Expanding Horizons

 Hi all. It's been a while since I've had a post, but things have been quite busy. The artwork for the new book is almost complete, and I've been laying out the interior, fiddling with formatting. Things are also quite busy wat work. In the last couple of months, I've launched four new training courses to the curriculum I'm developing. This has increased my training sessions exponentially. 

I must say it's all been rather fun, but the most exciting thing I did was to visit my daughter Abby in England. She recently completed a semester studying at Oxford University and she invited me to go over. She knew it was a lifelong dream of mine to visit England. Needless to say, I jumped at the opportunity.

I spent several days touring around Oxford and London and the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio, London tour. Abby was a great tour guide, and I marveled that she had been able to master traveling around on the Tube. So, here are some pictures from my journey for you to enjoy. I promise to update you on the progress of As the Owl Flies as soon as Emily Hurst Pritchett has completed the artwork.

Peace

Sneak Peek at a WIP

 I was looking at the blog and realized that I had not posted in quite a while. My apologies, but I've been working on putting together my current work in progress. As the Owl Flies is a collection of spiritual stories and poems for all ages. Currently, Emily Hurst Pritchett is hard at work on the cover and 12 illustrations, one for each story. My wife, Stephanie Shaughnessy is also working on the four illustrations for the poems will accompany the stories.

I have received the pencil sketch drafts of each of the twelve illustrations, and I will one here. I am also sharing a story from the book to give you a little taste of what the book will be like. This book will be a leap outside my usual genre, and I hope that some of my current readers will take that leap with me. I any case, I would appreciate any feedback in the comments section.

To Beaver or Not to Beaver

Once there was a large forest.  In this large forest there was a lake.  In this lake there lived a family of beavers.  They lived out in the middle of the lake, and it was their job to maintain the dam that kept the water of the lake from flooding the forest.

Every morning Father Beaver would go out and inspect the dam.  Then all the beavers would set to work; cutting down trees to replace rotten sections of the dam, preparing mortar to plug holes and seal cracks.  The beavers were also the forest's early warning system.  If there was danger, they would smack their large, flat tails in the water to alert everyone.

All the beavers loved their work.  All that is except the youngest, Jeffrey.  He hated the dam, and he hated his job.  Most of all, though, he hated being a beaver.  For one thing he could not stand his teeth.  He had two front teeth that were big and square and stuck out over his lower lip.  They were very useful for gnawing wood, but they made him feel awkward.  Then there was his tail.  It was long and wide and flat.  It was perfect for packing mortar into the cracks in the dam and for steering when swimming, but on land it dragged him down and made him feel clumsy.  Besides all that, beavers were also fat.  The fat was useful in keeping them warm during their extended time in the water, but he wished he could be slim and limber like his cousins the otters.  On the whole, Jeffrey decided that being a beaver was about the worst thing someone could be.

One morning, Jeffrey decided that he did not want to be a beaver any more.  He had been watching the birds near the lake and was fascinated by the way they soared through the air and skimmed over the water.

"I think that I shall be a bird," said Jeffrey.  "It must be wonderful to fly.  They don't have a care in the world.  They can fly anywhere, any time they want."

Looking around, he saw an outcrop of rock about three feet high.  Climbing to the top he spread his front paws and prepared to fly.

"I hope I'm doing this right," he muttered.  "Maybe I should get a bird to show me the proper way to take off."

He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and jumped from the top of the rocks.  For a second, he had a free feeling as he floated through the air.  Then his stomach lurched, and he felt himself plummet down to the ground.  Dazed and confused, he lay senseless for a few minutes.

"Oohh," the young beaver groaned as he rolled over and looked at the birds flying in the sky above him.  "I guess flying is harder than it looks."

"Haw, haw!  Caw, caw!" cackled a voice.

Jeffrey propped himself up on his elbows and looked around.  There on the rocks above him a crow was laughing at him.

"What's so funny?" asked Jeffrey.

"Caw, caw!  Flying is the easiest thing in the world if you're a bird," laughed the crow.

"Well, I want to be a bird.  I want to fly."

"Where are your feathers and your wings?" asked the crow.

"Do you need those?" asked Jeffrey.

"Of course you do.  You can't fly if you're not a bird.  It's something birds do.  You're a beaver, you can't fly."

"But I don't want to be a beaver," said Jeffrey.

"Well, you can try, but if you do you'll wind up killing yourself," the crow warned and he flew away.

