Recently I heard a report on NPR about reading in America.  Since I was driving while listening to the report I wasn't confident I heard what I thought I did.  So, in the week the world wide web turned 25, I searched on Google for "reading statistics."

This is what I found:
    - Percent of U.S. high school grads who will never read a book after high school               33%

    - Percent of college students who will never read a book after they graduate                     42%

    - Total percentage of U.S. families who  did not buy a book in 2013                                 80%

Fortunately, several weeks ago I met with a local book club to discuss my novel, Murphy's Troubles.  I was invited to attend their discussion and was even asked to lead the discussion.  I prepared background material on Ireland, talked about my path to write and publish the book and then prepared a series of questions to spark discussion.

Two members of the group had traveled to Ireland and two others had Irish heritage.  I asked the members to be frank with me because that's how I grow as a writer.  They were frank but not unkind.  I was surprised how some of the club members reacted to various characters in the novel. We talked together for just over two hours.

As an author there is nothing better than sharing the experience of your book with readers.  The data shows we are not a book reading nation, however, there are enclaves of book clubs that maintain a fierce devotion to books whether hard copy, trade paperback or ebooks.

It's generally accepted that during the Dark Ages Irish monks saved the knowledge of Europe by copying and maintainng books.  Book clubs are keeping reading and discourse alive and well and by doing so saving the world.

This Saturday, December 14th I have my first ever public book signing.  I’m nervous, anxious, and uncertain and my self-confidence is hiding somewhere.  I am very lucky that the owner-manager of our local coffee hangout, Jeff Gauger, from Beans n Cream Coffee House wants me to spend several hours Saturday morning signing books.  I am dumbfounded that he believes that I will be an “attraction”.  I’ve never been an “attraction” before and I am doubtful.  His bet is that the good local folks will want to with me well on finally publishing MURPHY’S TROUBLES, and take the time to buy a cup of coffee, maybe a danish or breakfast burrito.

Jeff even created a fantastic poster to advertise my upcoming appearance both at Beans n Cream and the Sun Prairie Library Monday night (December 16th) at 6:30 p.m.  I volunteered to take the posters around town and ask businesses to display them in a prominent place for several weeks.  It was the least I could do.

I wanted to use my “event” Monday night to support the Library so I’ll be donating half of the royalties from each book sale to the Library Foundation.  I didn’t want to advertise this because I was afraid that folks might see it as a gimmick to sell books.  It’s not.  It’s just my way of saying thanks to the Library Director, Tracy Herold, for her support.   There’s simply nothing more natural than a novelist supporting their local library in whatever way possible.

I have been working toward this time in my life for the past sixteen years.  I am ready, it’s the path I’ve chosen or maybe it’s chosen me, most days I’m not sure.  Wish me luck.  

I  can finally answer all my well meaning friends, who ask:  Where is that book of yours?  To be honest they have all been very generous and offered congratulations, asked where to buy the book and asked if I’ve planned any author events in December.

I’ve independently published my debut novel using Create Space, the publishing arm of Amazon.  My experience with Create Space has been nothing short of a miracle.  I singed a service agreement with Create Space on October 7th, and in 31 busness days my book is available to the world.

By contrast, I signed a contract with micro publisher, Mischievous Muse Press, and terminated the contract in February this year after 2 ½ years of frustration and providing numerous edited manuscripts that were never accepted.  I often wondered why they ever offered me a contract.

Create Space offers several distribution packages and I’ve selected the Expanded Distribution.  It means my royalties will be less but MURPHY’S TROUBLES will be available world-wide on Amazon and placed in bookstores at no out- of-pocket cost to me.

Amazon also offers me, again at no cost, an author’s webpage that is interactive.  In addition to providing readers with a bit more information about me, the author’s page has a forum where I can respond directly to readers’ questions, reactions and opinions.  It is a way for me to develop a relationship with my readers which is very important to me. 

I began the journey down publication road in January 2010 after being laid off from my job in December, 2009.  The lay-off was completely unexpected but I rebounded quickly by deciding it was an opportunity in wolf’s clothing.  With the lay-off I had the time to find out if I had the skills needed to have both a freelance career and to publish my fiction.

Following the exhilaration of seeing my book on Amazon I took a brief trip down memory lane.  I’m a saver and I’ve saved the notes from all my writing classes and conferences.  In the beginning of my writing journey I joined a critique group led by Laurel Yourke, a talented and award winning teacher, scholar and writer.  Stuffed in my notes from her critique class I found a one page assignment I turned in on November 6, 2000.  The assignment was a scene between Ian Murphy and his boyhood friend, Timolty Doyle.  I have been writing Ian’s story for a very long time.

I am honored to offer MURPHY’S  TROUBLES to all readers on Amazon.com and in local bookstores.  If you get a chance, send me an e-mail or post to this blog; let me know what you think.       

On Monday, November 18, 2013 my debut historical thriller, MURPHY’S TROUBLES became available on Amazon.com (www.Amazon.com/Murphy’s-Troubles-Rex-Owens).

Why am I announcing this event on Wednesday, November20th?  Now, there’s a story.  I was surprised to receive the final hardcopy proof with cover late in the afternoon on the 20th.  I didn’t expect the final proof until November 25th.  I sat down and reviewed the last round of corrections I submitted and found everything perfect.  I could have (or should have) taken the time to check everything again.  I’ve reviewed four proofs so I decided to take a leap of faith that another review wasn’t need.

I logged into Create Space and approved the final proof.  Then I selected price, distribution channels, created an account to have royalties deposited and ordered books for my readings on December 14th and 16th.  The instructions noted that after final approval it would take 3-5 business days to have MURPHY’S TROUBLES listed on Amazon.

Just to make sure I understood the timing I called the Create Space customer service.  They explained that they couldn’t provide a date for birth on Amazon, just the 3-5 business day range.  I then asked the typical newbie question, can you guarantee it will be on Amazon by Monday, November 25th?  YES!

I was elated because the book launch was a full week ahead of schedule.  I switched gears to marketing mode and began work on the details of making the big announcement on Monday.  For some reason Tuesday I had an abundance of nervous energy and couldn’t focus.  I distracted myself with mundane jobs like grocery shopping, painting set for our civic theater production and other non-cerebral activities.

Tuesday evening I was watching the last episode of a PBS series I enjoyed but again found I couldn’t concentrate.  I decided, on a whim, to check Amazon.  I went to Amazon books and typed MURPHY’S TROUBLES in the search bar.  It popped up at the top of the page!  How did that happen?  I don’t care.

Having MURPHY’S TROUBLES listed on Amazon is a moment of triumph and the conclusion of a journey that began in 2000.  My nervous energy dissipated and I felt a wave of calmness through my body and could literally feel my tense muscles relaxed.  I hooted at the top of my voice! 

So today I become marketing man and this blog is my first declaration to the world – I DID IT!