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Anyone watched Ugly Delicious on Netflix? It’s great. Interesting food conversations beautifully shot—the whole nine. This week’s food decisions were heavily influenced by the docuseries—lots of delicious fried food eaten without much balance for health. Time to rectify that this (Sunday) morning with an intense new class at Crush Fitness here in Austin. I’m not looking forward to it (I know it’s going to kick my metaphorical ass), but I am looking forward to switching things up a bit.

Oh … and hey, let me drop this in I finished the rough draft of my next novel! What’s it about? Well, I’m not going to say just yet, but you’ll like it. Probably.

What am I going to do now? Now I’m going to focus on a short story, the first in a series, set in the same universe as Ghost Bully that I hope to have out by this summer. Want more information? Sign up for the mailing list, and I’ll get you exclusive details.

That and editing the new novel—lots of editing. Like the time I spent watching Ugly Delicious? Now probably editing. Time spent watching Mute? Editing. Time spent walking the dogs? Same amount of time on that, I’m not a monster.

So that’s what’s going on with me this week. If you haven’t checked out Ugly Delicious or Mute on Netflix, go ahead and change that and see if you like it. Altered Carbon is amazing too as long as I’m handing out recommendations.

Of course, if you haven’t read Ghost Bully, check that out. If you have, maybe tell a friend. I’d ask you to review it on Amazon and Goodreads because that’s a huge help to independent authors, but that’s just annoying, and I would never annoy you!

Blog Post #9 (The nine-a-ning)

It’s been rainy every day for almost three weeks and my Vitamin D level is low. We don’t experience this much in Central Texas.

BRIAN: I don’t know that I can remember the sun … it’s been weeks. Do you remember? The warmth, the strain on your eyes as you try to focus into the horizon? The light that shines down and illuminates the trees, the flowers … giving life to the plants that produce the very air we breathe.

STARBUCKS CASHIER: Sir, I’m going to need you to push the card all the way in or it won’t read the chip.

BRIAN: Ah yes, chips … do you remember the time before chips?

Not much to write about this week, so I figured I’d basically write a long tweet. This is the kind of stuff that keeps people coming back week after week. I know, you’re welcome. Tell you what, let me take this space to do a little author begging. Sales of Ghost Bully have been strong so far, so thank you for that!

If you liked it, please write a review on Amazon or Goodreads.com and tell your friends. That would be a huge help! Appreciate all your support.

Oh, and I’m almost done with the rough draft for the follow up to Ghost Bully, expect it to be done by the end of the month. Right now, the plan is to have that book out in early 2019.

That’s too long to wait you say! Well, I’m sorry, I say! Here’s some other news: I also to expect to have a short story in the Ghost Bully universe out by this summer, so look forward to that!

Blog Post #8

“There is no artistry in perfection.”

That’s my favorite take away from this past week. I heard the line while listening to and exchange between Chris Hardwick and John August on the ID10T podcast (formerly Nerdist). I’m not sure if Chris made the statement himself or was quoting William Randolph Hearst regarding tiles within his castle (see, I’m not sure, and I’m not re-listening—artist).

The quote was in reference to tile laid perfectly within the Hearst Castle that WRH had a problem with because it was too perfect. He apparently liked little flaws because he thought it gave the overall look character.

I’ve heard Dave Grohl make similar statements on why he likes to record analog vs. digitally. Keeping some imperfections so that it sounds like humans playing music and not a computer.

This gives me comfort as someone who has told stories his whole life but is starting out as a newbie writer. I don’t have to be perfect, I just have to tell the best story I can.

Sure there are bad tile jobs out there, bad songs, and bad books … but we all have to start somewhere, and we all get better at things as we go along. I’m happy to help amplify Hardwick’s mantra of ‘go make your thing’ because he’s right. Too many times we listen to the voice that tells us we can’t do something. The fact of the matter is you won’t know until you try. So try and make your thing this week. Start on that outline for your first book, or move from the outline to the first sentence. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just start.

Write out that first chorus of your song. It may not be McCartney and Lennon, but that’s OK because we already have their stuff to listen to.

Or go watch a how-to video on youtube and practice with some spare tiles on plywood. Go make your thing.

