Things have moved a lot slower than I would have wanted them to, however, there is progress on all fronts! (and backs too).

Book 6 Update

Raven of Iskandar Book 6 will be titled ‘All-Star’. There will be quite a few characters returning from earlier books. The conspiracy against Iskandar is still alive and scheming. Originally, I thought that I knew who the ‘older man’ running the conspiracy was. Now I don’t anymore. Characters are sometimes like herding cats.

Right now Book 6 is up to 22,000 words with probably another 10,000 in chapters needing to be added. Generally I write scenes as the inspiration happens. Then I end up with a collection of chapters that have to be added in the right order and, many times, ‘glue’ chapters need to be written.

Some teasers: The Tournament Committee has decided to have an All-Star game at mid season. Juliet and Vysse experience their first matches as part of Prime. There is trouble in Iskandar Secundus but that’s about to change. The older man of the conspiracy gets a shipment he never expected to receive. There are also some clues as to the origin of the conspiracy as several of the team find out where Rushanak’s is.

Some notable quotes from Book 6:

“Oh, such protection. You’re going to put me in a position to be arrested and interrogated.  Piss-poor protection.”

“I’ll have to get used to everybody knowing what they are doing.”

“Well I’ll tell you a secret. I fell over quite a few times when I was learning that.”

“One’s a guy, in case you hadn’t noticed.”

“This isn’t what it seems…it’s normal.”

“Oh, God! I hope she doesn’t bring one home!”

“Stop jumping around and we’ll help you.”

If you’ve read through all those quotes, you’re probably mystified as to what is happening. Well, you’ll find out later this year as I’m aiming for a release in the fall.

Book 1 Re-Edit

The Book 1 re-edit is coming along also. It has gone through one round of editing, having gone to England and back once. I’ve patched up the inconsistencies and added a bit more explanation about what’s going on (what do you expect from an engineer?).

The bonus added to the re-edit will be a short story on how Gothgirl was hired by Iskandar.

Here’s the new cover art again, just for fun:

Although I don’t like to spam people, expect weekly updates/posts as I’m going to try and be a decent blogger. LOL

A couple of weeks ago I mean to post celebrating the roses blooming, however, this is much more impressive.

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The interesting effect in these images is how the camera seemed to saturate on the rose blooms themselves, as if were saying “Whoa, that’s so red!” Note the lack of detail in the flowers.

Re-Editing on Book 1 is continuing. I probably would not be so diligent about it except for the new cover.

The rather spectacular image is by Soulartmatter (by permission). And, yes, Raven has a new hairdo.

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Book 5 of Raven of Iskandar, ‘The New Season’ is now available in hardcover.

As you can tell, this is a shiny, laminate cover (textbook style to me). Here is shown one of the proof copies that just came in.

In the coming weeks I will making the rest of the series available in hardcover but first I have to finish my re-edit and expansion of Book 1, ‘Raven: The Call from Central’.

One added piece of information, if you’ve manage to read this far. Book 6 is in process. The working title right now is ‘All-Star’. As a teaser, one character from Book 3 is returning plus two characters that have only appeared in Book 4.

Book 6 is now sitting at 15,000+ words with maybe another 5000 words in random chapters still to be added. I’d expect to top out over 100k words again (since I don’t know when to stop 😉 ) and the plan currently is to get the book out this year.

You can find ‘The New Season’ and its hardcover here:

Last year after ‘two weeks to flatten the curve’ extended into months, all sources of Cherry Dr Pepper disappeared, at least in Connecticut. My last can was drunk about August (yes, I gave it away).

However, there is hope for fans of Cherry Dr Pepper. Here’s what I do to recover the taste.

You’ll need a 32 oz cup, two cans of Dr Pepper and a bottle of Reese Maraschino Syrup (available on Amazon) and a standard teaspoon.

Fill the bottom section of the cup with ice (up to the first ridge from the bottom). This is for ice cubes, if it’s crushed ice, don’t fill it so high, otherwise you won’t fit two cans of soda in the cup. Now empty one can of Dr Pepper into the cup. Now add 3 to 4 teaspoons of the Maraschino Syrup. The exact amount depends on your taste. To me, about 3 1/2 teaspoons is just about right.

Now stir the syrup in and add the 2nd can of Dr Pepper. Stir again.

Now drink! The color is not exactly right, but for me, the taste is exact.

The only reason for adding the syrup in between cans is so that the syrup mixes in easier and you don’t have to stir so much.

This ‘formula’ is a result of my own experimentation. Other cherry syrups may do just as well. You’ll have to figure out how much syrup to get the right taste. The Reese is a bit on the expensive side (14.95 for two bottles) but works for me.

I have no idea of this ‘Reese’ is the same one that makes all the peanut butter stuff. And, no, I don’t work for them or are paid to endorse them.