Status of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds Book 22... and more

I'm nearly finished with the first round of edits on Book 22 of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds - The End is the Beginning. This has been a slow process, where normally it's fast. I've had a lot of other things going on, and those aren't going to stop any time soon.

It's already mid-August. I would guess it'll be mid-September to publish it.

And in the meantime, I've slowly pieced together something for Book 25 that had been lurking in my mind and stumbling a bit. All this time has allowed the conclusion of this adventure to develop more fully. I won't say it's complete, because it hasn't been written yet, and anything can happen. However, I am satisfied with the issues that have slowly resolved for the planning of how this will end. By the time I start writing next month, nearly everything will be in place and it'll just be a matter of actually writing everything in story form instead of synopsis form.

When Book 25 is done, the final three books will be released in 6-8 week windows of one another. By a year from now, it should all be complete.

This has been an ambitious project. I never could have taken it on at any other time in my life, not like this. It's only by the grace of God, and to honor Him, that I could write this amazing story.

There have been many references to my faith dropped along the way, and more is yet to come. In Book 22, I have the St. Michael door (although it's not called that) and the name of a saint who is special to me. (I already used this saint's mother's name without knowing it at the time when I named Aurelia Station; I just thought is sounded like a pretty name when I found it... or was led to it. The saint whose name I assign in Book 22 has been one calling to me to guide me closer to Christ. A second hint is that the individual was a stigmatist.) There's also the title of the final book - For Such a Time as This - a piece of a quote from the Bible book of Esther which fit perfectly for the final events.

If you don't know the Bible, it'll still all make perfect sense in the setting of the series. The faith is couched in the setting, so there really isn't anything overtly Catholic. It's there for those who are faithful, but it's window dressing and just part of the world ultimately, a layer for those who want to see it.

I've also been rereading about a chapter a day of the start of the series and fixing some tiny issues. I always find details to fix, but I'm also trying to make sure the paperbacks are formatted correctly (copying and pasting removed some of the italics) and review what I can before I start writing Book 25. This is such a long series over nearly a decade (started writing Book 1 in 2018) that I have to remind myself of earlier events, even when much of what I'm writing is developed after things have changed for the characters.

It'll be soon enough and you'll be at the end of this journey. Thanks for staying with it all this time.

God bless!

The Demonic Roots of Modern Extremism (video tigle)

Exorcist of 20+ Years Reveals Everything You Need To Know About Demons w/Fr Carlos Martins | E331 (video title)

Father Mark Beard's Homily - "Interview w/ an Exorcist" (video)

I wanted to punch her...I gave her a miraculous medal instead (video title)

 

It's done

I finished book 24 of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds last night.

Today, I started a read-through. There are a couple of details I want to insert, but I need to find the right locations to insert those.

I also realized that something I thought I needed as a final scene wasn't needed. In fact, I had given myself a much better way to present the information in one of the scenes and am using that happy accident to cut out an unnecessary POV character.

It came together better than I had expected.

Once I'm done with this, I'm diving into edits on Book 22 and trying to find the right cover image for Book 24. 

Once that's published, I'll reread Book 23 and work on the description. Then I'll start writing Book 25. And after finishing that final book of the series, I'll be editing books 23, 24, and 25 back-to-back. I expect to publish those 6-8 weeks apart starting late spring 2027 through the summer. That means in approximately one year, this will be complete!

On a side note, I've added all these books and the Dark Angel Chronicles books to spotlightonindie.com, where you can access them from my profile there. I still need to add the Revelations books. All the information from my website is there, along with more detailed information for each book. Give it a look and be sure to share the URL with others!

Why You Don’t Advance in Prayer Consistency, Sacrifice, and Beating Distractions ~ Fr Ripperger (video title)

Dill, rhubarb, and peas... gardening update

The garden has been coming into production.

After only three weeks since the last picking!
All this is from one rhubarb plant.

The rhubarb started in late May already, once the flowering waned. I learned that the flowers have to be pulled out by the base or they hinder stalk production. The plant I kept after pulling out two others a couple of years ago is like a weed, and, unfortunately, the aphids and grasshoppers love it when I don't thin it often enough. Every three weeks is too long between pickings for this thing. I'm the only one in the house that likes rhubarb treats, so one is enough. Even with this plant, I'm often sharing with people I know who like it. I hate to waste too much and already toss out many thin stalks just to thin this monstrous plant.

The peas are slowing production, nearing the end of their cycle. I've picked and shelled over 20 cups worth that have been packed and frozen in single-serve snack bags (since I'm the only one in our house that likes peas). Never mind what I've eaten over the past week. I'm pea'd out. You can get sick of fresh-from-the-garden peas.

Never mind the dill. As long as I keep the bindweed off that, it flourishes. I picked and cut two stalks this morning and, from those alone, have way more dill for a friend than she could possibly use. There's still more than we need for pickles growing. And the dill is starting to seed, so that'll reseed for spring.

Green onions I had planted last summer in the raised bed from seeds never grew sufficiently then but came back this year as full onions and have also gone to seed, so I've been collecting those seeds for next year. It would seem green onions (and probably all onions) require two years for full development from seeds, but I could be wrong. That's just my experience with onions.

Hubby's pepper plants are starting to produce. A couple plants started early, but the rest are blooming now also.

Cucumbers have started producing. Only one plant came up this year, so I don't know if we'll have enough to give away like we usually do.

And the corn is tassled out. The ears should be ready for picking by early September. We'll cook and freeze like we usually do, after enjoying some corn on the cob.

I can't leave out the grapes! We'll have more grapes this year than we could possibly eat. It's unfortunate that they're so small and the seeds take up so much of the fruit. Otherwise, I'd probably have enough to make jelly/jam (need to learn how). We just have to watch for the sphinx moth larva--big ugly things that would destroy the plants.

I'm updating all this because this morning, before the heat wave of the day sets in, I came home from mass (church) and went right to the garden to pick dill, rhubarb, and peas. The rhubarb is cleaned and drying before I cut and freeze it all; and the peas picked this morning are next, to be shelled and frozen with the rest. It's only been a week since I picked the first peas, and the plants are already slowing production.

It's already been a productive year for our garden, but our pumpkin plant appears to not want to grow this year. Not much we can do about it now. We'll be all right, though. We still have pureed pumpkin from last year in the freezer.

