Work Ethic

I have not released a novel in what seems like forever. It will be 5 years in February 2015. I took a lot of time off to study my craft to see what I could do to improve as an author and a publisher. During my time away from the game I’ve been able attend writing groups and speak with some trusted book industry people who’ve been very instrumental in helping me to reach new heights. I’ve attended various meetings with writing groups such as the Liar’s Club and another one here locally in Delaware called The Written Remains Writers Guild. They helped me to understand that sometimes you need to just write freely and let the chips fall where they may. The tools to become great are right at our fingertips. We as authors must decide if we want to use them or not. I’m making a concerted effort to use them. The entire time away I’ve been writing feverishly. I have two completed manuscripts. At the time of writing this post one (YA/New Adult Novel) is with a developmental editor and the other one (Detective Fiction) will be going to another developmental editor on the eleventh of this month. I also have a novella lined up for Nano Wrimo month tentatively titled Hurt Me No More. I’ve went so many years starting and stopping with a project during that month and I’m sick of it. This is the year that I finally complete a novella in the national writing month. Another important thing for writers is finding the right editors. They are huge as far as a writer’s career is concerned. A great editor to me is like a head coach in basketball. Yes the writer is talented, but the editor is the one who helps mold the writer into a well-rounded literary force. I believe the editors I’ve had a chance to work with have given me the assistance I need to take my writing to another level. Reading has been a huge boon for me, too. I’ve gotten to read in some different genres as well as the new ones I’m currently writing in. I made the transition from writing urban fiction to Young Adult fiction/detective fiction. I understand that reading outside of your preferred genre gives you a sense of different writing styles and just overall different experiences. Studying different techniques and being able to carve out my own voice allows my writing to come more naturally than it did in the past. As a result of this both of the first drafts of my two most recent novels I’ve completed became easier when I stopped self editing. One of my future goals is to release a detective novel every year and to expand my platform so people can get to know me as a writer. I feel like I am fully equipped to give readers novels they can sank their teeth into. Hopefully I can be propelled into a writer to check for. No matter what I plan to make an impact on the literary industry.

My First Book Tour

When I first published my book Entrpreneur I heard all types of advice and different things from people inside the industry and out of it. The majority of the information was useful and some if it wasn't. I took what I needed, processed it, and discarded the rest.
One of the biggest takeaways was traveling outside of your comfort zone.
So I went to the state of Maryland with my then girlfriend (now fiance) and two of my author friends.
Before our arrival a book club agreed to host me and one of the authors,  Julia Press Simmons. I believe we were on our debut novels at the time. Fun times all around.
We expierenced every little roadtrip thing. We gorged on snacks and almost ran out of gas on the highway at one point. We got lost twice. None of us had access to GPS either. Eventually we found our way around the city and to our hotel. I had three signings in three different malls and all of them went better than I expected. I don't even think the stores where I signed are in existence anymore. (Which sucks)
The best part of the trip was the bookclub that hosted us. We set up in a room at a restaurant in Annapolis, Maryland and the staff there couldn't have been more pleasant. The women of the bookclub were hilarious. I enjoyed the fact that we had an in depth conversation about the books like the characters were real people.  That time remains one of the best book expierences I've had so far as an author. I'm sure i'll have more memories, but nothing is like your first book tour.

Book Signings

I heard about a new book store opening in Salisbury, Maryland and I became excited. Many of the black bookstores I frequented over the years have shut down for one reason or another. So news of a new establishment was a breath of fresh air. I took a case of books and marketing materials and me, my wife, and my oldest son took a trip down to Maryland. I wasn't prepared for the beach traffic we endured, but its a part of the business. I'm not the most patient person and we didnt get to the venue until 1:40. (I was scheduled for 1:00) I was really impressed with Eric's professionalism. He did everything he said he would do. He put out an email blast, put me on the event list on the mall's website and plasteted his store with promo for me and my cause. Also people he informed through social media showed up as well. We tag teamed the respectable crowd flowing through the mall and had a pretty solid day. The store is in a good location for foot traffic. If an author is willing to put work in they can have s succesful day out there. When we left the mall we went to a little spot called English's Famous Fried Chicken. I'm usually skeptical of food places that have famous in their marketing. They delivered on everything and now I have a spot to go to after my book signings in Maryland. I'm definitely going back again. Salisbury showed me much love!

