Sunday, December 30, 2007

The First Shall Be Last - Chapter One


1000-Yard Stare
(painting of a battle-fatigued Marine on the island of Peleliu)

The new year is about to begin, and I'm preparing for the release of my third novel in May of 2008: The First Shall Be Last. The story is a World War II mystery about a crime committed against a black soldier during the Battle of Peleliu. Peleliu was a small island in the Central Pacific held by Elite Japanese forces. The First Marine Division was ordered to take the island as a part of General Douglas MacArthur's island hopping campaign to return to the Philippines. I based this novel on my father's memoirs.

Between now and the end of April I plan on posting a chapter per week. You could be a great help to me by letting me know what you think of the story, catching mistakes, and making suggestions. Also, if you know of anyone who might be interested in reading this novel, please send them the link. I will use your comments and suggestions in the rewrite as I prepare the final draft.

After you read the chapter, please return to my blog and click on the comment link to give me your suggestions, corrections, etc. You can also email me at joecellis@comcast.net . To get to the first chapter, click on the link below:

http://www.joecellis.com/The_First_Shall_Be_Last.htm

Thanks for stopping by my blog in 2007. Hope you stick with me through 2008.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis
CLICK HERE to view video trailer for Murder at Whalehead
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

The Gift



Christmas Day will arrive in six days. I want to share a gift with you--the gift of two beautiful songs. The first one is relatively new and the second one has been around a while. Both have a similar theme--offering our gifts back to God and seeing them sanctified--lifted to a new level of beauty and meaning.

The first song, "The Gift", is sung by Aselin Debison, who recorded it when she was 12 years old back in 2002. The quality of her voice adds to the wonder and innocence of the song.

The second one is from the 1970s when Bing Crosby was still alive. He harmonized with David Bowie on The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth. Again, the theme reflects the wonder of presenting our gifts to God, no matter how small they be.

As a writer, I often wonder if my work honors God. Does the Lord smile when I present the gift? Will God use it to bless others? I hope so. And I hope you enjoy these two songs.




Merry Christmas,

Joe C. Ellis

CLICK HERE to view video trailer for Murder at Whalehead
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Saturday, December 8, 2007

The Triumph Club

Hey everyone, we're coming to the end of 2007. Are you ready for the new year to begin? I'm looking forward to all the possibilities with my writing and all the other aspects of my life. To me, life is an adventure and privilege. It's always been my philosophy to try to become the best person I can be physically, mentally, and spiritually. Hopefully 2008 will be a year of striving to fulfill the potential the good Lord gave me.

That's why I wanted to let you know about a new Yahoo group I'm starting called the TRIUMPH CLUB. Do you want to lose weight, exercise regularly, kick bad habits, expand your mind, and become spiritually stronger? Do you want to see your life stabilized and focused on the right priorities? If so, then the Triumph Club is for you.

Physically, we will encourage one another to eat right, exercise, lose weight (if necessary), and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Mentally, we will read and recommend books (fiction and non-fiction) that will provide a wealth of knowledge and solid foundational principles for our lives. Spiritually, we will push one another to grow in the basic disciplines of faith--prayer, study, good works, etc.

If you would like to connect with an online group who shares these goals and encourages one another with insights, inspiration, and wisdom to make 2008 a year of personal growth, check us out at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Triumph_Club/


alt="Click here to join The_Triumph_Club">
Click to join The_Triumph_Club


Or just go to Yahoo.com, click on the Groups link and enter Triumph Club into the search box. The Club doesn't officially launch until 1/1/08, but between now and then you can sign up and become a part of this exciting journey of inner and outer transformation.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis

CLICK HERE to view video trailer for Murder at Whalehead
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Books on the Avenue -- Booksigning

On Saturday, November 24, I had the pleasure of signing copies of Murder at Whalehead and The Healing Place at one of Wheeling's independent bookstores, Books on the Avenue. Owners Caryn Braunlich and Debbie Miller have done a great job offering the Valley a great selection of new and used books. The store also serves delicious coffee and snacks, and the owners encourage customers to plop down in a comfy chair in one of the back rooms, relax, and thumb through a book. Arts and Crafts lovers will discover that Books on the Avenue is a great place to buy supplies and even take watercolor painting lessons.

Many regular customers stopped in to purchase signed copies of my books. I also had an opportunity to share my new PowerPoint presentation to a group of interested readers. The presentation covers my journey as a writer and offers some insight into the background of my two novels. If you have a group who would be interested in hearing the presentation, please call me at 1-740-633-0423. All in all it was a good time.

I got an encouraging email today from Sarah at Beach Bag Books and Music in Corolla, NC. She informed me that Murder at Whalehead is still "selling great!" Because Murder at Whalehead had been selling so well, Manteo Booksellers (down near Hatteras) ordered a dozen copies of The Healing Place. I'm hoping it will sell well also. The Island Bookstores have also made The Healing Place available. Hopefully in time all of the Outer Banks bookstores will get on board with The Healing Place.

