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07/03/09 |
       
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Now available through Barnes and Noble.com or Amazon.com!
 
2007 Gold Medal Winner--Humor 7/3/2009 Was in the paper along with some other MWSA authors (click here to read the story). Also, have made the book available on Kindle and in the UK, so now I am an "international, award-winning author." How about that for a resume bullet? 10/14/2008 Had a great book signing at the church's fall festival, and have another speaking engagement coming up on 10/21. Still a long way from making any money, but that's not the point. Having fun, making people smile. That's what it's all about. 8/31/2008 Book signing went ok. Not great, but ok, and it's all about exposure anyway. Book sales online have picked up lately, and with the holidays on the horizon I'm hoping for that to continue. In the meantime, I'm writing more and more and working on some new projects, including a cancer book and a sequel to my first outing. 7/28/2008 Book signing through the church went incredibly well. Sold 28 books and am still getting orders! And best of all, some people in the church have actually read the book, and we haven't been excommunicated yet! Next event is 9 August in Downtown Annapolis with three other USNA grads. High Hopes! 6/22/2008 I have a book signing set up for 8 July through my church, and then another in August sometime. Overall, things are going well with the book, and most importantly it's a lot of fun. 5/26/2008 Good book signing on the 24th. Sold a few books, met some great folks, and the other authors that I signed with (all USNA grads themselves) were great to be around. Not sure when the next event will be, but I will let you know as soon as I find out! 5/4/2008 Next event is May 24th, at Hard Bean Booksellers in Annapolis. I'll be signing with three other USNA graduates. If you are in the area, we will be there from 1:30 to 4:30 that day, so stop by! 4/8/2008 Booksigning on 23 March was a complete BUST. But, after the article in the paper came out (see home page) sales took off, so it's not all bad. Plus, have another book signing on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend with some other grads. 3/9/2008 Pulled down another book signing. This one is scheduled in downtown Annapolis on 23 March. Looking forward to it. 2/17/2008 It was weird to hear my voice on the radio. Unfortunately, the clips are too large to post (they are about 10 MB each) but if someone wants them, let me know and I will zip and send! 1/27/08 Updated interview time. Interview will air on 10 Feb instead of 27 January. The anticipation builds! 1/20/08 So much to tell! On January 15th, Rob taped on interview on the syndicated radio show "Capital Conversations" with host John Tegler. The interview will air on over 100 radio stations up and down the East Coast on 3 Feb at 5 PM Eastern time. In the Annapolis area it will be heard on AM 1370. In addition, Rob is scheduled to be interviewed sometime in February by the Annapolis Capital newspaper. And finally, Rob is part of a multi-author book signing at the Annapolis Barnes and Noble on January 27th from 2 to 4 PM. On top of all that, the reprint is finally done, and it looks great! Thanks to all who have been so supportive recently! 12/19/07 Rob has been working hard to get his reprint done by Christmas, but it may not happen. Stay tuned! Remember, books still make great gifts! 11/4/07 Rob's book is being reprinted with a new cover, hopefully by Christmas. The new cover will reflect that Rob won the MWSA award last month. Remember, books make great gifts! 9/23/07 Just found out that my book won the MWSA GOLD MEDAL AWARD for humor! Very excited by the news! 7/9/07 GREAT book signing at the cancer survivor event. Sold some books, but more importantly met some WONDERFUL people. And of course, the upcoming radio interview this week has the potential to reach 90 THOUSAND people. So keep your fingers crossed, and check me out on 7/12/07, 10:30 PM Eastern time, at www.internetvoicesradio.com. 5/29/07 Just found out that I will be appearing on www.blogtalkradio.com/politicalpistachio on June 9th at 4PM Pacific Time. "Tune in" (it's an internet radio show) and check it out! 5/20/07 Had another book signing on the 12th, which was fun if not overly profitable. But the big news is that I will be signing at a Cancer Survivor Event on 10 June, which should be a pretty big venue for my book. Time is 11-4 at Cancer Survivor Park in San Diego. I'm excited! Also, got a note from a deployed buddy of mine who told me that as he was walking into a medical tent, he saw a copy of my book lying on the desk. Made my whole day! 5/5/07 Have another book signing 12 May, 1-4 PM. Also, Feb and March were good sales months (April was bit of a dip, but you take the bad with the good). 