I just posted Chapter One of Hal Spacejock 5: Baker's Dough to my website.
The release is due any day now, and I may release additional chapters as we count down.
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Monday, July 02, 2012
Hal Spacejock 5: Nearly Ready
The good news is that Hal Spacejock 5 will be released later this month (both ebook and print editions). It's been a long process, but I haven't spent the past three and a half years endlessly rewriting the same manuscript. Oh no, it's much more fun than that. I wrote Hal 5 FOUR times, with four different plots (and many other subplots), as well as a huge cast of characters scattered across the various attempts.
Do you want to know how many plots and subplots? Would it help if I told you I have Hal Spacejock books 6 through 20 half-written, partially written, outlined and/or plotted? No kidding. THAT many plots and subplots. Disaster plots, secret agent plots, big bad criminal plots, mistaken ID plots ... and others to boot.
Then, of course, there's the small matter of the Hal Junior series. When I got stuck with Hal 5 in 2010, I sat down and wrote three junior science fiction novels back to back. Last month I wrote another one, just because I could. Two are in print, the third should be out before the end of this year, and the fourth will probably be released March 2013, assuming the Mayan end-of-the-world prediction really is due to some jobsworth putting in a half-arsed affort when (s)he was finishing off a tricky calendar carving. (That's got my vote.)
So, what are some of the other titles I considered for this book?
Hal Spacejock 5: Let's start over
Hal Spacejock 5: Nearly Ready, I Promise
Hal Spacejock 5: I lied
Hal Spacejock 5: I think I'll tile the house
Hal Spacejock 5: How Many Blades of Grass in my Garden?
Hal Spacejock 5: Sharpen more pencils!
Hal Spacejock 5: I'd rather be programming
Hal Spacejock 5: About effing time
.
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Do you want to know how many plots and subplots? Would it help if I told you I have Hal Spacejock books 6 through 20 half-written, partially written, outlined and/or plotted? No kidding. THAT many plots and subplots. Disaster plots, secret agent plots, big bad criminal plots, mistaken ID plots ... and others to boot.
Then, of course, there's the small matter of the Hal Junior series. When I got stuck with Hal 5 in 2010, I sat down and wrote three junior science fiction novels back to back. Last month I wrote another one, just because I could. Two are in print, the third should be out before the end of this year, and the fourth will probably be released March 2013, assuming the Mayan end-of-the-world prediction really is due to some jobsworth putting in a half-arsed affort when (s)he was finishing off a tricky calendar carving. (That's got my vote.)
So, what are some of the other titles I considered for this book?
Hal Spacejock 5: Let's start over
Hal Spacejock 5: Nearly Ready, I Promise
Hal Spacejock 5: I lied
Hal Spacejock 5: I think I'll tile the house
Hal Spacejock 5: How Many Blades of Grass in my Garden?
Hal Spacejock 5: Sharpen more pencils!
Hal Spacejock 5: I'd rather be programming
Hal Spacejock 5: About effing time
.
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Should you self-publish short fiction?
I only have half a dozen published short stories to my name, mostly because I'm too lazy (busy) to finish off the hundred or so gathering dust on my hard drive. Those six published stories earned me a one-off payment of $50-$100 each, which varied depending on the length and the particular market.
However, in October last year I put an original 8000 word Hal Spacejock short story on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Smashwords. Was it worth it? Read on.
I've just been putting the finishing touches to a nifty little program* which takes those monthly Amazon sales spreadsheets and allows you to extract all the data and generate new (and much more useful) reports. For example, I had no idea how many copies Hal Spacejock: Framed had sold, nor how much royalty it had earned me. Now I do.
Since it went up on Amazon, last October, Framed has sold 252 copies at 99c each, plus another couple of dozen via Smashwords. My royalties work out to a smidge under $100. In other words, about the same as all my other short stories. Whoopie-doo.
But hang on a minute. What about the next six months? The 12 months after that? The next five years? What if I finish off 50 short stories and put them all online? Offered them in collections, both ebook and paperback?
Bear in mind I have almost one million words of unused, unfinished Hal Spacejock scenes sitting on my hard drive, many of them self-contained vignettes which I cut from the novels. I love writing new stuff, but turning a few of those scenes into short stories and novellas makes sense. First, because it gives fans something new, second because Amazon and Smashwords are the perfect market for shorts and novellas, third because it increases my Amazon footprint, and finally because they're not making any money sitting on my hard drive.
You'll find my Amazon footprint here.
