Meet New Rogue Bridget Callaghan

The Rogues Gallery Writers welcomes new Rogue Bridget. In the coming weeks, our goal is that you find more updated material on this blog. Information like what we're up to and where you can find us. How our projects are moving along and when we expect completion.

Bridget joins the Rogues by invitation. She brings with her a Masters in Clinical Social Work as well as the experience of being the former editor/writer/owner of Coquina Coast Woman Magazine. This mag featured local women writers, business owners and general interest groups.

Currently she is working on two books. The first, a non-fiction, is titled The Year We Died and is due for completion in February, 2011. The second book, Hesher in the Rye, is a compilation of short stories and letters created for and written to her brother, Michael.

Bridget lives in Florida with her husband, Craig, her daughter, Riley, two bulldogs, Jake and Suki and her cat named Foo.

We look forward to her input and we are excited to undertake a major new project with her on board.

The Rogues Ride Again!

Another year, another successful Rogues Gallery Writers charge into the Florida Writers Association Royal Palm Literary Awards! Rebekah Hunter Scott earned First Place in the book-length category Humor/Satire with her offering of Motherhood is Easy...as long as you have nothing else to do for the next 50 years. This book is a hilarious take on motherhood, heck, parenting! As a father I've read it five times and laughed each time. This is an absolutely well-deserved award.

Also winning at the RPLA's was Rogue Michael Ray King. He earned the top two spots in the Published Poetry category with the poems Melody of a New Dawning and No One's There. Both of these poems come from the book Loves Lost and Found which won a First Place RPLA in 2009 for the poem Rendezvous. Rogue King also earned a First Place finish for Why Me? in the Unpublished Short Story category.

Now is the time for all good Rogues to gear up for next year. In order to win awards like this, a writer must have his/her material written and edited by spring. Not much time if you wait until January to write, so it's back to the keyboards Rogues!!!

We're Planning a Party

Yes folks, the Rogues are planning a party for October 2, 2010 at 11:00am at A Taste of Portugal in Palm Coast. We will have loads of fun.

First and foremost, the release of Writing is Easy will take place. All four authors will be on hand to autograph copies of the book as well as read brief excerpts from the book.

We also will be putting on a Bunko game. This fast-paced mixer is loads of fun and prizes (books) will be given away for the top scores in three categories!

We also will have a Guess the Author Quote Sweepstakes. 24 quote will be listed on an author quote tree (and on paper), 8 quotes from each author. The guest who correctly identifies the most quotes owners will win a autographed copy of Writing is Easy.

Also, artist and Rogue Tracy McDurmon will be raffling off one of her paintings valued at $400.

AND!!! The Rogues are putting on a silent auction of their books. Simply go by the front table just inside the restaurant and write in your bid on the books. The top bidder at 2:45pm will be announced.

A buffet will be available for those who wish to eat and drink. The buffet will include salad and tea as well as whatever meat offerings A Taste of Portugal serves up. A vegan or vegetarian buffet will be offered at the same low price of $10!!!

Come on out and join in the fun!

Oh yes, one last thing. Anyone who responds early that they will be attending will receive an autographed copy of the mini-book More Writing is Easy.

See you there!

Let's Write!

The Rogues Gallery Writers gear up each day to get word out about what we do. We write. Yes, one of us is more artist than writer, yet she often out-writes the writers. The book Writing is Easy is already available online and in ebook and Kindle versions as well. In fact, one of the best bargains out there is www.booksonboard.com where Writing is Easy is available for the ridiculous price of $9.98. That's nearly $10.00 off the book price!

The Rogues are also offering a small mini-book titled More Writing is Easy coming out in October. This smaller book contains additional material that was not ready at press time of the larger book, so if you couldn't get enough Writing is Easy, jump on the mini-book as well at www.clearviewpressinc.com

The book release party promises to rock the house, or at least Barbara Jean's restaurant in the European Village in Palm Coast, Florida. We'll be: raffling off a $400 painting by Tracy ($20 per ticket), giving away door prizes, giving prizes (Rogues' books) to winners in three categories in the bunko game, having a silent auction of ALL Rogues' books, putting on a "Guess the Author Quote Contest" where the winner will receive an autographed copy of Writing is Easy, and the Rogues will be reading an excerpt from the book. There'll be a great buffet and fun for everyone!

