Swapping Fiction for Nonfiction

I've given this a lot of thought, and I've pretty much made up my mind. High Country Killers, the Western historical fiction book I've started on, may be my last piece of fiction writing.

And I bet you're wondering why.

The market.

Suspense and mystery writers are a dime a dozen, and it's come to my attention that so are Western writers. But that's not the real reason, because my books do sell, and often sell well. The problem is, the effort involved in selling them is far greater than the money I make from all that expenditure of time and energy.

I'll be even more honest, I've seen nonfiction titles fly out of my publisher's warehouse. That would primarily include Rusty Richards' Casey Tibbs - Born to Ride and Becky Coffield's Life Was A Cabaret. Now there are two books that are total opposites. One is a biography of a rodeo star, and the other is a sailing memoir, yet both books sell extremely well. There are probably 10 vendors who sell the Casey Tibbs book, and there used to be that many who sold the sailing book. Both titles sell extremely well as ebooks, also.

Now, I will be the first to acknowledge that my titles sell pretty darn well, especially on amazon and kindle. And when my publisher does a book event we rack up great sales, especially with Saving Tom Black and Apache. But
other than amazon, there are only two small vendors who stock and sell my books.

My publisher has assured me it has nothing to do with the books. The problem is the price of the books, which have all been published POD. POD is expensive unless a ton of copies are ordered, therefore the price has to be high, and the books simply cannot compete with the mass market Westerns. Consumers don't seem to care that much about paper quality, cover design, etc. Can't say as I blame them in today's economy.

Nonfiction, however, can command it's fair price and get it!

The problem arises because I don't see anything in nonfiction that I'm willing to commit a mountain of time to researching. Patience is not my forte, and research requires patience and time. I know this just from the research I've had to do with my own titles. The enticing Western subjects have been written into the grave: Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Kit Carson, etc. etc. etc. You see what I'm saying.

I have a three book contract with Moonlight Mesa. I'll finish High Country Killers, but I'm not sure I'll do any more Westerns. My contract with Moonlight Mesa does not specify Westerns...I'll just have to think on this some more. I'll just have to see if anything inspires me!

Meanwhile, hope to see someone over at Cave Creek Western Days the first weekend in November. Stop by and say hello...and buy a book while you're there, too!

Joining Writing Organizations

This is a can of worms if there ever was one.

The fact is, a barrel of folks join writing groups or organizations. I, for the life of me, fail to see why. It's like people who join critique groups. I suppose some are okay, but most seem to be groups of amateurs critiquing other amateurs. I'm not sure how productive or helpful that is. I have a professional editor who often cuts my work to ribbons but helps me deliver a top-notch, errorless book. My historical editor catches me on a big mistake now and then, too.

I'm not a joiner, and despite what she says otherwise, neither is my publisher, Becky Coffield at Moonlight Mesa Associates, Inc. I think both of us are too independent-minded to belong to a "larger whole." Neither of us seems to need membership, and for certain neither of us likes joining organizations or attending meetings. We're both very busy as it is...sometimes it's monkey business, especially on my part, but that's critical for my writing.

I won't speak for my publisher, because she's going to address this issue in an upcoming blog. www.moonlightmesa.blogspot.com When we sat over a few margaritas and chips the other afternoon and talked about it, however, it got me to thinking on the subject. I think my reasons for being a non-joiner are probably a bit different than hers.

I don't join groups because it really means I should make an attempt to participate in them, and that's something I can't commit to. I'm gone a lot. I don't like the yakety yak of social meetings. I have other things I'd rather spend my time on, quite frankly. I also wonder if an organization isn't really formed mostly to promote the organizer of the organization. Afterall, who's name is always out there when it comes to newsreleases or other items dealing with the group: the head organizer or leader of the group, that's who. You can bet that the person who benefits the most in these groups is the head of the group.

Besides the time investment, I really don't have an interest in most of the activities that groups do to promote their authors, etc. I'm fortunate in that my publisher does a lot of events where I can go and sign my books. She's GREAT about introduing me and pushing my books, even at the expense of her own titles, which are fantastic, by the way. Why would I want to go to a group activity and be one of 15 authors there begging people to buy my books when I can garner ALL THE ATTENTION by attending my publisher's events?

