Title and Cover Reveal for New Novel

Now that NaNoWriMo is out of the way, it's on to the publication of the fourth novel in my John Ross Boomer Lit series. 

And today I reveal the title and cover of the book, which will be published by Wings ePress on Feb. 1. During the past year, I've written about the novel, from rewrites to edits to working with the cover artist. It seems like it will never end, but eventually, it does. 

The cover is like icing on a cake, the final stage in the creative process. If done right, it captures the essence of the novel and presents it in a way to attract readers, much like folks want to sink their teeth into a delicious piece of cake. 

So here it is!

Trisha Fitzgerald-Jung designed the cover; she also did the artwork on my previous novel, New Horizons. 

Pat Evans produced the cover for the first book in the series, Old Ways and New Days, and the late Richard Stroud produced the cover for the second book, Darkness Beyond the Light. I've been fortunate to work with such talented people at Wings.

Cover by Pat Evans

                                                        Cover by Richard Stroud

Make Room for Family will be available for preorder on Jan. 1 as a trade paperback and e-book.  I'll have information about that once I get a link (you might want to click the "Follow" button on the right margin). 

Until the next time . . . 

More to Do on WIP

I finished the first rewrite of my work in progress and discovered there's a lot more to do on the second rewrite. It took longer than I expected, about 10 weeks, and there's a good reason for the extra time on the manuscript.

As mentioned in a long-ago post, when working on "New Horizons," I decided to break up the manuscript because it was running too long and going off in another direction.
What I've learned after working on the second half of the manuscript is that the story hasn't ended. I have nearly 61,000 words saved and will probably need to write another 20k—so I'm about three-fourths of the way to "The End."

I recalled, when it abruptly ended today, that it was at that point about a year ago when I decided to turn it into the fourth book in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. For some reason I thought I had finished it. It must have been a senior moment!  

I'll delve back into the manuscript, knowing what's been written and where it's likely to go. My goal is to have the manuscript ready to send to my editor at Wings ePress by the end of the year, if not sooner.  I'm hopeful that this novel will be published in 2020. Good vibes sent my way will be appreciated. 

One thing I've learned from this experience is that I won't be breaking up a manuscript again. Once started on a book, I'll stick with it until the very end. 

Until the next time . . .

Ready to Start Fourth Boomer Lit Novel

It's been nearly six months since I finished "New Horizons," the third book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series.  Lately, several readers have asked if I've started on another book.

"New Horizons" was released May 1 by Wings ePress and sales have been steady and reviews have been excellent. I'm very appreciative to those who have supported my writing in the past and those who are just discovering my stories.

So now it's time to move on to the fourth book. I don't have a working title but I have produced probably 50k words. August 1st is my official start date.

So how do I already have 50k words? When working on "New Horizons" last year, the manuscript exceeded 90k and the novel was moving in a different direction. I decided to use the first 40k on "New Horizons," and the other for the next installment.  By the way, "New Horizons" ended up at nearly 70k words so there was plenty of writing involved before submitting it to my publisher.

I've been letting the remaining words simmer the past few months while conducting additional research and taking more notes about the next adventure for John and Sally Ross in their quest for peace and tranquility in their twilight years. 



Those who have read the first three books know it certainly hasn't been easy for the Kentucky couple. This thing called life always seems to be getting in the way of their quiet plans.

So if things go as planned—something I never count on in my life—the first draft of the fourth book will be finished in a couple months. After several rewrites, I hope to send the manuscript to my editor by the end of the year. 

As I have with my previous novels, I'll keep you posted on my progress, title, book cover, and release date. I already know what the fifth book is going to address, but more about that when I'm through with the fourth.

Until the next time . . .

Book Promotion for Darkness Beyond the Light

The second book in my John Ross Boomer Lit series, Darkness Beyond the Light, will be on sale for 99 cents for one week beginning April 21. 

This past week, Old Ways and New Days, the first book in the series geared toward baby boomers, was offered at that price. And if you have Kindle Unlimited, you can read them for free. 



The books are on sale as part of a promotion from Wings ePress before the publication of New Horizons on May 1. 

