August 4, 2009
The newest review. This was emailed to me today by a reader.
I just wanted to send you a quick message and tell you how much i am truly enjoying reading your book "A pirate's Tale"
You sold it to my bf a few months ago in random passing and i have finally found the time to get into it...
I am half way through it and i must say..my boyfriend may kill me if i don't hurry and finish it soon. Unfortunatly i find finishing it to be bitter sweet...which is probably why i find myself taking extra time to carefully read each word.
I just would like to say that you have truly done your homework and even though i am only half way done its truly a pirate story to lose yourself in.
I look forward to sending you another message when this book is done and would also like to know if you have written any others that i may be able to buy.
Thanks for your time
Shawna Bauer
July 31, 2009
On June 23rd I left Alberta for Nova Scotia, at the invitation of my daughter, Carey and her wonderful family. She encouraged me to send 150 copies of, A Pirate's Tale, in order to sell them at the Stan Rogers Music Festival. We headed for the festival on the day after I arrived and travelled to Canso, under troubled skies. Once camp was set up, the skies opened up and did not stop leaking until the festival was over. In fact, the festival became the victim of a deluge, which seriously impeded book sales, to say the least. In fact, it rained so hard that I was constantly on edge because paper books do not do well in the rain. Needless to say, book sales were dismal, (five sold, two traded). In spite of the lack of book sales, I had a very good time and made lots of new friends. The music was fabulous!
Two of the people with whom I became friends are Amiel and Mandy, who own and operate East Coast Drum Works. They invited us to a party at their acreage in PEI the following weekend. Hence, we headed for the island that following Thursday and had a marvelous time touring and partying on Friday night, listening to ten different bands; friends of the hosts. A great time was had by all, notwithstanding the clouds of biting insects; black flies, mosquitos, and no see-ems.
We left PEI on Saturday afternoon and drove over the Confederation Bridge to Amherst, where we spent the following couple of days. En route, I was able to place five copies of A Pirate's Tale in a fabulous tourist shop called, The Dunes. It is owned and operated by a very talented potter named, Peter Jansons.
The following weekend we headed off to the Kempt Shore Accoustic Music Festival, where I also tried to sell books, but, alas, it rained and dampened people's spirits with regard to purchasing a paper book. I met some wonderful musicians there and brought back some excellent CDs. The music was wonderful!
A couple of days prior to returning to Alberta, Carey, Michael, and I spent a day in Halifax, where I contacted two books stores and the public library to encourage them towards acquisition of my books.
I returned to Alberta on July 23rd and was happily picked up by my sweet Sherry.
Here is Tim Lasuita's review of, A Pirate's Tale:
'Arrr matey, the world of pirate literature is indeed spotted with many mangy curs. Gertjan Zwiggelaar could have been a pirate himself. Two hundred years ago, he might have sailed the seas a free man. Unfortunately, it's not 200 years ago.
His book is marvelous. Packed with outstanding characterization and adventure, you can scarcely put it down. Peter Mann begins his life as a 25 year old reporter for the Halifax Morning Post in 1775, and once he helps a pirate escape, his life is changed. He lives through the French and American revolutions, eventually becoming a 'pirate' himself. From there it gets better.
This is a novel that tells itself. It might make a good movie, if Gertjan would play the lead. It would make a great TV series, if Errol Flynn would come back to life. But, for now, it is a great novel that I enjoyed very much.
Meeting Gertjan in real life, I can appreciate the effort he went to tell a good story for all ages. He just might be part of all the characters in this book!'
-Tim Lasiuta
June 14, 2009
A lot has happened since the last post on April First.
I am engaged to a very loving, kind, and gentle woman named Sherry. She's my sweet Sherry pie. She will be working with me in the near future, as my girl Friday.
Both of my published books are now available in hard cover from PublishAmerica.com.
I will be off to Nova Scotia to visit with Carey and her extended family from June 23 to July 23. A whole month! In the first weekend of July, I will be selling books at the Stan Roger's Festival. Hope to see you there!
Investment opportunities are still available for potential film returns. As I write this we are getting closer to Hollywood with, A Pirate's Tale.
Contact me to inquire about investing: Email: gertjan@shaw.ca
April 1, 2009
My New Book, Into the Game was released by PublishAmerica
This marvelous story is about Maxwell Taylor, a video game junkie who gets sucked into his game and becomes a cyber character. How will he get back to the real world? That's the question, isn't it. ISBN: 1-60836-763-0 softcover, 423 pages, $29.95 USD.
