Day 27 #authorlifemonth – Author admiration
I have often talked about some of my inspirations as an author, but the one who has been there all along since my youth is L. Frank Baum. His Oz series was the perfect example of creativity and an author who cared about his readers. Why his original 15 novels haven’t all been turned into screenplays yet is beyond me.
Who are your favorite authors? Comment below.
Day 26 #authorlifemonth – bookish gift
Day 26 #authorlifemonth is a bookish gift. I decided to do a little giveaway. All you have to do is comment below and tag a friend, and I’ll randomly pick a few winners. All entries on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram will count. Sharing the post will gain you an additional entry. Winner will be chosen March 1st. Best of luck. 
@rickpipito
Day 24 #authorlifemonth – Challenges Overcome
Day 24 #authorlifemonth is challenges overcome. I’m always up for a good challenge, and I attribute much of my happiness in life and success to having little to no negativity. There will always be hard times for everyone on different levels. There will always be haters or negativity along the way. There will always be bumps in the road, and unexpected things. There will always be people with strong opinions that don’t know how to discuss sensitive topics. None of that matters. In order to succeed at anything you have to remain positive. There’s always a brighter side to things, and if you can’t find the light in something then cast it from your life. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Mr. Mandela was right. Just do it! I wish you all success and happiness.
Day 23 #authorlifemonth – 5 Star reads
There’s a few 5 star books I’ve read recently, and they range in genre.
First up is “The Patchwork Girl of Oz.” I’ve been reading L. Frank Baum’s Oz novels along with my daughter. I have her choose a character in the book to be, and she reads those lines, while I read the rest aloud to her. For this book she was Scraps, the patchwork girl; Bungle, the glass cat; and Dorothy Gale. It’s one of my favorite books in the series so far, second only to the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Second is a return to my childhood, as I read “Spider-Man: Maximum Carnage” with my son. He is the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man, and has loved every page. It’s one of my favorite Spidey stories to date.
Next is H.G. Well’s “The Time Machine.” It was the first classic movie I remember watching, and one of my favorite all time books. When I began writing my next novel (A COURSE FOR HUMANITY – will be available next month), I wanted to check out some already existing time travel stories, and this was one of them. I always find researching through fiction is just as important as through fact, because you don’t want to do something someone else has already done. What fun would that be and where would be the originality?
As research goes, I do always try to base as much of my Fiction work in fact, so I also read “Black Holes and Time Warps: Einstein’s Outrageous Legacy”. If you’re a science geek, then this is for you, but if you aren’t this is still an interesting and informative book.
What is on your shelf? What have you read recently? Share in the comments below.
Day 22 #authorlifemonth – reader/fan love
I received this email back in September, and it makes my day every time I read it. I’ve received some kind words from readers over the past couple of years, but this was the most recent full letter to me. I had to repost it because it is fan love day of #authorlifemonth. Thanks again, Jared.
Day 21 #authorlifemonth – non author photo
I took a few days off from writing to get some much needed work done around the house. I’m currently finishing half of my basement, so amidst me building the frame, I had a surprise pic taken. I’ll share the room when it’s completed, but so far so good.
Day 19 #authorlifemonth – Bookish Bucket List
Day 19 #authorlifemonth is what is on my bookish bucket list. It’s my goal to have one or more of my books made into a screenplay for tv, movie or video game adaptation. #itwillhappen #intheworks
Day 18 #authorlifemonth -Research
When I was writing DEVIL’S DESSERT I did a lot of research into the Bryn Athyn cathedral and castle for one of my settings. I often go back just to visit because of the amazing architecture and history. #research day 18 #authorlifemonth
Beyond Human Trilogy
The BEYOND HUMAN Trilogy is available now at lulu.com in print, on Amazon in digital, and Barnes and Noble (in the next 2 weeks). It contains the novels: GENETIC MORSELS, PLANET ATE, and DEVOURED UNIVERSE, plus the short stories: EVOLVED MUTATIONS, ALIEN ENCOUNTERS, and COSMIC ORBITS, and a teaser of what will be coming soon.