4/7/07 I'll be on the author's panel at Barnes and Noble in Hazard Center (that's in San Diego) on 14 April, sometime late morning to early afternoon. Stop by and say hi! 3/25/07 Book signing on 11 March went well. Was pleased that I sold a few, and even more pleased to see that all the leftovers from my previous signing were gone. Next event is sometime in April, an authors' panel at the same Barnes & Noble. More details to follow. I'm also working on a revision, but with the move and trying to sell the house, I'm not as far along as I would like. 3/3/07 Book signing on 11 March, 2-5 PM at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in the Hazard Center on Friar's Road here in San Diego. I'll be signing with some other MWSA authors. 2/19/07 Another book signing in March, on or about the 10th. More details coming soon. 2/3/07 Connected with a new site in hopes of getting more publicity (and it was free). Check it out here. Also, was recognized as a San Diego Local Author at a reception at the San Diego Public Library last week. Got a medal and everything! 1/22/07 Good sales in November and December, thanks to publicity and the holidays. Working on finding a way to keep things moving forward. 12/16/06 Had a good lead on a book signing, but it fell through because of bureaucracy. Surprise! Still, it has been a good year and I am looking forward to improving sales. 12/4/06 Had a great time at the book signing this past Saturday. There were several authors from MWSA there, and all of us did well. Looking forward to trying to get another one lined up at Camp Pendleton before Christmas. 11/26/06 My numbers are out for September, and mostly due to increased publicity through MWSA my sales were way up, with 27 copies in either paperback or hardcover going out the door. I'm hoping for even better numbers in October and November. Remember, books make great gifts! 11/20/06 I'll be doing a book signing 2 December from 2-6 PM at the local Barnes and Noble at Hazard Center, and hope to set up another one for Camp Pendleton later this year. Stay tuned! 11/5/06 Made a trip up to Camp Pendleton this week to scare up some more leads for book signings. Nothing on the schedule yet, but it looks promising... 10/29/06 Working with MWSA to get some more book signings. Looks like two before Christmas. Books make great gifts! 10/16/06 Book events went really well. Met some great authors, sold some books, and strategized about how to work with other authors to get more publicity. It's wonderful to work with a group of like-minded, talented people as we all try and get our messages out. 10/7/06 Have a few events coming up this week. First is an author's meet and greet on Thursday night. Second is a book signing at UCSD from noon to 2 PM. Finally, my book will be featured next weekend at Military Writers' Society of America's "Salute to the Military." Check out their website for further details. 9/24/06 Spent a lot of time talking to and meeting with the VP of a military writers group. Could be just the avenue I need to get more publicity for my book. It looks like I will take part in four events in the near future, including several local author forums and a book signing (between Thanksgiving and Christmas). My book will also be featured at the Military Writers Society of America's "Salute to San Diego" on Oct 13th-15th. More details on that coming up. I'm very excited about the new avenues that MWSA has shown me. Please check out their website here! 9/17/06 Just saw an add in a local paper looking for local authors. I'm applying, and if accepted may have some sort of forum to display my book in late January. 8/13/06 I would LOVE to say that my S4aS program was a success, but I can't. Zero sent out to this point. Please help and spread the word! 7/8/06 Check out my latest idea, Smiles 4 A Servicemember, and let me know what you think! 6/18/06 Another less-than-stellar turn out at my book signing, despite all the upgrades (posters, display rack, etc.). Have to do some more brainstorming on how to get more exposure. Ideas appreciated. 6/11/06 The June 3rd book signing restored some of my confidence, as I sold 14 copies. My next event is June 16th at the Hazzard Center Starbuck's here in San Diego (10:30 AM to 1 PM). Thanks to my Dad's suggestions, I will putting more effort into my display, including a display rack, better posters, etc. 5/28/06 My next book signing, for my East Coast fans, will be 3 June at the Mountainside Branch of the Affinity Federal Credit Union, from 9-12. Stop by if you can. 5/14/06 Ok, we've hit a new low for book signings. Friday night's resulted in exactly ZERO sales, and while I did complete a crossword puzzle, catch up with friends, and have a great cup of coffee, the evening was less than rewarding from an author's point of view. I have two more lined up (3 June in NJ and 16 June out here) but I'm going to put efforts into other marketing areas to see if there is a bit better distribution. 