-----------------

Last of all, Book 24 of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds has just the few short scenes left outside the main characters, about one chapter's worth of writing. I will finish in the next week and then start editing Book 22. 

God bless!

Father Ripperger - A Demon Told This Exorcist: "It's How I Took Your Government Out" | SRS #324 (video title)

E.L.F. Founder on Giving Up Fortune to Become a Priest (Fr. Scott-Vincent Borba) | Ep. 588 (video title)

Forgotten Worlds book 24 update

Nearly there!

Book 24 is past the climax, if you can call it that. The whole book is like a build up to Book 25, so the climax in this feels small by comparison to what I have planned for 25, a bit like they need to be taken together as one book split into two but each does have their respective arcs.

All that said, book 24 is over 45K words and I have just a couple short scenes and the end of the current scene to finish. I should be within 3,000 words of the end, but I won't know until it's done done. One way or another, I intend to keep this first draft under 50K words.

Whatever comes, the main story is done and I'm in the denouement and stinger lead into book 25 (as if this whole series hasn't been that, but when the time comes, you'll understand... it's a doozy!)

It will be done by the end of July and I can finally start editing Book 22 for a planned early September release (barring any interruptions).

I can't believe I'm so close to the end.

Stay tuned and keep reading!

Jesus Revealed to St. Bridget Why He Allows Evil People to Prosper (video title)

The Papacy, Mary, and MORE with Keith Nester (video title)

Getting closer

It would seem that I had been overly optimistic about finishing Forgotten Worlds Book 24 by the end of June. However, It will be finished by the end of this month.

The first draft is at 42K words right now with just a handful of short scenes left. This whole book is a series of short scenes, but it has a lot going on. The pacing isn't what it was in the previous book, but it's setting up for the final book. This book is a little bit of the calm before the storm.

It has conflict, but not in the same way as the other books in the series.

I could say it's different, but each book in this series is unique in its own way. There is no formula to these except that they're each different, because I hate series books all following a formula.

I estimate only about 4-5K left for word count on this, or about two regular-length chapters, although it could be less.

We're halfway through July. If everything stays steady, I will definitely finish by the end of this month. That means Book 22 editing would take place during August, possibly into September, with a September publishing date likely. After that, it would be time to write the final book.

I can't believe it's nearly complete.

I hope you're enjoying it. The best is yet to come!

Thanks for reading!

Answering More Criticisms of St. Faustina & Divine Mercy: Explaining the Faith with Fr. Chris Alar (video title)

A new book platform... only for "based" books

I consider my books based, because I don't support the modern ideologies and will not pander to them in my art. It's why I've been participating in the Based Book Sales.

My books are written for people who just want to enjoy what they're reading "without unwanted surprises", as the new book platform states. I can't even watch TV or movies anymore because of the nuisance ideologies shoved into them. I want entertainment that at least doesn't offend our Lord. That's hard to find.

Now, there's a book platform that curates the books to keep out the riff-raff.

You can find it on the links in the sidebar of my blog.

But if you're reading a feed of this, the link is spotlightonindie.com. Check it out today!

ps--the BBS Substack is not affiliated with spotlightonindie.com, except that both serve the same readers and authors.

I went to confession to see what it was like.. (video title)

He Had 800 Million Views… Then Got Banned for Talking About Jesus (video title)

In the homestretch

I had an unexpectedly busy last month, but I've been making progress on Forgotten Worlds book 24. It's nearing the end-- in the final buildup to the climax. I can say it's in the homestretch.

The word count should be at 39K by the end of tonight, but it's going to be a few chapters more before it's done.

But it is nearing the end.

Once I finish this, I'll start the edits on Book 22 to publish that this fall, likely in early September.

Once that's published, I'll start work on the final book!

After that's done, the final three books will be published in rapid succession, probably one every 6-8 weeks. I won't be writing anything in between at that point, unless some weird inspiration for something else hits. However, I want to finish this. It'll be quite an accomplishment and has been an exciting journey for me; and, I hope, a great journey for you as well.

Thanks for reading!

God bless!

Meaning of Freedom: America 250 One Nation Under God's Mercy - Explaining the Faith w Fr. Chris Alar (video title)

Have a great 4th of July!

The Sign of the Cross (video)

Fr. Ripperger on How the Devil Attacks Your Family (video title)

An Exorcist Warning: How Everyday Sins Invite True Evil In | Hang Out with Sean Hannity

What Makes a Saint Sanctified Perfection (Grace, Virtue, Prayer, Purgatory) (video)

Conversion Story - "I Spoke at the Rally that made me Catholic" (video)

A brief update

I've been busy this past week, and preoccupied.

I haven't been around here in the last week, not even with videos, but there's a reason for that.

While I have done some writing, I've had other projects of higher priority. Nevertheless, I do leave time each day for some writing. Whether that happens and how much is another issue, but that's the story of my writing life at every stage.

Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds Book 24 is up to 33,000 words presently. Switching between character POVs has been a bit difficult in this book and takes a bit for me to gain momentum each time I switch, which is happening about every chapter. That's the big issue affecting the writing pace of this particular book.

I could finish by the end of the month, if the writing picks up the pace again, but I've also been preoccupied with a major project that has me excited, and even a little frightened, because I'm going out on a HUGE limb with this. I'll just say that I've filed as an LLC for the business involved for personal asset and liability protection.

We also now have our garden planted and growing. This year, hubby decided to use cardboard to control the weeds, because it keep moisture in, blocks sun so weeds don't grow so readily between rows, and is compostable (with the shipping tape removed). So far, it seems to be working. It makes weeding the garden much easier. We'll see how the rest of the summer goes.

In another month, I'll have peas to shell and freeze. Already, I've had the first pruning of the rhubarb, but it wasn't as much as I expected. I should have known better with all the blossoms it was sending up. Those ruin the stalk harvest. Dill is starting to head. I've had a few strawberries. Corn and cucumbers are coming up nicely. And our grape plants are loaded with grape clusters; oodles of them! We just have to watch out for the cutworms again this year. They've been appearing the last two summers. Fortunately, hubby saw them before they caused any damage.

That's where I am on the writing and on life projects.

Stay tuned! There's much more to come.

God bless!

The Devil uses Toxic People to lead you to Sin (how to set boundaries and stay Charitable) (video title)

writing update

I feel that I owe readers an update. It's been just under two weeks, but the writing has been a bit more difficult.

