So Sayeth The Magus

Pay the title little heed, it's mostly just a tongue in cheek joke that is only funny to me. The blog itself is primarily composed of things I share from Instagram in order to promote my eNovel "The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes".  Available on Kindle and Smashwords (and all of SW's distribution points).

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Well the profile picture is old now. Time to update it. I can never take a picture, and certainly not a selfie, that is satisfactory. Eh, whatever. To #beard or not to beard, that is the question. Wish I could get the opinion of @emmawatson. A guy can dream, right? Keeping it at least through the #winter for outdoor activities. I still hate taking #selfies https://www.instagram.com/p/B6tc8SdAkMV/?igshid=p51u7r7ofcv4

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Finally, relief from the sweltering #heat .. outside at least. Almost instant drop in temp in the wind as it picked up. It felt nice! Too bad it does no good indoors, now that it's pouring and blowing.. until possibly 9 PM, if the NWS futurecast is to be trusted. Still, good riddance #heatwave - won't miss you! Now the power outage won't be quite as miserable... Sort of. Oh yeah, my novel is still #free, The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes, #smashwordsfreebooks , #smashwordsauthor , #smashwords , #freeebook #freebook #etc #whatever https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Jx39VgDtB/?igshid=hod742clyhve

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Forgot to do this last night. Now we have no power thanks to a #derecho that rolled through MI last night. Might be Monday before it's restored. Gonna be over 90, feeling like 100 or higher. #fun in the #heat I pity anyone that actually went down to the #ioniafreefair in this #heatwave . I swear I recall hearing they shut the Midway down for awhile yesterday, because of the excessive heat. Well, if you're out of power but have a charged phone you could always pass the time reading my ebook, The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes. Still #free on #smashwords until the end of the month. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/910383 #freefair #freeebook #freebooks #freebook #freeebooks #smashwordsfreebooks #smashwordsauthor #romancenovel #romance #romantic #lovestory #hothothot https://www.instagram.com/p/B0JJMavgOyG/?igshid=1bbrvxms78ewq

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Anyone in eyeshot of this post happen to have the #kindle edition of my novel, The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes? I only just noticed that the Amazon page actually has a second review, but they said they can't even open it in various Kindle apps, and it looks messed up on iPad. So has anyone else had problems? I've asked several others that I know that have it, and none of them had any issues. But I don't have an iPad to test that, does anyone else? I need to either dispute this, or help this person. Here's the link to the Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079BWN81K https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Cfl_UAOzG/?igshid=1pgfsiogn2com

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Mentioned 80's music in the last post... In my book, The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes, the two protagonists stop at free stage as well, bit cover band isn't technically this one, despite the picture I used. It is this same #journey cover band though. They've been playing the #freefair since at least 2016. Pretty good as covers go. The band in the book covers a band that's more widely known from the early 90's. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/910383 Still free on #smashwords til the 31st. #freeebook #freebooks #freebook #freeebooks #smashwordsfreebooks #smashwordsauthor #ioniafreefair #10bestdaysofsummer #romantic #romance #romancenovel #lovestory #eightiesmusic #hairbands #coverband #whatever https://www.instagram.com/p/B0CYau5AkPV/?igshid=1g46xx4uw5lzd

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An excerpt from the novel: "So what changed? The fair, or you?" she asks. "Both. Me most of all, I think. I got a little jaded as I got older." As they round their way around the noisiest ride in the park - not because of the machine, but the music it plays - Joshua takes note of the song playing, and decides to use it. (See Photo) "Okay, take this song for example. And the ride, too. I used to love this ride as a kid. You get in the car, hopefully with a friend, and it just goes around in a circle. It speeds up and speeds up, until it slows down and spins you backwards just as fast or faster. All the while, you were usually treated to the 'best' eighties hair hands. Well, as I hit the ole teenage years, I got in to heavy metal more, and maybe got a little jaded. Or maybe I was a little jaded, and got in to heavy metal because of it. This song was, and still is, one of my favorites." /End of excerpt This is technically the same ride as pictured in my novel, "The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes", but with a different name. The picture used in the book was taken in 2016, and the ride was named Flying Bobs (as in bobsleds, I think). The reason I am posting this excerpt? The joke about the 80's bands. When my friends and I came back down the Midway Saturday night to wrangle a spouse and child, they were in line for this ride. On arrival, I joked about this very excerpt, because it actually WASN'T playing an 80's song. But then the song finished. And guess what plays next? Def Leppard! Followed by 2 more 80's songs. The more things change the more they stay the same. Hah! The song JJ is referring to in the excerpt? Well that's - y'know what? Download the damn book and read it. It's still free on #smashwords. Here is the link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/910383 #freefair #freeebook #freebooks #freebook #freeebooks #ioniafreefair #10bestdaysofsummer #romance #romantic #romancenovel #lovestory #starvingartist #smashwordsfreebooks #smashwordsauthor #whatever #eightiesmusic #hairbands #defleppard https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz_7OUbgdMv/?igshid=xhq67mvs4wgs

