Today’s forecast: Cloudy with a chance of douchebag!
A very good chance.
It’s snowed last night in my little corner of Canada, in case you’re wondering why I decided to launch a foray into meteorology. The overcast conditions I awoke to reflect my current mood and energy level; I’ve spent the last few days “perfecting” my literary masterpiece while trying to find time to schlep bags and be the best damn dad and husband I can be!
I’ve been a bellman for almost two decades so I can deliver luggage in my sleep (I do at times!), but the family thing is a tough nut to crack!
I have to give my loved ones credit for putting up with my mood swings and occasional – okay, maybe not so “occasional” – tantrums; they fight back when necessary and they let me rant when I really need to.
To all you single guys out there, listen up: it may be cool to hop from bed to bed with all the frequency of a cheap ham radio but trust me, you have no idea what you’re missing. Until you’ve basked in the warmth of a loving family you’ll never realize how cold you really were. This concludes my sermon on the joys of family. Come back next Sunday for an hour entitled, “The Modern-day Douchebag: Satan’s Little Helper!”
All right, this post has gone completely off the rails….
What was I trying to say this time around? Oh yeah, this was supposed to a book update! Here we go…
- We have a title! The Bellman Chronicles will soon be gracing Amazon and hopefully other online outlets soon.
- We have decided to reveal VampireLover’s true name! Read this book and you’ll know the true name of my loving wife. If that’s not a great hook, I don’t know what is!
- The book – and my online column for Bullet News Niagara – have left me little time to manage my own blogs so I’ll be stepping back. Don’t worry, they’ll be updates and bulletins here and there to keep the lines of communication open with all of my WordPress buddies, old and new!
- I’ll still be covering the upcoming Niagara Falls Comic-Con, so you have tales of comic book fans gone wild to look forward to!
SPEAKING OF WHICH…
June 9. 2012 10 A.M â 7 P.M.
Scotiabank Convention Centre
Niagara Falls. Ontario. Canada
For full details, click here, fan boys and girls!
Related articles
- What’s Going On With The Hook? (youvebeenhooked.wordpress.com)
- Surviving Comic-Con: A How-To Guide. (youvebeenhooked.wordpress.com)
You've Been Hooked! 
Congratulations on the book! I’m in the midst of editing my own and looking for a literary agent. Wish me luck. I enjoy your posts so much, both Hook and the Book of Terrible. You have a special gift for writing. I’m glad you’re going to be sharing it with more people. It should not be snowing in your corner of Canada. Have you not hear that it is Spring? Our Texas bluebonnets are a bumper crop this year due to our wet winter and we seem to be out of our drought. Yay! We went right past Spring and into summer–highs in the high 80s now. Well, I guess that it Spring. Summer is 90s and 100s.
I wish you luck as well; finding an agent can be hard or it can be simple, it seems to vary from writer to writer. I can tell you this: the whole publishing process is sloooow! Publishers and agents take their sweet time replying to you – if they reply at all, that is! That’s why so many people self-publish, I think! But self-publishing can be expensive and slow as well!
You’ll have to map out a path to success that works for you – and only you!
Late to say, enjoyed the sermon and am planning on getting a few copies of the Chronicles. I know a few folks who love a laugh…
Let ’em know… please!
Congrats on the book, and all that comes forward for you and your fam.
I appreciate all the support. Thanks!
What a lovely post to wake up to! Accolades for your wife and a book deal! Couldn’t happen to a better guy (and wife and son)! Congratulations from out west here in Canada, where the snow has finally melted and the sun is just rising!
I hate snow! But I love my blogging allies! Thanks for the contact!
You are at such an amazingly exciting place! Good luck with the book and the column…I will watch eagerly for any updates đ đ
I appreciate the patience! Seriously…
Worth waiting for! đ
Bask away my friend, bask away! Family life is a wonderful thing when everyone is pulling together, so glad things are going well for you, couldn’t happen to a better guy. All my best to you, VampireLover and S.
Thanks, Sherrie! You were the light in my darkness; directing me to Createspace and helping me to realize my dreams. I can never repay your kindness, dear lady.
It is my delight to help! I hope you find as much joy in using CreatSpace as I have. Have you held a proof copy yet? For me it is one of the Great experiences of life!!!!
Not yet.. I’m still waiting to hear from a sales associate! All in good time…
Congrat’s on the book, but two questions (very important ones here…):
1. Which column is yours in the paper? I went there, but not sure where to start. Figuring you go by “The Hook”, though… and,
2. You WILL post when your book is available, correct? Because I most definitely will order one.
Thanks! And congratulations on having such a wonderful loving family, and that you realize what you have.
