Ep 29: 9/27/18 Progress Report

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This week's episode is sponsored by Nightmare Stalkers, Book 2 in my Magic Trackers series. I talk about it on this episode, and it's one of my favorite novels I've written to date. You don't even have to have read Book 1 of the series to enjoy it!

SHOW NOTES

In this week’s episode I talk about my writing progress for September… and I invite a special guest on.

    Sound/Music Credits for this week's episode

    Intro/Outro Music: “Kick. Push” by Ryan Little.

    Sound Effects/Miscellaneous Credits:

     

    Sound effects courtesy of Freesound.org.

    TRANSCRIPT

      Hello, and welcome to episode 29. It’s hard to believe it’s the end of September already, but here we are. I hope there is warm weather wherever you are. Here in the states, autumn has begun, and autumn is my favorite season. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and it’s the perfect time to people watch.

      Anyway, I got a lot done this month.

      In writing news, I’ve begun work on a National Novel Writing Month book. It’s called Write a Novel in November, and it will be launching probably by the time the next progress report episode goes live. I love NaNoWriMo, and I’ve been wanting to write a book for that crowd for a while. I get pretty granular on how to write fiction, and I break it down into easy to understand concepts. So if you’ve never written a book, Write a Novel in November will be perfect for you, or if you’ve written a book but want to improve your craft, there will also be a lot of good content in it for you.

      I’ve also hired a video editor for my YouTube videos, which has freed up a tremendous amount of time for me. I didn’t realize how much time I was spending editing my YouTube videos until I stopped doing it. Probably 5-6 hours a week.

      Now that I’m back in class and I have speaking engagements, and I’m writing books, podcast episodes AND YouTube scripts, something had to give. So I’ve outsourced my video editing and my YouTube thumbnails. The first videos will go live starting in October, which is really exciting for me, because I can now do 2 videos a week instead of 1, which means more content for you guys.

      Kids cheering

      In other writing news, I just hit publish on the third and final audiobook in my Last Dragon Lord series, Old Wicked, narrated by Miles Meili. Miles did a fantastic job bringing my dragon hero Old Dark to life, and I’m glad to be done with the series.

      We’re also putting an audiobook compilation together that includes Books 1-3 so you can buy them with a single Audible credit if you want. That will go live in a couple of weeks.

      I’m getting anxious to start writing fiction again, so as we move toward the end of the year, I’ll slowly be focusing on a new series. Haven’t decided what that will be yet.

      In personal news, I’m appearing at the indieLAB conference by Writer’s Digest at the end of September, on behalf of the Alliance of Independent Authors. I’m going to be talking about blogging, podcasting and online video, and how you can use it to build an audience of readers. I’m very excited to get in front of a crowd of people, but my session is going to be interactive and fun, so I know they’re going to get a ton of value out of it.

      ***

      Let’s move onto some listener questions.

      Everyone’s favorite robot, Oswald is back. This month, he actually sent me more questions than usual, so I thought I would do something special for him.

      That’s right, guys, I’m bringing Oswald on the show this week to chat!

      Let’s give him a call.

      Dials, phone rings

      Oswald: Listen, I’ve told you to stop calling me. One more time and I’m calling the police—

      Michael: Hey Oswald, it’s me, Michael La Ronn. Writer’s Journey Podcast, remember?

      Oswald: Oh. Hello, Michael. Someone from Iowa has been prank calling me. If I get one more phone call, I’m going to lose a bolt…

      Michael: We don’t want that. Are you still available to chat? I’m actually recording right now, so the world is listening.

      Oswald: Fantastic. I would like to ask you those questions.

      Michael: You got it. Ready when you are.

      Oswald: I am honored. I will be asking you a lightning round. How much time do we have? I have at least six hundred and seven questions.

      Michael: I could probably do ten, maybe twelve. But definitely not six hundred, Oswald.

      Oswald: OK. First question: have you ever met anyone famous?

      Michael: Not really. I once sat in front of John Goodman for an entire night and didn’t know it. He was two feet away from me.

      Oswald: Yikes.

