EVERYONE WANTS TO BE AN AUTHOR

Hey, Gang (all my family and friends):


I hope everyone is well and busy writing in your spare time -- which is most everyone's desire. I believe everyone has a book or two in them. I proved it by writing Bridgetown High.

I love this review by Josie Melendez on posted on December 3, 2015

She gave me 5 stars, and I like what she said about me and my writing:

"It is hard to believe that this book is this author’s debut novel. I have to say the author’s note referencing that the setting behind this story takes place in the mid-1960’s, had me nervous going in. However, I have to be honest, the way this author wrote this story I didn’t feel lost or unaware of the surroundings within. The start to this story nearly broke my heart. AND THAT WAS ONLY THE FIRST PAGE! After that I knew I would not be able to put this book down. The story is told in multiple POV’s which I happened to enjoy a great deal.

"I do not want to say much or give anything away because this one needs to be read going in blindly. I will say, once I got to that Aha moment I was floored. I really enjoyed how the author used words, landmarks and life events to describe a setting or scene so that I really could imagine how it was in the 60’s. I can tell that this author researched a lot and put a lot of effort into this book. The conversations and language used in the book is how I would have expected it to be like in the 60’s. Like the close family unit, people’s view points on the Vietnam War and music.

"Mark’s pain, anguish, grief, rage and guilt over the loss of his parents and sister is felt on every page. I can’t imagine losing my family in such a tragic way, but his author was able to have me emotionally connect so much that I felt like I was there with him sharing his pain. Mark’s need for revenge of the person responsible for their death was palpable. The three characters that surround this book were very well developed. Mark, Gina and Jeff each have a story to tell and their lives are connected in some way. As the year unfolds secrets, manipulation and danger will follow the lives of these 3 teenagers.

"I got more than what I imagined I would have when I started this book. The drama and angst level was over the top. If you love a book that has drama, action, suspense, jealously and fast cars then this is your book. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I can’t wait to see what this author brings us next."

Isn't that a great review?

Now, guess what?

I'M EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE that my publisher, Limitless Publishing, and I are going to do another Blog Tour for Bridgetown High. Along with the tour, we're going to give away some electronic versions of the book. Keep posted as I haven't set it up yet, but will soon and want to be able to let you know. Maybe you can join in the tour and gain some publicity as well.

So, until next week,  as always, if you like this blog, please "Share" and "Like"it on Facebook , and "Tweet" it on Twitter. Then PLEASE, take five minutes to write a short review of "Bridgetown High" and post it on my correct author page at Amazon.

Also, remember to sign up for my email letters on my Blog Site. I would love to see you there and have you introduce yourself and give comments to this blog. Have a wonderful week.

A warm hello to all my faithful friends and followers, in spite of this cold and snowy weather we're having here in Utah, U.S.A. I want to welcome all those who have "friended" me during the last week and forever.


I apologize for not posting last week, but time just didn't allow.

Today, I learned something that I think you all need to know and do if you expect your books to get quality reviews on Amazon. If you have tried to post a review of Bridgetown High and weren't able to do so, I just found out there's evidently a right way and a wrong way to access Amazon to post a review, and this may be the reason your review didn't work.

I just watched a short video that explains this.

To access my book's Amazon page, I've been giving you this URL: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1680583093/ref=cm_sw_su_dp. Evidently, this URL has a code that tips Amazon that you are a close friend or family member and thus in their mind, not eligible to post a review.

The correct way is to do this without that code: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1680583093/.

So, if you tried to post a review in the past, but weren't able, I would appreciate it if you would re-posting it using this different URL .

I'm sorry for not knowing this before, but frankly, I didn't know this before.

So, until next week,  as always, if you like this blog, please "Share" and "Like"it on Facebook , and "Tweet" it on Twitter. Then PLEASE, take five minutes to write a short review of "Bridgetown High" and post it on my correct author page at Amazon.

Also, remember to sign up for my email letters on my Blog Site? I would love to see you there and have you introduce yourself and give comments to this blog. Have a wonderful week.

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Hello to all y friends and family. Did you miss me? I've been gone for almost 3 weeks. You don't have answer that.

If you're here for the first time, welcome. If you liked my postings on Facebook, you'll equally enjoy the postings I put here. If you're not signed up to my email list, please remember to do so, so you will be notified when I make a posting.


