Indy Authors Are Libertarian Capitalists, Even Though They Don’t Know It Yet

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog

I’m a simple man.  Obvious contradictions confuse me.  As I considered the current state of independent writing, especially through the largest marketplace, Amazon, there appeared to be a disconnect between how many make their living and their political leanings. Growing up in a world where entitlement programs, safety nets and heavy government regulation are the […]

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Writing Evil

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Gabby Wells - Book 4, Gods & Martyrs, Novel, story telling, Writing

I was writing a chapter in the fourth Gabby Wells novel, Gods & Martyrs, and, when I was done, was so disturbed by what I had written, I pushed the keyboard away in disgust. Creating characters is a tricky thing.  They end up taking on their own lives and making decisions you don’t want them […]

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Company Business – 2015

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Gabby Wells, Gabby Wells Novel

Running a small business like Sonlight Press, LLC is a challenge. Getting your novels written and out to the public is even harder.  Putting those two together requires a bit of money and a lot of faith. Here’s where my money went this past year. They say Editing and Book Covers are the most important parts […]

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The 7 Books I Read During My Recovery

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Book Suggestion

During my recent recovery from my sixth Crohns intestinal surgery, I took the time to read as much as possible. I’m usually more of a TV binger or classic movie-watcher, but I was determined to shut off the technology and sit down with the growing stack of books on my desk. Here’s what tickled my […]

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The 27 Things I Miss from a Pre-Internet World

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog

The internet is amazing. For the first time in human history, information and global access are at our fingertips 24 hours a day and the technology providing that access has us connected like never before, altering how we live our lives from sunrise to sunset. But, living through the pre and post internet eras, I […]

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Why There Should Always Be Books Printed on Paper

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Writing

Technology changes everything and you can’t un-invent disruptive tools once they enter the marketplace.  E-readers and portable computers masquerading as phones have made the world’s libraries one click away. But, I hope books will also continue to be available in paper. Reading a book that is intended to be nothing more than a single story […]

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Writers, Get Out More

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Faith, Gabby Wells Novel, Independent Publishing, Social Media, Writing

Writing is often a lonely, isolating experience.  We usually find our quiet space, fill it with white noise or our favorite music, and write characters that exist in our minds before they do on paper. We spend a lot of time like that.  Too much, sometimes. The most valuable thing to me is my time.  […]

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My Fears on Paper

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Faith, Gabby Wells, Gabby Wells Novel

It’s not uncommon for writers to use their work to express their fears.  This is true for me as well.  The Gabby Wells Thriller series is infused with my internal struggles. Gabby faces a lot of serious crap in these novels, stuff no 15 year old should have to face.  She’s a bit broken by […]

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Trusting the Journey

Posted Sonlight Press Author, Author Blog, Faith, Gabby Wells, Gabby Wells - Book 1, Gabby Wells - Book 2, Gabby Wells - Book 3, Gabby Wells - Book 5, Gabby Wells - Novella 1, Gabby Wells Novel, Novel, Novella, Screenplay, Writing

God never seems to draw a straight line. I wish he did.  It’d sure make life a lot easier. The path I’ve been on in writing the Gabby Wells Thrillers is one of the most convoluted one could conceive.  Two years ago, almost to the day, I posted about this strange unfolding.  Back then I […]

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Setting Expectations When Launching Your First Novel

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Gabby Wells - Book 1, Gabby Wells Novel, Independent Publishing, Novel, Social Media, Writing

The dream of everyone that wants to be a writer is to draft the next great American novel, release it to public accolades and sit back while the money and notoriety roll in. There’s one word for that… fantasy. In today’s publishing climate, its never been easier to get your idea into novel form.  However, […]

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Faith is Dramatic

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Faith, Gabby Wells Novel, Writing

There aren’t a lot of authentic characters of faith in modern entertainment.  And that’s a waste. I’ve often wondered why more writers don’t include faith as one of the key components of their main character.  It adds weight to everything they do.  The story no longer becomes just about what the protagonist is trying to […]

