Thursday, March 28, 2019

The First Reviews Are Starting to Come In

Welcome Everyone!

I got my first review! This one is from my audio book, which is not surprising since someone could finish that pretty quickly. I wouldn't have expected any reviews for the eBook or print versions just yet.

But anyway, it's really awesome to get my first piece of feedback about my novella. Here's what the user wrote:

"This story was so well written. Complete masterpiece! This author used such great descriptive words and sentences it made my mind drift into this land and I felt like I was there beside the Huntsmen. Can't wait for the next book to come out. WOW just Wow!"

Man, that's so uplifting to read. To whomever left that, I want you to know I appreciate it, and I am so glad you enjoyed my book!


Peace,

-Troy

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Great First Day

Welcome everyone!

We've had a terrific first day with the book. I'm blown away at all the wonderful support I've received from my friends, family, and community. It's really fantastic to have so many people behind me, helping out, and reading my work. I hope all of you enjoy it immensely.

The biggest surprise, for me, so far is how well the paperback is doing. In an age of digital everything, I would have guessed the eBook would have been the most popular. But nope, not even close.

As an English teacher, I love that. I'm glad the printed word still hold a certain level of value with people nowadays. I think that's an important signifier that long standing values in society still ring true. A book is an artifact, a tangible good that one can and should be proud to own. I'm humbled by how many of you have ordered one of mine. Thank you!

The rest of this week will be focused on learning the ropes of marketing and managing all the data that comes with book sales. Then, hopefully, next week I can get back to writing new content. That'll be fun.

Once again, a big shout-out to everyone who's gotten behind me on this project. You're all awesome! I'm very grateful for your help and support. I'm really touched ;)


Peace,

-Troy

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Today is Launch Day!

Welcome everyone!

The Huntsmen and the She-Wolf is now available! Launch day. We finally made it! Thank you to all those who have been a big part of my success. I am so excited for everyone to get a chance to read the story. It is my sincerest hope that you are uplifted by it.

Over the next few days I hope to share any reviews I receive for my work. It will be fascinating to see what people have to say about it. If you do get a copy of my book, please leave a review if you can. Reviews, more than anything, help a new author get established.

Anyway, I'm looking froward to talking not only more about this book in the future but also the sequel that I'm working on. I've got many surprises in store for you :)

Until then, though, enjoy the book!


Peace,

-Troy

Monday, March 25, 2019

Book Launch for THatSW Is Tomorrow!

Welcome Everyone!

Tomorrow is the big day. My debut book, The Huntsman and the She-Wolf, launches Tuesday, March 26th!

It's been a very long road to get here, and I almost didn't finish. Had it not been for the support of my wife and friends, I might have quit. But thanks to them and their faith in me, I will be a published author in less than 24 hours.

It feels so good to know that people will get to enjoy the fruit of my imagination soon. I truly hope than anyone who reads it, enjoys it. I know I still get pleasure from re-reading it, myself.

The work isn't finished, though. Expect to start hearing details about the second book in a week or two. I'm already hard at it. I think it will be better than the first book (unless my editor and beta readers see something I don't, LOL!)

Anyway, thanks to all those who have and are supporting me. This is going to be a fun journey for us to take together.



Peace,

-Troy

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Weekend Nature Post #4

Welcome everyone!

I hope to visit Audubon Park someday soon. I'd be interested to see of of the original illustrations. Looking forward to a break soon. I'm gonna need it :)


Peace,

-Troy

Friday, March 22, 2019

Goals for the Weekend 2019-03-22

Welcome Everyone!

I've got a lot of work to do this weekend. I've been sick, so real-life stuff has piled on. I'm also going to be helping family members move into-out of a home. As a result, I'm going to be pretty busy with non-book stuff.

I can't ignore it altogether, tho! Release day is NEXT TUESDAY!!!!!!!!!  So, I'll be prepping a few things for that. Life is busy right now. I'm looking forward to a vacation soon :)


Peace,

-Troy

Thursday, March 21, 2019

I Now Have an Audio Book!

Welcome everyone!

Super secret project #4 is here! It's an audio book! Check it out below:



That's right. I'm both on iTunes AND on Audible. Woo-woot!

It is indeed read by yours truly, so if you wondered what my voice sounds like, now you can find out. ;-D

There are a lot of interesting things I've learned with doing an audio book. First, it's very hard to produce. In fact, the whole process of doing it myself was miserable at times since I had to pay tremendously close attention to the smallest details.

Second, it takes a long time to make an audio book. I estimate I have at least 70 hours in just the recording, editing, and mastering off the files. Never-mind researching how to do one and setting it up on Audible/ACX. And of course, writing the book in the first place.

Third, authors have very little control over their product when it comes to audio books. I don't get to set the price. I didn't get an option for pre-orders. I don't think I can even do any price promotions for it. That strikes me as somewhat odd, but apparently the market for aBooks is really different from eBooks and print.

