Benjamin Sobieck's Posts - CrimeSpace2024-03-29T15:22:44ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieckhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/60993169?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://crimespace.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=34vf93r01x5id&xn_auth=noDonate to My Kidney Walk Team, Be a Character in My Next Maynard Soloman Storytag:crimespace.ning.com,2013-08-26:537324:BlogPost:3767352013-08-26T13:30:00.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
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<div class="blogEntryContent"><p><a href="http://donate.kidney.org/goto/team27" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img align="left" src="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/Maynard%20NKF-2.jpg"></img></a> <font color="#000000">Hear ye, hear ye: Here's how to appear as a character in the next e-book short story from the <a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/funnydetectivestories.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maynard Soloman Funny…</a></font></p>
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<div class="blogEntryContent"><p><a href="http://donate.kidney.org/goto/team27" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/Maynard%20NKF-2.jpg" align="left"/></a><font color="#000000">Hear ye, hear ye: Here's how to appear as a character in the next e-book short story from the <a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/funnydetectivestories.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Maynard Soloman Funny Detective Stories</a>series.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">As some folks know, I received a kidney transplant in 2010 from a living donor. The donor is happy and healthy, and, no, I won't shut up about it. Not because I crave some sort of perverse attention, but because organ transplants have since become an important issue for me.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">That's why I've partnered with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) for so many fundraisers related to my creative writing. There's just no separating the two. <a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/funnydetectivestories.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Maynard Soloman</a>, my satirical gumshoe and star of no less than seven short stories, is a direct result of my kidney transplant experience. Maynard provided a distraction, an outlet for venting, a way to process these events through humor and a mirror to project my own general unease at the time.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">The first few stories filled that role. The ones that followed afterward were just me having fun. Although I've been skimping on new editions lately, that's something I hope to remedy soon.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">And let's not forget Maynard's entry into the big time, either. He's the example character throughout my <i>Writer's Digest</i> book on writing firearms and knives accurately in crime fiction. That means he gets shot, stabbed, boomeranged, shot again, ran over, blown up, audited and softly served through an ice cream machine into a waffle cone for for the benefit of the writing community. (OK, maybe not that last one.)</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">Anyway, back to the kidney thing. Here's the deal. The NKF is hosting the 2013 Twin Cities Kidney Walk on Oct. 12. The purpose is to raise funds to continue the excellent work the NKF does for kidney patients, research and advocacy. My wife and I put together a team, and we're serious about hitting our goal of $2,000.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">Because this is a cause so personal and important to me, I'm proposing a deal:</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><b>What You Do</b></font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">* Donate ANY amount to <a href="http://donate.kidney.org/goto/team27" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">my Kidney Walk team here</a>. (P.S. I don't touch the money, it is all processed online and goes straight to the NKF.) </font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">* Then e-mail me the receipt from NKF at bsobieck [at] journalist [dot] com.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">* In that same e-mail, let me know what name you'd like the character to have in the Maynard Soloman e-book. You could use your real name (example: Biff Biffson) or a totally made up one (Biff...uh...Anderson). It's up to you.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><b>What I Do for You</b></font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">In exchange for your generosity, I'll do the following:</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">* Make you a character in the upcoming Maynard Soloman short story, <i>Maynard Soloman Helps the TSA Hijack an Airplane</i>. Don't worry, this is satire, so I'm not advocating terrorism by any means. And remember that you can submit a fake name for me to use, too.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">* You'll also receive a free Maynard Soloman e-book collection, <i><a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/funnydetectivestories.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">6 Funny Detective Stories - Maynard Soloman Smokes the World's Problems</a></i>, in the format of your choice (Kindle, Nook, etc.).</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">* Just to show how serious I am about this cause, you should know that my wife and I recently met with NKF in person to discuss volunteering for its strategic communications efforts. My promise to you is that we'll work our butts off to support NKF. This isn't some fly-by-night cause. This is something that means a lot.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><b>Deadline: Oct. 11</b></font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">The deadline to <a href="http://donate.kidney.org/goto/team27" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">donate to my Kidney Walk team</a> is Oct. 11, the day before the event.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><b>Where to Get Started</b></font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://donate.kidney.org/goto/team27" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Go to my Kidney Walk page here</a>, read my kidney transplant story and donate right on the page.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><b>Thank You!</b></font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">Seriously. Thank you.</font></p>
</div>Big News: Writer's Digest to Publish My Weapons E-Booktag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-12-13:537324:BlogPost:3622172012-12-13T13:26:41.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.writersdigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/writers-digest-logo.png"></img></a></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">Big news!</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">A while back, I started an off-the-cuff project called the <i>Crime Writer's Guide to Firearms & Knives</i>. It started as a way to debunk some of the myths about weapons in crime fiction. It soon morphed into a beast of its own, including a glossary and a bit of weapons…</font></p>
<p><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.writersdigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/writers-digest-logo.png"/></a></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">Big news!</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">A while back, I started an off-the-cuff project called the <i>Crime Writer's Guide to Firearms & Knives</i>. It started as a way to debunk some of the myths about weapons in crime fiction. It soon morphed into a beast of its own, including a glossary and a bit of weapons history.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">The point behind this guide was to help crime writers portray firearms and knives accurately in their works. Weapons play a pivotal role in crime fiction. I'm not suggesting an author go in-depth a la Tom Clancy. But getting them right is important. Nothing stops a story (for me, anyway) like a character shooting clay pigeons with shotgun slugs.<br/></font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">The folks at <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>Writer's Digest</i></a> recently gave this idea the green light. It will be released as an e-book, probably under a slightly tweaked title.<br/></font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">This is a dream come true. I can remember seeing a copy of <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>Writer's Digest</i></a> as a young pup. I flipped through the pages and was fascinated by it. It helped put the idea of becoming a writer in my head at an influential time in my life.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">Stay tuned!</font></p>Adventure Publications Now Accepting Outdoors-Themed Mystery Substag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-12-04:537324:BlogPost:3618012012-12-04T14:56:24.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000">From the <a href="http://www.adventurepublications.net/author-guidelines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adventure Publications website</a> (a place I can personally vouch for):</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">***MYSTERY WRITERS: Please refer to the information at the bottom of this page.***</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">At Adventure Publications, our forte is nature, outdoors and…</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">From the <a href="http://www.adventurepublications.net/author-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Adventure Publications website</a> (a place I can personally vouch for):</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">***MYSTERY WRITERS: Please refer to the information at the bottom of this page.***</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">At Adventure Publications, our forte is nature, outdoors and regionally themed books. We are a traditional publisher and would be happy to consider your manuscript for publication. Please read the author FAQ below:</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><b>What should I send?</b></font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">At the very least, introduce yourself in a cover letter and provide a sample chapter and an outline of what the entire book will cover. But feel free to send as much as you can—the entire manuscript if it’s completed.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">We also ask that you explain who you think the target audience would be; share any concepts you might have about the book’s formatting and design (optional); and especially if your book is nonfiction, describe your credentials as they relate to the topic.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">Finally, be sure to include your contact information.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><b>Should I include my artwork?</b></font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">You are welcome to send copies of any relevant artwork, but you are not required to do so. Please do NOT send originals.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><b>Will I get my submission back?</b></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to return them. So please do not send originals or one-and-only copies.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><b>How much will I have to pay to get my book published?</b></font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">Nothing. We are a traditional publisher, so our authors do not pay us. We pay them, in the form of royalties, as their books sell.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><b>How long will it take for you to get back to me?</b></font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">To provide a fair review for each submission, we take our time in considering them. Please be respectful of this process and allow up to six months for us to contact you. If you have not heard from us after six months, you are welcome to follow up with a phone call.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b> </b></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b>Where should I send my submission?