The Stories of Scott D. Southard

August 20, 2013

Discover the strange new book MAXIMILIAN STANDFORTH AND THE CASE OF THE DANGEROUS DARE
“If you like your supernatural books where reality mixes with the impossible, the inexplicable, then this is the book for you…. It is beautifully written.” A five-star review from GoodReads.com

Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare is a book pretending to be a gothic Victorian-period mystery. From it’s dashing hero to foggy London streets and abandoned castle, all the markings are there… but hidden underneath is a book questioning the very nature of storytelling.

For a limited time more the book is on sale on amazon (here). You can find the eBook for only $1.99 and the print version (my original vision for the work) for only $9.89. Here is the description of the mad tale:

The cursed and foreboding McGregor Castle is the most terrifying and haunted location in all of the British Empire. Only a brave (or foolish) soul would consider visiting it, let alone staying within its walls for five days. In other words, a perfect dare for a man like Maximilian Standforth!

Maximilian Standforth, famed playboy aristocrat and private detective, is a genius with dangerous tastes. With Bob (his trusty carriage driver, biographer, and body guard) and Maggie Collins (actress, spy, and maid) by his side, Maximilian will experience horrors and madness unlike any seen before. For it is at McGregor Castle that the team will discover more than they ever could imagine in this very experimental and genre-breaking thriller.

Here are some more options to learn about the work on this site:
- You can read two different excerpts from this odd book. The first is part of the first chapter (here); and the second is from later in the book, when our team of heroes is approaching the foreboding and very haunted castle (here).
- There are many influences to the novel. The first is, of course, Sherlock Holmes- “Chasing the Ghost of Sherlock.”
- Not every literary creation is inspired by a giant talking dog, but this is not a normal book- “The Joy and Inspiration of Scooby-Doo.”
- “My Favorite Literary Oddities” a post on three authors who inspired me to try something new can be read here.
- Finally, a post on the creation- My Mad Genius Moment: The Thrill of Writing Something Radically New
I hope you will take this opportunity to check out this novel. If I can promise anything it is that you will be surprised. For nothing in the castle is at seems…

“If you have read any Jasper Fforde, imagine him writing whilst tripping on acid.” A reader from amazon.co.uk
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August 11, 2013

The Empty Theater: Writers on Twitter, Facebook and Good Reads
Never again. I promised myself never again.

A few years ago, my novel My Problem With Doors was published by iPublish Press, a publisher out of Canada. Being a new press and from a different country, it was quickly proven difficult to get the book on shelves in bookstores or to get the work any attention on Amazon and elsewhere.

I was (and still am) very proud of the novel, and began to make as many calls as I could to make my book a success, in the very least in the area I live. First, I met with the local arts council and garnered their support. Working with a popular bookstore in the area, a reading and event was planned around the book. The local newspaper reviewed this novel ahead of the event (gave it a great review!) and even my local NPR station promoted the reading as an event coming up.

Yet..

When the event took place only friends, co-workers, and family were there.

Not even members of the local arts council showed up!

While everyone there were very positive, bought all the books available (and I was grateful they showed up), I felt a little ashamed, like somehow I had failed my book and my dreams. I know that sounds a little dramatic, but, hey!, I am a writer and I get dramatic about a lot of things. It’s in my blood.

It was that evening that I promised myself I would never put myself in that position again. The next time I give a reading or an event I would be at a place in my writing career where I wouldn’t feel like I was standing in front of an empty theater.

Never again. (more…)
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August 6, 2013

Only ‘Til Friday! Enter to Win a Signed Copy of A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM!
“I consider this novel one of the best not only in regency era literature, but also in mainstream fiction.” -NovelTravelist.com

Until Friday (August 9) at midnight you can enter to win a signed copy of the new novel A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM! You can do so via this link- http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/58855-a-jane-austen-daydream

“If asked to sum up this book in one word, I would have to choose “unpredictable”… you will, in the end, be rewarded by a quick paced novel unlike any you can ever have read, which injects new ideas and possibilities into the world of Jane Austen.” -The Jane Austen Centre

All her heroines find love in the end–but is there love waiting for Jane?

Jane Austen spends her days writing and matchmaking in the small countryside village of Steventon, until a ball at Godmersham Park propels her into a new world where she yearns for a romance of her own. But whether her heart will settle on a young lawyer, a clever Reverend, a wealthy childhood friend, or a mysterious stranger is anyone’s guess.

Written in the style of Jane herself, this novel ponders the question faced by many devoted readers over the years–did she ever find love? Weaving fact with fiction, it re-imagines her life, using her own stories to fill in the gaps left by history and showing that all of us–to a greater or lesser degree–are head over heels for Jane.

