First Artwork for Book 3 is Finished!

Welcome everyone!

I am excited to announce that the first artwork for book three in the Hunter's Rose series is completed and now in my possession!

Since I am still revising much of my work, it wouldn't have made sense to get the landscape pictures like the one from The Huntsman and the Vampire below:

If I couldn't do a piece of artwork like that, it only made sense to get the roses done. So they are! All five roses for Book 3 are now finished, and they look AMAZING! Unfortunately, I can't share them with you yet. I'm saving them for the promotional period prior to launch. When I do, though, I'm sure you'll love them as much as me.

Just as a refresher, here are the roses from the first two books:

Peace,

-Troy

Chapter 3 is Revised!

Welcome everyone!

Well, I got Chapter 3 of Book 3 revised yesterday. I added a significant amount to it, which is not something I normally do. I try to keep my books on the shorter side, since that's what I prefer to read. However, there was no helping it in the third chapter.

WARNING, MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

So, in Chapter 3 there is a meeting amongst several of the high ranking huntsmen. It sets up the rest of the book. Each is given a specific role to fill due to the circumstances that ended The Huntsman and the Vampire.

In order to set that up properly and to lay the groundwork for character growth in Tristan, I really had to make sure all the details were correct. It took a long time to cross-reference all the information. It also required reassigning several chunks of dialogue and even a name change for one of the characters! There was a lot to do.

All in all, I'm happy with how it's turned out. Now on to chapter 4.

Peace,

-Troy

Sales Data for March/April 2020

Welcome everyone!

Today I have some great news to share with you. I'm going to cover sales data from earlier this year then discuss how things went in my first year. So these are the raw numbers for both The Huntsman and the She-Wolf (THATSW) and The Huntsman and the Vampire (THATV):

Mar/Apr - THATSW eBook: 0
Mar/Apr - THATV eBook: 0

Mar/Apr - THATSW Audio: 1
Mar/Apr - THATV Audio: 0

Mar/Apr - THATSW Online Paperback: 1
Mar/Apr - THATV Online Paperback: 3

Mar/Apr - THATSW Online Hardback: 1
Mar/Apr - THATV Online Hardback: 1

Mar/Apr - THATSW In-Person Paperback: 33
Mar/Apr - THATV In-Person Paperback: 2

Mar/Apr - THATSW In-Person Hardback: 1
Mar/Apr - THATV In-Person Hardback: 5

Mar/Apr - THATSW Kindle Unlimited Pages: 697
Mar/Apr - THATV Kindle Unlimited Pages: 832

Total Books: 50
Total Pages: 1529

Clearly in-person sales have been better for me than online sales. And just as clearly, ALL those in-person sales came in March. With the lockdown in April due to Coronavirus, I haven't been able to pitch my book in person. Still, 50 copies in two months is fantastic. If you convert the KU pages read, that's another 7 copies sold.

BUT here's the really great news: When I started this project, I made a goal to sell 300 books total in my first year, and 500 books total by my second. When the launch anniversary for The Huntsman and the She-Wolf came around, I had sold 329 COPIES!!! If you include Kindle Unlimited pages, that would be another 40 copies on top of that. So I easily surpassed that goal.

Looking to the year ahead, I currently stand at 402 actual copies sold, plus an additional 45 if you convert Kindle Unlimited. So, I am not very far from achieving my goal at all.

I owe everyone a HUGE thank you for all the support you've given me. With out the fans, friends, and family helping me out, I never would have gotten close to reaching my aspirations. THANK YOU SO MUCH, AND I LOVE YOU ALL!

Be safe and healthy out there. Take care of each other.

Peace,

-Troy

Working on Chapter 3 Revisions

Welcome everyone!

My weekend went well. I got most of my work done, but Chapter 3 is requiring more attention than I first suspected it would.

For one thing, I introduce or re-introduce a good number of characters in this chapter. I'll avoid spoilers for now, but needless to say there's a lot going on.

Not only that, the characters are all doing different things. I have to justify each of their tasks and make sure each character's actions and reactions all line up with their motivations and long-term plot-arcs. It's quite difficult, as a result.

I'm about sixty percent through the chapter now. If I gut it out, perhaps I'll finish today or tomorrow. I'll be sure to let you know. Also, sales numbers for March and April are almost ready. I'll post about it this week of all goes well.

Peace,

-Troy

Goals for the Weekend 2020-06-05

Welcome everyone!

The week turned out so much more busy than I expected. So that means I have more to do this weekend. Here are my goals:

• Continue Editing, hopefully get Chapter 3 Done
• Finish current chapter of Book 2 audio book
• Get some home improvement projects done around the house

If I can do all that, I'll have a successful weekend. I hope you do too.

Peace,

-Troy

One Difference Between Book 2 and Book 3

Welcome everyone!

