ARES Virus: Arctic Storm Released

What would happen if a viral agent was released on American soil? How would local agencies react? How would the military respond? What if it was one of their own? Would they own it or attempt to cover it up? If a major operation was jeopardized because of the release, would that alter any of the decisions?

Well, after a long hiatus – far too long – I have released the first book in a new series, ARES Virus: Arctic Storm. I attempted to take a little different angle from A New World with this one, which was and still is difficult to do. I wanted to look at an apocalyptic event from a little higher perspective while still retaining a survivor points of view.  The difficult aspect is to not write the same books as in A New World.  The problem I faced was that I felt I had covered most of the scenarios one might face in such an event and had to come up with something different.  I hope that I managed to achieve that.

I have to say that it was hard to get back into the writing mode following the tenth book in A New World.  Although my mind was crowded with ideas, I couldn’t bring myself to stare at a blank piece of paper to begin the arduous task of filling that void with words.  It was what I assume postpartum depression might feel like.  At any rate, I sat down and forced the first few words to spill onto page one, then page two, etc.  Finally, the flow began and I lost what day it was.  I want to thank everyone for staying with me.  If you happen to pick up a copy, I hope that you enjoy the story.

To pick up your copy:
Amazon
Smashwords

Coming soon to other stores and paperback

It’s Been A While

I apologize for the severe lack of posts and updates.  I put everything I had into the ten books of A New World, having enough left to co-author the two books of A Shrouded World with Mark Tufo.  After I wrote the last word, placed the last period, I was drained and needed time to recuperate.  That took longer than I anticipated.  I tried writing on a couple of books, but those just kind of faded away.  I felt like I was merely rewriting the same scenes over and over.  The ideas rattling around my limited brain space never ceased, I just wasn’t able to put them on paper.

Feeling much more energized, I strapped myself into a chair and began pecking away at the keys.  At first, it was a difficult process, but it became easier the farther into the story I went.  Then, the flow began until I stared at the paper and said, “Wow, I’m done.”  The current story that I’m working on was supposed to be a stand-alone book, but the tale escalated and I decided to make two books out of it.  The first book, ARES Virus: Arctic Storm, is in the last stage of the first round edits.  That should be finished tomorrow and the book sent off to the editor.  After turning those bleeding pages into something readable, and upon approving the cover, I will press the publish button.  I’m hoping that will be toward the end of the month, or the first part of August.

While I’m waiting for the edits to come back, I’ll be writing a short story based on A New World for a popular magazine.  I’m not sure if I can give those details as yet, but I will when I can.  Then, it’s off to finish book two of the ARES Virus, which is already close to being twenty percent complete.  The plan after this mini-series is complete is to visit book eleven of A New World.  No promises, but I would like to write another one in that series.

So, there’s my update and, again, my apologies for my absence and hope everyone is doing well.

John

Where is it?

Well.  It’s not here…yet.  I have the companion book of short stories that I’m editing at the moment.  I’m not sure when it will be ready for the viewing world, but it should be soon.

A companion book?  What do you mean by that?

Good question and thanks for asking.  I have written a series of short stories, some of which loosely tie in with the main story line.  Most of them, however, are just brief tales of others experiencing the downfall of humankind and the rise of the night runners.  I had also opened it up for a fan fiction section for readers to submit short stories set within the framework of A New World.  Great stories, one and all.  Some will be included toward the end of the book. Others will be included in a second book of short stories that will be written later – most likely sometime this summer.

After the companion book is published, it will be a short break while I compile notes for the tenth book in the series.  May will be a busy month so I’m not sure how much will actually get accomplished.  And summer is coming.  See what I did there…Game of Thrones turned…oh, never mind.  Too much or too little caffeine.

Your messages and reviews for Reckoning were way above anything I ever expected.  I seriously have these out-of-body experiences reading them.  When I realize that they’re actually written about something I wrote, I just sit feeling so humble.  At any rate, before I begin weeping out of control, see…caffeine, I just wanted to say thank  you!  You are truly the best.

And, if you happen to have a spare moment, would you mind heading over and leaving reviews on the books.  I would greatly appreciate it.

So, I really put some words on the screen without saying much.  The companion book, A New World: Untold Stories, will be out hopefully by the end of the month.  I’ll be doing a cover reveal today or tomorrow on Facebook.  Thank you again, and I hope you all have an awesome week!

John

Time for an Update

I know that I’ve said this many, many times, perhaps every time, but I suck at blogging and keeping everyone updated.  So, here it is, update time.

I first of all want to thank everyone for the great reviews on the last book.  I really appreciate you taking your time to come back and post reviews.  I read each and every one of them and ma humbled by your support.  And I would also like to thank you for all of your kind messages.  They truly make my day.

