MURPHY'S TROUBLES Launch - revisited

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.