All this happens on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 11:00am to 3:00pm. Making a go of it as an author or artist today requires each person to be part insanity, part stupidity and part bravery. Most of all it calls for a passion to pursue a dream that often runs contrary to society. All of us (Rogues) ask for your support in birthing our baby (Writing is Easy) as well as your support in our effort to step out and do something most people would flee.

Support comes in many forms. Positive affirmations are always good, and nice reviews of our work to others as well. I'm going to say it - money is a great form of support as well. Please consider that each book purchased helps us to continue to pursue our dreams AND produce entertainment for people who love to read. Who knows, one day some of our work my make it to the big screen.

Dreams like that do not go anywhere without the backing of wonderful people. Please consider what you would be willing to do to help aspiring writers and artists along the road of their dream. One thing's for sure - the Rogues do not rest. We're still writing. We're still producing. Each new project is an opportunity to grow. Each day we learn more and therefore write more. Join us, won't you, on October 2nd? Just your show of support at the book release party is significant.

You can inspire us to continue our battle cry - Let's Write!

Book Bunko Bash!

Writing is Easy, the collaborative effort of the four Rogues, is now available. In massive celebration, the Rogues Gallery Writers are throwing a book/bunko bash. This event will combine books art and fun with great food and excellent interaction.

Mark Saturday, October 2, 2010 on your calendar. Barbara Jean's restaurant in the European Village is the location. The party will run from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Here's some of what will be happening:

Bunko. Anyone who has not played this crazy, mindless game will be thrilled to learn that there are no strategies, no high-brow thought processes nor dexterity involved. As long as you can roll dice and scream at them, you'll be fine. For those who've played, well, we understand your addiction...

Raffle. Rogue Tracy will raffle off a $400 painting at the end of the party. Her artwork graces the covers of Writing is Easy and Loves Lost and Found as well as having loads of interior paintings in the book Loves Lost and Found.

Door prizes and readings. During the course of the bunko game, breaks are scheduled at specific times. During these breaks, a Rogue will read an excerpt from Writing is Easy and then a door prize will be handed out to a lucky winner. For you die-hard bunko-ers, this intrusion will be brief and you will be able to soon return to your regularly scheduled game addiction.

Food. Barbara Jean's will offer a buffet to anyone wishing to eat during the festivities. This will allow bunko players to graze at their leisure as well as the authors who no doubt will want to stuff their faces between autographs.

Books. The Rogues Gallery Writers are busy little writers. They have five books between them and all will be on display (and for sale) to the right when you walk into Barbara Jean's. The authors will make themselves available to sign autographs or hang out the whole time. Yes, we won't be able to play bunko, but I bet we can sneak away and sub for someone for a few tantalizing rolls of the dice!

Book prizes. The Rogues will give away books as the bunko prizes for Most Wins (Writing is Easy), Travels (Flight From Fear), and Bunkos (Loves Lost and Found). These books will be autographed not only by one Rogue, but ALL the Rogues!

This will be a gala event, loads of fun, books, prizes, raffles, food and great people. Evites will be sent out soon. Please sign up as we are targeting 100 guests and need to know how many will be attending so that Barbara Jean's can prepare the requisite amount of food.

And buy a book! The Rogues will be thrilled to autograph it for you!

The Rogues They Are A Rollin'

Crunch time. The Rogues Gallery Writers have seen this day coming for years. Now, the day soon becomes reality. With the release of Writing is Easy Rebekah, Tracy, Jeff and Mike have a lot of things to handle.

One of the largest is the book release party. The plan to have a Book Bunko Bash party now moves to the fore. October 2, 2010, one day after the official release of the book, the Rogues will gather at Barbara Jean's in the European Village in Palm Coast for their big kickoff shindig. There will be buffet style food, a raucous bunko game with prizes as well as the four authors selling and signing books.

Invitations will be sent out through online media. Only the first 100 will be able to get in, so a list will be kept on a first come, first served basis.

The Rogues are also scheduling speaking engagements. Once they get the first couple under their belt, they will soon be touring schools and organizations with their knowledge of writing and publishing as well as their humor.