Finally, I learned it is still a gratifying experience to finish a project like this. It was hard. It required sacrifice both on my part and my family's (I had to have complete silence while I recorded even though I was in a isolated, closed room). It was a difficult mountain to climb, but I made it, and the view is amazing up here.

I am truly humbled by the fact that so many others will enjoy the work of my imagination. They'll get to experience a bit of me, and it is my sincerest hope that they are uplifted by what they read or hear.

So anyway, yes! I have completed an audio book, gone through the trials of ACX quality assurance, and been published in another medium. I am grateful to all those who take an interest in my book. I sincerely am. Thank you so, so very much.

Peace,

-Troy

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

A Special Moment on This Journey

Welcome Everyone!

Today I got to have a really cool experience. The local newspaper where I work did a very nice article on me and my book. The journalist was very professional and asked some really probing questions. I enjoyed the interview quite a lot, actually.

When it was finished, I never dreamed they would put it on the front page. I figured it would be in the feature section, which is usually toward the back half of the paper. It was quite a shock to see myself on the front! A pleasant shock, but a shock none-the-less.

Anyway, I am very grateful to the community for its interest and encouragement. It's such a blessing to have a support system so broad. Writing a work of fiction is a deeply personal thing, and when it's out there for strangers to read, it can be intimidating. There's a part of yourself that gets exposed. So, it's great to have so many fine folks behind me.

Here's what it looks like:


You can read the article here if you so desire, but I think it may be behind a paywall: https://www.lebanonenterprise.com/content/english-teacher-author

In other news, Super Secret Project #4 is completed! However, there is a small logistical problem I have to get cleared up. So expect me to reveal that tomorrow. Then it's full steam ahead for launch on March 26th! See you there :D

Peace,

-Troy

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Writer Journey Podcast Episode #3 - The Noble Birth

Welcome everyone!

Today the third epsiode for my podcast has been uploaded to SoundCloud. This time, we examine the first (and often omitted) step on the hero's journey: The Noble Birth.




Link to my station: https://soundcloud.com/troy-costisick

Enjoy! :)

-Troy

Monday, March 18, 2019

The Giveaway was Good but Unfruitful

Welcome everyone!

Several indie authors that I respect and have followed for a couple years now recommend doing book giveaways during your pre-order phase. The buzz around a free book, they say, often nets you new followers or social media and those who aren't winners will sometimes buy or wishlist your book as a result.

I decided to give away two paperback versions of my fantasy novella. I regard eBook giveaways as kinda cheap, and given my limited reach on social media, I didn't think a hardback giveaway would give me much more bang for the buck than a paperback giveaway.

The contest was great. The winners were very excited, and of course, I'm delighted for them. So what were the results? One new follower on twitter and 5 more blog visits than normal. Zero new sales. Yeah. Not great.

I don't regret running the giveaway at all because I learned something important. First, anyone who wins will be excited, so the size of the participant pool doesn't matter in that regard. Their happiness brought me a lot of happiness. However, the size of your social media footprint does matter a lot. So second, I learned that if you are a nobody on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc., a giveaway isn't going to chance that.

I suppose that's obvious, but now I know for sure. My hope is that by the time Book 2 comes out, I will have expanded my online reach and a giveaway will yield better results.


Peace,

-Troy

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Weekend Nature Post #3

Man, I wish I could go out and enjoy nature right now. But it's in the 30's, and I've got a bit of a cold :(


Friday, March 15, 2019

Goals for the Weekend: 2019-03-15

Welcome everyone!

This week didn't seem nearly as long as last week, but I'm still pretty tired. I've got some time to myself this weekend, so I'll be using it to get some work done (after sleeping in, of course). So here's what I hope to do:

-Continue writing on Book 2 in the Hunter's Rose series.
-Begin illustration concepts for Book 2.
-Reevaluate marketing plan for Book 1.
-Record and edit my next podcast.
-Pester people involved with my Super Secret Project #4 until I get an answer as to why things are taking so long.

That's a lot of different things, but I think it's all manageable. I'll let you know how I do ;)


Peace,

-Troy


Thursday, March 14, 2019

Had a Cool Experience Today

Welcome everyone!

I had a really special experience today regarding my book. I'm not going to talk about it right now. A) I'm exhausted, and really just need to get some rest. B) I'm not sure I can actually talk about it yet. But next week, I will, and it will be very cool!



Peace,

-Troy

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Never Too Early to get a Head Start

Welcome everyone!

In less than two weeks, my novella will be unleashed upon the world. It will be an exciting moment in my life, one I've dreamt about for a long, long time. But it is no time to rest. It's time to begin the next installment.

Book 2 in the Hunter's Rose series is already underway. If all goes according to plan (and for the record, not a single thing has gone as planned YET!), Book 2 will be launched this time next year.

So far, I'm finding it easier to write a sequel. I don't have to do nearly as much groundwork for the characters and setting. I just have to put a few subtle reminders for the audience here and there that explain where the characters are and what they're about. It's actually quite liberating.

