Wrapped in Read - pardon the pun..:)

Alright holiday readers.....from now until January 1st, all three of my published books are going to be 99 cents each...so yes...you can get all three for under $3.00.

And from December 19-23rd, I'm giving "The Hero" away for free. I'm going to be pushing this promotion starting December 19th, but wanted you all the be the first to know.

I'm calling it "Wrapped in Read" - thank you Kelly Clarkson..  Give a copy to a friend as a stocking stuffer, or share the link!!!!!  Thanks so much!

Matt

http://www.amazon.com/Matthew-Alan/e/B00D0C7YJ0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1387228257&sr=8-1



#holidays #freereads #onedgeree #thehero #wrappedinread #freebooks

Excerpt - One Degree

This is the first excerpt from "One Degree" that is getting published next month in a local literary magazine...very excited!

      I take the long way home that afternoon and continue to think about what Sonya said. As I approach Miami Court, I gaze down the tree-lined street. This is exactly the path Mark took on his bike three years ago. The curve of the brick road, the steep curbs, the battle-worn telephone poles—these are things I might never have noticed if they weren’t so tied up in all the changes that have taken place. Even our house looks different. It’s more beaten up and broken down than any other house in the neighborhood.
      Granted, my parents are usually busy rushing here or there for Mark’s rehab or working to try and scrounge more money together, so that neglect is obviously going to take a toll on the house too. The lawn mowing and trash are supposed to be my responsibilities, but most of the time I don’t see the point. They never seem to notice whether I do the chores or not.
These days I can drift in and out of the house like a benign spirit, a being everyone is aware of but doesn’t quite register enough to be truly bothered with. It’s more than fair, though, after what I caused, after all I’ve put them through.
      Without ever inviting it in, I also felt the weight of lethargic acceptance enter our lives: a house-guest that was quite noticeable upon arrival, that drove me to the point where I couldn’t bare it staying another moment, and yet now it feels as much a part of the family as any member does. It’s hard to imagine our family without this nameless presence. So the grass grows high and wild, the trash collects by the side of the garbage cans for a couple weeks at a time before dad finally gets angry enough to do it himself or the neighbors complain and do it for us.
Before entering, I pause on the front porch and take another good look at the neighborhood. I have lived here all my life, and my heart sinks whenever I arrive home.
I shake away that feeling and turn the knob to enter. I’m a professional at walking in and out without anyone ever sensing me. It’s usually easier to be invisible. The looks people give me, the sympathy or pity, even the offers of help or support only make me want to be farther from everyone. If I just stay away from people, just keep from contacting anyone else, maybe I won’t feel so bad all the time. Maybe my feelings will lessen if I’m not constantly reminded of what I’ve done. What I’ve caused.
Mom has tried to talk to me over and over about the accident and how it could’ve happened to anyone. “It wasn’t your fault, Karl,” she says. “You’re not to blame. You know we love you, and Mark still loves you too.”
      I laugh inside. Mark does not love me, and her words only make me feel worse. The more she checks in, the more she tries to help, the more she just refreshes the images from that day. I used to wake up screaming Mark’s name as I relived the scene, over and over in my dreams. The crash, the hospital, that beeping, droning machine.
      Silently, I drop my bag by the front door and walk into the family room. Mark is watching TV in the makeshift recliner Dad had modified to get him out of his wheelchair. I feel a strange tinge of excitement about the idea of Mark going back to school. The potential of some normal element returning to his life creates an almost unwelcome glimmer of hope that I can’t help but notice, regardless of how often these kinds of hopes have been dashed in the past.
I cautiously round the corner and, in a move that’s completely forbidden, I speak directly to my brother, standing between him and the television. “Hey, Mark.” The words barely escape from my lips. It’s a hoarse and timid sound. “Do you need anything?”
      He just ignores me. We haven’t really spoken more than two-word sentences to one another in forever. I know I’m walking on dangerous ground, threatening the truce that keeps us in separate spheres even when we’re in the same room, but I need more information about what’s happening, what could be happening soon. A force stronger than my fear or guilt, the last shred of hope I possess, keeps me in the room.
      Wheelchair bound or not, he still has a nasty temper, and his arms have gotten stronger and stronger. When he does lash out and get a hold of me, it leaves a mark. I warily press on. “Hey, I heard Mom and Dad are thinking about letting you start classes again in the spring? That might be pretty cool.”
      Mark glares through me and at the TV. He begins muttering under his breath. His rant grows steadily in volume and intensity until he looks up and I finally hear, “Yeah, great times ahead in the cripple classes at junior high. No sports, no girls, no friends except the retards and rejects. That will be awesome! Maybe I’ll make it to prom and be homecoming king in high school as well… Fucking loser! Go waste your time somewhere else, asshole.”
      I stand for a moment as the feeling that Mark has punched me in the stomach washes over my whole body, and then I slump out of the room.