"I guess he's right about that," said Jeffrey as he stood up.  He winced and rotated his shoulder.  He was going to be in pain in the morning.  Jeffrey decided that, while he might not be cut out to be a bird, there were other animals he could be that were just as interesting and exciting.  He thought a lot about what animal he wanted to be for the rest of that day.  By the time he was ready for bed he had made up his mind.

The next day dawned bright and sunny.  Jeffrey awoke stiff and sore.  He stretched and dove into the water.  He swam out from under his house, and by the time he had reached shore he felt more like his old self.

Jeffrey had decided that he would be a great hunter and stalk his prey.  He wanted to be a wolf.  He also decided that he would go right to the source and learn firsthand the ways of the wolf.  He would ask the advice of Old Gray.  Old Gray was the oldest wolf in the forest.  He kept to himself because of his age and was ignored by the rest of the wolf pack.  Jeffrey was a little intimidated by the wolves, but he thought he would be all right with Old Gray.  Jeffrey waddled deep into the forest until he came to Old Gray's cave.  Gulping nervously, he peered into the cave mouth.

"Hhello?  Old Gray are you home?" asked Jeffrey.

"Who wants to know?" a deep voice growled.

"It's me, Jeffrey Beaver."

There was movement inside the cave and a large gray wolf came into view.  He moved slowly, as if his joints ached.  He was very thin.  He looked Jeffrey over with piercing blue eyes.

"Well, so it is.  And what may I ask is such a young beaver doing so far away from the lake?"

"I don't want to be a beaver.  I want to be a wolf."

"Ha, ha!'  Old Gray chuckled as he took a step closer to Jeffrey.  "And why would a beaver want to be a wolf?"

"Wwell," Jeffrey gulped.  Old Gray was making him more nervous than he anticipated.  "I want to be a great hunter, you see.  It would be much more exciting than gnawing trees."

"I suppose it would," Old Gray's eyes narrowed, "But why would a vegetarian want to hunt?"

"Oh, you know, for the sport of it, the thrill of the hunt."  It seemed to Jeffrey that the wolf's eyes had a hungry gleam.

"It is very exciting," the wolf took two more steps toward the little beaver, "I love a good chase."

Jeffrey was now having serious doubts about consulting Old Gray.  Maybe it would have been better to try to be a wolf on his own, after all.

The wolf sighed and shook his head sadly, "But beavers are too fat and slow to be good sport, even for one as old as I.  Besides, there is not enough meat on you to make more than a mouthful.  I am too old, and my time is almost done.  Go home, Jeffrey.  Go back to your lake.  You are not a wolf, you are a beaver.  Go before I change my mind and eat you after all, fat or no fat."

Jeffrey turned and waddled away as fast as he could.  From behind he heard Old Gray give a long howl that made him run all the faster.  He had been silly to want to be a wolf.  He would have to think some more.  There must be something that he could be, something other than a beaver.  By the time he got back to the lake, he had another idea.  He went to bed that night thinking that he had the perfect solution.

The next day Jeffrey made his way to the edge of the forest.  At the edge of the forest was a tall mountain that was called, oddly enough, Tall Mountain.  At the foot of Tall Mountain was a blacksmith's shop that was the home of Hallo the dwarf.  Hallo had dug a mine into the side of the mountain that provided him with all sorts of ores and precious metals for his work.  He forged many useful tools and implements.  He also crafted many beautiful things of gold and silver.  That was what Jeffrey wanted to do, be a smith and make all sorts of beautiful and useful things.

Jeffrey entered the smithy.  The air was hot and had a heavy metallic smell.  The only light came from the fire of the forge at the far end of the room.  At the forge was Hallo.  He was about three and a half feet tall and had a long red beard.  He wore no shirt, and his heavily muscled arms wielded a hammer and tongs as he fashioned what looked like a knife blade.  The clangs of hammer hitting metal rang throughout the smithy.  Jeffrey walked up to Hallo and tapped him on the shoulder.

 "Aaihh, what the...?" exclaimed the startled dwarf.  "Oh, hello Jeffrey, my lad.  Don't sneak up on me like that.  I could have smashed my hand."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know how else to get your attention."

"That's all right," said Hallo with a chuckle, "It's good to see you.  What's so important that's made you come out all this way to see me, eh?"

"Well, I was wondering if you would take me on as an apprentice.  I'd love to be able to work metal into beautiful things."