Ok, writing all this in third person is really beginning to irritate me. We do plan to get out to schools with the intention of inspiring young writers to get diligent about their dreams and aspirations.

We are motivated. We are great writers. We have spunk. We have moxie. We will be heard and we will leave our mark. My sincere hope is that we have a positive effect and that we encourage and inspire those who need such intangibles. We know there are many who need this as we ourselves have simply needed someone to believe in us and inspire us as well.

The Rogues Gallery Writers - on a mission to inspire writers. We're rollin'!

Writing is Easy

Yes, writing may be easy, but the time spent promoting can be overwhelming. Our new book - Writing is Easy is now at the printer. We are waiting on the proofs, then we go to print and a whole new Rogues Gallery Writer needs to emerge.

We have websites to develop and update. We have blogs to write, interviews to schedule, reviews to seek out and potential buyers to find. This is an arduous task that requires dedication to our book, our craft and our vision.

All of us desire to get "out there" and make this happen. Desire is a critical ingredient to getting a book to take off. But desire is nothing without action. Action comes in the guise of hours normally spent elsewhere being put to use in doing the above actions that create a 'buzz'.

A book without buzz is a doorstop. As Rebekah is learning with her excellent, excellent book - Motherhood is Easy, constant promoting is the way to success. Even minimal success. The first 100 to 200 book sales come easy. Friends, family and acquaintances buy either out of love, support, curiosity or simple kindness.

The public at large is a different animal. They don't give a shit about our book. We must do something to create excitement or interest. The reading public has no vested interest in us. They couldn't care less whether we sell s single copy.

We feel strongly that our book is viable, interesting and helpful to writers. We also feel the book is viable, interesting and entertaining to fiction readers. Just because we feel this way does not mean anyone else does. We must transfer our feelings by infusing the book buying public with our enthusiasm.

The prospect of hours building websites and creating content can be viewed drudgery or investment. Obviously one view contains much more oomph than the other. These are the Renaissance Days of publishing. We're breaking out of the Dark Ages of publisher domination and exploitation and entering a brave new world.

Marketing and business savvy are critical if writers wish to take advantage of their new found freedom. Look for the Rogues Gallery Writers to step up and make things happen. We will be looking for anyone who will listen to our message. We will be looking for every writer who dreams of publication but has been stonewalled.

Writing IS easy. The rest is just plain ol' fun!

Writing is Easy

Anyone who's had to put a book together knows how exasperating the last stages can be. The Rogues' new book, Writing is Easy is no exception. As we head into the final stretch, there are loose ends all over the place that must be taken tied up.

As a group, we've been working on this project for over two years. It doesn't seem worthwhile to look at time spent but more at future time committed to the project. Wrapping a book up takes patience and a lot of effort. Then the real fun begins.

The Rogues are planning a promotional agenda that will involve many fronts and will no doubt challenge us to step up to larger issues in our writing careers. The only way to do this is to jump in and make things happen. A lot of people can't handle making things happen. They want everything handed to them.

Fortunately, we've been in this business long enough to know it takes work, dedication and commitment. Will we step up? Are we stubborn enough to keep plodding along even when we don't feel it? Stick around and see.

Writing truly is easy. It's the stuff that comes after the writing that tests the gut. The Rogues plan on persevering...

Motherhood is Easy

Fellow Rogue Rebekah is hot on the trail of stardom. I know I've posted about her book recently, but I think it's important to note that she is continuing to market and promote. This is the way of the author. You slave over a book for months, sometimes years and then you find the bulk of the work is yet to be done.

Most new writers have no clue. Intellectually you can possess this information and then get your book published only to find you had no real idea what it takes to be successful in the writing world. Success once your book is out is all about persistence. It's a number's game, folks!

Writers tend to hate that. Writers tend to be idealistic. Writers tend to see the world in their creative minds rather than the cold, calculating world view. If you have a good book and do not market and promote, it will go nowhere. If your book fairly sucks and you market and promote well, your book can actually make some noise.

This REALLY pisses writers off. There is a wrongness there. Something is amiss.

Then, if you have a GREAT book like Motherhood is Easy and you market and promote, all it takes is one person in a strategic position to read it and it will go viral. Viral is the key these days to huge success. In order to get there, you must produce quality and you must market and promote - with passion.

