A magazine writer and pop composer living near Toronto, Canada, Richard S. Todd is a fervent champion for those fighting to overcome personal struggles and make choices to resist the perpetuation of racial isolation.Raincloud, a critically-praised Editor’s Choice selection, is his debut novel.

Mr. Todd is also the founder of Sky Lake Entertainment, an organization dedicated to promoting literacy to the Greater Toronto Area.

On the web: www.richard-todd.com

Blog: raincloudbook.wordpress.com

Readerjack.com Speaks to Author Richard S. Todd

1. Tell us about your latest book, Raincloud.

Raincloud is the story of two communities, Scanlon Creek, a typical small town in Ontario, and Sky Lake, a dedicated Aboriginal reserve. Tensions have always existed between the two communities and only get exacerbated when Aboriginal youth start turning up dead. It’s up to a mixed-race Scanlon Creek detective named Hank Gillespie to risk his life finding the killer while wrestling with his own inner demons.

But unbeknownst to Hank, he has to embrace his demons to have any hope of solving the crime. A good dose of Native spirituality and a generous amount of blood too. You can’t make a good noir legendwithout blood.

2. Have you ever been published by a traditional publisher?

Not as a novelist, but I was a writer for SoulShine Magazine a few years back. It was a good gig and I was lucky to have it. I couldn’t write for your average magazine. I use too many metaphors and hyperbolize until I’m blue in the face. [pauses] See?

3. Why did you turn to self-publishing?

As a first-time Canadian novelist coming out of nowhere with a fiction manuscript, finding an agent or a publisher was a daunting challenge. I knew Raincloud was pretty good but hadn’t yet proven myself in the marketplace, nor was I well connected within the literary community. I was faced with a choice between Raincloud sitting on my hard drive or self-publishing. I chose the latter.

4. How was the self-publishing experience?

Overall, it was good. I went with a POD company called iUniverse after researching all the different POD outfits in the market. The pre-production services were great and I everything I learned is serving me well now. No regrets.

5. What are the main differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing?

The main difference is that you front all the costs for self-publishing and promotion. But with the Internet there are a lot of options for free publicity that are as wide-reaching as print ads but much more personalized. Your biggest promotional investment is your time. And with self-publishing you have complete creative control, which should be important to any artist.

If your sales aren’t as good as you hoped, you only have to answer to yourself without some publishing executive breathing down your neck. And if you’re a success, you can take all the credit. My credo is “Author, Sell Thyself”, and I believe it applies to both types of authors.

The biggest downside to self-publishing is the stigma attached to it. Many people turn up their noses at self-published authors, judging them as sub-standard writers rejected by the literary community. I can understand why; I’ve read some really bad self-published work. But we shouldn’t all be placed in the same bucket. Authors like myself are simply talented unknowns and, in a way, victims of an evolving publishing industry.

6. How has the reception been for Raincloud?

Excellent! It’s received some fantastic reviews from literary critics, authors, and readers alike. I’ve received emails from readers telling tell me how much they are looking forward to my next book. It’s a really great feeling when you’ve reached somebody.

7. What kind of promotion have you been doing?

I’ve done everything from book signings in various Chapters-Indigo stores and book festivals, radio interviews, podcasts, addressing writers groups and public schools, book readings, and utilizing online tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, my website (www.richard-todd.com) and my blog (raincloudbook.wordpress.com). Next I’m planning to host other authors on my blog with a series called “Introducing…”

You have to get out and try everything, unless you want to go no further than having just your friends and family read your book. You meet a lot of great people too, not just new readers but people in the industry as well.

8. Is there another novel in the works?

Yes, it’s called The Orphans of the Creek. It’s loosely based on my 10 years of club DJing, but the character in Orphans is quite troubled and traumatized, losing himself in various lusts to escape a horror he can barely face. Until one cool, late summer day…well, I don’t want to give it away.

