Categories: MiscPersonal updates

Ramblings and such.

I’ve been struggling lately with some postings and have been very busy too. Best practice they say is to at least 3 posts weekly. I’m more of a post when the muse hits, but today I thought I’d just talk about what’s going on with me a bit.

Today I took the time to submit my novel for to Amazon’s ACX to create an audiobook. We’ll see what happens. Like all things Amazon, it was an easy process for book setup.

I’ve been struggling on how to direct my blogging. My struggle is really coming up with content for so many areas. (Blog, social media and writing) Finding time to actually write the next novel. Increasing my platform especially via twitter and google plus. Twitter is amazing! I’ve quite a few non-fiction works that I started but need to complete, so I’m looking at bring them back and publishing them,

I’ve had a story idea for a year now. I’ve been wondering about how realistic it would be for me to work on two separate novels simultaneously.

I’m at the computer so much my neck/shoulders muscles have started to hurt. Been doing some exercises to keep things in order. But yikes talk about pain!

I like the control of doing things as an authorpreneur, yet I must admit, it would be nice if I had another me who could spend more time doing networking with people online.

If all goes as planned, I hope to have the next book out in time for Christmas. I’m still going through some financial challenges so that impacts my ability to pour myself entirely into my work as I would like. But I’m optimistic that in time things will work out and asking for you to keep me in your prayers.

I got a Kindle Fire for Christmas so it’s loaded with all kinds of books now. I’ve been reading The Shack by William P Young. I’m almost done with it. It’s a good book, a quick read actually too. I would recommend it.

Had a great service yesterday and it made me think about a variety of things specifically I was asked to reflect on the cross. I was reminded that we have in our culture powerful symbols and icons. The Nike Swoosh, The Golden Arches of McDonalds. There are a multitude of logos and brands that with one look you instantly recognize the company associated or action associated with it.

But think about the cross. We wear it over our necks as gold jewelry, have it dangle from our ears as earrings, will drape it on t-shirts, and have it dangled as a belly ring.

But the cross was a form of torture, it was an instrument of capital punishment used by the roman empire. A form of punishment so severs and terrifying that you thought twice about committing a crime that might result in crucifixion. Imagine if we draped an electric chair in gold, and draped it about our necks. Or worse silver studded nooses. If I had 14k gold earrings of an electric chair dangling from my ears what would you think? Kinda weird huh? But the cross is such a powerful symbol because its been transformed from a symbol of torture and capital punishment to a symbol of hope.

It is the perfect embodiment of God’s justice and love. As we prepare to celebrate God’s solution to man’s sin. Let us remember that the cross is more than a piece of fancy jewelry to be worn. But the real consequence of our rebellion against God, who took our deserved punishment, and in our stead and voluntarily paid the price for our sins.

As I ramble, I’m again asking for your prayers and well wishes, as I am beginning to do some readings and more radio interviews. Speaking of which I have a blog talk radio interview on Wednesday April 16^th at 2pm eastern. I hope you can tune in as host Giovanni Gelati and I talk on the G-Zone about my novel. Check the link out for Wednesdays interview here. ihttp://bit.ly/1gnnIPM

Finally I’ve developed a seminar I’m looking at doing as well. On independent Publishing. There is so much that new authors don’t know. I’ve made some mistakes and I’ve made some home runs. I’m hoping I can help other authors duplicate and expand on my own successes, and help them avoid problems in getting their books out. I’m constantly amazed when I talk to new authors about what they don’t know.

I’ve got tons more stuff to share, but ‘its time to make the donuts’ so I’ve gotta log off, but hey I always enjoy hearing from you. Please leave me comment and I’ll put your name in a hat to receive a free copy of my novel!

Here’s some music to uplift you!

Donovan

Donovan M. Neal is the Amazon best-selling independently published author of the Third Heaven Series: a speculative Christian fantasy four book series that explores the captivating story about the fall of Lucifer. The book takes readers on an epic journey through the celestial realms, offering a unique perspective on the events surrounding Lucifer’s rebellion and his descent into darkness. In this imaginative tale, Donovan weaves together elements of Christian theology, angelic mythology, and fantastical world-building. The story delves into the cosmic conflict between good and evil, painting a vivid picture of the spiritual warfare that unfolded in the heavens. Donovan has published eleven books and is currently working on publishing five more in the year 2023 alone. His books have reached thirteen countries including India, Japan, the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil and across Europe, Canada and the US. He has sold over thirty thousand units of his books and generated over a quarter million in gross sales part time and without an agent. Donovan has produced fiction; non-fiction and most recently published a graphic novel. His genre of preference is fantasy and he has been named among such notable authors as Frank Perretti, Brian Godawa, and the late Dr. Michael S. Heiser. When he’s not writing or working, Donovan can be found gaming or enjoying various forms of media. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and a graduate degree in Non-profit Management from Walden University. Prior to his current career, Donovan served in ordained ministry from 1993-2011 and has extensive experience teaching the Bible. You can learn more about him professionally if you would like by clicking here. His favorite movie is the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. He also enjoys gaming and can be found on the Playstation5 deep in Destiny 2, He’s owned most gaming systems all the way back from Atari and Pong! and has made several friends from his beloved days on World of Warcraft. A lover of such classics as chess and backgammon he loves most games and the strategy behind them. When he is not imagining comic conflicts between good and evil he is helping to secure employment for housing insecure women as the Executive Director of a non-profit in the city of Detroit and also serves in the prayer and discipleship ministry of his local church.