July 31, 2025
I suppose it’s safe to say I’ve got chronic insomnia. Or something like that; I have horrible sleep habits despite following the experts’ so-called rules. A lifetime of trauma and abuse… So it makes sense that I write characters who aren’t good at sleeping. Write what you know, right?
In Trevor’s Song, I’ve created another character who doesn’t sleep well, but his reasons are different from mine. Grab a copy, remember it’s a time capsule of a bygone era, and have some fun. Trevor does grow on you!
Although I have a meeting scheduled for today, it’s not mandatory and this new edit? Last in a long-running series. I am SO at my desk today because I need to know how it ends! Plus, there’s that whole “I didn’t sleep much last night and am exhausted and migrainey already” thing happening.
My new garage freezer arrived on Tuesday, so yesterday, I began stocking it with everything I saved when the compressor in the old one died. I’m doing it slowly, trying to be organized about it. But I’m also doing it in spurts, which wound up meaning a lot of up and down the stairs. My Garmin counted 17 but it doesn’t record them all, so I’ll let you imagine how many flights I managed yesterday. Hope to repeat those numbers today and maybe finish up the move. Also, it’s nice to see my kitchen freezer’s light again…
I had a few odds and ends to take care of yesterday (yay! New client!) and then it was time to start this final book in the long-running series. Chapter 1 had me laughing out loud on page 4 and doubled over on page 5, so we’re off to a good start, although editor me already has comments. That’s what my clients pay me for, after all!
Also, yesterday, I made an editor’s rant on Threads and had an author express surprise I’m an editor. Guess I need to talk about that more often? Because chances are that if one person’s saying it, others are thinking it.
I wasn’t super motivated last night and got a scant thousand words in, which is my daily minimum goal, so that was good, I guess. Maybe it was a clue that I’d be having a sleepless night.
Last day for these sales!
Maybe the Bird Will Rise is 99c at Kobo (US and Canada only)
All the Tales from the Sheep Farm books and the short story twins are half off at Smashwords as part of their July sale.
And it’s a Smashwords sale, so the Trevolution books are FREE.
Go get ’em before they’re gone. And if you have them, I’d love it if you’d read them and review them online and/or talk ’em up to your friends. Word of mouth is truly the best sales and advertising.
Hexbreaker, by Jordan L Hawk
As always, that’s an affiliate link, and if you use it, I’ll earn a few pennies. You’ll also notice that the heading is now a link! I’m not sure I’ll remember to include it daily, but when I do, you can see ALL the books in one spot, if you need to see them that way in order to figure out my criteria for a Book of the Day. And of course, since it’s my shop, any purchases will get credited to me and again, it helps keep the lights on over here. I have big plans for cool things, but need the funds to achieve that, so… your purchases help.
Same for when you book my editing services, buy my books (and review them online and/or talk them up to your friends), or stuff my ko-fi full of cash, or a thanks because you’re snagging a copy of the Beta Reader’s Guide and/or the Writer’s Guide to Library Events, which I wrote and had approved by my local librarian.
That’s it! I’ve got a migraine rolling in after my sleepless night, so I’m out of here for the day. Do something good for the planet today!
July 30, 2025
Demo Tapes 2 features one of my favorite flash pieces of the Trevolution. It’s a night out for Trevor… sort of.
Our boy puts himself in a tree. And hijinks (yes, this is an approved use) ensue.
I can’t say the same for my night out last night. It was mellow, it was good. I met interesting people, and got to spend time with people who I’m glad to have in my world. Are they friends? Not yet. But they can be.
And I almost won Scrabble, losing only on my last turn. GO, ME. (I suck at Scrabble, which is funny for a wordsmith, no?)
I did finish my edit yesterday! I got it back to the client… she makes it so easy.
I love my clients who do the hard work. If that’s not you, I’m not your ideal editor. I expect you to work at least as hard as I do… and I work HARD for you.
I have some chapters to look over for a friend and a short story for a charity anthology (I love doing charity work, both as reader and editor!), and then it’s time to start a really big one. The end of a twenty-some series. I’m both excited and dreading it, but the author’s promised me no tissues are needed.
For REASONS, I walked away from my desk earlier than I usually do. And so I sat and gave myself the gift of some words — not quite my thousand, but this is why I’m ahead of schedule — before I left for my night out.
Two days left for these sales!
Maybe the Bird Will Rise is 99c at Kobo (US and Canada only; sorry everyone else. Their rules, not mine.)
