Day 23: BONES AT BREAKFAST
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Chief Whispering Wolf – art by Dan Pipito
Final edits for CONSUMED BY WAR
I finished the first round of edits and have half of what I’ve done back from the editor for round 2 of polishing it up. Amidst all of this I found that I wanted to leave something more for the reader, so I added a little surprise stinger at the end that will enable a plot point for a future book or short story. It’s nothing big, but enough that I can go back to it soon and write more.
No matter what I do to wrap up this saga I just can’t help adding a little more for anyone who has followed the series or individual entries. Perhaps all my future books will take place in the same reality as the current series, but on its own accord. I love planting seeds like these, but what do you feel as a reader? Do you like to have something to look forward to if the story is closed out? Or would you rather there be no open ends?
Day 27 – sCrypt Publishing
Day 27 of #scrypthalloween looks at sCrypt Publishing as a whole. The logo, designed by @dpipito , was originally used only on the spinoff comics, but since we’ve grown and now have services that include editing, advice, cover art, and assisted publishing, it has become our “Script within the Crypt of the mind.” sCrypt Publishing brings those deep, creative thoughts out for new adventures every day. Check more out on my site http://www.rickpipito.com or drop me an email for inquiries. #publishing #book
Day 12 #authorlifemonth – Inspiration
As an author I get inspiration from a lot of my own personal experiences, but it also comes primarily from the people I need to impress. My wife is a very critical person. She’s had to be, and it is a great asset as it has taken her to amazing places, and continues to keep her name achieving new heights. When I write, I know I have to impress her. Even if I don’t particularly write in a certain genre she likes, I know that if she says “it sucks,” then it does, so for me, passing my work onto an editor, must pass her screening first. It’s what helps me improve and learn.
Of course I also have to include my son and daughter. They are both direct inspiration for the characters I created in my 2 children’s books: A LITTLE GIRL IN THE LAND OF THE HICCUPS, and A LITTLE BOY IN THE LAND OF THE SLEEPLESS KNIGHTS.
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 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 6 of #authorlifemonth – writing music
More times than not I enjoy listening to silence while writing. This past weekend, the music I enjoyed while writing was the sounds of water flowing at Crystal Springs Resorts. #authorlifemonth feels so serene.
Day 5 #authorlifemonth – Writing place
Although I’ve my main office at home, I have been writing in some amazing places lately. This week I had the pleasure of spending time at Crystal Springs Resorts. Here’s my in suite view.
#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
2017 and prosperity
The new year is upon us, and with it there are more opportunities to thrive. Here’s what I have planned for the next twelve months:
A COURSE FOR HUMANITY – This novel begins a new trilogy about time travel. The characters within will have to learn who they can trust in order to stop the tampering of the time line. If they fail, then the future of humanity may come to an abrupt end. This book will be released in early March 2017.
BEYOND HUMAN TRILOGY – Also coming early 2017 is the trilogy that will include all three novels, and their short story spinoffs. GENETIC MORSELS, PLANET ATE, & DEVOURED UNIVERSE are the novels, and EVOLVED MUTATIONS, ALIEN ENCOUNTERS, & COSMIC ORBITS are the short stories.
THE THIRST OF CAIN – This novel takes place immediately after A COURSE FOR HUMANITY, and will see a man attempt to alter history for his own sake. Cursed with being a vampire, he will seek out the first of his kind and attempt to destroy him in the past. If he succeeds then his curse could be eradicated. But what lines will he have to cross, and how can he possibly kill someone who is immortal? This will be released in September of 2017
A LITTLE BOY IN THE LAND OF THE SLEEPLESS KNIGHTS – The long awaited children’s book will be set in the same world as A LITTLE GIRL IN THE LAND OF THE HICCUPS, but this time will be geared towards a young male audience. As soon as the art for this is finished it’ll be released. We are looking at sometime in the first quarter.
In addition to these four releases, I’m also hard at work co-writing a murder mystery thriller and outlining a new horror novel. I’m sure there will be a few other things in there too, but these are the definite ones. What do you have set as a goal in 2017?
Looking back at 2016
2016 has been an interesting year to say the least. From blockbuster movies, to political controversy, to new trends it’s been quite a wild ride. I’d like to take a moment to look back at what sCrypt Publishing has done throughout the year, as well as other ventures in which I’ve been involved.
In March I took conspiracy to a whole new level. I had so much fun researching alien and UFO conspiracies to create a novel that may have been my favorite to write. PLANET ATE was published and brought in a mostly newer cast of characters to deal with something that raised many questions about the history of mankind.
