July 26, 2008 by Karl.
Good afternoon, my friends,
Yes, there is good news. Bluewater Press in Florida has agreed to publish my next book, “From China with Love” - a story of how China takes over all of North America in five days without, essentially, firing a shot! It’s a tale of suspense, mystery, determination to live, and survival or death, (depending on the choices you make), with a little romance thrown in for good measure.
If you liked “Signs of Our Times”, I assure you that you’ll love this new novel.
The contract is on its way. I’ll sign and return it, and hopefully it won’t be long before you’ll be able to purchase this new book.
Let your friends know, and keep coming back to check my BLOG to get the latest news.
Hurricane Dolly delayed our packing of boxes for the troops this week, but we hope to complete another 100 or so next Thursday. We’ve received quite a few notes from Iraq, thanking us for our efforts.
Starbucks has a green folder in their store in Rockport with the names and addresses of local troops, if you’d like to “adopt” one and write to him/her. Check it out.
I’m beginning a new novel about a treasure ship wrecked near the island of Palmyra, out in the middle of the Pacific. I have 56 pages done and it’s moving along well.
The other four books I have written are final-edited and ready to be published. I hope Bluewater Press will assist me in getting them out to my readers sometime in the near future.
So, you see, there is reason to celebrate.
Drop by again soon. Until then,
Via con Dias, my friends,
Karl
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July 4, 2008 by Karl.
Good evening, my friends and Happy Fourth of July!!! God Bless America and the wonderful people who make up this great nation.
Yes, the final book of the 700 we purchased was bought today, and we had an employee from Starbucks, Brenda, draw ten tickets out of the bag to determine those who will receive a FREE copy of my next book.
The winners are:
S. Paxton, Rockport, TX
Dawn Brown, Rockport, TX
Lori Navarro, Portland, TX
Paul Sweitzer, Arlington, TX
James Am Marozzi, Elk Grove, CA
Hilda Pennington, Corpus Christi, TX
C. L. Zimmerman, Jr, Tomball, TX
Carl Howe, Ingleside, TX
Sue McGraw, Benbrook, TX
Karl Rader, Corpus Christi, TX
And, yes, it’s pure coincidence that two of the winners had the name of Carl and Karl.
We hope to hear from the publisher soon that “From China with Love” will be published in the near future. When it is, we’ll contact the above people and let them know they are winners.
Thank you all for your support. I’ll be letting you all know when my next book hits the market. Be waiting; it will be worth your while. You’re going to love this one as much as you liked “Signs of Our Times”.
The fireworks in Rockport were fantastic as always, and we thank all of those connected with the annual display. What a wonderful country we live in. Once again, God Bless America.
Until next time, Via con Dias, my friends,
Karl
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June 29, 2008 by Karl.
Good morning my friends,
Get set for one last book signing for “Signs of Our Times”, scheduled for Starbucks in Rockport on July 4th, 2008. I only have 14 books left of the 700 we originally purchased, so come in early to get your first edition.
In related news, we’ve moved over 1,000 copies so far, counting the ones the publisher sold. As soon as the last book is sold, I’ll have Carol draw for the free copies of my next book and notify the winners.
And, there is good news in that sector too: I decided to bypass the agents, as I’ve had little success there, and go directly to a publisher. I found a small press in Florida, Blue Water Press, and sent them “From China with Love”. Their initial response was positive, so now we have to wait until Monday to see what a new week brings. Wish us luck.
On the home front, we’ve now sent out over 3,500 packages to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. We also placed each of our local troops up for “adoption” at Starbucks. If you’d like to “adopt” a troop, send him messages of encouragement, or a box of “goodies” they can’t get over there, stop by and copy down an address out of the green ledger you’ll find on one of the tables at Starbucks.
We can’t say enough kind words about Starbucks and the group of good guys and gals they have working there. Every one of our packages has a pound of Starbucks coffee in it, thanks to the efforts of these nice people and the citizens who stop in and purchase a pound of pleasure for our troops. Keep up the good work, everyone.
On a personal note, our grandson, Brandon, continues the military family legacy Carol and I began, and our daughter, Carla aided, when he heads to Iraq in September. Keep him in your prayers, along with the rest of our brave men and women in the military, wherever they are stationed.
It’s getting hot here in Rockport, but not as hot as it is over in Iraq and Afghanistan. Let’s hope this New Year brings them all home, safe and sound.
Happy Fourth of July, everyone. Remember the day as one dedicated to those who gave their lives, limbs, hearing and sight, plus so much more to protect our wonderful way of life.
God bless each and every one of them.
Until next time; Via con Dias, my friends,
God Bless America!!
Karl & Carol
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June 3, 2008 by Karl.
Good evening, my friends. First of all, I apologize for not writing more blog comments, but I’ve been very, very busy trying to get the five books I have finished published, and I’m finding it is a dificult proposition.
After seeing some of the movies they have out now, I am amazed the stories they came from even got published, but who am I? Just one of a number of people who are fed up with what’s out there being called “entertainment”.
Television is unbelievable with the trashy sex shows they are touting now. Sometimes I believe there is no morality left in the world, especially the United States, where anything goes anymore.