Maybe some people see group membership as a form of support and find them confidence building. I certainly don't. I find them filled with pettiness. When the president of a large group wins an award for his book, that smacks of cronyism. But, guess what? Involvement in the organization paid off for him. So, it's like you buy your awards by being involved. Not all groups are like this, I hasten to add. But some of the big ones most certainly are. They're like a good ol' boys club. And if you're not a dues paying, active member in the organization, forget about any consideration for reviews or awards. Pretty phony, really.

Well, those are my thoughts. I invite anyone to disagree. I'd like to see someone explain the benefits of belonging to a writer/author group. Maybe you can convince me otherwise.

And now, I've done my October blog...early even. I'm home free. Mission accomplished. I hope this isn't habit forming!

I'm heading back to the high country before the snow falls and resuming work on my next book, High Country Killers. This is making my publisher very happy. Catch you all later.

Writer's Block or Just Lazy?

SUMMER RIDING IN THE STEENS MOUNTAINS

Okay, so now I'm two months late on my blog duty. But, for my defense I can now say I do, at least, have a website. FINALLY. I did this website out of great duress from my publisher, but it's done! Check it out and give me any opinions or ideas. This is a new area for me, and I'm like blind me leading blind me.

www.jerejameswesternauthor.com I think I just put a link here. Hope it works.

Now, for the business at hand. I'm trying to decide if I have a writer's block or am just being lazy. I keep telling myself that I've put out three books in three years, so I deserve a break, and it's not like I won't have the book (High Country Killers) finished by late 2012 as promised...I hope, anyway.

So what is the real trouble here? Well, to tell you the truth, the new book is very different from the other three I've written. It's more complex, for one thing. There are multiple subplots, and it's also kind of a mystery. As a former mystery writer (under yet another name) I can tell you, mysteries aren't an easy genre for me. Suspense is a piece of cake - not so for mysteries. I even know "who-dun-it" in this new book, but putting it all together is taxing. Then I kind of have carte blanche on this book as far as language and sex go. I've decided to keep the language acceptable, but finally being able to add sex is causing me to hesitate. Although I will say, Apache, the second of my books is a bit risque.

But perhaps the biggest decision is, how much do I include Betsy in the new book? Or do I include her at all? She's been an integral part of the first three books. I was thinking I'd drop her so Jake could move on to other women, but I keep getting the feeling she needs to be in this book. I guess he could have other women, anyway, considering how Book III (Canyon of Death) ended. So, I'm taking a break.

In fact, I plan on taking a break almost all winter. You see, winter here in Arizona is better than summer in most places I've been. The only trouble is, I can't ride up in the high country where I really need to be to get my "research" and "feel" for the area because it does indeed snow up there. But, I can certainly hang out in the rest of the state and have a good time.

I'll be attending all of my publisher's book events this fall/winter. She's got some good ones lined up. I'm also going to show up in Mexico at her and her husband's timeshare for a few days while they're there. I haven't told her yet...it'll be a BIG surprise! Well, it worked out great last year! Senoritas, tequila, and deep sea fishing sound pretty good right now. By November they'll sound irresistible.

So, maybe I have a case of both writer's block and laziness. I just need a vacation to sort it all out, don't I? Maybe some place in Mexico?

Bad Review - Good Review - Much Ado

Okay. I know I'm about a month late for my monthly blog, but it wasn't until my publisher (Becky Coffield) at Moonlight Mesa Associates, Inc. called me today ranting about a review she came across on the internet, that I felt compelled to write a blog again.

The review in question was apparently written by a man I don't know but my publisher does, and was written about my first Western, Saving Tom Black. Guess the guy didn't like it. Not everybody's going to like everything, I assured Becky. But that wasn't the issue with her.

Her issue was that he seemed like he went out of his way to degrade my first book. Her position is that good critics/reviewers pass on the books they don't like instead of trashing them. Especially when the reviews are on the web, she reminded me, where billions of people have access to them. How much did this review cost my publisher's fledgling publishing business? Maybe nothing. Maybe a substantial amount. How much did I lose in royalties? I don't really care. I don't do this for the money.