9. Any advice for up-and-coming authors?

Read. A lot. And stay true to yourself when writing. Listen to criticism but don’t feel bound to take it. And don’t ever give up…unless it’s on your terms.

———————————-

Great advice for all and thank you Richard for the insights you have provided on Self Publishing and your accomplishments.

Darcy Frunchak

Publisher, readerjack.com

dfrunchak@readerjack.com

A magazine writer and pop composer living near Toronto, Canada, Richard S. Todd is a fervent champion for those fighting to overcome personal struggles and make choices to resist the perpetuation of racial isolation. Raincloud, a critically-praised Editor’s Choice selection, is his debut novel.

Mr. Todd is also the founder of Sky Lake Entertainment, an organization dedicated to promoting literacy to the Greater Toronto Area.

On the web: www.richard-todd.com

Blog: raincloudbook.wordpress.com

Readerjack.com Speaks to Author Richard S. Todd

1. Tell us about your latest book, Raincloud.

Raincloud is the story of two communities, Scanlon Creek, a typical small town in Ontario, and Sky Lake, a dedicated Aboriginal reserve. Tensions have always existed between the two communities and only get exacerbated when Aboriginal youth start turning up dead. It’s up to a mixed-race Scanlon Creek detective named Hank Gillespie to risk his life finding the killer while wrestling with his own inner demons.

But unbeknownst to Hank, he has to embrace his demons to have any hope of solving the crime. A good dose of Native spirituality and a generous amount of blood too. You can’t make a good noir legend without blood.

2. Have you ever been published by a traditional publisher?

Not as a novelist, but I was a writer for SoulShine Magazine a few years back. It was a good gig and I was lucky to have it. I couldn’t write for your average magazine. I use too many metaphors and hyperbolize until I’m blue in the face. [pauses] See?

3. Why did you turn to self-publishing?

As a first-time Canadian novelist coming out of nowhere with a fiction manuscript, finding an agent or a publisher was a daunting challenge. I knew Raincloud was pretty good but hadn’t yet proven myself in the marketplace, nor was I well connected within the literary community. I was faced with a choice between Raincloud sitting on my hard drive or self-publishing. I chose the latter.

4. How was the self-publishing experience?

Overall, it was good. I went with a POD company called iUniverse after researching all the different POD outfits in the market. The pre-production services were great and I everything I learned is serving me well now. No regrets.

5. What are the main differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing?

The main difference is that you front all the costs for self-publishing and promotion. But with the Internet there are a lot of options for free publicity that are as wide-reaching as print ads but much more personalized. Your biggest promotional investment is your time. And with self-publishing you have complete creative control, which should be important to any artist.

If your sales aren’t as good as you hoped, you only have to answer to yourself without some publishing executive breathing down your neck. And if you’re a success, you can take all the credit. My credo is “Author, Sell Thyself”, and I believe it applies to both types of authors.

The biggest downside to self-publishing is the stigma attached to it. Many people turn up their noses at self-published authors, judging them as sub-standard writers rejected by the literary community. I can understand why; I’ve read some really bad self-published work. But we shouldn’t all be placed in the same bucket. Authors like myself are simply talented unknowns and, in a way, victims of an evolving publishing industry.

6. How has the reception been for Raincloud?

Excellent! It’s received some fantastic reviews from literary critics, authors, and readers alike. I’ve received emails from readers telling tell me how much they are looking forward to my next book. It’s a really great feeling when you’ve reached somebody.

7. What kind of promotion have you been doing?

I’ve done everything from book signings in various Chapters-Indigo stores and book festivals, radio interviews, podcasts, addressing writers groups and public schools, book readings, and utilizing online tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, my website (www.richard-todd.com) and my blog (raincloudbook.wordpress.com). Next I’m planning to host other authors on my blog with a series called “Introducing…”

You have to get out and try everything, unless you want to go no further than having just your friends and family read your book. You meet a lot of great people too, not just new readers but people in the industry as well.

