tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77441679342751372372024-02-22T16:23:12.621-05:00Derek's Novel IdeasA great place to learn about my debut novel called PainlessDerekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-10650632608560693942014-08-29T16:00:00.002-04:002014-08-29T16:04:35.787-04:00August Book of the Month: The Heritage Paper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglsS5KtozGc2jl3ztEZkwaGG7a-VvB__NEut8BmmCtMfrf7F0yK51meh2kd67bSFcMQkPLly_fDEdpKw5Rsc6FjCigb4B7Evv_Udu3hnc_QxnyTuANSFbhvpKti4v984vtgb5noQbaww/s1600/HeritagePaper_HighRez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglsS5KtozGc2jl3ztEZkwaGG7a-VvB__NEut8BmmCtMfrf7F0yK51meh2kd67bSFcMQkPLly_fDEdpKw5Rsc6FjCigb4B7Evv_Udu3hnc_QxnyTuANSFbhvpKti4v984vtgb5noQbaww/s1600/HeritagePaper_HighRez.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="background: none;">What's
it about?</span></b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: none;">
</span></span></span>History changes with each turn of the page!What
seems like an innocent school project to trace family history,
reveals a dark secret, leaving Veronica Peterson trapped in a
mother’s nightmare. Her instincts are to protect her daughter’s
safety at any cost, but knows that Maggie might be the only chance to
prevent a sequel of the world's worst horror story … and must let
her run toward the danger<b> </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u>Historical thriller:</u></b> I've always
enjoyed adding different style of books to my own. <a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2014/06/june-book-of-month-trials-of-max-q.html" target="_blank">The Trials of MaxQ</a> is inspired by the “<a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2009/11/happy-thanksgiving.html" target="_blank">legal thriller</a>,” while <a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2014/07/july-book-of-month-kristmas-collins.html" target="_blank">Kristmas Collins</a> adds the
elements of a “Christmas mystery.” So after obviously reading
one too many Dan Brown novel a few years back, and possibly a couple drinks, I decided to write a story that mixed my typical style novel and real history. At times I thought I was a researcher more than a
writer! So props to those who make a living writing these types of novels. Not to mention, I got some real strange looks from those who took notice
of the Nazi/Hitler books strewn throughout my living room. <em>Um ... is there something you want to tell us?</em> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<br />
<b><u>What people are saying about it?</u></b>
Going out of my comfort zone on this one, it had the biggest
potential to be a disaster of any story I've published. So I've
been relieved so far that the reader reviews have been promising.
The theme seems to be 4-stars. As that's the average review so far at
Amazon (21), Amazon UK (23), Barnes & Noble (9), and Apple (10)
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<br />
<strong><u>Nazi war criminals living in the United States – that's
crazy, it's not believable!:</u></strong>
Well ... <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a class="western" href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/18/us/nazi-charge-philadelphia-man/">http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/18/us/nazi-charge-philadelphia-man/</a></u></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<strong><u>The "real" Heritage Paper</u>:</strong> I did a similar school project as Maggie Peterson, tracing my family history. And while I didn't find any Nazis in my family, it did reveal a lingering mystery. When it came for my two younger brothers to do the same project, they took mine, swapped out my name, and turned it in as their own ... yet they both received As, while I got a B ... from the same teacher! Why or how that occurred remains a great mystery that even JP Warner couldn't solve!! (-:<br />
<br />
The Heritage Paper, is available as an ebook online at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Heritage-Paper-Derek-Ciccone-ebook/dp/B00AD6C1I0" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-heritage-paper-derek-ciccone/1114796411?ean=2940044351974" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>.com, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-heritage-paper/id615144437?mt=11" target="_blank">Apple iTunes</a>, and most online book stores. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTztN2E41h-R5Rj07cuREVT4Qj1m_3BvdS6zQ6FuQqjKKtDu-URroUejoRvDiUwtoq38OpkIelhb2mBX5j-7e0MpMR8AxWjad2pT4_LoxJowWBm5fSQavPnmEx9iLfRC1W9syaHVcyu8Y/s1600/HeritagePaper_HighRez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-10158155613924668742014-07-25T14:53:00.002-04:002014-07-25T14:59:08.367-04:00July Book of the Month: Kristmas Collins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzzy-BrDWd5h12QzMMGBOtGnhy00QezD-JCpLblx5_ko9lFr2pIlDsqVP0UP9HlzugjhyphenhypheneZn7qOm4H521ZXevhtTU27BrYjsWWSC9n7pbOZsng_LwcZ8oCKyRbD3KQn7LCFhw2P6BRI0/s1600/KristmasCollins_FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzzy-BrDWd5h12QzMMGBOtGnhy00QezD-JCpLblx5_ko9lFr2pIlDsqVP0UP9HlzugjhyphenhypheneZn7qOm4H521ZXevhtTU27BrYjsWWSC9n7pbOZsng_LwcZ8oCKyRbD3KQn7LCFhw2P6BRI0/s1600/KristmasCollins_FINAL.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijceRIX1WMhVbU-fBpmLAGba9yD_dXbbRDdhdHJNcJwNOg2XNMxTbHF_akOaCoFRG7vRe9FCR75xAyNjxAS5RB5LSfjsdGmbzmWQmf8E_eEcxcuXu0FfZf-VlHxa4P2a6m0kMwGhGHOdk/s1600/KristmasCollins_FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><u><b>So is it a Christmas book, or is it a thriller? I'm confused.</b></u> Both! All Kris Collins wants for Christmas is to survive. With everyone from a ruthless assassin to the FBI, and even his ex-father-in-law after him, it almost makes him long for his days in prison. It all comes to head in a Christmas Eve showdown, with it still unclear whether Kris will end up on the "naughty" or "nice" list. But the one thing he does know is that for him to make it to Christmas morning, he will have to write a new chapter in a classic tale. Also includes many seasonal themes - giving, belief, redemption. And that Santa Claus might not necessarily be confined to one man, but a spirit that is within everyone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u><b>But shouldn't the July book of the month be a beach read?</b></u> I think it makes a great beach read. Fun characters, good action. Christmas in July - it's like a frosty beverage on a hot day! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u><b>What are readers saying about it?</b></u> The reader reviews have been excellent - as of today: 5-star average at Barnes & Noble, 4.9 average at Amazon UK (love the Brits!), 4+ at Apple, and nothing less than 4-stars at Amazon. BUT!!! That is based on a very small sample size - only 3 reviews each at B&N and Amazon, 8 at AmzUK, and 14 ratings at Apple. The amount of reviews usually is in line with the amount the book has been read - for instance <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Officer-Jones-JP-Warner-Book-ebook/dp/B008AKYDMS" target="_blank">Officer Jones</a> has almost 600 reviews at Amazon alone, and Painless has been rated in the thousands at Apple - so basically, folks haven't gotten into the Kristmas spirit yet, but those who have really have liked it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u><b>Why a Christmas themed book?</b></u> I had seen a program a few years back on how the story of Santa had changed over the years - that it wasn't a stagnant tale that remained stable from the beginning of time. And that the modern American version of Santa came mostly from the 1809 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Irving" target="_blank">Washington Irving</a> book "<a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/267703/A-History-of-New-York" target="_blank">The History of New York.</a>" Before that, Santa Claus never had a flying sleigh, filled stockings hung by the fireplace, or had that famous belly. So I grew interested in how the story of Santa would be written today, especially in a society that would now look suspiciously at an older man providing goodies to children, and where anti-heroes are often celebrated in our entertainment characters (See: Tony Soprano, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMEq1mGpP5A" target="_blank">Walter White</a>, Don Draper). I thought the modern day Santa would be edgier, and faced with more challenges when it came to family structures and economic realities, but still maintaining the core values that have made his story so enduring. So Kristmas Collins became my take on what a modern day Santa might be like if written today.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u><b>Soundtrack:</b></u> To me, Christmas music is always the background to that time of year - in the stores, in the car, carolers on the street corner - and can't have a Christmas story without Christmas music. Kristmas Collins' background music includes traditional songs like "Winter Wonderland" and "Silent Night", but also some non-traditional like Snoop Dogg's "Everyday is Like Christmas to me" and the White Stripe's "Candy Cane Children" (see below). So if Mr. Hollywood Movie Big Shot guy is reading this, I think the Kristmas Collins movie would be great for the soundtrack alone! Call me (-:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u><b>I love the cover, but is Santa ...</b></u> No, no, no Santa is not "relieving himself" on the front stoop, as a couple readers have mentioned to me. Santa would never do something like that, but this Santa would break in when you've left for the evening. P.S. The cover is the talented work of <a href="http://www.extendedimagery.com/141979/projects" target="_blank">Carl Graves</a> who did a great job as always.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Kristmas Collins is currently available at Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, and most online booksellers, as both an ebook and a paperback.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KNjwmYLQgPg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-13914856509857893772014-06-06T12:00:00.000-04:002014-06-06T12:00:00.073-04:00June Book of Month: The Trials of Max Q<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlws1CgSiok1IrSMsmTMaSAPYfdNLcXDM868nc6CxGh4CmCqVdezRhVEbLXC5rW_xf0b415V1X2B5oVnyjjVpwrQZgOX1BCTqhbU95DhboNmUqUReTbE29i_ufxTKG7r_1083GyCZtxtk/s1600/c2582f6af13cb27fa2287a3eca35ff70d60f281d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlws1CgSiok1IrSMsmTMaSAPYfdNLcXDM868nc6CxGh4CmCqVdezRhVEbLXC5rW_xf0b415V1X2B5oVnyjjVpwrQZgOX1BCTqhbU95DhboNmUqUReTbE29i_ufxTKG7r_1083GyCZtxtk/s1600/c2582f6af13cb27fa2287a3eca35ff70d60f281d.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a><u><b>What's it About?</b></u> Jack Lawson is a career-climbing Manhattan lawyer when his life is hit by tragedy, sending him into a spiral. He moves upstate to the quiet town of Cooperstown, seeking solace. But when a murder rocks the small community, Jack finds himself in the middle of another storm - a sensational trial that people are willing to kill to get the outcome they want. But it's when the trial ends that the story really begins.<br />
<br />
<u><b>What are people saying about it?</b></u> Have received a lot of great feedback from readers - often hear that it's different from usual thriller or mystery. But as far as tangible reader reviews - it averages over 4 stars at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Trials-Max-Derek-Ciccone/dp/0985428708" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (11 reviews), <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-trials-of-max-q/id475026673?mt=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> (27), <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Trials-Max-Derek-Ciccone-ebook/dp/B005ZUV64E" target="_blank">AmazonUK</a> (13). Averages 5 stars at <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-trials-of-max-q-derek-ciccone/1106913572?ean=2940032804697" target="_blank">Barnes&Noble</a>, but only 4 reviews so sorta a small sample size.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Is that a new cover?</b></u> It is, thanks for noticing. Always like to update the books, inside and out. I like the original, and it is still used in places, but I think this one better fits the story, especially key elements the story centers around such as the lake and a mysterious women.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Blame it on Grisham:</b></u> Got hooked on John Grisham books like The Firm, Pelican Brief, and The Rainmaker back in my college days. So always wanted to incorporate some of those legal thriller elements into one of my stories, which Max Q tries to do. But since my only legal knowledge was occasionally watching Law & Order re-runs, I was lucky enough to have to have some smart lawyers read it and make sure I halfway sounded like I knew what I was talking about on those parts. Who says there aren't good lawyers out there!?<br />
<br />
<u><b>20 years ago today!</b></u> Speaking of trials, it was 20 years ago this month when OJ Simpson was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wfls_xbPOA" target="_blank">riding around in his white Bronco</a> (time flies! Although, perhaps not for OJ) The trial that ensued wasn't the first trial of the century, or the last, but no matter how much murder, celebrity, salaciousness I tried to put into the trial in this book, it could never top that trial. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Cooperstown!!</b></u> If you've never spent any time in Cooperstown, New York, I can't recommend it enough (especially in the summer). It's most famous for the Baseball Hall of Fame, but even if you're not into that, it is about as an idyllic of a place you'll find, built around Otsego Lake. It's the last place you'd expect such a murder, which is what I thought made it the perfect place for the book's setting. Also made for a great couple of "research" trips. The people there are great, and were very accommodating in every way, but especially in answering my many annoying questions.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Speaking of research, how did you go about researching Laney Bang and the other adult film actress characters in the book?</b></u> Um ... I don't understand the question. I'll have to get back to you on that one ... (-:<br />
<br />
On that note, The Trials of Max Q is currently available at Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble (see links above) and most online booksellers. It is available both as an eBook and in paperback. If anyone has any questions about the book that I didn't answer, can be reached at email at derekbkclb@yahoo.com. Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-2817644607334109522013-07-12T22:02:00.001-04:002013-07-13T09:28:34.747-04:00Summer Reading Mailbag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRau3C1V9Ph69iyodxPBtjJprOgDsRcMgk5l3wFP2Xk70rt68tX-AymIsFNLXtc-54i0r0WXaBpS7Bo1ERpxH6h2YELgJm3RFYaVHHUEVUus0Am9h8cV2XVkenrzQeJqPBPXDjpraAkxs/s1600/Painless+Pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRau3C1V9Ph69iyodxPBtjJprOgDsRcMgk5l3wFP2Xk70rt68tX-AymIsFNLXtc-54i0r0WXaBpS7Bo1ERpxH6h2YELgJm3RFYaVHHUEVUus0Am9h8cV2XVkenrzQeJqPBPXDjpraAkxs/s320/Painless+Pool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Happy Summer, everyone! Here is the annual summer mailbag, where I summarize the most common reader questions I've been sent over the last few months, and try to answer them somewhat coherently.<br />
<br />
If there is a question you have that aren't answered here, you can email me at <b>derekbkclb@yahoo.com</b> and I'll be sure to quickly get back to you. And look for future updates at<br />
Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/DCicconeBooks" target="_blank">@DCicconeBooks</a>) and Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Derek-Ciccone-Book-Club/46654291561" target="_blank">Derek Ciccone Book Club</a>).<br />
<br />
(Thanks to Christopher Regan for supplying the photo)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Will there be any new books out soon?</b></span><br />
<br />
I've been in the writing dungeon typing away the last few months - which isn't a bad place to be considering the heat in Connecticut this summer! - and new books are on track to be released before the end of 2013. The first is a stand-alone thriller called <a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-jack-hammer-coming-soon.html" target="_blank">The Jack Hammer</a>, which should be out later this summer. I'll post plenty of updates as the day gets nearer and clearer.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Will any of your books have a sequel, or be made into a series?</span></b><br />
<br />
While I do enjoy coming up with new characters for each new story and adventure, and all <a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2013/07/summer-lineup.html" target="_blank">six books</a> currently out are stand-alone, the short answer in YES! The first is planned for later this year, and is the followup to <a href="http://extendedimagery.com/141979/1396673/projects/derek-ciccone" target="_blank">Officer Jones</a>. When we last left JP Warner and friends, he'd finally made it back home (and a lot of stuff I won't mention in case you haven't read it) but in the upcoming story, the hard part for JP will be staying there. It is coming along very well, and I think those who liked Officer Jones will really enjoy it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Will there ever be another <a href="http://www.painless-ciccone.com/" target="_blank">Painless</a>?</b></span><br />
