Jack Dixon's Book Blog

Kindle Versions

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 17:40:00 +0000

The Pict on Amazon

I've finally gotten the Kindle versions of The Pict straight. The poorly formatted version is no longer available at Amazon. I'm hoping that some time soon iUniverse will make good on their agreement to remove the first edition paperback from print, and make it unavailable, as I doubt they ever resolved the problem of the erroneous cover graphics. Barnes & Noble also has an eBook version of The Pict available.

Progress on Number Two

I've continued to make good progress on Number Two. I've done some heavy editing, practically rewriting several chapters in their entirity. I've found that while I tried to make good use of the time Karen and I spent at the chemo clinic and various other medical facilities, my head wasn't in it the way I thought it was. It's mildly frustrating, but I'm happy that I'm making significant improvements to what I've got, and filling in the blanks as well. My "editors" have told me that what I had is much better now, and what I'm adding is top notch. I trust their judgment, and I appreciate my readers' patience as I look to a Spring 2010 release date.

More to come.

Kindle, and New Edition of The Pict

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Well, it's taking some time to get the various editions of The Pict straight on Amazon. There are two Kindle versions, one for $3.84, and one for $6.00. The $6.00 edition should be $4.80, and the $3.84 version (which should also be $4.80) is flowing through from an affiliated website (http://www.mobipocket.com/).

The latest paperback edition is priced lower than the original edition, but the original edition still shows up when the title is searched. The new edition shows up in the "Also Available in" box below the main title area. It will apparently take some time to get this all worked out. So far, I'm very happy with Amazon's responsiveness in dealing with it.

If nothing else, I'm learning a lot about publishing my own books and editions. By the time Number Two rolls around, I'll have it straight.

New Kindle Version of The Pict

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:18:00 +0000

I've re-published The Pict for Kindle, but it'll take a couple of days while Amazon processes the new version. I fixed the formatting errors in the original version, so it should be easier to read on the Kindle.

If you don't have a Kindle, I strongly recommend it. I think e-readers are the future of book reading. The e-ink technology makes reading from the device easy on the eyes, the books are cheaper and easier to get, and they save trees. It's a lot easier (and cheaper) for authors to publish, so books can be priced much lower. The Kindle will pay for itself as you pay less for your books and download them instantaneously via Amazon's 3G Whispernet connection. There's no charge or subscription for the Whispernet connection; it's part of the Kindle.

I'm not getting a Kindle commission from Amazon. I just love my Kindle. :)

Latest News

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:35:00 +0000

I'm in the process of publishing the 2nd edition of The Pict through Standing Stone Press, an imprint of Ridley Park Books. The 2nd edition will be available on Amazon within a few days. I like the new (slightly smaller) format much better than the first. It might not seem like there's much of a difference between (5.5" x 8.5") and (6" x 9"), but I think there is. The smaller size is closer to the size of a Kindle, and it just feels better.

I'm also publishing a 2nd edition for the Kindle, to fix formatting problems with the 1st edition. I've eliminated the graphic at the head of each chapter, because that only got in the way, and I want the text to flow more smoothly. I've learned from reading my own Kindle that simple, clean, and straightforward is best. The new Kindle edition should be available in a couple of weeks.

I'll publish my second novel, also historical fiction, shortly after the holidays, in early 2010. It's a much more substantial book than The Pict, pushing 500 pages, set in medieval Europe and Jerusalem. I like the way it's going. I think the story will be a good read.

Happy holidays to all!

Jack

Operation Ebook Drop

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:47:00 +0000

The Pict is now available as an ebook (on Smashwords, for Kindle, Sony eReader, Mobi, and other ebook readers), FREE to deployed military personnel, through Operation Ebook Drop.

Operation Ebook Drop provides free ebooks to deployed military personnel by e-mailing them coupons, upon request, for free ebooks from Smashwords. The service member then "purchases" the book at Smashwords, enters the coupon for 100% off, and downloads the book for use on the ereader of their choice.