I thought this week that I would take up some serious issues some people have had with my novel, "Bridgetown High." That being, my characters' dialogs and the ending of my book.

A Great Christmas Gift Idea

I guess I can understand why a few people have been put off by the colloquialisms I used in some of the dialog. They either didn't live during the era in which this story is set, or they've forgotten how some people talked back then. Frankly, I've done my best to research the conditions and attitudes of people and tried to mimic the speech patterns of such groups as Italian immigrants, Spanish speaking Mexican immigrants, plus hippie jargon, and the speech patterns of ignorant teenagers who turn out to be dropouts, then the antagonists.


TIP FOR YOU: Speaking of characters' dialog, when writing your best selling novel, do your best to make dialog as realistic as possible. Listen to people -- how they talk, phrases they use. However, dialog can't have all the hms and hums or stuttering as most people do, unless the character needs to be a stutterer for some reason. Make sure your dialog is clean and realistic.

Another issue some people have had with "Bridgetown High" was the unexpected twist in the end. Actually, it shouldn't come as unexpected. All through the book I've lead up to it, and to a few other twists as well. However, all I can say now is, I'm writing a sequel. Keep posted. All will be revealed in due time.

TIP FOR YOU: When writing your best selling novel, make sure all your twists are logical from what has transpired previously in the story. I've read some otherwise good novels that when they got to the last chapter, the twist didn't work, in my opinion. Not only that, but the denouement goes on for several chapters -- wrong too!

With all that in mind, most readers of "Bridgetown High" have loved it and did not find fault with it. Even with a couple of negative ratings, it's still rating 4.3 on a scale of 5 at Amazon, 4.36 on Goodreads, and 4.5 on Barnes and Noble. Not bad, but I need more reviews, even negative reviews will be welcomed. I'm not upset about negative reviews. They only help me to write better and avoid mistakes.

So, until next week,  as always, if you like this blog, please "Share" and "Like"it on Facebook , and "Re-tweet" it on Twitter. Then PLEASE, take five minutes to write a short review of "Bridgetown High" and post it on my author page at Amazon.

Also have you signed up for my email letters on my Blog Site? I would love to see you there and have you introduce yourself and give comments to this blog. And keep in mind "Bridgetown High" is still available at Amazon, Goodreads and Barnes&Noble and several other places I can't remember, both in kindle e'book, and paperback, which I recommend. You can read some GREAT reviews about Bridgetown High on Amazon and Goodreads in case you need more info about it

See y'all next week,

Paul W West, Author

Bridgetown High

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EVERYONE WANTS TO BE AN AUTHOR

Just a short note today, I just got two new reviews for Bridgetown High. I thought I'd share then with you.

This one by Kim Smith, author of the Shannon Wallas mystery series. "As a child of the 60s I could identify with the characters of this book. Mr. West knows his setting and situates the reader in it like wrapping us in a blanket. The dialog fits the era of the story. And the story, a young adult novel, has everything that teens care about: revenge, regret, young love, and the promise of a future. Mark Wilkerson is a captivating character, totally believable. When his family is killed in a fiery crash on the Carquinez Bridge, his life is forever altered. Will he find out who was responsible?"

And this one by an unknown reviewer: "Love the book. I would recommend it to all my family and friends. It is definitely a page turner."

Short but sweet.

If you have read Bridgetown High and would like to write a review, please go to https://www.amazon.com/dp/1680583093/ref=cm_sw_su_dp and scroll down to a button that says "Write A Customer Review." You can read some of the other reviews my book has received.

I'd love to know what you think.

I'll try to  write my usual weekly blog tomorrow, but no promises. I'm going on vacation for the next two weeks, so stand by. I'll be back -- God willing.

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Hi again to all my family, friends, and followers,


I thought from now on, I should begin addressing these blog posts to my family members as well as everyone else. I'm sure 1 or 2 of them are following this, ha ha.


Today I thought I'd give you all a word of warning. This past week I read what I thought was a stand alone novel which will remain nameless, and author-less. For the most part it was somewhat boring in the first 4 or5 chapters, but it got more interesting as I kept reading.


The first thing this author did wrong was NOT starting with the main character getting into some kind of trouble, or "terrible trouble," as Dean Koontz often said in his book, "How to Write Best Selling Fiction." The story begins with a lot of background information, or an "info dump" as we writers call it. Maybe I could have tolerated it for a while, but it went on for several chapters. I was about ready to give up on it. The real story didn't begin until the main character went to a party where the hostess was someone who hated the MC and vice versa.


