SPIRIT GUIDE BAR PIZZA JOINT BOOK SIGNING

The Spirit Guide Bar Pizza Joint Book Signing Event went down May 18th.  I'm still processing the good vibrations my family, friends, colleagues, and students brought to that funky pizza joint.

The photo above represents a mini Educational Management Group/Planet Think reunion: Diana Garcia, Yours Truly, Tom Hamblin, Clifton Batchelor, and Val Batchelor. We worked together to produce educational television programming some 15 years ago.

Wendy Fry Zeller was in attendance. I don't think I had seen Wendy since the 1970s. Like me, Wendy came to Arizona from Hawthorne, California a couple of decades ago. Like me, Wendy is a high school teacher in Chandler, Arizona. She recently became a teacher after a 21 year career as Phoenix police officer. Things were somewhat chaotic in that pizza joint, but we got the chance to talk for a few minutes. Wendy reminded me or we figured out, I don't remember which, that we lived less than a block from  each other as kids. She remembered many of the characters described in "The Eight-Fingered Criminal's Son." Small world, huh? Pretty cool stuff.

A few students and former students dropped by, leaving me with a solid understanding that my 25 years in the teaching business has been a legitimate privilege.

A pizza joint is a great place to do a book signing, but maybe not so great for a reading. There was a little league team party going down 20 feet from where I attempted to do a short reading. Projecting with everything I had, I gave it my best to read louder than 15 jacked up nine year-olds. I don't know that anyone was actually able to follow my reading but it was pretty quirky, pretty funny, pretty much perfect for a reading of "The Spirit Guide Bar."

I will post more pictures soon...

Oh, and "The Eight-Fingered Criminal's Son" and "The Spirit Guide Bar" are available at amazon.com.

BOOK AND A LEMONADE CREW

 

The weather is beautiful out here in Arizona, so I've recruited an army of junior EIGHT-FINGERED CRIMINAL'S SON sales reps. Their book and a lemonade stand has been doing quite well. Nice going, kids.

 

Editing of THE SPIRIT GUIDE BAR is complete, the book has an ISBN number,  and the printer is formatinng the manuscript. Looks like the new book will be released in April. I'm looking to outdo the EIGHT-FINGERED CRIMINAL'S SON guerilla marketing campaign. Yeah, lemonade stands, cheese whiz, flash reads, barbershops and tireshops are conventional compared to what I have cooking.

 

"DAVE CRUZ" WITH KATHY OCH'S ENGLISH CLASS

I took the opportunity to snap the above photo after doing a reading of "Dave Cruz" for Kathy Och's English class this week  in Chandler, Arizona. Good thing I'm calling myself a writer and not a photographer. Good looking group. Energetic too.  Yeah, I really dig doing these readings for high school and college classes. The process never fails to teach me something about myself and my writing.
I'm feeling major appreciation mojo to Kathy Och for allowing me to spend the time with her students and Big Dave Cruz for providing the inspiration for this increasingly popular story...

READING "DAVE CRUZ" FOR IAN JOHNSON'S ENGLISH CLASSES AT GATEWAY COLLEGE

Ian Johnson was kind enough to give me the opportunity to read "Dave CRUZ" for his English 101 classes at Gateway College in Phoenix. The Q and A sessions were enjoyable, providing me with a boatload of insight.
A few students asked about Createspace.
Here is the link.
https://www.createspace.com/

"DAVE CRUZ" READINGS WITH KIM MORGAN AND IAN JOHNSON

I believe I've found my book reading groove! Kim Morgan's high school creative writing class was an outstanding audience. I enjoyed the heck out of reading "Dave Cruz" to them. The Q and A session was electrifying. These students were obviously serious about writing and they asked fantastic questions.

This is Ian Johnson's English 101 class at South Mountain Community College. Again, there was a boat load of energy in the room as I read "Dave Cruz." The class was kind enough to laugh at the funny parts. Ian's class was a unique college reading experience in that many of the students were older. Their life experience was evident in their questions.  The Q and A session went longer than I expected  and I sold every book I brought. 

