Black Wolf Books, Inc.

2008-03-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

On the Hunt

Now that a book is published and for sale, the next step is marketing, which involves finding professional reviewers. With my latest release, I am now officially “on the hunt” for those critters.

There are several sources for finding reviewers, such as newspapers in your state (they love touting local authors), clubs that feature your genre of writing, magazines, etc. The tricky part is getting them to agree to review the book.

I’ve spent several hours making up a request letter as well as a sell-sheet to send to these various people. Now, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for positive feedback. Wish me luck, y'all!

2008-03-08T03:51:00.001-08:00

It's finally available!

My newest work, Kuy Syan Joshua, is finally for sale, both on my website and at Amazon. I have to say, it showed up on Amazon several days before I actually got the books here. That was a nice surprise!

Now I'm going through the process of finding reviewers. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will be relatively quick and painless.

If you have a few minutes and are interested, you can read the excerpts here.

2008-03-03T19:34:00.000-08:00

To self-publish or not

I have seen on several writers forums a raging debate about the best route to take for new authors. Do you find an agent and pray a big publishing house signs you on, or do you take the risk of self-publishing?

Some people have made their decisions and chosen their route. Many, though, are still trying to make up their mind. This is written for them.

As in every choice, there are pros and cons of each.

Traditional publishing is much like winning the lottery. You might be a great writer, but can you catch their eye? So many manuscripts that are sent in go unread and tossed to the side. It can take years, if ever, to find the right agent/publisher combination. Even then, much of the publicity is left to the author, for book signings, etc.

On the plus side, ten percent of a publishing house’s marketing efforts far outweigh 100% of a self-publisher’s efforts. They have contacts and venues already in place. A self-publisher rarely has the funds available for a major marketing campaign.

Self-publishing allows an author complete control over the project, not just the story. Book cover artwork, formatting, sales price, etc. are all the individual’s decision.

There is a stigma attached with POD (print on demand) and vanity press, however. Many new authors aren’t skilled in the craft and put out awful work, unable to even distinguish between active and passive voice. There is no quality control in place, like there is in a publishing house.

There are some associations formed for self-publishers, much in the way of co-ops. Groups of authors purchase blocks of advertising and split the cost, or purchase a spot at a national book fair, again sharing the cost, making it a bit more affordable.

I don’t know if there is an equivalent of the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval” for self-published authors in the U.S., letting the consumer know the book has passed at least basic quality criteria. If there isn’t, there probably will be soon.

This blog doesn’t offer any answers, only some insight into the choices before new authors. We’d all love to be the next J.K. Rowling, but, short of that, we are all called to patience.

2008-03-01T06:10:00.000-08:00

A blogger returns

After a long absence from blogging, I have decided to give this another try. My latest novel, "Kûy Syân Joshua", the second in the T'on Ma series, is being released this month. Since the last time I blogged, I've also published the second novel in my Black Wolf series, "Black Wolf at Rosebud", as well as a stand-alone novel, "Tascosa".

Finally, I am co-author of a two-part series, Miko and Lil, a madcap tale of talking mice on the Los Lonely Boys tour bus.

Feel free to look around on my website and to read excerpts.

Have a great weekend!

Belle

2006-09-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

When Angels Wept

Stunned — shocked — silent.
Ash-covered faces turned skyward,
horror searing their eyes.

News stations starred that day
on my relentless TV.
Red-eyed, grim anchormen,
with shouting earpieces,
tried to decipher chaos.

Alone in my den,
I rocked back and forth
crying.
What happened?
Why?
Who did this?

The Pentagon?
What?!?
Oh, dear God.
What?!?
Where is the President?
Where is Air Force One?

Pennsylvania? Now what’s happened?
Cell phone terror about
terrorist cells.
“Let’s roll,” say the heroes.
And their cell phones die.

Triage centers set up crisp, white cots
that no one needed.
They were all dead, buried
in twisted metal coffins.

The whole world reeled that day.
Black smoke glutted the heavens,
choking the angels
who folded their wings
across their faces
and wept.