<br />
Probably the most common question I receive. Thrilled that so many connected with the story and the characters in it. I don't know about "another" one, but YES, I do plan for Billy and Carolyn to return. I thought I needed to figure out a way to do it - if it became a situation where armies were chasing them every book, it would become totally ridiculous IMO, and cheapen the original story. So in that way, it isn't built to be a continuing thriller. But I found that there is plenty of twists and turns in the "normal" life of Carolyn Whitcomb and her painlessness to make a compelling story, and reason to continue. Haven't broken ground with it yet, but something to keep on eye on for 2014.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What books are available in paperback, hardcover, and can I get one signed?</b></span><br />
<br />
Painless, The Truant Officer, and The Trials of Max Q are all available in paperback, and can be purchased at most places where online books are sold - Amazon, Barnes Noble, etc. Painless is the only one currently in hardcover. Two more books - Officer Jones, and Kristmas Collins are in the process of being turned into paperback, and my hope is that they'll be ready for the holiday season.<br />
<br />
As far as getting a signed book - ABSOLUTELY!! The best way is to drop me an email at <b>derekbkclb@yahoo.com</b> and I'll work with you to come up with the best way to get it to you. If you haven't already purchased the book you want signed, please hold off on purchasing until you contact me, which I've found makes the process easier.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I saw your book listed under something called Breakout Books on iTunes, what is that?</b></span><br />
<br />
Painless was chosen by Apple last February to be among a small handful of books in the initial Breakout Books category for the "Mystery and Thriller" category. BB is a commitment Apple/iTunes made to promoting independent books on their front page, and I was very honored that Painless was included. It was picked by their review board based on reader reviews and sales, and since I never reviewed the book or bought a copy, really you're the reason it's there, so thanks!!! Wrote more about it <a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2013/02/breaking-out.html" target="_blank">here</a> last February.<br />
<br />Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-85985943584643711802013-07-12T20:18:00.000-04:002013-07-12T20:22:42.692-04:00The Jack Hammer ... Coming Soon!Opening Day is nearing ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUAsD7zIC_jBpcLUhpMdEzxi82KoZVuBSb1jVnUFskrTtPqoldcrvnYoQaiGMT8KqARJ-l48S-KVCHrKeiUW815aXxWhRjxoKv0WRgcpWvEzxdvIZgcQXojBrGdTIQap5KIblZsTBrGs/s1600/HighResJackHammer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUAsD7zIC_jBpcLUhpMdEzxi82KoZVuBSb1jVnUFskrTtPqoldcrvnYoQaiGMT8KqARJ-l48S-KVCHrKeiUW815aXxWhRjxoKv0WRgcpWvEzxdvIZgcQXojBrGdTIQap5KIblZsTBrGs/s400/HighResJackHammer.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Baseball, Apple Pie, and ... Russian Spies?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKn51IJVSd3twlKnk1V7jCXwvytc_iAbmhDnKXDzmMEB1zmgc0SrvQOVAqDtmucavP01RHYynq6YtgA0nBhwmX7CFbgUhanRRm3ueaT7tzvjhYBOpy-x5oegcep_lR_8hUbN-dyd8RT6Q/s1600/3D_JackHammer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKn51IJVSd3twlKnk1V7jCXwvytc_iAbmhDnKXDzmMEB1zmgc0SrvQOVAqDtmucavP01RHYynq6YtgA0nBhwmX7CFbgUhanRRm3ueaT7tzvjhYBOpy-x5oegcep_lR_8hUbN-dyd8RT6Q/s400/3D_JackHammer.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-79654344062005508852013-07-08T13:16:00.002-04:002013-07-08T13:16:52.656-04:00Summer Lineup!Summer is always a good time to take stock in things. And when it comes to the books - how many are available and what format and price are they available in?<br />
<br />
<b>The Six Pack:</b> Currently there are six books out in ebook form. See image below. And averaging $2.99 a piece, that means all of them could be bought for under $18. Or in other words, less than one hardcover novel purchased in the bookstore<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_8k-9TtriHun0ugGTt2up0c37lybjsEz1dY4ZZ6PVp9NWi4pru9u5y54rDv5YJNxdEiFgYEz-NLobdmLYy3w8Y80htUMKbC0cdyDHgXm0jAiuuOq645qer3JDSBpwkOjuzykZkPMskE/s1600/Six+Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_8k-9TtriHun0ugGTt2up0c37lybjsEz1dY4ZZ6PVp9NWi4pru9u5y54rDv5YJNxdEiFgYEz-NLobdmLYy3w8Y80htUMKbC0cdyDHgXm0jAiuuOq645qer3JDSBpwkOjuzykZkPMskE/s320/Six+Books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>3 of the 6</b> are also out in paperback form - <b>Painless,</b> <b>The Trials of Max Q</b>, and <b>The Truant Officer</b>. And Painless is also available in hardcover. The majority of the paperbacks are priced under $10.<br />
<br />
Thanks you for your time ... now back to your tanning and fruity drink.Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-12305030543528538332013-02-22T11:16:00.001-05:002013-02-22T16:56:41.436-05:00Breaking Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRt41sGrKiZN7MYl9loaYH9kOtQNCqfBTl_eUuTbD57s0WYiaaSh5r6fphWAdHWC1ZVsTk-vNxz5GsDHUSYIUy9V_tSuPPrdAw7krAyHJLesoRF5ZHgl8xG2HwIetkswtY93XEFLjo-Q8/s1600/Breakout+Books.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRt41sGrKiZN7MYl9loaYH9kOtQNCqfBTl_eUuTbD57s0WYiaaSh5r6fphWAdHWC1ZVsTk-vNxz5GsDHUSYIUy9V_tSuPPrdAw7krAyHJLesoRF5ZHgl8xG2HwIetkswtY93XEFLjo-Q8/s400/Breakout+Books.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Apples's iBookstore recently began a new promotion called "Breakout Books". It is dedicated solely to indie/self pubbed books, which will (at least for the time being) be a headliner when someone clicks on the iBookstore. Sort of like having your book displayed at the merchandise table that the customer first sees when they enter the bookstore.<br />
<br />
So it goes without saying (or typing) that I'm honored that Painless <a href="http://itunes.com/BreakoutBooks">was chosen</a> to be one of the representatives in the Mystery/Thriller section of Breakout Books!!<br />
<br />
But even if it wasn't chosen, I would have (grudgingly, while biting my bottom lip:-) admitted that this is a really good thing for indie authors, and another positive step in the quest to have a seat at the table where we can be judged on merit. Smashwords founder Mark Coker goes into great detail at his <a href="http://blog.smashwords.com/2013/02/smashwords-authors-gain-seat-at.html">blog</a> about how Breakout Books is an important benchmark in the ongoing seismic shift in the book industry, and worth a read I think.<br />
<br />
It also gained the attention of the <a href="http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/05/apple-to-highlight-self-published-books/">NY Times</a>, which covered the creation of Breakout Books. <br />
<br />
While I, like most indie authors, sell ebooks at numerous sites, I have a special affinity for Apple, since they were my first. Ebooks were an obscure concept to me when my first book Painless came out in early 2010, and my reason for even publishing my book as an ebook at the time was that I heard of a promotion that Smashwords had partnered with to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OperationEbookDrop">provide free ebooks to soldiers</a> overseas, which I thought was a pretty cool idea. In fact, I had such a low expectation of ever selling an ebook, when Apple put out something called an iPad that spring, my reaction was, why not just give it away for free and who knows, maybe I'll attract the attention of a couple people who will buy one of my "real books". Almost 3 years and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/book/painless/id366775796?mt=8">3,070 reader ratings</a> later (4 star average) Painless is still going strong at Apple.<br />
<br />
Breakout Books might be their first promotion (that I know of) that focuses on indie/self-pub books specifically, but I have always found the Apple platform friendly to indie authors like myself. Besides the obvious, which includes allowing ebooks to be sold on their space from the outset (taken for granted now, but a the largest obstacle facing indies for a long time. See: bookstores) and the aforementioned ability to give it away for free to build name recognition, one of the big things for Painless once it became a paid book was Apple's promotion of lists that were all inclusive to indie authors. The biggest example was the promotional list/rank on the front page of the Mystery&Thriller (see pic below) section called "<b>Mysteries Under $5</b>". Since most indies like myself sell our ebooks for under $5, it indirectly promoted indie books ... and provided an even playing field to compete with the "established authors" who chose to price their books under $5 (and I thought gave great credibility to indie books when they ended up side by side a popular author like Patterson, or a classic like Poe). This list has been a staple for Painless. Note: I haven't seen it in the last few weeks since the latest reconfiguration, and hope it returns soon!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JgV-AyXVnP44JVWuCTcrhsAj2AJ3nCF0VGinuHRmYibP9YTrDdjRbWtv9PDrMXwW2BC9b6QpbXsIz-gOX9mG2ZIwZQWBB5kToQowG2oBfp9ohLbAAT6lDCH31qvITMbb6S14PMU2XiI/s1600/under+$5+june23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JgV-AyXVnP44JVWuCTcrhsAj2AJ3nCF0VGinuHRmYibP9YTrDdjRbWtv9PDrMXwW2BC9b6QpbXsIz-gOX9mG2ZIwZQWBB5kToQowG2oBfp9ohLbAAT6lDCH31qvITMbb6S14PMU2XiI/s400/under+$5+june23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Apple also has shown other attributes that I found to be indie friendly. One is the rating system. No review is required, unlike some ebook sellers. As a reader myself, I often don't have the time to write a full review, or sometimes don't feel comfortable posting a detailed opinion, but would have left a quick rating of the book if that was an option. Obviously, a detailed review is a higher form of feedback, for both author and reader, but numerous ratings combined together can also provide similar credibility for a book - as I mentioned, Painless has accumulated over three thousand ratings (also has many reviews, but much less than 3k), which I believe leads to some readers who don't know me or my books, to take a chance on it. This wouldn't happen at review-only sites.<br />
<br />
No surprise, but I've also found my Apple readers to be very tech and Internet savvy. This is very important to the indie writer who makes a living off of social media more so than book signings or traditional marketing campaigns. And while I haven't done a detailed analysis of this, I think the percentage of Apple readers that <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Derek-Ciccone-Book-Club/46654291561">join my Facebook page</a> or follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/DCicconeBooks">Twitter</a> is much higher than readers who purchased the book from other sites. This is very important for not only the "spreading the word" aspect, but allows me to communicate new releases, etc. to that reader, which makes long-term retention more likely.<br />
<br />
A lot has happened since I got that first reader response from a reader who read Painless on that new contraption called an iPad almost three years ago, and I think "Breakout Books" is the latest example of the natural evolution of the changing book world, and once again Apple is on the forefront.Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-67801749285720825442012-09-11T10:16:00.001-04:002012-09-11T10:16:14.673-04:00Post Summer Mailbag 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrK2TXpKU9ZrY0k9qIqT6aNM14TcXCz8KHtmICz6VsagCccowB74f08cqh7RkKZxFoP6QWOJUJy3eZTpyIKqwcx4UusaY9kzBXlmV-SW7SihBFfVrJUl79ZrtocPZ-Y6xBhmJ4tIa1HJk/s1600/Questions-and-Answers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrK2TXpKU9ZrY0k9qIqT6aNM14TcXCz8KHtmICz6VsagCccowB74f08cqh7RkKZxFoP6QWOJUJy3eZTpyIKqwcx4UusaY9kzBXlmV-SW7SihBFfVrJUl79ZrtocPZ-Y6xBhmJ4tIa1HJk/s320/Questions-and-Answers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Hope everyone had a great summer! Spent mine working on getting some new books out. But also have been receiving a lot of great questions from readers - love hearing from you! So doing a mailbag to cover the most common ones. Here it goes:<br />
<br />
<b>Do you have any books planned/coming out soon?</b><br />
<br />
I have a book called The Heritage Paper coming out sometime this fall. Some call it "the Nazi book" because it centers around the possible escape of some notorious war criminals previously believed to be dead. Think <a href="http://www.painless-ciccone.com/">Painless</a> meets a <a href="http://www.danbrown.com/#/home">Dan Brown</a> conspiracy theory book.<br />
<br />
On the other end of the spectrum, I just finished a Christmas/Santa themed mystery. I'm hoping to get that one out by, well, Christmas.<br />
<br />
<b>I'm an Amazon Prime member - will any of your books be in Amazon Lending Library/KDP Select program?</b><br />
<br />
Their are a lot of <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2012/08/28/amazons-kindle-only-titles-downloaded-over-100m-times/">advantages</a> of this program for authors, and I would like to give it a try with one of the new books (no plans for the books that are already out to be). But the problem I have (and its really a good problem) is that Amazon requires a <a href="http://blog.smashwords.com/2011/12/amazon-shows-predatory-spots-with-kdp.html">90-day exclusivity</a> to be in the program, and I have too many great readers at Apple, Barnes & Noble and other places to provide exclusivity. For me to do it, I need to find a way to be able to give those readers some type of access. My last book Officer Jones, I offered free copies to my Facebook and Twitter followers, trying to get some "buzz" going before the book came out, and it worked really well. Perhaps I could do something like that to make it work. So not sure at this point.<br />
<br />
<b>Why do you sell your ebooks for so cheap?</b><br />
<br />
For anyone who'd like to spend more for the books, I will gladly accept any donations (-: But seriously, I think ebooks in current market should be priced $5 and under. I have sold mine anywhere from free to $6.99, but usually $2.99 is the normal rate. I do think they should cost slightly more, and $4.99 is more in line with what they're worth , but $2.99 seems to be the price that leads to the most volume, and is best for business. But at either of those price points, it's still about the price of buying a coffee and a paper, so I'm glad I can make them affordable for all.<br />
<br />
<b>You have put out a lot of books this past year, and I see that some just came out in paperback. Can you give me an update on all the books you have out?</b><br />
<br />
Sure thing:<br />
Painless (ebook, paperback, hardcover)<br />
<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-truant-officer/id476452181?mt=11">The Truant Officer</a> (ebook, paperback)<br />
<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-trials-of-max-q/id475026673?mt=11">The Trials of Max Q</a> (ebook, paperback)<br />
<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/officer-jones/id539117820?mt=11">Officer Jones</a> (ebook) <br />
<br />
<b>How do I get a signed book?</b><br />
<br />
Best way is to email me (derekbkclb@yahoo.com), and we can work out best way to get a signed copy to you.<br />
<br />
<b>I liked _____ book, will you be bringing those characters back in future books?</b><br />
<br />
I think you will see that, starting next year. Truant Officer, Max Q, and Officer Jones all lend themselves to a "follow-up." I'm not sure Painless would work with another mystery/thriller, but I am working on something that will bring Carolyn, Billy and the crew back in 2013 in some form. So stay tuned.<br />
<br />
<b>Is there a place I can go to get updates on the books? You rarely post at this blog.</b><br />
<br />
I know, I know ... the blog seems to have gotten lost this past year. But I update all the important stuff at the Facebook site (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Derek-Ciccone-Book-Club/46654291561">Derek Ciccone Book Club</a>) and I'm constantly tweeting at <a href="https://twitter.com/DCicconeBooks">@DCicconeBooks</a>. And if you want to get on my emailing list, just send me an email to derekbkclb@yahoo.com and I'll make sure you get on it.<br />
<br />Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-7528101107217913982012-07-31T11:46:00.004-04:002012-07-31T11:46:56.855-04:00Trials of Max Q & The Truant Officer now available in paperback<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0jN4YE4EM6Wohy41LiKD3T6KAyp8w2pBEDTW3RwHO68cOIryXRyIUxcclwfiosu2rLAbzmGh2y_m7WARU_2wXkp-K6px8Qw0AJJZW4Mm3DAwmQpqptPPdwSz7eDV3Wjj0NTB78RlBhM/s1600/ppaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0jN4YE4EM6Wohy41LiKD3T6KAyp8w2pBEDTW3RwHO68cOIryXRyIUxcclwfiosu2rLAbzmGh2y_m7WARU_2wXkp-K6px8Qw0AJJZW4Mm3DAwmQpqptPPdwSz7eDV3Wjj0NTB78RlBhM/s320/ppaper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<u>The Trials of Max Q</u><br />
<span itemprop="description">When the law ends, the pursuit of justice
begins!