Immediately after finishing that novel I jumped into writing DEVOURED UNIVERSE. This was my first full on venture into the sci-fi genre. In it I wrote out a character who has been a fan favorite for a few years. It was hard parting ways with said person, but I wouldn’t let them go out without a bang.
After reaching the far edges of the cosmos I toned it down and decided to release the full on text versions of my earlier graphic novels, as well as putting out some new short stories as spinoffs. It turned out to be a great way to market to people who hadn’t checked out my work, but also a way to let the fans read more of what occurred during my main stories. Those shorts were: ZOMBIE INCIDENTS, LEGENDS OF VAMPIRE, IN CASE OF WEREWOLF, GHOSTLY HAUNTINGS, DEMONIC ENTITIES, VIRAL UPGRADES, EVOLVED MUTATIONS, ALIEN ENCOUNTERS, and COSMIC ORBITS.
That’s nine short stories in all with much more to come, as I’ve got lots in the works (I’ll save that for another post).
On the publishing front though, we did hit a snag with A LITTLE BOY IN THE LAND OF THE SLEEPLESS KNIGHTS. The artwork was delayed due to Dan hitting a couple of snags, and me doing rewrites. We want the story to be done right, so hang in there. It is still coming very soon.
Then of course there has been the debut of my web series Think, Sip, Write. It has been gaining popularity and I cant thank people enough for their interest in it. I have tons of topics in which I plan to talk, but this year will close out with a full 20 episodes making their way onto you tube. And of course I’m open to suggestions for topics as well. From the Fountain of Youth to Holiday shopping I like to cover whatever influences me to write and enjoy life.
Finally, amidst all of that I’m hard at work on my other things, and continue to assist my wife with her cooking and food coverage. Roberta has been busy writing for the Food Network Blog, as a contributor for Fox 29’s Good Day Philadelphia show, numerous appearances on the Dr. Oz show and other TV programs, writing for magazines, cooking amazing food, test driving cars and reviewing places and products…. I mean I could keep going on how much this woman does. If you aren’t following her, I recommend checking out her work on Twitter and IG @homemadedelish, on facebook as Roberta Pipito, and at her site http://www.homemadedelish.com.
As we wind down for the year and welcome in a new one I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and outstanding New Year. Thanks for the support and for following.
Now that I’m done with my coverage, what were some of your accomplishments this year? Please comment and share with us some of your work. Feel free to put your links to your websites or social media for others to see.
Day 19 of #authorlifemonth – critique partners
Day 19 of #authorlifemonth – my critique partners. These 3 tell me when my ideas will work or need to be altered. They are the 1st to see every novel I write and I couldn’t imagine it any other way. Thank you to Roberta for her amazingly and sometimes brutally honest thoughts, Charlene (mom) for your editing and feedback (yes I’ll keep that sex scene in but I’ll change it a little ), and Dan for your artwork on the covers and brainstorming.
Day 16 of #authorlifemonth – where I write
Day 16 of #authorlifemonth – where I write. It is the one room at home where I let the voices in my head run free.
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 1 of #authorlifemonth: Published books
I’m thanking the power of social media for finding this fun idea for all of us authors out there. Feb 1st marks the first day of #authorlifemonth. Don’t know what it is? Check out the original article here: https://dailydahlia.wordpress.com/2016/01/27/authorlifemonth-an-instagram-photo-challenge-for-authors/
For day 1 we are to post a picture up of our published works. Of course you can always follow me on Instagram and twitter @rickpipito to see the same posts, but for consistency sake here it is. 
Shown are: FLESH AND LEFTOVERS; BLOOD THE SECOND HELPING; BONES AT BREAKFAST; SOULS 4 SUPPER; DEVIL’S DESSERT; TECHNO FEAST; GENETIC MORSELS; A LITTLE GIRL IN THE LAND OF THE HICCUPS; NO IT’S NOT. YES IT IS: ARGUMENTS; ZOMBIE INCIDENTS; LEGENDS OF VAMPIRE; IN CASE OF WEREWOLF; and GHOSTLY HAUNTINGS. I didn’t feel the need to include the trilogy collections as this is the core of the work so far.
Interview: A LITTLE GIRL IN THE LAND OF THE HICCUPS
Here are some of the questions I received after public readings of my first children’s book, A LITTLE GIRL IN THE LAND OF THE HICCUPS. Feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comments below and I’ll answer them as well. Enjoy!