Doing readings is the one of the most rewarding aspects of this writing venture of mine. It seems that every time I do a Q and A session I learn something about my writing and my writing process.

A note to Ian and Kim's students: I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the readings and Q and A sessions. THANK YOU! If you would like a copy of THE EIGHT-FINGERED CRIMINAL'S SON  let your instructor know and I'll get you a signed copy at the discounted price.

Here is the Createspace link we discussed in class.
https://www.createspace.com/

Also, here is the link to my website. We'll be updating it for the release of SPIRIT GUIDE BAR soon.
http://www.williamsnyder.biz/

You can send me questions about writing, promotions, or publishing at my website.

ADVICE FROM RAY BRADBURY

Ray Bradbury once said something about jumping off cliffs and making wings on the way down. Ray, wherever you are, I took your advice. I told the boss I will not be returning to Basha High School next year. My wings are books. THE EIGHT-FINGERED CRIMINAL'S SON is available on Amazon.com and at THE BOOK FROG and THE SPIRIT GUIDE BAR is on track for release in March. 

 GERONIMO!!!

 

You can purchase a copy of THE EIGHT-FINGERED CRIMINAL'S SON by clicking on this link.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Eight-Fingered-Criminals-William-Snyder/dp/1468142585

SO I WROTE THIS BOOK...

So I wrote this book. It's called the Spirit Guide Bar. I'm sending the manuscript off the the editors this week. God willin' and the creek don't rise, the book will be released in March.

 

My first book, THE EIGHT-FINGERED CRIMINAL'S SON, is available on Amazon.com. You can buy the ebook for a measly 5 bucks.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Eight-Fingered-Criminals-Son-ebook/dp/B0083LH4HU/ref=tmm_kin_title_0
 
You can find THE EIGHT-FINGERED CRIMINAL'S SON at the following locations:
 
THE BOOK FROG, Rolling Hills, California
https://www.facebook.com/TheBookFrog#!/TheBookFrog
 
PAPA JOE'S BARBER SHOP, Chandler, Arizona
http://www.papajoesbarbershop.com/photos.html

CHANDLER AUTO AND TIRE, Chandler, Arizona

ZIA RECORDS, 10 locations in Arizona and Nevad

EXCELLENT KITE FLYING WEATHER

The photograph above hasn't really got anything to do with this week's posting. It's just that blogger has switched things up and I can't figure out how to post new images. I'm wondering if any of my fellow bloggers are experiencing similar problems.

I'm still editing THE SPIRIT GUIDE BAR. My father-in-law read 50 pages of the book to me out loud Saturday. It helped me catch a few glitches, especially with flow and pacing. The book is still on track to be released in March.

I'd like to extend my congratulations to Richard Rios on the success of his new book SONGS FROM THE BARRIO. The book is available at the link below:
http://www.amazon.com/Songs-Barrio-Modesto-Stories-ebook/dp/B00AFYMHOI

My first book THE EIGHT-FINGERED CRIMINAL'S SON is available at the following link. You can download the ebook for a measly three bucks.
http://www.amazon.com/Eight-Fingered-Criminals-Son-William-Snyder/dp/1468142585/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358786962&sr=1-1&keywords=the+eight-fingered+criminal%27s+son

THE EIGHT-FINGERED CRIMINAL'S SON received its first so-so Amazon review this week:
"It was a good read; just not that exceptional in my opinion. I've talked to people who thought it was hilarious and a must read, so maybe it's just me." (3 of 5 stars)

We had a cold spell here in Chandler, Arizona. The temps got down to the low 20s last week. My ficus trees took a beating. It 'll take them a couple of years to recover. We're looking at temperatures in the mid-70s today. Excellent kite flying weather.

I don't even own a kite. Did I really just write a paragraph about the weather? Guess I'd better get back to editing.

