Tuesday, September 28, 2010

A few excellent books

I thought I'd briefly share with you some of the wonderful authors -- and their books -- that I met at the Chisholm Trail Book Festival in Duncan, Oklahoma. Click on the links to purchase the books.

A Biplane and Her Boy
by Mary Coleman-Woolslayer
Illustrations by Kevin Stark
Description
Mary Coleman-Woolslayer tells the story of a boy’s love for his biplane from the viewpoint of the plane that just might love him in return. A beautiful book and moving story with plenty of information about biplanes to delight young and old.

A Simpler Time
by Laura W. Eckroat
Description
Oversaturated with the latest video games and iPhone apps, does anyone slow down to remember A Simpler Time? Join A.J. as she discovers a summer of fun with her mom, finding animals in the clouds, and a trek to find the perfect four-leaf clover. Charming and perfect for young readers.

Statehood The OK Way
by Ann K. Larson
Description
Oklahoma to rhyme and verse. Ann Larson has spelled it all out in her poem Statehood the Oklahoma Way. Simple rhyming verse and charming illustrations will help young children begin to discover the fascinating history of the state of Oklahoma. Okie colloquialism and state history abound. From the Trail of Tears to the Land Run of 89. From Sequoyah to Mickey Mantle. Young and old alike will be reminded of the lore and legends, the wild-west past and the colorful people who have helped forge the 46th state. Informative and delightful.

The Passing of Paradise
by Molly Lemmons
Description
An inspirational romance, the story revolves around Kendra Tinker, the heroine who meets and falls in love with a handsome young man at a church social. Both from Christian backgrounds, Kendra feels her marriage to Keith Kouch will be the mirrored image of her parents' marriage, and will be an extension of their kind of love. But from the first date, the warnings are strong; however, Kendra ignores them, choosing instead to believe she misunderstood or over-reacted. Who is behind the mysterious phone calls, and what secret does the little blind girl hold? And how do they all affect Kendra and her decision? What mysteries lie behind Keith's black eyes? Will her undying love for him override her intellect? Deeply romantic.

All of these are worth your time and money. Check them out!

Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
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Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
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Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in softcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor

Monday, September 27, 2010

A plea for help

Hey, readers, I need your help. In October, Floozy and Other Stories will be submitted to the online retailers (Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, etc.). Once that happens, I won't be able to make any more corrections. If you've noticed an error in Floozy, please let me know. I'm looking for errors such as: words left out, missing periods or questions marks, incorrect formatting, missing quote marks, etc. Please help! I would greatly appreciate it.

Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in HARDCOVER at Lulu.com.
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Marvelous time

I had a marvelous time at the booking signing at the Muldrow Public Library! Sold a lot of books. Got to catch up with folks, including Cindy Burnett and Terri Magnani. (Classmates of mine that I rarely see.) Afterwards, my family and I went to lunch at Cheddars in Ft. Smith. Absolutely awesome day, and I appreciate Branch Librarian Bethia Owens for hosting the signging!

Here are a few photos from the signing. Unfortunately the other photos are too blurry to share. I may need a new camera.

Me and three of my cool aunts.


Me and Cindy. Such a joy to see her.


Me and Terri. She has attended every one of my book signings in Muldrow. I appreciate her support.


It was a great day and really lifted my spirits. Thanks everyone who attended!

Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com.
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in softcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor

Friday, September 24, 2010

Reminder

Last reminder: I'll be at Muldrow Public Library tomorrow (Saturday, September 25) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a Book Signing for Floozy and Other Stories.

Purchase your signed copy of Floozy and my other books! Get your book signed if you purchased it online. Come by and register to win $200 in books and merchandise. Giveaways to the first 10 people who purchase a book.

Or just come by and say hi. Invite your friends. I'd love to see you there!



Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in softcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Help a Floozy out!

Hey, folks, Floozy needs your help!