It’s the Smashwords July sale!
Click here for the Trevolution (They’re FREE!)
Click here for the short story twins and the Tales from the Sheep Farm novels — all the books at this link are 50% off.
Trouble, by Lex Croucher
As always, that’s an affiliate link, so do your affiliate thing for me. Every bit helps.
And while we’re on the subject, before you leave for a night out of your own, remember that your support keeps the lights on around here. You can book my editing skills, buy my books and then leave a review online and/or talk ’em up in real life to your friends, or you can stuff my ko-fi. All work. All leave me grateful and leaving lines in my gratitude journal.
Have a good one, friends. No night out for me tonight; I’ll be laying down more words.
July 29, 2025
Well, I mean, if we’re going to talk about cats, let’s talk about the show-stopping cat, Sir Ginger himself. While not a character in Legacy, he still plays a very important role.
Yeah, so Lucy Cat was crawling on me last night, something she only does when I’m sitting in one particular chair at one particular time of day.
Except last night, she slipped off my leg. And she apparently has one really sharp toenail, which left me with a two-inch-long scratch down my thigh. And so far, my shorts are rubbing against it.
Fun times.
It’s busy over here again!
I’m going to (I hope) finish this edit and get it back to its author today.
I have a short story and some sample chapters to look over.
And one of the manuscripts I’ve been waiting on for a month arrived! This is the last chapter in a very long-running series and even though the author’s said I won’t need tissues, I’m not so sure. I mean… long-running series, friends!
Gonna be bittersweet, that’s for sure. At least there’s good news in the form of “They’re writing more.” There’s more in the arsenal than this one series. (Whew, but we knew that because there’s already two other trilogies out there, as well as other side projects.)
I wrote a lot again. Notice a trend? I can now not write a word until Saturday and be caught up.
Last night, though, I went back to the start — I know; I’m a third of the way through, so what am I doing? Get the damn thing done — and reworked the opening chapter, to get Tess’s mission on the page. Right there. Up front. Page 1. This is what she wants Alyssa to do.
The question is… well, there are a lot of questions. As always, with my books.
Just a few days left for Maybe the Bird to Rise to be on sale at Kobo!
Or get it half off, with the rest of the Tales from the Sheep Farm series, as well as the short story twins. Only at Smashwords, and only through the end of the month.
The Trevolution, as always, is free. Smashwords only!
Ornamental, by EM Lindsey
That’s another affiliate link. Your support goes to operational expenses around here at West of Mars.
I want to take a second, though, before I launch into my usual closing. The Book of the Day needs to fit a specific criteria. I’m being contacted again by writers hoping for some free promo. That’s not what this is, and if you’ve been reading the posts either here or on Facebook, you should know this. And if you’re not reading the posts? Why are you asking me to list your book?
Okay, that said, a reminder that I’m not paywalling this content at all — so that you CAN follow along and expose yourself to the Book of the Day and all it offers, because it’s THAT important for all of us to read widely and diversely — so the best ways to support me/this project are to book my editing services, buy my books or borrow them from the library and/or talk ’em up in person or online, and stuff my ko-fi, whether or not you help yourself to the Beta Reader’s Guide and/or the Writer’s Guide to Library Events.
Help keep the lights on around here, will ya?
And remember to trim your cat’s back toenails, not just the front. Oh, my poor leg!
July 25, 2025
Cover for Populated, written by Susan Helene Gottfried
Grab your copy of Populated from all the usual retailers, Kobo Plus, Hoopla, Libby… and of course from my direct store (link is to ebook, but you can get it in print, too). Bundles in my store let you have more books for your buck!
Nothing to say, other than I’m glad it’s Friday. I know… I own the business. I can set my own hours. But it’s easier if I maintain more traditional office hours… the idea is that my friends and family know when I’m working and are hopefully less inclined to call and text, wanting to chat.
I should get over that, I know. I’m in my fourteenth year of business and…
Sigh.
I started the second read-through yesterday and got through 80 pages, which wasn’t bad. I was hoping for closer to 100, but stuff kept pulling at me. As it does.
Got 1200 words in on this new draft… I guess I was just overall distracted yesterday, come to think of it. Glad it’s Friday; I only have to get through today and then I can sleep in a bit.
I’ll be donating swag to the tote bags that will be part of Authors and Dancers Against Cancer in Perrysburg, OH in 2026, so that was a nice request to get. I’m always glad to donate things… be it postcards and/or bookmarks, a charity edit, or even write a story for a charity anthology! I love doing these sorts of things.
