Ready to Begin Fourth Boomer Lit Novel

It's been nearly six months since I finished "New Horizons," the third book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series.  Lately, several readers have asked if I've started on another book.

"New Horizons" was released May 1 by Wings ePress and sales have been steady and reviews have been excellent. I'm very appreciative to those who have supported my writing in the past and those who are just discovering my stories.

So now it's time to move on to the fourth book. I don't have a working title but I have produced probably 50k words. August 1st is my official start date.

So how do I already have 50k words? When working on "New Horizons" last year, the manuscript exceeded 90k and the novel was moving in a different direction. I decided to use the first 40k on "New Horizons," and the other for the next installment.  By the way, "New Horizons" ended up at nearly 70k words so there was plenty of writing involved before submitting it to my publisher.

I've been letting the remaining words simmer the past few months while conducting additional research and taking more notes about the next adventure for John and Sally Ross in their quest for peace and tranquility in their twilight years. 

Those who have read the first three books know it certainly hasn't been easy for the Kentucky couple. This thing called life always seems to be getting in the way of their quiet plans.

So if things go as planned—something I never count on in my life—the first draft of the fourth book will be finished in a couple months. After several rewrites, I hope to send the manuscript to my editor by the end of the year. 

As I have with my previous novels, I'll keep you posted on my progress, title, book cover, and release date. I already know what the fifth book is going to address, but more about that when I'm through with the fourth.

An Interview with author Michael Embry

Michael's favorite quote:
"The art of writing is the art
of discovering what you believe."
-- Gustave Flaubert

Author's website
Author's Blog
Author on FaceBook
Twitter: @MichaelEmbry


When did you start fiction writing and what genre(s) do you like to write?

I participated in a creative writing conference in 1974 but it took me another 25 years to write my first novel, "The Touch." I've since written eight more novels, falling under contemporary mainstream, murder mystery, young adult, and boomer lit genres. I like variety in reading and writing.

Why this/these genre(s)? What attracts you to them?

These genres resonate with me. I enjoy probing the thoughts and actions of characters as they unfold in my stories. My last three novels have been in the boomer lit genre, which I plan to continue because it allows me to examine my amazing generation.

Generally speaking, what is the driving force behind your characters?

The driving force is confronting unforeseen problems and trying to make sense out of everything that is happening around them. Life isn't easy as we all deal with numerous pitfalls, disappointments, and heartbreaks.

Have any of your characters changed in a dramatic way from what you imagined
at the start during the writing process?

I would say most of the characters have grown and gained courage along the way. I want my characters to come across as real and have strengths and weaknesses that are relatable to readers.

What do you find the most difficult in finishing a story and approximately how long does it take for you to write a story?

It would be wrapping up loose ends, and in writing a series, leaving a few things that will bring readers back for the next book. It generally takes me from six to twelve weeks to write the first draft, then I go through about ten rewrites before I'm ninety-nine percent satisfied with the story (are authors ever totally satisfied?). I then rely on my editor for advice on improving the novel.

 

Are there other types of writing you do such as non-fiction, or short
fiction?

I've written three non-fiction sports books (I was a sportswriter years ago) and one short-story collection. Although I've been approached, I doubt if I write any more non-fiction. However, I do plan to write another collection of short stories.

Has your writing affected you in any way and what would you recommend to
someone wanting to start writing fiction?

I believe writing helps me gain a better understanding of myself and others as I explore different areas of life. As for advice about writing fiction, I would recommend that the person read fiction, especially in the genre(s) they intend to write, and to read primers on fiction writing such as Jack M. Bickham's "The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)." I'd also suggest joining local writing groups, attending writing events, and getting to know other authors. Writing is a lifelong learning experience but it's necessary to learn the basics.

Read an excerpt of Michael Embry's latest release "New Horizons" (Release date: May 1, 2019)

Enter Amazon giveaway for "New Horizons"

Here's an opportunity to win an ebook of "New Horizons," the third book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series by Michael Embry.

Unfortunately, the contest is open only to those who live in the United States. This is Amazon's contest rule. 