In October, Floozy and Other Stories will be submitted to the online retailers (Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, etc.). Once that happens, I won't be able to make any more corrections. If you've noticed any errors in Floozy, please let me know. I'm looking for errors such as: words left out, missing periods or questions marks, incorrect formatting, missing quote marks, etc.

Help a Floozy out! I sure would appreciate it.

Oh, don't forget I'll be at the Muldrow Public Library this Saturday from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. signing Floozy and my other books. If you're in that area, come on by! I'd love to see ya.

Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in softcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Books Read In 2010 so far

I should reach a 100 or so books this year. Maybe more. We'll see. The holidays are always busy and really cut into my reading time. And I'll be very busy in November with National Novel Writing Month. Here's what I've read so far.

75. ***** The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas G. Carr
In The Shallows, Nicholas Carr argues that the Internet is damaging our ability for deep thought and that the use of the Net is making us shallow. He provides a lot of evidence, including some fascinating and frightening scans of our brains when we use the Net. Highly recommended.

74. **** The 2009 What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard Nelson Bolles
Excellent book on how to find a job. It's updated yearly and well worth the update. Recommended.

73. *** The Golden Mean by Nick Bantock
72. *** Sabine's Notebook by Nice Bantock
71. *** Hire Me Inc. Resumes and Cover Letters by Roy J. Blitzer
70. *** Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde
69. ** The Sign by Raymond Khoury
68. *** The New Frugality by Chris Farrell

67. **** State Fair by Earlene Fowler
Another entry in the Benni Harper mystery series. As always, the characters and their funny and sometimes sad interactions are as important as the mystery. Recommended.

66. *** Griffin & Sabine by Nick Bantock
65. *** Bring It On by Laura Anne Gilman
64. *** Accidentally Dead by Dakota Cassidy

63. **** I'll Mature When I'm Dead by Dave Barry
Excellent collection of humorous articles that haven't appeared in newspapers (except for one). Recommended.

62. *** Shootout in Dodge City by Judd Cameron
61. *** The Escher Twist by Jane Langton
60. *** Live Free or Die by John Ringo
59. *** Eco House Book by Terence Conran
58. *** Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you by Mardy Grothe

57. ***** Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life by Thich Nhat Hanh and Dr. Lilian Cheung
Thich Nhat Hanh is a Zen Buddhist monk, and with the assistance of Dr. Lilian Cheung, has produced an excellent book on how to eat healthy and live well. I found this book illuminating and wise and have started to see results in my own life as I've applied its principles. Highly recommended.

56. *** Into the Darkness by Harry Turtledove

55. **** Sync: How Order Emerges From Chaos In the Universe, Nature, and Daily Life by Steven H. Strogatz
Fascinating book about how order can arise at every level of the cosmos and how this synchrony effects our world. Easy to read and full of examples. One of the best science books I've read lately. Recommended.

54. *** Do-it-yourself Digital Home Office by S.E. Slack

53. **** How to Simplify Your Life: Seven Practical Steps to Letting Go of Your Burdens and Living a Happier Life by Werner Tiki Kustenmacher and Lothar Seiwert
Excellent book on how to simplify your life with wise, practical advice. The authors cover everything from your home to your job to your relationships. This book isn't about having less, but about enjoying what you have more. Recommended.

52. *** Solar Power Your Home for Dummies by Rik DeGunther
51. *** Daughter of the Empire by Raymond Feist
50. *** Choice Theory by William Glasser

49. **** Leap of Faith by Gordon Cooper with Bruce Henderson
Mercury 7 astronaut Gordon Cooper tells of his career in space and then of his belief that the U.S. government has covered up information about UFOs. Besides the surprising info about UFOs, the book details Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space projects and offers lots of surprising details about the inside workings of NASA. Recommended for UFO skeptics and believers alike.

