Checking in - New Free eBook & Audiobook

Haven't checked-in for a while. But I have been writing: I've completed my "fan fiction" opus a 40,000 word Harry Potter Parody called "An American Muggle in Slytherin House." You can download it for free on Amazon or Archive.org (I'ts free with a CC license) It's already had 50,000 downloads.

If audiobooks are more your thing, just wait another week or two for the audiobook version. Also FREE!!!

The reviews are just starting to come in:
Thanks to Annie at the YA Book Space for giving it 5-Stars.
"At first, I was skeptical. I love Harry Potter and didn't think I would want to read a parody about it, I didn't want my memory of it to be tarnished; but I found that it's not, my memory of it is just enhanced." Read the rest on Annie's blog.

I'm #1 in the Amazon Children's Bookstore- Yippie!

I had a BookBub add run yesterday and it's propelled Zack & Zoey's Alien Apocalypse into the top 15 of the Amazon store and the #1 position in the children's section! In case you are wondering, that took almost 10,000 downloads. Of course these are free downloads, but I am already seeing a big bump in sales for book two: Zack & Zoey Save Walt's Brain.

I'm crossing my fingers that the effects of this ad will linger for quite a while--only time will tell.

Oops, I just caused a Major PR problem for Amazon -- KindleUnlimited.

Most of you don't know I've had a lot of trouble with one of my titles that Amazon has removed three times now. Needless to say it's been quite a headache--so I wasn't looking to get myself into any more trouble.

Last night after I finished writing, I decided to check some of my sales ranking. I never imagined it would lead to a major PR hassle for Amazon. I noticed a little ad next to the price of my book for "KindleUnlimited." a new $9.99 all-you-can-read-service.

Thinking I must be the only one not to know of this new offering, I posted a note on Kindleboards with a link to the page. When I woke up this morning the story had exploded with articles all over the web about this mysterious new service that had disappeared as quickly as it had popped up. Time and Slashdot were just a few of the news sites that covered it.

In light of all the problems I've been having with Amazon, it's safe to say they're probably not exactly thrilled with me. So I've decided to write them an open letter in an effort to clear the air:

Dear Amazon,

Let me publicly apologize for inadvertently spoiling--please don't ban my account--the announcement of your exciting, and wonderful new program, Amazon Unlimited. Which I am positive will be wildly successful--please don't ban my account--for both readers and writers. 

As a show of my sincerity--please don't ban my account--I would like to offer my first-born son to work in one of your huge, but employee friendly warehouses, where I am sure he will have the opportunity to learn valuable job skills.

In closing, I hope you accept my sincere regret for letting the cat out of the bag--please don't ban my account--and that you don't harbor any ill feelings toward me.

You sincere and humble servant, 
MJ Ware

Fan Produced Monster in the Mirror Audio book

One of my young readers has done a dramatic reading of Monster In The Mirror. She added special effects and everything! I can't believe what a great job she did.

Give it a listen with headphones & turn out the lights if you dare!

Happy Release Day: 101 Killer Zombie Jokes

What to do with an entire notebook full of zombie jokes that haven't made it into a novel? Put them in a joke book: That's how I came up with most of the jokes in my new release 101 Killer Zombie Jokes and 13 Rotten Ones.

Loaded with original zombie illustrations, it's a great way to get reluctant readers turning the pages.

Best of all, at just 99¢ you might even laugh while clicking "Buy Now"!

Why did the zombie join Girl Scouts?

What do you call a zombie's painting?

Tooth Decay: An epidemic among the Undead.

Review Backlog & One Upcoming!

I've been focusing on writing and haven't done a good job updating the blog. But I feel it's ungrateful to not at least try to keep up with sites that take the time to review my books. So here's a list of some recent reviews--I know there's at least one I can't find, so if I've left your review out or you know of any sites I forgot to mention, please drop me a note and I'll add them to the list!

First, 26 Letters, wrote up a nice, short review of Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb The Graphic Novel. She focused on it's suitability for younger readers, so if you are thinking about this book for a younger kid who might be an advanced reader for his/her age, this might be worth checking out.

Book Paddle linked to the same book on their indulgy site. Which is the first time anyone's posted one of my books over there (that I know of).

No Way Out, has gotten two reviews, one way back in March (told you I was behind) from Books & Movie Reviews, and another for O.D. Book Reviews. Both are great, really detailed reviews!

Last, but most importantly (since this book just came out) Ashley, at one of my favorite blogs: Paranormal Sisters, is going to be publishing a review of my newest book: Zack & Zoey Save Walt's Brain in the next week or so!