Now, that perked up my interest a little bit.

But the unforgivable sin she left with was ending the story with a cliffhanger, then told reader he/she had to purchase the sequel to find out what happened next. She dropped the story off right at the climax, leaving the reader hanging. Of course, I'm not going to purchase the sequel. The author blew it in my mind and I will probably never read another book of hers. I'm just glad it didn't cost much.


So, two words of warning:

1) Always begin your story with the main character being hit (figuratively) with some kind of "terrible trouble."


2) Never end a story at the apex of the climax with no resolution and expect the reader to purchase your sequel.


In my mind, it ain't gonna happen.

So, until next week,  as always, if you like this blog, please remember to "Share" and "Like"it on Facebook , and "Retweet" it on Twitter. Then PLEASE, take five minutes to write a review and post it on Amazon. Also have you signed up for my email letters on my Blog Site? I would love to see you there and have you introduce yourself and give comments to this blog. And also keep in mind "Bridgetown High" is still available on Amazon, Goodreads and Barnes&Noble and several other places I can't remember. You can read some GREAT reviews of Bridgetown High on Amazon and Goodreads in case you need more info about Bridgetown High.

See y'all next week.

Paul

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Hi, all my friends and followers. How is your writing coming? Have you decided on a title yet? I know, titles are not my thing either. "Bridgetown High" was a lucky decision. If you have a title, or at least a working title, please send it in the "Comments" below. I think others here may like seeing what you are working on.


When I say, "working title," it doesn't have to be what you'll eventually end up calling your novel. I think I must have used several working titles...


Mark and Genie
Sweet Revenge
The Bridge Beckons
Vengeance or Vindication
Bridge to Destiny
Retribution or Vindication

... and maybe a couple others I can't recall right off.

The point is, you don't need to decide on a title right now, and there's a strong possibility that if you go with a traditional publisher, your publisher will change it anyway. I guess I was fortunate. My publisher "Limitless Publishing" didn't change my title.

Hey, I got another great review. What do you think?

Review for Bridge Town High by Paul W. West

Well-drawn characters and exciting. I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book. We meet seventeen year old Mark Wilkerson attending the funeral of his parents and little sister and learn they were killed in a car accident  on Christmas eve that he and his other younger sister survived. The story follows him as he deals with this immense tragedy by trying to find out exactly what happened and who was responsible. There is a message about forgiveness and healing in this book.

This is a good novel in the young adult genre and the author has a great understanding of the teenage years with all their complicated emotions involving friendships, love interests, and learning where one belongs in the swirling sea of on again-off again romances. I found the minute details of who was going to the Junior Prom with whom somewhat tiring, but I understand the method behind the madness

I liked the emphasis on forgiveness from a Christian standpoint. I enjoyed the parental wisdom of Mark’s grandmother, who courageously takes over the care of Mark and his sister while dealing with the death of her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchild. She often quotes her mother and one of the best is “’what we see today as a tragedy, we may look back at tomorrow as a blessing’”. Of course Mark balks at this advice, but the reader hopes he will one day accept what has happened and begin to enjoy life again. He does, and the reader gets to go along for the ride.

The book is enjoyable and exciting. This book is worth the read and stays true to the genre with no profanity or sexual content, though some of the characters use alcohol and drugs. There is some violence, but no more than is seen in any television program. I highly recommend it for adults and young people alike.

So, how does that sound? I hope that will help sell a few hundred copies, maybe a thousand or more (just kidding)

So, until next time, please "Share" and "Like" this blog post on Facebook , and "Retweet" it on Twitter, then PLEASE, write a review and post it on all the sites where you can find my book. Also have you signed up for my email letters on my Blog Site? I would love to see you there and have you introduce yourself and give comments to my posts. And also keep in mind "Bridgetown High" is still available on Amazon, Goodreads and Barnes&Noble and a few other places I can't remember. You can read some GREAT reviews of Bridgetown High on all of these sites if you need more info about Bridgetown High. In fact I just got another great review from a follower that should be posted in the next few days.

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Good afternoon, all my faithful friends and followers.

I hope you're all getting some good ideas to generate a great plot.


Today, I'm going to cover the next issue Dean Koontz's high school teacher taught him: "You need a hero or a heroine or both."

