December 2023 Newsletter

Well, my birthday has come and gone. So has Thanksgiving. Those two have always been closely entwined for me since they’re so close. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday as a result. Yes, I’m fully aware of its genocidal origins. For me, it’s just about family and food. As a child, it was like Christmas except I was the only one to get presents. Worked for me.

Now, I do most of the cooking. My wife and I are pescatarian and she’s gluten-free, so cooking all the sides and desserts is how I make sure those limitations are honored.

Our celebration was a little lighter this year. My grandmother has a hard time leaving her apartment now, so my wife and I entertained my mom, stepdad, and brother only. Then, we all went to Grandma’s apartment for about an hour.

So since that’s all behind us, we’ve got our trio of Christmas trees up, most of the presents wrapped, and somehow, we’re going on vacation next week. A tropical beach vacation that was mostly gifted to us. I count myself quite lucky and wealthy in friendships, there.

Necropolis Alpha

As you already know, Necropolis Alpha, the second book in The Jayu City Chronicles, is due out January 23, 2024. Needless to say, I’m trying not to overwhelm my social media feeds with promotional posts.

I’m excited and perpetually nervous about another book release. My publisher is small. Our budget is tiny. We’re doing everything within our means to get the word out. This is book two of a planned ten-book series. With small or indie publishers, those series are only finished when people invest the time and money in the books as they come out.

I’m not George R.R. Martin. I’m not making millions or even a living from my novels. I’m also well on track to finish the whole series, if only people are willing to buy them and read them.

So, you know, give it a preorder, will you? You can also request it and the first book, The Hermes Protocol, from your local library. They can order copies, too.

Writing

I’m still well into working on book three of The Jayu City Chronicles. This book has been more of a challenge than the previous two. Without giving anything away, I made some choices that have really changed things up. Elise is in a new situation, surrounded by many new characters, and I can’t rely on my normal tricks and relationships.

Nevertheless, it’s coming along. I’ve been making very good progress and I’m still well ahead of schedule for keeping these books on an annual release schedule. And the harder something is to write, the better it is to read. I’ve found that to hold true 90% of the time, so this book is going to be great.

Reading

I’ve been on a bit of a sprint trying to finish up my reading challenge for the year. So, after my wife and I both reading through Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, I’ve been reading a lot of short books and graphic novels.

Recently Read:

Currently Reading:

Happy Holidays!

Since this my last newsletter of the year, I want to wish you happy holidays. For my part, we celebrate Yule on the solstice and then Christmas. Wherever you gather and for whatever reason, enjoy it. Enjoy your time with loved ones. Find the joy in every moment.

And keep reading. :)