Open Spaces
September 2025 Open Spaces
Vol.: 25.9
September 23, 2025
Dear friends and readers,
I hope all my friends are readers. Since I Have a strong belief in the importance of reading, and the power of the written word, being a reader means a great deal to me.
September winds down, and what a whirlwind of a month it was. It opened with Labor Day weekend, and a family gathering. A time of sharing and caring about those we see too seldom.
Though our obligations demand so much, I felt Jackie and I, had a need of a different type experience. A day’s escape. It had been six months and a few days since we had gone to Shipshewana, always a good time. The town is a destination of tourists, seeking the Amish atmosphere, and it did not disappoint. The village was decked out for autumn, with pumpkins everywhere. Many businesses had decorated a large bale of straw for the season yet also promoting their establishment.
Seemed strange we had never gone to that small town during the season before, but be sure. we will again.
It is my hope that this month has offered you and yours, special moments and times that will live on in your memories.
Now for a bit of writing new:
To my good fortune I was invited, and able to attend, what I believe is the largest author’s fair in this part of the state. On Saturday September 6th, I spent the day at the Starke County’s Public Library’s Main Branch, in Knox Indiana. The event hosted more than 40 authors, most from the area, and drew, I was told, in excess of 400 visitors. This was my 3rd time being a part of the event, and I hope that I will be able to return next year.
I am looking forward to another author’s event, Lake County’s Crown Point Public Library’s 1st Author’s Fair. It’s a bit of a drive, at least an hour and a half, but, I hope, it will introduce my books to readers of that area.
As for my keyboard tasks, I continue to work on the 1st draft of Matthew Remembers, which will be the 5th book of the Misty Creek Series. Having passed 300 pages, the time is nearing for me to seek a fitting way to finish that book. As I have told you, my friends, the story is written in a very different style than the 4 books that preceded it.
Am I, at this point, pleased with it? I will reserve that opinion until its completion. It is my hope that I will finish the first draft by the end of October.
A few final words:
When I consider the fact that I now have 4 books published, I wonder how that was even possible. The fact is, I know my own abilities, and those abilities, on their own, could not possibly result in that success. Lately I have taken a bit of time to return to the pages of the books I have released. In them I find myself astounded by a line here and there, knowing full well those words come from something greater and grander than this farm boy. So, I am led to thank the source of the words that are filtered through my fingers. And each day I hope that the work I do is worthy of the God that made me. The God that has provided my limited talents. The God that provides the drive to continue to move forward.
For I believe, strongly, that each of us are placed here at this particular moment, for a particular purpose. That you and I are part of a grand machine. Therefore, we need to seek what today’s purpose might be. And when we find it, gasp it firmly and see it through. For me, I am confident, it is writing these stories.
That is what drives me forward, to push against the stream and if possible, continue to produce what I produce. And, hopefully, bring just a small flicker of light in what seems a dark world.
May God bless you and yours, my friends…for He has indeed blessed me,
John
August 2025 Open Spaces
Vol.: 25.8
By John W. Vander Velden
August 25, 2025
Friends,
Where did August go? Or the summer for that matter? I know, I know, we have until September 21st or thereabouts for fall to arrive. But Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer. Most of the schools are in session, Universities as well. Why even college football games begin Saturday.
All these things used to be indicators of Autumn.
In any case the bulk of the season is now behind us, and it leaves me wondering how the days have passed so quickly. Well, it’s not like we have twiddled our fingers in front of the TV since May. Between mowing grass, trimming bushes, and other household and yard work, Jackie and I have been busy. And being busy is not a bad thing because it makes the days go fast, and suddenly we find ourselves at August’s ending.
Having a new book released does add to the adventure. Going to and preparing for Author’s Events takes time. Building new posters, updating bookmarks, and my web page takes days of work. But it is part of the fun of writing.
Oh, I nearly forgot to mention the magazine article. I had the amazing good fortune to have my books and their author featured in the September issue of The Lakes West Magazine. It was an incredible privilege and very exciting.