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An excerpt from the novel: "So what changed? The fair, or you?" she asks. "Both. Me most of all, I think. I got a little jaded as I got older." As they round their way around the noisiest ride in the park - not because of the machine, but the music it plays - Joshua takes note of the song playing, and decides to use it. (See Photo) "Okay, take this song for example. And the ride, too. I used to love this ride as a kid. You get in the car, hopefully with a friend, and it just goes around in a circle. It speeds up and speeds up, until it slows down and spins you backwards just as fast or faster. All the while, you were usually treated to the 'best' eighties hair hands. Well, as I hit the ole teenage years, I got in to heavy metal more, and maybe got a little jaded. Or maybe I was a little jaded, and got in to heavy metal because of it. This song was, and still is, one of my favorites." This is technically the same ride as pictured in my novel, "The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes", but with a different name. The picture used in the book was taken in 2016, and the ride was named Flying Bobs (as in bobsleds, I think). The reason I am posting this excerpt? The joke about the 80's bands. When my friends and I came back down the Midway Saturday night to wrangle a spouse and child, they were in line for this ride. On arrival, I joked about this very excerpt, because it actually WASN'T playing an 80's song. But then the song finished. And guess what plays next? Def Leppard! Followed by 2 more 80's songs. The more things change the more they stay the same. Hah! The song JJ is referring to in the excerpt? Well that's - y'know what? Download the damn book and read it. It's still free on #smashwords. Here is the link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/910383 #freefair #freeebook #freebooks #freebook #freeebooks #ioniafreefair #10bestdaysofsummer #romance #romantic #romancenovel #lovestory #starvingartist #smashwordsfreebooks #smashwordsauthor #whatever #eightiesmusic #hairbands #defleppard https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz_7OUbgdMv/?igshid=xaee6he48aie

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I almost forgot to do this today. Wasted so much time looking for some things on Amazon during #primeday that it slipped my mind. And then I didn't even find any deals worth bothering with. No SSD's, graphics cards, WiFi adapters, or even desks caught my eye or even had decent deals. A bit overrated so far, IMO. I'd like to think my novel, The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes, is underrated, but I have no idea one way or the other. He'll, I only just learned the night I took this photo that 3 other people have actually FINISHED the 1300 page, ~400,000 behemoth. Maybe it's a bit too long. Oh well. It's still free on #smashwords until July 31st. I'd say free is a good deal, especially for a novel that size... even if it is an #ebook ... https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/910383 Oh look, I got the link in the first post. Yay. #freefair #freeebook #freebooks #freebook #freeebooks #ioniafreefair #10bestdaysofsummer #romance #romantic #romancenovel #lovestory #starvingartist #smashwordsfreebooks #smashwordsauthor #whatever https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz9SppWgU4Z/?igshid=1a0wy4v7bvc5y

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The Ionia Free Fair started on Thursday, and I made my way down there with some friends for what has become a bit of an annual ritual. The fair is prominently featured in the early chapters of my novel, The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes. With that in mind, I am going to try and post a picture that I took last night each day until the fair is over while plugging the damn novel, which happens to be free on #smashwords until July 31st. The Kindle version is better (more photos), but I can't give that one away for free. I don't feel like saying anything else, so here's a ferris wheel. #freeebook #freebooks #freeebooks #freebook #freefair #ioniafreefair #summer #10bestdaysofsummer #romance #romantic #romancenovel #lovestory (at Ionia County, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz5yA3_AyEX/?igshid=1te8zpt2ubna

