Category: christian fiction

Novel sales stats for 2012

First off, Happy New Year 2013 to everyone and a big thank you to all those out there who bought/downloaded a copy of one of my novels. I thought I’d blog again this year about how many sales/free downloads my novels had this year. My marketing/promoting consisted mostly of using Twitter, Facebook groups/pages, joining up with a couple Christian author groups to Tweet, and going to message boards. I did some giveaways for ebooks, like on Librarything, and sent some personal acquaintances/relatives paperback copies of Times of Trouble (which actually did help some with visibility), along with a little more than a handful of review copies to a couple of book bloggers, two of which actually gave me a review. I also tried blog interviews early in the year, along with the occasional paid post about my books, but overall, I’d say 99% of my sales would probably be from word-of-mouth. My sales on Barnes and Noble increased by a lot this year, up to 40-50 ebooks sold a month compared to 2 or 3 a month in 2011.  My number one seller is the United States, followed by the UK, Canada, Australia, and then everyone else, mostly Western/Northern Europe, but I did manage to get an Amazon Kindle sale from Japan, which was a borrow for Beyond the New Frontier, and 2 sales on Diesel from South Africa. This is without the updated numbers from Smashwords concerning Apple, Sony, or Diesel from December.

Here’s the numbers for each book in order of publication:

Out of Time
Kindle(ASIN B006GDO3BC): 1107
Barnes & Noble Nook: 37
Kobo, which includes WH Smith, Angus & Robertson, and Chapters Indigo: 42
Apple: 51
Sony: 4
Smashwords: 2 paid, 64 free
Paperback (ISBN:1453896961) : 8

Don’t Mess With Earth
Kindle(ASIN B005OOKZJI): 52
Nook: 39
Kobo: 2
Apple: 5
Diesel: 1
Smashwords: 2 paid, 47 free
Paperback(ISBN 978-1602643413): 2

The Usurper
Kindle(ASIN B007K9WDA4): 92 paid, 518 Select downloads (January – March)
Nook: 47
Kobo: 4
Apple: 14
Smashwords: 1 paid, 18 free
Paperback (ISBN 1453702725): 12

Shattered Earth
Kindle(ASIN B006M2U3O8) – 8 sales, unpublished it, but will bring it back this year
Nook: 48
Kobo: 20
Apple: 52
Smashwords: 1 sale, 61 free
Paperback (probably only available on Amazon, since I retired it on Createspace): 3

Dust Storm (western short story) – plagued by Smashwords’ meatgrinder, so it wasn’t published to Apple or Sony until later in the year. Sold on Kobo once I uploaded there myself.
Kindle(ASIN B006KH7H4E): 9
Nook: 7
Kobo: 1
Apple: 1
Sony: 1
Smashwords: 2 paid, 12 free

Voyager and the Aliens (sci-fi short story)
Kindle(ASIN B005NK19MU): 14
Nook: 2
Kobo: 5
Apple: 9
Diesel: 1
Smashwords: 1 paid, 27 free

New Frontier
Kindle(ASIN B006ONBPVU): 99
Nook: 58
Kobo: 2
Apple: 7
Sony: 1
Smashwords: 5 paid, 62 free
Baker & Taylor Blio: 1
Paperback (ISBN 1468119540): 18

Times of Trouble
Kindle(ASIN B0075CNFFI): 309
Nook: 343
Kobo: 1
Apple: 0
Sony: 0
Smashwords: 128 free
Paperback (ISBN-10: 1469964791) 43

Times of Trial
Kindle(ASIN B00824G5UA): 99
Nook: 120
Kobo: 3
Apple: 0
Sony (for some reason, not available on Sony): 0
Smashwords: 31 free
Paperback(ISBN-10 147745327X): 5

Final Frontier – published in October
Kindle(ASIN B009ORP5U0): 26
Nook: 22
Kobo: 0
Apple: 0
Sony: 0
Smashwords: 0
Paperback (ISBN-10: 1481192191): 0

Beyond the New Frontier – combo of New & Final Frontier, available on Amazon to borrow for free or buy for $3.99
Kindle paid(ASIN B009NVH76M): 28, KDP Select: 724, Borrows: 2
Paperback (ISBN-10: 1480185590): 1

The total equals 1694 free and 2858 paid sales. My goal for 2013 is to double the paid sales without having to rely on free giveaways as much. I’m also working on a prequel to Times of Trouble, most likely called “Times of Turmoil.” I also re-designed a whole new author website on weebly. I was using webs.com, but it was way too clunky, but Weebly seems to be pretty user-friendly. Please check it out http://cliffball-indieauthor.weebly.com when you have time (waiting for domain name transfer, so it night re-direct back to webs.com). Now, I just have to figure out how to transfer my domain name over to it.

20 Free eBooks for Christmas

Merry Christmas

FREE Downloads

(Note date each book is Free – dates vary!)

MAID FOR MURDER: Deadly Business

FREE Dec. 24 – 25

Genre: humorous inspirational mystery

http://ow.ly/g9frP

Author: Susette Williams

Bailey inherits her grandfather’s business, Maid For You, but cleaning up dead body parts wasn’t part of the job description. Bailey hopes to wipe out crime with the help of Nate, her computer hacker assistant, despite protests of their involvement in the case from Detective Max Wellington.

When Bailey catches the culprits arranging to dispose of another body, she’s out to help the two of them dig their own grave and if she’s lucky, Detective Max Wellington will keep them from arranging her funeral.