So, you see, I have been a busy camper. I hope you have had a successful month as well. That you and your loved ones are healthy and prepared for the months ahead.
Writing News:
I intend to take part in two area Author’s Fairs next month. The first is the Beyond the Book Festival 3 at the Stark County Public Library’s Main Branch, in Knox, Indiana, on the month’s first Saturday, the 6th. Then three weeks later it is off to Crown Point, Indiana. It will be their public library’s first Local Author’s Fair, on the 27th, which could be interesting. I expect the Knox event to be well attended, and hope that is true in Crown Point as well.
If you find yourself in either of these areas, stop by and say hello.
As for my keyboard work: I continue building the first draft of Matthew Remembers. As of today, I am almost 280 pages and 66K words in. I anticipate that it will take 150 or so pages to complete the draft. The plot threads are a bit ticklish at this point and I continue to do my best to keep them from unraveling. The book is a very different kind of storytelling, which will surprise readers of the series.
I will keep you informed on the progress of this project.
A few final words:
None of us has the patience we ought to have. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t tap into what patience we do have. Rarely do things proceed exactly the way we want. And in those cases when things seem to fall apart, catching our breath and a bit of understanding goes a long way to improve the situation.
Always remember, that God loves you, and that love is the greatest force in the universe. It is for us to reach out and grasp the love that God offers…and to share His love with others.
May God bless you and the grace that comes from Jesus Christ be yours,
John
July 2025 Open Spaces
Vol.: 25.7
By John W. Vander Velden
7-23-2025
Hello friends,
When I began this newsletter more than five years ago, I explained the reason I chose the title. Perhaps you have forgotten or joined our little newsletter family since, so I will remind you. I am a country boy, though that definition likely has changed over time. But I have lived my life a bit out and away. Growing up on one farm or another might force some to a rural existence, but in truth it was the kind of life I chose.
This home is not on the farm proper but less than a quarter mile from the farm’s border on a quiet bit of pavement. The house faces woodland and is mostly surrounded by farmland. From my back step, I can see across the neighbor’s beanfield to trees more than a quarter mile away. I enjoy this corner of heaven I share with my beloved, so near to the open spaces we love.
Was it any wonder that when we took last month’s road trip, the route we chose led us through the wide opens of Kansas?
No.
For we love open spaces.
Now for a bit more current events:
July has kept me hopping. There are things to do once a book is published and copies delivered. Reaching out to my Beta Readers so they can have a copy of their own for the help they have provided. Rounding up mailing boxes to send out books to some very special people. Those books would be on their way but my inventory shrank faster than expected. Another order is to arrive today. While preparing for a major Author’s event this weekend.
These things are the exciting parts of putting my books out. That after all the years of work, the countless times I have gone over the story, the polishing each scene to the best luster I am able to give them. And when the project is completed, I hold my breath wondering if fans of the series will be pleased.
But whether fans of the Misty Creek Series are pleased or disappointed, When Light Comes Unexpected is my newest child, and this father is pleased with it.
A bit of writing news:
I haven’t had much time to write recently, but I promise that soon, very soon, the keyboard will suffer the abuse of my clumsy fingers. I am 230 pages into a new draft, with hopes to finish the first draft of my next book by October. But friends, you know that the draft is only the first step of a very long journey.
By the time you receive this newsletter, I hope to have had a successful booth at Heartland Artist’s Arts in the Street, this Saturday July 26 from 10 till 5 Eastern Time. It is the biggest art fair in Marshall County Indiana. Then in a few weeks, I will be sharing an author’s event with two friends at the Nappanee, Indiana Public Library. Pebbles Wireman, Meg Hamand, and myself will be there on Saturday August 16th, 10 till noon, again Eastern Time.
The biggest event of the season will be at the Starke County Public Library’s Main Branch in Knox, Indiana on September 6th. I will be among 40 or more authors at the Beyond the Book Festival 3. That Saturday event will be 9 till 3 Central Time. I am looking at another event in late September. News of that and other events will come in future newsletters.
