Hi Everyone!
The book has been out for two weeks and while I didn't plan on some big marketing campaign and settled for word-of-mouth, there seems to be a bit of a buzz.
I keep reading the book and wanting to rewrite sections or wish I had expanded in places for clarity. Then again if I continually re-wrote everything it would never have been published! A constant work in progress! I guess that's why writer's create a book series. Not that I'm planning on one but the thought has crossed my mind.
I did have to remind myself that I do have this blog to share with all of you and I'm sure as you are reading along you have questions. Honestly, drop me a line. I'm sure you won't be the only one thinking the same thing and wanting to know an answer.
If you were to ask me what sections I would like to expand on I would simply say - two. There are two sections that I feel I didn't explain enough. One of the two sections is actually chapter eight. It's not that I think I wrote it bad, I just think I should have explained things a bit more. Really clarified the "reminder about my heritage" part.
As for sections I wish to re-write, bits and pieces here and there. Honestly, I'm happy with the book. I'm happy just to have done something like this. I had a wonderful group of friends support me along the way and the reassurance from a couple of people that this was the right thing to do. It was always the right thing to do for me but sharing it with the world is a different story. My book is out in the universe now and it will fall into the hands of the people who need it. That's how I look at it.
That's it from my end. Hope all of you are doing well. Stay Safe.
-Maynard
Content Warning!
This blog on occasion addresses depression, death, suicide and other sensitive themes. Continue at your own discretion in reading the content.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
The Book is HERE!
Hi Everyone!
My book officially comes out on Monday but there are a few around me who just couldn't wait. So I have made the book available to purchase two days ahead of schedule. Aren't I nice?
I welcome your comments and questions about the book. Is there something in the book you want to know more about or like clarification, just send me your question and I'll try to answer it here or respond by email. This is a very personal book and I don't expect all of you to like it but I do hope you walk away with something from it.
Be good to each other out there and remember to take care of yourself. It's okay to say "no" to going out with friends if it means taking care of yourself. You matter. Don't forget that.
Safe Journeys
- Maynard
My book officially comes out on Monday but there are a few around me who just couldn't wait. So I have made the book available to purchase two days ahead of schedule. Aren't I nice?
I welcome your comments and questions about the book. Is there something in the book you want to know more about or like clarification, just send me your question and I'll try to answer it here or respond by email. This is a very personal book and I don't expect all of you to like it but I do hope you walk away with something from it.
Be good to each other out there and remember to take care of yourself. It's okay to say "no" to going out with friends if it means taking care of yourself. You matter. Don't forget that.
Safe Journeys
- Maynard
Saturday, September 22, 2007
The Countdown is On!
Hello All.
My book will be released in nine days and I'm a nervous wreck. I'm excited that it is finally happening but at the same time very nervous. This is my first published book and as most writers will tell you, we're our own worst critic. My mind is still writing this book.
A few people have asked if my book will be available through Amazon.com. The answer is yes but not until 2008. The wonderful folks at Lulu.com will have the book available to order starting October 1st. I'll have a link and full details posted on how to purchase the book in a few days.
I have been busily working on the final details so I apologize for not having more updates. If you have any questions or just general comments, drop me a line. I would love to hear from you.
- Maynard
My book will be released in nine days and I'm a nervous wreck. I'm excited that it is finally happening but at the same time very nervous. This is my first published book and as most writers will tell you, we're our own worst critic. My mind is still writing this book.
A few people have asked if my book will be available through Amazon.com. The answer is yes but not until 2008. The wonderful folks at Lulu.com will have the book available to order starting October 1st. I'll have a link and full details posted on how to purchase the book in a few days.
I have been busily working on the final details so I apologize for not having more updates. If you have any questions or just general comments, drop me a line. I would love to hear from you.
- Maynard
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Reflections
It is that reflective time of year for me. A time when I feel like I'm getting ready to hibernate for the winter. During the fall I take time to acknowledge those who mean so much to me. I light a candle in their honor. A celebration of past friends, current ones and ones I have yet to meet.
In some aspects, I mourn in the fall. Mourning the loss of my good friend Michael (more is said about him in my book) which is actually more of a celebration. I miss him but I also celebrate his life. I celebrate my own as well. I am ever thankful for the people who helped keep me alive, whether they are aware of helping me or not.