* I will be making this program available soon
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
However, in October last year I put an original 8000 word Hal Spacejock short story on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Smashwords. Was it worth it? Read on.
I've just been putting the finishing touches to a nifty little program* which takes those monthly Amazon sales spreadsheets and allows you to extract all the data and generate new (and much more useful) reports. For example, I had no idea how many copies Hal Spacejock: Framed had sold, nor how much royalty it had earned me. Now I do.
Since it went up on Amazon, last October, Framed has sold 252 copies at 99c each, plus another couple of dozen via Smashwords. My royalties work out to a smidge under $100. In other words, about the same as all my other short stories. Whoopie-doo.
But hang on a minute. What about the next six months? The 12 months after that? The next five years? What if I finish off 50 short stories and put them all online? Offered them in collections, both ebook and paperback?
Bear in mind I have almost one million words of unused, unfinished Hal Spacejock scenes sitting on my hard drive, many of them self-contained vignettes which I cut from the novels. I love writing new stuff, but turning a few of those scenes into short stories and novellas makes sense. First, because it gives fans something new, second because Amazon and Smashwords are the perfect market for shorts and novellas, third because it increases my Amazon footprint, and finally because they're not making any money sitting on my hard drive.
You'll find my Amazon footprint here.
* I will be making this program available soon
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Second new release for the month
A few days ago Hal Junior 2: The Missing Case went live. It's already started selling and initial feedback has been great.
And now, my first short story collection has just been published. Collect One-Two contains a dozen assorted tales, from science fiction comedy to fantasy send-ups to mild horror (morror?) and everything in between.
Published by Bowman Press
Trade paperback, 5.25" x 8", 200 pages
ISBN: 978-1877034206
Price: 7.99 USD, 6.99 GBP, 7.99 EUR, 13.95 AUD
This paperback went from concept to publication in under three weeks. (That doesn't include writing and editing the stories!) From a few files on my hard drive to a book which can be printed and delivered from locations in Australia, UK, US and France - all within four-five days
Now, I know Hal Spacejock 5 is the one people have been waiting for, very patiently, and I promise the ebook will be out soon, with a paperback to follow around the end of August. Here's a taster of the latest cover idea, just to keep you going:
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
And now, my first short story collection has just been published. Collect One-Two contains a dozen assorted tales, from science fiction comedy to fantasy send-ups to mild horror (morror?) and everything in between.
Published by Bowman Press
Trade paperback, 5.25" x 8", 200 pages
ISBN: 978-1877034206
Price: 7.99 USD, 6.99 GBP, 7.99 EUR, 13.95 AUD
This paperback went from concept to publication in under three weeks. (That doesn't include writing and editing the stories!) From a few files on my hard drive to a book which can be printed and delivered from locations in Australia, UK, US and France - all within four-five days
Now, I know Hal Spacejock 5 is the one people have been waiting for, very patiently, and I promise the ebook will be out soon, with a paperback to follow around the end of August. Here's a taster of the latest cover idea, just to keep you going:
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Friday, June 15, 2012
Do I regret self-publishing the Hal Junior series?
I like to take stock now and then, reviewing past decisions so I can learn from mistakes and do more of whatever happened to work.
I've said plenty on my reasons for self-publishing Hal Junior, but here's a brief recap for new readers:
1) I can't handle the incredibly long lead times between handing in a finished book and seeing it released.
2) With a trade publisher, once it's published it's done, and everyone moves on to the next shiny. Me, I like to experiment with different ebook covers, add links to new titles to the back of the old ones, maybe refresh the cover art from time to time. I believe books are a living thing, not something you carve out of stone and put on display.
3) This is the biggie. I can't start reading a series unless I have book one. If books one and three are available but book two is out of print, forget it. If there are gaps, I'll walk away from the whole thing. By self-publishing in ebook and print, all my titles are available now, and they always will be.
I've had four books released through a trade publisher (over a period of 5-6 years) and it was fun, educational and exhilarating. By the time book five rolled around I was over it and I wanted a new challenge. It got so bad I put the manuscript on hold and wrote three books in a new series, just for the hell of it.
(I'm not anti trade publishing. I just believe my best move is to establish my new series FIRST. Publishers can approach me with offers whenever they like, and if you're thinking 'that will never happen' ... well, that's exactly how I scored a publishing deal for the Hal Spacejock series.)
So, in hindsight, was self-publishing Hal Junior the right decision?
Answer: of course it was. Nothing has changed since I released the first book.
