Why writer Bob Mayer could be my new hero

Would I have preferred to land a multi-book publishing contract for An Unlawful Order? Absolutely. But my timing, as usual, sucks. At this moment, the entire publishing world, as we've known it, appears to be in a state of flux.

Take, for instance, John Locke's recent deal with a publisher who gave Locke all his e-rights. Whoa. Take Bob Mayer, self-publishing guru and novelist in my genre of military conspiracy thrillers, who went from selling 347 copies last January to 80,000 in June. Double whoa.

For a better understanding of how self-published authors are doing it, or rather should be doing it, listen to the Bob Mayer interview.

Now, would I turn down a multi-book publishing contract? No. I'm a product of an MFA program, and still clinging to the ideal of having my writing validated by one of the Big Six. (insert sigh)

If you're a writer, you need this book...

Today, I thought I'd share a writing tip.

Since the release of An Unlawful Order a few weeks ago, I've been overwhelmed with positive feedback from customer and editorial reviews on Amazon to customer emails. What I'm hearing most from readers is that they love the conflicts -- both internal and external -- as well as the page-turning momentum of the plot.

If so, then I owe the majority of it to Robert McKee and his book, Story. McKee's book is primarily for screenwriters, but novelists can learn just as much. I've studied the book for several years, I've highlighted and tabbed, I've even attended three Robert McKee screenwriting seminars with this book in mind so that I could make it stronger.

I recommend this book after you've written your first draft. It's best to read Story with your own plot and characters in mind, and if you will, I guarantee you, this book will help you flesh out the weaker moments of characterization and plot. 

Happy storytelling!

AN UNLAWFUL ORDER is climbing up Amazon and Lulu!

Hey, Everyone,

A couple of days ago, I Googled the novel to see what buzz I might discover (uncover?), and guess what? I discovered that the novel is now #6 at Lulu in mystery and crime and #19 at Amazon Kindle in mystery. Wow.

And I owe it all to everyone who's supported me and the book through their downloads and their Facebook posts, and their blog posts, and their tweets.

I have just one question. Can we take it to #1? (You knew I had to ask, right?)

Lessons I'm learning along the way

Ten days have passed since the release of my first novel, An Unlawful Order, on Amazon Kindle and in paperback at Lulu. Here are a few things I've discovered so far.

1) Supporters -- and supporters are those who buy your book -- can come from the most unlikely avenues. For example, a friend posted the news of my novel's release on her Facebook page, rallied her friends, and several of her friends immediately downloaded the book. And, this friend posted a review on Amazon. Now that's a friend. I can't wait until it's time to help promote her book.

2) Likewise, those I'd expected to support me by downloading the book for $2.99, haven't. (Lesson learned: For whatever reason someone gives you for not supporting you, just smile and keep writing your sequel.)

3) Social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook (see #1) really, really work. Since the release of the book, I've become Twitter followers of several Tom Clancy and WEB Griffin fans, and guess what? A handful of those fans are now following me.

4) The Amazon sales rankings are shrouded in mystery. How one $2.99 download of my book can jump it 20,000 in sales rankings is beyond me, but according to Amazon, the rankings take everything into consideration, including how long your book has been on the market. Meaning, I suppose, that my book is moving faster than a book that was released six months ago. Therefore, every sale of my book counts more. Still, such a mystery.

5) For all the buzz about Kindle, Ebook, EPub, iPad, etc., don't believe the hype that everyone on the planet has made the transition. I've lost count of how many sales I've lost because the paperback hasn't appeared on Amazon and Barnes and Noble yet; the approval process for both companies apparently takes weeks. The paperback is available at Lulu's bookstore, but not everyone on the planet has heard of Lulu yet, either. So, be prepared for a few setbacks; be willing to explain to your readers how to download a free "Kindle for PC" from Amazon, so they can download your book. 

First book review is in!

From the US Review of Books

An Unlawful Order
by Carver Greene
Lulu

reviewed by L.A. Webb

"What she was about to do would either one day be viewed as the bravest move or stupidest move she'd ever made. She preferred to think of it as selfless: a metaphorical jump on a grenade to save her fellow Marines."

Meet the Marine Corps' newest heroine, Captain Chase Anderson. She's a tough, combat-tested Public Affairs Officer, who is not afraid to find the truth, whatever the professional cost. Left to pick up the pieces after her husband's Marine-81 helicopter goes down in Afghanistan, Chase is focused on raising their young daughter alone and her military career.

The events that take place on a cool, Hawaiian October day lead Chase down a path that can shake the very core of the Marines. Another Marine-81 has gone down, this time off the coast of Oahu. On the surface, it appears to be a tragic accident. However, a hard-nosed reporter is insistent that there is more to these accidents. Chase begins to wonder too and starts investigating. Under the watchful eye of a cocky, self-assured Colonel, she begins to uncover a web of deceit. Secrets are revealed that lead her to question not only who she can trust, but just how well she really knew her husband. Putting her life on the line, Chase is determined to find the truth, even if she has to go up against the Marine Corps top brass.

Greene weaves a tight plot, with engaging characters. The development of Anderson's character, through flashbacks, makes you root for her at every turn. Fast-paced plot twists ensure that readers will lose a couple of hours of sleep turning the pages of this thriller. The first in a series, we can't wait to see Captain Chase Anderson's next adventure. 

RECOMMENDED

Writing the sequel to AN UNLAWFUL ORDER

Now with the launch, finally, of my first novel, I'm back to work on mapping out the sequel. I'm super excited about this second book, and the goal -- and maybe this sounds too obvious -- is to make this book even stronger than the first.

I've been thinking a great deal lately about the effort it takes to sell a book. Writing a book is hard enough; helping readers find their way to the book is much, much harder.

If anyone out there has any suggestions, I'm open!

Now available on Amazon Kindle!

I gasped.

I actually gasped when the Amazon page popped up with MY novel on it, for sale. This is so real now. And, the book is also for sale in the UK and throughout Europe. 

Here it is, my baby.

Isn't she pretty?!