Blog Post #7 (Launch Week)

I’ve vacillated between writing a deeper dive of the Superstars Writing Seminar from last week and talking about marketing a book once it’s out. After some deliberation, I’ve decided that marketing wins. Marketing always wins.

So for you indie writers out there, or maybe even first time published authors at a traditional house: you’ve written your first book, now what?

Well, now it’s time to get some advance reviews, prime the sales pump with Facebook and Amazon ads, and come up with a bunch of hilarious tweets and ‘grams to wow the world with your imagination. So did I do any of that? Eh, some. I wish I did more, but I didn’t know what I didn’t know.

For example, I didn’t know how long it took for Amazon ads to catch on and take off. Frankly, I’m still not sure. I read a book by Brian Meeks on how to price and position, but the average bid has increased significantly since he wrote his book. So what now? Option one is to throw my hands up in despair, which is tempting, but not particularly effective. Option two is to dig in and try new things.

I’m not sure how effective Facebook ads are, but marketing has a cumulative effect. It’s not like everyone is going to see an ad one time and buy your product, regardless of how great it is (you know, like my book: Ghost Bully). Facebook allows you to target your ad, to your audience, worldwide. There’s value to that, and I just need to figure out how to mine it. My ‘one click down’ lesson so far has been to make sure to link the appropriate Amazon site to the country (e.g., Amazon.ca to Canada, Amazon.co.uk to the UK … you get where I’m going with this).

I thought it would be cool to make a ‘band poster’ to advertise the book in places where people wait around in line for great food (like the Soup Peddler or Moonlight Bakery) and in coffee shops … wherever you’d see a band poster. Surprisingly, that’s been pretty effective … moreso than the Facebook ads so far.

So the net of all this is, I’m not sure what will work, and what won’t work. I’ve done my homework on how to position everything above. Read tips and tricks for ad optimization, spend, etc.… even floated up my own ideas. It’s only been a week since the book has officially been out, so we’ll see.

My main takeaway so far is that I need to keep writing everyday, regardless of what happens. That second book is going to be ready by next year at the same time. When I have nervous energy, I can go do something about it (hang posters, write a blog post, draft my version of a hilarious tweet … whatever). Ultimately, the work will speak for itself, but in the meantime, I need to endeavor to get it in as many hands (and minds) as possible.

If you enjoyed Ghost Bully, you can help too. Put up a review on Amazon or Goodreads, print out the poster from the Street Team tab and hang it up at your favorite place that has a bulletin board, or just tell a friend.

Blog Post #6 (The most creative title yet)

I’m writing today’s post between bouts of packing up my hotel room after spending the past week in Colorado Springs at the Superstars of Writing Seminar. I learned a ton, met a lot of talented people, and did my best to stay hydrated in the high altitude.

It was time and money well spent if not just for the craft day query letter and logline seminar with Lisa Mangum or the tip from a Tribe (that’s what attendees call ourselves) member to use https://www.yasiv.com/ to help maximize my marketing dollar.

I’ll write more on lessons learned and key takeaways in future posts, but for now, I have a plane to catch!

Blog Post #5

Question #1:

Dear Brian,

I noticed that the paperback version of Ghost Bully is available for sale. I also noticed that I was able to order it and have it delivered. Moreover, I’ve noticed that it is very good. So what’s the deal with the ebooks still on pre-order?

Signed,

Confused But Not Really

Dear CBNR,

First of all, thanks for not asking a question about socks directed to Todd. I was beginning to worry that it would be some sort of habit. Looks like maybe they fixed whatever linking issue that caused me to receive his email.

Now onto why the paperbacks are available and not the ebook. Well … I goofed. I’m still not 100% sure how I goofed, but I have some ideas. Anyway, if you’d like to pick up a copy of Ghost Bully, it’s available at BookPeople in Austin, TX as well as Amazon and a few other places on the internet. So don’t be shy, go to the store and demand your copy.

Really, demand it. Like it’s the eighties, and you want your MTV.

Your pal,

Brian

Question #2:

Dear Todd,

I’ve managed to work a hole into my SmartWool. I’m really hard on them, but do you think they’ll take them back?

Signed,

Holey Moley

Ed. Note: Dammit.