My goal is to build an audience for this series over time, with worldwide ebook and paperback releases. No threat of cancellation, and no pressure. Just a bit of fun writing them, a bit of fun drawing silly illustrations, and then a lot of fun getting each title ready for release. FUN is the operative word, and while it's fun I'll continue to write and publish new work.
I've just released the second Hal Junior book with no fanfare whatsoever, and it's already started selling. Now I'm putting the finishing touches to book three, and book four is half done as well. I'll keep putting them out there, because I think you need three or four books in a series available before it has a chance to catch on.
If you dream of having your book published by a big-name house, and seeing it available from bookstores across the planet, don't give up. I'm not trying to push one form of publishing over another, I'm just explaining why self-pub was right for this series, and for me.
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
I've said plenty on my reasons for self-publishing Hal Junior, but here's a brief recap for new readers:
1) I can't handle the incredibly long lead times between handing in a finished book and seeing it released.
2) With a trade publisher, once it's published it's done, and everyone moves on to the next shiny. Me, I like to experiment with different ebook covers, add links to new titles to the back of the old ones, maybe refresh the cover art from time to time. I believe books are a living thing, not something you carve out of stone and put on display.
3) This is the biggie. I can't start reading a series unless I have book one. If books one and three are available but book two is out of print, forget it. If there are gaps, I'll walk away from the whole thing. By self-publishing in ebook and print, all my titles are available now, and they always will be.
I've had four books released through a trade publisher (over a period of 5-6 years) and it was fun, educational and exhilarating. By the time book five rolled around I was over it and I wanted a new challenge. It got so bad I put the manuscript on hold and wrote three books in a new series, just for the hell of it.
(I'm not anti trade publishing. I just believe my best move is to establish my new series FIRST. Publishers can approach me with offers whenever they like, and if you're thinking 'that will never happen' ... well, that's exactly how I scored a publishing deal for the Hal Spacejock series.)
So, in hindsight, was self-publishing Hal Junior the right decision?
Answer: of course it was. Nothing has changed since I released the first book.
My goal is to build an audience for this series over time, with worldwide ebook and paperback releases. No threat of cancellation, and no pressure. Just a bit of fun writing them, a bit of fun drawing silly illustrations, and then a lot of fun getting each title ready for release. FUN is the operative word, and while it's fun I'll continue to write and publish new work.
I've just released the second Hal Junior book with no fanfare whatsoever, and it's already started selling. Now I'm putting the finishing touches to book three, and book four is half done as well. I'll keep putting them out there, because I think you need three or four books in a series available before it has a chance to catch on.
If you dream of having your book published by a big-name house, and seeing it available from bookstores across the planet, don't give up. I'm not trying to push one form of publishing over another, I'm just explaining why self-pub was right for this series, and for me.
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Progress
Hal Junior 2: The Missing Case just hit Amazon Kindle ($3.99 ebook), with a paperback to follow in the next 2-3 weeks. This is Hal Junior's second adventure, and I had even more fun writing and illustrating this one than I did with The Secret Signal
I've also published a volume of short fiction called Collect One-Two, which will be available soon in paperback. (The same collection is already available on Kindle in two volumes called, naturally enough, Collect One and Collect Two.)
And so, my attention turns to Hal Spacejock 5: Baker's Dough. Two more editing passes and a cover should do it.
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
I've also published a volume of short fiction called Collect One-Two, which will be available soon in paperback. (The same collection is already available on Kindle in two volumes called, naturally enough, Collect One and Collect Two.)
And so, my attention turns to Hal Spacejock 5: Baker's Dough. Two more editing passes and a cover should do it.
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
On my plate right now ...
1. Cover art and final edits for Hal Junior 02: The Missing Case
2. Write the final 1/3 of Hal Junior 03: The Gyris Mission
3. Edit Hal Spacejock 5: Baker's Dough
4. Cover art for Hal 5
5. Continue with the big programming project I'm working on under contract
6. Finish an alpha release of the Hal Spacejock PC game (currently on hold)
7. Replace the covers for all my short stories
8. Launch the paperback edition of my new short story collection
NEXT week I'll probably have another similar list.
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
2. Write the final 1/3 of Hal Junior 03: The Gyris Mission
3. Edit Hal Spacejock 5: Baker's Dough
4. Cover art for Hal 5
5. Continue with the big programming project I'm working on under contract
6. Finish an alpha release of the Hal Spacejock PC game (currently on hold)
7. Replace the covers for all my short stories
8. Launch the paperback edition of my new short story collection
NEXT week I'll probably have another similar list.