5/7/06 Despite the less than stellar turnout for my last book signing, I have lined up one more, and my mom (bless her heart) has set up another for when I'm home. So here's the schedule: 12 May, 6 - 8 PM at The Living Room Coffee House in Pt Loma, CA 2 Jun, time TBD, at the Mountainview Branch of Affinity Federal Credit Union in NJ, in conjunction with a used car sale (no, I'm not kidding). TBD at the Starbucks Coffee House in the Hazzard Center, San Diego, CA I'm working on the premise that the more books I get out there, the better my chances that it falls into the hands of that one right person who can really help it take off. As always, thanks for the support. 4/30/06 Well, the April 29th book signing was less than a huge success. Through the first two hours of the the three hour (non) event, I sold exactly ONE book. However, things picked up and I sold a total of five. More importantly, I did make some good contacts at some other coffee shops, which I will be following up on in order to get more book signings. Special thanks to my lovely bride Ivy and regular reader Lee Ann who made the trip out to the signing! 4/23/06 Getting closer to my 29 April book signing. Please spread the word if you are around the San Diego area! 4/16/06 Final schedule for next two book signings will be: 29 April at 10 AM at the new Starbuck's in Linda Vista, and 12 May at 6 PM at the Living Room coffee house in Pt Loma. I am hoping that if the Starbuck's one goes well I can get some of the other Starbuck's around to let me do one there. 4/2/06 Actually locked down TWO book signings. One will be May 12 at 6 PM at the Living Room coffee shop in Pt Loma. The other one has yet to be scheduled, but it will be in the Linda Vista Starbucks. I don't make money off of these, but they are fun! 3/26/06 Still working with the coffee houses to try and get some spring book signings. Both seem interested, but the wheels turn slowly... 3/19/06 Not much action this past week, as I was otherwise occupied. Planning on following up with the two coffee houses this coming week in hopes of getting some more book signings lined up. 3/12/06 Now have two coffee houses on the line for book signings. Hope to have things nailed down in another few weeks. As always, please keep submitting reviews and spreading the word! 3/5/06 Still working with Starbuck's in hopes of getting a book signing there in the coming weeks. I have also made an agreement with one of the local cancer support groups that I will work on their newsletter in exchange for having the book featured in the newsletter and endorsed by the organization. Sales have slowed, but I did get a substantial royalty check in the mail this week, so that dulled the pain a bit! Please keep submitting reviews and spreading the word! 2/19/09 Met with the manager of a recently opened Starbuck's this week, and may get to do a book signing there in the coming weeks. Need to submit a copy for them to approve, and due to poor planning on my part, I'm fresh out of copies at the moment (more are on the way). Also am entering in another contest this week. And thanks to those that have posted reviews recently; keep them coming. 2/12/06 Goods and bads this week on the book front. On the bad side, the local Barnes and Noble refuses to allow me to do a book signing there, even though I offered a deal that was no risk or cost to them. But on the bright side, I spoke at a high school on Friday, and was also a guest at a reception on Saturday night. At the reception, my book was given away, and it was some good publicity. Still working to get that "big break" that gets the word out to the masses. 2/5/06 Well, the article that I had looked forward to coming out didn't happen, because the paper that wanted to do the article is a Catholic diocese publication and they had some creative differences with my book. Still no more book signings, but I have gotten some coverage from the Alumni Magazine of the Naval Academy, and that helps some. Appreciate all the comments I've gotten so far, but as always could use some more reviews on either Amazon or Barnes and Noble. 1/22/06 Glimmer of hope that I might get a shot at a Barnes and Noble book signing event. Still working the details. Thanks for all the support so far. 1/15/06 Pleasantly surprised to find out that December's numbers were "dismal" because they hadn't been posted yet! Sold another thirty copies, most of them hardcover! Also entered the book in an independent contest, which could bring a little publicity my way if it fares well enough. Also still waiting the newspaper article that should be out end of the month. Will post a copy when I see it. Always need reviews! 1/8/06 November's numbers are in, and while not as good as Oct, they were still pretty good. December's numbers are dismal, but I'm hoping things pick up in January, because of two reasons. First, my advertisement in my alumni magazine was published, and second, a newspaper is doing a story on me, and that will be released to Catholic News Services all across the country. Could be a good break for me...Still need anyone who has read my book to file a review on either Amazon or Barnes and Noble. com. Would REALLY be appreciated. 