New Horizons, the third book, can be downloaded on preorder before the release date. It will be available in print on May 1 as well.

Darkness Beyond the Light deals with John and Sally Ross confronting their son's drug problem. They also have Sally's opinionated octogenarian mother to contend with on the homefront during the usually joyous Christmas holiday season.

In New Horizons, John and Sally attempt to get away from all the chaos at home by taking a long overdue vacation to historic Budapest. But they encounter other issues along the way that make it a memorable trip they'd almost soon forget.




I hope that if you chose to read the books that you find them unforgettable—in a good way. And don't forget to leave a review and/or rating (for me and other authors after you finish reading books).

Until the next time . . . 

New Novel on Pre-Order

Between now and April 30, readers of my John Ross Boomer Lit series can pre-order the electronic version of New Horizons.

New Horizons is the third novel in the coming-of-old-age series from Wings ePress involving retired newspaper sports editor John Ross.  It's available on Amazon by clicking here. A print edition will be available on May 1.

I'm excited because this is the first time one of my novels has been offered on pre-order. It makes marketing and promotion a bit easier, especially for someone who struggles with that aspect of being an author in the 21st century.

The new novel primarily focuses on John and Sally's long overdue vacation to Budapest, Hungary. They encounter all kinds of folks that turn the 10-day trip into an adventure they never expected as they experience more than sightseeing.

And even though they're five thousand miles from Kentucky, events pop up that keep their minds on happenings back home involving their son, daughter, and Sally's mother. Along the way, they also make a few discoveries about themselves and their relationship in the beautiful city by the Danube River.

In addition to New Horizons being available on pre-order, the first two books will be on sale in electronic versions for 99 cents leading up to the release date. And to my knowledge, this is the first time these novels have been discounted for a limited time. 

Old Ways and New Days, the first in the series, can be downloaded until April 21, and Darkness Beyond the Light, the second, from April 21-28. For those who prefer print, they can be purchased but without a discount. That's out of my control.

I plan to have a few more announcements in the coming weeks so stay tuned by following my blog (see the "follow" button in the right column).

Until the next time . . .  

Pre-Release Book Promotions

The third book in my John Ross Boomer Lit series, New Horizons, will be released May 1 by Wings ePress.

One of the promotions is to provide readers an opportunity to purchase the first two books, Old Ways and New Days and Darkness Beyond the Light, at discounted ebook prices. 

Beginning Sunday, April 14, Old Ways and New Days can be downloaded for one week at the amazingly low price of 99 cents. Hard to believe, isn't it?

But wait! The following Sunday, April 21, Darkness Beyond the Light, will be available for the astonishingly low price of 99 cents for one week. Have you lifted yourself off the floor yet?


Silliness aside, my novels have never been priced this low. As part of the promotion, it's a great way to introduce discriminating readers to the series—especially baby boomers. And maybe their children and grandchildren who are curious as to what makes the old folks tick. 

For those who aren't familiar with the series, it's about the trials and tribulations and the joys and jubilations of John Ross after his retirement as a sports editor of a Kentucky newspaper. 

It's a coming-of-old-age series that deals with family, friendships, health, and redefining one's purpose while moving into that final phase of life.    

As mentioned, New Horizons is the third book in the series. It's about a wild and wacky trip to Budapest, Hungary. I'm currently working on the fourth installment and know what the fifth book is going to address.

New Horizons, like my other novels, will be available in electronic and print. More about that later.

Until the next time . . .

P.S. If you read the books, please leave a rating and/or review. It would be much appreciated.

Vlog: What is boomer lit?

My second vlog is about boomer lit. More precisely, what is boomer lit?

The simple definition is that boomer lit deals with people who are classified as baby boomers—those born between 1946 and 1964. There are more than 75 million of us in the United States. 

My last two novels, Old Ways and New Days and Darkness Beyond the Light, fall under the boomer lit genre, as well as the third, New Horizons, that will be released May 1.

I've always felt my first four novels were boomer lit as well but didn't fit that category because there wasn't that particular label at the time for books.  