And now, the sales… they’re the same as they’ve been all month, but here are the links again!
Maybe the Bird Will Rise is for sale at Kobo (US and Canada only) for 99c.
The Tales from the Sheep Farm series and the short story twins are half price at Smashwords this month!
And finally but definitely not last, the Trevolution is FREE this month at Smashwords, for all you rockers at heart. Reminder that this time capsule look at the music biz is based on my own years working in it.
While I’m at it, and since I’m glad it’s Friday, here are this month’s group promotions. Not gonna lie; the clicks you make are counted, and I could use some clicks to all these! They’re WAY below my usual averages.
July women’s fiction
Poolside Picks and Hot Deals: Dive into this Summer Sale!
Sun, Sand, and FREE Summer Reads Await!
And finally… The thing you’re all actually here for:
Strength Check, by Katherine McIntyre
*Affiliate link
Now, I usually don’t say much, if anything, about the Book of the Day, but I want to let yinz and y’all know that I met Katherine McIntyre last year at Books Books Books in Lancaster; our tables were almost back to back. And can I tell you what a lovely, delightful person Katherine is??? So when this crossed my radar, you bet I was eager to stick it in the queue for a Book of the Day.
That’s it this Friday morning. Like always, the best way to say thanks for the daily work that goes into these posts is to book my editing skills, buy my books and/or simply talk them up online or to friends, and of course, stuff my ko-fi, whether or not you pick up the Beta Reader’s Guide and/or the Writer’s Guide to Library Events.
See ya on Monday.
July 24, 2025
There’s a flash piece in Demo Tapes, Year 2 that’s simply titled “Hot.” I wrote it as an exercise to show heat, not simply to say, “He was hot.” You can pick up Demo Tapes 2 at your favorite retailer, or from my direct store, where it’s only 79c.
It’s also $1.99 if you opt for the Complete Demo Tapes, which contains all four Demo Tapes anthologies, plus some short work that never made it into the first four. Better than a box set, I call it!
So… yeah, it’s hot again around here. I was still able to spend a couple hours on the deck, working, and I’m over two days ahead of schedule now. I’m not complaining! My goal remains at least a thousand words a day on this manuscript before I flip and work on something else, but last night, I was on a roll and just kept writing, coming in somewhere around 1500 words.
Right on schedule, I finished the first read-through of the current edit, and then worked on my notes for the rest of the afternoon, trying to make better sense of them. After eight books and a number of short stories, things needed to be reorganized–I like to have the information about the most important players at the top, so I can get to it faster. So that’s what I did.
Today, I’ll dive back in for the second read-through. It should go very fast; the manuscript is super clean.
Well, I spoiled the big news of the day. So let’s get to the sales! They’re running out of time, so get them while they’re hot!
Maybe the Bird Will Rise remains on sale at Kobo for 99c (US and Canada only; I keep forgetting to mention that!).
(Reminder that if you’ve bought or downloaded it already, please give it a read and I’d love pictures, reviews, chatter… however you’d like to help spread word.)
And the Smashwords Summer Sale continues!
Click here for the Tales from the Sheep Farm and the two short story collections (Broken but Undaunted and Permission to Enter). They’re on sale for 50% off!
And click here for the Trevolution, which is FREE. So YES, you can have DT2, as I call it, for FREE instead of as low as 79c (or even lower in an ebook bundle!)
And for those of you who ask, yes, I do still have a few copies of DT2 left in print. They are the old covers, though. But drop me a note and I’ll take care of you. I also have three copies of Trevor’s Song, if you’re interested…
Enough about the Trevolution. Sheesh. I do like to talk about it, don’t I? It was a really important time in my life, and the stories (most of them) hold up. Especially “Hot.”
American Street, by Ibi Zoboi
Yep, that’s an affiliate link, I especially urge you to click through to see how many awards this book has garnered! WOW! Sounds like this one is a must-read.
And of course, since I don’t paywall any of this, I encourage you to support me via a couple different options:
Book my editing services
Buy my books — and once you have, talk about them! Share them, via a review, pictures on social media (go and tag me), talk about them to your friends, or pick up another copy for a specific friend.
Stuff my Ko-fi, either with a straight donation, or pick up either of my guides: The Beta Reader’s Guide and/or The Writer’s Guide to Library Events. You can also grab the guides and use them without a donation; I truly want to see them be used, even if I don’t make another penny from them! (That said, if you throw 50c into the pot, know it’s all going to PayPal and none to me. Fun, huh?)