48. *** Teach Yourself Copywriting
47. *** The Art of the Book Proposal by Eric Maisel
46. *** 2010 Guide to Literary Agents
45. *** The Puzzle of Piri Reis by Kent Conwell
44. *** The Diabetes Dtour Diet
43. *** Time Spike by Eric Flint
42. *** Catalyst by Anne McCaffrey

41. **** Assegai by Wilbur Smith
Enthralling and exciting adventure in Africa in the early 1900s. Brutal at times, it remains a deeply romantic story in which the brave hero and beautiful heroine fall as deeply in love with Africa as they do with each other. Recommended.

40. *** And Now A Few Words From Me by Bob Garfield

39. **** Photocraft by Caroline Herter, Laurie Frankel & Laura Lovett
A beautiful book perfect for your crafting table. Many projects on ways to use your photos in interesting and unexpected ways. Recommended.

38. *** Harshini by Jennifer Fallon
37. *** Treason Keep by Jennifer Fallon
36. *** Medalon by Jennifer Fallon

35. **** Null-A Continuum by John C. Wright
This is a mind blowing, confusing, but ultimately entertaining book. It is a sequel to three books by the late Golden Age writer A.E. Van Vogt. I warn you: it has more plot twists and hidden identities than any other book you've ever read. The action bounces all over the universe, back and forth in time, and anywhere else you can think of. Frankly, it's overwhelming and took me two readings before I could fully grasp the plot. While I doubt I'd read any other sequels that might follow this one, it was worth the effort.

34. *** Arms-Commander by L.E. Modesitt Jr.

33. *** Knockout by Suzanne Sommers

32. *** Swan for the Money by Donna Andrews

31. *** The Golden Shrine by Harry Turtledove

30. ** Level 26: Dark Origins by Anthony E. Zuiker with Duane Swierczynski

29. **** Breath and Bone by Carol Berg
The stunning and exciting conclusion of the duology that started with Flesh and Spirit. Valen has discovered the truth about his life, but it's a truth that makes him a target for kings, warriors, dead men, witches, and worse evils. I hated to see the book end. Recommended.

28. **** Flesh and Spirit by Carol Berg
A interesting, quirky fantasy, the first of a duology. Valen doesn't fit in anywhere and runs away from the restrictive Pureblood Registry straight into a war that will determine the fate of the entire world. Recommended.

27. **** Revision & Self-Editing by James Scott Bell
One of the best books I've ever read on how to better your writing. Lively, packed with great examples, well-organized. I'm going to buy this book for my library. Recommended.

26. *** UFO by Charles E. Sellier with Joe Meier
25. ** The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
24. *** Elyon by Ted Dekker & Kaci Hill
23. *** Lunatic by Ted Dekker & Kaci Hill
22. *** Tragic Magic by Laura Childers
21. *** Chaos by Ted Dekker
20. *** Arctic Drift by Clive Cussler & Dirk Cussler
19. *** Renegade by Ted Dekker

18. **** The City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann
The true story of the disappearance of legendary British explorer Percy Fawcett in the 1920s and of the many other explorers who lost their fortunes, lives and/or sanity searching for Fawcett and the Lost City of Z. Recommended.

17. **** Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Do you like steampunk? Do you like alternate histories? If so, Leviathan is the book for you. It has zeppelins, clankers (like Star War walkers), giant living airships, cannons, politics, a prince on the run, and much, much more. The only reason this handsome teen book didn't get five stars was because it's the beginning of a series, and the story leaves you hanging. Recommended.

16. *** Infidel by Ted Dekker
15. *** Less Than Dead by Tim Downs
14. *** Florence of Arabia by Christopher Buckley
13. ** Amberville by Tim Davys

12. **** Whirlwind by Robert Liparulo
Another entry in the Dreamhouse Kings series. The King family moved into a huge creepy house and discovered that it held terrible secrets. The pace is staggering as they rush from one danger to another. This teen book has some truly creepy moments in it. Recommended.

11. *** A Darkness Forged in Fire by Chris Evans

10. **** Altar of Eden by James Rollins
James Rollins's Altar of Eden is a good book, but it dismayed me with its vulgar language in places, and frankly, it's not one of his best. Characters are slight, and the plot has a few holes. Still, Rollins is one of the best thriller writers out there, and I don't think I wasted my money; I just know Rollins has better books in him. Recommended.