Click here to enter. There are no strings attached. Easy as pie.

The series follows the life journey of baby boomers John Ross and his wife, Sally; in "New Horizons"  they travel to Budapest on a guided tour. It turns into a topsy-turvy trip in many ways. They also must contend with what is happening back home.

We hope you'll let others know about the giveaway, so please share with other readers. And be sure to check out other books by our fabulous Wings ePress authors.

Good luck!

New Horizons

By Michael Embry

Third story in the John Ross Boomer Lit. Boomer Lit is generally written by and about those born between 1946-1964, the baby boomer generation, and features mature characters dealing with the various issues they faced during their lifetime.

John and Sally Ross’ vacation to Budapest turns out to be more than they bargained for as they encounter unexpected problems in discovering new horizons in their retirement.

An excerpt: 

“I'm so excited about this trip,” Sally said, looking in the vanity mirror on the visor and touching up her cherry-red lipstick. “Budapest should be fun. It's the heart of Europe and a new adventure for us.”

“If you say so.”

“Oh, John, stop being that way.” Her brows furrowed. “You sound like a grumpy old man.”

A wry smile crossed John’s face. “Maybe I am a grumpy old man.”

“Try to be positive.”

John glanced at her. “I'll try.”

“We’ll be back before you know it and you’ll probably complain about that.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Admit it…you don’t like all the drama with Brody and Mother.”

“You don’t either.”

“That’s why I’m looking forward to getting away for a week and a half. You make it sound like we’ll be gone forever. You should be thankful the travel agency allowed us to split your retirement gift rather than take the whole twenty-one days.”

John shrugged. “You’re right. It’s just the idea of being out of control of things going on back here.”

“Just let go and relax.” Sally beamed. “New horizons for us.”

“You sure like that phrase ‘new horizons.’”

“Because it’s part of growing and exploring new things in our lives. You always complained about not wanting to be one of those folks who sit around in a rocking chair all day watching TV.”

“Point taken.”

Sally leaned over and pecked his cheek, leaving a faint red imprint she wiped away with her thumb.

* * *

Michael Embry is the author of thirteen books including nine novels, three nonfiction sports books, and a short-story collection. He spent more than thirty years in the news media, working as a reporter, sports writer, and editor for two newspapers, a national news service, and a regional magazine as well as a book editor.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, he is listed in Who’s Who in America. Embry lives in Frankfort, Kentucky, with his wife, Mary, and two rescue dogs, Bailey and Belle. Among his interests are travel, hiking, writing, reading, music, and family activities, especially those involving his four granddaughters—Lily, Lola, Ellie Cate, and Olivia.

What They Are Saying About New Horizons

This novel has such a realistic feel to it. It’s not of the thriller genre, but I found myself turning those pages, wanting to know what was going to happen next. Even when John and Sally (Ross) return to America from their exciting trip, the suspense is still on, and problems are there to be overcome. These characters handle the difficulties with grace and are to be admired. The issues they tackle are important as well, and the process is entertaining to read about. —Lara MacGregor, Author of The Secret Mask of Truth and The 12th Kiss

For retired baby boomers John and Sally Ross, following through on a wish to experience “new horizons” means a vacation in the beautiful city of Budapest. Complications arise when they must manage their fun time against the demands of a possessive and boorish couple seeking friendship. That, and continuing family complications back home, make this getaway a little less than ideal. Author Michael Embry leaves us both laughing and crying with his flawed but recognizable characters. —Steve Flairty, Author, columnist, and Kentucky Monthly reviewer

“The best Michael Embry yet. New Horizons continues the John Ross Boomer Lit saga as John and Sally Ross go on a whirlwind tour of Budapest. In New Horizons, his latest novel, Embry honestly addresses many of the issues so many boomers face today—adult children who need help, parents who need us more than we need them, drugs, memory loss, and a longing for a simpler, better America. Honest, accessible writing that keeps you turning the pages.” —Chris Helvey, Author of Snapshot

Book Promotion for John Ross Boomer Lit Series

The third book in Michael Embry's John Ross Boomer Lit series, New Horizons, will be released May 1 by Wings ePress.