Maid for Murder is a trilogy that begins with Deadly Business. The story continues throughout the trilogy as Bailey uncovers deception, corruption and a few secrets that may forever change her life. As the threads of deceit unravel, the murders begin to break out like a case of Bubonic Plague.

Bailey is a Christian, struggling to keep on the path she knows is right, fighting the temptation of the hunky Detective Max Wellington who would like nothing more than to take her into protective custody, for more than just interfering in police business.

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ACCIDENTAL MEETING

FREE Dec. 21 – 22 & Dec. 24 – 25

Genre: inspirational romance

http://ow.ly/fR7ft

Author: Susette Williams

Abbey Martin isn’t willing to be the kind of ‘player’ her boss wants her to be. When he threatens to not promote her because she refuses to get in ‘compromising’ positions, she quits.

If a day can go from bad to worse, it does for Abbey. She runs into Bruce Harrington on her way home—literally.

Bruce Harrington was on his way to a very important meeting. That was until a raving lunatic with brown, bouncy hair spiraled towards him in her car and then on foot. Maybe he should count it a blessing that when she sent him cascading over the side of the embankment—he wasn’t in his car.

To make amends for causing Bruce to break a leg, Abbey becomes his chauffeur and helpmate until he recovers.

When his cast is about to come off he has to face losing Abbey. There has to be some way he can keep her from walking out of his life forever. If a job offer won’t do it then perhaps it’s time for a proposal.

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FALLING IN LOVE

FREE Dec. 21 – 25

Genre: inspirational romance

http://ow.ly/fR717

Author: Susette Williams

Katie Morgan has her future planned. It doesn’t include becoming serious about anyone before she achieves her goals, not even her handsome boss. Just because she does not have time to date, doesn’t mean her boss shouldn’t. Her new mission…to make her boss happy, whether or not he wants to be.

Wade McAlester fell in love with Katie the first day she walked into his clinic looking for a job. He hired her, content to settle for friendship until she lives out her dream of becoming a vet. Against his better judgment, Wade allows her to fix him up with a couple of her friends. The dates are disastrous. He can’t believe the kind of women Katie seems to think he’d enjoy spending his life with. However, when Wade’s old colleague, Dr. Laura Redmond shows up, Katie is rethinking how happy she wants her boss to be, and with whom. Definitely not the gorgeous doctor.

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ON MY OWN

FREE Dec. 21 – 25

Genre: middle grade fiction

http://ow.ly/fR7GG

Author: Susette Williams

On My Own is the second book in the Life With Stef series. In book 1, The ‘In’ Crowd, Stef learned about forgiveness and friendship.

In book 2, On My Own, Stef realizes that being alone for the first time can be scary. When Stephanie’s parents trust her to be on her own and even baby-sit for her brother and sister, there’s more than shadows spooking her and what about the mysterious phone calls and the man outside?

Stephanie finds out that being On My Own isn’t that easy.

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HELL’S CHRISTMAS

FREE Dec. 21 – 25

Genre: fiction

http://ow.ly/g9htV

Author: Cynthia P. Willow

Monika Hell seemed to have it all. She was gorgeous, owned a nice condo, an expensive car, an endless wardrobe, and had a great job as a store manager in the mall. But, she was mean, miserable, and worst of all, hated Christmas. Kidnapped from the mall parking lot on Christmas Eve, her life is turned upside down. Now, on Christmas morning, she finds herself in a freezing alley with nothing but the tattered clothes on her back. With no identification, no money, and no one willing to help, Monika is forced to start all over. Could losing everything she’d worked for all her life lead her to find what’s been missing all along?

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CRY FOR THE MOON

FREE Dec. 21 – 25

Genre: young adult Christian fantasy

http://ow.ly/g9gQC  Kindle

http://ow.ly/gbmzb  (Other formats)

Author: William Woodall

Zach Trewick has a hard choice to make. His family expects him to become a werewolf on the night of the next full moon, whether he likes it or not, and he’s got only three days left before time runs out. Scrambling to find a way to stay human, Zach quickly makes a bold plan to run away from home and find his uncle Justin nearly a thousand miles away in Texas, the only person he can think of who might take him in. Stowing away in a septic tank, sleeping in a library, and living in a dog house on a vacant lot are among the adventures he encounters along the way. But the werewolves have no intention of letting him escape so easily. For although he doesn’t know it yet, Zach is the Curse-Breaker, the long-foretold boy who can crush the wolf curse forever, and his family will stop at nothing to prevent that.

Nominated for the 2010 Texas Lone Star Reading List for excellence in young adult literature and scoring 4.3 stars from 39 reviews on Amazon, Cry for the Moon is the first book in the Last Werewolf Hunter series. The series is suitable for middle-graders and up, since it contains only mild violence and little to no gore. It has more to do with Zach’s ultimate choice to become the last werewolf hunter in the world, and to break the Curse forever.

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UNCLOUDED DAY

FREE Dec. 21 – 25

Genre: young adult Christian fantasy

http://ow.ly/gbmy7  Coupon Code: QU39K

Author: William Woodall

Brian Stone’s life isn’t easy. Abandoned by his father, abused by his alcoholic mother, and mocked by his classmates, his only treasures are his beloved little brother and his old guitar. Then Brian finds a magical amulet in his attic, and things begin to change. Soon he has more power and wealth than he’s ever dreamed of, and for a while all seems to be well. But Brian has made a terrible mistake which may cost him everything, and his only hope is to seek out the Fountain at the Heart of the World, wherever that may be. And if he fails, then it will mean the death of every person he loves, and maybe even his own. This book is a tale about the glory of God’s love; the life-giving Life, and the Beauty that makes beautiful.