</b></font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">Email submissions to custservice@adventurepublications.net</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">(include the word “submission” in the subject)</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Or mail your submission to</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Submissions Editor </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Adventure Publications </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">820 Cleveland St S </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Cambridge, MN 55008</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">***</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">ATTENTION MYSTERY WRITERS:</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Adventure Publications, an award-winning publisher of outdoor guides, is accepting fiction manuscripts for its new series of <b>outdoor/wilderness mysteries</b>. We are looking for mystery fiction that will appeal to both the mystery reader and the outdoors enthusiast. The books will be produced in print and ebook formats. Examples of authors we love are Nevada Barr, Victoria Houston, C.J. Box, William Kent Krueger and Beth Groundwater.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><b>Currently, we are seeking novels set in the Midwest, Southwest, Northwest, Northeast and Rocky Mountains.</b> Email your submission to fiction@adventurepublications.net. Email queries sent to any other address will not be read. We do not open email attachments, unless we request them. Your entire submission must appear in the body of the email and not as an attachment. The subject line should be “QUERY” along with the title of your manuscript. Please email the first chapter and a synopsis along with a cover letter. Also, in your email, please include the number of words in your completed manuscript, as well as a bio and pertinent writing and/or outdoor wilderness experience. If you prefer, you may snail-mail your query, along with your first chapter and bio, to</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Fiction</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Adventure Publications</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">820 Cleveland St S</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Cambridge, MN 55008</font></p>Someecards Writer Humortag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-11-21:537324:BlogPost:3610982012-11-21T20:21:10.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p>These are pretty easy to make on someecards.com. Here are my attempts. Have any of your own?…</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70762044?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70762044?profile=original" width="420"></img></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70762088?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70762088?profile=original" width="420"></img></a></p>
<p>These are pretty easy to make on someecards.com. Here are my attempts. Have any of your own?</p>
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<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70762044?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70762044?profile=original" width="420"/></a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70762088?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/70762088?profile=original" width="420"/></a></p>How a Fictional Detective Made a Real-World Impacttag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-11-08:537324:BlogPost:3598972012-11-08T13:00:00.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000">What started as a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009UJIKKE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009UJIKKE&linkCode=as2&tag=minncrimauthb-20" target="_blank">short crime humor e-book</a> is now making a real-world impact.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><img align="right" height="267" src="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/Mikes%20Hard%20Pink%20Lemonade.jpg" width="200"></img> Last month, I published…</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">What started as a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009UJIKKE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009UJIKKE&linkCode=as2&tag=minncrimauthb-20">short crime humor e-book</a> is now making a real-world impact.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><img src="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/Mikes%20Hard%20Pink%20Lemonade.jpg" align="right" height="267" width="200"/>Last month, I published <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009UJIKKE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009UJIKKE&linkCode=as2&tag=minncrimauthb-20"><i>Maynard Soloman & the Bull$hit Cancer Awareness Campaign</i></a>, the seventh installment in a series of satirical crime capers. That led to a <a target="_blank" href="http://imeanttoreadthat.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/are-we-being-pinkwinked-by-ben-sobieck.html">guest blog post</a>, which morphed into <a target="_blank" href="http://lakeminnetonka.patch.com/blog_posts/how-pinkwashing-is-hijacking-breast-cancer-awareness">an article for an online newspaper</a> about "pinkwashing." The article wound up being distributed to a pile of other online newspapers in Minnesota.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><a target="_blank" href="http://lakeminnetonka.patch.com/blog_posts/how-pinkwashing-is-hijacking-breast-cancer-awareness">The article</a> was critical of Mike's Hard Pink Lemonade, and attracted the attention of the Mike's corporate office. Imagine my surprise when a public relations representative got in touch with me this week.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><b>Here's the skinny. Mike's may be reworking its marketing of Hard Pink Lemonade because of the article and my correspondence with its representative.</b> We won't know for sure until this seasonal product is released again next year. But the response from Mike's was encouraging.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">Now for the long version.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">The Mike's Hard Pink Lemonade packaging sports pink ribbons associated with breast cancer charities. The wording on the six-pack image above states that Mike's, "will be making a contribution to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation."<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">However, the packaging doesn't say if that means a portion of the purchase or a lump sum. The <a target="_blank" href="http://lakeminnetonka.patch.com/blog_posts/how-pinkwashing-is-hijacking-breast-cancer-awareness">Web page Mike's set up for this product</a> doesn't make it clear, either.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">My beef with this is that consumers assume purchasing products with pink ribbons on them means a portion of the sale will be donated to charity. To me, the obscurity of donation information coupled with the marketing power of pink ribbons is suspicious. Could Mike's be exploited the charitable goodwill of consumers to drive sales?<br/></font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000">The answer from Mike's is no. I won't copy/paste the rep's e-mail, since I don't play like that, but brought to my attention were these points:<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">* Mike's donates a lump sum of $250,000 annually to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, for a total of $750,000 to date.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">* The initiative was started after an employee, Jacqueline S., died from breast cancer.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">* If I'd like to try some Mike's Hard Pink Lemonade, I could have a free sample shipment sent to me.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Here is my response in full:</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>Thank you for reaching out to me and clarifying the way Mike's Hard Lemonade makes donations to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>However, I remain critical of how difficult this information is to obtain. Donation specifics are not listed on the packaging of Mike's Hard Pink Lemonade or at the front-facing Web page for the product at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mikeshard.com/pinklemonade">http://www.mikeshard.com/pinklemonade</a>. Why should it take communication with the public relations arm of Mike's Hard Lemonade in order to find donation specifics?</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>These specifics matter, because consumers have a certain perception about purchasing products with pink ribbons on them. They assume a portion of their purchase benefits a breast cancer-related charity. This perception is explicit in the consumer feedback Mike's itself lists at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mikeshard.com/pinklemonade">http://www.mikeshard.com/pinklemonade</a>.</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>Here are some examples:</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>"Just wanted to let you know that I love the Pink Lemonade that is here for a limited time and also that part of the proceeds from the sales are going to breast cancer cure research." - Irene</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>"I love your mikes Hard pink lemonade and the fact that it helps support breast cancer is a plus!!" - Anna</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>"My wife and I love the fact that we are supporting breast cancer researce while getting our Mike's on." - Jeffrey<br/></i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>On the contrary, your message to me indicates zero percent of purchases benefit the BCRF. Mike's donated a lump sum, then put a pink ribbon on its product.</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>To me, this isn't being transparent or ethical. It's my hope that Mike's will re-evaluate the way it markets this product. Either be upfront about where purchases go, or be content internally that the unfortunate passing of an employee is memorialized every year with a donation.</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>As I stated in my article, I don't have a problem with companies donating to charity. It's good for non-profit and for-profit businesses alike. But I do expect transparency so consumers can make educated purchases.</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>I appreciate your offer to sample Mike's Hard Pink Lemonade, but I will have to pass.</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>Respectfully,</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>Benjamin Sobieck</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b>Here's where it gets good</b>. The Mike's rep seemed to take these comments seriously. In so many words, the rep replied that <b>Mike's may make changes in the future about how it promotes its donations</b>.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">I count this as a win. <b>Mike's got the message, and I get the impression it's going to do something about it.</b> The rep appeared genuine in thanking me for bringing these issues up. </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">This is the furthest I could've taken it with this company. I wouldn't expect the rep to make a solid commitment to an average Joe like me. Nor would I expect an alcohol manufacturer to recognize the cognitive dissonance required for it to get behind a health cause and pull its product. But I've been working in journalism enough to read between the PR lines. This made an impact.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">We'll have to wait a bit to see, though. Mike's Hard Pink Lemonade is a seasonal product. Will Mike's be more upfront about its cause marketing? Time will tell.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">I replied to the rep with this final thought:</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>There's a growing skepticism among consumers about "pink" products. I've been contacted privately by many individuals who feel this way. The more your company can be upfront about donations, the better response from consumers you'll likely see in the future.