Operation Ebook Drop was started by Ed C. Patterson, a prolific independent author, who partnered with Mark Coker, founder of Smashwords, to build this effort into a resounding success. With close to 300 independently published authors participating, the program offers a wide variety of reading material.

Please help spread the word to deployed soldiers who would like to take advantage of this valuable program. For details on how to contact Operation Ebook Drop, go here, and scroll down to the How to Participate heading.

My many thanks to Ed and Mark for providing a way for independent authors to do a little something to support our troops, who are working so very hard, and so courageously to serve their country.

Progress on Number Two

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 23:52:00 +0000

I've been picking up steam on Number Two, pulling it all together, writing more all the time, and editing along the way. I deleted about 30,000 words with which I was no longer happy (thought it was crap, really), and I've gotten 102,000 words completed so far, in 33 chapters, with which I'm mostly happy. The story line's coming together even better than it was before - that's really inspired me, too.

I'm hoping to publish around Christmas.

Self-Publishing

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 05:31:00 +0000

I've joined the ranks of the truly self-published. I've set up my own publishing company, and I'm ready to publish the second edition of The Pict, improved and re-formatted. I'll also self-publish Number Two, and the expanded Pict later this year.

In a later post, I'll go into the advantages of self-publishing, and the process. There's a lot of good information already out there, so I'll also provide an ample list of links. There are pros and cons, as in everything, but I think the pros far outweigh the cons. If anyone's interested, I'd be happy to discuss self-publishing.

I hope all is well with everyone.

Cheers.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:54:00 +0000

Happy Saint Patty's Day to all! Spring's coming, and words are flowing, and the Harley's calling me to blow out the cobwebs and get some miles on its bones. I hope all is well with everyone, and that all my fellow writers are feeling inspired and productive.

I set up my publishers' account with Lightning Source, so I've officially become a "publisher." I can really claim the title when I re-release The Pict under my own banner, Ridley Park Books, later this year. I'll also publish Novel Number Two later this year, and the expanded version of The Pict in early 2010.

I'll get more into the mechanics of that process soon, in case anyone's thinking of going truly independent to publish their work.

Jack

http://www.jdixon.net/

(website newly refurbished)

Working the Web Site

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:26:00 +0000

I'm reworking my website (http://www.jdixon.net/). I've had to switch web hosting companies, and I found what appears to be a good, solid web host. The problem is that their free online web development tool really sucks, so I'm teaching myself GoLive CS2 in the process. Nothing like diving into the deep end to learn how to swim.

I'll be building a second site, too, called Ridley Park Books (http://www.ridleyparkbooks.com/). I'll be publishing my second novel completely independently. It's a bold new venture - my favorite kind. I'll also help other authors who are interested in truly self-publishing rather than going with an "assisted self-publishing" company, to publish their work.

Things still look good for a Fall 2009 release of Novel Number Two, and then early Spring 2010 for the expanded version of The Pict. I'm most looking forward to the expanded Pict, as it's the story that's closest to my heart, and there's so much more to tell than I was able to get into the first release.

It seems someone beat me to the title for Number Two, the working title I've had at the head of the mauscript for about seven years. The Templar, by Paul Doherty, was published in April 2008. I haven't read it yet, but I'm looking forward to that when I have the time. Fair play to you, Paul! I wish you good fortune on your Templar series. Ah, well...this is the sort of thing that keeps us creative, now, isn't it, trying to come up with yet one more title that's just right for the story? Have to come up with something catchy for Number Two.

Number Two, Moving Along

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:24:00 +0000

Picking up the pace on Number Two, the tale of the tortured Templar. I'm anticipating a Fall 2009 release of my 2nd historical novel, followed closely by the amplification of The Pict. I continue to be pleased with the acceptance of The Pict, and I'm looking forward to meeting the requests I've received for more.