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TYCHO

FREE Dec. 21 – 25

Genre: young adult sci-fi

http://ow.ly/gbmwW  Coupon Code:  AL44G

Author: William Woodall

In the year 2154, sixteen year old Tycho McGrath is an advanced genetics student at the prestigious John Brooke Academy in Tampa. Life seems fairly dull, until he accidentally discovers that in less than a week, a recently designed bacterium known as the Orion Strain will almost certainly wipe out every human being on earth. Tycho and his friends quickly form a desperate plan to steal an experimental spacecraft and flee to the partially-terraformed Moon, hoping to ride out the plague until it’s safe to come home. But the survivors of Earth soon discover that the Moon has its own dangers. Horrific storms, radiation poisoning, and mutant insects all lie in wait, and worst of all, they must soon face the betrayal of one of their own. Will Tycho and the others find their way back to Earth, or will they be trapped forever on the dying Moon?

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LYCENTIA: Harrak’s Scrolls

FREE Dec. 21 & 22

Genre: historical fantasy

http://ow.ly/g9ib5

Author: Dave King

Patrik, the recalcitrant innkeeper and Galena, his younger daughter, load up the wagon, lock up The Lonely Fox Inn and head east for Lycentia. The goal? To hand-deliver Harrak’s scrolls, the ones Patrik discovered in a musty cave, to Oliver III, the Netherene High Priest. The problem? The scrolls are not what Patrik thinks they are! But how, if at all, can Patrik discover the truth before it’s too late? Lycentia: Harrak’s Scrolls – book two of The Land of Betrovia trilogy

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The 15th Star

FREE Dec. 21 – 23

Genre: historical adventure

http://ow.ly/g9iwo

Author: Lisa Grace

Set during the War of 1812:

In the fall of 1809 Grace Wisher, a young slave girl, escapes the plantation to live her life in the port city of Baltimore, Maryland. She is indentured to Mary Pickersgill who teaches her the skill of sewing flags and standards. Yet Grace is hiding a terrible secret, one men will murder for even hundreds of years later.

In the present, Keiko Zorben is finishing her master’s degree by working as an intern at the Smithsonian Institute. While archiving mislabeled letters, she finds a clue to the whereabouts of the missing star from the Star Spangled Banner. For over two hundred years its location has been a real-life mystery, until now.

Keiko asks the handsome Dr. Julian Lone Wolf, the head of the American Indian Studies Department, to join her on her search for the missing star.

When a docent is murdered and an attempt is made on their lives, Keiko and Julian realize finding the missing star and the secret it holds, is their only key to survival.

“The 15th Star” has been compared by first readers as a mix of “National Treasure” meets “1776”.

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Nadia’s Hope

FREE Dec. 24 & 25

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Inspirational romance

http://ow.ly/gbiEC

Author: Lisa Buffaloe

The nightmares continue.

Memories won’t heal.

Nadia must make a choice.

Nadia Minsky fled Israel to escape her past, but she can’t outrun her nightmares. The throbbing scars along her hip and stomach are cruel reminders of shattered dreams. Even though surgeons mended her body, her spirit still bleeds. Friends claim only God can heal her. For Nadia, trusting a God who allowed her to suffer is inconceivable.

Can close friends, a wild roommate, and a handsome medical student help Nadia learn to trust? Or will her past forever cripple her future?

Nadia’s Hope Awards

2010 Women of Faith Writing Contest Finalist

Runner-up for Women’s Fiction, 2010 (ACFW)

American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Contest

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Grace for the Char-Baked

FREE Dec. 21 – 23

Genre: Christian Romance

http://ow.ly/gbiLm

Author: Lisa Buffaloe

A light-hearted novella where a self-avowed-worst-cook-ever accepts a challenge to hold a bake sale and cooks up love instead.

With “Char” as a nickname, Charlotte Wilson’s cooking skills are more incendiary than culinary. Charlotte is the last person on earth who should run a bake sale. But when her plans of running in a charity marathon are side-lined by a broken foot, her old flame’s suggestion becomes a challenge midst her friend’s simmering doubts.

Luke Hammond has spent the last five years studying and preparing to travel overseas as a medical missionary. When his high school sweetheart unexpectedly comes back in his life, Luke wrestles with what he feels God calling him to be and what he wants to do. His reappearance rekindles an attraction that could char Luke and Charlotte’s heart or cook up the perfect romance.

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TIMES OF TROUBLE

FREE Dec. 21 – 25

Genre: Christian Futuristic

http://ow.ly/gbmvG  Coupon Code: EU28Q

Author: Cliff Ball

Told in first person point of view by Brian Atwood, who is our main character and works for the FBI. His work involves potential cases of terrorism. Recruited to become personal bodyguard for the President. His faith as a Christian is tested daily working for the President. We follow Brian as the U.S. slowly disintegrates around hm.

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“Guitar String Logic”

FREE Dec. 24 & 25

Genre: Music Theory and Guitar Instructional Book

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Author: Skysun Stambaugh

A beginner’s guide to the guitar from the music shop to writing solid songs with fundamental music theory principles. Includes text, diagrams, explanations, examples, and tips.