Urban Oasis

2300 N. Salisbury Blvd.

Suite H135

Salisbury, Md 21801

410-742-4857

Writing Groups

In my writing career I've never tried out a writing group. I'm not sure why I neglected joining one. I knew of a writer's group called the liars club. I can't remember how I heard about them but I was intrigued by what I heard and saw via the Internet. One particular member named Kathryn Craft I contacted online about them and she gave me the rundown. Even though I knew the time and place they met I still didnt go to a meeting. I made so many excuses not to go I just stopped attempting to go at all. Then after I saw the process of Kathryn's book go from manuscript to book deal I was happy for her and her success. Last sunday I buckled down and went out to the Willow Grove Barnes and Noble to sit in on one of the meetings. I met a literary agent and a author published by one of the big six. It was a breath of fresh air to hear perspectives from them both. Alot of the times authors have no clue why they are being rejected by a literary agent. Hearing from someone on the inside gave me a sense of what really goes into their decision making and what their selection process actually is. Sometimes as authors we can get discouraged with lack of progress. Being around like minded people was very helpful because knowing other people have expierenced what you have lets you know things will improve with hard work, dedication, and patience.

Now that I finally made it to a meeting I'm going to make it my business to attend future meetings!

My top 5 Pet Peeves (in no particular order)

We all have them. Sometimes I can't avoid them. I do the best I can to stay away and bam there they go rearing their ugly head. Here are my top 5 pet peeves. (In no particular order)

Room at the checkout counter

1. I should be able to type my pin without you over my shoulder. It got so bad once I had to tell a person to back up to give me the proper space I need to finish the transaction and grab my bags to leave. I admit I have space issues, but people have nerve when they and rush you out the way.

People who zoom around you to get to the red light

2.  I get it. I'm not going the speed you want me to. Sue me. Then to put on a show and zoom by to get to the same light I'll be at right next to you? My oldest son laughs at me because when a driver does that I yell 'you win'! Supremely annoying.

Elevator crowding

3. Can I please get off the elvator before you try and get on. And what are you going to do? Run through me? Let me get off and then you can get on jerk.

Customer service at stores

4. When I need you to help you are nowhere to be found. Once I have everything I'm looking for all the store attendant's come out of nowhere. It's amazing to me. Or when I do get one to help they literally point to a section of the store and expect me to navigate with their version of assistance. Brilliant.

Holding the door open

5. I fashion myself as a gentleman. So when I hold the door open how come people go through the other closed door. I know it's not a big deal, but man is it annoying. I'm just saying I wouldn't do it to someone else.

These are mine. What are some of your pet peeves?

Ten random literary facts about me...

I have two author monikers: MQW and Marc Avery. I've been writing since 2006 and I love detective novels and pretty much anything that grabs my attention. Here's a few things you may not have known about me.

1. I used to write detective stories before I was in high school. I didn't actually start to write a detective novel until last year.

2. I got into reading because my mother told me one day I couldn't play video games. I got mad and went into another room and a book caught my attention. The book was Omar Tyree's Flyy Girl.

3. The first book I ever sold was to a barber at a barbershop I used to go to.

4. Usually when I do a book signing I eat fried chicken afterwards. I don't care where it's from either as long as its fried.

5. My favorite book of all time is Pretend You Don't see her by Mary Higgins Clark.

6. Every time I've stepped out of my reading comfort zone I came away impressed. One of the best books I read outside of my comfort zone was The Deal, the dance, and the devil by Victoria Christopher Murray.

7. The longest book signing I've ever had was 9 hours.

8. I've had booksignings where I sold one book or no books. I learned how to better sell them because of those instances.

9. I prefer to read at a cafe instead of at home.

10. Usually if I'm reading a book I know within the first couple of pages if I will like it or not.

Donuts and Chicken?

Yup donuts and chicken. I can't remember how I heard about federal donuts but I've been there three times now. I've been to two different locations. On both occasions I only ordered donuts. This time me and my fiancé ordered donuts, chicken, and coffee. I opted for the lemon cream and she chose the cinnamon and brown sugar.

We also had the soy sauce and garlic fried chicken.

The chicken was seasoned perfectly and the donuts were cake soft. Neither had too much flavoring. They are both made fresh while you stand there. The only downside was the coffee. Sugar didn't help at all. The after taste was bitter too. Overall I would go back again. I just won't order the coffee.

Mt. Rushmore: The Orange is the New Black Edition (so far...)

Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren is a crucial piece of the fabric that is OITNB. From the moment she appeared on screen she endeared herself with fans of the show. Viewers decide quickly if a character is memorable or not and she made an indelible mark. From run-ins with inmates to her unique way of getting her point across. When people think of OITNB it's hard not to picture her or her antics.

Galina 'Red' Reznikov immediately screamed authoritative to me. The way she controlled the kitchen with an iron fist. The inmates respected her power and her people backed her at every opportunity. Until things started to unravel she probably had the most respect in the prison.

