Happy New Year, everyone!
I know New Year’s posts typically are about looking forward, making resolutions and generally putting a positive spin on the upcoming year. Since I don’t want to disappoint you, I will not be deviating (much) from that recipe. 😀
What’s coming?
I have talked about this a couple times in the past months but I have a plan to write three books in 2024.
Jack Kane book 3
The first is book 3 of the Jack Kane series, written by JR Murdock and me. JR writes the hero side of the story (Jack Kane) and I write the villain (Felonious Fenduke Filcher the Fourth – try saying that three times fast). This is a steampunk series with some romance, lots of humour and, of course, some superhero tropes. It is still the most fun I’ve had writing a story and I’m excited to get going on it.
We hope to have the first draft completed by June.
If you are interested in reading the first two books, you can purchase them directly from the publisher here.
Outkast Klub book 2
The first Outkast Klub book – The Mystery of Silver Lake – has been very well received. It is the story of three young people who are, for a variety of reasons, shunned by others at their summer camp. They end up hanging out and discover their is something unsavory going on at the camp.
Book 2 will continue their adventures back in their home city where more mysteries arise.
These books are very much an homage to series I read when I was young, specifically The Hardy Boys and The Three Investigators.
You can find book one for sale on Amazon.
The Goddess book 2
The Goddess Renewed was the first book I ever wrote (and is available directly from the publisher here). I did it as part of a writing course and, while it took several years and many edits, it finally got published in 2022.
It is about two young people living in a world reminiscent of our own in medieval times. They come from very different backgrounds but share lost family in common. They meet and are quickly recruited by the land’s queen to seek out and identify the factions who plot against her.
As you might guess from the title, there is a goddess involved, but this is very much their story (although the goddess may or may not be manipulating the trials and tribulations they face).
When I wrote it, I knew it needed to be the first book in a series. The characters have never really left me alone, clamouring for their respective stories to continue to be told. I think this is the year I finally get to continue telling their tale.
Appearances
I am excited to say I already have two appearances planned this year.
The first is a school visit where I will be workshopping creative writing with four Grade 6 classes.
The second is the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo where I will be once again sharing a dealer’s table with my friend and fellow author, Simon Rose.
I know there will likely be more coming and I will share details as I’m able.
Let’s make 2024 a great year
There are many problems in our world. It sometimes feels like there are more every day. Usually we have little to no control over any of them.
That makes it even more critical that we take those things we do have control of and make them as positive as we can. Focus on what we can change and be that positive force in our world. I’m hoping we are all surprised at what a difference a little positivity can bring.
Happy New Year, everyone. I hope you stick with me and we can share our journeys together. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing.