"That's a fine aspiration Jeffrey," conceded Hallo, "If you're a dwarf.  But I don't know if it's a good idea for a beaver."

"Couldn't you let me try?  I know I'll be good at it if you give me a chance."

Hallo laughed, "You're a game little chap, I'll give you that.  Okay lad we'll give it a try."

So, Hallo demonstrated to the little beaver the proper way to hold the hammer and tongs.  He showed him how to heat the metal until it reached the proper temperature for hammering.  Hallo showed Jeffrey how to hammer iron and beat gold.

After the lesson, it was Jeffrey's turn to try.  The little beaver tried to pick up the tools, but his paws could not grip them properly.  Even if he could have gripped them, he was not strong enough and his arms were not long enough to use them.

"I'm sorry lad, but it's my opinion that you'll never make a smith," said Hallo.

"Then what will I be?" asked Jeffrey.

"What's so wrong with being what you are?  Why don't you want to be a beaver?"

"Because beavers are so ordinary.  We can't fly, we can't hunt, and we can't make beautiful things.  We don't do anything special or useful," said Jeffrey dejectedly.

"What do you mean beavers are not useful?" asked Hallo incredulously.  "Are you daft or something?  If it weren't for you beavers my house would be flooded.  Without your dam half of the forest would be under water.  By cutting down trees you create open meadows in the forest where animals can come to graze.  When there is danger, like the fire we had last year, you warn everyone in the forest by beating your tails in the water.  So you see you do serve a purpose and what you do is special.  No other animal in the forest can do what the beavers do."

"Gee, I hadn't thought of it like that before.  I guess what we do really is important.  Thanks, Hallo."

"Don't mention it, lad.  Now run on home before your parents start to worry."

Jeffrey said good-bye to the kindhearted dwarf and returned to the lake.  He found new pleasure and satisfaction in his work.  All in all, he decided, being a beaver was a good thing.  It had taken him a while to realize it, but although the things he did seemed mundane and boring to him, they were important to everyone else in the forest.  And that was something that he would never forget.

A Writer's Week #130: Spring Fever

Well, spring has definitely sprung here in Candlewood Corners, Connecticut. Grass is growing, flowers are blooming, trees are budding. Activity has also been rising on the writing front---from scheduling new appearances to working on production of my recently completed manuscript to the launch of a new Deliverers Series video trailer to the writing of yet another new book, things are rising to a fever pitch around here. Good stuff indeed. Here are some tidbits about each project:

Appearances

I've booked several already beginning in May, and I have more in the planning stages. I'll be posting updates on the Deliverers Series Facebook page as well as my Appearances page on this site.

Deliverers Series

I recently completed a video trailer for the overall series. Here it is if you haven't seen it:

You can view all of my Deliverers-related videos on a new video page on this site. There you will find a book trailer for each book, a couple interviews I conducted with myself long ago, samples from the audio book version of Sharky and the Jewel, and some other tidbits.

Book 4, Sparkling Mist of Time, has been receiving some great reviews, particularly from Fairday's Blog, as well as a 5-Star review from Readers' Favorite.

As the Owl Flies

The entire manuscript has been formatted, and Emily Hurst Pritchett is working on the cover and illustrations for each story. This is a really exciting project, as it will bring together short stories and poems I wrote pre-Deliverers. While geared for middle grade and teen readers, it is a departure from the fantasy adventure genre that I'm know for. I'm kind of taking a leap of faith with this little book, so to speak. In any event, I hope you all give it a shot and check it out.

When determining what formats to present the book in, I decided to publish it as an e-book and a paperback right away. After giving it more thought, I also decided to release it as an audio book. SO, once it's all put together, I will be posting it on ACX for auditions. I've already had one narrator indicate that they would be interested in auditioning, so I'm hoping I'll have some interest.

Here is the back cover blurb to give you an idea of what the book will be like:

As the Owl Flies is a collection of stories that warm the heart, and make you smile.

Originally written to be read aloud to friends gathered comfortably together, these stories convey simple, universal truths in a lighthearted, fun way. The whimsical illustrations help bring the characters to life, capturing their foibles and quirks. In between are sprinkled four poems of hope, optimism, and thankfulness that will make you (perhaps) think. Some of the friends you’ll meet within these pages include:

• A squirrel who must decide how to use the gift that is given to him'
• An old man forced to reevaluate his life.
• A disappointing Christmas present, that becomes the greatest gift of all.
• A beaver who yearns to soar.
• A girl whose dreams signal disaster.