Between the rants and raves, I found myself feeling proud that I had a publisher who really showed her support for me and was willing to "go to the mats." Or whatever that expression is. I tried to remind her that we'd had tremendous reviews from a senior reviewer at MidWest Book Review and from Steve Myall at Western Fiction Review. Marshall Trimble liked the book so well he was disappointed when he didn't get asked to review the second book. None of this seemed to make my publisher feel any better.

I'm probably thicker skinned than Becky, but I see the reviewer as probably a flawed character who feels superior by making others (or their works) look bad. Nevertheless, I now know I've got a publisher who, as Stoney Bowers says, "has my back." It's good to have someone on your side, whether you think you need them or not. I never doubted this anyway. I admit Saving Tom Black is far from perfect, but people have sure liked it!

Becky claims that most critics are just parasites who live off the creativity of others. Not sure I'd go so far as to say that, or agree with that, but there you have it.


GREAT REVIEW ON CANYON OF DEATH

I'd personally like to thank Steve Myall at Western Fiction Review for his great review of Canyon of Death. Steve pointed out things in my book that even I wasn't aware of when I wrote the dang thing! Thank you, Steve. I have a feeling you'd pass on a review before you'd trash someone's work. I appreciate you professionalism and your interest in my titles!


HIGH COUNTRY KILLER COMING ALONG

High Country Killer, my fourth Jake Silver book, is coming along. I'd say I'm about 1/4 into it. It's becoming a much more complex book than I'd originally planned on. That's the fun part of writing, though, is when the characters and story take over and take the writer in their direction.
I hope to have the book finished by mid to late 2012. Promised my publisher I'd do that.

EVENTS

I hope folks will stop by Moonlight Mesa's vendor booth in Pinetop over Labor Day Weekend. I'll be there and will enjoy signing a book for you or just talking with you.

Jere

Mule Days Celebration Coming Up

Jere D. James will be attending this year's Mule Days Celebration as a guest author in Moonlight Mesa's vendor booth. Although his newest title, Canyon of Death, is still a month or so away from being in print, Jere will sign his other two Western books, Saving Tom Black and Apache.

"I'm disappointed that Canyon of Death won't be with the other two books, but the publisher assures me it'll be present for the Pinetop event over Labor Day," Jere said. "I plan to attend that event also since I'll be in the high country most of the summer getting ideas and the setting for my next novel, High Country Killers."

"The next book will be a difficult one as I'm really striving to make it much more historical than the first two. Saving Tom Black was somewhat historical, and Apache was 'socially historical,' but the next one I'd like to make much more factual, yet still keep a good fiction tale in it. I'll be writing a Western mystery, so it'll be a challenge," the author said. "The publisher told me she didn't care, as long as the project is completed on time."

Jere will be heading to the high country at the end of June most likely, and will start off once again in the Prescott area before moving on to Pinetop. "I need to do some terrain to get my mule and horse back into shape. In fact, my horse may not be able to do much this summer in terms of long, rugged rides. He's in a bad way right now. He's older and his knees aren't what they should be. Might just be the mule on this adventure," Jere said.

Jere won't give any hints as to what may occur in the next book, but he does say that people will be surprised about the main character's womanizing ways. "I'm trying to keep it respectable, but spicey. The publisher and editor will keep me from going off the fun, deep end," Jere said, laughing.

Western Author Jere D. James Signs Three Book Deal

SAVING TOM BLACK IS THE FIRST TITLE IN THE WILDLY POPULAR JAKE SILVER ADVENTURE SERIES



Jere D. James, author of the Jake Silver Adventure Series (Saving Tom Black, Apache, and the forthcoming Canyon of Death has just signed another three book contract with Moonlight Mesa Associates, Western Book Publisher.

The contract is for three books in three years, however there is a bit of latitude in the understanding between the publisher, Becky Coffield, and Jere D. James. The author does not have to necessarily continue the Jake Silver series, although the publisher would like to see him do so. However, she left that decision to the author.

"It's pretty hard to demand an author write something if his heart just isn't in it," Coffield said. "The Jake Silver books are very popular though, and I think they'll continue to be if Jere keeps writing them."

The author has already stated there will be at least one more Jake Silver book, and perhaps more. He's even thinking of going back in time to when Silver was younger. "It's a possibility, that's all," James said.