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TRUSTING GOD WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN

FREE Dec. 21 – 23

Genre: Christian nonfiction

http://ow.ly/gbmto  Coupon Code: HB95F

Author: Shelley Hitz

“This book has Biblical answers to the ‘Why?’ we are hearing so much today after the shooting tragedy in Connecticut. Thank you, Shelley, for the timeliness and wisdom.” ~Barbara

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CHASING THE TEXAS WIND

FREE Dec. 21 & 22

Genre: Historical Romance

http://ow.ly/gbmsa  Coupon Code: TH56W

Author: Mary Campagna Findley

“Wounded war hero” Hamilton Jessup married celebrity singer Maeve Collinswood without realizing her marriage of convenience proposal would plunge him into a personal and patriotic crisis. Texas faced war with Mexico. A mysterious “Endgame Scenario” set Ham to puzzling Texas’ future. Maeve drew him into a passionate alliance, a deadly confrontation, and a reliance on God he had never imagined.

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ANTIDISESTABLISHMENTARIANISM

FREE Dec. 21 & 22

Genre: Nonfiction Contemporary Issues and Scientific History

http://ow.ly/gbmob  Coupon Code: EY42F

Author: Mary Campagna Findley

The Bible is a Book of Science Secular Humanism is a Religion of Mythology Antidisestablishmentarianism. As the title of a book it is a little cumbersome, a little intimidating, except that it’s absolutely essential to the discussion of Secular Humanism as America’s Established religion and how we can disestablish it.

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NEHEMIAH, LLC

FREE Dec. 21 & 22

Genre: Science Fiction

http://ow.ly/gbmmZ  Coupon Code: LX33P

Author: Mary Campagna Findley

The surface of Mars is swept by violent storms but the Nehemiah Group lives almost idyllically beneath the surface in “Glop-dropped” parks and sandblasted living quarters. Life support has failed on the balloon ship Sojourner. Joan, bioneural specialist and Anthony Lewis, an engineer and something more, must tread a fine political and diplomatic line to meet the launch window.

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL – THE TEMPTATION

FREE Dec. 21 – 25

Genre: young adult fiction

http://ow.ly/gbjPK

Author: Paul Swearingen

A black teenager is forced to move to a small town but realizes that with the help of new friends he may be able to leave the bad influences behind and concentrate on football. But part of his past catches up with him. Then temptation, in the forms of a potential burglary and a till-tapping opportunity, presents itself – and he knows he has tough choices to make.

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BABEL

FREE Dec. 21 – 25

Genre: romance/Biblical fiction

http://ow.ly/gbmlN Coupon Code: CG74G

Author: Sherry Chamblee

Her secret could doom the world. His honesty could save it.

Jaiyl grew up alone and afraid, feeling the emotions of everyone around her as if they were her own. Being part of a nomadic tribe meant she came in contact with many different people, but was connected to none of them, until she met a family that was different; people who knew God in a way she had never thought possible.

She must come to trust God, or doom the world.

Van knew there was an entire world out there beyond his mountains, but he could never quite bring himself to get up and go see it. Then someone from out there came to him. He gets thrown into a fight he didn’t start, with powerful people who don’t want to be found. He has to figure out what really conquers all, before it’s too late.

Jaiyl is all secrets and fear, Van has nothing to hide, nothing to fear. Together they must fight for the freedom of those they love.

December Treats Promo

DECEMBER TREATS

Here are some Treats too good to pass up!

9 FREE books and 13 others for only $.99 each!

THE “IN” CROWD (Life With Stef) by Susette Williams

FREE! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNCoA

WINTER CHILL (Seasons of the Heart) by Susette Williams

FREE! Dec. 7&8 http://ow.ly/fNCuQ


Cry for the Moon by William Woodall

FREE! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNC7L

PATTY GAYLE AND THE LEGEND OF KINGSLEY by Cynthia P. Willow

FREE! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNLB6

Pibbin the Small by Gloria Repp

FREE! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNLRB

The Story Shell: Book Two in Tales of Friendship Bog by Gloria Repp

99cents! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNDou

Some Happy Day by Elaine Littau

FREE! Dec. 6&7 http://ow.ly/fNDlL

Betrovia by Dave King

FREE! Dec. 6-8 http://ow.ly/fNE2t

21 Days of Gratitude Challenge by Shelley Hitz

FREE! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNEvB

Charlie’s Angel by Samantha Fury

ONLY $.99! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNEsa

Emaline’s Gift by Brad Francis

ONLY $.99! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNEoU

Times of Trouble by Cliff Ball

ONLY $.99! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNBUe

Times of Trial by Cliff Ball

ONLY $.99! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNC34

Wheels of Love (Breaking Dawn Book Series) by Amy Leah Magaw

Only $.99! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNEhC

Home (Breaking Dawn Book Series) by Amy Leah Magaw

Only $.99! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNEcg


Lycentia by Dave King

Only $.99! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNE53

The Book of the Harvest by Brad Francis

ONLY $.99! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNEG9

Forgiveness Formula by Shelley Hitz

ONLY $.99! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNEJl

How to Find Free Christian Books Online by Shelley Hitz

ONLY $.99 via Amazon! http://ow.ly/fNEzQ

Free via Smashwords and BN! Dec. 4-8

Retreat to Folly by Missy Fillion

ONLY $.99! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNEEu

For Animal Lovers by Kim Cano

ONLY $.99! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNCXc

HELL’S CHRISTMAS by Cynthia P. Willow

ONLY $.99! Dec. 4-8 http://ow.ly/fNCMN

Character Timeline for my End Times novels

Since I’m about to start working on a prequel to Times of Trouble and Times of Trial, I decided I should probably work on a timeline for the characters, since I also had to figure out how to keep the timeline straight in Times of Trial after writing Times of Trouble. This is a rough draft, but I’m sure some people are curious about the dates in the novels of when the characters were born, got married, went to college, etc. Since this is a 100+ year period, I might have to break up the next novel into parts, but I’ll just have to see how it goes.

