Heading into the home stretch

 

 

 

There are only a few days left in the year 2020, and boy what a year it has been. I don't know anyone who had a clue just how crazy it would be, and I honestly hope that next year doesn't repeat, and that it isn't worse. We've all certainly been hit hard and I hope we all get a bit of smooth sailing for a little while.

 

My year in review:

 

I started doing events at Kroger grocery stores, which was an interesting change for me, especially with the whole mask thing once COVID hit. But, I think I met a lot of great people because of this, and was able to sell a decent amount of books, which was nice. The biggest take away from that is that my stories got out to a new audience, hopefully bringing hope and joy in an otherwise bleak year.

 

I was able to participate in a regional conference as a presenter, something I hadn't thought possible, especially as an invited speaker instead of someone who just suggested a class and got randomly picked. Chalk that one up on my resume, I guess. But it has led me to want to get more serious about creating more online content in the form of classes and presentations on writing and publishing, which I hope to work on in 20201.

 

Despite lock downs, I was able to  write, illustrate, and publish a new children's picture book, The Cookies Are Missing!, dedicating that to my paternal grandmother, who always had a cookie for her grandkids every time we visited, and, who, sadly, passed away last year.

In February, I was able to kick off the release of the Tarragon Trilogy Audio Drama, which is still in the process of being released, and will continue through September of next year. While it may not have as my views/listens as I would like, it has helped give so many a creative outlet, and I just want you all to know how much I appreciate working with my cast and crew on this. They are all amazingly talented.

I have also had several ideas for new books, both novel and children's picture book, pop into my head over this past year, and will be working on them throughout the coming year or so, pending on how things go with all of my projects.

There as been some progress on the all in one version of the Tarragon Trilogy book, with a new short story joining the mix, and a few new illustrations. I plan on trying to get a few more illustrations, and a new cover, before I release it, hopefully by early summer 2021.

 

I have also been able to organize my work space a bit, with a newer computer, which is nice. My desktop has finally bitten the dust and had to be retired, but the laptop that is replacing it has turned out to be incredibly nice.

 

Did I mention that I'm also working on some promotional items for the whole dragon series? I've got some new jewelry going on, and am working on some 3D models of the signature jewelry from the book, mainly the dragon pendant, the mage ring, and hopefully the bone knife. We'll see how far I get on that one.

 

All in all, despite the craziness of a global pandemic, health concerns with extended family, job issues from lock downs and related... it's not been a horrible year. I've certainly had worse, though I hope 2021 doesn't take that as a challenge! I would love to be able to settle into a routine again, get some of the projects currently on my whiteboard finished, and take some time to simply enjoy life again.

 

So, from Dallas, TX, I hope you all have at least a decent rest of the year, and that your 2021 is a heck a lot better than 2020 was.

 

Toodles!

 

A poem for Fall/Winter

 I just wanted to share this poem I wrote back in 2016.

 

The wind rustles through the trees, sending leaves scattering to the ground. I stare at patterns of fallen souls as they lay on the ground. Between the falling leaves, I spy a squirrel or two. And between them, water that trickles like blood from a cut. A mallard drifts lazily by in the clear yet muddy colored water. Shorn stone leads down to the water in layers of packed sediment. I want to lean towards the water, to look over the edge, but hesitate. What if I should fall? The water looks deep in places, far deeper than I can swim. But the beauty of the moment is easy to take in. With the sky overcast, the clouds waiting to cry, I can't help but feel at one with the world. The brisk breeze teases my hair, leaving fallen debris in its wake. If only I could reach up to the treetops and let the breeze carry me away.

Giving Thanks

 I know I'm a day late posting this but I would like to give thanks to all of my readers and supporters. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today.

This includes my "writing buddy", aka the cat (Kally). She has no problem "helping" me out with my writing stuff, even when I don't want her to help me. But she's cute so I try not to mind too much.

Once more, it's been a hot minute since I last posted anything. I admit to feeling a bit lazy on that end, even though I have been busy with all of my various projects, some in better shape than others. And I can't believe I'm contemplating taking on more.... I must be crazy.

There are a lot of things in the works, and I've already shared some of them with you in my previous post. But, in case you forgot, here's the basic goals for next year. Here's hoping I can get them all done.

• More in-person events (Kroger book signings and hopefully school/book fair visits, pending on how the various mandates and restrictions go)
• Get ready and publish 1-2 new children's picture books. (I've already got the manuscript for one ready for me to get going on illustrations)
• Finish the audio drama version of the Tarragon Trilogy (to happen sometime mid-September at current calculation, with book three starting sometime around February)
•  Finally get that all-in-one version of the Tarragon Trilogy, complete with new stories, illustrations, and whatever else I can find to stuff in there. But at least two new stories and some illustrations
• Create and start streaming my "Self-Publishing for the Average Joe", otherwise known as "What I Wished I'd Known Before I Started Self-Publishing", hopefully to start in January (but might have to be closer to March or April, pending on who some other things in the works go)
• Attending/presenting at at least one writing conference/convention (fingers crossed)
• Producing and releasing an audio book of The Unknown Elf
• Potentially releasing an audio book (self-narrated) of Kas
  

And, with that, I hope you all had a great weekend, a fantastic Thanksgiving, if you celebrated that, and hope your December is amazing.

