Things that cannot be changed.

As I look back on the creation of Behind the Signs and realize how much work was actually involved, I often wonder, Is this book really worth reading or are people just being nice? I hear the same thing over and over, "I started reading it and couldn't put it down." My grandmother read it in one weekend, and she rarely even reads. I sent a copy to a lady who just happens to work at a hospital that I have frequented so many times, and she read it in one day! A gentleman at church said he located a copy of the book that someone had misplaced in the church, picked it up, and not being the reading type, he couldn't put it down either! "Where is this going," you ask? Well, I was advised by many authors, one of which I have utmost respect for, to not...absolutely not...read my own book until I am so old that I have nothing better to do. I was told that the book is done, it's published, mistakes are in there, but most readers won't even notice them. That's really hard to do. I guess I will continue what I'm doing, blogging about stuff and continuing with my other books.

That's enough for now.
Kirk Toncray
Website HERE

What Christmas Means

With the big Christmas celebration over and done with, everyone knows that the season means different things to different people. Without going too deeply into the true meaning of the holiday, I'll touch on an important issue that rings my bell each Christmas season. I'm talking about all the victims out there who are living without a home. As we sit in our nice, warm, cozy house, laughing and carrying on with such joy, you can bet your last doughnut that there is a victim not more than a five minute drive away that doesn't have that opportunity. To the victims out there, it's the same old grind of finding some sort of comfort, many times from a bottle, purchased from money saved back from flying a sign. Not wanting to do the unspeakable thing in that victim's previous days, it is often the only way to get through the terrible misfortune of suffering through another holiday, which is filled with the same misery that is faced every day. It's no different to the victims, it's just another day. As I look back on dark, miserable, lonely days I spent on the streets, I often wonder what I could do to change this. If you have any suggestions, real ones, please post them for others to see. If I witness anyone posting things like, Get a job, or Clean up their act, I will find a way to contact you and you'd better expect a not-so-nice response from me.

Until later,
Kirk Toncray
www.KirkToncray.com

Electronic Formats Galore

Times have most certainly changed in the methods we use to read our books. It was only about five years ago when Amazon introduced the Kindle at a whopping $299 now for a very reasonable $69. This, of course, is the basic model but it's the model I have and I'm happy with it. When I bought the ereader, it was originally intended to view the electronic version of Behind the Signs, and I'm glad I did. The formatting was terrible and I had to tangle with the publisher and Amazon to rectify the situation. I'm happy to say that it was fixed right away with very little hassle on my part. I then ventured out to other ereaders to investigate them and how my book looked on their individual formats. I am impressed. The latest is the Sony version which is not only available on the Sony Reader but in formats for PC and Mac as well. I downloaded the PC version, (I run Windows), and I am impressed. How enjoyable! It's so much better than reading the book in Microsoft Word or the basic PDF format that it's almost ridiculous. The print is awesome, the pages look like a book, not a legal document and the price...$3.79. The download software is of course, free and only takes about five minutes to set everything up with an account with one-click purchase capabilities, if that floats your boat. Pretty nifty, and my book is always mine, even if the good old HP takes a hike. Leave a comment if you find ereaders useful or think they are just a fad.

Oh, here's the link for the Sony version of Behind the Signs: CLICK HERE
Until later,
Kirk Toncray
Click HERE for my website.

The 'P' in POD isn't 'Perfect'

There are drawbacks to print on demand (POD) publishing. One of which I wasn't even aware of until last week. It seems that other larger retailers, who shall remain nameless, can go ahead and print copies of a title with a printer of their choice. This I did-not-know. They, of course, cannot do this without permission from the original publisher, due to copyright law. This issue doesn't necessarily mean that POD is a bad thing, especially compared to the warehouse and handling costs involved in storing books that are mass printed. It does make more sense economically and I do believe that POD is one of the reasons traditional publishers are facing so many challenges. The more they must compete with smaller publishers, the more books they need to sell, just to break even. This is a definite concern for them as POD gains traction, due to many new authors producing very good reading material at an overhead cost that is much, much lower.