AUTHOR RIDES THE ARIZONA HIGH COUNTRY

Just like he did with his other books, James will be spending some time in the saddle this summer. Last year saw him in the Chiricahuas quite often, which is where Canyon of Death is set (Canyon of Death will be released by July of this year). This summer he'll be riding the high country getting a feel for the setting of his next book, High Country Killer. "I'll be riding in the Prescott National Forest area, and also in the Apache Sitgreaves Forest, and especially places around Pine Top," he said. "I'll be taking my horse and mule. Dog too. And of course, boxes of books. It'll be very different than riding in the Chiricahuas where I had to be especially alert to illegal immigration traffic."

The author will also be traveling to Colorado for some setting information. "The book could take place there, but I don't think it will. I live in Arizona, so it's easier for me to return to an area here if I need to verify things than to run all the way to Colorado," James said. "Besides, with the cost of diesel, I doubt I'd be able to fuel up the beast that pulls my trailer. And I'm not downsizing. That horse trailer is nicer than some apartments I've lived in!"

James will also try to pick up a few rodeos this summer.

New Western on the Horizon

It's been just about a year since I last blogged. A stretch, I know. During this time, however, I've mostly been in the Chiricahua Mountains in S.E. Arizona. Besides dodging illegal immigrants slipping through my campsite, I've been exploring the area in depth, as this is the setting of my newest novel, Canyon of Death.

Canyon of Death will be published by Moonlight Mesa Associates, and should be in print this summer. The book will be reviewed by Western Fiction Review and MidWest Book Review for sure. My publisher told me that both of these sources have asked to review my books, so I'm pretty honored by that.

Anyway, back to the Chiricahuas. I never thought it would be necessary that I'd have to travel in my own country carrying a weapon for protection. As a result of the bloodshed and shooting, I often did not camp off by myself like usual, but instead camped in closer vicinity to other people. This was not just for my personal safety, but I wanted to be able to come back and find my pick-up, horse trailer, and extra horse still there in camp.

I probably saw more border patrol agents than actual smugglers and immigrants, but I saw plenty of both.

Canyon of Death is the third book in the Jake Silver trilogy. (The other two titles are Saving Tom Black and Apache.) It won't be the last Jake Silver book, however. I've recently committed to three more books for Moonlight Mesa. Probably one a year if I can discipline myself. We have no firm agreement, however, that the books must all deal with Jake Silver. They just must all be Westerns. That sounds like a win-win agreement to me!!

I've also done a lot of book events this past year. I try to show up wherever the publisher travels and I sign books at the events. I'll be at Mule Days in Bishop, CA., most of the week since no other authors are able to make it. I intend on watching the mule show, too, since I now own a mule! My publisher is partly responsible for this. She said I couldn't use a mule in the book if I didn't know diddly squat about them. (She's particular about these things.)My mule's name is Wild Bill. Named him after the mule in my new book.

Besides a book a year, I'm now going to try to write a blog a month. I know, that's a real stretch for me. I'm not much into this social media stuff, but I'm going to give it a shot. My goal is, let's see, I need to make it something reasonable, how about 15 minutes a day. I think I can manage that!

Next time I write I should have a better idea about the next book. Meanwhile, look for Canyon of Death this summer. The publisher is going to be offering a special on the three books.

Deadly Encounters

THESE FOLKS ARE NOT APACHES...

Never would I have believed that I'd be defending my life in my own country against invaders. But it's been happening.

I've been in the Chiricahua Mountains quite a bit this last spring getting a feel for the area so that I know what I'm talking about when I write the upcoming chapters in my third, and final(?),Jake Silver Adventure, Canyon of Death. The book could not be more aptly named, that's certain. A few times I've wondered if my own death might not transpire here.

Twice I've come back to my campsite to find it ransacked and mostly destroyed. Food and water are always missing. Clothes, too, even though I'm a big guy and I think the raiders probably aren't. My truck, an older one, has been broken into but not stolen, although I do have a busted out window. Partly this is because I have a unit on the old thing that requires a special plug to get the engine started. If someone tries to mess with it, or hot wire it, the whole thing automatically shuts down. Fortunately, I had a hunch and have been carrying all my proof of insurance, vehicle registration, etc. in my saddle bags. My horse trailer's even been searched. Nothing in there but some extra rope, tack, and a camp chair. No one seems too interested in that stuff.

