After the blog tour

So, blog tour February 2012 is over. Each blog tour teaches me a few new things, and this one was no different. As always, I got to meet a bunch of new people, and I thank all those who hosted me for that.

One of the big differences between this tour and my last one in 2011 was that near the end I got burnt out. I had several days where I was feeling under the weather, and then I was stupid enough to have given myself far too large of a workload.

Remember one of my posts where I said I planned on writing a novel a month? I still plan to do that, and actually I'm on track so far, but that on top of trying to do a blog tour combined with my illness was just too much. Something had to give, so I've a few blank days toward the end of the blog tour.

Live and learn.

As for my goal of writing a novel a month, can I keep up with that? Honestly, probably not. But it's the attempt that matters here. Even if I only reached half my goal, six novels, that would be six more than I would have had.

Also, I've fudged around on that goal just a little. Instead of 12 new novels this year (one of which is already available, Demon Chains), I've decided that I must have 12-novel's worth of new fiction this year, which isn't exactly the same thing. It basically means each month I need to have a minimum of 60,000 words of new fiction (at least new to the e-book market). So far, I've reached that goal. I also plan to keep experimenting, to write in genres new to me, and to experiment with pen names.

It's going to be a busy year, and hopefully a fun one.

Blog tour finale

My February 2012 blog tour winds down today with my final post over at the site of horror author Ty Schwamberger. Yes, that's another "Ty" in the fiction writing biz. In my post, I talk about the fun of blog touring, but also that it's a lot of work. While you're over there, don't forget to check out some of Schwamberger's books.

Back to the blog tour: About my latest fantasy novel, "Demon Chains"

If you are interested in knowing a little more about my latest epic fantasy novel, Demon Chains, here is your chance. Scottish writer William Meikle is hosting me today for my blog tour, and I give the skinny on the basics of the novel.

William, thanks for hosting me!

Blog tour: Cover designs are important

Today ye old blog tour takes me over to Publetariat (thanks April!) where it talk about the importance of cover design for books and e-books and for writers and readers.

So enjoy!

After that, I'm taking a break from blog touring for a few days because I've been feeling a little under the weather in the stomach department, and I need a break. But I'll be back!

Blog tour: Being an indie writer takes work

To be successful at anything takes two things: 1.) luck, and 2.) hard work. That's the point of my guest post today over at the site of Aaron Pogue named Unstressed Syllables. As can be expected, what I write about is the work it takes to be a successful indie author.

Aaron, thanks for hosting me today!

The blog tour rolls on

Today the blog tour takes me to the online home of the prolific and busy Scott Nicholson. So thanks to Scott for hosting me. I chat about violence again, but this time from a less personal perspective and more about how writers should know their stuff. Enjoy!

Four fantasy writers you need to read

On today's blog tour post, I don't talk about myself. Instead, I write about four fantasy writers I feel need to be read by more readers. Whenever someone asks me who they should be reading in fantasy, these are four names that spring to mind immediately, and the four cover a variety of sub-genres so I feel I'm always ready to name one of them for different kinds of readers.

Thanks to Jake for hosting me today at his Goblins, Swords Elves, Oh My! blog.

Blog tour: Why do I write fantasy?

Why do I write mostly fantasy fiction? It's a good question. My answer? You'll have to follow along my blog tour and head over to the site Adventures Fantastic, online blog of writer Keith West.

Violence in my fiction writing

Today my blog tour takes me over to Chiron Training, the blog site for Rory Miller, a writer, speaker, security analyst and ... geez, Rory does so many things, it would be difficult to place one title or hat upon him. Much of his current professional life has to do with self defense and teaching, and I've been following his blog for a good while now because I appreciate what he has to say concerning violence and self defense. Rory makes me a better writer.

So, though we had never even so much as chatted online, a e-mailed Rory a while back and asked if he would be willing to host me for a day of my 2012 blog tour. I was surprised he said "sure. I guess I got lucky and caught him at the right time. I was surprised mostly because he didn't know me at all, we had never had correspondence before, and because my own blog deals with fictional matters while his is much more about real life.

But not only did Rory accept me as a guest poster, he also challenged me as a writer. You can see the results here.

Writers and their health

Today the blog tour takes me over to the site of writer David L. Shutter where I talk about writers needing to pay attention to their physical health.

And don't act like that's all boring and stuff. Go over there and read it. If you sit on your butt all day writing, you need to read my little post.

Blog touring before Valentine's Day

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, so my latest blog tour post over at fantasy author Greg Hamerton's blog talks a little about love and fantasy writing. Enjoy!

Blog tour: Dungeons & Dragons and fiction writing

Today the blog tour takes me over the DNDKids: the online spot for Uri Kurlianchik. Not only is Uri a fiction and gaming writer, but he for his day job he also gets to teach kids how to play Dungeons and Dragons. Now is that a cool job or what? Uri and I met online as members of the Monumental Works Group.

So without further ado, here is a little bit of my history involving role-playing games and fiction writing.

Blog tour: Social messages in fiction

Another blog tour post! Yep, three in one day! This one is over at the site of thriller author James Grenton. I talk about social messages in fiction. James specifically writes novels with a strong social message, though I myself try to blend any such in the backgrounds of my tales. Either take can be interesting. Find out more at the blog!

Blog tour: Two guest posts in one day

Yep, it's a special treat today for those who are following my blog tour this month.

First, I appear over at Adventures in ePublishing, the home blog of indie author Derek J. Canyon, where I talk about how today's writers need to be prepared for change in the business world of writing.

Second, if you've not had enough of me yet, step on over to the Indie Writers Zone for a Q&A with me where I provide wisdom that would have made ole Socrates jealous.

Blog tour: I interview Kron Darkbow

Yes, I finally got around to a short, silly interview with my Kron Darkbow character. Want to read it? Then head over to the blog of writer Carson Craig.

Blog tour: The wonderful world of Zoe Winters

That's right, the February 2012 blog tour takes me to the Weblog of Zoe Winters where I talk about the minimalism lifestyle and books. If you think you can't live without physical books in your life, then read this.

Blog tour: Great big secret revealed

Today the blog tour takes me over to fellow Monumental Works Group member Darrin Drader's spot on the Web. You'll really want to read this post, because I reveal a big, crazy secret.

Blog tour at Insane Angel Studios

Scott Fitzgerald Gray was kind enough to host me today over at his blog for my February tour. Better yet, he actually interviewed me through a Q&A. I found the questions quite interesting, and more in depth than most such interviews I've seen with writers.

So head over there to find out more about me!

Blog tour: How to 'make it' as a fiction writer

Revealed! All the secrets in the universe about how you, yes, you, can become rich and famous writing fiction for a living!

Okay, maybe not, but on today's blog tour over at author Ben Dobson's site, I offer some little advice on how I feel beginning fiction writers should approach their writing as a business.

Thanks, Ben!

Blog tour continues at 'Journal of a New Guy'

Today the blog tour takes me over to Journal of a New Guy, the blog of Dave Fortier. I write a little about my latest e-book novel. Thanks Dave!