A BIG thanks to everyone who has taken the time to review my books; it's probably the best way to get the word out and there's so many reviewers and bloggers who do and getting nothing out of it other than the occasional Thank You from readers and authors.

Zack & Zoey Book 2 is Ready!

I'm pleased to announce that Zack & Zoey Book 2: Zack & Zoey Save Walt's Brain is ready for publication!

Editing and proofreading is complete and the book is just undergoing last minute formatting and legal review before it's put on sale, later this week. Until then, here's a few illustrations from the over four dozen in this book:

Zack & Zoey Book 2, First Illustrations!

Yes, even though I haven't been updating the blog, I have been working. Zack & Zoey book 2 is currently in editing and I hope to have it released early next month.

The illustrations are taking a little longer than I had hoped, but I'm sure they'll be worth the wait. Here's a few  previews of a couple of the rough sketches:

20,000 Self-published Kid's Books Sold!

I haven't posted in a while, but I have some news I think is worth sharing. January I had my first 2,000 book month and just a couple days ago I sold my 20,000th kid book. For those who are interested, here's some of my stats:

Books given-away: over 250k (most short stories)
Percentage of books sold on Amazon: over 95%
Printed copies: less than 200
First sale: June 26th 2010
Books sold in 2010 and 2011 combined: 8691
Books sold in 2012: 8746

This isn't phenomenal success, but it's pretty good for an indie Kidlit author. So I figured I'd offer my best (okay, my only) advice for other kidlit writers trying to generate some sales.

There's no sure-fire review blog or advertising sites for kidlit. Twitter and Facebook don't help much. The only thing I've found that really helps promote is to publish free short stories and tack on a preview of your full-length books at the end.

Amazon's KDP self-pubbing platform only allows you to set the price as low as 99¢, not free. So you have to use Smashwords or Draft2Digital.com to upload your short stories to sites like B&N and Apple. Then wait, sometimes months for Amazon to price match.

It's been getting much harder to get Amazon to set a book to free, but it's worth the effort.

And don't discount the roll luck plays. After the basics (good writing, cover, description, etc), luck is key. But every book you release, even the short stories, are like getting another raffle ticket. With enough tickets, and enough time, you're bound to get lucky, eventually.

Happy Release Day -Beat Down #1

Clones uses the same cover artist
as many of my short stories.

Michael S. Hunter's Beat Down looks like it's going to be an action packed serial novel. The story revolves around a  super hero wrestler who uncovers a plan to take over the world involving talking sharks--yes, I said talking sharks. It's part comedy, part action. I just hope at some point the sharks sport lasers!


If you are looking for something off-beat that will make you laugh, download the sample of Beat Down #1 - Clones now!

Blog Hop Winner Announced

Sorry I am a bit late on announcing the winner of the blog hop. Christie C is the winner of a paperback copy of Super Zombie Juice. So, if that sounds like you, check your inbox for my e-mail.
Thanks to everyone who entered, there were tons of entries!

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

I'm excited to be part of I Am A Reader, Not A Writer's Spooktacular Giveaway Hop again this year.

As part of this hop, I'm going to give away two signed paperback copies of Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb. Visit I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for tons more contests to enter (or scroll to the bottom of this post).

Also, on October 29th, I'm going to be giving copies of the ebook for free on Amazon.com (if you want it in epub, just e-mail me on the 29th). Consider it an early Halloween treat.

Enter More Conests Here:

Enter by Midnight October 31st PST. A winner will be picked by random on or around Nov. 1st. His/her first name and last initial will be posted online shortly thereafter (last name will not be posted). The winner will also be notified via e-mail and will have 30 days to claim their prize. Unclaimed prizes will be given to charity, re-listed, or disposed of.

Contest valid in the continental US only and void were prohibited by law.

The winner will be required to provide a valid US shipping address. E-mail addresses will not be disclosed, except as required by law. I will not use your e-mail as part of my mailing list, give it away, or anything like that.

I'm Going to the World Series!

VIEW FROM MY SEATS

No one probably remembers that back in April I predicted that the Giants would be going to the World Series. There were some shaky games in the middle of the season, but I was right, the Giants are heading to the Series.

I really wanted to go to one of the games. But how can you justify spending that kind of dough on baseball tickets?

Once I thought about it, I came up with the perfect excuse to buy tickets: I'll use last month's commission check. And I'll still have a little leftover for beer. Why sell books if you are never going to spend the money?

Now, my monthly sales don't afford front row seats, but after missing the 2010 World Series, I'm just glad to be going.

