For the last few months, I’ve been backlogging a lot of essays and pieces of writing I’ve been looking to find a home for. But like so many searches, the destination was right in front of me.
Starting next Thursday, I’ll be posting weekly on the sthoover.com blog. I’ll do my best to keep this consistent, but in the future, we may downgrade to a post every other week, a post every month, or a post whenever I feel like it. So what can you expect?
Essays on just about anything
Posts about writing
Michael Ridding serialization (with insights!)
Original fiction (unpublished)
Interviews (maybe?)
So far, I’ve banked a couple months’ worth of posts, and I have to say I feel like this is the outlet I needed. After a relatively sparse 2018 as far as published writing is concerned, I’m looking forward to a few months of weekly posts, and I hope you are too.
Before I go, I want to know what you guys want to see. Does what’s up there sound good? Is there anything you know you want to see that I haven’t listed? Do you think you’re interview material? Hit me up in the comments or on Facebook and Twitter if you have any suggestions!
Lastly, as sort of a running thing, I plan to end most posts with a recommendation or short review. These can be books, movies, music, and more. So let’s wrap things up with the first one!
What am I listening to?:
The Missing Man by AFI
The EP came out not long ago, and I’m loving it. The vinyl showed up about a week ago, and it’s been on near repeat ever since. AFI hasn’t done much, if anything, I don’t like. My favorite song’s probably “Back into the Sun”, with “Break Angels” as a close second. I get big DenCom vibes from both songs, which will always make them favorites. Overall, an easy 8 out of 10 for me.
I guess that’s it for now. See you next Thursday with the first serialized chapter of Michael Ridding!
-S.T. Hoover
P.S.: I know I already said this above, but I want to reiterate that I am not holding myself to this schedulein any way, or to the blog itself. Big things are coming up this year, and if that means the blog takes a back seat, then it does. Just wanted to make sure I cleared that up. Thanks for reading!
What’s it been? Like, 18 months since my last blog post? Well, I guess no one can say I don’t put work first!
Anyway, I felt like it would be a good idea to recap how things have gone and where they’re going. How did 2018 go, and what’s in store for 2019?
I wanted to start by going over how this last year went. A lot happened, both on the surface and behind the scenes. But for now, we’ll start with what you guys got to see.
Speaking chronologically, the first thing that came along was Hi-Host’s amazing DenCom art in February! We worked for months together on the group shot of everyone, and I have to say I’m still thrilled with the finished product!
Next up, of course, is the audiobook of Michael Ridding that came out in April. Chris Abell did an amazing job capturing the spirit of the novel and giving each character their own highly distinct voice that many narrators don’t have the passion to give. This past summer, I relistened to the audiobook over the course of several flights and bus rides, and I have to say I still love it. I haven’t met many authors who can come back to their work, let alone their first book, and still love it. But so far, that’s been the case for me, and the audiobook is a prime example of why.
If you haven’t listened to it already, click on the picture to head to the Audible page and download it for FREE with a 30-day trial.
After the audiobook hit shelves, I took time to vend at several events, including the Massillon Library Spring Local Author Fair in April, Charity’s Market at Springhill Historic Home in June, and a book sale at Dorrie’s Booktique in September organized by The Write Stuff, an authors’ group I joined earlier in the year (more on them in a bit).
Then, in late October, the new Michael Ridding cover was unveiled! Admittedly, this is more of a proof of concept we’re testing out to see if this look works, so before DenCom 2 hits digital and physical shelves, it may go through one more iteration. But so far, it’s had a positive response. I’ve already seen higher sales and reads thanks to the rebranding. What do you guys think of it?
Last but not least, the Massillon Library Fall Local Author Fair in November, where I read an excerpt from Michael Ridding! The video is now up on Facebook, but here’s a link for those who haven’t seen it.
Ok, now let’s go behind the scenes, shall we?
Well, for those who don’t know, 2017 was a rough year for me. I ended up taking an ill-fated job right around the time professional edits of a novel meant for 2018 crashed and burned. Admittedly, this was all my fault. That project, which I’ve referred to as “The Pink Bow Book” (not the real title) was an experiment I wasn’t ready for, and my work on Michael blinded me to several major issues that meant the draft at the time was beyond saving. This was a devastating blow, one that led me not to pursue a rewrite until I had a better grasp of the craft. I’ve taken roughly a year and a half off from that book to weigh the pros and cons of a heavy rewrite, and I definitely think the book will be getting one. I’ve got some ideas burning a hole in my pocket, so to speak, but I want to finish some other projects first, namely DenCom 2 and a stand-alone novel.