October Update

 Greetings all!

I know this whole year has made things topsy turvy. I haven't been as socially active as I have been in the past, previously noted... but I hope to do more soon. 

A lot has happened over the last little while, even the last few weeks. I admit I've felt a little overwhelmed with it all, but hope it will all even out sooner than later. I have a lot of fun projects planned, either for continuation or for starting. So I am going to announce my goals for the next six to eight months.

 

Continue the Tarragon Trilogy audio drama, releasing an episode a week

Complete the Tarragon Trilogy all-in-one book, with bonus material (a short story and illustrations at a minimum added)

Emi's story (working title), details Emi's side of the events of the trilogy

A web series on Self-Publishing and writing (hopefully to be released starting in January)

A possible two new children's picture books (no titles or descriptions yet, and may push back to second half of next year)

I also hope to at least attend one or more writing conferences, either as a presenter or as a regular attendee.

And for those who've kept up to date on my recent author events, today I did present on Self-Publishing at the North Texas Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrator's Fall Conference. I think it went well. And if you are one of those who attended, and "sat in on" my panel, thank you. I appreciate it.

I do have one more, for sure, scheduled Kroger event on October 17th at the 9700 Coit Rd. , Plano TX , 75025 store. I will be there from between 10am to 3pm.

I'm not yet sure if I will be doing any other events this year, to give me time to get a lot of these other projects underway, but I'll let you know, so stay tuned for potential info on that. If not, I will be scheduling evenings for Kroger signings come January/February.

It's been a "hot minute", as the saying goes.

 

 Greetings all! It's almost.... Fall!

I know it's been quite a while since I last posted an update here. I'm sorry about that. Life has been.... hectic. I'm sure you all can agree with that. And, admittedly, time got away from me. This whole shutdown has been hard on many and I can only hope it will end soon.

For those who want to see where they can interact with me, at a nice socially distant pace, check out my upcoming events, listed just under this bit of text.

Kroger book events:

September 12 @ 2671 Little Elm Park, Little Elm, TX - between 10-3
October 17 @9700 Coit Rd, Plano, TX -between 10-3

 Other events:

October 10-11, The Society of Children's Book Writers And Illustrators Regional Conference for North Texas, online. I will be presenting on self publishing.
Registration information can be found HERE. You do not need to be a member, but it does help with price! This will be strictly online only.

There are currently no school visits or book fairs scheduled, due to COVID-19.

 

 

Again, a reminder about my
Tarragon Trilogy Audio drama. If you haven't give it a listen, we are currently releasing Dragon Mage, Chapter Eight, which is in book two of the Trilogy. 

 

 

 

 

In other news, there are a few things in the works, including additional stories that I plan on including in an omnibus (all-in-one) version of the Tarragon Trilogy, as well as some more children's books, and a possible Audio Book of The Unknown Elf! 

Upcoming Event: Dallas Library Online Workshop

On August 14th, I will be online with the Dallas Public Library System, giving a presentation on Self- Publishing.  The hours are between 4pm and 5pm on this day only.

You must register online to get the room code for this event. The code should be mailed out to you via email prior to the event.

Register here

Happy to be back

Hey guys!

It's been a crazy past month and I'm sorry to have been mostly absent during it. I've been out of the office and spending time with my family, who I usually only get to see maybe once a year.

But I do have some news. I will be resuming in person visits at local Kroger stores later on this month, and have events scheduled into October.

July 17 @ 9700 Coit Rd, Plano, TX - between 10-3
August 15 @ 12221 Custer Rd, Frisco, TX - between 10-3
September 12 @ 2671 Little Elm Park, Little Elm, TX - between 10-3
October 17 @9700 Coit Rd, Plano, TX -between 10-3

Other events coming up include a few online conferences and classes:

August 14th from 4pm to 5 pm on the Dallas Library Network, a one hour presentation on What I wish I'd Known When I Started Self Publishing.  I'll provide more information as I have it available.

October 10-11, The Society of Children's Book Writers And Illustrators Regional Conference for North Texas, online. Registration information coming soon.

There are currently no school visits or book fairs scheduled, due to COVID-19.

 That being said, I hope you guys have enjoyed listening to the weekly episodes of my Tarragon Trilogy. We're almost finished with the first book, Key Keeper, and will be starting in on book two, Dragon Mage, soon after. The chapters will continue to be released on a weekly basis, minus any untoward things happening.

You can check out links to the various chapters already released by going to the Audio Dramas tab above, or clicking here.

There are also a few roles left available, if anyone wants to give voice acting a go.


Remember, life is only has dark as you make it. Try to keep a positive outlook and things will get better. Might take a hot minute, but they will.

Chin up and all that jazz and I'll catch you all later!