The playoffs were tough (as everyone knew they would be), but we are definitely on a roll. The Tigers are a good team with great pitching, so it's going to be a great Series.

!!!GO GIANTS!!!

Kindle Nation Daily Gives Zack & Zoey 5-Stars!

Earlier this week, Colton at the Kindle Nation Daily Kids Corner reviewed Zack & Zoey's Alien Apocalypse. You may recall, earlier in the year they also reviewed Super Zombie Juice.
Here's a blurb from this latest review:

"I really enjoyed this book. I laughed a lot and kept quoting things in the book to my mom. There were even pictures in Zack and Zoey, which I thought was awesome."

Read the rest of the 5-star review at Kindle Nation Daily. And a big thank you to Colton and the folks over at KND for making the effort to review kidlit. There's so few sites that do, it's great to see such a well known one taking the time to post these reviews from student reviewers!

Naked Zombies--The Zombie Apocalypse just got a whole lot scarier

By now we all know that the government is desperately trying to contain the growing number of Zombie attacks. Frankly, I think they are doing a very good job of keeping this thing under control.

However, I do have one question: What's up with all the Naked Zombies?

Just yesterday in Pennsylvania, "A naked, bloody man broke into a home, jumped from a two-story window, tackled a passerby and chewed on her head.."

But this isn't the first or even the second Naked Zombie attack. So is there a connection I'm missing, and if so do I really want to find out what it is? I don't think so.

So please, if you know any zombies, kindly ask them to keep their clothes on! This isn't the Zombie Apocalypse I signed up for.

Zack & Zoey's First Review

Paranormal Sisters is the first blog to post a review of Zack and Zoey's Alien Apocalypse, giving it 5-stars.

If you're a regular reader, you may remember that Paranormal Sisters gave Super Zombie Juice 4.5 stars.

Here's an except of the review for Zack & Zoey:

Sorry but it was just sooooo adorable. This book is mainly aimed at kids but it's really great for all ages. There's humor, a sweet little cute romance, and of course lots of action. From start to finish. From when the aliens come to the white house and take over. That scene was humorous. This is a fun story line that just allows you to be a kid for just a little while and allows you to forget the world around you.

Check out the entire review (and read the comments if you want to know more about my next project).

New Release: Mommy's Black Eye

Author and Blogger William Bentrim maintains the Azure Dwarf Blog and Review Site (which posted a great review of Super Zombie Juice). He just released his 5-star book "Mommy's Black Eye: Children Dealing With Domestic Violence" as an ebook. It's a picture book designed to help kids understand this complicated issue. It's great for pre-school to middle school children. It's available in either print or color ebook with the  introductory price at just 99¢!

Here's an except from one if his Amazon Reviews:

Author William Bentrim is forging a reputation for having the courage to tackle difficult questions facing kids today and applying a gentle, yet unflinching approach to seeking solutions.
Following his book "Daddy Goes on a Trip" about parent-child separation due to military deployment, Bentrim's latest work takes on domestic violence.
Bentrim does a good job highlighting typical concerns kids have when dropped into such confusing and frightening circumstances.
In a world awash in information overload, Bentrim provides a simple but candid framework for children to understand and acknowledge domestic violence as well as ways they can get help to cope with it.

The Great Name Change

Okay, maybe it's not quite so great, but it's a fair amout of work anyway.

When I first started writing, I wanted to go by my nick name MJ Ware. However, the domain was already taken by someone that wanted to sell a line of Michael Jackson clothes. I opted to add an A to my name making it MJA Ware. I realize that two middle names comes off as a little pretentious to some. Or that some search engines would have trouble with "M.J.A. Ware" versus "MJA Ware."

Fortunately for me, red-leather Michael Jackson jackets with matching sequined gloves didn't prove that popular. So I was able to pick up the domain at auction (for cheap). Now comes the hard part, changing everything over to MJ: manuscripts, books descriptions, book cover, and social media.

The covers were the hardest, but my limited Photoshop skills proved just keen enough to get the job done. I've updated Amazon and most of my titles on Barnes and Noble, but haven't tackled Smashwords yet.

It's going to take a little while for me to get everything moved over, so in the mean time, please bear with me. There's really nothing for readers to do (though if you've reviewed one of my books on your blog you could update the name); this message is mostly just to let everyone know what's going on.

Fake Reviews--Are they really a problem? Yes, Here's Proof.

Not all sock puppets are funny. 