One of the promotions is to provide readers an opportunity to purchase the first two books, Old Ways and New Days and Darkness Beyond the Light, at discounted ebook prices. 

Beginning Sunday, April 14, Old Ways and New Days can be downloaded for one week at the amazingly low price of 99 cents. Hard to believe, isn't it?

But wait! The following Sunday, April 21, Darkness Beyond the Light, will be available for the astonishingly low price of 99 cents for one week. Have you lifted yourself off the floor yet?


Silliness aside, Embry's novels have never been priced this low. As part of the promotion, it's a great way to introduce discriminating readers to the series—especially baby boomers. And maybe their children and grandchildren who are curious as to what makes the old folks tick. 

For those who aren't familiar with the series, it's about the trials and tribulations and the joys and jubilations of John Ross after his retirement as a sports editor of a Kentucky newspaper. 

It's a coming-of-old-age series that deals with family, friendships, health, and redefining one's purpose while moving into that final phase of life.    

As mentioned, New Horizons is the third book in the series. It's about a wild and wacky trip to Budapest, Hungary. Embry is currently working on the fourth installment and knows what the fifth book is going to address.

New Horizons, like Embry's other novels, will be available in electronic and print. More about that later.

Until the next time . . .

P.S. If you read the books, please leave a rating and/or review. It would be much appreciated. And do that for all authors!

Time Off Before Edits

Since my last post, I traveled to New England to take in the fall colors and visit some scenic areas such as Acadia National Park in Maine and the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

Mark Twain House

I even made a stop at the Mark Twain house in Hartford, Ct., and Stephen King's home in Bangor, Me. 

Before I left on my short getaway, I sent my manuscript to my editor at Wings ePress. When I returned eight days later, I signed a contract for the third book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. 

Stephen King's home

For those interested, the novel is tentatively scheduled for release in May 2019. The title? New Horizons. More about the book later.

She also had first edits for the novel and some recommendations to consider in my inbox.

Believe it or not, I haven't opened either document on my computer. She said there was no hurry, and I took her at her word. I needed to put some more distance being me and the manuscript, especially since I was preoccupied with other things at the time (I'm not the multi-tasker I used to be). 

I need a clear head when I delve into edits. I want to be as objective as possible when seeing edits and reading comments.  I want to view the manuscript as an editor, instead of as the author. I want to be in the mindset of editing the copy as if it were written by someone else. 

I've also got to provide the publisher with information to give the graphic artist an idea on how to approach the book cover. And I also have to write promotional blurbs, book dedication, and excerpts for marketing on websites. 

So there's a lot of work to be done in the coming months. I'll probably tackle the edits the first of next week since (with credit to Johnny Nash) "I can see clearly now" to move forward.

Until the next time . . . 

(Visit Michael Embry's blog at https://www.michaelembry.blogspot.com)

Manuscript: It's Time to Let Go

After seven rewrites and revisions, and a few last-minute tweaks and deletes, my manuscript was sent to my Wings ePress editor yesterday. 

When I informed her on the previous day that I'd be forwarding the 67k words to her. She replied that she was looking forward to a good read. I hope she's not disappointed. 

The first draft was 37k words, so it's grown another 30k in the past four months or so. I thought I would be able to finish it in three or four rewrites, but that was not to be. Every time I went through the manuscript, I added another layer to the story, be it a subplot, new character, or plot expansion.

I suppose it's no longer my work in progress since it's in the hands of the editor. It's become part of an effort to make it worthy of publication by Wings ePress team, from editing, proofreading, cover art, and promotion.

Ina Garten

I recently read an interview with "Barefoot Contessa" chef Ina Garten,  and she quoted noted journalist Bob Woodward as saying, "It's not that I ever finish a book, I just stop working on it."

I couldn't find the quote after a web search, but I understand the reasoning behind it. There comes a time when you have to say to yourself, "Enough is enough," and hand the manuscript over to your publisher. 

One of the great things about writing a series—this book is the third in the John Ross Boomer Lit Series—is that I can pick up where I left off. I've already written the first draft to the fourth book, and know what I plan to do in the fifth. 