Yvonne "Vee" Parker
I have an affinity for villains. Soon as we are introduced to Vee she comes across as cold hearted, calculated, and manipulative. She is a chameleon and whatever the situation calls for she transforms into. Once you think she's backed into a corner she isn't. Anything is possible and you never know what will happen if a situation involves her. People love a wildcard.

George "Pornstache" Mendez With any show that involves prison the correctional officers usually play a significant role. OITNB is no different. Mendez is the prototypical bully who abuses his authority. He makes and breaks rules anytime he sees fit. People walk on eggshells around him and he craves the power. He is intertwined with plenty of major plot points and he never fails to say or do something to keep you interested.

When customers tell you this...

I DON'T READ.

Mt. Rushmore: Fictional movie detectives

John McClane Die Hard, Die Harder, Die Hard With a Vengeance, Live Free or Die Hard, A Good Day to Die Hard/ Best moment- Die Hard/ Worst moment - A Good Day To Die Hard/ Box office total: $1,435.1/ Why do they belong on Mt. Rushmore? McLane is an icon. He has an iconic catchphrase. He lost hair in every sequel, he's a heavy smoker and a screw up. He also gets the job done every. single. time. Need I say more?

Alonzo Harris Training Day/ Best moment- Training Day/ Worst moment - N/A/ Box office total: $104,876,233/ Why do they belong on Mt. Rushmore? He said this. Period. End of story.

Axel Foley Beverly Hills Cop, Beverly Hills Cop 2, Beverly Hills Cop 3/ Best moment- Beverly Hills Cop 2/ Worst moment - Beverly Hills Cop 3/ Box office total: $735.5/ Why do they belong on Mt. Rushmore? He wore this the entire series. He represented Detroit. His sequel was better than the original. (the third film never happened) He defined the 80's and ushered in the comedy/action genre.

Martin Riggs Lethal Weapon, Lethal Weapon 2, Lethal Weapon 3, Lethal Weapon 4/ Best moment- Lethal Weapon 2/ Worst moment - Lethal Weapon 4/ Box office total: $955.2/ Why do they belong on Mt. Rushmore? He had to deal with this guy. He almost did a billion at the box office. He also said this. Case closed.

The Booksigning Chronicles 1st Entry (Harlem Book Fair 2011)

Harlem, U.S.A. July 23rd, 2011 11:43 am

It is literally 100 degrees out there and I'm thinking why in the hell am I out here and not under an AC with a cold glass of lemonade? These books need to move.

Now the day before the fair I had to diffuse a crisis situation (with the help of my peoples of course). That morning along with Amore, one of my newest authors, and her publicist, China we were on the road in route to NYC.

When we finally arrived I couldn't ask for a better spot then the front of the book fair. We had a cooler full of water, a nice table set-up (courtesy of Amore) and we were ready.

Everybody that entered had to pass our table. I would say the first 30-45 minutes we were on fire. We got the bulk of our customers in the first couple of hours. The thing is 85 percent of the people who bought our books had to be enticed to come to our table. A general misconception is that you set up a table with books and smile and people will flock over. NOPE. I take pride in persuading a person to purchase my work. I don't have the recoginition yet of my peers (striving to get!)so I have to work harder to build a following.

2:39pm

By this time we've hit a dry patch and most of the people we see are "just browsing". Some of the responses to me:
"I only read female authors"
"I'm not buying anything today" (Then they come back pass our table with another book)
"I'll be right back"
"I'm making my first rounds"

My point is NO is alright to say. I can't possibly sell a book to every person. Some of the responses still were funny though.

3:58pm

My brother/marketing director/best friend/etc. is there now and he starts bringing people to the table and once someone is at the table there like a magnetic force that brings more people to the table. It basically started to pick back up.

For the final couple of hours our sales were staggered and we stayed right up until the last minute.

Overall I thought the fair was a good expirence. I first went in 2008 as an author and there were more authors and patrons that year and every year since then they both have declined. I'll continue to go as long as they have it. The great thing about going was I know what I was going for. I had a set goal and I hit it. I wanted to network with new people and put my brand out there. And if I can move some books in the process, I'm cool.

Sometimes it can be frustrating standing out there with the sun beaming down on you and customers passing you up but I'm thankful for the people who took a chance on me. Selling books is an artform that has to be praticed to perfection. You have to give that potential buyer a good reason to skip over someone to try you.

I met a few author's and saw some I haven't seen in a while. At the end of the day I was glad that one of my author's got the chance to go and expierence the book fair and we had a good time.
I even sold a few books when I got back home.


I couldn't ask for more.

-MQW

Side Note: I wish I could get my money back for that garbage Soul Food I had!!!!!!!!!