Until next time,
Kirk Toncray
http://KirkToncray.com

The Book Signing

The first Behind the Signs event took place today and it was quite enjoyable. A few of my friends came by and that was nice. It was also very satisfying to find out that people already know about the book. I really feel fortunate to have been able to write the story. Things just seem to fall in place sometimes. I guess ours is not to ask why, just do it. I really believe that by keeping with the marketing plan I have in place, and keeping my mind open to other person's ideas, this book could hit the right people at the right time and spark a trend to help the homeless all over the nation. I may be pipe dreaming but how else can a person get the point across to the people who are calling the shots? That's a major reason I told the story just like it happened. Even the editor told me, "Do not remove the parts about the drinking, the fighting, and other events that could otherwise make the story more likable to someone who walks the earth with blinders around their eyes." I couldn't agree more with that editor. The whole point is to show people exactly how it really was, not make it sound like a walk in the park. Sure, we had our fun times but we had to, just to keep our sanity. Boy am I windy tonight. I better head for the hay.

Until next time,
Kirk Toncray

One More Day of Preparation

It's getting right down to the wire, my first event held for Behind the Signs. I'm not really nervous, I just wish things would go right for a switch. You know what I mean, when something is really important and then good ole Murphy's Law kicks in when the timing couldn't be worse. Example. I thought I'd better order a few more books, just in case they sell well at the event. I received the books today and the covers are the wrong damn color! They have a white base instead of creme. I called the publisher and after speaking with them, they informed me that it is the printer's fault. No crap! I just want it fixed but its now too late for the signing. Some of the books will be collectors items, I guess. Well, enough griping for now. If you made it this far, thanks for listening.

Until Next Time,
Kirk Toncray

The Shipping Table

I was forewarned about the incredible amount of work involved in publishing a book. Now I know those people weren't kidding around. Not only does an author need to write the book, then comes the marketing which includes website maintenance, blogging, social networking, email, and, of course, shipping of signed books. Along with the shipping comes the financial issues with credit cards, PakMail accounts, PayPal, on and on and on. Also with the shipping comes the burden of keeping basic supplies on hand. Not just the books, but the padded shipping envelopes, tape, staples, and the other goodies that I throw in there just for giggles like bookmarks, business cards, pens, and whatever I can think of. All that stuff takes time and patience, which I am learning a lot about both. I'm not complaining, I just never contemplated so much work.

Here's a pic of my shipping desk at its best. My computer is behind me.

Until next time,

Kirk Toncray

KirkToncray.com

Another 'Beth' Moment

It kind of slipped my mind on the 27th of November but that day would mark the sixth-month anniversary of Beth's death. Sometimes a moment comes over me that I, for the life of me, cannot explain. It wasn't that Beth and I were ever in love, just friends who knew how hard it was to live without a roof over our heads. She knew that she would have died many years ago if we hadn't been together during those days and she did her part in saving my butt a time or two when I would go into on of my epileptic seizures. Sometimes, especially when I hear good news about Behind the Signs, I get this eerie feeling deep inside and I find myself staring blankly into the sky, ceiling, or wherever there is a void area to look in the upwards direction. I have repetitively told others how I wish Beth was still with us here on Earth to enjoy how the word is getting out in a big way, the way is was intended to--without sugar coating anything--within Behind the Signs. She's proud, and I just know she is looking down with a big smile on her face, knowing her death wasn't all in vein.

Thanks Beth!
Until Next Time,
Kirk Toncray

One More Month--Gone?

It's hard to believe but another month is almost gone. Where did it go? Looking back a ways, I see that ever since Behind the Sings was published, time has no real value. It doesn't exist. The days just flow together. Okay, enough about that, you get the picture. It's been a joyous ride sending books out, responding to people who contact me through my website (which is never going to be completed), and watching the numbers grow through different channels, knowing that the message within the story is actually being heard. It's being responded to in a positive way. A few of my associates have commented that the only reason I am volunteering at the Egan Warming Center is to promote my book. That couldn't be farther from the truth. Hell, they don't even know about it, and it will stay that way unless someone connects the dots. The reason I am spending time with the much needed program is very simple: I have been down that road and have done some off-the-wall things just to stay warm and not freeze to death so I see first hand the need for such shelters. That's why. My being an author of such an intense story has nothing to do with the centers. Okay, I have now explained myself so I'll shut-up and get back to polishing my upcoming novel, DISCHARGE.
http://KirkToncray.com

