Tag: Book Giveaway

THE THREE-YEAR RIDE! — Derek Barton – 2019

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Three years ago, I created this blog and established my site and social media footprint in order to advertise my book and to give my fans a place to reach out to me.  This has been a crazy but fantastic ride!  So thankful to all of you who’ve come along as passengers on my little quest.

Here’s the growth from year one to now:

SUBSCRIBERS:

  • 2019 = 70 WordPress, 11 Email & 488 through Twitter & Facebook.
  • 2016 = 11 Email

VIEWS/VISITORS:

  • 2019 = 4,488 — 2016 = 1603 views
  • 2019 = 2,475 — 2016 = 659 visitors
  • 2019 = 61 — 2016 = 19 different countries

POSTS:

  • 2019 = this is the 115th post!! (26 so far this year)
  • 2016 = 37 posts

GIVEAWAYS:  18 Individual giveaways for Book, Audio, Amazon or Metal Bookmarkers!

 

As you know if you’ve been following my goal blogs, I use a bi-montly process that has actually been quite effective.  Here are the goals made and fulfilled from July, 2018 through June, 2019:

  • Complete the Audiobook for In Four Days. Now out on Amazon, Audible & Kindle! N4D Revamp 2018c
  • Create/organize this year’s 2018 Indie Fantasy Book Giveaway with several other independent authors. Was a decent success — this year’s increase in participation & what we are giving away is a nice testament to that!

2019 Indie Book Giveaway Ad

  • Find at least two places to do a book-signing appearance. Did four book signings but due to finances and low turnout I couldn’t justify doing more…but with several books released now, I will be on the prowl for another couple signing spots this year!  Would also like to get into one or two comic-cons, but cannot promise that due to having to usually register months in advance.
  • Finish editing for Elude #1 & #2.
  • Design the book cover for Elude #1 & #2.
  • Write the end of Elude #3.  Elude Ad 2019The entire series has been completed, book covers designed then redesigned, and soon to be released in audible format by the end of the first quarter next year!!
  • Send out Monthly Newsletters by 15th of the month.  I have been successful with this and plan on continuing.
  • Keep up The Hidden saga on the website every 2 weeks.  Accomplished this and have published the entire series on Amazon & Kindle!cover
  • Start my outline for Book #3 for the Wyvernshield Fantasy series. Still trying to get through this one. Coming up with the battle plans and the intricate plots is a whole lot more complicated than you’d expect! Plus, with this being the finale, I want to do better than “What-did-you-do-to-my-Game-of-Thrones?!”… UGH!!!GoT s8
  • Write up and prepare for writing in the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) Challenge in November — Book #3 will be my focus for NaNoWriMo! (50,000 word count goal!)  I participated in this last November, but my outline had too many holes so it only garnered 26,000 words… However, it’s a good start!
  • Craft a video book trailer for Consequences Within Chaos and The Bleeding Crown.  (Can you say strettcccchhhhh gooooaaalll???)  This will happen — but trying to make Wyvernshield #3 a priority right now.
  • Start another web saga?  May have to have a survey for which genre to pursue — fantasy or horror.  Decided to do a Dystopian/Fantasy saga:  Juxtaposed…  Now working on Chapter Four. JX CH 2
  • Thinking about setting up a service to other authors for possible book cover design.  Maybe…  I did get this off the ground and have had some success doing covers, editing & proofing for other writers. I plan on continuing this as the work has been sporadic and not too overwhelming so far.
  • Begin a four-part guest blog swap with fellow writer Adam Mitchell and complete a Blog Interview with him! (This will be my first ever blog swap and should be a lot of fun!)  This has been a success — our final and fourth blogs are due out this month.  Check out Adam’s here!  For my blogs, click here!

 

Thanks again to all of you for your continued help, support and following me along this bumpy road!  It has been the greatest adventure of my life!!

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THE 2019 INDIE BOOK GIVEAWAY IS UPON US!! — Derek Barton – 2019

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2019 Indie Book Giveaway Ad

HEY EVERYONE! IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN!! A SUPER-SIZED INDIE BOOK GIVEAWAY THIS YEAR!!

Check out these amazing eight authors giving away FREE EBOOKS — Doug Sanburn, T.D. Barton, Logan Fox, Susanne Lamdin, Nesa Miller, Andrea Cooper, Adam Mitchell, and Christy Mann!