That’s it! Keep reading; it’s the easiest form of resistance there is!
July 23, 2025
In “Undaunted,” one of the two title stories of Broken but Undaunted, the narrator feels like she has nothing… at first.
It’s one of my favorite stories in the collection, and one that definitely deserves more eyes on it. Grab a copy; it’s cheap at my store and half price at Smashwords, but only until the end of the month!
I probably should have finished the first read-through of this edit yesterday. I don’t know why I didn’t; I had to run out early for an errand and I think that just threw my concentration off for the day. I didn’t come up with nothin’ in terms of progress, but… it wasn’t what I’d been hoping for.
I also have a couple chapters to look at for a friend and colleague… I now have multiple clients with brain fog from various medical issues and you know what? That’s kind of terrifying.
But it’s also gratifying because now I can say I have experience with clients with brain fog.
I’m not sure that’s something to brag about. “I have your back” shouldn’t need to be.
Productive night on the deck, and a murder of crows has organized and was doing its thing in the neighborhood.
I’m now well over a day ahead of schedule, and I started the short story for the Authors in the Steel City anthology, but a bit of research showed I have to pivot because the story I want to tell isn’t the story that I can tell and be true to history. Just UGH.
But at least I know.
Sometimes, it’s okay to have nothin’.
Maybe the Bird Will Rise is still on sale at Kobo for 99c! Go grab it while you can!
I got my June report from Kobo Plus, and a huge thank you to everyone who’s been reading me that way. “Thank you” isn’t enough… I’ll have another book in April 2026! How’s that?
And of course, the Smashwords July sale continues. I hate that I need two links to steer you to my catalog, but it is what it is.
The Trevolution is still free until the sale’s end!
And my newer works — the Tales from the Sheep Farm series and the two short story collections — are half-price until the sale’s end.
That’s 13 books for a ridiculously small amount of money — and those royalties help me keep the lights on around here.
Ayiti, by Roxanne Gay
As always, that’s an affiliate link, so do your thing!
And again, let me remind you that there’s no paywall here, so your support via booking my editorial services, buying my books, talking them up — online or off — in any form, including requesting them at Hoopla and, if your library’s Libby subscription doesn’t carry them, there too, or just stuffing my ko-fi, with or without the Beta Reader’s Guide or A Writer’s Guide to Library Events… it all helps, and it’s all appreciated. Don’t leave me with nothin’!
July 22, 2025
Cover for Populated, written by Susan Helene Gottfried
Well, I’ve gone from struggling to flying, and I’ll take it. I’m head on the Absolutely Alyssa word count. Yee haw. May this draft be the one that the novel shapes itself around.
I had a pretty impressive editing day yesterday, as I put my head down and just worked. It was in response to too many texts wanting to chat during my work day… I swear, I try to be available when I’m truly needed, but at the same time, the generic you has to respect the fact that yes, I run a business. Editing is my day job. People have paid me money to perform a service (a specialized service, mind you) for them. They take priority over your need to chat.
Now, if it’s an emergency, or it’s related to something we’re working on together? That’s one thing. I’m not totally heartless.
But I am asking for some consideration, the same you’d show to any other friend who works in a bigger office, with more people around, that is not in their home. Especially because editing work is intensive, and when you interrupt me to tell me you’ve found something you think I’d like… well, thanks for the consideration, but you’ve also derailed my concentration and now I have to shake off the interruption and settle back into the job.
As I said, I’m ahead of my projections, and I’ll take it. If I keep this up, I’ll be able to start the short story for the Authors in the Steel City 2026 anthology.
Maybe the Bird Will Rise is still on sale for 99c at Kobo. I’m honestly surprised it’s not selling better, as I do very well at Kobo. And, of course, it’s free to read through Plus, so hopefully those numbers will show up in the July reporting.
And the Smashwords July summer/winter sale continues!
Get the Trevolution for FREE and my newer fiction for 50% off. Reminder that those are two different links and I hate it too but there’s nothing to be done about it.
Those of you who aren’t put off by it and are taking advantage are making my month. Thank you.
Black Foam, by Haji Jabir
That’s an affiliate link, and I can’t tell you how my reading lists have changed since I’ve been doing this series. Hope yours has, too.