A few boomer movies I've enjoyed are The Big Chill, Return of the Secaucus Seven, and The Deer Hunter. 

Many of us grew up reading classic coming-of-age novels such as J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye and S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders.

To carry that further, boomer lit novels could be called coming-of-old-age novels, that milestone in which people move into the third and final act of life. 

Here's the vlog for your viewing pleasure:

Until the next time . . .  

WIP Update: 4th Rewrite

I completed the fourth rewrite of my work in progress yesterday. As with the other rewrites, I'm going to sit on it for a few days before delving back into it with semi-fresh eyes.

For those who haven't been following this thread of posts (shame on you!), I'm working on the third book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. The first two are "Old Ways and New Days" and "Darkness Beyond the Light." I've already written the first draft to the fourth book, but that's for another post. And I know where I'm going with the fifth. 

The word count has increased, from about 37k in the first draft to more than 52k. It'll probably increase another 5k to 10k with the next rewrite.  This book will be somewhat shorter than the previous novels, something I'll discuss in a later post as well, probably after the publishing date has been determined as part of the promotion/marketing phase.


The manuscript will grow in the fifth rewrite because I added several characters to the story, and a few are begging for  more development and exposure. Several scenes require more research.  And there are still a few loose ends that need to be resolved to advance the story and series. 

No doubt I'll come across other parts that need attention, such as dialogue, backstory, and timelines. It can be a never-ending process. That's why there comes a point when you have to let it go and involve others to gain critical feedback.

It's still my goal to have the manuscript completed and sent to my editor by the end of the month. If I'm not satisfied after the next round of rewrite and revision, I'll do a sixth...seventh...eighth...however many it takes to have it have it ready for her discriminating eyes.

Until the next time . . .

Quick Update on WIP

It's been nearly three weeks since I last posted anything about my work in progress (actually, it'll be three weeks tomorrow).  

Time flies by when you're immersed in writing.

And I've been busy writing each and every day, topping 80k words, so that's why you haven't heard from me. The sequel to "Darkness Beyond the Light," is coming along and the first draft should be completed in the next week or so.

As mentioned in a previous post, it appears that what I'm working on will be divided into two books; in other words, a fourth novel in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. We'll see.

So that's where I stand at this point in time. I hope to announce to everyone in the next week or so that I'm about to delve into the rewriting phase. 

***

I've got two library appearances lined up:

June 20 at the Montgomery County Public Library in Mount Sterling, Ky. I'll be discussing my work and taking questions, and trying to provide answers. It begins at 7 p.m. (ET).

July 14 at the Warren County Public Library, Bob Kirby Branch, for its Indie Author Fair. It runs from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. (CT)

***

I'm also involved in the Bluegrass Writers Coalition in Frankfort, Ky. It's open to writers of all levels in central Kentucky. The next meeting is June 14, 5:30 p.m., at the Thorn Hill Learning Center.

Until the next time . . . 

Back to Work on No. 3

I took a two-week break from my work in progress, and now I'm back at the keyboard, churning out words and not missing a beat.

I spent a week in Ireland, and after returning home, took another week to get my bearings straight (jet lag, home chores, and the like) before delving back into the sequel to "Darkness Beyond the Light."

I had the best intentions to continue writing while in Ireland, even taking two notebooks with me. But looking back, it was delusional of me to believe that I could actually find the time to focus on the manuscript.

But I did read during that time, taking along my Kindle Fire to peruse books I downloaded,  during the flights to and from and before going to sleep each night. One of my few good habits is to read each night before turning out the lights. 

So I'm back at the manuscript, topping 66k words this morning. The WIP is actually two parts. I'll be returning to the first part, which takes place in Europe, in a few weeks. The second part is about what happens when John and Sally Ross  return home to Kentucky. And I already know what I'm going to write about in the fifth book.

While I don't generally recommend taking a break from a WIP, sometimes you can't avoid it. Besides reading, I did jot down a few notes to consider in the story, such as character development. I've also spent time researching a few topics the past week. 

I hope things are going well with your WIPs.

Until the next time . . .  