A fun, thought-provoking read for all ages, these stories are a breath of fresh air that will revive your spirit and restore your faith in human nature.

Tales From the Dragon Islands

I'll be getting back to middle grade fantasy adventure with my latest work in progress, Tales From the Dragon Islands. I'm not sure if that will be the title of the book, or the name of a series--we'll have to wait and see. I've been working slowly on this and so far, I'm up to about 2,300 words, so just getting started, really. It's about an event that happens on the Dragon Islands about 3,000 years before the Deliverers pay a visit. 

I've been a little nervous about where this manuscript is headed, because I have an idea of the protagonists and where they will end up, but almost no idea of how they are going to get there. This will be very much a case of letting the characters show me what will happen. When this happens to me, it's always very exciting, but also terrifying. Thankfully, after really wondering where this was headed for the first 1,300 words or so, the last 1,000 have given me hope that my characters might know what they're doing. I'll let you know if that continues as things move along.

Peace

Somebody Else's Interview

For a long time now, I've been planning to interview illustrator Emily Hurst Pritchett. However, being the procrastinator I am, I haven't quite got around to it. Now, I suppose the point is kind of moot as Annie's Book Stop of Worcester conducted a great video interview with her.

It's up on YouTube, but I've posted it below. The interview is really great. In it, Emily gives great insight into her creative process, her own personal taste in books and pastimes, as well as what it's like illustrating for independent authors, publishers, and what she's up to with her personal art. As you watch, you might even see a couple familiar books being flashed. 

Emily is working on illustrations and the cover for As the Owl Flies and I have started the Tales of the Dragon Islands book. I'll share more of that shortly.

Peace

 

A Writer's Week #128: The Circle is Now Complete

 It took a bit longer than I anticipated, but the Deliverers Series is now complete. Today, I submitted the paperback and Kindle versions of Book 4: Sparkling Mist of Time to Amazon. It will be published February 29. The Kindle version is available for preorder right now. Here's the cover--a big thank you to Emily Hurst Pritchett once again!

A lot of emotions flooded through me when I pressed the upload button. This series is something that has been a part of my life for over 15 years. When I started, I could not have predicted that I would conclude the writing journey here, now. If I knew how it would play out, I might never have started. It took over four years to write book one. It took 2-3 years to write books two and three. Then, I started book four. Book four was really the hardest test in the whole odyssey. 16,000 words in I kind of lost my religion, abandoned the task, and wandered about in the wilderness for about eight years. I had honestly thought the writing chapter of my life was closed. I had burned myself out trying to market my baby.

You see, I was under the impression that if I worked hard enough, I would be able to ditch my day job and make my dream of writing middle grade fiction full time a reality. When it didn't happen after three years of beating my head against the marketing wall at the expense of time with my kids, I gave it up. 

Now, I am older and (perhaps) a little bit wiser. I realize now that if some folks enjoy what I write, I don't have to be a best seller and make a mint to gain satisfaction from it. I owe a great debt to my father for reminding me of that, and for also suggesting refreshing the three existing books as I worked on the fourth.                                                                                                                                

So, a big thank you to all the contributors to the series over the years--Ana Vogel, Daniel Vogel, Jimm Singer, and Emily Hurst Pritchett. I could not have done any of this without your contributions throughout the years.

I also want to thank all of the fellow writers I've met along the way. You have always been one of my biggest sources of support. So, thank you Stephanie Robinson, Jessica Haight, C. Lee McKenzie, Karen Pokras, Margo Dill, and all the rest who have helped with reviews, feedback, and everything. I hope I've been able to return the favor.

What's next on my writer's journey? Look for a collection of inspirational short stories and poems later this year. They were my first foray into writing stories meant to be shared with others. After that, I think I will be revisiting the Dragon Islands, roughly 3,000 years before the events in The Golden Dragon of Ang. Seems like the inspirational well has not dried up after all. As things move forward, I hope you'll all come with me for the ride.

Peace.

A Writer's Week #127: Feeling Grateful

 Unbelievably it is Christmas Eve once again. It seems like just yesterday that it was Christmas 2022. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone this year! 

