writing

authors, Devils Glen, writing

Iowa Signing!

Posted on by Matthew Speak

Good news! I’m finally coming to Iowa for a book signing on October 14th at the Davenport Public Library on Main Street for their annual Indie Author Day, from 10am-3pm. I’ll be there along with some other authors to sign books and conduct readings. It should be a fun day, so come out and support some local writers.

Actually, it will be more than just a book signing. I’ve also been asked to take part in a panel discussion regarding an aspect of writing/publishing, so if you’ve got a great idea you’ve been kicking around for a book of your own, come on out. Maybe you’ll learn a thing or two in the process. I’m not claiming to be an expert, but I can share my own experience and hopefully you’ll find it helpful.

I will have copies of Devils Glen for sale, or you can bring your own and I’ll sign them. Check here or on Facebook in the coming weeks for more details as we get closer to the event.

I’ve had a few people reach out to me about speaking at book clubs, organizations, or schools, while I’m in town. If you’re interested in that, please send me an email, leave a comment below, or shoot me a Facebook message. Right now, I only have Thursday and Friday available, so get ahold of me as soon as possible, and I will make some time.

Devils Glen, Kindle Scout, Lake Tahoe, writing

Tahoe Trip and Prime Day

Posted on by Matthew Speak

Michelle and I finally got to take our honeymoon last month and I have to say it was amazing, though it seriously needed to be longer. Seven days in Lake Tahoe is just not enough–I want to go back now! The scenery was mind-blowing and staying in a cabin on the lake is just crazy fun. The photo above was taken at Sugar Pine Point State Park, which was about ten minutes from our cabin. The water in Lake Tahoe is crystal clear, almost like you’re in Hawaii or the Carribean. 

Devils Glen, writing

The Halfway Point

Posted on by Matthew Speak

Hey everyone! So sorry, it’s been a crazy long time since my last post–I can’t believe the last time I posted was in April!

Things have been great. Devils Glen has sold pretty well, so far, and people from all over the country have reached out to let me know how much they liked the book. Word of mouth grows, little by little, and the wonderful reviews have certainly helped. If you haven’t had a chance to leave a review on Amazon, please do!

authors, Devils Glen, Kindle, Kindle Scout, publishing, writing

The Countdown

Posted on by Matthew Speak

Here we go! This coming Tuesday is the big release and I’m super excited. Crazy excited…and nervous.

It’s been rather difficult to concentrate on the sequel this past month—which, by the way, has been the longest month in the history of time—but I’ve done my best to do some writing each week (my little rule of writing for at least 15 minutes per day hasn’t worked, lately). Still, I’m about 12,000 words into Crow Creek and I feel like it’s moving along nicely. It might be somewhat longer than Devils Glen, though I’m trying to keep it at around the same length. I want the pacing to pick up quickly and move fast throughout.

Kindle, Kindle Scout, publishing, Self-publishing, Uncategorized, writing

How to Campaign on Kindle Scout

Posted on by Matthew Speak

Kindle Scout is a fantastic program and it’s definitely something any aspiring author should consider. Unfortunately, the process is a little confusing when you first get started and there’s some conflicting information out there on the internet, so I thought I’d give my own advice on the subject. Don’t get me wrong…just because Devils Glen won a contract, doesn’t mean I’m an expert. But I think it might be worthwhile for me to give my thoughts and share some tips I picked up along the way.

Devils Glen, Kindle Scout, publishing, Uncategorized, writing

Devils Glen: Editing and Updates

Posted on by Matthew Speak

Hi, all! It’s been a busy new year already. Thankfully, most of it is good stuff, especially concerning the book.

My Kindle Scout campaign was a success by every measure, especially the final outcome. I had over 4,000 views on my campaign page and spent almost 75% of the month on their Hot & Trending list. That’s all because of the amazing support I received from all of you.

authors, Devils Glen, Kindle, Kindle Scout, publishing, Uncategorized, writing

UPDATE: Devils Glen on Kindle Scout!

Posted on by Matthew Speak

Hi, everyone! Hope you’re all doing well. I know it’s been a while since my last post and there’s a lot that has happened in the meantime. It’s been a very busy Fall.

First, I got married, as most of you probably already know. It was an amazing day and a lot of fun. Michelle and I are as happy as we can be, though the time does seem to be racing along. I’m bringing her with me to Iowa for Christmas!