Q: This sounds like a cute but interesting name for a children’s book. What gave you this idea?
Rick: When my wife was pregnant with my daughter I’d read every night to her belly. My little girl would always react to hearing my voice and toward the end of each chapter I’d read, she’d predictably respond by hiccupping. It was such a bonding thing for me and the little lady that would be, so I wanted to write her more than just a song. I wanted a children’s book. The title came from that experience.
Q: Does your daughter like to read now?
Rick: Most certainly. Bedtime is her favorite because she knows its story time. Now that she is reading on her own (she’s 6 years old), we can take turns reading to each other, and I love every second of it.
Q: How did she react to finding out you wrote it for her?
Rick: She was overjoyed with emotion. Not only did her daddy write her a story, but her uncle (my brother, Dan Pipito) did the watercolor art for it. It holds a special place in all of our hearts.
Q: How did your son react?
Rick: He loved it too, and of course asked when I was going to write a story for him. His is already written actually, I just need to sit down with my brother and work out a schedule and approach to the art. The goal is to have it released in early 2016.
Q: The title of this book seems to be aimed at a young female audience. I’m assuming the opposite will be the audience for the book you’re writing for your son?
Rick: In reality they can be enjoyed by both boys and girls, but yes that’s the goal. They will exist in the same universe as one another, and the main character for the boy’s book will be the Little Girl’s brother.
Q: What will you call the sequel?
Rick: Based on my son having been a semi-restless child I named it A LITTLE BOY IN THE LAND OF SLEEPLESS KNIGHTS. Now that he’s a little bit older, thankfully he sleeps very well, and I hope this will be something he can read to his children one day.
Q: How is audience reaction to A Little Girl In the Land of The Hiccups thus far?
Rick: Overwhelmingly positive. I was asked to read at a school for a Kindergarten class, and be involved in a Q and A session as inspiration for future writers. For the younger attendees they seemed to love it, and for the older ones (ranging in age from 5th grade to adult) they not only enjoyed it but were ecstatic that I was there. It was a hit during the holiday season and I hope it will be again next year, because it really is a great read for young girls especially.
Q: How many children’s books will you do?
Rick: Definitely a minimum of three. That’s all I have conceptualized at this point but I’m sure there will be more. I have the goal of A LITTLE GIRL… for girls, A LITTLE BOY… for the boys, and a third book in the series that will team the brother and sister up in a new scenario and appease to both sexes.
Q: How does writing a children’s book differ from what you do to write a novel, from concept to final product?
Rick: It’s unique in that there is a lot less time involved on my part. For my novel writing there is research involved, making the characters believable and their situations. When writing the children’s book it was simpler. The idea and character were already set. Putting her in a fantastic situation didn’t need to be entirely believable because of the audience. Kids tend to disassociate themselves from the real world on multiple levels. An active imagination can be very healthy, and I encourage children to have fun with their make believe before they have to go out into the real world and face the difficulties of being an adult. I enjoyed playing into that “make believe” with writing this and at the same time I wanted a moral to the story to be accompanied by a certain degree of education. Making it a fun experience while teaching a lesson is what it is all about in a child’s book.
Q: The style of art selected is authentic and really balances well with the story. Tell us about the artist.
Rick: Dan (Pipito) is my younger brother. He and I have always done well working together especially when it comes to combining my writing with his artistic talents. He’s proficient in many mediums, but watercolor is my favorite of his styles. Dan took my story and brought it to life. He asked for my final approval and I had no issues with what he’d done. My kids love what he did, and I think that says a lot. He managed to captivate not just the adult author’s approval, but also the child reader’s.
Q: Where can anyone get a copy of “A LITTLE GIRL IN THE LAND OF THE HICCUPS”?
Rick: www.lulu.com is selling print copies at reasonable rates, so spread the word.
How to Balance Marketing efforts with creative endeavors
Author, Jeri Walker, featured me in another guest post this week. Please comment on and share the link if you feel so inclined, and see what I had to say about balancing a schedule that seems overwhelming with marketing efforts.
http://jeriwb.com/how-to-balance-marketing-efforts-53414/
Writing Tip: Nutruring Artistic Talent Guest post
I’m honored to have been a guest post on author, Jeri Walker-Bickett’s blog. Please check out the article I wrote and follow her for more intuitive and fun insight into the writing world. http://jeriwb.com/nurturing-artistic-talent-rick-pipito-42361/
sCrypt Publishing 