Available from: Amazon, Chapters, Coles, Ingram, PublishAmerica, and your local book store.
Over 500 copies of, A Pirate's Tale already sold in the local market!
March 17, 2009
According to my calculations, I have already sold and signed over 500 copies of, A Pirate's Tale in Lacombe and Red Deer. In WalMart North, I have sold 192 copies in 23 days, working an average of five hours each day. Some days, even less. I never keep track of my hours, really. We raised over $300.00 for the S.P.C.A.
Sitting in WalMart is a fabulous experience. Staff and I get along famously. Everyone is friendly and supportive. People who stop to chat, are interested in my book, for the most part. Of course, the usual time wasters stop by, as well; who talk about everything but my book; thinking their chit chat to be very important and requiring a pair of ears to listen. Sometimes they keep me from making a sale. But, ah well, it is all for good PR. I don't mind. It is all good. People have already taken 1000 advertising business cards.
Final text edits are done for my next book, INTO THE GAME. I am anxiously awaiting cover design.
On Saturday, March 21st, from 11a.m. I will be signing and reading at CHAPTERS in Red Deer.
From February 19th - March 20th, 2009
Photos by CD's Creative Solutions
An avid reader of, A Pirate's Tale
Read his review below
A tribute to the Pirate in all of us
An epic romp on at least 5 of the 7 seas. From weeping to pounding your fist on the table and everything in between. A tale that can't help but sweep you, the "Dear Reader" up into the late 18th century world of piracy on the high seas. The incredible detail of the story anchors you into the reading experience. The sense of anticipation as it unfolds keeps you looking forward to each new chapter. There are plenty of twists that catch you completely by surprise. Definitely an excellent read. I will look forward to reading it again. There has only been one other book I can say the same about and that was Lord of The Rings. Long after devouring this story for the first time, I find myself thinking about victuals and libations. A truly wonderful, centuries old journey through the life of a writer-turned pirate and the people he loved, lost and sent along their to way to the afterlife.
We alI really enjoyed reading this book, it was one that I had trouble putting down. I would highly recommend this book to others. It was a very good read.
Meow, meeeeooooww mi mi meeowww meow meow meeeeeeooooowwww!!!!
I wish I had the budget it would take to make this into a movie but honestly I wouldn’t know where to start. How does one make “the Pirates of the Caribbean” without the millions of Disney dollars???
However as a read I’d say it was the most fun forty dollars I spent in a long time. Gertjan my friend, thank you!!!!!!!
Larry Reese
Director of Film Studies at Red Deer College
My added note:
Larry is a fabulous stage director who has already made two feature films, 'Naked Frailties' and 'To the Victor.' Larry is also a visual artist and writer. A true Renaissance man and an excellent friend. Larry played the preacher in Clint Eastwood's movie, 'Unforgiven.'
Go back in time when life meant nothing. Imagine escaping to an island that you only had to leave for Adventure and Supplies. A very easy read but very hard to put down. You will find yourself holding your breath. Excitement ++'
-Helen Sieben, a happy customer in Red Deer.
Author note: Helen told me she had read, A Pirate's Tale, non stop for 30 hours. 'I got nothing done. I couldn't put it down.'
Having sold over 350 copies of, A Pirate's Tale, it is becoming more and more interesting when I am sitting in WalMart, selling my book. People are walking by my table telling other people to buy it, having finished the book and having absolutely loved it. I am making so many new friends, it is very interesting what is happening here locally. One person said he had the book and it was a gift from someone in Edmonton. Others are telling me they read it, a gift from someone to whom I sold the book, directly at their office, or front door.
Many thanks to WalMart North in Red Deer, for excellent support and help with the marketing of, A Pirate's Tale. Last week we raised $100.00 for the S.P.C.A. Special thanks to managers, Hans & John, and their friendly and helpful staff. I will update this news on Monday, March 2nd.
PublishAmerica is working with me to publish my latest sci-fi, INTO THE GAME.
You sold me “A Pirate’s Tale” at Wal-Mart in Red Deer about a week or so ago. I have really enjoyed your book, it took me away.
After going to the website for the book & reading your biography I realized we were both at LTCHS at the same time. Alas, I didn’t take art or drama but I was quite fond of computers.
I might check out your other books having enjoyed “A Pirate’s Tale” so much. Keep it up!
Shailynn