1915 – George Leonard Evans born in New York City, grandfather of Michael Evans
1920 – Charles Atwood born in Fairfax, Virginia, great grandfather of Brian
1940’s -George Evans collaborates with the NAZI’s, begins to gain power; Charles Atwood fights in Europe during WW 2
1948 – Tom Atwood born in Virginia, grandfather of Brian; Evans protests the re-creation of Israel, tries to talk England out of giving them any land whatsoever
1952 – Amy Atwood born in Virginia, Tom Atwood’s sister
1950 – George Evans marries Vera Thompson
1952 – Jason Michael Evans born in California
1971 – Jason and Amy meet in college at the University of Southern California. Amy is a born again Christian, Jason was raised as an atheist, but after some time with Amy, Jason also becomes a Christian
1973 – Jason and Amy get married
1974 – Aaron Atwood born in Virginia, father of Brian, family moves to Delaney, Nebraska after Tom serves in Vietnam
1975 – Michael James Evans born
1976 – George, not liking the fact that his son and heir is a Christian, has Jason and Amy killed off, adopts Michael, vows to make the Atwood family miserable because they converted his son
1990 – Charles Atwood dies
1993 – Michael graduates high school, sent to Harvard
1993 – David Collins born in Florida to a powerful political family with connections to George Evans
1997 – Michael graduates Harvard. George is 82, transfers everything over to Michael, dies a few months later
2000 – Brian Atwood’s parents marry
2001 – 9/11 Terrorist attacks, Lynda Delaney’s parents marry, Aaron Atwood joins the Army, goes to Afghanistan, Lynda’s dad goes to Iraq
2002 – JahAngir Karimi born in London
2003 – Heather Delaney born nine months after her father returns on leave
2004 – Aaron returns from Afghanistan
2005 – Frank Atwood, brother of Brian, born in Delaney; Paul Delaney born nine months after father returns on leave
2008 – Brian born
2009 – Lynda Delaney born nine months after father is on leave
2011 – Melissa Atwood born; Mike Delaney born nine months after father on leave
2012 – Lynda’s father dies in Iraq before U.S. withdrawal; Michael discovers Karimi in orphanage, raises him to be the future Islamic savior
2015 – Collins is sent to Harvard, paid for by Evans
2019 – Collins graduates Harvard
2020 – Collins becomes Mayor of Miami, Florida using Evans’ political connections
2028 – Tom Atwood dies
2024 – Collins runs for and wins a Florida State Senate seat
2026 – Brian serves in the U.S. Air Force for four years 2026 – 2030
2027 – Lynda attends Pensacola Christian College 2027 – 2031
2032 – Brian and Lynda marry; Collins elected as a U.S. Senator for Florida
2035 – Brian’s parents die in a mysterious car wreck
2038 – Collins elected President of the United States
2042 – Collins declares his dictatorship, Karimi takes over Iran, Lynda dies of breast cancer
2043 – Collins assassinated, United States falls apart, Christians are raptured, Evans takes over, Karimi is revealed as the anti-Christ, Yellowstone Caldera blows up
204? – Tribulation period

I don’t know if this clears anything up, but I hope it helps, and if anyone has any helpful suggestions, please leave a comment.

#99cent sale for my #ebooks on Amazon, B&N, and Kobo

For the rest of November, five of my ebooks will be $.99 on Amazon, B&N, and Kobo (which includes WH Smith and Angus & Robertson). Amazon updates either instantly or takes all day, UK Nook will update later, and Kobo’s new prices will be reflected tomorrow. All but Final Frontier is available in paperback.

Here’s the ones on sale:

Out of Time, my time travel novel, is currently $.99 anyway, but I’m thinking of raising the price to $2.99 at the end of the year, which includes Apple & Sony.

Currently is rated 4 stars with 8 reviews on Amazon.

In the 2150’s, a scientist discovers time is actually fluid; past, present, and future all exist at the same time. What he doesn’t know, is if the current timeline can change when something is changed in the past. The US government wants him to find out. The theme being to make right what once went wrong.

The links

Amazon US, Amazon UK, B&N Nook, B&N Nook UK, Kobo, Apple, Sony

 

 

 New Frontier, Book 1 in my New Frontier Series. Normally $3.99

In this alternate history novel, what-if Ronald Reagan became President in 1976 instead and the Space Race turned out differently? He pledges to support NASA with the moon landings, and declares that a moon base would be established by 1979, followed by a Mars Base by 1989. The Soviets decide to up the ante by building something bigger.

The rest of Earth follows the original timeline, so terrorism rears its ugly head, which will forever change American politics. Iran and its attempt at taking hostages is taken care of in 1979, but a new threat emerges because of it. The new President of the United States has to pursue these enemies of the U.S. to secure America’s future. We follow America’s progress from Moon to Mars, along with the Teacher in Space Program, to an eventual starship mission out of the solar system, which will continue in book two.