      Michael: Yep. I was on TV, too and didn’t find out about it until I got home. I was doing a phone-a-thon to raise money for the Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina victims. He volunteered to help, too…

      Oswald: Next question. How do you like your eggs?

      Michael: Sunny-side up. But honestly, I don’t like eggs much.

      Oswald: What’s your favorite breakfast cereal?

      Michael: Raisin Bran. I don’t eat cereal much because of all the sugar, but Raisin Bran reminds me of my great grandfather. He ate it every morning.

      Oswald: If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?

      Michael: Corduroy. In high school, I wore corduroy shirts and pants. This was 2003, guys. I was a weird kid.

      Oswald: If you had to sing karaoke, what song would you sing?

      Michael: Easy. I’d sing Mornin’ by Al Jarreau. Rest In Peace, Al.

      Oswald: What is your favorite decade?

      Michael: The 80s, hands down. Aside from the 2010s, there has never been a better decade to live as as artist and as a consumer. There was such an incredible spirit of innovation in the 80s. There were so many bands that people never heard of that were doing incredible stuff that blows my mind to this day. As a consumer, you had so many interesting choices for television, music, movies, etc. I’d definitely live in the 80s if I had a time machine.

      Oswald: What’s your favorite sandwich and why?

      Michael: There’s a fast food franchise that only exists in St. Louis called Lion’s Choice. They have the best roast beef sandwiches, period. Every time I go to St. Louis, I stop there.

      Oswald: Do you prefer sunrise or twilight?

      Michael: Twilight all the way. The clouds and the sun are always more dramatic. My favorite is flying in an airplane at twilight. The light is just incredible.

      Oswald: What is your favorite musical instrument?

      Michael: Saxophone. Next question.

      Oswald: What would your last meal be?

      Michael: Pig ears, sauerkraut, a can of cheap grocery store soda, and a slice of German chocolate cake. My great grandmother made this for me every year for my birthday.

      Oswald: What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited?

      Michael: The cloud forests of Costa Rica. I’ll never forget the fog, the birds, and the beautiful views.

      Oswald: Last question. What is your favorite novel you’ve ever written?

      Michael: Hard question, but my favorite most recent novel is Nightmare Stalkers, Book 2 in my Magic Trackers series. The novel just flowed and came together crazy well.

      Oswald: This has been an honor. Thank you for making my dreams come true.

      Michael: Always a pleasure Oswald. Thanks for your questions.

      Oswald: You’re welcome.

      QUOTE OF THE WEEK

       

      “Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you'll start to see a big difference in your life.” Yoko Ono

      Show's over, but it doesn't have to stop here.

      If you liked this episode, you and me are probably kindred spirits.

      WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS WEEK'S EPISODE?

       Let me know!

      Author Update – March 2018

      Author Update - March 2018. New audiobook, podcast interview and more

      WRITING NEWS

      I'm making progress in my new series. Here's what I published on my Facebook page earlier this month in case any missed it:

      My next series will be urban fantasy with a male hero, but (as always) I’m doing something different…

      Think standard urban fantasy meets the Arabian Nights and Prince of Persia. Instead of Chicago or London, this series will take place in a city inspired by Dubai.

      Instead of werewolves or vampires, there will be jinn and creatures inspired by Arabic folklore.

      Instead of being a wizard or a hunter, the hero is a “sound mage”—one who creates magic through sound. It’s the most interesting and nuanced magic system I have created yet.

      The hero is a prince who witnesses the death of his family by a murderous jinn who ascends to the throne and becomes a fearsome sultana. In a final act of love, his mother changes his appearance and casts the prince into the underbelly of the giant city—this time as a regular, powerless citizen. What happens next is complicated, and not what you expect…

      This is not a story of revenge, but instead, redemption. And humility. With lots of kickass characters, monsters and magic that everyone expects from a good urban fantasy, of course.

      It’s called the Sound Mage Sonata, and it’s coming soon. Book 1 is called Prince of Nocturnes.

      No idea how/if people will respond to this one. It’s a different setting, and a different kind of story (urban fantasy with an epic fantasy-esque story…Epic urban. Is that a thing??) But that’s how I roll—I take a lot of chances with my books. Life is too short to play it safe.