Cooperstown Village is shocked when the local hero Drew Anderson is
accused of killing one of the world's most infamous women. One time
legal star, Jack Lawson, and his partner, Jessica Shepherdson, end up
with the case that everyone wants to “go away,” and some are willing to
go to deadly lengths to make sure it does.</span><br />
<br />
<u><span itemprop="description">The Truant Officer</span></u><br />
<span itemprop="description">Darren McLaughlin thinks he's having a
nightmare as he watches his wife being abducted. Things turn for the
worse when Darren realizes he didn't know his wife as well as he
thought. But he stays true to his marriage vows, and knows he must do
anything possible to win the race to save her. The question is: will he
get there first, or will death do them part?</span>
<span itemprop="description"> </span>Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-9849943737531943812012-07-31T11:41:00.001-04:002012-07-31T11:41:12.679-04:00Officer Jones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtLRf8M3ZZtwD7lqbTUBCws81siSFzH0fWwzbMtcEG7So6cHC0zTdp-HO0zByEmCNA-QJ_YeUQrttQMGYubCyJP5zQwi5fUwVtI4D4NtET5yH-Myt_0cuzt89l-hFRTEm970UkbMmpdI/s1600/OJones_FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtLRf8M3ZZtwD7lqbTUBCws81siSFzH0fWwzbMtcEG7So6cHC0zTdp-HO0zByEmCNA-QJ_YeUQrttQMGYubCyJP5zQwi5fUwVtI4D4NtET5yH-Myt_0cuzt89l-hFRTEm970UkbMmpdI/s320/OJones_FINAL.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
Officer Jones, a mystery/thriller featuring JP Warner is now out as an ebook at Amazon. Apple, Barnes & Noble, and most places where ebooks are sold!<br />
<br />
<i><span itemprop="description">After an assignment goes horribly wrong, JP
Warner, the fearless international correspondent of GNZ News decides to
return to the idyllic town he grew up in, seeking the simple life. But
when he looks into the eyes of local policeman, Officer Kyle Jones, he
sees the same look he's seen in the many fanatics he's covered over the
years, and realizes that he's covering the biggest story of his life.</span></i>Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-63919438995314765482012-02-29T15:58:00.000-05:002012-02-29T16:00:42.469-05:00Painless Summer Tour 2011It's snowing today in New England. Although, I can't really complain as it's been as mild as any winter I can remember. But the snow made me think about the warmer weather that is on it's way. It also made me think of last summer and the "Painless Summer Tour," thanks to the incomparable Shea and Vegas.<br />
<br />
BTW - the author didn't get to go on this tour, so the the moral of the story is that it is always better to be the book than the one who wrote it! (-:<br />
<br />
If anyone has pics of Painless or any of the books at interesting places - be sure to send them to me and I'll post them. Happy Leap Year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlcw3gtBvhwE9hY4MnvU2cR7sXpDTp3ru2RqjMP2tj5g710fSUVrw2J2q686W9_qynNBvcJ9lKFSF2Snfd1R3I6BcTw_fJ8h637cq7hpq-uoJBb2XKA_Zrt9_GrVrQEOOzkqyYv46oFU/s1600/VegasTour1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlcw3gtBvhwE9hY4MnvU2cR7sXpDTp3ru2RqjMP2tj5g710fSUVrw2J2q686W9_qynNBvcJ9lKFSF2Snfd1R3I6BcTw_fJ8h637cq7hpq-uoJBb2XKA_Zrt9_GrVrQEOOzkqyYv46oFU/s320/VegasTour1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9TFUTOzCBrPlc5HyO1Eo3Epe8mwopco0Exrc4KptKGjMx7DH5yTzvGmfTFAZt_S5nwqP1pAGFqnI-QhmuLTWDO0f_F9blU849EgmNp897IIDNmsxZRlfE9Evs5pbTFNHV76Kv-stDj4/s1600/VegasTour2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9TFUTOzCBrPlc5HyO1Eo3Epe8mwopco0Exrc4KptKGjMx7DH5yTzvGmfTFAZt_S5nwqP1pAGFqnI-QhmuLTWDO0f_F9blU849EgmNp897IIDNmsxZRlfE9Evs5pbTFNHV76Kv-stDj4/s320/VegasTour2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABYJ3sM5txt0bqn89V_IYu4CFLQ8Q-78uHy_TElx0mJ4OOvk_kfVaLuCC0rHNYfy5xJJHGnk68U1fIDLXuAIrbao_FuCZGmh7BeqrfEOvat0OznoB2YaZWkUWTooY4qS-pP75_jcyCEA/s1600/VegasTour3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABYJ3sM5txt0bqn89V_IYu4CFLQ8Q-78uHy_TElx0mJ4OOvk_kfVaLuCC0rHNYfy5xJJHGnk68U1fIDLXuAIrbao_FuCZGmh7BeqrfEOvat0OznoB2YaZWkUWTooY4qS-pP75_jcyCEA/s320/VegasTour3.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-69832013270159888832011-11-03T15:37:00.000-04:002011-11-03T15:37:42.821-04:00Join the Derek Ciccone email listI send out emails only when there is a good reason to - such as new books coming out. I won't bombard you every week asking you to buy my book or that I'm doing a signing somewhere you don't live near (and, of course, I don't sell or provide them to any company, person, or organization). But for many, email is still the preferred and direct way to get information. So all you need to do to get on my email list is send me an email at <a href="mailto:derekbkclb@yahoo.com">derekbkclb@yahoo.com</a> and I will make sure you are on the next mailing.<br />
<br />
For updates on other events, and other doings with the books, is to follow me at <strong>Twitter (@</strong><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/DCicconeBooks">DCicconeBooks</a>) or <strong>Facebook</strong> (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Derek-Ciccone-Book-Club/46654291561">Derek Ciccone Book Club</a>) <br />
<br />
Below is the email sent out to announce the new books<br />
<br />
<br />
-----Original Message-----<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>From: </em><a href="mailto:derekbkclb@yahoo.com"><em>derekbkclb@yahoo.com</em></a><br />
<em>To: my awesome readers!</em><br />
<em>Sent: Thurs, Nov 3, 2011 8:02 pm</em><br />
<em>Subject: New Books by Derek Ciccone...now available as ebooks!</em><br />
<br />
The Truant Officer & The Trials of Max Q<br />
<br />
Can be found at Amazon, Apple, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, and most places where ebooks are sold<br />
<br />
If the images don't work in this email or you're looking for more detailed information on the books, please click to my blog Derek's Novel Ideas<br />
<img alt="MaxQ_FINALclean.jpg" class="AOLInlineImage" id="TIE.239328" src="http://mail.aol.com/34290-311/aol-6/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=32328561&folder=NewMail&partId=3" style="margin: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" title="MaxQ_FINALclean.jpg" width="275" /><img alt="Truant_FINALclean.jpg" class="AOLInlineImage" id="TIE.145914" src="http://mail.aol.com/34290-311/aol-6/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=32328561&folder=NewMail&partId=4" style="margin: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" title="Truant_FINALclean.jpg" width="275" /> <br />
<br />
For the "old school" readers like myself, the paperback and hardcover versions will be available soon. I will send an update at that time. I'll also be providing updates on all things Truant Officer and Max Q on Twitter <strong>(@</strong><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/DCicconeBooks">DCicconeBooks</a>) and Facebook (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Derek-Ciccone-Book-Club/46654291561">Derek Ciccone Book Club</a>), so I hope you'll follow me there.<br />
One final thought:<br />
The reason there is a second (and third) book is the great word of mouth support provided to Painless. Whether it was a review or rating at Amazon, Goodreads, or Apple (At last check, Painless had over <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/painless/id366775796?mt=11">2,700 ratings at Apple</a>!) a post on Facebook or Twitter, telling a friend, getting your bookclub to read it, or forwarding along an email like this. Can't begin to tell you how much that helped, and how much I appreciate the support. Thanks so much!!<br />
<br />
And because of that great support, Painless got to go on a great journey that took it everywhere from being the most downloaded Kindle book at AmazonUK for both the "Medical Thriller" and "Political Thriller" categories at the same time (and is <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/bestsellers/books/270422/ref=zg_bs_nav_b_2_72">still holding its own</a>) to being the "book of the month" at Elliott Books in Austin, Texas. The moral of the story is that you will live a much more interesting and well-traveled life as a book than as an author (-:<br />
<br />
<br />
Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments<br />
<br />
And if you no longer want to receive my book-related updates, just reply to this email and I'll take you off the list<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoy the books,<br />
<br />
DerekDerekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-62809879916631295402011-11-01T15:40:00.001-04:002011-11-01T15:44:09.089-04:00Mail Bag #4...the new books versionI've received a lot of great questions about the new books the last few days. So I'll try to do my best to answer the most predominant ones here in the mail bag. If I don't answer your question or perhaps sparked another, drop me an email at <a href="mailto:derekbkclb@yahoo.com">derekbkclb@yahoo.com</a> and I'll get right back to you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVHuAeFrShuge1Muqr49ic-esNUeSxlgSaSpilblquYkxgzcO62xQf_YxYC3ExguOSh1RDwGdzU5DXSQBeIJW7kUFqIpV0y5_3ybIC77FxkrM1wMcBRdVavy_d0jj00HUk4P4z5GXRp0/s1600/mail+bag2+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVHuAeFrShuge1Muqr49ic-esNUeSxlgSaSpilblquYkxgzcO62xQf_YxYC3ExguOSh1RDwGdzU5DXSQBeIJW7kUFqIpV0y5_3ybIC77FxkrM1wMcBRdVavy_d0jj00HUk4P4z5GXRp0/s320/mail+bag2+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><strong>When will the new books be out?</strong><br />
The ebook versions of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trials-Max-Q-ebook/dp/B005ZUV64E/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320175755&sr=1-1">The Trials of Max Q</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Truant-Officer-ebook/dp/B005ZUVH3Y/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320175826&sr=1-2">The Truant Officer</a> are ON SALE NOW! at Amazon, Apple, Barnes&Noble, and most places where ebooks are sold.<br />
<br />
<strong>What are they about? What kind of books are they?</strong><br />
Just like Painless, they are mystery/thriller fiction novels. I posted recent blog entries that goes into much more detail about the books and my thoughts on them, so be sure click the link to check those out. <a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2011/10/trials-of-max-qnow-available.html">Trials of Max Q</a>. <a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2011/10/truant-officernow-available.html">The Truant Officer</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Why are the ebooks first? Will there be a paperback and hardcover version?</strong><br />
The "traditional" book takes a lot longer to produce, due to printing time, etc. Since the ebook version was ready, I didn't see any reason to wait to make it available. But YES, there will be a paperback and hardcover version coming soon. I don't have an exact time frame yet, but I will be sure to update when it gets closer.<br />
<br />
<strong>Why 2 books?</strong><br />
Just showing off (-: Just kidding. Both books were at a similar stage of finish, so I figured that there is no advantage to one coming out sooner than the other - they are not a series or connected in any way, so it isn't important that they are read in any sequence. I would much prefer someone having the opportunity to read both of them, rather than having one sitting on my computer.<br />
<br />
<strong>Are they like Painless? Is it the same characters or part of a series?</strong><br />
They are all "stand alone" books, so there is no carryover to Painless - all new people, places, and craziness. And as I mentioned above, none of the books are connected to a series, so read them in any order you wish.. The similarities between the new books and Painless is that they are all mystery/thriller fiction novels in which "seemingly" normal people end up in unimaginable situations. Where they differ is in the topics - Painless centers around a "unique" girl being hunted by a rogue military group, while Max Q is about the murder of an adult-film actress and the subsequent arrest of a local hero. The Truant Officer centers around a couple who find themselves being chased by the Russian mob.<br />
<br />
<strong>What (is taking) took you so long?</strong><br />
Sigh haha Unfortunately it can be a long process to bring a book from manuscript to finished product, but I think this recent experience with Trials of Max Q and Truant Officer was beneficial for setting up an efficient process for future books, so that they can be made available in a much more expeditious manner. The good news is that I'm not currently working with a traditional publisher, because if that was the case, I'd still be waiting for Painless to be coming out!<br />
<br />
Photo source: is from an actual book on mail carriers. who I must commend on getting me my mail the last few days even though the mail box is no longer functional after the storm. If you are into books on mail carriers you can get it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Delivering-Your-Mail-Carriers-Community/dp/1404804854/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320176485&sr=1-1">here</a>Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-81669885288693463602011-10-29T18:42:00.000-04:002011-10-29T18:42:22.158-04:00The Truant Officer...Now Available!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGkzDy3SXEfkRUVsQ6hhOhdB9f45PGukUbb5L3ojIP6W2hEBvda2vpIzp3zCCn4hmYu9JNMDZJEL31X-VAL61UULBKYAPxwXuwWIX8tVJUo1D2nn5L_Z3yhHb7Mus5SqV6yg4HWh_ly4/s1600/Truant_FINALclean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGkzDy3SXEfkRUVsQ6hhOhdB9f45PGukUbb5L3ojIP6W2hEBvda2vpIzp3zCCn4hmYu9JNMDZJEL31X-VAL61UULBKYAPxwXuwWIX8tVJUo1D2nn5L_Z3yhHb7Mus5SqV6yg4HWh_ly4/s320/Truant_FINALclean.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>Currently on sale @ Amazon and Apple. Coming soon to Barnes & Noble and all major places that ebooks are sold.<br />
<br />
<u><b>The Truant Officer</b></u><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">To have and to hold from this day forward...</span></span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Darren McLaughlin thinks he's having a nightmare as he watches his wife, Lilly, being abducted from a gas station in Chandler, Arizona. Things then go from bad to worse, when it's revealed that her captor is one of the students she taught at a local high school.</span></span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">For better or worse...</span></span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In Manhattan, US Attorney Aaron Eicher cringes upon learning the identity of the man who abducted Lilly McLaughlin. Nick was the one thing holding his case together against the son of Russian crime boss, Viktor Sarvydas—but now his star witness was on the run, and in mortal danger. It is just the latest surprise in a case that went against everything he'd learned in school—when it came to the Russian Mafya 1+1=3.</span></span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">In sickness and in health...</span></span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seeking refuge in Israel, fleeing the fallout of his son's arrest, Viktor Sarvydas smiles when he learns the news about Nick. He knows that it's now just a matter of time before he comes face to face with the man who was going to testify against his son.</span></span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With the FBI, media, and dueling Russian assassins in a cross-country race to get to Nick and Lilly, it becomes clear that the only one who can truly save them is Darren. Will he get to them first, or will</span></span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">...death do us part?</span></span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">________________________________________________________________</span></span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">The Truant Officer is really a modern day "chase" book. But instead of being a race across a state or a region, it is across the globe. It begins on page one, when a school teacher named Lilly McLaughlin is abducted from an Arizona gas station, and ends across the Atlantic - all in a matter of days! Different from <a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2011/10/trials-of-max-qnow-available.html">The Trials of Max Q</a> (and for the most part, Painless) which predominantly follow a small group of characters, The Truant Officer jumps between numerous characters. I was concerned that this would make readers seasick, but those who've read it have found it to be the opposite, finding the style preferable, and reminded me that it's about whether readers find the characters compelling and interesting, and not the number.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">A big theme of the book is the idea of wedding vows - how far will Darren McLaughlin go to obey the ones he took, even when they are tested to the nth degree. In doing so, he morphs from a willing victim to the aggressor...but will that be enough to save his wife, and his marriage? The book also goes to a place of horror that only <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_King">Stephen King</a> could dream it up - the world of teenagers and high school circa 2011 (-:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">The "bad guys" of The Truant Officer centers around the Russian Mafiya, also known as the Red Mafiya. I didn't know much about them, but when I read a quote in a (nonfiction) book by an FBI agent who was discussing the group's infiltration into America, which went something like: <i>At least the Italian mafia has an etiquette, the Russians will shoot you just to see if their gun works</i>, I was like - these are my kinda villains! The only problem was the more I researched these great real life characters (by great, I mean in the way that Hannibal Lecter a great character) the fictional characters I created would have to be much toned-down versions. They were that far over the top!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">I will now shut up and let you read the book, and make up your own mind. Happy reading!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div>Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-47791582367462336892011-10-28T18:08:00.000-04:002011-10-28T18:08:39.279-04:00The Trials of Max Q...Now Available!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZOgbZPBfoRJ_7xyEcU0B5_8R-0ATWbH9STZ3QB0Y6TCmOAxW1T0mdg7LUOxp7nUM324Sgy5mlXXtLUh-JqWCFYjCJKkUZyboqo2YpNov9Inf4ZkGYJB7Ie72ZyBuLWa4JUkP7K2-1kA/s1600/MaxQ_FINALclean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZOgbZPBfoRJ_7xyEcU0B5_8R-0ATWbH9STZ3QB0Y6TCmOAxW1T0mdg7LUOxp7nUM324Sgy5mlXXtLUh-JqWCFYjCJKkUZyboqo2YpNov9Inf4ZkGYJB7Ie72ZyBuLWa4JUkP7K2-1kA/s320/MaxQ_FINALclean.jpg" width="210" /></a> <br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-before: always;">On sale @ Apple, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and most places where ebooks are sold.<br />
<br />
<u>The Trials of Max Q </u><br />
When the law ends, the pursuit of justice begins!</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Born into a legal dynasty, Jack Lawson was a natural who was making a name for himself as one of Manhattan's top young lawyers. But when his world came crashing down, Jack left the big city and his family's powerful firm, to seek solace in a small village of Cooperstown, New York. There, he re-discovered his love of the law.</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">But the peaceful village is shattered when a body is found on the estate of the county's most famous resident, and American hero, Drew Anderson. A man considered to be so perfect that he is nicknamed Max Q after the benchmark for systems perfection during a space launch. And it isn't just anybody who is found dead—the victim is widely considered to be one of the world's most infamous women.</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">When Anderson is arrested for the murder, Jack ends up with the case that everyone wants to “go away,” and some are willing to go to the deadly lengths to make sure it does. Against all odds, Jack and his partner, Jessica Shepherdson, must risk their reputations, their careers, and eventually their lives, in an explosive race for the truth.</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">_____________________________________________________________________________</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> The Trials of Max Q is a mystery/thriller that follows Jack Lawson, a man trying to find solace, who finds that he must go through hell to find any peace. It's told from a first-person point of view. While I know many authors think first-person is too limiting, it is my favorite writing style, and really allows the ability to get within the character.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I'm asked a lot if it's similar to Painless. In some ways yes, in some ways, no. It has a similar arc that begins with a character-driven story that builds to a running thriller in the last third. They both mix a bunch of different genres - in the case of Trials of Max Q, it adds a "legal thriller" element - perhaps finding <a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2009/11/happy-thanksgiving.html">my inner-John Grisham</a>, who I used to read obsessively back in the day. Besides the 1st-person pov, I guess biggest difference would have to be the topic - Painless follows a "unique" child who is trying to avoid kidnapping, while The Trials of Max Q centers on the murder of a adult film star, which leads to the arrest of a squeaky-clean Mr. Perfect type - the pursuit of perfection a big theme throughout the book. Max Q also contains more of a traditional "who done it" aspect that hopefully will keep you guessing to the very end.<br />
