It has been a roller coaster of a summer! I finished Fourth Dimensional, the final book in the Earth Bound series, (for now) I finished the first book in the Time Pirates series, attended two conferences on math/science, one in Arizona and the other in New Jersey, went to Lagoon, (local amusement park) on a season pass several times, spent a week in California on the beach and at Sea World, went camping, and somehow found time to do two farmer's markets selling books and other wares. I met a lot of great people this summer, many who returned to the markets to buy books 2, 3, or 4 because they liked the first one so much. I am so grateful for loyal fans who give me such encouragement! It has been busy around the Lott family this year, but as I always say, better busy than bored. I like how things are progressing with my next project. I am attempting to tackle both, a new teen adventure, and a new Time Pirates adventure at the same time. If I survive, I'll let you know how it goes!

It looks like a charter school in Syracuse, Utah will be having me attend their Literacy Night next month. I'll be selling copies of my books, and talking with the kids about reading and writing stories of their own. In the mean time, I'm teaching math and science to my fourth grade students and trying my best to be a good dad, and husband. Don't forget to like and share the Facebook page for The Quickstep Universe, and give me a review on my books on Good Reads or Amazon.

Things are progressing in the Universe. Book 4, currently titled Earth Bound: Fourth Dimensional, is nearing the halfway point on draft number one. The plot is a lot of fun and I really hope everyone likes it. I am torn between spending time completing it, reviewing the first three books, and looking into future projects. As it sits right now, it looks like the series will end, or at the very least, take a break after this book. I have so many other ideas that beg for my attention. However, I live in the real world, and distractions, work, and parenting responsibilities often take up most of my days. 

I wouldn't trade that time with my wife or children for anything, so my writing takes a back seat. I would love to write full time, but it's not in the cards right now. I am a husband first, a dad second, and I wouldn't change that ever! So I write at night, and I try to keep the creative juices flowing even when real-life slows me down. 

I will try to keep more current on this blog. I have had technical difficulties with my computer, but now we have a new one that isn't yet corrupted by the anti-technology virus which I emit, cursing all forms of technology and condemning them to purgatory. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it remains free from my poisonous touch, even as I write on its keyboard at this very moment. 

As for my aspirations this year, I hope to have Book 4 out by summer, as well as a first book in a new children's series I have mentioned in the past on Facebook. Time Pirates will hopefully debut this summer as well. My own children are particularly excited about this book as I named characters after each of them. I have a very talented former student working on illustrations for each of the chapter headings and the cover. As soon as he is finished, I will be making the final push for publishing on it.

As always, thank you to all of my fans and readers for your support, and keep spreading the word so the Universe can expand!