A very few final words:
I have run long so I will only add this thought. Try to be just a bit of brightness in a world that feels so dark. Give a word of kindness as you go about. Support the disheartened, remind them they matter. Offer a smile to others. These things cost nothing but can bring grand results. Remember God loves you, try to share that love…with others
Blessings,
John
June Open Spaces
Open Spaces
Vol.: 25.6
By John Vander Velden
June 25, 2025
Friends,
Another month comes to its end, and we find ourselves astounded that it marks the year’s midpoint. Looking back, I might feel disappointed by my accomplishments, but in doing so I would overlook the amazing things that I have done.
And June is no exception. It looks like the four years of work on my latest book is finished. More on that later. And though June was a busy month, we managed to take a long overdue trek west to visit our son.
It is my hope that June was a good month for you and yours, that now we have entered summer you have made plans to spend time with those that mean the most to you. For the summer has started and here in Indiana it arrived with a heatwave. But as someone told me just yesterday…“It’s summer.”
A bit of writing news:
As I mentioned earlier, When Light Comes Unexpected, the fourth book of the Misty Creek Series, has been released. As I await my first order of author’s copies, I look forward to holding the finished product in my hands. It is hard to explain the sensation of opening the first box of books and seeing your child, (that’s the best way to describe it) on its arrival in my world.
So patience my friends, for it will take a week for me to receive my first order, but most retailers have it available online.
What comes next for this author?
I hope to finish the first draft of Matthew Remembers, the next book of the series, by the end of September. However that story might not be the manuscript I push in the months ahead. I have four first drafts that have been waiting years to see the printed page. I’ll let you know in future newsletters what direction I will go.
A few final words:
It is only natural that we overlook many of the blessings of our lives. There are times we take for granted what might seem ordinary facets of day to day living. But friends, life is a gift, and the time we have been allotted to walk this earth is not infinite. We should cherish each moment and those we share those moments with. For a grateful heart is a light heart, which is not to say that difficulties and disappointments do not occur, for they most certainly do. But take heart, have courage, and with God’s help you will endure.
Remember you will get wet if you stand in the best place to see the rainbow. That is a lesson I learned long ago. I also learned that attitude is more than half the battle.
Make today a good day…and it will likely be one.
May God bless you…today…tomorrow…and always,
John
May Open Spaces
Vol.: 25.5
By John W. Vander Velden
May 25, 2025
Friends,
Where has the month flown? That seems to be the question I ask myself as each month races to its conclusion. But when I look back at all the things I did, well, the date makes sense. Home repairs and lawn mowing among the thousand other tasks, each taking time hostage, and before you know it another day is ending.
For the most part the month has been cool, but I am certain we will get enough heat this year. It is my hope that these words find you and your family well, for we are indeed fine.
For a bit of Writing News:
I have sent the manuscript of When Light Comes Unexpected, the fourth book of the Misty Creek Series to my publisher last week. I very nearly held off writing to you until next week when I might have a fair grasp of when the book will be released. It all depends on how quickly Palmetto Publishing and I make decisions about formatting and their workload. That being said, a summer release is not beyond question. I am hoping to have copies of the volume by the time Arts in the Street comes around near the end of July. That is my next scheduled Author’s event, downtown Plymouth, Indiana.
In the meantime, I continue to work on Matthew Remembers. A writer needs to write, and that is one of my current projects. Actually, I haven’t yet decided what will be my next project to work toward publication. More on that in future newsletters.
A few final words:
There are times when I consider my place in the universe. Perhaps that has been inspired by the year count of my existence, and the reminders that more water has flowed over the dam than remains in the lake. But seriously, it is something each of us should think about from time to time. Why are we here, and what are we supposed to be doing?
And each time I take a moment to send my thoughts in that direction, which is not often, but happens sometimes, I decide that God put me in this time…this place…for a reason. I have been given a purpose for taking up space. It is up to me to seek out that purpose…to grasp it with both hands…and give it my best.
