Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays (and, yes, I really created this book banner – my apologies)!


Well, we’re closing in on the end of the year and it really has been a good one. It’s been exciting to have three books out and Jump When Ready, Book 3 will be published next month (working on the follow-up to Streetlights Like Fireworks too, as well as other ideas). But, more importantly, I wanted to thank all of you who’ve read my books this year, those who’ve left reviews (really, thank you so much!) as well as you guys who’ve subscribed to my newsletter (I’ve really enjoyed talking to you and I look forward to receiving emails from you in the future). Thank you for making it such a great year! I thought I’d pay you back by creating possibly the dorkiest book banner ever (notice the fine details on this masterpiece, once again suggesting that a little Photoshop knowledge can be a dangerous thing). Anyway, before I get totally distracted by family, friends, food, presents, food (and more food), I just wanted to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope all of you have fantastic holiday season! See you soon and thanks again very much!

Friday, November 7, 2014

Hot New Release



Just realized I forgot to add this post to this blog. I have a new blog now but I do like to stop in here from time to time. Anyway, a few weeks back (well, like September), the second book in the Jump When Ready series, Memories From a Different Future, made the "Hot New Release" list on Amazon. Pretty cool! Here's a link to read that post.

But the way, I finished the draft of Jump When Ready #3. I'm in the process of editing and that one should be coming soon!

Saturday, August 30, 2014



So, kind of a roundup of what’s been going on lately (some pretty cool stuff). Most of this is book-related but not all (I’m not entirely convinced a writer’s blog should only be about writing and I'd love to hear others’ thoughts on that).
First and foremost, the second part of the Jump When Ready series, Memories From a Different Future, is now published! Yes, I’m kind of excited about this as I am each time I’ve published a new book. So far, it’s not getting any less exciting for me. This one will be exclusive to Amazon for a while so my apologies to you Nook and Kobo readers. The book will be available in print, of course, so that’s always an option. Also, I’ll let you in a secret: those who subscribe to my newsletter have learned about other options in the past. If you subscribe, give me a shout and we can talk.
Another milestone this week for me: Streetlights Like Fireworks crossed the 50 reviews mark on Amazon (and so far it seems like people really like that book)! I know there are writers out there with hundreds, even thousands, of reviews but, for me, crossing the 50 line is a first. I’ve only been at this about a year, so I guess that’s not too shabby and reviews from readers make all the difference in helping books get noticed by other readers. So, thank you to all who have read and reviewed so far!
And there’s this bit of ridiculousness to share with you guys. I was peeking at Streetlight’s sub-categories last night and saw this. That’s right. My book next to George R. R, Martin’s. Now, to put this bit of algorithmic strangeness into perspective, Mr. Martin’s book is evidently not for sale yet. Still, how it bumped into mine in a subcategory is something of a mystery. Either way, I guess it’s something like Robert Downey Jr. driving past you on the highway. You might say, “Wow, I’m on the same road as Robert Downey Jr!” Which just means that Robert Downey Jr. drove past you and obviously you’re not going to end up at the same party. All the same, how could I resist grabbing a screen shot of that one?
Now, this really has nothing at all to do with writing but the new season of Doctor Who kicked off last weekend featuring Peter Capaldi in the role of the doctor for the first time. Why am I including this here? For no reason other than we’ve become geeked out Whovians over the last year or so, which means this event was on par with how some people feel about the Super Bowl. We had a family Doctor Who night and did not come away disappointed. In fact, we unanimously agreed that Peter Capaldi is going to make a fantastic and intriguing new doctor and we’re totally on board for another season of adventures in time and space.

Okay, well it’s Labor Day weekend for those of us in the US. Does anyone else feel that this is the lamest holiday of the year? I don’t know about you, but I don’t really get too excited at the prospect of the pools closing, the kids going back to school (well, that part does have its upside but I know they’re not happy about it) and the raking starting (we have tons of trees). Have I also mentioned that I love fireflies? Obviously, I love summer. Oh, well. Cold weather does make for more writing time so there’s that to look forward to. Anyway, have a great weekend everyone! 

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Yep, Jump When Ready Part 2

Pssst. Just saying. This is happening soon. For those of you tuning in to this Jump When Ready blog...

To find out more and maybe score it for free, go here:






Tuesday, July 8, 2014

We Love What We Do

“Why don’t we approach literature like we approach music and the fine arts? Yes, there is a commitment when it comes to time and money. Yes, the chances of “making it” are slim. But with music, photography, and the fine arts, we “self produce” while we grow our audience and hone our craft. We work our way up, rather than break out. We love what we do, and we dream of making a living doing it, but it isn’t necessary.”