ONE WINNER will have their choice of a $100 Amazon Gift Card or a Kindle Reader (pictured below!).

2019 Kindle Reader

It’s open for entry from July 5th to July 31st. You get “extra entries” by posting an ad on Facebook or sharing the ad or Tweeting (like Trump) on Twitter!

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE! 

Bi-Monthly Goals for July & August 2019 — Derek Barton – 2019

Goal Setting

Blog Goal #1

Well…this has definitely been a challenging yet rewarding year. Unfortunately, events have substantially impacted my writing production.

At the beginning of April, I gave you my goals for April & May.  Now, I won’t go into detail or give any excuses, but me and my family had to face and overcome some serious medical obstacles followed by financial hardships. I was so derailed that I lost most of June as well still working things out.

The dust has settled and overall, we are sitting better than where we even started the year.  However, like any sudden change, it takes time to recover and adapt.

I do want to apologize to you, my core fans, and ask for your forgiveness and patience.

My work schedule has done a 360 degree shift on me and thus, my writing time has been severely compromised. One of my priorities this month will have to be to determine when and where to write. As I have stated in the past that I write mainly after 10 PM when my family goes to bed. Now I am working from 8 AM to 4:30 PM versus 11:30 AM to 8 PM  — not too mention the two hours of driving time… But, I repeat, I am not wanting  to give you excuses, only facts which I’ll have to find a work-around.

I promise you: Writing and developing my collection is too important for me to throw away or forget about. Adjustment, flexibility, good attitude and drive will help me find a path through.

Here were my goals and results from April & May:

  • Complete the outline for the third book in the Wyvernshield Series — partially completed; more chapters to work though.
  • Complete the outline for the new web saga, Juxtaposed — succeeded on this goal, but need to publish the third installment.
  • Complete the outline for the new Evade Series (crime/horror series) — no writing or outlining yet done on this storyline unfortunately.
  • Rework the covers of my books — partial success as I revamped the Elude Series which I’m quite happy with. Still need another artist or somehow figure out what I want for my new covers for the Wyvernshield Series.
  • Begin a four-part guest blog swap with fellow writer Adam Mitchell and complete a Blog Interview with him! — success as I published the interview (see here if you haven’t had a chance to read it) and have done 3 of the 4 guest blogs with him so far.

And by the way…I recently did an in-depth interview with my voice actress, Laura Richcreek on the Wyvernshield Series. That is in the editing stage but soon to be released. STAY TUNED FOR THAT!  It was fun to do and we get into a lot of the minute details and reasons behind the plot twists in the two books.  >>SPOILERS ALERT<<  

My Goals for July & August:

The last goal blog, I proposed goals and put some dates of completion with them.  This time I’m going to try putting Priority Levels on them — I will work from the top down which will keep me focused on what’s most important for me to complete.

  • Complete the total outline for the third book of the Wyvernshield Series. Highest Priority.
  • Maintain a two-week production of the chapters for the web series, Juxtaposed. Highest Priority.
  • Develop and begin the Evade Series outline.  Medium Priority.
  • Find a cover artist or design the Wyvernshield book covers myself.  Medium Priority.
  • Develop a book trailer for Wyvernshield Series. Lowest Priority (stretch goal).

 

There are many other things I want to do, but time is very limited so I hope these goals can be accomplished. With luck and with the better financial position, I hope to do more appearances, giveaways, and book signings by the end of the year! Thanks for everyone’s support and I appreciate everyone sticking around to see what’s in store for the future.

 

 

Items In the Forge Update — Derek Barton – 2019

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Iron Forge

 

Hey there!  I wanted to send out a quick update of items I’m working on currently and what you can expect to see from me in the future!

THE BLEEDING CROWN AUDIOBOOK will be available by the end of March or the first week of April!  Laura Richcreek continues the saga and lends her incredible voice talents to bring the story alive. Literally over thirty different creature voices alone had to be crafted for the novel. Keep an eye out for free download giveaways!!

ELUDE PART THREE is finally written and going through a thorough wave of editing by my editors, Nesa Miller and Ted Barton.  It will be produced by the end of March. This is the thrilling conclusion to the suspenseful Elude Series!

