We've experienced some tragic events this past year and COVID-19 only adds to the suffering. But, I'm going to try this again. Try to post regularly. Try to stay inspired.

OK: I'm in the midst of a publication. "THE DEMON OF THE SHADOWS" has been released, available on Amazon in trade paper (I bought one) and will be available on Kindle on June 15. The book will be posted on my publisher's website soon (Azure Spider Publications).

The re-working of "THE LONG HOUR BEFORE LIGHT" is on hiatus as I cannot get in touch with that publisher. I was re-writing some of the stories but lost contact. Will keep everyone posted if that changes.

I'm "networking" with my writer's groups, Pennwriters, Horror Writers Association and Author's Den. Actually, I'm not sure what that means but I'm trying to keep my info on these sites current.

Like everyone, I am just now getting back to work (with restrictions). Much of my calibration service was deferred by the State so I behind on the work but not out of compliance. It will just be a bear to catch up on schedules, especially when my hospitals and centers are booking back-logged patients and are less than happy about giving me the equipment to test.

I'll post again before, or again on June 15 (release date).

Missed the Blood Moon

I woke early to see the Super Blue Blood Moon but was defeated by heavy clouds. Oh well.

Anyway, I have good news of a sort. The re-write of my novel (renamed now "The Demon of the Shadows") has been picked up by Azure Spider Publishing. There's some work ahead but it is scheduled for release in November. In the contract phase now but I'll post as things develop.

Full Beaver Moon waxing.
   Another hiatus and another Halloween behind me. Temps are down in NE Ohio and it's likely they'll stay that way.

   I've entered a contest with Inkshares with the revised and revisited Beckoned, now titled the Demon of the Shadows. The rules require that the writer foster a following of pledged (to purchase) readers with the top one or two given a full contract. It's ingenious because the writer does the leg work. The publisher has little risk because they enter the agreement with pledged sales. I haven't devoted much time to promotion other than a lot of fliers. The result- no sales or pledges. Oh well.
    I'm also seeking traditional publisher acceptance with one or two houses currently accepting manuscripts that are reprints. I really want to get this knocked out so I can spend time writing. I chopped off the legs of Sari Sari and have a new approach. Same beginning but reworked characters. That needs my attention so I hope I get some action on The Demon soon.
   I'm technically (forced) semi-retired. It's amazing that I don't have infinitely more time now, time for the writing projects. But I have also taken on some community projects that eat it up. One is participation is several drug prevention and treatment committees. Like everywhere in the US, we have a horrendous drug problem in Ohio. Small steps of change take up a lot of time and effort. I also make walking sticks that are donated to several church fairs and sales. The money goes to emergency assistance (food, rent, electric bills) in our community.
   I'm off the rest ofthe week so I'm working on a submission for the Demon.
wish me luck (to be sure, I need it)

Man, it's been a long time. New Moon, February in Grayton Beach, Florida

Yes life is complicated and things just fall by the wayside. I haven't even logged onto this blog in three years!!!

I can't promise that I'll get this back together real soon but it's on the agenda. I have some profound changes upcoming. Most of it has to do with some bad business luck that I want to put a positive spin on. Hey, lost work means more time. Time to write, time to attend to this blog.

Up to speed, at least a bit. We're in Grayton Beach Florida. I have work here so we stay for three weeks in an absolutely beautiful Florida house in the Preserve. Seaside village dark and peaceful. But only ten miles to Destin and the hustle of the resorts. The stars are unreal at night and the weather has been great. It's warm in Ohio as well so I don't have to wrestle with guilt about leaving my kids up north. They're in college anyway. This is kind of our annual vacation anyway.

I'll be back in summer (that's when I'll have all kinds of time) to chronicle the moons once more.

Be well

ron

Full Beaver Moon waxing

The never ending saga of my re-release continues. My editor contacted me at end of September and promised to begin work on my revised release of "the Long Hour Before Light" by October 27. Ha ha! No word from her and no reply to my emails. Well, you've heard this story before, I've only been waiting since February. Anyway, to better thoughts and episodes. I started another story but I think it is fizzling out. I was toying with another Incubus, started an elaborate beginning but came to see it wasn't quite right. Maybe I'll revisit this later when I have some fresh thoughts. Also, I have four good stories started and can't seem to grind out their completion. I really don't need another distraction. I need to pick one and get to work. That's a mental process in of itself I suppose. Wish me luck.

until again

Full Hunter's Moon waxing

Well, good news at last. Worked out the snafus regarding my contract, signed off on new one and I now have a revision of “The Long Hour Before Light” in the works. My editor, Kim W has been in touch and we will begin work on the new edition this week. From my end I will place this in the fast track, still fantasizing that I might have it released before Halloween. Everything else is on the back burner. I will keep this post up to date with progress notes.

Ciao, for now.

Harvest Moon waning

Getting ready for a trip to Chicago for business. The contract is still in the wind although both my Publisher and Editor contacted me last week. Promised a final contract by Friday- Nothing came; Oh well

I suppose it will happen when it happens. I am now game-hardened so it no longer bothers me and waiting seems just to be the currency of these negotiations. I've been doing it (waiting) since April.

To better subjects. Fall is coming and it is typically amazing in NE Ohio. The leaves will change soon and with that, autumn weather. Crisp mornings, warm afternoons and that Cobalt Blue sky only seen in October. I'm a little off my game, behind in writing but I hope the season (Halloween) will inspire me.

Until next.
My best