It's really happening, people. The good folks at Dark Moon Press have all four Grimm's Reapers books, as well as The Witch Wars: Volume 1. Over the past week, we've been working together on the source material and direction of the series and with it, how to handle this. With a lot of help from my author friend, Jeremy Croston, the newest form of the book is everything I could've ever hoped it to be.
With my blessing and with the understanding that things need to change, I'm here today to let everyone know that in one week, all my books will be coming off of Amazon. After that, the transition will begin with brand new covers and titles as we re-launch an updated and cleaner series. Next week, my contract with them starts, so this will be the final run as an independent.
Obviously, this pushes The Witch Wars Volume 2 back, but as someone who is taking their writing with a less blasé faire attitude, I want to make sure the products being put out with my name on it are top notch. I appreciate everyone's understanding in this. And for those of you who may have given up after reading a book or two, I feel like you might want to give the series a chance again. The story is as strong as ever and hopefully the rest of the logistics (editing and cleaner dialogue) match up with it.
-Jack
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Reflections
Sometimes getting the truth is the hardest conversation to have with someone. No one wants to hurt feelings or upset anyone, so they sugarcoat things. It's only by pressing that you get the truth, and once you have it, the realizations that come along with it.
I finally got the truth yesterday and it's time to deal with it.
When I started my writing journey a few years back, it was for fun. I had stories to tell and never really thought any more of it. As I kept going, it went from hobby to something that I started to take more seriously. Then, as more books sold, it became a passion. It wasn't overnight, but I remember one day thinking, "This is something I could totally see doing one day on a more full-time basis."
As a computer guy, I have spreadsheets and limitless pieces of data lying all over the place. One of those spreadsheets shows how my books do, obviously. The other day, it dawned on me that the series retention rate from Death Among Us through the current book, Jacoby's Revenge, ended up being only about 25%. That surprised me. So I sought out some opinions from those closest to me.
No one wanted to offend me. I kept pressing, until one brave soul told me the truth - there are numerous errors and some plot point inconsistencies. Finally, someone told me what I needed to hear. So, with that, what to do? A few authors said just to have it edited and just update the version on Amazon. However, one author gave me another idea, one I liked even more. Pull the books completely, revamp them, and release them under new names and cover art. "Let's give your books a brand new identity."
And that's what I am going to do. Over the next few weeks, I'm going to start pulling stuff down. Death Among Us is already in some very capable hands, getting revisions and corrections handled as we speak. I'll keep everyone posted as this new beginning really takes place, but in the meantime, feel free to email me any questions you might have. I'm always around.
-Jack
jack.crosby25@gmail.com
I finally got the truth yesterday and it's time to deal with it.
When I started my writing journey a few years back, it was for fun. I had stories to tell and never really thought any more of it. As I kept going, it went from hobby to something that I started to take more seriously. Then, as more books sold, it became a passion. It wasn't overnight, but I remember one day thinking, "This is something I could totally see doing one day on a more full-time basis."
As a computer guy, I have spreadsheets and limitless pieces of data lying all over the place. One of those spreadsheets shows how my books do, obviously. The other day, it dawned on me that the series retention rate from Death Among Us through the current book, Jacoby's Revenge, ended up being only about 25%. That surprised me. So I sought out some opinions from those closest to me.
No one wanted to offend me. I kept pressing, until one brave soul told me the truth - there are numerous errors and some plot point inconsistencies. Finally, someone told me what I needed to hear. So, with that, what to do? A few authors said just to have it edited and just update the version on Amazon. However, one author gave me another idea, one I liked even more. Pull the books completely, revamp them, and release them under new names and cover art. "Let's give your books a brand new identity."
And that's what I am going to do. Over the next few weeks, I'm going to start pulling stuff down. Death Among Us is already in some very capable hands, getting revisions and corrections handled as we speak. I'll keep everyone posted as this new beginning really takes place, but in the meantime, feel free to email me any questions you might have. I'm always around.