THE HIDDEN has also come to a stunning end and the last chapters will be published on this site in the next couple weeks!  This horror origin story written with my father, T.D. Barton, will be available on both Amazon and Kindle by the middle of this year.

SWIMMING IN THE ASHES is still in the first draft process (over 26,000 words so far). I am going to delve into the book’s outline as I want to flesh out a few of the plot points I didn’t fully define yet before I continue with the writing.  As I have proclaimed before, I am a “hard-nosed plotter” and I want to be sure I haven’t messed any events up!

EVADE will be a new Crime/Horror story I want to write which delves deeper into horror than the crime genre. Like ELUDE, it will also have ties to my Horror/Suspense novella IN FOUR DAYS. This time the story revolves around when the police find themselves on the receiving end of a high-speed car chase!

AFTER WYVERNSHIELD… I have been developing an idea and I hope to bring you another three-book series this time focusing on characters living in the wondrous lands of Aberrisc! How were their lives impacted by the events depicted in CONSEQUENCES WITHIN CHAOS, THE BLEEDING CROWN and SWIMMING IN THE ASHES?  What has happened with the dark reign of the Quietus Dominion after the Ebon Queen Chroyanne?

AN UNTITLED NEW WEB SAGA in the works once THE HIDDEN has officially wrapped up.  This will be an ongoing “Parallel Universe” story with a fascinating look at what happens when you meet the “other you”!

Yes, all this and I still have a full-time day job and a family with three children to help take care of!

Thanks to everyone who has supported and continues to help with my work, given me great ideas and feedback, and kept my spirits high through this epic journey!

 

 

 

FREE-EBOOK FEBRUARY…NOW MARCH! — Derek Barton – 2019

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FREE-BOOK FEBRUARY! was such a success (WHICH I TRULY THANK YOU) that I am extending it into March!

So far there have been over 430 books ordered in the last two days!!  That just blows me away!  THANK YOU AND ENJOY!!!

It was brought to my attention that one book, ELUDE PART ONE was unfortunately not able to be put on the “book sale” due to contract term dates.  Thus, it was only able to go on Kindle for “free” this Friday and Saturday.  That being said, along with the amount of interest, I am putting all the books again on a Free-Ebook Sale this Friday (3/1) and Saturday (3/2)!

All I ask is if you did enjoy any of the books, please put a book review on Amazon for me. It doesn’t have to be really elaborate or specific, but EVERY REVIEW HELPS and it signals other readers that this may be something they would like to read!

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!

 

A Must-See Character? — Derek Barton – 2019

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Character Sketch

 

Have you ever wanted to participate in a book’s story creation?  Watched a movie and thought, I wish they would’ve have done this…or wished they would have taken the story in this direction…or This character is so flat, boring… 

Well, I am offering you your chance!

In an upcoming modern horror/crime story I am developing, I want YOU to tell me what would you’d like to see or read — what character you’d write about!

My only limitation for you is that the story will focus on two patrol officers — I am picturing this character as my main character’s partner.

Should I chose your character, I will send you a Signed Paperback copy of the novel in advance of putting it on the market and give you exclusive credit on my dedication/acknowledgment page for that character creation! Also, you will get an exclusive paperback copy of Elude #3 coming out late March or April with an alternate cover…YOU WILL HAVE THE ONLY SIGNED COPY! 

This giveaway will go to the end of March and you must be within the United States to win (sorry, but International Mailing is just impractical at this time).  Also note, if not enough entries are sent or viable characters to choose from, I may not select a winner for the giveaway.

Use my prior Character Sketch blogs to get a better idea of what I am looking for:

Diving into the oceans of your characters!

OR…

New Character Sketch!

CHARACTER SKETCH

Name —

Gender —

Character Strengths & Weaknesses ==

How old?

What does the character look like? 

Where is the character from?

How does your character deal with conflict? 

Where does he/she live?

Does the character have any unique or special abilities? 

Who else is in their life? 

The character’s current status in life?

What is your character’s goal or motivation?

To participate, Copy and Paste the questions to an email and send your responses to Rivyenphx@gmail.com.  Feel free to add images, short summaries or anything else you want that will bring your creation to life!

Good luck and together we can really write something special!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Missing the Party? — Derek Barton – 2019

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Dub #1

 

What are you missing out on — what exclusive items or sneak previews could you be reading right now on my Patreon Page?

Take a look!