This is where my deep appreciation for the late Steve Clark (Def Leppard) comes to full life. My appreciation comes alive for Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) too. My connection to Steve Clark and Dave Mustaine is livelier; it's heightened to an extent during the fall. While I may be in a reflective mind frame, mourning a life I no longer lead, I find a way to celebrate the one I have now. Perhaps, like everything else I am mourning them in a way. I am mourning something in myself really. They are reflections and reminders of a life I care not to live again but fully accept will always be a part of me. Their hardships and vulnerabilities gave me strength to fight for my life. A life I sometimes didn't think I deserved to have. I realize that what I am saying may make no sense to you.
I'll try however to explain a bit more of what I mean. I believe that we are drawn to people for a reason. Not just people we know but strangers too. There is something in them that speaks to us. Something we recognize. Sometimes what we recognize is ourselves in them. This is why Steve Clark and Dave Mustaine speak to me. When I hear either one play their guitar, I acknowledge something in myself. Both men have a gift for making their guitar "sing" which speaks to me on a much deeper level. Looking at pictures of them reminds me of where I am now and how much their own troubled journeys have given me strength. The music that each has created speaks to me in ways that words cannot. That is the beauty of music. We all understand it in some form. A lot of what I'm saying will make more sense when my book comes out October 1st.
Before I go, I hope all of you take the time to light a candle of thanks for everyone that is special to you.
- Maynard
P.S. - The countdown is on! Only 24 days until my book is out.
In some aspects, I mourn in the fall. Mourning the loss of my good friend Michael (more is said about him in my book) which is actually more of a celebration. I miss him but I also celebrate his life. I celebrate my own as well. I am ever thankful for the people who helped keep me alive, whether they are aware of helping me or not.
This is where my deep appreciation for the late Steve Clark (Def Leppard) comes to full life. My appreciation comes alive for Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) too. My connection to Steve Clark and Dave Mustaine is livelier; it's heightened to an extent during the fall. While I may be in a reflective mind frame, mourning a life I no longer lead, I find a way to celebrate the one I have now. Perhaps, like everything else I am mourning them in a way. I am mourning something in myself really. They are reflections and reminders of a life I care not to live again but fully accept will always be a part of me. Their hardships and vulnerabilities gave me strength to fight for my life. A life I sometimes didn't think I deserved to have. I realize that what I am saying may make no sense to you.
I'll try however to explain a bit more of what I mean. I believe that we are drawn to people for a reason. Not just people we know but strangers too. There is something in them that speaks to us. Something we recognize. Sometimes what we recognize is ourselves in them. This is why Steve Clark and Dave Mustaine speak to me. When I hear either one play their guitar, I acknowledge something in myself. Both men have a gift for making their guitar "sing" which speaks to me on a much deeper level. Looking at pictures of them reminds me of where I am now and how much their own troubled journeys have given me strength. The music that each has created speaks to me in ways that words cannot. That is the beauty of music. We all understand it in some form. A lot of what I'm saying will make more sense when my book comes out October 1st.
Before I go, I hope all of you take the time to light a candle of thanks for everyone that is special to you.
- Maynard
P.S. - The countdown is on! Only 24 days until my book is out.
Friday, August 31, 2007
E-Mail Notification & NaNoWriMo
I told all of you I would set up an e-mail notification box and so I have. It's a bit caveman like but it's there and working. I will admit that I am clueless when it comes to designing a website. Don't expect bells and whistles on this website folks. :-)
I am enjoying my first day of vacation off from my daytime job. Free of the daily grind of sitting behind a computer screen. This free time will allow me to get my thoughts together on upcoming ideas for possible future books. I am gearing up for National Novel Writing Month (www.nanowrimo.org) which takes place in November. I recommend everyone try it at least once. It's challenging to write 50,000 words in thirty days but it is fun to get your brain working that way. Just letting things spill out onto a page or in some cases a computer screen. October Rain was actually born from last year's NaNoWriMo challenge. It begins November 1st so there is plenty of time to think about it.
Hope all of you are enjoying your day.
- Maynard
I am enjoying my first day of vacation off from my daytime job. Free of the daily grind of sitting behind a computer screen. This free time will allow me to get my thoughts together on upcoming ideas for possible future books. I am gearing up for National Novel Writing Month (www.nanowrimo.org) which takes place in November. I recommend everyone try it at least once. It's challenging to write 50,000 words in thirty days but it is fun to get your brain working that way. Just letting things spill out onto a page or in some cases a computer screen. October Rain was actually born from last year's NaNoWriMo challenge. It begins November 1st so there is plenty of time to think about it.
Hope all of you are enjoying your day.
- Maynard