I am blown away by what I have been able to accomplish in 2023. I was able to find a fantastic illustrator in Emily Hurst Pritchett. She came up with new art and maps for the three books in the Deliverers Series. Then, I was able to arrange book signings and had great feedback on the books and the artwork. Finally, I was able to complete book 4 of the series and it will be published early in 2024. Completing the final book in the series means that Eric and company will finally have some closure.

It might never have happened if I had not had a talk with my dad on Christmas day. He wondered why I hadn't continued writing. I gave a couple lame excuses, but he would have none of it. I realized that I had been missing writing and feeling like I had some unfinished business.

My dad also suggested doing something that I had been struggling with. He said he thought I should get some new artwork to refresh the look. I had contemplated that several times over the past couple of years. After all, it had been 12 years since the first book had been released, and even Harry Potter had new art.

The next day, I began my search for a new artist. I also reread the manuscript for book 4. It was only 16,000 words at that point. The concept was good, but there were some plot issues. I did not know if I had a plot for one book or two. It took me several months to figure that out. In the meantime, Emily was working away on artwork for the first three books.

So, it's been a really great year on the writing front. Things have exceeded my expectations. Emily is currently working on the artwork for book 4. I've seen the sketches and I'm really excited by them. I'll share everything with you when they are complete.

Looking forward to 2024, I've got some new projects on the horizon. After the final book in the Deliverers Series is published, I am going to publish a collection of inspirational short stories. They are a little like fairy tales and should appeal to young and old alike.

After that, I am kicking around an idea for a book set in the Dragon Islands centuries before Eric and his friends visit. I'm starting to get excited about it. The Dragon Islands have a long history and several things were hinted at in The Golden Dragon of Ang that I am looking forward to exploring in more depth. 

I'm thinking of calling the series Tales of the Dragon Islands or maybe come up with a title and use the tagline A Dragon Islands Tale. Either way, I'm looking forward to exploring that world in more depth.

Stay tuned.

A Writer's Week #126: Nearing the Finish

 It's been a while since I gave an update on my WIP, The Deliverers 4: Sparkling Mist of Time. That's because a lot of great things have been happening--lots of shows to be specific. I have not been idle on the writing front, however. Book 4 is moving right along, and I am happy to report that the first draft is almost complete. 

Right now, I've written over 43,000 words, and am on track to hit 50,000. This book will definitely complete the Deliverers Series. My concern with writing the ending to the series has always been doing the series justice. I put pressure on myself to make sure that the end of a book works and is a fitting ending to the story. This time around, I'm really feeling it as I'm wrapping up the entire series.

As the book was initially coming to a close, I think I was trying a little to hard to figure out the ending. I was trying to force things, so all my ideas were a little bit contrived. Finally, I just kind of let it all go and stopped thinking so hard. Once I was able to do that, it started coming in bits and pieces. Finally, all the pieces came together. I think the ending as I picture it now is a natural and proper path to complete the story.

Book 4 is really starting to come together, I should have the first draft completed shortly. Emily Hurst Pritchett has started sketching out cover ideas. I'm also experimenting with the book layout. This will be the first time I'm doing it on my own, so there's a little more pressure than usual.

Anyhow, I hope to have the book out by either February or March. Stay tuned, I'll be sure to keep you updated. In the meantime, I hope you and yours have a very happy Thanksgiving.

IWSA Wednesday First Post

Hello! Happy November, and welcome to my first Insecure Writer's Support Group Wednesday post!

The awesome co-hosts for the November 1 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Jean Davis, Lisa Buie Collard, and Diedre Knight!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

November 1 question: November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?

Well, the short answer is no.  I just have trouble writing like that. My writing pace tends to be slow and slower.  After all, it's taken me nine years to write book 4 of the Deliverers Series.  After about 7 years off to pay more attention to my family as they grew up, it is almost complete.

Once I've finished writing, it's been edited, and artist Emily Hurst Pritchett has completed the artwork, it will be launch time. Hopefully that will be sometime in March. 

I've never really been very good at book launches, or marketing in general for that matter. Anyhow, I could really use all the suggestions you could give when the time comes.

I guess that's all I've got this time around. Thank you for allowing me to become part of the group and I look forward to traveling around and meeting you all. 

Cal Endria's Journal--Entry #1: Sowing Seeds

 Note: Today is the beginning of a new topic. When Cal Endria left on his final journey into the Iron Mountains, he brought his journal with him. When he was lost, his eyewitness account of the founding of Calendria was lost with him. With the unexpected recovery of the journal, Calendrian historians have gained a new insight into the origins of the village.

