"Da Nang Damned!" Cover

After I finished publishing "Death Is Never Pretty!" I decided to redesign the cover on "Da Nang Damned!" I borrowed the design from posters the Carroll County Library did for my book presentations. I like the new cover, even though the original one was based on a picture I took as we were boarding a C 141 for our flight to 'Nam'. What do you all think?

Release of "DEATH IS NEVER PRETTY!"

,

It’s finally here! The long-awaited

release of ”Death Is Never Pretty!” The second book in the Rick O’Neil-Ted Troutman Adventure Series pits Rick and Ted against an international cartel of human traffickers.

The book is available on Amazon as an eBook or a paperback. Here is a link that will take you directly to Amazon & the book: Amazon 

If you purchase a copy from Amazon, please leave a comment after you have read the book. This book has been professionally edited and proofread however if you find major typos, miss spellings, etc, please send me an email rather than including them in the comment section. If you enjoy the book, please spread the word!

If you desire a signed copy, please send a check for $12.95 plus $2.50 for shipping to Pete Turner, 3850 Normandy Drive, 2C, Hampstead, MD 21074.

As before, profits from the sale of my books will go to Carroll County Veterans Independence Project. Carroll County Veterans Project Independence 

Thanks in advance for your support.

Pete Turner

Death Is Never Pretty Cover Problems

I finished all the edits/rewrites, but now I'm struggling with uploading my cover. The new cover was designed by my friend & fellow author Bill Fortin. Bill did a very professional job & I like the cover a lot. But Amazon keeps rejecting it for a variety of reasons. Most of the rejections are my fault, text extends to close to the edge of the page and the size of the image doesn't fit Amazon's template.

So have a little patience. I'll figure it out and the book will be available or about August 25th. I missed my publishing date by several months, but I think all my readers will be happy w/the book.

I'll also be releasing my book of poems at the same time. So stay tuned I'll have some promos and giveaways, especially for my loyal readers.

"Death Is Never Pretty!" Update

So, the last ten days have been busy. Finishing the edit of "Death Is Never Pretty!" , preparing and holding my book talk @ The Taneytown Library and so fore. I thought I share the steps I'm taking in order to get my paperback on Amazon.
1. I uploaded the ebook version of "Death Is Never Pretty!" as a Beta Version. So far I'm tending w/5 stars, but the book still needs revision.

2. Next, I ordered a Proof Version of the paperback, which I received a few days ago.

3. My chief editor, (My wife) & I have been going over the Proof, chapter by chapter, page by page, line by line, word by word. Whew! it's a long process & several times I've had to bite my tongue & put my ego away. However, her comments and corrections have been right on. Unfortunately, making these corrections and revisions tales time. I'm impatient to finish and print the book, but know that the time and energy spent now on revising will result in a better book.

Concerns Over Human Smuggling Across The Canadian-USA Border Grows

My new novel, "Death Is Never Pretty!" deals with human trafficking and transporting them across the Canadian Border. I just came across this article about such smuggling. Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction!  "Death Is Never Pretty!" is available on Amazon $2.99 for the ebook. The paperback version should be available 7-10 days.https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/books

AP News https://tinyurl.com/ybfukqcy

Best Sales Day Ever On Amazon!

A big thanks to everyone who bought a copy of "Da Nang Damned!" or the ebook version of "Death Is Never Pretty!" Because of you, I had my best sales day ever on Amazon! Best of all Carroll County Veterans Independence Project is the big winner!

Remember if you buy a book, please, please, leave a comment. The ebook version of "Death Is Never Pretty!" is a Beta copy. I'm still having problems downloading the paperback version, so I haven't been able to preview a hard copy. Even though the book was professionally edited there still may be formatting errors. If you find any, instead of putting them in the comments, just send me a quick email.

 https://tinyurl.com/yc2t7ydj (Tiny URL Link to Amazon)

Thanks for all your support!

Pete

Strong Women: Part II

Ted's wife Ann plays a pivotal role in "Death Is Never Pretty!". As Ted wife, she plays a minor role in "Da Nang Damned!". But in the second novel of the O'Neil-Troutman Adventure series, she comes into her own. She's definitely isn't a meek, mild, little housewife, she's a fighter!

Ted taught Ann how to handle a firearm and as the wife of a sheriff she has occasion to use her weapon. Also, she uses her wits to get Ted, herself, and Special FBI Agent Roger Leblanc out of a tough situation. Her determination and quick thinking propel Ann to the forefront in "Death Is Never Pretty!" She evens embarrasses Ted by "running against him in the election for sheriff!

I think giving Ann a bigger more aggressive role gives depth to the book. I hope you'll agree that Ann deserved the role of a strong woman.