http://www.amazon.com/One-Degree-Matthew-Alan-ebook/dp/B00CPS7MTW/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1385824701

Free Hero Sunday!!!!!

Hi all,

As a huge thank you for all of the amazing support during last week's promo, I'm doing a Sunday Kindle freebie for "The Hero" and listing One Degree and Cristman e-book editions at 99 cents all week long! 

Thanks again everyone! Hope the week ends well! 

Matt

http://www.amazon.com/Matthew-Alan/e/B00D0C7YJ0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1383852438&sr=8-1

#freebooks #thehero  #superhero #sale

One Degree promo weekend!

Thank you all for an amazing promotion weekend!

A peak at #50 on free kindle downloads (out of hundreds of thousands), #2 in coming of age genre and #1 in family life...with over 6000 books downloaded in three days! Hard to ask for a better weekend than that.   :)

Thank you again for all of the support and shares!!!


http://www.amazon.com/One-Degree-Matthew-Alan-ebook/dp/B00CPS7MTW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383664639&sr=8-1&keywords=one+degree 

Top 200 on Kindle downloads!

Awesome promo support so far...thanks everyone.... One Degree is in the top 200 in Kindle downloads today - shooting for the top 100. So please, keep downloading, sharing tomorrow and Sunday, and asking others to read.....

Free Digital Copies of One Degree!

From now until November 3rd, pick up free electronic copies of my first novel One Degree (You don’t need a Kindle, any PC, tablet, Mac - will do).


www.facebook.com/MatthewAlan412

http://www.amazon.com/One-Degree-ebook/dp/B00CPS7MTW/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-3&qid=1383168411

Free electroic copies of One Degree

Hi all.....I am having a huge promotional weekend and need your help to get the word out…please share, download, and review if you have time over the next four days…….

Free Digital Copies of One Degree!

From now until November 3rd, pick up free electronic copies of my first novel One Degree
Please share- this is a huge promo opportunity and I’m trying to give away as many copies as I can…. (You don’t need a Kindle, any PC, tablet, Mac - will do).

http://www.amazon.com/One-Degree-ebook/dp/B00CPS7MTW/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1383219673




www.facebook.com/MatthewAlan412

Cristman is here!

Cristman is available today!!!!!!!!


Some storms you don't see coming.........just in time for the weekend and Halloween!!!!!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Cristman-Book-1-Trilogy/dp/1492731609/ref=la_B00D0C7YJ0_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382728462&sr=1-1

https://www.createspace.com/4443829

Cristman - cover image

Jon Cristman and his family are living a fulfilling family life in downtown Portland, Oregon. A devoted husband and father, Jon seemingly has it all. A great career and loving family have combined to create a wonderful sense of balance in Jon’s world.

On a sunny afternoon trip into the Oregon farming country outside of Mt. Hood, Jon stumbles across a secluded cave, a powerful secret and a family connection it has been hiding for decades.

As Jon falters to maintain a hold on his once happy life, he must come to terms with the meaning of sacrifice and battle a newly unearthed desire for power swelling within him. His relationships with his family and friends become unhinged as he tries to find answers about what is happening to him while keeping his constantly expanding secret life from them.

Look for it October 26th!!!!

#secondnovel #author #newbook #wicca #Halloween

National Coming Out Day!

It's hard to believe, it's been over twenty years since I came out in college....here's hoping that the youth of today continue to find more acceptance and support, similar to what I have been blessed with for over two decades!

http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/national-coming-out-day

#proud #nationalcomingoutday #HRC

Paperback Version of "the Hero" available now!

