Another Change, a Book, and Getting South

It's been a while since I've written anything substantial.  My predilection for writing trivial nonsense oftentimes overcomes my sensibility and need to write things more productive.  Such has been my life for the past month.  In my defense, I have made yet another big life change by relocating to Augusta, Georgia, leaving behind the cold, snow-infested heaps of eastern Pennsylvania in exchange for heat, humidity, and mosquitos roughly the size of Volkswagon Beetles.

As most are aware, because I annoy everyone in my social media circles to death with updates and such, I have written my first novel and have found a willing accomplice who has promised to publish my work.  The first installment of what I hope will be a long-running series, Of Blood and Stone, is off to the printer for hardcopy proofs.  After everything is approved by my publisher and me, it's off to the presses for mass distribution. 

I cannot convey how apprehensive I am about the prospect of having something pulled from my own mind, documented and in the hands of readers.  When I stop to think about it I realize how lucky I am, but also consider that some will enjoy it, while others will not--and that's the hard pill to swallow. 

I'm not so insecure as to believe that there will be those who won't enjoy the book; I guess I fear failure or disappointing those who have supported me through this process.  All of that being said, I'm not one to be a pessimist and know you all will enjoy the book and look forward to the next installment.  Haha!

Bill Evers has been a character who was born from my zeal for the military, the art of fighting, conspiracy theory and travel.  A man who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, who longed for nothing more than to be left alone in the deep woods of Alabama, Evers gets pulled back into action by his old mentor, Buddy Smith.

I look forward to "watching" Evers develop as an individual as he copes with his psychological disorder.  More importantly, I love the process of writing and story telling in its purest form--the written word. 

I can't stress enough how enjoyable it is to be in a slower paced environment.  It took me a few years to realize I'm not cut out for the rat race, and in a couple short weeks Cathy will be here with me.  She's looking forward to getting out of the race too, although I suspect it will take her a little more time to acclimate to the southern drawl, the pace, and the sweet tea.

Finally, I would invite each of you to check out my website, which is far from completion, and offer suggestions and feedback.  Bear in mind I'm creating it myself, and I make no assertions about my website development capabilities.  On the contrary, had it not been for "drag and drop," I don't know what I would have done.  :)

www.howardupton.com

Peace, love, and yogurt to all y'all.