Writing and Scammers

The other day I was chatting with my writing partner, Beauford, and one topic we almost always start with is "How many scammers called you this week?" My friend is typically getting several calls a day from agents, editors, promoters all trying to get him to part with his money and identity. Now, I don't often get called. I get e-mailed. Lately the e-mails have been getting more interesting and more helpful. Honestly, I read them, and all the compliments they toss out about my books, and begin to think that would make a great back jacket blurb or work well in a letter to an agent of an editor. So if I decide to use what they write is that stealing? I mean can you actually steal from a thief (scammer), who is trying to steal from you? For all I know they found an illegal download of my book and got an AI to write something catchy. Usually the book I get hit up for the most is Unicorn's Milk. I'm not sure if it is because of the title or the way I registered it with the Library of Congress. But with 14 books in print, that's the one that is usually singled out. Until this week . . . This week someone actually contact me about The Conrad Chronicles. That was a bit of a surprise for sure. I did give them a bit of the benefit of the doubt about being real (1%) and told them if they wanted to meet in person in a coffee house and have their ID on them to prove who they were, I'd listen to their proposal. They had no response to that. Anyway, I want to share what they wrote about the Conrads. It was very nice, though they said there were 8 books in the series, and there are actually 9. Here's part of the e-mail: Twenty years. Eight novels. A universe spanning multiple planets, generations-long storylines, soul mate arcs across lifetimes, and a spiritual undertone that clearly reflects your love of C.S. Lewis. That is not a hobby project. That is a life's work, and it deserves to be found. Here is the honest truth I have to share with you. The readers who would absolutely love the Conrad Chronicles are out there right now. Fans of C.S. Lewis who want science fiction with spiritual depth. Epic fantasy readers who want world-building that spans millennia. Readers of Brandon Sanderson, N.K. Jemisin, and Anne McCaffrey who are always hungry for more. They are searching and they have not found your series yet. That is not a writing problem. It is purely a discoverability problem. Wouldn't it be nice to live in a world were a writer (or any artist) could believe people were actually randomly out there and would randomly contact them and wanted to support them and help make them rich? Isn't that why fiction is so great?

It's been forever . . .

My blog! I have finally found my way back to it. Ideas have not been lacking, but when Google changed its format, I couldn't figure out how to post to my blog. Tonight I finally found the magic button to allow me to return and post again. Yeah! Since my last post, Konrad Reichenberger is still a missing persons. As he has now been gone seven years, last spring his family decided to hold a memorial service for him in Coloma, California, one of his favorite places. I was fortunate enough to attend this beautiful outdoor ceremony celebrating Konrad's life. Even know the family and all his friends are still seeking him or information to his whereabouts. As a reminder he disappeared in the California Pine area of Alturas County California. Meanwhile I have been writing. It's been so long that I don't remember if I wrote about the last two books of mine to be published. The first is the last in The Conrad Chronicles series and is titled Resolution. As with all my books it is available at . The book is only available through Lulu or via me if you see me at some fair. By doing this I can keep the price down. If I made it available everywhere I'd be force to accomadate Amazon's pricing and that would mean I'd need to sell the book for more than $20 just to make a quarter. The other book is in a different genre. Years ago I connected with a publisher to write this book, but the press never came through in the end, so I decided to make it available on Lulu.com as well. This book I chose to create a hardback edition first. It is Ghost Tales from Northern California's Highway 101. The link to purchase it is . Ghost Tales is not connected to any of my other books and involved me dusting off my history degree and doing some research. The tales inside are spooky, but not horrifying. As the back reads Welcome to chilling stories from Northern California's Highway 101. Ghosts, spooks, and other supernatural creatures hide within these pages. Spine tingling tales from behind the Redwood curtain will send you exploring ship wrecks, haunted houses, and up the old Highway 101 now known as Bell Springs Road. Enjoy. Happy Reading! I'm back!