© 2006 Magnolia Belle

2006-08-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

T’on Ma for sale
Trafford Publishing has got my latest novel, “T’on Ma”, for sale as of earlier this week. The sale page also has seven pages of excerpts, if you’re interested in reading them. I’ve taken orders for those who want autographed copies, and should have those in hand in a couple of weeks.

I think the most fulfilling part of writing is hearing people’s responses after they’ve read the book. That is what I’m looking forward to after all the writing, editing, rewrites, graphics, and waiting, waiting, waiting.

The next step, business-wise, is to contact reviewers. Fortunately, I have a good list from my first book.

So, here’s to the weekend and whatever it may bring!

2006-08-04T23:25:00.000-07:00

T’on Ma galley is in
I received the galley proof to “T’on Ma” this afternoon. I’m halfway through the final read and so far, I haven’t found anything to prevent it from going to print. What a nice way to end the weekend.

Even though the book is substantially longer than “Black Wolf: Lakota Man”, the cost is the same. That is partially because I declined the laminated cover this go-round. While it looks gorgeous, it added over $2 to the printing cost.

The colors on the cover turned out amazingly well. My illustrator, Ken Faulks, is going to be so pleased! My web designer, Kirk Osburne, is making progress in updating the web site as well to include “T’on Ma”.

Also, the timing is perfect to have the book listed on Amazon before Christmas. I should also have copies in my grubby little hands for the Sept. book fair I’ve committed to. Woohoo!

2006-07-28T01:32:00.000-07:00

T’on Ma to be released soon
It’s been several months since I’ve posted a blog. The time was filled with a lot of hurry-up-and-wait, with only increments of progress being made. However, since my last post, enough has accumulated to give me something to report.

For one, I am now Black Wolf Books, Inc. That took a several weeks of back-and-forth with attorneys and attaining permission to use Black Wolf, but it’s done. And I am official.

Secondly, I’ve started contracting musicians to put music to the lyrics in my Black Wolf series. This is so exciting for me that I can hardly stand the anticipation. One day – some day – I’ll be able to post an audio link for you to hear what the bands are doing. The first band I’m working with is Exit 20, from New York. Check ‘em out, sign their guest book, tell ‘em Belle sent ya.

Third, the first book in my second series, both with the title of “T’on Ma” will be ready for release within the month – if all goes well. My web designer, Kirk Osburne, will be kept busy with the site’s new design. I’ve already gotten some orders for autographed copies of “T’on Ma”. I hired a new editor for this series and she is very excited about its release as well.

Fourth, I’ve joined a writer’s forum, “Writers Café”, and have made quite a few friends as well as had opportunities to sharpen my writing skills. That’s it for now from me. But, I’ll keep posting as things progress.

2006-02-19T00:41:00.000-08:00

Blog for Authors
I ran across a blog for self-published authors the other day. The Kozlowski’s are offering to post (for free) the cover and a short write-up on books by self-published writers. They’re hoping to collect several titles, but are just getting it started.

www.slushbuzz. blogspot.com

I’m happy to announce that my book, ”Black Wolf: Lakota Man”, is apparently the first one. And, they did a fine job with the post, too. If you are an author and need a little more exposure for your book (who doesn’t?), then go to their blog and click on the e-mail link. I think you’ll be happy with the results.

2006-02-16T23:05:00.000-08:00

Book Fairs
In an effort to increase sales of ”Black Wolf: Lakota Man”, I have been looking into book fairs to be held in Texas this year. So far, I’ve only found a few that I can afford. There’s a dandy in Austin this coming fall, but they want $500 for a booth. Hmmmm.

However, there’s one even closer. It’s a smaller venue, but it also only costs $20. That I can manage. I’ll have to start contacting people and see what I can arrange. I’ve never been to a book fair, but I think I’ll like it… especially meeting all of those other authors. Oh, the war stories we can swap!

2006-02-13T02:00:00.000-08:00

Girl of My Dreams
When most young men imagine meeting the woman of their dreams for the first time, all kinds of scenarios play out. Especially if they have a vivid imagination, like I do. A beach lit in soft sunset colors, waves gently rolling back and forth, and there she is. Her hair blown softly by the breeze, a clingy wrap-around skirt covering her long legs.

