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:

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.”

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

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:

Amazon  Kobo   Barnes & Noble

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...

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.”

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.