Comments on: Not an easy blog to write… http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/ Lecturer, geologist and author: official website Sat, 03 Dec 2011 12:39:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: auxilio ab alto http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/comment-page-1/#comment-572 auxilio ab alto Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:19:00 +0000 http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/#comment-572 I know that this is a little late, but I absolutely LOVE the series. I read the first book, and re-read it a few days or so after finishing it. Then I forgot about it, and my friend showed me the next few and I fell in love with it. Sadly, I never bought the rest of the books, but borrowed them from my friend.<br/>I am VERY sorry to hear about the issues that you've been having. Now that I hear how badly they're doing, I am definitely going out and buying the books before I can't.<br/>Thanks for writing, I absolutely LOVe it. I know that this is a little late, but I absolutely LOVE the series. I read the first book, and re-read it a few days or so after finishing it. Then I forgot about it, and my friend showed me the next few and I fell in love with it. Sadly, I never bought the rest of the books, but borrowed them from my friend.
I am VERY sorry to hear about the issues that you’ve been having. Now that I hear how badly they’re doing, I am definitely going out and buying the books before I can’t.
Thanks for writing, I absolutely LOVe it.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/comment-page-1/#comment-551 Anonymous Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:34:00 +0000 http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/#comment-551 I don't have any specific suggestions, but I hope that you find a way for your books to continue to be available to new readers. They have challenged me to think deeply about how I live and follow the Lamb. I don’t have any specific suggestions, but I hope that you find a way for your books to continue to be available to new readers. They have challenged me to think deeply about how I live and follow the Lamb.

]]> By: Mickey Gallagher http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/comment-page-1/#comment-548 Mickey Gallagher Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:48:00 +0000 http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/#comment-548 I also want to begin by thanking you for 3 wonderful stories set in a fully realized universe. I've just started Infinite Day; I've had it for a couple of months, but I wanted to savor Dark Foundations so much that Ive taken my time in reading it! (You know how it is with stories that are so good you just don't want them to end.) In any event, this suggestion may not be practical, but have you thought about contacting a graphic novel illustrator to see if Lamb could be turned into a series of graphic novels? I'm a public librarian in Washington state, and graphic novels just fly off the shelves, so it would not only be a good way to keep them in print, but the books could find a whole new audience in that format (and not just teens, but adults as well). I also want to begin by thanking you for 3 wonderful stories set in a fully realized universe. I’ve just started Infinite Day; I’ve had it for a couple of months, but I wanted to savor Dark Foundations so much that Ive taken my time in reading it! (You know how it is with stories that are so good you just don’t want them to end.) In any event, this suggestion may not be practical, but have you thought about contacting a graphic novel illustrator to see if Lamb could be turned into a series of graphic novels? I’m a public librarian in Washington state, and graphic novels just fly off the shelves, so it would not only be a good way to keep them in print, but the books could find a whole new audience in that format (and not just teens, but adults as well).

]]> By: Boaz http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/comment-page-1/#comment-546 Boaz Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:40:00 +0000 http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/#comment-546 I've hesitated writing because I wasn't sure what to say. For one thing, you don't say what your ultimate goal is (Increased book sales? Better Christian Publishers? Something else entirely?), and without knowing where you want to go, no-one knows what advice would be useful. With that huge caveat, let me plunge in:<br/><br/>I have to agree with Catherine and JBlocki: you should have more exposure, and that almost certainly means dealing with one of the major publishers (like Tor or Baen), or one of their subsidiaries (if nothing else, this would get you an additional editorial viewpoint, which could be very valuable). The other thought I have (that I think I mentioned quite a while ago) is bringing this to the attention of people who like science fiction and fantasy at various conventions. I know that in the Seattle, Washington area (where I used to live), there was a Christian group that would go to the conventions (complete with services at the large one over Easter weekend). I have no idea if there is anything comparable in the Austin, TX area. (I am hesitant about going myself because I have immersed myself far too deeply in such things in the past to the detriment of my walk with Christ.) The main point is to go from preaching to the choir and instead get out in the marketplace of Athens where they even worship 'an unknown god.' And that shouldn't just be for Paul, but for all of us.<br/><br/>I offer what blessings and encouragement I can.<br/><br/>Boaz I’ve hesitated writing because I wasn’t sure what to say. For one thing, you don’t say what your ultimate goal is (Increased book sales? Better Christian Publishers? Something else entirely?), and without knowing where you want to go, no-one knows what advice would be useful. With that huge caveat, let me plunge in:

