Les Cochran Blog

Fiction Author

October 26, 2017
by lescochranblog
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More Changes to SAX CLUB

In my last post, I indicated I had “de-sexed” SAX CLUB and released a  Second Edition of the first book on the Detroit mafia in the 1970s and 80s.  I’m sure you shook your head.  “Geez, Cochran hasn’t even released the second book in the series and he’s already putting out a Second Edition of the first one.” 

Good Point

Frankly, you’ve made a good point.  What author would be willing to re-write a book within the first year of publication? 

Answer: I would, because I listen and  learn from my readers.  Remember – – I used to be a university president; I’m still honing my fiction writing skills.

Inner Voice

When you really listen; you hear what’s being said.  It’s the same when you listen to yourself, and hear your inner voice.  It may be a second thought, a nagging question, a brainwave.  Regardless of the form, it shouldn’t be ignored.

Just as I listened to my readers, I needed to listen to myself—my inner voice was saying, “it’s the SAX CLUB cover, it’s not right.”

Series Sequence Indentification

I looked at the cover again.  I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something was missing.  I talked to Lin—she’s very intuitive about the perceptions of my readers. I held the book in front of her and asked, “What’s not there?  What is missing?”

She responded quickly, “It doesn’t mention it’s the first book in the series.”

“Good point… and there’s also something that bugs me about the term ‘Thorn Birds of Detroit’ and our choice of the words ‘Confront Mafia.’

 So, it was back to drawing board, even though we had spent hours working on the cover before the original release. 

Dealing with the series question, I reviewed the top twenty-five best-selling novels written as a series. I learned books in a series didn’t need to be listed as Book #1, Book #2, and #3.  Often a word out of the story is used, like Endeavor #1, Endeavor #2, in a space series.

“Bingo, I could use the word ‘Mafia,’ but Mafia what?”  I thought to myself, I really enjoy the research, but it’s a lot of work.  I paused, “Work,” that’s it.  I’ll use Mafia Works #1, Mafia Works #2, #3, #4 to sequence the series.

Tweaking the Cover

Having solved that question, I moved onto the subtitle Thorn Birds of Detroit Confront Mafia. That had always bothered me, who knows why?  Maybe it sounded too uppity, I don’t know. 

“Why not Detroit Thorn Birds?” I said to Lin “That’s what they are, regular people fighting an uphill battle.” 

That left Confront. Before settling on it originally we had searched a Thesaurus countless times—each time confront was chosen by default—but still, it had no pizzazz.

Agreeing confront was out, it was back to the Thesaurus and another list of possible words. Finally, we selected the word “defy.” It is short, sharp, and to-the-point.

Rewritten and Re-titled

Long story short, I heard what reviewers had to say and I heard my inner voice speaking.  So, changes were made on both the inside and outside of SAX CLUB before I released the Second Edition.  The first book in the series is now re-written and re-titled.  I hope these changes appeal to my readers/reviewers and attract new Friends and Fans. 

Cheers to Readers Everywhere!

 Amazon connection

Coming: More About Mafia Works #2

The second book in the series, BLIND PIG, will be released in early 2018.  I’ll share more information in a future post

October 12, 2017
by lescochranblog
1 Comment

READERS SPEAK – I LISTEN AND LEARN

Detroit Mafia/Thorn Birds Series Update

Last year about this time I released the first book in a new series about the Detroit Mafia in the 1970s.  Well, believe it or not, I’ve done it again.  I’ve released the second edition of SAX CLUB.  It’s available on Amazon and other book sites and is five thousand words shorter than the original novel. 

“Why?” you say

As simple as it may seem, it’s the result of what I heard from people like you. Since releasing SAX CLUB, I’ve listened to what my reviewers, fans, and readers said.  Not all, but several made the same point—“for a novel in the historical fiction genre, there’s too much emphasis on the personal love life of the main character.”

Taken Back

At first, I was taken back.  So I read SAX CLUB, again. (Can you imagine an author sitting down and reading his own book?)  The message was clear and on point—I had not made a complete transition  from my “Love, Lies, and Liaisons” trilogy, which followed the personal life of a sex addict.  In other words, Clark Phillips, my lead character in SAX CLUB still had  some of the same behaviors as Steve Schilling in the trilogy.

