books – Page 2 of 3 – Rasmenian Detritus

An Author’s Rite of Passage

March 5, 2020June 7, 2024 by Rasmenia Comment Closed

I was selling some of my books at a local book fair when a cheerful woman walked over, scanned my table, waved her hand over my display then asked, "But do you self-publish these stories or did someone else publish them?""Both."With a squint and a head tilt, she asked me to elaborate. I explained that I publish some small books on my own, and they're a mix of things that have been published in various places and some that haven't.She nodded. "That's good."She clearly wasn't keen on self-published books. That's cool. I'm all for self-publishing, obviously, but don't disagree with her. Stories need to go through a gauntlet. So do their writers. I want control over everything, but I also crave the validation that comes from having my stories go through a gatekeeper. I like to mix it up. I don't want people telling me what to do. But I do want them to validate me. I want criticism and...

Finding Hope in a Galaxy of Women’s Stories

December 14, 2017November 23, 2020 by Rasmenia Comment Closed

If you're reading this, that means we made it through 2017. What seemed like a hopeless quagmire of shit and doom in January is still an insane quagmire of shit and doom, but maybe it's a little less hopeless. A little less shitty and a bit less doomy. At least, in the way that I'm choosing to view it, the world is still broken, but nearly one year into the most powerful country in the world being run by a bile-spewing fleshy cesspool of fetid narcissism, I've seen plenty of clear reminders that he isn't the one with all the power. I'm still angry. I'm still worried and freak out a lot, so when I catch myself sinking and letting my imagination overwhelm me with worst-case scenarios, I look elsewhere. I follow the advice of Mr. Rogers, and I look for the helpers.Lately, though, I don't stop with the helpers. I look for the fighters. The resisters. After watching a...

Short Stories and Tiny Blissful Moments

July 6, 2017November 23, 2020 by Rasmenia Comment Closed

How are we doing these days? Holding up? Hanging in there? I hope so. If you're reading this, I hope you're doing so during a brief pause from doing nice things for yourself like reading books, making art, drinking beers, and eating some really incredible food. Tiny blissful moments are a big deal. Everything that's going on in the world constantly draws me in and I feel compelled to read the news and dive into my Twitter feed, but lately, I'm suffering from information fatigue. Mostly, it's Trump fatigue. I don't need to experience a daily bombardment of voices each day telling me that he said an awful thing. Both sides harbor their own set of obsessions that tend to weigh heavy on everyone. Too much of that shit and I start to morph into Rust Cohle from the first season of True Detective.There's a lot of scared people. Angry people. And people who think none of this matters, or...

Here’s Why I Won’t Be Doing Anymore Free Book Promotions on Amazon

November 4, 2014November 23, 2020 by Rasmenia Comment Closed

A few years ago, after I published Human Detritus, I began to notice how many authors were giving away Kindle versions of their books for free on Amazon. It seemed crazy to me at the time, because writing a book is a lot of work. It's also a hell of a lot of time, sweat, ink and puking up your soul into a word processor. Self-publishing is even more work, because self-publishing means wearing more than one hat, which is a lot more weight on your skull and shoulders.It seemed insane to me to just give all of that away for free. However, it seemed like it was at least worth looking into. So, I did.What I learned was that a free promotion through Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing could increase sales in the long run. Better yet, it could greatly increase the audience. Okay, so I'd have to remove my book from all other electronic markets to give Amazon exclusive...

And The Winners Are…

June 20, 2013November 23, 2020 by Rasmenia Comment Closed

Just pretend that I read the title of this post in a big, booming voice, complete with the melodramatic flourish of a sparkly Academy Award presenter.Last week, I asked those among you who were willing to share your travel stories; the pain, jackassery and frustration that erupted when a pleasant vacation is what you had in mind. Quite often the trip we've planned has nothing to do with the adventure we actually experience.That's what I wanted and some of you delivered. Now it's my turn to deliver.Here's what I promised you last week:- I’ll give the best story signed copies of both of my books, Human Detritus and Broken Abroad.- Second place, I’ll give you a signed copy of Broken Abroad.- Third, a signed copy of Human Detritus.I've read these little stories over & over again. From Morocco to Barcelona to Oklahoma to Greece to Scotland. I laughed about police interrogations, mistaken identity & camping trips gone awry. I also...

I’ll Give You Free Books if You Give Me a Little Story

June 13, 2013November 23, 2020 by Rasmenia Comment Closed

Some of the most memorable trips we take are the ones that go horribly wrong. We plan on an exciting adventure, or a relaxing getaway, only to end up injured, sick, lost, or in the midst of an absurd comedy of errors.Maybe we get an adventure we never expected and are forever changed.I've told you some of my travel stories, Internet. Some happy and absurd, others much more angry and frustrated. I've just released another book, Broken Abroad, which is all about change, travel, comedy and anguish.I'm sure you've got plenty of your own travel stories filled with pain, jackassery and odd things. So, why not share them and receive a small reward?- In the comments below, give a brief story (no more than 200 words) about your travels gone wrong. The most awkward, hilarious, painful and frustrating stuff. You might get a free book for it.- I'll give the best story signed copies of both of my books, Human...