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Thursday, June 07, 2012
New cover - Hal Spacejock 4, no free lunch.
I'm very happy with this one ...
Hal Spacejock 4: No Free Lunch
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Hal Spacejock 4: No Free Lunch
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
New covers
I bought myself a Wacom Intuos4 drawing tablet last week, and I've spent the past few days learning to draw.
After a bit of practice I decided to have a go at some new covers for my books. I've redone books 2 and 3 so far, and I'll paste book 4 when I replace that one too.
I'm not claiming to be anything more than an amateur, but my goal with these covers was to stand out on Amazon amongst the endless star-filled backgrounds with planets and spaceships.
The other great thing about ebooks is that I can continue tweaking and uploading these covers as I improve my skills.
Hal Spacejock 02: Second Course
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
After a bit of practice I decided to have a go at some new covers for my books. I've redone books 2 and 3 so far, and I'll paste book 4 when I replace that one too.
I'm not claiming to be anything more than an amateur, but my goal with these covers was to stand out on Amazon amongst the endless star-filled backgrounds with planets and spaceships.
The other great thing about ebooks is that I can continue tweaking and uploading these covers as I improve my skills.
Hal Spacejock 02: Second Course
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Monday, April 23, 2012
Been Quiet
You probably noticed this has gone a bit quiet, but that's because publishing Hal Junior took a tremendous amount of effort. Once you launch your babies into the world you tend to focus on other projects for a while. In my case, first it was another edit of Hal 5, and now it's the Hal Spacejock PC game.
My favourite PC games are classics like Transport Tycoon or Minecraft, where you start with a blank slate and create whatever you want. Graphics are not important. For me, it's all about the open-ended challenge.
Blockbuster games are released like movies or books, where they have to be perfect from day one. Computer software is different, in that you can build a loyal following by releasing modest early versions and then improve and extend them over time. This is what I did with yWriter (now up to version 5, with tens of thousands of users), FCharts, and all my other Spacejock Software releases.
When I say release early versions, I don't mean they should have bugs. My software is solid & reliable, because that's far more important to me than flashy graphics.
So what's the goal with the Spacejock PC game? The first alpha will dump you on a planet with very little info about why or where. (Hands up if you skip prologues in Phat Phantasy novels.) Initially, players will explore the surface to discover the various buildings and structures, and eventually they'll figure out how to make a little cash. Along the way they'll pick up a little background, and maybe the threads of a plot.
As long as the initial release handles that part adequately, I'll be happy. I have huge plans for the rest of the game, but I hate spoilers so you won't find out about them from me.
I've only been writing this thing for three weeks now, but a lot of the basics are in place. If you follow the link to the Spacejock PC Game (above) you'll discover a developer diary which I'll update regularly.
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
My favourite PC games are classics like Transport Tycoon or Minecraft, where you start with a blank slate and create whatever you want. Graphics are not important. For me, it's all about the open-ended challenge.
Blockbuster games are released like movies or books, where they have to be perfect from day one. Computer software is different, in that you can build a loyal following by releasing modest early versions and then improve and extend them over time. This is what I did with yWriter (now up to version 5, with tens of thousands of users), FCharts, and all my other Spacejock Software releases.
When I say release early versions, I don't mean they should have bugs. My software is solid & reliable, because that's far more important to me than flashy graphics.
So what's the goal with the Spacejock PC game? The first alpha will dump you on a planet with very little info about why or where. (Hands up if you skip prologues in Phat Phantasy novels.) Initially, players will explore the surface to discover the various buildings and structures, and eventually they'll figure out how to make a little cash. Along the way they'll pick up a little background, and maybe the threads of a plot.
As long as the initial release handles that part adequately, I'll be happy. I have huge plans for the rest of the game, but I hate spoilers so you won't find out about them from me.
I've only been writing this thing for three weeks now, but a lot of the basics are in place. If you follow the link to the Spacejock PC Game (above) you'll discover a developer diary which I'll update regularly.
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas!
I hope everyone has a safe holiday season and a prosperous and productive 2012.
As a special pressie from me, Hal Junior: The Secret Signal (Kindle ebook) will be free on Christmas Day (US time zone) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005L632RG
If you don't have a Kindle there's always the free Kindle reader app for PC, Mac, smartphones and iThings.
Might keep the kids quiet for a couple of hours after Christmas lunch ;-)
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
As a special pressie from me, Hal Junior: The Secret Signal (Kindle ebook) will be free on Christmas Day (US time zone) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005L632RG
If you don't have a Kindle there's always the free Kindle reader app for PC, Mac, smartphones and iThings.
