I've moved this blog to a new home at http://www.christophermahoney.com
Come on by!
Kalamazoo!
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Back at It!
Well, it's been quite some time, since I've written here and even longer since I've written something substantial about my book. So, this is announcement is overdue.
The Incredible Origins of the Onyx Sun is now available on online bookstores everywhere!
This includes Apple iBooks, Amazon Kindle Store, Barnes & Noble Nook, etc.
I'm very excited by this development. It's been over ten years since I wrote the first word in this space adventure. Since then, it's been a wild ride of self-publishing, winning some awards, having Publishers Weekly and the Midwest Book write great reviews, reading it to hundreds of kids, finding an agent, talking to publishers like Scholastic, Penguin, and Disney, and finally making the decision to "strike out on my own again" and publish the Onyx Sun online.
I got tired even writing all that.
So, I'll save a rant about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing for a future blog post. For now, I just want to relax and enjoy the freedom of being in control once again of my book's future.
Since my priority is to share my book broadly and have people enjoy it, I've set the price at $0.99. Enjoy!
Kalamazoo!
The Incredible Origins of the Onyx Sun is now available on online bookstores everywhere!
This includes Apple iBooks, Amazon Kindle Store, Barnes & Noble Nook, etc.
I'm very excited by this development. It's been over ten years since I wrote the first word in this space adventure. Since then, it's been a wild ride of self-publishing, winning some awards, having Publishers Weekly and the Midwest Book write great reviews, reading it to hundreds of kids, finding an agent, talking to publishers like Scholastic, Penguin, and Disney, and finally making the decision to "strike out on my own again" and publish the Onyx Sun online.I got tired even writing all that.
So, I'll save a rant about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing for a future blog post. For now, I just want to relax and enjoy the freedom of being in control once again of my book's future.
Since my priority is to share my book broadly and have people enjoy it, I've set the price at $0.99. Enjoy!
Kalamazoo!
Thursday, October 9, 2014
The Night Sky in Context
I just read an amazing article this morning that puts in context the sheer magnitude of the universe. There are billions of billions of stars in the night sky. As the article points out, even a "dark patch" in the night sky is a window to viewing thousands of galaxies.This is one of the major reasons I wrote the Onyx Sun. There are literally infinite adventures awaiting our species out there.
One day.
Kalamazoo!
Friday, May 2, 2014
11 Years Old!
Happy Birthday Aiden!
Eleven years old today. Amazing.
It's still weird to me you share a birthday with two of my best friends.
Kalamazoo & love,
It's still weird to me you share a birthday with two of my best friends.
Kalamazoo & love,
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Happy 10th Birthday Aiden!
Happy 10th birthday my boy! Wow, can't believe it's been that long.
Still think about you daily. This is still one of my
favorite pictures of us (probably both working on our next books!)
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Happy Birthday Aiden!
Wow, nine years old today. Happy birthday buddy!
You're always on my mind.
Kalamazoo!
You're always on my mind.
Kalamazoo!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Sonoma County Book Festival
About 40 people stopped by my booth. By the end of the day, I think I had explained my book so many times I could have done it in my sleep.
The few moments where there wasn't a visitor, I spent my time talking with my boothmate, Ezra Barany, who is the most light-hearted and friendly person I've met recently. At the end of the day, we exchanged books. So I picked up a copy of The Torah Codes ("a Jewish DaVinci Code") which I look forward to reading. I also met a woman named Margaret Murray, who has written an existential story called Sundagger.net. I haven't started it yet, but I'm looking forward to reading more!
Of course, no great book festival would be complete without a visit at the end to a local brewery. So my wife Kim and I slid over Russian River Brewing Company, where a beer and pizza bites put a cap on a great day!
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
Friday, September 9, 2011
Exhibiting at the Sonoma County Book Festival!
It's been a while since I posted as I've been pretty busy traveling abroad for work and just plain working (not to mention dodging hurricanes in the Outer Banks for a friend's wedding last week and training for my third triathlon.)
So, I'm excited to finally have something new and book-related to post. I'll be attending and exhibiting at the Sonoma County Book Festival on September 24, 2011 in Santa Rosa, CA.
If you're in the area, I'll have a booth at the event and will be offering signed hardcovers of The Incredible Origins of the Onyx Sun. Come by and say hi. It's my brother's birthday that day too, which is a funny coincidence, and I'll be offering a 30% discount to mark the day.
In other book news, The Midwest Book Review gave my first book a nice review, saying it is "a fun entry into a brand new youth science fiction series, highly recommended!" although I wish they would have recognized it is more of an adventure novel set in space than true sci-fi. But that's a small point to quibble over. Thanks for the kind words MBR!