9. *** Cowl by Neal Asher

8. **** Crush it! By Gary Vaynerchuk
Crush It! is a great book for anyone who is trying to turn their passion into a life-long career. It's worth your money if you've ever thought about telling your boss where to go and leaving to follow your dream.

7. *** Design it Yourself Newsletters by Chuck Green

6. ***** First Lord's Fury by Jim Butcher
First Lord's Fury is my first five starred book and is the conclusion of an epic fantasy series. (Butcher also writes the Dresden Files series, the basis for the short-lived show on SyFy channel.) I hope he returns to these characters again in a new series. I think there's still plenty of stories left to be told in that fantastic world. Highly recommended.

5. *** Marvel Visionaires Chris Claremont
4. *** Orcs: Army of Shadows by Stan Nicholls
3. *** Robot Titans of Gotham by Novell Page

2. **** The Chocolate Cupid Killings by JoAnna Carl
The Chocolate Cupid Killings is the latest in a mystery series. I've not read any of the others, but I'm going to look for them. It's an excellent cozy. Carl, by the way, also lives in Oklahoma. I love Oklahoma authors!

1. *** The Light of Burning Shadows by Chris Evans

How's your reading going? Any good books to recommend to me?

Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
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Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
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Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in softcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Bask

Bask

Sometimes I must be still.
Letting worry slowly subside.

Sometimes I have to sit in twilight.
Listening to the swelling silence.

Sometimes I need to not need.
Floating in the quiet darkness.

Sometimes I drift along with the wind.
Watching the clouds move across the dimming sky.

Sometimes I am simply here.
Basking in the joys of life.

Copyright 2010 by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved.

Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.comBuy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.comBuy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.comBuy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.comBuy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.comBuy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.comBuy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com.Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.comBuy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.comBuy Murder by the Acre at Lulu.comBuy Murder by the Acre in HARDCOVER at Lulu.com.Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor

Monday, September 20, 2010

Okay, the party's over

Ever had someone linger long after the party was over? That's the way I feel about my current head cold and back trouble. It's time for them to move on out. I have things to do, but can barely drag myself out of bed long enough to take some meds. Sigh. I'd be angry, but that takes too much energy. Anyway, I have plenty of plans. I hope I can get them started this week. How is life treating you? I hope you're healthy. Going to call it a night now, but before I go, here's a poem. 

Quicksilver
Let us pray. Power Who moves the universe Who makes the mountains speak and the skies sing and the waves give praise To Thee we offer thanks for these quicksilver moments brief and precious that compose our lives. We sparkle but briefly against the bounded night motes of lights bright before we fade into shadow But in these fleeting moments, we live and die weep and laugh and gloriously love So we give thanks to Thee and ask upon us Thy endless blessings and unbounded mercy. We ask this in Thy Myriad Name remembering always to give unto You all the praise And we all say amen. 

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Wonderful time!

Had a wonderful time at Duncan's Chisholm Trail Book Festival! Met several wonderful authors that I will be telling you about soon. The facility was great, the author's goodie bag was fantastic, my fellow authors was friendly and helpful.

I learned so much about how authors "decorate" their tables at a book signing and made some instant friends that I'm going to try to stay in touch with. In fact, I intend to feature some of the books at the Festival on Harbor Street. Stay tuned.

A very good day, topped off by attending the birthday party for two of my roomie's grandchildren. I also go to spend the whole day with my good friends Kyra and my roomie -- great, great, GREAT company.

I'm totally exhausted and still fighting this cold so I'm going to call it night. More tomorrow!

Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
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Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
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Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in HARDCOVER at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor

Friday, September 17, 2010

Adventure on Chisholm Trail

Tomorrow I will be in Duncan at the Chisholm Trail Book Festival. If you're in the area, drop by. The Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. I'll have all my books there, including Floozy and Other Stories, Murder by Dewey Decimal, Murder by the Acre, and EndlesS. I'll be having some giveaways and contest registrations. There are supposed to be over 40 other authors there at the Simmons Center in Duncan; I hope to meet several of them.