Might keep the kids quiet for a couple of hours after Christmas lunch ;-)
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Hal Spacejock 5: Legacy publication date
Earlier today I posted to the Hal Spacejock mailing list, announcing several publication dates. I intend to stick with these, and revealing a deadline in public should do the trick.
First, I'm happy to report that I've finished the first draft of Hal Spacejock 5: Legacy. It still needs editing and polishing, but I'm aiming
for a January/February 2012 release.
I've also finished the first draft of Hal Junior 2: The Missing Case. This one should be out in April/May 2012.
I'm currently working on the first draft of Hal Spacejock 6: Safe Art, which is slated for release in June/July 2012.
Hal Spacejock books 7 and 8 are also in hand.
In each case I'll be releasing ebook editions first, then print.
Apart from my novels, I've just published another couple of stories on Amazon Kindle (Yard Fail and a short-short, Escape Clause), and all of my shorts are now available on Smashwords.
I also have another science fiction short story in the works, and I'm hoping to finish this one in the next few days.
Hey, I almost feel like a real writer again!
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
First, I'm happy to report that I've finished the first draft of Hal Spacejock 5: Legacy. It still needs editing and polishing, but I'm aiming
for a January/February 2012 release.
I've also finished the first draft of Hal Junior 2: The Missing Case. This one should be out in April/May 2012.
I'm currently working on the first draft of Hal Spacejock 6: Safe Art, which is slated for release in June/July 2012.
Hal Spacejock books 7 and 8 are also in hand.
In each case I'll be releasing ebook editions first, then print.
Apart from my novels, I've just published another couple of stories on Amazon Kindle (Yard Fail and a short-short, Escape Clause), and all of my shorts are now available on Smashwords.
I also have another science fiction short story in the works, and I'm hoping to finish this one in the next few days.
Hey, I almost feel like a real writer again!
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Monday, November 14, 2011
Release-a-thon part 2
This is the second batch of shorts I posted to Amazon today, priced at 99c each. Sleight of Hand was published in Potato Monkey issue 1, back in 2000/2001. The other two have never seen the light of day. (And neither will I, once all those epic fantasy authors get hold of me ...)
Sleight of Hand
After a cosy meal, the protagonist retires to his host's workshop for an after-dinner drink ... and becomes the unwitting subject of an experiment.
Thonn Day
Like The Desolator, every time I write a fantasy tale it comes out as a gigantic p-ss-take on the genre. Farm boy ... check. Forbidden Magick ... check. Sage advice from wise elders ... er, not so much.
Billy's Book
Another knee to the fantasy genre's 'nads. Stable mucker-outer Billy Crump has heard all about farmhands becoming powerful wizards, and he wants a piece of that particular pie. Unfortunately this wizarding business is much harder than it looks ...
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Sleight of Hand
After a cosy meal, the protagonist retires to his host's workshop for an after-dinner drink ... and becomes the unwitting subject of an experiment.
Thonn Day
Like The Desolator, every time I write a fantasy tale it comes out as a gigantic p-ss-take on the genre. Farm boy ... check. Forbidden Magick ... check. Sage advice from wise elders ... er, not so much.
Billy's Book
Another knee to the fantasy genre's 'nads. Stable mucker-outer Billy Crump has heard all about farmhands becoming powerful wizards, and he wants a piece of that particular pie. Unfortunately this wizarding business is much harder than it looks ...
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Release-a-thon
It's the middle of NaNoWriMo, so what better way to spend two whole writing days than ... editing six short stories into shape, coming up with covers for each one, and publishing them on Amazon Kindle?
I blame Pauline Nolet, proofreader extraordinaire, who nagged me on Twitter after I happened to mention the unfinished short stories cluttering up my hard drive.
Anyway, the first three are available now for the Kindle minimum price of 99c each. None have ever been published before.
Off Course
An alien invasion fleet picks the wrong golf course.
Updown
Social services call on ten-year-old Daniel, intending to take him away from his home. Danny has other ideas.
Catch of the Day
Ken and Steve reluctantly give up their lawnmowing duties for a weekend of fishing, booze and male bonding. Unfortunately the fish aren't biting, supplies are running low and worst of all ... the beer just ran out. Then, without warning, an alien colony ship arrives in orbit, and that's when Ken's problems REALLY start.
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
I blame Pauline Nolet, proofreader extraordinaire, who nagged me on Twitter after I happened to mention the unfinished short stories cluttering up my hard drive.