Rebekah found that she loves to market and promote. This is one of the two areas writers fall flat on their face usually. To create a GREAT book AND love to market and promote stands as the simplest road to success in writing.

The other area writers fail is that they're willing to sell their souls to get published. If writers would take the time to gain some business savvy, they would tell the publishing machine this - "Hey! I'm the one creating content. Without me you would have no movies, no books, no magazines, etc. Pay me what I'm worth and stop hogging all the money!"

Unfortunately most writers will either take next to nothing to get published or they will pay through the nose with no real way to recoup their money. Rebekah has made some very smart decisions and is on her way. She will go as far as she is willing to push, and she has the opportunity to make money as well.

Motherhood is Easy is an excellent example of a book done right in these crazy days in the publishing industry. My sincere hope is that Rebekah continues to push it and one day finds those numbers that show all her hard work was worth it. Check the book out. I guarantee you will laugh. Then think about how you might be the next person to create a successful product.

The Rogues Gallery Writers are looking to do just that!

Writing is Easy is on the Way!!!

The Rogues Gallery Writers meet this week to discuss marketing ideas for our first book, Writing is Easy. This book is actually a number of years in the making. It's been through the edit phase with final re-writes being completed as I key this. This book's primary purpose is to challenge other writers to get out there and make things happen with their craft.

The days of write-and-hope are over for those willing to listen. We have a message we want the writing community to seize upon - you can get your writing into print in front of as many people as you are willing to work for. Once your book is published, the real work begins, so whether you sell 5 books or 5,000 will depend mostly upon you the author.

There is no reason for you to be at some publisher's mercy though. You can get your book published, the only question is do you have the desire and fortitude to see it through, and if you do, do you again have the desire and fortitude to market and promote.

Marketing and promoting are what makes or breaks a book. I'd love to write that it's content that makes or breaks a book, but alas, that is not true in this day and age. A great marketer can sell a shitty book, and a pathetic marketer can ruin a classic. That's the world we live in folks. Rage against the machine all you like, but remember, this machine is what feeds writers money. If you want to make a go of writing, you need to learn how books are sold today.

All that said, the Rogues Gallery Writers have some work to do Thursday. We have to plan a marketing campaign and assign tasks that will implement the plan. This can be tedious, but fun as well. I'll let you know what we come up with...

Notoriety

Observing the reviews written about fellow Rogues Gallery Writer Rebekah Hunter Scott, I'm learning that a little bit of controversy can go a long way when it comes to marketing and promoting. One online reviewer raved about the book - Motherhood is Easy - except for two little sentences that took minor exception to some four letter words in the book.

Now, there are no f-bombs, and actually, what passes for four letter words in the book, by today's standards, don't even qualify as a hiccup in social speech. But the opportunity to chime in on this issue brings with it some needed notoriety. Getting others to comment on the blogger's review can help ratchet up the publicity as well.

Another blogger wrote a somewhat tongue-in-cheek piece about the plethora of books out there on Amazon about Motherhood. This author wrote a humorous comment after each title she listed. When she stumbled across Motherhood is Easy, her comment was, "Obviously written by a man."

This is a huge opportunity for Rebekah to connect with someone. This is one way to market a book. Find people saying something about your book that is a little off, and then turn it to your gain.

As the Rogues Gallery Writers gear up for the release of our collection of short stories, Writing is Easy, we will need to keep these types of opportunities in mind. A negative comment can turn into something positive if you just step back and figure a way to do it.

The Rogues Gallery Writers will be looking for tons of notoriety very soon. We will be blogging and guest blogging, interviewing on radio and signing books. We will also be looking for negative statements and finding ways to put a positive spin on them.

Viva le Rogues!

New Kid in Town

Rebekah Hunter Scott.

Remember the name folks. She dove from the heavens and now rides the waves of success in the writing world. Ok, so she just struck her feet to the trek, but Rebekah defies all odds when it comes to writing and marketing and promoting.

Numerous radio interviews, magazines publishing excerpts and wanting articles, speaking engagements and successful book signings, Rebekah defines what a writer needs to do to be successful in this most competitive field of endeavor. Check out her website: www.motherhoodiseasy.com.

