March 2026 Update

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening!

I’m still querying literary agencies for “Stormrider: A Local War Story.” My original schedule takes me to late April to see if the story has a chance with traditional publishing. Given that April is fast approaching, I’ve started the final preparations for self-publication through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing. Final edits, book and cover design, Library of Congress number, proof copies, etc., etc., etc., all take about 6 weeks to finish, so to be prepared to self-publish in late April, I need to start now. That does not mean I’m giving up on traditional publishing—far from it—it’s just being ready for whatever happens.

I’ve paused writing “Sundown Rhoades Daybreak: The Local War (Book 4)” temporarily while I focus on getting “Stormrider” ready for publication. I’m 118 pages (22 chapters) into the first draft of what should be a 380-ish page book. It can be tough juggling a full-time job, writing, editing, and all the administrivia that comes with self-publishing (which is why I’m trying to cross over into traditional publishing). The Army taught me a good team of diverse expertise is better than an individual every time.

All prayers to our troops in harm’s way.

Have an Awesome Day!

Mark