I have to agree with Catherine and JBlocki: you should have more exposure, and that almost certainly means dealing with one of the major publishers (like Tor or Baen), or one of their subsidiaries (if nothing else, this would get you an additional editorial viewpoint, which could be very valuable). The other thought I have (that I think I mentioned quite a while ago) is bringing this to the attention of people who like science fiction and fantasy at various conventions. I know that in the Seattle, Washington area (where I used to live), there was a Christian group that would go to the conventions (complete with services at the large one over Easter weekend). I have no idea if there is anything comparable in the Austin, TX area. (I am hesitant about going myself because I have immersed myself far too deeply in such things in the past to the detriment of my walk with Christ.) The main point is to go from preaching to the choir and instead get out in the marketplace of Athens where they even worship ‘an unknown god.’ And that shouldn’t just be for Paul, but for all of us.

I offer what blessings and encouragement I can.

Boaz

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/comment-page-1/#comment-545 Anonymous Tue, 03 Mar 2009 23:45:00 +0000 http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/#comment-545 I agree with Anonymous of Feb 27th! Loved your books - thank you for writing them.<br/><br/>So sorry to hear about the publishing woes you're having. As I said, I have read your books-personally own all three of the 'adult' titles. I also made sure that the library system I work for purchased copies. Turns out we have copies of the 2 YA editions and all 3 of the adult titles.<br/><br/><i>But</i> the current economic firestorm is hitting the public libraries as well as everyone else. I'm not sure that we'll be able to add many titles this year no matter how deserving the authors. I've been a professional librarian for <i>many</i> years and I've never seen problems like we've been having for the past 2-2 1/2 years.<br/><br/>The suggestion of getting the rights back and going to an on-demand published may be a good solution. That would at least keep it available!<br/><br/>Kathy in Fort Lauderdale I agree with Anonymous of Feb 27th! Loved your books – thank you for writing them.

So sorry to hear about the publishing woes you’re having. As I said, I have read your books-personally own all three of the ‘adult’ titles. I also made sure that the library system I work for purchased copies. Turns out we have copies of the 2 YA editions and all 3 of the adult titles.

But the current economic firestorm is hitting the public libraries as well as everyone else. I’m not sure that we’ll be able to add many titles this year no matter how deserving the authors. I’ve been a professional librarian for many years and I’ve never seen problems like we’ve been having for the past 2-2 1/2 years.

The suggestion of getting the rights back and going to an on-demand published may be a good solution. That would at least keep it available!

Kathy in Fort Lauderdale

]]> By: Christian Artists Ministry http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/comment-page-1/#comment-544 Christian Artists Ministry Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:24:00 +0000 http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/#comment-544 Let's see - if Chris could be our commanding officer, and mobilize his legion of loyal fans - perhaps we could get the word out more! I truly think the world would benefit greatly to read more of Chris - especially his home country - and I really wish there was something we could do to help. My suggestion would be to get with a different publisher. Also, authors like Donita K. Paul seem to have a pretty nice web-site for their fans to interact. Maybe this would help. Let’s see – if Chris could be our commanding officer, and mobilize his legion of loyal fans – perhaps we could get the word out more! I truly think the world would benefit greatly to read more of Chris – especially his home country – and I really wish there was something we could do to help. My suggestion would be to get with a different publisher. Also, authors like Donita K. Paul seem to have a pretty nice web-site for their fans to interact. Maybe this would help.