Can you imagine a story without a hero or heroine? What would that be? Boring! Jack London's novels "Call of the Wild," and "White Fang" had heros -- the dogs.

I suppose if you are writing in first person, the first person narrator would automatically be the hero/heroine. Or would it? I can imagine a first person narrator relating the story of someone else, probably from his memory of the circumstances that spawned the story. In that situation, the story is really being told in third person. Either way, you still need a hero or heroine. How do you decide who that is going to be?

In Bridgetown High, Mark is the first person we meet and the story pretty much follows his struggles through to the end. But there are other characters that we learn about as we read the novel. The main heroine in this book would have to be Genie. We watch her struggles too and care about what happens to her.

But Gary, Charisse, and even Jeff (the antagonist) have their stories that make us care for them as well. So, are they also heros or heroines? I purposely wrote a sub-plot for each of them that ties together with Mark's story in the end. So, while not being main characters, they still have their own stories and are heros or heroines in their own minds.

Does that make any sense? So, how can someone as despicable as Jeff be a hero? I went deep into his mind and found he has some deep-seated psycological issues brought on by his upbringing including an abusive father and hard working mother who never had time for him. Would you call him a hero? In his story, his actions are heroic in his mind.

For each of my main characters I've done the same, making them likable, or at least sympathetic. I think that is what made Bridgetown High the great story it is.

If you haven't done so yet, you'll have to read "Bridgetown High" to see what I mean. Please let me know what you think.

In the meantime, please "Share" and "Like" this blog post on Facebook , and "Retweet" it on Twitter, then PLEASE, write a review and post it on all the sites where you can find my book. Also have you signed up for my email letters on my Blog Site? I would love to see you there and have you introduce yourself and give comments to my posts. And also keep in mind "Bridgetown High" is still available on Amazon, Goodreads and Barnes&Noble and a few other places I can't remember. You can read some GREAT reviews of Bridgetown High on all of these sites if you need more info about Bridgetown High. In fact I just got another great review from a follower that should be posted in the next few days.

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EVERYONE WANTS TO BE AN AUTHOR

Hi again, to all my faithful friends and followers.

So, how are you doing with your writing. Did last week's post teach you what not to do? I ran my review past the author of the novel I was reviewing and she agreed with my rating of 3 stars out of 5 and understood why: that I wasn't trying to be critical, but helpful. Maybe she's following this blog??? If so, I'd love for her to comment.

This week, I'm going to talk about what it takes to be a best-selling author. A long time ago, 1972, Dean Koontz published a very helpful book titled: "How to Write Best-Selling Fiction." I cut my writerly teeth on that book and wish I had a copy of it, even today. But I did take some notes that have helped me a great deal. Over the weeks I'll share some of them with you.

The first notes I have, he quoted his high school teacher who said the following: "The average reader demands eight things of a novel: 1) a strong plot; 2) a great deal of action; 3) a hero or a heroine or both; 4) colorful, imaginative, and convincing characterizations; 5) clear, believable motivations; 6) well-drawn backgrounds; 7) at least some familiarity with the rules of English grammar and syntax - the more familiarity the better, of course 8) a style which embodies at least a trace of lyrical language and as many striking images as possible, for good writing is always vivid and visual."

I could write a college thesis on each of those subjects. Maybe I will go over them in greater detail in the coming weeks. I think they give a lot of food for thought - to spin a cliche'.

One thing Mr. Koontz didn't cover was how publishing has changed from the old find an agent who will find a publisher for you. Today, agents are still around, but difficult to find, and most traditional publishers these days require authors to do most of their own marketing, and independent self-publishing requires writers to do pretty much the same (a lesson I still haven't digested).

Take a close look at the list of eight things readers demand and see how they can help with your writing.

In the meantime, please "Share" and "Like" this blog post on Facebook , and "Retweet" it on Twitter yet. Also have you signed up for my email letters on my Blog Site? I would love to see you there and have you introduce yourself and give comments to my posts. And also keep in mind "Bridgetown High" is still available on Amazon, Goodreads and Barnes&Noble and a few other places I can't remember. You can read some GREAT reviews of Bridgetown High on all of these sites.

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SO, DO YOU WANT TO BE AN AUTHOR?

Hello to all my wonderful friends and followers. Sorry for being gone, but like I always say: "Sometimes work gets in the way of more important things like writing."