These words are from a recent blog post by Hugh Howey, which I just loved. One idea that struck me as a really cool and unique way of looking at things is the idea that, while people often ridicule indie writers as being unlikely to ever make any significant money publishing, Hugh Howey points out that 98% of those who pursue the traditional publishing route make no money at all. They never get the agent they spent years writing query letters to, they never see that big publishing deal they dreamed of, they never see any publishing deal at all. Finally, they quit and stop writing altogether. On the other hand, indie writers may make little money at first but they get to keep writing and reaching new readers. Eventually, the money may come but even if it doesn’t to the degree one might have hoped, that writer gets to keep on writing and no one is going to remove those books from the shelves. Writers who love what they do have no reason to stop doing it.

I really love indie publishing for many reasons. I’m thankful that so many opportunities exist that didn’t before—all those platforms where we can sell our books. Yes, I’m thankful for that big monster called Amazon for giving all writers an equal chance at finding an audience. This idea was unheard of just a few years ago and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. The fact is, I’m thrilled each time I sell a single book. I’m utterly elated each time one of my books receives a good review on Amazon or Goodreads. I agree with Hugh Howey’s point that publishing is a miracle and it’s magical that we can now write a book knowing it will be published, that no one can say “No, we’re not allowing that for you.”

I was one of those lucky few whose work actually was offered representation by a literary agent. Not once, but twice for two different books. I know I’ve mentioned that before on this blog but that’s not because I think I’m cool because of it. Just the opposite since both times, when I thought the world was about to turn on its axis, that a totally new day was about to dawn, nothing much happened at all (other than a great deal of back and forth regarding revisions). At the end of those two experiences, I was almost one of those who walked away from the whole deal. Thankfully, I came to my senses and, like so many authors are doing now (an ever increasing population as more authors choose indie publishing over traditional), I decided to go ahead and publish first Jump When Ready, and most recently, Streetlights Like Fireworks. This is wonderful new world of publishing these days and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. It’s just a great time for writers, in general, which is why many of us have been pulling together like never before as things keep changing rapidly around us.

There’s so much bickering going on lately, once again driving a wedge between those on the traditional side and on the indie side. Honestly, it’s getting tiresome (even though I do have some strong feelings about who the good guys really are in that particular fight). So, I appreciate that much more the point that Hugh Howey closes with: “Finally and most importantly, there shouldn’t be any animus between writers, however they publish. This is hard enough without trying to tear each other down. We are in this together. It’s our world that’s changing. In many ways, we should be standing together and demand that it change faster.”

Friday, May 2, 2014

Streetlights Like Fireworks



My new novel, Streetlights Like Fireworks, is now out and I’m so happy to hear how much readers are enjoying the book! Thank you to those who’ve read and reviewed so far. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support. Here’s what people have been saying about this new YA paranormal mystery.

“This book was every kind of wonderful…  I cannot express to you with my useless WORDS, exactly what Streetlights Like Fireworks will do to you. This book is PURE feeling. It is a bounded SOUL. There is a dangerous NEED for this author to be picked up, and seen, by the big 3 in publishing. I cannot wait for the day that I see David Pandolfe’s books gleaming from every single bookstore shelf possible. His writing ranks with the likes of John Green, or David Levithan, and quite possibly, even exceeds them.”  - Bound by Words

“David Pandolfe has done it again; he’s wonderfully crafted a book that can’t be put down and will never leave your heart.” - The Real Bookshelves of Room 918
“I enjoyed being taken on the adventure with the characters and didn't want to get off their wild ride when it ended!  This is a wonderful book and such a great read for anybody and everybody!”- For the Love of Books

“The ending was perfect and I found myself crying… It certainly is a must read for everyone, and I loved it so much that it earned 5 stars from me.- Beneath the Jacket Reviews


“Personally, I just loved it. I can read this over and over and over again. I'm crossing my fingers that there would be a sequel for this one. Streetlights Like Fireworks is a journey towards a lot of things. Funny, bittersweet and just absolutely adorable. What are you waiting for? Read this now.-The Bookish Confections

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Streetlights Like Fireworks Blog Tour, Prizes and Deals!



Hey, guys, how’s it going? Just wanted to let you know that the STREETLIGHTS LIKE FIREWORKS blog tour kicks off tomorrow. I’m really excited about publishing this new novel and have been so glad to  hear that people are enjoying it!  There are some cool prizes involved in the tour, so you might want to check it out at the link below. Let me know if you win, okay?