]]> By: JBlocki http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/comment-page-1/#comment-543 JBlocki Sun, 01 Mar 2009 02:22:00 +0000 http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/#comment-543 Chris,<br/><br/>I also am a fan of Lamb Among the Stars and am saddened to hear of declining sales.<br/><br/>I could not agree more with your analysis of Left Behind, and I think therein lies part of the explanation to your problem: people read fiction to escape, and while the yarn you spin in the series is certainly entertaining and suspenseful, its underlying message is one of admonishing Christians to get motivated about building the Kingdom ("Thy will be done on earth..."). This contrasts sharply with Christian fiction in which the characters experience God "redeeming" them from their earthly responsibilities.<br/><br/>Have you ever heard of lulu.com?<br/>It's a self-publishing firm that allows authors of offer their books on-demand to buyers. Customers order via the website, and the actual books are printed only on an "as-requested" basis. Maybe this would be an option if you are able to regain publishing rights.<br/><br/>God Bless,<br/>Josiah (in Michigan, US) Chris,

I also am a fan of Lamb Among the Stars and am saddened to hear of declining sales.

I could not agree more with your analysis of Left Behind, and I think therein lies part of the explanation to your problem: people read fiction to escape, and while the yarn you spin in the series is certainly entertaining and suspenseful, its underlying message is one of admonishing Christians to get motivated about building the Kingdom (“Thy will be done on earth…”). This contrasts sharply with Christian fiction in which the characters experience God “redeeming” them from their earthly responsibilities.

Have you ever heard of lulu.com?
It’s a self-publishing firm that allows authors of offer their books on-demand to buyers. Customers order via the website, and the actual books are printed only on an “as-requested” basis. Maybe this would be an option if you are able to regain publishing rights.

God Bless,
Josiah (in Michigan, US)

]]> By: Catherine Brislee http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/comment-page-1/#comment-542 Catherine Brislee Sat, 28 Feb 2009 23:36:00 +0000 http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/#comment-542 I would suggest you look for an agent or a publisher who does not deal just with Christian books. Plenty of non-Christians would love your books, if they knew about them. <br/><br/>Lots of science fiction writers challenge their readers to think seriously about spiritual and philosophical issues - perhaps it goes with imagining other worlds! But non-Christian readers tend to avoid books specifically marketed as Christian because they assume they will be narrow and dull rather than challenging. And I have only ever seen your books in Christian bookshops.<br/><br/>Find someone who will market your books as science fiction, or even better, as "spiritual" science fiction (then you get all the New Agers!) I would suggest you look for an agent or a publisher who does not deal just with Christian books. Plenty of non-Christians would love your books, if they knew about them.

Lots of science fiction writers challenge their readers to think seriously about spiritual and philosophical issues – perhaps it goes with imagining other worlds! But non-Christian readers tend to avoid books specifically marketed as Christian because they assume they will be narrow and dull rather than challenging. And I have only ever seen your books in Christian bookshops.

Find someone who will market your books as science fiction, or even better, as “spiritual” science fiction (then you get all the New Agers!)

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/comment-page-1/#comment-541 Anonymous Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:03:00 +0000 http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/#comment-541 simply put,<br/>get out. Talk to people. <br/>Bryan davis made his, quite simply in my view, atrocious books sell by going out and talking to schools.<br/><br/>You have to advertise.<br/>Anonymous Prodigy simply put,
get out. Talk to people.
Bryan davis made his, quite simply in my view, atrocious books sell by going out and talking to schools.

You have to advertise.
Anonymous Prodigy

]]> By: Stephanie http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/comment-page-1/#comment-540 Stephanie Sat, 28 Feb 2009 21:09:00 +0000 http://www.chriswalley.net/2009/02/27/not-an-easy-blog-to-write%e2%80%a6/#comment-540 I definitely agree that this is a series that doesn't deserve to fail. It is an intelligent, well-written story that has fired up my imagination and challenged me in my walk with God. And it's inspired me to write more - a sure sign of a good story. :)<br/>As far as marketing and such is concerned, I don't really have any ideas apart from what's already been suggested. I'm hoping and praying a good solution will present itself soon. I definitely agree that this is a series that doesn’t deserve to fail. It is an intelligent, well-written story that has fired up my imagination and challenged me in my walk with God. And it’s inspired me to write more – a sure sign of a good story. :)
As far as marketing and such is concerned, I don’t really have any ideas apart from what’s already been suggested. I’m hoping and praying a good solution will present itself soon.

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