Reminder that since I’m not paywalling this like so many others are doing these days, booking my editing skills, buying my books and talking about them via reviews or to friends, and simply stuffing my ko-fi with cash is greatly appreciated, especially if you’re in the “I want to talk to you whenever” camp. See how that works? More income means I don’t have to work quite so hard.
Also, remember to pay your editor and cover artist and audio book narrator and PA and everyone else a living wage. It shouldn’t be this hard to stay afloat, let alone get ahead, but somehow, it is.
July 21, 2025
Book cover for ShapeShifter: Demo Tapes (Year 3)
Same for my direct store, if you’d like to see me gain a few pennies (it’s a GREAT way to show your support!). Each book is 79c, but there are all sorts of bundles available and you can save even more.
So, yeah. I’m finally caught up on my word count for this fourth version of Absolutely Alyssa. I owe a lot of that to an hour spent at my public library; I had to pick up a book anyway, so I figured why not spend some time there and get words down? Maybe the change of scenery would be good for me… and it was.
Go. Me.
I’m about a third of the way through this edit, which is super, considering that I just started it two work days ago.
Still waiting on three more to arrive… Always.
If you need my editorial skills (and a reminder that my clients are high-achievers who make a lot of money), I’m here. Let’s talk.
Like I said, I’m finally caught up on my word count, and this week’s looking pretty quiet, thankfully. I’d like to get outside a bit and get some weeding done… I’m overdue, and they’re BAD this year.
And like I said, the Trevolution remains FREE AT SMASHWORDS THIS MONTH. Yes, you should pick up all six books, with a reminder that the Complete Demo Tapes is only available at my online shop.
Need the newer books? The short story twins and the Tales from the Sheep Farm novels are also on sale, but at 50% off.
And for you Kobo readers, check out the sale on Maybe the Bird Will Rise.
Go get yourself some cheap books. And remember that an online review, a word to a friend encouraging them to read, and/or more purchases is the right way to thank an author for their hard work. Because as you’ve seen since I launched this series, writing books is HARD work.
The Seers, by Sulaiman Addonia
That’s an affiliate link, and any funds you help me raise go toward operational expenses here at West of Mars.
That’s a wrap for today! I’ve got a lot to do, as always, so I’m diving in and hoping to remain caught up. (Someone remind me to order new contacts once the office opens!)
I’ll be back tomorrow with another Book of the Day for you. Keep reading; it’s a form of resistance, after all. And if you have ideas for good titles for the Book of the Day, I’m all ears!
July 16, 2025
The weather can be gross during Safe House. Grab your copy — did you know the main character is nonbinary? If you’ve read either Maybe the Bird Will Rise or Populated, you’ve met them already!
I went outside last night after dinner. It was still in the mid-80s, but the shade made it bearable. And I opened the louvers, to shake loose more dried leaves — and got quite the shower; I need to remember to do that before I go out — and had some extra light. Funny how now that we’re past the solstice, I’m wanting the natural light and not the pergola’s LEDs.
One thing I’ve noticed, over and over again, in my life is that when I say something that includes the word “never,” it comes to be. In this case, it was “I hope I never have to give up editing.”
Sigh.
I’m still waiting on those four manuscripts to arrive. Two are overdue. One was here and withdrawn. One’s not due until next week.
I’m editing my own book as I wait. May as well, right? Y’all are waiting for it…
And yes, I’m doing it inside, not in the gross outside. That’s for the actual writing part!
Which brings me to my writing. Not much to say. Slowly catching up on the word deficit around here… and I’ll be adding to it again tomorrow night, since we’ll be at The Block Northway’s Farmer’s Market. I’ll be with Cristina Rouvalis and Lydia Wayman, who have written a wonderful middle grade book about a young woman with autism. And cats! Stop in if you’re in Pittsburgh and say hi.
Maybe the Bird Will Rise is still on sale at Kobo (US and Canada only) until the end of July. It’s of course free with Plus (ebook only!), but if you aren’t a Plus person, 99c is a great price to start the series.
Or you can pay $1.99 and get it at the Smashwords Summer/Winter July sale. The rest of the Sheep Farm books are the price, so for just under ten bucks, you can have all five. Add in another $2.48 and you can have ALL my recent releases!
Want more books for that under ten-dollar price? The Trevolution is ALWAYS free during the Smashwords sales. That’s six more books!
Thirteen books. Twelve-plus bucks. C’mon. THAT is a deal.
The Gurugu Pledge, by Juan Tomas Avila Laurel and Jethro Soutar (Translator)
Like usual, this is an affiliate link.