Novel Number Two: Progress Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:59:00 +0000

Novel Number Two is progressing fairly well. I've been doing a lot of renewed research into the culture and the history of the medieval county of Toulouse, the birthplace of the novel's main character. I've found in my research that there existed a degree of political and religious betrayal, intrigue, plotting, and subterfuge far greater than what I had imagined. It's mind-boggling to contemplate what it must have been like to live in those treacherous times.

The experience brings to mind some of the freedoms we've come to expect that simply did not exist in the past repression of political and religious authorities. We scoff openly - and most often rightly - at our contemporary politicians and their drive to manipulate and control us. We blithely ignore the edicts and admonitions of the religious leaders who in times past inspired the deepest and most abject fears in the hearts of their congregants. In Novel Number Two, the starkness of medieval religious and political domination will come to life and frame the story of one man's journey through the gauntlet of its driving force.

One of the great challenges of writing historical fiction is to escape our contemporary attitudes and try to accurately capture those of the people of the time. I'm sure I failed to do that as well as I could have in the story of The Pict, and that will be improved in the expanded version of that novel. For now I'm immersing myself in the mores and the mindset that reigned in the days of our tormented but undaunted protagonist.

I'd welcome discussion of medieval society, culture, and politics on this blog.

Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:33:00 +0000

Today is the six-month anniversary of Karen's passing. I can almost hear her bugging me to get back to writing. She was always such an encouragement to me, and she made it clear that she didn't want me laid low for too long. I feel like the hiatus is coming to an end. I don't know what it'll be like writing without Karen's constant encouragement. Perhaps I'll still feel it, but differently.

My focus has slowly shifted back toward writing, and creativity has begun to resurface. While readers of The Pict have expressed a desire for an in-depth expansion of the story, I'm intent on completing Novel Number Two before I return to The Pict - Rising of the Last Free Men. The expansion won't be long in coming after Number Two, though. I need only polish most of what I'd originally cut out of The Pict (to focus on our more pressing personal concerns), and put it back in, and expound upon some things that readers have asked me to expound upon.

Number Two is a 13th Century piece packed with conflict, drama, intrigue, and, well, history. Anyone with a penchant for Crusades, Inquisitions, and the shifting sands of 13th Century alliances and betrayals will undoubtedly find this one an enjoyable and compelling read. And yes...it will be far, far longer than was my first go with The Pict. I hope you will look forward next year to a gratifying summer read.

Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:49:00 +0000

On February 8, 2008 my new and indescribably wonderful wife, Karen Luggi-Dixon, passed away after a valiant thirteen month fight against a terribly aggressive and ultimately terminal cancer. She was 43. We fought the cancer together with every fiber of our being, with every ounce of strength and optimism we could muster, and with a deep and abiding love and commitment to one another.

Karen taught me things about love that I didn't even know were there to be learned. I showed her that she was more than worthy of my deepest, most loyal and unquenchable love, and that I would never leave her for anything, ever. She was my angel, and I was her rock. We clung together, inseparable to the end. I miss her too badly for words to adequately describe. My grief is pervasive and profound, and it is impossible for me to return to my focus on writing, at least for now.

I know there is much yet for me to write. Karen said I have much work to do, and none of the stories have left me. But they're in hibernation until I am somehow able to return to some semblance of 'normal' and rediscover a purpose in writing. Karen was my Purpose, and without her all else seems pointless. I'll work each day to move closer to the day I can write again, because that's what Karen told me she wanted me to do - sooner rather than later.

I'll do what I can to accomplish that. And one day, perhaps soon, Novel Number Two will hit the market, as will my significant expansion of The Pict. I hope my readers will wait with patient understanding until then.

If you're inclined to do so, drop by http://www.jdixon.net/ and read the prayer that Karen wrote for her own funeral service. It will give you some insight into the beauty of her soul, and the strength with which she faced her adversity.