That has multiple reasons that I won't get into, but I will say that it's moving ahead. The word count is at 30K on Book 24, so there's at least modest progress since my last update. Some days it can fly and some days a few words is all I've managed.

I can say that one of the factors is the change of characters and the number of characters.

One of those is the Starfire. The entities always been their own character, observing and recording events. I don't remember how it happened, but it just seemed like from the beginning they were meant to record like a video camera. No sensory experiences except visual, but at least they have that. Sometimes I think I should have done that differently, but when I started, I just felt that they could "see" in the normal spectrum and had perfect memories, which the Inari took on by blending with them.

And the Starfire entities can only observe, so everything that they experience is generally a distant third-person POV. The regular characters all have a close third-person POV. It does help distinguish the Starfire visions/memories from regular character experiences.

In this book, I am giving the reader two events--the history of the Starfire to answer the questions that have been left for this point and the Ethalian coalition battles, so multiple perspectives, as usual. I didn't want to get too many, however, so I've limited what parts of the story to tell of the battles.

But this isn't the final book. There's a big showdown coming in Book 25. Book 24 simply sets up the final battle. And it will be final.

Buckle up! This ride is just getting started... THE END IS THE BEGINNING describes this book perfectly, and it's also the beginning of the end.

Keep reading!

Catholic Exorcist Reveals the Scariest Thing He’s Ever Seen (video title)

 

I’m a Christian, but I can’t stay Protestant. HERE’S WHY! (video title)

Fr. Chris Alar: The “7” Key Weapons of Spiritual Warfare (video title)

Why Now? Consecration of Nations to the Sacred Heart for the 250th - Explaining the Faith Fr. Chris (video title)

Father Mark Beard's Homily - "Many Questions" (video)

The Lie That Looks Most Like the Truth | What the Bible Says About Religious Deception (video title)

5 Everyday objects the Devil uses to enter your home (video title)

 

Why Catholicism is Captivating Protestants (video title)

Here's his previous video that prompted the above (more recent) video:

AI Scientist Responds to Pope Leo's Warnings About AI (video title)

Brief writing update

I've been having some productive and some not so productive days on Book 24... In other words, normal.

Some days are writing gold and some just don't happen.

The best part is making progress. Book 24 has about 26K words or nearly 2/3 done.

This is another episode in the Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds series that's not an easy story to tell... but I feel like a broken record on saying that. Each book of this series has been different. I've tried not to get into a pattern. My goal has been to write a wide variety of story formats and plot types in this series but with the same characters and in the same general setting and building to a series finale. It's been a challenge at times to pick the plots to use and make them work within the framework of the series, but it all works.

I'm aiming to finish the first draft of Book 24 by the end of June so I can then edit and publish Book 22 by the end of August, but I would guess it'll be closer to mid-July for finishing Book 24. I could still publish Book 22 by the end of August. I'm giving myself a cushion in these estimates. I haven't encountered the problems I had with Book 23, so that helps; but Book 23 worked out much better than I had expected at each rewrite. The extension of writing that one was worth it. As usual, the more I struggle in writing, the better the story tends to turn out.

It's all coming along well, but I won't rush anything. Barring any problems, I can see me finishing in July.

In other news, I'm leaving Substack behind already. I may keep my account for a while just to see if there's a need for it (aside from the Based Book Sale), but so far, I've had to force myself to use it. That's usually a reliable indicator that I don't need it. Social media and I generally don't like each other. I prefer to stay away from the negativity that proliferates in most public forums. I'm getting too old for all that. It's also a big distraction from writing and a place of sin--pride, envy, mockery, gossip/detraction/calumny, vanity, etc.--and noise.

Some days I can tolerate it, but as I grow in closeness to Christ, I more disgusted I am with social media.

This will remain my main online home.

And I'll continue in the final stage of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds. You can find all my updates here.

Thanks for reading!

The Secret to Overcoming Anger: Meekness and Mortification | Fr. Ripperger (video title)

This explains a lot of my character of L'Ni in Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds. He has nearly perfect control over his emotions. The interesting thing is that his pride has been replaced by humility by the end of the series, when you really look closely, which is why Nya and the other characters respect him and follow him, besides that he is intelligent and capable of inflicting torture but only inflicts injury on others when necessary. He's actually in meekness, prudence, and modesty what I aspire to be, so he's somewhat my ideal self in many ways, except I couldn't hurt anyone (in that way, I'm more like Nya).

(I think I may have posted this in a different post, but it's worth sharing again.)

Aliens or Demons? | Exorcist Explains (video)

What the Church Says About AI (video title)

Father Mark Beard's Homily - "Chameleon" (video)

I DIED 56 Years Ago - Saw Purgatory, Hell, & Heaven…Here’s My Story (video title)

Father Mark Beard's Homily - "Interview w/ an Exorcist" (video)

Book 24 status

The quick news is that Book 24 of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds is very close to the halfway point at over 19K words.

The bad news is that writing slowed down recently. It comes in spurts, though, so I'm not worried. It will get written.

In the meantime, I've created a shorter book trailer video with text instead of a voiceover. I also changed up the background music. The book and trailer are included in the new spotlightonindiesff.com site with lots of other independently published science fiction and fantasy.

Protestants Are Finally Realizing the Pope Was Right (video title)

Protestants Are Finally Admitting Catholics Were Right About ..... (video title)

The Jezebel Spirit, Tithing and Blessing, and the Power of Praying Parents (video title)

I did not expect this!

Book 24 is revealing much more than I expected!

While the battle to save the universe is revving up, the history of the Starfire is also. THE END IS THE BEGINNING is such a perfect title for this!

I have just discovered how to tie this into a piece in CRYSTAL TOMB! Mind. Blown! I did not expect that, but it's perfect! I thought I would need to work around those events, but I had forgotten the details, which fit precisely for what I needed in this. If you never read CT, you won't miss anything. This will just put a different twist on some of the details there.

Sorry I can't reveal more, but that would give away too many spoilers.

At least the writing is progressing. I had some slow down last week in writing the first battle scenes, but tonight was incredibly productive when switching POV characters and focusing on the Starfire. The story is 15,500 words so far, or a third done.

That's all I have for a quick update.

Thanks for reading!

Spiritual Mediocrity | FORWARD BOLDLY (video title)

Happy Mother's Day!