<br />
One of the fun parts of the book is having the main setting be <a href="http://www.thisiscooperstown.com/">Cooperstown, New York</a> - a place that was very special to me from visiting it as a kid. It was great to get to go back up with my siblings and spend time there "researching." In other words, spending a lot of time in the local saloons. As many people know, Cooperstown is the home of <a href="http://baseballhall.org/">Baseball Hall of Fame</a>, which plays a big role in the story, and there is even one character who is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babe_Ruth">Babe Ruth</a> impersonator. What I think makes it a great setting, is I think murder works best in a pristine place (to write, not to commit) where such an act would be the last thing anyone would expect. And the peaceful village on Otsego Lake certainly fits that bill.<br />
<br />
It was fun to write - hope you enjoy reading it! <br />
<br />
Next UP: The Truant Officer</div>Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-71270166201256308632011-09-11T02:12:00.002-04:002011-09-11T02:27:21.396-04:00In remembrance of a really crappy day that took place 10 yrs ago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBM2CUjx_f6HtSf_PdAV8-7PBKL42Itz4_7wc_rzw1ZrLTGkDYTsJgNux_q-5VKp-EpAqk8pPFcT6k713l0obWlVB7zlQ47_3SBLFXuoIBM0b2uEQF_1-hIoEBm8lItswHl4yQTv2YKds/s1600/911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBM2CUjx_f6HtSf_PdAV8-7PBKL42Itz4_7wc_rzw1ZrLTGkDYTsJgNux_q-5VKp-EpAqk8pPFcT6k713l0obWlVB7zlQ47_3SBLFXuoIBM0b2uEQF_1-hIoEBm8lItswHl4yQTv2YKds/s320/911.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It was a dark and stormy night.<br />
<br />
That's the famous opening line to the 1830 novel <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Clifford"><i>Paul Clifford</i></a>. It became the benchmark opening line to create a setting that tapped into the readers deepest fears, hoping to hook them into the story. A few years ago I attended a writer's conference where a speaker debunked the myth of the dark and stormy night, and made the case that the best way to maximize the horror factor was to have the "bad things" happen in a place nobody expects them to happen. And when I think back to September 11, 2001, on that perfect sunny September morning, there wasn't even the smallest of hints that such indescribable horror was about to take place.<br />
<br />
Those responsible for the darkest memories of that day were not the best human beings (major understatement) but did have a knack for storytelling - unfortunately for them, it didn't have the ending they envisioned, but I'll get to that later. A tale is often judged by whether it "sticks" with you, and using that standard, the story of 9/11 is still vivid in my mind, ten years later.<br />
<br />
I can still remember arriving at work in Westport, Connecticut, bemoaning the idea having to spend the next eight plus hours at work on such an ideal day. I remember Joanne, the office manager, mentioning that a plane had hit the WTC, and my immediate thought was it was a small plane like the one that once <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUlWpqLsOVs">crashed into the Empire State Building</a> years ago. I can still hear the voice shouting down the hallway that a second plane had hit, and like every American did at that exact moment, I had that "aha...uh-oh" moment. Since I lived closest to the office, a handful of my co-workers found refuge at my place after we were sent home that morning, and together we watched as the unthinkable took place before our eyes on the TV. I can still see where Laurie was sitting, and Kris, and Keith, and Alicia, and the expressions on their faces are engraved in my mind when the towers fell to the ground. Later that afternoon, my now sister-in-law brought her kids over and I remember watching them play basketball - under that damn perfect sky - too young to understand what was happening just an hour away. And I will never forget going out to eat that night, sitting by the window and watching the military trucks roll by - wondering if things would ever be the same.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
When I was doing research on the Nazis for a book I was working on, I found an interesting quote from a Holocaust survivor that went something like: <i>one hundred dead is a catastrophe, six million dead is a statistic, but one dead is a tragedy. </i>When it's one person, especially someone you know, it becomes personal. The person who personalized 9/11 for me was named <a href="http://www.legacy.com/Sept11/Story.aspx?PersonID=96881">Sean</a>. He was 27 years old, worked for Cantor Fitzgerald, and had everything to live for. He also had been a close friend of my brother, and my family and I had known him since he was in first or second grade. He was also one of the funnier people you'll ever meet (his irreverently hilarious videos depicting the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliad">Iliad</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odyssey">Odyssey</a> for a school project were still some of the funniest things I've ever seen) and could find humor in most anything. There were around 3,000 or so Seans who personalized that day for people, and some police and fire companies lost too many Seans, and Moms, and Dads. <br />
<br />
It was that spirit of humor Sean embodied, which impacted me on a Sunday morning, six years ago. I arose early and went out to get my usual paper and diet coke at a local store I frequented. I usually made small talk with the friendly cashier, who was of Middle Eastern descent. I had no ideas of his ideas on politics, terrorism, or the US in general, but I did know he liked football, which was our normal topic of conversation. On that morning the interaction went like this:<br />
<br />
I placed the NY Daily News on the counter with the back page (sports) facing up<br />
<u>cashier</u>: pointing at the photo of the NY Jets player on the back cover. "Big day today, huh?"<br />
<u>me:</u> "It's like a holiday in my house" (meaning the first Sunday of NFL football)<br />
<br />
After paying for my items, I left the store to some of the strangest looks I've ever received, as if those waiting in line wanted to harm me. I was confused - it wasn't like my brief conversation held up the line that long. But when I returned to my car, I flipped the paper over to front page, and realized that it had slipped my mind that it was September 11, 2005 - the fourth anniversary. Then I did the math in my head - I was talking with a Middle Eastern guy and happily declaring today a holiday - suddenly I understood those looks.<br />
<br />
I couldn't help but to laugh at my idiocy, and in doing so, for the first time when it came to any remembrance of 9/11, I felt the tension slightly lift. It was at that point that I realized that while things might never be the same, they were getting back to normal. And the best way to honor those lost is to live your life - hug your kids a little harder for those who no longer have a parent to hug, chase your dreams with more zest for those whose dreams died in that rubble, and laugh for those like Sean who had their laughter silenced.<br />
<br />
On that anniversary, six years ago, I first began to focus on the part of the story that the authors of that day wish they could edit out. The heartfelt stories of courage and sacrifice. The strangers coming together to help each other. And how we continued to live with spirit and freedom, refusing to give into the fear - this was not the ending that the authors wanted. Nor did they likely foresee the dramatic epilogue years later where the villain was hunted down by a courageous group of Navy Seals, and they stopped him from ever hurting anyone else.<br />
<br />
September 11, 2001 will never have a happy ending. And the aftermath that played out over the last decade has often been divided and strained, and continues on with each new threat, or when each brave soldier comes home in a casket. But I'm confident that whenever the story is finally completed, it won't go down as a horror story as the authors intended, but as a cautionary tale for those who think that fear can conquer the human spirit.<br />
<br />
In the last line of <a href="http://www.derekciccone.com/">Painless</a>, Carolyn Whitcomb, another child who is faced with going through life without a parent, looks up at Billy Harper and says, "Stick together, remember?" If she had asked Billy the same question about the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I think he would have responded, "We did."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
PS. The other day I came across an organization called the <a href="http://www.brookejackmanfoundation.org/">Brooke Jackman Foundation</a>. <br />
Brooke was a 23-yr-old who worked at Cantor Fitzgerald and like thousands of her co-workers, lost her life in 9/11. It seems that Brooke was an avid reader and her parents set up the foundation to help literacy for underprivileged children following her death. I'm a big sucker for supporting children's literacy. I don't know enough about this organization yet to recommend supporting it, but I was intrigued enough to send the link so you can check it out for yourself.Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-47083602737212424772011-08-22T14:43:00.000-04:002011-08-22T14:43:37.475-04:00If the covers are done, then the books can't be far behind, right?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7xVkU30Xj1rXALYf0uQWEQ-giQX0TzeyTN5XD3UwxnvL5QBkaNyJ5m-_hpZ9Sr8MlMQ9d0FtOBEP7eizYquUE5t7VswFJWvIybmzmImrFuKKHp641Os-KwfgbZ0joG42rQWx9ohKtnw/s1600/Truant_FINALclean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7xVkU30Xj1rXALYf0uQWEQ-giQX0TzeyTN5XD3UwxnvL5QBkaNyJ5m-_hpZ9Sr8MlMQ9d0FtOBEP7eizYquUE5t7VswFJWvIybmzmImrFuKKHp641Os-KwfgbZ0joG42rQWx9ohKtnw/s320/Truant_FINALclean.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR6cynx35alOrKupltyBVjzAUGmJkpWuarR_dXvl6nhP3Axjxfd58aZxPOFG7RFmyeQ61iJRPjmRTyPxNJ1khvBlXUr9STSje0f968fI7vhWqTjFIGOxaD8McRHB7qZAiPD4bXAfg-60/s1600/MaxQ_FINALclean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR6cynx35alOrKupltyBVjzAUGmJkpWuarR_dXvl6nhP3Axjxfd58aZxPOFG7RFmyeQ61iJRPjmRTyPxNJ1khvBlXUr9STSje0f968fI7vhWqTjFIGOxaD8McRHB7qZAiPD4bXAfg-60/s320/MaxQ_FINALclean.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br />
Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-11218024597845347302011-07-14T23:28:00.003-04:002011-07-14T23:35:31.519-04:00Deleted Chapters #4 (Meeting the Princess)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrhm9bFUxqjgZQUSiNexfGDCspZBJQ8zn8VnP__WTi-mVdGrRwocb13NZE1PQCJ4bVbdswAAYnljat0w781Vq84ex7_aK35hQFvio1QpQnTFepxxI6VYYT6eHhROS9xlRim89NtYMw-Q/s1600/Princess2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrhm9bFUxqjgZQUSiNexfGDCspZBJQ8zn8VnP__WTi-mVdGrRwocb13NZE1PQCJ4bVbdswAAYnljat0w781Vq84ex7_aK35hQFvio1QpQnTFepxxI6VYYT6eHhROS9xlRim89NtYMw-Q/s320/Princess2.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Painless opens with Billy having already rented the cottage and he had previously met Carolyn during his initial visit to look at the property on Labor Day. This original chapter details that initial visit, and his running into resistance. During the visit, he meets Carolyn for the first time. The chapters were basically condensed into one, so it began the same way, with Billy pulling up to the house and seeing the children playing on the lawns, which brought back hurtful memories. This “deleted chapter” picks right after Carolyn and Billy meet for the first time (as was described in flashback in the book) </b></span></span></span></span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><u><b>Why cut: </b></u></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Wanted to get more quickly into the story. Not that it opened with frenzied action, but thought a day of house-hunting would slow things down. Also, many of the elements described, such as Billy and Carolyn’s initial meeting could be done with flashbacks, and things like his visit to her room ended up taking place at a later stage in the book.</b></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><u><b>The picture:</b></u></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>...but you can call me Princess. </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Didn’t have any pictures handy of Princess Carolyn, so Princess Kate will have to do. Not to mention, she's a lot easier on the eyes than the hockey goalie from last week. </b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>As always, the deleted chapters are unedited, and might no longer fit the context of the final version of the story. </b></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"First Meeting" </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Why don’t you wash up for dinner, sweetie,” Beth addressed Carolyn while Chuck set her down.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Can we play for five minutes?” she continued to negotiate.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “The steaks still aren’t even defrosted yet,” Chuck stepped in, “Why don’t you let her play for a few minutes?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Beth relented, but didn’t look happy about it. “If it’s okay with Mr. Harper, then five minutes.”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Carolyn began hopping with excitement. “You wanna see my room, Billy?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> He shrugged. “Sure, why not?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “You better hurry—I only got five minutes!”</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;">They climbed the stairs the balcony and arrived at a heavy Dutch door, split into two sections. Carolyn opened the bottom half and cruised through. Billy ducked under and followed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> On the other side of the door was a cavernous room that looked like an airport hanger. The roof was twenty-foot high and secured by large timber beams. It ran all the way to the back of the barn, which was about the size of a football field.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “This is your room?” he asked with astonishment.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Yes.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Wow, you really are a princess.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I told you.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> She led him by the hand to the wall where a small bed sat. Next to the bed was a stream of dolls and colorful plastic toys. On a table next to the bed sat a fish bowl. It was your typical toddler’s room, except situated in the Grand Central Station of children’s rooms, it looked almost lonely.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Carolyn first brought Billy to a row of dolls. She held up a furry reddish doll, “Elmo, this is my new friend Billy.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Billy greeted Elmo, and repeated the process with the remainder of her Sesame Street characters like he was going down a reception line at a wedding. She then brought him to a kid-sized hockey stick lying beside her bed. “Mr. Stick this is Billy—Billy this is Mr. Stick.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Carolyn introduced Billy to her fish, and to keep with the hockey theme, its name was Puck. The next stop featured three dolls in hockey uniforms with dark mops of hair and thick glasses.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Billy, I’d like you to meet the Hanson Brothers.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “Like from </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Slap Shot</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">?” he asked, surprised. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Slap Shot</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> was the 1970’s cult-classic movie about a minor league hockey team starring Paul Newman. Not really something ideal for a three-year-old. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Put the foil on coach,” she said, performing a pretty good imitation of the eccentric, optically challenged hockey enforcers from the movie.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “You watch that movie?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “It’s my favorite. But don't worry Billy, I put my hands over my ears when they say the bad words."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> He couldn't help but to laugh. It was quite clear to him that Carolyn Whitcomb was not your average child.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> They passed a bookcase that was overflowing with Dr. Seuss books and framed pictures of a still-in-diapers Carolyn showing off her infectious smile. The journey ended at a red tricycle with a silver bell and ribbons hanging off the handlebars. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Do you want to see me ride my bike?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Billy shrugged. “I guess.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> He helped her strap on her helmet so she didn’t get what she termed “bain bamage”, before she peddled off into the distance. She picked up speed as she shrunk into the horizon like a lonely cowboy off to round up the herd. She turned and waved at him, lost her balance slightly and almost tipped. He waved back.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Upon reaching the end wall, she performed a graceful spin and headed back toward Billy. “Here I come, Billy!” she shouted excitedly, not a care in the world.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">She approached quickly—maybe too quickly. She wobbled, but this time she couldn’t catch herself and the bike spilled violently onto its side and came to a scraping stop. Carolyn bounced over the wood planks of floor before landing with a nasty thud. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"> Billy instinctively ran to her. When he arrived, he realized that he had taken it harder than her, as she was actually laughing, “That was fun!” she exclaimed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the foot-long splinter sticking out of her hand. It was like she was shot with an arrow. She didn’t even acknowledge its presence. Billy cringed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Seconds later, the Dutch doors flew open and Beth ran to Carolyn. Her initial tone was of concern, but it quickly turned to a scolding. “Carolyn, I thought I told you not to ride fast in the house!?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I only had five minutes.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Don’t smart-mouth me!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Carolyn turned into a stone-faced statue, appearing on the verge of tears.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Beth turned her wrath to Billy. “What made you think it was a good idea to allow my daughter to do a Lance Armstrong imitation in the house?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I didn’t think it…”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “That’s right—you didn’t think.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I just wanted Billy to see me ride my bike,” Carolyn interjected.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Carolyn!” her mother raised her voice, before again turning to Billy. It was clear who was going to be Beth’s scapegoat for the fall—this wasn’t Billy’s first rodeo when it came to such things. “Why don’t you go downstairs and do something you can handle, like have another beer.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Billy left without escalating the situation, as Beth began the process of removing the large splinter from the little girl’s hand. But before he exited stage left, he took one last look back at the mother and daughter. Carolyn’s reaction was stuck in his mind. Something wasn’t right.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Chapter</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Billy descended the stairs to the living room. He had enough of Beth Whitcomb to fill two lifetimes and figured it would be best if just left. He had become quite adept at running away. But then he heard Chuck’s voice. “In here, Billy.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Billy followed the voice to a room off the living room. Half of the room was full of framed hockey jerseys on the wall, hockey trophies, a Foosball table, and an arsenal of guns in a glass case that would make the Branch Davidians jealous. The other side featured an office motif. A large oak desk displayed a sign that read: </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Women’s Office—No Men Allowed</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">. The wall behind the desk was lined with bookcases. Most of the books were political in nature. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “This room keeps our marriage alive,” Chuck said with a grin. “Half mine—half my wife’s office. We can spend time together without cramping each others style.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Chuck opened two more bottles of Klein Beer with an opener, even though Billy had the impression he would’ve enjoyed using his teeth. Billy maneuvered behind one side of the Foosball table and a game instinctively began without a word. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