I also feel more comfortable with story structure. The first book was a massive learning process for me. I've read and analyzed literature for years, but writing it? That's a whole 'nother matter. I had a lot of room to grow as a writer, and I'd be a liar if I said it was easy.

There were times I almost gave up. Thank goodness I didn't. If you're considering a creative project, surround yourself with people who aren't afraid to tell you the truth but are also willing to encourage you when you're down. I got down an awful lot over the last three years.

But thankfully, in 13 days, the the rough climb up the first mountain will be over, and I'll have a clear view of the next peak I have to scale.


Peace,

-Troy


Tuesday, March 12, 2019

The Fount of Many Hands

Welcome everyone!

I have a few more locations in the setting for my book I'd like to tell you about before it is released in two weeks. Today, I'm going to talk about The Fount of Many Hands.

Long ago, evil spirits created a fountain that spewed a sweet liqueur. It stands about seven feet tall and five feet wide at its base. The marble stonework has a slight blue tinge, and the glistening surface is pockmarked where rain and age have dissolved small bits of the stone. The basin is in the shape of a hundred harms with delicate, slender hands.

The fountain can appear anywhere in the valley including inside the village. It all depends on what would be worst for the person bound to it. The fount is given to anyone willing to make a deal with Derngar the dwarf. Only one person can possess the fount at a time, but Derngar is quite skilled in tempting his victims to abandon what they love for something more destructive.



Peace,

-Troy

Monday, March 11, 2019

Great News Regarding Super Secret Project #4!

Welcome everyone!

Hopefully later this week I will be able to share some very exciting news about my book with all of you. It's something I've been working on in addition to the text for the last four months or so. I finally made it through all the gatekeepers and will soon have something I've long desired. I know this is all cryptic and stuff, but man, I can't wait to tell you!


Peace,

-Troy

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Weekend Nature Post #2

I am so ready for spring. I have gotten tired of snow and grey and dead plants everywhere.


Friday, March 8, 2019

Goals for the Weekend 2019-03-08

Welcome everybody!

It's been a hectic week, but in a good way. The winners for my giveaway have been announced and the orders for their copies placed with the printer. I got my first YouTube vid up and my second podcast up. That's great for a week's work.

So for this coming weekend, I'm not going to put a lot on my plate.

-Finish up anything necessary for Super Secret Project #4
-Write up some scripts for advertising
-Begin working on ideas for Book 2 in my series



Peace,

-Troy

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Super Secret Project #3 - YouTube Vids!

Welcome everyone!

On Tuesday, I released my second podcast for the Writer Journey. I recognize that not everyone is into podcasts, so here's what I've been secretly working on: YouTube versions! The vids will be basic, but add some visuals to help explain the ideas I'm expressing. YouTube will always be behind my podcasts, but if you're more of a visual person, this should be right for you:




Hope you enjoy! :)

Peace,

-Troy

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

A Surprising Development for Book #1

Welcome everyone!

So the first bits of data are coming back from my pre-sale launch. Exact numbers are hard to get, but judging by indirect evidence, it seems like the paperback and hardback versions of my book are selling better than the ebook versions. I find that a little surprising. The ebook is far more economical IMHO and more accessible.

I tried reaching out to some of those who have pre-ordered the print copies, and I did get two responses. They were both fairly similar. Essentially they said, "This is the kind of book I'd want to display in my house/on my table."

I'm very flattered by that. I can't take much credit for the cover, though. It was the brilliant artists at Eight Little Pages who put that together for me, specifically Claire. She's incredibly talented at making great looking covers.

But anyway, I can see what the respondents mean. I find the hardcover jacket particularly attractive myself, because the main element (the dire wolf) stretches from front flap to back flap as you can see:


I just want to shout out a big thank you to everyone who's ordered my book already! We're just getting started, and it's going to get even better as we go along together :)

Peace,

-Troy

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Writer Journey Podcast Episode 2 - The Hero

Welcome Everyone!

Today, my second podcast for The Writer Journey has been uploaded to soundcloud. The link is below.




Link to station: https://soundcloud.com/troy-costisick

Peace,

-Troy

Monday, March 4, 2019

Great Weekend

Welcome everyone!

I had a great weekend. Super-Secret-Project #3 is complete. Let's hope everything I want from it comes to fruition. I also got some more writing done and finished approving the final proofs of my book.

I am also just starting to reveal the existence of my fantasy novella to people who know me personally. So if you are new here, HI! It's good to have you visit my site. Hope you come back to learn more about The Huntsman and the She-Wolf.



Peace,

-Troy

Friday, March 1, 2019

Goals for the Weekend 2019-03-01

Welcome everyone!

I have a lot to do this weekend. My book is now on preorder (yay!), but there is still so much to do before it launches on the 26th. Here's what I hope to accomplish over the next three days:

-Correct all errors in the print editions and get them uploaded to the printer
-Complete Super Secret Project #3
-Prepare post for Monday's giveaway
-Educate myself on Amazon advertising

If I can do all that, I'll be ecstatic.


Peace,

-Troy