It’s Here!

On Friday, November 8, 2013, I ordered something very exciting from createspace: the proof copy of my book!  They said that the expected arrival date was November 19th, so I settled in for a long wait.  Waiting, waiting, waiting, and writing. 

Writing Update and a Blog Update

Writing Update

My original goal for my third draft of A Mighty Fortress was to get past the 50,000 word mark.  I surpassed that goal long ago and am now standing strong at almost 61,000 words.  At this time, when I have my book formatted into 5″ x 8″ pages there are over 250 pages.  I was pleasantly surprised when I realized this.  

As an update, I have received most of the feedback from my test readers and am now implementing some of their suggestions.  Perhaps I will reach the 62,000 word mark with some of the further edits.  We shall see.

Book Cover Reveal

Today is the day! I promised the book cover reveal and here it is. As I mentioned in a previous post, Perry Elisabeth offered a sale on book covers and I decided to take the plunge. I am very glad I did! Perry did a great job with the four prototypes. It was a difficult decision.

I ended up going with the first one she had, with a couple of minor tweaks. Here is version #1:

 

(Cover design by Perry Elisabeth (http://perryelisabeth.blogspot.com/)
Stock image by imma (http://mrg.bz/uByyIp))

On this version, there were only two things I did not like: 1. the four ruts on the road, and 2. The font for the series and author name. Perry used a different font on the other book cover prototypes and I liked it a lot better. So, on the second version, she kindly changed the font and was able to change the four ruts into only two ruts.

With no further ado, here is the book cover for A Mighty Fortress:

(Cover design by Perry Elisabeth [http://perryelisabeth.blogspot.com/]
Stock image by imma [http://mrg.bz/uByyIp])

It is really, truly happening! I now have over half of A Mighty Fortress edited, I have the book cover, and I have two wonderful people helping me out with the editing. I also have a dedicated test-reader. However, if there is someone who would like the opportunity to test-read my (mostly) final draft, I am willing to take one or two more volunteers.

Right now, I plan to send the draft out the first week of September and will give you until September 30th at the latest to finish the test reading. I ask that my test-readers look for obvious typos, weak plot points, character development, and things like that.

To end this post, I will leave you with one of my favorite parts of my novel (so far):

A week after leaving Helena, and two weeks after leaving home Joshua spotted the house, swung his hat above his head and let out a loud whoop. Ruth heard the holler and ran out of the house to greet them.

Joshua reined his horse in and leaped off to give his sister a hug. “We’ve got two stallions and ten mares to get us started. We also have four hands with us and two more coming in a few months with more horses.”

Ruth watched the group heading towards them. “They look like good horses. What about the men?”

“Pa picked ’em out himself. He questioned them carefully before hiring them. From what I could tell on the trail, their good men. William is a year or two older than me, but knows a lot about horses, cattle, and ranch work. He’s quiet, thoughtful, and well-mannered.

“Peter is the oldest of the group. He’s a hardened, grizzled man with plenty of experience and a quick wit. He looks older than he acts. I’m not really sure how old he is and he won’t tell me.” Joshua said this last bit under his breath and behind his hand. Ruth giggled.

Joshua looked at the men again. “Let’s see. Oh, yes. Wyatt and Flynn. They always seem to be paired together. They’re brothers and worked well together. They work hard and do as they are told, no questions asked. At least not yet. Hopefully they’ll ask questions if they don’t understand something or think what we’re doing won’t work.

“All in all, they are all a bit rough around the edges, but what man who’s lived out West for long wouldn’t be?”

Ruth laughed. “Especially without a wife, mother, or sister to help them out.” Her eyes twinkled as she teased her brother.

“Exactly!”