“<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Is Carolyn okay?” Chuck asked, in mid spin. He didn’t seem overly concerned.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I think so. She crashed her bike—got a big splinter—Beth is with her now.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Beth has been under a lot of stress lately, please don’t take any of this personally.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I’ve been treated worse.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Chuck scored and put his arms in the air like he just won a gold medal. “Carolyn’s tough—she takes after her daddy—she’ll be fine.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “She described the crash, and subsequent splinter, as fun.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “That’s my girl, eh. Three years old and already the neighborhood street hockey champ. You should’ve seen her take out some eight-year old boy last week,” he gushed with pride.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chuck smiled. Billy had stereotyped all hockey players as not having front teeth, but Chuck had a full set. He scored again and this time did a little dance, if it’s possible for a six-foot-six man to do a </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>little</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> dance.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Beth and Carolyn re-entered, and Billy could feel the oxygen being sucked out of the room. He glanced at Chuck’s arsenal of guns and wondered if he would need to use them to get out of here alive. It wouldn’t be the first time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Carolyn ran to her father. “Look Daddy, I got a Big Bird Band-Aid!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Chuck scooped her up again, which appeared to be his pet move, and she showed him the palm of her hand—the place where the splinter had been lodged.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Chuck inspected it, and said, “It almost makes it worth it to cut your hand.” Then he pretended to cut his own hand.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Carolyn laughed a deep belly laugh as if it was the funniest thing she ever saw. “You’re silly, daddy!”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “Did you have fun playing with Billy?” he asked her, which received a disapproving look from Beth.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Carolyn leaned in to tell Chuck a secret, but it was plenty loud for everyone to hear. “He’s a keeper!” she beamed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Can I talk to you in another room?” Beth interrupted. It was not a question.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Chuck put Carolyn down and she gravitated to Billy’s side. Chuck then followed his wife into the next room, his shoulders slumped as if he had been summoned to the principal’s office. Just like Carolyn’s failed attempt at whispering a secret, the Whitcombs were talking loud enough for all to hear.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I like him, Beth—he’s the first real person we’ve interviewed,” Chuck started strong. “I don’t want Carolyn to grow up around these snobs who live around here.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I don’t think so, Chuck.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “You know how we always say Carolyn has that sixth sense to know what a good person is. And if he’s good enough for Carolyn and Dana, then he’s good by me.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “First of all she is three years old, and you know what a disaster Dana’s boy toys are.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> In the other room, Carolyn laughed at Billy. “My mom called you a boy toy.”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Billy smiled back. “I guess so—what do you think of your Aunt Dana?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “My daddy says she’s a piece of work, but she’d be the first in line to give us a kid’s knee if we needed it!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Do you mean a kidney?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> She laughed. “You say kid’s knee funny.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> The voices in the other room grew louder. “I want Carolyn around a good person,” Chuck demanded. “Not everything is about money.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “You just met him, for God sake, and besides, I think he’s too irresponsible. We left her alone with him for five minutes and look what happened.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “That’s crap, Beth. You know we turned our heads for a couple seconds on the Fourth of July and she burned her hand on the barbeque. You’re looking for reasons.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “What about the drinking?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “We had a couple beers on Labor Day—you’re the last person to be judgmental about that.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> They then must have moved further away, because the voices turned muffled. But regardless, it wasn’t looking good for Billy, and he doubted he wanted to spend anymore time with Beth Whitcomb, anyway. Not to mention, he would need to find a winning lottery ticket to be able to afford the rent.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I’m going to be foe,” Carolyn said, as they continued to unintentionally eavesdrop.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I know,” Billy replied in a whisper.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I’m gonna have a big party.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I heard.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I didn’t mean to get you in trouble—I usually don’t crash.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Didn’t that splinter hurt?” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> She giggled. “I got a Big Bird Band-Aid.”</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> After a long period of silence, Chuck and Beth returned and everybody awkwardly acted like they didn’t just hear the whole conversation. To Billy, it didn’t really matter—he wasn’t going to drag this out any longer—he was leaving.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Chuck and Beth stood before him, side by side, forming a united front. Billy reached out to shake their hands. “I want to thank you for showing me the cottage, especially on Labor Day. I hope it works out for you—I’ll give my best to Dana for you.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> He then turned to Carolyn. He had only known her for an hour, maybe less, but it would still be a tough goodbye. She was wise-beyond-her-years and understood the situation. She morphed into the stone-like character that came out when life took a sad turn against her wishes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Why don’t you stay for dinner, Billy. We got steaks,” Chuck affably offered, without a hint of charity.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Carolyn came out of her catatonic state and seconded, “Yeah, we got steaks!” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> The offer surprised him, but Billy figured Chuck was just the typical softy father who couldn’t bear to see a hint of sadness in his daughter’s eyes. No need to keep prolonging the inevitable. “I really should be going.”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
“If you had something to do on Labor Day, you’d be doing it, eh? We got plenty of food.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Beth remained quiet.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Carolyn went into master-negotiator mode. “And we got strawberry milk!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Billy couldn’t help but to grin. “Now how could I turn that down?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Chuck grilled the steaks on a brick patio in the back of the barn. Carolyn was his assistant, proudly showing Billy a burn on her hand from when she got too intimate with the barbeque on the Fourth of July. “She didn’t even cry,” Chuck said with pride.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Beth returned to the kitchen to make the potato salad and only ventured out of the barn-house to warn Carolyn to stay away from the barbeque every two minutes. She didn’t acknowledge Billy’s presence.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> As the sun sank down over the trees, the Whitcombs and Billy Harper ate flank steak with Carolyn’s favorite, “Montreal steak sauce!” Along with potato salad and corn-on-the-cob. Due to the tongue incident, Carolyn’s dinner had to be put through the blender, making it steak and potato soup, which wasn’t a pretty sight. Nobody had discussed how it had happened, and Billy didn’t ask.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> When dinner finished, Beth instructed Carolyn to “go play”. She initially protested on account that Billy couldn’t come with her, but quickly relented, and began running around the well-lit backyard, trying to catch fireflies in a glass jar.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Chuck then put his arm around Beth in another united front. Chuck spoke for the both of them, “Billy, we’d like you to rent the cottage to you. We’ll work something out on the money if you’re willing to watch Carolyn. We promise she’ll stay off that bike of hers.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Billy was stunned. He glanced at Beth, who didn’t object, but didn’t look happy about it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I don’t know,” he wavered, caught off guard.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “We got strawberry milk,” Chuck said with a smile and held up a cup.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Billy never liked charity, but since he’d been living in his Cherokee for the last few months, he was in no position to be prideful. “Now how could I turn that down?” he said and clanked his beer bottle with Chuck’s cup of strawberry milk.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Beth remained silent</span><span style="font-size: small;">. She was going to be a tricky mine field to maneuver, to say the least, but after the challenges he’d faced over the last couple years, Beth Whitcomb would seem like a trip to the beach.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> After an exhausting firefly hunt, Carolyn returned, skipping with excitement and singing, “I scream for ice cream”, and then let out a primal scream. The princess was reprimanded by the queen, but soon was granted her wish. She ended up wearing most of the vanilla ice cream on her face, but seemed to enjoy it, nevertheless.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Princess, I got something to tell you,” Chuck said, while Beth cleaned the ice cream off her nose with the soft dab of a napkin.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “I know—Billy’s moving into the cottage.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “How’d you know that?” Billy asked.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> She shrugged, “I know stuff.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Billy then was selected by the princess to assist in her capture of the elusive fireflies. This went on for about an hour before Beth announced the princesses bedtime. After negotiating to stay up for “five more minutes” for at least another hour, Beth finally carried Carolyn off to bed. She looked back at Billy and gave an energetic wave goodbye.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> He waved back at her. He never found the lottery ticket, but he did find a princess. </span>Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-55385649175534307302011-07-08T13:42:00.001-04:002011-07-08T13:46:56.198-04:00Deleted Chapters #3 (Le Swiss)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zXa4BilLGi87ggs5q3H47lwfZD49gSY14_JWeQ5py-i-h9DNPxdJAGo1ZAbTZtz5E8toPECNKXGxjRZuX9qOMDPTnsd2vZEjUYqL9pJ0MKrCwdQK8uoU-B5glLdD-FCwsgqAioGEkg8/s1600/Le+Swiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zXa4BilLGi87ggs5q3H47lwfZD49gSY14_JWeQ5py-i-h9DNPxdJAGo1ZAbTZtz5E8toPECNKXGxjRZuX9qOMDPTnsd2vZEjUYqL9pJ0MKrCwdQK8uoU-B5glLdD-FCwsgqAioGEkg8/s1600/Le+Swiss.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Remember the cab driver named Martin? Well, in the original Martin played a much bigger role. And Le Swiss was his nickname. But as you'll see, his role was probably a little too coincidental to be believable (although that could probably be said for many parts of any fictional tale), but he was still a fun character. The first section depicts when Billy first meets him after Dana pulled the gun on him and drove off. </b></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>The pic is of Charlestown Chiefs goalie Denis Lemieux, he of the classic quotes, played by the actor Yvon Barrette. Also a French Canadian goalie, and goes with the Slapshot theme in the book. In retrospect, I wonder if I was subliminally channeling him when creating Le Swiss. But since he ended up on the cutting room floor, I guess it doesn't matter.</b></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>As always, the deleted chapters are unedited, and might no longer fit the final version of the story. </b></span></span></span></span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><u><b>Le Swiss</b></u></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> I have good news and bad news—which would you like to hear first?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">A common greeting of the modern day messenger. A saying that most likely began eons ago in an attempt to soften a blow. And the reason there’s a phrase, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>don’t kill the messenger</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">, was probably because at one time it was a very common practice </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>to kill </i></span><span style="font-size: small;">the messenger. Over time it seeped into the modern vernacular. Billy thought how someone answered that question said a lot about their outlook on the world. Are they optimistic or pessimistic? Are they hopeful, or are they trying to go through life shielding themselves from feeling pain?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Selecting good news first is more logical and fits with the pulse of life. Good news—birth—ends in what most believe is bad news—death.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Billy always chose the bad news first. Not because he was a masochist, but because he was a writer. In a great story, the character will rise from the ashes—overcome odds—endure. A great story always starts with the bad news and rise toward triumph. He hoped this case would be no different.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In his current predicament, the bad news was adding up. Dana had held him at gunpoint, opened up past wounds, accused him of being a kidnapper, and worst of all, drove off with the tracking device in the backseat. She left him standing alone on Union Avenue without even a phone—he was helpless to do anything.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Good news: He found a taxi at a gas station about a half a mile up the street.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Bad news: the cabbie was off duty. </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Good news: Billy did have one possession—his wallet, which had the money he took out of the ATM and Gare Centrale train station before their trip. The driver smiled at the $200 “off duty” fare, which meant 100% profit, and said, “Get in—where we headed?”</span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Bad news: Billy had no idea. </span> <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;">“You know where you going, no?” the driver asked in a heavy French accent.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Just give me a minute.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“A lot of money to just sit here, no?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Let me think.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><u><b>Note</b></u></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>: After they returned from the train station in which Dana and Carolyn end up not getting on the train, they meet back in the cab with Martin.</b></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> The cab whispered to a stop in front of them. It was Martin, who had been circling around to avoid a parking ticket. As they piled into the backseat, Billy noticed Dana’s BMW being put onto the back of a tow-truck, observed by a couple uniformed police. Dana noticed it too, and looked slightly ill—she loved that car.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Welcome to </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Tech Valley Cabs</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">,” Martin said like he was their tour director. “Where to now?”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Billy wasn’t sure—</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>North Carolina?</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">As he mulled over their limited options, Carolyn pointed at the driver and shouted, “Le Swiss!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Thinking that the cheese reference was mocking the driver’s smell, also incorporating her new habit of prefacing all verbs with le.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“That’s not nice, Carolyn,” Billy scolded.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I’m so sorry,” Dana apologized to the driver. “Kids will say some of the darndest things.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">But Carolyn would not be deterred. She pointed again with her non-gunshot arm and shouted even louder, </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Le Swiss!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The cabbie hit the brakes and craned his hairy neck back toward her. “Nobody has called me that in years—who are you?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I’m Carolyn Whitcomb and you’re Le Swiss!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“You two know each other?” Dana asked.<i> </i></span><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> Could this get stranger?</i></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Martin and Carolyn continued with their own personal conversation. “The only people who would know that name would be in our locker room. You must be Chuck Whitcomb’s little girl.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“He’s my dad!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">She turned to show him the back of her Albany River Rats jersey with her name on it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Your dad tells me you play a little hockey yourself.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I had to stop.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“That’s too bad—heard you were pretty good, no?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Don’t worry, Le Swiss—I’m working on it.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Martin started driving again. Billy remained amazed at the coincidence, but then he thought...or was it? Dana must have been thinking the same thing because she subtly placed her hand in her bag that contained her gun.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“So did you hurt yourself playing hockey or are you taking steroids in your shoulder?” Martin asked her, pointing to the big lump under her jersey on her right shoulder.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“No—I got shot,” she said, matter of fact.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Now Martin was the one who looked stunned.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Billy jumped in, “What she means is she fell off her bike and got a shot for the pain, which became infected.”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Carolyn began to argue, but Dana muffled her, placing her hand over her mouth. Then she asked again, “You two know each other?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Martin tried to explain. “Carolyn’s dad and I came up through junior hockey. We both left home at sixteen. I was from Quebec and didn’t speak much English, and Chuck was from Ottawa and didn’t speak any French.” He then laughed, “Actually he didn’t speak much English either. We finished up together with the River Rats here in Albany. I took a puck off the head that caused vision problems—not a good thing to have when you’re a goaltender.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Or a cab driver, Billy thought. </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Le Swiss?” Dana inquired.