Anyway, the first three are available now for the Kindle minimum price of 99c each. None have ever been published before.
Off Course
An alien invasion fleet picks the wrong golf course.
Updown
Social services call on ten-year-old Daniel, intending to take him away from his home. Danny has other ideas.
Catch of the Day
Ken and Steve reluctantly give up their lawnmowing duties for a weekend of fishing, booze and male bonding. Unfortunately the fish aren't biting, supplies are running low and worst of all ... the beer just ran out. Then, without warning, an alien colony ship arrives in orbit, and that's when Ken's problems REALLY start.
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Experimenting with Free
One of the beauties of digital distribution is that you can give stuff away, at little or no cost to yourself. If you're trying to promote a series of books, reducing the price of the first to 99c - or zero - can hook new fans and increase sales of the whole series.
So, what's my experiment? Right now, Hal Spacejock book one is a free download on Amazon.com, Smashwords, B&N (Nook) and iTunes
Overnight it hit #1 on Amazon's science fiction category, and #2 in humo(r). They maintain separate lists for paid & free books, but there's a kicker ... the free and paid tables are displayed side by side on Amazon's bestseller pages.
Gaining exposure is the toughest challenge most writers face. If you're prepared to give away the first book in a series, or perhaps a short story or two, it could be a cost-effective way of promoting all of your published work.
Has anyone else tried free? If so, how did it work out for you?
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
So, what's my experiment? Right now, Hal Spacejock book one is a free download on Amazon.com, Smashwords, B&N (Nook) and iTunes
Overnight it hit #1 on Amazon's science fiction category, and #2 in humo(r). They maintain separate lists for paid & free books, but there's a kicker ... the free and paid tables are displayed side by side on Amazon's bestseller pages.
Gaining exposure is the toughest challenge most writers face. If you're prepared to give away the first book in a series, or perhaps a short story or two, it could be a cost-effective way of promoting all of your published work.
Has anyone else tried free? If so, how did it work out for you?
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Monday, November 07, 2011
Dan DeWitt Fiction: Guest Post by Simon Haynes: Why (and How) I NaNo.
Dan DeWitt Fiction: Guest Post by Simon Haynes: Why (and How) I NaNo.: Dan here: I'm excited to bring you this guest post. It's relevant to all who are participating in NaNoWriMo (especially first-timers), an...
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Sunday, November 06, 2011
Nano day 6 - Hal fragment #3 (Sample Sunday)
Hal eyed his oxygen indicator. Even if they got his suit free, he'd barely make the ship.
There was a flash of light as Clunk approached the cavern. The robot's shiny head appeared through the jumbled rocks at the entrance, and Hal smiled to himself. The situation was tricky, but Clunk was always resourceful. He'd know what to do!
"I don't know how we're going to get you out of this," said Clunk, inspecting the metal shard. "Removing all these barbs will take far too long, and cutting the suit will release the last of your air."
"I was hoping for something a bit more positive," said Hal. "You know, unpick the tape, carefully peel back the fabric, patch it up as we go. That sort of thing."
Clunk shook his head. "No, we'll have to cut it off."
"Eh! That's a bit extreme, isn't it?"
"It's the only solution. The longer we spend here, the more likely Sandy will run out of air too."
"No! You'll have to find another way."
"I'm very sorry, Mr Spacejock. Time is of the essence."
"But --"
Clunk raised his right hand, holding it in the beam from his chest lamp. The plasteel skin parted along the side of his palm, revealing a fine-toothed blade. "Hold still please."
"No, wait! You go back with Sandy and I'll take my chances. I'm sure I can get it free!"
"This is the only way." Clunk bent over Hal's leg, saw at the ready.
"Don't I get anaesthetic?"
"Trust me, this won't hurt a bit."
Hal screwed his eyes shut, clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. There was a gentle pressure on his shin, and he steeled himself for the bite of the saw. Instead, he felt rapid vibrations, and he realised Clunk was using some kind of self-healing surgical blade. The vibrations continued for several seconds, and then the pressure was gone.
"All done," said Clunk. "Let's go."
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
There was a flash of light as Clunk approached the cavern. The robot's shiny head appeared through the jumbled rocks at the entrance, and Hal smiled to himself. The situation was tricky, but Clunk was always resourceful. He'd know what to do!
"I don't know how we're going to get you out of this," said Clunk, inspecting the metal shard. "Removing all these barbs will take far too long, and cutting the suit will release the last of your air."
"I was hoping for something a bit more positive," said Hal. "You know, unpick the tape, carefully peel back the fabric, patch it up as we go. That sort of thing."
