Thoughts on Writing Successfully.

Recently I signed my third book contract in a little more than a year. It took me a bit to realize that the most important thing I can do as a writer is to write consistently. This has become my motto, no matter what, write! That’s why I am where I am. I keep at it and I don’t quit.

I started my fourth novel and was having a problem connecting to the new storyline and characters. It seemed all kinds of things arose to keep me from my story—self doubts, busyness, writer’s block, laziness; but I knew from experience there is one thing that will work for me: no matter what, write!

I kept writing even though I didn’t feel the story yet, didn’t feel like doing it, couldn’t get my brain around it. But here’s what happened. I kept at it and one day suddenly one character says to another, “You’re the one that sees through walls…” and instantly this character got real to me--then the story settled down in my head.

I firmly believe that just keep working is the best advice we as writers can follow. Just stick with the thing and it will work out. You’ll see; that idea will become a rough, will become a second draft, and then will become a contract. If you get a rejection, just keep writing. If you get a contract, just keep writing.

Don’t quit. Keep working! It’s not really about how talented you are, but whether you’re up for the fight!

Please FOLLOW my blog by scrolling down and clicking on the right. I'll be doing periodic posts on the craft of writing. Also, send me a link to your blog and I'll follow you.

Great info on agents

A discussion on getting an agent (sci/fi horror) that is more than excellent: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120135

Please remember to follow my blog if you haven't already.

Current Projects

I have taken a hiatus from the Guild stories for a bit. I'm currently working on my Sci/Fi, Horror novel, THE DARK, and the first in a string of short stories aimed at the paying markets called THE ENEMY, probably to be followed by one of my FRICK short stories about brothers by the same name--sci fi and funny (I had a Jack Frick story published many moons ago called Telepio 690 and I want to expand on the idea).

Here's a small excerpt from Telepio 690:

He pressed a button on the Telesleeve and closed his eyes.
"You are tuned to Telepio 690. Gar Mega's popular choice for Telephathic communications. Please specify type of communication desired..."
"Video," Jack murmured.
"...and type of video desired?"
"Entertainment."
Jack's mind became filled with vivid , life-like images and sounds.
"Channel 3, please."
Channel 3 was playing a soap opera. It was a low-budget off-world show that had a wide assortment of beings from all parts of the galaxy in starring roles...

(now an excerpt from the soap opera he's watching with his mind)

...Centairians have a habit of, when one head is speaking, letting the other gaze about aimlessly. Erf was doing this. She (his human wife) became annoyed with him.
"Pay attention when I'm talking to you."
Erf's second head swung in line with the other obediently. She put her hands on her hips and glared at him.
"I know all about that little Endorian tart you've been seeing after your games (he's a two-headed sandball player)! How many others are there?"
Erf looked as though he'd been caught with his paw in the cookie jar. Music began to rise within an accusing crescendo, an indication that a commerical was impending...

Return of the Crimson Witch scheduled release

My third novel, Book 3 of the Guild saga, Return of the Crimson Witch is now under contract and scheduled for a late summer 2014 release. First round of edits in February.

Coming in early to mid 2014 (hopefully), Return of the Crimson Witch

My third novel, Return of the Crimson Witch, Book 3 of the Guild Saga is with my editor and should be available in a few months. This is book 3 of 6 and far and away the most action packed of the series so far. In case you're interested, these are the titles of the 6 Guild books:
                           The First Trilogy

Book 1: The Wonk Decelerator (published)

Book 2: The Late, Great Benjamin Bale (published)

Book 3: Return of the Crimson Witch (with editor)
                               
                           The Thad Cochran Novels

Book 4: The Wonk Wars

Book 5: Vengeance is Mine

Book 6: The Technophobes

Problems with release of ebook: The Late, Great Benjamin Bale

My second book, The Late, Great Benjamin Bale has run into some kind of snag for the release of the ebook. The ebook is available at the following links: http://www.etreasurespublishing.com/the-late-great-benjamin-bale-by-john-joseph-doody/ and at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/363513. It will be available any day now at B&N, Sony, Kobo, Diesel, ITunes etc.. Of course it's also up in paperback at my publisher and Amazon. I'm not sure exactly what happened, but there has been a serious delay.