Thanks.
Jack

Mary Lydon Simonsen's "Pemberley Remembered"

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 03:43:00 +0000

Mary Lydon Simonsen is the author of Pemberley Remembered, a love story that takes place in post-WWII London, but whose main thread is the timeless tale of Jane Austen's Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Visit Mary Lydon Simonsen's blog for more information, and to discuss this fine author's work.

Honorable Mention, 2007 London Book Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:37:00 +0000

I was pleased to learn this morning that The Pict has won Honorable Mention for Fiction at the 2007 London Book Festival. That's quite encouraging to me, of course. The annual London Book Festival judges books in these categories:

Fiction
Children's Books
Audio / Spoken Word
Poetry
Wild Card
Non-Fiction
Photography / Art
Genre-Based
Comics / 'Zines
How-to
Biography / Autobiography
E-Books
Teenage

The list of books recognized by the London Book Festival, particularly the winners in each category, might be a good reference if you're looking for good books in your preferred genre.

Independent Authors Guild Monthly Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 22:17:00 +0000

I'm a little late in posting this, but here is November's IAG newsletter. There's quite a bit of good historical information and enjoyable reading in the articles provided by IAG members. Enjoy!

IAG Newsletter - November 2007

Jack

The Pict, by Jack Dixon, A Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:17:00 +0000

Of Scarecrows and Scots: The Pict, by Jack Dixon, A Review

Thank you, Mr. Yelton, for that excellent and encouraging review. I'm glad you enjoyed reading The Pict; thank you for taking the time to do so.

Jack

13th Century Languedoc

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:28:00 +0000

Doing a lot of research lately for Novel Number Two, set primarily in 13th century Languedoc, Acre, and Scotland. Unlike The Pict, there's quite a bit of detailed documentation of the culture and events of that time. Won't have the creative liberties I enjoyed with The Pict.

I'd be appreciative of any and all tidbits of knowledge, especially obscure facts, about how people lived from 1250 - 1350: how classes interacted, common language usage of the day, clothing, economics, disease, etc. I'm most interested in these things as they apply to Cathars (known by their contemporaries not as 'Cathars', but as 'The Good Men,' 'Albigensians,' and a few other names), Templars, Mamluks, Catholic officials (including Inquisitors). All input welcome!

Independent Publishing

For writers planning to publish and not certain of how to go about it, take a few moments to check out a new organization, the Independent Authors Guild. There's a discussion group and a website for the organization. Of course, I'd be happy to discuss the process of publishing your book independently, as there are tremendous and growing resources available for those who would rather write, publish, and retain the rights to their work instead of playing the lengthy, costly, hazardous, and daunting courting game with agents and publishing companies.

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:30:00 +0000

Review: Scarecrow in Gray, by Barry Yelton
In Scarecrow in Gray, Barry Yelton has artfully captured the harrowing battlefield experiences of a humble and unassuming Southern farmer who joined the Confederacy for no cause other than that of honoring his fellow man. Mr. Yelton paints a vivid picture of a simple man with a powerful spirit, caught up in a complex war that made ghosts of such men.

Francis Yelton is the humble farmer, a peaceable man with a virtuous heart. Francis is driven by love for his family to stay home from the war and to protect them through unusually perilous times. But he is also driven by his conscience to honor the sacrifices of those who gave up the security of home to fight for a higher ideal. While Francis may not fully share the ideals of “The Cause,” he enlists to do his part, that the sacrifices of those who went before him should not be in vain, and that his family should not bear the dishonor of his failure to serve.

My favorite books are those that transport the reader to the scene, and that effectively convey the experiences and emotions of the characters involved. In these things, the author has succeeded admirably. Mr. Yelton has made the horrors of war palpable, and the futility of that war real for us.

The Pict, My First Novel

noreply@blogger.com (Jack Dixon) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 02:52:00 +0000

Welcome to my book blog. My first historical novel, The Pict, is available on Amazon.com. I'll post updates on my progress with my follow up novel from time to time. Feel free to contact me if you'd like to discuss The Pict, or anything else regarding writing or publishing books.