The Conrad Chronicles

With a joyous smile I finished writing the first draft of book 8 of The Conrad Chronicles today. When I started penning words this afternoon, I knew I was near the end of the book, but didn't realize I'd finish. Usually when I sit down to write with my cup of vanilla piece tea, I write one scene. Today I knocked out the last three and then jotted down notes so I begin writing book 9, which will be the finally book in the series.

Of course, I still need to get books 5 through 7 finished and published. The plan is to publish 5 this year, which will happen as it only needs formatting and one more proof reading after that. I shall have published in the Fall for sure, maybe sooner.

Happy reading!

The Busy Season . . .New Conrad Chronicle Coming Soon!

These past months have been very busy ones for me for several reasons, one of them that I have been at work writing.  With this I have great news. The Conrad Chronicles: Rebirth will be for sale by the end of this month (October). Just a few minutes ago I finished uploading the manuscript to my printer and order the proof copy. If the proof looks good (which I hope it will as this is the 8th time I've done this), I will hit the distribute button and Rebirth will be available as a paperback.

Meanwhile, I will finish working on the final edit of the 5th Conrad novel Regrets, which may follow this one in a few months, probably early 2020. At this time I'm also writing the 8th book in  the Conrad series, and am about 4/5ths done with that first draft.

Happy reading.

Spring 2019 Writing Update and Where to Purchase My Books

For all those who are interested in my writing, and not the other topics I pen about here, I thought I would give you an update.

Currently I am formatting book 4 in The Conrad Chronicles, editing book 5, and writing the first draft of book 8. Of the three tasks, I prefer the writing of the first draft, followed by the editing. Formatting, which means fighting headers and footers so they end up in the right place, is always a real chore.

Since it has been a while, and the information is in a blog that is at least a year old, I'm going to post links to my novels here.

In The Conrad Chronicles series:

Revolt

Best place to buy as a paperback
http://www.lulu.com/shop/heather-hobson/the-conrad-chronicles-revolt/paperback/product-23411235.html

or

Available as an e-book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Conrad-Chronicles-Revolt-Heather-Hobson/dp/1387319159/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Heather+Hobson&qid=1555614845&s=gateway&sr=8-2




Realizations

Best place to buy as a paperback
http://www.lulu.com/shop/heather-hobson/the-conrad-chronicles-realizations/paperback/product-23554369.html

or

Available as an e-book here:https://www.amazon.com/Conrad-Chronicles-Realizations-Heather-Hobson-ebook/dp/B07BQCMJ3L/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Heather+Hobson&qid=1555615301&s=books&sr=1-5


Rejection

Best place to buy as a paperback
http://www.lulu.com/shop/heather-hobson/the-conrad-chronicles-rejection/paperback/product-23875263.html







My Other Books: 

Callings: Tales of the Conrads of Karna:

Best place to buy as a paperback
http://www.lulu.com/shop/heather-hobson/callings-tales-of-the-conrads-of-karna/paperback/product-21450992
.html

or

Available as an e-book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Callings-Conrads-Heather-Tom-Lewis-ebook/dp/B01AB8FYHO/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=Heather+Hobson&qid=1555614845&s=gateway&sr=8-13


Unicorn's Milk

Best place to buy as a paperback
http://www.lulu.com/shop/heather-hobson-lewis/unicorns-milk/paperback/product-22386624.html


or

Available as an e-book here:https://www.amazon.com/Unicorns-Milk-Heather-Hobson-Lewis-ebook/dp/B016SK8J1W/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=Heather+Hobson&qid=1555615301&s=books&sr=1-6


Stubby the Magic Pencil

Best place to buy as a paperback:
http://www.lulu.com/shop/heather-hobson/stubby-the-magic-pencil/paperback/product-21959411.html

or

Available as an audio book or e-book here:https://www.amazon.com/Stubby-Magic-Pencil-Heather-Hobson/dp/1312328371/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=Heather+Hobson&qid=1555614845&s=gateway&sr=8-6
and under my pend name Echo Ryan:



A Tale of Butts: The Story of a Couch

Best place to buy as a paperback:
http://www.lulu.com/shop/echo-ryan/a-tale-of-butts-the-story-of-a-couch/paperback/product-15642092.html

or

Available as an audio book or e-book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Tale-Butts-Story-Couch/dp/1257633201/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Heather+Hobson&qid=1555614845&s=gateway&sr=8-1

The Conrad Chronicles: Rejection is now in print!

