My Interview at WritingForums.com

Click on over and check out my interview at WritingForums.Com.

I discuss details in my path to being published, why I don't write romance, and more.

Link: Author Interview with Terry W. Ervin II (TWErvin2)
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Follow Up: River City Comic Con 2016

I had a great time at River City Comic Con, meeting readers and authors and artists and some pretty cool vendors. The only drawback was the temperature in the ballroom--it was very, very hot, making it uncomfrotable for the con-goers/visitors, as well as the authors, artists and vendors. Even worse, the cosplayers. :(

Still, there was a steady crowd of fun and interesting folks, just too hot for them to linger and talk. I strongly suspect the situation will be improved for next year.

Anyway, here are some pics from the events. Funny thing is that about 1/2 the folks who purchased books declined a pic for my blog, which is cool. I really enjoyed return readers, who picked up the next book in the series, or started another one of my series, based on the novel or two they picked up at last year's River City Comic Con.

Heck, I even made a sale (got to sign a copy of Flank Hawk) in the parking lot after the event, as I was getting ready to drive home.

Set Up Before Event

Travis and Trinity
(She removed her Cosplay outfit soon after this pic)

Nathan and Barbara

James and Jody
(Cool Shirt, eh?)

Brian
(Who indicated my books are popular on the West Coast)

 

Kraig

Richard and his Son

Katrina

Velma
(Looking into the Mystery of the Soul Forge)

Me and Kesha (of Schmo Mo News fame)

I want to again express my thanks to all of the readers willing to give my novels a try (or for coming back for more)!
 

Interview with Podcaster John Orlando

John Orlando, welcome to Up Around the Corner. Please tell us a little about yourself.

I am the creator of the PVDcast podcast, which is named after my second home of Providence, Rhode Island. My mother has lived there for the past 20 years and I have become quite fond of the area. I am an avid film buff, hockey fan, comic book geek and pro-wrestling nerd. I have been involved in independent pro-wrestling in the state of Ohio for 14 years. I have called Columbus, Ohio my home for the past 19 years.

What inspired you to become a podcaster?

I have always had a creative streak. Even as a kid, I was always being super-creative when I played with my toys or drawing pictures or playing different games that I made up on the spot. When I got involved in the pro-wrestling industry, I got a chance very early on to help with the booking of the promotion. Booking is the term for creating matches, feuds or new characters. I booked in Fire & Ice Wrestling for about 6 months and booked Ohio Championship Wrestling for about three years. About four years ago, I quit booking for Ohio Championship Wresting, so I decided to try my hand at podcasting.  

In your experience what are the minimum computer hardware and software requirements?

This is a great question! I say that because I’m very DIY with my podcast. I don’t have a state of the art studio or a massive amount of equipment. I simply have my laptop, a microphone and a wind screen. I would say to anyone thinking about creating a podcast, the microphone is the most important piece of equipment you need. I use the Blue Snowball microphone, which plugs right into my laptop via USB connection. It’s a really good microphone for the price. One of my immediate goals is to upgrade my equipment when the opportunity present itself to do so.

Can you discuss one interview or guest that really ended up surprising you?

The one guest that really surprised me was Lou Jasikoff. He was a political journalist that was in town during the 2014 Libertarian Party National Convention. He surprised me because I was a little bit unsure what to expect from a journalist that has a Libertarian viewpoint. I guess that I expected the stereotypical anti-big government, anti-wealthy, anti-corporation, conspiracy theorist spiel. But, Lou was a very articulate, intelligent, journalist that explained his ideas in a logical way. While I may not have agreed with all of his points, the experience of talking to Lou was one of my personal highlights of doing this podcast. 

Link: Episode 48 – Libertarian National Convention

How do you pick the topics/contents for your Podcast?

I pick my topics through a few different ways. I like to present topics that I’m passionate about, like movies, comics, pro-wrestling and hockey. Therefore, I look for guests that are connected to those topics. I also try to pick topics that are independent in nature. Personally, I feel that independent endeavors are the backbone to change and innovation in our world. I like to help those folks with these independent endeavors get the word out about their projects.

Where do you see the PVDcast five years from now?

Ultimately, I would love to see the PVDcast become one of the top podcasts in the world! But on a more pragmatic note, I would like to see the PVDcast continue to grow and entertain the people that listen to it. I am always trying to improve my podcast to make it more entertaining and meaningful. I would hate to think that people listen to my podcast and then regret wasting an hour of their day.  

What are your three favorite podcasts? What do you like about them?

There are so many good podcasts out there. I would say that my three favorites are The Art of Wrestling, Hollywood Babble-On and How Did This Get Made? I like The Art of Wrestling because I enjoy listening to the stories of the various wrestlers who appear on that podcast. They share their experiences in the crazy business of pro-wrestling, which I find intriguing. HollywoodBabble-On is just flat out funny. It’s a great comedy podcast featuring Ralph Garman and Kevin Smith. How DidThis Get Made? is also extremely funny, but I enjoy the behind-the-scenes trivia you can learn about the awful movies profiled on each episode.

What is one thing you know now which you wish you knew when you first started out?