The links:

Amazon US, Amazon UK, B&N Nook, UK Nook, Kobo

 

Final Frontier is book 2 in my New Frontier series, and a new release. Normally $2.99

In this sequel to New Frontier, the USS Lewis & Clark begin their search for the Soviet starship Yuri Gagarin. They find the wormhole that the Gagarin went through twelve years earlier and decide to go through it. On the other side, the crew of the Lewis & Clark find a solar system that used to be populated by aliens known as Pictorians, but they’re no longer there. Neither is the crew of the Gagarin. So, the Lewis & Clark is flown back through the wormhole to report back to Earth.

Unfortunately, something is wrong, they find themselves 30 years in the past. As they struggle to wait for their future to catch up, the crew of the Lewis & Clark make changes to certain events, but they cause unintended consequences; including making another alien species mad enough to forbid humans from traveling beyond the Sol System. Find out what happens in this conclusion of the New Frontier series.

Links: Amazon US, Amazon UK, B&N Nook, Nook UK, Kobo

Beyond the New Frontier, which is currently exclusive to Amazon, will be FREE the day after Thanksgiving, but is either free to borrow now for Prime Members or buy for $4.99. Also available in paperback currently on Amazon.

 

Times of Trouble, the 1st novel in my End Times Saga. Normally $3.99, 6 reviews 4 stars.

Thirty years in the future, the U.S. government has turned into a tyranny as the EPA and TSA grow with ever more power.

Brian, the main character, tells his story from first person point of view. His work with the FBI involves mostly cyber terrorism and actual cases of potential real world terrorism. Eventually, his wife gives birth to their third child, who has Down’s Syndrome, which does not please the U.S. Health Administration because there are rules and regulations set-up in cases like these to prevent “genetic freaks” as they like to call them, from sucking up a lot of Health Admin money. Because the Atwoods are born again Christians, they never considered aborting the baby, so now the Health people have to take him away to deal with the problem later.

Meanwhile, the Secret Service decides to recruit Brian to be the personal agent of the President of the United States, David Collins, due to his great work stopping a terrorist plot that would’ve involved Offutt Air Force Base. Brian’s faith is tested every day as he deals with a man that has no morals from what Brian can see, and is tested even more when his wife finds out that she’s dying from a fast growing form of breast cancer. Trouble in the rest of the world pits the U.S. against Israel as that country attempts to defend itself from attack.

When the re-election of Collins doesn’t turn out the way he wanted it, he and his people declare the election nullified because of supposed “irregularities” with the ballots. Collins claims that the new President-elect may take the seat sometime in the middle of next year, if everything looks to be sorted out. Collins purges his staff of what he considers unloyal people, including Brian. At the same time, Brian loses his wife, but regains the son he thought he had lost.

Brian moves back to his family home in Nebraska, where we follow what happens as the country slowly falls apart. Events play out as Brian and his family sees the End Times approach.

Links: Amazon US, Amazon UK, B&N Nook, Nook UK, Kobo

 

Times of Trial, the second novel in my End Times Saga. Normally $3.99

The Tyler’s have a church that is dying in Tucson, Arizona. Even though the church is dying, they take care of the remaining senior members, including the ones in nursing homes and in hospice. The other family in the church, the White’s, head to Wyoming to live in a community that was originally started by Doomsday Preppers back in the early 2000′s so they can attempt to escape the increasing persecution of Christians and are helped by a Navajo Nation Sheriff who became a Christian as a young man.

Greg Tyler, who is the oldest son, dreams about a girl, but has no idea who she is. During this time, he’s kicked out of high school after getting into a fight with the bully who has constantly tortured him throughout their school years. Laura Hall lives in Phoenix and is her high school’s Senior Class Treasurer. She dreams about a boy, but hasn’t the slightest idea who he is, and neither one can see the faces of the one they’re dreaming about. Eventually, the two come across each other in the Camp that President Collins orders Christians into, but only after Greg rescues Laura from some bullies who collaborate with the Camp Commander. They attempt to get to know each other before the Rapture.

President Collins orders the activation of Camps across the country that will house believers who he thinks are a threat to his rule. His patron, Michael Collins, manipulates events in the Middle East to stir up trouble between Iran and Israel. The Tyler’s end up with others in a camp in Arizona, while the White’s and the community they live in gets attacked by government troops. Evans continues to manipulate events as the Rapture takes the Christians, and he gains ultimate power.

Links: Amazon US, Amazon UK, B&N Nook, Nook UK, Kobo

Thanks for sharing or buying!

Potential novels, sequels, & other scribblings

When I started writing and publishing my works, I never thought I would publish more than maybe two novels. Well, now I’m up to eight novels, and setting to write my ninth. My goal this year was to write and publish at least two novels, and I did that, with three. I also thought I’d never write sequels or a series of novels in the same universe, but I have. I’m sure some wonder if I’m going to have any sequels to some of my older novels, and I’ve been asked, but right now, I don’t know. Here’s an update on my current novels and future works.

Out of Time It took me a long time to get this novel right, but I finally did. Anyway, I thought about writing a sequel, but at the moment, I have no idea where I’d want my time travelers to go. I did start to write something about Janet Erickson, the captain of the Einstein, but I got stuck after a page or two of writing. I have an idea of what I might want, but I’m not sure if it’s a novel length story, a novella, or a short story. If I get around to writing it out, I’ll see.

Don’t Mess With Earth – I actually sent a short story version of this in the mid-1990’s to the Writer’s of the Future contest, but got nowhere with it. I wrote a full length novel, but this is one of my stories that people either like or dislike, and I re-wrote it into a version of Shattered Earth, changing the beginning, and making the novel longer by over 25k words. I have been asked by 1 or 2 readers if I’m going to tell the story of the Ragnor after Earth destroys them for the most part, but I really don’t know. I wrote a page a year or so ago, but haven’t returned to it. We’ll see.