Reminder! The best ways to support me and keep the Book of the Day coming to you (and for free) is to support me in other ways. Book my editing services. Buy my books. Leave a review online, talk about my books to your friends, read via Hoopla or Libby and your library. And, of course, stuff my Ko-fi, either with cash or grab a copy of the Beta Reader’s Guide and/or the Writer’s Guide to Library Events.
Keep it cool, friends, and avoid the gross outside if you can. Or… wait for the shade to take over the spot you want to occupy. That’s what I’ve been doing.
July 15, 2025
I have been very late bringing you the Complete Demo Tapes! It’s available only at my online store, with a reminder that it’s cheap, and it’s better than a box set because it has more than the mere contents of the first four Demo Tapes collections.
Yesterday was a day at the mechanic. Today it was my monthly massage. Guess this week is just going to be a late week, overall.
So let’s get right to it.
I’d had an edit in hand, and the author had a chance to have their dev editor look at it, so now I’m not working on that project. This is why I began, after my bike accident, to use a Send When Ready schedule. I can pivot — and I do! And it’s so much less stress for me. I hope it is for my clients, too!
I got in a couple hundred words yesterday afternoon, but it was time for my bimonthly dinner group, so I went and had dinner and relaxed with friends and listened to their great stories and now I have more fodder for a future Sheep Farm book or two…
Seriously!
Maybe the Bird Will Rise remains on sale at Kobo (US and Canada only) for 99c this month.
The Trevolution is free this month at Smashwords!
And my newer fiction is 50% off all month, but only at Smashwords!
My thanks to everyone who’s picked up copies (including the print copies that have been flying out of my personal stash!), and a reminder that if you’re so inclined, leave a review online. That helps others find me and your favorite fictional crew.
La Bastarda, by Trifonia Melibea Obono and Lawrence Schimel (translator)
As always, that’s an affiliate link, so have at it and earn me a few pennies, why don’tcha?
Alternatively, supporting me can come in the form of booking my editorial skills, buying my books, talking about my books to others (including leaving online reviews), and stuffing my ko-fi, either with cash or by using my Beta Reader’s Guide and/or Writer’s Guide to Library Events.
Thanks in advance and tomorrow, I’ll try not to be so late!
July 11, 2025
Things I need? There’s a lot of women needing things in Permission to Enter. This small collection of short stories and a novella is a popular seller at in-person events. Be sure to pick up a copy for yourself and see why! It’s half-off at Smashwords this month and always even cheaper at my online store!
I snuck out last night and went to the book launch for my friend Lainey Davis. Held at Blythe Books, it was like going and hanging out with friends… because it was. But I’ll tell you, if you haven’t talked writing and marketing with Lainey, you’re missing out on an entire education in a conversation. Wow. If only I could convince her to run my career while I do nothing but write!
Speaking of which…
I’m okay with not getting any words down last night. Talk about things I need? Not feeling guilty about not writing… even though yes, I just took four days off to focus on the selling part.
Know a couple more things I need? The weekend! I need down time in which I’m doing nothing. Unfortunately, we’re scheduled to be at the Aspinwall Farmer’s Market… hopefully more people will be there this time than last.
Maybe the Bird Will Rise is still on sale at Kobo, for you Kobo fans. And of course it’s always free with Plus.
The Smashwords summer/winter July sale continues!
Use this link for the Trevolution (they’re free! As always during Smashwords sales)
And this link for the short story twins and the Tales from the Sheep Farm. They are only (only!) half off this month, so grab those deals while you can.
If you’ve never used Smashwords before, yes, you can get versions of the books that are compatible with your ereader, no matter which you use. And they pay some of the highest royalties in the business, so that makes it worth shopping at YET ANOTHER storefront. (Plus, not owned by billionaires!)
I’m only putting this second today because one of the things I need is good flow in my post! (Do you buy that?)
But also, there’s not much to say here. I’m chugging away, hunting down those inconsistencies and making sure I caught everything I should have caught the first time through. I won’t finish today, but that’s okay.
Black Moses by Alain Mabanckou
That’s the affiliate link!
As always, booking my editing skills, buying my books — talking about my books (three different people yesterday told me they’re reading my books!) too! — and stuffing my ko-fi are the best ways to support me and what’s really the heart of this project, the Book of the Day. That remains my mission; the rest is fluff to keep the SEO spiders happy.