The years go too fast. In that sentiment, here are some songs to enjoy...

The Angels and the Ascension: What We Didn't Know - Explaining the Faith with Fr. Chris Alar (video title)

Is the Bible Sufficient? | Dr. John Bergsma (video title)

St. Joseph (video)

 

How God Tests the Soul Before Granting Divine Intimacy | St. Catherine of Siena (video title)

short update on writing

It's been eight days since I last reported on the status of Book 24 of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds. I'm happy to say that It appears that I've been making decent progress, even if I missed a day or two of writing.

The word count went from 6,600 words to now 10,500 words, and I'm happy with this opening. It's the right place in the overall series for what I'm doing in this. It's bringing the complete Starfire Angels series back to the beginning beginning before the big finale. THE END IS THE BEGINNING is a very appropriate title, and it's looking like that's going to stick.

The final book will be quite the battle of heightened stakes and perfect for the series, and it will end.

So, Book 24 is around 1/4 written and making steady progress.

Stay tuned!

Spiritual Preparation for Death

 

St. Michael the Archangel... in Starfire Angels

I've mentioned previously that I have a devotion to St. Michael. Fr. Ripperger explains it here pretty concisely. It's probably obvious that I have a special interest in angels (Starfire Angels), with my fictional aliens that look like our impression of angels having a mechanism for similar abilities, but they're nothing like the real angels, who are beings of pure spirit, not flesh and blood.

Minor Forgotten Worlds spoilers below

Because of my devotion to St. Michael, I found a way to include him in Book 22 of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds, although I don't identify him by name. In the setting of the story, what I personally refer to as the St. Michael door will be thought to be an Inari and Issa. That door also has a modified-for-the-series portion of the St. Michael prayer. Those who know will recognize it and the changes I made to accommodate the setting.

It's no coincidence that, after writing that, I started having more trouble writing the series--St. Michael is the archangel who was assigned to cast Lucifer (Satan) into hell. Fr. Ripperger and other exorcists (restating what has been written by church fathers from the early centuries) have said that demons can affect our imaginations (to stop us from doing what is right and/or lead us to what is wrong (i.e. graphic sex scenes, glorifying witchcraft and murder, etc.)). They can affect our mental faculties in multiple ways. I've had to increase my prayer life to finish this series, but God has given me the best of ideas as a result! God turns all things for the good of our souls. I just had to struggle a bit and learn to rely on God for the right inspiration, not myself.

And then there's the name of the baby finally revealed in Book 21, where I honored another great archangel. St. Gabriel is the archangel who delivered the news to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she would be the mother of God, months after having delivered the message to Zachariah that he would have a son who would be named John (the Baptist). I felt that this name would best fit the series for naming styles and what that baby represents in the story. I added Seldar to that because of the name of affection given to his mother by the baby's father in the story and what I created as a meaning for that word in the fictional language.

And on that note, I've come full circle to the video above, which was created and published by Gabi After Hours. Gabi is the nickname of Gabriel Castillo, the man who created and manages the channel, which has many more great videos. I highly recommend you check it out. He even interviewed Jordan Peterson's wife about her conversion and miraculous cancer recovery.

God bless!

ps--Book 24 is over 6,600 words presently. Making good progress!

space opera communications systems

Something has been bothering me for some time with space opera communications systems, especially those that seem instantaneous across interstellar space. It’s just not possible! However, it wouldn’t make the stories as interesting without some way to instantly communicate across those vast distances.

I used my knowledge of networking and communications system to come up with a system for the communications network in my space opera Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds but didn’t feel the need to explain it through most of the series, except to mention a network of communications beacons across the galaxy, including space stations, a system valuable to every space-faring race. To not have it would mean signals that take lifetimes to cross the vastness of space. These beacons act like network switches and more. However, early on, I also made it known that hyperspace could cause interference in such communications. I knew there was something more to this, but I could never explain it and just let it be as long as readers could accept that it just works that way in my universe without further details.

The communications beacon network provides similar locating to how our cellphone tower pinging works for determining the area where a cell phone is generally located. Primarily, it works similar to how data packets flow in the real world, by changing the headers and trailers of data packets in the network of beacons and the tables updated through the network to identify which beacons are closest to each end of a data stream. In this way, a ship can be generally known where it’s located, and I used this to pull some comms tricks with my characters early in the series and a little in later places, doing things like locking out the locations in the data headers to hide the beacons through which the data traveled or using ciphers that act like our VPNs act.

I don’t go into details about the system unless there is a small piece to explain for these fun little ways of using it in the plot of a given story. It’s just a part of the worldbuilding/setting, a tool used by the characters, but it’s the little details that make everything feel more plausible.

As I’m writing the first draft of Book 24, I’ve finally been inspired and know the piece that was missing. I’ve added a brief explanation of how the system provides nearly instantaneous communications even across the galaxy and why they can have some interference when a ship is in hyperspace while accessing this network. Readers may or may not care, but it’s always bothered me that I didn’t have that explanation. It turns out the beacons access something similar to hyperspace and are massive for the equipment to do this across the vast expanse of space.

I won’t go into the specific technology, but I will say that my explanation for instant communications will make sense in the setting.

I know we like to just accept instant communications, since that’s what we get on our little third rock from the sun, but it really would not happen that way in space. If you understood the intricacies of high-speed broadband communications, you’d realize that this little handwavium of science fiction is a detail often overlooked for convenience. I wanted to finally close that gap with a tool that I think adds a new layer to the setting, something designed specifically for my world based on real-world telecommunications networks and which I could exploit in the series. I could never have conceived of this if not for working in this industry.

And in the second-to-last book of the series, that final piece of this communications network will be revealed.

Thanks for reading!

A Real Dragon Slayer? (video)

The work begins again

I've started writing Book 24. I have 2500 words on it, nearly a complete first chapter. This is the second-to-last book of the series.

I also have a tentative/working title from a title of a composition of the music that I listen to while writing - The End is the Beginning. It fits with what I have planned for the story, but it's only a working title. I'll see if the story takes any detours that warrant a different title. For what I have planned, it couldn't have a more appropriate match than the name of the Two Steps From Hell album that includes this composition and this title, and the music fits well too. 😁

For now, this is where I am, the (relative) calm before the storm (aka the series climax).

Thanks for reading.