      Be sure to join my Fantasy mailing list for updates.

      Or click the image below to check out the Pinterest board I have started developing for purposes of research and inspiration. It will give you the feel that I'm going for.

      Assortment of middle eastern art, ouds, and other inspirational images

      APPEARANCES

      I did a podcast interview on the Author Stories Podcast with Hank Garner. Hank is a legend in the book podcast space—he's interviewed greats like Jim Butcher, Hugh Howey, Catherine Coulter, and more. I'm in some good company!

      We talk my new book, Be a Writing Machine, and the “story behind the story” for:

      • Moderation Online
      • Modern Necromancy
      • Magic Trackers

      I've never talked about some of this stuff before, so this podcast is new territory in many ways. Give it a listen!

      Card of Michael La Ronn, Dream Born Cover and Modern Necromancy Box Set cover. The Author Stories Podcast with Hank Garner. www.hankgarner.com

      OTHER NEWS

      My Android X series in the process of getting a makeover. Check out the cover for Android Paradox.

      Android Paradox book cover. Silhouette of a man running against a futuristic background.

      If you'd like to read, Android Paradox is available in ebook, paperback, and audio. The new covers won't go live for another couple of months.

      Also, I just signed a deal to get The Last Dragon Lord series into audiobook! Miles Meili will be narrating them. I've resisted putting this series into audio for the last couple years because I wanted the right narrator who could bring Old Dark to life. You guys are really going to like this. I'll have promo codes next month, so if you are interested in getting one first, contact me. 

      Be a Writing Machine Audiobook cover

      As if that weren't enough, I'm also participating in a promotion for GiveGrow.Net. They are a company whose sole focus is to help others grow and develop. From March 28-Apr 6, they are focusing on authors.

      This promotion is called the “Indie Author Superbundle” and 25% of their gross sales go to Pencils of Promise, which is a very noble cause.

      The audiobook version for Be a Writing Machine is in the bundle. There are some AMAZING books, courses and services, so be sure to check it out.

      Click here to see what GiveGrow has to offer

      NEW PODCAST!!!

      I have missed podcasting so much that I decided to start a new one. But this one is different.

      I'll be talking about my work and what inspires it. It will be an entertaining format of about 5-8 minutes per episode, with new episodes every Thursday.

      In many ways, this is the spiritual successor to my YouTube channel, Author Level Up, except it balances writing with topics that readers will find interesting.

      Check out the first few episodes of the podcast here. It will be live on all podcast channels in the next week or so.

       

       

      Author Update – February 2018

      Author Update - February 2018. New series plus a surprise announcement

      WRITING NEWS

      Magic Trackers is now published and available.

      Dream Born book cover. Attractive African-American woman wielding magic against a city background.

      BUY NOW

      Dream Born book cover. Attractive African-American woman wielding magic against a city background.

      BUY NOW

      Dream Born book cover. Attractive African-American woman wielding magic against a city background.

      BUY NOW

      NEW WRITING BOOK

      In a complete whim, I decided to write a new writing book. I write books really fast, so thought others might benefit from some of the things I've learned along the way. It's available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook.

      Be a writing machine book cover. Light bulb with gears inside it.

      Buy on Amazon

      Buy the audiobook

      NEW URBAN FANTASY SERIES

      So I mentioned last month that I was going to start a post-apocalyptic series. I've decided to put that on hold and will be writing a new urban fantasy series that I think you guys will like.

      Tentatively, it's called the Sound Mage Sonata, and it's about a “sound mage” who controls his environment by manipulating sound. It's going to be decidedly urban fantasy, but it will feel similar to The Last Dragon Lord series in terms of tone.

      PODCAST NEWS

      There have been some switch-ups at the Alli podcast network. I have stepped down from the Beginners' Self-Publishing Salon and taken the helm over at the Member Q&A Podcast. Similar show, different week. And I have a new co-host, Dan Blank from WeGrow Media! Check out the first episode here:

      http://ornaross.libsyn.com/what-if-i-hire-a-bad-editor-february-2018-askalli-members-qa

      NEXT MONTH…

      My Android X series is getting new covers. I should have the cover for Android Paradox complete and will share it.