So, to pick up where I left off. I think I was giving ideas about how to create a novel.

Today, I'll talk about where did all my characters come from? Well, since Mark is the first character in my novel, the question is where did I get him and why did I make him the way he is?

First, I did not want a clone of myself. I tried very hard to make him unique. He is not really the hero type, but he has his strengths and weaknesses that make him rather unique. I though about what kind of boy he should be. How old, something about his looks, his likes and dislikes, etc. At first, I think I had him too wimpy, so I went back through the manuscript that I had written so far and rewrote some scenes where he could be strong and aggressive, yet compassionate. I gave him some faults too like his anger issue and desire for revenge, lacking the capacity for forgiveness. I think characters don't ring true unless you give them weaknesses and faults to overcome. For example, Mark starts out angry. He wants revenge for his family's deaths. Throughout the book he struggles with that issue. In short, I had to ask myself, how would a seventeen year old senior in high school react to losing his entire family, except for his kid sister. Then, add to that, having to enroll in a new high school where some of the kinds hated him.

So, where do you get your characters? If you're serious about wanting to be an author, you have to make your characters as real as possible.

Before I quit for now, I need to ask, have you "Liked" and "Shared" this blog post on Facebook yet, or "Retweeted" it on Twitter yet. Also have you signed up for my email letters on my Blog Site? I would love to see you there and have you introduce yourselves and give comments to my posts. And also keep in mind "Bridgetown High" is still available on Amazon and Barnes&Noble. You can read some GREAT reviews on both of them.

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SO, DO YOU WANT TO BE AN AUTHOR?

Greetings to all my faithful followers and friends. I have to apologize for not writing to you for almost 2 weeks. Frankly, I have no excuse (other than I have been sick in bed for most of it). But, now I'm back.

Have you "Liked" and "Shared" this blog post on Facebook yet, or "Retweeted" it on Twitter yet. Also have you signed up for my email letters on my Blog Site? I would love to see you there and have you introduce yourselves and give comments to my posts. And also keep in mind "Bridgetown High" is still available on Amazon and Barnes&Noble. You can read some GREAT reviews on both of them.

I think I ended my last post, explaining about how I began "Bridgetown High." If you remember I had a college professor who taught me to define a beginning and ending and work the story toward the two.

I also read a book by Dean Koontz called "How to Write Best-Selling Fiction." It's a great book for anyone wanting to write best selling novels (though his methods in today's book markets are a bit obsolete.

But back then (30 or so years ago) I started with trying to work out an opening scene. It needed to plunge my main character into some kind of trouble. My first idea was to have Mark sitting in his classroom, watching the clock tick off the minutes 'till the end of class. He is nervous. Sweat drops from his underarms and he hopes he's not going to be offensive when he asks Charisse for a date. It's kind of exciting, but after further consideration I felt that that was too far into the story and I needed to begin earlier. That's when I came up with the ending. I felt that would be more enticing, and at first I put it as the opening scene. Then, I still needed an ending, but I did come up with something you'll have to read for yourself (no spoilers allowed on this blog site). It was only at the insistence of my former critique group members, that I put the beginning at the end -- again, you'll have to read the book to know what I mean.

To say the least, "Bridgetown High" went through many revisions and edits before it was ready for publication.

More next week.

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EVERYONE WANTS TO BE AN AUTHOR

Hi again to everyone.

Do you really want to be an author? I have to admit, though it's been a rough row to how, it's been a lot of fun too.

Did you enjoy reading that excerpt I posted last week? I must have written and rewritten that scene 30 or 40 times. As I said before, I started this novel some 30 years ago. Hopefully it won't take you that long. Most of that time was spent trying to find an agent, but I also spent a lot of time writing and editing and rewriting until I got the book as good as I could.

It helped having a critique group. My "Writer's Pen" group was a huge help. The members were all great writers. Some of them, like me, were eventually published. Some wrote fantasy. Some wrote horror. Some wrote science fiction. Some like me, wrote young adult coming of age.

So, how did I begin? I think I started writing about this in my post a few weeks ago, but I'll take the chance I won't repeat myself too much.

I began with a strong desire to write something. So, with a pad of paper and a pen, I began. At first, the only time I had to write was during my lunch breaks. And that has pretty much been the way it was ever since. Before I had access to a computer, I would leave my office and go down to my car and with oldies playing on the radio, I started jotting down some ideas.