She's fresh, sassy and knowledgeable about not only her craft but the things she chooses to write about. Rebekah grabs spotlights, not for herself, but the hilarious antics the children wreak upon mothers. AND fathers.

I'm telling you here and now - her book - Motherhood is Easy - stands as one of the most hilarious books I've ever read. Rebekah's humor strikes at the heart of any parent. Yes, ANY parent. Dads will find this book fun as well.

Rebekah is a Rogue. She defines what our group is all about - writing good books. We have more to come, but for this moment, stash away in your brain the name of an up-and-coming author to be reckoned with - Rebekah Hunter Scott!

"DEAR PANTHERA"

Well it seems I have become sort of a, Dear Abby, just call me DEAR PANTHERA!!!! So I will continue my blog and help where I can. Seems some have questions and no answers ,answers and ,What was the Question? always ask questions, question everything, show your enthusiasm for life , show your wonder for the world around you, awaken yourself to your world.

I would be glad to answer any questions, but remember it is simply my perspective from my point of view, my truth, my journey, our journeys are not the same, we may have many similar experiences, and feelings on many different matters may even be common, but only you have the real answers to all your questions, inside you!

Yes ,you have all the answers ,to all the questions in the universe, simply get quiet with yourself and ask the questions and "LISTEN" to the voice inside you! Your inner guidance will lead you to the right answer, sometimes it comes in the form of a symbol, or song, or simple repetition of a phrase, every person who enters your life has a message for you, just got to pay attention and become aware of your own surroundings and trust yourself to recognize the answer, remember not to let that EGO get in your way.

"Gather information filter it through your heart!"

I have just answered the question that was asked of me, I hope it helped. Self reliance is the only answer, not to let others sway your knowing, with their own version of the truth. Make it a Blessed day, moment by moment...and thanks for your confidence in me, to understand and offer an honest "point of view through my eyes", I know it is hard to find in this world, but keep the faith...and shine on..."Tracy"

 tmcdurmon@cfl.rr.com    tracypanthera Iamaworkofart@blogspot.com

Rogues Gallery Writers Secret

Psst! I own a special secret every writer clamors for whether in word or deed... I know why the Rogues Gallery Writers command respect. I know why other writers get jealous over the Rogues Gallery Writers - both those writers who know us and those once they discover us - are you ready?

Get pen or pencil, take this down...

The Rogues Gallery Writers make good things happen.

"That's it?"

C'mon! Check out the verb. Yes, the verb is a bit passive. It sits there like a lame duck hoping the fox doesn't notice it. Yet if you care to look deeper, you see that this verb defines the line between those writers who piss away their writing lives moaning and groaning and the writers who accept awards and sell books.

Books no more sell themselves than they write themselves, yet I see writers every day who sit around waiting for something to happen. I go to writer's group meetings where authors submit their work for critique but don't listen to a damn word of sound advice. These authors pompously cling to their "that's the way I write" mantra while the poor reading or listening audience cringes as adjectives clank off of tired cliches.

The Rogues Gallery Writers stay hungry. We strive for excellence. We're involved, motivated and talented. The one ingredient we have that others pine for comes down to sweat equity - we put in the time and effort to learn what we need to move forward, then we do it. We make good things happen.

I could list the books we currently torque through out souls, three of them on the verge of completion. I could list the articles we write that make us money. I could list the stories we submit for awards. But why brag? Everyone's going to see soon enough.

My sweet little secret about the Rogues Gallery Writers making good things happen should inspire energetic writers to move forward in their craft. All the others will continue to defend mediocrity or less...

Another Rogues Gallery Writers News Post!

Greetings from New York! Yes, tonight the Opinionated Guys radio show was partially "Live from New York, it's Wednesday night!" I'm visiting my sister in Cazenovia, NY. Every Wednesday night I'm part of a trio of guys who cast their opinions on the waters and see what floats back.

So far the response has been mild. Ok, bland. Ok, tasteless? We hit on an number of subjects ranging from the "red light cameras" that are milking the populace in the interest of municipal funding, a strip joint in South Carolina catering to boys ages 12 to 19 and dumb crook news.

Lots of laughter tonight. If you'd like to check us out, go to www.opinionatedguys.com.