About an hour ago, I received my proof copy for The Conrad Chronicles: Rejection. After checking it over, I submitted the okay for it to be distributed. While it will take 6 to 8 weeks for the book to be fully available through books stores and online places such as amazon and Barnes and Nobles, the book can be purchased right now from lulu.com.

In fact, today (November 26), Lulu is offering one of it's biggest discounts of the year, 35% off.  Also, I have knocked 10% of the book, so that means you will save 45% off of the cover price of $17.99 if you buy it today. Though, if you do miss the discount Lulu is offering, today, they usually have another one going on (usually 10% to 20%), so if you head to lulu.com you can find it.

http://www.lulu.com/shop/heather-hobson/the-conrad-chronicles-rejection/paperback/product-23875263.html

For your information, Rejection is the the third book in the series. You can start the series at this book (as originally it was the first book written), but if you want all the background you really should read Revolt and Realizations first, both of which are available at Lulu at a discount (and are already on amazon, Barnes and Nobles, as well as other places). Rejection is also a darker book than the first two, and thus I have marked it on Lulu as an over 18 book.

Happy Reading!

Update on Writing: Conrad Chronicles, Ghost Book and More

For those of you who are here to follow my writing, here is my latest update on what I have been working on and what has transpired.

The Conrad Chronicles: Realizations is still on schedule to be out at the end of this month. The cover is finished, the e-book version ready to go, and an ISBN number has been assigned. Just a bit more formatting on the print version and a review of a proof copy and Book 2 in The Conrad Chronicles will be out.

As for the ghost book that has been sitting with a certain publisher for years, the same publisher who said it was ready to go the printer over the summer, I gave him a call. He couldn't give me an answer on where it was in the publication process and back tracked on it being ready to go to the printer during the summer. This is disappointing, but not surprising given all the "delays" that have occurred. Since I have so many other books and projects I have let this one sit with this publisher all these years, but at some point if he doesn't get the book out there I will self-publish it.

I finished typing up and editing the second draft of the League of Angels inspired book I wrote. The working title right now is The Legend of Star Stone. Since my focus right now is publishing more books in The Conrad Chronicles series, not sure when I will do the third/polish edit of this novel. In addition I am toying with the idea of just releasing it one chapter at a time in a blog format. First I will need to copy right the manuscript.

Finally I am working on a final/polish edit of the third book in The Conrad Chronicles series, Rejections. Right now this manuscript is my coffee house project as I edit a few chapters every week while enjoying a cup of vanilla tea.

The Conrad Chronicles: Revolt and my other writing

Just to give everyone a heads up, the paper back version of The Conrad Chronicles: Revolt is now available on amazon.com. Remember it is retailing there for $17.99.

Revolt on Amazon

Through my publisher I'm able to set a discount with them. If you got to lulu.com you can purchase the book for $13.49, which is a 25% savings. Also, Lulu frequently has coupons in the website for another percentage off or free shipping.

Revolt on Lulu

Now that Revolt is back in the world, I have been working diligently on Realizations. I fully anticipate the second book in The Conrad Chronicles to be out by March, if not a bit sooner. My aim now is to have the third book Rejections out by next December. So I will be busy.

While I'm working on all this editing, polishing, and formatting, I am also spending a bit of time on the second drafter of my League of Angels inspired book. Though I must confuse that other than the names of a few characters my friends from the game wanted me to use, the book has nothing to do with the game other than being a fantasy adventure.  Also, though I had not planned it, I ended up setting the book on the planet Karna and gave it a small tie-in with The Conrade Chronicles. No matter what I write, I always seem to end up back on Karna.

Happy reading.