Horse time

It's been a while since I've done this, so here's some horse pics to brighten your spring. (Btw, I was wearing a lot of that coat on me today. It's shedding season.)

Grass is starting to grow here, so the geldings were wandering out to the grass. Unfortunately, the hay this late in the season isn't the best. Buddy has a hay cough that was bad today. That, or he has something else going on, but it's not a virus or anything like that.

In other news, I also re-covered one of my books, one that doesn't get much attention--When Angels Cry--probably because it's just a side book to the Starfire Angels: Dark Angel Chronicles and not part of the main series. Anyway, here's the new cover to look for:

One more done... and a cover reveal

I finished Book 23.

I agonized over the stinger scene for that, in coordination with the one at the end of Book 22, all weekend, considering how it would work with the final two books of the series in a way that isn't detracting and could be resolved within the remaining books. The Paxons in Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds never play fair and always play to win power through every wily conniving way they can. I wanted to bring that to the forefront, because I can't ignore that issue that was being set up. I just wasn't sure exactly how it would play out.

Supreme Commander Soren Draksten has an ego that won't let him look like a fool, and he certainly isn't. As I did with L'Ni in Book 21, I had to come up with something that added an extra layer of complexity to the story while revealing his intelligence in this, because he won't lose face. Losing his own offspring to a culture of "breeders" is a stain he can't get out, but he's going to try... by making the other side look dirty. Yes, he's a bit vindictive, but he loves power.

Anyway, I could have started a whole new storyline and continued this series in that direction, and it could still continue in that, but that's not my end game. My goal is to wrap it all up in Book 25. While this plot thread could potentially be continued in a new direction, I don't want to start something big now. I wanted to add that layer without it being too big; just enough to make sense for the series and add conflict and difficulties for the heroes and heroines. It's hard to really say much without giving things away.

Let's just say it was a long weekend of pondering this issue and finally settling on the simpler route. Although it is a big deal, it's nothing that can't be resolved in the final two books.

NOW, I can start writing Book 24, including weaving in that new thread from the stingers of Books 22 and 23.

And this weekend, I finally found an image that fit Book 23, so the cover is done and uploaded to my website:

Thanks for reading!

Disproving the Multiverse | Dr. John Bergsma (video title)... and why I won't go there in my writing

There are two reasons I had Vel, the dimensional portals researcher of the series, state in Book 15 of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds that other universes don't exist:

1. I hate the theory. There are so many problems with it and I'm sick of all of sci-fi seeming to incorporate it as the latest storytelling fad.
2. I didn't want any possibility of resetting my story. This increases the stakes. No time travel. No multiverses. They only get one chance to save the universe.

God bless!

Satanists think they’ll be VIP in hell! Catholic exorcist explains. (video title)

Every Time You Meet Someone, This Is Happening (Padre Pio) (video title)

Because I love angels...

This is a very good explanation, and it gives me hope that those who have cut off communication with me are still receiving the messages through their angels from the grace of God from my prayers.

Exorcist Fr. Chad Ripperger: Possessed Politicians, Occult Activity, and Speaking to Satan Himself (video title)

The final two books of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds

Yesterday, I received the grace of plotting out the courses of Books 24 and 25 of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds. Before that, I knew what had to be in them, but I didn't have the full stories. Yesterday's creativity was bursting, and I outlined the plots with those points in them and more. The Lord was good in that and also the incredible consolations he provided for the Lord's Supper (Holy Thursday) mass.

I have just one scene to write for Book 23 - the stinger scene - and that book will be done (at around 48K words). I'll search for a cover image for Book 23 and jump right into writing Book 24, which is going to be a format different than the others. Book 23 gave me much more than I had expected to create a pre-climax mini-climax to the series in Book 24 (before the big climax in Book 25) like I haven't done before. Book 24 will actually be two stories running in parallel.

I know that sounds confusing, but Armor was worse and only one story interweaving two timelines.

Book 24 is also going to focus on a variety of other characters, which really emphasizes one of the big themes concluding in Book 25 and tying a nice big bow on everything when all the plot threads wrap up.

I prayed for creativity for the final two books and received in abundance everything I needed for a perfect conclusion to the series. The Lord is good!

God bless!

Writing update and a note to new readers

I have a quick update on the writing and a note for any new readers picking up the ebook boxed sets of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds.

I've been plugging away on Book 23 again and it is finally coming to a conclusion. It should be less than 50,000 words, unlike 21 and 22. The length creep is read in a series. I see it in many, but I try to keep these between 40K-50K words, or half the doorstopper length of most modern novels. By SFWA standards, they are novels, but short novels. Some have gotten a bit longer, however.

I should have this finished soon, and then I'll start writing Book 24.

For those new to the series, it is planned as 25 books, so there will be one more boxed set (Collection 5) by the time it's done. Also, I write two books ahead of what I publish, except that Book 23 was taking so long that I had to interrupt the first draft to edit Book 21.

I expect to release Book 22 in the fall/winter of this year and the final three books in 2027, along with the final boxed set. Those new to the series will only have another year and a half or so to wait for the final books. The first book in the series was published originally in 2019, so you're coming in near the end and don't have the wait that those who have been with it since the beginning.

I appreciate the support of all readers, especially those who have had the patience to stick with me all these years waiting on each book.

Thank you for reading!

Catholic Mass 101: Learn Every Part of the Mass and What It Means (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz) (video title)

A bit of a real-life urban fantasy story: The Rosary vs. Ouija board (video)

Reality can be more frightening than fiction. 

Hell Explained by Catholic Tradition | Judgment, Eternal Punishment, and the Soul ~ Fr. Ripperger (video title)

Back on track

That break to edit and publish Book 21 was exactly what I needed!

It has yet to fail... taking a break from writing when the gears of creativity get stuck.

Dropping the writing on Book 23 to edit Book 21 of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds was exactly what I needed to get those gears grinding again. I've been back at it for the last week, and the transformation is complete. All the rewriting that was making it take forever was laying down the tracks to take it forward.

However, I was still having trouble before stepping away. Now, coming back to it after the editing and publication of Book 21 took my mind off Book 23 enough to allow me a fresh perspective. That distance allowed my mind to be able to let go of the wrong ideas and better develop what worked. The last remnants of the original opening are gone and the story has a strong opening hook. It isn't immediate action but more subdued that way, although it's coming. You can't have one of these books without lots of sci-fi action!