Talk to ya later,

Joe C. Ellis

CLICK HERE to view video trailer for Murder at Whalehead
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Back from the Buckeye Book Fair


On Sunday afternoon we cruised 90 miles across beautiful Ohio country side, returning along Route 250 from Wooster, Ohio where the 20th anniversary of the Buckeye Book Fair was held. Rubbing elbows with other Ohio writers at Ohio's biggest literary event was exciting, at times intimidating, and often eye-opening.

On Saturday morning before the doors opened at 9:30, I toured the Fisher Auditorium to see the wide variety of books on sale. After glimpsing the offerings, I wondered how my novel, Murder at Whalehead, made it through the selection process. Most of the books were beautifully designed with eye-catching colors--easy to see that professional graphic artists had exercised their creative powers. A couple of authors told me that to be approved by the BBF steering committee was quite an honor because many books are turned down.

Once the doors opened the day whirled by. I was amazed at the number of customers interested in my novels. Many had read about the plots in the brochure and wanted copies of both books. Others were familiar with Martins Ferry and were interested in reading about The Healing Place. Quite a few were Outer Banks regulars and were anxious to read a murder mystery set at their favorite vacation spot. One patron explained that he loved to read books set in real places that he could one day visit. I told him to stop by the Ohio Valley after reading The Healing Place and I would show him the Chair. Of course, I warned him not to sit on it at midnight.

All in all it was a great experience. It would be neat to return there and do it again some day. Who knows? If I publish The First Shall Be Last next year, maybe they will invite me back. Until then I'll keep plugging away at marketing and writing.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis

CLICK HERE to view video trailer for Murder at Whalehead
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Sunday, September 30, 2007

THE BUCKEYE BOOK FAIR





The Buckeye Book Fair, Ohio's largest literary event, has posted its authors' information, pics, and floor plan layout for this year's event scheduled for November 3 at the Ohio State University Branch in Wooster, Ohio.

Here's the link to the authors' directory. It's in alphabetical order, so check for me under the "E"s. http://www.buckeyebookfair.com/authors.pdf
You'll notice lots of great writers listed with a wide variety of books offered.

I'm excited about the possibility of meeting other Ohio writers, signing and selling my novels, and helping to raise funds for literacy in Ohio.

Being one of the biggest book fairs in the country, the Buckeye Book Fair welcomes thousands of people who purchase lots of books. I have no idea how many will sell.

Let's hope a bunch!

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis
CLICK HERE to view video trailer for Murder at Whalehead
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Thursday, September 13, 2007

THE HEALING PLACE -- Now Available


The second edition of my first novel, The Healing Place -- Prequel to Murder at Whalehead is now available from Lulu.com! Here's the link:
If you enjoyed Murder at Whalehead, you'll like the prequel. The story involves the families from Murder at Whalehead, the Butlers and Mulligans, and occurs six years before. Here's a bit of a preview:
In this prequel to his popular novel, Murder at Whalehead, author Joe C. Ellis draws from his experiences growing up in the river town of Martins Ferry, Ohio and the legends surrounding the community. Scotch Ridge is a safe haven from the world until the day Nathan Kyler moves into the shack by the creek. Elijah Mulligan, a leader in the community, does not trust him. Reverend Byron Butler tries to befriend him. But Kyler is obsessed with a diabolical vision--human sacrifice. Who is the focus of Kyler's obsession? Christine Butler, the preacher's daughter. In the graveyard of the Scotch Ridge Presbyterian Church is a monument known as "The Chair." Some say the monument is cursed--if you sit on it at midnight you will die within 24 hours. The day after Christine Butler sits on "The Chair" she disappears. A mile from the church, deep in the Appalachian woods is a place Elijah Mulligan calls "The Healing Place." It is here something incredicble happens.

"Beautifully written!"
Rev. Dr. R.L. Croker

"Characters drawn with strong, almost visual brush strokes, draw the reader into a story that is both very real while at times almost surrealistic. Ellis has created a novel of suspense with a storyteller's grasp of detail. "
Donna Swanson, nationally award winning poet

"Ellis's style quickly captures the reader and keeps them hanging on until the finale."
V.R. Falcone

The first edition of The Healing Place sold out about two years ago. This past summer I rewrote the second edition. The writing is much improved. My printer and online distributer, Lightning Source, is in the process of approving the book block and cover design. For now, though, it is available from Lulu.com. It should be up on Amazon.com in about two to three weeks.

Talk to you later,
Joe C. Ellis
CLICK HERE to view video trailer for Murder at Whalehead
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Running and Writing

A couple of weeks ago I ran the Sam Mumley 5K in St. Clairsville, Ohio. The young fellow ahead of me held off my pitiful finishing kick--more like an old man's trot. I did manage to run 19:40 and win my age group (grand masters--50 and over).

I've been running competitively since I was 14 years old. Now distance running is so ingrained in my lifestyle that I go into withdrawal if I miss a day or two. The great thing about running is that it stimulates creativity. Perhaps the long, lonely miles tend to spur on the imagination's juices just to keep the mind occupied.

Many times when writer's block has clogged the stream of vision, a good run brings new ideas and possibilities like an overwhelming flow that clears the obstruction. There have been times out on a country road when I feel like jumping, whooping, and hollering because a creative solution to a writing problem suddenly takes shape. I can't wait to finish the run and get back to the computer to get it all down.