The Usurper – No sequel. I wrote this mostly to push buttons, and if you’ve seen some of the reviews I’ve received on Amazon, you’ll know that I did just that.

New Frontier & Final Frontier – Final Frontier is the sequel to New Frontier, so I’m not sure about another sequel. I might one day go back to Final Frontier to include a chapter or two near the end, because I glossed over what happened to the Soviet Starship Gagarin in one of the alternate timelines, but if I say more than that, it would be spoiling the story for those that haven’t read it.

My End Times Series of novels – The next novel I’m going to write is about the story of Michael Evans, starting with his grandfather, who I’ll have palling around with Hitler in WW2. The Evans’ will try to manipulate events from behind the scenes, get England to balk at giving Israel as much land as they were going to give them after the war, finance the enemies of Israel, start to interfere in American society, and have appearances by the grandparents of the main characters from Times of Trouble. How Evans finds David Collins and the Iranian, and how they manipulate events before the Tribulation. I think I’ll begin writing it in November, taking time to do a lot of research while I’m doing it, and possibly getting it finished in early 2013. I was also thinking of at least one young adult novel in the series, even though Times of Trial is kind of leaning towards that, since Greg and Laura are two of the main characters, and they’re teens, but I’ll just have to see how that works out.

As for short stories, I’ve come up with a few of those, but a lot of them are so different in genre, I don’t know if I should put those in a short story collection, but I will think about it. Next year, I want to publish at least three more novels, if possible.

#SampleSunday – Times of Trial: an End Times novel

Here is a sample from the first part of Chapter 4 of “Times of Trial.” Available at: Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Apple iTunes, Kobo
Chapter 4

A day earlier….
TimesofTrial_frontcover1“I’m starting to fear for our safety, Eric. Some of our neighbors keep calling CPS and the cops on us for homeschooling the kids, our house gets egged, and someone keeps smearing dog or cat poop on our doors. Along with the graffiti on my car and neighbors who slam their doors every time they see us outside, this is the last straw for me. We should take up that offer to move to Wyoming,”
“I think you’re right, Karen. I was hoping that things might get better. It’ll probably take us a week or more to get there if we go by the back roads. Selling the house and moving all of our stuff would take too long, so maybe we should take only essentials, like food and our camping gear,”
“You want us to camp on our way there?”
“Renting hotel rooms would cause too many questions. If we eat at a fast food joint, or buy anything, I’ll pay in cash. We don’t want the TSA to find out where we’re going,”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right, dear. What should we tell the kids?” asked Karen, as she ran her fingers through her hair.
“Tell them exactly what we’re going to do. They’ll understand. Let’s go talk to them about it.”
Their four children were summoned to come to the kitchen table to discuss with their parents what the family was going to be doing. After listening to what his parents wanted to discuss, Nathan, who was the oldest, asked, “What about our friends? Shouldn’t the Tyler’s come with us?”
“They can’t. They have a responsibility to the older members of the congregation to watch out for them, but when I go inform the Pastor about what we’re doing, I’ll ask again. I’m pretty sure it’ll only be us though. Besides, you can make new friends in Wyoming,” answered Eric.
“I guess.” Nathan shrugged his shoulders.
“Here, we have a map of the roads we’re going to travel on,” Eric laid out a map of Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming, “we’ll be going through the Indian Reservations here in Arizona because the TSA doesn’t have jurisdiction there. If we can find out the places to drive through in Utah without being harassed by the TSA, we should make it. We’ll be camping out the whole way, so bring warm clothes and all of your blankets. Everyone understand?”
“Yes, Dad,” the four answered.
“We’re also leaving all electronics here. We don’t want to be tracked. So no cell phones, tablets, iPads, or portable games. Where we’re going will be pretty much off of the grid.” the kids began whining about how that wasn’t fair. “Enough. That decision is final. Ok, get to work packing the essentials; we’ll be leaving in the morning.”
The family spent the next four hours packing their warm clothes, blankets, camping gear, and getting it into their Suburban. The next morning, Karen asked her husband shortly before they left the house, “Do you think we should lock the doors to the house?”
He thought about it for a few minutes before answering, “Probably not. I don’t think we’re coming back, so we don’t need any of that stuff. If anyone is that desperate for a newer TV, mattresses, washer and dryer, and all of that other stuff, then they’re welcome to it. Come on, let’s go.”
Before leaving the driveway for the church, Eric said, “Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, please guide us on this journey. Help us to avoid being seen by government forces. Please help those who aren’t able to make this journey, and please protect them. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Once Eric got back into the Suburban after talking to Pastor Tyler, he asked, “So, where to next?”
Karen looked at the map and said, “Ok. Our route will have us driving up State Highway 77 through Globe, Show Low, and then to Holbrook. Once in Holbrook, we’ll have to travel on or next to I-40 for a few miles, then we’ll turn off again onto 77, which looks like a farm-to-market road on the map. I have us going through Chinle, which is just outside of Canyon De Chelly, and we’ll camp out for the night. Since we have four wheel drive, we can get off the main road to do that,”
“Sounds like a plan. Before I drive away, does anyone need to use the restroom?” Nobody said they did. “Good, because we’ll be in this car for at least two hours before we reach Globe.” Eric put the Suburban into gear and began driving north.