Hi everyone -

With "One Degree" and the short-story "The Hero" having downloaded about 1500 copies since June, I decided to take the time to make "The Hero", after peaking at #2 on the superhero Kindle promo charts on Amazona, into a paperback version as well.....It's available today on Amazon for $4.99.

Consider it a teaser for the upcoming "Cristman" release...:) Check out DA Kentner's review and grab a copy when you can. Thank you for the continued support!

Click the link below to order, and happy reading!!!!!



Matt


Mr. Matter has been the most powerful superhero on the planet for decades.
In a surprise turn of events, the reclusive hero agrees to appear in a one-on-one interview with Anderson Cooper. Anderson gets the most recognizable person on the planet to open up about the past, his personal life, and some of his greatest accomplishments.

The repercussions from this two hour special may lead to Mr. Matter's most unforgettable battle yet!


www.amazon.com/author/matthewalan

#onedegree   #TheHero  #superhero #comingout #gayauthor http://www.amazon.com/The-Hero-Matthew-Alan/dp/1492869716/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381246883&sr=8-2&keywords=one+degree

Canton Newspaper Review!

Almost missed this review with swim season starting - but made it in the hometown newspaper!!!! Thanks for the love Canton Rep!!!!! (And to my big sis for pointing it out)   :)

This link holds the review better....but it is the same review.....

http://www.wickedlocal.com/medford/fun/entertainment/books/x606654601/The-Readers-Writers-Debut-literary-author-Matthew-Alan

The Hero.......

Ok...if you have $1.99 to spare...download a copy of the Hero...it just broke into the top 50 of the superhero genre...and not during a giveaway...so that's pretty cool...:)

http://www.amazon.com/The-Hero-ebook/dp/B00D3SE7M8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379297516&sr=8-2&keywords=one+degree

Thanks all!!!!!

Excerpt - Cristman

Here is an excerpt for the upcoming second novel - Entitled "Cristman"


Cristman Concepts had been his second interview after college – his first had been with Singer Associates Advertising. Singer Associates was the largest and most well-known firm in the Pacific Northwest and the place where every mentor in college had told him to apply.

Jessie remembered the interview as if it was a week ago, and not a year.

Mr. Singer himself had met with Jessie and asked him to sit down in front of a large window and huge desk. The sunshine was blinding Jessie and yet Mr. Singer did not move or close the blind to begin his questioning.
“Well your resume and references are excellent Mr. Stevens. May I call you Jessie?”
“Of course Mr. Singer, and thank you.”
“Now, can you give me some details about your career goals and what you enjoy about advertising?”
“Well, “Jessie thought for a moment, “In my last few years of internships, I was fortunate enough to work on a variety of projects - everything from lawn equipment and beer marketing to shoe and pet stores. They all offered something new and exciting in their focus, but I have to admit my favorite and most inspired work happened in areas focusing on social awareness.
I worked on the HRC Sponsors dinner last year – helping organize the dinner and getting table sponsor and captains, it was an incredible event and uniquely fulfilling.” Jessie did his best to control his rate of speech and enthusiasm.
“HRC?” Mr Singer looked blankly at Jessie.
“Yes, the Human Rights Campaign.”
“Oh.” Mr. Singer shifted slightly in his seat. “Isn’t that a lobbying group for,” he swallowed noticeably before getting the last words out, “gay interests?”
“Yes.” Jessie made full eye contact now. “It does an amazing job of educating and organizing supporters of GBLT issues, but it is especially effective in areas of equal rights and anti-bullying initiatives in the US and throughout the world.” Jessie waited for Mr. Singer to continue with the interview. After a long pause, Jessie cleared his throat. “Did you have more questions for me Mr. Singer?”
The pause continued and Jessie sensed disapproval. His irritation took hold - close-minded people immediately pushed his buttons. Jessie mumbled under his breath. “It’s always the same, conservative men with small minds holding positions of power.” Jessie stood to leave. “Well Mr. Singer, thank you for your time. I can tell that this probably isn’t the right work environment in which to learn and grow as an advertising person. I wish you and your company the best of luck,”
Jim Singer sat motionless, stunned by Jessie's candor.
“Have a good day.” Jessie bowed as he left the office and then flipped off the closed double-doors with all of his might before he headed for the elevator.

