choices made

Choices Made: Missouri or Misery

2011-11-26T19:31:00.001-08:00

I've been working hard, but the years pass quickly. I have completed Book 3 in the series and am nearing publication date! It's been a long time since last publication and I'm itching to get it done.

While waiting for editing on Book 3, I pursued Choices Made: Always - the 4th and final book of the series. Book 3 should be published in December 2011 or January 2012 and Book 4 should be following in a few months after.

As sorry as I am to finish the series, I am anxious to finish working on Daniel's story - the poor man's in a coma while waiting for Jamy's story to end - or begin on Grayson's story. Can't tell who will win that battle just yet but first Jamy!

What does it take to be a Best Seller

2008-03-13T17:45:00.001-07:00

Hi:
Well, just listened to 1.5 hours of a pat it on your back club. I tuned into an audio seminar about how to market your book and they were very enthusiastic about what they had done for each other. So, it all comes down to the bottom line hoping you will hire them. The fact of the matter is that all the marketing in the world doesn't matter if people aren't talking about your book. If one person said, "Have you read Chris' new book - Choices Made: Fathers and Sons" and "I picked it up on Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com", I would be a best selling author.

It's a known fact that word of mouth has more to do with sales than any amount of newprint. I know why the people in the audio conference were repeating their titles over and over - it sticks in your mind and soon you are on-line buying. Well, I wrote Choices Made: The Street Years and trudged through trying to get reviews at all the right places but being self-published, there are very few who will even take you seriously. Those who read the book gave me 5 stars and that did include a professional reviewer. Those who picked up Choices Made: Fathers and Sons are all waiting for Book 3 - Choices Made: Missouri or Misery. So, can you guess my website? http://www.choicesmade.com/ Stop in and shop for the book or if you want to remain anonymous - go to Amazon and buy it there. I would love to have you pick up a copy and review it. I want to hear what you have to say.

I am working hard on Choices Made: Missouri or Misery and am excited about all the challenges Jamy faces. Sometimes his tough guy nature and the hatred for what happened to him comes out in the form of vengence and that's the part I'm writing now. The question is how far will vengence take him???
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HERE'S THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE PROLOGUE FOR BOOK 3:
We met Jamy Chance MacGregor at his mother’s funeral in, Choices Made: The Street Years, when, at just fifteen, Jamy, in a decision based on emotional trauma and lies, ran from the foster care system in an attempt to find his biological father.

After a harrowing night on the streets, and becoming a victim of a vicious sexual attack, Jamy no longer held the idea that his father would want him and succumbed to the ravages of street life. A victim of repeated rapes and abuse, he fought with the history of his own genteel upbringing and his new life in a violent world as to what was right, and wrong. Even as his dead mother’s warnings echoed in his mind, he placed the needle to his arm as a heroin addict who soon became Street Lord, the local dealer; and head of the largest gang in St. Louis, the Forty-second Street Gang.

Time, and a new life in the birth of his son when only sixteen, pushed Jamy deeper into trouble with his becoming the favorite dealer and party-boy for the head of the St. Louis syndicate, the Drug Lord, Mr. Granges; but that same child reawakened a remembrance of a peaceful life and his yearning to bring up his son in a non-violent world prompted Jamy to gather his strength and turn his back on the Forty-second Street Gang, and Granges.

An aspiring artist, he used his talent in his quest for help. Isaac Sands, Professor of Art at the local university, and Gene Bradley, the owner of a popular art supply store, opened their arms to Jamy and his young family. Syl Anderson also wanted to help but Jamy’s life as a Street Lord conflicted with his own as a Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drug (BNDD) undercover agent. As their worlds collided and intermingled, Jamy found his chance to escape in a blood-bath that nearly left him dead.

With his body slowly healing, we moved along with Jamy in, Choices Made: Fathers and Sons, where we found him struggling with his past as he ventured into a future in the hometown of his biological father. Leaving his child, JamyNick, and best friend, Nick, behind with his friends Isaac and Gene, Jamy entered the Witness Protection Program managed by Syl Anderson and a man Jamy had grown to hate, his stepfather, Paul Linders, who he believed abandoned he and his mother during her illness for the sake of his job.

In the chasm of his emotions, he struggled, feeling abandoned and lost. In St. Louis lived his son, his friends, and his stepfather. In Juxton, Missouri, lived the man he believed to be his biological father, James MacGregor, and his hoped for future.

Though he found friendship in Sam MacGregor, Sheriff of Juxton and his caretaker while in the Witness Protection Program, his dream of family pushed him into a confrontation with James who violently denied him and, unknowingly sent Granges and his murderers to Jamy’s home.