Okay, so, I said an update.  It’s been a little busy lately so I’ll try to keep this brief.  I am currently working on a companion book to the series.  It’s a set of short stories of others around the time when everything fell apart.  I wanted to do this to give a wider view of what people went through.  I passed through the 51k word count mark last night.  What does that mean?  I really have no idea.  I would like to make this a full novel length but I’m not sure at this point.  Nor do I know when I’ll be finished with it.  I guess that’s not much of an update, eh.  The writing has been slow lately but I’m hoping to pick that up now.  I’m hoping to have this one finished and out sometime by the end of April.  We’ll just see how that plan goes. 🙂

Once I finish with the companion novel, I’ll be starting on book number 10.  There are a lot of ends to tie up following the last one and I’m excited to get to it.  Jack and the gang have taken care of one headache but another, potentially more deadly one, looms on the horizon.  There are a lot of decisions to make and time is not their friend.  And no, I haven’t forgotten the collaboration with Mark Tufo.  We’ve been chatting and will get to it when our writing schedules allow.  Just know that it hasn’t sunk below the waves as yet.

I hope your week has been treating you well and the upcoming weekend is a fun one for you!  Thank you all so much once again!

John

Chaos FB Welcome Page2

A New World: Reckoning

Well, in a rather anti-climactic moment, I put the last word and period on the draft of the next book, A New World: Reckoning, last night.  I say it was anti-climactic because there was no build up inside of me anticipating the story, at least this book anyway, drawing to an end.  It just kind of, well, ended.  That being said, I have no idea when the editing will be complete and the book ready to be published.  Soon I hope but now I have to tackle the first round of edits, which I so dearly enjoy.

There were some who didn’t enjoy the turn the last book took but I only tell the story the way it wants to be told.  I know this sounds rather cliche but it’s the truth.  This book takes off from where the last one left off and, without giving any spoilers away, continues down the same path.  I will say that this one took off on its own like some of the others have.  What was meant to be only part of the book ended up filling the entire one.  So, that means that some of the story I meant to tell will have to be in the next one.  There’s your spoiler; yes, there is going to be another one.

It will be interesting to see what happens to the group next.  I mean in the next one after this.  It should prove to be interesting.  I am contemplating writing a companion book between this one and the next that will encompass the some of the stories of those bodies that Jack and the crew have run across.  I’m not sure about this as yet but they have a story to tell as well and it’s been tickling the few brain cells I have remaining.

Again, thank you for all of your support, kind message, and reviews.  I appreciate each and every one of them.  Receiving them truly does make my day.  I hope you have an awesome weekend.  I’ll just be here slowly going brain dead as I go through the edits.

 

John

Update Time

I suppose it’s time for an update on the next book, number nine.  I’m so good at blogging and keeping the web site up-to-date.  Yes, you can read facetious into that.  The writing on this one has been extremely slow, meaning, the words per day haven’t been all that spectacular.  So, late last night, I was actually rather surprised to see the word count at almost 74k.  I have absolutely no idea what that means in regards to when the book will be ready to publish, but hopefully soon.  Of course, it’s hard to write a story when most of the characters have perished.  You’d think that would make it easier but that’s just not the case.  Okay, I’m kidding, kind of, not really, maybe.

What’s the book title you ask?  Well, that is a very good question.  I had one in mind when I started but the story has, once again, left my control.  Parts that were to be included in this one will probably have to wait until the next book, yes, perhaps that’s a spoiler.  What that means though, is that I have no idea what this one will be called as yet.  I’m sure I’ll come up with something but right now the title is, A New World: F*#k It, I Have No Idea What to Call It.  Okay, either more or less caffeine is required.

So, in between wracking my brain for a title, I’ll be continuing on with jotting the occasional word down and hope some sense comes of it.  Eventually, the book will be finished or I’ll just throw a period down at the end of a random sentence and call it good.

I will admit that I’m a little disappointed with length that this particular episode has taken to write.  I had this killer cliff-hanger but, alas, it doesn’t look like I’ll be able to use it for the end of the book.  So disappointing.  Oh well, the story tells it like it wants to.  Of course, I’ll have to come up with something, maybe, and that really doesn’t bode well for the characters.  As a matter of fact, the characters all just turned over their shoulders and gave me a ‘WTF’ look.

Okay, it’s obvious that I’m in need of some medical attention.  So, I will leave you on this wonderful Tuesday evening and get back to the story.  As I mention is most every other post, I want to thank you all for your wonderful support.  You’re messages and reviews are both humbling and uplifting, so truly, thank you.  I hope you have an awesome evening and rest of your week!

John

A New World: Conspiracy Release

Well, after a long wait – not to mention, blood, sweat, and tears – the release of the 8th book is out.  At least on Amazon.  Okay, there wasn’t really any blood or sweat, but there were many tears of frustration.  Oh, and bruises from pounding my head on the desk.  Yes, I have problems.  You will see the book begin showing up in the other locations, iTunes, Sony, B&N, Kobo, other online locations in a couple of weeks.  Oh, and it’s on Smashwords.

The book takes a little different angle but I won’t give out any spoilers here.  Just suffice it to say that things became a little more difficult for our small group of survivors.  Or at least potentially so.  A lot of people asked who was shot and who the shooter was.  Well, I didn’t go into that with this book.  Perhaps the next one.  Haha…just kidding.  You’ll find out.

I want to say thank you to all of the veterans – past and present.  Your service is very much appreciated.  As I mentioned in a post on my Facebook page, I would like to extend that thanks to everyone in law enforcement, the fire services, and all responders.  You also put your lives on the line on a daily basis to protect and save others.  Seriously…Thank You!!!