Or, in the trendiest dance club in town, the band smokin’, the party going full bore, when, across the room, I’d spy the most soulful, beautiful pair of eyes watching me.

But never, ever, did I dream of meeting her like I did. Getting that kiss was amazing, earth stopping – but – in front of my brothers?!? OMG!

Caleb Black Wolf”Black Wolf: Lakota Man”

2006-02-09T23:00:00.000-08:00

Sales? What sales?
Sales for ”Black Wolf: Lakota Man” are virtually nonexistent. Press releases are out; great reviews are up in magazines, newspapers, and Amazon. Yet, nothing. Nada. Crickets chirping.

Until the book listing shows up at the Barnes and Nobles website, I can’t do a book signing at their local store. My next step will be library readings, I guess. This is frustrating – and yet, I have a feeling it’s just part of the overall picture. The best thing I can do is keep the faith and keep on keeping on.

Anyone wanna buy a book? It’s good!

2006-02-07T23:06:00.000-08:00

“A Breakthrough”
I think Belle has had a breakthrough with ”Black Wolf at Rosebud”. She’s rewritten the opening chapters several times, but never was satisfied with it. I kept telling my brother, Matthew (the main character in this book), that he needed to open up to Belle and tell her more about himself.

However, it was his girlfriend, Lainie Two Kettles, who brought his personality into sharper focus for the author. Now, Belle knows what to write and how to write it. Let’s just hope her editor is happy with it.

Caleb Black Wolf

2006-02-05T22:06:00.000-08:00

“Dan’s Turn”
One of the characters in ”Black Wolf at Rosebud” is Daniel Black Wolf, cousin to Caleb Black Wolf. The following is a character study on Dan.

Daniel Black Wolf, cousin to Matthew, sat at his desk in the Tribal Police building. The desk was neat, with only the papers he was working on sitting on top. To one side sat a silver-framed picture of a lovely, young woman — his wife, Rose, deceased for three years now. Her long, dark braid fell across one shoulder, her beautiful eyes and gentle lips smiling at him whenever he took a moment to look at her. Just in front of the photo sat a well-used, dark blue mug, the remaining coffee in it long gone cold.

Dan’s 6′2″ frame filled the gray swivel chair that he sat in, his knees just fitting underneath the desk. Closely resembling his famous cousins in good looks and muscular build, he twirled a pencil close to his mouth while his eyes stared unfocused at the floor. Matthew should be in today or tomorrow, arriving before the rest of his family for Caleb and Sara’s wedding. Dan’s thoughts started with that and then wandered.

* * *
“While my cousins have moved all over the place, never really having a home base, I’ve always lived in one spot. Hell, my house now is only ½ a mile from the house I grew up in. I love this place. I love the outdoors. It is beautiful here, wide open and free. I know there are troubles within the Lakota nation. But, what group of people doesn’t have trouble? There are wonderful qualities running through us as well – we are fiercely proud of our heritage and of our ancestors. Family means everything to me. Outside of that, my job as a tribal policeman is what I am most proud of. The fact that I am able to ensure peace here makes me happy. It’s not everyday that I get up chomping at the bit, ready to go into the office. There are days that I just wish I could throw the alarm clock out the window and go back to sleep. But, overall, I love my job.

My marriage to Rose was too short. We grew up together, attended the same schools and were good friends by the time we hit Jr. high. The week after we graduated from high school, we got married. It’s funny how most guys will tell you that they like to shop around, “look at the menu.” Not me. I must be wired differently. Once I fell for Rose, there was no menu. She was it. She had my heart and I was content to let it be so. Her love covered me up and filled in the lonely places that I didn’t realize I had. Marrying so young and marrying our first loves meant that neither of us was trying to work through the pain of bad relationships from the past. We were innocent and naive in our love for each other. It simply was. On some level, I think we both knew it was special, different, blessed, and we were both grateful.