Day 16 #authorlifemonth – dream writer retreat
This is where I’d like to go for a Dream retreat. Bran castle in Romania (top) is what inspired #dracula castle #bramstoker. Either there or the Stanley Hotel (bottom) in Colorado, which was the inspiration for #stevenking #theshining . I’d love to spend a few nights in either and write or brainstorm away. Heck, I’d enjoy almost any retreat, but these would make the top of the list.
Where’s your dream getaway? Comment below.
DAY 14 #authorlifemonth – Write list
Here’s a list of what’s in the works at the moment. Of course it goes beyond that with much more planned, but I’m active on these projects:
What do you have in the works for the coming year or two? Feel free to share your work links in the comments.
Day 13 #authorlifemonth – Dedication
My upcoming novel, A COURSE FOR HUMANITY, is dedicated to mankind as a whole. Truer words couldn’t be said, no matter what your beliefs may be. Here’s my dedication:
Day 11 #authorlifemonth – Swag
Nothing says writing like a cup of coffee. It’s an author’s best friend. Mine this morning is in a mug I was given as a gift. It shows a few of my book covers, and makes the sip even tastier.
Day 10 #authorlifemonth – Reviews
I’m always in awe at some of the amazing emails I get from readers. This one popped up recently, so I figured I’d share it for #authorlifemonth. I am a little behind in posting from the weekend. Oops. 🙂
Day 9 #authorlifemonth – Killed Darlings
*spoiler alert* For Day 9 #authorlifemonth I made a little memorial post to some killed off characters. I admit shedding tears when they died as I’ve grown with them over the years since my first book. I do get recurring questions from readers… “Are they really dead?” Hmmm good question indeed.
Day 8 #authorlifemonth – Awesome moment
Today’s #authorlifemonth post was hard to narrow down. I’ve been fortunate enough to have many “awesome moments”, so singling one out is too difficult. Each stands alone with individual meaning for me. I’ve got news to share soon, but until I’m allowed to say something, these are a few of my fondest writing moments.
I collaged the following: Seeing my books at major retailers, being placed in the top 25 of independent authors, and heartwarming reviews will always keep my spirits high.
Day 3 #authorlifemonth – art
Here’s a design Dan Pipito came up with for the trilogy release cover, on which I’m working. It is obviously a take on DaVinci’s Vetruvian Man, but really captures what is going on in the Beyond Human Trilogy.
Day 4 of #authorlifemonth – WIP
Day 4 of #authorlifemonth is a teaser of my current WIP (Work In Progress). The novel (A COURSE FOR HUMANITY) will be released next month, and the selection I’ve chosen to show is more appropriate now than ever.
#authorlifemonth day 2 – author pic
I’ve decided to update my Author pic for day 2 of #authorlifemonth. A little more gray and maybe a little more wisdom in this one?
#authorlifemonth day 1 – the books
I took part in #authorlifemonth last year, and had a fun time with it. Well, it’s February again, so I figured why not? This is primarily an Instagram thing, and I AM doing it there, but here is just as good. Day 1 post is to display all of your current books.
Here they are: DEVOURED UNIVERSE, PLANET ATE, GENETIC MORSELS, DEVIL’S DESSERT, TECHNO FEAST, SOULS 4 SUPPER, FLESH AND LEFTOVERS, BLOOD THE SECOND HELPING, BONES AT BREAKFAST, COSMIC ORBITS, ALIEN ENCOUNTERS, EVOLVED MUTATIONS, VIRAL UPGRADES, DEMONIC ENTITIES, GHOSTLY HAUNTINGS, IN CASE OF WEREWOLF, LEGENDS OF VAMPIRE, ZOMBIE INCIDENTS, A LITTLE GIRL IN THE LAND OF THE HICCUPS, NO IT’S NOT YES IT IS: ARGUMENTS, EDEN’S ORDER TRILOGY, PANDORA’S CHAOS TRILOGY
All books are available in print at Lulu.com, and for digital download at Amazon.com
Day 12 of #authorlifemonth : Killed Darlings
Day 12 of #authorlifemonth (killed darlings) Many scenes get rewritten and altered or scrapped for later use. This scene from SOULS 4 SUPPER was originally much different than what you see. It was going to have them discovering the spirit during their intimacy, but I felt them realizing it was there afterwards was much more haunting
Day 11 of #authorlifemonth : Fave Review
sCrypt Publishing 