Month: July 2021

The Ad Game

There’s an ad for my first novel, Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort, now running on Facebook. My Facebook friend and author, Lori Roberts Herbst, helped me set the ad up at extreme peril to her own sanity. Now that’s what I call a good friend.

So far the ad, in conjunction with my book now being listed on Kindle Unlimited, has increased my book’s visibility and its sales in a positive manner. I’ve been a bit obsessive in measuring the difference between ad costs and the number of pages read. According to my calculations I’ve either made a profit of around one million dollars or $15.65. Really, it’s too close to call.

Studly Doright, of course reminds me that there’s no profit until I’ve recouped the costs of editing, cover design, and the other bits that went into self-publishing a novel. Sure hoping that million dollars is closer to the right estimate.

Peace, people!

Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P76RBRD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TP3VS136D2NK2NG2D65G

Name This Flower!

I snapped a photo of this pretty yellow flower yesterday. It was found growing wild at my favorite Starbucks in Tallahassee. My go-to local flower expert had no idea what it was, so I’m appealing to my blogging friends. Please, someone, tell me what this flower is called.

Until someone provides an answer I’m calling her Arlene.

Peace, people!

On Hold

What’s the longest amount of time you’ve spent in one session on hold? Until yesterday, my all time record was probably two hours. Then I made a call to make reservations at Disney World. I was on the phone for three hours. Granted, I was only on hold for about two hours, but those two hours were filled with snippets of Disney songs. It was almost like being stuck on the Small World ride, only the songs changed periodically, so I guess it was a step up.

Now, Disney regulars would ask, “Why didn’t you just make reservations on the Disney website?”

That’s a good question. I was tempted to use the website, but I hoped that by talking to an actual human I could figure out a more tailored package to suit my needs. And, as it turned out, I was right. And the Disney representatives were so darned cheerful that I almost forgot about the wait time and the annoying music. Almost. Hence the post.

In the end, the three hours were totally worth it, but dadgum it, now I can’t get the Indiana Jones theme song out of my head.

Dun duh duh duh, Dun da dun dun dun…

Peace, people!

Camping Wishes

For a while now I’ve had a fantasy about buying a camper van and touring the country by myself. I’d go places. I’d drive to see my kids and grandkids in Texas and Illinois. I’d drive to California and see my Aunt Betty. I’d visit the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone and every other National Park I’ve dreamed of seeing my whole life.

I could write from anywhere. Chalk my trips up to research. Maybe I’d visit Hemphill, Texas, where Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort is set, and visit my Aunt Nedra while I’m there. And I’d take some time to drive through Amarillo, the setting for The Cowboy and the Executive, making a side trip to see my mother-in-law, Saint Helen, in Hereford.

Studly Doright could accompany me anytime he chose to, but camping isn’t his thing. Heck, I’m not sure it’s my thing, but I’d like to find out.

I won’t be able to buy a camper—unless of course my book sales take off. Maybe I could print up bumper stickers and sell them: Support a Camper—Buy a Book!

Something like this!

So, it’s all a pie in the sky dream, but who knows? Maybe I can make it happen. Who wants a bumper sticker?

Peace, people!

Big Sister—I’ve Got My Eye on You

Yesterday morning I asked Alexa to play upbeat music. She replied with something like, “Here’s a playlist based on songs similar to ones you’ve liked.” Or something like that.

The first song up was La Bamba. “Cool,” I thought. I’m using that song in a scene from Wedding at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort! What a coincidence!

The second song up was Elvis Presley’s I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You. Huh. Another song I used in Wedding. That was weird.

The third song was of no consequence, so I let my guard down, but number four was Tomorrow from the musical Annie. Holy cow! It’s probably the least likely song to appear on my playlist, but again, I’m using it in Wedding.

I’m wondering what else Alexa’s keeping an eye on. A character I have yet to name? My main character’s decision regarding her love interest? Heck, maybe I can get Alexa to finish the sequel! She seems to know it all anyway.

Peace, people!