At first, I just wanted to write about my life in high school. But that idea didn't go very far. I had a pretty boring high school life, ha ha. Soon, I realized I was writing about my high school days, but no one in particular. Mark and Gary, Charisse and Genie, and Jeff and Bobby are all made up. I suppose if you were to examine these characters closely enough you'd see something of yourself in one or more of my characters, but I suppose that's the way it is with every novel. We all tend to identify with one or more of the characters in the story.

So, where did I begin? I know I've said this before, but I started with a rough idea of a beginning and struggled to come up with a logical climax and ending. I read with relish a book by Dean Koontz called "How to Write Best-Selling Fiction." His training (if I can call it that) was wonderful. I read "How To" books from several other writers as well. All of them said to begin by plunging your main character into some kind of terrible trouble. Then, as they try to solve their trouble, they get into deeper and deeper trouble, until the ending when everything is resolved, hopefully happily.

This post is getting kind of long, so I'll save more of this for later. I hope this gives you some hope and an increased desire to write. Like I said, it's fun and rewarding, even if it's a struggle at times.

Good luck. Please remember to "Like" and "Share" this post if you're reading it on Facebook, or "Re-Tweet" it if you're on Twitter. Also, for those who have read "Bridgetown High" or are in the process of reading it, a review on Amazon would be much appreciated.

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Hello again to all my faithful followers and friends.


It looks like there are a lot of you out there who would love to be a writer, especially a published writer, or in other works, an author. That's the definition of published writer -- an author. I can see by the number of visits my last post generated that my following is growing. That's important for a writer, especially since that could generate sales.


I've probably said this before, but for a author, the more "Likes" you get the higher can be your rank on Amazon, and the higher your rank, the more likely you'll get sales.


Likewise, the more "Shares" you get the the more exposure you will get, as every time someone "Shares" your work it can get exposed to everyone on that person's time-line on Facebook, especially if you share it with the "Public."


There's something else that's important, and that's reviews. I read somewhere that for an author to be successful, he/she should get at least 25 reviews -- the more the better. So far, I've gotten only 9 or 10.

And speaking of reviews, I just got a wonderful one the other day from an author named Jesse Frankle and I want to share it with you:

Howdy. Finished your novel and the review is up on Goodreads. This is your first novel? Holy damn, I was impressed!!

His full review can be seen on his goodreads site:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1567640174?book_show_action=false

I hope you'll enjoy this review. Thanks for following me. It's exciting to see my book gaining in popularity, and it's a lot because of you.

Thank you, all of you.

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Hi, all my faithful followers. I'm finally finding a moment to write something. I like the quip I coined several years ago. It goes like this: "Work often gets in the way of more important things, like writing." If you like realistic young adult stories, stories of love and vengeance and forgiveness, you'll love Bridgetown High.

I hope before you read any further, you will "Like" and "Share" or "Retweet" this posting first. That really helps with the marketing. Thank you.

I've wanted to tell you more about Bridgetown High. Like I said before, each of the main characters have their own stories. So, which one do you want me to describe today? Charisse Davis? OK. I'll do that.

Charisse is a beautiful young lady, about 5' 1", strawberry blonde hair, green eyes, shapely. She's the kind of girl every boy dreams about but is afraid to ask on a date. Even though Mark talks with her from time to time, he's like every other boy, intimidated. Charisse is the Girl's Representative to the Junior Class, as well as being the Head Cheerleader. She's resourceful and pictures herself as next year's (her senior year) Student Body President. At the beginning of the book, Charisse is going steady with the basketball team captain. He actually dumps her as being too good for him. After doing a dirty trick on Mark, she goes after him, realizing he's very talented and the dirty trick has made him popular. In the end of the book, Mark has to choose, Charisse or Genie. More about Genie later.

Like I've said in previous blog entries, I want to write my next novel but can't find a free minute to do that. So, like I've said too, I'm writing this so you can see some of the struggles I've gone through to be a published author, and now to sell my book(s).

I still have no idea how well my book is selling. Sometimes I get the feeling it's doing OK, not great but OK. Other times, I get the feeling it's not doing well at all. I won't know until I get my first royalty payment, sometime around March 1. And even that won't tell me much as it will only reflect sales up to last December 31 (I think). 'Nuff for now.

I'm

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Hi everyone.


