Tuesday, March 27, 2012

PRELIMINARY CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT

Hi kids.  I am excited to announce an upcoming new contest.  I am formulating the rules and prizes and will have everything nailed down by the end of this week...so stay tuned for further developments.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

BOOK SIGNING A SMASHING SUCCESS

While there never was a line, there was always someone talking to me about the book all day long at Gifts to Go.  The time flew by and at 3:15 I checked my phone for the time and realized I had been there almost an hour past the designated ending time.  We sold and signed some books, made some new friends and in general had a great time.  Thanks to Tammy for being such a great host.  We look forward to a long and mutualy profitable relationship with this great little store.  They have some very unique items and specialize in books by local authors.  They are located in Barnaby Street Shoppes at 113th ave and Bell.  Check them out...it is worth the time to stop in and meet Tammy.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

CHRIS DARLING MARKETING 101 FOR SERPENT

See what Serpent is about

This video was put together by my son Chris...it gives the flavor of the intensity of SERPENT.  Enjoy.  Just click on the link "See what SERPENT is about above".

Sunday, March 18, 2012

GREAT WEEKEND!

A turn in the weather has made the valley of the sun feel more like Seattle.  From 85 degrees Friday to 57 degrees right now, with rain showers...it's just a fun day to watch the weather.  A great day to write...Nick's new adventure SCORPION is progessing well.  Thanks to all those who bought books last night at the St. Patty's day party.  Your support is amazing.  Looking forward to the book signing this coming weekend at Gifts to Go in Surprise, AZ.  Saturady from 11 am to 2:30 pm.  Hope to see you all there. It's located at 113th ave. and Bell in the Barnaby Street Shops on the North side of Bell.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

THE FORTRESS

Wouldn't it be great if we had a place like the fortress in the novel SERPENT?  A team of dedicated men and women capable of out hacking the best computer minds in the world, of finding the unfindable.  Capable of taking out 3 targets at 900 yards simultaniously with three shots from a ship on the ocean.  A team that can, on a moments notice assemble a strike force capable of removing almost any threat facing our great country.  Well, while I did not pattern the Fortress too closely after the actual team...SEAL Team 6 is the real life version of the kids at the Fortress.  When you read of the things they are capable of...it humbles you and makes you proud to have them protecting you.  I highly recommend reading SEAL TARGET GERONIMO by Chuck Pfarrer.  Chuch is a former member of SEAL Team 6 and tells the story of how Bin Laden's life came to an end.  He tells it with inside information from his friends still active in the 6.  One of the most informative books I have ever read...if you want to have your buttons pop from pride...this is a must read.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

A DNA STORY

Nick Washburn is the current...in a very long line of men and women who have been the one nations counted on when the going gets tough.  His ancestors were the Kings of France, they battled Muslims in the Crusades like Nick battles them in SERPENT.  Book three, as yet untitled will be about one of Nick's ancestor kings and battles he oversaw as King of France. Now the question arises, who will be the next in line?  That question will be answered in SCORPION the follow up novel to SERPENT.  Stay tuned for more about who that might be.  I am currently working on creating Nick's family tree...there are some very interesting characters there.  I can't wait for my readers to meet them all.

Monday, March 12, 2012

FEEL FREE TO COMMENT

If there is anything you want to add to any of my posts...feel free to add a comment.  I am knew to this game...so learning as I grow.  Thanks to all who come here...I hope it spurs you on to buy SERPENT, a book I am very proud of.  Without you the loyal readers I would not have a reason to continue my writing career.  The reviews have been so awesome, I am confident it won't be long before the book begins to get real notice.  Thanks again loyal readers.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

SCORPION PROGRESS


I have reached a milestone in the writing of SCORPION the new novel featuring Nick Washburn and the team from the Fortress. The storyline is complete and all that is left to do is write the last 60,000 words. Yeah I know 60,000 words...a lot. But when writing something as fun as these stories the words fly out fast. I have been encouraged by so many positive reviews of SERPENT; this spurs me on to finish SCORPION quicker. In this new tale you'll meet some fun new characters and visit with some old friends from book one. I can't wait for readers to meet Roz, an L.A. detective who plays an important role in taking down the organization that is responsible for attacks on her city. Roz is sure not to disappoint my male readers, another superwoman with looks that kill. Mica, from SERPENT has a much expanded role as he joins Nick's team and trains at the fortress. He and Angie's story develops into something very special, and of course Nick and Melinda are at it again...showing us all what true love can be like. In closing today I wanted to thank the many soldiers worldwide that keep us safe from the evil that threatens. You are what make the Washburn Chronicles possible. You inspire me daily.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

SERPENT AVAILABLE IN MANY PLACES

My novel SERPENT is available in many places.  I work with Amazon.com and their distribution network includes many other web based sales locations, like Barnes and Noble's web site.    Right now, the best price I have found (I don't set the price anywhere except Amazon.com) is on BN.com.  There it is about $15.00.  Of course for those of you with e-book readers you can download the Kindle version for $9.99.  Amazon has apps available to load the Kindle version on any device.  I will be, over the next few weeks, going out to local Valley of the Sun book stores in an effort to get a few available to buy there, and I am working on getting my novels available at Barnes and Noble stores nationwide.  If that happens...that party will be at my house and you are all invited.  If you find SERPENT available anywhere other than Amazon, this blog or Barnes and Noble...let me know...always fun to see where it is available...Thanks loyal readers.