I can't wait to share this one--and I say that about all of them--but this answers a LOT of questions in the setup to the finale, which will be a two-parter, although in complete episodes. It's a bit hard to explain how that works, but you'll have to trust me that it will work.

I'm presently working my way to where I left off, rewriting where I need to make it all blend seamlessly, and will end Book 23 with a much stronger plot that I had originally, one that meets my standards for the series. I'm quite happy with it now, if you couldn't tell.

Once I'm done with this, I'll jump right into writing Book 24.

And I've also added a description for Book 22 to the series listing on this blog and to my website. You can check it out to see what comes next. 

Finally, I've added the latest omnibus as an ebook and am working on the paperback. (I noticed some issues with copying and pasting from Word to Pages, which is where I set up the paperback and will now be going through the first three collections in paperback to clean up any similar issues in those. 😩)

That's it for now.

(The plan is that by the end of 2027, the whole series will be published.)

Thanks for reading!

He Thought Catholics Were Wrong About Everything...Until He Encountered the Truth (video title)

Responding to Claims that Modesty is for "Controlling Women" w/ Catherine Rose (video title)

Awakenings through the Holy Spirit... eye opening experience!

Always be prepared! The Holy Spirit is moving over the earth. Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart is reaching out to people to draw them closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

For the first time since I started wearing it as my only jewelry besides my wedding ring, someone asked about my necklace this morning. My hygienist at the dentist office commented on how pretty it is—my gold Miraculous Medal.

I jumped at the chance to give her a quick explanation of the symbolism of the medal and the Blessed Virgin Mary’s role in bringing souls closer to her son, Jesus Christ. She seemed enthused by it and said she was feeling drawn into religion, but, alas, I didn’t have my regular blessed medals to give her one.

Every morning I say Fr. Reehil’s permission prayer. This was one of those very clear graces as an opportunity to serve the Lord, and I pray the Lord continues to stir her heart to draw her closer to Christ!

Around the outside of the Miraculous Medal are the words "O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee" - a simple prayer to recite in times of need.

-----------------------

Permission Prayer:

Lord, I give you permission today to use me in any way you desire, and I ask you to give me the grace to see your hand in action so I can give you all the glory.

Few Are Chosen? Death and Judgment Explained | Fr. Ripperger on the Last Four Things (video title)

If you wonder why I post so many videos, it's because I need these myself every day to keep me on track, so I don't slack off in my own faith and practice of it. More than that, we all need to stay on the narrow path to heaven. 

It is done!

After much difficulty writing Book 23, I had to jump into edits on Book 21. I'm sorry to keep readers waiting so long.

I finished edits this past weekend and uploaded the book. While it's still being disseminated to some retailers, you can find it now on Amazon, Kobo, Smashwords, and a few other online stores and libraries. I'll send out my newsletter announcement when I have Apple and Barnes and Noble links.

Now that this is done, I'll go back to writing Book 23 and right into Book 24. I can't believe I have just over two more books left to write and this series will be complete!

Nya's worst nightmare has materialized—the Issan have the Ethalian research for creating portals and are working to adapt it to free their god. However, Alric has inspired L'Ni with an idea to create a code to delete all the research. The problem is infecting the Issan computer systems. That can only be done from the inside.

L'Ni has laid out a detailed plan only he fully knows, and the time has come to put it into motion. Nya isn't happy when she discovers too late what that plan entails—he must submit himself to an Inquisitor. Whatever he knows could be exposed, possibly compromising all their work. However, if he doesn't try, the Issan will have all they need to build the ultimate weapon.

Despite his meticulous planning, L'Ni missed one detail, one that could ruin everything…

____________________

In other news, I'll also get to work on the next print edition -- Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds Collection 4 (Books 16-20). I'll get this formatted and set up this month to add to the other three print editions. The biggest problem I see with this is that these books have been getting longer and longer and the pages are limited for print format, so I may have to change formatting slightly to keep 5-book collections for the final two.

And I still have my horse. I trimmed his hooves yesterday and am sore today. It was beautiful here yesterday--in the mid-60's for highs! A perfect day for trimming, and he was past due. Here he is playing with his feed bucket. He hates when it gets low and he can't quite get the last few bits in it. He's almost like a cat who sees the bottom of his food bowl and acts like it's empty.

Mary Is Converting Muslims | Fr. Jason Charron (video title)

Why Exorcisms Are on the Rise & How to Protect Your Family w/ Fr. Dan Reehil (video title)

Reality is weirder than fiction...

The weirdest thing happened at church this evening. (One of the parishes in town has a 5:15 pm weekday mass that I attend.)

Two of my characters walked into real life! Raea and Elis

Okay, so they weren't exact matches, but I had to fight to keep my attention on mass when I saw this young couple who couldn’t have been older than preschoolers when I wrote the first Starfire Angels book. The young woman had long brown hair and the man had black wavy, shortish hair. He wasn’t tall and skinny like my dark angel of the books, but close enough to make me question what reality I was in.

I posted this on Substack and had a comment about my characters going to mass. That isn't much different than the Dark Angel Chronicles books, however. As I replied, "One of them does in the books too. In the series, an old Catholic widow provides a home for the young man while he’s on earth and knows his secret, and he drives her to mass and helps her like an adopted son."

--------------

In other news, Book 21 of Forgotten Worlds is almost done! I thought it was done until I started noticing I was still making cuts, so I decided to read it one more time to make sure I don't leave any mistakes. All the major edits are done. This is the final round. I can't do more.

Within the next week, I will publish this one and get back to writing.

Thanks for reading.

God bless!

The Grace of the Transfiguration | 2nd Sunday of Lent | Fr. Dan Reehil (video title)

 

My Son Was Possessed for 3 Years…How a Priest Saved His Soul (video title)

Lying: This Will Surprise You! Explaining the Faith with Fr. Chris Alar (video title)

Where is Confession in the Bible? (videos)

Arm Yourself With Scripture (video)

 

In listening to this, he mentions at one point how Jesus's 40 days of fasting in the desert reflects the 40 days that Moses was on the mountain and the 40 years that the Jews wandered the wilderness with Moses. He also forgot the 40 weeks of pregnancy. Once you begin to see the connections in the Bible, more start to jump out, but it's also fun to search for them.