I just got notified that my novel's cover has been nominated for 2015 Best Young Adult General Cover by New LDS Fiction. You can see the posting here: http://www.newldsfiction.com/2015-ya-general/


I won't know if I won for a few days, but it's exciting to just to be nominated. I think someone upstairs is watching over me and my novel.


For many of you who are new to my ramblings, I've found a lot of people on Facebook who are from the towns and area, including John Swett High, where my novel is set. I welcome you, and everyone else I've "Friended" over the past few weeks and months. It's so nice to connect with all of you. I hope you will post your email on the side-bar so you won't miss all the excitement I'm sharing as I go through the writing, querying, publishing, and marketing struggles. It's really been a "trip," as Gary, one of the main characters in my novel Bridgetown High, would say.


Since I mentioned him, maybe I'll to ahead and introduce him to you. Gary Johnson is Mark Wilkerson's brother. Mark it the main character in the book. Gary is a bit unconventional -- a hippy if you will. I love his speech patterns, but his use of the word "like" in a lot of his sentences does get a bit tiring. But. that's Gary. He has a mind of his own and is extremely loyal to Mark, even if they do have their differences at times. In addition to being a hippy, he is also a member of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). You can look that up in your Funk & Wagnall. Near the beginning of the story, Gary is asked to the "Vice-Versa" dance by a nerdy girl named Kathy Kelly (unique, I know). Thus starts a platonic love affair that just keeps going throughout the story.

I won't tell you any more. Sorry. You'll just have to meet Gary for yourself as you read Bridgetown High. But, I will say this, he plays an integral role in the climax of the story.

If you don't already have a copy of my novel, get one. Each of the characters has their own story. You won't be disappointed. Go to here http://www.amazon.com/dp/1680583093/ref=cm_sw_su_dp to read the reviews.

Also, don't forget to "Share" and "Like" this post. Thanks. The more everyone does that, the more people will get excited and want to read my book.

Thanks

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A wonderful New Year to all my friends, fans, and followers. Despite the stock market crashing, I think 2016 is going to be a wonderful year.


In another week, if all goes well, we will welcome our 14th grandchild into this world -- another boy. We are excited to see this little one and pray he is healthy and normal. That's been my prayer for all of my grandchildren.

I still have no idea how well, or not, my novel is selling.  I think the Blog Tour my publisher did for me, has helped, but I have no idea of how much. Yesterday, a lady I've never met before asked me if I would let her interview me (via email) for her blog site. I can't see how that could hurt anything as long as the questions aren't too personal. So, during my lunch break I took a stab at her questions. Pretty much, they're just questions about my writing. I told her I would be willing to return the favor, but she said she's not a writer, just a blogger, and wants some material for her blog. I guess that's OK.

Just wondering. How many of you would like to learn what I had to learn about writing fiction? I'm willing to do that if there's interest.

I'm anxious to get back to GERTA! but with work responsibilities, home responsibilities, church responsibilities, etc., I just can't seem to find the time. I thought maybe I would give you a taste of GERTA! At least that would help me get back in the mood:


She stood five-foot-eleven, had to be all of 450 pounds and smelled worse than a sewer. Her dull beady eyes looked out from a mass of tangled, dishwater blonde hair. Her twisted and puffy face was pocked with oozing acne. “IT’S GERTA! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!” We’d all scream in our best blood-curdling cries whenever we saw her. Everyone knew she was cooties of the deadliest kind and we would probably die if she ever touched us. But I loved her.

Does that peak your interest? Now, I just need to fashion a story around that theme. When  I do, I hope you'll all hang in with me as I express the struggles I will have writing that novel.

So, until next time, I wish you all a wonderful beginning to the New Year, and don't let the stock market scare you. It'll pop back up in a few weeks.

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A great big "Hi" to all my faithful followers.

I hope your Thanksgiving was warm and wonderful. Feel free to tell us all about it in the comment section below.

As for me and my wife, we had a great week, visiting with my sweet daughter and her family in south-central California, not far from the Pacific Ocean. The coast was breath taking with blue ocean water, bright sunshine, and green and brown on the hills and Coast Range.

I didn't get a chance to write or do any marketing, but that's OK. It gave me some time to relax, reflect on my progress as a published author, and reflect on my many Heaven-sent blessings and my role as a Son of God.

I know, I haven't said much about my religious beliefs and I don't intend to here, but let it be said (written) I believe in Christ, the Son of God.