Fifteen minutes later, he had his interview with Cristman Concepts scheduled.



#Cristman #novel #secondnovel #gayauthor

Reviews for One Degree!!!!!

Click Here - see what amazon readers have to say! 

So far - it's getting great word of mouth!

Thanks everyone,      :)

Matt

Beef shakes

So day 10 of the Pesco-Ovo Sustainability plan, I hit my first wall...

After breezing through lunches and dinners of salads with a bit of shrimp, scallops and pasta, mac and egg, and even venturing into the Veggie Delight option at subway for lunch twice last week, I thought "This isn't so bad. Why do people make it seem like it will be tough?" I quit cold turkey, literally. I've lost a few pounds, feel pretty healthy, if not slightly rumbly from all the roughage, and don't miss the meats I've vowed to minimize or at least ensure are humanely raised and will help me sleep better at night after my Vegan/Vegetarian friends have talked with me for months and slowly influenced my thinking with video images of animals being raised for slaughter, and then scooped up like garbage for processing and turned into food for us.

The political, carbon footprints aside, I think the idea of making the world a slightly less cruel place is appealing to me on every level. I go out of my way for every stray dog I pass on the street, cry at the SPCA commercials (damn you Sarah McLachlan) and have made the Humane Society my #1 charity since I was ten. The least I can do is search a little harder for healthy food options where animals aren't tortured for me to get my weekly cheeseburger fix. Seems like a small and easy price to pay.

Day 10 though - the beef shakes hit. I crave a burger or steak or some type of red meat to the point that I'm sweating and my hands begin to tremble. The thought of never eating cow or chicken again leaves me light-headed. I feel iron deficient, I'm sure I can feel it in my blood now. (Okay - I can't really feel much Iron in my blood on a daily basis, so maybe I'm over-reacting). I decide then and there to allow myself one day a week to fall off the meat wagon in this initial phase......still striving to make healthy, sustainable choices and learn about social and fast food options that will help direct me towards the best choices, but also allowing myself some latitude as I adjust to this new dietary choice.

Beef shakes aside, maybe my body does want me to make better/healthy choices. That's my goal here.....not to become a total Vegan, I don't, but to reduce my own impact on the environment in small ways every day.


Not to get preachy - but for a quick overview check out Wikipedia's page on what sustainability means -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability

The American Public Health Association (APHA) defines a "sustainable food system"[96][97] as "one that provides healthy food to meet current food needs while maintaining healthy ecosystems that can also provide food for generations to come with minimal negative impact to the environment. A sustainable food system also encourages local production and distribution infrastructures and makes nutritious food available, accessible, and affordable to all. Further, it is humane and just, protecting farmers and other workers, consumers, and communities."[98] Concerns about the environmental impacts of agribusiness and the stark contrast between the obesity problems of the Western world and the poverty and food insecurity of the developing world have generated a strong movement towards healthy, sustainable eating as a major component of overall ethical consumerism.[99] The environmental effects of different dietary patterns depend on many factors, including the proportion of animal and plant foods consumed and the method of food production.[100][101][102][103] The World Health Organization has published a Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health report which was endorsed by the May 2004 World Health Assembly. It recommends the Mediterranean diet which is associated with health and longevity and is low in meat, rich in fruits and vegetables, low in added sugar and limited salt, and low in saturated fatty acids; the traditional source of fat in the Mediterranean is olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fat. The healthy rice-based Japanese diet is also high in carbohydrates and low in fat. Both diets are low in meat and saturated fats and high in legumes and other vegetables; they are associated with a low incidence of ailments and low environmental impact.[104]

At the global level the environmental impact of agribusiness is being addressed through sustainable agriculture and organic farming. At the local level there are various movements working towards local food production, more productive use of urban wastelands and domestic gardens including permaculture, urban horticulture, local food, slow food, sustainable gardening, and organic gardening.[105][106]

and I thought this was a great article to start with for anyone interested in changing their diets....thanks you Jillian!

http://yourhealthybody.jillianmichaels.com/pescovegetarian-diet-2310.html

Good luck if you try it....make healthy choices!

