Interim David Gideon

Here were go again! Some kind observations about my book The Interim Generation:

Writersive on Amazon says: I mistakenly got the third book first but to my surprise it reads well as a standalone. I really love the engaging concept and captivating storyline. I'm hooked! Definitely getting the earlier 2 books for sure!

Why thank you! I'm certainly okay with that approach, especially as I try to style my books as stand alones!

See more about The Interim Generation: Interim

Josh offers this about David Gideon: This book truly is a very entertaining literary book. The story really is quite creative and illustrates the life of a fictional character named David, who apparently had a wide arrange of professions over his lifetime. Overall the story highlights different elements of suspense, drama, intrigue, and even inspires leadership. Leadership is actually one of the big qualities that the main character begins to recognize in himself. Overall a very satisfying read!

Check out what others are saying: DG

I'm really, really happy with the progress of my writings. Thank you all!

Reviewing Reviewers

I spent most of this morning reading reviews of my own books. It's a valuable way to measure how good or bad they may be. Of course, I like my writing. But my opinion of me is quite skewed.

The extremes you can toss off without much thought. There's the occasional one which gushes as though I've written the Great American Novel. I haven't. My books are decent enough but won't be mentioned in literature courses two hundred years from now. Then there's reviews which rip a book to shreds. I pass over those equally. I think I can honestly say nothing of mine is shallow or amateurish. Yet for whatever reason the reader was horribly offended. Oh well.

It's the ones which are constructive, or at least are obviously trying to be, which are the most useful even where I disagree. I've been told I use too many adverbs. I'm not sure that I do, but the issue comes up enough that I need to consider it. Similarly, a book is occasionally dinged as in need of a professional edit. That might be useful, I admit. Yet those things cost (one to two thousand dollars is not unusual), and I'm not sure there's a real return on investment there, at least at this stage of my literary career. As I'm doing this writing thing mostly on a hope and a prayer, I'm set to do what promotion I can on the cheap and see how it all plays out.

On the whole, things look good. Each book (five are currently available) ranks between 4.3 and 4.7 on Amazon's five star scale, and the general interest readers appear to like them. And that's my intended audience. Not grammar geeks, though grammar is far more important than we think, but folks who just like to read. Enough so to give even my scribbles a chance.

By the way, my books are available online. It's true! Just click any of the following: David Gideon A Subtle Armageddon Michael's Story The Interim Generation and Family Lore

More Good Words

Here's what Jerry, an Amazon reviewer, says about my book The Interim Generation:

"The Interim Generation" is a thrilling addition to the Infinity Series. The author has masterfully crafted a complex and engaging story that seamlessly blends science fiction and political intrigue. The characters are richly developed, and their struggles and triumphs will keep you on the edge of your seat. His writing style is both descriptive and concise, making it easy to visualize the futuristic world he has created. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end. Overall, "The Interim Generation" is a must-read for fans of the Infinity Series and anyone who loves a good sci-fi adventure.

I can't say how much reading reviews such as these please me; what writer wouldn't be happy? It's particularly satisfying because I didn't think the story was ready to be put 'out there'. 

I actually published Interim on something of a lark. My own opinion was that the story was too loosely constructed and needed to be tighter. I felt it was missing something, some spark which would give it a life of its own. But the little angel on my shoulder said to get it out there, right now. Don't wait for paperback, (it's only available on Amazon Kindle right now but I'm working on that) just make it available, I was told. And the proof of the pudding? It has the highest average of the three books available in my Infinity series. 

When you hear things such as a 'masterfully crafted...complex and engaging story' with characters 'richly developed' and the style 'both descriptive and concise' of a world 'easy to visualize' a fella starts to think (hope?) that he might actually have a clue to what he is doing. 

The results so far have me considering whether to publish book four now, or whether to wait awhile. Book Four is finished; do I publish it or leave that as a tease?  Well, to tease for a minute, it's a love story about Ben and Natalie, occurring right as the world of Infinity is taking complete hold. Ben believes in the new world; Natalie believes in her and Ben. Their challenges are similar, yet different, from what Michael and Kim and Nathaniel and John face. Sound interesting?

