Frustration

Days like these really make me want to throw in the towel. Got my first review in for A Soul Worth Taking and it's a doozy...one star. The reviewer basically said that I couldn't write, the story stunk, it wasn't edited...blah blah blah. I won't debate the review(er) because I don't do that...everyone's entitled to their opinions. Even though I disagree. Sometimes I'd like to though. (It was edited though..). I've been excited about this book and series and to have the first review trash it makes me think maybe I really do suck.

I'm even more on edge since my last review was a 2 star on The Assassin (though that guy gives 2 stars to every book he reads and says none of them are well written) so I wasn't so upset as much with that one.

I've had my share of good reviews and people that like what I write though it seems the bad reviews stay with me longer than the good one. I wonder how it is for other writers? I really shouldn't even bother looking at reviews.

Here's my basic thoughts: I don't think I'm a great writer, maybe not even a good one. I think I'm an average writer...some better than me, some worse. I think I'm a good storyteller. Those that want to read books with great writing that will leave you speechless probably should skip mine. If you just want a good story and don't want to go running for the dictionary to understand what I just wrote...maybe you'll like it.

The Protector

95% sure that's gonna be the title of the next book...instead of Empire. It's a more fitting title as the main character is the leader of The Protectors. It's the title I wanted all along but I changed it at the beginning since there have been other books called that. But it's the right fit so I'm going back to it.

I'm shooting for a release date of June. I should be wrapping up edits in the next 2 weeks and I'll start hunting around for a cover artist and get it formatted.

I'll keep everyone updated on the progress and also will be updating info in the next couple weeks about book 2 in The Evil Series.

Right now, watching the Flyers getting killed in game 1 of the playoffs against the Bruins!

Juniper Grove

I was recently featured on the Juniper Grove blog as they were giving away copies of A Soul Worth Taking for their Dark Nights week. Take a look:

http://junipergrove.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/guest-post-by-author-rye-james/

baseball

My 5yr old daughter had her first every baseball game today. It went a lot better than her first practice went. She wasn't as shy and didn't need us out there with her. She hit the ball on the first pitch a couple of times, though the first time she was on base she didn't know where to go. But it went very well and she had a lot of fun. It was a good time had by everyone.

Spellbound By Books

I am on Spellbound By Books today talking about A Soul Worth Taking. You can also enter a drawing where 2 free copies of the book are being given away. Check it out

http://www.spellboundbybooks.com/2011/04/guest-post-by-rye-james-and-giveaway.html

design changes

I'm probably going to be doing some experimenting with the blog in the next few weeks. As stated in the last post I'm going to post about some personal stuff more. But I'm also trying to change the look of the blog. To be honest, it looks kind of boring. I added the slideshow of my books  to the right so people can find them easier if they so desire. That's a good start. I'm also going to be adding other features...what, I'm not exactly sure yet. I just want more content and less 'blah'. So I'm on the lookout. Anybody has suggestions or ideas feel free to email me.

little league

I'm going to venture off the regular path of blog topics today. Usually I only discuss my writing stuff. I think I'm now going to occasionally talk about personal things as it appears some readers like to know things like that...trying to get to know a writer they like.

My 5yr old daughter had her first baseball practice on Sunday. Didn't start off too well. She's incredibly shy at first and isn't outgoing at all when meeting new people. She didn't want me to leave her side as she's playing catch with another kid and everytime I started to leave the field to go watch from the bleachers she started to cry. At one point she said she wanted to stop and go. My wife then stayed with her and after another twenty minutes or so began to warm up to everything. The practice was about 2 hours and she eventually stayed out there on her own, hitting, running the bases, and standing out in the field. So when the practice was over she said she had fun and wanted to come back. They handed out hats and shirts and we went to the store to get her spikes. I asked her what was the matter at the beginning and she said she wasn't sure what to expect.

All in all it was a great day. I played baseball for quite a few years and I have to say that I think I was more nervous watching her than I ever was when I played. Her first actual game is next week, will have to get out the camcorder for that one. The joys of having children.