I've finished editing chapters 1 and 2 in Book 3 now. Hooray! I'm on to chapter 3. The editing is going well, but it's difficult. For one thing, Book 3 three is the most personal in the series. This book is truly the story I want to tell. I'm not obsessing over proper structure, dialogue tags, adverbs, or any of that stuff. This is me just expressing my setting and characters. As a result, changing anything is tough because I love every word so much!

Second, editing is more difficult because Book 2 flowed so easily. The amount of time it took me to actually write Book 2 was less than half of Book 1. I never got stuck, never got discouraged. It just came out of me, and it fits the strictures of storytelling perfectly. Of all the books in the series, I think The Huntsman and the Vampire will be the best as far as nailing proper writing techniques go. Not only that, it required very little editing. Mainly just proofreading. So, as I go through Book 3, it is a bit discouraging to see so much work that needs to be done.

Mild Spoilers Ahead!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Let me give you an example. In Chapter 2 of Book 3, there is a battle. I remember writing this scene. I was just starting out and I was rusty from taking off from writing to deal with publishing. The battle wasn't all that vivid or dynamic. In fact, I would say the action was quite confused.

Fixing that took me all of Friday and most of the weekend. And here's the thing, I'm going to have to give it another pass. It's still night right.

By contrast, every battle that you read in THATV is pretty much exactly how I wrote it originally. In fact, I can't think of a single major occurrence in any of those battles that wasn't in the first draft.

Book 3 will be different. It's going to take a while to get it into shape. That's fine. I like revising. I know what I have to do. Now, I just have to do it. And in the end, the book will be better as a result of the tough choices and sacrifices I make now.

Peace,

-Troy

Goals for the Weekend 2020-05-29

Welcome everyone!

So at the moment, weekends aren't all that much different for me than weekdays. However, I still like to change things up so I don't get stuck in the doldrums. So this weekend, I have some plans. Here they are:

• Enjoy the beautiful weather we're forecasted to have
• Resume work on Book 2 audio book
• Sketch artwork for Book 3

If I can do all that, I'll have a productive weekend. I hope you do too.

Peace,

-Troy

Book 3, Chapter 1 - Revised

Welcome everyone!

Yesterday, I completed my revisions of chapter 1. That's a big step toward completion, but I don't want to overstate its importance. I'll explain.

One of the best pieces of writing advice I ever got was, "Write what you want to read." One of the things I don't really care for in novels is really long first chapters. When I examine a book and Chapter 1 is 10 pages longer than any other chapter, I just put it back on the shelf.

To hold my interest, an author has to grab my attention right off, introduce the conflict, major characters, and emotional hook ASAP. My first book, I believe, does this very well. In the paperback, it's just 10 pages long.

So, now that I've finished revising chapter one of Book 3, I can feel accomplished BUT it's not all that big of a deal. The first chapter is short. The second one isn't all that long either (again, that's my reading preference). However, all steps - big or small - get me to where I'm going, and I am super excited to be where I am.

And now, for some potential mild spoilers.

SPOILER ALERT!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

You might be wondering what issues I faced in revising that chapter. Well, Tristan is going to be a bit older than when we left him at the end of The Huntsman and the Vampire. Nearly a year, I think. He's got to show more maturity.

One thing that shows a lack of maturity in writing (but not in real life) is asking a lot of questions. Tristan had far too many in the opening pages. He needs to speak in statements, not queries. So, I had a lot of those types of things to fix.

Other than that, though, I am thrilled with the first chapter. I have a touching emotional moment, a mystery, and it finishes with a bang. There isn't much more I could want out of an introductory chapter.

Today, I'm on to revising Chapter 2, and maybe 3 as well. Wish me luck! I can't wait to tell you more.

Peace,

-Troy

Pic of Book 3 First Draft!

Welcome everyone!

It was so good to see how many of you visited my site yesterday when I made my brief post. I was shocked and delighted by the number of reads that entry had. Thank you so much for sticking with me, even though I had a long layoff.

Well, all that said, I was able to keep my commitment. Book 3 is now completely drafted and ready for revisions! As proof of life that this thing exists, here you go. A printed copy:

I like having a print copy to read and mark up. It makes the process more real, I guess. It's also a landmark - tangible proof that I passed this particular test. I have printed drafts of The Huntsman and the She-Wolf and The Huntsman and the Vampire still stacked neatly in my closet. Maybe someday I'll show a pic of all three drafts at once.

Anyway, I have a lot left to do in order to get it published. It's a massive process, and I'll be taking you with me as I traverse it. So, here's the near-term plan of action:

• First Revision
• Round 1 of Beta-Reading
• Second Revision
• Round 2 of Beta Reading
• Third Revision
• Editing
• Fourth Revision
• Proofreading
• Fifth Revision

We'll see what the book needs after that. For now, I'll be diving right in to fixing Chapter 1. I'll update you on how it goes and also in the near future about book sales data from the last two months.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you are safe and well. Take care of each other.

Peace,

-Troy

That Was a Nice Long Break!

