Createspace

Time is the most precious 'commodity' that hasn't found its way to stock markets yet. Actually, that makes me think - could we sell and buy time as other commodities? Perhaps something for the future but for now, I am seriously struggling with time and any achievement is worth gold!

Nevertheless, I just finished and uploaded my book cover to Createspace today. Fingers crossed, I should get a proof in 48 hours and everything will be as expected. Well, you never know with your own designs...

Reading J A Konrath's 'Newbie' blog right now, I had to check my reviews and can happily say the stars are still there, shining proud and warm. Ah, I just hope sales follow in the same way but you know what, I don't mind even if I have to wait for years. I'll write some more, my writing will improve and having books on Amazon warrants longevity - they'll be there for ever (sort of).

Then again, several reviewers said Deceiving Noone is a perfect movie material so I ought to materialize on this. OK, OK, I'm not trying to be pretentious here but I will send a letter to Steven Spielberg every single week until he either agrees to read my novel or turns me down with a hate letter the world has never seen but even then I won't give up! I get shivers down my spine thinking what Spielberg would create from my novel.

I finished the letter and will start this week - and it's not even a New Year's resolution time yet! Time definitely well spent...

Secret obsession?

That's not really about writing but I feel like telling someone that I actually do have a secret obsession. It's a bit weird but I feel really good taking photos of hotel rooms I stayed. Even more so by looking at them with a soothing effect when I'm down as they remind me of my past travels and upcoming trips to foreign countries. Darn, I need to book a flight to Brno in Czech Republic and contact one of the hotels. You see, this short post was meant to be... 

I think Helsinki, Finland...

Tehran, Iran

Oslo, Norway

Tallinn, Estonia

Morris and Henry

I've been incomprehensibly busy for the past few weeks. Promotion at work sparked a volcanic eruption of activity (I know but I love hard work). I've been promoting my professional book and my novel although I'd be thrilled if someone invented a 30-hour day for me (please)! 

I keep writing all sorts of things that will eventually culminate in a series of new novels, short stories and professional books but there is one particular event that I need to promote with all my heart.

My daughter Marusa has published her first book today! HER FIRST BOOK at a tender age of 9! It targets  the 3-5 age group so not much text although the story itself is as curly as her hair on her Amazon profile. 

The images though are unbelievably warm and telling. There is no way an adult can create anything similar - faces that ooze character and emotions, colors that radiate happiness and all that spiced up with a story of unbelievable imagination. She literally did everything herself - daddy only helped with the technical stuff. Please support her effort and buy the book, your kids will love it!

Fireman Ollie and his hat

Preparing myself for an avalanche of projects and the beginning of the new academic year but last week was a special one and I managed to record two videos of my son wearing 3D spectacles and a cute fireman's hat.

If it wasn't for my daughter, we wouldn't even notice his hat fell off at exactly the right moment. Both videos were recorded one after another and I have no idea how we even managed to achieve this but hey, some things are meant to happen - to memorise, to entertain. Enjoy!

RHS Garden Wisley

The past few weeks have been utterly crazy and I mean it quite literally. Promotion in my day job has steered me away from everything else and I've been preparing for the new academic year, trying to sort out the system to liberate some precious time (for me and everyone else).

Writing? Not much, to be honest but I knew this would be the case and taking a break doesn't hurt either. Starting with a series of short stories in mid October and investing heavily in the promotion of my first novel (I feel guilty as I haven't done much but time will come).

In the mean time, I've spent some quality time with my family. Well, I am a family man after all, although my availability in September departed heavily from the commonly accepted definition of "family". Ah, well, that's life. So, what were we up to then? RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Garden Wisley is the answer and looking at the images, I don't think you need words for this.

ParaXperience: London 2012

I promised a post dedicated to London 2012 Paralympics yesterday (I think). Yeah, too much work so I don't really remember what happened 15 minutes ago (let alone one day...). Anyway, here a re a few shots from Equestrian and Athletics events. Was it fabulous? Was it fantastic? Was it emotional? You bet and much much more!

I mean, the the audience was the best in the world and the British public response to Paralympics was life-changing! The roaring crowd, the unimaginably devoted athletes and the ever friendly and helpful organizers/volunteers made these games spectacular, unforgettable and simply magic. OK, I am lost for words now - you should be there to understand why I am so excited.

August twilight

OK, I just realized it has been a month since my last post! A MONTH!?!? Well, I was promoted in my day job (thanks for your commiserations) and now I'll simply have to invent a longer day. I'm not giving up writing though. I miss writing and especially after receiving two 5* reviews in the space of two days I cannot help but being motivated! I am thrilled, I am exhilarated, I am over the moon.

Well, I also received a bit harsh review but any promotion is good promotion and I am not scared of people who obviously do not want to believe Indie authors can write. Yes, the book is full of twists and turns (I'm sorry if it was too shocking). Yes, the book is fiction. Yes, the characters do not use a typical slang one would expect (I intentionally used "does not" and "do not" here to prove the point - the text doesn't lose its flow, the story that keeps you glued to the book is pretty much all that matters). Ah well, I shouldn't take this personal and I don't, it's just my right to make a comment.

So, what's happening next? I'm starting my next novel and a couple of short stories in October. I'll have to be ultra efficient to squeeze all this in 24 hours but it's all fun, just fun. I'll manage, no worries about that!

Oh, and yes, I've been to Paralympics! What a treat, I'm telling you! Pics to follow in my next post... I AM BACK!