From the Desk of J.M. Poole

Astute observers might have noticed that www.Lentari.com now automatically directs visitors to www.AuthorJMPoole.com. Why make the change? It’s simple. Poor planning. 🙂

Lemme explain.

Back when I started writing I never imagined that I’d write/release/publish a mystery novel. I just figured I’d always stick to fantasy. Had I checked around then I would have seen that all the other authors were using their names as their main websites. After I published CCF1 I realized a change was in order. Lentari really doesn’t have anything to do with the new mystery novel so I had to come up with another name. And, wouldn’t you know it, JMPoole.com was already taken. So that’s how AuthorJMPoole.com came to be.

Now, in case you didn’t know, this website is a WordPress site. There are a few things you should know about WordPress. It really doesn’t like you messing with its innards. I thought for certain I screwed up the site on my first attempt to switch it to the new domain. Thank the Fates that Godaddy keeps 30 day backups. 🙂

I did my research for my 2nd attempt. Looked up notes from people who had already done it, printed out instructions, etc. It took a while but I got it moved! Now I can have a suitable presence online for readers of all the books. Works in progress, upcoming events, giveaways, etc. I’ll cover all the bases from this one website.

I’m also announcing that just as soon as my (2nd) printed proof arrives I’ll be hosting some giveaways. I’ll give away copies of CCF1 on Goodreads and on here. I’ve always been a fan of trivia. I’ll probably make you all strap on your thinking caps and answer a few questions. If you win, you’ll get a signed copy of the book!

I’m also toying with the idea of creating a section dedicated to PV and uploading some of the information I have in my binder. Maps, character profile sheets, business names, and so on. You wouldn’t believe the amount of info I have amassed as my wife and I plotted out the town. Thought it might be fun to share!

That’s it for now. Lentari is calling! ToL6 isn’t gonna write itself!

Hey everyone!

I wanted to drop a quick note to inform you all that my very first mystery novel has finally been published!  It’s now live on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Case-One-Eyed-Tiger-Corgi-Files-ebook/dp/B01F2SCM6Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1462237470&sr=1-1

Feel free to share the news, tweet it, blog it, or whatever you’d like to do on social media.  The more publicity it gets the better!

Now, here’s the unpleasant part.  For the first time ever I decided to enroll one of my books in Kindle Unlimited.  What does that mean to you?  Well, it means that it’s only going to be available to Kindle owners.  This was a decision I wrestled with for quite some time.  I’ve always been a proponent of releasing a novel “wide”, meaning available in all formats.  However, I have been curious to see how it’d do in KU, so I decided to give this brand new series a try.  If I don’t see any difference whatsoever then I’ll pull it from KU and release it wide. The time frame involved is 90 days, so I have to give Amazon at least 3 months of exclusivity.

For those of you that were beta readers, can I ask a favor?  Could I possibly get you to head over to Amazon and leave the book a review?  Early reviews are always a helpful tool to indie authors.   Again, thanks for helping me out!

This is the first of two beta-reader signups that I’m going to be holding.  If you’re here to volunteer your help, I truly appreciate it.  Just be certain you understand that you’re not signing up for both books, just one.

This is the beta reader signup for Case of the One-Eyed Tiger (Corgi Case Files #1).  This novel isn’t as long as my epic fantasy stories, and that’s because it isn’t (gasp!) a fantasy.  Yep, this is my first ever attempt at a mystery novel, written in first person narrative.  So go easy on me.

What’s expected:

• Checking for typos & grammar problems
• Continuity problems
• Plot holes
• Not concerned with giving harsh advice where necessary.  Trust me, I can take it.
• Be willing to fill out an Excel form listing what page # you found the problem, what type of problem it was, and why (only if you want to) you feel there’s a problem.

Still interested in signing up?  Leave a comment below so that I know you were here and have read the What’s Expected section.

Thanks in advance!  I look forward to working with you!  Stay tuned.  As soon as PoR (Tales of Lentari #6) is ready for beta readers, I’ll post a similar announcement!

J.

Happy Holidays!

