who we thought couldn’t possibly top David Tennant but kind of did—or, at least, put a totally new spin on things (we still love you, David Tennant—in our opinion, you rescued the show).
On the writing front, things have been going nicely. I ran an Amazon free promo on Streetlights Like Fireworks after having not been in KDP Select for a while and the book saw over 17,000 downloads and stayed in the Top 100 free list for the entire week, which kind of blew me away. I always have mixed feelings about that type of promotion since you just never know but it’s been gratifying to hear that people have been enjoying the book and leaving kind reviews (much appreciated!). But, from there, I was even more pleased to see Streetlights holding its own nicely in both US and UK rankings. I’ve never had that happen before to that degree and it was really exciting. I know this will fade (Amazon is Amazon, after all, and new books come out every day). All the same, very cool.
Best part: When I told my wife and kids how well Streetlights was doing in both markets, I received a genuine (no eye-rolling involved) ovation. I will never forget that moment and will always treasure it, no matter what, as the pinnacle of my publishing journey. You just can’t top that kind of memory, no matter what.
Oh, and I was off last week and we did summer things as a family. We hung out at the pool, took a few day trips, spent time with friends, saw some movies (Guardians of the Galaxy, much recommended—my son laughed like crazy). Just a great week.
Lastly, back to one of the earlier points: I know this might make me sound simple but I’m always blown away to learn that people are reading my books and saying nice things about them. This was the dream after all (really, all I ever wanted from this whole adventure). It could be that for more established writers, finding out that people enjoy your books not only in your own country but in countries you’ve never been to is no big deal. I can’t say and maybe, like me, they remain amazed. I certainly hope they do. For me, it’s just the coolest thing ever.
Meanwhile, I’m working on Jump When Ready, Book 3 and Memories From A Different Future (Jump When Ready, Book 2) will be coming out in September.
Yes, I’m having fun and couldn’t be more excited about the future. Especially, this coming Saturday when the new doctor learns how to fly the TARDIS.
Geronimo! (well, that was Matt Smith’s line). What do you have for us, Peter Capaldi? Cant’ wait to find out!
I think Christopher Eccleston saved the show, David Tennant just added the sparkle.
Each time, I wonder how they’ll pull it off but they always seem to do it. We really enjoyed Matt Smith. We just couldn’t imagine how he could follow Tennant but he certainly put his own spin on things. Oh, we can’t forget Amy and Rory here! Those two were incredible.