August Update

Welcome everyone!

I have many great things to share with you today. First, I hope this post finds you safe and well. Do take good care of yourselves during this time. I know circumstances are tough for a lot of folks in my area. I'm with you, in spirit.

Next, I'm making slow but steady progress on Book 03. This time of year is always crazy-busy for me, so the amount of time I can dedicate to writing is reduced. However, fixing the problems highlighted by my esteemed editor are coming along quite nicely. I'm very happy with how the story is shaping out. I know you will be too.

Moreover, I've finally settled on a title for the book! Hooray! I've had three working titles so far. The first got tossed out pretty early, but the other two have stuck with me almost the whole way through the process. Everyone who's read a draft of Book 03 has waffled on which title is best as well. I think my editor cinched it for me. A title has to set the expectations for the book. The title I preferred didn't do that, or rather, it set up the wrong expectations. Therefore, I'll go with my second choice which is really the right choice. There are so many people think the title comes first when writing a book. Often, it's just the opposite. It's the last thing you settle.

In addition to all that, I got to spend some time this past weekend with a very dear old friend. I haven't seen him in nearly six years. He's an intellectual, and the conversations we had were incredibly uplifting. I wish I could have spent days with him discussing literature, writing, history, and philosophy. If there is anyone who can challenge my mind, it is him. His words have renewed my writing spirit, and I can't wait for him to get the third book in my Hunter's Rose series.

Finally, I have one last piece of artwork to get for the interior. I don't know why I'm procrastinating on it. It's simple. Maybe that's the problem. It's such a humble object that I'm not giving it the respect it deserves. Hopefully, in my next update I'll be able to tell you more.

All in all, things are going well in Celandine Valley. I'm still a little nervous about my cover and interior layout. We'll see what happens. Think about me. Pray for me. Send good wishes. I'm definitely going to need them.

Peace,

-Troy