If you would like to learn more about A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM, you can do so on this page for the book (https://sdsouthard.com/a-jane-austen-d…); read interviews, excerpts, and editorials. A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM is available via Amazon (http://amzn.com/0983671923) where you can find it for the low price of $3.99 for eBook and $13.46 for print.

“This is a must read for any Jane Austen fan. And it’s a perfect summer read for anyone.” -Definitely Not for the Birds.
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August 2, 2013

“Delightful Reading” A Book Giveaway and 40 Reviews on Good Reads for A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM!
Today, my novel A Jane Austen Daydream received its 40th review on Good Reads! This review was a 5-start review (the 2oth) by a reader named Mariana, who wrote:

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Jane Austen and admires her wit. It is a delightful reading, a biography written “in a Style entirely new”, wittily intertwining the facts (from letters and biographies) with fun and fiction. I found myself for the first time applauding at a book – with standing ovations for Mrs. Catherine de Bourgh. Make haste and add “A Jane Austen Daydream” to your shelves.

Also on Good Reads there is one week left in a book giveaway. One lucky reader will win an autographed copy of the novel. You can enter the book giveaway here. Remember, the book giveaway ends on August 9.

If you would like to learn more about A Jane Austen Daydream, on the page for the book on this site (here) you can read interviews, excerpts, and editorials. A Jane Austen Daydream is available via Amazon (here) where you can find it for the low price of $3.99 for eBook and $13.46 for print.
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July 28, 2013

Redefining Writing Success: Learning to Fly in Today’s Congested Writing World
I was an innocent dreamer when I arrived in Los Angeles.

I had big plans and it all felt like the beginning of a movie to me. I was about to start studying in one of the best writing program in the country (University of Southern California. Go Trojans!) and I could feel the destiny thick around me like cigarette smoke. I could smell it on my clothes and in my hair; I could taste it on my tongue. In my mind I was certain that this moment, this arrival, was the true start of any future and inevitable biography that someone would write about me.

The stuff of legends.

That first night I had to stay in a hotel. And I practically skipped (already wearing my USC sweatshirt) as I approached the front desk. Behind it was an older, somewhat heavy, bored-looking woman and, noticing my sweatshirt, casually asked if I was a student. Oh, the can of worms she just unleashed!

I quickly talked about the writing program and the professors I was going to study under, about my books, about my scripts, and about my plans, etc. The words (and dreams) flooded out of me. I could have gone on all day.

And when I finally stopped to take a breath, she casually interrupted and said, “Yeah, I’m a writer too. Here is your key.” (more…)
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July 26, 2013

“A tale filled with horror…” An excerpt from MAXIMILIAN STANDFORTH AND THE CASE OF THE DANGEROUS DARE (on sale!)
For a limited time, the new gothic, experimental, fun and odd novel, MAXIMILIAN STANDFORTH AND THE CASE OF THE DANGEROUS DARE is on sale on amazon!

It can be found for the low price of $1.99 for eBook and $9.89 in paperback via this link.

Below is an exclusive excerpt from Chapter 1. Enjoy…

–

The Beginning of Chapter 1 – The Dreaded Invitation

It is with great trepidation and very little pleasure that I begin this next chapter in the life of the great Maximilian Standforth. For many long months I have debated with my soul and conscience on whether to share this work with you, faithful reader. But in these hard times, my wallet and empty stomach have forced me to share this chronicle no matter my misgivings. Yes, hard times have forced my unsteady hand and pen, but I will share no more of that now. It’s not important. If it comes, it will come later in these pages. For now, let me warn you of the morbid and sad tale ahead of you. This is a tale filled with horror, dark passages, ghostly apparitions, and deaths I would give my last shilling to forget. A tale, I am sad to say, that even tested the mind of one of our country’s greatest citizens…. The outcome of that test you will see shortly if you dare continue. (more…)
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July 19, 2013

“Unstoppable Reading” New book giveaway and reviews for A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM
Running through August 9, there is a new book giveaway for A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM, but this one is different. One lucky reader will win an autographed copy of the novel. So if you have already read the ebook and enjoyed it, here is a chance to win one for the shelves. You can enter this fun giveaway here. Good luck!

This week there were quite a few new book reviews for A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM. For example, on Good Reads one reader (author Jeannie Walker) wrote in a 5-star review:

I like how this talented author, crafts his novel with Jane Austen spending her days writing and matchmaking until she goes to a ball that launches her into searching for her own romantic love. Scott D. Southard puts us into Jane’s world and right in the middle of the action with this well-written and carefully crafted novel… wonderful.

