A Multi-Layered Update

Lot's going on! Here's a multi-layered updated.


HEALTH UPDATE


I'm still not dead! So far, every test that has been run only shows that I'm ridiculously healthy, yet the symptoms persist. I have some suggestions from y'all (other things to test for) to pass along to my primary care physician when I see her in June. Meanwhile, the cardiologists say my heart looks great, but there will be more monitoring ahead, via my cell phone and an ap. It'll be about seven months before I go back for another look by the doctors. That's really all there is to say so far. I'm doing my best to pretend the symptoms aren't there between doctor visits, which is probably some level of idiocy on my part, but I can't just sit around for months. That's just a me thing,

THE LEGENDS OF NOD UPDATE

The release date keeps getting pushed back for "The Mech Valley Debacle, Part II," but it is still coming pretty darn soon. I've had a number of setbacks, aside from the recent health issues, but we are getting there slowly but surely. It will probably be June or July, then the whole series will be re-issued in new edition hardbacks a month or two later.

THE DEMONS OF THE BLOOD: A METROGNOMES ADVENTURE UPDATE

I got the manuscript back from my editor last week, after an unfortunate mix-up on the part of my local mail-carrier. Now I'm going to do one more run-through based on her notes, then it's off to the illustrator, who has yet to be signed on. I have it narrowed down to a couple of artists I'd like to approach, and would have already, but I've been putting together a visual guide for all future Metrognomes artists, and it's been very, very time consuming.

I've actually gone back and forth with this project from the start, as to whether or not I even want illustrations in this book. It is a spin-off, after all, and I want it to be stylistically differentiated from the main series somehow. At one point, I thought that meant no illustrations inside at all. Now, I think it means chapter head illustrations, rather than full page illustrations like the ones in Metrognomes: The Shaman's Apprentice.

FREE E-BOOKS UPDATE

Lastly, you may have already noticed that my short stories "Benches" and "And then an Elephant Shot Out of His Chest" are being offered for free on Amazon.com. This promotion started on April 30 and will continue through May 4. I've always loved these stories, but they are two of my least-known works. This promotion is giving them another chance to shine. "And then an Elephant Shot Out of His Chest" has already picked up a couple of brand new five-star reviews!

GENERAL UPDATE OF NO THEME IN PARTICULAR

Other than that, I recently officiated my first wedding for two dear friends of mine, Another friend was in town from Australia for the occasion, which led to many parties with a circle of friends whom I now refer to as "the Tribe," and I've been eating a lot of oranges. So I've been busy, and yes, slacking off a bit in the writing department as a result (but not altogether). And I have been talking to my shrink about all of it! :)

I'll check back in with another update soon. Until then, check out those free eBooks! :)