Goodreads Giveaway, The Late Great Benjamin Bale (Paperback)

Giving away 6 paperbacks of Book 2 of the Guild Saga at this link: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/70081-the-late-great-benjamin-bale

The Late, Great, Benjamin Bale at Amazon

My second novel, The Late, Great Benjamin Bale is now available in paperback at Amazon at this link. http://www.amazon.com/The-Late-Great-Benjamin-Bale/dp/193780948X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382147362&sr=8-1&keywords=the+late+great+benjamin+bale

Giveaway at Goodreads!

Six paperback copies of The Wonk Decelerator are up for grabs at Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/67908-the-wonk-decelerator

The Wonk Decelerator, Book 1 of the Guild Saga, is available in paperback at Amazon

My book, The Wonk Decelerator, is out in paperback at Amazon. You can see it at this link: http://www.amazon.com/Wonk-Decelerator-Guild-Saga/dp/1937809323/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380991023&sr=1-1&keywords=the+wonk+decelerator

The Wonk Decelerator is now available in paperback at eTreasures

My first novel, The Wonk Decelerator, Book 1 of the Guild Saga, is now available in paperback through my publisher, at this link:http://www.etreasurespublishing.com/the-wonk-decelerator-by-john-joseph-doody-print/

The Late, Great Benjamin Bale...is at Smashwords

My action/science fiction novel, The Late, Great Benjamin Bale, Book 2 of the Guild Saga, is now available at Smashwords for all ereaders. You can find it at this link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/363513

The Wonk Decelerator Is Now Available for Print Preorders

I understand the paperback will begin shipping around October 10th. It won't be available at Amazon for about 2 weeks after that (sigh). If you're interested you can preorder at this link:
The Wonk Decelerator paperback

HUGE, HUGE, GIVEAWAY BONANZA!

Okay, with my first two books coming out in paperback over the next ten days, my publisher insists I give something away. So, here's a link to win an ebook of THE WONK DECELERATOR totally free. You have to enter to win and you must be a human! No really, no aliens allowed.

https://www.facebook.com/ETreasuresPublishing/app_228910107186452

The Late, Great Benjamin Bale is Now Available in PDF eBook

Well, it took a while but Book 2 of the Guild Saga is now available in ebook pdf at this link:

http://www.etreasurespublishing.com/the-late-great-benjamin-bale-by-john-joseph-doody/

The Late, Great Benjamin Bale...release date July 1st in ebook

Okay, some of you have been waiting patiently for promised signed paperbacks of my first two novels. I've been given a new release date for Book 2 of the Guild Saga, The Late, Great Benjamin Bale...in ebook. The new date is Monday July 1st for the ebook.

I'm assuming the same release approach applies as before for the two paperbacks. So we should see both paperback versions available within 2 weeks after the ebook release. I understand that inside each paperback one will see pencil drawings above the chapter headings. These drawings were done by Kerri with help from Abby and Jeremi on the Wonk box. The sleeping Eno is done by Kerri. She's so talented.

Please understand that I have no control over the way my books are being released. The Wonk Decelerator can be found in ebook just about everywhere, except for Amazon. I've been assured the book will be at Amazon soon.

God willing, I will be finished with Book 3 of the Guild Saga, Return of the Crimson Witch, no later than the end of July. This completes the first trilogy of the 2 trilogies for the Guild books. My goal has been to have all 3 books available in paperback before the holidays and we might do it.

Before I write the 2nd trilogy, I will be writing 3 unrelated novels. So, next for me, God willing, is, The Dark. There's a storm on the horizon...or is it a storm? Remember when you were little and you were told there is nothing to be afraid of in the dark? Actually, you should be very afraid.

New Release Dates

ON HOLD. BOOK#2 EBOOK RELEASE HAS BEEN PUSHED BACK. EVERYTHING IS DONE, BUT I'M WAITING TO APPROVE FORMATTING. NOT SURE HOW THIS AFFECTS RELEASE DATES.
Okay people, I got the updated release schedule for both books. Since I'm told I'll be receiving final formatting for review on The Late, Great Benjamin Bale in a couple of days, I think this is the real deal:

Here goes:

The Late, Great Benjamin Bale (ebook) Friday, May 31, 2013.

The Wonk Decelerator (paperback) Monday, June 3, 2013.

