hit tracker Dave Shields Author Blog: March 2006

A journal detailing my efforts to launch my career as a novelist. The goals are to share info about succeeding in this field with other aspiring authors, to provide updates to the many supporters who have asked me for them, and ultimately to build the momentum necessary to assure success in this venture.

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Tragedy on the Road

This weekend a Park City cyclist named Bill Corliss was killed on a road I ride from time to time. Shortly afterwards I received an e-mail account from another cyclist who was present at the time. Events like this rock the cycling community, partly because they happen so frequently. I often find myself wondering if there are ways that I can improve the situation. One of the reasons I wrote my books is that I wanted non-cyclists to understand why we were on the road. So, in tribute to Bill, I'm making this more than a blog post. I'm making it a permanent part of my Web site here, and I'm working with friends to develop a program that will have real impact. Together, we will make a difference.

Monday, March 20, 2006

We're #1! And #3! Go-o-o-o-o team!

Okay, that title no doubt sounds silly from your perspective, but it's a big deal to me. You see, The Tour has hit #1 on Amazon's Sports Fiction list and The Race is simultaniously in the #3 position. Grisham's Bleachers is sandwiched in between. That's like a dream screen shot to me. Positions on these lists are updated hourly. You can see the current ranking by clicking here.

Another cool thing is that The Rider by Tim Kraabe which Amazon has linked to The Race through their "Better Together" promotion is currently # 6, so that's three novels from the same niche sport all at the top of the list. I'm proud of my role in that accomplishment and grateful to readers for the support they have shown by spreading the word about my books. Thanks!

Ra ra ree, kick 'em in the knee!
Ra ra rass, kick 'em in the...

other knee.

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

The Book Peddler- That's Me


I'm finally figuring out ways to get a little in-the-saddle-time mixed in with my promotional efforts. There are few things better than riding a bike through some of the most scenic terrain on earth. I recently returned from a wonderful cycling adventure at the Moab Skinny Tire Festival. Here's photographic proof. Notice how I'm putting most of my weight on my right leg. Sure, that overhang has been there for several million years. It won't stay forever, though. No need to tempt fate.

By the way, I'm wearing my one of a kind Banque Federale cycling jersey in this shot. I need to figure out how to mass produce it, but more importantly I need to figure out if they would sell. Yet another thing to add to my to-do list.

Saturday, March 11, 2006

I've been PEZed!

One of the most unusual honors in the cycling world is getting PEZed. Yesterday it happened to me. Check here. Thanks Richard, for bopping me on the head with your magic wand!