I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of having my living room invaded by smut and filth disquised as “reality” shows. The Bachelor, A Shot At Love, The Girls Next Door, etc., are not what I’d call good TV. Maybe for the sickos in the world, but not me.
But, enough about that. I tend to get on my high horse at times because I have grandchildren, and now a great-granddaughter out there who are going to be exposed to this trash. It’s enough to make your skin crawl.
The Presidential candidates have never bothered to discuss this subject. The liberal Democrats probably don’t want to. I only hope someone, somewhere can make Congress take some action to clean up the airways.
Then maybe one of my decent books will stand a chance at being published, or even made into a movie we all can enjoy.
Keep hoping with me. I’ll continue to try.
Until then,
Via con Dias, my friends,
Karl
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May 8, 2008 by Karl.
Good morning my friends; I looked at the record of my blog entries and was amazed to see it’s been a month since I last wrote to tell you of the latest happenings in our lives.
In my last post, I mentioned a “deal”, so here it is:
Carol and I applied to play on “Deal or No Deal” for our Wounded Warriors and if we are selected, we will give all of our winnings to these wonderful men and women who have given so much of themselves and their bodies to protect the American way of life.
The process was long - a 23 page application for each of us; photos galore, and a five minute video explaining why we wanted to be on the program.
We sent it in about a month ago, and are still waiting to hear anything. We hope we are successful, but know the show must receive hundreds if not thousands of applications each month, so we’ll sit and wait.
You might say a small prayer for us, or keep your fingers crossed. I’ll let you know when we hear anything.
In the book department, I’ve sent several off to agents, and thought I might have made a connection with one, but after requesting the full manuscript and having it six weeks, he eventually declined to represent me.
I have two books at other agents, and we are keeping our spirits high as we wait to hear anything positive. These novels would make such great books, just as “Signs of Our Times” would. Wish we had an “in” with someone. I’d love to have Val Kilmer play the role of Claude.
Who would you have as Carla?
How about Joe? I thought Tom Arnold could play that part pretty well.
I’m starting another novel - a story of adventure in the old west, fabled gold mines, intrigue, romance and a nice enjoyable story. 110 pages are done, (or started). There’s always editing to do.
One of the reasons I’ve been absent from the computer was a weeklong trip to Illinois to visit with Carol’s three sisters. We met some great people there, including two nice ladies at a garage sale who donated some of their “Beanie Babies” to place in the boxes we send to the troops every month.
We’ve now dispatched more than 3,200 boxes.
I hope you’ll stop by again to see if we receive a positive response from “Deal or No Deal”… See you soon,
Until then,
Via con Dias my friends,
Karl
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April 5, 2008 by Karl.
Good morning my friends,
I apologize for not making more entries in my Blog, but some exciting things are happening that have kept me very busy.
Since I am a little superstitious, and don’t want to “jinx” any chances I have to gain success in my writing, I’m not going to go into detail. I will only say that I have another book at an agent in NYC, and we have high hopes.
On another note, Carol and I are working on a very big surprise for all of our readers and the Wounded Warrior Project. If things go as planned, we may make a wonderful “deal” on their behalf.
(That’s a small clue.)
So for now, believe me when I say I have five more books completely edited and awaiting publication. All we need now is some luck and a good agent to help us with the publishing and publicity.
Keep the faith, and keep those fingers crossed for good luck. I’ll let you know as things develop. You’ll be surprised!
Via con Dias, my friends,
Karl
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March 16, 2008 by Karl.
Good afternoon, my friends.
After attending Church to thank the good Lord for the young people we have in this land who are willilng to lay it all on the line for us, we are resting up today after a long day yesterday.
We arrived at about 8 am, and were drafted by the director, Eric, to help register the riders (173), and then he took off to do other things. I had people sticking paper in my face from all sides, but we managed to get through by 11 and then made it over to the starting line for the 25 & 40 mile bike ride.
We had 12 wounded warriors make the ride, led by the Patriot Riders on motorcycles. The Corvette club was also there to escort them, which was neat, plus a whole bunch of kids on bikes that weren’t registered, they just showed up to ride with the troops and cheer them on. The route down Ocean View drive was crowded with spectators and flag waving citizens. Quite a sight.
The ride itself was really awe inspiring. They had 29 troops start the ride from San Antonio (Several other riders came from as far away as Fort Worth and had ridden over 500 miles when they got here).
One fellow, Matt, only has his right arm - his left is gone down from about six inches from his shoulder, and both legs are off at the top of the hip - he rode the entire ride, 240 miles, and led most of the way. He has muscles in his arms and back that rival my hips! What an inspirationl! He came in after the 25 mile race with his buddy, Kevin, who has all his limbs, but a severed spine, and who rides the same way Matt does, by using his arms. Matt promptly left his prosthesis hanging onto the bike, hopped down off his and literally “wormed” his way on his stumps to Kevin’s side and shook his hand. They both got a standing ovation and a large glass of beer!
We had a great time with them all, and got our own standing ovation from everyone when we presented our $5,000 check to Eric.