Sales for the year so far

Now that it’s June, here are my sales numbers for the year so far, from regular sales to when one of my novels was in KDP Select to free giveaways. These are all from mostly just promoting online on Twitter, Facebook, and a bunch of message boards. The novels are listed in order of publication, from 2008 to 2012.

Amazon US Kindle
Out of Time – 34
Don’t Mess With Earth – 13
The Usurper  – (regular sales) – 67
KDP Select numbers for The Usurper – 329
Shattered Earth (which I unpublished on Amazon) – 8
Voyager & The Aliens – 3
Dust Storm – 4
New Frontier – 50
Times of Trouble – 89
Times of Trial – 9

Amazon UK Kindle
Out of Time – 8
Don’t Mess With Earth – 4
The Usurper – 8
KDP Select for The Usurper – 176
Voyager & The Aliens – 1
Dust Storm – 0
Times of Trouble – 4
Times of Trial – 1

Amazon Germany
Out of Time – 1
The Usurper (KDP Select) – 4
New Frontier – 1

Amazon France
The Usurper (KDP Select) – 2

Amazon Italy
The Usurper (KDP Select) – 2

Amazon Spain
The Usurper (KDP Select) – 6

Barnes & Noble Nook, which is partially through PubIt, B&N’s publishing platform and through Smashwords
Out of Time – 17
Don’t Mess With Earth – 17
The Usurper – 15
Shattered Earth – 19
Voyager & The Aliens – 1
Dust Storm – 3
New Frontier – 12
Times of Trouble – 109
Times of Trial – 7

Apple iTunes
Out of Time – 29
Don’t Mess With Earth – 4
The Usurper – 5
Shattered Earth -25
Voyager & The Aliens – 4
New Frontier – 3
Times of Trouble (only available since May)
Times of Trial (not yet available)

Kobo
Out of Time – 10
Don’t Mess With Earth – 1
The Usurper (Kobo has yet to list it)
Shattered Earth – 8
Voyager & The Aliens – 0
New Frontier – 0
Times of Trouble (only available since May)
Times of Trial (not yet available)

Sony Reader
Out of Time – 1
Everything else – 0

Smashwords paid/giveaways
Out of Time – 1/39
Don’t Mess With Earth – 1/26
The Usurper – 0/9
Shattered Earth – 0/37
Voyager & The Aliens -0/14
Dust Storm (I unpublished it because I couldn’t get the formatting right) – 2/12
New Frontier – 5/41
Times of Trouble – 0/87
Times of Trial – 0/1

Createspace Paperbacks, all of which were sales from mostly Amazon
Out of Time – 2
The Usurper – 7
Shattered Earth – 3
New Frontier – 12
Times of Trouble – 30
Times of Trial – 0

Total between January & end of May: 1423

Overall total since 2008: 26381

I’m posting this because some writers get discouraged, but you just have to keep at it. While I don’t have the money or much in the way of resources to push my novels to greater visibility, I think I’m doing pretty well. I took The Usurper out of KDP Select because my sales were actually worse overall, and I had a grand total of 3 borrows, so I didn’t think that program was worth it. Stay tuned for the sequel to New Frontier, plus a short story anthology based on minor characters in the two End Times novels, and a novel about Michael Evans, the man-behind-the-scenes in both End Times novels.

#Newrelease: Times of Trial the 2nd novel in End Times series

Times of Trial is now available, and it’s the 2nd novel in my End Times series.

A preacher and his family, the Tyler’s, have a church that is dying in Arizona. Even though the church is dying, they take care of the remaining senior saints, including the ones in nursing homes and in hospice. The remaining family, the White’s, leave the same church and head to Wyoming to live in a community that was originally started by Doomsday Preppers back in the early 2000′s so they can attempt to escape the increasing persecution of Christians.

Meanwhile, President Collins orders the activation of Camps across the country that will house believers who he thinks are a threat to his rule. His patron, Michael Collins, manipulates events in the Middle East. The Tyler’s end up with others in a camp in Arizona, while the White’s and the community they live in gets attacked by government troops. Evans continues to manipulate events as the Rapture takes the Christians, and he gains ultimate power.

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.

 

The next novel I’m writing is a sequel to New Frontier, and I will also write a short story anthology of some minor characters mentioned in both End Times novels. Eventually, I’ll write a novel about the character of Michael Evans, the patron of President Collins and the man who manipulates events around the world.

Next novel, Times of Trial, possible book cover

This is a possible cover to my next novel, Times of Trial, but it probably could use some tweaking or something altogether different. I could use some feedback if anyone’s willing to give me some. I would appreciate it.

  The novel is a parallel novel to Times of Trouble. A preacher and his family, the Tyler’s,  have a church that is dying in Arizona, and they take care of the remaining senior saints, including the ones in nursing homes, etc. The remaining family, the White’s, leave the same church and head to Wyoming to live in a community that was originally started by Doomsday Preppers back in the early 2000’s so they can attempt to escape the increasing persecution of Christians. Meanwhile, President Collins orders the activation of Camps across the country that will house believers who he thinks are a threat to his rule. His patron, Michael Collins, places a new man in charge in Iran, who consolidates his power and attempts to take a swipe at Israel. Israel strikes back, but the rest of the world sympathizes with Iran. The Tyler’s end up with others in a Camp in Arizona,  the White’s and the community they live in get attacked, other events happen that also occur in Times of Trouble, and Evans continues to manipulate events as the Rapture takes the Christians, and he gains ultimate power.