Here is the first entry in the journal. Let's travel back to the beginning.

26 October, 4169

Sketch of Cal Endria's Journal by Emily Hurst Pritchett

Another day at sea, and I am restless. I have started this journal to chronicle what I hope to be a new phase of my life, and hopefully that of my descendants.

Of late, I have grown tired of life at sea, and especially of life under Captain Burt Sharky. As first mate, I must ensure his orders are carried out. Perhaps I am becoming too soft hearted, but these days it seems that he has become exceedingly cruel and vicious.

Only yesterday, we sighted a merchant ship on the horizon. The two masted vessel was under full sail, running ahead of us at a quick pace, The lookout on Deathwind soon sighted her and the pursuit was on. The captain of our prey was a skilled sailor, if his maneuvers were any indication. However, in spite of the merchant's skill, the fleet steadily gained.

It was not long before they were within range of our cannon. I gave the order to fire. Our lads are chillingly good in a fight, and this one was no contest. Our first volley raked their deck and cut through both masts. Once they came crashing down the ship was virtually immobile.

Deathwind and Carrion came up on either side of the disabled ship. The merchant crew tried to put up a fight, but we are battle hardened and merciless. It was not long before what was left of the crew capitulated.

Usually, we would plunder and scuttle the captured ship and maroon the crew on a small sandbar or island. This tactic did not offer much hope of survival, but it gave some. However, this time Sharky had something different in mind.

"Kill them," he hissed. "Kill them all."

"But there are women and children aboard," I said. "Surely they can be spared."

"Do as I tell ye or I'll disembowel all ye lubbers!" Sharky barked. "From this day forth, we shall leave no one alive!"

And so, there was no choice but to carry out the Captain's orders.

If I could pinpoint one moment in time when I noticed a change in the Captain's mood, it seemed to be when he "acquired" a ring with a blood red stone. The ring is not natural. I do not know how to explain it, but it feels evil.

I have spoken to some other members of the Pirate Nation who I believe to be of a similar mind. One of these, Barko Weatherbee, has taken it upon himself to search out a habitable area for settlement.
Our plan is to find a suitable bit of land, take our families, and leave the Nation to form our own farming and fishing community. There are some among us who are optimistically looking forward to our new life. I, on the other hand, am concerned about Sharky. He will never let us go off on our own, at least not without a price in return.

That is my burden. I must develop a plan, and engineer some sort of deal, that will entice Sharky. It must appeal enough to his black and greedy heart to convince him to let us go, rather than kill us all. 
If I can accomplish that, and if Weatherbee can find a suitable patch of ground, then we may well and truly have a chance to live out our lives as free and honest men, although I fear we shall never fully escape Sharky's evil shadow.

My watch is ending, so I shall end here. Perhaps in the morning, after a few hours' rest, a solution to our dilemma will come to me. I pray that it does.

FInal Cover Reveal & a Little Story on How We Got Here

Here is the new cover for The Deliverers Book 3:  The Golden Dragon of Ang, Below, I've written about how the three new covers came about and my journey back to resuming work on the fourth and final book in the series, The Deliverers Book 4:  Sparkling Mist of Time.

Here's a link to the updated trailer for the book on YouTube.

So how did we get here? At the end of last year, the Deliverers Series was at a crossroads, although I didn't realize it. I had published book three almost nine years ago, and, while I had written about 14,000 words or so of book four, I had pretty much walked away and was trying to move on. 

Although a lot of people told me they liked the books, marketing the series was difficult and frustrating because getting the word out requires a whole lot of time and effort. As I was feverishly writing a blog post a day, writing the books, and attending fairs and craft shows on weekends, my children were growing up and I felt I was missing that. I also was starting to feel like a failure. So, I shut everything down, and I figured that was the end of it.

Still, over the years I felt like there was still some unfinished business. Periodically, I'd pull up the manuscript for book four on the computer and write a few paragraphs. I even wrote a couple of blog posts saying I was resuming work. But soon after, I would put everything back on the figurative shelf.

That is, until I had a conversation with my dad on Christmas day. He asked me (not for the first time) when I was going to finish book four. Now, my dad is a very smart man. He was an optical engineer and the companies he worked for had projects with NASA that he worked on from the 60's to the 80's. He was the last person I expected to enjoy a middle grade fantasy adventure series. However, he surprised me with his enthusiasm for the books each time I released one. It was more than just liking them because it was his son who wrote them--he really enjoyed them, and that was the best feeling.