Books, Education, Garbage Trucks and the Pizza Delivery Biz

I usually upload a picture but the function isn't working. Don't know if it's my computer or Blogger.

Beats me.

I'm still slugging away at the writing biz. The plan was to submit THE SPIRIT GUIDE BAR to the editing team today. Didn't happen. Looks like I'll have to push things back a couple of weeks. SPIRIT GUIDE should still be ready for release in March.

I recently created a StumbleUpon page. 

http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/williamzsnyder

We'll see if it helps me sell a few books. Facebook has been my best social media marketing tool. This blog is a sketchy marketing tool, but it did put me in contact with California Rick Rios and Florida JJ Botta, a couple of formidable teacher-writers. Word on the street is I should be focusing on Twitter. While I have an account, I haven't figured how to use it to sell books.

After 25 years in the high school teaching business, I'm looking to make a change. I recently learned that the salary of a first year garbage truck driver is equivalent to the salary of a high school teacher with 25 years'experience and an MA. The garbage truck drivers get yearly raises. My school district hasn't given out raises in six years. In fact, we just got nailed with a pay cut. I have a student who delivers pizzas. He makes more per hour than I do and he said he's willing to put in a word for me.  If the garbage truck gig doesn't work out, there's always the pizza racket. Ray Bradbury something about jumping off the cliff and building wings on the way down. I guess the concept worked out well for him, didn't it?

There might be a new book in my second career, whatever it turns out to be.

You can download my first book, THE EIGHT-FINGERED CRIMINAL'S SON for a measly
3 bucks.
It's a funny book.
I promise it'll make you laugh...
http://www.amazon.com/The-Eight-Fingered-Criminals-Son-ebook/dp/B0083LH4HU/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

THE SPIRIT GUIDE BAR

                               Here is the finalized cover for THE SPIRIT GUIDE BAR.

THE EIGHT-FINGERED CRIMINAL'S SON MAKES WAY FOR THE SPIRIT GUIDE BAR

Looks like my goof ball publicity campaign for THE EIGHT-FINGERED CRIMINAL'S SON  is  about finished.  There won't be any more Youtube videos, Cheese Whiz and beer readings, tire shop readings, or barber shop signings, no more flashreads - for THE EIGHT-FINGERED CRIMINAL'S SON. I am looking forward to taking it to the next level of guerrilla marketing for THE SPIRIT GUIDE BAR. Can't say I've figured out what the next level of guerrilla marketing is yet, but I'll see you there in March.

I'm not so finished marketing that I won't provide a link where you can order or download the THE EIGHT-FINGERED CRIMINAL'S SON.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Eight-Fingered-Criminals-William-Snyder/dp/1468142585/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

A BOOK COVER FOR THE SPIRIT GUIDE BAR

Cowabunga!
Geronimo!
Bonzai!
My graphics guy is on  the job!

THE SPIRIT GUIDE BAR IS COMING

 

My friend Gary Gidak has been working with me on a summary and exerpt for the back cover of The Spirit Guide Bar. We're still tweaking it but it's close. Gary is a writer, musician, videographer, sound engineer, and a lot of other stuff. Gary is working on a book about his experiences as memeber of the FEMA team following Hurricaine Katrina in New Orleans  It's nice to have talented friends and man have I got some talented friends.

 

Here's what I have for the back cover.

 

It's the day after Christmas. Bill Snyder, a frustrated high school teacher who's pretty sure he's been receiving signs from a higher power, feels compelled to hike up a mountain trail and into a mysterious valley where he undergoes a bona fide transcendentalist experience. Snyder's grizzled spirit guide leads him to The Spirit Guide Bar where he embarks on a strange and powerful journey of self discovery with the Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz and a mystical procession of curious characters.

 

                                                                                                                                   

"Mr. Snyder, I want you to listen very carefully to what I am about to tell you."

 

"Okay, shoot."