Maybe that's why I always include characters in my novels who enjoy distance running--it's my way of tipping my hat to the activity that gets my mental pistons firing.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis

P.S. : I heard from a bookstore chain on the Outer Banks yesterday who informed me that Murder at Whalehead was selling so well the distributor had a hard time keeping them in stock. I love good news!

CLICK HERE to view video trailer
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Book Signing at Island Bookstore

Today while I was cruising the internet I stopped by Corolla's Island Bookstore site and discovered my picture on display. Very cool.

Here's the link: http://www.islandbooksobx.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp

That's my daughter, Sarah, on the left and her buddy, Mindi, on the right. Our vacation on the Outer Banks this summer was a blast. Hopefully we'll get to go for two weeks next summer.

I got an email from my distributor on the OBX the other day. She informed me the novel is selling well. I'm almost done with the rewrite of the prequel to Murder at Whalehead. It's called The Healing Place and involves the same characters--the Mulligans and the Butlers. I'm hoping the Outer Banks bookstores will be willing to sell The Healing Place also. Next summer I'd like to publish the third book in the series--The First Shall Be Last, the sequel to Murder at Whalehead.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis

CLICK HERE to view video trailer
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Sunday, August 12, 2007

The Inspiration of David Blaine


About six or seven years ago I became fascinated with David Blaine's Street Magic specials that were regularly aired on The Learning Channel. As I began plotting the story for Murder at Whalehead, it occurred to me that a David-Blainesque character would be a great addition to the cast for a murder mystery set on the Outer Banks.

I watched Blaine's specials again and again. Three of his tricks amazed me--the one where he bites the quarter in half, the one where he stabs a card through a menu, and of course his feat of levitation. I decided to create a character based on David Blaine and his magic--a character who could possibly be a murderer. I named him Jack Blaze. In the novel, Blaze isn't quite as accomplished as David Blaine. He's working on his craft in hopes of becoming a street magician. When he performs his magic in front of the beach crowds, like Blaine, he tries to convince them he has supernatural powers.

Another character in the novel, Elijah Mulligan, a conservative Christian, believes Blaze draws his powers from the occult--perhaps even from Satan himself. When Christine, Reverend Byron Butler's daughter, falls for Blaze, both Mulligan and the reverend believe Christine could be Blaze's next victim.

Creating a character based on Blaine and his magic fired my imagination. I actually had a blast writing many of the scenes where Blaze is featured. Now the question is: Will he harm Christine Butler?

Hope you check out the book!

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis

CLICK HERE to view video trailer
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Emails and Requests



Emails are coming in from people who have read Murder at Whalehead. I have also received another request to speak to several book clubs. I appreciate hearing from readers. If someone enjoyed the book enough to email me and let me know he or she liked it, I'm sure that person will spread the good word. Perhaps "word-of-mouth" is the best kind of advertising--it's free and effective.


Rachel wrote: We received it yesterday and I started to read it last night... I read half the book already and I am not really one to sit down for long enough to watch a movie or read. I did not want to put it down but had to go to bed.


Candis wrote: I finished your book last week and wanted you to know that I soooo much loved it. I am a Mary Higgins Clark fan and I think your book competes with hers on the mystery level. It was also great to have a hometown connection. Please let me know when your first novel's second edition becomes available, I would love to read it.


Suzanne said: Just wanted to tell you that I finished your new book "Murder @ Whalehead" and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. You did a marvelous job with the plot and having the local color was an added treat. Keep up the good work and when you finish the revision of your first book, let me know.


Mandy said: I LOVED this book. From the moment I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down. I was transported down to the Outer Banks and went along on the adventure as the two families in the novel explored new places, opened themselves up to new ideas, and helped solve a murder.


The Shadyside library hosts several book clubs with about 53 members. Judith Nelms, Shadyside's librarian, emailed me to request that I give a presentation/book signing to them sometime in September. I love talking to book lovers. I'm looking forward to meeting with the Shadyside crew. Also, the presentation will provide another opportunity to raise funds for reading programs. I plan on donating the proceeds from the event to the library.


Now I need to put my nose to the grindstone and get back to my rewrite of The Healing Place.


Talk to you later,


Joe C. Ellis


CLICK HERE to view video trailer

Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)

Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)

Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE

Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Book Clubs




The Dillonvale Library





Last week and this week I had the privilege of speaking at two book club meetings. The first was at the Dillonvale Library (above photo) in Dillonvale, Ohio, and the second was at the Calvary Presbyterian Church in St. Clairsville, Ohio. The book clubs had chosen my novel, The Healing Place, as their book of the month. I'd written The Healing Place in 1999 and published it in 2001. The first edition sold out a couple of years ago, but there are 22 copies available at various libraries in Ohio.

This summer I'm working on a rewrite of The Healing Place. After writing four novels, I can more easily see the weaknesses, POV problems, grammar mistakes, and stilted dialogue of that first novel. Yet the readers have really enjoyed the characters and plot of The Healing Place despite all the problems usually associated with a self-published, rookie novel. Its popularity testifies to the importance of storytelling--readers are willing to forgive an imperfect manuscript if they find the story compelling.