Clunk shook his head. "No, we'll have to cut it off."
"Eh! That's a bit extreme, isn't it?"
"It's the only solution. The longer we spend here, the more likely Sandy will run out of air too."
"No! You'll have to find another way."
"I'm very sorry, Mr Spacejock. Time is of the essence."
"But --"
Clunk raised his right hand, holding it in the beam from his chest lamp. The plasteel skin parted along the side of his palm, revealing a fine-toothed blade. "Hold still please."
"No, wait! You go back with Sandy and I'll take my chances. I'm sure I can get it free!"
"This is the only way." Clunk bent over Hal's leg, saw at the ready.
"Don't I get anaesthetic?"
"Trust me, this won't hurt a bit."
Hal screwed his eyes shut, clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. There was a gentle pressure on his shin, and he steeled himself for the bite of the saw. Instead, he felt rapid vibrations, and he realised Clunk was using some kind of self-healing surgical blade. The vibrations continued for several seconds, and then the pressure was gone.
"All done," said Clunk. "Let's go."
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Friday, November 04, 2011
Nano day 4 - another Hal 5 fragment.
A fragment from today's NaNoWriMo effort. (As before, it's unedited, unpolished, etc, and may not make it into the finished novel.)
This is from Hal Spacejock book 5, not Hal Junior!
Hal sailed across the surface of the asteroid, watching it fall away beneath him. The further he travelled the darker it got, and before long he'd be invisible to the others. Would Clunk be able to round him up in the Volante? Could the ship's sensors pick up an insignificant human sailing through space? It didn't seem likely, even if he waved his arms and flashed for all he was worth.
Splot!
Something whacked him in the rear, a painful blow like a whip across the back of his leg. Hal was still recovering when his peaceful flight ended in a vicious tug. The suit tightened, and his eyes crossed as someone applied the biggest space-wedgie in the history of the universe.
There was another tug, then another, and when Hal looked down he discovered he was moving backwards. They were reeling him in like a prize catch! He crossed his arms, resigned to the embarrassing spectacle, and only unfolded them when he was deposited on the landing platform. When he twisted to inspect the damage he saw the safety line attached to his suit with a big dollop of instant glue. "Gee, thanks Clunk. Did you have to shoot me in the arse?"
"I merely aimed for the biggest target."
Sandy snorted.
"It was also the least likely to suffer permanent damage," said Clunk, who was struggling to keep a straight face. He snipped the safety line, leaving the blob behind. In the gloom it looked like a giant barnacle attached to Hal's right buttock. "If your pride was the only casualty ..."
"Yes, all right. Can we get on with it?"
"Certainly. Only this time perhaps you could use the railing?"
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
This is from Hal Spacejock book 5, not Hal Junior!
Hal sailed across the surface of the asteroid, watching it fall away beneath him. The further he travelled the darker it got, and before long he'd be invisible to the others. Would Clunk be able to round him up in the Volante? Could the ship's sensors pick up an insignificant human sailing through space? It didn't seem likely, even if he waved his arms and flashed for all he was worth.
Splot!
Something whacked him in the rear, a painful blow like a whip across the back of his leg. Hal was still recovering when his peaceful flight ended in a vicious tug. The suit tightened, and his eyes crossed as someone applied the biggest space-wedgie in the history of the universe.
There was another tug, then another, and when Hal looked down he discovered he was moving backwards. They were reeling him in like a prize catch! He crossed his arms, resigned to the embarrassing spectacle, and only unfolded them when he was deposited on the landing platform. When he twisted to inspect the damage he saw the safety line attached to his suit with a big dollop of instant glue. "Gee, thanks Clunk. Did you have to shoot me in the arse?"
"I merely aimed for the biggest target."
Sandy snorted.
"It was also the least likely to suffer permanent damage," said Clunk, who was struggling to keep a straight face. He snipped the safety line, leaving the blob behind. In the gloom it looked like a giant barnacle attached to Hal's right buttock. "If your pride was the only casualty ..."
"Yes, all right. Can we get on with it?"
"Certainly. Only this time perhaps you could use the railing?"
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Hal Junior giveaway
I'm offering a free copy of Hal Junior to one lucky reader of this blog. Let me know in comments why you'd like a copy and I'll pick one out at random on the 11th of November 2011.
You can find out more about Hal Junior: The Secret Signal here.
Terms and Conditions (please read before entering):
This draw is open to residents of the UK, USA, Canada and Australia only.