I also offered a free giveaway of my final paperback advance review copies on Goodreads.com. Although I only listed 150 books, I got over 1,100 requests! That was pretty exciting. I hope those who won them enjoy them as they are a rarefied version of my book now. I originally printed over 1,000 of them, gave about 700 away to kids, schools, and industry press and now only have about 50 left after the latest giveaway. If you were one of the winners, keep sending me your emails as feedback is key to me evolving the Onyx Sun series!
Lastly, since we're on the topic of the series, I have gotten a number of inquiries over the last few months about Book 2: The Wicked Adversaries of the Onyx Sun. Yes, I am working on it. I've got about 70 pages written so far and continue to chip away at it a few pages at a time. I did take a brief break to write a different novel - another book for younger readers but geared more firmly toward the YA crowd. Now that is done and out to agents for consideration, I am back to working on the Onyx Sun Book 2, while I promote Book 1.
Thanks again to all you who have supported me, sent letters from your children or students, or bought a book. I am much encouraged by all your positive support, words, and feedback.
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
So, I'm excited to finally have something new and book-related to post. I'll be attending and exhibiting at the Sonoma County Book Festival on September 24, 2011 in Santa Rosa, CA.
If you're in the area, I'll have a booth at the event and will be offering signed hardcovers of The Incredible Origins of the Onyx Sun. Come by and say hi. It's my brother's birthday that day too, which is a funny coincidence, and I'll be offering a 30% discount to mark the day.
In other book news, The Midwest Book Review gave my first book a nice review, saying it is "a fun entry into a brand new youth science fiction series, highly recommended!" although I wish they would have recognized it is more of an adventure novel set in space than true sci-fi. But that's a small point to quibble over. Thanks for the kind words MBR!
I also offered a free giveaway of my final paperback advance review copies on Goodreads.com. Although I only listed 150 books, I got over 1,100 requests! That was pretty exciting. I hope those who won them enjoy them as they are a rarefied version of my book now. I originally printed over 1,000 of them, gave about 700 away to kids, schools, and industry press and now only have about 50 left after the latest giveaway. If you were one of the winners, keep sending me your emails as feedback is key to me evolving the Onyx Sun series!
Lastly, since we're on the topic of the series, I have gotten a number of inquiries over the last few months about Book 2: The Wicked Adversaries of the Onyx Sun. Yes, I am working on it. I've got about 70 pages written so far and continue to chip away at it a few pages at a time. I did take a brief break to write a different novel - another book for younger readers but geared more firmly toward the YA crowd. Now that is done and out to agents for consideration, I am back to working on the Onyx Sun Book 2, while I promote Book 1.
Thanks again to all you who have supported me, sent letters from your children or students, or bought a book. I am much encouraged by all your positive support, words, and feedback.
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Midwest Book Review Covers the Onyx Sun!
Thankfully, a few months later I did a random Google search and found out they had! Here's what they had to say:
The Incredible Origins of the Onyx Sun
Christopher Mahoney
Privately Published
9780979520259, $19.95, www.onyxsun.com
Being one of the youngest astronauts ever sounds cool, until the inevitable evil buts its head into the picture. "The Incredible Origins of the Onyx Sun" follows Zack Goodspeed as he embraces his wildest dreams becoming part of a new generation of space explorers. But there may be trouble in his voyage to the moon, and it's up to Zack to act fast before his first mission turns into a disaster. "The Incredible Origins of the Onyx Sun" is a fun entry into a brand new youth science fiction series, highly recommended.
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/jun_11.htm#Fantasy/SciFi
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
Friday, May 28, 2010
Publisher's Weekly Glows About the Onyx Sun!
One of the great benefits of making it to the semifinals of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards contest is that your manuscript gets attention from some serious industry players. This is both nerve-wracking and exciting as you learn that Penguin editors and Publisher's Weekly will be reading your whole story.
So, it was with a tremendous amount of relief when I read the following from Publisher's Weekly about my book:
"This space adventure yarn has the right stuff. Zack Goodspeed’s unusual grandfather, Professor Goodspeed, is an adorable nutty genius who lives next door and whose garage has been transformed into a laboratory where he’s invented, among other things, a small black cube called the Onyx Sun, which is “a source of unlimited power.” One night, soon after he has shown Zack the Onyx Sun, the professor disappears into the woods. Zack and his neighbor, Angelina “Max” Maximillian, follow him and discover a tree that opens up to an elevator that leads to the center of the earth, where the Onyx Pioneer, an enormous spaceship invented by his grandfather and powered by the Onyx Sun, is docked in preparation for its colonization mission to the moon. Zack and Max stowaway on the ship and quickly discover that the evil Dr. Machvel plans to steal the Onyx Sun and use its power for destruction. Together with their new friend, Sanjay, they work to foil Dr. Machvel’s quest for domination. The fast-paced novel keeps the reader engaged throughout. The main characters are nicely done, the plot is exciting, and there’s a clear jumping off point for a sequel, which young sci-fi fans would surely look forward to."