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And so the sun sets on the Smashwords.com 10th annual "Read an EBook Week" Sale. There's still maybe a half hour left, or more. Not sure if it ends and midnight EST or PST, or how DST figures in. Regardless, it's the last chance to pick up my eNovel The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes for FREE. It will revert to being 2$ US soon. Frankly, I'm kinda glad it's over. I need a break from trying to find even mildly clever ways to plug it. Never been a fan of social media to begin with. I don't know how "influencers" can constantly post shit without a losing a little bit of their soul each time. Would really be nice if people were willing to actually help a struggling indie author our and actually PAY for it. I don't have any other source of income at the moment, and it's not like I get a huge royalty from either this or the Kindle edition. In fact I get less for that one, despite it being my preferred version. It was my original uncompromised artistic vision. The smashwords edition had to have nearly all the photos cut and replaced with external links. So if that annoys you... Well, I'll just have to PAY for Kindle edition. Still, thank you to those that have downloaded it, and I hope you find something on it to enjoy, or find intriguing, or thought provoking, or whatever. The only thing I ask is that people FINISH IT before reviewing it, for good or for ill. It may only be a masterwork in mediocrity, but I still don't want it judged solely by a few chapters. Thanks again. - JMZ. #freeebook #freeebooks #freebook #freebooks #smashwords #kindle #romance #romantic #romancenovel #lovestory #virgin #virginity #genderequality #strugglingartist #starvingartist #indieauthor https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu0JYldg8wF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=89ethafmu3b1

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Well, today is the last day of the Smashwords sale, and I'm running out of ways to promote it that I have not already used. So, this time I'm going to post some photos of a thing only those that have either read the novel have seen, or those that have been in my home. What is the purpose of this Lego behemoth? It was something I had hemmed and hawed over during the writing, and ultimately decided to put off until the very end. The toys themselves come up in a conversation between JJ and Alma in regards to him basically "binning" his whole childhood via EBay. He mentions his Legos being the only childhood toys that retain any real sentimental value. This remains true for the book's author as well. It was the last thing I did, aside from the title illustration in an earlier post, and I spent the entire month of April 2017 finishing it. Why? For the sake of about 10-15 total pages of total dialogue and an intentionally ham-fisted metaphor. I will not explain the metaphor. If you are really curious, test your own level of patience and restraint and read the book, as this doesn't come in until nearly the end of the story. The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes, FREE until midnight tonight (I assume) at smashwords.com. After tonight, it will revert to its original list price of a whole $2 US. #freeebook #freeebooks #freebook #freebook #smashwords ##romance #romantic #romancenovel #lovestory #virgin #virginity #genderequality #starvingartist #strugglingartist #lego (A warning for this last hashtag, the novel is not for kids.) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuzRoxIAtaQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ka3d2l8oskms

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So... Regarding those other two hashtags. I mentioned before that there is one specific core theme that my novel, The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes, deals with. That is the topic of virginity - specifically in men, and at a later age. It revolves around the reasons for it, the stigmas attached, the cliches that orbit it, and the damage all of that can do to an individual, and how difficult it can be to keep hope alive without a helping hand, or "divine intervention" of some sort. Well, at least with the male protagonist, at least. I don't presume to speak for everyone. As I've mentioned in past posts, the book uses my own life experiences and inexperience as backdrop and background. I'd like to believe that I have a somewhat pertinent, if not unique, point of view on the subject. It's probably an easy guess as to what caused Alma's reaction in that illustration. Hah! The novel remains FREE for roughly 24 more hours. Download it at Smashwords.com and help a struggling author build an audience. #freeebook #freeebooks #freebook #freebooks #smashwords #romance #romantic #romancenovel #lovestory #virgin #virginity #genderequality #starvingartist #strugglingartist https://www.instagram.com/p/BuxqZFegjk_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=6rg7ezzf00mh

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I was going to continue my series of book posts with further exposition on a few of the hashtags I've been using. But then Alma gave me this look and reminded me that today is #internationalwomensday Okay, I was actually reminded of it by several posts from a woman that has been a direct source of inspiration. I won't outright name her, but it wouldn't take much research to figure it out. I discuss the why's and wherefores behind the inspiration in the forward of my novel. It links back to my previous post and its mention of the gender equality hashtag. She was the one to really brought my attention to it, and made me feel like I could actually contribute something to the conversation (to use a cliche). It wasn't just that she was outspoken about equality and fairness, and empowerment of women and girls around the world, but also that she reminded us that men need to also be freed from obsolete gender roles and societal obligations, or expectations. Those may not have been her exact words, but it's what I took from it, and how I feel. It is one of the central themes of the story. There is one very specific idea that is at the core, and relates to the pair of unmentioned hashtags. But, I'll get to that later. So, I hope it was a good #iwd2019 for all, and especially to the that one who has become dear to me from afar. In fact, the other four illustrations all have her in common as a body template. She was the initial inspiration for Alma early on, until the character became more akin to myself in mood and attitude. Anyway, for a better understanding of what all of this is about, check out my eBook on Smashwords.com. It's FREE until tomorrow night (I think). #sheinspiresme #heforshe #freeebook #freeebooks #freebook #freebooks #smashwords #romance #romantic #romancenovel #lovestory #genderequality #virgin #virginity https://www.instagram.com/p/BuxIf9DgPCp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=fhq3ria1tcrv