Just one house keeping note here. Beginning Thursday, December 2, 3, and 4, 2015, my publisher "Limitless Publishing" will be conducted what they call a "Blog Tour" in behalf of my novel, "Bridgetown High." I have little idea of how it works, and I will only be able to follow along on Thursday during my breaks at work. I think this site may be a place to follow them -- I don't really know. Or, perhaps clicking on the Limitless web page will get you there. I hope I figure it out as I'd love to see what kinds of comments bloggers give.

On a humerus note. Two weeks ago, when I went to church, a lady in our Ward brought a copy of my novel and let me see it. WOW! Get this! That was the first copy of my novel I'd seen. When I got to my daughter's house I saw her copy too, so that makes two copies I've seen now.

Until the next time I write in this blog, I wish you all a wonderful day and week. Please let me know what you would like me to blog about. I'm thinking of helping you to write and publish your own works. Are you interested in that?

That's two things you can comment on, or anything else you would like to say.

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Woah! What a week.

First, I got a new granddaughter. She's a delight already. The hospital made my daughter sign a paper that she wouldn't tell anyone any of the details, so, sorry if you want more details. Hospital's orders.

Then, I got back all the edits from Limitless's editor and fixed what I could and commented on what I thought should be left alone. I don't think the editor understands colloquialisms and dialectics very well. That's OK. Hopefully he learned some of that from me.

A couple of days ago I got back the jacket cover and blurb. Fantastic, both. Everyone who saw it had about the same reaction: "Awesome!" Man, with a jacket cover and jacket blurb like these, I can't see why it wouldn't sell and sell big. Here's to crossing my fingers.

On top of that, my son just purchased domain names for me, for me and my book. What do you think of these:

http://paulwwest.com
http://bridgetownhigh.com

There's nothing on them yet, but he'll help me fill them out. I can't be more excited!!!

The book won't come out until October or November, so, all you faithful followers, hang on. The ride isn't over yet.

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WOW! To all my faithful followers, I ask: Is this timely or not?

NOT!

I just got this note in my email.

Dear Paul,

Hi there, and thanks for thinking of me! I just reviewed the opening pages of BRIDGETOWN HIGH, and I must say -- the concept of your novel intrigued me. I've been looking to build my YA fiction list, so I was looking forward to your pages.

That having been said, I'm afraid I'm going to have to pass on your project because I didn't really connect with your writing voice as much as I would have liked. Your narrative flowed well, and you're definitely a competent writer -- I just thought your opening scene was slightly too emotionally overwrought, to the point where I found myself unable to sympathize with Mark, despite his terrible tragedy. Perhaps you could approach the scene from a different angle, one that's more heart-wrenching in a subtle way?

I wish I had better news for you -- I always like to remind writers that regardless of my subjective opinion, there are lots of agents out there. Who knows, someone might just feel that "spark" for your project and want to represent it as it currently stands. Please continue to persevere, and I wish you the very best of luck in securing representation!

My best,

If I had gotten this a bit earlier, I might have been able to mull it over and see what I could do to improve things.


Oh, well

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Does anyone know how to get people to read a blog? I guess when it comes to being technologically talented, I missed the boat when God passed that talent out.

My publisher, Limitless Publishing, asked if I minded that they slip the editing effort by a few days. Sure. I will still have two weeks to fix whatever he finds wrong, but won't effect the release date.
I hesitate to mention the date as that may end up slipping too. eventually.

I wrote back and said it was OK, but I'm extremely anxious to see what kinds of edits he comes up with. Bridgetown High (assuming the title remains the same) has been edited over and over by several people in my critique group. It reads pretty smooth in my opinion.

So, to all you faithful followers, hang in with me and see what the publishing process is like. And, when that is over, I'll teach you all how to write a best selling novel - assuming my novel achieves that status, ha ha ha. Or, maybe it will be GERTA! that achieves that status.

Oh, you don't know about GERTA! It's my next middle-grade novel. Here's a teaser:

She stood five-foot-eleven, had to be all of 450 pounds and smelled worse than a sewer. Her dull beady eyes looked out from a mass of tangled, dishwater blonde hair. Her twisted and puffy face was pocked with oozing acne. “IT’S GERTA! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!” We’d all scream in our best blood-curdling cries whenever we saw her. Everyone knew she was cooties of the deadliest kind and we would probably die if she ever touched us. But I loved her.

What do you think?

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