Exciting to see a respected member of the writing community enjoy my book. It feels validating after four years and almost a thousand hours of work.
Now, if I could just find an agent and a publisher...
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
So, it was with a tremendous amount of relief when I read the following from Publisher's Weekly about my book:
"This space adventure yarn has the right stuff. Zack Goodspeed’s unusual grandfather, Professor Goodspeed, is an adorable nutty genius who lives next door and whose garage has been transformed into a laboratory where he’s invented, among other things, a small black cube called the Onyx Sun, which is “a source of unlimited power.” One night, soon after he has shown Zack the Onyx Sun, the professor disappears into the woods. Zack and his neighbor, Angelina “Max” Maximillian, follow him and discover a tree that opens up to an elevator that leads to the center of the earth, where the Onyx Pioneer, an enormous spaceship invented by his grandfather and powered by the Onyx Sun, is docked in preparation for its colonization mission to the moon. Zack and Max stowaway on the ship and quickly discover that the evil Dr. Machvel plans to steal the Onyx Sun and use its power for destruction. Together with their new friend, Sanjay, they work to foil Dr. Machvel’s quest for domination. The fast-paced novel keeps the reader engaged throughout. The main characters are nicely done, the plot is exciting, and there’s a clear jumping off point for a sequel, which young sci-fi fans would surely look forward to."
Exciting to see a respected member of the writing community enjoy my book. It feels validating after four years and almost a thousand hours of work.
Now, if I could just find an agent and a publisher...
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Onyx Sun Reaches Semifinals of Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards
I can announce this now that I know where I stand.After months of watching my book climb from a general submission, to making the first cut, to being a quarterfinalist, to finally reaching the semifinals, I at last know where I stand.
It is with mixed emotions I learned today that Amazon has selected the finalists for their 2010 Breakthrough Novel Awards. And although the first Onyx Sun book made it from a field of 5,000 entrants to only 50 Semifinalists, it will not be proceeding to the finals.
I'm very proud of my book, especially considering it is my first. To reach the top 1% of submissions is an achievement beyond what I expected. But I have to admit, as much as I tried not to, I was already visualizing flying to Seattle for the finals.
Ah well. My thanks goes out to Amazon for running such an amazing contest, Publisher's Weekly for their upbeat and positive review, and to the members of the community for reading and voting on my submission.
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Onyx Sun Wins a Writer's Digest Honorable Mention!
I got this news a couple of months ago, but since I am getting back into blogging, I thought I'd include it since it is exciting news...
The Incredible Origins of the Onyx Sun has won an Honorable Mention in the 17th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards!
I sent a copy of my hardcover book, complete with the final artwork and exclusive Epilogue, to Writer's Digest almost a year ago. Of the hundreds of submissions, only three books were selected in the Middle-Grade/Young Adult category for Honorable Mentions.
I couldn't be more excited!
You will see the announcement of the award in the March/April 2010 issue or you can check it out online here. I've also included a scan of the page with my book on it in this post.
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
Saturday, May 22, 2010
New Onyx Sun Web Site
What better way to commemorate my recent writing contest success, which I will announce in a day or two, than to launch a new web site too!
The new version of the onyxsun.com web site is finally live! I've wanted to update it for a while as the last version had a few distinct flaws. The new site:
Anyway, here are some screengrabs of each version from v1 on the top to the most recent on the bottom. You can also visit the new real deal online of course at www.onyxsun.com.
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
The new version of the onyxsun.com web site is finally live! I've wanted to update it for a while as the last version had a few distinct flaws. The new site:
- Loads faster
- Has the navigation more accessibly located at the top
- Takes up less screen space "before the fold" so people can see the content below the splashy graphics without having to scroll
- Has a highlight box on the right for recent announcements
- Integrates more Feedburner services so I can provide dynamic information easier, like updates from my blog!
Anyway, here are some screengrabs of each version from v1 on the top to the most recent on the bottom. You can also visit the new real deal online of course at www.onyxsun.com.
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
Thursday, May 20, 2010
I'm Back!
It's been a looooong time since I updated my blog, but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy working away on the Onyx Sun when I can. I have and because of that, there is quite a lot to update you on.