A bloody narrow escape and his forced return to St. Louis by the BNDD, brought Jamy to a joyous reunion with his son, JamyNick, but also found him situated in the home of his step-father which opened wounds of what his life would have been had the man not turned his back on them. Confrontations between Jamy, his past, and Paul, who was also an agent with the BNDD, kept the wounds raw as Jamy teetered on an emotional brink during his testimony at the murder and drug dealing trial of Granges. His artistic renderings brought forth in the trial revealed his life as a dealer, addict and prostitute which only enforced Paul’s anger against what Jamy had become and in the skewed belief that Jamy would not be a good father for JamyNick, he took his son from him.

Realizing what his testimony had done to any possible future with either his father or step-father and the subsequent abandonment by his friends, Jamy reached out to a total stranger who had mysteriously appeared during the trial and claimed to be his father’s black-sheep brother, Ian MacGregor. Snatching at any glimmer of hope, Jamy with Ian, rescued JamyNick from his intended future where betrayals had shrouded the child in a cloak of confusion.

Not trusting Ian, but desperate, Jamy followed his lead to a secluded cabin in the Pristine Forest located on MacGregor Land, back in Juxton. Spending time away from the demands of his past, Jamy’s body healed and his physical strength grew. Learning of his family’s history and the truth of his birth began the slow process of emotional healing. As time edged forward, not all his questions could be answered at the cabin and his dream of becoming an artist and his youth propelled him away from all that he had known. Traveling with JamyNick and his Uncle Ian to Paris, France, and taking on the new name of CeCe Chaumbers, Jamy left Missouri or, as he pronounced it, Misery, behind, or did he?
Does Jamy revert to his dark past or does his dream propel him to a bright future. Follow me now as we join Jamy, in Choices Made: Missouri or Misery.
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Get Choices Made: The Street Years and get to know Jamy, follow him in Choices Made:Fathers and Sons and see what his family does to his dreams. Get Ready for the next!!! In the meantime, I challenge you to send the link to my site to all of your friends and tell them to pick up a copy of a great cliff hanger!!

Book 2 of Series is available for sale

2007-07-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

HI:
Well, I did publish Book 2 - Choices Made: Fathers and Sons. It's for sale on amazon.com and in other stores. Just need to do a google search and you'll find all the places. Of course it is on my site. www.choicesmade.com and you can buy directly from me. Those that have read it said it is even better than book 1 but getting them to post reviews is a little difficult. But I am glad for their feedback. All that have communicated to me said they are anxiously waiting for Book 3 - Choices Made Missouri or Misery which I am currently working on. Sales on #2 have been slow so am hoping for a good review that catches the buyers eye. If you are into a good read, stop by my site, I'm offering a discounted price on the books.

Teaser: In book 3, my character, Jamy, tries to break the curse on his family and comes face to face with a woman who forced him into prostitution when he was a kid. Lots of conflict for him to deal with.

Stay tuned!

Book 2 has been sent to the Publisher

2006-10-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

Hi All:
Well, I sent the manuscript for Book 2, Choices Made: Fathers and Sons, to the publisher and they should have received it today. I should have my proof copy by Thanksgiving and just a few weeks later, I'll have my stock. As it takes a bit for the book to get into channels such as Amazon, etc., I have opened my website to sell the book directly. I am running a pre-publication special for those who want to pre-order. I don't plan on getting a lot of stock to start, but I want to make sure those who have purchased Book 1 get a chance to get their orders in for Christmas. You can visit www.ChoicesMade.com to read excerpts from Book 2 and see the book cover or get in on the special sale.

I painted this 2nd book cover myself but I am not sure if I really am thrilled about it - maybe because I had a tough time settling on it and then being a new artist, actually getting it done. I guess I'll wait for the readers' feedback to see how you like it.

I get to kick back a little now but that won't last long. I have Book 3 of the series swimming through my head and the itch to get to it. All in time.
Christine

Been a while

2006-01-26T19:58:00.000-08:00

HI:
It's been a while, hasn't it. Well, I have been busy with dog shows until September, then it seemed like it was Thanksgiving and before you know it Christmas. About 20 lbs of home-made candy and at least 30 dozen cookie later, it is finally all gone. My waistline is showing it a little - not as bad as other years but time to watch it. And it is nice putting all the baking and candy making equipment away.

Been focusing on editing Book 2. I have someone proofing the punctuation now. Hope to get it published this spring. That's been the plan! I have the coverwork 1/2 done. I will describe it and leave it to your imagination until it is complete. Oil on canvas.

Book 2 is entitled CHOICES MADE: FATHERS AND SONS.
The father figures are very rigid rule makers (black and white) - get it?
The main character is the troubled son who is also an artist.

