Happy April Fool’s Day

Happy April Fool’s Day

Dear Readers,

I’ve been asked to provide an update, if for no other reason than to let you know I’m still alive. I am. Yeay! I’m also still writing. Double yeay! (No, that’s not an April Fool’s prank.)

While I am now writing full-time, I am currently working on several projects, not just KDT. I know, I know. You’re all screaming, “Just give us the third book!” Here’s some of what’s happening.

A number of years ago, I started working on a Ph.D. in geosciences. I spent countless hours in coursework, research, and laboratories. Summer and winter breaks were not spent lounging on the beach or binge watching Game of Thrones (which I still haven’t had the chance to watch/read, so no spoilers!). No, I was in the field far, far away from civilization, almost completely cut off from society for weeks at a time. Yes, there are still places on this planet without internet or cell phone coverage!😲

I endured the physical and emotional rigors of traveling both domestically and internationally, not only to perform said research, but also to stand beside posters and at podiums presenting to rooms full of scientists with far more experience. These were exciting times but also stressful, and I had to swallow the pain of spending much of it away from my child. All of my degree requirements were completed except for the dissertation. Five years and a combined $100K in student debt later, I ran out of funding and was left without a job. Sorry, no Ph.D. for you!

Did I mention I’m a single parent? Financial woes. Two years worth of job searches yielded only a bit of part-time teaching at college. A masters degree in geosciences means little when the market is saturated with job seekers laid off by a struggling oil industry.

I could not sit idly, though. I began writing to fill the time and perhaps to escape for a while from my unproductive despair. I was nearly finished with the first installment of a story when someone started nagging me for attention. He was relentless. He was fantastic, brutal, brilliant, and utterly clueless. The others were silly and made me laugh. I had to write them down before they disappeared forever. Far from the path of my derailed dreams emerged King’s Dark Tidings.

While I am still working diligently on KDT, thanks to your support and appreciation of this series, I can afford to finish my doctoral program before time runs out and all my hard work (and money!) is wasted. Some of you may be frustrated that I cannot focus on KDT 100% of the time. You’ll have to trust me when I say it’s better this way. I am far more productive when I reach a balance between my analytical/logical mind and my creative one. I am capable of working on multiple projects at once.

I may be providing you with an entertaining story, but your readership is helping me to achieve my dreams.

Sincerely,

Kel

103 Comments
  • David K
    Posted at 22:04h, 25 April Reply

    Can we get an update on the book? Wrote anything awesome in the last month? Would love to hear how you are getting on with the doctorate.

    Keep in touch!

  • Jack
    Posted at 22:46h, 24 April Reply

    So when are we going to get some information on when book 3 wel be released??

  • Sharon Steinhauser
    Posted at 05:57h, 23 April Reply

    Kel – That is fantastic about finishing up your Phd! Soooooo much work that goes into it, and now you have your opportunity to finish it – huge kudos to you!!! A must do, go for it, get ‘er done! All of your fans of KDT will survive, altho there may be kicking, screaming and pouting by some, hahaha! I bet when you’re working on KDT, it’s like a fun break from the Phd work. I have to say, the two books were so fun and engaging, so I am also quite excited to read the next when it is out. And let’s be honest, the most important part of the equation is family, so being a single parent is numero uno! Wow, dude, you have got lots on your plate. But in some ways its the best way to be 🙂 Good luck with it all!!

  • Matt
    Posted at 20:54h, 22 April Reply

    I’ve been stuck on a boat for some time now while the rest of the occupants and the kings navey are frozen in time. Please, please help me sir!

    I’ve gone on 3 trips with the 1st two books. I’ve tried to listen to other books,but can seem to find the same level of interest. RAISE anchor! HA

  • midnightjagger16
    Posted at 06:26h, 22 April Reply

    I was just wondering, in Reign of Madness when Rezkin is purchasing his Dark Tidings sword. What was the inspiration behind the overal design, but also the mate material. I find that every time I listen to these book the more I wonder of the inspiration behind the little, or bigger storyline items.

    • midnightjagger16
      Posted at 06:27h, 22 April Reply

      My phone auto corrected. Mate was meant to be MAGE.

  • W. R
    Posted at 06:30h, 21 April Reply

    You just gotta believe, don’t let others tell you that you cant do it. Your awesome. 😊 Get your Ph.D. 😊 Good luck!

    PS: I’m dying without the third KDT book, gah! It’s so frustrating. 😊 Hopefully you finish soon. Your the best.

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