Tuesday, March 5, 2013

My Big Announcement

Today I signed a contract to publish (republish) the Noah Zarc series with Evolved Publishing. I've had a great time over the past couple of years publishing these books on my own, but have come to the realization that there are just some things I can't do myself. When my friend, Emlyn Chand, told me that Evolved was open for submissions, I did my best detective work and discovered they really could be an amazing fit for me. They still allow me to do all the things I love (writing, designing covers, laying out the inside) but they also bring a great editorial staff and people focused on helping me succeed. I submitted the manuscript for Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble and received the news last week that they were very interested in working with me. I was still a bit cautious. Would this be the best thing for me? Would it help make my books better, and get them into the hands of more readers? Then I had a lengthy phone conversation with Lane Diamond (co-owner of Evolved) and Eric Pinder (Executive Editor) and all my doubt slipped away. These folks are passionate about selling books. And are driven to find the best avenues to do so.

What this means. Around mid May, I'll be pulling the two Noah Zarc books off the shelf, then they'll go through a re-editing, just to make sure there wasn't anything missed previously. Then we'll re-release the new and improved versions of Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble and Noah Zarc: Cataclysm from Evolved Publishing on July 23, 2013. I've also contracted the third book in the trilogy, Noah Zarc: Declaration, with Evolved. It will be released on September 24th. I know that's later than I previously announced, but I'm confident the book will be better in so many ways, I hope you aren't too dissapointed.

I am super excited about what this means for the stories I write. I'm confident that Evolved Publishing will take me to the next level with my books and I'll be a better author for it. Thanks for joining me in the journey. I can't wait to see what's next!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Jump Boys: SOS by Alex Banks

I'm excited to introduce you to my friend's new book for Middle Grade readers, Jump Boys: SOS by Alex Banks. It's great to see fellow writers stepping out into one of my favorite genres (obviously one of my favorites.) I'm excited for her, and I hope her book sells millions.

My Review of Jump Boys: SOS

This was a thoroughly enjoyable little book. A quick read, but a lot of fun. I especially loved the author's ability to put me into this future world through the use of slang she developed and interesting technology. If I had to pick out one complaint, it was that it was too short. I wasn't ready for it to be over when it was. So here's hoping she's got more adventures in store for the Jump Boys. Because that would be totally molten!

Jump Boys: SOS
by Alex Banks
MG Science Fiction

A dare gone terribly wrong.
An SOS from another universe.
A threat from right next door.

Thirteen-year-old twin brothers Jayce and Val are about to jump the multi-verses on a dangerous dare, but true danger is closer to home than they realize.

The Jupiter Prime colony has been orbiting the stormy gas giant for nineteen years and all anyone wants is to get back to Earth. Sent to preserve the best and brightest of the population, a grievous error in the Prime’s navigation coordinates sent the colony to an alternate dimension with no way to return to the Earth they call home.

In a society where technical expertise is valued above all else, Jayce and Val are among the most privileged—until they uncover their uncle’s plot to claim dominion over space and time. While attempting to rescue a lone girl from a post-apocalyptic earth, Val will come face to face with space pirates and Jayce will lay his life on the line for the sake of his brother and the little girl who holds the key to time itself.

Pick up a copy for yourself right now!

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Kobo
• Smashwords
• Goodreads

About the Author

Alex Banks doesn’t live on Planet Earth. Alex lives on the Prime Colony Ship orbiting Jupiter or on a pirate ship off the Nova Scotia coast,or on a world called Insulunda where the land masses shift and move like clouds.Wherever there are dreams to be charted like stars in the sky or fun to be had just down that street . . . that’s where you’ll find Alex Banks.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Noah Zarc: Declaration Release Announced

I've never been much of a planner. Sure I've tried in the past, but I'm just not really all that good at looking too far into the future. I mean there's plenty to do today without having to worry about next week, next month, or next year for that matter. And so in all my years of business, whether it's running a web development company, or writing, I've detested the term "Business Plan." To me they are mostly just a bunch of hooey. Pages of words trying to sound like you know what will happen in the future. That all changed a couple of days ago when I read a post on the IndeReCon site about creating a business plan for authors. It still had some of the kind of stuff I detest, but there were some nuggets in there that really struck a chord for me. Namely developing a plan for when I will release books. And while I'm not much of a planner, I am a huge procrastinator. I need deadlines, otherwise I don't get stuff done. With that in mind, I have created a schedule for all of 2013 and 2014. The plan is to release 2 novels, and 1 short story each year.

All of this is to say, I am going to be releasing Noah Zarc: Declaration, the third and final book in the Noah Zarc series, on July 1st, 2013. To be followed one month later by a Noah Zarc Omnibus with the whole trilogy in one volume. I'm also looking into the possibility of creating a hardback version of the Omnibus, which even if no one else wants it, I'd like to have on my bookshelf.