Hopefully this second edition will be available through Upper Ohio Valley Books this September. Many people have already expressed a desire to get a copy of the new edition.

Another neat thing about speaking at book clubs is the opportunity it gives an author to promote his or her latest novel. Most of the club members wanted signed copies of Murder at Whalehead. Word-of-mouth publicity can make a huge difference as readers spread the good word. Besides that, I enjoy speaking at book clubs because it's fun to talk about my own book. It's like talking about one of my kids.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis

CLICK HERE to view video trailer
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Monday, July 16, 2007

The Interview


The books are selling well here in the Ohio Valley. I haven't heard from booksellers or my distributor on the Outer Banks. I assume everything is moving along smoothly down there. I'm still waiting for quotes for offset printing for 2000 copies of the novel from my distributor. I'll probably email her tomorrow.


One reason the books are doing well in the Ohio Valley was because of a good interview in a local newspaper. The article was placed in the "Lifestyles" section with six or seven photographs from the Outer Banks (including the one above of a wild horse along the shore) and a picture of me in front of our local library. Many people who read my first book, The Healing Place, wanted a copy of Murder at Whalehead after seeing the article.


Ya can't beat free publicity!


Talk to you later,
Joe C. Ellis
Here are some links to my novel, Murder at Whalehead:
CLICK HERE to view video trailer
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

A Book Signing at the Hometown Library


Last evening's book signing at my hometown (Martins Ferry, OH) library was a pleasant surprise. I showed a PowerPoint presentation about my novel, Murder at Whalehead, and talked about the creative process a writer goes through when developing characters, setting, conflict and plot. About thirty-five people attended, and we sold 43 books. We used the event as a fundraiser for reading programs at the library and raised $217. I love the idea of supporting literacy and promoting reading. In an age of video games and instant gratification, we've got to keep young people turned on to the written word.

I received an invitation on Monday to enter my novel into the Buckeye Book Fair, an event in Wooster dedicated to raising funds for literacy in Ohio. The fair is limited to about 100 authors, illustrators, and photographers. A steering committee will make a decision by the end of August as to what books and authors are included. I hope Murder at Whalehead gets approved. It would be a great opportunity to use my abilities to support literacy and give me a chance to connect with Ohio's writing community.

Payments from the bookstores on the Outer Banks have been arriving this week along with requests for more books. I'll have to make a decision in the near future about the size of the next print run. Lightning Source quoted me a price of $1.79 per book for 2000 books. Seems hard to beat, but I'm waiting for more quotes from my distributor, Outer Banks Press. Linda from OBP works closely with several NC printers. The shipping costs may be the determining factor. Just have to wait and see.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis

Here are some links to my novel, Murder at Whalehead:
CLICK HERE to view video trailer
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Shiver Me Timbers



Arrrrgghh!!! On Friday night I attended a Pittsburgh Pirate game with me brother, Jim. The Bucco's thumped the Cubbies 8 to 4. It was a mighty drubbing. By far though, the challenge of the evening was keeping me eye on brother Jim, aka Jack Sparrow Senior. 'Bout the 4th inning, After wettin' his whistle with some Iron City grog, Captn' Jim took to wandering to and fro. He didn't show back up until the 8th. Hard to guess what the skallywag was up to. Getting his landlegs? Spying out the stadium with his eyeglass? Dare I say, up to no good? Avast me mateys, this morning I received the above tintype in me email. Now I know. He was looking for booty!

Seriously though, my brother makes a great pirate. We could hardly get through the crowd on the way back to the car because of all the people who wanted pictures with him. Let me know if you want to rent him for your next party.

I drew on my brother Jim's adventurous spirit for a scene in my novel, Murder at Whalehead. One summer in the late 90's while we were vacationing on the Outer Banks, Jim and his son, Jimmy, rented a two-man kayak. Somehow they managed to paddle the thing beyond the breakers. My sister-in-law, Linda, got very nervous. Before you knew it, they were out several hundred yards on the ocean. We thought maybe a riptide got them. Linda ran up to the lifeguard and told him of their plight, but there wasn't much he could do. An hour later Jim and Jimmy finally paddled in. Said they were out there enjoying the freedom of the seas.

In my novel two of the main characters, Christine (the preacher's daughter) and a ten-year-old boy named Dugan paddles out beyond the breaker in a two-man kayak. There they have a terrifying experience. I can't tell ya more, matey. You'll have to buy the book.

Talk to ya later,

Joe C. Ellis

Here are some links to my novel, Murder at Whalehead:

CLICK HERE to view video trailer

Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)

Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)

Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE

Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Thursday, July 5, 2007

The Books Are IN


More than 800 books arrived today. 500 went to my distributor on the Outer Banks and 314 came to my house. With the 200 already sold or in bookstores, that makes over 1000. Goal--sell them all and order another 2000 before Christmas.


A lot will happen in the next two weeks: An article about Murder at Whalehead with lots of photographs will appear in Martins Ferry's (Ohio) Times Leader on Saturday. Tomorrow I'll be delivering books to local stores. I've already begun emailing independent bookstores in Ohio in hopes of more orders. A book signing, multi-media presentation, and fundraiser for the Martins Ferry Public Library will be held on Tues, July 10 at 6:30 at the library. Two local book clubs have asked me to speak at their meetings in July.


