Here is the cover for A Constant Thunder!
Storms, and thunder in particular, appear both literally and metaphorically through this novel. I think the cover points the reader towards the final storms Gideon and his mates must pass through in order to reap the fruits of victory.
Writing is fun. Editing is not.
A critical part of my writing process is reading through the manuscript several times and making edits. I go through it once on the computer making corrections. Then I print it and read it through, marking it up as I go—then I plug in those corrections. It is amazing how much more I catch in print!
The next, and probably biggest step, is sending it off to my editor. I am pleased to report that A Constant Thunder is on its way! Ashlee will be repeating the phenomenal work she did on Times That Try Men’s Souls and A Nest of Hornets.
Ashlee has accepted a position with a publisher, so she will no longer be doing independent editing work. I am delighted for her, but I quail at the thought of finding another editor, especially since I have already written a few snippets of Gideon Hawke #5!
The Breymann Redoubt at the Saratoga Battlefield; scene of the climax in A Constant Thunder.
That, however, is in the future. For now, A Constant Thunder just took a giant leap forward toward publication, and my excitement is growing!
A Constant Thunder page: https://robertkrenzel.com/gideon-hawke-4/
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Gideon Hawke #4: A Constant Thunder is creeping closer to being a reality!
The other novels in the Gideon Hawke Series have come in at 65,000 to 71,000 words. A Constant Thunder is now at 55,000; more importantly, I only have a few chapters left to write!
The story is coming together nicely. The summer of 1777 is a time of great challenge and change for Gideon Hawke and Ruth Munroe. At the same time the fledgling United States is facing the greatest threat yet to its existence, Gideon and Ruth’s relationship is going through a profound change. They will each face dangers and trials, and will each learn a great deal about themselves and each other.
Each of the Gideon Hawke novels has a unique feel. A Constant Thunder most certainly feels like a journey: a journey of adventure, change, growth, and exploration. At the end, Gideon and Ruth will be older and wiser, and they have learned a bit more about what it means to be themselves, and what it means to be Americans.
Now…back to writing!
Check for the latest updates on Gideon Hawke #4: A Constant Thunder.
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At long last I am holding a proof copy of A Nest of Hornets!
After months of researching, writing, rewriting, editing, rewriting some more, and even designing the cover, what was once an idea has become something tangible: a novel.
The next steps? Check, check, and check again! I have a trusted agent (my father-in-law) going through it page-be-page. I also had Ben, my incredible graphic artist, take a look and approve the print quality of his beautiful maps.
Next I get to read my own book, cover to cover: ultimately it is up to me to decide what must be fixed. Does the cover look right? (I love it!) Did I get the width of the spine correct? (No…not quite. I will have to adjust that) Is the interior the way I envisioned? (So far) Does the “cream” colored paper really go easier on the eye and remind the reader of bygone days? (Yes, I think so) Are there typos? (Still checking)
I already found one minor issue, and I am certain I will find a few more things. Hopefully they will be all be quick fixes, and A Nest of Hornets will be available in time to be an excellent stocking stuffer! (Which reminds me…I have to check and make sure the 6” x 9” trim size really does fit in a stocking!)
In the meantime: Happy Thanksgiving!
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A Nest of Hornets is moving right along!
The third novel in the Gideon Hawke series is set in New Jersey in the winter of 1777. The action includes several skirmishes from the “Forage War,” during which the Continental Army and militia forces harassed, and in some cases outright defeated, British efforts to collect food and forage from the New Jersey countryside.
This novel is a bit different from the two prior books (This Glorious Cause and Times That Try Men’s Souls) in a few ways:
the book are “historical footnotes;” for example, there are no historical parks dedicated to the actions at Quibbletown or Spanktown (good luck even finding those place names on a modern map). There was a bit more estimation, guesswork, and artistic license involved in developing those chapters.Hopefully by now you are looking forward to reading it. The good news: that time is drawing nearer! I am done editing the First Draft; The Second Draft goes to the editor this week!
Then, as I wait patiently, I can focus on the yet to be named Gideon Hawke #4. I can’t tell you much about it, except to say that in a few weeks I hope to visit the Saratoga National Historical Park.
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Book reviews are critical to the success of an author or book/book series, yet some people are intimidated by the thought of putting their thoughts “out there.” That is a shame, because reviews are critical for two reasons:
1) They tell the prospective reader what the book is all about. For example, a fellow author shared a 2-Star review that bemoaned her young adult book’s lack of adult content. The author was delighted, because the book is aimed at an audience that does not want adult content! So…a potential reader looking over the reviews can make a decision for herself on whether the book is for her.
2) Reviews sell books. First of all, a potential reader who sees a book with a lot of positive reviews is likely to think, “I might like it too,” and invest his hard-earned money in a new literary adventure. Amazon also promotes books with sufficient reviews, and having Amazon promote your books really helps!
“But,” you might say, “I’m not a writer. I wouldn’t know what to say.” That’s OK! Most reviewers are not writers. In fact, people typically do not expect a book reviewer on Amazon to be a Gene Siskel or Roger Ebert; they just expect the reviewer to have an opinion. Even a single honest line (such as, “I really liked this book!”) makes a difference.
So, here is my challenge to you: pick a book you have read recently and leave a review for it. If you need something to get your “opinion juices” flowing, simply write a review that finishes one or more of these statements:
Now…if you are trying to think of a book to review, I happen to know of a few books that could use some more reviews:
This Glorious Cause: http://www.amazon.com/This-Glorious-Cause-Gideon-Hawke/dp/1511465190/
Times That Try Men’s Souls: https://www.amazon.com/Times-That-Try-Mens-Souls/dp/1635030420/
Happy reading…and reviewing!
Just in time for the 240th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Goodreads members can enter for a chance to win one of three autographed copies of Times That Try Men’s Souls!
Times opens with Gideon Hawke and his comrades listening for the first time to a reading of the Declaration of Independence. The rest of the novels covers the dark days of 1776 when it seemed the British would crush the newborn nation, and concludes with the “Ten Glorious Days” when the resurgent Continental Army staked everything on a few rolls of the dice, and kept the Cause alive!
Giveaway ends July 05, 2016.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
This will be a day long remembered…
OK, so maybe it’s best to not mix sci-fi and historical fiction, but that’s how it feels to have my second novel published! Times That Try Men’s Souls is now available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions! Times That Try Men’s Souls
Pentian Publishing did a great job getting the book to market; I hope my readers will find it worth the wait!
Act now to join in the success of my new novel, Times That Try Men’s Souls!
Click this link: Times That Try Men’s Souls to access the crowd funding site.
The manuscript is complete and with my editor. When we reach the funding target, anyone who contributes to the fund will have earned a free copy of the novel, as well as a share of the royalties! (In the unlikely event we don’t reach the target, you get your money back) This is an exciting new publishing model via Pentian Publishing. It is also an exciting opportunity to own a share of the Gideon Hawke Series!
Click the link to learn more and join the Publishing Revolution!
http://pentian.com/book/fund/1554
Robert Krenzel 