Other Rogue news - Motherhood is Easy, the brainchild (pun intended) of Rebekah Hunter Scott (I just love keying her whole name - it sounds way cool), took another step forward today. The first proof is ready. We should be receiving it any day now. If we've done our job well (when don't we?), we'll have salable books next week! This would be HUGE!!

Hmm. That just did not do it for me. How 'bout this? HUGE! We are way excited about this turn of events. Rebekah has been working hard at marketing and promotion and we feel it should pay off for her. Holler it to the hills!!! Rebekah Hunter Scott is entering the publishing fray!! She'll kick some ass too, by the way...

I am working on Margie Lawson's "Empowering Characters' Emotions". This lecture series is incredible. If you wish to ratchet your craft of writing up a few significant notches, you should look into this. Margie is wonderful and she explains her system in easy to follow detail. She's a great person as well!

If I get it together over the next couple days, I should have my next book ready for its first run of edits. This may be a very large IF because so far, I've struggled to tighten up one short story over the course of two days. We writers have way too many issues...

The Rogues Gallery Writers are still hot and steamin' toward our writing goals. We're in "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" mode. We will make 2010 our year. One quarter of the way through, I feel we've made great headway.

Stay tuned. We'll amaze you eventually....

Rogue News

The Rogues roll down the publishing highway at breakneck speeds these days. Rednekah's new book - Motherhood is Easy...as long as you have nothing else to do for the next 50 years... - will be ready for sale May 1, 2010. Her book release party will be held April 29, 2010. At this party the top three contestants from her contest - Write Your Funniest Mommy Stories - will be announced. Find the rules at www.motherhoodiseasy.com.

BloodTrail's book nears its edit stage shortly with publication due by Summer 2010. The book is a biography of a Rabbi who survived the Holocaust in Poland in the 1930's and 40's. This compelling book stands strong as a first person account of life and overcoming fear and prejudice. BloodTrail does not slack off. Another book project lined up for him as well as his American Scream novel which he still strokes some keys on every now and then.

DarkThorn flies off to New York next week (Syracuse) for a writing vacation. Yes, writers love to write on vacation. In fact, nothing can quite satisfy a writer more than a week away from distraction and the green light to fly on the keyboard. DarkThorn finishes up his new book, The Writing Life while he's up there as well as a number of other writing projects. Stay tunes for more news.

The Rogues Gallery Writers will rock 2010!

The Rogues Return!

Wow! Long time no see, eh? I believe the fact that we have not posted since November means the Rogues have been a busy bunch! No doubt of that. Rebekah has her book, Motherhood is Easy in the final stages of publication. Her build up to the book launch is nothing short of impressive - blogs all over the place, radio interviews, book excerpted in American Baby magazine, possible articles in Parenting and Parents magazines and a book launch party. Those are only the tip of the flaming iceberg. If any writer wants to see how a book is prepared for launch, look no further than Rebekah Hunter Scott. Remember the name. She's going places in the writing world!

BloodTrail is busy getting his ghostwritten, award winning book up to publishing speed. The book as you will recall, won an RPLA award for unpublished autobiography. Mr. BloodTrail has been diligently pursuing this project so he can move on to his next book titled American Scream. 2010 is the Rogues Gallery Writers' year!

Panthera has been painting her little heart out and taking care of the younguns. Inspiration is always a brushstroke away with her. I need to get up with her to see just what she's been into lately.

I'm working on getting back on the blog trail as well as Hub Pages (www.hubpages.com then look up Michael Ray King). I'm also cleaning up my first draft of The Writing Life, a book addressing the business side of writing and publishing. My goal is to have this book available for sale by mid April. This may be a bit aggressive as I still have loads of editing and re-writing to do, but if you don't set a goal, you won't reach one!

All in all, the Rogues are back and we're ready to kick some ass! Writers with attitudes. Check Rebekah and I out on Wednesday April 3rd at 9am on the radio. To listen live online go to http://www.wnzf.com/. There is an archive of past radio shows we've done, most notably March 3rd. Click on archives, then look us up on "Open Mic at 9" or check out the link on our websites.

Back to the writing world. Remember to purchase a Rogues Gallery Writer T-shirt at http://www.clearviewpressinc.com/! These shirts are cool and guaranteed to get you attention!