In the meantime, fire up your Kindle and order The Interim Generation here:  Book Three

Not So Subtle?

I write things. Blogs and books and Facebook updates, you name it. I write.

My favorite book is my first one, A Subtle Armageddon. Yet I've always feared that it was too obscure, too unclear, for the general audience. Still, it's doing well with reviews on Amazon, averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars over 119 reviews. So I'm hoping that perhaps it's an easier read than I believe.

One reader said: A Subtle Armageddon paints a gripping portrait of a world devoid of emotion, where nature becomes the ultimate teacher. The prose is vivid, with moments of profound insight. Both unsettling and thought-provoking, this book questions dependence and the essence of existence.

Another remarks: (A Subtle Armageddon) is a fascinating dive into a dystopian future where human emotions have been neutralized. Following the protagonist's inner journey, the book explores the transformative power of nature and the awakening of human consciousness. The author interweaves suspense and philosophy in a compelling and thoughtful narrative. With vivid scenes and moments of palpable tension, the story pushes the reader to question control, dependence and freedom. An original and profound novel, perfect for those looking for an intense and stimulating read.

What do you think? You can find A Subtle Armageddon here and decide for yourself.

Um, Okay

Oh, that Marty. His books are getting good to great reviews on the whole. But he's not always sure what to think about certain individual opinions.

One reviewer has given me five stars on Amazon (the most you can earn) for my book Michael's Story. I appreciate that, truly and from the bottom of my heart. But among other encouragements this particular person opined, 'An interesting read even if this wasn't the author's intention'. And I thought, huh?

I mean, I'm glad he read and liked and was kind enough to review Michael's Story. But, but, what author doesn't intend for his writing to be interesting? Has he read other things of mine which he thought were not interesting (Quiet, Ron) and is praising my improvement? Or are there writers out there whose dreams are, I hope readers find my book uninteresting? When at their computer or with pen and paper in hand are there authors actually thinking, how can I make my characters more dull and lifeless? How can I present a more gray, less colorful picture of the world I'm inventing?

I am not making this up; it is a real review. I'm just not sure what to think of it.

By Its Cover

I really am happy to be getting so many positive reviews for my books. I really am. The response has been far better than I had hoped. Yet sometimes I get a review which puzzles me.

As a courtesy I won't name names or even identify which book. But a certain reviewer absolutely raved about how great my book was. Great characters, great writing, great background; they seemed very ecstatic about it. So much so that I was confused at only being given four starts out of five. 

Then at the end of the review they said all that makes them give it only four stars was the dull and uninviting cover. I must admit I did a wait, what? This is a spectacular book which you demote one star because of the cover? But I thought you couldn't judge books by their cover, as me brother Phil pointed out. 

Reviewer, you sure didn't seem to mind the story as it was by the way you heaped praise on it. But I'm debited a star because of the graphics? Such things have never stopped me from enjoying a book or not. I never once said or thought, great book even with that lackluster cover. Even if I were to concede that a better cover would be nice, and perhaps so (other critics have expressed the same thought), I just don't get that at all.

Lookit This

Well, see here: my book  Michael's Story , the second book of the Infinity series, is now available as an ebook for just $2.99. 

Thanks to my son Charlie and daughter in law Tarina for their help in getting it up and running. I hope to have book three of the series, with the working title The Interim Generation, available soon. Book Four is also manuscript ready, but I haven't come up with a title for it yet. Book Four just doesn't seem imaginative enough.

If I may say, your holiday excess shopping would be incomplete without the purchase of Michael's Story in paperback or ebook form. And don't forget A Subtle Armageddon , the first Infinity series book (available in paperback and Kindle) or David Gideon , a stand alone novel. 

Thank you.

Taking a Chance

Well, I've gone and done it. I've contracted with a publishers service to help me improve my book sales. It's a bit of a shot in the dark, and certainly a leap of faith. But I figure you gotta try something, and why should I expect someone else to pay for my writing if I'm not willing to invest in it? 

They will soon have a website up and running and increase my social media presence. I can walk away at any time, and it leaves me the ability to write while they handle the promotional end. It seems to me worth the risk.

Here's hoping. I'll keep you-all informed as things develop. Wish me luck!