Writing Update-ghost book and The Conrad Chronicles

Writing always provides many challenges, especially on the publishing end. The ghost book I mentioned a few months back still hasn't been printed by the publisher. I was really hoping it would be out before Halloween, but it doesn't look like it will be.

Meanwhile, I have been diligently writing the first draft of a new novel which has now over 300 hand written pages.  This is a sequel to another book I wrote earlier this year that I am in the process of typing up.

While all this is going on Revolt, the first of The Conrad Chronicles which was first published many years ago, will be republished. A wonderful artist is working on a cover for the book, while at the same time the manuscript is being formatted as both an e-book and a paperback.  This will be the first time Revolt will be available as an e-book.

My hope is to follow up the publishing of Revolt with the second book in The Conrad Chronicles, Realizations. The cover art for it is being worked on and it is in the process of one last read through before it gets formatted for printing.  With any luck, Revolt with be available again in November and Realizations should be out by the spring, most likely March.

Happy reading!

Random Thoughts

This past week I've been wanting to blog, but haven't settled on an idea to write about. Yesterday I thought about writing a few words about May the Force Be With You Day, but I think lots of Star Wars fans did so, so I skipped that idea.

Then I thought to write an update on my writing, but much is still the same. I'm writing one novel, editing another, and waiting on a third to be published.

I could write about this strange weather, rain, sun, hail, rain, sun, but I anyone who has a window to the outside can see the weather is off this spring.

As for the rest of my thoughts, they've been will the weather warm enough to steam clean the carpets? When will the rain stop so I can pull the weeds from the backyard? When will that novel be published?

Then my thoughts go to I could write about my birthday trip with my mother to Seven Feather's Casino (which was relaxing and fun), or about Easter. Yet, Easter feels so long ago now, though it is just a few weeks back, and the only significant event was the great dog cookie hunt in the backyard.

There are also all the petitions I sign in order to protect the planet and animals, but anyone who is interested in those can find them on my twitter account.

These are my random thoughts, and none of them really are worthy of a blog of their own.

A Writer's Life

Originally I created this blog to provide an avenue to share my writing adventures with those who might be interested. Though I don't often blog about my writing, I am putting pen to paper or keyboard to computer most days.

For those who may interested this is what I am currently working. I just finished the first draft of a legend based novel that takes place on the planet Karna (see my books Callings, Unicorn's Milk, and Revolt for more information on this planet). This new novel once finished sparked an instant idea for a sequel, which I have already started to pen. As I am typing up and editing the first legend book, I am writing the second one.

Meanwhile, I have a manuscript that I have been waiting for a publisher to print for almost 5 years now. Every few months I call and he says he is working on it or will check on it, and then nothing. Since I only agreed to the print rights for this book, I have now started to format the manuscript to be an e-book. (and yes I could yank the book from him, but what is the point as I have so many other projects I am working on?)

Those my dear readers are what I am creating currently.

Books for Sale in store in Salem, Oregon

My novels are now for sale at The Fussy Duck in Salem, Oregon. So if you live near that area, and aren't into buying books on-line, here is your chance to get copies at a store. All these copies are signed too!

The Fussy Duck is located at 3170 Commercial St. SE, Salem, Oregon. The books can be found in Booth B19. The workers there can help you find them if you don't want to spend time searching through all the wonderful antiques and other unique items for sale.

Of course, if you can't get to the store the books are all available on lulu.com and amazon.com as paperbacks and kindles. Enjoy reading!

Books Published by Friends and Self

Over the years I have mentioned my own published books, as well of those as my friends. I realize the links to all those books are scattered throughout this blog. Thus, I have decided to create one blog entry with all the links.

If I have forgotten anyone, please let me know and I will add you.