Rose loved horses. For our first wedding anniversary, I gave her a beautiful Appaloosa gelding. Normally, I couldn’t afford such an expensive gift, but the month before, I had saved a man’s life with CPR. He felt that he owed me something and almost gave the horse away. You should have seen Rose’s eyes light up when I drove her to the stables. She teared up and kissed me. Then, she went into the horse’s stall and I didn’t see her again for an hour. By the time she came out, that poor animal almost glistened from the grooming it just got.

On weekends, I’d rent a horse and Rose and I would ride out on horseback into the wilds. Many times we’d camp overnight and fall asleep, talking by the fire, lulled by the river. I’m not sure if it was my heritage or my own imagination, but I liked taking her out on overnight trips, catching our dinner from the river, living like our great grandfathers had all those years ago. It felt right. It suited us. And we were never happier as we were at those times.

When she died, my heart ripped in two. I swear I heard the sound. I’ll never forget that evening. She had gone to the store and planned to be back within the hour. Nothing out of the ordinary. I was watching a game on TV, relaxing, drinking a beer, when the phone rang. Oh — my — God. Everything stopped — my heart, my breathing, my reason. She was dead — killed in a head-on collision by a drunk driver. Oh — my — God. This didn’t make any sense. This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t be true.

And yet, a few days later, I floated above the gathering at her gravesite. I watched them lower her casket. I saw people talking to my body. None of them realized that I wasn’t in there. I was up here, high up where the pain couldn’t reach me. For days and weeks and months after that, I willed myself every night to not wake up in the morning. And yet, every morning, I woke up to an empty house, empty arms. Oh — my — God. The pain was blinding, unbearable, unrelenting. And grief? I never truly understood the meaning of that awful word until it knocked on my door, lodged in my gut.

But, slowly, as time passed, so did the sharpness and bitterness of the pain. I sold Rose’s Appaloosa and I haven’t been riding since. I still questioned God, but not at the screaming, glass-shattering volume of the recent past. Slowly, as I buried myself in work just as much as my Rose was buried in the earth, slowly I began to look up and notice things. Small things. The sky was blue. The kids across the street were laughing while they played touch football. The neighbor’s roses were a beautiful shade of yellow.

Then one day, a good year later, while out on patrol, I saw two young women standing outside beside a trailer. They were talking and laughing. I recognized them as the Two Kettles sisters, Lainie and Helen. Lainie had been a few years behind me in school and, now, was a schoolteacher herself. Helen was still in high school. I rolled to a stop beside them and leaned towards my open window.

“Hi!” I greeted them. “Nice day to be outside.”

“Yep. Sure is,” Helen agreed. “We were just talking about the rodeo this weekend. You going?”

“Oh, probably not,” I answered quietly. I still wasn’t ready for any social life. Not alone. Not without Rose.

“Well, we’re going,” Helen announced. “I wanna see the cowboys.”

“Have fun,” I smiled and then started to drive off. Before I could, Lainie put her hand on my elbow and leaned in to look closely at me. “I wish you’d go,” she said quietly. “Maybe we’ll see you there.” There was something in her eyes — a light — a friendliness — something — that cut through the gray gloom I was mummified in and let sunlight into my soul. It was just a glimmer, but it was there. I had no words; the sensation startled them out of me. So, I just nodded, waved goodbye once and drove off.

I didn’t go to the rodeo. But, that weekend, as I watched the trucks pulling horse trailers, watched the streets fill up with visitors, I wondered how Lainie was enjoying herself.”

* * *
Dan sighed in his reverie just as the police radio crackled to life. There was a disturbance at the grocery store. Standing, Dan tossed the pencil onto the desk, where it rolled until it clicked to a stop against the coffee mug. He nodded once to his partner, Kele, and they filed out together to answer the call.

© 2006 Magnolia Belle

2006-02-03T22:04:00.000-08:00

”Let’s Talk.”
It’s funny how I came into being as the main character in ”Black Wolf: Lakota Man.” At first, I was just a collection of random thoughts, a compilation of personalities my author had met through the years. But, bit-by-bit, I felt my own personality begin to take shape. I suppose it was kind of like a baby discovering its fingers and feet.