Basically, I went silent over a year ago - ironically right around the time my book was finally published - since I joined Sony PlayStation and found myself quite busy helping to get a new business unit off the ground. That didn't leave much time, even on the nights or weekends, after 60+ hour weeks to work on my book. Even when I had the time, I was exhausted and needed to recharge.
So, I held off on promoting my book, preferring instead to submit the book to a couple of contests. Those submissions didn't take too much time and were tasks I could punch out from the couch while watching SportCenter.
I'm glad I did do at least that because it earned my book and Honorable Mention in a Writer's Digest contest, praise from Publisher's Weekly, and a spot in the semifinals of Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Awards, where I was one of 50 people who advanced through a field of 5,000.
I'll cover each of these in a separate post, but for now, I just wanted to say: I'm back!
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
Basically, I went silent over a year ago - ironically right around the time my book was finally published - since I joined Sony PlayStation and found myself quite busy helping to get a new business unit off the ground. That didn't leave much time, even on the nights or weekends, after 60+ hour weeks to work on my book. Even when I had the time, I was exhausted and needed to recharge.
So, I held off on promoting my book, preferring instead to submit the book to a couple of contests. Those submissions didn't take too much time and were tasks I could punch out from the couch while watching SportCenter.
I'm glad I did do at least that because it earned my book and Honorable Mention in a Writer's Digest contest, praise from Publisher's Weekly, and a spot in the semifinals of Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Awards, where I was one of 50 people who advanced through a field of 5,000.
I'll cover each of these in a separate post, but for now, I just wanted to say: I'm back!
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Happy Birthday Aiden!
Wow, seven years old today. Happy birthday buddy! You're always in my thoughts.
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Now On Sale! Onyx Sun Book 1
Finally!
After several years of writing, editing, searching for agents, not getting agents, looking for publishers, getting rejected by publishers, deciding to self-publish, designing the artwork with Rudy, editing the manuscript, publishing advance review copies, getting a great review from the #1 reviewer on Amazon, reading in classes, having kids tell me how much they love the book, editing the book again, working with typesetters, corresponding with young fans of the book, sending the book to the printer, and then waiting...
...my book, The Incredible Origins of the Onyx Sun, is finally done and available for sale to the general public!
If you've ever been a fan, read one of the advance review copies, like helping struggling authors, or are dying to get your hands on what one reader called his "favorite book after Lord of the Rings" (true quote), please head on over to www.onyxsun.com where you can securely use PayPal to purchase a copy! You can also order it on Amazon, but people who order directly from onyxsun.com get 10% off a copy personally signed by yours truly. Plus, I only get $1 per book from Amazon, while I make a good deal more from orders direct from my site.
The final hardcover is very exciting because it has:
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
P.S. - Happy birthday Aiden! You inspired this book many years ago buddy!
After several years of writing, editing, searching for agents, not getting agents, looking for publishers, getting rejected by publishers, deciding to self-publish, designing the artwork with Rudy, editing the manuscript, publishing advance review copies, getting a great review from the #1 reviewer on Amazon, reading in classes, having kids tell me how much they love the book, editing the book again, working with typesetters, corresponding with young fans of the book, sending the book to the printer, and then waiting...
...my book, The Incredible Origins of the Onyx Sun, is finally done and available for sale to the general public!
If you've ever been a fan, read one of the advance review copies, like helping struggling authors, or are dying to get your hands on what one reader called his "favorite book after Lord of the Rings" (true quote), please head on over to www.onyxsun.com where you can securely use PayPal to purchase a copy! You can also order it on Amazon, but people who order directly from onyxsun.com get 10% off a copy personally signed by yours truly. Plus, I only get $1 per book from Amazon, while I make a good deal more from orders direct from my site.
The final hardcover is very exciting because it has:
- 36 original illustrations - one at the top of every chapter!
- Printed endpages with schematics of the Onyx Pioneer on the front and the Citadel Spire on the back
- An exclusive epilogue, not available on the Advance Review Copies
- A completely new first chapter
- A unique launch code to give readers access to an online copy of the text where they can edit the entire book and share edits with friends!
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
P.S. - Happy birthday Aiden! You inspired this book many years ago buddy!
Monday, March 2, 2009
53 New Fan Letters
On February 9th, I did my first school reading at Redding Elementary in San Francisco. It was funny going into it, because I was a little nervous. I've done dozens of speaking engagements in seven different countries for my real job, some in front of hundreds of people, but the prospect of speaking to twenty kids in my own town about my book somehow got me more jumpy. I guess when speaking to adults, I generally know what to expect, but it's been about twenty years since I've been in a classroom speaking to Fifth Graders.
