Writing Update February 2024

Base camp Everest, 17,598 feet. A frigid, inhospitable place. Dangerous for anyone not acclimated to that altitude. 

Yet, since 1953, over six thousand climbers have conquered its rocky summit. Some have done it multiple times. And, since 1953, there have been 217 deaths. So what is the draw? Why risk your toes to frostbite or worse, a potential tragedy for a mountain summit? Think about the training that must go into taking on a mountain like that. Not to mention the cost.

Well, I’ve thought about it. Not enough to drop a bunch of weight and go in search of an ice axe, but I did think about it. Okay, more like dream about it. How awesome would it be to stand on top of the world! Look down at creation and marvel at all the chumps hanging out at sea level. Be king of the mountaintops for a few moments.

There I go dreaming again. I may never summit Everest, but why not shoot for the stars with another one of my dreams? Becoming the best author I can be. To do that, I need to learn how to climb that mountain.

Thanks to an amazing friend of mine, I start the Rubart Writing Academy this week. I’ve been a part of writing groups and workshops in the past, but I’m particularly excited about this one. I’ll be no doubt wrestling with how to develop plots, draw character arcs, and digging out those skeletons in the closet that hinder me from effective prose. 

Now, about my WIP (work in progress). Demon Tide: Shadow World has officially crested the fifty-percent mark. I am really excited about where this story is going! Our main characters are deep inside enemy territory, and they’ve just run into one of the most malevolent beings in existence. Their mission is critical, but the Shadow World and all its followers isn’t going to let them go easily.

It looks like a late 2024 release for Demon Tide 1 # 2, so keep on the lookout for that. Demon Tide #3 will follow shortly thereafter. If you are looking for some good reads now, check out fellow author Bryan Mitchell’s Infernal Fall, or Tommie Michelle’s Drafted. Both great reads.