So, one day, as she was busy working at her laptop, I simply walked into the room and stood right in front of her, silently demanding her attention. Belle looked up, rather surprised. I don’t think she was expecting such a physical presence to an imaginary character.

We stared at each other for a long moment and then I said, “Hi. I’m Caleb. Let’s talk.”

So, I talked and she typed. She and I got to know each other well. Sometimes, in the dark moments, when things snarled up or got confused or stalled, I’d stand over her shoulder, encouraging her to go on – to not give up. From time to time, I’m ashamed to admit, I got impatient with the process and I let her know it. But I am proud of who I am, of who she made me to be.

Caleb Black Wolf

2006-02-01T22:04:00.000-08:00

Collaboration
There are several song lyrics in ”Black Wolf: Lakota Man.” As the lead guitarist and one of the chief song writers for the Black Wolf band, songwriting collaboration with my brothers is something that I have to do all of the time.

I know I’m always telling my youngest brother, Joaquin, to stay out of my stuff (since we all share a house together) and I can’t get the second youngest, Jay, to say two words back-to-back. But, when it comes to putting down each layer of a song, I couldn’t ask for a better group. As brothers, we share a lot of the same perspective from a common upbringing. And, as best friends, we share a respect for each other’s strengths and talents.

They are some of the few people on this earth who could tell me to sit down and hush, without having to worry about the consequences. They can take my innermost feelings, whether in the form of lyrics or musical notes, and take them even higher.

I love these guys!

Caleb Black Wolf

2006-01-30T23:07:00.000-08:00

First Interview
My author, Magnolia Belle, was just interviewed for my book, ”Black Wolf: Lakota Man.”

The newspaper is our local town paper, but that’s as it should be for our first interview. The reporter asked a whole bunch of questions, way more than she could ever use for her article. Some were about me and the book, but most of them were about Belle. Hmmm. I guess I’ve been so focused on getting this book launched, it didn’t occur to me that Belle was going to generate curiosity as well.

Overall, I think Belle did very well. I can’t wait for the article to come out.

Caleb Black Wolf

2006-01-28T22:28:00.000-08:00

Matthew’s Getting Nervous
There have been several excellent reviews on ”Black Wolf: Lakota Man” in magazines and web sites. While my author and I are happy to see it, my brother, Matthew, is getting nervous.

You see, his story is the next one up: “Black Wolf at Rosebud.” He’s worried that it won’t meet the standard I’ve set. Part of that is because of his personality. Where I am center stage, won’t take no for an answer, punch you if I get mad enough, he is the opposite. His quiet demeanor doesn’t demand attention. He will think his way out of a problem before he comes up swinging. So, he’s not telling Belle very much about himself.

I keep telling him that he HAS to talk to her, but he just shrugs and mumbles, “She’ll figure it out.” I love him dearly, but, sometimes, he drives me craaazzzyyyy!

Caleb Black Wolf

2006-01-26T22:55:00.000-08:00

Double Sword: Popularity
When my author, Belle, made me a rock star in ”Black Wolf: Lakota Man,” I was thrilled. I mean, c’mon. How cool is that?

At least, I thought so, until the plot began unfolding. I suppose, like most young guns, I didn’t stop to consider all that being popular would demand of me — or how protective I would have to become for my family and friends.

Having a stranger sneak into my bedroom freaked me out. Fortunately, it was just a star-struck groupie. But, it could have been a stalker with a gun. Having a professional in the music industry use my popularity against me almost became my undoing, both as a musician and in my personal life.

I hate having to be guarded around people. But, I’m learning that it’s the price I have to pay. I just hope, as the band’s fame and success increase, and our stories continue, that my brothers and I can handle it.

Caleb Black Wolf

2006-01-23T22:14:00.000-08:00

Nobody’s Perfect
When my creator, Belle, was defining my character in ”Black Wolf: Lakota Man,” she surprised me a little.

I assumed, being the leading man in a romance novel, that not only would I be handsome and successful, but also pretty much perfect. That didn’t happen. “Nobody’s perfect,” she explained to me. So, while I am handsome and fairly successful, I am by no means perfect. I have a temper – a rather explosive one when I finally let it go.