Anyway, wish me luck and lots of sales!

Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com

Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
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Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com

Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in HARDCOVER at Lulu.com

Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Loaded for bear

I have realized -- somewhat late -- that I let people devalue me. Because I'm different than most people, I have allowed them to convince me that different somehow is less ... less worthy of respect, less important, less valuable.

Well. Well. Well.

Listen.

Listen to this, you bastards.

No more. No more of your lies and sly digs. No more of your clever ploys and unrebutted cuts.

I'm loaded for bear. If you think I will stay down because it's more convenient for you, you got another think coming. Did you truly believe I'd buy your line of crap forever? Well, I almost did. Stupid me. Stupid no longer.

Better buckle up, babe. It's going to be a hard, fast ride. Can you keep up? If you don't, I'll leave you behind.

Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Hammer

You know, life sometimes doesn't know when to quit. It just keeps hammering you like it's habit it can't break. But you know something, I'm getting tired of it. Maybe I don't need mojo so much as I need a bit of anger's fire, some fury to blow away these leeches who are putting me down and attempting to convince me that failure is acceptable.

Look, we fall down. But ... we get back up. In fact, we bounce back up, and we bounce up swinging. You'd better believe it. And you'd better support me, or get out of my way. Trust me on this if nothing else. You don't want to oppose me.

You don't.

Is life hammering you? Let me know so I can cheer you on as you hammer back.

Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Like a turtle

GRRRRRRRR!!!

GRRRRRRRR!!!


I am so tired of health problems! My IBD flared, my back went out, and then I caught a cold.

GRRRRRRRR!!!

The back is the hardest thing to take because it so limits me. I'm having to use a walker some and a cane when the walker won't fit, but I can't stand for very long without my back just refusing to hold me.

GRRRRRRRR!!!

But it is getting better. I've been able to get up and walk around some with less pain. I've been taking Valium, but all it seems to do is make me sleep. And I mean really sleep. I don't know how people can get addicted to it. I take it, and 30 minutes later, I'm out. Apparently tension has been the only thing keeping me awake all these years.

Anyway, so I've been watching some TV, reading some books on resumes and how to find a job, watching a few movies on NetFlix, and generally being bored out of my mind. As most of you know, I take enforced rest ... badly. It's sort of a Frankenstein monster thing. I get surly ... angry ... vicious ... homicidal. Except of course, I'm flat on my back, flailing like an furious turtle and can do nothing!

I think we're back to GRRRRRR!!!! And how is your world treating you?

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Buy Murder by the Acre in softcover at Lulu.com
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Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor

Thursday, September 09, 2010

Bummer

What a big bummer. Got sick this afternoon. Still sick. Stupid IBD. Naturally it would happen the day before a book signing. And my back went out, too.

Well, I will still be there tomorrow. Even on a stretcher! And if case you haven't heard, Ada Public Library will be hosting a book signing for Floozy and Other Stories tomorrow (Friday) from 4-6 p.m. Come on by and see if I'm sick! Register to win $250 in books and merchandise. Buy a book or five and get them signed. (You can sell them on EBay when I become famous.)

Anyway, going to call it a night now. Hope you are feeling well. Night!

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Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
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Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
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Buy Murder by the Acre at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in HARDCOVER at Lulu.com

Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor

Sunday, September 05, 2010

Foolish?

It's discouraging being a writer. You pour your soul into your words, and as limited as your ability may be, they are your words and your soul. So you send your soul out into the world where they are rejected, ignored, disliked ... It's hard not to wonder if you're just being foolish to pursue this dream.

I love my four books: Floozy and Other Stories, Murder by the Acre, Murder by Dewey Decimal, and even poor neglected EndlesS. Reading them you can get a fairly clear picture of the type of person I am and how I approach the world. Those books are me, and they haven't been accepted or read as much as I like them to be.