Never Too Old to Learn

Though I’m busy writing my fifth book, I still have a lot to learn – – even at my age.  As an academic administrator I used to preach to my colleagues “it’s amazing what you hear when you listen.”  (Today, some of them would say “Amen” to the fact that I just admitted to preaching!) The saying is still true – it’s amazing what I’m learning by listening to my readers.  Thank you for sharing.

I “De-Sexed” SAX CLUB

I bet that sub-title got your attention.  As I was working on finishing my new house, I reflected on the input I had received from readers.  “Hmm . .” I said to myself, “I’m writing for readers to enjoy my stories, therefore, I need their input and advice.”  As a result, I took Steve Schilling’s love life behaviors away from Clark Phillips.  I reduced the sex scenes in SAX CLUB and kept Clark more focused on his detective work to outsmart the Detroit Mafia.  

Outcome – Second Edition: Detroit Mafia/Thorn Birds Series 

While the second edition of SAX CLUB is shorter, the story is unchanged. In fact, it’s readability is crisper and more sharply focused on Detroit in the 1970s. 

Thanks, readers.  Keep sharing your thoughts.  I’m listening AND learning.

 

P.S. If you want to read the sexless version, here’s direct access: SAX CLUB: Second Edition

September 14, 2017
by lescochranblog
0 comments

Call for Detroit Mafia Experts

Oh, oh – – I’ve become a “research-aholic!” Seriously, it’s an addiction I’ve acquired as I develop my historical fiction series on the Detroit mafia in the 1970s and 80s. Yes, it’s fiction I’m writing, but wow does the real life data ever fuel my imagination.

Detroit Mafia Experts Needed

My major goal in writing this series is to narrow the gap between fact and fiction. Needless to say, I’m open to learning more about the way it was in Detroit during those days.  I know I’ve told you that I lived and taught high school there during that time, however, I was more naive about what was going on than I thought.  Whew! The tales I’ve heard and the data I’ve uncovered are super for weaving stories for my readers.

Some of my sources include information from retired members of the Detroit Division of the FBI. Who wouldn’t want to know what was going on with their mafia cases?  Below is a review of SAX CLUB from an FBI source.  Many thanks to Oscar.  After interviewing him several times I thought I’d learned everything he had to share.  Whoa, was I wrong.  Each time I communicate with him, he shares another case from his days in Detroit.  I gleefully take notes and begin creating ways to work the new information in a future novel.

Help With My Addiction

I enjoy interacting with others who lived in Detroit and personally (or indirectly) experienced some mafia actions and connections.  Again, these insights get me fired up about writing new stories for my key characters as I continue to develop this series.

If you have personal experiences, or connections with someone who may, please share with me.  Let me know how to contact you by leaving information in the Message box below or email me at:  Author@LesCochran.com   

Cheers to Readers!

July 28, 2017
by lescochranblog
0 comments

Live with Les – The Detroit Riots

Hello Friends and Fans,

The Detroit Riots of 1967 made a huge impact on the future of Detroit.  I was there and I’m about to share some of my experiences with you.  Have you watched Facebook Live before?  That’s where I’ll be Sunday, July 30 at 7 PM – Detroit time!

Help Me Recruit Viewers

Facebook Live is a new venue for me.  I sure hope I don’t end up talking to myself – – ha, ha! How about forwarding this to your friends who are interested in the history of Detroit and/or the Detroit Riots, or those who like to read historical fiction, or about crime, and the mafia?  I’ll share background on how my years in Detroit inspired me to create the “Detroit Thorn Birds” series. Go to Amazon: http://bit.ly/SaxClubLesCochran

“Live with Les”

That’s what I’m calling my event Sunday.  Perhaps it will be something I do from time to time.  I want to interact with you and others who read my work and this seems like a fun way to start the two-way interaction.  While you are watching “Live with Les” I encourage you to write a question or comment on Facebook. Or, if you wish, send your questions ahead via this blog. I will he happy to respond. 