I've also emailed all the bookstores on the Outer Banks to inform them that Outer Banks Press will be distributing the novel from now on. Several of these stores have already sold out and ordered more books.


One more thought: I've decided to send two copies to my old agent, Michele Rubin at Writers House. She gave me a great quote for the book cover and wanted a copy when they came in. The book has been rewritten since she peddled it to the New York publishing houses last year. I'm going to suggest she give the extra copy to an editor who might be interested. The book came close to selling at several houses. You never know--the new opening chapter, great cover, quotes, and all the excitement about the book from sellers on the Outer Banks may convince an editor to take a chance.


THERE'S ALWAYS HOPE.


Talk to you later,


Joe C. Ellis


Here are some links to my novel, Murder at Whalehead:
CLICK HERE to view video trailer
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Monday, July 2, 2007

The Whalehead Club


The Whalehead Club is an old hunting lodge built in the 1920s by Edward and Marie Knight on the northern Outer Banks. Check out http://www.whaleheadclub.com . At the time, women were not permitted to join hunt clubs, so Edward Collins Knignt, a Pennsylvania industrialist, decided to buy up the property and build his own hunt club so his wife, who loved duck hunting, could participate.


The place thrived for about 12 years until the Knights could no longer vacation there because of health problems. The property passed through several different hands until it eventually fell into disrepair. In the late 1990s, the Currituck County Whalehead Preservation Society raised funds to begin restoring the building. They have succeeded in bringing it back to its original splendor with all of its Art Deco designs, furnishings and wonderful historic detail. Thousands of vacationers tour The Whalehead Club every year and visit its gift shop.

Several important chapters of my novel, Murder at Whalehead, occur in the Whalehead Club. One of the final suspenseful scenes involves a chase through the many rooms of the lodge to the rooftop. I knew Murder at Whalehead would be a good seller in the Whalehead Club's gift shop. The problem: my novel is fiction, and the Whalehead Club is an important historical landmark. Although Loretta Robinson, the gift shop manager, was excited about the possibilities of selling Murder at Whalehead, she knew the board of directors would have to approve it.

When I arrived in Corolla last week, I stopped by the Whalehead Club and dropped off a couple copies of the book early in the week. Edna Baden, the Executive Director, told me she'd read the novel and enjoyed it. She was recommending it to the board, but several board members may have reservations. All I could do was wait and see.

On Friday I got a call from Loretta. The board had approved the sale of the novel. She wanted 80 copies. 80 copies! I thought that was a lot. I delivered the copies Friday morning. In the late afternoon I dropped off the invoice--eight copies had already sold. Things were on a roll. Now what am I going to do? If I sell out too quickly, should I go to an offset printer and bigger run? What if 2000 or 3000 copies overdoes it. Can I take the financial risk?

Lots of questions. I still don't have all the answers.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis

Here are some links to my novel, Murder at Whalehead:

CLICK HERE to view video trailer

Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)

Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)

Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE

Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Back in Time -- the Book Signing

After an encouraging meeting with Linda Lauby of the Outer Banks Press on Wednesday, I looked forward to the book signing at the Island Bookstore on Thursday in Corolla. The day was warm and sunny. Not good. On bright and beautiful days people head to the beach, not bookstores. However, Meaghan (I believe she helps manage all three stores which are owned by Bill Rickman--Corolla, Duck, and Kitty Hawk) was determined the signing would be successful.

The store is set up in a house-like building designed to reflect the style of the old Corolla village. Two floors are packed full of a variety of books. My table was situated on the front porch so no one could get into the store without seeing me. Meaghan joined me for most of the two hours, and we managed to sell about 15 books. Not bad for a slow day. Meaghan told me she had majored in art history and started her career working in a New York Gallery featuring New Realism paintings. Her love for books and the Outer Banks changed the direction of her life. I think she made the right decision. She loves to talk about books and instantly connects with people.

Later that day Meaghan called to tell me they needed more books. Murder at Whalehead was selling exceptionally well. Feeling ecstatic, I dropped 15 more off to them. Then another call came in--the one I had been waiting for. The Board of Directors of the Whalehead Club had made their decision about selling my novel in their gift shop. I knew this decision would be crucial. The Whalehead Club is a popular and historical tourist attraction on the northern Outer Banks. I knew that if the novel was approved, they could sell a lot of copies in their shop.

Tomorrow I'll tell you about their decision and how it impacted my thinking about the future of this book.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis

Here are some links to my novel, Murder at Whalehead:
CLICK HERE to view video trailer
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Friday, June 29, 2007

When Doors Open

If you believe in your work, and other knowledgeable people recognize its potential, then when the door of opportunity opens, go through it.

Last week when I met with Linda Lauby, the president of Outer Banks Press, that door opened. Linda runs a successful company on the Outer Banks, publishing and distributing magazines and books to most of the bookstores and gift shops on the Outer Banks. She has offered her company's services as a distributor for my novel, Murder at Whalehead. I'm excited. Two days ago I ordered 500 copies of the novel to be sent to one of her warehouses. It's a financial risk, but I'm willing to take the chance.