Welcome everyone,

I am nearing the end of the journey on drafting Book 3. I should have it done by TOMORROW!!! So, if that happens (and it should), I'll be back with more details then. Expect more to come, and I'm glad to be back with all of you.

Peace,

-Troy

Be Well Everyone!

Welcome everyone!

Like yours, I have no doubt, my life is changing a bit. With the natural upheaval that comes with a once-in-a-century pandemic, I'll be working from home in the near future. My first priority will be to safeguard my family, and my second will remain with my day job.

However, I'll be able to get some work done on my book as well since I won't have to drive my commute every day. So, I'll be able to get more adio book editing done AND more work done on Book 3.

Please take good care of yourselves during this time. Here's a good, reputable site with some recommendations.

I'll be in touch via this blog and social media. Be well!

Peace,

-Troy

Signing A Book is a Touching Experience

Welcome everyone!

I had a young person bring me a copy of The Huntsman and the She-Wolf to sign yesterday. She was so bashful and nervous. But I was extremely happy to do it for her.

It strikes me as funny that I get regarded as a person of importance or celebrity. People will sometimes say, "You're a real author!" And yes, I am, but I'm also the same person I've always been. Just a regular guy holding a regular job in a very regular part of the world.

People look at me differently, but I don't feel any different. It's something I'm getting used to, but not all the way adapted to yet.

The encounter with the young lady was short but still very sweet. She complimented the cover and blushed when she said thank you as I handed the book back to her. I'll always cherish moments like this. I really hope she enjoyed reading it.

Peace,

-Troy

A Fairly Productive Weekend

Welcome everyone!

The weather was nice outside, and I got a lot of work done inside. Trying to get back on a regular schedule, I pulled out my audio editing gear. I was able to make more progress on the the audio book for The Huntsman and the Vampire. I need to do more, but I'm happy with the quality I'm producing.

I also made more progress on Book 3. I can tell I'm going to have to work a lot on the dialogue. Some chapters are pretty heavy with it in this one. Right now, I'm just trying to get the story out of my head and on to digital files.

Anyway, I hope you have a productive week. Spring-forward is always a tough time for me. It's kinda funny how changing just one hour can have such a difference. May your Monday go smoothly for you!

Peace,

-Troy

February Sales Numbers - A Massive Blowout!

Welcome everyone!

Wow, I have some great news to share with you today. I'm going to release the sales figures for February, 2020 for both The Huntsman and the She-Wolf and The Huntsman and the Vampire. These figures are out of this world!

eBooks:

THATSW: 33

THATV:    06

AudioBooks:

THATSW: 01

Online Paperback Sales:

THATSW: 01

THATV:    10

Online Hardback Sales:

THATV: 08

In-Person Paperback Sales:

THATSW: 16

THATV:    18

In-Person Hardback Sales:

THATSW: 10

THATV:    17

Kindle Unlimited Pages Read:

THATSW: 447

THATV:    127

Totals:

Print Books: 80

Electronic Copies: 40

KNEP Pages Read: 574

When it comes to copies sold, this is the best month I've ever had. It's not even close. The launch of my second book (THATV) really helped the sales of the first book. I saw a massive uptick in sales in the weeks leading to launch. Also, I ran a brief sale in that time which undoubtedly helped as well.

447 Kindle Unlimited pages read in a month is my fifth best monthly total so far. Putting both books together gets me 574, which would be my third best total in a month. 

When I published my first book, I set a goal to sell 300 copies of it in the first year and 500 copies by the second year (including my second book). I still have most of the month of March to accomplish that goal, and I am short by only a small handful of copies. 

I feel confident I'll be able to hit both my goals by the deadlines I've set.

I've had some difficult times on a personal level here lately. I won't bother you with the details, but to be able to report to all my fans and followers just how successful my books have been and how amazing their support has been, fills my heart with gladness. THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE! You've really helped me through some hard times.

I'm still trying to get organized enough to get back to regular posting. I can't promise that I shall, but I want you to know I'm doing my best. Love you all very much.

Peace,

-Troy

About My Recent Absence - Getting Back Into the Habbit

Welcome everyone!

It've not been updating my site much lately. My house has been stricken by illness, unfortunately. Both my daughter and I have fallen ill, and I've missed quite a bit of work as a result.

We're on the mend, though. The fevers have gone away and now we're just dealing with the leftover chest congestion. As a result, I hope to get back to regular updates soon.

I have some very exciting news about the month of February to share with you this week. Expect that on Thursday or Friday. We'll have really cool something to celebrate together.

I hate falling out of the habit of making daily posts. Writing is the same way. If you establish a routine, it makes doing the work easier. Due to sickness and other unforeseen circumstances, I've fallen out of the habit of writing anything. That's not good.

It remains doubtful I'll be able to make a post tomorrow. Work is tremendously busy at the moment, and I have a good deal of catching up to do since I've been out. Wish me luck on that! We'll talk soon.

Peace,

-Troy