</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i> </i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>Best regards,</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i> </i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>Benjamin</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009UJIKKE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009UJIKKE&linkCode=as2&tag=minncrimauthb-20"><font color="#000000"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fFOUABOvL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" align="left"/></font></a><font color="#000000">In other words, "Consumers are wisening up and you're going to catch hell soon if you don't change." I'm no slash-and-burn, shut-'em-down kind of guy, though. I believe in the power of dollars. I gave Mike's a financial incentive to be more transparent. If it doesn't, consumers will. That's how it works.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">And that's the story of how a fictional detective made a real-world impact. Coming to a liquor store near you.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b>You can show your support for this haphazard activism by purchasing <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009UJIKKE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009UJIKKE&linkCode=as2&tag=minncrimauthb-20"><i>Maynard Soloman & the Bull$hit Cancer Awareness Campaign</i> for the Kindle</a>.</b></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Full disclosure: One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit me. But hey, at least I'm being upfront about it, right?</font></p>New: Maynard Soloman & the Bull$hit Cancer Awareness Campaigntag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-10-24:537324:BlogPost:3590832012-10-24T12:27:13.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000"><i><b>Maynard Soloman & the Bull$hit Cancer Awareness Campaign</b></i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009UJIKKE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009UJIKKE&linkCode=as2&tag=minncrimauthb-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img align="left" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fFOUABOvL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg"></img></a> Has cancer awareness "jumped the shark?" Have some cancer charities lost sight of their…</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i><b>Maynard Soloman & the Bull$hit Cancer Awareness Campaign</b></i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009UJIKKE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009UJIKKE&linkCode=as2&tag=minncrimauthb-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fFOUABOvL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" align="left"/></a>Has cancer awareness "jumped the shark?" Have some cancer charities lost sight of their purpose?</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Maynard Soloman, the world's crustiest detective, gets to the bottom of things in this short crime humor story. The cantankerous hero is hired to track down money missing from a cancer charity. What he finds could "blow the wig" off the entire organization.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">This is the perfect read for anyone who has questioned the motives behind pinkwashed products.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">BONUS: Includes <i>Maynard's Guide to Charitable Giving</i>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009UJIKKE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009UJIKKE&linkCode=as2&tag=minncrimauthb-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here to get <i>Maynard Soloman & the Bull$hit Cancer Awareness Campaign</i> for Kindle for 99 cents</a>.</font></p>A North Dakota Man Camp Murdertag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-08-30:537324:BlogPost:3543522012-08-30T12:50:41.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000">One of the reasons I'm not running into writer's block while writing novel number 2 is the subject matter. It's a crime thriller set in the oil boom of North Dakota. There's plenty of first-hand research to draw from, as well as scores of news articles.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Other than the oil itself (North Dakota is…</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">One of the reasons I'm not running into writer's block while writing novel number 2 is the subject matter. It's a crime thriller set in the oil boom of North Dakota. There's plenty of first-hand research to draw from, as well as scores of news articles.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Other than the oil itself (North Dakota is <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/nd-becomes-nations-second-leading-oil-producer-201729370--finance.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">second only to Texas in oil production in the U.S.</a>), the "Man Camps" are a hot issue. The huge influx of oil workers around 2008 resulted in a severe housing shortage. As a result, oil companies quickly organized Man Camps. These can range from proper dormitories and apartments on down to trailers and campers. No matter the type, they're assembled as quickly as possible. <br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">These camps come with some <a href="http://www.twincities.com/ci_20649090/north-dakota-oil-patch-debate-over-man-camp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">controversy</a>. North Dakota officials, overwhelmed by the population explosion, have concerns about security and the demand for services. Some local governments even took measures to discourage workers and camps in their areas.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">However, North Dakota sure enjoys the money workers dig out of the ground. It boasts the <a href="http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/19/the-north-dakota-miracle/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">lowest unemployment rate and fast job growth</a>. A failed proposal last fall would've done away with property taxes.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">After a trip into Minot, near the epicenter of the boom in Williston, I knew this was the perfect setting for a crime novel. The workers run the gamut from regular Joes supporting families to the roughest guys you'll ever meet. They all have lots of money and not much to do with it in town. Throw in some anxious locals, a major flood, mountains of cash and people from all over North America mixing it up in Man Camps, and you've got the start of a great crime story.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">The real world seems to think so, too. <a href="http://www.kvrr.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15770&Itemid=57" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Murder charges</a> have been leveled against a man for a series of alleged incidents near a Man Camp in Tioga. The same man is also looking at charges for terroristic threats. A judge set a $1 million bond.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">I'll be watching what happens carefully. North Dakota locals are already leery of the Man Camps. There's a lot of money on the line. This is sure to be interesting.</font></p>Just HOURS Left to Grab Cool Crime Fiction Bundletag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-07-31:537324:BlogPost:3507032012-07-31T01:54:42.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000">You only have hours left! At 11:59 p.m. Pacific on July 30, one of the coolest crime fiction book deals is going away.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://groupees.com/27crime" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here right now to head to Groupees.com</a> and name your own price for e-books from 27 stellar crime authors. You'll find great e-books from yours truly, Vincent Zandri, <i>Black Heart Magazine</i>, Fiona…</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">You only have hours left! At 11:59 p.m. Pacific on July 30, one of the coolest crime fiction book deals is going away.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://groupees.com/27crime" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here right now to head to Groupees.com</a> and name your own price for e-books from 27 stellar crime authors. You'll find great e-books from yours truly, Vincent Zandri, <i>Black Heart Magazine</i>, Fiona Johnson/McDroll, Dana King and more.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Here's the really cool part. We're donating 20 percent of sales to the National Kidney Foundation. Plus, top buyers get autographed copies of <i>Cleansing Eden: The Celebrity Murders</i>. One lucky duck will even win a handmade print copy of <i>Wild Bill</i> by Dana King.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Don't wait! <a href="http://groupees.com/27crime" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here to name your price for great crime fiction reads</a>.</font></p>Review: Paul D. Brazill's "Drunk on the Moon"tag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-07-26:537324:BlogPost:3501362012-07-26T13:00:00.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000">I'm not a fan of the crop of paranormal fiction from the past few years. Glistening vampires fighting ripped werewolves over some ancient what-not has zero appeal. Not that it's suppose to grab me. I'm a married guy from the Midwest living the middle class dream. Frustrated metaphors for puberty have passed me by.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> …</font></p>
<p></p>
<p><font color="#000000">I'm not a fan of the crop of paranormal fiction from the past few years. Glistening vampires fighting ripped werewolves over some ancient what-not has zero appeal. Not that it's suppose to grab me. I'm a married guy from the Midwest living the middle class dream. Frustrated metaphors for puberty have passed me by.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007X45BUA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007X45BUA&linkCode=as2&tag=minncrimauthb-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51yts8I5dDL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" align="left"/></a>But you know what I do like? Paul D. Brazill's <a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=minncrimauthb-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B007X45BUA" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>Drunk on the Moon</i></a> short story anthology. It features detective Roman Dalton, who is also a werewolf. On paper, I shouldn't like this at all. But Brazill is a noir guy through and through. One of the <i>best</i> noir writers today, in my opinion. So despite the paranormal elements, everything is filtered through the lens of crime fiction.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">That's why Roman lives in a crime-infested, beyond dark hellhole known as The City. His activities revolve around three things: Getting shitfaced at Duffy's bar, kicking some crime lord ass and getting shitfaced at Duffy's bar. He drinks enough that it counts as two separate things. Throw in more otherworldly creatures (some of them - gasp - from the federal government), and you have a sense of Roman's world.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Brazill's writing is strong enough to have carried the short story series, but he went a different route instead. He got together a top crew of crime writers to carry the torch. Each of the authors wrote their own take on Roman's world. Some stuck to the plots Brazill introduced in the inaugural story. Others drifted into new territory, but stayed within Roman's "world."</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">This approach gives the anthology a lot of depth. Each short story refreshes Roman's world. You never feel "stuck" reading it.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Here's a rundown of the authors and the titles they wrote.