Later,
-Kirk

Getting Prepared

All the projects seem to come along just like life does...all at once. With the Thurston Book Exchange signing coming up the 15th, I looked ahead and ordered what I believe to be enough books to cover it all. With other places on the dock, I don't know how that's all going to work out but I'm sure I'll find a way if it comes to that. Everything else I have, bookmarks, pens, posters, all that stuff. I've got the advertising all planned out for that signing, just waiting to schedule the other ones. I'll keep this short an sweet, I've got a ton of things to do today, tomorrow, and . . .
http://KirkToncray.com/behind-the-signs.php

Later,
Kirk

Never Plan to Write

I should know better by now--whenever I plan to just sit down, gather my thoughts and write, it never works out quite like that. Looking out the window at the wind bending the trees over to the point of up-rootion, (yeah, I made that up), I figured it would be the perfect time to shoot a new video for my website. I opened the closet to dig out my tri-pod when I was immediately clobbered in the back of the head by some unknown object of particularly dense and uncomfortable proportion. As I looked up to see where this mysterious mass of whatever came from, I was welcomed by yet another thud on the head from something else. What's next? I asked myself as I carefully lifted my chin upwards to get a better view of whatever else may come crashing down on my already throbbing noggin. I shrugged that off and tossed my tripod onto a nearby chair an grabbed my raincoat and hat. I was all set up outside, wind a blowin' like there wan't any tomarra when I noticed that my video camera was still inside. After a few harsh obscenities fell from my mouth and echoed in the wind, I moseyed back inside to gather my camera. I finally snapped the Panasonic onto the tripod, opened the view screen, and pushed the power button, only to have this annoying beep telling me that it was without a SD Memory Card. Now thoroughly pissed off, I stomped back inside, found the card, and walked back to the camera, rain blasting sideways against every inch of my body. I grabbed my equipment, walked once more back inside and shut the door. I put everything away, only to get it all back out a half an hour later to take my video and put the results on my website.

Please look at it!
http://kirktoncray.com/behind-the-signs.php
Until next time,
Kirk Toncray

Event Date is Set

Well, it looks like the book signing event for Behind the Signs will be Saturday, December 15, 2012 starting at 3:30 and run until closing at 4:30. I will offer discount prices on both soft and hard cover copies of Behind the Signs, signed by me and with a custom message if you are giving the book as a gift or something along those lines. There will be door prizes as well so come on in and get your signed copy as you shop around the large selection of books of all genres. Books make excellent gift ideas and great stocking stuffers.

The place:
Thurston Book Exchange
5505 Main St.
Springfield, OR 97478

The friendly store is located in the same shopping center as Safeway and difficult to miss.

You can visit my website for more information here and contact me through my website if you have any questions. I will repeat this notice a couple times before the event.

See ya there!
Kirk Toncray

http://KirkToncray.com/events.php

Sugar and Salt

That's just the way it goes...anticipation then patience go hand-in-hand like sugar and salt. The anticipation can be sweet as the waiting game can be drawn-out and enjoyed after years of painstakingly crafting and manipulating a bunch of words into what hopefully be a successful story. But...the patience part of waiting for a date to be set for this upcoming book signing is hard to deal with. That's the salty part. I keep telling myself, you've waited this long to finish this story, dammit, wait a little longer! That's a whole lot easier said then done, as you can imagine. Oh well, I am prepared for the signing. I have ordered a s---pile of books, both hard and soft-cover, I had custom bookmarks printed along with business cards and posters. I am working on a bank account for only the Behind the Signs business part of my life so I won't get incredibly confused with anything else. (Writing my novels under a pseudonym takes care of most of the confusion in my life.) It'll all work out, one day at a time. Sometimes I think this is an eternity, waiting for a signing, but in reality, I spent four and a half years--homeless. That's an eternity!

