My First Year of Being an Indie Author

Today marks the first year anniversary of my short story collection, IN DECLINE.  Even though I had published things on my own in the past, this is where I really consider the beginning of my journey as an indie author.  I remember when I first hit that "publish" button.  I wasn't sure how well I'd do.  I thought that maybe I'd sell a few copies to some friends and maybe a stranger here and there, but I really wasn't expecting a whole lot.  I just figured I had nothing to lose and it was worth giving it a shot.

I'm glad I did.

Since then, my writing life has never been the same again, and that's a very good thing.  No longer do I submit my writing to magazines and whatnot only to face certain rejection.  I've been publishing on my own and my writing has reached more people than I could ever possibly have dreamed of.  And while I know my writing will never make me rich, that was never part of the plan anyway.  All I wanted to do is get my writing out there for all to see and make a little bit of money from it.

I'm living my dream.  Before turning 30, I can honestly call myself an author.

It's been an incredible journey, and I expect it to continue to be incredible.  We live in exciting times where it's possible for people to get their stuff out there without having to play the waiting game.  Not that there's anything wrong with the waiting game... it's just not for me.

Thank you all for your wonderful support.  This achievement could not have been reached without you, and that's the honest truth.

LESSONS III update

Just a quick note to tell everybody that so far LESSONS III: DEMONIC DOLLS AND OTHER MORBID DRABBLES is right on schedule for its August 2nd release.  This past weekend I've been putting it all together.  Still making little tweaks and changes here and there, but nothing major.  I'm pretty proud of how it turned out, but as always when it comes to releasing a new book, I get that nervous feeling.  I get doubts, second-guess myself etc.

Which is why it'll be a big relief to finally release this thing!

Also, I'm happy to say that this is by far the biggest LESSONS of the series so far.  It features six bonus drabbles/shorts by the following authors: authors.  David McAfee, David Dalglish, Sean Sweeney, Daniel Arenson, Imogen Rose and Jason G. Anderson.

I'm really pysched about this.  I hope you all will enjoy LESSONS III when it's finally out.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Release date of LESSONS III: Demonic Dolls and Other Morbid Drabbles

I know a bunch of you have been wondering just when in the hell LESSONS III will ever come out.  Well, I'm happy to say that I have finally figured out a date.  LESSONS III will be released on August 2nd.

Why August 2nd?

A few reasons.  That should give me more than enough time to put this all together.  The drabbles are finished, although I'm still going through the tweaking/editing process.

The main reason was that it was the release dates of one of my favorite horror movies as a kid, FRIGHT NIGHT.  I think it was the second horror movie I ever saw.  Not only that, but it's directed by Tom Holland, the same guy who did the first CHILD'S PLAY.  (See the tie-in now?  I originally wanted to do it on the day that CHILD'S PLAY was released, but that was in November--so nuts to that.)

Anyway, I thought it'd make it special if I set an actual release date rather than just putting it out there when it's finished.  I'm pretty proud of this project, and I'm happy to say that it's going to feature a few of my author friends as well--more on that later.

I'm psyched about this new collection, and I hope you'll enjoy the hell out of it when it's out.

LESSONS III update and other hi-jinks

A few quick updates:

1)  LESSONS I is getting a much-needed makeover.  That's right, a brand new cover is on the way.  T.M. Roy (the artist who did the excellent cover for LESSONS II) is working on it and showed me a rough comp.  All I can say is it looks awesome.  I can't wait for the finished product.  Should have that within the next week or so, if not sooner.

2)  Finally had a breakthrough on LESSONS III.  I've been in a rut trying to find a new angle/theme to go with, and I figured it out a few days ago.  Now, it seems like it's really starting to take off.  It still needs work, but I am much closer than I was about a month ago .  I also have a title for the new book:  LESSONS III: Demonic Dolls and Other Morbid Drabbles.  I'm really psyched and I hope everybody will like it when it's finished.

3)  I have now sold over 2,000 books and LESSONS I just sold its 1,000th copy about a week ago, all thanks to you guys!  I can never thank you enough.  I really, really appreciate it and am loving all of the wonderful comments from you all.  Your love and support has been overwhelming--but in a good way!  So thank you, thank you, thank you!

That about does it.  Sorry again for not updating this blog a bunch.  For more updates and constant inane babble, please check me out on Twitter: twitter.com/m_crane.

No new post for a month!? Now I am slacking...

Holy crap, I didn't realize that I didn't even have a single post for May.  That's pretty sad...  so, here's a post!

Currently, I'm working on a short story collection where I'm returning to my true passion when it comes to writing fiction: Slice-of-life.  I've had a few people say that they would love to see another collection that was like IN DECLINE.

That makes two of us.

It won't be a very long collection, but it'll contain brand new stories.  I'm already working on a rewrite on one of the stories that will be a part of it, and so far I'm very happy with how it's turning out.  I'm not sure exactly when the collection will be done.  I have to write the stories first.  I really hope it'll be before the end of the year, and I'm pretty sure it will.

I haven't forgotten about LESSONS III.  Just having a hard time trying to come up with some fresh new drabbles for it.  I think I've been going at it the wrong way when it comes to theme, so I think I've come up with something new for it.  Another project I hope to have finished before the end of the year.

Speaking of LESSONS, thanks to you guys, LESSONS AND OTHER MORBID DRABBLES has sold its 1000th copy this month!  I'm still in shock over that one.  Can't thank you guys enough for that.

And Nermal, our chinchilla, is still doing great.  That's right... I haven't told you guys how she managed to escape from her cage one night, now have I?  Well, that's a post for next month then!  She's a lil' troublemaker, that's for sure.  Stay tuned...

Well, that's about it for now.  Again, I apologize for not keeping this blog up to date.  Will keep you guys posted on how my current writing projects are going and if anything new comes up.  Have a Happy Memorial Day tomorrow!

Nermal, the latest addition to our family.

Again, I've become a slacker when it comes to blogging but I've been pretty busy lately.  I'm happy to announce that we finally went and bought a chinchilla.  We've named her "Nermal," like from the GARFIELD comics.  I know that was the name of a male cat, but she really does look like a "Nermal."

It's so nice to finally get one.  We've been planning on getting a chinchilla for the longest time.  So far, she seems really happy in her new home, and I am once again a very happy pet owner.  It's nice to have a pet in the room again--even if she does run and jump around in her cage all night long.  :)

A new month, a new start... and a new promise.

With it being a new month and all, I've reflected a lot on my writing.  While I'm very proud of what I've done, I think I can do better.  So, I'm making some changes with the way I write.

#1:  No more cursing.

That's right.  No longer will my characters have horrible potty mouths.  I realize that bad words can scare readers away.  Plus, it's just not right.  They're called "bad words" for a reason.  Is there any reason a character should curse?  I think not.

#2:  Only happy stories.

No more stories about heart-break, depression, sadness, addiction, etc.... They're just far too depressing.  I will only write stories about happy people doing happy things and having happy lives.  We need to set an example for our readers.

So, that's my bombshell today.  After much thought, I feel that this is the right way to go.  Positive stories for positive people.  That's my new motto!





























....yeah right. 

April Fools!  :P