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>Drunk On The Moon/ Before The Moon Falls</i> - Paul D Brazill (UK/Poland)</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>The Darke Affair</i> - Allan Leverone (USA)</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>It's A Curse</i> - K A Laity (USA/Ireland)</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>Insatiable</i> - B R Stateham (USA)</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>Fear The Night</i> - Julia Madeleine (Canada)</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>Getting High On Daisy</i> - Richard Godwin (UK)</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>Silver Tears</i> - John Donald Carlucci (USA)</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>Blood & Alcohol</i> - Frank Duffy (UK/Poland)</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>Back To Nature</i> - Jason Michel (UK/France)</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>A Fire in the Blood</i> - Katherine Tomlinson (USA)</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007X45BUA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007X45BUA&linkCode=as2&tag=minncrimauthb-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here to get <i>Drunk on the Moon</i> for Amazon Kindle or paperback</a>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">P.S. I hear there will be a second anthology coming out closer to Halloween this year. Looking forward to it!</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/apps/blog/categories/show/892497-reviews" target="_blank">Read all my crime fiction book reviews here.</a><br/></font></p>Unique E-Book Bundle: Name Your Own Price for 27 Crime Authorstag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-07-18:537324:BlogPost:3496872012-07-18T12:35:47.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://groupees.com/27crime" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/bundle2.jpg"></img></a> <br></br></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">I'm thrilled to announce the launch of the special crime fiction e-book bundle at <a href="http://groupees.com/27crime" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Groupees.com</a>. For $2, you can get your crime fix from 27 great crime authors, including me, Vincent Zandri, Fiona Johnson, Dana King, Laura Roberts and the…</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://groupees.com/27crime" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/bundle2.jpg"/></a><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">I'm thrilled to announce the launch of the special crime fiction e-book bundle at <a href="http://groupees.com/27crime" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Groupees.com</a>. For $2, you can get your crime fix from 27 great crime authors, including me, Vincent Zandri, Fiona Johnson, Dana King, Laura Roberts and the roster of the damned from <i>Black Heart Magazine</i>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Here's the catch. You have the option of paying more than $2 for your e-books. Why? Because there are extra e-books we'll release if the bundle hits certain goals. These are great extras you won't want to miss.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Also, the top buyer will receive a <i>handmade</i>, autographed print copy of Dana King's <i>Wild Bill</i>. How cool is that?</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">The next four top buyers will receive an autographed copy of <i>Cleansing Eden: The Celebrity Murders</i>, by me.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">If that wasn't cool enough, 20% of all sales will be donated to the National Kidney Foundation. It's a cause close to home, since I received a kidney transplant in 2010.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b>Don't wait! The offer ends July 31. <a href="http://groupees.com/27crime" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here to go Groupees.com and get your bundle</a>.</b></font></p>Coming July 17: A Crime E-Book Bundle Unlike Any Othertag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-07-14:537324:BlogPost:3492992012-07-14T17:00:00.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://groupees.com/27crime" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/bundle.jpg"></img></a> <br></br></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Here's what's up.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">A site called <a href="http://groupees.com/27crime" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Groupees.com</a> is taking e-books from myself, Vincent Zandri, Fiona Johnson, Dana King, Laura Roberts and <i>Black Heart Magazine…</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://groupees.com/27crime" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/bundle.jpg"/></a><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Here's what's up.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">A site called <a href="http://groupees.com/27crime" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Groupees.com</a> is taking e-books from myself, Vincent Zandri, Fiona Johnson, Dana King, Laura Roberts and <i>Black Heart Magazine</i> and putting them into <a href="http://groupees.com/27crime" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">one bundle</a>. You can get all of them for $2 or more. You pick the price.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Why would you pay more than $2? For starters, 20% of all sales will be donated to the National Kidney Foundation (you can read why this cause is important to me <a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/abouttheauthor.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>).</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Also, we'll add more e-books to the bundle the more people buy it. There are four (possibly five) bonus e-books that will be added if the bundle brings in certain amounts.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Here's where it gets even cooler. The top five buyers (meaning they gave the most for the bundle) will win autographed copies of print books. Spots two through five get a personalized copy of <a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/readcrimenovelchapters.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>Cleansing Eden: The Celebrity Murders</i></a>. The top spot gets a <i>handmade</i> print edition of Dana King's <a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/apps/blog/show/12882175-review-of-a-great-mob-e-book" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>Wild Bill</i></a> novel.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">On top of all this, it's the first time Groupees has offered an e-book bundle. So I wasn't just pulling your leg with "you've never seen anything like it before." (But I still am, at heart, a carnie.)</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://groupees.com/27crime" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here to see a preview page of the bundle on Groupees</a>. I'll put the word out here and on social media when it goes live July 17. Can't wait!</font></p>How I Sold 12,000 E-Books: I Didn'ttag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-06-30:537324:BlogPost:3480182012-06-30T13:29:27.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000">Here's how I sold 12,000 crime fiction e-books: I didn't.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">At least, not in the way you think of a transaction. I "sold" them, not sold them, through Amazon's KDP Select program.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Readers of e-books will feel their eyes glaze over after that last sentence. But know this. The piles upon bloated piles of free e-books you've…</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Here's how I sold 12,000 crime fiction e-books: I didn't.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">At least, not in the way you think of a transaction. I "sold" them, not sold them, through Amazon's KDP Select program.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Readers of e-books will feel their eyes glaze over after that last sentence. But know this. The piles upon bloated piles of free e-books you've stuffed into your Kindle's digital gizzard are offered gratis only because of the KDP Select program from Amazon.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Here's how the program works. First, an author signs a 90-day exclusivity agreement with Amazon on a per-title basis. That means e-books in the program can only be sold through Amazon.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">In return for jumping into the turrets of this market-grabbing blitzkreig, the author is given five days for giving away the e-book on Amazon. Authors can spread them out through the 90-day period, in chunks or all at once.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Getting the e-book out there for free increases the chance readers will buy it once the gratis days end. Amazon is happy, readers are happy and the author is happy.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Now back to that 12,000 number. Since February, that's how many free copies I've "sold" of <i>Cleansing Eden: The Celebrity Murders</i> in the US, UK and elsewhere. The novel even got to #43 in all of Amazon for free titles.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">I say they were sold even though money didn't change hands. Every "sale" (when someone got a free e-book) was like a tiny ad in a larger campaign. An ad campaign that put 12,000 e-books in front of readers' eyeballs would've cost me a good amount of scratch. It's opportunity cost. Profit has as much to do with expenses as income.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">That's not to say exposure pays the bills. There are plenty of rants about this, such as the Harlen Ellison video below. Try explaining to your landlord or mortgage company that you'll get a payment in as soon as the exposure comes through for you.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Here's the but.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">BUT exposure from KDP Select does seem to pay off. I'm not going to throw out any numbers, but I can safely say hitting big freebie numbers does translate into at least one traditionally defined sale.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">That's the dream right there. There's no greater compliment an author can receive than having a reader pay for a work. It doesn't matter if it's a lot or a little. Authors need to be read. Readers need authors to write. The KDP Select program is making that happen.</font><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mj5IV23g-fE?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>
</p>French Reader Reviews Cleansing Eden: Oui, I Say!tag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-06-26:537324:BlogPost:3476022012-06-26T12:23:20.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007KAZ9LI/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_g351_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1QXFETD9TWXSGTEKF94Z&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="French book readers" src="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/French%20readers.jpg"></img></a> Disclaimer: OK, it's not actually <i>Cleansing Eden: The Celebrity Murders</i>, my crime thriller novel. The review is of…</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007KAZ9LI/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_g351_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1QXFETD9TWXSGTEKF94Z&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img alt="French book readers" src="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/French%20readers.jpg" align="left"/></a>Disclaimer: OK, it's not actually <i>Cleansing Eden: The Celebrity Murders</i>, my crime thriller novel. The review is of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007KAZ9LI/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_g351_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1QXFETD9TWXSGTEKF94Z&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>Pick Your Poison</i></a>, an anthology of my work that includes <i>Cleansing Eden</i>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Technicalities aside, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007KAZ9LI/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_g351_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1QXFETD9TWXSGTEKF94Z&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">reviews like this one</a> from Montpellier, France, make me extra daisy-sniffin', kitty-pettin', brownie-bakin' happy. Gal-damn rosy, son. Because the reader "got it."</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">No, not in the douche-tastic way some snob premiering a painting might want people to "get it." I mean the reader took time to understand some of the literary devices I used to tell the story.