And I am certain part of that purpose is to write books, and so I push myself each day to move forward in that endeavor, page by page. It is my deepest hope that my stories bring just a bit of brightness in a world that at times seems a dark place. That I take the talents God has given me and used them to their fullest capacity.
Your kind words have shown me that I am filling that quest in my limited way. For that I thank you.
Until next month,
John
April 2025 Open Spaces
Vol. : 25.4
By John W. Vander Velden
April 23, 2025
Friends,
Looking back, I was surprised to find that I have been writing the Open Spaces newsletter for more than five years. That seemed beyond my imagining, that I have been reaching out to you, my friends, each month since COVID. But this has been a shared journey, hasn’t it. The world has changed during that time. And those changes have changed us as well.
Enough philosophizing for today.
We are nearing the end of April and that means nearly a full third on 2025 has been lived. The month has brought its share of storms. Many folks have had to deal with some serious property damage. I heard that three tornadoes crossed portions of Marshall County. And though the area did not suffer as much devastation as the Palm Sunday Tornadoes of 1965, when it’s your home that is damaged, then it is more than bad enough.
Jackie and I escaped the worse. Our pole barn lost some shingles but that and a thousand (excuse the exaggeration) small limbs scattered around the yard made up the situation here. I hope that the weather has not caused you and yours undue suffering.
A bit of writing news:
I continue to work on the two main projects on my agenda. The primary being When Light Comes Unexpected, the fourth book of the Misty Creek Series. The final 70 pages have come back from my editor, so now I can finish polishing the manuscript. In the meantime, I continue to work on the book’s extras. Author’s notes, acknowledgements, dedication, and something called market copy, which you might know as the promotional blurb most often found on a book’s back cover. Perhaps you might think these shorter bits fluff, but I place importance on the extras too.
The second project is building a draft on a work tentatively titled, Matthew Remembers. I haven’t had as much time to work on that story this month, but have come up with a few important scenes.
As of this moment, my next scheduled Author’s Event will be in late July. I will have a booth in Arts in the Street, a downtown art festival in Plymouth, Indiana. I will add details as I learn them.
In the meantime, if you would like a signed copy of any of my books, you can reach me at johnvandervelden.author@gmail,com, and I will try to make that happen.
Now for a few final words:
Friends we live in a world where abrasiveness has become the norm. A place where self-concern seems to take precedence. We are surrounded by so many that believe they alone suffer or are in the least deprived more than others. Shouldn’t we look outside ourselves. And if we do so perhaps, we will see that our neighbors and strangers that face hardships, illness, and pain. In doing so we begin an important journey. For the beginning of that journey is to notice, the second step is to care, but the final and most difficult part, for all of us, is to act for the benefit of others.
For it is up to us the change the world. Remember that each of us has the ability to move mountains. Remembering that most times those mountains are relocated one shovel of earth at a time.
May God bless you and yours in the month ahead.
John
March 2025 Open Spaces
Vol 25.3
By John Vander Velden
March 24, 2025
The month of March is always an exciting time for the Vander Velden household. It opens with Jackie’s birthday and then our anniversary comes just past its midpoint. I am led to reminisce about the day I wed my beloved, more than thirty years ago. A light snow fell, and I remember watching wisps of white blow across the highway, as I drove to what I knew would be one of the most important events of my life.
Jackie and I filled the church with family and friends, all those who had come to bless Jackie and I, as we joined our lives together. Certain parts of that day remain clear in my mind, while other portions are blurred. But the significant moments will always be clear. Especially when I held her hands as we made vows unbreakable.
Shouldn’t we all take the time to consider our life altering events…the good as well and the bad. Remembering how each day has had its effect upon us. For I have come to understand that the person I am, has been molded by my life.
I hope you have reasons to feel that March and every other month holds something special for you and yours.
This month also hints at the change of seasons and offers us the first days of spring. Yet, even though the “new green” has not begun, we know with each day’s passing year comes closer to the reawakening of the world around us.