All of this is an extremely long way of saying that my dad encouraged, well, I think told is a better description, me to finish the series. So, I decided that I would resume work on the fourth, and probably the final, book in the series. This would mean that I would have to go back out on the marketing trail and resurrect the blog, etc. 

With that in mind, I looked at everything with a view to updating what I had. I redesigned the blog a bit and got a shorter domain name---Deliverers.net. Then I looked at the books themselves. When I first started, I was very blessed to have Daniel Vogel as my illustrator. He drew the cover, map and chapter header for Sharky and the Jewel when he was just 14, and all his covers were really great. However, that first book was released back in 2011 and it seemed to me that since I was making a fresh start, it was time to do some revamping of the artwork. I mean, even J.K. Rowling has updated the art on her Harry Potter books.

That begged the question, who would do the art? Daniel was no longer an option as he had moved on to other interests. That meant I would have to find an artist. How was I going to do that? Well, I started with the Society of Children's Book Writer & Illustrators. They had a nice listing of illustrators that were willing to work with self-published (indie) authors. Listings included their portfolios and websites/contact info.

That's where I found Emily Hurst Pritchett. I loved her portfolio immediately. Her work seemed to match the spirit of the Deliverers. So I reached out and happily, we were able to strike a deal. She was great to work with and I heartily recommend her to anyone who has a project in need of illustration.

So, this year has been a whirlwind of new art, new readers, some old readers, and moving forward with book four. In October I will be making a couple of appearances (I'll have details in my next blog post), and I'm looking to add more.

Work on the fourth book has been progressing. I'm up to almost 28,000 words and have just about finished part one. I hope to have the book completed by the end of November for a potential release early in 2024. Emily has agreed to do the artwork for book four, which she'll start sometime in September. That should give me some time to get a decent way through part 2 of the book.

So, if you've been following me throughout the years, thanks for hanging in there. For all of you who are new, thank you for checking out my work and please tell your friends and neighbors! It should be a fun ride. And to my dad, thank you for never giving up on me and caring enough to get me back on track. Peace.

A Writer's Week #124: Getting There

 It’s been a while since I shared my writing progress with all of you—all the way back in May, actually. A lot has happened since then. The new cover, map and chapter header illustration for the Order of the Crystal Lion was completed by illustrator Emily Hurst Pritchett. I was able to update the Kindle and paperback versions of the book, and got a new hardcover version published on Amazon. I made a completely new book trailer in addition to a cover reveal video.

Emily has also just completed the new cover for book 3, and I should have the updated paperback and Kindle versions, as well as a new hardcover version published shortly. She and I have agreed in principle to a deal for art for the upcoming fourth and final book in the Deliverers Series. This project will be slightly more ambitious than the previous three books. I’m planning to have a prologue, part one and part two. There will be a cover and a map, but there will be two different chapter heading illustrations, one for each part of the book. There will also be a pencil drawing for the front page of part one and one for part two. Emily does great pencil drawings, and I think this touch will make book 4 truly special.

Chapter heading for book 3,
The Golden Dragon of Ang

                                                                                

Book 4 is moving along slowly. I’ve almost finished part one, which has now reached over 27,000 words. I’m guessing that I’ll need another 2,000 to 3,000 words to complete it and move on to part 2. That should get the book to roughly 120 pages. Part two should be interesting to write. I’ve got a general idea as to what will happen, but I’m expecting that the characters will show me what will actually happen. Anyhow, I’m hoping (you never know for sure until it’s done) that the outcome will be successful and that the book will be a fitting conclusion to the series.

I have also signed up for two events in the beginning of October. I'll post specifics as we get closer. I'm hoping to add something in September as well, since the covers for all three of the books will have been updated well before.

That's it for now. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. I'll be back soon with my third and final (until book 4 is published!) cover reveal.

Another Cover Reveal

 Hi everybody! I hope all of you are doing well and enjoying the start of what looks like a great summer! Things have been busy here at Deliverers Publishing Headquarters, aka White Owl Manuscripts. This week, I received the final artwork and the map for book 2 in the Deliverers series, Order of the Crystal Lion. Illustrator Emily Hurst Pritchett did another fantastic job on the book, just as she did with Sharky and the Jewel.