The Late, Great Benjamin Bale (paperback) Mon., June 10, 2013

I don't have specifics on venues or prices at this point.

In A Holding Pattern

Well, we're circling above the runway and waiting for clearance on The Late, Great Benjamin Bale. I'm not certain if I'm waiting for a final review or more edits. Hard to say since I'm not hearing anything.

For those of you waiting on the release of the paperbacks, the plan is still for both paperbacks to be released a week after the Bale ebook is released.

As soon as I hear something, anything--I'll let you know. It's a bit frustrating right now.

3 Winners for Review Contest!

The following winners will receive a signed copy of The Wonk Decelerator and a signed copy of The Late, Great Benjamin Bale once released:

Congratulations to K.D., D.M. and J.S.. Your signed paperbacks will be on the way the moment I have them in my hands.

Reminder of Review Contest

This is a reminder that the review contest for two signed paperbacks (one signed copy for each of my first 2 books) will end on April 30th. Here's the link to Smashwords where you can purchase the Wonk ebook and leave your review in order to be entered: The Wonk Decelerator @ Smashwords. 

The Late, Great Benjamin Bale cover

Here's the cover for Book 2 of the Guild Saga, The Late, Great Benjamin Bale.

Release Dates for Book 1 and 2 of the Guild Saga

Book 1 of the Guild Saga, The Wonk Decelerator, is currently available in ebook and will be released in paperback on April 29(THIS HAS CHANGED--SEEBELOW), 2013. You can purchase this ebook, among other places, at the following:  Wonk at Barnes and Noble or at Wonk at Smashwords (all ereaders) or at Wonk at eTreasures Publishing

Book 2 of the Guild Saga, The Late, Great Benjamin Bale, will be released in ebook, also on April 29, 2013.

These dates could change. AND THEY HAVE CHANGED! BALE IS IN LINE EDITING AND TODAY IS THE 27TH. I THINK EBOOK OUT 20TH OF MAY AND THEN BOTH PAPERBACKS OUT 27TH OF MAY. STAY TUNED.

The First Guild Trilogy

Okay, If I were to sum up the first 3 books of the Guild Saga it would go like this: Book 1, The Wonk Decelerator: Some things are more important than your dream. Book 2, The Late, Great Benjamin Bale: It's never too late to do the right thing. Book 3, Return of the Crimson Witch: Never blow a hole in Maggie Thorn's starship.

The Wonk Decelerator Is Moving Up At Smashwords

The Wonk Decelerator has jumped to number 14 in the Bestseller medium range categories (price and size) at Smashwords, in Science Fiction/Space Opera. The book has only been listed there (for all ereaders) for a month.
Remember,if you purchase an ebook at Smashwords, please leave a review. I will be giving away signed copies of both books in paperback based on your reviews (up to 10 copies of each book total). This contest ends April 30th 2013.
Here's the link to buy the ebook: The Wonk Decelerator at Smashwords

The Late, Great Benjamin Bale

I started on edits for this book yesterday and I'm very happy with it. At its heart this book makes this point: It's never too late to make a difference.

The Wonk Decelerator Is Now Available At Barnes and Noble

Okay, Book One of the Guild Saga is now at Barnes and Noble at this link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-wonk-decelerator?csrfToken=CIQd6kRcyamiHxqd4DNWlXRPHKGdeX1P&store=allproducts&keyword=the+wonk+decelerator
Still waiting on Amazon, but you can get it for Kindle at Smashwords.

The Wonk Decelerator Is Now Available At Smashwords

The Wonk Decelerator can now be purchased for any ereader at this link
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/287150

April's a Big Month!

I've recently gotten several bits of news. First, I'm still waiting for the ebook version of The Wonk Decelerator to be released for Kindle and Nook. Right now it's still only available at the eTp site as a PDF ebook. I feel quite good that this should happen any day now. Second, The Wonk Decelerator should also be available in April 2013 in paperback. Last, now that things are rolling more smoothly at the publisher, I can safely say that my second novel, The Late, Great Benjamin Bale has a definite release date set, and it is going to be released in ebook on April 29th 2013! Therefore, I will have two books out simultaneously in April 2013 -- pretty cool, huh?!

These dates can change.