-Jack
jack.crosby25@gmail.com
Friday, March 17, 2017
Project Updates
Based on the number of emails that begin and end with, "Yo Crosby, when the hell is the next Witch Wars coming out?"* I figured now would be an excellent time to talk to all of you about a few things going on with me. First, the Witch Wars book has been placed on hold, just temporarily, while I am in the midst of an exciting new venture.
Most of you are aware that over the past few months, I've been working with well-known erotic novelist Morganna Williams. We've been combining our short stories together to bring you two cool editions, Primal Heat and Captive Desire. The reason for that was to get readers used to our names together as the entire plan was to eventually co-write a full length novel together. As you probably figured out, we're working on that right now.
We are hopeful to have the book written, edited, and published in April. This story is so freaking cool though. We have FBI agent Leonardo Jackson and bestselling erotic novelist Mona Hyatt as the main characters, tied together by a psychopath called the Dollface Killer. Why is he called that? I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Secondly, as you probably noticed, The Electric Mile has been taken down. During this hiatus, I've worked to make the novel even stronger. When will it be back up? I don't know. Just know that when it does, it will be the best Jack Crosby novel I've ever written.
So yeah, there's a lot going on. If you'd like more info about Morganna and I's upcoming title, you can also pop over to her blog, www.morgannawilliams.com. But, before we go, how about a quick teaser of said title?
-Jack
*Emails were condensed down and put into Crosbyese. Just shake your head and move along.
Most of you are aware that over the past few months, I've been working with well-known erotic novelist Morganna Williams. We've been combining our short stories together to bring you two cool editions, Primal Heat and Captive Desire. The reason for that was to get readers used to our names together as the entire plan was to eventually co-write a full length novel together. As you probably figured out, we're working on that right now.
We are hopeful to have the book written, edited, and published in April. This story is so freaking cool though. We have FBI agent Leonardo Jackson and bestselling erotic novelist Mona Hyatt as the main characters, tied together by a psychopath called the Dollface Killer. Why is he called that? I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Secondly, as you probably noticed, The Electric Mile has been taken down. During this hiatus, I've worked to make the novel even stronger. When will it be back up? I don't know. Just know that when it does, it will be the best Jack Crosby novel I've ever written.
So yeah, there's a lot going on. If you'd like more info about Morganna and I's upcoming title, you can also pop over to her blog, www.morgannawilliams.com. But, before we go, how about a quick teaser of said title?
-Jack
*Emails were condensed down and put into Crosbyese. Just shake your head and move along.
It was a seedy little place right off the Orange Blossom
Trail. The locals call this area of OBT Hooker
Heaven and it’s known for little porn shops and strip joints. I was in a
bad place; that’s why I was here.
After seeing Agent Perez gunned down, I’d been promoted to
the lead agent on the Dollface case. Me. What the hell did I know? There were
way more qualified agents to send to do the job, but upper brass all agreed
that I was the man for the job. I was scared shitless.
The joint I was in was known as The Red Room. It wasn’t
advertised anywhere or a place most even knew about. You had to get an invite
here. The second night after Perez’s death, a red envelope was nestled against
the door to the apartment the Bureau had set up for me. Opening it, I saw the
calligraphy writing, inviting Agent Leo Jackson for a night he’d never forget.
As I entered, I made my way over to the bar area. The whole
place was dark, red lights were scattered here and there to give the area a
certain, almost sexual, feel to it. The bartender was a girl in her late
twenties and her name tag read, “Mindy.”
I placed a ten spot on the bar top. “Whiskey sour, extra
sour.”
Smiling and taking the money, “That’s a generous opening,
sir. Special occasion?”
“No, just needing a drink.”
I didn’t want to put a heavy burden on this girl. Hell, I
should’ve been arresting everyone in this place, but I wasn’t in the mood. Not
that long ago I was just a computer geek who tracked down the bad guys through
encryptions and dark web visits. I laughed at myself, I had no business being a
field agent.
Mindy placed the drink on a napkin in front of me. “You have
a heavy soul,” she informed me. “A man who looks as sweet as you shouldn’t be
burdened with darkness.”