12/24/05 Official numbers for Oct are in, and they were pretty good. Well over a hundred and 12 for Oct. Nov's unoffical numbers are over 60 already. I put an ad in the USNA alumni magazine, but for some reason publication seems to be delayed, so I won't get much bang for my buck there. But am enjoying the process and learning a lot. Please keep writing reviews (if you have actually read it) and as always thanks for the support. 12/18/05 Starting to receive some more numbers. Looks like over a hundred copies for Oct and Nov, though those aren't official yet. Thanks for all the support, and I still need reviews if you don't mind. 12/11/05 My book signing went better than expected. I actually sold out about 30 minutes before my timeslot ended! I take this as a good sign, but I'm still having trouble convincing places to carry it. Still, the more I sell, the more people take notice and the better the chances that it finds its way into the mainstream. PLEASE write reviews on Amazon or BarnesandNoble. It's a great way to get noticed! 12/4/05 I received my first royalty check last week, and though it was paltry sum, it was still incredibly rewarding. Thanks to all for their support. All things being equal, would appreciate folks buying from Barnes and Noble vice Amazon in the future. 11/24/05 Books make great gifts! 11/13/05 Great meeting with an organization that may help me to get my book out to cancer patients and cancer survivors. I won't make any money off of it (waived my royalties for any they buy) but will do some good and get some exposure, and that is more than enough. 11/6/05 I continue to be impressed at all the help I'm receiving. Mom and Dad are moving books at work, my brother is getting them to his friends, and my sister is sending them everywhere, and the high school press release has generated a lot more interest than I expected (thanks Greer!).. So a heartfelt and humble thanks to all. Don't have a real good handle on sales since so far I've only seen the numbers for Sept, and the book wasn't offered until late that month. But I'm anxiously awaiting Dec 14th, when the October numbers are due. Plus I have a meeting this week that I'm hoping will help get the book into the hands of a lot of cancer patients and cancer survivors. 10/30/05 First book signing is a definite go; scheduled for 1100 on Dec 10th at the Miramar exchange. Also have some other meetings scheduled to get more exposure for the book through some other outlets. People keep asking what they can do to help, so here are the three easiest things. If you like the book, post a review on Amazon.com. Also if you like the book, tell your friends to check it out. Finally, go into a book store and ask for it. They won't have it, but if enough people ask, they will start ordering it. 10/16/05 Marketing is hard. Been trying to drum up interest, but it's hard. You need to have some sort of base (book signings, being carried by a local store, etc.) in order to establish credibility, but without the credibility it's hard to get that base. Still, I'm pushing on. Sending info to Walden books and to American Cancer Society this week. Any and all ideas appreciated, and thanks to all who have bought copies already. 10/9/05 Looks like I have a book signing tentatively lined up for 10 December out here at the Miramar base. Also have some leads in for another one in Encinitas. Again, I appreciate all the support, and if you like the book, please leave a review on Amazon or tell a friend. For those of you that want autographed copies, have it shipped to me when you purchase it, and I'll sign and ship it to you. That way you only pay for shipping once. 9/25/05 First off, thanks to all who have written or called in support of my book release. It is very much appreciated and has been very humbling. I was so focused on actually getting the book done and published that I have not really spent much time on the answers to the question "What now?" I have contacted three local military exchanges (like a department store, but for military shoppers only) and have gotten receptions ranging from lukewarm to positive. Among them and some small local shops in the area I hope to have a book signing lined up somewhere in the area by the end of the month. I am also going to follow up on some Annapolis area contacts when I am in town for the wedding, including the Midshipmen Store and a bookstore out in town. I have also gotten some help from a very dear friend who is contacting bookstores in my hometown (thanks Greer!). Some of you have asked what you can do to help, and I certainly appreciate the offers. The first thing is obviously word of mouth. Encourage folks to read your copy and if they like it, to buy their own. The next easiest thing to do is (and this is only IF you like the book) go on Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com and write a review. Nothing elaborate; just what you enjoyed about it. Thanks again to all and I look forward to signing copies as promised when I see you. 9/24/05 I am incredibly happy to announce that my long awaited arrival on the literary scene has happened. The book is published, and available for purchase (much earlier than expected) through Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com . I want to thank everyone for their support, and if anyone has any ideas about how to get more exposure for the book, I'm all ears! I will be headed to local bookstores and exchanges in the coming weeks trying to drum up publicity, but the best publicity for this type of book is word of mouth, so if you like it, TELL A FRIEND. Thanks! 