Currently eight bookstores or gift shops are selling the novel. With Linda's help, that number will probably triple.

Yesterday I received an email from the owner Beach Books and Music. She informed me the novel had almost sold out and she wanted to order 10 more. Great email! The kind that makes my day.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis

Here are some links to my novel, Murder at Whalehead:
CLICK HERE to view video trailer
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Book Selling on the OBX

When we arrived in Corolla last Saturday, I was anxious to get started. Waiting for our vacation house to be cleaned, we headed in different directions. The kids made a bee-line for the beach. My wife and oldest daughter ventured to Food Lion to shop for groceries, and I organized and signed my books for delivery to a couple of local bookstores.

My first stop was Beach Bag Books and Music, a neat store located in the Corolla Light Resort Shops area. A huge Newfoundland named Finnegan greeted me. I learned later that the gentle giant spent most of the day welcoming customers. Sarah Keating, the owner, took ten books and told me she planned on adding Murder at Whalehead to her reading list; she wanted to be well informed when recommending it to customers.

Next I headed to the Island Bookstore near the historic village of Corolla. Bill Rickman, the owner, wanted 30 books for the Corolla store and her two sister stores in Duck and Kitty Hawk. Meaghan, a sharp gal who seemed to be the go-to person at the store, had scheduled me for a book signing on Thursday. I wondered what would happen between now and then--five days. Would the books sell out? Yeah, right. Would anybody show up at the signing? My thoughts teetered from positive to negative. I kept telling myself to be patient. Time will answer all questions.

I'd already sent a half dozen books to Gee Gee Rosell at Buxton Books on Hatteras Island. Gee Gee wrote a great review for Murder at Whalehead the week before. It will appear in a July issue of Island Breeze, a monthly Outer Banks publication. I still waited for Loretta Robinson, manager of the Whalehead Club Gift Shop to get back to me. She was excited about selling the novel, but first it had to meet the approval of the board of directors.

After the deliveries, there wasn't much for me to do but wait. My next important meeting was scheduled for Wednesday. The president of Outer Banks Press, Linda Lauby, wanted to meet me and talk about the possibilities of her company distributing the novel to bookstores and gift shops on the Outer Banks. I knew the outcome of this meeting could make a big difference in the success of my book. More on that meeting tomorrow.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis


Here are some links to my novel, Murder at Whalehead:
CLICK HERE to view video trailer
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:
CLICK HEREVisit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Living with No Regrets

A couple of weeks ago I heard a radio personality comment on the major regret of people in their eighties. Looking back on life, most octogenarians regretted that they never went for their dream during mid-life when opportunities arose.

I just returned from the Outer Banks where I spent the week meeting with booksellers and promoting my novel, Murder at Whalehead. I'd decided I didn't want to turn 80 with any regrets.

What a week it was. Tonight I am too exhausted after a long drive home to go into detail about my experiences. Tomorrow I hope to post a detailed account about the trip, the meetings, the book signings, etc. Things are looking up. Murder at Whalehead has a chance of becoming a bestseller on the Outer Banks. I'm glad I took that step of faith. More tomorrow.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis

Here are some links to my novel, Murder at Whalehead:
CLICK HERE to view video trailer
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters:
CLICK HEREVisit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Friday, June 15, 2007

Making Rounds

Yesterday I spent the day making rounds to bookstores in the Ohio Valley. I gave the owners/managers a copy of Murder at Whalehead, a promotional flyer about the novel (quotes and reviews, book description), and a sheet detailing the terms of sale. All seemed very receptive. The manager at Waldens was not there, so I left a book and the info for him to look over.

A couple of the owners seemed very positive when I mentioned the terms: Retail price--$15.95; discount to stores--50%; payment isn't due until bookstore is ready to reorder; contact and reorder by email or phone; returns accepted. All said they look forward to looking it over and would get back to me next week.

With the deal I have at Lightning Source, I can get a thousand books for about $3.30-$3.50 a book depending on shipping costs. That makes my profit about $4.50 a book. By the way, Lightning Source already has Murder at Whalehead posted at Amazon.com. Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Whalehead-Joe-Charles-Ellis/dp/0979665507/ref=sr_1_1/105-4112597-2793225?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181779952&sr=1-1

Next week I'm meeting with the president of Outer Banks Press to talk about distribution of the novel to the giftshops and bookstores on the Outer Banks and North Carolina. On Thursday the 21st of June I'll be signing books at Corolla's Island Bookstore. Things are starting to roll. I'll let you know what happens.

I'm still looking for a good Ohio distributor. If you know one, let me know.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis

Here are some links to my novel, Murder at Whalehead:
CLICK HERE to view video trailer
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters: CLICK HEREV
isit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

The Chair III and My First Review

Before I finish my story about The Chair, I have some good news to share with you. A writer for a monthly Outer Banks publication sent me her review for my novel, Murder at Whalehead. Gee Gee Rosell's review will appear in the July issue of Island Breeze. Here's what she had to say: “Murder At Whalehead,” Joe C Ellis. Upper Ohio Valley Books, $15.95
A rip-roaring murder mystery set in Corolla (NC). Mr Ellis does a great job of setting a sense of place on the Northern Outer Banks. Featured heavily in the story are the Currituck Lighthouse, the wild ponies and the humid sandy vacation atmosphere. The plot twists and turns like the two lane roads and the story is convincing. The characters keep you guessing until the very end to find out who done it. Joe Ellis lives in Martins Ferry, Ohio. This is his second novel.