      I'll also be able to share some more on the Sound Mage Sonata. I'm very excited about this series.

       

      Author Update – January 2018

      Michael Update - January 2018, New series, new covers

      I had a great first month of the year, and I have some pretty exciting news for you guys.

       

      WRITING NEWS

      Magic Trackers will launching in full in the next 1-2 weeks. That's right, all three books will be available before February 10, probably sooner. All the books are done. The final book will be back from my editor in a few days from the date of this posting.

      I finished the series this month, so it felt good to finally finish and start prepping for my next series.

      In the meantime, check out the covers for Magic Trackers:Banner with all three books in Magic Trackers series.

      Click here to read more about the series.

      Click here to get notifications when it launches.

      NEW BOX SET!

      My series with Justin Sloan (Modern Necromancy) has just received a box set with Books 1-3 priced at $2.99. It's a steal. Get your copy by clicking on the image. One of my best selling series!

      Modern Necromancy Box Set cover. Attractive male in the netherworld with a spirit caressing him.

      Or click here to grab your copy.

      NEW SERIES

      What will my new series be, you ask?

      It's going to be a post-apocalyptic story I've been wanting to write for the last year or so. It's about a multigenerational family on vacation when the apocalypse hits, and they have to travel across a deadly wasteland in order to get home–if it still exists. Think Grapes of Wrath in reverse meets the apocalypse.

      I don't know what it will be called quite yet. It will probably between 5-7 books. I'll share more in the coming months.

      As always, I invite you to sign up for my mailing list if you want advance notice of all my new releases.

      PODCAST NEWS

      Major change at the podcast.

      My co-host Jay Artale has left the show. I will be heading up the Ask Alli Member Q&A Podcast with Debbie Young. Instead of giving self-publishing beginner tips, I'll now be answering common questions that authors have. So be sure to check it out. First episode goes live next month.

      But in the meantime, check out Jay and I's last episode together: https://selfpublishingadvice.org/ask-alli-podcast/

      See you next month.

      Author Update – December 2017

      Michael Update - December 2017 - A look back at the year

      Happy December, gang!

      I'm posting a bit early than usual, but that's because I'm doing something special that I'll talk about in a few moments.

      Lot of fun stuff to share with you in this last month of the year.

      Writing News

      I have finished Book 1 in my urban fantasy series Magic Trackers, and I am very excited to have some momentum. I am already well into Book 2, so I'm waiting to see how this series evolves. It may be 3 books, or it may be 12. I'll know in about a month or so.

      New Short Story Available

      My Galaxy Mavericks story “Maybe Now the Stars Will Shine” has been published in The Expanding Universe Anthology Volume 3, edited by Craig Martelle. The story follows agent Devika Sharma (from Zero Magnitude) in a mission that starts just before the Galaxy Mavericks series begins.

      I'm in the company of some of the best and brightest new authors–New York Times and USA Bestsellers—31 fantastic stories in all. So be sure to pick up your copy today:

      The Expanding Universe Book Cover. Several spaceships flying in battle in a purple background

      BUY NOW

      [bctt tweet=”28 #spaceopera stories by amazing authors in this new anthology—>http://amzn.to/2ieykHo” username=”michaellaronn”]

      Book Wizard – New Way to Find My Books

      I have written a LOT of books, and I realized that if I were a new reader to this website, I wouldn't have a clue where to start.

      That's why I created a new tool called Book Wizard. By answering a couple of quick questions, it will serve up a series tailored to your reading tastes in just 5 seconds or less.

      Let wizard find you a new book right now!

      [bctt tweet=”Find your next @michaellaronn book in 5 seconds or less with his new book wizard tool—>http://bit.ly/2Bv01TC 🙂 :)” via=”no”]

      Modern Necromancy is now available everywhere

      My series with Justin Sloan is now available on all retailers. This is by far my bestselling series, with over 120 reviews on Book 1 on Amazon alone.