9/18/05 I have received my marketing materials which I will start distributing soon. The book will be on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com in 4-6 weeks, at which time I will make an announcement. If anyone needs promotional materials (cards, bookmarks, postcards) please let me know and I will get them to you. This will be a "word of mouth" campaign and I need all the help I can get. Thanks! 9/10/05 Received my advance copy of my marketing kit electronically this week. It included the template for the business cards, book marks, and postcards to help me publicize my book. 9/4/05 After four iterations, I have finally approved my book cover. The book is now officially "in production," and I am very excited. The next step will be for me to receive my author copies, and then it will be available to everyone! I will keep everyone informed, and THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT. 8/28/05 The publisher incorporated my changes and sent me a second set of proofs. I made revisions one last time, and should seen the final product digitally this upcoming week. Once I give it the OK, it goes into production! 8/14/05 Received the proofs for the cover, the hardcover dustjacket, and that actual layout of the material. Overall I was happy, and am very excited. I did have a few changes, especially on the cover since it wasn't exactly what I was looking for. The publisher will make those changes, I will get to proof one more time, and then it goes into production! 8/7/05 Final edits submitted. Book is now in cover and layout design, and I should be seeing something back from them this week. Now, the big question is, did he change the title, or didn't he? 7/31/05 Almost done with the edits, and I will make the 2 Aug deadline. May change the title, not sure yet. 7/24/05. Got my Back Cover Polish and my Editorial Evaluation back. It was not as rosy as I hoped, but the more I read the review the more I agree that most of it is on target. I am now doing the suggested revisions, which are due back to the publisher by 2 Aug. Its never fun to read that you aren't as good as you think you are, but in the end I think it will be a better final product. See the list below for status. 7/3/05. I submitted the work to the publisher on June 24th. Below are the steps that need to happen, along with rough timelines. Note that some things can be done concurrently, but we are still looking at overall availability in about three or four months. Thanks to all for the continued support, and please keep sending me your marketing ideas!
6/19/05. Receiving the final edits today, so hope to have to the publisher this week. Getting closer! 6/12/05. The editing process is taking longer than I had hoped, but I am getting GREAT feedback from Allan and Ginny. I hope to have the final manuscript to the publisher by the end of the month, but it is going to be tricky with the move coming up. 5/29/05. After my agent "left the business" (I still think she died) I was sort of at a loss for how to get back on track with the pursuit of getting published. Thanks to my friend Sean, I now have a direction. I am very excited to announce that through the folks at iUniverse.com I am going to publish the material myself! iUniverse will use Publish-On-Demand technology to release my work, and it will be available through Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com, as well as the iUniverse home page. I will receive professional help with cover development and marketing, and the book will be available in hard- or soft-cover format. This is not the "traditional" method of getting published, and I would greatly appreciate your support in this endeavor as I chase my dream of being a successful writer. That support goes beyond just buying copies (although believe me, that's appreciated). I need ideas. Ideas for publicity; ideas for marketing; avenues to get exposure, anything you can think of to get this out as far as possible. No telling how far this can go with a little bit of help... I will keep you posted on progress. As of today, two friends of mine are proofing my latest manuscript (thanks Allan and Ginny) and when I they are finished, I will send it and begin the final publication process. Special thanks also to Melbot 2000, who helped me with my cover design. You can expect that the book will be available in about 4 months. I look forward to hearing your ideas on how I can keep this project moving forward. And please count on me to happily (and humbly) sign any copies presented to me for that purpose. On having surgery--
On coaching basketball--
On going to confession--
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This site was last updated 07/03/09