But do not pine away days yearning, for even at this time of the year, each day offers something special, to those open enough to catch a glimpse of its grandness.
Now for a bit of writing news:
I begin this newsletter a few days early because I have a hectic week ahead. My first Author’s Event comes on Saturday the 29th. I will be taking part in BookCon 2025. That’s the name of St. Joseph Public Library’s annual Author’s Fair, in South Bend, Indiana. It will be my third time participating in the event, and as all events, it requires a bit of preparation.
On another front, I have secured a local store to display my books. Next week I make my first supply of Misty Creek Series books to Simply Stated Gifts, 100 North Michigan Street, Plymouth, Indiana. I am hopeful that they might catch the eye of shoppers, and if by chance they purchase a volume, they too might become a fan of the series. Those of you that have become fans of Elizabeth’s story can understand my excitement.
Things continue to move forward with When Light Comes Unexpected, the fourth book of the series. The final edits are moving along well. The light at the end of the tunnel continues to grow brighter.
The long, and sometimes, difficult journey is nearing its conclusion, and I look forward to the next project. The summer release of When Light Comes Unexpected is not beyond possibility.
A few final words:
There seems to be more than enough stress in our lives. Perhaps it might be difficult to reduce the challenges that are thrusting themselves into our lives, but we can do our best by not adding to the burdens of others. For if each of us opens our hearts to the battles those around us face, perhaps, with understanding, we can do even the smallest bit in their aid. I read a post that said, sympathy is caring, but empathy is actions driven by our caring. The world needs more actions driven through empathy, don’t you think.
With God’s blessings,
John
February 2025 Open Spaces
Vol.: 25.2
By John W. Vander Velden
February 22, 2025
Friends,
The month of February has always been close to my heart. Not that I have always put emphasis on Valentine’s Day. But marrying my beloved has helped me see just how important the 14th is to those of us that find ourselves fortunate. So, the month’s mid-point is significant in ways I was unable to understand years ago.
That being said, to most, February is just that cold month that follows January and is soon forgotten once the weather warms. But to this guy, February was always my month. For my birthday comes in early February. Even as a child I claimed all 28 or 29 days as my own. Birthdays are a big deal to children. But now that I have had so many, it is perhaps a little less so. All the same I try, at times, to put myself in my younger shoes and wonder: Did I, when I was, say, 18, ever think what my life would be like at the age I have reached?
Not once.
Perhaps it was because I really didn’t know my grandparents. 3,000 miles could do that. Oh, I am told I met my father’s father once, and I have just a tiny bit of foggy memory of their visit when I was very young. My two grandmothers came for a visit while I was in college. So being my younger self, I squandered that opportunity. Just stating facts, not making excuses. The point I was trying to make was that when I was 18, I had had very limited exposure to the senior population. Sometimes I find myself amazed at the place I find myself. Another milestone reached and, in many ways, a difficult year completed.
Yet I will not dwell on the year now behind me, the surgeries and recovery, the inability to travel last summer. The hiking trips, planned and untaken. No, I look forward with open eyes, to what lies ahead, and this year’s adventures. So, during this month, I made my first mental plans for a major road trip west, and seeing our son in the process.
It is my sincere hope that you too are looking forward as well, for forward is the direction we are bound.
For a bit of writing news:
I am nearly halfway through my last set of revisions of When Light Comes Unexpected the fourth book of The Misty Creek Series. What does that mean? It means, I am only a few months from the completion of four years of hard work. Though the wait might have been hard for you, my friends and fans of the series, imagine how difficult it was for this man at the keyboard, pouring over page after page, month after month, for the duration. But I will not offer anything but my best, for you, my readers, deserve nothing less.
As for Author’s Events, my first of the year will be at BookCon 2025. It will be held at the main branch of the St. Joseph Public Library, downtown South Bend, Indiana, on Saturday March 29th. If you live in the area, I would love to chat with you face to face, so stop by.