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Such as, well...I'll just let her do the 'splainin'.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>'Cleansing Eden' is a story about the evils of drugs and celebrity worship fed by the media. There are two main characters - the 'older man' and the 'younger man'. They remain anonymous for most of the story, identity being a connection to self-awareness and consequences.</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i> </i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>The younger man is anonymous because he is a drug addict, and his identity has been lost in the subjugating influences of drug abuse. The older man is anonymous because he is a criminal - he makes and distributes recreational drugs. For him though, the worst evil in modern society is celebrity, and because he believes that celebrities steal the identities (metaphorically) of a worshipping youthful public, they should be eliminated.</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i> </i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>Interestingly, as he becomes increasingly insane, the younger man does the opposite. He starts to wake up and work out what he wants, a thought process long since dormant from drug abuse. The denouement of the story is based around the challenge of his new awakening and desire for life.</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i> </i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>There is much social comment in the story. The older man goes on at length but the message is clear. It manages not to turn into a preaching novel of moralising boredom thanks to the skill of the writer.</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i> </i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i>An entertaining, thought-provoking read, added to which are a number of short stories not linked to the original novel.</i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">And if you think I'm shittin' ya, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007KAZ9LI/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_g351_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1QXFETD9TWXSGTEKF94Z&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here's the link to the review on Amazon UK</a>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Now to celebrate with some Freedom toast.</font></p>Watch Short Crime Film: "It Got a Little Complicated"tag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-06-25:537324:BlogPost:3474162012-06-25T11:30:00.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8ZK5R97TGCI?wmode=opaque" width="560"></iframe>
</p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Kidnapping isn't as easy as throwing someone into a pedo-van and driving off. What if they have to use the bathroom? Will it cramp your style as you and your kidnapping brethren try to enjoy a road trip?</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">These questions and more are…</font></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8ZK5R97TGCI?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Kidnapping isn't as easy as throwing someone into a pedo-van and driving off. What if they have to use the bathroom? Will it cramp your style as you and your kidnapping brethren try to enjoy a road trip?</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">These questions and more are answered in the short crime film, <i>It Got a Little Complicated</i>. The guy in the red is Tyler Bancroft, a high school buddy from back in the day.</font></p>It's Here! The Cleansing Eden Print Booktag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-06-24:537324:BlogPost:3470422012-06-24T15:44:26.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<div class="blogEntryContent"><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1470160404/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1470160404" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font color="#000000"><img align="left" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41wcu8LQt6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg"></img></font></a></p>
<p><font color="#000000">I've waited years to type these words:…</font></p>
</div>
<div class="blogEntryContent"><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1470160404/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1470160404" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><font color="#000000"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41wcu8LQt6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" align="left"/></font></a></p>
<p><font color="#000000">I've waited years to type these words: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1470160404/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1470160404" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>Cleansing Eden: The Celebrity Murders</i></a> is now available at Amazon as a print book.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">In addition to a great crime thriller story, this print edition comes with some bonus features:</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">* You'll get the e-book version for FREE. Use the link located on the title page of the book.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">* Look for a short story after the end of the novel, <i>Maynard Soloman Solves the War on Drugs</i>. It's nice, light dessert after that thick meal of drugs, death and demagoguery.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">* Various Easter eggs hidden cryptically throughout the story and formatting.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1470160404/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1470160404" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here to get the print edition of <i>Cleansing Eden: The Celebrity Murders</i> from Amazon</a>.</font></p>
</div>5 Ways to Support Maynard Soloman, Gal-Damn Detectivetag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-06-23:537324:BlogPost:3471572012-06-23T19:30:36.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<div class="blogEntryContent"><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XJ6PWI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007XJ6PWI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font color="#000000"><img align="left" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51N2qbj4HhL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg"></img></font></a></p>
<p><font color="#000000">All this week, I offered…</font></p>
</div>
<div class="blogEntryContent"><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XJ6PWI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007XJ6PWI" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><font color="#000000"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51N2qbj4HhL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" align="left"/></font></a></p>
<p><font color="#000000">All this week, I offered <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZCPS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JZCPS4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>5 Funny Detective Stories - A Maynard Soloman Collection</i></a> for free on Amazon Kindle. (It's still free through Friday, June 22.)</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Thousands of new readers are being introduced to the series, and I couldn't be happier about it. It feels great to get words in front of readers after the work it takes to get them there.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">If you enjoyed this collection, please show your support for me and the Ol' Badger. There are five ways to do it:</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b>1)</b> <b>Leave a review</b> of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZCPS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JZCPS4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>5 Funny Detective Stories</i></a> on Amazon. This helps people find the series. More readers means better stories, since readers are playing a larger role in the stories. Which brings me to...<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b>2)</b> <b>Buy the latest Maynard e-book</b>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XJ6PWI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007XJ6PWI" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>Maynard Soloman Takes the Bus to a Strip Club</i></a>. It's inspired by true events from two Maynard fans. I'll leave the finer details to your imagination. It came out after <i>5 Funny Detective Stories</i>, so you haven't read it yet. At 99 cents, you're still walking away with a bargain. <br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b>3)</b> <b>Give a friend the first e-book in the series for free</b>. <a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/freeebooks.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>Maynard Soloman Solves the War on Drugs</i></a> is always a free e-book on crimefictionbook.com. Give them <a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/freeebooks.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">this link</a>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Heck, that freebie also works great as an anniversary present for the missus. Year four is e-book, right? Or was it paper? Don't worry, this is the last year you'll have to think about it.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b>4)</b> <b>"Like" Maynard Soloman's Facebook page</b>. Just <a href="http://www.facebook.com/crimenovel" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">click here to go to the page</a>. You'll receive random musings from Maynard and the latest announcements. This is also where readers can become part of the next story. Cool, huh? You won't get that with a <i>50 Shades of Hype</i> book.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b>5)</b> <b>Sign up for the e-newsletter</b>. My e-newsletter has all the extra cool stuff I stash just for the cool cats who subscribe. I throw in special freebies, exclusive stories and other fun tidbits. It's not always about me or Maynard. The last edition had a summer reading guide featuring the crime e-books I've personally reviewed. Plus, you get a free e-book just for signing up. <a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/signupfornewsletter.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here to sign up for the free e-newsletter</a>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Whether you jump on one or all of these things, THANK YOU! Your support means a ton to me.</font></p>
</div>Video: Unboxing My Very First Print Edition of Cleansing Edentag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-06-20:537324:BlogPost:3468502012-06-20T23:27:41.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p>A looooong time coming.<br></br><br></br><iframe frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UiL3xv3sAdI?wmode=opaque" width="500"></iframe>
</p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br></br><br></br>* The print book will be available as soon as that color fix goes through. Should be just a few more days. So close! Here's the…</font></p>
<p>A looooong time coming.<br/><br/><iframe width="500" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UiL3xv3sAdI?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/><br/>* The print book will be available as soon as that color fix goes through. Should be just a few more days. So close! Here's the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007C4D7ES/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007C4D7ES" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">e-book version</a> on Amazon.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">* When you buy the print version, you get a link inside the book to get the e-book version for free.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">* I didn't have high expectations with Amazon Createspace's print quality. Figured it'd be OK at best, like the POD books from back in the day. Nope. Really a nice job. You can't see here, but the cover image is super crisp.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">* Takeaway lesson for all you authors out there: Make sure you lighten up any dark fonts. 'Cause they'll print darker than you see on the screen. Also, if you're not uploading images at 300 pixels/inch, you're wasting your time.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">* I have nothing against Wisconsin-based PODs. I just threw out a state.</font></p>How to Celebrate the Summer Solsticetag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-06-20:537324:BlogPost:3460442012-06-20T12:33:16.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<div class="blogEntryContent"><p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZCPS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JZCPS4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="free kindle e-book funny detective" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51W22gBQ8nL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg"></img></a> It's the summer solstice! That means it's time to break out the...uh, what do people do during the solstice? I have no idea. How about a…</font></p>