I've left the area for now, mainly because the other night I heard a running gun battle that sounded pretty close by that lasted a good hour. I'm outta here for a few weeks. I may stop again on my return from Ruidoso, and I'll certainly return in October for my signing at the Rex Allen Days, but in the meanwhile, it's getting damned ridiculous down here.

I've been armed the entire time and have mostly seen what looks like youngsters hurrying along. I'm not interested in shooting anyone unless they shoot first. These travelers looked like kids afoot running away from home. I hear what sounds like jeeps and trucks occasionally rumbling over the dusty roads at night. I never see headlights, so I can only assume they are people who shouldn't be there.

I've seen a few border patrol vehicles - not a lot though compared to the other traffic. Fortunately, these border patrol guys are better armed than I am, but I suspect they are greatly outnumbered by the invaders.

It's been difficult working on the book down here and I suddenly realized the other day it's because I'm constantly stressed about the possibility of deadly violence occuring at just about any moment.

Meanwhile, I'm back to civilization and pestering my publisher here at Moonlight Mesa Associates. She's threatening to take out a life insurance policy on me if I head back down that way.

The bottom line is, the border has got to be controlled, pure and simple. There are deadly incursions onto American soil by people coming from Mexico. There are gun battles taking place between drug cartels on Arizona soil. I was ambivalent about the SB 1070. I no longer am. This is my country, my state. They need to keep the hell out of it or suffer the consequences.

I'm sure this area now is as lawless as it was back in the day that I'm trying to write about. Most interesting that this is what it's reverted to.

The Chiricahuas and Canyon of Death

I know, I know. It's been four months since I last blogged, but hey! I put information on an author's page for Amazon! It's not like I haven't been doing anything!

My webpage is going to expire one of these days soon, and in my next contract I'm making sure I put in some declaration that writing blogs isn't one of my duties. It's not in there now, but that publisher insists I do this. But, if I put it in writing that I dont' have to....hmmm. Wonder if she'll go along with that!?

I've been spending a lot of time in the Chiricahuas the last couple of months. It's probably some of the most beautiful country in Arizona that I've seen. Everywhere I go though, I insist the country is beautiful. But it's true. I must say though, that some of the Steens Mountains in Oregon and the Sisters Wilderness area is pretty spectacular, but the Chiricahuas probably beats them out overall.

The new book is progressing...slowly. I'm not sure why at this point. I've gotten a huge reprieve because of the Casey Tibbs book the publisher is working on, but not that huge of a reprieve. At least I know where I'm going in it. Actually, I've known all along where I'm going - I just haven't been sure how to get there. I pretty much have that figured out, but it looks like I've got a hell of a lot of riding to do this summer to check out some of the areas I'm putting in the book.

For a while I was thinking of ending the Jake Silver series, but at this point I'm thinking I may continue it, but I'm going to have to make some big changs to do so. The next book isn't under any deadline though, so I'm good! I'm staying with the western book publisher I now have, by the way, and that's Moonlight Mesa Associates.

I'm also thinking of getting a mule. This mountainous terrain is hard on my horse, and he's not young anymore. Now a mule could probably handle just about anything...but would a self-respecting cowboy be seen on a mule? I've heard nothing but good about these animals. I'll check it out next May when I go to Mule Days with Moonlight Mesa in Bishop, CA.

Had a good time in Tombstone. Signed a lot of books on Saturday (especially Saving Tom Black), met some crazy characters, got drunk that night...a good time was had by all. I'll be at the Pine/Strawberry Festival for one day only...probably Saturday. Stop by and say hi.

I'll also try to be at the Show Low Event as well as Heber/Overgaard, but not sure I'll make it to Ruidoso, although the Wild West Historical Convention sounds interesting. I'll be picking up some rodeos instead. Did I tell you I was a bull-dogger? I don't go by Jere James in rodeos, by the way. Go by my real name. Can't make it to Big Bear in August either, but I may get to Kanab, Utah, later that month.

Meanwhile, I've gotten lots of emails from people who really are enjoying my books, and that really makes me proud. I thank each and every person. Your words are music to my ears...well, since they're written, I guess I'd have to say they're desserts for my eyes...???

