 “This is the mark of perfection of character – to spend each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, laziness, or any pretending.” – Marcus Aurelius January through April flew by in the blink of an eye. Winter slipped into spring, and spring is glorious. I’ve not had an update since early January due to a heavy workload. This update will be quick and offer a glimpse of what’s coming over the next month or so. In early June, I’ll get back to the bi-monthly updates to help me get back on track with helping you know where I am in the writing world. Book 2, The Blighter’s Shadow, is near its first full draft. Book 1 had a large cast, and that cast continues with the addition of a few more for Book 2. I have decided to divide Book 2 into Part I, Part II, etc. Within this book you’ll be traveling with the characters into ancient cities, step wells, prisons, mountains, and along rivers just to name a few places. I’ll also start thinking and planning about another short story/novella to be released next year – either as a standalone, or as part of an anthology. That story will be outside the world of The Rune Cycle. I recently discovered Indie Author Magazine from a friend, and I think it is very well done, as it offers cool articles about independently published authors. Check out the magazine here, if you are interested. Side note: I generally include hyperlinks within the text of these updates for your convenience, but if you are skeptical of just clicking on those hyperlinks, you can check out all the full links toward the bottom of this update. Writing Highlights:
Inspiration: Star Trek As a child, I spent many years absorbed with Star Trek, specifically The Next Generation. I grew up watching the cast of the Enterprise visiting strange new worlds while dealing with each episode’s new threat. Without realizing it, I was studying philosophy in my early teenage years, which helped prompt my formal study while pursuing a degree. The show gave the viewer hope for a better future, one in which poverty, hunger, and war have been mostly eradicated from Earth. Humans have moved past the pursuit of material possessions and money – to the betterment of all. Some of my favorite TNG episodes include the following: The Measure of a Man, The Offspring, The Wounded, Darmok, and The Inner Light Besides witnessing a future without as much suffering, the show forces the viewer to think about a dilemma rather than simply being entertained. While nothing is wrong with entertainment alone, Star Trek offered me entertainment as an outlet for my fascination of philosophy. Recently, The Next Generation was continued with Star Trek: Picard, which is a spin-off with Jean-Luc Picard as the main character. He had to grapple with aging and disease throughout the first season, time travel and the Borg in the second season, and saving Starfleet and Earth in the third season. The final season offered the full main cast of the original show. Even if you aren’t a Star Trek fan, know that it can offer a hopeful view of a future where humanity has moved past its inner demons. At least most of the inner demons. What I am reading or watching: Arkady Martine’s A Memory Called Empire – A relatively new sci-fi novel that offers an interesting twist on an ambassador to a well-studied culture. I’m less than a hundred pages in, and I’m hooked. Strange New Worlds – Another great visit in the Star Trek universe. I’m nearly finished with the first season and just in time for the second season. Anne Applebaum’s Red Famine – This is an excellent monograph on Ukrainian history, specifically how one nation's people in positions of power can completely disrupt an entire society. To gain more information about why Russia is at war with Ukraine, check out this volume. Challenge for May: Take a walk or hike through a forested area - just 10 minutes can offer a welcome respite from stress. Reference links:
 Our Auggie friend - his name is Jean-Luc Picard, but his friends call him Luc.
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 Books signing and celebration for Hawthorn Creek in mid-November. The last quarter of 2022 flew by, which explains the delay in reaching out to you with this update. I generally shoot for a bi-monthly update, but I’ll explain the reason for this delay. The new anthology was being finalized in October, and then we had a great release party in mid-November to celebrate. November was also National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). I participated and helped lead a group of participants throughout the month with write-ins, both in person and virtual. Book 2, The Blighter’s Shadow, is quickly reaching its first full draft. It is going to be as long as the first book and likely slightly longer. Book 1 had a large cast, and that cast continues with the addition of a few more. At this point, I am debating on how to best divide it up. Longer books are sometimes divided into Part I, Part II, etc., so I may tackle it that way. The great thing about writing is that it can be handled so many ways. If you have a preference, let me know – I’m open to suggestions on helping your experience be as rewarding as possible. Early in September, my daughter decided to finish high school early. Meg and I were very supportive, and Kylie was able to reach that goal. When she made that decision, she also decided to re-locate for the spring semester to attend college virtually while living with her mom in Pennsylvania. Kylie will also be working to save up additional funds for college. Fortunately, her hard work in high school helped her accumulate scholarships and grants. By early spring, Kylie will decide on which college she will attend full time in August 2023. With all that in mind, I tried to spend as much time with Kylie before her departure. In late December, Caleb, who had joined the Air Force early in 2022, finally received leave. Starting this month, he’ll be attending a training session that will last until October 2023. For the last two weeks of December, I enjoyed some blissful and relaxing time with family. Writing Highlights:
This will be a short inspiration, but it ties into something that many of us struggle with: how to create and maintain good habits. Late in December, I read a relatively new book titled Atomic Habits. James Clear, the author, published the book in 2018, and it has gone on to have 10 million copies printed. Yes, 10,000,000. 😊 To have that many copies printed is a huge accomplishment, given that it was published less than 5 years ago. I won’t spoil anything about the book for you, but I will say I’ve seen immediate benefits for myself from my first reading. Given its worth, I’ll revisit the book to help refresh on habit building and restoration. James Clear offers excellent and intuitive suggestions on how to create good habits. Some of the suggestions I had already been following, which was refreshing, and they helped embolden me on some habits that I had been taking for granted. And some of the suggestions were completely new to me, but Clear explains the methods in such easily understood ways that implementing them will be fun. I’ve always been inspired by other folks who are able to stick to good habits. And I’ve been inspired by folks who have permanently kicked bad habits. Guess what? Clear offers suggestions and methods on how to break the bad habits, too. Sometimes, self-help books can seem like little more than temporary hits that fall to the wayside as time passes. This is not one of those. Atomic Habits can help anyone seeking to better themselves with creating good habits—habits that will benefit you throughout life. James Clear’s website also offers a wealth of knowledge and information about habits. Check out his site here.  Awesome visit at the end of 2022.  Now that the three November 2022 book signings have been determined, I wanted to share that information with you directly for your reference. Saturday, November 5 from 1 pm to 3 pm at Reader's World in Sedalia, MO. The address is here or 1400 South Limit Avenue, Suite 70, Sedalia, MO 65301. The phone number is (660) 827-0940. Saturday, November 12 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Trails Regional Library - Warrensburg Branch. The address is here or 432 N Holden, Warrensburg, MO 64093. The phone number (660) 747-9177 Saturday, November 19 from 1 pm to 3 pm at Reader's World in Sedalia, MO. The address is here or 1400 South Limit Avenue, Suite 70, Sedalia, MO 65301. The phone number is (660) 827-0940. Big favor! If you know anyone who would be interested in the anthology, please forward this message to help share the news! Writers of Warrensburg is trying to spread information as effectively as possible. Your help is greatly appreciated. And if you've already read the book, then a brief review at one or both of the sites below will help, too. (Simply writing, "I liked this book," is great!) Amazon Goodreads This collection was a labor of love for 14 members of the Writers of Warrensburg. We are excited to share this collection with you! More information about the group can be found here. Several members have their own newsletter that you can subscribe to, and some even offer free books, etc., if you sign up for their newsletter.  Hawthorn Creek. Charming town. Friendly people. But everyone has a secret. Hawthorn Creek, Missouri is like many other small towns in the Midwest. The citizens are mostly friendly. Everyone knows each other. Gossip is exchanged at the usual gathering places. A local festival is a highlight of the year. However, upon closer examination, this little town has more than its share of secrets. A police chief strives to regain his honor. An elderly man overcomes his hatred of a neighborhood cat. A visiting TV production crew provokes vicious quarrels. An aging couple come to grips with their fading mental prowess. The only stoplight in town malfunctions, triggering unexpected chaos. A delightful collection of short stories, each as unique as its author. Some are touching and sweet. Some are filled with otherworldly surprises. Some involve treachery and danger. But all of them take place in Hawthorn Creek, a small town just like any other. Or is it? Last, but not least: If you are interested in reading the anthology, you have three options:
1. You can find the anthology at this link. 2. Or at my online store at this link. I will have signed softcovers in the near future, so please check back soon. 3. Visit one or more of the authors at one of the upcoming book signings. You may be able to get all 14 authors to sign your book, depending on attendance. The November 12 signing will likely be your best opportunity!  Fall in Western Missouri “Life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear the future.” – Seneca The end of summer 2022 offered a flurry of activity…my daughter’s two homecoming celebrations – one in Lee’s Summit and the other in Warrensburg…finishing up a short story for an upcoming anthology for Writers of Warrensburg…and keeping up on life. Book Two is moving along at a good pace, but in late July, I dove head-first into the short story. It is written in a different genre from what I traditionally focus, but horror has always been a pursuit of mine. Between Stephen King, H.P. Lovecraft, and Edgar Allen Poe, I have always been fascinated by how humans handle fear. There are too many other authors to list here, but horror authors have terrified readers for centuries. Horror can serve as a cautionary tale, or it can serve as a way in which to learn how to contend with something which may evoke fear in a person. If horror isn’t something you enjoy or normally read, that’s okay, too. The Writers of Warrensburg anthology will reach a wide audience – there are numerous genres offered in the collection…suspense, adventure, comedy, and so much more. Writing highlights