</div>
<div class="blogEntryContent"><p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZCPS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JZCPS4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51W22gBQ8nL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" alt="free kindle e-book funny detective" align="left"/></a>It's the summer solstice! That means it's time to break out the...uh, what do people do during the solstice? I have no idea. How about a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZCPS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JZCPS4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">free Kindle e-book</a>?<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZCPS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JZCPS4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>5 Funny Detective Stories - A Maynard Soloman Collection</i></a> is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZCPS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JZCPS4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">free Kindle e-book</a> through <b>Friday, June 22</b>. Go get it and enjoy five satirical adventures from arguably the world's most haphazardly brilliant private detective, Maynard Soloman.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Click here to get this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZCPS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JZCPS4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">free Kindle e-book of funny detective stories</a>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">P.S. Please do me the favor of leaving a quick review on Amazon or Goodreads.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">P.P.S. Want more <a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/freeebooks.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">free e-books</a>? <a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/freeebooks.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here</a>.</font></p>
</div>Review: A "Quirky" Grab Bag of Short Storiestag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-06-19:537324:BlogPost:3460182012-06-19T00:51:51.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000">I nabbed this from Darren Sant's <a href="http://santsrants.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/burning-bridges-renegade-fiction.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">book review blog</a> here. He wrote the following review of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YN8CJM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007YN8CJM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Burning Bridges: A Renegade…</i></a></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">I nabbed this from Darren Sant's <a href="http://santsrants.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/burning-bridges-renegade-fiction.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">book review blog</a> here. He wrote the following review of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YN8CJM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007YN8CJM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>Burning Bridges: A Renegade Anthology</i></a>. What a guy.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YN8CJM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007YN8CJM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8hMVLrKW3E/T98_TfU3vxI/AAAAAAAAAZs/naEXD0fiVPk/s1600/bb.jpg" align="left"/></a><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">A collection of extraordinarily diverse stories. Some authors have embraced the theme of burning bridges, using broad strokes to outline it, whilst others have been more subtle. As quirky a collection as you will find. </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">There are stories of chance encounters. There is a tale of revenge that goes horribly wrong. A man on a mission does battle with extra terrestrials in his quest not to be late for work. In K.A. Laity’s excellent fable like story <i>Horse Clock</i> the goddess Sekhmet reflects on the past and makes a decision. In another story a wise guy gets his just desserts for messing with the wrong guys daughter. In B.R. Stateham's <i>The Gift</i> hit man Smitty helps an injured mobster by doling out his own brand of justice.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Mark Cooper <i>Disciple</i> hints at horrors in his usual deft way. In Joshua J. Mark's <i>Safety First</i> we are given a cleverly constructed and intelligently written glimpse into the mind of a killer. Paul D. Brazill tells a beguiling tale of beginnings and endings. Benjamin Sobieck’s tale <i>The Last Injustice</i> was moving and humorous at the same time. L.Vera’s <i>Killing Deities</i> conjured up wonderful visual images for me.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">There are a whole host of other talents within this collection. You won’t perhaps like every tale in this collection. One or two make even have you scratching your head in confusion. However, if you are open minded embrace the diversity contained within this unique collection. A charity anthology that is well worth the cover price.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Genre: Various</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Publisher: Independent</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Format: E-book Anthology</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Rating: 5/5</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b>Click here to get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YN8CJM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007YN8CJM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>Burning Bridges: A Renegade Anthology</i></a> from Amazon for 99 cents. All proceeds go to charity.</b></font></p>Free Kindle E-Book of Detective Humortag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-06-18:537324:BlogPost:3461202012-06-18T13:28:37.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZCPS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JZCPS4"><img align="left" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51W22gBQ8nL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg"></img></a></p>
<p><span class="fw_sanitized"><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZCPS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JZCPS4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>5 Funny Detective Stories -…</i></a></font></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZCPS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JZCPS4"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51W22gBQ8nL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" align="left"/></a></p>
<p><span class="fw_sanitized"><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZCPS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JZCPS4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>5 Funny Detective Stories - A Maynard Soloman Collection</i></a> is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZCPS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JZCPS4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">free Kindle e-book</a> today through <b>Friday, June 22</b>. Go get it and enjoy five crusty adventures from the world's foremost codger and private detective, Maynard Soloman.</font></span></p>
<p><span class="fw_sanitized"><font color="#000000"> </font></span></p>
<p><span class="fw_sanitized"><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZCPS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JZCPS4" target="_blank">Click here to get it now</a>.<br/></font></span></p>Anonymous Sex in an Orange Grove?tag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-06-15:537324:BlogPost:3459532012-06-15T01:56:33.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000">Might want to say "no" to a romp in the proverbial hay if the trist is to take place in an orange grove. That's the takeaway lesson in this <a href="http://fingerprintsjournal.blogspot.com/2012/06/quickie-leroy-b-vaughn.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">true crime short story</a> over at <i>Fingerprints</i>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> …</font></p>
<p></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Might want to say "no" to a romp in the proverbial hay if the trist is to take place in an orange grove. That's the takeaway lesson in this <a href="http://fingerprintsjournal.blogspot.com/2012/06/quickie-leroy-b-vaughn.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">true crime short story</a> over at <i>Fingerprints</i>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://fingerprintsjournal.blogspot.com/2012/06/quickie-leroy-b-vaughn.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here to read more</a>.</font></p>Free Crime Fiction E-Book: Maynard Soloman Solves the War on Drugstag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-06-05:537324:BlogPost:3446702012-06-05T12:14:44.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000"><font color="#000000"><b><i>Maynard Soloman Solves the War on Drugs</i> FREE RIGHT NOW - ALL E-Book Formats Supported</b><br></br><br></br><img align="left" border="0" hspace="10" src="https://dwtr67e3ikfml.cloudfront.net/bookCovers/45380e025a2083e60dc8056f3c03e26b571bbb0b-thumb" vspace="5"></img> "Maynard is the philosopher-cum-man-of-action that we all wish we could be, the detective who solves mysteries by turning idiocy against itself." - Peter Rozovsky, Detectives Beyond Borders (Spinetingler Award winner) <br></br><br></br>"I recommend to everyone who is looking for a quick read. It's perfect for that pick me up laugh, that…</font></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><font color="#000000"><b><i>Maynard Soloman Solves the War on Drugs</i> FREE RIGHT NOW - ALL E-Book Formats Supported</b><br/><br/><img src="https://dwtr67e3ikfml.cloudfront.net/bookCovers/45380e025a2083e60dc8056f3c03e26b571bbb0b-thumb" align="left" vspace="5" border="0" hspace="10"/>"Maynard is the philosopher-cum-man-of-action that we all wish we could be, the detective who solves mysteries by turning idiocy against itself." - Peter Rozovsky, Detectives Beyond Borders (Spinetingler Award winner) <br/><br/>"I recommend to everyone who is looking for a quick read. It's perfect for that pick me up laugh, that bathroom read, that afternoon escape." - Molly Edwards, Reviews by Molly<br/><br/>"Oh my goodness! I'm not sure when I've laughed so hard. It was like having a conversation with the man from the 'Grumpy Old Men' movie! So much fun!" - Gina Hott, Hott Books<br/><br/>"It never ceases to amaze me how this young man has created such a perfect crotchety old character. This is such a fun series and Maynard has become one of my favorite characters." - Michelle Peden Vasquez, Life in Review<br/><br/>"With a satirical take on everything from America's war on drugs to immigration law to social security, Maynard Soloman is a mobile home-dwelling crime-fighting dynamo. He may not be the brightest bulb in the box, but he sure is amusing." - Laura Roberts, ePublisher Daily<br/><br/>"With a chip on his shoulder and more than his share of attitude, the protagonist presents himself as a force to be reckoned with and immediately captured my interest." - Chantal Boudreau, author/illustrator<br/><br/>* Author nominated for Best Short Story of 2011 by Preditors & Editors Readers Poll.<br/><br/>Fans of funny detective stories, meet Maynard Soloman, gal-damn detective. Some would say he's crusty, profane and clueless. But if you ask him, he solves the world's problems one case at a time. Once you experience his 1930s-style of doing business in a 21st century world, you just might agree.<br/><br/>In this misadventure, Maynard wraps his arms around the War on Drugs. Or is the war wrapping itself around his beloved Winnebago RV and threatening to bust down the door? Either way, the Ol' Badger will solve this business of the War on Drugs once and for all. <br/><br/><b>Click a link to get this free e-book for a variety of devices.</b><br/><br/><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/download/132104/4/latest/0/0/maynard-soloman-solves-the-war-on-drugs.mobi">Kindle</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/download/132104/8/latest/0/0/maynard-soloman-solves-the-war-on-drugs.epub">Nook/epub</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/download/132104/1/latest/0/0/maynard-soloman-solves-the-war-on-drugs.pdf">PDF</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/132104">All other formats</a></font></font></p>The Mean Side of "Minnesota Nice"tag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-05-31:537324:BlogPost:3441292012-05-31T12:12:51.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<div class="blogEntryContent"><p><a href="http://blackheartmagazine.com/2012/05/30/maynard-soloman-to-the-rescue-an-interview-with-benjamin-sobieck" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img align="left" height="200" src="http://blackheartmagazine.com/images/blackheartmessy.jpg" width="200"></img></a></p>