Promoting a podcast is the one thing that I thought would be so easy. When I first started out, I thought, “all I need is a Twitter account and the listeners will flock to the PVDcast.” Oh how wrong I was!  Having a strong social media presence helps, but that can take you only so far. There are, literally, hundreds of other podcasters hyping their podcast on Twitter too. You blend in with the others, unless you figure out a way to stand out from the rest. That is the real challenge, especially when you’re promoting your podcast on a budget. I’m still trying out different ways to promote the PVDcast and that’s why I appreciate when people give me the opportunity to promote it through their platforms.

Is there anything else you’d like add or share?

The PVDcast is always improving in some way or another so that I can continue to entertain my listeners and add to my audience. Currently, I’m working on fixing some HTML code that will allow my podcast to be available through I-Tunes and Google Play. I’m working on procuring new, original theme music and working on lining some great guests, including someone special for episode 100 (which isn’t that far away). So keep check in on the PVDcast because big things are on the horizon!

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Below are Links where you can find out more about John Orlando and the PVDcast.

Website: http://pvdcast.com

Twitter: @PVDMVP

Instagram: PVDMVP

Email: johnorlando@pvdcast.com

PVDcast is available at: http://pvdcast.com or through Stitcher Radio or SoundCloud

Wood on Words (Episode 4) Engaging with Readers

Here is the link to the 4th Wood on Words Episode. In this one David Wood discusses some strategies to engage with readers, and the potential impact.

Link: 
Indie Publishing Success- Episode 4 Engaging with Readers

Roger Zelazny's Chronicles of Amber Coming to Television?

Some great news, although I do have some concerns--hoping the adaptation stays close to the source material.

Link: 'Walking Dead' Creator Adapting 'Chronicles of Amber' for TV (Exclusive)

Those who have been following me and my works know that not only have I enjoyed reading and re-reading, and listening to Roger Zelazny's works, but he is a source I go to when I encounter a problem or concern with writing. Read and study to learn how he 'did it' and then I apply what I learned to my own story and writing style.

I will be watching for follow up news in the future!

River City Comic Con July 24th (I'll be There)

Just a reminder:

Link for more Information: River City Comic Con

Also Attending:
     Author Stephen Hines and Artist Aaron 'Doc' Springer

 

Bookshelf Haven

Ashley (self-taken profile pic)

Came across Bookshelf Haven, a month or two back. I don't recall exactly how I came across it.

While it doesn't have tons of traffic, I think the reviewer (Ashley Crawford) is interesting and insightful when it comes to books, and she is entertaining in her reviews (and more--she recently created a mixed drink from the Harry Potter books).

Ashley Crawford doesn't always read what I normally select (YA and possibly more female-oriented titles) but
she hits fantasy and some SF, which is up my alley, plus other genres.

She's been on target enough that I've picked up two titles for my daughter based on her description and recommendation, both of which which my daughter enjoyed.

The reviews are fast and pithy. Maybe click on over at check Bookshelf Haven out.

Link: Bookshelf Haven

Dueling Ogres Interview (Episode 84) in Video and Podcast Formats (Including a Give-Away Contest)

Hey Folks,

My interview with the Dueling Ogres (a return appearance) is now available.

In it we discuss writing, networking and a lot of random things of interest. Plus, there is a give away contest for any of my books. Just answer 4 questions presented during the interview. (Details early on in the episode)

Episode 84 is available in two formats:

Link:
Podcast Episode 84: Viscount Rising with Terry W. Ervin II







Link:
Youtube

Art Affair on the Square (Urbana, OH) on July 16

Hey Folks,

A reminder that I will be attending the Art Affair on the Square in the Literary Tent hosted by the Champaign County Library, talking with readers and writers and anyone interested, along with other local authors. We'll be signing books as well, if you're interested.

Plus, there will be all sorts of arts presented and available (from paintings and pottery to sewing and music, and more), along with an assortment of foods.

It is my understanding that authors William Weldy and Addie J. King will be there as well!

Sunday (Today) Livestream Interview with Me on Dueling Ogres

Here's a link to the information you need for the Youtube Livestream Event :)

Link: Episode 84 Livestream July.10 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT

 

My Interview on the PVDcast with John Orlando

Hey Folks,

If you've got some time, check out my interview with John Orlando, where I talk about writing, publishing, a little politics and more. There's even a reveal with respect to the First Civilization's Legacy Series included.

Link: Episode 95 – Terry W. Ervin II

Wood on Words (Episode 3)

In this episode, David Wood discussed the three paths to publication: Corporate Publishing, Small Press Publishing and Self-Publishing/Indie Publishing, including upsides and downsides of each.

Link: Wood on Words Episode 3- Paths to Publication

July is Going to be a Busy Month

I have a lot Scheduled for this Month:

July 7th I will be interviewed on the PVDcast Podcast

July 10th I will be interviewed on the Dueling Ogres Podcast

 Mid July an interview will appear on Writingforums.com

July 16th I will be participating in the 12th Annual Art Affair on the Square in Urbana, Ohio

July 24th I will be a guest at the 6th Annual River City Comic Con in Marietta, Ohio

For All You RPGers Out There...

Now this is funny :)


via GIPHY