Tag Archives: smashwords

200 Downloads — What Does That Mean?

Posted on January 17, 2013 | Leave a comment

Another milestone reached today: my books have been downloaded 200 times.  But what does that mean?  After all, it’s not like I’m on the New York Times Best Seller List or anything.

After years of collecting rejection letters from publishers, dreaming of someday being a published author, fantasizing about what the life of a novelist might be like, and wondering if my books could change lives and maybe even make the world a better place, I decided to stop talking and start chalking.

In October of 2012 I came to a realization and put two novels up on Smashwords.  As a martial artist who knows that living in the moment is a prime ingredient of physical survival and spiritual well-being, I’m still shocked I didn’t see it sooner.  What I realized last year is that being a writer isn’t a destination but a state of being.

If you want to be a writer, be a writer.

What does 200 downloads mean?  It means that, since the definition of a writer is someone who writes stuff that other people actually read, I’m no longer merely a fantasizer, wonderer, or dreamer.

I’m a writer.

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Two New Non-Fiction Books Now Available

Posted on January 16, 2013 | Leave a comment

In addition to my novels I now have two free non-fiction works available on Smashwords.

The Cabal Fang Martial Arts Manual is an introduction to the martial art I founded in 2009.  Open the covers of this remarkable manual and step into the spaces between traditional martial arts, combat sports, and historical reconstruction. Get a glimpse of what is at once a modern self defense method, a strenuous fitness regimen, and a spiritual framework drawing upon the Western esoteric tradition. A seamless blend of the ancient and the modern, the physical and the internal, Cabal Fang is at once a child of the middle ages and the martial art of a new millennium. For all fitness and experience levels — but not the faint of heart.  Approx. 22,865 words.

Wisdom of the Raven: The Mystic Way of Cabal Fang is a companion booklet to The Cabal Fang Manual.  A blend of fact and fable, the practical and the esoteric, ‘Wisdom of the Raven’ instructs the reader in the spiritual underpinnings of Cabal Fang Martial Arts. Learn the basics of the Three Sisters — contemplation, meditation, and prayer — and how they come together to inform the mystic experience.  Approx. 6,563 words.

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I’m Doing Stuff Everywhere

Posted on January 5, 2013 | Leave a comment

I’m everywhere — kind of.  Here are a few Robert-Mitchelly-like things you could do if you so desired:

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Posted in Green, Martial arts, Writing

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First Two eBooks Now Available

Posted on October 3, 2012 | Leave a comment

My first two novels are now available for download on Smashwords.com.  No word yet if they’ve been accepted into the premium catalogs at Sony, Barnes & Noble, etc.  More to come!

Chatters on the Tide (free)

Ghilan ($4.99)

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As Promised, Big Changes

Posted on September 17, 2012 | Leave a comment

After many half-hearted attempts since exiting college thirty years ago, I have resolved to make real go of it as a writer.  Here’s where I am as of today:

  1. Two of my novels are out being professionally formatted and prepared for upload on Smashwords.  Planned release is 9/30/12.
  2. I will be tabling at Richmond Zinefest on October 6th to sell my goods, network, and hopefully talk some people into becoming fans of my stuff.  The plan is to begin making regular public appearances on a monthly basis — attending local events, hosting workshops, and so forth.
  3. I have a request from a major magazine to write a martial arts article.  Photos have been taken I should have that done and to the feature editor shortly.  Since the request was “on spec,” there’s no way of knowing if it’ll ever see print.  Keeping my fingers crossed.
  4. I have decided to take ownership of the really great occult-oriented material I’ve been writing under my alter-ego Modred since 2007.  If you’re interested that kind of thing, or if you’re just curious, read this post.  As a result you’ll see some new links and a new category across the top of the blog.
  5. I created a really retro business card based on my grandfather’s business card.  I’ve put them up here side-by-side so you can compare and reflect because, well, I think it’s a pretty cool idea.

Stay tuned.

My new business card, circa 2012

F. J. Mitchell’s business card from the 1930’s

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Posted in Green, Martial arts, Writing

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Update on Current Projects

Posted on July 12, 2012 | 1 comment

Update 7/18/19:  My club still uses the flag but we’re now called Cabal Fang Temple, and we’re a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational charity.  Visit our website or purchase our 12-week personal growth program at Smashwords, Amazon, B&N, or wherever fine e-books are sold.

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Original post:

Coffee and eyedrops. How else can you stay up till all hours writing?

As a martial artist I espouse the philosophy that you should throw your entire arsenal at the attacker until somebody drops.

I have now modified that philosophy and applied it to my writing productivity.  Write better, write more, and submit more.  Sooner or later something’s gotta give.

Toward that end…

The rough draft of my new book — entitled Ghilan — is finished.  Copies will be in the hands of my trusted allies shortly, followed by a quick re-write based on their comments, and then on to eventual release on Smashwords.  Look for a teaser coming soon, and also some supplemental material.

My short-story “Gabby & Mike” is also done, and has been submitted to OneTitle Magazine for consideration.

Here is a rundown of the other submissions I’ve made in the last couple of months:

5/3/12: Query letter to Outside Magazine pitching a profile of The Order of Seven Hills called “Martial Arts Alfresco”
5/8/12: Query letter to Black Belt Magazine pitching an article, “Going the Extra Mile: Tires for Martial Fitness”
5/22/12: Query letter to Muscle & Fitness pitching  “All Tired Out,” a 1,000 word piece about auto tires for fitness.
6/13/12:  Pitched the “Martial Arts Alfresco” article to Breathe Magazine
6/19/12:  Emailed query letter to Fighters only Magazine “Going the Extra Mile: Tires for Martial Fitness”

And let’s not forget that my short-story “A Sign of the Times” is still on the slate for inclusion in the Fall edition of Hulltown 360 Literary Journal.

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Lots Going On

Posted on August 31, 2011 | Leave a comment

Update 7/18/19:  My club still uses the flag but we’re now called Cabal Fang Temple, and we’re a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational charity.  Visit our website or purchase our 12-week personal growth program at Smashwords, Amazon, B&N, or wherever fine e-books are sold.

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Original post:

* The ‘Some Kind of Green‘ project is yielding results.  I feel better about myself, I’m more productive, and I’m saving money to boot.  If only I had done this 30 years ago.  * Started connecting with other like-minded bloggers (check my blogroll for cool people saying cool stuff).  Keep the faith my brothers and sisters!  * In two weeks my son and I will be spending three days off the grid practicing stone-age skills (since we can’t afford, and don’t want to drive 4.5 hours to attend, MAPS Meet #2 that weekend).  Sorry fellow MAPSsters 😦 * I’ll be attending the free Decolonization class at Wingnut 9/20, 9/27, & 10/4 and blogging about what I learn.  * My martial arts club, The Order of Seven Hills, will be tabling at Zinefest on October 8th.  The best stuff still ain’t for sale at big box bookstores!  * Re-writes of some of my unpublished books are under way and will be available for download at Smashwords by the first of next year.

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