Another encouraging email I received today came from Outer Banks Press. They are interested in distributing my novel. I'll be meeting with the president of the company next week. I'll let you know what happens.

Lots of good things are falling into place right now. I feel like I'm standing on the edge of a new beginning, a window of opportunity. I want to leap through it now before it closes. Of course whenever you jump into something new, something challenging, something out of your comfort zone, Fear always makes his swaggering appearance. Fear of financial loss. Fear of failure. Fear of contacting people. Fear of criticism from others. That night when I left Bruce and Mike behind on that dirt road amidst howls, barking, and screams, my heart filled with fear.

When I saw those eyes flash in the darkness and heard the growls, fear overwhelmed me. I ran faster than I'd ever run in my life. If my track coach would have been there with his stop watch, I'm sure I would have set a new school record for the 440 yard dash. Unfortunately Mike and Bruce didn't run with me. With every stride I distanced myself from the screams and barking. After about a quarter mile I stopped, caught my breath, spun around and stared down the road into the darkness. The barking and screams had stopped.

Should I have run? Should I have stuck by my friends and fought off whatever attacked them? Will I ever see them again? Why did they sit in The Chair?

Three minutes went by. I was ready to give up hope when I heard voices and footsteps. Bruce and Mike emerged from the blackness, laughing and talking.

"Well, looky there," Bruce said. "Mr. Chicken himself. If you'd run that fast in our races, we'd win more cross country meets."

"What happened back there?" I asked.

"A pack of wild dogs attacked us," Mike said. "We had to fight them off with rocks."

"Thanks for helpin'" Bruce said.

"I thought the curse got you."

"It almost did," Mike said. "Let's get on home before something else happens."

Looking back, I'm glad I ran to The Chair that night. I'm not too proud of my cowardly sprint to safety, but fear's a funny thing. It makes you fight or flee. That experience inspired a novel that started me on my writing journey. With this new opportunity to self-publish Murder at Whalehead before me, I've decided to fight, to give it my best, to take a chance and put myself out there--financially, artistically, socially. I just hope there's not too many wild dogs waiting in the woods.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis



Here are some links to my novel, Murder at Whalehead:

CLICK HERE to view video trailer

Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)

Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)

Link to first eleven chapters: CLICK HERE

Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com/

Monday, June 11, 2007

The Chair II

It's funny how a vivid memory can inspire a novel. Looking back, I remember the three of us standing in front of the ominous monument, the moon casting its light through the waving branches above us. Splatters of moonglow danced across the ashen tombstones like small ghosts. Years later that memory became a key scene in The Healing Place: Christine Butler, the twelve-year-old preacher's daughter, and her two friends, Joshua and Billy, mounted the hill at midnight and faced The Chair. Josh and Billy chickened out, but Christine challenged the curse and sat on it. The next day she disappeared.


When Mike, Bruce, and I climbed the church's driveway and faced The Chair, I was the one who chickened out. Mike, always a little impulsive, declared he'd go first. He placed his hands on the scroll armrests, leapt, and spun in the air, his rear end landing on the seat. He threw his head back and cackled at the moon, possessed by some devilish spirit.

Mike slid off, whooped, and hollered, "Who's next?"

Bruce hated to be outdone. "Outta my way, Bozo. I ain't afraid." Lanky and blond, Bruce extended his thin arms and positioned his hands on the seat. Up he jumped, planting his butt on the stone slab. Like Mike, he tossed his head back and yelped with glee, the moon flashing off his black-rimmed glasses.

After Bruce dismounted, he and Mike stared at me. All the courage I had gathered on the journey to the graveyard drained into the inky tones of the shadows at my feet.


"Well, Joe, what're ya waitin' for?" Bruce said.

Just then the wind whipped through the dead branches above us, clicking and rattling the dry wood. A large limb broke off, fell, and landed on a nearby tombstone, splintering into a thousand pieces.


"I dunno, boys," I said. "Those branches are breaking off that tree. What if a big one would fall on me?"


They badgered me, but I wouldn't do it. They hooked their thumbs into their armpits, flapped their elbows like chickens and buck-buck-bucked. Didn't faze me. I refused to sit on The Chair. Finally they gave up, and we headed down the driveway.

On the way home, jogging along Scotch Ridge, my two friends gloried in their courage, but I noted a hint of insecurity in their voices. I wondered if I was a coward or a wise man. As we plodded along I heard rustling noises in the tangled greenery along the road.

"Stop," I said. "Did you hear that?" When we stopped, the noises stopped.

"Can't hear a thing," Bruce said.

We started again and the rustling resumed. This time Mike and Bruce heard it. "Hold up, boys," I said. "Bruce, shine your dad's flashlight into that patch of woods."