Matt

#diets #healthychoices #theenvironment

Top 5 in free downloads for "The Hero"

Today marks the sixth time "The Hero" has been in the top 10 of Free Kindle/e-book downloads on Amazon. Check out your copy before Monday!!!!! And pick up a copy of "One Degree" for $1.99!!!!!!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Hero-ebook/dp/B00D3SE7M8/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377917016&sr=1-2

Check out the Labor Day promo!

Labor Day Book Promo -


Get a last beach read in this summer with a copy of "One Degree" - $6.29 paperback copies on Amazon all weekend, $1.99 e-book promo and download a free copy of "The Hero" until Monday at Midnight!


Please, please, please share and send this to other readers in your life...thank you all for the continued support!

Enjoy a wonderful holiday weekend!


http://www.amazon.com/Matthew-Alan/e/B00D0C7YJ0/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1


#summerreading #onedegree #gayauthor #firstnovel

Link to First Professional Review!

DA Kentner: The Readers' Writers: Debut Literary Author Matthew Alan dakentner.blogspot.com First professional review of "One Degree" and "The Hero"......gotta admit, it's kind of cool to get this type of feedback and encouragement from an author and critic! Check it out and feel free to add your own comments at: http://dakentner.blogspot.com/2013/08/debut-literary-author-matthew-alan.html

Goodreads Paperback Giveaway!!!!! Second chance!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

One Degree

by Matthew Alan

Giveaway ends August 11, 2013.





See the giveaway details

at Goodreads.

Enter to win

21 pictures....couldn't stop myself from sharing (and tearing up)

http://fb-troublemakers.com/21-pictures-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-humanity-11595/

Fourth of July Giveaway!

Celebrate the fourth of July holiday with a free download of "One Degree" - available on Amazon for free July 4th! 

 Download your copy this Thursday and have a beach read for the weekend!!!!

Check out reviews on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/One-Degree-ebook/product-reviews/B00CPS7MTW/ref=cm_cr_pr_btm_link_prev_1?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0

http://www.amazon.com/One-Degree-ebook/dp/B00CPS7MTW/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_2_KSG3

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: One Degree

www.amazon.com

 

#OneDegree

#summerread

#fourthofjuly

#freedownloads

#books

E-short story Promotion- Part II

Due to such a great response and placement in the top 10 for the last four days in free downloads on Kindle/Amazon for Fantasy - Superhero and short stories, I'm running an extended promotionfor the month....

In honor of Pride Month, I am doing a $.99 download Promo for "The Hero". 

A sci-fi-ish short story I wrote a few years ago that deals with a super-hero struggling in his own skin.  A pretty common theme for all of us, but especially those who have had to deal with coming out in our lives.

Check it out on Amazon and my author site for free and pick up a copy of my summer novel "One Degree" in the process!
http://www.amazon.com/Matthew-Alan/e/B00D0C7YJ0/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Happy reading!

Matt

One Degree - Book signing notes

About the book.......One Degree

I started writing this particular story about seven years ago after working on a post-college, memoir type coming out story.  It is a work of fiction, but set in my hometown of Canton, Ohio. 

*****    This is not a spoiler, since I put it on the back cover of the book - but don't read this bold part unless you want an extra clue*****    There are two story lines going on throughout the novel......Chapters 1-6 in an "A" storyline alternating with Chapters 1-6 in a "B" storyline...
I'm going to leave you all to figure it out from there...:)

One Degree focuses on Karl and Sonya as main characters, but also the relationship of Karl and his brother Mark.
This is a personal story for me because of the references to my own childhood and growing up with my older brother Mike.  Like Karl and Mark, we climbed up and jumped off everything, called each other numerous names, spent way too much time together in camping and swimming (not baseball), and fought like wildlings even though we were best friends. 

Beyond that, it also represents general themes I embrace whole-heartedly as an adult and in my coaching.  Enjoying the process of living and not just trying to get to some mythical endpoint - striving to be better in some way everyday, being bold in the choices we make and taking control of our lives and not letting events dictate who we are.

One of my main goals in my writing and in my life is to constantly challenge myself to see things from others perspectives and not live with blinders on.

My hope is that you, the reader, can see some parts of yourselves in these characters as well.

Thanks for taking the time to read and all the best to you!

Matt

http://www.amazon.com/One-Degree-ebook/dp/B00CPS7MTW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1368362943&sr=1-1&keywords=One+Degree