Go to: https://www.facebook.com/Les-Cochran-Fiction-Author

Lin and I’ll figure out the Facebook mechanics to make this work.  While we are doing that, please recruit your friends and anyone else that is interested in this topic.  The address above will take you to my Facebook page where I will be doing “Live with Les.”  

July 20, 2017
by lescochranblog
1 Comment

DETROIT RIOTS – 50 YEARS AGO

Detroit 1967 – I Was There!

In some ways it seems like yesterday.  Fifty years ago I was a young teacher working on my doctorate at Wayne State University in Detroit.  On Sunday, July 23rd, I listened to Ernie Harwell’s play-by-play coverage of the doubleheader between the Tigers and Yankees.

The kids were enjoying summer vacation at the family farm with my parents. I spent the day working on my dissertation, buried in my makeshift office in the basement.  By the time the second game at Tiger Stadium had ended, I was ready to hit the sack. 

The City is Closed?

Monday morning I was up early, put on my suit and tie, and headed for the car.  Opening the door, I paused when the neighbor lady called, “Les, where are you going?”

A frown crossed by face.  “Wayne State,” I said as a manner of fact.

“You can’t,” she responded.  “The city is closed… there’s a riot downtown.  Turn on the TV.  You can watch the whole thing.”

Following her directions, I hustled inside and flipped on the television. It was unreal. Sirens screeched.  Smoke filled the air.  Gun shots repeated like machine guns in a war zone.  Television cameras stationed atop buildings chronicled the city’s demise.  I saw a white car pull up in front of Saks Fifth Avenue, at least five times.  With each stop, two men jumped out, ran inside, and returned, filling their car with armfuls of furs. 

Great Ideas for Novels

Happenings like this germinated in my head for years and now have come to life in a new series—“Detroit Thorn Birds Defy Mafia.”  It’s a different take on the Mafia.  Rather than describing family relationships from the top-down, as in the Godfather, my novels depict real-to-life people—the Detroit thorn birds—fighting back, clawing for survival to save their homes, their dignity, and way of life.

New Series: Detroit Thorn Birds Defy Mafia

This fall the second edition of SAX CLUB, with a sharper focus on its historical perspective, will be released.  It takes place ten years after the Detroit riots.  The Associated Press article below provides detailed personal perspectives on what happened that day.  Check it out.  And, on August 4th a movie titled Detroit will be released.  From the clips I’ve seen, it’s a must see!

http://bit.ly/DetroitRiots

Facebook Live Coming Soon

On Sunday, July 30th I will be launching my first “Live with Les” on Facebook.  Join me as I share my experiences in Detroit during the riots.  

June 13, 2017
by lescochranblog
2 Comments

DETROIT THORN BIRDS AUTHOR – – – ON ANOTHER WILD RIDE!

Building a Mountain Home

In a previous blog I shared information about my wild ride from Florida to the mountains of western North Carolina. When we decided to build our home here I thought the wild rides were over.  Little did I know that we were in for an extended eight months of “wild rides.”

Our new venture started out like a Sunday drive in the mountains.  The ride was smooth, silky; the views were spectacular.  We loved the elevations and develped our plans.  After meeting with the builder and signing the contact— it seemed as though everything was on the up and up.

Buy More Charmin?

Then we met with the bankers.  They were as friendly as could be and ready to complete the deal.  Except, they didn’t get the memo about our “paperless society.”  They must buy more Charmin than anyone.  We were wiped out after signing the same forms multiple times. 

Googling My Assignments

With our contract and cash in hand, the next phase began by dividing up responsibilities.  Having been through the building process several times before, we knew each other’s strengths.  Lin is an excellent designer, having demonstrated her skill on countless projects.  Being an old farm boy, I know sizes, proportions, angles, and have good problem solving skills. 

Getting deep into our project, we paused once again to divvy up our chores.  It was easy—Lin took the lead in the selection of bathroom fixtures, tile, appliances, rugs, furniture, and all of the other essentials.   I was assigned the task of searching online for lighting fixtures.  

“Fine,” I said to myself, knowing I’d never ordered anything online except a book on Amazon.  I struggled where I’d start till Lin gave me an ingenious suggestion—look for contemporary lighting. 