<p><font color="#000000">If you can't embrace Minnesota Nice, you need to get the hell out of my state.<br></br></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">This and other contradictions are explored in my…</font></p>
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<div class="blogEntryContent"><p><a href="http://blackheartmagazine.com/2012/05/30/maynard-soloman-to-the-rescue-an-interview-with-benjamin-sobieck" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://blackheartmagazine.com/images/blackheartmessy.jpg" align="left" height="200" width="200"/></a></p>
<p><font color="#000000">If you can't embrace Minnesota Nice, you need to get the hell out of my state.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">This and other contradictions are explored in my <a href="http://blackheartmagazine.com/2012/05/30/maynard-soloman-to-the-rescue-an-interview-with-benjamin-sobieck/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">interview with <i>Black Heart Magazine</i> here</a>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Many thanks as always to Laura Roberts and the <i>Black Heart</i> crew. She and the 'zine have been big supporters of the Maynard Soloman series, which is discussed in the interview. Roberts also writes humor, and I encourage you to <a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/apps/blog/show/12502168-a-political-humor-e-book-that-gets-it-right" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">read my review of her <i>Rebels of the 512</i> novel here</a>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">See? I'm Minnesota Nice incarnate. Now scoot your arse <a href="http://blackheartmagazine.com/2012/05/30/maynard-soloman-to-the-rescue-an-interview-with-benjamin-sobieck/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here to read the interview</a>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">P.S. <i>Black Heart</i> is looking for a <a href="http://buttontapper.com/2012/05/28/black-heart-seeks-fiction-editor/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">fiction editor</a>. Here's your chance to be a part of the literary mutiny.</font></p>
</div>New Release: Maynard Soloman Smokes the World's Problemstag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-05-31:537324:BlogPost:3442592012-05-31T02:43:43.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00876XSBC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00876XSBC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>6 Funny Detective Stories - Maynard Soloman Smokes the World's Problems</i></a> is available exclusively at Amazon for $3.19. That's a heckuva deal since the six individual short stories go for 99 cents a pop.…</font></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00876XSBC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00876XSBC" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>6 Funny Detective Stories - Maynard Soloman Smokes the World's Problems</i></a> is available exclusively at Amazon for $3.19. That's a heckuva deal since the six individual short stories go for 99 cents a pop.</font></p>
<p></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Here's the description:</font></p>
<p></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Fans of short detective stories with a side of sarcastic political satire, you've found your man.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Meet Maynard Soloman, gal-damn detective. Some s</font><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00876XSBC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00876XSBC" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><font color="#000000"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512yO16I0vL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" align="left"/></font></a><font color="#000000">ay he's crusty, profane and clueless. But if you ask him, he solves the world's problems one case at a time.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">This collection features six pressing issues of the day, plus tons of bonus features.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">1. Maynard Soloman Solves the War on Drugs</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">2. Maynard Soloman Fixes Social Security and Eats a Pony</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">3. Maynard Soloman and the Job-Nabbin’ Illegal Immigrants</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">4. Maynard Soloman Proves Santa Claus is Real</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">5. Maynard Soloman Legalizes Gay Knot Tying</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">6. Maynard Soloman Takes the Bus to a Strip Club</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Bonus: The Philosophy of Maynard Soloman</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Bonus: How to Cuss Like Maynard Soloman</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Bonus: Maynard Soloman’s Two-Beer Critter Marinade</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Bonus: Maynard Soloman’s Guide to Milk and Cookies</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Bonus: 10 Signs Your Kid is in a Cult</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Bonus: Maynard’s Guide to Tipping</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">* Author nominated for Best Short Story of 2011 by Preditors & Editors Readers Poll.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Click here to get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00876XSBC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00876XSBC" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>6 Funny Detective Stories - Maynard Soloman Smokes the World's Problems</i></a> for $3.19 exclusively from Amazon.</font></p>Just Released: "6 Funny Detective Stories - Maynard Soloman Smokes the World's Problems"tag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-05-30:537324:BlogPost:3441522012-05-30T12:00:00.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a class="fw_link_website fw_link_newWindow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00876XSBC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00876XSBC" target="_blank"><i>6 Funny Detective Stories - Maynard Soloman Smokes the World's Problems</i></a> is available exclusively at…</font></p>
<p></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a target="_blank" class="fw_link_website fw_link_newWindow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00876XSBC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00876XSBC"><i>6 Funny Detective Stories - Maynard Soloman Smokes the World's Problems</i></a> is available exclusively at <a target="_blank" class="fw_link_website fw_link_newWindow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00876XSBC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00876XSBC">Amazon</a> for $3.19. That's a heckuva deal since the six individual short stories go for 99 cents a pop.</font></p>
<p><a target="_blank" class="fw_link_website fw_link_newWindow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00876XSBC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00876XSBC"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512yO16I0vL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" class="fw_image_url fwSizeProp" style="margin: 8px;" align="left" border="0"/></a><font color="#000000">Here's the description:</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Fans of short detective stories with a side of sarcastic political satire, you've found your man.<br/> <br/> Meet Maynard Soloman, gal-damn detective. Some say he's crusty, profane and clueless. But if you ask him, he solves the world's problems one case at a time.<br/> <br/> This collection features six pressing issues of the day, plus tons of bonus features.<br/> <br/> 1. Maynard Soloman Solves the War on Drugs<br/> 2. Maynard Soloman Fixes Social Security and Eats a Pony<br/> 3. Maynard Soloman and the Job-Nabbin’ Illegal Immigrants<br/> 4. Maynard Soloman Proves Santa Claus is Real<br/> 5. Maynard Soloman Legalizes Gay Knot Tying<br/> 6. Maynard Soloman Takes the Bus to a Strip Club<br/> <br/> Bonus: The Philosophy of Maynard Soloman<br/> Bonus: How to Cuss Like Maynard Soloman<br/> Bonus: Maynard Soloman’s Two-Beer Critter Marinade<br/> Bonus: Maynard Soloman’s Guide to Milk and Cookies<br/> Bonus: 10 Signs Your Kid is in a Cult<br/> Bonus: Maynard’s Guide to Tipping<br/> <br/> * Author nominated for Best Short Story of 2011 by Preditors & Editors Readers Poll.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a target="_blank" class="fw_link_website fw_link_newWindow" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00876XSBC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00876XSBC">Click here to get <i>6 Funny Detective Stories - Maynard Soloman Smokes the World's Problems</i> for $3.19 from Amazon</a>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><u><b>DON'T FORGET</b></u></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Look for individual short stories and other collections at e-book retailers everywhere. Just search for "Maynard Soloman" or "Sobieck."</font></p>Peak at Cover: Maynard Soloman Smokes the World's Problemstag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-05-29:537324:BlogPost:3439912012-05-29T22:44:02.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000">Comng soon: <i>6 Funny Detective Stories - Maynard Soloman Smokes the World's Problems</i>.<br/></font></p>
<p></p>
<p><img src="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/6%20funny%20detective%20stories%20cover.jpg" alt="6 Funny Detective Stories E-Book" height="667" width="500"/></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Comng soon: <i>6 Funny Detective Stories - Maynard Soloman Smokes the World's Problems</i>.<br/></font></p>
<p></p>
<p><img src="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/6%20funny%20detective%20stories%20cover.jpg" alt="6 Funny Detective Stories E-Book" height="667" width="500"/></p>Your Feedback is Appreciatedtag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-05-26:537324:BlogPost:3434372012-05-26T17:10:41.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000">I need your feedback about this essay. I wrote it for an upcoming Maynard Soloman collection, <i>6 Funny Detective Stories - Maynard Soloman Solves the World's Problems</i>. It talks about the philosophy of the detective stories.<br></br></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br></br></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">I plan on including this essay as part of a bonus feature for the collection. Tell me what you think. Too complicated? Not complicated enough? Stupid? Not stupid…</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">I need your feedback about this essay. I wrote it for an upcoming Maynard Soloman collection, <i>6 Funny Detective Stories - Maynard Soloman Solves the World's Problems</i>. It talks about the philosophy of the detective stories.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">I plan on including this essay as part of a bonus feature for the collection. Tell me what you think. Too complicated? Not complicated enough? Stupid? Not stupid enough?</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/apps/blog/show/15500439-i-need-your-help-to-solve-all-the-world-s-problems" target="_blank">Click here to read the essay</a>.<br/></font></p>A Hardball Interview with Author/Ex-Con Les Edgertontag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-05-04:537324:BlogPost:3419232012-05-04T12:30:00.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