A New Character

Not too long ago I ran into some trouble with the novel I'm working on, Revenge of the Crimson Witch. I wrote this scene with two characters fighting each other, nearly to the death, and I was just thrilled with the outcome of the scene. It was exciting just to write it! Well, a couple of days later I was studying my timeline and I realized that these characters couldn't possibly be on the same star ship together at this point in the story -- duh! One character was five days behind and there was no changing that fact without chucking most of the storyline (and the book is two-thirds done). So, I pulled the scene out and filed it away, hoping that maybe somehow I'd use it later.
Well, I needed someone to fight Maggie and I ended up with this new character. The really great thing is that with this new character came a new sub plot-line that added tremendously to the overall story. So by making a mistake the story actually got better, and deeper. I have to tell you that this sort of thing makes the writing experience great for me, and I wonder if the problems we face in life don't many times work out similarly with good things for us, if we let them. Think about it. Maybe it's not so bad. God can make it good.

Ideas Come in the Strangest Places.

I was at the theatre with the family today, watching the Hobbit and totally engrossed in this great movie, when I suddenly saw one of my secondary characters in a deeper, more meaningful way. I saw him angry, hurting, most of all missing someone. And I saw him overlooking someone in his life that he should not be overlooking. It touched me to think of him trying his best to get a glimpse of someone long gone, and ignoring someone whose love he should be returning right now.

Then I wondered, how often do I do this? How often do I latch onto the past, when the present is so filled with lovely people? I regret not telling them often enough how much they mean to me. How about you?

Enjoy life. This is what God has given you -- today.

My Reading List

This is my most recent reading list. Not very exciting.
On Writing, Stephen King.  (I'm mostly finished with this. Good mechanics advice -- raw language)
Eats, Shoots & Leaves, Lynne Truss.  (Nearly finished. Funny and informative)
The Elements of Style, Strunk and White.  (Finished and reading through again. Trying to learn.)
The Art of Intercession, Kenneth E. Hagin.  (Finished, but still reading in bits and pieces. I love Hagin Sr)
The Bible (Daily) I also carry a pocket Bible.

What A Beautiful Cover

I was just thinking about how impatient I am, and how unappreciative. We look for something good, and when it comes we look past it to the next thing. Lord, help me to be more thankful. I'm looking on my blog at this beautiful cover for the Wonk Decelerator and I'm thinking about how my wife and kids designed it (they actually did the box with the hologram themselves) -- and I recall how my publisher invested in that cover, my book, and me.
I don't know about you, but I spend too much time looking for the next step and not being thankful for the step I'm on. I've got a ways to go as a writer. This is a good place for me to grow. While I'm learning patience, I can learn to perfect my craft.

Write From Your Heart

I remember I was out at sea back in the seventies when I wrote my first short story (a real piece of crap) and my first poem (even worse). Interestingly enough the word got out on the ship that I wrote poetry. Some guys came by and checked out my poem (I didn't know them -- someone told them to give a looksy). After that these guys, and others, would drop by my rack to see what I'd written. I didn't know why they came. I threw away all of that stuff soon after I'd written it, but it came from my heart and some people enjoyed it -- I suppose they related to it. I should have learned the obvious lesson back then -- write from your heart and you'll attract people with what you have to say -- but it took God to show me how important this is in the life of any writer. Don't write from your head. Look inside and follow the voice of God.
I did a lot of praying before I wrote The Wonk Decelerator. I was afraid that I was going to start thinking way too highly of myself again. Jesus is so humble. He humbled himself to the point of death on a cross, and I was terrified that the old John would start strutting around again and lose my way. But this time I started seeking Him in my writing. It's been a totally different experience. I write about things that moved me.

Do you know that I received only one rejection for The Wonk Decelerator, and I was so glad it happened. That publisher was not for me. In the old days I had rejection after rejection, because my stuff was all from my head and I really didn't believe in it. Write from your heart. Sing from your heart. Act from your heart. Minister from your heart. Love your family from your heart. Don't be afraid to let go and love. Look inside and find your way. You can get to a place of faith in your life that is real joy.

2nd Draft!

I've finally reached two thirds of my rough for Revenge of the Crimson Witch, and now I have started on my second draft. I think that two weeks will be enough time to write through to the end of the rough. This book is not easy to write, but it is coming along well. I should be at the end of the ms and working on the third draft by the middle to end of March.

