Yup, I’ve decided to jump on the bandwagon with so many other authors to see if this platform gives me a boost and gets me just a little bit closer to the end goal of writing and publishing for a living.
So like I specified in my intro note, I’ll post my daily randomness, and lots of it to start with.
Everything from the mundane bits of everyday life, ideas, writing craft, cooking, drinks and smokes, gardening, and motorcycles just to start.
Then, of course, you’ll have access to my current works in progress as I create them and you’ll even have the opportunity to toss in your own 2 cents on things. I love input. If I don’t see that something is off/missing/wrong as I’m working, I may totally miss it. I welcome input and comments to improve my craft and the end product.
And well, pics of the fur babies. Including Hiro the Editor Kitty.
Now, one thing I will state upfront.
Unless I find a better way to do it, the raw, unedited posts I put up for the paid subscribers to read as I’m working on it will be taken down prior to publication with Kindle Unlimited. This is so I can put it up on KU and snag that initial KU reader-run. After that, I will be going wide with all titles. But you, the subscribers will get a download link for a free copy of the final EARC for your reading enjoyment.
If it will allow me to suspend a post and then bring it back up after I remove a title from KU, then I will do that too. I’m still learning how all of this works, so bear with me.
And as long as it gives me the names, I’ll also list all of my paying subscribers as a little extra thank you in everything I publish.
Posts meant for public consumption will also be duplicated on my main site, https://www.williamjosephroberts.com
Now for the paying folks that get to see my WIP, feel free to toss in your two cents. If I miss something, call me out on it. There is a point where you hit the “forest for the trees” moment and you miss the simplest of things because your brain inserts the missing words or letters as you read.
But seriously, I enjoy input. If I don’t know something is messed up in my style or voice, I can’t correct it.
Now, to the randomness,
One thing I love is a great drink paired with a great smoke. Just something about the mixing of flavors that makes the experience worthwhile if you enjoy the pairing.
Tonight’s choice, a Dragon’s Milk, milk stout turned into a modified boiler maker with a shot of Paddy’s Irish Whiskey and a shot of Kahlua, paired with an Isla del Sol Cigar from Drew Estates cigars. Great way to relax after a stressful day dealing with engineers.
And then for lunch today, I tried a little something different and made some baked salmon for myself and the Word Witch.
Salmon fillets spritzed in olive oil, white vinegar, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dash of lemon juice, then lightly seasoned with a little garlic powder, salt, black pepper with the lime slices, and fresh diced onion to top them off.
Bake at 450 for about 20 minutes and you have one hell of a tasty and light lunch that we paired with the Word Witch’s homemade slaw. (No clue how she made it other than kitchen witch magic.)
Very filling and light on the stomach.
The other latest and greatest news was my trip to DragonCon over Labor Day weekend.
If too many people is one place is not your thing, then don’t go. Because I was told that the cap was around 65,000 for this year.
If you’re looking to network as an author, it is a great place to meet other authors and share information, but I’m not sure the cost to value is there for the baby authors still trying to find their way. If that’s where you are on your writing journey, you’d be better off hitting up LibertyCon, Chattacon, Imaginarium, FantiSci, ConCarolinas, etc. I’m not sure what a day pass costs, but to stay in one of the event hotels for the entire convention, (if you can get a room) is in the range of $1,200 for Thursday to Monday.
And that’s something you need to work into your author math when figuring out where you are on the cost/ROI.
Other than that, the Kickstarter that I’m running for the Car Warriors: Autoduel Chronicles ends Fri, September 15 2023 5:25 AM EDT. If you’ve ever loved fiction in the Car Wars universe created by Steve Jackson of Steve Jackson games, then you’ll want to check out what we’ve got going on and the swag and extras available only to backers of the project.
Car Warriors: Autoduel Chronicles Kickstarter
For those of you who’d like to see my progress on the latest novel, “On the Wings of a Weeping Angel” (working title), part of the B.E.N.T. universe, then jump on the subscription and come along for the journey.
I’ll be posting Chapter 1 in the morning.
To sign up for the substack, check it out here.
More to come in the next couple of days. Until then…
Keep your heads up and your Pens Sharp.
William Joseph Roberts (aka Hillbilly)