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<p><font color="#000000"><img align="left" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515cNR5J-cL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-57,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg"></img></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P2NLHG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006P2NLHG" target="_blank">Les Edgerton's <i>The Bitch</i></a> is one of the most arresting crime novels…</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000000"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515cNR5J-cL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-57,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" align="left"/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P2NLHG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006P2NLHG">Les Edgerton's <i>The Bitch</i></a> is one of the most arresting crime novels I've read this year (no pun intended). It chronicles ex-con Jake Bishop's attempts to avoid "The Bitch," a slang term for "habitual criminal." It's similar to the Three Strike Rule. Jake already has two strikes when a prison buddy calls him up for one last job.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">The yarn itself was compelling on its own, but I suspected I was reading a story-within-a-story. Author Edgerton served time in the same prison as his Jake character. His colorful past is already well-known in the crime fiction world, but I still wanted to pick his brain. How much of the story was true?</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Fortunately, the author was more than happy to do an interview. Here it is, unedited and unfiltered. Just 100% pure Edgerton. <b>Read the whole thing. His real-world answers could put fiction to shame.</b></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b><br/></b></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">P.S. Click here to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P2NLHG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006P2NLHG">buy <i>The Bitch</i> on Amazon</a>. It's available at all other fine e-retailers, too.</font></p>
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<p align="center"><font color="#000000">* * *</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i><b><br/></b></i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i><b>BEN: It's impossible not to compare the lead character in</b></i> <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P2NLHG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006P2NLHG">The Bitch</a></b><i><b>, Jake Bishop, to yourself. You both did time in Indiana's Pendleton Correctional Facility, for example. Was</b></i> <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P2NLHG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006P2NLHG">The Bitch</a></b> <i><b>catharic to write?</b></i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b><br/></b></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b>LES:</b> First, a small correction. When I was in prison, it was “Pendleton Reformatory.” Only, it wasn’t a “reformatory,” but one of the two Indiana maximum prisons, the other one being Michigan City. The only difference between them was that cons 30 and younger were sent to Pendleton and cons older than 30 went to Michigan City.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">The “correctional facility” is a recent name change and nowadays they have a juvie facility in addition to the main prison. <b>While I was there, then-President Johnson conducted a national study and concluded that Pendleton was “the single worst prison in the U.S.”</b></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">And, it was. There were eight riots during my stay, not including the one I walked in on when first sent up.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">As to your question, Ben, writing it wasn’t much in the way of a catharsis at all. For a couple of reasons.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">One, I’ve written about my experiences there in many of my previous novels and short stories, and so the “catharsis” value has pretty much been exhausted by now.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">And, two, I’ve never lost a lot of sleep over my experience there. I was a criminal and going to prison is just part of the deal of being “in the life.” That “If you can’t do the time, don’t do the time” is pretty much the way it is. Just a part of the job description. <b>Criminals are pretty good at compartmentalizing things and when you’re in the joint, you’re in the “zone” and not outside, on the bricks in your mind, and when you’re out on the bricks, you don’t waste a lot of time thinking about the joint.</b></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">I see a new breed of criminal today on TV where these guys are crying when they get caught. What kind of punk cries?</font></p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><font color="#000000"><i><b>BEN: One of the themes throughout</b></i> <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P2NLHG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006P2NLHG">The Bitch</a></b> <i><b>was having to make a bad choice in the pursuit of something better. For example, kill Person X to save Person Y, yet create a new problem with Person Z. It's almost like the game is rigged. Does this reflect your view of the world, that we're doomed to a certain fate no matter what we choose?</b></i></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b><br/></b></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><b>LES:</b> Ah! So you’re asking me if I have a Calvinistic view of life—that predestination thingy!</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Well, on Monday’s I think that, and on Tuesdays I don’t. On Wednesdays, I don’t care.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">To be honest, on most days I don’t care. I have a different vision of morality and God and all that. Most days, I fit the definition of a nihilist quite accurately. Expediency is what gets me through life.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">For instance, I don’t perform criminal activities any longer and it’s not because I had some kind of “come to Jesus” moment or some kind of epiphany. <b>I’ve just weighed the pros and cons of performing a criminal act and since I’ve been there (inside the walls), I have a clear idea of what that’s like and so far I haven’t come across a crime whose possible rewards outweigh the possible penalties.</b></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">If I ever do, I’m pretty sure I’m off that good citizen dais and out there doing the crime. But, it’ll have to be the perfect crime with an enormous upside. At my age, to go back to the joint is a certain death sentence and I’m not quite ready for that. Incarceration really is a good deterrent once you’ve experienced it.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">READ THE REST OF THE <a href="http://www.crimefictionbook.com/apps/blog/show/14689817-the-bitch-a-hardball-q-a-with-author-ex-con-les-edgerton" target="_blank">INTERVIEW WITH LES EDGERTON</a> HERE.<br/></font></p>What's New?tag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-05-03:537324:BlogPost:3420702012-05-03T01:56:18.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<p><font color="#000000">On my list of crime fiction book-type things to-do:</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br></br></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">1) Catching up with reviews for things I've read.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br></br></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">2) Giving and receiving a couple interviews with other great crime authors.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br></br></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">3) Writing. Got some ideas that need…</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">On my list of crime fiction book-type things to-do:</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">1) Catching up with reviews for things I've read.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">2) Giving and receiving a couple interviews with other great crime authors.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">3) Writing. Got some ideas that need exorcising.<br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">What's new with you?</font></p>It's Here! "Burning Bridges: A Renegade Fiction Anthology"tag:crimespace.ning.com,2012-04-29:537324:BlogPost:3415412012-04-29T12:26:53.000ZBenjamin Sobieckhttps://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BenjaminSobieck
<div class="blogEntryContent"><p><font color="#000000">Check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YN8CJM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007YN8CJM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Burning Bridges: A Renegade Fiction Anthology</i></a>. It's a collection of 15 short stories from 15 top-notch indie authors with a "burning bridges" theme. I had the honor of formatting and contributing to this fine…</font></p>
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<div class="blogEntryContent"><p><font color="#000000">Check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YN8CJM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007YN8CJM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><i>Burning Bridges: A Renegade Fiction Anthology</i></a>. It's a collection of 15 short stories from 15 top-notch indie authors with a "burning bridges" theme. I had the honor of formatting and contributing to this fine collection.</font></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YN8CJM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007YN8CJM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><font color="#000000"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dhYEziJuQeA/T5AqKNi1z1I/AAAAAAAABvw/_bJ9bl92C_o/s320/burning.jpg" align="right"/></font></a></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Featuring:</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Julia Madeleine</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">K.A. Laity</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Mark Cooper</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Darren Sant</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Allan Leverone</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Paul D. Brazill</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">George S. Geisinger</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">McDroll</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Edith M. Maxwell</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Benjamin Sobieck</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Tace Baker</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Joshua J. Mark</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">L. Vera</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">B.R. Stateham</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">Heath Lowrance</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000">There are two versions available. One is free. The other is 99 cents and will benefit the non-profit group, Literacy for Incarcerated Teens.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><br/></font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/155449" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here to get the free version from Smashwords (all formats)</a>.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YN8CJM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=minncrimauthb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007YN8CJM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here to get the 99-cent charity edition from Amazon (Kindle only)</a>.</font></p>
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