Perseverance and Prayer

Sometimes writing is about persevering. I mean persevering when you're wondering if you're going in the right direction after all. I add prayer to perseverance and things happen for me. Today something really unusual happened. I stumbled upon a scene that I think is unique in sci/fi. All I'll tell you is that it involves roller skates. I'm not sure if there has ever been an off world scene involving roller skates. Well there will be soon. You'll read about it in Revenge of the Crimson Witch!

Leave Your Review At eTp

If you purchase an ebook/pdf  of THE WONK DECELERATOR from etreasurespublishing.com please try and remember to review the book at the bottom of the page once you have read it.

Back to Work...

Okay, no more fooling around. No more distractions. My life, my writing, my family and my ministry are in God's hands. I'm back on Revenge of the Crimson Witch, like ugly on a bug. I'm going to be done by the end of March, or else. Grrr... Watch out people. Three books in print by the end of the year. The fourth one done before Christmas!

Progress on Revenge of the Crimson Witch

Now at about 60k and holding. There are times when I find myself filling in prior scenes in my rough. This is one of those times. I'm close to two-thirds through, and I've been going backward and filling in the gaps. Also, my Acq Ed told me to slow it down and wait for the edits on Book 2 (cause I might still be screwing things up). I could still do March, but I'm going easy and shooting for the end of April. After that it's right into The Dark (an unrelated sci-fi/horror novel) that I have high N.Y. hopes for. There must be a top tier agent somewhere out there who would take on a special needs project like me.

The Wonk Decelerator will be released shortly for Kindle, Nook and others

Basically, at the moment The Wonk Decelerator is only available as a PDF ebook. This means that it can be purchased and read on most computers and can also be downloaded and then copied and pasted into a newer ereader like the newer Kindles. If that doesn't do it for you, no worries, this book will also be out soon on Amazon, B&N and Smashwords. If you are like I am and don't use an ereader (I'm probably not supposed to say that), then no worries, the paperback will be out in April!

THE WONK DECELERATOR IS NOW AVAILABLE IN EBOOK

Well, it finally happened! Book 1 of the Guild Saga is available in ebook/PDF. Click here to check it out: http: http://www.etreasurespublishing.com/products/The-Wonk-Decelerator-by-John-Joseph-Doody.html

If you purchase the ebook, please post a thoughtful review at eTp once you've read it. The print version will be available in April.

Part 2, Clara Bowman-Jahn Interview

Here's part 2 of my interview with Clara Bowman-Jahn, in which I wax poetic. http://clarbojahn.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/clarbojahn-presents-author-john-doody-part-two/

The Guild Saga, by John Doody

These are the six titles of The Guild Saga, planned by me, John Doody: Book 1, The Wonk Decelerator; Book 2, The Late, Great Benjamin Bale; Book 3, Return of the Crimson Witch; Book 4, The First Wonk War; Book 5, Vengeance Is Mine; Book 6, The Technophobes (could be 2 novels).

Book 1, The Wonk Decelerator, should be out any day. Book 2 is under contract and in editing with eTp. I'm working on Book 3.

I definitely plan 1 prequel in this series: Thorn (about Maggie's past). I'm considering a possible prequel trilogy for the future, about the three starships that started it all. It took them thirty-five years to find the first hospitable world. I reserve the right to change any or all titles.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY THROUGH 11/1/14 In order to celebrate the upcoming release of Book 3 of the Guild Saga, Return of the Crimson Witch...due out on 12/8/14, I will be giving away a set of Book's 1 and 2 in ebook (A gift code through Smashwords for all ereaders) Leave a comment, for this post (only) in order to win. I will select the best comment and notify the winner on 11/2/14.

Whatever Happened to NASA?

NASA used to be about manned exploration, but now all we ever hear is that NASA is trying to figure out how the cosmos began. Okay, God did it. Now can we get back to the manned space program? The first step to revitalizing NASA is to replace the technophobe leadership. Here's my choice for the new head of NASA:
Felix

My Interview With Clara Bowman-Jahn

Clara is one of our talented eTp authors who gave me some space on her blog to chat about things, including my coming books. Here's the link to that interview, released today:
Interview with Clara