 

Posted — Jan 16 at 6:26 PM

Elude — Part Three: Opening Chapter Rough Draft Preview

 

CHAPTER ONE — LOSING THE LURE

Vic pulled the space heater closer and pointed it at Shellie who was asleep next to the wall. They were on the roof of one of the abandoned warehouses in Guadalupe. She moaned a little but angled her face into the waves of heat.

The skies overhead had been clear and cloudless, but there was still a chill that seemed to seep into every bone. He was himself bundled up in several layers of clothes and a windbreaker jacket. They were camped out here which had been a part of the plan. The access to them was only through one door.

 

Continue Reading…

 

Posted — Jan 18 at 2:15 AM

Elude: Part Three — Chapter Two Preview of My Rough Draft

 

CHAPTER TWO  — CUT SHORT

 

Chad had been hit two years ago by a semi-truck tractor on that same night he encountered the Jinn. He wondered if this time he’d be able to continue his career.

That is if they stop fucking firing and I live!

He pressed his head down flat upon a cement step, face first into the crease of the stair, cradled in a fetal position. The bullets whirred through the area like irate bees. His ears hurt and throbbed from the terrible noise.

Barely he registered the sounds of more gunfire coming from the roof. The rain of metal stopped finally, and their guns were trained on something or someone else.

 

Continue Reading…

 

Posted — Jan 29 at 5:21 PM

Sneak Preview of Chapter 25 of The Hidden (Rough Draft)

 

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE:  REUNION

Reflected light from the bath danced crazily across the ceiling, and Zelda watched it, abstractly, remembering the times she had spent with Nate. She thought back to when they first met: She was playing Fiona in a small-time production of “Brigadoon.” It was summer stock theater, in a North Chicago suburb called Palatine — very little, pay and even less prestige.

 

Continue Reading…

 

Posted — Feb 5 at 6:26 PM

Audible Book Review of James Patterson’s “Never Never” — Derek Barton

I have been for over a year now getting Audible books so I decided I would review and share my opinion on some of them with you. Enjoy!

I have a small confession: this is actually the first book I have read from James Patterson. I know that he is an extremely prolific writer, but until recently I just did not have the opportunity to read much. I still don’t, but that is the beauty and power of buying audiobooks.

 

Continue Reading…

 

Swimming In The Ashes (Working Title) — Chapter One Sneak Preview

Posted — Feb 8 at 1:49 AM

PART ONE

Chapter One

The white and brown roan rode hard, its side heaved from the exertion and its breath plumed out in the chill of the early morning air. LLasher hated doing so, but he pushed the animal nearly to its physical limits. However, it was critical that he get there, the urgency of his mission required it. He guided the horse with his knees to the underside of a towering, vine-choked cliff. He spotted a small ledge which climbed up the massive wall.

 

Continue Reading…

 

Certainly, some of this content has been posted on my normal writer’s website, but it was posted there first!  And none of the Sneak Preview Chapters are on my website…

Don’t miss out — get exclusives, advance content, AND one-of-a-kind Book Covers and signed custom-made metal bookmarkers!!

Here are the benefits of each Patron Tier Level:

Patreon ad #1Patron ad #2

The other great thing about Patreon.com is that there are many other great Creative People (musicians, bloggers, YouTubers, writers, artists) for you to see and learn about.  It’s a congregation of the ARTS!

Don’t miss out on the party!!

NOW ON PATREON! — Derek Barton – 2019

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HEY EVERYONE!  GREAT NEWS!!

I am now on Patreon.com! What is Patreon, you ask?  It is a great way for you and I to connect and for you to get some fantastic and exclusive book and artwork content!

Long ago, painters sought out “patrons” to help them with daily living costs while they worked on contracts.  Patreon is similar to this and offers a direct form of communication and trade between us.

By becoming a Patron, you get to read exclusive blogs, preview chapters, get ebooks ahead of market releases, obtain signed books, custom-designed metal bookmarkers, and even alternate, custom-made book covers of my books JUST FOR YOU!

Here is a preview of MY PAGE:

patreon #1

 

Of course, there is no obligation and pledges can be changed at any time.  With your support, however, I can get you more of what your survey results asked for — More content, current updates, and better giveaway prizes!  Also, I hope to use the support to get out and have book signings and conventions around the United States.

LET’S GET THIS JOURNEY STARTED!