Happy Reading

List of Paperback Books Available for Direct Purchase through the Publisher:

Callings: Tales of the Conrads of Karna Paperback-Heather Hobson
 
Unicorn's Milk Paperback-Heather Hobson Lewis

Stubby, the Magic Pencil Paperback-Heather Hobson

A Tale of Butts: The Story of a Couch Paperback-Echo Ryan

Apex Paperback-John Stepehn Pinto

Homuncula Paperback-John Henri Nolette

Webs of Paradox Paperback- KC Heath


Lies Retold- Elle Dee
 
List of Paperback and Kindle Books Available on Amazon.com

Stubby, The Magic Pencil by Heather Hobson

Unicorn's Milk by Heather Hobson Lewis

Callings: Tales of the Conrads of Karna

A Tale of Butts: The Story of a Couch by Echo Ryan

Apex by John Stephen Pinto

Webs of Paradox by KC HeathHomuncula by John Henri Nolette

Ah Summer! Writing time!

I am finally free to write full-time again. I love summer for that freedom.

Already my fingers are working away on a couple of projects. Before the end of this summer I shall have another book in print. This past week I connected with a young artist who has agreed to do the cover art for my manuscript Stubby, the Magic Pencil. The book is in the process of being polished and formatted for printing. This will be the release of my first children's chapter book.

In addition I am continuing to writer another mid grade chapter book about a dragon and edit one of the Conrad novels.

I have a busy summer planned.

Happy writing and playing everyone.

Took a break from writing to cruise Alaska!

After three weeks of writing the first 40 pages of the next Conrad book, I found myself on a cruise to Alaska. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, especially Juneau and Tracy Arm.  The weather was an unbelievable 85F. Not at all what I imagined the weather in Alaska to be like. The locals were surprised by the unusual heat wave.

Juneau, Alaska - Mendenhall Glacier

My favorite place on my ship, Golden Princess, was Skywalkers Lounge. A glass walled tunnel leads the way to this lounge of star lights and space paintings encased in round bubble glass.

Skywalkers Lounge entrance

The journey through the inside passage I found worth the break from my writing. Tomorrow I shall begin again with the Conrads in earnest.

Skywalkers Lounge

Summer Writing

I am delighted to report that I have begun writing the next Conrad book. I'm not sure if this one will be the last, or merely the 7th. This piece is still untitled, though it's title will begin with an "R," just like all the other novels in the series.

Unfortunately, at the moment, Revolt, the first book in The Conrad Chronicles is out of print. I'm debating finding a new publisher versus self-publishing.

The Conrad short stories are still available under the title Callings: Tales of the Conrads of Karna.  

I do have the book that follows Revolt ready for publication. Again, I am debating seeking a publisher  or self-publishing. This book is entitled Realizations.

Any thoughts or comments on how I should proceed?

Freedom of speech is more limited than people think!

Well, I'm bummed. My friend who just managed to get her first book done, created a cover, and published as a Kindle had to take her book down. Since the novel was a sexual romance her church told her that if she didn't take it down she would not be able to be a member and the kids would be kicked out of the school they have been attending all their lives.

Thus, censorship on speech is still very much alive.  A lot of writers aren't free to write about what they want to. America is not as free as people think it is.

Sci-Fi book by KC Heath published!

An acquaintance from writing group I belong to has had a sci-fi book published.  Her name is KC Heath and her book is entitled Reins of Time.  I have yet to read this e-book (we are hoping for a paper copy release at a future date), but I know what hard works goes into writing and completing a novel, and felt KC deserved a shout out for her great accomplishment.

If you want to learn more about Reins of Time you can visit her publisher's website at:

http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/actionadventure-c-70/reins-of-time-p-271.html

The book blurb reads:

"In the Dark Age of two thousand, six hundred years into our future, two men struggle against changing times. One is young and genetically gifted with an electromagnetic attraction to a strange planet where sentient metallic aliens can warp space. Meerak is the prize of three worlds' of power politics and must mature quickly or die. His honorable enemy-become-companion is a middle-aged man who will sacrifice everything for his loyalty to this cause. Together with three strong heroines, they fight amphibious aliens and time-paradoxes in a high-action adventure over the newly discovered exotic fuel supply that enables interplanetary travel.."

Congratulations on your success KC!