I don’t know why I couldn’t figure that out. 

So I Googled the listing.  Oh my, the options were endless.  Each day I pursued another site—Overstock, Wayfair, Homeclick, Hayneedle, 1Stoplighting, and more.  It wasn’t long before I got the knack and started printing out pictures and specs.  I was all over the board—like a shotgun—kitchen lights, hallway lights, ceiling fixtures, pendants.  I asked Lin, “Where do I start?”

“Front entrance pendants,” she said, precisely, “We need three of them.”  Knowing there was no way I’d pick the right one, I’d decided to select ten fixtures and let her decide from there.  If she didn’t like any of them I’d pick ten more.  I knew sooner or later I’d find one that fit “our” tastes. 

 After twenty some proposals, I found a twenty-four inch pendant that was well beyond our budget.  For the heck of it I made a copy and laid it in front of her.

“That’s it,” she acclaimed.

I smiled and said, “I don’t think so,” then I read her the price, $1,244.

“No way, Jose,” she blurted.

Persistence Got Me There

I went back to my laptop.  Searching the next four days for something comparable—nothing came close.  Unwilling to give up, I went back to the $1,244 site again and again.  I put the item in my cart, left it there all night, took it out and tried another approach; the results were the same, $1,244.

On the fifth day I gave up and started searching Homeclick for another item.  Within minutes, a miracle occurred—the $1,244 item appeared at $388.88 as well as an additional 15% off for the New Year’s Sale. 

I sat flabbergasted for a moment then picked up my laptop (afraid to touch anything) and raced into Lin’s office, shouting, “Look, look at this price … don’t touch anything.”

Her smile and then thumbs up said it all.

Long story short, I bought three of these pendants for a total of $991. 

As you might expect, I was off shopping for more light fixtures for the rest of the house — that ride just got wilder — I even bought a light fixture I nick-named “blimp!”

 So as you can see I’ve been spending a lot of time with my laptop.  Unfortunately it hasn’t been writing fiction, but it has been a wild ride on a learning curve for me.  My new adventures will be coming to a close before long and I’ll be back to spending time on my laptop with Det. Clark Phillips and the Detroit Thorn Birds as they confront the Detroit Mafia.  The surprises I encountered  Googling light fixtures have  sparked some ideas for wild rides in the stories I’m creating.  Hang in there with me.

SAX CLUB   https://www.amazon.com/Sax-Club-Thorn-Detroit-Confront/dp/163498322X 

 “Cheers to Readers Everywhere!”  Please share my blogs with your reader friends.

May 11, 2017
by lescochranblog
4 Comments

FROM WHEELER TO WAYNE STATE

Who would have ever thought — a farm kid from Indiana who was so pigeon-toed he wore corrective shoes; who attended eleven different elementary schools; who spoke with a lisp; who couldn’t read until the fifth grade; who had one leg shorter than the other; who was afraid to talk on the telephone, and who was so shy he rarely spoke in class — would end up as an author, retired on a mountain top in North Carolina.

While this kid from Wheeler, IN (population 500 and that’s stretching it) had plenty of reasons to grow up with nothing to show for his life, he had the same unyielding drive and commitment as do the thorn birds he writes about or should I say, “I write about.”

Life takes many turns—decisions at intersections and detours—unforeseen events that suggest new directions.  Not to bore you with the many roads I’ve traveled, my blogging absence has provided time to reflect about a wide array of thoughts. 

I’ve found the evolution of my interest in writing to be particularly instructive.  I had never thought about why I had become an author in my retirement years.  And so, as Paul Harvey would say, “here’s the rest of the story.”     

In reflection, it is clear that my interest in writing didn’t happen in a planned way.  In fact, it emerged because of my deficiencies.  I was such a slow reader I never finished the tests.  I was so shy I never participated in class discussions.  Writing term papers was a way to improve my grades.

I poured myself into writing. 

In high school term papers carried the day.  In college I received my highest grades in classes where term papers carried a significant weight in my final grade.  Unlike most students at the doctoral level, for me writing a dissertation was a “piece of cake.”  I breezed through it!