Until next time,
Kirk Toncray

The Dedication of Behind the Signs

Behind the Signs was written about homelessness among several persons. Of all the persons involved in the creation of this dramatic memoir, only three remain of the original bunch. This post is to stretch my sorrows and to dedicate Behind the Signs in other places, not just the book.

For all those who suffered the difficult journey with me during the most challenging and memorable part of my life. (In respective order of their departures from this earth)

• Billy--Warehouse Supervisor and Truck Driver
• John--Personnel Training Coordinator
• Linda--Certified Nurses Aid
• Nimrod--Timber Harvester
• Dusty--Certified Welder/Fabricator
• Danny--Filbert Farmer/River Guide
• Beth--Lincoln-Mercury Service Writer, battered housewife

Rest in peace, my friends.

Behind the Signs availability

I never knew how many places the publisher of my book was going to place it for sale. I had a very narrow view that it would only be available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as a hand-full of other online stores. I'm finding it available in all kinds of different places. Here's one, I checked it out-it's okay and legitimate.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/111201429/Behind-the-Signs

If you do not have adobe reader, download it here:http://www.adobe.com/products/reader.html

Until next time,
Kirk Toncray

That was fast

I released Behind the Signs one week ago today. One major on-line retailer sold out of stock in one day! That's a good thing and they have them in stock again, I just don't know how many. Two family members ordered the book from a different retailer and the two books came via UPS from two different locations, one a day sooner than the other. Wow, that was fast; my hopes are to keep the trend going, obviously, but we'll see. The ecstastic part of it is that I have no clue as to who is buying these books. Since Behind the Signs is the first book that I have ever written, I guess the joy ride is more exciting than what Clive Cussler or Stephen King experiences. I hope the book does what I intend it to do, allow people to look at the other side of the homeless scenario and take in some of the realities these persons actually go through just to survive. I invite you to leave a comment or follow this weblog and I'll keep posting as things happen--which they no doubt will.

Until next time,
Kirk Toncray

Released and ready to enjoy

It didn't take long before Behind the Signs was published and on the market. Once the final manuscript was gone over with a fine tooth comb until there was no comb left to go over it with, KABOOM, it was ready for the market. A couple downloaded PDF files to sign, scan, then send and the rest is history. EXCEPT for the marketing, of course. That's a project all in itself. I was forewarned on how much time and effort goes into marketing a book and most of what I heard was absolutely correct. It's a ton of work and lots of money. Penny pinching is becoming a minute by minute occurrence with me now, and I am getting damn good at it. It pays to shop around and not just feed the horse any old bale that comes in handy. Well, it's time to get some well-needed sleep.

Until next time,
Kirk Toncray

The Date

I have just received the official release date for Behind the Signs. My hotmail account contained an email from my publisher that the Behind the Signs title will be available on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 10:00 Eastern Standard Time. I am excited about this. The book will be available through the publisher, I will announce the direct ordering address as it's made available to me.

Whew, glad this is finally taking shape!
Until next time,
Kirk Toncray

BEHIND THE SIGNS: Update on Release

BEHIND THE SIGNS: Update on Release

Update on Release

I received an update phone call today from my publisher. Behind the Signs will be available through them on (or about) November 6, 2012. That date should be easy to remember because of the election day here in the US. I'm excited about that even though the book won't be available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble or any electronic form for yet 7 to 10 weeks from today. That's okay, it still will be available in time for Christmas. I'll leave a direct link to the publisher with the order link attached as Behind the Signs is ready to order.

I'll keep you updated,
Kirk Toncray

Behind the Signs is on the way

After seven painstaking years, Behind the Signs is finally complete and being published. The design team is finished, the contract is signed, and the work is on the way to the printer. It will be available in traditional print form, both soft and hard cover, as well as most ebook formats. Behind the Signs will be available through Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble, iUniverse Publishing, and other major retailers. Visit the author's website at KirkToncray.com to see more and explore details about the story as well as the author's background and involvement in the making of this true dramatic memoir.