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Making Your Characters Suffer is the Best Part

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Gabby Wells - Book 1, Gabby Wells Novel, Writing

My job as the author of the Gabby Wells Thriller series is to make Gabby’s life a living hell.  And I do, relentlessly. That’s what every author is supposed to do.  To torture the protagonist so you can torture the reader. Do I like making Gabby’s life an insurmountable mess?  Yes and no.  I like […]

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I Want it to Be Difficult

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Blog, Gabby Wells Novel, Novel, Writing

Writing is hard.  Writing a series is harder.  Being successful as a writer is nearly impossible. And I love the challenge. I want it to be difficult, because then, only those most committed will make it.  And I’m committed. Sure, there are some things that also come into play… talent, luck, timing, communication skills, marketing […]

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Podcast – Generosity & Female Ninjas

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Blog, Gabby Wells - Book 1, Gabby Wells - Book 2, Gabby Wells - Book 3, Gabby Wells - Book 4, Gabby Wells Novel, Marketing, Novel, Podcast, Screenplay, Writing

Author Pete Bauer and Dorothea Bauer talk about the generosity of the independent publishing community, female ninjas and audio books. Mobile Users: Click here to listen to the episode. Topics Covered: Independent Film Marketing Similar as Novels Competing with your Competitors Screenplays Collecting Dust Knowing your Audience Generosity of Independent Authors Hit and Miss Writing […]

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The Fifth Assassin – Book Suggestion

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Blog, Book Suggestion

The Fifth Assassin, by Brad Meltzer, is an intriguing political thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last chapter. Meltzer is a fan of history. His shows on A&E, Decoded and Lost History, are great examples of his passion and love for the people and events made this nation what it is today.  He seamlessly […]

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Podcast – Thanksgiving Episode & Mockingjay Part 1 Marketing

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Blog, Faith, Gabby Wells - Book 1, Gabby Wells Novel, Marketing, Novel, Podcast, Screenplay, Writing

Author Pete Bauer and Dorothea Bauer talk about the issues with the Mockingjay Part 1 marketing approach and give thanks to those who have helped get them this far. Mobile Users: Click here to listen to the episode. In this episode: Thanksgiving Day Episode Mockingjay Part 1 Breaking Dawn Parts 1 & 2 Mockingjay Part […]

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Kneel & Prey Draft Complete

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Blog, Gabby Wells, Gabby Wells - Book 1, Gabby Wells Novel, Novel, Novella, Writing

It’s taken writing over 500,000 words to get here. From the first attempt of converting 13 television scripts into a novel to 100 drafts later to a near finished product to tossing it out and starting over.  From turning the idea of five novels into five novellas and five novels to then deciding to write […]

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Podcast – Starting a Genre Mashup

Posted Sonlight Press Author, Author Blog, Gabby Wells - Book 1, Gabby Wells Novel, Novel, Podcast, Reviews, Social Media, Writing

Pete and Dorothea talk about participating in the recent Facebook Event: March to a Bestseller 2, genres, validation and the coming release of the first novel, Kneel & Prey. Mobile Users: Click here to listen to the episode. Topics Covered: Facebook Event Defining a New Genre First Novel Kneel & Prey Beta Reader Feedback Marketing […]

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Don’t Let Pride Diminish Your Opportunities

Posted Sonlight Press Author, Author Blog, Faith

Many years ago I worked in television for a bit and, like everyone else, started out at the bottom. I was a runner/gopher for over a year.  That meant I had to feed the crews, get lunches, run errands, etc.  Some people may think that would be a waste of time or “below me,” but […]

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Off to the Beta Readers

Posted Sonlight Press Author Blog, Gabby Wells - Book 1, Gabby Wells - Book 2, Gabby Wells - Book 3, Gabby Wells Novel, Novel, Novella, Writing

I’m relieved. The first novel, Kneel & Prey, has been sent out to our first group of Beta Readers.  These readers will read the book and let us know of any outstanding issues with the plot, character or grammar that we missed. Sending it off to Beta Readers is an important step.  It means you’re […]

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