And here is an excerpt from a review on the blog Mom’s Time 2 Write-

I don’t know what I was expecting, but it has to be one of the best pieces of fiction I’ve read in a while. Scott D. Southard’s “A Jane Austen Daydream” had me at page one. He is a very gifted storyteller with the ability to bring you into the story quickly and keep you there. I felt every disappointment, triumph and tragedy. I literally could not put it down. And the twist at the end was written so well that it took a moment for me to realize what he’d done.

And finally on the blog Tricia’s Thoughts, the writer notes (in a review that does make me blush a little):

Don’t you just love it when you happen to come across THE BOOK that you want to devour, as though starving; yet at the same time, attempting to force yourself to slow down in order to savor every word, procrastinating that inevitable ending. I know that I have to have another book available to alleviate the feeling of loss.

I found it. My latest find, is A Jane Austen Daydream, is just that. I can’t remember finding one since The Help, that hit my over-the-top scale. I simply loved it. I have reviewed it, entered it in two book clubs to which I belong and given it to every reader I know!

A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM can be found on Amazon for the low price of 3.99 for eBook and print for 13.46 here.

You can learn more (interviews, reviews, excerpts, and other links for purchase around the world, etc.) via the A Jane Austen Daydream page on this site.
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July 3, 2013

Shock, Awe and a Call to Arms: A Writing Update
There are a few moments in my life I have been truly shocked.

Hearing my son cry for the first time (even though I was anticipating it) shocked me. Meeting my wife definitely turned my head. Getting into grad school at USC was a nice surprise… But this was a new one for me as an author.

This week Madison Street Publishing, the publisher of A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM, did a two-day free eBook promotion of that new book and… The numbers were extraordinary!

People from all over the world in just 48 hours jumped to grab my novel, bringing the total to… 7392.

7392!

Over 7000 people have found my book and may begin it; not all may finish it, of course, but the possibility is there. If these were sale numbers those two days could have dropped my book on lists I have only dreamed about approaching. (more…)
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June 21, 2013

“Twisted” A new 5-star review for my book Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare
Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare has been out for over a week, and reviews are starting to come in from readers. Today, I received this 5-star review on Amazon and Good Reads from Author Jodi Woody:

My first taste of author Scott Southard was through his book “A Jane Austen Daydream”, which I loved, so I don’t know what I was really expecting from this book. Not at all like Jane Austen. This book proved to me the writing skill of Mr. Southard! I believe the man has quite the imagination, albeit a twisted one. Maximilian Standforth is a mystery in the likes of Sherlock Holmes, but with a case that, possibly, even he couldn’t solve. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and give it 5 stars.

You can also read this review via her writing website here.

Both of my new novels Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare and A Jane Austen Daydream can be found on Amazon in print and in eBook format for the same price of $3.99. You can find links to both via my author page on amazon here.

I hope you enjoy my books as well!
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June 14, 2013

Free eBook, New Reviews, a Guest Post, and a New Book!
This has been a really fun week. With the release of my new novel Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare, there has been a lot going on. Let’s star with new Max news, before Austen…

Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare

For only a little longer, Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare is a FREE eBook on amazon.com. This is not just for the US Amazon, but also Canada and the UK! So if you are interested, this is the best time. The special ends on June 15 (where it will return to the low price of 3.99 for eBook and about $10 for print). You can find it on amazon here: http://amzn.com/B00CXSDEBE

Now those who read my blog could probably sense I was a little nervous about how people would react to this book. I use the word “experimental” and I mean it. I am doing something very unique here. Well, the first reader review has emerged on GoodReads. And to my great relief it is 5-stars! Here is a quote from it:

It is beautifully written. It reminded of these old fashion books I read as a child, that I used to read hiding from my parents and books that I understood without understanding them. Complicated I know but it is how I felt when I finished The Case of the Dangerous Dare (and dangerous, it was, believe me).

And remember you can read an excerpt from the book as well as learn about it via my posts on the Max page (here). I hope you will check it out.

A Jane Austen Daydream

Over the last day a new 5-star review has come out on amazon for A Jane Austen Daydream. I love this review. It is the kind that can make an author smile for days. Here are some excerpts:

Mr. Southard is an expert at writing in such a fashion as to induce feelings of hate, love, joy, sadness, and righteous fury. I wept, I laughed (out loud, scaring my cats, no doubt), I talked back at the characters making foolish decisions, I railed (in my mind) against those standing in the way of Jane’s happiness…In short, this author is a king at character development and mood setting… this book just might become a classic.

I had a guest post on The Undercover Soundtrack on the music inspiration around A Jane Austen Daydream, Belle and Sebastian. You can read my post here.

A Jane Austen Daydream is available via amazon.com where you can find it in print for just $13.85 in print and only $3.99 for the eBook. Here is the link: http://amzn.com/0983671923

Thanks for reading everyone!
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