I snorted as I put the drink down with one gulp. “I wish I
wasn’t, believe me.”
I felt a soft hand caress my shoulder. It was a blonde girl,
barely clothed in six inch heels. Her fingers made their way to the tip of my
nose where she lightly poked it. “Mindy,” she said with some husk in her voice.
“I think I’d like to take this one.”
The bartender came out from behind the counter. “Sorry,
Yvette – this one is mine.”
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
March Madness Advice
I'll be the first to tell you I know shit about sports. Growing up, my ideas of sports were Final Fantasy VII marathons and putting together computers. But the one time of year I pay attention is March Madness. Not because of some fondness for basketball, but because I enjoy placing a bracket on a site like ESPN where random chance and guesses are as much a part of it as knowing these teams inside and out.
So you're like me, huh? Well, grab a beer (or a capris sun if your under 21) and let's look at some of the tried and true methods for winning some money with little to no sports knowledge required!
1. Bracket Seeds
This is the easiest one to follow. You have a 1 seed facing a 16 seed? Well that's a no brainer. I don't care if the 16 seed has your favorite color on the uniform or it's mascot is Admiral Ackbar (I see you Ole Miss people), 1 is good and 16 is bad. As the seed matchups get more even (like 1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3), then it becomes a free for all, but at the beginning, be smart. They rank these teams for a reason.
2. Mascots
You got one of those pesky 7 seed vs 10 seed matchups and you're like shit, what do I do? Let's go to the mascot check. The 7 seed has the mighty Friar for a mascot. The 10 seed has the radical Flying Space Hyenas as theirs. Duh - this is what we call a no brainer. You best be picking the Flying Space Hyenas. If you don't, you better be a Friar alum or intoxicated. Mascot coolness counts and don't be afraid to run with it.
3. Colors
A popular method amongst the lady-type people, picking based on what color appeals to you. I'm not going to lie, I've used this method on occasion to great success. My favorite color is green and thanks to a good old Michigan State run for a few tournaments, green took me to the promised land. However, color picks are superseded by seeds and mascots. I don't give two shits if aquamarine is your favorite color, if that team is a 15 seed with a mascot of the Jazz Bunny and they are playing a 2 seed with a mascot of the Killer Chainsaws, there's no way in hell you should be using the color method (unless you are an alum or intoxicated).
Well, there you have it. The brackets are out now and you should go get to picking. And, if you win any money, use it to buy one of your old pal Jack's books. You won't regret it.
-Jack
jack.crosby25@gmail.com
So you're like me, huh? Well, grab a beer (or a capris sun if your under 21) and let's look at some of the tried and true methods for winning some money with little to no sports knowledge required!
1. Bracket Seeds
This is the easiest one to follow. You have a 1 seed facing a 16 seed? Well that's a no brainer. I don't care if the 16 seed has your favorite color on the uniform or it's mascot is Admiral Ackbar (I see you Ole Miss people), 1 is good and 16 is bad. As the seed matchups get more even (like 1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3), then it becomes a free for all, but at the beginning, be smart. They rank these teams for a reason.
2. Mascots
You got one of those pesky 7 seed vs 10 seed matchups and you're like shit, what do I do? Let's go to the mascot check. The 7 seed has the mighty Friar for a mascot. The 10 seed has the radical Flying Space Hyenas as theirs. Duh - this is what we call a no brainer. You best be picking the Flying Space Hyenas. If you don't, you better be a Friar alum or intoxicated. Mascot coolness counts and don't be afraid to run with it.
3. Colors
A popular method amongst the lady-type people, picking based on what color appeals to you. I'm not going to lie, I've used this method on occasion to great success. My favorite color is green and thanks to a good old Michigan State run for a few tournaments, green took me to the promised land. However, color picks are superseded by seeds and mascots. I don't give two shits if aquamarine is your favorite color, if that team is a 15 seed with a mascot of the Jazz Bunny and they are playing a 2 seed with a mascot of the Killer Chainsaws, there's no way in hell you should be using the color method (unless you are an alum or intoxicated).