I held no illusions that I would be a "best-selling" author. That takes the support of huge publishing house that's willing to put the advertising dollars into your book. I knew that when I self-published. And I have been pleased for the most part with my sales, sales that I didn't expect and money I never thought I'd receive. (I say for the most part because sad little EndlesS did quite poorly for a variety of reasons. Still love the book, though.)

Still ... I keep thinking I should have more readers. Admittedly, they're not the best books out there. I write as well as I can, but I still have a long way to go to word mastery -- not that anyone ever really achieves that -- but they're a good sight better than many books I do read.

Is the only secret of success to those books is that they have a large publishing house behind them? And maybe they're not as successful as I think. If you look at the stats on the average published book in the USA, you realize that most books receive a print run of between 5,000 to 10,000 copies, with most receiving around 7,000 or so. Figuring in a return rate of say 10 percent, and you soon realize the reason most authors can't do as a full time job is simply because their books never received a large enough print run in the first place.

Of course, you don't write just for the money. It's dream, it's ambition, it's a creative urge, and everyone knows such things are a force unto themselves. But as I consider my dwindling bank account, money is much on my mind these days.

What's on your mind? Let me know. Talk to you later.

Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
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Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
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Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com

Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in HARDCOVER at Lulu.com

Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor

Saturday, September 04, 2010

High Maintenance

High Maintenance

If I could somehow offer you
my heart on the proverbial silver tray
garnished with gold truffles
topped with a sprinkle of diamonds,
would it finally be enough?

Or perhaps I steal for you
the sweet hymn of heaven,
which only the archangels
have gloriously sung,
would you be satisfied?

Maybe even wrestle time itself
and plunder from its secret vault
the elixir of eternal youth
so age never touches your lush body,
could you be content then?

But the more important question may be
if I could do these wondrous things
if such miracles I could bring forth
as easy as buttering your bread,
why oh why would I waste them on you?

Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com

Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com

Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in HARDCOVER at Lulu.com

Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor

Friday, September 03, 2010

7 days and counting

One week from today, I'll be having my book signing at the Ada Public Library. (It's Friday, Sept. 10, 4-6 p.m., just to make it clear.) Y'all come, you hear! I'd sure like to have a good turnout.

The main focus of the book signing is Floozy and Other Stories, of course, but I'll have my other books there, also, if you need to pick up a copy or two of Murder by Dewey Decimal, Murder by the Acre, and EndlesS.

For those you unfamiliar with the books -- and how is that possible? -- here's a writeup about them.

Floozy and Other Stories
Got two nuns and a goat? Do you enjoy Sabbath Night Fever? Or own a flying robot monkey army serving our Alien Masters? If you do, this book is for you! Enjoy Oklahoma humorist Stephen B. Bagley’s views of our world in more than 80 hilarious tales from his decidedly different life. Previously published in various Oklahoma newspapers, magazines, websites, newsletters, and blogs with several new articles, this collection is Bagley at his side-splitting best and features such fan favorites as: “Sex and the Single Novelist,” “Bugged,” “High Tech One-holers,” “Pilgrim Up,” “Math and blatherskites,” “Tanning my hide,” and many more. Don’t miss this chance to blow coffee out your nose!
Softcover $17.95, Hardcover $25. ISBN 978-0-557-53355-8 Currently available only on Lulu.com

Murder by the Acre
The librarian and the reporter return! Bernard M. Worthington and Lisa Trent stumble upon the body of a local jeweler and ladies man in an underground house. As the couple and Police Chief Donaldson investigate, they confront a confusing mystery of lies and alibis that involves the upper crust of Ryton, Oklahoma. Questions abound: Who murdered him, and how was he killed? Why doesn’t the widow care that her husband is dead? Why doesn’t his mistress? What does the mysterious Aventura Corporation have to do with the murder? Soon events spiral out of control as the killer strikes again and again. As the three dig for the truth, they upset powerful, vengeful people. The chief might lose his job, but Bernard and Lisa could lose their lives in this suspenseful sequel to Murder by Dewey Decimal.
Softcover $18, Hardcover $26. ISBN 978-1-4357-2565-2 Available on Amazon.com, Lulu.com, and other online retailers.

