It's Here!

Finally!
After a jillion years of waiting, I now have a quality print copy of my first novel, a mystery titled "A Memory of Grief," available on Amazon.

This is something I've been working for for about the last quarter-century (no exaggeration). Learning how to write a good book, writing a good book, and getting it published has been one damn long, hard road. But it's here, and it's good. I feel somewhat vindicated for all the effort I've put in. Kind of torn between weeping and cheering.

We've toasted with Asti (sparkling cider for the young-uns) and I'm just relieved it came out so well. Awesome cover, everything in the right place, and a story that's good. I've built a fine thing, and now have to get people to read it.

This is the beginning. A very good beginning, but so much work yet to do.

Thanks to you all for being an audience.

In Limbo

Hey folks. I'm still waiting for a print copy of my novel that's out.
Amazon print version
Smashwords ebook version

It's torture, after all these years, sitting in limbo for something that should be ready and on my desk before me. It's like being Tantalus, having the nourishment constantly pull away just out of my reach, while I can see and smell and almost taste it.

How very frustrating, and there are so many things put on hold while I wait for a real print copy of my first book. It makes me cranky, and I'm cranky to start with!

What's the longest concrete goal you've ever waited for, something really big in your life?

Out in print

It's here! My first novel, A Memory of Grief, is out in print, on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Memory-Grief-Mr-Dale-Phillips/dp/1618070002/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1308760092&sr=1-2

I haven't seen the print version yet (ordered mine) but they say it's in stock, so we're announcing!

Still won't be real until I hold it in my fevered little hands...

Featured!

I'm featured today on Patti Roberts Book Blog:
http://paradox-theangelsarehere.blogspot.com/2011/06/up-close-personal-with-author-dale.html

It's a nice site that looks at new authors and digs a little deeper into why they write and the motivations and influences behind their work.

Happy Bloomsday

Happy Bloomsday, June 16th!

What? You don't know what that is?
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/06/fans_of_irish_writer_james_joy.html

We celebrate James Joyce, the writer. It's become quite a day aorund the world, with drinking, readings of Joyce's works, and various oddball celebrations.

We say that anythime people want to celebrate in the name of a writer, it's a fine thng, even if it is an excuse for a party.

Book Deals

Such deals for you!

Tomorrow is the Amazon book launch for the print version of Debbi Mack's mystery novel LEAST WANTED. If you buy a copy on June 15th, she's offering a FREE autographed copy of her other novel, the New York Times fiction bestseller IDENTITY CRISIS. You can read the details in the launch Web site:
http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/2011/06/14/buy-one-book-get-another-free-tomorrow/

Be sure to bookmark the site, so you can enter the confirmation of purchase to redeem your free copy of IDENTITY CRISIS.

In addition to the 2-for-1 special, this book launch has a charitable tie-in. If it reaches a certain level on the charts, she's donating a nice percentage to good causes.

But wait! There's more!

And a free one! For a limited time, author Ken Hoss is offering his new mystery, Storm Rising:
http://kenhoss.blogspot.com/2011/06/limited-time-offer.html

Discover a new author!
I know I'm checking both of these out!

Now how's that for good stuff?

Getting Connected

It's official- I've become a Twit. Yes, I've been convinced to join Twitter, to use it as a tool for communication and promotion.

So does that mean I can no longer disparage it as the death of meaningful communication?

And now I've got to learn another new thing, and read all the other twit droppings, and try to post something meaningful. Going to post my first one tonight.

In other news, thank you, dear readers, for stopping by here and perusing my musings. Another blogger, the tireless mystery writer Debbi Mack nominated me for a “Not a Cookie Cutter Blog Award,” started by Ken Hoss.

Rules for the "Not a Cookie Cutter Blog Award"
1. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.
2. Dance around in circles and sing, “It’s a small world” while eating a chocolate cupcake.
3. Disregard #2
4. Share 5 things you do in your spare time. (Providing you have any spare time.)
5. Pass this award along to 5 deserving blog buddies.
6. Contact them and let them know

So- here we go:
1. Thank you, Debbi. But I'll get you back. I'm old and sneaky.
2. No way. I'm off bad carbs, and hate the song.
3. Excellent!
4. Write, read, spend time with family, write, and spend too much time on social media.
5.
Katherine Tomlinson
Blake Northcott
Valerie Rushanan
I E Lester
Jennifer Pelland

6. Gotta go do that...

Another Story Sale

Had another quick story sale, as "Moose Tracks" became the latest story to be accepted, this one by An Electric Tragedy. Should appear in next month's issue.

Still waiting on the print version of "A Memory of Grief." Will send word when that's out.

Over 200 posts to this blog now, in the just over two years it's been up. Nice to have a book to talk about now.