What better way to celebrate the upcoming holidays than by having a trivia contest!  AND, why not make the questions about the Star Wars universe since the new movie comes out on Friday!  So, let’s see how much useless Star Wars trivia is crammed away inside your head.  Hopefully it’s just as much as mine.

Now, the rules:

• NO Googling.  What fun is that?  Try and see if you can answer without looking it up.
• No looking at other answers.  This is a test of YOUR trivia, not others!
• No changing your answer.  Any comment that has the word “Edited” next to it will be disqualified.
• Only one answer per person.  Choose your answers wisely, Padawan.

If there’s only one person who answers correctly then choosing the winner will be easy.  If there are multiple people who answer correctly then the winners will go into a hat and I’ll let Keeley the corgi choose.  What will you win?  A signed print copy of the latest Tales of Lentari book, Wizard in the Woods AND an automatic position as a Beta Reader for the 6th Tales of Lentari book as soon as I’m ready.  I also have a Goodreads Giveaway ending very soon, so I’ll ship both books out at the same time, which will be this coming Friday (the 18th).  Good luck!

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything.  My bad.  I can’t even begin to tell you how busy I’ve been.

I know.  Excuses, excuses.  However, many of my computer tech clients have returned for warmer climes so I’ve been forced to wear my tech hat longer than I normally would.  So, let’s recap.

1. Swamped with tech calls
2. NaNoWriMo month.  I refuse to quit.  🙂
3. Continuing with PoR (Tales of Lentari #6)
4. Convincing my father to trade in his flip phone for iPhone 6, setting up the phone remotely, and then training said family member on said phone.

I will also formally announce that I’m actively seeking Beta Readers.  But, before you get excited, this isn’t for PoR (ToL6).  I’ll make a separate announcement for that.  I’m actually referring to my NaNoWriMo project with will be finished shortly.  Corgi Case Files – Case of the One-Eyed Tiger.  My first ever attempt at a mystery novel.  I can only hope you guys enjoy it.

So, with that being said, if any of you would be interested in giving me a hand, please leave a comment below.  Remember, I’m looking for people with stronger English skills than me.  Spotting typos, grammatical issues, continuity problems, and so on.  Think you’d like to give it a try?  Let me know!

Thanks, guys!  I hope everyone is having a great holiday season so far!

J.

This request goes out to all wine lovers out there.  A book I’m presently working on features a character living in a small community where there are several local wineries.  What are your favorite wines?  Are they from local wineries or are they from a well known brand?  I was looking for some ideas for some local wines for the town.

Let me know your thoughts!  I’m dropping the security down so that anyone can post.  Thanks in advance!

J.

Are you an aspiring author?  Have you already published a book or two and are looking for more reviews?  If your title has 10 reviews or less, is either sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, or thriller, and doesn’t feature vampires or zombies, feel free to drop me a line.  I’m always looking for that new great read.

Instead of telling you what books I like I’ll instead tell you which I don’t care for.  I’m not a fan of horror.  Or erotica.  I don’t like zombies or vampires, but I will say that I’ve read several stories that had a little of each as supporting characters and I was okay with it.  The worst that could happen is that I’d just tell you that I wasn’t interested.  Otherwise if you’re looking for reviews, leave a comment with your book’s blurb and I’ll go take a look.

Happy reading!

J.

ps.  ToL6 is coming along nicely, as is my very first mystery novel!  🙂

Hypothetical question for you readers.  I know of several authors that have done this and am wondering what percentage would actually give it a try.  Let’s say you have a romance author who’s released a number of books.  The author has built up a sizable fan base as a result.  Now comes the announcement that the romance author is going to release another book, only this one isn’t romance, but science fiction, or any other genre that is nowhere close to what romance is.  Now, here’s my question.  If you’re already a fan of this particular author, would you be willing to try the new book written in a different genre than what you’re already used to?

The reason I ask is that I have now fallen into this category.  I’m a fantasy author and am working on a new book, namely the 6th Tales of Lentari novel.  BUT, I’m also working on the first novel in an entirely new series in a new genre:  mystery.  What are the chances that you’d be willing to give the book a try?  As always, comments are always appreciated.  And don’t worry.  You won’t ever hurt my feelings by telling me the truth.  I value honest opinions more than anything.

J.