I woke up with morning with an e-mail from the good folks over at Freebooksy letting me know they are promoting my free ebook (today and tomorrow only) Zack & Zoey's Alien Invasion.

Cool, I promptly sent them a short thank you and then checked out the link. Wow, only four books listed, I guess I was lucky to make the cut.

One of the books had a nice looking cover so I checked it out. Only 17 pages, not for me, but I noticed it has five-5-star reviews. Hmmm, maybe I can find a new kidlit reviewer, so I checked out the reviews.

Wait a second, I thought, something isn't right here: Every one of those 5-star reviews is by a reviewer who has only reviewed other books by this same author. Every single one! And none of them have reviewed anything else, by anyone else.

Now, I'm interested. I moved on to the next book. The reviews looked real here--oh, wait, the author has reviewed his own book, never mentioning he wrote it, and in the third person as if it's a real review. Geez.

One more book to go, do I even dare check it out? Of course I did. This one had a terrible cover and eight glowing 5-star reviews. But were they real? Well, seven of the eight haven't reviewed anything but this one book. The other one has reviewed one other item in 2004 and lives in the same state as the author. Is it possible that he happened to get 7 random reviews from people who loved his book so much that for the first time ever, they decided to leave reviews? Yes.

Is it likely? I'll leave that one to you.

Now, you may be saying, I didn't realize this is so persuasive, but why do you care? After all your book was listed. Yes, this time, but not the last time when Zack & Zoey only had one solitary review. Was it bumped by books with fake (or really suspicious) reviews? What other struggling author was bumped this week in favor a books bloated with fake suspicious reviews?

Don't get me wrong, I don't think Freebooksy did anything wrong--they are doing a great service by listing books for struggling writers like myself. And I don't know which of these reviews are fake, but some of them are, you can judge for yourself. 

I gave 400 books out to get my two reviews for Zack and Zoey. Legit reviews take a lot of work and every author has to determine where they draw the line on reviews. For example, one of my two reviewers sent me the review ahead of time to "check out." I politely declined, but asked them to post it "as is." Yet, I did glance make sure it was positive. If they panned my book, let's be honest, I probably would have told them they didn't need to post it.

I've asked my family not to post reviews of my books. But I think there are a couple from relatives, should I track down the owners and make them remove them? I haven't. Perhaps this is why we are so reluctant to call this sort of thing out (you'll notice I didn't post an author or book names); we all own a piece of this.

As you can see, there's lots of shades of gray here. But one thing is for sure, the problem of fake reviews is greater (see The Telegraph and JA Konrath's take) than any of us would like to admit (don't get me started about big publishers sending out ARC's to blogs that only leave 5-star reviews on Amazon) and it's not going away anytime soon.

Update: A reader notes that fake and illegitimate reviews aren't the same thing. Reviews left by friends aren't fake, just illegitimate. I've marked all my additions in blue.
Additionally, some of the reviews have already been removed since I posted this. I think they've been reported to Amazon (not by me, though).

Why Paper Books Are Better Than eBooks--It's All In Your Mind

Last year I wrote a post titled: Timeless Wisdom from Buffy, “Books Smell.”
In it I compare Giles' love of books and disdain for technology with the growing ebook revolution. It's still one of my most popular posts; if you haven't read it, you might want to check it out.

Last night, while editing a scene that just didn't feel right, just didn't draw the reader in, I remembered part of the quote from that post. In it Rupert Giles is explaining why books are better then computers and says, among other things, “Smell is the most powerful trigger to the memory there is...” That made me realize what the scene was missing: the smells.

Once I started thinking about it, I expanded the idea to printed books themselves. When we read a book, the faint smell of paper is picked up by the brain. The perception of smell triggers the limbic system, a very primitive part of the brain, and is connected not just with smell but also with our memory and emotions. If you're an avid reader who finds reading books to be a way to shred stress, it wouldn't surprise me if just the smell of books starts to make your feel more relaxed.

Additionally, the texture of paper and sound of turning pages work to solidify the experience in the brain. These subtle but critical signals just can't be reproduced with ebooks. It's possible that for some readers the only way to truly "immerse yourself in a good book" is to read a bound copy.

This is just one reason why I believe ebooks will never totally replace paper. Others include the ease of finding a favorite passage; there's no way to flip through an ebook (while you can highlight your favorite passage, doing so takes you out of the book). I even read an article a while back (that I can't find now) which said kids prefer to read paper books over ebooks.

While paper books and ebooks both have their drawbacks and advantages, in the end the thing that draws us into a book--the sights, the sounds, the smells of another world--might just be the same things that draw us to books in the first place.