After all the build-up though, the day seemed to go really well. I spoke with three classes, and each really seemed to enjoy my talk. I described what inspired me to write my book, how long it took, what skills I learned in school that helped, and finished with a reading of the Prologue. Throughout the process, I showed the students pictures of my book as it evolved from manuscript, to 2,500 edits, to advance review copy, to final book. I also showed them how the artwork in the book evolved from drafts to finished material. The students at Redding were very engaging and asked great questions.
My favorite part was at the end of the second and third classes. At the end of the second, right when I finished my reading, one of the girls in the back of the class pushed her chair back, threw her arms in the air, and exclaimed, "THAT WAS SO SWEET!" It made me laugh because her reaction was so genuine. At the end of the third class, one boy raised his hand and waved it in the air frantically until I called on him. Then he said, "Mr. Mahoney, that is the BEST book I have ever read!" Hahaha. What great kids. They kept me smiling and helped stoke the excitement I feel finally being on the "speaking circuit".
A couple of weeks later, I returned home to find a package stuffed in my mailbox from one of the classes. In it was a wire-bound book of 53 letters from the kids. This gesture was so touching and while I'd love to display all of the wonderful letters, I had to select just a few that I could fit here.
To Mr. Toy's class: thank you! You are a wonderful, insightful, and genuinely intelligent class. I appreciate your letters!
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
After all the build-up though, the day seemed to go really well. I spoke with three classes, and each really seemed to enjoy my talk. I described what inspired me to write my book, how long it took, what skills I learned in school that helped, and finished with a reading of the Prologue. Throughout the process, I showed the students pictures of my book as it evolved from manuscript, to 2,500 edits, to advance review copy, to final book. I also showed them how the artwork in the book evolved from drafts to finished material. The students at Redding were very engaging and asked great questions.
My favorite part was at the end of the second and third classes. At the end of the second, right when I finished my reading, one of the girls in the back of the class pushed her chair back, threw her arms in the air, and exclaimed, "THAT WAS SO SWEET!" It made me laugh because her reaction was so genuine. At the end of the third class, one boy raised his hand and waved it in the air frantically until I called on him. Then he said, "Mr. Mahoney, that is the BEST book I have ever read!" Hahaha. What great kids. They kept me smiling and helped stoke the excitement I feel finally being on the "speaking circuit".
A couple of weeks later, I returned home to find a package stuffed in my mailbox from one of the classes. In it was a wire-bound book of 53 letters from the kids. This gesture was so touching and while I'd love to display all of the wonderful letters, I had to select just a few that I could fit here.
To Mr. Toy's class: thank you! You are a wonderful, insightful, and genuinely intelligent class. I appreciate your letters!
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
Monday, February 2, 2009
Great Review from Amazon's #1 Reviewer!
More good news on advance reviews of my book. Harriet Klausner, the #1 Reviewer on Amazon (using the former ranking system, which has recently changed) has given The Incredible Origins of the Onyx Sun a glowing review!
An excellent middle school science fiction thriller starring an intriguing hero! The story line is action-packed and filled with twists. Zack is a terrific role model as he and his grandfather encourage children to see each day as a fun, puzzle-filled adventure. Young adults will enjoy flying to the Moon, controlling giant robots, and saving the Earth alongside Zack and his exciting friends.
It's exciting to see she enjoyed it, as well as other recent early reviewers.
On the final book publication date front: I have narrowed it down to two publishers and am negotiating between them. The company I want to go with is about $1,000 more expensive. So, I am exploring my options with the second company while trying to get the first to give me a more competitive quote. Should not be long now until I can commit to a final launch date!
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
An excellent middle school science fiction thriller starring an intriguing hero! The story line is action-packed and filled with twists. Zack is a terrific role model as he and his grandfather encourage children to see each day as a fun, puzzle-filled adventure. Young adults will enjoy flying to the Moon, controlling giant robots, and saving the Earth alongside Zack and his exciting friends.
- Harriet Klausner
It's exciting to see she enjoyed it, as well as other recent early reviewers.
On the final book publication date front: I have narrowed it down to two publishers and am negotiating between them. The company I want to go with is about $1,000 more expensive. So, I am exploring my options with the second company while trying to get the first to give me a more competitive quote. Should not be long now until I can commit to a final launch date!
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Book Launch Update
Just a quick update: I have gotten bids from three printers on how much it will cost and how long it will take to print the final version of The Incredible Origins of the Onyx Sun. I am going to review them this week, negotiate in a few points, then select a final printer.
Once that is done, I will - finally - have a firm date for my book launch! Will post more information as soon as I have it.
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
Once that is done, I will - finally - have a firm date for my book launch! Will post more information as soon as I have it.
Kalamazoo!
Christopher
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