How original. I am ripping off the fact that today is February 29th, a day that only comes around every four years. Mind you, if all the end-of-the-world quacks are right, it is also the last one we will ever have so why shouldn’t I take advantage of it?

But why am I so happy?

Well, beyond the obvious play on words, things seem to be coming together. It has been a long slog and I now know more than ever what Pip Ballantine was talking about when she was on Get Published. Her 12-year Overnight Success, indeed. I’m not quite to 12-years yet, but then, I’m not even close to what would be considered a writing success (again, yet).

But, as I said before, I’m getting there. Several short-stories published, my first book coming out AND I’m co-editing an anthology that is being published next year. My podcast, Get Published, is doing well enough with a continuously growing listenership (thank you to all of you who are listening) and I’ve got another podcasting project kicking off (hopefully) today.

That’s the Action Pack Podcast in case you are wondering.

And there is lots more coming too. GalaxyBillies edits are going well. My collaboration novel with JRMurdock is finished first draft and I have a number of other books and stories in the wings. I will be doing an agent search this year and I will be attending both the When Words Collide writer’s conference and World Fantasy 2012.

So there you have it. Many reasons why I should be happy with my progress. Hopefully, you are also seeing some improvements in your own lives too.

Here’s to another four years of health, happiness and growing success!

Tags: action pack podcast, anthology, boy scouts of the apocalypse, mad scientist anthology, michael plested, Michell Plested, mik murdoch, mike plested, short stories, success

One of the skills I haven’t had to learn quite yet is how to market my books. Yes, I’ve been working for a long time to make the right contacts and I’ve been learning everything I can about building my author’s platform, but it isn’t the same. Marketing Mik Murdock, Boy Superhero when it is available is going to be something completely new.

I’m really grateful this isn’t my publisher’s first rodeo.

That takes some of the pressure off. I know when I ask what I can do and who I need to talk to Lorina will have answers for me. But, what should I be doing now in preparation? That’s the question that keeps me up at night.

Should I be going to all the local bookstores and arrange signings? How about contacting all the podcasters I know about doing interviews? Should I find those online websites that do book launches? Maybe I need to be on more forums pimping my upcoming book?

So many unanswered questions.

I have seen some of the promotions and efforts that have worked for others. The problem with that is, what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another.

It is a real quandry. But all is not lost. I think I will do what I always do when I’m up against something I have little knowledge about. I will talk to successful people to learn what they have done. I will scour the Internet for methods of marketing that might work and I will continue to talk up my book. Once I have all my ducks in a row, I will consider all the options and put together a plan of attack.

Hopefully, I will be successful. I know, with all the support of my friends, family and fans things will work out. I would just like to be certain, you know?

If you have ideas that you think will help (and yes, I know I’ve put out the question before), please don’t hesitate to point me in the right direction. If you have a blog or a podcast and would like me to appear, I will be delighted to do so.

And thank you for listening to me and for your continued support. It means the world to me.

Tags: author's platform, blog, boy superhero, five rivers, interview, irreverent muse, marketing, Michell Plested, mik murdoch, mike plested, podcast, promotion, skill