So, I'm putting this date out there, so you can keep me accountable. This means I have to have the first draft done by April 1st. So if you see me slacking off online, then you have my permission to slap me silly.

I'm also excited about the first book in my Joey Cola series that I've got scheduled for late fall of this year. That one's been screaming at me to finish for quite a while now.

I hope you'll take the time today to sign up for my New Releases Newsletter. It is just what it sounds like, only for announcements on New Releases. Subscribers will be the first to know about books when they are available. I won't spam you with anything else.

Thanks, and now I've gotta get writing!

Friday, December 14, 2012

Free Souls Cover Reveal

One of the things I've enjoyed most about this publishing journey is the people I've met along the way. Susan Kaye Quinn is one of my favorite. She's a smart, kind woman, who really knows how to write. I've had the privilege of working with her on several of her book covers, and am always excited when I can finally reveal the latest to the world. If you haven't read any of her work, I highly recommend it.

Free Souls by Susan Kaye Quinn

Early Praise for Free Souls

Interview Susan's over at Amy Saunder's blog today (12.14.12), answering questions about how she came up with the mages' abilities, what kind of mage she would be, and all about her future works. Digital Box Set Since Free Souls is out, there is now a Digital Box Set of the Mindjack Trilogy for those of you who want the whole series!

Mindjack Origins Collection Want more Julian? Wondering how Sasha's ability really works? Looking for EXCLUSIVE DELETED SCENES from Free Souls? This collection of novellas, scenes, and other goodies is for those craving a bit more of the characters and drama of the Mindjack series.

Includes: Mindjack Novellas Mind Games (Raf's story) The Handler (Julian's story) The Scribe (Sasha's story) TWO EXCLUSIVE DELETED SCENES from Free Souls (published nowhere else!) PLUS Mindjack flash fiction, an (imaginary) conversation between Raf and Julian, and other goodies for readers who want just a little bit more of Kira, Julian, Raf, and the Mindjack crew.

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Monday, December 3, 2012

Noah Zarc: Cataclysm Release Day!

After two long years of writing, rewriting, editing, and just plain letting it sit, today is the day I release my second book into the wild. I think in some ways this experience was much better than the first time I published a book, but in other ways not as exciting. Mainly the "newness" isn't there. After two books, I've realized how much work it is. BUT, I am also loving it more than ever. This thing called writing is such an amazing adventure. Discovering a world that existed nowhere else, except in my own head, is really cool. Also, I have a much better clarity on what it takes to craft a compelling story. This is not to say I don't have much to learn, but I'm growing. Thanks for everyone who has helped along the way. I'd love to hear what people think. You can go to the BOOKS page to find out how you can get your own copy.

Here's a little intro to the book, that I've sent out to several reviewers. At the end you can sign up to win some prizes. Thanks so much for stopping by.

Release Party Notes

Noah Zarc: Cataclysm, the second book in the Noah Zarc series, is about a boy named, surprisingly enough, Noah Zarc. If you haven’t read the first book, Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble, then you probably want to start there. But if you are well-versed in all things Zarc, then take a gander at the description of the next book below. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

OVERVIEW
Thirteen-year-old Noah Zarc rockets to Venus in a quest to learn more about his past. He refuses to believe his father is really the monster everyone says he is. Could there be valid reasons for everything he’s done, including abandoning Noah at birth?

While searching for answers to secrets no one wants to talk about, even those that have remained hidden for over a thousand years, Noah becomes embroiled in a mission which could cause the greatest cataclysm in the history of the solar system. And the name, Noah Zarc, might be forever linked to the most devastating crime in humanity's existence, all because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Get your copy today by visiting Amazon.com (available in paperback or as an eBook.) Other online retailers listed below.

CASH and PRIZES
Guess what? You could win a $50 Amazon gift card as part of this special release party. That’s right! Just leave a comment below saying something about the post you just read, and you’ll be entered into the raffle. I could win $50 too by having the most comments. So tell your friends to stop by and comment on this post too! You have until the end of December to comment.

Also, we will be giving away one pair of signed books (Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble, and Noah Zarc: Cataclysm) to one winner as well.

THE AUTHOR
D. Robert Pease has been interested in creating worlds since childhood. From building in the sandbox behind his house, to drawing fantastical worlds with paper and pencil, there has hardly been a time he hasn't been off on some adventure in his mind, to the dismay of parents and teachers alike. Also, since the moment he could read, books have consumed vast swaths of his life. From The Mouse and the Motorcycle, to The Lord of the Rings, worlds just beyond reality have called to him like Homer's Sirens. It's not surprising then he chose to write stories of his own. Each filled with worlds just beyond reach, but close enough we can all catch a glimpse of ourselves in the characters.