When he panned the light into the weeds and trees it seemed like a hundred eyes lit up. Then growls and barking erupted. Adrenaline charged my body, and I bolted down the dirt road.

There are sounds in life that make eternal recordings on the tracks of our memories. I will never forget the blood curdling screams of my companions as I left them in my dust.

I wrote my first novel, The Healing Place, to see if people would enjoy my writing. I self-published about 700 copies. They sold out. At Amazon.com there is one used copy for sale. The guy is asking $98. That's a high price to pay for a 6" x 9" trade paperback. Good luck selling that one. But one of the most chilling inspirations for that novel was the screams of my friends. Funny where we get our inspirations, isn't it?

I'll try to post Part III of The Chair tomorrow, hopefully. As you know, our tomorrows are never guaranteed.

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis

Here are some links to my novel, Murder at Whalehead:CLICK HERE to view video trailer
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters: CLICK HERE
Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com

Sunday, June 10, 2007

The Chair

The Chair was a legendary monument in the graveyard of the Scotch Ridge Presbyterian Church. It rose from the ground resembling a tree trunk, limbs supporting the back and arms. Intricately carved ivy vines climbed the trunk and bordered the stone-slab back. The seat was a scroll, the rolled ends becoming armrests. Barely readable, the text on the scroll declared: You will be missed because your seat will be empty. I Samuel 20:18. On the side Alvin Mitchel's name was inscribed. He died in 1878 at the age of twenty-one. On the other side an eerie placard pronounced: MEET ME IN HEAVEN.





Mike, Bruce and I, like many high school kids who visited The Chair, believed the curse--if you sit on The Chair at midnight you will die within twenty-four hours. Two years before a group of senior boys from Martins Ferry tested the curse and paid the price: On the way home their old Dodge Duster plowed into the Gaylord Overpass, killing one of them. Everyone claimed the boy who died had sat in The Chair.



We met at Bruce's house one late October night. Bruce borrowed his father's scuba diving flashlight. All three of us were good distance runners. We decided to jog the three miles to The Chair. The one-lane dirt road climbed a mile up an Appalachian hill and traversed another mile across a ridge--Scotch Ridge. No street lights guided our steps, only the full moon, splattering its beams onto the ground through the leaves of overhanging trees. We cautioned Bruce not to turn on his father's flashlight unless we absolutely needed it.



Farm fields and thick woods lined the road on each side of us. As we jogged along, Mike mentioned something that bothered me. He'd heard rumors about livestock mutilations along Scotch Ridge. I didn't like the sound of that. Wolves? No way. Not in the Ohio Valley. Aliens?
Riiiight. I tried not to think about it. Halfway there the wind picked up, scattering dead leaves across our path. The breeze chilled me, gooseflesh tingling my back, neck, and arms.



We finally arrived at the bottom of the church's driveway. It ascended about one hundred yards to the highest hill in Belmont County. At the top, under the bare branches of a dead oak tree, the silhouette of The Chair stood out against the starlit violet sky. Something inside me said to turn back, but Mike and Bruce started up the hill.



Remembering this teenage excursion inspired my first novel, The Healing Place. What happened that night remains etched permanently in my mind. You are probably wondering if I sat in The Chair that night. No, I didn't. But Bruce and Mike did. And something definitely happened on the way home. I'll tell you more in my next post.



Talk to you later,



Joe



Here are some links to my novel, Murder at Whalehead:

CLICK HERE to view video trailer

Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)

Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)

Link to first eleven chapters: CLICK HERE

Visit my website at http://www.joecellis.com

Saturday, June 9, 2007

On the Edge, Ready to Leap!

Where are you? Halfway through your first novel? Finalizing a query? Waiting to hear back from a literary agent? Numbed by a hundred rejections? Holding on to the hope that the editor to whom your agent just subbed will love your manuscript?

Where am I? I've been there. Two literary agents have represented my novels. A third is currently reading my latest work, trying to decide whether or not to represent me. I've had editors at major houses praise my writing and pass around my manuscript. But to no avail--"Excellent writing but can't find a niche for this one."

I've decided not to sit still and wait any longer. I refuse to allow my last represented novel to rust in the junkyard of books-that-almost-made-it. I'm standing on the precipice of self-publishing ready to leap.

When I was seventeen I scaled a steep hillside and stood on a crag overlooking the green-gray depths of a strip-pit pond in eastern Ohio. After several minutes of steeling my nerves, I jumped. The water was cold, deep, and dark. But it felt good to jump.

Next week I head to the Outer Banks. I'm taking 200 copies of my self-published novel, Murder at Whalehead, with me. Bookstores have ordered copies, signings have been and are being scheduled, and a review will soon appear in Island Breeze, an Outer Banks publication.

Here I go. I'm jumping. I'm in mid-air . . .

Come with me and see if I make a big splash, sink, thrash around awhile, or swim to the other side.

Here are some links to my novel:

CLICK HERE to view video trailer
Link to front cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to back cover: CLICK HERE (Click on cover to enlarge)
Link to first eleven chapters: CLICK HERE

Talk to you later,

Joe C. Ellis
Author or Murder at Whalehead
http://www.joecellis.com