If you haven’t figured out the how or why of the Book of the Day project, you’re not paying close enough attention…
July 10, 2025
I’m not sure if anyone in Broken but Undaunted is running late, per se, but I felt like making it today’s featured Susan Book. As always, the Book of the Day is at the bottom!
So. I put it out to my group of authors that I’m going to get us a booth at next year’s Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival and three authors in the group immediately saved their spots. I’m excited and flattered… and of course a bit wary. Outdoor shows can ruin a tent full of books! But if the weather will hold again for us, I’m confident we’ll have fun and put books into readers’ hands.
That’s not why I’m running late today, though. Every fiber of my being wants me to treat today like a Saturday and you know what? I just might. I need some time to be lazy; I haven’t had a break in almost two weeks. It’s been worth it, but a lazy day will also be worth it.
Second read-through, so lots of scrolling.
The client whose manuscript I was going to work on next has asked me to hold off while more changes are made. That was all that was in the queue, so we’ll see what next week looks like when we get to next week.
I got words in last night. Some inside while my watch charged, some outside. Nothing really exciting to write home about. I’m still running late on my word count, but closing the gap daily, even if only a little bit.
Tonight, though, I’m going to the release party for my friend Lainey Davis‘s new book. Gotta support your friends, right?
Sale reminders!
Maybe the Bird Will Rise is 99c at Kobo all month. Always free with your Plus subscription.
Not your retailer yet?
Well, the Smashwords summer/winter July sale is still going on.
Get the short story twins and the Sheep Farm books here. They’re half-off, so still a bargain.
And the Trevolution here — it’s FREE.
And if you already have them, go read them!
Life and a Half, Sony Labou Tansi (Author), Alison Dundy (Translator), Dominic Thomas (Introduction by)
That’s an affiliate link and I have two big goals in sight now that I’ve earned enough to cover my business insurance this year: moving into audio books and a website redo. Your help, in the form of booking my editing skills, buying my books, or just stuffing my ko-fi will help me get there.
The sky’s the limit. Let’s get there together. No more running late to my own party.
July 1, 2025
You’re going to be seeing a lot of Maybe the Bird Will Rise this month; it’s on sale at Kobo for the entire month (US and Canada only; sorry–but it’s always free with Kobo Plus!).
It’s also part of the Smashwords Summer Sale, where ALL of my titles are discounted, from 50% to free.
Use this link to get to the recent titles. They are all 50% off.
Use this link to get to the Trevolution books. They are, as always, free!
I do not know why you still need two links to get to my entire catalog. They were supposed to have fixed that. Maybe by the next Smashwords sale?
Anyway, yeah. Setup is today’s word, and that’s because Mary Walsh and I are going to set up for the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival. It starts Thursday, so come see us and check out our awesome setup.
I said yesterday I was hoping to finish this read-through before the Festival, but that’s not going to happen. I’m still taking copious notes (I’m on page 7!); there’s a lot going on in this manuscript.
Thankfully, none of the promised other manuscripts have shown up yet.
I crossed the 4k mark last night, headed to 5k, which puts me way ahead of schedule for once. Good thing; I won’t be writing the four days of the Festival.
Lots of other stuff going on… There’s a Festival of Books group at Facebook, and I have four books being featured in the current Beach Reads sale–and I’m taking over the site tomorrow, from 2-4. Join the group and meet some new-to-you authors. This one’s all genre, which is my favorite pool to play in, so don’t be shy. There’s something for everyone here.
I’m right now anticipating going dark for Thursday and Friday so I can focus on the Festival, but if you need a copy of Populated, it’s going to be on sale at Kobo (again; me and Kobo. Can you tell Kobo readers and I like each other?) from July 3-9. Mark your calendars!
The Pearl that Broke its Shell, by Nadia Hashimi
Like usual, that’s an affiliate link, and if you use it, you’ll help me cover operational expenses here at West of Mars.
Other ways to support me: Book my editing services. Buy my books. Stuff my ko-fi with wild abandon and glee.
You’re supporting a small business, of course, when you do any of these things, and even when you simply talk up my books and/or editing services. (and/or the Book of the Day, too!)
But things I’ve got my eye on… a website redesign here at West of Mars. I’ve got the ideas, just not the funds. And a move into audio for the Sheep Farm books. And some swag for when we sell in person — shopping bags, for example!
Mutual aid comes in many forms. So does resistance.
You know what I’m saying.
July 1, 2018
Trevor’s Song is part of the Smashwords Summer Sale.
