Big News!

Barnes and Noble in Layton, Utah is having me in for a signing for Earth Bound -Double Danger- on Saturday, April 12th from 1pm to 4pm.

AND . . .

Hastings Book store in Harrisville, Utah will have copies of Earth Bound -Not Alone- and Earth Bound -Double Danger- on their shelves tomorrow, March 18th, and I will be signing copies of my books in that store on April 26th.

AND . . .

on April 25th I will be doing a presentation on my books and writing style at Orem Junior High School for students there.

April 2014 is turning out to be my busiest month so far!

Spread the word! The Quickstep Universe is expanding and growing.

I'm working on book one of the original series I had in mind for the Quickstep Universe. I'll be looking for reviewers interested in reading  and critiquing preliminary chapters. Remember to like Quickstep Universe on Facebook!

I had the opportunity to spend some time this weekend planning and plotting my third book in the Earth Bound series. It's shaping up to be the longest book yet, if the length of the outline is any indicator. It's funny how I can never seem to get a story to happen like I planned. Just in writing this outline, I have encountered three distinct plotlines that aren't behaving and trying to write themselves. I won't elaborate here, of course, because that would spoils things, but still. I'm excited about where the story is going, even if it won't listen to my ideas.

I am also revisiting book one on the advice of several people whose opinions I value. I'm trimming a little here, and rewording a little there. The main plot line won't change much, but it should flow a little more smoothly. They are the type of changes a professional editor would probably suggest, I imagine. If the day comes when I can afford one, I'll know I have "made it."

Finally, I have begun a new series for younger readers. It's mostly a gift to my children. A story with their character traits meshed in with the main characters'. When I'm finished with it, I'll publish it myself, like Earth Bound so it will be available, but not wide spread at first. Tell your friends to join the Quickstep Universe! I need to get the word out!

I just got back from Oceanside, CA. It was a great vacation with the family. You may remember that Oceanside is where Quentin and his family go for vacation in Earthbound Not Alone. I chose Oceanside because I had been there years ago with my wife in May. It left such an impression on me that I decided to make it part of my story. I had to guess what things would be like in the winter, not having the money to go there myself for research. It was a pleasant surprise how accurate my description was after several years.

I'm stalling in my writing due to an effort to establish a larger fan base as well as a inundation of work to do at school. Book three is still in the planning stages, and I have a spin-off in mind. I have also toyed with the idea of going forward with my other series either simultaneously or independently before finishing book three. Lots of ideas are flowing through my brain, but there's so little time, and now with my school moving to a year-round schedule, I won't have much of a summer in which to write.

Speaking of summer, I am looking in to getting booths at Heritage Days in Syracuse, and at Oremfest. I'd be interested in hearing about any other ideas for promoting the Quickstep Universe and all of its adventures. Sorry it's been so long since I updated the blog. I'll try to be better at that. Thanks all! Double Danger is getting pretty good reviews from those who've read it. To me it is light years ahead of  Not Alone. It really makes me want to jump into number three so I don't lose momentum. Maybe I'm already too late for that.
More to come!

I'm excited for my next signing at the Layton Barnes and Noble on Saturday December 7th from 1pm to 4pm. There is a big sale going on for teachers that day, and a book fair. It should be a wild ride! I will not have copies of Double Danger yet, but I hope to have a signing for it coming up soon. It is available here on the blog though. Just click on the picture of the book you want to buy. Books make GREAT Christmas gifts! (Was that subtle enough?) I'm working on my next project slowly, due to responsibilities at school. It's shaping up to be for a slightly younger audience. I'm not abandoning Earth Bound. There will be at least one more book, I just have another idea that I want to play with for a little bit.

Double Danger is even more fun than Not Alone was. I hope you enjoy the latest installment from the Quickstep Universe, and that you will introduce your friends to the adventure!

Gearing up for my next two signings. I have official word from the Sugarhouse Barnes and Noble. I am in the store from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. on Saturday November 30. Then, the following week, I'll be at the Layton Barnes and Noble from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. I'll be giving out my new bookmarks at both events promoting the Quickstep Universe!

Keep your eyes peeled for the next installment. Earthbound Double Danger will be making its debut in the next couple of weeks. I'm looking for a place to hold a release event in Utah County. It would probably have to be on a Saturday. Let me know if you have any ideas!

I think my least favorite part of writing is the editing. It's important, I know, but sometimes I wish I could just do it right the first time so when I'm finished with my story, I can just publish it. Alas, I have to admit that I have had some great ideas come to me while I was editing. I am putting the finishing touches on my second book. I have a fantastic cover, but I am still wondering about the subtitle. I am thinking of changing it to Double Danger. Let me know what you think.

I spoke with someone at the Sugarhouse Barnes and Noble today. The decision maker was not in at the time I called, but they took down my info and said they would pass it on. It would be great to have a signing in SLC! Keep your fingers crossed!

Remember, my next signing is on December 7th at the Layton Barnes and Noble. Watch out for my second book coming soon!

Great news quickstep friends, book two of my Earthbound series is nearing completion! I have a working cover put together, thanks to my brilliant designer, Misty Choate, and I have people picking their way through the manuscript as I am writing this, helping me get things ready for release. I'm not sure if I can get it into stores by Christmas, but it should be available at my Estore, which you can visit by clicking on the image of the book here on the blog, and on Amazon within the next couple of weeks! I'm thinking of changing the subtitle of this book. Let me know what you think about Double Danger, Twice the Trouble, or any other thoughts.
Here is the cover as it sits today.

As always, thanks to the readers who have already joined the Quickstep Universe!

John