I have two other events lined up for the year. Perhaps I can put together others. Stay tuned for news, dates, and places.
And some final words:
Perhaps February is a good time to think about love…love in its broadest sense. The fortunate are born into a loving home. That is the first place we are exposed to the absolute-ness of love. Then we mature and hopefully we carry that love which has been poured upon us, to the other facets of our life. Then one day, if you were as lucky as this guy, somehow you find the right person to bind your life to… and together you share the love you have brought to the relationship. Only love, real love, can pave over the rough spots and fill in the potholes of life.
But even that is only a portion of what love is. The ancient Greeks had five words to describe the various forms of love, each different, but with a common root. So, I remind you that love is the strongest force in the universe. The adhesive that holds everything together. And the ultimate source of all love is God!
It is a fact that we all need to be reminded of from time to time.
Until next time, take care my friends,
John
January 2025 Open Spaces
Vol.: 25.1
By John W. Vander Velden
January 25, 2025
Dear friends,
January is nearing its ending and another year is underway. Overall, I have little to complain about the winter so far. With each week’s passing spring edges closer and I don’t regret that fact.
There was a time, I really loved the winter. And though I will not say that I hate the season, for I don’t, I certainly do not enjoy the snowy days as much as years ago. Being a country boy, with a good sledding hill only a quarter mile from home, helped to make the season special. And for the boy I was then, it was marvelous, frozen fingers, toes, and all.
But situations change, don’t they? They have for me in any case, and now a hot cup of coffee and a good furnace, seem much more important than careening headlong down a slope.
It is my hope that you have found a cozy place as well. Yet it is also my wish that you appreciated the beauty that only winter offers. There are times when the sun hits the snow frosted trees, the sparkling crystals fill me with awe. Wind shaped drifts can be a thing of beauty as well. I feel it is important to see each month for what it is and what it offers. Take a moment, each day, and absorb the world around you.
Now for a bit of writing news:
I have already made a couple of Author Event commitments for the year. I hope to check into the possibility of another very soon. If you are part of a book club and feel your organization would enjoy a visit, let me know. I love book clubs, because I love readers. In a world that strives to overwhelm us with other forms of media, I really appreciate those that stand against the tide and read.
But I expect author’s events are not the news you seek first, in this letter. I am well into the proofread stage of my newest project. The holidays have slowed my progress some, but I am a full third through this last edit of When Light Comes Unexpected, the fourth book of The Misty Creek Series. When I began writing Misty Creek, I never anticipated that the first draft I wrote in 2010 would lead me to continue the story past Elizabeth’s Journey. But you, dear friends, have coaxed me to continue the story. Many of you have shared how much you have enjoyed entering the world of Elizabeth and Matthew. Their world in 1890’s Kansas. And the third book, With the Sun’s Rising, introduced you to a young man, Nick Coulter, which you have come to love as well. Those three characters will take readers forward on the next part of the story.
They are, to me, more than imaginary friends. And the words I hear from fans of the series tell me, they are more to them as well. Those comments humble this storyteller. It was beyond my imagining, that my feeble attempt to assemble words have, in some small way, resonated with readers the ways it has.
So, to the fans of the series, I offer my sincere gratitude, and it is my hope that this next book will please you as well.
Now a few final words:
We love mercy. Each of us are grateful when we receive mercy. We respect those that give it, for the world is desperate of mercy. Yet we find it difficult to be merciful ourselves.
Perhaps that is enough us to consider in the weeks ahead.
As always, blessings,
John
December Open Spaces
Vol.: 24.12
By John W. Vander Velden
December 20, 2024
Hello friends,
I am trying to rush this letter through before Christmas, so forgive me if there is a typo or two.
Christmas has always been important to me and Jackie. We both grew up in homes that understood the true meaning of the holiday, and worked to maintain the family’s focus on the child born in a stable.
There are some that questioned the details of the Christmas story, but the specifics, are not nearly as important as the fact that God sent his Son to live among us. Each time I consider that fact, and I do daily, I feel overwhelmed.