 

"This vision that you’re having right now is more real than anything that has ever happened to you or will happen to you because it is happening to you, right now."
________________________________________________________

In case you've just stumbled by, The Eight-Fingered Criminal's Son, a collection of mostly true, usually funny stories about growing up in Southern California, is available at the link below. 
http://www.amazon.com/The-Eight-Fingered-Criminals-Son-ebook/dp/B0083LH4HU/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

I feel compelled to recommend my writer compadre Richard Rios' new book, Songs of the Barrio, a collection of powerful stories and poems about coming of age in Northern California. You can purchase the book at the link below.
http://www.amazon.com/Songs-From-Barrio-Modesto-Stories/dp/1477618791/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_3
 

 

BOOK TALK



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How's it goin', Rick and JJ? Rick, really enjoyed your new book "SONGS FROM THE BARRIO." I highly recommend it to you JJ.  And JJ, hope you're enjoying your travels.  I'm going to read one of your books over the holiday break. Which would should I start with? As far as I can tell, you guys are constitute my blog audience. It's a bit of a coincidence that you're both college professor/writers.

 

Yeah, I've been thinking about the whole blogging thing.  I guess I started this blog in order to promote my writing, my book. I'm not sure my blog is serving my intended purpose. My high school students tell me they don't read blogs. While I sold a lot of books on Facebook, my students tell me they don't use Facebook any more, that it's all about Twitter and Instagram. While I have a beautiful website, I think I've had three visitors.

 

Heck, I don't know. What do you think, Rick and JJ?

 

There was a nice surge in book sales this week. I don't know the cause. I've sold 442 books. Perhaps I should approach agents and publishers again. But the process was so damned humiliating the first time around.

 

My friend Susan Halberg made the book part of her English 101 class. She reports the students' enjoyed the read. Maybe I should go after community college English 101 classes. I've been thinking about seeking out a sales guy ...

 

Spirit Guide is on track for release in March.

 

Thanks for reading, Rick and JJ.

 

If you happened by this post and are still reading, my book is called "The Eight-Fingered Criminal's Son."  You can purchase the book or ebook here:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Eight-Fingered-Criminals-Son-ebook/dp/B0083LH4HU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355068529&sr=8-2&keywords=the+eight-fingered+criminal%27s+son

 

You can pick up a copy at my favorite book store THE BOOK FROG in Palos Verdes Califonia, Papa Joe's Barber Shop, Chandler Auto and Tire Repair in Chandler, Arizona, Changing Hands Book Store in Tempe Arizona, or any Zia Records Store.

 

You can Purchase Rick Rios' "Songs from the Barrio" here:

http://www.amazon.com/Songs-Barrio-Modesto-Stories-ebook/dp/B00AFYMHOI/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_t_2

 

JJ Botta has six books available for purchase here:

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/jjbotta

SIX BOOKS!!! We gotta talk, JJ...

 



SONGS FROM THE BARRIO BY RICHARD RIOS

It's my pleasure to tell you about Songs From The Barrio, a magical collection of stories and poems about Rios' metamorphosis from the the son of impoverished Mexican immigrants to a highly respected artist and educator. The book feels true. Rios carefully describes the blessings and hardships of coming up in a Chicano community and family. The elaborate depictions of sumptuous Mexican feasts prompted my stomach to churn with desire.

I took the opportunity read one of Richard's stories, "A Rite of Passage," to some 150 high school students. They thoroughly enjoyed Rios' tale, laughing at the funny parts and taking part in a passionate discussion afterwards. I might point out that they got a few laughs out my attempts to pronounce the Spanish words.

 Richard Rios' Songs From The Barrio is a must read. Thumbs up, baby!


The book is available in bound version and as an ebook at the link below.

http://www.amazon.com/Songs-Barrio-Modesto-Stories-Richard/dp/1477618791/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354462600&sr=1-10&keywords=Songs+of+the+Barrio

Don't forget, the holiday season is a great time to send fish to friends and family. You should probably send Cristmas cods.