Human Detritus

Here’s Why I Won’t Be Doing Anymore Free Book Promotions on Amazon

November 4, 2014November 23, 2020 by Rasmenia Comment Closed

A few years ago, after I published Human Detritus, I began to notice how many authors were giving away Kindle versions of their books for free on Amazon. It seemed crazy to me at the time, because writing a book is a lot of work. It's also a hell of a lot of time, sweat, ink and puking up your soul into a word processor. Self-publishing is even more work, because self-publishing means wearing more than one hat, which is a lot more weight on your skull and shoulders.It seemed insane to me to just give all of that away for free. However, it seemed like it was at least worth looking into. So, I did.What I learned was that a free promotion through Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing could increase sales in the long run. Better yet, it could greatly increase the audience. Okay, so I'd have to remove my book from all other electronic markets to give Amazon exclusive...

And The Winners Are…

June 20, 2013November 23, 2020 by Rasmenia Comment Closed

Just pretend that I read the title of this post in a big, booming voice, complete with the melodramatic flourish of a sparkly Academy Award presenter.Last week, I asked those among you who were willing to share your travel stories; the pain, jackassery and frustration that erupted when a pleasant vacation is what you had in mind. Quite often the trip we've planned has nothing to do with the adventure we actually experience.That's what I wanted and some of you delivered. Now it's my turn to deliver.Here's what I promised you last week:- I’ll give the best story signed copies of both of my books, Human Detritus and Broken Abroad.- Second place, I’ll give you a signed copy of Broken Abroad.- Third, a signed copy of Human Detritus.I've read these little stories over & over again. From Morocco to Barcelona to Oklahoma to Greece to Scotland. I laughed about police interrogations, mistaken identity & camping trips gone awry. I also...

I’ll Give You Free Books if You Give Me a Little Story

June 13, 2013November 23, 2020 by Rasmenia Comment Closed

Some of the most memorable trips we take are the ones that go horribly wrong. We plan on an exciting adventure, or a relaxing getaway, only to end up injured, sick, lost, or in the midst of an absurd comedy of errors.Maybe we get an adventure we never expected and are forever changed.I've told you some of my travel stories, Internet. Some happy and absurd, others much more angry and frustrated. I've just released another book, Broken Abroad, which is all about change, travel, comedy and anguish.I'm sure you've got plenty of your own travel stories filled with pain, jackassery and odd things. So, why not share them and receive a small reward?- In the comments below, give a brief story (no more than 200 words) about your travels gone wrong. The most awkward, hilarious, painful and frustrating stuff. You might get a free book for it.- I'll give the best story signed copies of both of my books, Human...

The Detritus of 2010

December 31, 2010November 30, 2020 by Rasmenia Comment Closed

"For last year's words belong to last year's language And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." - T.S. Eliot ◊ The year of 2010 just didn't go according to plan. Then again, looking back, I can't recall a single year of my life yet that has. That'd just be spooky and weird if nothing unexpected happened. Not to mention boring, eh? For the two residents of the Rasmenian Nation, the year of 2010 began with chaos, anger and the frustration of international and cross country travel in the dead of winter. Indeed, our last days of 2009 and first few days of 2010 were spent engaged in family squabbles, re-routed Greyhound buses and bumming around airports. Oh... and I was fucking sick, choking on and snorting my own phlegm, which is just as sexy as it sounds. But, we summoned every bit of patience we had and made our way There & Back Again. So, we eventually made our...