Father figure is painted in black/white/shades of grey and facing silloette to the left.
Son is facing to the right and down (rejection) and is in multi-colors.

With the father figure, I used alla prima technique (definition: Alla prima (also known as direct painting or premier coup painting) comes from the Italian meaning 'first time'. It is a method of painting in which the artist applies each stroke of paint to the entire canvas with the intention of letting it stand in the picture as part of the final statement, rather than traditional building of the image with several layers of paint. - -- so, since he is very black and white in rules, I painted him the way I believe he would react. Very directly.

For the Son, the artist who in the story dreams of being a Realist, Oil on Canvas, I am using an old technique - Glazing - more complex like the character. First I painted the background and let it dry, then in a select area, I painted in opague white (this is when I did the father figure). After the white dried, I began selecting areas to glaze (paint in thin layers) additional colors.

I am hoping it works. I am very excited about having the book at this stage. When I finish the cover, I'll post it. (PS_ remember I painted the cover for Book 1 - it is in the Feb archives if you want to take another look.)

And stop by my website www.choicesmade.com hopefully you'll get curious and buy my book!

thanks for reading.

Another Sale from an Excited Reader

2005-06-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

Yeah. I have sold another book. The exciting part of this, other than the sale of course, is that the reader already read the book. They borrowed a copy from a friend and after reading it wanted their own copy! They are also wondering WHEN IS BOOK 2 READY. It is great to hear such news!

Update and Catching up

2005-06-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

Well, it's certainly has been a while since I posted but to catch you up. I have had a few more sales which I am happy about. I am now at PBX in Neenah and The BookWorm in Appleton.

Sales died off for a bit but then I received an order and what do you know, it was my cousin who heard it from her dad who heard it from my dad (got all that?) and she (who I haven't seen in YEARS) was curious so purchased a copy. THANKS! I am waiting to hear what she thinks of it. Word of mouth sells most books - did you know that?

I received a CONGRATULATIONS note from the bank we do business with which was prompted by a 1/2 page news article in THE CHILTON TIME JOURNAL. That article also prompted a congratulatory note from our State Representative, Al Ott. I know he's a very busy man but to have his staff take the time to be watching the paper and he personally signing the note was great. He is well liked in our area and always at the 4th of July parade where we all congregate in Hilbert each year. I'll be sure to wave to him!!

Another upper is that someone ordered a copy from the BAKER AND TAYLOR CATALOG. That catalog services bookstores and libraries throughout the USA so I know it's in their listing now. Hopefully that will mean a few more sales. Don't know how long it stays in the catalog though.

The worst part of all of this is the marketing. I'd rather write the book - which I am working away on the 3rd of the series and needing to get the 2nd edited but - I am preparing a marketing kit to send out Book Reviewers. Had to get a MUG shot which reminded me of when I had my high school pictures taken - I'd rather not know when I'm getting a picture taken. I tend to freeze up. I did get a couple of good shots so that will go in the package. I have all the envelopes, etc. Now I just have to write up something to put in them!

Last note for now: Cross your fingers. I entered the Writers Digest competition for Self-published books. There are guaranteed book reviews and some cash if I win. It certainly would be a boost. Cross your toes too while you are at it. I need a lot of luck.

See you

CM

Some more Sales and am on Amazon

2005-04-20T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hi:
Well, I have made some more sales. Great!

As of last Thursday, my book is now on Amazon.Com; BarnesandNoble.com, Borders.com - but you have to search by the full title: choices made: the street years

The info is just getting on those sites so if you need more info, let them know you're interested!

I sent a copy to Amazon so they can include it in the SEARCH INSIDE THE BOOK which will give readers a taste of the story. Which is something I've always liked doing. Once I saw they finally had some of the info on the site, I stayed up late signing up for the program and getting the book packaged for the next day's mail. I hope that piece is up soon.

I received feedback from 2 more readers who have finished the book:
1 - Congratulations. It certainly wasn't what I expected but I couldn't put it down.

2 - It isn't a book I normally read and getting thru the first chapters - where the story is
very 'dark' was a little tough but I couldn't put it down and really wanted to know
what was going to happen. I like the kids in the story and liked Nick but sometimes
wanted to give him a push!

These are the comments that make my day. When the readers can't put it down or have formed opinions about the characters, that means I am getting the story across. Whew! I always wonder.

Some reader comments

2005-04-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

Harry W - asked When is your next book out. I want to know more about Jamy.

Sandy V said:
I did major reading this weekend. Everytime I got a few extra
minutes, or even if I didn't have them, I stole them!
I want more!!!