All of that aside, my latent interest in writing came alive in my doctoral studies.  I was fortunate to have an advisor who had one goal—produce leaders.  He was not a diploma mill grinder; fact is, he graduated one student every year or two, and in addition to teaching a full-load, he wrote a book a year.

It was an honor if he asked a student to edit an article or a chapter; whatever the contribution, my mentor would give “his student” full credit in his next publication.  After a couple of my own edits, my tutor G. Harold Silvius he asked me to edit a chapter in his upcoming book. 

Unthinking I unloaded a red pen on his “final” manuscript.  Low and behold, that was the beginning.  He was surprised that a doctoral student would commit such surgery; yet, he praised me.  From that point on, every week I wrote a chapter in my dissertation and edited a chapter for his book on the weekend. 

I loved it! 

Strange as it may seem, I learned to write by editing the works of others.  Still, I don’t know the proper literary terms for what I do, I just know it sounds right or it doesn’t.  Maybe if I was a better reader I’d know why the words sound right. 

Who knows?

And so it is—my life as a writer—a trip from my class of twenty-two at Wheeler High School (IN) to Wayne State University in Detroit where my experiences would give birth to my “Thorn Birds of Detroit” series. 

Ahead, you’ll learn even more … how another person reshaped my academic writing skills and honed them into a writer of fiction. 

May 4, 2017
by lescochranblog
4 Comments

Detroit Schools

Hi Friends and Readers.  As you know I have started posting blogs on a regular schedule but sometimes I enjoy a little change-up.  I hope you do as well.

My new series, Detroit Thorn Birds, is historical fiction about the Detroit Mafia. My wife and friends say I am quite historical myself – – and perhaps a little fictitious, too.

Anyway, back-in-the-day I taught high school in Detroit.The picture here shows me visiting Western High School located in the inner city.  I was surprised at how good the old school looks . . . I taught there in the 1960’s (see what I mean by historical?)

Even though I no longer live in Detroit I keep my eyes and ears open about happenings there as something might give me an inspiration for my storylines about the Detroit Mafia and the Thorn Birds.  Last week I saw an article about Dr. Nikolai Vitti, the new Superintendent of Detroit Schools and of course being an educator, I had a thought to share. Here’s my opinion piece published in the Detroit Daily on April 26, 2017.  

Detroit Schools

 

 

April 27, 2017
by lescochranblog
6 Comments

BUILDING A HOUSE IS LIKE WRITING A BOOK

Cover vs Curb Appeal ?

Over the last few years Lin and I have been engaged in writing and marketing my books.  It consumed much of our free time, but all that changed when we started building a new home.

At first we didn’t understand what building a new house would mean for our literary pursuit.  I continued to rise early and write.  After our morning ritual of coffee and reading the paper, Lin was off to her office to implement more book marketing techniques.  I was back to my laptop to continue novelizing.  But, the words didn’t flow and Lin’s marketing effort slowed.    

We became frustrated about our inability to fulfill our goals.  SAX CLUB had been launched, but our promotion effort was lacking.  BLIND PIG was drafted, but was left sitting on the shelf.  And the storyboard for book # 3, LAST CALL had been placed in the closet.

We had several talks before we realized our goals were on my books, but our hearts were on our house.  It didn’t take long before my drafting scale and triangles had replaced my laptop.  Lin’s new focus was décor, design features and paint colors. 

Our excitement grew!

It was sometime later before we realized the parallels between writing a novel and building a house.  And then it was clear—our passions were interchangeable!  From there came the contemporary style and the book genre was defined.

Designing the floor plan was like laying out the story plot.  The more we thought about it; the greater were the connections:

  • The front elevation’s curb appeal replaced the reader’s appeal of the book’s front cover and designing the back porch was like working on the back cover.
  • Then there were the special features of the house. They were similar to sub-plots and scenes in a book.  
  • Online marketing strategies to create reader interest gave way to design techniques creating personal interest and appeal.
  • An entire new line of characters occupied the story—the site supervisor became the lead character, supporting roles were filled by electricians, carpenters, tile layers, drywallers, and cabinet makers.
  • Building targets and deadlines were extended drawing to mind the many times I’d changed my book publication dates.