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He laughed. “In the juniors I struggled stopping puck. My teammates started calling me "Swiss Cheese," you know, because it has holes. Since I’m French it became Le Swiss. It just stuck.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">They came to a stoplight. “Any idea where we’re going?” Martin asked.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I’m working on it,” Billy said.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“So how's your dad doing down, Carolyn? We haven’t talked in many months.”<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">She got sad. “I don’t know, I haven’t seen him in soooo long.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The comment seemed to pique Martin's attention.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Dana intervened, “Chuck and Beth went away for their anniversary—so we are bringing Carolyn up to show her where she was born.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Their anniversary is in May, no?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Well, they actually celebrate their first date and not their wedding. The wedding anniversary is so trendy,” Dana improvised.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“They met during the holidays—I introduce them.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I think you’re right—maybe it was a belated Columbus Day thing.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Who are you?” he asked suspiciously.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I am Beth’s sister, Dana, and this is Billy—he is a family friend.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The suspicion seemed to recede. “I do remember you. The pretty lady who came to a lot of our games, no?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“You do?” </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“My teammates used to talk about how we would like to,” he paused seeking the right term, “There a hockey term about scoring a goal—we say, put the biscuit in the basket.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“There were a lot of cute guys on that team and I don’t remember anyone offering me a biscuit.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“We were threatened with out lives if we ever laid eyes on you.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“By Chuck?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“No, by Beth—we were afraid of Beth!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“That’s my mom!” Carolyn blurted. They all laughed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">But Billy volleyed serious looks with Dana that brought them back to reality. A grim reality. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Chuck and Beth were missing.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“You in trouble, no?” Le Swiss pointed out the obvious.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Denials filled the cab.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“You in trouble, no?” he asked again.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Billy conceded, “We don’t want to involve you.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“You come to my house,” he offered.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“We appreciate it, but we couldn’t do that to you.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Chuck Whitcomb had my back for many years. I can’t count how many knuckles he broke protecting me. If his family is in trouble, I will be proud to protect them.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“That’s my dad!” Carolyn said.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><u><b>Note</b></u></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>: In the book they end up staying at a motel near the airport.</b></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Martin Fleury’s house was a one-room apartment by the airport. Every few minutes the house shook when another plane took off. “The damn realtors bring me here when they know no flights take off—bastards.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Martin might not have made the hockey hall of fame, but he had created his own museum to himself. The main accessories in the living room were plastic hockey trophies. They were on the small rabbit-eared television and modest bookcase. Framed team photos lined the wall going back to when he was about Carolyn’s age.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Carolyn’s eyes moved to a large, framed picture of Martin and Chuck in mid-exhilaration, seemingly after a victory. It was at least a decade old. </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Your dad was a great hockey player, Carolyn,” he read her stare.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“He was a goonie.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He laughed. “He was a protector. And people forget how good of a skilled player he was when we were young.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">As she continued to stare at the photo, her face scrunched quizzically. “Why's he so fat?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Le Swiss laughed a deep belly laugh. “That picture was taken before he met your mom. His diet was, let’s say, not much health. The French players on the team called him Casseau, which is the French word for the square container that McDonald’s fries come in. But then he met your mom who would cook for him—she was the best thing ever happen him.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">She glared at him.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">He patted her on the head and corrected, “</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>You</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> and your mom were the best things to ever happen to him—you a package deal.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Carolyn looked satisfied.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><u><b>Note</b></u></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>: Jumping ahead in the book, Martin leaves them at the Pennington house. But events lead to him growing suspicious of Billy and Dana, causing him to eventually alert the authorities. If you read the book, you know that Martin has a bad ending, but this chapter details how that bad ending occurred.</b></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Martin Fleury was sitting in his cab on Rockwall Avenue waiting for Chuck Whitcomb’s daughter and the two people taking care of her. As minutes passed, Martin became bored. But who was he to argue? The money they were paying him was going to help his new upstart cab business—</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Tech Valley Cabs</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">. But to pass the time he flipped on the radio. He searched for some sports talk, twisting the knob of the radio, speeding by a lot of static and loud political chatter. But when he passed on all-news station he thought he heard a name he recognized and paused his search.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">He wasn’t hearing things. They were talking about Billy Harper and Carolyn. They used the term </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>armed and dangerous</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> to describe Harper. The rest of the facts pounded into Martin’s stomach like nails.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Carolyn Whitcomb was declared missing and presumed kidnapped. Billy Harper was the lead suspect. Her parents had reported her missing and feared dead in a forest fire in Lake George. The report went on to say that Billy Harper had a history of violence. An amber alert had been issued in the greater Albany area. Martin felt sick and confused.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He knew they were in some sort of trouble. But he thought the dangerous part applied to the people after them. And how did Carolyn’s aunt fit in? There was no mention of her in the radio report. He was sure he remembered her with Beth at their hockey games—she was definitely the aunt. And Carolyn didn’t seem upset at all, or even fazed, definitely not acting like someone who was kidnapped.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">But what if they were? What if he thought he was helping Chuck, but in the end he was just helping a kidnapper steal his child? It would be the ultimate betrayal.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Unsure what to do, he left them inside and drove back to his apartment in Albany. He needed to clear his head. He tried to contact Chuck and Beth, but got no answer. </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He finally gave in and decided to call the police. If it were a mistake, then it would be easily cleared up. But if they were kidnapping Carolyn, then he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he didn’t act. Plus, he would end up in prison himself for aiding and abetting.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So Martin called the police. At first, he was going to remain anonymous. That way they could get Carolyn back, but he wouldn’t be in trouble for helping them. But halfway through the call, Martin decided honesty was the best policy. They would understand that he didn’t know who they were. So he told the dispatcher the whole story from the second he picked up Billy Harper off of Union Avenue at the gas station to when he dropped them at the house on Rockwall Avenue. </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Only a couple minutes later the authorities showed up at his apartment. He was surprised how fast they arrived. He was also surprised that it was the FBI and not the local police. </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A blister-faced agent named Hasenfus entered with an arrogant limp. He then proceeded to grill him about his connection with Harper and the girl, including the trip to Albany train station, Siena College, and finally dropping him at Steve Pennington Sr.’s house. </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">He kept grilling—</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>What were they up to? Where were they headed next? What did they tell you?</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> When the FBI agent finished his inquisition, he said, “I think you might be in big trouble, Mr. Fleury.”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Martin couldn’t believe it—aiding and abetting. He tried to do the right thing and now was going to get screwed. </span> <br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Please, Agent Hasenfus, I try to do right thing.”</span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Do you think its fair that this little girl might never see her mother and father again because of your actions?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Please—I don’t want to go to jail—I’ll do anything.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The FBI agent flashed a cocky smile. “Oh, you’re not going to jail.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Martin was relieved for a second, but then saw the gun pointing at his face.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Where you are going there is no parole,” the agent stated.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Martin knew he had to react. He turned and grabbed the first thing he could find—a hockey trophy—and whipped it at him.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The FBI agent coolly took a step back away from the flying object and fired two shots. </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Martin Fleury finally stopped a shot on goal. Unfortunately it was with his head. </span> <br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Le Swiss was Le dead.</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Next week: Billy & Carolyn's first meeting</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-16615397591072657862011-07-01T00:56:00.004-04:002011-07-08T13:14:02.629-04:00Deleted Chapters #2 (Coach)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzsP-nOqlGKjMrTAe9Uwf4efsx5BdkMaBAWhe-T9PX6Ra4l6rqbFZ1wLAQ0TMntMDI___t6pYqwuW5pp86cbF2P_2whgI8SFR1_hZLJ2wU1zZJ1c6KmQFNY5oiCUP6WQAaCKjOWQwphs/s1600/AllRightMoves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzsP-nOqlGKjMrTAe9Uwf4efsx5BdkMaBAWhe-T9PX6Ra4l6rqbFZ1wLAQ0TMntMDI___t6pYqwuW5pp86cbF2P_2whgI8SFR1_hZLJ2wU1zZJ1c6KmQFNY5oiCUP6WQAaCKjOWQwphs/s320/AllRightMoves.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>In the last week's deleted chapter <a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2011/06/deleted-chapters-painless.html">"Westward Bound"</a> Billy, Dana & Carolyn take a detour to after escaping Operation Anesthesia in upstate NY, and head to Billy's hometown of Johnstown PA. In this week's chapters, they seek refuge at the home of his former football coach, who is referenced throughout the book.<br />
<br />
<b>What I like about this chapter(s):</b> Since Coach is mentioned prominently in the book, I like that he was brought to life, and by doing so, more is learned about Billy and what drives him. Coach's interaction with Carolyn also brings out his softer side. <br />
<br />
<b>Why was it cut?:</b> These chapters are an extension of "Westward Bound" so the same reasons apply: Speed, pace, and it just didn't make sense to be taking detours when running for life when every second matters. <br />
<br />
<b>Note 1: </b>If you're wondering about the choice of photo, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS5MtPXo13k">All the Right Moves</a> was filmed in Johnstown, and it centered around a headstrong football player and coach who butted heads, which sounded familiar. Although, the big difference I think is that Billy Harper is way cooler (and taller) than Tom Cruise.<br />
<br />
<b>Note 2:</b> My HS football coaches were much different than Coach Blake, but that doesn't mean they didn't help shape as many lives. So with that said, I'd like to wish my coach, Chuck Drury, the best as he recently decided to leave my old school <a href="http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Drury-resigns-as-Pomperaug-High-football-coach-1397347.php">after 35 years!</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"Coach"</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Chapter</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> In football terms it was a Hail Mary.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">On the second knock a light shot on inside the house.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Billy took a deep breath, then another, before the front door aggressively swung open. Dana stood behind him, holding a still-sleeping Carolyn in her arms. </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A man dressed in a bathrobe stood in the door-frame. He angrily put on a pair of glasses as if he didn’t believe his initial finding. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“What the hell are you doing here?” he screeched. </span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">His voice, while older, still contained the same veracity that used to peel the paint off the locker room walls when Coach Blake used to let his team have it at halftime. For a brief moment, Billy felt like he was sixteen once again.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I don’t know if you remember me, Coach, it’s been a long time but…” Billy began, hesitantly.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Coach Blake furiously shook his head. “I don’t have Alzheimer’s, Harper. And even if I did, I would’ve recognized you as the kidnapper I saw on the news. Now I’ll ask you one more time—what the hell are you doing here?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Billy instantly knew he had made a mistake. He broke his own rule about the rear-view mirror. The last time he saw him was after he quit the team in college. Ohio State called on Blake to “talk some sense” into him. It almost ended in blows when Coach called him a quitter. He responded by telling Coach he was an enabler of a corrupt system, and a “sellout” of all values he had always preached. They hadn’t talked since.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Over the last few days, sir, I have come to many of those do-or-die crossroad situations you had always talked about. In fact, a few times I didn’t think we’d make it. But the one voice that popped into my head, and it was yours.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Are you on drugs, Harper?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“No, sir.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“You have a lot of nerve pulling me into your shit after all these years. Now I’ll ask you one final time—what the hell are you doing here?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I guess we need a place to sleep until morning.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“You guess?” he barked, shaking his head. “Will you settle for some advice?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I’ll take anything I can get right now.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Turn yourself in and get a good lawyer. Then take a good long look at what you’ve become. From my perspective, it’s a pretty pathetic sight. With the path you’re on, jail is the least of your worries.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I can’t turn myself in. If I do, then I can’t help get this little girl back to her mother.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He looked at the sleeping Carolyn, whose arms and legs were wrapped around Dana. It was amazing that she was able to sleep through the tirade. But it did seem to wake a few neighbors, their house lights flashing on.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I think you’re a lying sack of shit, Harper.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Coach had dusted off the rust and he was again in top form, spatting as he talked and his crooked finger pointing wildly. “Because if that little girl is in trouble, she will need somebody with loyalty and sacrifice to save her. Not someone who quits when times get tough. And as I always say—once a quitter always a quitter!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I stood up for what I believed in.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“No, you spit on the institution that taught you discipline, loyalty, and sacrifice. I taught those lessons to kids for decades, using football as a canvas. As more and more of those institutions go away from society—family, marriage, church—where are they going to learn it? Football was good to you and so was this town, but you spit on both of them.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“You were the one with the loyalty problem. You preached about having our backs, and the first thing you did was side with Ohio State. Did they offer you an assistant job to deliver me?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">His face turned cardinal red. Carolyn rustled in Dana’s arms, beginning to wake. More lights went on in the neighborhood. The police would be there soon—Joe Blake was a legend in Johnstown.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Dana tried to step in, “Mr. Blake, we’re sorry, obviously our coming here was a mistake.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">She grabbed Billy's hand and began to lead him back to the car. Before they reached the driveway, Billy turned and delivered his final words, “I'm sorry, Coach, but I need to save this little girl. Dana’s right—I shouldn’t have come or involved you. Have a good night, and please give my best to Mrs. Blake.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“That would be quite a trick, Harper—she died last year.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Billy felt an instant mix of surprise and sadness. Mrs. Blake—Penny—was always so alive, it was hard to imagine her dead. She was always the good cop, who had a smile and advice for every player—she was the unofficial team psychiatrist. She was a complete contrast from her curmudgeonly husband—she was a beautiful (a former Miss Pennsylvania), intelligent (graduated Princeton) and cultured woman (on board of directors any local theater or museum worth its salt), who didn’t have a mean bone in her body. Being with her always made Coach seem human. As they would say in football terms, Coach Blake had out-kicked his coverage.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He cleared his throat. “Almost three hundred of my former players showed up for her funeral,” his volume lowered. “Steve Cox came from Seattle. Jimmy London, who was defending our country overseas, flew thirty straight hours to be here. They shut the goddam town down the streets were so crowded. But Penny’s all-time favorite player didn’t show.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He briefly paused, gathered himself, then continued, “I used to come home cussing you, Harper. You had an opinion for everything and you didn’t accept teaching without a fight. I didn’t think you were maximizing all that talent God gave you, and you were the most talented player this town ever saw, Harper, no doubt about it. Do you know what Penny would say?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He paced in his slippers the same way he would pace the locker room, building the tension of his speech. Billy remained silent.