Apache has picked up a couple of other terrific reviews. I thank you. Each of you who says something good about my books deserves my sincerest thanks.

Jere

Pulling Teeth

Why is writing this blog so much more difficult, and painful, than writing a book? It just seems so deceptive and false.

Okay. I've got my assignment from my big, bad boss Becky, so here goes.

I've not been working on my new book. I've got to get down into the canyons and spend some time. That's easier said than done this time of year. But, the book is coming together in my head, and boy have some unusual ideas popped up. Can't wait to see how it all turns out.

I'll probably show up at the Yuma Festivities that my publisher is planning on attending...and I'll be at the Wickenburg Ranch Rodeo. In fact, I'd like to put a team together and enter that one - sounds like fun.

So, that's January. February? I'll be at the Gold Rush Days for at least one day. Probably one day at the Festival of the West. I'll pick a day that no one else wants to be there. ha ha. Ooops. Guess I'll do what I'm told by the Boss Lady who's reading this over my shoulder right now. That's what I get for stopping by for a free beer.

Saw the new book, Apache, which arrived here the other day. Wow. The cover guy did one bang up job! He's good! Real good! Can't wait to see what he comes up with for Canyon of Death, the next book.

Meanwhile, I'm taking my horse and gear into Mexico for a couple weeks in January. My publisher says the next time I sign a contract she's going to make it so I can't do "risky" things. Good luck with that! Anyway, I've been studying maps and whatnot. I found a good place to unload and leave my truck/trailer, and what should be good trails. I'll ride into Puerto Vallarta - spend two weeks or so doing it. Hope I don't get rounded up by banditos. Well, that'll make a helluva book, I'd say!

So - that's it for now. I am making only one New Year resolution - and that is to get the new book finished by fall so the publisher/editor/cover man can get at it for a 2011 publication. I like a deadline...and I like a challenge!

So, I'm corralled in the publisher's office today with an assignment...you guessed it. A blog.

I think I have a lot of trouble with these because I don't know why anyone would care what the heck I think. For the publisher, it makes sense - she's got a lot of things to say ALL THE TIME about her publications and projects. Me? I just have my horse and my two completed books.

I will say that I've been thinking a lot about Canyon of Death, a book that will follow the upcoming Apache. I'm trying to decide who lives, dies, and whether I'm going to continue this series or not. I might still write, but I'm wondering if I should move on to other people and places - still Western - but just leave Jake Silver et al behind. Anybody out there got any advice?

I also know I have to get to the canyons and do some serious hiking/riding before I can really proceed with Canyon of Death. It's been something I've been wanting to do anyway. I don't usually walk uphill though...that's what a horse is for, isn't it? I have to go to the canyons though, before I can proceed. The full story is there, waiting for me, I can feel it.

Got an early review from Midwest Book Review and, in all honesty, I was feeling pretty damn good about the great comments the reviewer made about me. It was almost embarrassing, but I sure appreciate every word that nice lady wrote!! Wouldn't have gotten half that praise though if it weren't for the efforts of the great Moonlight Mesa editor, Paula Silici. She should be getting the reviews...not me.

Publisher Beckons...

Okay. I'm back after an extended three weeks riding in the Sisters Wilderness area. Can't believe how cold it got this year...early. Had some snow in places. It felt great though to break out and spend some quality quiet time on my horse, eating my pathetic campfire cooking. I must be getting older though. I actually bought a small camper for my pickup...I didn't sleep out on the ground or in the horse trailer. The small comforts afforded by the camper were truly enjoyed. Had running water...a flushing toilet...small refrigerator. Felt like the lap of luxury!

Moonlight Mesa's editor has finished with my second book, Apache. Thank the good Lord there's not nearly as many pencil marks and comments as the first book! Learned my lesson from that woman! She's probably the best teacher I ever had!!

So, Moonlight Mesa's boss lady/slave driver called me back to fix the edits so we can get this show on the road. Good to be back in Arizona though...I'm enjoying the warm fall weather.

Haven't started on the next book yet other than a hint at the first chapter. I want to spend some time in the canyons this spring to say what I want to say and say it correctly...

Meanwhile, it looks like I have some signings and book events coming up for Saving Tom Black. The publisher told me she's already sold advance copies of Apache because people are liking Saving Tom Black so much. I'm honored and proud both. Hope to see you at a signing real soon.

