Essay–2014 Birthday Thoughts

I am a very fortunate man. And yet I know some of that fortune is from hard work and the will to struggle. And life is a struggle. Period.
I started writing again in 2008 after leaving the craft for 15 years. That long sojourn was brought about through frustration and the knowledge I’d not only ever be published, but I’d never be skilled enough to warrant the same.
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Essay–The Marketing Problem

As I’ve mentioned many times on this blog, I suck at marketing. Especially for my creations like the series Children of Garaaga.
To be honest, it’s a difficult sell. Instead of a large sprawling epic fantasy novel, it’s a collection of short stories, novelettes, and novellas. And while they’re all interconnected, it’s very difficult to convince the general reading public that it’s worth their time. To make matters worse, it’s “historical” fiction.
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Essay–Small Business Saturday

Ah, yes. The turkey has been sacrificed. Bushels of cranberry were destroyed to make a chunky red paste. And billions of pounds of pumpkin were savaged and turned into pie. Mmm….pie.
In other words, Thanksgiving is over and now it’s the dreaded “Black Friday” where people lose their shit and become complete savages to save an average of 39 cents at big box stores. Savages, I tell you.
But tomorrow is the oft forgotten “Small Business Saturday.” This is where your hard-earned cash can actually HELP your local economy in a big way. You can patronize your local indie book store or used book store. They always have good deals and usually have some books that are difficult to find elsewhere. Hell, even going into that little restaurant or coffee shop you’ve been eyeing helps.
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Pimpage–Legends of Garaaga Cover

Legends Of Garaaga Paperback
 

“The girl on the altar began to scream.
Acquila leapt from the path and crashed into the brush. Nerutal cursed as the members of the circle turned toward him. “Darian, attack!” Nerutal cried and followed Acquila into the clearing.”
Excerpt From: Paul E Cooley. “Legends of Garaaga”

It seems like I commissioned this project a billion years ago. The sad fact is that the designer, the wonderfully patient and talented Scott Pond, has been waiting on me to get my shit together for a very long time. And finally? We’re here.
On Saturday, Nov 22nd, Legends of Garaaga will go on sale at Amazon and the audiobook from my site. If this cover doesn’t pique your interest, I’ve no idea what will. Because Mr. Pond reads my work before designing the covers, he is very good at picking out certain scenes and targeting them. Once we agree on the scene, he does his magic. And folks? The man is MADE of magic.
Mr. Pond? You have once again knocked it out of the park.
For the Garaaga’s Children series, this is the first of many books to come. And I know they’ll all look as enticing.