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Penny told me that I was jealous of you. And you know what—she was right. But she said that I didn't envy your talent—it was the fact that you were a better leader than me that I was jealous of. You gave those other kids hope, and with that, they got confidence. That’s when the magic happens. They would run through a wall for you, Harper. That crazy-ass muddle huddle play, the only reason it worked was because you made them believe it would. When belief and hope merge, man can do anything.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Billy nodded sadly. “She was a great lady—my condolences—sorry to bother you at this late hour.” He then started toward the car again.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Damn right she was,” Coach's voice pierced the night, forcing Billy to stop in his tracks. “And she always told me I shouldn’t be jealous—I should be proud of you. I have three daughters, and Penny would always joke that I had found my son, and he was just as stubborn, loyal, and courageous as I was. She was talking about you, Harper, but the truth is I failed you.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You failed </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>me</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">?”<br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">“All that shit I used to put you guys through. It wasn’t about winning some trophies for a state championship. It was about preparing you for the biggest game of your lives—life. And the fact that fifteen years later you’re standing on my doorstep in the middle of the night, running from the law, tells me I didn’t prepare you very well.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Carolyn rubbed her eyes and asked, “Where are we?”<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Dana whispered in her ear as they moved toward the car. </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Coach Blake walked directly toward Billy with his famed bow-legged walk, reminiscent of when he used to roam the sidelines, barking at players and referees. He got right up in his face.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Are you innocent, Harper?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Yes, sir, I am.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Are you putting your life on the line to protect this woman and child?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Yes, sir.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Then what are you planning on doing about it?”<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Since we’re royally screwed, I figured we’d relax and enjoy it, sir.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Coach nodded. “Then I’ll put on some coffee and popcorn.”</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Chapter</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Coach’s house appeared exactly as Billy had last remembered it, but it seemed to lack the warmth it once resonated. They moved into the living room, which was a living scrapbook of family, former players, and Penny. But not one picture or trophy related to football. The majority were graduations, weddings, or Coach Blake becoming the godfather </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>again</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> to another child of a former player.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Carolyn was now wide-awake with eyes locked on Coach.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He stared back at her and gruffly asked, “What’s your name?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">“My name is Carolyn, but you can call me Princess. Who are </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>you</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">?”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“My name is Joe, but you can call me Coach.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“What’s coach?”<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Someone who teaches right and wrong to young people.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Coach sure gets to say a lot of bad words.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He fought back a smile, remaining the rigid drill sergeant. “Do you say bad words, young lady?”<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Billy let me say one in Montreal.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Then you are in big trouble.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">She sighed. “He told me I could, but I knew I shouldn’t fall for that.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Get down and give me twenty!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Carolyn jumped to the floor and began to count—she had met her match.</span><br />
<br />
“<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I mean pushups—you know what a pushup is?”</span></span><br />
<br />
“<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, my daddy taught me.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Coach clapped his hands to speed up the process, now unable hold back a big smile. Billy had only seen him smile when he was around Penny. “Let’s go—or you’ll be giving me ten more.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Carolyn got in push-up position. “You drive a hard bargain.”</span><br />
<br />
“<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">No talking!”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Carolyn proceeded to do twenty of the worst push-ups in the history of push-ups. Coach then ordered her to do ten laps of the dining room. She giggled as she ran awkwardly, huffing and puffing.</span><br />
<br />
“<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">No pain no gain!” Coach shouted at her.</span></span><br />
<br />
“<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I don’t feel pain.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></div>“<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">You will when I’m done with you!”</span></span> <br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Carolyn then turned the tables on Coach. He had also met his match. “Okay, Coach—I’ll be a bee and you try to catch me!...Okay, Coach—you try to catch my shadow!”</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"> He chased her around the house as if he had found the fountain of youth. After the workout ended, Coach, a trained EMT who used to be his own trainer at football games when the school district couldn’t afford a medic, took a look at Carolyn’s wound. He cleaned it, wrapped it, and never asked about what possible disturbing circumstances could have led to a four-year-old girl getting shot. When Coach delivered news of the wound healing properly without infection, Dana showed visible relief.</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"> After the popcorn was devoured and Carolyn went to bed, Billy and Coach reminisced. They didn’t talk about football or the events that led him to his doorstep. They talked about the all-important game of life. He was especially interested in Billy’s writing.</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Eventually, they did talk a little football. Coach explained that he couldn’t go to the JHS games because his presence puts unintended pressure on the current coaching staff. But after each game they delivered him a game tape. Billy and Coach watched the video of the victory over Altoona into the wee morning hours.</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"> In the pre-dawn hours, Coach switched his station-wagon in exchange for the Camaro, which he hid in his tidy two-car garage. Billy promised that it wouldn’t be another fifteen more years between visits. Coach wasn’t big on sentimental goodbyes and gave him a hearty handshake and manly nod. But couldn’t resist a big hug from Carolyn.</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Before they left Johnstown, Billy had one last surprise for Carolyn. He knew the logical move would be to not waste a second in getting back on the road to Dr. Jordan. But he knew he couldn’t outrun the Grim Reaper forever, and wanted to make sure Carolyn made the most of every minute she had. He thought it was anything but wasting time.</span></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;">He brought her to the old Cambria County War Memorial. Carolyn knew exactly what it was.</span><br />
<br />
“<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whoa—that’s where the Chiefs play!” she shouted.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">He tried to explain that the fictional mill town of Charlestown in </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Slap Shot</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> was based on Johnstown, and was filmed here. She didn’t grasp the concept of fiction and wanted to go in and see Reggie Dunlop and the Hanson Brothers.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Operation Anesthesia might very well capture her, but they could never take away this moment, or the huge smile on her face.</span></span>Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-49484270513923209462011-06-24T12:33:00.007-04:002011-07-08T13:13:19.695-04:00Deleted Chapters (Westward Bound)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OWRBNev7rDUipqzqy9km0Sh0J9JLAT_5GbaqhTiD1HmkcRIr2pQtkeQOS-DJf2qh84gqo2xe7bQuuQFlin7bYORHIQeOkJbA3s2-QcJ82HhKmVasGQWa4QG2kUvEB3TZi-CcX5ukmh0/s1600/Deleted+Chaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OWRBNev7rDUipqzqy9km0Sh0J9JLAT_5GbaqhTiD1HmkcRIr2pQtkeQOS-DJf2qh84gqo2xe7bQuuQFlin7bYORHIQeOkJbA3s2-QcJ82HhKmVasGQWa4QG2kUvEB3TZi-CcX5ukmh0/s320/Deleted+Chaps.jpg" width="320" /></a>As I've been going through the editing process the last few months- what to cut, what to keep - it made me think back to when I did the same for Painless. <br />
<br />
Upon returning to the cutting room floor, what I found were some chapters that I wish I had kept in, some that deserved to be cut, but were still interesting as a sole entity and had some value, and some that were downright disasters of the "what was I thinking" variety. <br />
<br />
So I thought it might be interesting to post some of the worthwhile chapters. The plan is to post a couple chapters a week here at the blog (minus this long, boring intro). Sounds like a good summer Friday thing.<br />
<br />
One little note of caution: I am posting them as they last were before they were cut, no additional editing or proofreading was done, so might be some rough patches. Also, once a change was made to Painless - ie. something or someone was cut - the story changed, and must compensate. So basically, not everything will be in perfect symmetry to the story in the final version of Painless.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Deleted Chapter #1 "Westward Bound"</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u>Summary:</u> In the book, when </span></span><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">they escaped upstate NY using the Muddle Huddle (Chapter 65-72), they go directly to NC to try to get to Dr. Jordan. But in the original, they first trek westward looking to hideout while they ponder there next move. In doing so, they return to Billy's hometown of Johnstown, PA, and his return to his roots (and facing his past) helps him figure a way out of trouble. As is the case with their journey, they feel the stress of Operation Anesthesia closing in on them</span>.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Corbel,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u>Why was it cut?</u> Simply put - speed and pace. I liked this storyline, and thought it showed much insight into Billy, but it just didn't make sense with so little time at their disposal, to be doing anything but taking the most direct route to NC (where they though Beth and Chuck were) and Dr. Jordan (who they thought was the key to finding them).</span><b><br />
</b></span></span></span></div><br />
__________________________________________________________________________ <br />
<br />
<b>Chapter</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">They moved westward, facing more danger and than Lewis and Clark ever did. It certainly wasn’t the most linear route to Clarksville, but it was the one Billy was most familiar with, and right now home court was one of his few advantages.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> But any comfort provided by their escape was tempered, knowing that it was just a matter of time before the</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> monster was once again on their heels, if they weren't already. And Billy knew they could come in any shape and size, and likely would strike when least expected. During a quick pit-stop at a rest area outside of Binghamton, New York, he even became suspicious of a grandmotherly looking woman. She had followed Dana and Carolyn into a bathroom, where Dana would help Carolyn “go potty,” check her wounded shoulder, and coax her into taking her fever medicine. For Billy, the couple minutes they were out of his sight felt like forty days in a desert without food. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Too grandmotherly, </i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">he thought.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">But his paranoia was just that. The grandmother was legit. But that didn't mean it would be the next time. When Dana and returned safely to his side, she whispered her fears that Carolyn’s gunshot wound might have become infected, which was complicated by the fact she didn’t have any of the body’s natural alarms to warn her. Her forehead was cool for now—no fever—but they knew they would have to get her some medical attention soon. </span><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The good news was that her attitude was no longer infected, an assist to the magic powers of a nap. As nightfall began to spring over western Pennsylvania and the colorful fall foliage disappeared into the darkness, Billy noticed another </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>a little</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>too long</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> of a look from a thirty-something couple in a Honda Accord. Weeks ago, he wouldn’t even have given it a second thought. He turned to Carolyn and decided to rely on her impeccable instincts to sort out the legitimate danger from the false positives.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“You see any dragons driving these cars, Carolyn?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Dragons don’t drive cars, silly.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Oh, okay—well, have you seen any dragons dressed as fireflies today?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Dragons don’t wear clothes.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He did a thousand-yard-stare into the empty dark highway ahead of them. “Do dragons come out more at night?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Dragons are not nocturnal. Dracula is.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He couldn't help but to laugh—he wasn't going to win this one. “Where’d you learn that big word?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“My mom.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He needed to get off the mom topic as soon as possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>She’s missing.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He looked back at her with a stern look. “No more Dracula imitations, okay?”<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">She sighed. “I’m never gonna live that one down.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I’m serious,” he said in a parental “don’t make me turn this car around, young lady” tone.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I’m sorry, Billy,” Carolyn surprised him with a rare concession.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Don’t be sorry—just don’t do it again.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I’m sorry for being sorry, Billy.”<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He concealed a smile as best he could.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">They stopped to eat at a greasy trucker diner off of the Appalachian Thruway. A waitress approached their table and handed them plastic menus. Like Carolyn, she flashed a smile of missing teeth. “How y’all doing tonight?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Good, thanks,” Billy said in chorus with Dana.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">She looked quizzically at them. “You on vacation?”<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Why do you ask that?” Billy asked right back, his hand on the gun in his leather jacket.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">She shrugged. “No biggie—you just don’t look like the types to come around here.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Yes, we were on vacation,” Dana answered a little too quickly. On the sticky table sat a local newspaper advertising Saturday’s football game between nearby Penn State and the University of Iowa. “We came for the Penn State game. We are alumni, and traveled here from Chicago,” she improvised.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> “Go Nittany Lions!” the waitress howled, before turning her attention to Carolyn. “Are you enjoying your vacation, sweetie?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Carolyn took a quick breath like she was going to dive into a pool, then said, “Oh my gosh.” </span> <br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Billy knew it was kid-code for “tangent about to begin.” They were too late to stop it.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“We went to my Dad’s cabin and met this guy named Calvin. He tried to take me away, but we found out he was nice. Then there was,” her hand motions turned theatrical, “this huge fire and Calvin turned into a firefly right before our eyes! So we went to Montreal and did le shopping and got to sleep over at Calvin’s brother’s house. But he died, so we came back, and I got shot. Then I was going to go to school, but Billy picked me up on a motorcycle, so I couldn't.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Billy’s heart practically jumped out of his body and flopped like a dead fish on the ketchup-stained table. And to make things worse, Carolyn wasn't finished, “Oh, I almost forgot—Aunt Dana was going to shoot my friend Billy with a gun, but they are friends again.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The waitress patted her on the head. “That is a great story, sweetie.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Dana shrugged. “She has some imagination, huh?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“And she's not going to apologize for it,” Billy added with a nervous smile.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The waitress smiled again at the crazy “city folk,” then announced, “I’ll be back with your drinks.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Billy pondered getting up and dashing out of the diner. But concluded that it would have caused more suspicion. It wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for a little girl to have a great imagination and tell wild tales. He held his breath, hoping the waitress wasn’t on the phone to </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>911.</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> Luckily, she returned with their food, and not the police...or worse. Billy and Dana gobbled down club sandwiches, while encouraging Carolyn to munch a littler faster on her hot dog—they couldn't afford to linger too long in one place. </span></span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">When they exited into the cold night air, he feared the bad guys would be waiting for them in the parking lot, but nobody was. Just more empty paranoia.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Figuring out what to do with the car was the next step. The Camaro might have made a good getaway car if their only opposition was the police. But he was sure Operation Anesthesia and Hasenfus had already made the connection to the Kielys, and Richard's car would be a primary target.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">But the other options were even less appealing. Billy certainly wasn’t a car thief by trade, and Dana didn’t strike him as a hot-wire kinda girl. So ditching one vehicle and stealing another had more probability of landing them in prison, than assisting in an escape. Trains and planes were not an option - they had too much security to even think about.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Billy knew of one place he could go, although, it was a long shot to say the least. Maybe even more so than a possible car heist, but desperate times call for desperate measures.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Night had turned pitch-black as they maneuvered through the Appalachian Mountains. Billy moved onto Highway-22 toward Ebensburg and then merged onto the William Penn Highway. Dana was glued to Beth’s Blackberry—hopefully not leading an Operation Anesthesia GPS system right to them—looking up subjects on the Internet such as bacterial infections and gangrene. She kept peeking back at Carolyn with a look of worry, who had drifted back into a deep sleep.