1. My column will be posted on the Bullet soon – I hope! They’re still working on a logo in lieu of my picture.
2. I definitely will let you know when my book is finally ready. Believe me, I need you to buy a copy!
Awesomeness… and you’ll let all us faithful followers know when the paper posts your column, right?
You guys are blowing up Hook :).
I hope I don’t hurt anyone!
Way to go Hook!
Are you self-publishing? Have you considered having your book professionally edited? I am going to have mine edited even if I try to have it traditionally published. I actually got “yelled” at in a comment section for considering the idea of not having my book edited before sending it out. The writer was an author of several books and an editor for the New York Times…He said to at least have the first 75 pages, the query letter and synopsis edited. I will have the whole book edited before I e-book it.. I have several friends who did it themselves and regret it.
Good luck to you! You are on your way to the top Hook!
I’ve had my book edited once and I may do so again if I can afford it!
Thank you for all the support and advice, Susie!
Excellent! I can’t wait until I am at that point in the process. I will be able to start on another!
Congrats and good luck!!
And to you as well! The good luck, I mean!
You and I are at the same “place” sorta – although I’m a divorced mother of two. I am also working on my first three poetry books (for Createspace/Amazon publication – I’m in the process of finding folks to edit copy), trying to be a great mom and massage therapist (I can give a great massage in my sleep although I try to pray and think good thoughts while my hands are on someone’s neck), and meanwhile, not let the Muse die who has gotten me here. I send you luck and Love, Bellman of the Century!
Creatspace rocks! Good luck to you my fellow author!
Can you please replace our local weather gal? PLEASE?
Do you really want to see me on TV? Really?
Ich mĂśchte dir auch herzlich Gratulieren das du es geschafft hast mit dem Buch.Ich habe es leider nicht es war zu teuer.Und so teile ich meine Gedichte jetzt mit der ganzen Welt.WĂźnsche dir ein schĂśnes weekend Gruss Gislinde. http://zitroneblog.wordpress.com
Well I for one am glad you share your work with the world, my friend! Keep it up!
Looking forward to checking out your book.
I’m looking forward to that as well!
Congrats on the book! I will definitely be looking for it when I have a few extra dollars to spend!!! How soon will it be out!?
Not soon enough for me!
Seriously though, I’m not sure just when my masterpeice will be ready. I’ve just started the self-publishing process and it’s a sloooow one! I’ll keep you apprised as things lurch forward…..
I will make sure I am paying attention to your posts as you tell us all more about your progress!!! I’m so excited for you!!!
Me too! Although, I have a long way to go!
Congrats! Can’t wait to check it out!
and what was WITH the snow eh?
I have no idea….
Good Luck, Hook.
I’m loving the words to all the single guys. They really don’t know.
Single guys think marriage is like a prison sentence when it’s actually more freeing and fulfilling than any experience you’ll ever have.
I’m going to tell my boyfriend what you said about having a family. It was really sweet đ
Sweet? You’re going to ruin my rep, young lady!
“The Bellman Chronicles” – sounds like a movie with a TV series to follow…. đ
Now; who could play the lead…? đ
That’s a tough one…
Any other readers have any ideas?
Bellman Chronicles – (has a great ring to it!) All the best with both of your new ventures (book and column) Don’t be a stranger…..(you know there’s that invisible thread tied around your ankle to this blog, right?). Hasta later, alligator. ( and Susie does have a point about self editing – your brain glazes over stuff…..retired English teachers contract out…or check university PhD offices for those who edit student’s thesis / research)
Thanks for the tips!
All the best with the publishing, Hook! May I suggest âThe Bellman Tantrumsâ for volume II?
Not bad at all…
I love the title! Can’t wait to buy it.
I’m revealing the name of my husband in my manuscript too. It became too tiresome to keep saying “my husband”…
I hear you, Leanne!
I loved your shout out to the family. Will this book be available as a audio book? Just kidding, I prefer to read.
Me too!
Congrats Hook. It’s gonna be a bestseller just through all your fans reading. I can’t wait to see it. And I wish it would snow here đŚ
You can have our snow, Jennifer – ALL of it!
where we are there is very little snow in winter – definately not the llike the quantities you have. Mainland Aus has better, but we’re too far away for that. I love snow!
And I hate it! Thanks for the visit, Jennifer.
I’m so thrilled you’re out and about, and being current – I though you were going under for some months, so i haven’t visited.
OMG, you’re still at it!!
Love your tune, Hook, always will….. đ
So, you’re looking to cast? !
Not quite….
Congratulations! You know I’m going to buy your book! đ
You know what? I’m going let you buy it!
What is ‘schlep’ bags? Sorry if it’s an obvious thing… I’m just curious.
Love your word out to the single guys. đ Bellman Chronicles is PERFECT! Good luck! Good luck!
Schlep is a Jewish term that means to carry. I’m just showing my age when I use it… sorry.