Update on Writing and Activities

It's been a few weeks since my last post. The reason is because I've been busy on my work in progress and a few other things.

I've written every day—except one—since Jan. 1. I'm approaching 38k on the third book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. If all goes to plan, I'll finish the first draft by the end of the month.

After that, I'll let it rest for a few weeks to simmer in my head, then return for a rewrite or two or three or (you get the idea) before submitting it to my publisher and editor. 

During the interim, my wife and I will be escaping the U.S. for a few days, crossing the big pond to the Emerald Isle. I traveled to Ireland in 2004 and vowed to my wife that I'd return with her. I love the place and the Irish. 

In February I participated in three web radio interviews, dealing with the opioid crisis spreading across America. My last novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," focuses primarily on the epidemic and how John and Sally Ross confront the scourge.

If interested in listening to the interviews, just click here, here, and here. I'll be taking part in another webcast on March 12, along with four other panelists discussing school violence.

I also read two excellent books about writing: "The Writer's Lexicon: Descriptions, Overused Words, and Taboos," by Kathy Steinemann, and "Understanding Show, Don't Tell (And Really Getting It)" by Janice Hardy. Highly recommended. Although I've written 12 books, I always find time to learn and improve on the craft.  In addition to books, I'm an avid reader of blogs that focus on writing, literature, and reading.

That's where I am at this point in time. Now back to the manuscript (by the way, I've discovered drinking hot tea boosts the creative juices).

Until the next time...

Making Progress on Manuscript

I'm back in the writing mode in 2018, working on the third book in the "John Ross Boomer Lit Novel" series.

I've written every day since Jan. 1, except for one day, and honestly, I got so busy with other things that it slipped my mind. Poor excuse, but the truth. I've been writing at different times of the day, but the most productive is in the mornings.

Ken Follett

While I'm not going to set a timetable for completing the first draft, I do plan for this novel to be around 75,000 words. Perhaps fewer. And I plan for it to be published this year. I believe that most readers prefer shorter works (yes, there are exceptions but I'm not Ken Follett or Stephen King).  





Time is of the essence for readers and there are too many books and too little time to read as much as we'd like, and too many other things vying for their attention. Furthermore, James Patterson seems to be doing well with shorter works.

Stephen King

My last novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," clicked in at around 94k words. "Old Ways and New Days," the first book in the series. was about 85k. My longest book was "Foolish Is the Heart," which had 101k words. The shortest, "The Touch," had about 75k.


We'll see how it goes.

***

Now on to something else. I've given away several books in Goodreads and Amazon promotions. Lots of authors do the same. The purpose is promotion. 

John Grisham

Another goal is for reviews. I'm asking readers out there to help out your favorite authors by leaving ratings and/or reviews of their books. Especially when you've received them in giveaways. Many authors, especially the indies, have to spend their own dime, and it can be costly.

Richard Ford

So when an author is spreading the love by giving away a new release, I'm asking the recipient to do the same by writing a review (it can only be two or three sentences) and rating on your favorite book sites. Furthermore, if you really, really love the book, tell your friends and fellow readers because word of mouth is probably the best promotion for authors.

Anne Tyler

I recall back in the early '90s when a friend (Cam) raved about John Grisham. I searched for his books (I believe he had written only two at the time) and became a life-long fan.  The same goes for the late Sue Grafton.

Bobbie Ann Mason

I've done the same with contemporary writers I like such as Richard Ford and Anne Tyler; Kentucky authors Bobbie Ann Mason, Bill Noel, Christopher Helvey, Steve Flairty, Crystal Wilkinson, Tom Wallace, and others; and new finds such as Joanna Foreman. 

Crystal Wilkinson

So, readers, I'm asking you to spread your love of reading by writing reviews and telling others about your favorite authors and books.

Until the next time. . . . 

Bill Noel

Steve Flairty

Joanna Foreman

Christopher Helvey

Tom Wallace

End of Year Thoughts

It wasn't the best year in terms of writing and reaching creative goals.

I did have a novel published, "Darkness Beyond the Light," on Nov. 1, which was the highlight. I'm pleased with the story and the  feedback from reviewers and readers. 

