It's been a while since my last 11:34 update.
Latest on 11:34
Admittedly, things are progressing far too slowly for my liking. I did begin peddling the first novel and received a pair of rejections in early spring. I spoke to a few people and listened to what they said. Afterward, I decided to do another major edit and bought an editing tool to help out.
Cinematic Trailer Update
I mentioned in a previous blog that I produced an abstract video last year. The trailer included scenes from the second novel and teased what was to come. A small audience viewed it and provided helpful feedback.
Lightning Struck... Twice
Since my last update, I burned through 2 laptops. What made it ironic was the fact that both laptops died on me, a guy whose background is in technology. I am used to helping my user base with these types of problems. But what do I do when my computer goes on the fritz? When lightning struck the first time, I laughed it off because I had prepared for it. My data was safely backed up, and I switched seamlessly to my gently used laptop. I was unprepared for the second failure, which came soon after the first. I lost some data, but thankfully nothing book-related.
The second failure set me back in terms of both money and time. My goal of completing the second major edit by the end of spring went up in smoke when the second laptop blue-screened and, because of a failed motherboard, would never boot again. I couldn't afford any further setbacks, so I ordered a new laptop. The waiting game began anew, setting me back another month.
I am back in business with the new computer. I should finish the edit on the first book in a few weeks. Then, I will peddle the book again.
Book 2 Update
The first draft of the second novel is well over 200 pages long and begins with a bang. For the second time in the series, an iconic figure will appear during a Test of Mettle, and Jack the Ripper isn't the only one on the hunt. A demon has been sent to test the Ripper. Who will come out the victor?
The second novel will also introduce a Test of Mettle unlike any that have occurred in the 400-year time span since the tests began. A former member of the military finds himself in an unenviable position when he learns about the Apocalypse and possibly much, much more, such as how to put an end to the Test of Mettle and the impending Apocalypse. But there is a catch. He will be tested, and the biggest, baddest demon of all — Lucifer — has decided to personally oversee this special Test of Mettle. The fate of mankind teeters precariously on the edge of elimination. The Doer, as he was once called, may be mankind's only hope.
Cinematic Trailer for Book 2
Another abstract video is on the radar. I'm pleased to announce that I have secured the music for the second book's cinematic trailer. I listened to well over 100 scores, trying to find the right one to fit my story. I anticipate completing the second novel next year, along with its cinematic trailer.