Discover ways to connect with the author by visiting his site at www.drobertpease.com


THANK YOU! for visiting. And don't forget to comment below for that chance to win the $50 Amazon gift card. And of course head on over to your favorite online book store and buy a copy of Noah Zarc: Cataclysm, for you or for the kids in your life.

Amazon Paperback | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Kobo | Amazon UK

See below to enter the contest:

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Friday, November 23, 2012

All I Want For Christmas Giveaway Hop

This giveaway will start on November 24th at 12:01 am (EST) 
and ends on December 11th at 12:01 am (EST).  
Enter using the rafflecopter form provided.  
The more entries you complete the better your chance of winning 
one of these great prize packages!
 

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I hope you win a copy of
Noah Zarc or some of the other great prizes.
 

 

 

  Grand Prize Package #1

(value over $500) 

$100 Fandango GC
$100 Lori the Author Swag Bag
Christmas Jewelry Candle (value $40 - $7500)
$50 MilitaryApparelCompany.com GC
The Juppy (color of choice)
Real Kids Shades (color/style of choice)
Funbites (1 of each)
Knot Genie (camo)
Caliope Board Game
Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble - signed print book
Noah Zarc: Cataclysm - signed print book
Claus by Tony Bertauski - ebook

 

Grand Prize Package #2

(approx value $300)

$100 box of books for the family
Soylicious Country Kitchen Candles (2 of choice)
The Juppy (color of choice)
ediapercakes.com $40 GC
Knot Genie (silver)
Kair Bath Visor (color of choice)
Real Kids Shades (1 girl, 1 boy ages 7-12)
Slice Safety Cutter
Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble - signed print book
Claus by Tony Bertauski - ebook

 

Grand Prize Package #3

(approx value $170)

 

$50 box of books for the family
The Juppy (blue)
Knot Genie (purple)
Melissa & Doug Stamp set
Kair Bath Visor (color of choice)
Real Kids Shades (boy age 7-12)
Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble - signed print book
Claus by Tony Bertauski - ebook

Grand Prize Package #4
(value over $60) 

$20 PAYPAL
Spontaneous Board Game
Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble - signed print book
Claus by Tony Bertauski - ebook

 

Grand Prize Package #5
(value over $25) 

$10 PAYPAL
Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble - signed print book
Claus by Tony Bertauski - ebook


~~~**~~~**~~~**~~~
Visit Mom Loves 2 Read for reviews and sponsor posts

Easy to Enter - Just complete the tasks on the Rafflecopter form - make sure to complete each of them before clicking Enter - do as many as you like - the more entries you do the greater your chance of winning

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Special Thank You to all the sponsors of this giveaway event:  
Fandango!  Lori the Author!  MilitaryApparelcompany.com!  Knot Genie! Slice! Kair!   Caliope Games! ediapercakes.com!  The Juppy!  Melissa & Doug! Chillingly Cheap!  Author Tony Bertauski!  Author J.S. Wilsoncroft!  Author D. Robert Pease!

 

 

DISCLAIMER:
 Giveaway is open in the continental United States.  Please read the Terms & Conditions at the bottom of the form for full contest info.  D. Robert Pease is not responsible for Grand Prize event or sponsored prize fulfillment. For any questions or concerns please see the contact info on Mom Loves 2 Read.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The State of the Writer

It has been a long time since I've posted regularly on the blog. Mostly because I've been using other platforms (twitter, facebook, etc...) to let people in on what is going on with my writing. But it is nice to have one central location to share. So I thought it was about time I posted.

There are all kinds of things happening in the next month or so. I have a short story, called A Chink in the Armor coming out in an anthology on October 31st. I really liked this story. It basically came by asking myself the following questions: What made Job the man he was in the Bible? How did he get the faith he had? Was there some event in his life that turned him from being self-centered (as we all are) to relying fully on God? I answer that by imagining a scenario where he meets the Behemoth described in the book of Job. Look for it in Forged in Flame: A Dragon Anthology coming at the end of this month from Xchyler Publishing.

Then, in the month of November, I will be embarking on the craziness that is NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month.) Where I will attempt to write the entir first draft of the third Noah Zarc book: Declaration. It should be a blast!

Finally, on December 3rd, I will be releasing Noah Zarc: Cataclysm, the second book in the series. I'm really looking forward to hearing what people think of it. I'll be having a blog tour, and a release party on Facebook. You can join that here.

I'm sure you'll be hearing about all these things in the weeks to come. I sincerly hope I won't bore you with too many updates.

Thanks for all your support.