Riding for the Brand

I'm not really the emotional type, so I'm only going to say this one more time, and I hope to make it really clear this time.

Am I changing publishers when I fulfill my commitment to Moonlight Mesa Associates? HELL NO!

I have to be honest and admit I don't really know how many more books I have in me. I know for certain I have one more: Canyon of Death. If I have more after that, my place is with Moonlight Mesa. It's called "Riding for the Brand." Even though that publisher keeps me running my ass off, there's a lot of fringe benefits around that office.

For starters, I get to empty trash, make copies and sometimes run errands. Then, there's always coffee and that good hazelnut creamer on hand. The real thing...not that crap stuff. Becky (the publisher) makes great creme brulee, and if there's any around I eat it for breakfast first thing.

Besides these heavy office duties and creme brulee, sometimes I help out by scooping horse poop and helping with the training of her rescue mare. She even makes me go out riding with her sometimes...other times I "get" to answer the phone while she's out galavanting around buying Western clothes. I tell her she can borrow mine, but she declines.

It gets worse when her husband's gone, because then I get all his godawful duties too.

Anyway, all I'm saying is that when a guy's treated this good, how can he consider taking off?

Sometimes I even spend time WRITING. Right now the editor is hacking away at my manuscript, Apache, but she sure makes it read nicer when she's finished! Vin, the cover designer is wrapping up the cover. Life's good at this publishing house.

Two Books Down - One to Go

That sounds like a prison sentence, doesn't it? But out of a three book deal, I have managed to write two damn good books. Got one more to go. My publisher said there's no rush. That's good, cause I got news for her...I need a break.

Saving Tom Black, my first book, is just about ready to be released for general publication. Apache, my second book, is still in the editing stages. How many times must I write, rewrite, and rewrite.

The third book, Canyon of Death, is just now beginning to get into my head. But I'm still taking six months...OR MORE...off.

A few people have asked me if I'm going to stay with Moonlight Mesa or try to get another publisher...Not sure yet. I like Moonlight Mesa, but I probably do have to work harder than I would with another publisher...but the publisher works her ass off, so I feel guilty if I'm not in there with her. My hunch is I'll stay - or maybe I'll stop writing altogether. I probably won't look around since most of those folks already rejected me. Moonlight Mesa believed in me when no one else did. I'm guessing that if I keep writing, I'll stick with Moonlight Mesa as long as they'll have me.

I've gotten some fantastic reviews on Saving Tom Black, which is very gratifying, I have to admit. Really strokes the old ego. But it is truly rewarding to see people enjoy my work and I am deeply appreciative of the kind words they say about my writing and my books.

So...that's it for this time. Looks like my publisher is dragging me to Payson with her for the Zane Grey Days...see, this is what I mean. The woman is WORK WORK WORK.

Website

Pretty soon I'll be working for Apple, or Dell I'll be such a wizard. Ha ha.

Well, I finally succumbed to the pressure and got a one page website. My publisher twisted my arm by paying for it for one year for me. I spent all day at this site, but I put one together and it looks darn good...for a beginner.

Check it out at www.savingtomblack.com

It wasn't as hard as I thought, just time-consuming and kind of slow what with my dial-up connection and all.

Now I'm wondering what's next? Here I am blogging and putting up a website. I suppose I'm going to have to tweet or twat here eventually. I'm holding out on that one!

Jere

Saving Tom Black Gets Test-Marketed

Well, my first Western book, Saving Tom Black, got test-marketed this past weekend for the first time. My publisher, Becky, at Moonlight Mesa Associates, assures me it "sold like pancakes." I'll be getting my FIRST royalty check too.

But she got a bit perturbed too. Seems like she could only sell "her" books, but she was determined to test the waters with Tom Black this weekend, so she ended up having to tell a few people who questioned her that she was Jere D. James in order to keep the book displayed. Crazy. Those people never bought the book either. Said all but one was an official at this function just checking on vendors, but one turned out to be a cousin to a guy who's going to review the book. Small world. Hope he doesn't find out. None of this bothers me one whit...I don't really care to do these public appearances. Suppose I'm gonna have to, but it's not me, and Becky knew that from the get-go. Discussed it plenty of times with her. Maybe I should give the royalty check to her. My goal in all of this is not to make money so much, as it is to see a dream of mine come true. She's all in a tizzy though.