I've got a title for the new novel but won't disclose that until the contract is signed and I'm working on her edits.

And if all goes to plan, the novel will be published in the first half of 2019. And perhaps the fourth book in the second half of the year. No pun intended, but time will tell if those goals come to fruition. 



At least the manuscript is out of my hands for a few weeks. It's time to take a break.

Old Ways and New Days

By Michael Embry
Mainstream, 395 pages
Cover art by Pat Evans

Blurb: John Ross is retiring after many years working as a journalist. He contemplates about what he wants to do with the rest of his life. But along the way he finds out that there are some things you simply can't control. Life simply happens.

John learns that work has caused him to lose touch with the neighborhood where he has lived for many years. And he finds out that things weren't always as they seemed to be -- in many ways.

Excerpt:
The kitchen was quiet when he opened the door. When he flipped on the switch, there was an instant shout in unison— “Happy retirement!”

Stunned for a moment, John glanced around the room at all the familiar faces. A banner draped across the wall in the adjoining dining room proclaimed “Happy Retirement, John!” in big red letters. He looked around to locate Sally. She stepped toward him with her arms spread wide and hugged him, then gave him a quick peck on the mouth.

“Did we surprise you, sweetheart?” she whispered in his ear.

“What do you think?” He grinned awkwardly as he looked around the room.

Before John could say anything else, friends and neighbors flocked over and patted him on the shoulders, shook his hand, and some of the women kissed him on the cheek. He was at a loss for words. He didn’t enjoy being the center of attention. He mentioned to Sally on several occasions that he didn’t like surprises, especially on his birthday. Maybe he should have included retirement. Too late now.

He made his way past multi-colored helium balloons strung to chairs and the streamers made from newspapers that dangled from the ceiling in the dining room. In the middle of the table was a large white sheet cake designed to look like a news page with a large “Happy Retirement” in black icing on white across the top like a headline. Brightly wrapped gifts sat on the folding table. Other than accepting the well wishes from the attendees, John didn’t know what to say, think, or feel.

“Congratulations, Daddy!” John turned around and his daughter, Chloe, gave him a big hug and kiss on the cheek. A moment later his son, Brody, a half-head taller and thirty pounds heavier, firmly shook his hand before giving him a bear hug that felt like air was squeezing from his lungs.

“This is a surprise,” John said, who could feel some tears coming on. Chloe had flown in from New York City, where she worked for one of the television networks as an assistant producer. Brody, a certified public accountant, was in from Chicago.

“We wouldn’t have missed this for anything,” Brody said with a beaming smile. “It’s not every day a person gets to retire. That officially makes you old.”

“Gee, thanks,” John said. “I guess that makes you my old son.”

“Whatever!”

“You deserve this, Daddy.” Chloe was teary-eyed, holding his hand. “Now you get to do what you want to do. And, by the way, you’re not that old.”

“Sometimes I feel that way,” said John, slightly rolling his shoulders up and down. “Now I have all the time in the world.”

“Or what’s left,” Brody said.

“Would you stop it, Brody?” Chloe gave him a nudge with her hand.

“Only kidding, sis!”

Before they could say any more, Sally announced to everyone that dinner was ready in the kitchen. On the counter, she had set up two large platters of finger sandwiches, a veggie tray, buffet-style bowls of potato salad, cole slaw, and chips and various dips, along with plates, silverware, and beverages. People began making their way to the food, filling their plates and going to the dining room, living room and den to eat and chat.

John wanted to escape to the bedroom, if only to rest for a few minutes and catch his breath, but he knew that wouldn’t be the sociable thing to do at a party given in his honor. He didn’t want to appear ungrateful to his family and friends. And he’d never hear the end of it from Sally.

The doorbell rang and Sally hurried to answer it. She returned a few seconds later with Clay Rawlings, who carried a large wrapped box with a big blue bow on top. Several other newspaper employees followed him including Eric Walsh, sports columnist Dan Easteridge, and metro editor Heidi Snow.

“You’re not getting away that easily,” Clay said in a booming voice that drew everyone’s attention. “Since you wouldn’t let us give you a party at the office, we’re bringing the party to you!”