* If the winner lives in Australia I'll post the book myself.
* If you're the winner and you live in the UK, Canada or US, your copy will be ordered & delivered via the relevant Amazon store. (This involves adding Hal Junior to your wishlist, which means you'll need an Amazon account to claim your prize.)
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
You can find out more about Hal Junior: The Secret Signal here.
Terms and Conditions (please read before entering):
This draw is open to residents of the UK, USA, Canada and Australia only.
* If the winner lives in Australia I'll post the book myself.
* If you're the winner and you live in the UK, Canada or US, your copy will be ordered & delivered via the relevant Amazon store. (This involves adding Hal Junior to your wishlist, which means you'll need an Amazon account to claim your prize.)
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Nanowrimo day one - Hal 5
Here's a fragment of today's nanowrimo, unedited, unproofed and raw. Enjoy!
The Tiger finally passed out of range, and with Traffic Control's grudging permission the Volante docked with the space station. Hal charged out as soon as the airlock opened. He didn't know where to go or what to do when he got there, but that wasn't the point. Speed was of the essence.
As he dashed from the ship he almost ran into a welcobot. It was waiting in the boarding tube, all friendly eyes and fake smile. "Why hello, fine sir!" it said, extending a white-gloved welcoming-hand. "Can I interest you in a rundown of our facilities?"
Hal put two hands on the welcobot's head and vaulted right over it. His feet pounded the boarding tube carpet as he ran full tilt for the exit, rocking the tunnel in his wake. The welcobot oohed and aahed as it tried to maintain its balance, then toppled over and landed flat on its back. It lay there with its little rubber wheels spinning in space, shaking hands with thin air.
"Left, Mr Spacejock!" called Clunk, while Sandy helped the welcobot to its feet. "It's the other way!"
Hal skidded to a halt, did a quick U-turn and ran in the opposite direction. The welcobot had darted up to the main tunnel and was now waiting for him, its smile a touch less friendly and its large shaking-hand at the ready. Hal feigned a pass to the left, then darted right at the last second. The welcobot lunged, Hal leapt and there was a rip of tortured fabric as the mechanical fingers tore the pocket out of his flightsuit. What exactly it was trying to grab and shake Hal didn't like to think.
He pieced his flightsuit together and met up with the others further along the main corridor. Clunk was studying the information package they'd been given at the hotel. He inspected every page carefully, turning each one as though they were made out of the finest parchment. Hal wanted to grab it and rip through the pages until he found what they were after, and he restrained himself with difficulty. "Well?" demanded Hal. "What's the plan?"
"Historical records are on level three, corridor eighteen. There's an elevator just round the corner."
"Let's go!"
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
The Tiger finally passed out of range, and with Traffic Control's grudging permission the Volante docked with the space station. Hal charged out as soon as the airlock opened. He didn't know where to go or what to do when he got there, but that wasn't the point. Speed was of the essence.
As he dashed from the ship he almost ran into a welcobot. It was waiting in the boarding tube, all friendly eyes and fake smile. "Why hello, fine sir!" it said, extending a white-gloved welcoming-hand. "Can I interest you in a rundown of our facilities?"
Hal put two hands on the welcobot's head and vaulted right over it. His feet pounded the boarding tube carpet as he ran full tilt for the exit, rocking the tunnel in his wake. The welcobot oohed and aahed as it tried to maintain its balance, then toppled over and landed flat on its back. It lay there with its little rubber wheels spinning in space, shaking hands with thin air.
"Left, Mr Spacejock!" called Clunk, while Sandy helped the welcobot to its feet. "It's the other way!"
Hal skidded to a halt, did a quick U-turn and ran in the opposite direction. The welcobot had darted up to the main tunnel and was now waiting for him, its smile a touch less friendly and its large shaking-hand at the ready. Hal feigned a pass to the left, then darted right at the last second. The welcobot lunged, Hal leapt and there was a rip of tortured fabric as the mechanical fingers tore the pocket out of his flightsuit. What exactly it was trying to grab and shake Hal didn't like to think.
He pieced his flightsuit together and met up with the others further along the main corridor. Clunk was studying the information package they'd been given at the hotel. He inspected every page carefully, turning each one as though they were made out of the finest parchment. Hal wanted to grab it and rip through the pages until he found what they were after, and he restrained himself with difficulty. "Well?" demanded Hal. "What's the plan?"
"Historical records are on level three, corridor eighteen. There's an elevator just round the corner."
"Let's go!"
Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock and Hal Junior series (Amazon / Smashwords / other formats)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)