Intro/Credentials
In 2006 I published my first book, Commodork: Sordid Tales from a BBS Junkie. In one year's time I sold around 500 copies. A lot of people have read it and a lot of people have enjoyed it. I expected that. What I did not expect was that my book would inspire so many other people to start writing their own books. That's awesome! Since the release of Commodork I've received lots of questions from lots of people, asking me everything from the generic ("So, how do you write a book?") to specific questions covering everything from typesetting and publishing.
My goal for this section of my website is to consolidate all of my information about writing and self-publishing into one centralized area and make that information available for free for authors everywhere. I hope you find my information inspirational, or at least helpful. Writing a book is not rocket science. If I can do it, you can too!
Credentials
When it comes to writing and publishing, people can offer information, advice, and suggestions based on their own knowledge and experience, but one thing they cannot do is guarantee success. As even the most rich and famous authors will tell you, success is a combination of skill/talent, hard work, and luck. I can not and would not guarantee you anything (maybe you're a lousy writer -- how would I know?). What I can do however is share my experiences with you. On this site I'll tell you what I did and how I did it. Some bits you may find more useful than others, and that's okay. As a writer, I know you have some creativity in you. Take what I offer here and use it as you see fit.
No more than I would take restaurant suggestions from a waif, I wouldn't expect you to take writing suggestions from an illiterate. I'm not the biggest fish in the sea and probably wouldn't even be considered the largest goldfish in the pond; however, I have had some success when it comes to writing, publishing and being published, and hopefully some of the things I have learned along the way will be of use to you.
In 2008, I self-published my sophomore book, Invading Spaces: A Beginner's Guide to Collecting Arcade Games. In 2006 I self-published Commodork: Sordid Tales from a BBS Junkie. Both books have had several positive reviews and have sold quite well among their focused (but limited) demographics. Each of the above links includes, among other things, the first chapter of each book.
Over the past several years I have been published in many print books and magazines, including Retro Gaming Hacks, Forever Retro Magazine, Videogame Collector Magazine, and several others. I have also had articles and reviews printed on many, many websites, including TheLogBook.com, Digital Press, IGN, Review to a Kill, and many more.