Strong Women Part II

 As I mentioned in my last post, "Death Is Never Pretty!" has several strong woman characters. These characters evolved as the book developed. I didn't plan it this way, in fact, I never outline or develop a plot beyond some very basic ideas. Some writers use outlines, character sketches, copious notes and other tools as the foundation for writing a novel. Me I just kind of "wing it" coming up with a general idea and putting my main characters into a situation and describing how they're reacting basically is how I write.

So it came as a pleasant surprise when, after completed the first draft that I realized I had created strong women, who carry a great deal of the story forward. Without these women, "Death Is Never Pretty!" would be a very shallow book.

Maybe it's because I'm unconsciously attracted to strong-willed women. Whatever the reason they add spice to the story and allow me to look at my writing from a different angle. Will I continue to use strong women in my books? I don't know, as I stated earlier I let the story evolve as I write. I don't try to put in some hidden agenda. So if the story dictates that a strong woman is needed then I'm sure she'll show up to save the day.

Death Is Never Pretty! Book Cover

Here's a draft of the book cover for "Death Is Never Pretty!" I took a picture of a gravestone @ a local cemetery, blocked out the background & added some text. I like it, but more important what do you think?

New Characters "Death Is Never Pretty!"

In "Death Is Never Pretty!" I introduce a number of new characters. I like to introduce you to these characters and explain how I create and develop them.

The theme of this story is human trafficking. Calling human trafficking an abomination barely describes the terrible toll it takes on those caught up in this crime on humanity. I'll post more about human trafficking in future posts.

In order to put a face on human trafficking, I needed a victim. But not just any victim. I wanted a strong character, but also vulnerable. Someone who discovers the hero inside them and despite being scared acts courageously.

This character is a young Columbian girl by the name of Alejandra. Alejandra is fourteen. Her family just moved to Bogota from a smaller rural village in the hopes of a better life. However, her father's promise of a good job building cars doesn't happen. Alejandra faces what a lot of teenagers face when moving to a new school. She is picked on because of the way she wears her hair and her clothes. It's at this point that she is the most vulnerable and falls prey to a fast-talking older teen who lures her to a party. But instead of a party, she is abducted. Her transition from victim to hero is one of the themes in "Death Is Never Pretty!".

First Edit of "Death Is Never Pretty!" is Completed

Well, I finished the first editing/proofreading of "Death Is Never Pretty!"  This book is the second in a planned four-book series on Rick O'Neil -Ted Troutman. This book takes place a year or so after the first book "Da Nang Damned!" ended. Ted & Rick are back in North Conway, NH. Ted is facing re-election and trying to decide whether or not he'll run again. Ann, his wife wants him to retire, but a string of events may change the couples retirement plans.

Rick's romance with Sally, the owner of Marge's Diner is heating up and Gunny has a girlfriend. Into this happy situation comes a little girl, Alejandra. She is the victim of human trafficking who escapes and finds herself on Ted's doorsteps. Then there's the murder of Ted's buddy Frank. Ted's finds him face down in the Saco River and what looks like an accidental drowning, soon turns into a murder.

I' m hoping to have the manuscript back from my editor in 10-14 days. Once I have it back and have made the corrections I'd like to send it out to five people, who are willing to read it and give me some constructive feedback. If you are interested in participating let me know.

"Death Is Never Pretty!" First Draft

Well, I finally have completed the first draft of "Death Is Never Pretty!"  The novel, the second in the O'Neil-Troutman series pits Ted and Rick against an international cartel of human traffickers. Ted travels from New Hampshire to Bogota, Columbia searching for the killer of his friend.

The proofreading & editing will take 3-4 weeks, maybe longer. I want to get it right this time and have a professional proofreader who will give the novel a thorough editing.

I am also looking for 5-6 people willing to read the manuscript after it's been edited. I will use any comments good/bad in my final draft.

If interested in reading and reviewing my manuscript let me know in the comments or contact me via email @ ptwrites@comcast.net. 

Book Talk!

Save this date! July 26th @ 6:30, I will be at the Taneytown Maryland  Library for a presentation/book signing of my novel "Da Nang Damned!" & hopefully my new book "Death Is Never Pretty!"

So I have two more book signings:

Saturday, April 14th from10-4 @ the CarrollCarvers Festival of Woodcarving @ The Robert Moton Center, Westminster, MD

Sykesville Rotary Tuesday, May 1st @ 7:30 Intergrace Fairhaven, Sykesville, MD

Hopefully, these will be as successful as my previous signings.

Great Banner!

The library did a great job with the banners announcing my book talk/book presentations.

BOOK SIGNING SUCCESS!