What a wonderful start to this day with comments like that. And, I sold 3 more copies today, too!

I have an interview for our local newspaper in the offing. We are timing the release with the upcoming release of my book going on Amazon, etc. I need to find out a more exact date but all
exciting things.

Another person who has begun reading commented that it is very different than what she normally reads but has been drawn in by the characters. I can't wait to hear her comments when she is finished.

A good day.

link: www.choicesmade.com

or http://www.trafford.com/05-0091

Another Store!

2005-03-24T18:43:00.000-08:00

I am pleased that after contacting another Bookstore, they have accepted some copies on consignment. Conkey's will be carrying it now as well as the first store THE BookStore.

Conkey's market is based in university students. Now, how do I publicize to the kids. I am thinking of the oncampus newsletter.

CHANGE LINK

2005-03-22T17:51:00.000-08:00

Trafford has updated my section of their website. The new link is:
http://www.trafford.com/05-0091 Should make it a little easier.

My link is of course www.choicesmade.com

I have sold 13 copies of my book!! I have some in The BookStore - hope someone takes a look. Made some calls to other local bookstores and there are possibilities. Hope they pan out.

Did a mailing to 172 libraries in the state. A LOT of work. Hope this also pans out.

Lots more work to do!

ON SALE NOW!

2005-03-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

Well, it is real. My first novel: Choices Made: The Street Years is for sale. I placed my order for extras so that I can send them out to reviewers. Now just have to get a list together for that.

http://www.trafford.com/05-0091 - will get you to the starter site. In two weeks will be more info and excerpts like those on www.choicesmade.com

This is great. They will actually be in a bookstore on-line.!!

Buyers & Book 2 and 3

2005-02-28T17:13:00.000-08:00

I had someone call today specifically to ask when they could buy a copy of Book 1 - Yeah. Another sale.

Spent some time polishing book 2: Fathers and Sons, and sent it to my br-in-law's cousin for a first read and comments. I want to get it ready for a January 2006 publication.

Meanwhile, have to keep busy - knocked off Chapter 1 of Book 3: Missouri or Misery. Fingers just keep moving over the keyboard. (sure am glad I learned how to type!)

oops

2005-02-26T15:45:00.000-08:00

I put the link in the profile but if you want to get a pre-order copy of my book, go to:
http://www.trafford.com/robots/05-0091.html

Very close now

2005-02-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

Hi:
Quite some years ago, I starting writing some thoughts about a character in a notebook. Soon the notebook was too small so I started putting them on my 386 (screaming) computer with all of 8meg of RAM. I wore that one out and moved to a laptop which I actually still use with its 24 meg of RAM and 500 meg hard drive. Hey, it works.

All those notes soon became a book. Took a Saturday morning workshop where they encouraged me to continue as the character sounded interesting. Took a few more workshops. Learned more. Worked more. Wrote more. Created - Choices Made. After putting together 160,000 words, I had trouble with the first chapter. You know - where to begin to catch the reader. It didn't work in one chapter so wrote another book. Choices Made: The Street Years which is my character's beginning.

After a lot more work, Book 1 changed enough that I had to toss all of the original 160,000 words of Choices Made.

If you are not bored - keep going.

I began working the Agent/Publisher route with the query letters and got my share of rejections. Watched the e-book evolution and the Print-On-Demand revolution and decided the watching had to end and I had to be part of it.

I found a great self-publishing company, Trafford Publishing (www.trafford.com) and signed with them in December 2004. (By the way, if you want to self-publish, drop them my name (Christine McMahon) as they have a great referral program!!)

They were super in giving me the needed information to get my book published. I decided to save money so did the formatting and layout myself and also created the oil painting for the cover. From start to finish the book is MINE. MINE. MINE.

Do I sound possessive and proud? It also came about by asking friends to read it. Thankfully some did and they all encouraged me to keep going.

On Tuesday, I received my proof copy (a real, physical document with a colored cover and everything - in my hand) in the mail.

Talk about surreal experiences - I am carrying around a book with my name on it as the author.

Yesterday, I signed off on the proof which means - full steam ahead.

I don't know how many they will print on the first shot or when they are off the press but stay tuned and I'll keep you posted on where it goes from here.

If you want to know more about my first book: Choices Made: The Street Years you can go to my website (which I also did by myself) www.choicesmade.com and read a longer synopsis and some excerpts.

I am sitting here with a BIG smile on my face.

See you.

2005-02-26T07:47:00.000-08:00

Back cover and synopsis

2005-02-26T07:29:00.000-08:00

Oil on Canvas original created for the Book Cover of Choices Made: The Street Years