Congratulations on your book Hook; be sure to let us know when it is out. I love reading your rants…I mean accounts..LOL
And I love having you read my rants… and I mean rants!
LOL!
Congrats on your book… and nice title. đ
Thanks! The title is a big hit so far!
Love the title!
Great shout out for family – you’re so right about that!
Good luck!
I get it right sometimes, don’t I?
Yes, you do! ; )
I love it how you get into the whole family thing. Really, there’s nothing better. What else can you say!
Family rocks, pure and simple!
So now we won’t forget the little people now will we Hook ??? Remember that tough childhood I told you about…hehe
You’ll always be in my thoughts…
Don’t you worry, Jo!
Wow sounds great about your book, well done!
I have miles to go, but thanks!
Congrats! Sounds like a great book; I can’t wait to read it!
Soon, Micheal… hopefully!
Congrats on the book!
I’m sure you’re winning at the husband-and-father gig too đ
I stumble here and there, but I do all right!
Great news on the book, Hook, and congratulations! We’ll be among your first customers. đ We’ll miss seeing you around the blogosphere though!
I’ll be around from time to time!
Congrats on the upcoming book, Mr. Hook. And cheers to future escapades!
Consider that sentiment hurled right back at you, MJ!
Wishing you best of luck on your book, Hook. No, I don’t. I can actually SEE your book in your hands and you’re grinning. (I like your family spiel. So cool.)
Cool? You think I’m cool?
That’s a first! Thanks!
Congratulations on the book! I’m sure it’s going to be hysterical. Please let us know when it will be out. I want to buy a signed copy!
And I want to sell you one! I’ll let you know…
Great title … Congrats!
Thanks! I usually have difficulties with titles, so its nice to see I’ve struck gold!
I’d rather prefer the weather to be cloudy with a chance of luck or something like that ^^
I like your forecast too!
“Cloudy with a chance of douchebag!” Ahhhhhhhhh you cracked me up with that line. Will it be in your book? I guess I’ll have to wait and see. đ
Yeah … your family seems rocks! … you know seeing how you have the “occasional” tantrum đ
it didn’t make the book, but that may not be a bad thing. I’ve been concerned about using material from both my blogs in the book, but I figured a large portion if my readers will be new and I’ve used material from a way back, so hopefully you’ll still be entertained!
There are new “Hook-style” rants in there too!
Exciting news on the book front! Almost enough to cancel out the doucheness of the day?
Almost….
Glad you are keeping warm with your family! Must be pretty cold if itâs snowing! And I really like your title, The Bellman Chronicles! And I look forward to hearing about your experience at Comic Con in June. Sounds like youâve got a lot going on for you right now Hook!
My head is spinning, Brittany!
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darn it ! I’m late for the party again. Whatever.
Oh, I like your advce, re the single ones ! ! GREAT ! ! ! ! I love you for that ! ! Don’t ever , ever change. Be a loving husband and father. Always.
Here’s to you…… CHEERS ! !
I’ll do my best to remain perfectly imperfect!
Thanks for joining the party; better late than never!
Woah, congrats Hook! I believe you’re a born writer, your posts are always amusing so the book will be too! Good luck with your busy life ;).
Thanks, my friend; I definitely need the luck these days! All of the administrative details of the book publishing biz are driving me nuts!
great news hook warm wishes for good luck coming your way a great family man is hard to come by happy easter xjen
And a Happy Easter to you as well, young lady!
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I have nominated you for a blogging award: check out the details at http://truthletsandthoughtbits.wordpress.com/2012/04/08/awards/
Thanks! You rock!
Wow congratulations on your book! I know it will be a success, you have a terrific writing voice!
I sure hope your fortune telling skills are as cool as your artistic abilities!
i am SO thrilled for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!! đ
Me too! I hope our excitement and positive energy pays off!
Oh it will Hook. It will. đ
I trust you….
Professional editing? Maybe you don’t need it. My wife and I wrote our own bilingual wedding invitations and twice the people we invited showed up!
Can’t argue with success….
First: Love reading your mushy side comments in the beginning. I certainly agree.
Congrats on the book. I can’t wait to read it since I know it will be amazing.
I sure hope you’re right, young lady!
Don’t I seem like I’m always right. At least, that’s what I tell my husband.
I believe you!
Ah… the life of a talented man. So much to say and so much to do… I love it! lol! You’re approach to courting [more] success ROCKS! God speed HOOK. Don’t forget to let us know when it’s AMAZON available. VAMPIRE LOVER must be very proud of you. As your literal sister — I sure am.
TO THE BEST SELLERS LIST you go young man!
Hook the world in paperback and hardcover form.
Yeah!!!!!!
I hope your good wishes translate to sales!