As a father of a grown son, my focus might have changed, just a bit. You see, our son lives more than a thousand miles from the place he started…the place that once was his home. It is my hope that I aided him in an ability to use his wings to do his part to change the world. Perhaps it was similar for God, the Master and Ruler, to send His only Son to enter our world. But God was willing to do so, for you and me, knowing the whole of Christ’s story…birth to crucifixion.
As I look over the decorated tree and gaily wrapped packages, I understand the greatest gift is not among them. Yet, in truth, that greatest gift surrounds us…it fills our home and our lives…the gift of God’s love.
It is my hope that you feel the love of that gift as well.
A bit of writing news:
The draft of When Light Comes Unexpected is in the process of a final proof reading. My friend, Mark, has taken on the challenge. He uses his expertise to find the hundreds of errors I have missed. I am very grateful for Mark’s talent and am reminded of just how much I lean on others as I work to create a story. A story, I hope, that satisfies the readers that have come to love Elizabeth’s and Matthew’s tale.
Let me close as I began:
Jackie and I wish each of you a Merry Christmas. May all the light and love of the season fill your home and your life.
Have a blessed Christmas, and may 2025 be a great year for you and yours.
John
November Open Spaces
Vol.: 24.11
By John W. Vander Velden
November 25, 2024
Hello friends,
Thanksgiving is Thursday, and as I put these words together, I am reminded of the people I know, and I am grateful for each of you. You see, I recognize the blessings I have received through meeting and knowing others. Each person that touches my life, be it brief or extended, leaves a mark. There are times those marks are profound, perhaps even life changing. So, as I count my many blessings, know you are among them.
May you too be thankful for the people in your life, and all the blessings that you have received. May gratitude be something that each of us feel every day, and not a thought that only pops up in late November.
And so, I wish each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
For a bit of writing news:
I am perhaps a week away from finishing the second round of editorial revisions, of When Light Comes Unexpected the fourth book of the Misty Creek Series. Working on this book has been an incredible journey. The next step will be having the book proofread. I expect that task will require at least three months. So from where I stand, that means I should be able to send it to my publisher in late March or April. I have no idea how much time Palmetto Publishing will need to process and format the book.
I’ll let you know as things progress.
I have heard from fans of the series, longing for this next installment. I am touched by their desire to join Elizabeth and Matthew on this next portion of their lives. It is my hope that you will be pleased by When Light Comes Unexpected, and believe the volume was worth the wait.
Other current news:
For those living in north central Indiana, I will be having a few Author’s Events in the coming weeks. Saturday November 30th, yes that’s this Saturday, I’ll be at Beary’s Emporium, 200 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN. from 10 AM until 4 PM. Stop by and say hello. Then from 5 to 7 PM on Tuesday December 3rd, I was invited to participate in a Local Author’s Fair at the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, 209 Lincolnway East, Mishawaka, IN. Perhaps I might see you there.
I have had a friend open these doors for me, and there may yet be a couple more opportunities before the end of the year.
As you might expect it is through these events, I introduce readers to my books. Since most readers choose titles based on authors they know, being an indie author means the books of the Misty Creek Series are easily overlooked. But there are occasions when putting a face to the name on the cover, creates a doorway for a reader to seek a new book.
Wish me luck.
Let me close with these few thoughts:
It is easier to be disgruntled than grateful. It is simply human nature. But we are reminded, that for the largest group of us, that we have much to be thankful for. So, I ask two things of you.
- Recognize the good things in your life, family, home, and so much more.
- Open yourselves up to share with the less fortunate. Give to the local food pantry. Drop a donation into the Red Kettle as you go shopping. There are many, many, ways you can help the suffering. Please do so.
God’s love is all around us. We are blessed in ways we are unable to see. Share that love, especially during this special season.
With God’s Blessings, and Christ’s love,
John
If you wanted the link to my 1st Virtual Author’s Event here it is….