As anyone who has been published knows, there's a lot that goes into the final product. That kept me busy for about six months—rewrites, edits, book cover, and other matters involved in publishing a novel. 

But I didn't reach my goals in publishing another short-story collection, a second volume to "Laments." That's something I'll try to address in 2018.

I also didn't write as many posts to this blog as I wanted because of life events that got in the way. Some would say that's not a good excuse, but I counter that it depends on what those events are. I feel my reasons are understandable—and I'm not one to disclose all things that impact my life. Some things are private matters.

That being said, I do intend to be more productive in the new year. That's my intention. But only time will tell. Sometimes life takes turns that sidetrack even the best intentions.

Until the next time. . . . 

Goodreads Giveaway

Thanks to all the 419 readers who participated in the Goodreads giveaway for my latest novel, Darkness Beyond the Light.

I mailed books the day after Christmas to Meredith in Florida, Robert in California, Jennifer in Missouri, Toya in Tennessee, and Ronald in Utah.

During an Amazon.com promotion that prompted 145 requests in November, I awarded five ebooks to Diane, Tammy, Stephanie, Michelle, and Jennifer (states not revealed). 

While there are no strings attached to a giveaway, I do hope the recipients will take a few minutes to rate and review the novel in Goodreads, Amazon, or some other website(s). 

Indie authors need all the support they can get from readers and fellow authors. I do hope that every time you read a book, you'll show your appreciation with a review and/or rating. I do that with every book I read, even those I don't particularly like. Any review/rating is better than no review/rating.

Needless to say, the biggest boost you can give to all authors is to purchase books. And I thank every one of you who made a financial stake in buying my books and investing your precious time in reading them. 

If you're short on funds, I recommend you ask your library to purchase the books you want to read. And that's not just the ones I've authored. You have your favorite authors so show them some support (and love). Libraries have budgets to purchase books, and your tax dollars support them.

Until the next time. . . .  

Opioid Epidemic in U.S.

The opioid problem in the United States has reached epidemic proportions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC reports that since 1999, deaths involving the use of opioids, including prescription drugs and heroin, has quadrupled. Figures reveal that more than 500,000 have died from overdoses since 2000. Ninety-one die each day from this scourge that has spread across America, filtering into all economic classes.

Every day when I pick up my daily newspaper, the State Journal in Frankfort, Ky., I read about drug arrests and overdoses, sometimes covering nearly a page in court news. Check out this story from last June about the increase in opioid deaths. Frankfort is the state capital, the fourth smallest in the nation with a population of about 28,000.

The CDC also notes that each day more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments nationally for misusing prescription opioids.

Kentucky has addressed the problem with legislative initiatives to curtail the abuse of opioids and use of heroin in recent years. The state Office of Drug Control Policy reports that more than 1,000 Kentuckians die each year from overdoses. Furthermore, Kentucky ranks in the top three, along with New Hampshire and West Virginia in opioid deaths.

My latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," concerns drug addiction as it affects a family. I hope it brings more attention, more discussion, and more action to the problem as an increasing number of people are touched by this deadly disease.

To learn more about opioids and other drugs, read the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's fact sheets. 

Until the next time. . . .

Third Promotion

My third promotion for "Darkness Beyond the Light" will begin on Nov. 26 and run until Dec. 24 on Goodreads.com.

The first promotion was an ebook giveaway on Amazon and the second was an advertisement in Facebook. I plan to announce other promotions in the coming weeks so stay tuned.

The latest giveaway is for five print copies of the novel. I've done three previous contests on Goodreads with positive responses from readers wanting to enter.

While the promotion involves some financial outlay on my part—five books and postage to the winners—it also attracts attention and exposure for the novel. Most of the readers will  since most click the "Want to Read" button, and perhaps a percentage of those will eventually purchase it.

So if you've like to enter, simply click on the button to the right of this post or go to Goodreads. By the way, Goodreads is a wonderful website that connects readers to authors and vice versa. I'd be honored if you decided to follow and/or friend me when you visit the page.

Until the next time. . . .