Dear HM,

I’m sorry, you’ve messaged the wrong blog again I’m afraid. That said, according to their site, SmartWool has a two-year satisfaction guarantee on their site (see here). So, good luck.

Brian

Question #3:

Dear Brian,

What are you currently working on?

Signed,

Curious in California

Dear CiC,

I’m about 50,000 words into a rough draft on a book I expect to be out about this time next year. Thanks for asking, hope you like it.

Brian

So that's it for the mailbag this week. Hope these A's sufficiently addressed all the Q's. This week I'll be attending the Superstars Writing Seminar in Colorado Springs, CO, so next week I may change of the format of the blog and share an insight or two coming away from the seminar.

Blog Post #4

Thought I'd open up the mailbag again this week to answer your questions, so here goes...

Question #1:

Dear Todd,

This is a bit of a two 'fer. Carb went out on my '67 'Stang, and I wanted to get your advice. Rebuild, or replace with an aftermarket part? Part two: the car is outside, and I wanted to see if I should wear Smartwool's lightweight fast dry merino, or the hike light crew.

Sincerely,

Carbo Unloading

Dear CU,

This is the second time I've received a message for Todd regarding Smartwool socks, so I think we may have a broken link somewhere. I'm Brian. That said, I'd probably try to rebuild the carburetor if you can, but if not, the Holley 4160 Series should do the trick. All while wearing Smartwool's lightweight fast dry merino socks, they're honestly a delight.

Question #2

Dear Brian,

How do you get inspired to write?

Signed,

Your Mum

Dear YM,

Excited for the international flair, thanks for writing in! Also, I called my Mom just to make sure she didn't submit this question.

Arrested Development Narrator: She didn't.

Still, it's a pretty good one.

Sometimes I wake up with an idea, and I'm off to the races, and somedays I have to find it. Outlines help, but some days it's just slogging through the effort out of pure determination. Other days start without much to go on, but I'm able to find inspiration after a half hour into the attempt.

This is a similar question and answer to the whole writer's block thing, but it's still good.

 

Well that's the mailbag for this week. Got a questions? Let me hear from you!

Blog Post #3

Mailbag! For my third post, I figured I would just go to the ol’ mailbag and answer some of your questions. So here goes…

Question #1:

Dear Todd,

I’m about to pack for a big hike up through the Christmas Mountains and wanted your recommendation: SmartWool Hiking or PhD Outdoor socks?

Yours truly,

Down, Set, Hiking Socks

Dear DSHS,

I think you may have e-mailed the wrong blog, my name is Brian. That said, I don’t think you can go wrong with the PhD Outdoor. They’re just the best.

Good luck,

Brian

Question #2

Dear Brian,

Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, how do you deal with it?

Sincerely,

Block This Way

Dear BTW,

I look writer’s block in the face and say, “Not today’s writer’s block, not today.”

Wait. No, that’s death. I say that to death.

I don’t know, I just keep writing and hope I can fix it through multiple revisions. Hard to tell what was written on what day--even on the first revision.

Hope that helps,

Brian

Time to close up the mailbag for this week, but feel free to keep the questions coming. I look forward to answering more next week.

Blog Post #2

Maybe this will end up in the FAQ section of the site if FAQs begin to emerge, but for now, I’ll put in on the blog. I mean it’s here, and so far all I have is a picture of my dog trashing the bathroom.

Question #1:

Why did you write this book?

Welp, I wrote the book because I thought the world needed another funny ghost story.

I kinda developed a technique of dealing with malicious spirits. Whenever I found myself scared and home alone, I would threaten whatever would-be ghosts that roamed around the house. I explained that it wasn’t in their best interests to try anything because there’d be hell to pay if I ended up on the ghostly plane with them.

After consuming years of books, television, and movies, I felt like I had what it took to be a phenomenal ghost—much better and more dangerous than they were. They wouldn’t want to deal with me for eternity, not in that house at least.

Apparently, the threats have been effective because I’m still here, and ghosts don’t bother me. Also, I wanted to write a book.

So thanks for the question, feel free to keep ‘em coming.

-Brian

Blog Post #1

I'll do my best to keep this from being a glorified version of Instagram, but there is probably going to be some serious overlap. Like right now, for my first post, my dog Brisket tearing up the bathroom.