Our list of new words and phrases went on and on; there were blueprints instead of outlines; sub-floors replaced sub-plots, and “snoopervising” was like “editing.”  I could “cite/site” a dozen more but I think I’ve made the point.

Interestingly, just as we’ve become accustom to our new jargon the completion of the house is drawing near.  And wouldn’t you know it, the old familiar terms—drafts, storyline and characters—are popping back into our thoughts and daily activities—leading us back to promotion strategies and the laptop!

I’ll give you the scoop soon on our plans to re-release SAX CLUB, the first book in the series on the Thorn Birds of Detroit.  Just like building a house – – sometimes changes are necessary to make it better.

 

April 15, 2017
by lescochranblog
13 Comments

WILD RIDE TO WEAVERVILLE

Greetings,

Today I’m continuing the wild ride story I started in my last post. We began our wild ride as we left Florida where we had lived for many years.  And YES, as my title says our wild ride ended in Weaverville, a small community ten minutes north of Asheville, NC and just seventeen miles south of the Tennessee line.

Following Lin’s sale of our Florida house a year ago last March, I reserved a U-Haul and Lin started packing.  Having sold our house lock, stock and barrel (meaning all furniture, accessories and even the toaster), I knew a small-sized truck would be ample.  Two weeks later, I ordered a larger truck and more boxes.  Lin kept on packing.

Finally, at the last moment—4:30—the buyers were moving in at 5:00 PM, I stuffed in the last box and started the truck.  Lin was still cleaning toilets, kitchen counters and who knows what?  I pulled onto the street and waited patiently (not one of my strong suits).  And then a miracle happened, Lin’s mini-van started rolling down the driveway and pulled up behind me.

With reservations in Jacksonville, FL that night, we took to the road.  It was a wild ride—I must admit—pressing sixty-five miles per hour through Orlando I didn’t even notice the Disneyland exit.

A day later, we unloaded our belongings at our friend’s second home in Arden, NC which would rent until we figured out where we’d end up; basically, we did an “unload and leave” and headed for the North Carolina beach to visit friends.

After a few days stay and lots of wine, we were refreshed and back on the road again.  I gunned it, another wild ride back to Florida for my annual Cardinal Spring Training trek with my son (this time our wives were included).  We had a fun time telling stories, reminiscing, and watching the Cardinals win.

Taking a more leisurely drive back to North Carolina (no more wild rides); we realized we were “homeless” and needed to look for a place to build a home.  Our requirements were simple; it had to be:

  • Within fifteen minutes of Asheville,
  • In a gated community,
  • In a development with a club house/community center.
  • In a maintenance-free community, and
  • On a flat lot.

We had plenty of choices until it came to the last criterion—a flat lot.  At each stop, I felt like I received the preverbal look from the salesperson, “A flat lot in Asheville, you’ve got to be kidding.”

Eventually we found one in Weaverville, a busy little town of very friendly people. The fact there are at least eight restaurants on Main Street helped us understand why it was so busy.  It’s like a European village with two hair salons, a barber shop, library, pharmacy, a frame shop, and three art stores featuring many local artists.  Once a month Harley Davidson bikers gather on Main Street in Weaverville for a BBQ and music.  Talk about “wild ride,” how about riding a Harley up and down and around the mountains!

Another little piece of wildness entered our adventure as we searched for a place to build.  Our plan was to make the interior of our home contemporary, knowing the exterior would most likely have to resemble a typical mountain home. Luck stepped in again when we mentioned contemporary style to the realtor who said “I’ve got just the place for you. There is a section of this development where all houses must be contemporary on the outside and there is a flat lot there that you will love.”   How we were so lucky to find a flat lot with a glorious mountain vista in a contemporary style alcove, I’m not sure.

Needless to say, we began creating a plan.  Without State requirement to have an architect, I drew upon my old drafting skills, Lin put on her designer hat, and we embarked on a different kind of “wild ride.”

Over the years we’d built many homes and renovated several buildings, but this was a new venture with lots of unknowns on the horizon.  Other than our downsized budget and self-imposed 2500 sq. ft. maximum, there were no limits—no model plans, no existing walls or parameters.

We were free to go on another “wild ride!”

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