8. Is there another novel in the works?

Yes, it’s called The Orphans of the Creek. It’s loosely based on my 10 years of club DJing, but the character in Orphans is quite troubled and traumatized, losing himself in various lusts to escape a horror he can barely face. Until one cool, late summer day…well, I don’t want to give it away.

9. Any advice for up-and-coming authors?

Read. A lot. And stay true to yourself when writing. Listen to criticism but don’t feel bound to take it. And don’t ever give up…unless it’s on your terms.

———————————-

Great advice for all and thank you Richard for the insights you have provided on Self Publishing and your accomplishments.

Darcy Frunchak

Publisher, readerjack.com

dfrunchak@readerjack.com

The winners are:

Love Is In The Air Short Stories and Poetry 2009

Short Story

Winner – “The Music Box Princess” by Sandra Sookoo

Winner – “A Lucky Valentine’s Day” by Nicole Bisceglie

Honorable Mention – Honorable Mention – “The Whispering Tower” by Stephen Garside
Honorable Mention – “Somebody Else’s Child” by Melissa Miller

Poetry

Winner – “Decisions” by Andrew Maben

Winner – “Tamed Fire” by Silvia Mick

Honorable Mention – “Breath and Inspiration” by Andrew Maben
Honorable Mention – “A Dream of Erin” by Andrew Maben

Thank you, to everyone that entered. The compilation of all the stories and poems is available on the readerjack.com web site for $3.49 US. Proceeds go to the local children’s hospital.

We have made some web site changes recently, allowing authors to register as an author on the readerjack.com web site and upload their ebooks for free. Other changes include the ability to set and change your book pricing in US dollars, to link to your social networking links, and the ability to post your book review. These changes are made to make it easier for authors to GET PUBLISHED! and promote their work.

the readerjack.com Team

Vanity of Vanities, All Is Vanity

When Genova had reached the end of her unsuccessful search, she told the last literary agent who rejected her, “I’ve had enough of this. I’m going to go self-publish it.”

“Put these pieces together, and the picture begins to resolve itself: more books, written and read by more people, often for little or no money, circulating in a wild diversity of forms, both physical and electronic, far outside the charmed circle of New York City’s entrenched publishing culture. Old Publishing is stately, quality-controlled and relatively expensive. New Publishing is cheap, promiscuous and unconstrained by paper, money or institutional taste. “

see the whole article by Lev Grossman at http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1873122-1,00.html

Love is in the air at readerjack.com!

Romantic and passionate, thoughtful and kind – love poems and romantic short stories can warm our hearts! Valentine’s Day is on the way and we would like you to send us your poems and stories of ~ LOVE!

Eligibility

The readerjack.com Love Is In The Air contest is open to all readerjack.com members Joining is free, go to www.readerjack.com and login and register as a member or author.

Then send your poem or short story to:

 loveisintheair@readerjack.com  as a Word Document attachment.

Enter as many poems (maximum 30 lines) or short stories (maximum 4000 words), as you like.

Deadline

The deadline for submissions is EXTENDED TO February 15, 2009
There is no fee to enter.

Prizes

First and second place winners in the category of short story and poetry will receive:
 
-   A readerjack.com category winner icon (trophy)
-   An original book cover designed by Helix Concepts
-   A featured spot on a readerjack.com promotional poster
-   Free publicity at the at EPICon convention in Las Vegas in March 2009 on behalf of readerjack.com
-   An author’ s e-work posted on readerjack.com for a 1-year term and will receive royalties on the sale of their book during the term after which the author can have the work hosted and receive royalties during an additional term.

Decisions

Judges will review all the poems and short stories and make a decision based on artistic quality of the writing, creativity, originality of the work, and the adherence to contest restrictions. Poems and short stories that are vulgar and offensive are not accepted. Contest winners will be posted about 3 weeks after the contest closes, in time of Valentines Day.