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Billy carefully descended the Camaro down the winding mountainous roads, landing safely on familiar ground. But it was so far in his rear-view mirror that it seemed like the first time he’d ever been there. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dana pointed to the sign—</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Population: 77,252</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> “Are you taking me to your high school reunion?”</span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Billy didn’t say anything. He was too busy staring out at the ghost city. He’d only been back twice since the day he graduated college—for the funerals for his parents. The last, his mother’s, was ten years ago. It’s not like he was far away; he lived in the Klein mansion in a suburb of Pittsburgh—about sixty miles and one lifetime away. He just never saw a reason to go back.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Johnstown sat in a valley and the view from Appalachians was impressive. Its many lights glowed like an oasis. But like a lot of things, it looked better in the dark. It was once one of the biggest steel producers in the nation and its Conemaugh River Gap was a big exporting route to both Pittsburgh and Ohio. But Bethlehem and US Steel were long gone, and its last great export to Ohio was a quarterback called The Amish Rifle. Springsteen captured the bleakness in his song “</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The River</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">.”</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i> I got a job working construction, for the Johnstown Company, but lately there ain't been no work on account of the economy. </i></span></span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Tonight was the town's one shining moment. It was Friday night and Johnstown High had a home football game. Texas gets all the hype when it comes to a passion for high school football, but it was also king in western Pennsylvania. By the number of cars clogging the streets, he figured they must have won. Memories flooded back.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Earth to Billy—did you hear me?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He looked at her. “I’m sorry, what?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“You look like you saw a ghost. I asked if you were taking me to your high school reunion.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“It was last spring—the fifteen year.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Did you go?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I haven’t been back here in ten years.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“The great Amish Rifle never returned in his horse and buggy to the land he conquered? </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“I’ll bet they have a new teenage wonder-boy to live their lives vicariously through. I doubt they even remember me.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Dana soaked in her surroundings, taking in the aura of the town. “This seems like a place that remembers the past. Maybe a little too much.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He nodded.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Does it look any different to you?” Dana asked.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">“Exactly the same. Not one piece of furniture has been moved.”</span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” </span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">He didn’t say anything. </span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">They maneuvered through suburban neighborhoods until they arrived at Oak Street. The house looked the same. A ranch style home made of brick and vinyl, sitting behind a small manicured lawn. </span><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;">He was in his early sixties when he last saw him, his freshman year at Ohio State. He wasn’t even sure if he was still alive. But then he noticed the wood-paneled station wagon parked in the driveway—Brady Bunch model circa 1972—and like most things in Johnstown, it was still in the same exact spot as the day he left. </span> </div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Billy remembered him saying that no matter what he would always be there for them. It didn’t matter about miles or years, if he got that call in the middle of the night, he would be there. And he said it didn’t matter how much trouble they were in, as long as they admitted their faults and were committed to making amends. </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He was about to really test those words.</span><br />
_________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Next Week: Westward Bound 2 - where do they end up??<br />
<br />
Note: Pic used in blog entry is property of Savage Chickens <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OWRBNev7rDUipqzqy9km0Sh0J9JLAT_5GbaqhTiD1HmkcRIr2pQtkeQOS-DJf2qh84gqo2xe7bQuuQFlin7bYORHIQeOkJbA3s2-QcJ82HhKmVasGQWa4QG2kUvEB3TZi-CcX5ukmh0/s1600/Deleted+Chaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">As </a>Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-23928224383759791452011-05-27T14:27:00.004-04:002011-05-27T15:06:53.136-04:00Memorial Day Weekend / Kindles for Troops (K4T)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRyTg_AX71wCoqe-Ppko1f2R9NUYNj5Hav_ANG1iNdDti0xL1gLj_RhuTWzITVYYVZHfdbiaIFNDeAU3tRnQ7f5SXvJv6n4XlyP8zTQ6unBCkkg1WCwESxKbIyyOcLLgGSjlqq5juM4I/s1600/NATO-Weapons-Escort-Team-photo.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRyTg_AX71wCoqe-Ppko1f2R9NUYNj5Hav_ANG1iNdDti0xL1gLj_RhuTWzITVYYVZHfdbiaIFNDeAU3tRnQ7f5SXvJv6n4XlyP8zTQ6unBCkkg1WCwESxKbIyyOcLLgGSjlqq5juM4I/s320/NATO-Weapons-Escort-Team-photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611464442914436466" border="0" /></a><a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2010/05/memorial-day-weekend.html">Last year</a> on Memorial Day weekend I wrote about <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OperationEbookDrop">Operation Ebook Drop</a>, which provides free ebooks to soldiers overseas, and a program that I'm proud to be a part of. OEBD has been a great success, and since last year at this time the # of authors involved has quadrupled <a href="http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,13352.msg256428.html#msg256428">to over 800</a>!!<br /><br />So this year I started thinking: it's great to provide free ebooks, but what about the e-reader itself? Kindles and similar devices have come down in cost, but they still aren't cheap.<br /><br />This led me to research the subject, and I found that the answer was right under my nose, based in my home state of Connecticut. A non-profit called <a href="http://ebooksfortroops.org/">E-Books for Troops</a>, that started a program called "Kindles for Troops (K4T)".<br /><br />To use their words to best explain what they do:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">K4T is a terrific program that enables you to donate your pre-owned Kindle reader to a soldier who is deployed overseas. It is ideal for someone who wants to put their existing Kindle 2 to good use as they upgrade to a newer third-generation Kindle Wi-Fi or Kindle 3G, or for someone who wants to directly donate a Kindle 3 reader. </span><br /><br />As mentioned, it's great for someone who has recently upgraded, or maybe converted to an IPad, leaving an extra Kindle laying around the house. But if purchase a new one to donate, it is also <a href="http://ebooksfortroops.org/faqs/#distribute">tax deductible</a>. One thing I can guarantee from my dealings with soldiers this past year with OEBD, is that they will be both gracious and thankful. Here are the <a href="http://ebooksfortroops.org/donate-a-kindle/">directions to donate</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://ebooksfortroops.org/2011/02/15/a-letter-from-kabul-that-speaks-for-itself/">A letter</a> from a soldier in Kabul that I think embodies what this program means<br /><br />Wishing everyone a fun and safe Memorial Day Weekend!Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-82473691413125935942011-04-22T13:08:00.006-04:002011-04-22T13:30:21.894-04:00Mail Bag #3 (the What's Next version)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1rf0Z7OJHWdywkFSfrNzMTwfNqCZhOk4oL1S5dd0GjhjbUUTqRBo9rkXYYCmRjmkGMrQeobui9QJ6fTDC9z2PAqZ58CJDA5YLSgDMfNtooF0U95UePMG8hGJxc5mrANBYsgkIRV2jE0/s1600/you_ve_got_mail.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598456356311397570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1rf0Z7OJHWdywkFSfrNzMTwfNqCZhOk4oL1S5dd0GjhjbUUTqRBo9rkXYYCmRjmkGMrQeobui9QJ6fTDC9z2PAqZ58CJDA5YLSgDMfNtooF0U95UePMG8hGJxc5mrANBYsgkIRV2jE0/s320/you_ve_got_mail.jpg" border="0" /></a> The recent questions I've received have fit into one of three areas:<br /><br />1. Are there going to be more books?<br />2. (If so) when will they be available?<br />3. What are they about?<br /><br />So this mail bag will focus solely on those categories. If you have any follow-up questions on the subject, or I didn't cover something, feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:derekbkclb@yahoo.com">derekbkclb@yahoo.com</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Will there be another book?<br /></strong>Yes. <a href="http://www.painless-ciccone.com/">Painless</a> has been a fun experience for me, so I look forward to putting other books out there and I'm excited to find out what people think.<br /><br /><strong>When will they be out? </strong><br />I don't have a specific date, but here is the general plan: I've identified 5 stories I've written that I hope to be made available in the next calender year. I'm shooting to have the first one released sometime this summer. Not sure if that timeline is realistic, but it's the plan as of today. I also expect any new material to be out in ebook version first, as the paperback/hardcover versions take longer.<br /><br /><strong>What's taking so long?<br /></strong>Since I thought Painless would only be read by friends and family, a lot of corners were cut and had to make a lot of changes on the fly. So for the upcoming books, I have put together a talented team to help me review them, edit, proofread, etc. This process takes more time, but hopefully the extra time and effort will be worth it.<br /><br /><strong>Are the future books like Painless?</strong><br />Yes and no. They are not a sequel or series, and none of them are about a girl who can't feel pain. The stories I've written have all been standalones - I have ideas for continuations of certain characters and storylines, and might write them in the future, but I enjoy meeting new people in each book, so that is where I have tended to go so far. The topics change from book to book, but the basic style remains the same.<br /><br /><strong>What is that style?</strong><br />I guess they would be technically classified as mystery's or thrillers, but as was the case with Painless, I tend to mix a bunch of genres together, and basically write books that I'd want to read myself. The key for me is to write characters that I find interesting. I think of it like a cross-country airline flight - if the person sitting beside you is interesting, it often makes for an enjoyable flight. But if you sit beside the sort of people I generally get stuck next to on planes, then a six hour flight can seem like six days!<br /><br />The characters are usually ordinary people (or at least think they are) who end up in extraordinary circumstances. And while the topics of the books can range anywhere from a gritty crime story to the tale of girl who can't feel pain, as long as I care about the characters and want to find out what happens to them next, then the story will draw me in and keep me wanting (in my case, writing) more. And hopefully it will for you.<br /><br />Have a Happy Easter!!<br /><br />And here are links to previous Mail Bags:<br /><a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2010/08/mail-bag-part-one.html">#1 (8/27/10)</a> <a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2010/11/mail-bag-2.html">#2 (11/18/10)<br /></a>Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-63368483657466688412011-02-21T20:40:00.010-05:002011-02-21T22:47:21.850-05:00Paid at Last! Paid at Last!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGU7jh5E7qmGCFJbrzomU2kEvvBcnxiOZWb2zzqD4ceO4WpKGRTNK1cm6ChA2T0_I7lYv-yvxkQK0W2c5pL4mGJgkPCcRfNYMoENWreWm7mmw_YfINmi7mNaRctlHhikv1ZsByWsN0TM/s1600/ibook+allstar2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576323095281827058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 263px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGU7jh5E7qmGCFJbrzomU2kEvvBcnxiOZWb2zzqD4ceO4WpKGRTNK1cm6ChA2T0_I7lYv-yvxkQK0W2c5pL4mGJgkPCcRfNYMoENWreWm7mmw_YfINmi7mNaRctlHhikv1ZsByWsN0TM/s320/ibook+allstar2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Last week, after over-extending its stay by about eight months, the one month free offer for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ebook</span> version of <a href="http://www.painless-ciccone.com/">Painless</a> ended (except on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">AmazonUK</span>...long story).<br /><br />During this time, readers would often thank me for making it free, or feel sorry for the poor author who was forced to give his book away like a tag sale <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">flyer</span> and provide condolences. While appreciated, neither of these responses is really accurate (although I will still accept the $$ from those offering to send to me out of pity!). The free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ebook</span> offer actually was a great opportunity that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">unexpectedly</span> took Painless to places I never thought it would travel - and I think deserves its own blog entry.<br /><br />At this time last year I was a big <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ebook</span> skeptic - the concept didn't seem logical (why would anyone spend $$ to buy a device to read and then have to buy the book on top of it? Why not just buy the book?). So I didn't think much of it early last summer when I made Painless available for free in response to a promotion for this strange new tablet-looking thing Apple put out called an <a href="http://gigaom.com/apple/ipad-launch-numbers/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">iPad</span></a>. It led to this conversation with <a href="http://twitter.com/markcoker">Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Coker</span></a>, the head of <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/9027"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Smashwords</span></a>, my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ebook</span> publisher:<br /><br />Mark: Just wanted you to know that Painless was downloaded 1,500 times on Apple<br />Me: Wow, that's way more than I thought - what's that, like a few hundred a month?<br />Mark: No, I meant it was downloaded 1,500 times last week.<br /><br />This got my attention, but was nothing compared to my surprise when those numbers multiplied by 30 the week after Xmas (I think everyone got an i<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Pad</span> for Xmas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">xcept</span> me!) or that it became the most downloaded free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ebook</span> on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">AmazonUK</span> in January of this year. And while stats and numbers are great, the best part was the feedback I got from readers in Melbourne, Australia to Tulsa, Oklahoma to London, and so on, along with being able to participate in <a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/2010/02/operation-e-book-drop_14.html">Operation <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Ebook</span> Drop</a>, which provides free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ebooks</span> for soldiers overseas. And let's be honest, if you're reading this blog entry it's most likely because you came across the book on the free offer, right?<br /><br />I have no idea how many of those who downloaded the book actually read it (although I do know that almost 2,000 people on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">iBooks</span> have <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=366775796&mt=8">rated and reviewed it</a>) and no clue what percentage of those who read it: liked it, hated it, or were somewhere in-between, but I do know that the free offer gave the book what any author would want - a vehicle to get their book into readers hands, and allow the readers to determine its fate. I would compare it to owning a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">restaurant</span> that nobody knows about, and don't have the advertising budget to reach people - wouldn't that restaurant want to give away free meals to hopefully attract future patrons to the restaurant? In the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">pre</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">ebook</span> world, it would be too cost <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">prohibitive</span> to give away free meals, but it's a whole new world now in the book industry (a topic that probably also deserves its own blog entry).<br /><br />The Painless <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">ebook</span> will now be selling for $6.99, so it will still be much cheaper than the meals at the fancy restaurants from the big publishers. Thanks again to everyone who participated in the free offer!Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7744167934275137237.post-4287696128022184052010-12-30T22:55:00.012-05:002010-12-31T15:53:17.716-05:00Final Blog Entry of 2010!! New Year's Resolution<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaA-CaarL2gsgpG74q8gC1x0fdc9GEwWB6pH7bxzL_FykHTv6t6HDUNA9V9CFk1-TIuXPNnmoVgqBgoL6LBtFEs0u43xG-Y7EVsenMFk4v_h40kCfA6ZZyJiP8vIxwewMilfM3k9qfPM/s1600/HappyNewYearBookWinesSparkle.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556690518759266146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaA-CaarL2gsgpG74q8gC1x0fdc9GEwWB6pH7bxzL_FykHTv6t6HDUNA9V9CFk1-TIuXPNnmoVgqBgoL6LBtFEs0u43xG-Y7EVsenMFk4v_h40kCfA6ZZyJiP8vIxwewMilfM3k9qfPM/s320/HappyNewYearBookWinesSparkle.gif" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Note: If you are reading this at a place that isn't the Derek Novel Ideas Blog (i.e. Facebook) you can </span><a href="http://derekciccone.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">click here</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> to go to blog.</span><br /><p><strong>2010 resolution:</strong> To get as many people as possible to read <a href="http://www.painless-ciccone.com/">Painless</a>.</p><p>When asked how many that would be - perhaps influenced by too much champagne, or maybe the sight of Ryan Seacrest as the new Dick Clark just made anything seem possible - I pointed at the zillions celebrating in <a href="http://www.ejourna.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/times_square_342101805_9098ecfc99.jpg">Times Square</a> and said "that many."</p><p><strong>Final results:</strong> While I'm sure it didn't meet the Times Square standard, I do have enough numbers and feedback to be able to confirm that a lot of people <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=366775796&mt=8">did read</a> Painless in 2010, and since I have never ever kept a NYears Resolution, I will grade myself on the curve and say it was a successful resolution!</p><p>The big question on Jan 1, 2010 was: how could Painless reach potential readers outside of my footprint, especially without the resources of a major publishing house behind the it? And the answer came in the form of Kindles and <a href="http://www.isuppli.com/mobile-and-wireless-communications/news/pages/ipad-sales-to-hit-7-million-in-2010-and-triple-by-2012.aspx">IPads</a>, and all the ebooks and e-readers that <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/books/index.ssf/2010/12/2010_is_one_for_the_e-books.html">took over the world</a> in 2010. Mainly because of the ebook phenomenon, Painless was able to reach readers from Seattle to Oklahoma to Australia to the UK, and so on. And when it was made free to IPad users, it ended up in the <a href="http://www.ibookallstars.com/?time=1">top 10 free downloads</a> for all Apple ebooks and remains <a href="http://www.ibookallstars.com/book.php?id=366775796">#1 in the Mystery & Thriller</a> section. The more traditional print book also grew in 2010, especially thanks to the many who purchased it as Christmas gift this year. </p><p><strong>2011 Resolution:</strong> To put another book out there for people to read</p><p><strong>Final Results:</strong> Check back next year!!</p>Thanks to everyone who supported the book and this blog.<br />Have a fun (and safe) new years! And wishing you a happy and healthy 2011!!Derekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05355968754449068436noreply@blogger.com