God is the greatest storyteller! All the prefigurements in the OT are what we in the modern world refer to as "Chekov's gun" were technques created by God. Start searching and you'll be amazed and awakened to why the Catholic church's teachings are the fullest truth.

And here's another great homily for Lent by another great YouTube priest:

Why Every Christian Should Be Catholic (video title)

 

A greeting for the day

I cut up some potatoes to boil for mashed potatoes as a part of a late lunch and found this friendly greeting:

Book 21 of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds is getting the hammering it deserves, so the story makes sense. I just have to resolve a small timeline glitch, or I think there's a glitch. After that, barring the discovery of any major issues, it goes into final copyedits. This weekend will be a busy one for me. I have a whole round of edits before that final round. Last night, I just started the third of (what I hope will be) four rounds of edits. As I posted yesterday, I expect it'll only be a couple more weeks before it's finished.

In the meantime, Mr. Potato says "Smile! It's Friday!" (That is a real picture, not AI or altered in anyway. I cut it just right under an eye and a bit of rot starting.)

Thanks for reading!

Update on editing Book 21

I will be starting the third round of edits on Book 21 tonight.

Why tonight and not now? I had a busy day, and I'm about to leave for a bit. I go to a weekday mass at a local church with a late afternoon/early evening mass time. It breaks up my day, but I manage. I'd rather be close to Christ than the world, and nothing could keep me from the Holy Eucharist, the Break of life aka body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ, Son of God.

Anyway, I'll be diving back in for the next round of edits starting tonight, after I return from daily mass. I've ironed out a lot of issues, but there are a couple more I need to resolve. I gave myself a break after a massively busy week for work.

It is a complicated book, and I hope readers don't get lost in the flashbacks, some dated and some brief recaps from previous books. And it big time moves the plot forward from the big revelation of Book 20.

Probably just a couple of weeks to go!

Coming SOON!

Thank you for your patience!

She Fell for Satan's Lie and Wants to Do Whatever She Wants... What the Exorcists Said (video title)

A Protestant's View On Becoming Catholic (video title)

 

The Real St. Valentine & the Meaning of Commitment (video)

 

Strong Female Characters Are Just Toxic Men (video title)

 Someone else has said it very well! I am not alone in my opinions.

While she is more lenient about sex in books, she also doesn't seem to recognize that this feeds the demons of lust and is mortal sin. You do not get into heaven by reading titillating stories. There's a reason celibacy (outside of the marriage bed of one man + one woman in the sacrament of marriage for life) contributes to sanctification (aka holiness).

Atheist Eye Surgeon Finds Christ (video title)

 

Immersed in edits... finalizing Book 21, and other writing updates

At this point, I am immersed in the editing process of Book 21 of Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds. I've made my first pass read-through and noted the first issues that jumped to the forefront. Now, the big edits happen. It'll take a few more passes, but it'll be refined and polished nicely before being published.

Regular readers of this blog will remember that I had a lot of trouble writing this one (although not nearly as much difficulty as writing Book 23). It's a complicated book advancing the present timeline while using flashbacks of the setup to the present timeline at key points. Because it's an interrogation, there are also a few short flashbacks from scenes in previous books and some scenes that would have happened in previous books but weren't in those books, because they were unimportant to those plots but are important to this plot.

L'Ni is a very intelligent character. As a former Inquisitor, he would have to be; along with unwavering devotion to their god, incredible intelligence and skills of perception are requirements to be chosen for the position. They're trained on interrogation techniques and how to stimulate memories to break the most disciplined mind. Hence, the drugs to loosen the victim's inhibitions and having to know exactly how to mix them for the results desired. The Issan Inquisitors have the primary task of rooting out dissidents in their own culture but also act as interrogators for any need. L'Ni had a natural aptitude for the duty and was trained in the techniques, refining those natural tendencies that made him one of the best. However, while that gives him an advantage in knowing what to expect, even he can be overcome.

Showing his planning as a way of revealing the immense acuity of his mind in using his knowledge of what would happen and how he planned his own interrogation to go the way he wants was a tricky writing test for me. The story turned out better than I expected, but it's not perfect. I did a lot of editing while writing, but it still needs a lot of work.

I have a busy month overall and this book is actually the longest, if not one of the longest, of the books in the series. I can't say it will be done by the end of the month, but I will be working to get it published sooner than later. I will also jump back and forth to writing on Book 23, but my main focus is now on editing Book 21.

In the meantime, I finally have the perfect cover for Book 22, which has been updated. The cover image is nearly exactly what I pictured in the book, and I won't have to do any updating of the description of the setting. I like that! 😊

So, while Book 21 will be published later than I wanted, it is coming soon. The good part is that it should be easier to jump into writing book 24, since I'll maintain the flow from finishing book 23. So close to the end! I can't believe this journey is nearly done. (Book 23 will answer some big questions and connect a bunch of dots from the first two books of the series. I was amazed with what came out in the writing so far and still have something more I want to include at the end.) A bit over two more books to write and the series will be complete.

At some point, I also need to format the next omnibus edition, Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds Collection 4 (Books 16-20). I'll get to that when I have time. Formatting print is an all-day, time-consuming process. Book 21 editing is my biggest priority.

Thanks for reading!

7 Levels of Spiritual Warfare + Our Lady’s Warning for Our Times ~ Fr Ripperger

 

Whether you’re a person looking to grow in virtue or a writer wanting to understand demons for ideas for writing, Fr. Chad Ripperger is one of the most popular exorcists of our day for a good reason. His lectures are very engaging but bear a lot of hard truths. Unfortunately, he’s so popular that there are a number of fake AI versions on unauthorized channels misleading people. This is pretty much the only authorized channel for his lectures.

He speaks from experience.

https://youtu.be/QM2uY5-3V8s?si=ZOlUkGU-1rPsgVtD

ps—He talks about consecrating one’s property, which I’ve done, and I had some amazing protection experiences this past summer of wild weather. We were threatened with tornadoes and/or hail several times, and as soon as I’d start praying the rosary and as long as I continued, the hail and tornadoes went around us. Otherwise, the weather would turn right back on us.

Hollywood and Bargaining with Lucifer for fame, wealth and power. Catholic Exorcist Explains (video title)

 

facepalm time...

Just when I start the first round to begin editing book 21, I get the ideas I need for continuing in book 23.