Well, there you have it. The brackets are out now and you should go get to picking. And, if you win any money, use it to buy one of your old pal Jack's books. You won't regret it.
-Jack
jack.crosby25@gmail.com
Thursday, March 2, 2017
The Witch Wars Volume 2
Good morning, everyone. Holy crap, it's been so long since I blogged that I actually forgot my password for a bit. That's what happens when work life gets put in front of author life. I'm not exactly a good multitasker, so when I get sent on these trips and what not, I generally leave all my authoring stuff at home.
After stops in a few east coast towns, I got back home a few days ago and just vegged out. I'm pretty sure there was a 48 hour stretch where all I did was watch Netflix and eat microwavable foods (Jack Crosby is brought to you today by the good people at Hot Pockets!). I needed it though; after 5 straight weeks of travel, I'm home for the time being and it's time to get back on the writing horse.
A number of you have emailed me, and first I'm sorry I'm just getting to responding today. Second, let's go ahead and talk about The next Witch Wars books. Before I got called for a job rush, I'd been working along at a pretty steady rate. In fact, I am currently up to chapter 17 completed. With having the next three weeks off, my plan is to chip away some more at the draft and maybe, if we're lucky, be able to send it out to my new editor before I hit the road again.
To get you excited, let's talk a little about what's going to be happening in this volume. If you'll remember, at the end of Jacoby's Revenge, six months have passed and Oz and Cassandra are hunting down a demon named Chiron. Chiron works for Jacoby, so you can see why this is important.
Let's not forget Caspian, too. He's stuck in that shadow world with Khloros, who is none too pleased with the current company. Things go from bad to weird as they investigate the hidden palace behind the waterfall with some... unexpected help.
New friends are met and some powerful old friends return in the 2nd story of this 3 part adventure. And it really wouldn't be a Grimm's Reapers type tale if there wasn't an impending end of the world scenario to deal with as well. So yeah, lots of good stuff to look forward too.
I'll have more information as the weeks go on. I have requested a cover from my graphic arts guy. When I get that in, I'll be sure to upload it right here. In the mean time, if you haven't read Jacoby's Revenge, go give it a try. It is a wild ride starring Derrick's son, Oz. That's it for now!
-Jack
jack.crosby25@gmail.com
After stops in a few east coast towns, I got back home a few days ago and just vegged out. I'm pretty sure there was a 48 hour stretch where all I did was watch Netflix and eat microwavable foods (Jack Crosby is brought to you today by the good people at Hot Pockets!). I needed it though; after 5 straight weeks of travel, I'm home for the time being and it's time to get back on the writing horse.
A number of you have emailed me, and first I'm sorry I'm just getting to responding today. Second, let's go ahead and talk about The next Witch Wars books. Before I got called for a job rush, I'd been working along at a pretty steady rate. In fact, I am currently up to chapter 17 completed. With having the next three weeks off, my plan is to chip away some more at the draft and maybe, if we're lucky, be able to send it out to my new editor before I hit the road again.
To get you excited, let's talk a little about what's going to be happening in this volume. If you'll remember, at the end of Jacoby's Revenge, six months have passed and Oz and Cassandra are hunting down a demon named Chiron. Chiron works for Jacoby, so you can see why this is important.
Let's not forget Caspian, too. He's stuck in that shadow world with Khloros, who is none too pleased with the current company. Things go from bad to weird as they investigate the hidden palace behind the waterfall with some... unexpected help.
New friends are met and some powerful old friends return in the 2nd story of this 3 part adventure. And it really wouldn't be a Grimm's Reapers type tale if there wasn't an impending end of the world scenario to deal with as well. So yeah, lots of good stuff to look forward too.
I'll have more information as the weeks go on. I have requested a cover from my graphic arts guy. When I get that in, I'll be sure to upload it right here. In the mean time, if you haven't read Jacoby's Revenge, go give it a try. It is a wild ride starring Derrick's son, Oz. That's it for now!
-Jack
jack.crosby25@gmail.com
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