Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Another spin around the sun.

The squirrels aren't aware of it, the dogs couldn't care less, and the crows are quite oblivious, but to us humans, today is a big day. Ben Franklin said, “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every year find you a better man.” This New Year, I am going to make an effort to live by those words. Becoming a better you is hard, and in a society where quick and easy is the order of the day, where everyone wants everything like NOW, doing something hard has fallen out of fashion. And while getting what you want when you want it has its own pleasure, that pleasure, like many man-made things, is an illusion.

In my 38 spins around the sun I've learned that if something isn't hard, it is hardly worth doing. Without the chance to rise above challenges, failures, and defeats, life has no meaning. If people always get what they want when they want it, they will never be happy. In the end, the pleasure isn't in the getting, it is in the effort.

I've been writing for a living for nearly a year and a half. Three years ago I would have said you were crazy if you told me that. 2014 has been an amazing year for many indie authors. I have noticed a huge surge of Indies shouldering their way to the top of the rankings. People have begun to realizing that you can make a good living doing this, and in a few cases, a damn good living. The floodgates have opened, and the waters have become quite crowded. As hard as it seems for most authors to get to the top of the heap, the hardest part is staying there.

I believe that in 2015 an even greater surge of independent authors will surge to the top, displacing the publishing industry’s heaviest hitters and solidifying a platform that was once sneered upon as “Vanity Press”. The gatekeepers are a dying breed, and while they will remain in the game, they no longer make the rules. Readers, like all people, are growing tired of being told what to read, what to watch, and what to listen to, and I am honored to be a part of the paradigm shift.

The secret to success has always been staying power, and this will prove true in the world of self-publishing. There have been many changes since the indie revolution began. What worked yesterday will not necessarily work tomorrow.

In 2015, multi-author book bundles will only gain in popularity. The authors of such bundles are already beginning to dominate the top 100 author rankings. I have recently been invited to one such bundle which will include over a dozen great indie authors. I can’t say much about it just yet, other than I am honored by the opportunity, and extremely excited for release day.

More authors than ever will gain fast success, and just as quickly fade away. Being your own boss is hard, and self-publishing is no exception. Not only must you continue to write books that people want to read on a regular basis, but you have to worry about book covers, editing, proofreaders, marketing, social media, promotions, branding, and the dreaded five letter word—taxes. Not to mention getting health insurance cheaper than two mortgages…don’t even get me started. Not everyone is going to be able to keep up. You might be the best writer in the world, but if can’t do all the things mentioned above, and do them well, you won’t last.

In 2012 I published one book, in 2013 I published two, in 2014—my first full year writing full time—I published four. My goal for 2015 is six books. I hope I continue to write books that readers enjoy, because in the end, they decide who stays and who goes.

On an ending note: A big thank you to everyone who supported my books in 2014. I cannot thank you enough. I hope I continue to entertain you for years to come. Have a great spin around the sun!!

Monday, December 22, 2014

X-Mas Freebies

X-Mas Freebies and More

It's that time of year again when people push the limits of their credit to help the corporations achieve a fruitful fourth quarter. Soon tons of paper will be gleefully ripped to pieces and thrown away, and the kiddies will start playing with their future garage sale items. But before those trees get tossed to the side of the road, I thought I would offer up my gift to you and yours, actually, two gifts. They are homemade, and 100% recyclable. They can also be gifted to anyone with a kindle. So if you have new Kindles to load, might as well start with 2 free books.

What's not to love?

So this Holiday Season, accept this gift from me to you...and breath...it's almost over.


Get your free copy of Whill 1 here, or send it to a friend.


Get your free copy of Talon here, or send it to a friend.

Also, from Dec 25 - 28, Whill of Agora book 2 & 3 will be discounted,, starting at .99 on Christmas Day.

And in case you missed it, Afterworld is now live...AND .99!


Grab your copy here.
Afterworld has seen great responses from readers, with 18 five star reviews out of 24!

Here's what they're saying.

"A Wizard, a monkey named Dude, and the ghost of Ben Franklin walk into a bar. Sounds kind of like the beginning of a really bad joke, But it’s not. It’s The Orion Rezner Chronicles: Afterworld. If you’re looking for a book that will hold you enthralled for page one. Then look no further this tale of action, peril, intrigue, and just the right amount of humor. Michael James Ploof has a style of writing that makes you want to be a part of the story more than any book I’ve ever read. You feel the characters pain, you experience there joy. They are so imperfectly perfect that you feel that you have known them your whole life. I stand fully behind the 5 star rating on this book. I have, and will continue, to push a copy of this book into every reader’s hand that I see. I cannot wait to see where Orion and Dude end up." - Stephen W

"I thought this book had lots of pace and a well thought out story line. The reader can easily relate to the characters, even the super chimp! If you like demons, magic, witches and warlocks in a post apocalyptic setting and also throw in some Mad Max characters, then this book is definitely for you! I can't wait for the sequels!" - Brian Parkin


"Michael Ploof never fails to entertain. He is officially my favorite author and I cannot wait for his next book. Orion Rezner is one of his most flamboyant and fun characters with an attitude. Along with his sidekicks Dude ( a highly intelligent chimpanzee) and Mushiro, his Japanese best bud, I spent most of the book laughing so hard I had tears running and the other half on the edge of my seat wondering if they would make it out alive. You have wizards, witches and a really nasty demon who only wanted one thing...
. Great twist!! I highly recommend this book and all of Michael's other endeavors. he is an awesome writer. Patiently waiting for the next one." - Tala S Gilbert