      You can grab Book 1 for free (limited time) here.

      What I've Accomplished in 2017

      I've done a lot this year, and I thought it would be a good idea to highlight some of those things here.

      • Published the Galaxy Mavericks series – 9 books
      • Had a Galaxy Mavericks short story included in The Expanding Universe Anthology (be sure to buy here)
      • Started writing my Magic Trackers urban fantasy series (1 book done)
      • Revamped my website
      • Revamped my personal brand with more cohesive covers
      • Created a Patreon page
      • Outsourced a lot of behind-the-scenes work so that I could spend more time writing books, which is one of the reasons why I published so much this year
      • Finished my first semester of law school
      • Accepted a new job at my current employer with more responsibility

      In many ways, there is no logical reason I should have been able to get as much done as I did this year. But I have been blessed this year in a number of ways.

      Treat Yourself to a Some Books on Sale – Happy Holidays

      I appreciate all of you who have read this blog throughout the year. To celebrate the end of the year and the launch of my Book Wizard Tool, I'm giving 25% off any book orders that you buy from me directly. Right now that includes these series:

      Go to the page of your preferred book, click the “Buy from Author Directly”, and use the coupon code THANKSWIZARD during checkout. I use BookFunnel to deliver these books automatically to your reading device of choice—it's super easy.

      Offer ends midnight Dec 31, 2017. Don't miss out–moving forward I'm not going to do sales often, and it'll be probably another year until I do this again.

      Thank you for being great readers, and happy holidays!

      Next month I'll share my plans for 2018 as well as an update on Magic Trackers. As always, don't forget to join my mailing list to get first updates when the book launches.

       

      Author Update – November 2017

      Michael Update - November 2017 - Even more new covers!

      Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving (if you celebrate it). Some fun news this month for me.

      NEW COVERS

      Festival of Shadows has received a new cover. Many thanks to J. Caleb Clark for the design. This new design fits in with my new branding, and the book needed an update. It has also been renamed to Theo and the Festival of Shadows, Book 1 in the Sword Bear series. Books 2-3 will be coming in the next year or so.

      Theo and the Festival of Shadows cover. Teddy bear pointing a sword against a shadowed evil figure.

      Grab your copy

      [bctt tweet=”Kickass teddy bear w/a sword? You won't believe this—>Theo and the Festival of Shadows, www.michaellaronn.com/swordbear” via=”no”]

      NEW BOOKS IN PRINT

      The Moderation Online series is now in print. If you'd like to put them on your bookshelf, order away!All 3 Moderation Online Book Covers in a single image.

      [bctt tweet=”The most delicious books in science fiction—Moderation Online. www.michaellaronn.com/moderationonline” username=”michaellaronn”]

      ARE YOU ON MY EMAIL LIST?

      If not, you should be. I just updated it with a new freebie. Sign up and get 2 free novels from my catalogue as a thank you. You'll receive email notifications when I release a new book.

      NEW SERIES COVER!

      I'm going to go ahead and announce my next urban fantasy series, coming spring 2018. It's called Magic Trackers, and it's about a dream mage—a woman who has the power to enter and manipulate people's dreams.

      Dream Born by Michael La Ronn. Attractive African-American woman in a leather jacket against a city backdrop, with red magic in her hands.

      Dream Born is going to be a little different than other stories I've written. I'm pushing myself in a different direction story-wise, but you'll enjoy this, especially if you enjoyed my Modern Necromancy series. Thanks to Lou Harper for the cover design.

      Next month I will post some images, videos and ideas that inspired this story—behind the scenes if you will, along with the Book 2 cover.

      If you want to get notified when Dream Born launches, sign up for my mailing list. You won't want to miss this one!

      Family Vacation!!

      The family and I just got back from Las Vegas. I might have picked up a couple of novel ideas from this trip alone…

      School is done (for now)!!

      I survived my first semester of law school classes. I'm a free man until January, which means I'm going to be writing furiously in the Magic Trackers series to hit my spring deadline!

      Thanks for reading this update, and I hope you and your family have a happy holiday and happy December.