Friday, March 9, 2012

DONT FORGET THE BOOK SIGNING IN SURPRISE MARCH 24TH

Saturday March 24th from 11 am to 2:30 pm I will be at GIFTS TO GO located in the Barnaby Street Shoppes at 11340 W. Bell Road in Surprise, AZ. This is my first book signing, join me for the fun. I look forward to meeting some of my followers.

SPRING TIME IN ARIZONA

Spring time in Arizona is the best and for some of us the worst. There is spring training baseball...the best...the weather...70's and 80's almost every day...blue skies and near perfect weather...the citrus starts blooming and if you have never driven through an area with lots of citrus blooming..you can't really know what a paradise that is.  BUT...for those of us with allergies...it means a nose and throat and often eyes that never stop itching.  A price worth paying however for all the great things Arizona offers in the Spring. 

SCORPION is progressing.  I am about half way through it and I see May as a possible release time.  I'll have to work fast, but I know many of you are anxiuosly awaiting it's release.  I know this...for those who really enjoyed Nick's adventures in SERPENT...you'll really enjoy the action invloved in SCORPION.  Nick must battle to save the American southwest from terror that comes from within and just across the border.  I hope to be taking pre release orders starting the first week in May, and by then I should have a firm release date.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

THINK POSITIVE

Today I will start a daily post of things I see that are right with my country.  America is still the greatest land in the world in which to live.  People by the millions want to come here to live.  Because we have what no other country has, what no other country has been willing to make the sacrifices to have.  Every day our military men and women risk their lives to protect all that we have.  Some may disagree with where they are and exactly what actions are being taken, but I know we all agree that what they risk and what they believe they are doing is the greatest sacrifice one can offer.  Their families know they are in harms way and deserve our thoughts and prayers.  I am honored to be able to tell stories about these men and women, even though mine are fictional tales, I know there are real men and women out there doing what I write about...keeping us safe from the evil that threatens.  God Bless our Troops and their Families.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

FOLLOWERS

I disabled the followers link for a couple months.  One day it would show the 6 we had to start with...other times no one...and I figured no one was signing up because often is said 0 and no one wants to be first...but with over 1600 hits as of this post it's time to bring it back...so I am trying it again.  Feel free to click and become a follower...you will receive updates about the new book, book signing dates, and general comments on the days events.  I will be starting a daily post next Monday where I will address whatever is lighting my fire that day.  Sometimes politics...sometimes hero stories...sometimes just what I am feeling that day.  Like today...I am feeling blessed...I have more than most...I have an incredible wife...three amazing children, one amazing son in law and three beyond amazing grandkids.  I have two pitbulls that make me laugh and smile and feel love all day long.  I have been lucky enough to be gifted with a vivid imagination and the ability to write down what moves me.  I have a lot of old friends and a ton of new ones...I look forward to getting to know all of you better and better.  Please...comment to my posts if you are so moved...it would make my day...;)

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

NICK AND THE TEAM'S NEW ADVENTURE IS NEARING COMPLETION

I am working hard at completing the next story in the Washburn Chronicles series.  In this next installment Nick and the gang go up against a man known as Scorpion.  Scorpion has conceived a plot to make it easier for him to move his drugs accross the US border into California and Arizona.  He has targeted an organization of peaceful political activists called CELCO and plans on turning them to violence.  To accomplish this he stages shootings in Los Angeles to look like members of a white supreamist group is responsible.  He wins his way into the heart of the leader of CELCO and eventually convinces her violence is the only answer to the shootings.  In DC things in California do not go un-noticed and it isn't long before Nick is called in to take care of the problem.

WINNERS

Winners of the free signed copies have been selected.  Thanks for all the entries.  I will be mailing out your signed copy this weekend.  You should receive them early or at the most late next week.  Congrats and thatnks for entering!  I am confident this book will bring you many hours of excitement and feel good moments.  I loom forward to hearing you thoughts on the book after you have read it.  Please post your reviews on Amazon.com  You will have to sign up for a free account there to post a review, but it only takes a few minutes and it means alot to me to hear what people are saying.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

KEYBOARD IS SMOKIN"

I am working fast and furious...pun intended...on completing Scorpion.  Nick's next adventure/mission.  I look forward to sharing with you the world as I see it through Nick's eyes.  I know you won't be let down, Nick is at his best in Scorpion and other characters step up to show you the real truth behind what a hero is and should be.  Some characters from Serpent are back and love is in the air for Angie and Mica.  Twists and turns, plot thickening events and good guys sticking it to the bad guys...what you have come to expect from the pen of Ron Darling.