Murder by Dewey Decimal
When Assistant Librarian Bernard M. Worthington finds the body of the dreaded Agatha Ryton-Storer, he has no way of knowing her death will begin a series of murders that will stun his small town and reveal secrets hidden for thirty years. Bernard, roving reporter Lisa Trent, and Police Chief Chuck Donaldson must outwit a ruthless, determined murderer. What was stolen from the library safe? Who stole the Ryton family jewelry? Why did old Eliah Ryton will his hideous mansion to the city? What secrets does it hold, and who is killing to hide them?
Appealing characters, sly wit, clever plotting, and chilling suspense mark this first novel in the Measurements of Murder Mystery™ series.
Softcover $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4303-2642-7 Available on Amazon.com, Lulu.com, and other online retailers.

EndlesS
Enjoy more than 50 sensual and moving poems from prize-winning Oklahoma poet Stephen B. Bagley, including: Quicksilver, Pagan, Passion, Closing the Book, Non-Communion, Creationsong, and other reader favorites.
Softcover $11.95, Hardcover $22.95. ISBN 978-1435724488 Available on Amazon.com, Lulu.com, and other online retailers.

And now you're all caught up on the books. At the signing, you will be able to register to win prizes, get your books signed, and have a whopping good time! Hope to see you there. Talk to you tomorrow.

Buy Floozy and Other Stories in paperback at Lulu.com
Buy Floozy and Other Stories in hardcover at Lulu.com

Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Barnes&Noble.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by Dewey Decimal at Lulu.com

Buy Murder by the Acre at Amazon.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at Barnes & Noble.com
Buy Murder by the Acre at BooksAMillion.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in softcover at Lulu.com
Buy Murder by the Acre in hardcover at Lulu.com

Buy Floozy, MBTA & MBDD items and more at Oakleaf Harbor

Thursday, September 02, 2010

A couple of good books

At the library writing today. I met a friend here and am about to leave and head to the house after running a couple more errands. Thought I'd post before I did.

Been reading a book The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr. One of the most interesting -- and frightening -- nonfiction books that I've read in a long time. I recommend it and would love to discuss it with you.

Also, last night I finished The Killer of Pilgrims by Susanna Gregory. Highly recommended if you love medieval mysteries. Of course, this is the 16th in the series, but is still accessible to anyone not familiar with Matthew Bartholomew and Brother Michael.

It's a beautiful day here. Sunshine, but cooler temps. Almost feels like fall. Sigh. I've hated the horribly high temps we've been experiencing, but I dread the cold weather. Oh well, seasons come and seasons go. Only taxes are the same ...

Hope your day hasn't been too taxing. Talk to you tomorrow. I'm out of here now!




Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Oasis

Busy today with housework, financial matters, job searching, and promoting the upcoming book signing at the Ada Public Library. (In case, you've forgotten, it's Friday, Sept. 10, 4-6 p.m. Drop by!) I took some new flyers to the library, put up a new sign on the library's entrance, went downtown to pass out flyers, and put a few up in the windows of local merchants.

I stopped by Karen's Art and Framing (108 East Main, Ada, Oklahoma). I've known Karen for a number of years, but hadn't been in her shop in a couple. Wow. What beautiful artwork. Of course, she can frame just about anything and make it into a work of art, but she also purchases prints and originals and has a small art gallery. I spent a wonderful 45 minutes wandering around and soaking up the art. I enjoyed talking with her and hearing her insights about the pieces. I highly suggest you drop by. That visit was an oasis of renewal in a stressful day. Thanks, Karen.

Following the book signing in Ada, I'll be at the Chisholm Trails Book Festival in Duncan the next week, and then at Muldrow the weekend following that. It's a busy month for Floozy and Other Stories and me. How's the month working out for you?