WHAT I READ THIS WEEK: The Ruins of Karzelek by Ruby Lionsdrake. Wayward by Blake Crouch.
Views of Lockhart, Texas, by Roxanne Rix. Books featuring Lockhart by Gretchen Rix include Talking to the Dead Guys and Tea with a Dead Gal. http://amazon.com/author/gretchenrix
5 reasons why I’m lowering my e-book prices to $3.99.
1. Because I can.
How great is that? I can lower the prices when I want to. I can raise the prices if I think it’s warranted. I can sell the books virtually free at 99 cents. Or I can look at the market, think about the economy, and set a reasonable price of $3.99 for each of my books.
2. I’ve been experimenting with prices all along.
Since the beginning (July 2010), I’ve tried about every price. The books sold well enough at $3.99 at the beginning, sold extremely well for a short time at 99 cents, sold regularly at $2.99 for a long time, and still sold when I experimented with $4.99 and $5.99 this past six months.
I’ve finally decided I’d rather sell more books and engage more readers than sell less books at the higher price, even though the monetary result is about the same.
3. I can always change my mind.
And I probably will. Given more books and more time. But right now $3.99 feels correct. It’s what J.A. Konrath sells his books for. It’s what Lindsay Buroker sells most of her books for. And they’re the two writers I enjoy reading that I feel most akin to, as a writer, not counting Charlaine Harris (who can’t control her book prices so she doesn’t count).
4. I’m getting ready for the Christmas and New Year’s rush.
I believe in planning ahead. By the time this blog is published, all six of my novels and the two short story collections will be priced at $3.99.
5. Except for The Cowboy’s Baby.
My romance novel, romantic comedy, contemporary take on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale The Cowboy’s Baby will remain priced at $2.99. If you like this one, you’d probably enjoy any of my other books because this is pretty much my “voice,” except for Arroyo, and maybe The Safari Bride. The two Baby romances and the two Boo Done It mysteries tend to the humorous, as do the 
two short story collections.
WHAT I READ THIS WEEK: Cold Call by Dean Wesley Smith. Pines by Blake Crouch.
Photographs by Roxanne Rix
Visit The Book Spot in Round Rock, Texas, for a copy of The Safari Bride. Visit Bookpeople in Austin, Texas, for The Safari Bride. Logos and Buffalo Clover in Lockhart, Texas, have most of my books. Or, if you’re a Lockhart citizen, check them out at the Dr. Eugene Clarke Library.
http://amazon.com/author/gretchenrix
SMOOCHES FOR POOCHES. Sounds like an event where you get to cuddle and kiss dogs, doesn’t it? And maybe even sign the adoption papers and take one home right then and there?
ALAS, we’ve never been able to persuade the local Cause For Paws spay and neuter charity to bring adoptable dogs and cats to the nighttime party. Speaking of which, the 12th annual Smooches for Pooches (and Kisses for Kitties) is this upcoming Saturday (September 12, 2015) from 630 pm until midnight.
Even without man’s best friend and man’s supposed best friend in attendance, this annual event usually brings in the animal lovers and raises money for the Cause. Join us this Saturday at the Evening Lions Club (220 Bufkin Lane) in Lockhart, Texas, and dance the night away with music from oldies but goodies cover band the Fossils, spend your money at the live auction, and eat nachos to your heart’s content. 
The newspaper story advises that a silent bar will be open until 11 pm, but I doubt that it will be very silent.
If you’re out of the area and want to donate money instead, call 512/557-9025 or 512/227-4255 for more information.
Cause For Paws successfully spays and neuters feral cats in Caldwell County. This event is where they get most of their operating money.
See you there. And get your pets spayed or neutered, and keep them in the house or your backyard. The life you save may be your own pet’s.
Photos by Roxanne Rix
Books by Gretchen Rix available at The Book Spot in Round Rock, Texas, http://www.juliesbookspot.com and through Amazon.com http://amazon.com/author/gretchenrix.
I’ve even got several books that feature pets:
The Cowboy’s Baby, The Cowboy’s Baby Goes to Heaven, Talking to the Dead Guys, Tea With A Dead Gal, and Baby Sings the Boos. A monkey features heavily in the plot of The Safari Bride.
WHAT I READ THIS WEEK: Asphalt and Blood by Warren Bell. Murder by Misrule by Anna Castle.