So, all that to say after Michael Ridding came out, 2017 was pretty unproductive. In truth, I spent the second half of the year doing less than a month’s worth of work, and when that job finally ended last December, I hit the ground running.
Within the first 5 months of 2018, I’d finished 5 drafts: I wrapped up DenCom 2, finished and re-wrote the stand-alone novel, re-drafted the collab with Faryl, and finished an original novella. That was honestly the most productive I’ve ever been. I took every day far more seriously than ever. I treated writing like any other job. I kept deadlines, met and exceeded word count goals, and most importantly, I respected the opportunity I had to do this. Not everyone is allowed to write full time, and while I hesitate to call myself a “full-time writer”, I take my work seriously, and in those first five months, it really showed.
Another change I made in my writing life was joining the Write Stuff Authors’ Group, a club of local authors who invited me to join in late 2017, but I didn’t have the time until early this year. I now look forward to our monthly get-togethers and round-table dinners more than almost anything else I scribble on my calendar. It’s been a great year for the group as a whole, and it’s been amazing to see the improvement in my own work and everyone else’s. It was a boost I didn’t know I needed and one I would encourage any writer at any stage to pursue.
Then, this summer, I took a month off to vacation in Hawaii, Palm Springs, and Denver. It was a rest I definitely needed, and it was one that prepared me for the second half of the year. Not to mention getting married to the woman of my dreams on Maui left me in a good mood.
But anyway, I got back knowing I was not going to have another 5-draft half of the year. DenCom 2 needed my attention, and there was no way that the 500+ page manuscript would leave me with much creative time for anything else. 2 drafts later, I was able to sign off on it just before Thanksgiving, and after a proofread, it’s now off with the editor who plans to begin working on it in January.
So, in short, 2018 has been a busy year, and there are still a few things in there I can’t talk about yet. So with all that said, what are we looking at in 2019?
Well, I’m hoping we’ll be looking at at least 1 new book, that being DenCom 2. If the editor and I can get it worked out before summer, there is a good chance we can have it out before the end of the year. But that being said, there is still the matter of proofreading, copyedits, and more that could take us into the next year. So best case scenario, DenCom 2 will be out Fall 2019. But that’s not a promise, just a proposal.
I’m also hoping that my stand-alone novel will see an editorial review early in summer, so we can look at a 2020 release for that book. Again, that’s just the plan; there’s nothing set in stone that says it’ll happen.
Also, on a personal note, I plan to go back to school in fall if all works out. This will likely take priority over the writing career for some time, but I don’t know to what degree. So just keep that in mind if this time next year, DenCom 2 is still MIA.
Lastly, I will be forward and say that there are several projects I can’t talk about yet. Nothing earth-shattering, but a few cool things that should finally manifest next year.
I think that’s all I’ve got for now. 2018 was a fantastic year, and 2019 is shaping up to be even better. Thanks again to everyone who’s supported Michael Ridding so far. I can’t wait to bring you more DenCom very soon!
-S.T. Hoover
P.S. If you read down this far, then you’re one of the first to know that the Kindle edition of Michael Ridding will be FREE on Christmas Day! Check in the morning, or wait for my posts on Facebook and Twitter!
Paperbacks of Michael Ridding: A DenCom Thriller are going up for sale on Amazon within the next two weeks. I’ll have a limited number of signed copies available as well, so keep an eye out for that post.
I’ve had a lot of people ask me how they can help make sure Michael Ridding gets the sequel it deserves. One of the best ways, if not the only way, is to spread the word about the book. Leaving reviews on Amazon and Goodreads helps more than you would think. Post about it on social media or recommend it to a friend looking for a good thriller. I try to do my part without spamming, but no matter what, I’ll always look biased since I’m the one who wrote the book. Readers saying good things will do more for Michael–or any future book–than I ever could.
Lastly, I’ve had people ask me a lot about what’s next. Well at this time, I’ve secured an editor for my next standalone project. I’m hoping for a release somewhere around Christmas, but there’s a lot more to consider before I put a date on it. Once everything gets straightened out and I have a cover, I’ll give you guys the details.
I guess that’s it. The link to the Kindle version is in the comments if anybody is interested in picking that up. Otherwise, you should see the paperback out very soon.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you’re all enjoying the book.
Hello, everyone, and welcome once again to the S.T. Hoover Power Hour!
Ok, it’s only a blog post.
I’m sorry I lied.
But anyway, I wanted to write up a fairly “serious” post about the recent author fair I attended, and also talk about where things stand with Michael Ridding.