Inspiration: Works Progress Administration (WPA) The WPA is an organization quickly fading from the public’s awareness. In essence, it was vital to the United States during the recovery from the Great Depression. The WPA offered jobs to folks who had been unemployed, while also benefitting communities. The WPA’s workers created public works in many communities throughout the nation. Their work was not a temporary solution, as several long-range goals were implemented. Much of their work still stands today for visitors and customers to behold. For example, many state parks throughout the United States are a product of the WPA. Murals in older post offices are likely a product of a WPA artist. The WPA is an inspiration to me, as it elevated society to a higher tier of effectiveness and general camaraderie. The leaders looked forward, not just to the next few years, but to the far future. The WPA pulled citizens out of unemployment to help benefit their communities, while also giving money toward their family’s survival. It also illustrated that government can pull together society during the toughest times to seek out options for effectiveness and compassion. Perhaps we can even witness positive and effective echoes of the WPA in modern politics and leadership. Challenge for October: Take a few moments to visit a place that inspires you. A forest you've not seen in a while (especially as the leaves change color). A favorite bookstore. A beloved book that will transport you to another time and place.  A late summer collection of mushrooms  Streetside view in St. Charles Waste no more time arguing what a good man [person] should be. Be one." — Marcus Aurelius June and July… Where did they go? Both months offered a great deal of progress for me. Book 2 is coming along quite well. I am writing a short story for an upcoming anthology, and my role as a Municipal Liaison for 2022’s National Novel Writing Month is being finalized. I took some time away from writing for a short vacation to St. Charles, Missouri. Meg and I spent a nice weekend relaxing in a room near the Missouri River and Katy Trail State Park. The Katy, as many folks in Missouri call it, is one of the longest rails-to-trails in the nation, and it was being well-used during our vacation. The town itself has a long history. We walked the main thoroughfare numerous times, examining shops, visiting museums, and enjoying music. I encourage you to check out the town, if you are near St. Louis or traveling along I-70 in eastern Missouri. If you are able to take an entire weekend to visit, then you’ll see the intricacies of a town being well taken care of. One of my favorite parts of visiting was witnessing how much support the creative arts receive. The Foundry Art Centre is unique - artists have a permanent structure near the old downtown of St. Charles. The artists each have a set office and studio to meet interested folks passing by, to work on their own art, and to help educate new artists. This type of collaboration is what bolsters civilizations. Meg and I met a retired art teacher whose room is filled with amazing ceramic sculptures and pottery. Mr. James Carlson spent several minutes with us offering cool stories about his love of art, his love of teaching children, how to create art, and showing off his collection. Writing Highlights:
Five-Year Plan: Plans are tricky, as they are only good for the moment they are created. They offer a guide, but can be changed any day or hour, and thinking ahead five years can cause consternation for any prospect. But I’ll offer my long-range plan as a method to help guide my path and you have a better idea of what of what is coming: 2022:
The inspiration section will be on hold until the next update. The topic will be WPA (Works Progress Administration. Continued challenge for the next two months: Take a few moments to think about what inspires you.  Please be sure to check out my website for continuous updates on my progress. Some of the updates are below:
Thanks again for your support! Besides taking the time to read my updates, please visit the following links to create a review of The Alterator’s Light, The Point of Woes, or The Tower of Dread if you’ve read those stories. Reviews are quick to create! They offer potential readers insight into what you thought about the book. They also help get the word out about the stories and the author. You can simply search for the title of each of my books on Goodreads and/or Amazon or follow the links below. For Amazon, please click here. For Goodreads, please click here. You can also check my work out at BookBub by clicking here. May the next month bring you solace.  A view of the Alamo from my recent trip to San Antonio. “What is your vocation? To be a good person.” — Marcus Aurelius April and May were a flurry of activity. Writing was mixed within numerous personal goals. Kylie and I visited Caleb in San Antonio in late April, to celebrate his graduation from Basic Military Training. Upon finishing BMT, he was promoted to Private First Class due to his four years in JRROTC. We were only able to spend 8 hours with him – so we visited everywhere possible in San Antonio: the River Walk, the Alamo, and the Tower of the Americas. We bid him a fond farewell that evening, and he has been residing at Lackland AFB since then. He is readying for his next assignment, and of course, letters and calls (when he has phone access) have been a normal part of the week. Then we spent the remaining few weeks of May helping Kylie through the end of her junior year of high school. She had numerous soccer games, an art show, and one final trip to Kansas City, where we enjoyed the day together before her departure. She flew to spend the summer with her mom in Philadelphia. She is also working on a summer class while looking for a part-time job. Writing Highlights:
I have always enjoyed lists offering the “best” of a various genre and why they can be very important. Of course, keep in mind that the lists can be relatively subjective and target only traditionally-published books. I am hopeful that independent lists will start forming soon, as independently-published books are positively changed the nature of publishing. The following is one recent example that I included in the last update. 50 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time - What Is The Best Science Fiction Book Ever Written? (esquire.com) You might be thinking: why would a list be inspiring? For me, it helps me broaden my gaze. These lists offer ideas, authors, or genres I may not have ever thought of trying out. Lists now tend to replace one of my favorite things to do: visiting a bookstore. Waldenbooks held the first fantasy book I purchased with my own money. (Sadly, Waldenbooks is no more, but I can still remember picking that book off a spinning metal rack full of other fantasy novels) Borders and Barnes & Noble also provided me with many books that I found only by browsing the racks. Part of the problem with finding a new book for modern readers is tied to the decreasing number of local bookstores. For example, a local bookstore I used to visit frequently closed in the last year. Now, the closest bookstore from me is 20 miles away. Scrolling Amazon for a new book simply doesn’t have the same impact as walking the aisles of a bookstore. The anticipation of visiting a bookstore (especially on a Tuesday when new books were released) sometimes held a great deal of excitement. Nevertheless, I understand that brick and mortar bookstores simply aren’t as prevalent as they were even 10 years ago. As an author, I recognize new readers may only find my work through an online list or update, such as this one. Thus, how do we create memories and outlets for new readers? Create a list of the “best” novels and disseminate it far and wide. There is nothing wrong with that method, and I recognize that it can be very helpful. Regardless, you’ll still not find a collection of philosophy books without browsing a local bookstore, such as Prospero's. 😊 The update for next month’s inspiration: WPA (Works Progress Administration) I offer you a challenge for the next month: Take a few moments to think about what inspires you.  A lucky find at Prospero's Books in KC, MO.  Caleb and Kylie enjoying the River Walk after his graduation.  A view of the outdoor pool at The Elms in Excelsior Springs, MO. The town offered a nice two-day retreat in early March. You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. — Marcus Aurelius The last 1.5 months didn’t see as much writing as I had hoped for book two – a great deal of personal activity altered my focus, which delayed not just getting much more writing done, but also the five-year plan was somewhat delayed. My son was notified in mid-January that he was being sent for his Air Force basic training. This event was in the works for several months, but we didn’t know exactly when it would occur. Alas, when Caleb wasn’t working at his interim job, I tried spending as much time with him as possible before his departure on Monday, February 28. Then, the dojo I had been using for another passion – martial arts – needed my attention. The location I had been using for a dojo was no longer available, so I was on a frantic search in the same city to ensure the students did not suffer a lapse in their own path. I’ll offer additional updates below on that journey. Finally, writing is like any other pursuit – life sometimes does have a way of interrupting whatever plans you have developed. Highlights:
Martial arts are an inspiration for me – whether in person, on film, or in books. I began my personal journey in early 2010, and I’ve never looked back. In the spring of 2018, I was offered a unique opportunity to help lead the classes in the Sedalia/Warrensburg area. Since I took on that role, I have learned to enjoy martial arts more than I ever thought possible. For me, leading two classes twice per week and now a once per week iaido (sword) class has been exciting. I am able to continue my own journey while helping other students learn how to defend themselves and/or their families from a potential assault. Of course, martial arts is not just about self-defense. It can be meditative insofar that it is a very individualistic artform. Essentially, each student progresses at their own pace with the guidance of the sensei and help from other students. Progress is witnessed by how much effort one spends in class and outside of the dojo. The realistic goal of any self-defense study is to learn how to defend without thinking; for example: you block an attacker without thinking about which technique to use. Finally, martial arts offers an excellent method of maintaining flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and strength over the course of your life. It also gives an opportunity to the student to keep their mind focused on the moment without distraction from outside sources, which ties into the quote offered at the beginning of this update. During my search for a new dojo, I used all the resources available to help reduce the stress of the situation. By the beginning of March, we were in a new location with no lapse in our training. Throughout February and March, I continued my path with iaido. I promoted to shodan (black belt), which offers even more opportunities to continue my martial arts path. To learn more about iaido go here. The update for next month’s inspiration: I enjoy viewing lists offering the best of a various genre and why they can be very important. Here is one recent example to help whet your appetite. These types of lists help me find new items to help my imagination. I offer you a challenge for the next month: Ensure you take a few moments to relax.  