It’s July, so that means one thing: the Smashwords Summer (winter for you Down Under) Sale!
As always, my books are free for you, so help yourself. Pick up one of my past titles, enjoy Trevor and the Trevolution. Let me know if you want to see a third Trevor novel or a fifth Demo Tapes compilation — or even a complete set, with each and every story in chronological order. I can and will do any or all of these for you.
But this year, I’m going to lay down a challenge for you. On August 2, 2019 (so, a year and a month) from now, my daughter is headed to Yellowstone National Park with the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. They picked 13 of their ZooU students for this trip, which is run through Ecology Project International. They’ll be doing a week’s worth of research, conservation work, and more. They’ll be camping in the back country, bear spray at the ready. It’s a nine-day trip, the longest she’ll have been away from me. And she’ll be doing something I’ve dreamed about! Talk about adding insult to injury…
So. What’s the challenge I’m handing down to you?
It’s this: If you decide to pay full price for any of my books at Smashwords during the month of July, when they are on sale and you could have them for free, I’ll put 100% of my royalties to the cost of her trip. It’s not a cheap trip, and she needs some gear before she goes, too. Thankfully, because we are a Scouting family, we have some of it. But she still needs some.
Want to donate directly to her and skip the books, since you’ve already read and loved them? You can do that. She and I would both love that.
Regardless of what you choose to do (if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice!), take some time and wander through the Smashwords Summer Sale. Find some good deals.
And no matter what, remember to leave a review! Nothing helps an author more — except telling your friends about something you’ve read — than leaving a review. Even if it’s as short as “I liked this because…”
Negative reviews may prick an author’s pride, but when written constructively, they are helpful to both the author and future readers. I encourage you to think long and hard, but not to shy away from a negative review.
And, as always, if you need help writing a review, holler. I offer a steep discount on review help. That’s how important they are to me.
Happy Smashwords searching! And if you haven’t joined the Trevolution yet, why not? It’s FREE.
July 1, 2017
It’s that time again! The Smashwords Summer Sale!
I know I’ll be perusing the offerings and loading up my ereader with books I’ll stress about not reading in a timely fashion — why don’t you join me? We’ve got all month for this ebook goodness, so c’mon! Let’s get some deals!
If you haven’t caught up on the Trevolution, all my books are FREE this month. Go pick ’em up.
Of course, you know by now I’m a HUGE champion of the value of reviews, so be sure to say thanks for the freebie by leaving a review. At Smashwords, at GoodReads, at that big behemoth of a bookseller that sells more than just books these days and now runs the national economy. You know who I mean; the point is that it doesn’t matter — leave a review!
Yes, even a negative review helps, so be kind if you need to, and be as constructive as possible. Some of us only read 1- and 2-star reviews!
That, of course, extends to my own books. But really. You’re not going to find 1- or 2-star reads on my page. Nope.
July 2, 2016
It’s that time of year again!
Every July, Smashwords has a huge, mega sale. And every July, I enter my books into it.
Go pick them up.
And once you do, since it’s the Smashwords July Sale, take some time to browse. Find some new-to-you authors. Check the discounts on books I’ve featured here or over at The Rock of Pages, THE home of Rock Fiction. Books are available in all formats, so don’t be shy because you think you can only buy from this vendor or this online bookstore or whatever. A Smashwords book will work on your reader.
Once you’ve done that, the next step is the best, simplest one: sit down somewhere comfy and start to read. Grab a beer, a glass of wine, a citronella candle, a poolside lounger… you name it. Have some fun. Don’t like a book? Delete and move on to the next!
But love it or hate it, always remember that one of the best things you can do is to leave a review. At Smashwords, at the retailer you usually get your books from, on a blog, over at a social reading site like GoodReads. After all, we authors aren’t making any money off our free books, and the books that are reduced in price bring a reduced royalty, too.
Reviews help authors in so, so many ways. Even if you say, “This was a great read. Highly recommended.”
But, of course, if you want to write more but are struggling, drop me a line. I’ll tell you what: If you want to work with a real wordsmith and former pro reviewer to leave a review for a book you like, tell me you’re reviewing a book you picked up at the Smashwords July Sale, and I’ll slash my rates. Not down to free, but slashed nonetheless.
Because reviews are that important. And so is helping you learn to craft a good review, and to feel good about what you write.
So. A slew of free books. And a pro helping you say thanks to the authors in the most helpful way possible.
Go have a great July, everyone!