That evening we got a private banquet with the troops and just the sponsors and a few Navy brass. It was really a fun time. They offered a slide show and another disc that showed the different rides these guys and gals and others have made throughout the year. There was one part where they were riding in pouring rain in NY, and one of the guys says, “We shouldn’t be riding in the rain,” and another says, “Hell, we fought in the rain, what’s the difference?” Everyone laughs and keeps on riding.
The slide show was accompanied with the song “I’ll stand by you”, and showed the guys and gals on bike rides, shooting skeet, skiing, golfing, hunting, sailing, running races and just about every sport you can mention, with their families, wives, kids, etc., cheering the on and giving them inspiration. Talk about guts - these people have it.
One troop, Luke, had his spine severed, but has all his limbs, of course his legs don’t work, so he rides like Matt and Kevin. We had to laugh; he waited until everyone else had got their food, and then proceeded to fill one plate to almost overflowing with beef and chicken; then got another plate heaped full with rice; then took another and filled it with chips, piled about a pound of pico de gallo on it and then had the gal behind the counter smoother it with another pound of salsa — then he proceeded to eat it ALL!
He also had arms like my legs.
We gathered up several T-shirts and this morning we gave six of them to the workers over at Starbucks who have aided us in our book sales. We think they’ll probably get together and have a “Wounded Warrior Ride Day” and wear them. They are also a neat bunch of people.
If you have time, go online and check out the Corpus Christi Caller Times for the last two days (March 14 & 15) and you’ll see pictures of Matt and Kevin and some of the other riders and be able to read their story.
There’s also an article about us on the local part for March 14.
All in all, it was a great, wonderful time. These guys and gals went in harms way, and you should thank them every day for that - without their service, we wouldn’t be able to do the every day things we all take for granted.
If you’d like to donate to their cause, go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org and see what you can do.
Thanks for visiting my website, blog, and reading the above.
God Bless you; God Bless these wonderful, brave American Heroes, and God Bless America!!!
Karl & Carol….. ..
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February 20, 2008 by Karl.
Good evening my friends,
(Yeah, I know - it’s a bike ride, not a bake ride…dumb mistaque.)
BUT ON TO THE NEWS:
Erid Gardner just sent me the information that my book and website and listed on the Wounded Warrior website at:
www.lonestarchallenge.org
Take the time to check this out and see the guys and gals who will make the ride to Corpus Christi on March 12-15. Then come out and support the troops on the 15th when we present them with our $5,000 check at CC NAS. Hope to see you there.
Via con Dias, my friends,
Karl
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February 14, 2008 by Karl.
Good evening, my friends.
I guess I jumped the gun a little on my last blog entry.
Now the bake ride will NOT come to Rockport, but will go to Portland, TX, where the riders will be picked up by bus and taken to Corpus Christi Naval Air Station.
On the 15th of March, they will leave the Navy Base, at 10 a.m., make a ride through Corpus Chrisi, and return to Sun Rise Beach at CC NAS at approximately 4 p.m., where Carol and I will present the $5,000 check.
There should be a lot of information forthcoming in the local newspapers and on TV, but here are two websites you can visit to get more up-to-date info:
www.lonestarchallenge.org
www.woundedwarriorproject.org
I apologize for the mistake, but hope I’ll still see many of you at the final bike ride and afterward at Sun Rise Beach.
The promoters tell me there will be signs at the entrance to CC NAS to guide you to where the finish line will be.
With my donation, they will include the name of my book and my pen name on all of the T-shirts the riders wear, and put a link from the above websites to mine.
I hope to get a lot of TV and newspaper coverage of the event, so I can put the photos on my blog or website.
Thank you all again for your support of this worthy project.
Please join us and stop by and let me shake your hand. Without you, this wouldn’t have been possible.
Until next time,
Via con Dias, my friends,
Karl
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February 12, 2008 by Karl.
Good morning, my friends.
It’s early morning here, another sleepless night as I lay awake and think of things to write, but enough of that — there is good news.
This is all tentative, and the dates may change, but the plan will remain the same. I’ll let you know when the final decision is made as to date and time.
Here’s the good news:
A group of American Heroes, our Wounded Warriors from BAMC in San Antonio will leave on March 12th, 2008 on a bike ride from the hospital to the town of Rockport.
That’s a long ride, and even with my two good legs, I doubt that I would attempt the journey, but these guys and gals will be making the trip with their new prostheses.
They will arrive on March 15th, with the finish line at the Rockport Starbucks, where they will be served frappuccinos and pastry, compliments of Starbucks.
And, I will present them with the $5,000 check I’ve waited to give to them. If I have any books left, I’ll give what I have to the troops.
We hope to line both sides of the highway from Market Street to Starbucks with proud citizens who will wave flags and shout encouragement to these wonderful men and women who gave of their lives, their honor, and their limbs to protect the way we live.
If you can join Carol and me for this wonderful occasion, we’d be proud to make your acquaintance and shake your hand.
We hope to see you there. Again, check back often for the dates and time and any other good news that comes our way.
So, it’s off to bed to try to catch a little shuteye.
God bless you.
Via con Dias, my friends,
Karl
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