Iaido practice at the St. Louis dojo Japanese Sword - Iaido - Martial Arts Training Academy (matastl.com)   Groundhog's Day in mid-Missouri “Life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear the future.” —Seneca Groundhog Day was a snowed-in event for many folks in the Midwest. Regardless of what a small groundhog may have witnessed in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, we still have nearly 6 weeks of winter remaining. January proved to be effective for book two, and I’ve even thought of the ending of the Rune Cycle. I’ll explain more on that a bit later. I’ve considered a putting together a five-year plan for my business. Several nations have used such plans, but to their detriment due to the plan’s rigidity for a large society. On the other hand, five-year plans in any career, at least from my experience, offer a clear idea of where you are going. Writing is fun, and it is a business. Writing the words down is obviously very important, but web management, art direction, advertising, in-person meetings, editing, and promotion of the work is arguably just as important. Highlights for January:
I am inspired by games, as they create a place for friends and family to join together for an afternoon or evening. Players can work together to defeat the game itself, such as Pandemic Legacy: Season 1, solve a mystery with Sherlock Holmes, or try to build one of the 7 Wonders. My family and I play games on a regular basis, and we have many in our collection that we’ve added to over the last twenty years. We are approaching 400 games, which may seem excessive to non-gamers, but we have a game for almost any interest or genre. Solo games, cooperative games, such as Pandemic, 2-player games, legacy-style games, and many other games for 2 or more people are commonly played in my household. I am inspired by board (as well as card and role-playing) games because of the ingenuity it takes to simply create a game. Wingspan is a newer game developed by Elizabeth Hargrave in the last five years; it has become a huge success in the gaming community and with those who enjoy nature/birding. You can hear a short interview about the game here. I highly recommend Wingspan! I am also fascinated at where the gaming industry has gone in the last 20 years. Realistically, the gaming industry has exploded beyond the classics, such as Scrabble (which is still an excellent game), to the multitude you may find in your local gaming shop. Games have inspired me enough that I even created a board game for the Rune Cycle. You’ll see characters enjoying it throughout the story. Games have been with humans for millennia, and my addition adds more to the world-building aspect. Who knows — perhaps I’ll adapt the Rune Cycle game for you to play some time! Even board game companies have a five-year plan. Stonemeier Games, for example, recently released their five-year plan and it is really interesting to see what they plan on accomplishing. They’ve produced some of the newer games you may not have heard of and my family enjoys many of their selections. If you’re interested in their plan, check it out here.  Winter at my homestead.  Festival of Lights @ Powell Gardens How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself? – Epictetus My last update was in late October, so I am getting back in the routine of monthly updates. I’m glad you are joining me again before the new year. I spent the month of November working on NaNaWriMo and all the relevant activities throughout the month, which included working toward the end of the first draft of book 2. Late October and all of November were consumed with writing as often as possible. Highlights for November and early December:
Stoicism has become a fascinating point of study for me throughout this entire year. I had studied it nearly twenty years ago while working on a minor in philosophy. Even in those classes, we spent very little time on it, and what I had learned was relatively vague. A “stoic” person is generally seen as someone who shows very few emotions. A stoic is almost an aloof automaton in the general understanding. In reality, though, a practitioner of stoicism is someone who strives toward a path of tranquility. The quote at the top from Epictetus also illustrates an important facet of Stoicism: within that tranquility, strive to be the best you can be. That requires constant study of the outside world and oneself: how can I best use my knowledge to become a better person? Emotions can cloud even the most stoic person’s mind, yet it is up to that stoic to continue the path of tranquility no matter how difficult the situation. Through self-mastery, the stoic can better themself, and then, by extension, the world/humanity. To say the least, Stoicism is fascinating. The study has changed my life in a positive and effective way. If you are at all interested in learning more about it, then check out this cool site for more information. I offer you a challenge for the next month: What progress are you going to make on a project - big or small - in 2021? I'd love to hear from you.  An upcoming inspiration will cover my thoughts on martial arts. Image © Yuliya Kalashnykova  A nap's view at Powell Gardens This brief update will be my last until early December.
My time until then will be devoted to prepping for National Novel Writing Month (NaNaWriMo) and all the activities throughout the month, which includes finishing the first draft of book 2. Late October and all of November will be consumed with writing as often as possible. Highlights for September and early October:
“Progress is not achieved by luck or accident, but by working on yourself daily.” ---Epictetus A longer section will be on hold until December — look for a longer entry then. I offer you a challenge for the next month: What progress are you going to make on a project - big or small - over the next 6 weeks? |
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