I just find all the attention kind of embarrassing, like I did something that changed the world, and all I really did was tell a story that's been kicking around in my head for a long, long time.

Well, that's all I've got to say about this. I added my cover here. Pretty nifty how this works. I'm not a computer person either.

Thank you to the people who bought my book. I truly am appreciative. Hope you like it and much as I enjoyed writing it.



Jere D. James

Publisher's News Release

Well, I get a break from my duties here...Here is the latest from my publisher:


MOONLIGHT MESA ASSOCIATES, INC.
For Immediate Release…


Moonlight Mesa Associates’ Release and Contest Announcements

Moonlight Mesa Associates, Inc. is extremely proud and excited to announce the publication of the company’s first two Western books: Saving Tom Black, by Jere D. James and Reflections from the Wilderness, by cowboy poet Stoney Greywolf Bowers. Both books have received early, glowing reviews from Shirley Johnson, Senior Reviewer for MidWest Book Review.

Both titles will officially debut this fall at Old West Days Festival in Mesa, Arizona. All of Moonlight Mesa’s authors will be present throughout the weekend long festivities to sign books and talk with visitors. Stoney Greywolf Bowers may also be doing some readings.

Advanced Reader Copies of the books have been sent to a number of Western periodicals for reviews, and the publisher has released advance copies to both authors for their personal sales. In addition, Coffield will be test-marketing various venues for Saving Tom Black over the next two months. The books are currently only available from the publisher’s website, www.moonlightmesaassociates.com or from the authors. After release, the books will be distributed by Ingram.

Coffield wants to remind writers of the First Annual Cowboy Up Short Story Contest currently underway. There are three months remaining in the contest, which closes December 1, 2009. Entries fees are $15 per entry, which pays for judging fees and winner awards. Guidelines for the contest can be located on the company’s website: www.moonlightmesaassociates.com. Cash awards are $250, $125, and $75. Also, certificates will be issued to cash winners and finalists.

Moonlight Mesa Associates, Inc. is a small, independent publishing house in Wickenburg, AZ., specializing in Western genre only, both fiction and nonfiction. Besides the current releases, Coffield is in negotiations with Rusty Richards, former Sons of the Pioneer singer for his rollicking biography of rodeo superstar, Casey Tibbs. Also under consideration is The Giving Season, a Western Romance by freelance writer, Paula Silici. The publisher will be issuing Jere D. James’ second novel, Apache, and Bowers’ second book, Native American Reflections, in late spring of 2010.

Publisher Orders a Blog

It may seem like I'm doing this blog under duress, and the fact is my publisher, Moonlight Mesa Associates, has been prodding me more and more to start communicating with the reading public...the publisher would like to see me with a website, a blog, and at signings, events, twittering, facebooking and all that and on the road with my forthcoming book. That's a lot of technology for a guy like me.

I'm a reclusive kind of guy. Should'a been a cowboy, I expect. I could live for months on end in the wilderness. In fact, I have lived alone a great part of my life. Enjoyed it, but then one day a guy gets to a point where it's time to let go and move on, and that's what I did. Things changed for some reason I don't understand.

So, I've written a book. Saving Tom Black. Had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs writing that. It just kind of spilled out. Same way with my second book, Apache, but it won't be out for a few months yet. Anyway, my publisher wants me to write about Tom Black, and myself I suppose.

Despite my reluctance to do this, for I can't see any reason why anyone would be interested in reading my blog, I suppose I could cooperate with the fine publishing house that has given my words a new life. You see, I got rejected by more publishers than I can name. Most never even read my first chapter. Then, I did some homework and found Moonlight Mesa Associates, a tiny unpretentious little publisher that had a big belief in publishing good Western works that the mainstream just ignores.

I signed up for three books with Moonlight Mesa Associates. I'm not sure after that if I'm going to keep writing or what. I just got some stories in me that need to be told, and my publisher is making it possible for me to do that. So, I suppose if I keep writing, I'm just going to stay with the publisher I have...if she'll keep me on.

I'll write about Saving Tom Black next blog. Each of those characters is a part of me, I'll admit. So, until next time...