Much to my chagrin my Rozafa’s Secrets proofs have been lost in transit. New ones are on their way, so I will definitely be releasing before the summer. 

   To tide you over Victoria  Ross Patti of BlacksmitHer Radio has released the interview she did with me in March. I almost didn’t recognize myself.  Click on the link below to hear it.

   BlacksmitHer Interview

As always thanks for stopping by,

Vince

   Very disappointed that my proofs are not in my hands at this moment for final editing. This is probably the biggest problem working from a location remote from your distributor. I have to admit the last time I ordered books I did not have this problem. The books were delivered ahead of time.

    Since it is still springtime and that was my projected release date I should be happy that I am still in the time frame. I guess that is a way to look at it.

   Lesson learned I will have to re-think the way I share my next completion and wait until I have the proofs in hand. What fun is that though?

   I will wait a few more days and see what the postman brings.

Vince

While everything looks good in the digital proof I approved it one time and discovered the cover was fuzzy and needed to be resubmitted. Luckily I was the only one who had ordered copies at that time so no one received an out of focus cover. So before releasing it I will wait for the hard copies. Once approved I will release the digital copy. I am looking into a different distributor so I am undecided if I will let kind release it or not. We will see.

Coming Soon!

Good Morning,

Just finished the final touches on the book cover getting it ready to be published. I am ahead of schedule by a week or so which is great. Without further delay:

Will be available soon in print and on Kindle.

Thanks for stopping by,

Vince

Rozafa’s Secrets – main Antagonist Victor Glasser aka Victor Meta.

“Excellent Gordon, I am counting on it being there, we have a big show planned.” Massaging his chin with arms folded, appearing deep in thought.  “It disappointed me only John Reid could attend. You’re sure the others can’t be enticed to attend?

   “We are lucky to have one of the makers for the presentations, sir. I made very good offers, but they all have something planned with their families. It is July when people are taking their planned vacations.”

   “I wanted them all there, but need only one to present Michael’s Spear. We have enough blacksmiths demonstrating regardless.  And Gordon,” softening his voice as if offended, “please don’t call me sir here in the office. We have known and worked with each other for over 25 years. I am still Victor. I know I seem distracted or even testy at times, I assure you it has nothing to do with you.”  Smiling and grasping Gordon’s hands, holding them for a moment, pretending to be affectionate.

   He grows weary of the duplicity at times. Poor Gordon has no idea why I have become indifferent towards him, tsk, tsk; it matters not as long as he performs his job. I almost wish it could be different, but the time is nearing when such affections will be a hindrance. As long as Gordon continues to think I am going through a long phase in my life he is useful to me and my plans. Smirking involuntarily, thinking; I am going through a phase and soon so will Gordon and everyone else. I will be all that matters to all of them.

Rozafa’s Secrets – releasing soon:

American Blacksmith John Reid is excited about participating in the first Annual Rozafa Castle Craftsmen Festival in Shkoder, Albania.  While in route an Inspector Buchari of Interpol Albania requests his assistance in combating his country’s international criminals.  John’s strong sense of justice will not allow him to turn his back. He agrees and confirms criminal involvement with the event. Unknown to John, Rozafa Castle has secrets of its own. Secrets capable of toppling corrupt members of the Albanian Parliament from their pedestals of power. When he is discovered by his host Victor Glasser and unable to escape he fears becoming yet another skeleton lost in the bowels of the ancient castle. His only hope lies with his Albanian friend Tony and Victor’s kept woman Donika.

My Beta reader has finished and returned a favorable overall review with many less comments and questions than I expected. Of course I am happy and am making the suggested additions and changes as we speak. This has Rozafa’s Castle on schedule for a Spring Release.

Thanks for stopping by,

Vince

Yesterday we kicked off the Kayaking season here in Albania and I  will be getting  inspiration from out on the water.

Initial reporting from my Beta reader on Rozafa’s Secrets is good. The rest of her comments are expected this week and I am excited to see what problems she has found and even more interested in the solutions I come up with. I can’t wait. You shouldn’t do this, but I will, I am excited as this brings me into the final stretch and I should still be able to publish on time.

Thanks for stopping by!

Vince

Lake Shkoder, Albania – snow capped mountains in the background are part of the Albanian Alps.

When I write, rewrite, make a change here and there my writing all makes sense and flows like water down a river. I don’t know who invented the Beta Reader but it must have been an evil Editor to inflict some form of torture back when a quill and ink were in use. Because sending it made my finger twitch. I paused over the send button closing my eyes, I hit send and  whisked away it was. I wanted to call it back, but like the Postal Service once it hits the mail box it is too late! My book was now in the hands of someone I actually gave permission to look for ways to destroy it. Strange work this writing.

The first week is the worst. I have to shift my thinking to other things. I must wait for it to return to me, before gazing upon the pages filled with words I once penned. I let that sink in; return to me. What flaws will be unmasked? What remarks will I face?  Will my Beta reader be constructive or just a Beater?

By mistake or maybe subconscious, I cheated yesterday and somehow I opened the first chapter. There it was staring me in the face a reprehensible sight. A series of words that I know some demon must have put there at the stroke of midnight. I resisted the urge to amend the blight. I took solace reminding myself to wait for the  review. No sense in redoing the redoes, I might find out that they need not redoing at all. And then where would I be!

All I can do is wait for Rozafa’s Secrets to return to me. I know it has only been a week and I don’t mean to rush my Reader, but I wish they would be quick about it!

Rozafa’s Secrets:

American Blacksmith John Reid is excited about participating in the first Annual Rozafa Castle Craftsmen Festival in Shkoder, Albania.  While in route an Inspector Buchari of Interpol Albania requests his assistance in combating his country’s international criminals. 

John’s strong sense of justice will not allow him to turn his back. He agrees and confirms criminal involvement with the event. Unknown to John, Rozafa Castle has secrets of its own. Secrets capable of toppling corrupt members of the Albanian Parliament from their pedestals of power. When he is discovered by his host Victor Glasser and unable to escape he fears becoming yet another skeleton lost in the bowels of the ancient castle. His only hope lies with his Albanian friend and Victor’s kept woman.