I've been going back and forth since the weekend.

Some days, my muse is confused.

I'll see how this plays out.

Also, at some point, I need to redo the cover image of Book 22.

The one thing you can be sure of with writing is that it's never boring. Agonizing. Frustrating. Even despairing. But never boring.

That's all I can say.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho. Back to work I go!

1-in-4 Americans? A Chief Exorcist's Warning and Guidance w/Msgr Rossetti (video)

The Dark Ages: History's Greatest Lie (video title)

The Theological Virtue of Hope Explained | On Faith, Grace, and Salvation~ Fr. Ripperger (video title)

time for a change

I have decided that I need to set aside Book 23 of Forgotten Worlds where it's at (close to the end, as in right before the climax). This is tough one to write! I have been fighting it since the beginning and going back and forth. It's slowly evolved into what will be a good book. However, it's taking far too much time and I want to get book 21 out.

It's a bit like the AI tools I've been playing with to try to put together scenes for a movie-like trailer or series intro (haven't decided what style yet). I created some good clips so far, but I really need to focus on character references to create more. So, I'm working on that now and it's eating up my time. Just when I think I have a picture I like, I tweak one detail and the AI changes something else. 😫 It's coming along, but sometimes it eats up a whole day. (I have great models of L'Ni and Nik!) When that's done, I can also do a whole new character collection. AI has come a long ways since I first played with Midjourney.

So, I'm going to jump into edits for Book 21 now and get that out sooner than later. It's easier to edit than to write while I'm getting these character images as I want them. I need to take editing in pieces to keep my mind fresh while writing requires a more steady focus, so this is the best combination.

Besides that, when I publish book 21, I can go back to finish 23 and jump right into 24. That should make the transition easier... should (usually, but these final three books are a bigger challenge than anything else).

Thanks for reading.

Why do I HAVE to Go to Mass on Sunday? (video title)

She met Satan and tried to curse Christians...then this happened. (video title)

DO this in your NEXT CONFESSION to overcome shame (video title)

Natural Law & Moral Disorder: Why Society No Longer Knows Right from Wrong (video title)

Will I Be Attacked By a Demon? (video title)

Thank you

Not just for reading the books and for your patience, but for any prayers offered for Dargo.

He's been slowly eating a little at a time for the last few days. Tonight, he ate a normal amount of food and has been taking his thyroid medicine in his food again. However, that food has been anything we can get him to eat. With his IBD, that may not be able to continue, but we'll take what improvement we can get for now as long as he's eating.

He didn't have a fever, so we can only guess what the problem might have been. Pray that he continues to improve, and thank you for any prayers that have been or may be offered.

St. Francis, we ask your intercession for Dargo's health. Please pray for us.

God bless!

spiritual dangers of modern media (video)

You Don't Understand THIS Story About Jesus (Dr. Brant Pitre) (video title)

What Really Happened at Cana and Why It Matters (video)

Saying good-bye... again

This will likely be our last Caturday as a household of four cats. My old Siamese has been declining for the last year. I didn't expect him to hit 15 years, but that passed a bit over three months ago. While we've been doing all we can to help him, the light has been dimming from his eyes as kitty dementia has been setting in, and he has been fussier and fussier about the limited food he can tolerate with his IBD. Nevertheless, he has held together, and, despite his sleeping all day every day for the last week, he's been taking his usual place on my bed when it's my night Rosary time; he's been my prayer buddy for all the years since I started the Rosary, and he still remembers and enjoys that part of our routine, the only routine he's been keeping.

Dargo is at the end of his life (we've been through this once before with our first cat, who lived to be 16). At this point, all we can do is make him comfortable and hope that he passes at home. It's not illness or his thyroid issue, teeth problems, or IBD this time. It's old age catching up to him. I believe Bilbo was sent to adopt us to ease this transition; the two are very different yet so much alike in how they love laps and snuggles under the covers that it's uncanny. (No wonder they became good friends in the nearly fourteen months since Bilbo became part of our household.)

I took this a few weeks ago of the two snuggling together.

This pic that I took about two weeks ago was one of the last best pics of our two big boys, synchronized sleeping on the bed while our sheets were in the wash.

We've done all we can for him. Although I expected this to come a while ago, it's still not easy. He's been a momma's boy all his life (since we got him at about 8 weeks old). Bilbo is a daddy's boy but snuggles with me when he can't have his preferred human. He's a bigger boy, though, and not Dargo.

I don't know how many days we have left with Dargo, but we'll make him as comfortable as we can.

God bless!

Talk by Exorcist Father Dan Reehil (video title)

What the Enemy Admitted—Out Loud (video title)

It Begins Here! Venezuela Prophecy of Servant of God Maria Esperanza. Exp the Faith w/Fr. Chris Alar (video title)

Yes, Demons ARE Assigned to You (by Satan) and Others are Attracted to You. Exorcist Helper Explains (video title)

Excellent writing advice

This is a series of posts from X that I found to be very well said. Although I already know it (easier said than done), it's points worth repeating:

The first pages of your novel have a simple but incredibly important job:

Give the reader NO CHOICE but to keep reading.

But is your opening hitting the mark?

Here are the four key elements every strong opening includes:

— Alyssa Matesic (@AlyssaMatesic) January 8, 2026

(four more posts in this thread... follow it for some great tips.)

 

small update

Book 23 is progressing well. I still deal with the usual hiccups of worrying about the quality, oscillating back and forth between "it stinks worse than a latrine after taco Tuesday" and "it's the holy grail of the series!"

That's normal.

And it is growing. I'm learning something new about the origins of the Feri. I knew and I've revealed enough, but I wanted to give it something more, a more complete picture. There was just speculation among Nya and her friends in Book 20 in the brief stop at the beginning of that book. This completes the picture, but I need to find the real gem hidden within it and bring that out for you.

That's all I'll say, except that the book is over 30K words now and things are about to really heat up. Also, if I encounter any more trouble in drafting this, I'll set this aside to edit and publish Book 21. That needs some major rewrites, and I'm in the right mindset in the struggle to make 23 a good story to deal with those issues. Whether I follow my usual pattern of finishing one book before publishing a previously written but next-to-be-released book or not is the only question. 😕

Thanks for reading!

ps- after writing this, I had a great writing session that gave me another breakthrough. The title ANGELS AND HERETICS is going to be perfect!