Submissions

· Each work is submitted in a separate word document attachment within the email.
· Formatting is single space, new paragraphs double space or indent
· Font body or work is Times New Roman, 12 point

· You can place your 200-word bio and small picture at the beginning of your work, above the title of the work.
· Do not place any author’s address or contact information in the work attachment.

Rights

All works remain the property of the author.

readerjack.com shall have the right to publish and sell their work as part of an anthology or compilation and/or used in any promotion of readerjack.com. All royalties collected as part of the Contest shall be given to a charity.

By submitting a work you agree to the Contest Rules and the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies of the readerjack.com web site. readerjack.com reserves the right to change, alter or reformat the work for publishing purposes.

Conditions

readerjack.com is not responsible for and is not liable for any lost, late, misdirected, failure to receive entries or failed transmissions or network, computer, or electronic failures of any kind. readerjack.com will not be responsible or liable for errors or causes of errors in any materials associated with the Contest.

If a selected winner cannot be contacted or cannot accept the prize within 31 days of the judges’ announcement the prize will be donated to charity.

As a condition of entering the Contest or receiving any prize, winners warrant that they are eligible to qualify for the prize and, unless prohibited by applicable law, consent to the use of their name, address, picture, prize and/or and entry for promotional and other purposes without further payment.

General Release

By entering the Contest, you release readerjack.com, and its affiliated companies, directors, officers, employees, representatives, and agencies from any liability for any claims, costs, injuries, losses, or damages of any kind and damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation, or copyright.

www.readerjack.com

readerjack.com

“where all authors are published”.

 The readerjack.com Short Story Compilation 2008 is a collection of stories written by authors from all over the world.

readerjack.com is an e-publisher committed to publishing aspiring and published authors, self published authors and traditional print authors. Our goal is to make publishing affordable, simple and the promotion and marketing of authors accessible.

Authors who have contributed to this short story collection:

Short Story Compilation

The readerjack.com Short Story Contest fall 2008

short story award 2008

The Growing Moon by Lynn Iles

Lynn Iles—as a freelance researcher and writer, Lynn has worked in the field of non-fiction/technical writing and program design for the past 12 years.  She has been published in Permacharts quick reference product line and is a regular contributor to Family Camping Magazine, with such feature articles as “Meet The Meithigs: Extreme Family Campers.”  As a six-year member of the Wasaga Beach Writers Group, Lynn was responsible for the production, design, layout and publication of the Club’s Chap Book entitled “Meanderings of the Pen.”  She’s also written text for training materials, marketing brochures and interpretive signs.  “The Growing Moon” is one of eight short fictional stories in a collection called “Deadly Quirks.”  Lynn’s writing strongly reflects her rural lifestyle and experiences as a mother, naturalist and outdoor educator.

readerjack.com fall 2008 Short Story Compilation is an collection of stories written by authors from all over the world.

readerjack.com is an e-publisher “where all authors and artists are published”.

We are committed to the e-publishing of aspiring and published authors, self-published author’s and traditional print authors. Our goal is to make publishing affordable, simple and the promotion and marketing of authors accessible.

In the early fall of 2008 the readerjack.com short contest was announced and the winner was to be judged on the originality, creativity and well-written story.

Being that it was around Halloween, stories were to have a frightening theme. We were looking for a ghost story, a spooky mystery, a terrifying thriller, or anything else from one’s ghoulish imagination.

readerjack.com Short Story Short List:

SIXTH ANNUAL FALL EVENT

Saturday November 8, 2008

10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Registration/Sign-In Opens: 9:30 A.M.

Accent Inn, 3777 Henning Drive, Burnaby, B.C.

If you would like us to promote your work at this event, register on the www.readerjack.com  site and post your work. After you post your work, send us your Bio and a synopsis of the work to info@readerjack.com We will promote your work at this event.

There is no cost to the author for this event.