Friday, December 30, 2011

Heading to Kansas

It's the Eve of New Year's Eve and Wifey and Ryan appear healthy enough to pack a few things in preparation for a one-day trip to Kansas.

This is the third time in the last few months that we planned to make trip there: the first attempt was aborted to due vehicle problems and the second was nixed because both Wifey and the Youngster were not in the best of health.

And what's the forecast? No snow, rain, sleet, hail or even fog! It might even get warm enough once there that we may need to crank up the A/C! Perfect forecast for a daytrip west to Kansas!

The plan is to visit with Wifey's mom and then even my parents in Topeka and then head to Lawrence for a New Year's Eve feast at one of her sister's houses.

And how does this relate to Betrovia?

At least one of her sisters and one of her nephews want to "buy" a copy of it. There should be opportunities for stirring up interest in the Kindle version, too!

Yuppers... New Year's Eve 2011 may just be one nice daytrip!




Friday, December 23, 2011

Christmastime and Betrovia

It's the eve of Christmas Eve... December 23rd... and there's not a chance for a White Christmas here in MidMO. The predicted high temperature for Sunday is 52. And that is a good thing! But I think about that being a good thing now but come Christmas morning, when I look outside for the first time and see the dingy browns and faded greens of the yard of 4502 Merry Lane, I just may wish that there was snow!

Betrovia has been available as an ebook since July and as a paperback since September. Some people have asked how sales are going and I modestly reply that since I'm not advertising/promoting much, I suppose they are going as expected.

A few times a week I read over a few forums that cater to self-published writers, mostly ones selling ebooks and paperbacks on Amazon, and find that more than a few people are experiencing some decent sales. But are they promoting/advertising? And if so, how?

When Wifey came home from church a few nights ago, she told me about an elderly man that we know who is going through "traditional channels" to publish his memoirs. She smiled as she said that he got a discount on the upfront fee: $2400. She then added that he really wants to talk to me about the procedures I'm following to get the word out about Betrovia.

A few months ago, Tate Publishing offered to editing and publish Betrovia for $4000.

I didn't think about asking for a discount.


Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Betrovia and the GOP (Republican Party)

Not that long ago I was pretty excited about one of the GOP candidates who wanted a chance to run against PrezBO in 2012. Then, for some reason, Herman Cain dropped out of the race. Why? Was it because there was some truth to the rumors? Maybe...

Since then, the MainStreamMedia has painted the airways with the grand news that Newt Gingrich is now the GOP front-runner.

So here's who we conservatives are now supposed to choose from:

Newt Gingrich
Ron Paul
Mitt Romney

Any fresh political blood in that group?
Any inspiring and innovative thinkers in that group?
Anyone but career politicians in that group?

And this gets me thinking...

In Betrovia, the politicians of Lycentia created and maintained their power over the land of Betrovia because they -- the ones with the power -- successfully lulled the general populace into believing that Betrovia is fine just the way it is. No changes are needed... full-speed ahead!

The GOP nominated John McCain in 2008 to effectively prove to the American voter that it, as a political party, had no vision for a better future for America.

And with Newt. Ron or Mitt apparently the only options for getting BO out of office in 2012, history is indeed repeating itself.


Saturday, December 3, 2011

Betrovia has been independently reviewed!

So it's officially December now and the first good chance of "the white stuff" appears to be Monday with a 50/50 chance. I suppose I'm ready for snow since it can make Jeff City look more like a Christmas town!

A few weeks ago, I asked a book reviewer in Kansas if she would consider reviewing Betrovia.

And here's the link to her review: http://makerstouch.typepad.com/christians_read/

I like this part of Pat's commentary: "The story moved well and with enough detail to put the reader in the picture." Yes! I want a satisfactory level of immersion! :)

She plans to put her review of Betrovia on Amazon in the next few days.

Once again, I am encouraged to continue working on the series!