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In keeping with some of my comparative posts from earlier this week, here's some more examples of Michigan's fairly predictable weather. While not quite as thawed as it was on this day three years ago, it's a start. The first four photos are of today - March 8, 2019. The latter four are photos that were taken on March 8, 2016 for my novel, The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes, available for free till tomorrow (9th) at Smashwords.com. I'll admit, there are times in the book when it may come off as a bit of a travel guide. Not entirely intentional, but not exactly coincidence either. Part of that has to do with having read Vanity Fair (the novel) during or just before writing it. It is also something that I reference directly in the first couple chapters. It plays a part in the gender equality themes of the story. If anyone was wondering why I use that hashtag, that's why. #freeebook #freeebooks #freebook #freebooks #smashwords #romance #romantic #romancenovel #lovestory #genderequality #virgin #virginity #winterwonderland #winter #michiganwinter #spring #spring2019 #michiganspring https://www.instagram.com/p/Buwk_cDAbO9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1k4kq0w4pb8c2

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While Tolkien is my primary literary influence, his books were not what initially exposed me to the fantasy genre. If I recall correctly from my childhood, it was actually video games from the mid-1980's that did that. Or maybe it was the old animated version of The Hobbit, I don't remember the timeline. Regardless, video games - particularly Final Fantasy - had a tremendous impact on my young life. My adult life was more impacted by World of Warcraft. It was my first online game (I even suffered playing it at release over dial-up!), so it exposed me to a number of people I would otherwise never met. A few are friends to this day, and one in particular was very helpful with input in the early stages of writing my novel. I've continued to play the game on and off (currently off) for the last 15 years or so. The part it plays in the novel is that of a bridge over the long distances when the protagonists are apart. They shorten the gap in a way, by spending time together online when they can. The illustrations are part of a dream sequence that takes place in the game's world of Azeroth. Our lovers souls or minds meet within the dream thanks to a very "meta" intervention. What prompts that to begin with? Gotta download the novel and read it, of course! Still FREE on Smashwords.com until the 9th. #freeebook #freebooks #freebook #freeebooks #smashwords #romance #romantic #romancenovel #lovestory #genderequality #virgin #virginity #wow #worldofwarcraft #azeroth #dream #dreams #pipedream https://www.instagram.com/p/BuvEwAFg-Z-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15sppj77szucv

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So about that little glint of gold... That precious little thing that ruled the fate of many. Of course it's the One Ring, the Ruling Ring, forged in the fires of whatever company made the replica I actually own. Why is it even present? Shortest answer - read the book. A simple but less spoiling answer: Tolkien is, of course, my favorite author, and biggest literary influence. I quote and reference his work many times within story, and especially within the dialogue between JJ and Alma. Yet a person is influenced by many things within popular culture throughout his life. Tolkien was, and still is, probably the biggest. There have been many others, hence the other two illustrations. The hat? An icon of someone that is, pound for pound, my favorite entertainer: The Undertaker. Why? Read it and find the explanation. The third? A specific reference that has little context without the story. But the elf in the picture may look familiar to some fantasy gaming enthusiasts that are versed in the Craft of War. Hah. All these will make much more sense if you would but download my novel, The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes, FREE on Smashwords.com until the 9th. #freebooks #freeebook #freebook #freeebooks #smashwords #romance #romantic #romancenovel #lovestory #genderequality #virgin #virginity #onering #oneringtorulethemall #undertaker #wow #worldofwarcraft https://www.instagram.com/p/BuusA4pAgiD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1j49htko6dim0

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Well, with March Madness just a couple weeks away, I felt it was prudent to lead off today's book plug with this little illustration aptly named "Go Blue". Since I wrote the novel sometimes in real time as things were happening around me, and sometimes in hindsight months later, there come a few a scenes that feel almost prophetic. This was one of them, involving the U of M basketball team's run in the 2016 tournament. There are other scenes involving the primaries, but those didn't have any pictures. So who is the blonde super fan, smiling brightly and making a "V for Victory" sign next to a lounging, eye-rolling, Alma? And what is that glint of gold resting gently on Alma's chest...? One way to find out: download my novel, The Trumpeting of Sandhill Cranes, at Smashwords.com while it's still free! The sale ends March 9th. #freeebook #freebooks #freeebooks #freebook #smashwords #romance #romantic #romancenovel #lovestory #genderequality #virgin #virginity #marchmadness #oneringtorulethemall #onering #goblue (Oh, and good luck to both Michigan teams, though I do favor blue to green.) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuuKSPngFva/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ov7p6or3uae2