What's been going on since...whew, February!

If anyone is actually reading this thing, I offer you all my humblest and most sincere apologies. I haven't written anything on this blog since February, so now I shall endeavor to try and catch up on things as they currently pertain to my novel, Chickenhawk.

Chickenhawk seems to be selling briskly, I ran into an old friend recently that admitted to buying TEN copies of my novels and distributing them amongst her family members! She has my eternal gratitude to be sure and yet... I know plenty of friends and relatives have been buying my novel, but I'm concerned as to whether or not complete strangers are. I really, really wonder whether there are people out there that don't know me, but are interested enough in the novel to actually purchase one. I have been doing a lot of marketing, but most of it has been pretty much low-level stuff like flyers, postcards, business cards, etc., and I've sent out press releases, and some other things... but are my efforts working? Are all those little things bearing any fruit as far as the general public is concerned? I just don't know and it's driving me kind of batty...

Some positive things have come about because of my efforts however... I was profiled by the Queens Tribune, a local newspaper. The reporter, Sasha Austrie said some pretty positive things about me and the novel. Here's a brief excerpt: "The novel is wonderfully vulgar, lending character and authenticity to the story. The book opens up with a dastardly, gritty scene. The scene, written in explicit detail, grabs the reader from onset."

I also received a Five-Star review from Apex Reviews (see below):

Welcome to the Apex Book Review of Arnold Wolf's "Chickenhawk."
www.apexreviews.net
info@apexreviews.net

Chickenhawk by Arnold Wolf
ISBN: 9781424174911
PublishAmerica
Reviewed By Sylvia Griffin
Official Apex Reviews Rating: Five Stars

"Catching an unsuspecting Manhattan off guard, a series of gruesome killings begins drawing increased attention from both the authorities and the media. The reason: each victim is a young male Hispanic prostitute, who, prior to having his head blown off, is forced to perform fellatio, then simulate the same act on the instrument of his ultimate doom.
Relying on their seasoned savvy and extensive underground contacts, Detectives Eddie Ramos and Tommy Cucitti work around the clock in order to track the killer down and prevent more bloodshed. As the killer’s body count grows higher and higher, though, the detectives begin to feel increased heat from all angles – especially considering the fact that it’s an election year and the mayor’s job is in jeopardy.
The case finally breaks, though, as clues begin to point toward the most unlikely of suspects: a prominent, happily married syndicated columnist – who also happens to be a father of two and considered to be one of the leading authorities on morality and conservative values. What possible connection could he have to the deaths of young male prostitutes? Is it possible that he is somehow linked to what the media has begun to call the infamous “Chickenhawk” killer?
Finding out the answer to that question takes the reader on an engrossingly entertaining thrill ride in Chickenhawk. In this impressive tome, Arnold Wolf does a masterful job of intertwining mystery, suspense, and drama, resulting in a riveting script that, despite its 390 pages, reads incredibly fast and seems to end much too quickly. His genre-bending instant classic is teeming with the perfect assortment of witty, engaging characters, heartbreaking tragedy, and all-too familiar situations literally ripped from the pages of everyday life. With a jaundiced, pragmatic eye, Wolf combines such various elements with seamless precision, and with the refined skill of a true master he redefines the concept of a cliffhanger.
Like any John Grisham or Stephen King novel, the reader will finish Chickenhawk with the fervent hope that a suitable movie version is quickly forthcoming; however, as flawless as the book proves itself to be, he/she is sure to realize – with bittersweet reservation – that such a feat would be nearly impossible to achieve."

I was also interviewed on Tamara Grants author blogsite. You can check out the interview at: http://tamaragrant.blogspot.com/

Also, I'm going to be interviewed on a radio show! The following is more information about that:

Dear Arnold Wolf, I hope and pray that all is well with you. I have no complaints. I am celebrating Authors during the month of May. I would like for you to be a guest on my Show, so we can talk about you, and your book and how you're making things happen!!!. The topic of the show is: DOWN WRITE GRITTY!: "Up From The Subway Of New York City - Comes Chickenhawk!" Tuesday, May 27, 2008 @ 7:30 pm CT.
I would love to share your Story with my fan base. I would like to discuss your beginnings and any upcoming projects or events. Of course you can promote your book and your website and any engagements that you may have, on the show. Please confirm as soon as possible. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Until my keyboard clicks on again - Peace!Appreciatively,brburns.com THE b.r.burns SHOW"Everybody Has Issues!" LOG ON AND LISTEN LIVE!www.blogtalkradio.com/everybodyhasissues www.myspace.com/everybodyhasissues
"If It Ain't One Thang - It's Anotha'!"

So some good things have come about due to my marketing efforts, which admittedly, aren't enough. So it's back to the drawing board... nose to the grindstone... and all that kind of thing until I make things happen. I'll be writing soon (I hope!)