As some of you know, I recently attended the Stark County District Library’s Local Authors Fair, which was the first event I ever attended as an author. Most of you know the story of how it happened, but for a quick recap, Faryl was set up to attend the fair, and when she brought me up during the process, they asked if I would come along. I didn’t intend to do any events until the book was actually published, but after talking with those in charge of organizing the event, I felt confident in going to promote my upcoming novel and meet other local authors.
To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. My mind tends to think the worst will always happen–and what that would have been, I don’t know. Luckily, I didn’t find out.
While it was a small event, it was something I now see I needed to do.
I brought along a hardback “prototype” of the book along with some information about it, and I teased my next book as well. People really seemed to respond to the new cover and book details in a positive light. I had some good, long conversations with potential readers and other local authors, and it was overall a very positive and rewarding experience. I had no idea so many talented authors lived in the area (nearly 40 authors signed up for the event), and I hope their introduction to me was a good one. I’ve always known I don’t quite fit the usual “author” mold, but nonetheless, I wasn’t looked down upon for that. People seemed to accept me, authors and attendees alike, which I will admit was one of my greater fears. I was worried that I wouldn’t be looked at as an equal, possibly for who I am, or because I didn’t have a book out yet. Luckily, neither were the case. I felt overwhelmingly accepted and understood at the event, and I can’t wait to go back again.
While I don’t typically give advice, since I feel as such a new author that would be inappropriate, I do feel safe in saying this: If you have an opportunity like I did, where you know the book will be out or already is out, no matter the size or scope of the event, do it so long as it’s reputable. Not all of them are, so do your research. But even this little library event, for how small it was, made all the difference, and I felt it every time I talked with an author or reader. Even if no one attended the event, I think the authors would have been more than fine mingling and talking amongst themselves, and for the first time in my life, I felt like one of them. I felt professional–more professional than all the posting and tweeting in the world will ever make me feel. So if you’re asked or you want to attend, and you have the book(s) (or some form or writing) to back yourself up, definitely look into events like the one I attended. It’ll be worth it if you know what you’re doing.
Now, onto another topic, Michael Ridding updates.
As it says in the title, I plan on going dark when Michael comes in. This means no Facebook, website or Tumblr until my edits are complete. Twitter may still see some action since it’s a quick and easy platform to work with. But everything else will probably be pushed aside so I can finish the book.
My plan is that over April, I run through the line edits and begin the copyediting process. I have a copyeditor on standby who is eagerly awaiting the manuscript, and as I finish it, she will get to work and make sure it all looks spiffy.
The novel is almost done. I feel confident in saying it will be out this summer, and if I can, I will get it out as early as May (cross all those fingers and toes).
Other than that, things are moving along. I have two other novels I’m currently saving money to have edited, but for now, my focus is on Michael. This book’s waited a long time to see readers, but I don’t want to rush the process. Still, I’ll have enough to keep myself busy after it’s wrapped up, and hopefully, we will see a second novel release in 2017 (cross all those finger and toes again, just don’t hurt yourself. K? K.)
I suppose that’s all for now. As of this update, I plan to go dark and finish the book. The edits could come in tonight, a week from now, or longer. Regardless, I need a rest before I review them, which I plan to start taking after this posts, and continue until the edits arrive. We’ll let fate decide how long that will be.
Thanks for reading my ramblings and I hope to see you all again in a little over a month with some cool news.
Thanks again for reading, I’ll see you in time.
-S.T. Hoover
P.S. Incase you missed it, you can find the new cover on the “Books” page or on the “Michael Ridding” page.
Hello everyone, and welcome to STHoover.com, where all things S.T. Hoover will happen.
How late am I doing this?
Pretty late, I know.
Work on Michael Ridding, which is now with the editor for the last time, was one of many factors that halted this site’s creation. Only after catching up on a few other projects do I find myself with (barely) enough spare time to finish the site.
So, what’s going to happen here?
Well, I plan for this site to be the central hub for all news, updates and anything else relating to my books. I’ll update as often as I can, but as I’ve stressed before, my priority is getting books to you, the readers, not wasting time on the Internet.
But regardless, all the info you’ll need about me and my works should be here. Information on my upcoming projects, news and updates, and pretty much everything else will go here first and foremost, only being posted on social media later (usually the same day.)
Before I leave you to explore, I should point out that the site is pretty barren right now. For the moment, I don’t have much to show, but I should in the next few months as projects continue to gain momentum. Also, we tried for months to work out an email newsletter and several site emails, but the process has proved far too temperamental. We are still working behind the scenes to get those features working, but again, my focus is getting books to you.
For now, have a look around. You might find a few surprises…