I had two book presentations/book signings in three days! Whew, but it was totally worth it. The first was on Saturday @ the North Carroll Library. Fifteen people showed up and I sold four books, not great numbers, but several of the people had already bought my book. The presentation went well & it was a warm-up for Monday's.

I didn't expect much for Monday's presentation. Middle of the day and on a Monday. Even the librarian said not to expect many people. But, boy were we surprised! I had twenty people show up & unlike Saturday only one had bought my book. The rest were new customers/fans, including a guy who had served in the same outfit as me.

The success of both sessions, Saturday & Monday were based on three factors:
                    1. The article in the paper.
                    2. The library putting out professional posters
                    3. Preparation

So thanks to the library and their staff for really going out of their way in promoting me.

MADE THE FRONT PAGE!

I made the front page of the Carroll County Times! Okay, so it wasn't the New York Times and it probably was a really slow news day, but hey front page? That's a big deal! I got a call on Friday by a reporter wanting to do an article about me and my upcoming book presentations at the local libraries.

It was a good interview, the reporter seemed interested in me and my book. The next morning there I was on the front page with a photo of me and everything.

Lesson learned, if you're going to be an Indie Writer you have to sell, marketing, promote yourself relentlessly and if you do sometimes you catch a break.

Now where's the number for the New York Times?

Summer Where Have You Gone??!

A Northeaster bearing down on Maryland! So much for Global Warming. Seems appropriate to post this poem that I wrote some years ago.

 

Summer Where Have You Gone?????

Summer where have you gone?
I yearn for you all winter long.
Your sunny face
And warm embrace,

Summer where have you gone?
I remember lying on your lawn.
Your pretty green dress and
Flowers in your hair, a mess.

Summer where have you gone?
You broke my heart when you said so long.
What did I do to make you go?
Please come back, I hate this snow!

Summer where have you gone?
I am so woebegone.
They say you went South to Florida Land
Please, Please come back to Maryland!

DEATH IS NEVER PRETTY

Almost finished with the first draft of "Death Is Never Pretty" which finds our heroes, Ted Troutman and Rick O'Neil up against an international gang of human smugglers.  From New Hampshire to Canada and Columbia, Ted and Rick fight for their lives as time after time the smugglers slip through their fingers.

I'm going to take a break from writing to work on the cover design. Stay tune, I'll post a few ideas and would like your feedback.

Book Signing

Well, it's official. I met with Darrell Robertson, the librarian at North Carroll Library. He presented me with flyers and posters that will be used to promote my presentation and book signing on March 24th & March 26th. The library staff created a very professional looking posters which I'm sure will generate a lot of interest.

Introducing "Death Is Never Pretty!"

Death Is Never" is the second in the rick O'Neil-Ted Troutman adventure series and pits Rick & Ted against an international human trafficking ring. The book focuses, more on Ted than Rick. It's several months since the ending of "Da Nang Damned!" and Ted is facing a re-election. Ann Ted's wife wants him to retire and Ted is seriously considering retiring when while fishing, Ted finds the body of a close friend.
At first, it looks like an accidental drowning, but an autopsy reveals he was murdered and his body dumped in the river.  Then a fourteen-year-old girl from Columbia is found wandering along a mountain road. How are these to events connected? Well, you'll have to read the book. "Death Is Never Pretty" is due out May-June of this year.

Da Nang Damned! Revised!

Thanks to the tireless editing and proofreading and the comments of readers, Da Nang Damned! has been revised. It is now available @ http://amazon.com/author/peterturner

Remember all profits go to The Carroll County, MD Veterans Independence Project, https://carrollcountyvip.org/

So far we have donated $550.00 to CCVIP.

The second book in the Rick O'Neil-Ted Troutman series, "Death Is Never Pretty" is due out Spring of 2018. In Death Is Never Pretty, Ted & Rick must match wits with an international human trafficking ring Hell-bent on using  North Conway, NH as part of their route for transporting young abducted children.

Book Signing

I will be at the Millers Book Fair this Saturday January 20, 2081 for their annual free book give away. I will have a table and be talking about my book "Da Nang Damned!" Stop by and say hi!

2018 Book Signings

In between working on my new book "Death Is Never Pretty!" I'm also setting up book signings/author meet & greets. Here's the schedule so far.

March 24 North Carroll Library 11 AM-Noon

March 26th Westminster Library 1 - 2PM

Also planning to be at the Carroll County Seniors On The Go which I believe is April 4th and at Ag Centers meet the authors in Nov.

Oops just heard about a book sale & local author greet next weekend. I need to see if I can get a table. More later.

PS: If you belong to a club/group and are looking for a speaker I'm available!