I have to thank you, the readers and fans!  You have been so supportive – beyond anything I could ever imagine.  It’s you who keeps the story alive and going.  I thoroughly enjoy your messages and posts.  They truly keep me going.

There’s not really a whole lot more to say.  My mind is fried and there’s dinner and a movie to attend to.  I’ll be back at it very soon so hopefully you won’t have too long to wait for the 9th.  Ooops, there’s a spoiler.  No, the series doesn’t end with this one.  The coyotes are howling outside – maybe they are reading the book and voicing their opinion – and so, with that, I bid  you a good night.

Oh, I suppose I should leave a link to the book, and if you would leave a review when you finish, I would very much appreciate it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GKHKXKE

Enjoy your week and I hope happiness and joy encompass  your lives!

John

 

Conspiracy Update

Well, in the wee hours of last Friday, I managed to finish the draft of the eighth book, A New World: Conspiracy. Since then I have been glued to the keyboard going through the first edits and finished those today. I now have this rectangular white spot in my vision. The manuscript has been carefully placed in the editor’s hands to let the magic be worked.  By the way, I suck at editing.  Which is unfortunate as I really enjoy it – read sarcasm.  

The cover has almost been completed and I’ll share a sneak preview of it very soon. When will it be finished and released you ask?  Excellent question.  The answer – I don’t know.  When the rough boulder of a draft I sent comes back gleaming and polished, I’ll have to format it for publication which takes months.  Kidding – it will take a day and then it will take up to 12 hours after I upload it to Amazon before it’s ready for purchase.  For the other online distributors, this could take a couple of weeks before it starts showing up.  I’m sure you all followed that but if you’re not baffled yet, I could throw in some math equations.

So, what does this all really mean? I’m expecting the book to be ready for release in about a week.  Yes, I know, I could have just said that.

As always, I really want to thank you for all of your support and messages. They are one of the highlights of my day.  Waking is another.  Wait, no it’s not.  Yes, I need more caffeine.  However, Battlefield 4 came out today so I must bid you adieu.  I hope your week treats you well and brings your dreams to life – if they’re good ones that is.

John

Summer Is Over

Unfortunately, summer has ended. Of course, I guess that depends on your perspective.  I took a little more time off than I usually do at the end of a book.  The sun came out, the kids came over, and I spent the summer hanging with them and taking a trip here and there.  Of course, I suppose that was bad timing seeing how the last book ended.  You have my apologies for leaving everything hanging like that. But now, the sun said its goodbye here for another few seasons – there are only really two here – and the wet weather has shown itself.  That means I sat down, dusted off the keyboard – I had to find it first – and began hammering out senseless words once again.

I had left the draft of the 8th book sitting close to the 1/3 mark, typing away on it periodically, but now I am tied to the chair.  Starting last Sunday evening, I passed the half way point last night.  There is a particular furry one here who isn’t appreciating my time spent in my chair much and lets me know from time to time his dissatisfaction.  So, I spend my time here and seeing to his whims.

The characters have been calling for some time and so I must answer their call.  Without giving any spoilers, there is a lot going on and it’s not easy keeping track of all the threads.  The action is slow to materialize but it’s coming and so I hope the writing will become easier as well.  Again, sorry to keep everyone waiting to see what happened after the ending of the last book.  Hopefully you won’t have too much longer to wait.  I don’t have a date or time line to when it will be ready as yet, but I’ll make sure and let you know when it’s drawing near.

Thank you so much for all of your words of encouragement and support.  And yes, those words of ‘when is it going to be done’.  I wish everyone a very happy week and hope it treats you well!

John

The Journey Continues

The story is calling once again.  I’ve left it hanging for far too long and the characters are itching to continue their tale.  Summer is about on us so this may take some time – when the sun is out in the Northwest, it must be taken advantage of.  However, with that said, I don’t think Jack and the group will allow me to idle too much with the story.

Today will be musing on the tale and thinking through story line, although that is  seldom held to.  But, we have to start somewhere.  Lurking in the background, Michael is calling as well.  *spoiler* Sandra and her craziness may have been dealt with but the danger from the night runners is far from over.   Greg has been left out on the road with just one team, the sub continues its journey along the seaboard, and a sniper shot has rung out.  The world has become an interesting place.

I do want to clarify something regarding the last title.  I referred to the last book often as “Rampage”.  When I finished the book, that title no longer truly corresponded to the story so I changed it to “Takedown”.  I apologize for any confusion about that.

I am often asked how long the story will be… how many books will the series eventually encompass?  The answer is that I don’t really know.  I know of three books at least including this next one.  It could end up being just those three books or it could go on.  The line I walk is to tell the survival story of the group without becoming repetitious in the events.  And the timeline of the story is an element as well.  The seventh book, Takedown, takes us to a point four to five months into the apocalyptic event.  I keep asking myself how long this will go and what it will entail but that is something that only Jack and the group of survivors can answer.  Once I start typing, they let me know what happens.

I wish all of the fathers out there a Happy Father’s Day and a fantastic weekend to all.  Thanks for following along with me.

 

John