Today was a BIG Day

I retired today to become a Full-Time Author.

It is really kind of surreal.

It was three years ago today that I received the very first proof in the mail of my first novel, STILL FALLING.

So much has changed since then. Three more novels, four anthologies, a big pile of short stories and four Audible books.

There has been over a thousand blog posts in that three years. Book signings, literary conferences, newspaper interviews, the creation of Tannhauser Press and The Ventura Theater. So many projects, in so little time. It kind of amazes me all that I got done in addition to having a full time job with a long commute.

Looking back, getting my spine fixed, losing over 100 pounds, getting fit, writing book after book, raising two kids that are fully functional adult human being out on their own...

So now my dream has come true. I have all my time to do with what I will.

--Wow. I think I'm going to Drink Coffee and Make Stuff Up.

Tuesday Tips: Familily Support

Brenda Reiner - Trophy Wife

If you want to really become a successful author, there is an essential element that often gets ignored: Family support.

It's good to have a supportive family in any walk of life. But if you are a writer, just starting out, their support can make or break your efforts.

My wife, Brenda, is one of the keys to my success.

• She encourages me.
• She respects my writing time.
• She didn't complain about the money I spent on my first novel for a professional editor and cover. 
• She is an excellent sounding board for ideas.
• She is my most trusted Beta reader.
• She gifts me with the time to work.
• She is proud of my efforts.

My first novel quickly made back all the money I invested into it. Never having to dip into the household accounts again made continuing easier.

Carving out two hours a day was harder than I thought in the beginning. I did NOT take it out of my family time, or my household chores time. I quit watching sitcoms and other stupid TV shows that were trying to just sell me soap and Viagra. I also reduced time on Facebook, a time suck machine.

Brenda liked that my "New Hobby" was not dangerous or expensive. She saw me having fun with it. She helped me with book signings and office space and being generally awesome. She likes traveling with me to attend literary conferences.

I'll admit writing is far easier with my kids grown up and out on their own. My office stays the way I left it. And there is way less screaming and running and random food to step in. I miss that.

-A good home life is the best foundation for you as a writer. Make it happen.

Come and Visit!

I will be appearing at Great Writers, Right Here 2017 – a local author fair, hosted by the Fauquier County Public Library on Friday, October 13 from 6 – 8 p.m!

Come and visit! Bring coffee and chat! Or just point and laugh!

Great Writers, Right Here will bring together local published authors and readers who will have the opportunity to stroll from table to table and meet the authors. I will share and discuss my work with the community and sign and sell books.

There will be over 40 authors are participating in this celebration of local talent. In response to the increased interest, this year’s event will be held at the Family Life Center, First Baptist Church, 39 Alexandria Pike, Old Town Warrenton. This is located across the street from the Warrenton central library.

When: Friday, October 13, 2017, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Family Life Center, First Baptist Church, 39 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton VA 20186

--Admission is free. Door prizes will be awarded.

Meet the Author: Book Signing!

I will be appearing at Great Writers, Right Here 2017 – a local author fair, hosted by the Fauquier County Public Library on Friday, October 13 from 6 – 8 p.m!

Come and visit! Bring coffee and chat! Or just point and laugh!

Great Writers, Right Here will bring together local published authors and readers who will have the opportunity to stroll from table to table and meet the authors. I will share and discuss my work with the community and sign and sell books.

There will be over 40 authors are participating in this celebration of local talent. In response to the increased interest, this year’s event will be held at the Family Life Center, First Baptist Church, 39 Alexandria Pike, Old Town Warrenton. This is located across the street from the Warrenton central library.

When: Friday, October 13, 2017, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Family Life Center, First Baptist Church, 39 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton VA 20186

--Admission is free. Door prizes will be awarded.

PRESS RELEASE

Martin Wilsey To Participate in Local Author Fair

 (Warrenton, VA) August 30, 2016 — Martin Wilsey, author of the Solstice 31 Trilogy, will be appearing at the 2016 Great Writers, Right Here – a local authors fair, hosted by the Fauquier County Public Library on Friday, September 30 from 6 – 8 p.m.

Great Writers, Right Here will bring together local published authors, and readers who will have the opportunity to stroll from table to table and meet the authors. Martin Wilsey will share and discuss his work with the community and sign and sell his books.

Over 40 authors are participating in this celebration of local talent. In response to the increased interest, this year’s event will be held at the Family Life Center, First Baptist Church, 39 Alexandria Pike, Old Town Warrenton. This location, which enables more authors to participate in this event, is located across the street from the Warrenton central library.

--CLICK HERE for additional details and directions.

Book signing

Fall for the Book

I had a pile of fun last night at the Fall for the Book event.

I sold some signed books, talked to other authors and learned some stuff:

• I need some signage. I will be doing this again.
• I need small book stands.
• I need to order more of the anthology. I sold out of it.
• Plot cards that explain to overall plot of the Solstice 31 trilogy.
• I need a better pen. My Sharpy was drying out!
• I can now accept Credit/Debit Cards!

I need to figure out how to provide promo codes for the Audible book.

--Fun stuff! Thanks to everyone that stopped by!

Reminder: Fall for the Book, Tonight!

I will be signing books and chatting with readers!

• When: Thursday October 1st, 6:30pm to 9:00pm. 
• Where: Hylton Performing Arts Center (10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA)
• Who: Me and about 150 other authors! I'll be the guy in the Hawaiian Shirt!
• Why: The Broken Cage was just released on Sept 2nd!

Check out the Fall for the Book website for details and events for the entire week!

Fall for the Book

I will be signing books and chatting with readers!

• When: Thursday October 1st, 6:30pm to 9:00pm. 
• Where: Hylton Performing Arts Center (10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA)
• Who: Me and about 150 other authors! I'll be the guy in the Hawaiian Shirt!
• Why: The Broken Cage was just released on Sept 2nd!

Check out the Fall for the Book website for details and events for the entire week!

Book Signing on July 11th!

I will be signing copies of Still Falling at Noon, on Saturday July 11th, at my favorite bookstore in Old-town Manassas, Prospero's Books!

Stop in and I will sign your copy! Bring yours if you have one already. I will have copies for purchase as well.

Hang out and chat. I will be announcing exciting news! I might even give you a few clues to what the hell is going to happen next in the Solstice 31 Saga!

Sign up for my email list and you might be selected to be a named character in Book 3: Blood of the Scarecrow!

--See you there!

Mark Your Calendars - July 11

I will be signing copies of Still Falling at Noon, on Saturday July 11th, at my favorite bookstore in Old-town Manassas, Prospero's Books!

Stop in and I will sign your copy! Bring yours if you have one already. I will have copies for purchase as well.

Hang out and chat. I will be announcing exciting news! I might even give you a few clues to what the hell is going to happen next in the Solstice 31 Saga!

Sign up for my email list and you might be selected to be a named character in Book 3: Blood of the Scarecrow!

--See you there!