Also, to get things rolling, the ebook will be on sale for a limited time only at $0.99! Yeah, did I just say “for a limited time only?” Sorry, but it’s true. Yep, this includes Amazon, Kobo and Barnes and Noble! Thanks to all and snag a copy on the cheap while the deal lasts!

I’m almost out of exclamation points so I better get going! Wait, I found one more. JUMP WHEN READY will also be available on some of the sites for the same price!

Here are the links:


Monday, April 7, 2014

Blog Tour Coming Soon!



The BookNerds Blog tour for Streetlights Like Fireworks will be kicking off soon! There will be deals and there will be prizes (after all, this is a blog tour). This is going to be fun! Stay tuned...

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Streetlights Like Fireworks

My new novel, Streetlights Like Fireworks, is now out and what a great way to kick things off! Check out this nice first review from book blogger, Bayan Basri!

“The pacing was great and the plot was definitely engaging, it keeps pulling at you. Every time I put the book down there was this nagging voice in my head wanting to know more.”


Saturday, March 22, 2014

Don't Stop

I know this might sound a bit like bragging (I hope not) but someone I haven’t actually met emailed me today to say this: “So far both your stories have caught me right away and I don't want to put them down until I'm done. And they're fun to read! The characters are great. Don't stop!” 

I may not be making tons of money from my books and I may not be anywhere near the top of the Amazon rankings (some days are better than others—today, actually, brought pretty good news on that front). I still have to get up and go to work each day. There have even been a few times when I’ve asked myself if it’s really worth all the work it takes to publish novels. Not the writing—I love that part, of course—but all the technical challenges to format for print and ebook on various platforms, the costs and time involved in marketing, all that goes into publishing itself making it basically a second full-time job (and distracting obsession). 

 But when someone emails me and tells me how much they enjoyed my writing, or they leave a favorable review on Amazon or Goodreads, it makes every minute worth it. I started writing hoping someday to be worthy of being read and every so often lately I hear I’ve actually managed to accomplish that with my novels. That, in itself, is a dream come true.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

I'm proud to be one of the sponsors for the March Kindle Fire Giveaway! March 2014 Kindle Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)   This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT! Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".
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Thursday, February 13, 2014

Just nice

I noticed this on Goodreads last night from someone who read Jump When Ready. Yep, it made my day (and I was already in a good mood since it was snowing). There’s nothing better than getting this kind of feedback from a reader: 

“A fascinating world, lovable characters and a nail-biter story. What else can one ask for in a novel?" 

Doesn’t that sound like something you’d read on a book cover? Thanks!

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Why the radio silence...

Just a quick post since I've been a bit remiss. My apologies but I've been head down finalizing edits on Streetlights Like Fireworks, plus getting the print and ebook covers ready to go. Might be a few more weeks but the new novel will be out soon. I've also been been asked recently whether there might be a sequel to Jump When Ready coming any time in the future. The answer is yes! I have to say, I wanted that one to be stand-alone at first but I haven't been able to resist the story that came to mind. At this point, I'm about half way through a first draft. So, maybe this spring? Not sure. Summer, definitely. Hope you're all doing great and watch for Streetlights Like Fireworks soon!

Friday, January 17, 2014

Kindle Countdown Starting...

In celebration of the Indie Reader review for Jump When Ready and the upcoming release of my new novel, Streetlights Like Fireworks, I've decided to run a Kindle Countdown. What this means is that Jump When Read, will be offered for a limited time only at $0.99.

The clock starts ticking...Saturday!

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Indie Reader Approved!

Indie Reader Approved! I was really pleased to learn this morning that Jump When Ready became "Indie Reader Approved." Only books receiving 4 or 5 star ratings on the site receive that designation.


“JUMP WHEN READY combines charm and suspense in a sweet way that leaves the reader completely believing this imagined in-between world.”


Sunday, January 5, 2014

Thank you, new readers!

Jump When Ready recently received some really nice reviews on both Amazon and Goodreads. I just wanted to thank those readers for taking the time to rate and review. I can’t tell you how much that’s appreciated. Very cool!

Here are a few comments from recent reviews:

“This is an amazingly fast paced book that you are not going to want to miss!”

“I will be looking out for this author now, it would be nice if there was more books following this story! Please write a sequel.”

"The author paints a wonderfully magical afterlife, sprinkled with teenage wonderment, friendship, family love and an exciting dose of the supernatural to make a story that is just heart warming to read."

“…a thought provoking read that will keep you interested from beginning to end.”