With all the artwork complete, that meant that I had a boatload of work for myself this weekend. I am happy to report that I successfully formatted the interior and the cover for the paperback and Kindle versions as well as a brand new hardcover version of the book. The updated Kindle version is now live on Amazon (see link above), and the paperback version should be up in a few days. The hard cover will be available late next week or early next, depending on whether or not the Amazon formatting police find anything out of spec.

Oh yes, I also was able to put together a cover reveal video featuring a behind the scenes look at how Emily colors her artwork on the computer. Take a look and get an eyeful of the new cover at the same time:

In going through this book almost line by line after not having read it in many years, I've gained a new appreciation of the book. At the time it came out, all I saw were the flaws, but there are way more successes than failures in the book. I have a sneaking suspicion that I was being too hard on myself, perhaps because in my mind nothing could measure up to the first book. 

So, for those of you who want to see the cover right away, here it is (but please go back and watch the video later):

Once I have a minute, perhaps next weekend, I plan to make an updated book trailer and post it to YouTube. 

So, now it's on to Book 3. Emily is already reading the book. I have so many thoughts as to what would make a good cover that I can't pin a single one down. I think I'll see what Emily suggests. It was her idea to focus on The Machine, and it turned out great.

So, good bye for now. Please let me know what you think of the cover in the comments below.

A Writer's Week #123: Remembering & Feeling Thankful

 Hi everybody! This Memorial Day weekend, it's appropriate to remember and celebrate those who gave their lives to make, and keep, our country free. I am thankful for and grateful to them for their sacrifice. Thanks to them, we can all enjoy a way of life in which we are free to be whatever we wish. This way of life is continually evolving and while we've experienced some hiccups along the way, I am confident that we are working our way toward an even more free and tolerant society.

In addition to the holiday, I am feeling grateful for all the family and friends who have helped and continue to help and support me on my writer's journey. 

My journey is moving forward with the release of the second edition of The Deliverers:  Sharky and the Jewel. Now, artist Emily Hurst Pritchett is almost ready to send me the final draft for the cover of The Deliverers Book 2: Order of the Crystal Lion. Very excited to see that! 

She is also working on a new map for the book. Check out this Instagram link to a short video of the map in progress. Just click on the picture:

In addition to work being done on the existing books, I'm moving forward on The Deliverers Book 4: Sparkling Mists of Time. I've written another 2,200 words and have reached a very tense, exciting moment in the book. I'm looking forward to getting it all down on "paper".

In the coming weeks, I'll share chapter 5 of my work in progress and will be announcing several appearances I'll be making in the fall. I'm looking forward to seeing some of you in person then. Plus, some time in June I'll have the new cover reveal for Book 2!

Until then, have a great holiday weekend and let's make a toast to all those who have come before and given everything to keep our country free!

A Writer's Week #122: Forging Ahead

 Well, it's been a while, but I'm continuing to work on the fourth, and most likely final, book in The Deliverers Series. In the last week I've written a little over 2,000 words, bringing me to 20,250 words over 92 pages. 

Although shy of my regular goal of 2,500 words per week, I'm pretty satisfied with the output. That's because this has been a really busy week. I drove down to Georgia and back over 4 days to pick my daughter up from school. Although I did not do any writing on the trip, I was able to lock down the plot details for the first part of the book (I'm thinking of calling it Act I) as well as some ideas for the book's second act. Plus, I think artist Emily Hurst Pritchett and I have hit upon the right scene for the cover of The Deliverers 2.

Thumbnail sketches for Book 2

Hammering out some of the Book 4 plot details also helped me answer a question that I have been debating ever since I had the idea for Book 4 almost eight years ago--would the series run for five books as I'd always envisioned, or would Book 4 end it all? Originally, I thought that the material that will make up Act I would be Book 4, and that my idea for Act II would have been Book 5. The trouble is, Book 4 would have been the shortest book--probably about 170 pages. I would have ended rather abruptly, too, with book five picking up right where the previous book left off. In other words Book 4 would end in a "cliffhanger", but why? Yes, I know it might create interest for the series finale, but it seems better to move from one part, or act, right into the second.

So, that's what I've decided to do. Now, there's always the possibility that as I'm writing Act II I discover that the series is not quite done, but as of now I'm pretty confident that The Deliverers will be four books. Once it's complete I can concentrate on the next adventure. What that will be I can't say for sure, but I'm looking forward to whatever challenge awaits. Have a good week everybody.