I also tend to be impatient. Just ask Belle. Once she started writing, I pushed and bugged and nagged the poor woman until the book was finished. Then, I used the same strategy to get the book published. I think it’s a fine book and I don’t want to be stuck on a shelf somewhere, ignored. I love the stage, the audience.

Monday, we just found out that “Black Wolf” is listed on Amazon as well as Chapters (Canada’s version of Amazon). So, I’m out there now. Good. Maybe I won’t be quite so restless now.

Caleb Black Wolf

2006-01-21T22:10:00.000-08:00

My name is Caleb

Hello. My name is Caleb Black Wolf. I’m the main character in Magnolia Belle’s first book, ”Black Wolf: Lakota Man.” She has asked that I write today’s blog. It’s a first for me, but I’m willing to give it a try.

Let’s see. What should I tell you about myself? At 24, I am the oldest of four brothers. We’ve got our own band coming out of Austin, Texas. In this first book, we’ve just signed with a national label and are in the studio making a new CD. We write all of our own material. Oh, yeah, I am the lead guitarist and lead singer.

Belle (as I call her) has made me tall with Lakota features, long dark hair and, if I say so myself, very good looking.

What’s it like being the main character in a novel, you might ask? There’s a surprising amount of pressure, actually. Will I be strong enough to carry the story? Will I be interesting enough for people to keep reading? Will I be believable enough and likable enough? It’s a lot to take on. But, I’m handling it all right. At least so far.

Come back soon and I’ll tell you how it’s going.

2006-01-19T22:13:00.000-08:00

Bite the Bullet
I was an eBay seller for a few years, but quit last February when they went up on all their prices. I had just been invited to join the PowerSellers, too. (Oh, well.) I decided to bite the bullet today and list ”Black Wolf: Lakota Man” as “Buy It Now”.

I’m not sure how this will go. Most of the books that I saw listed were going for very little money. I went for a 10 day listing, so I’ll have time to see if this will work or not. Until Amazon kicks in, I don’t know what else to do.

2006-01-17T22:48:00.000-08:00

Circling the Runway
I feel like I’m circling the runway on sales and publicity for ”Black Wolf: Lakota Man”. Until the book is listed with distributors and Amazon, there is nothing I can do but wait. I can’t make the landing yet, even though the runway is in sight.

On a side note, I just found out that a friend of mine in Germany has been following this blog to see how things are going for me. So, if you see this – Hi, Beate!!

2006-01-14T22:20:00.000-08:00

I’m an Amazon Woman
My last post showed my confusion on why it took so long (3months) for ”Black Wolf: Lakota Man” to show up for sale on Amazon. I also wasn’t clear on how the submission process worked.

My publisher called yesterday with further explanation. While I’m still not 100% on how they send submission batches to Amazon and how that company then processes everything, I was given some very good news. Because I already have Amazon reviewers turning in reviews on my book, the publisher took mine out of the batch and sent it separately on line to Amazon yesterday. It should take Amazon from one to two weeks to show the book for sale. So, I’m an Amazon Woman – or soon will be.

Once that is done, my publicist and I get to start the next round of contacts. Once good reviews are given and the myriad of the reviews’ readers look on Amazon for the book, maybe - just maybe - sales will start rolling in.

2006-01-12T22:25:00.000-08:00

…And One Step Back
I had a long talk with my publicist today concerning ”Black Wolf Lakota Man”. Since the book hasn’t shown up on Amazon yet, she suggested that we hold off on further publicity contacts until it does. Good, solid logic. And, so, one step back.

So, I called the publisher today to ask exactly what the steps were to get hooked up with Amazon. They said Amazon was notified on Dec. 3 of the book’s release. Somehow, the cover is transmitted separately from the book’s text. Within 1½ months, the text shows up as a ‘soon to be released’ heading. Then, after another 1½ months, the cover shows up and it all officially goes on sale. What???

The publisher is going to have their submissions coordinator contact me Friday with more of an explanation. Man, I hope it makes sense. I’m getting reviews from Amazon reviewers who are asking where my book is listed. They can’t find it. (Big frowny face here!)