Why an e-book?

That's a question I get a lot after I announced that I was eschewing traditional print publishing for digital publishing.

I love holding a printed book in my hand. I do. I'm a regular at the library and the bookstore and new release Tuesdays are the highlight of my week. But I'm selling my work exclusively as digital editions.

Why? Simply put, I can reach a greater audience at a lower cost. I can publish books more often, make them easily available through major outlets for download, and I must sadly admit the field of publishing seems to be heading down a digital road.

The costs of producing a paper book are high. Sales are down. Publishers aren't going to make risks on new authors -- at least, not as often as ten years ago -- unless they are a sure-fire hit.

I'm not in it for the money. As much as I want to see my own novels on shelves, right now, I'm just happy that they can be read. I write for the fans and have for years.

So take a chance. Embrace the digital platform. And check out Sole Survivor, my labor of love that I started work on back in high school.

Borders Closing

Hopefully, by now, most of the US is aware that Borders is closing down. Thankfully, my side job provided me with some cash around the time of the sales. The price cuts in reference alone have helped me as a writer. But at the same time, it saddens me.

With a major book chain going down in flames, what hope do we, as writers, have of being published/continuing publishing? Will e-books be the future? Are we over the days of picking up a new book in a store, smelling that new book smell, and touching the crisp pages? Are books like VHS? Or CDs for most of the younger generation (don't even mention cassette tapes... most of them probably will scratch their heads and then google it on their smart phones) thanks to a little thing called an iPod.

As much as I will miss Borders, I'm taking the time to stock up on old favorites, new favorites, and reference books all around. If you haven't been yet, run, don't walk. It's rather picked over. But you might still stand a chance at grabbing a copy of the latest Writer's Market at 40-50% off.

From one writer to another, good luck. When you can, buy books. If you can't, support your local library. Yes--that includes paying fines. But think about it... 25 cents a day fine for a book that cost between $7.99 and $27? That's a pretty good bargain. Just don't forget to buy it if you can or recommend it to your friends (if it was your cup of tea).

For the thrifty shopper, or the one whose books are threatening to eat them and their pets, Amazon has a great used/selling application. Forget eBay--this is the way to sell traditional books. Also look for used bookstores. Wonder Books in Maryland makes my heart skip several beats. It's book haven. Taken in some old favorites and bring home some new ones. Read and learn.

Above all, read.