The Bully List

By Michael Embry
Young Adult, 233 pages
Cover art by Pat Evans
Blurb: Dealing with bullies isn't an easy thing to do. My parents tell me to ignore or avoid them. But it seems if you ignore them, it gets under their skin and they want to bully you even more. And that makes it's even harder to avoid them. Does that make sense?

My teachers seem to be too busy with other things when it comes to bullies. I guess they have so many students they can't be bothered by it all. They say they want to treat everybody the same. I think I understand that but it doesn't always work out so well. I even wonder if some of the teachers aren't scared of bullies.

I'm not the only one who gets bullied. I have some friends who have to deal with bullies, too. Sometimes we hang out together in hopes that the bullies will leave us alone. It works most of the time unless there are some bullies together.

Excerpt:
Several minutes later, he stood at the entrance to his office and motioned for me to come in. I picked up my backpack and went inside. Before sitting down, he asked me to shut the door.

"Well, I suppose you want to know why I called you in?" he asked.

"Uh, yes, sir," I said.

"It's about an altercation you had after school yesterday."

I nodded but didn't say anything.

"I think you know what I'm referring to."

"Yes, sir."

"So do you want to explain to me the circumstances that led to the altercation?"

Mr. Bishop sat patiently behind his desk while I tried to tell what had happened. It would have been easier if he had asked some questions along the way. It was almost like he was trying to read my mind or wait for me to say other stuff. I was very uncomfortable.

When I finished, he informed me that Earl's mom had called about the fight. That surprised me a little because I thought that one of our classmates had told someone and then it had spread around school.

"I'm not sure what I should do about it," Mr. Bishop said as he rose from his chair. "You've been a very good student here and I don't quite know how you should be punished."

Now that did surprise me. I shook my head, "Punished?" I blurted out. "What did I do?"

"You just told me what you did," Mr. Bishop said.
"But I was helping a friend. They were fighting Sam. I was only…"

Mr. Bishop raised his hand to cut me off from finishing what I wanted to say. "You should have come to this office and reported what was going on," he said.

I didn't say a word. What could I say? Mr. Bishop seemed determined to punish me. But what about Earl and Freddie? I wonder what kind of story Earl's mom told him?

"I'm going to let you go home now, but next week I want you in detention for one hour after school each day. And I also want you to write me a paper on what you did and why you won't do it again."

"Yes, sir." I rose from the chair and lifted the backpack over my shoulder. I left his office feeling kinda empty. I didn't expect to be punished for what I did. It didn't seem fair.

Sam was waiting in the front lobby, staring out the door as if he was scouting the area. He turned when I came out of the principal's office.

"That took a long time," he said.

"Too long," I said.

"So is he going to suspend Earl and Freddie?"

"Nope."

"Nope?"

"He's put me in detention next week. Mr. Bishop is blaming me for what happened."

"What?" Sam's eyes widened. "You've got to be kidding me."

"I'm serious," I said. We walked out the front door, down the steps and toward the bike rack at the side of the building.

As we were unlocking our bikes, we noticed Earl and Freddie across the street. They were both grinning. I also could see something shiny in Freddie's right hand.

"Oh, crap," Sam said. "What are we gonna do?"

April 2011
Wings ePress New Releases

“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” ~ William Shakespeare
Check out this month’s arrivals at Wings:

Down The Shore by Kelly Mooney
Contemporary Romance  ~ 314 Pages
Cover art by Richard Stroud

A fairytale believer of true love, and not the one night stand, Abby vows to keep her virginity until she meets the one. That is easier said than done when she has two boys competing for her time and affection.

Abby is convinced she is the last eighteen year old virgin still living. Never being inclined to be a notch on someone's bed post, the thought didn't bother her...much.

St. Annie's Corps by Mary Brockway
Historical Romance  ~ 346 Pages
Cover art by Richard Stroud

1941 sees Mollie McAllister, her friends, and America emerge from a simpler time to face a World War, that involved everyone in some way, nurses, and the military especially. Though many things are rationed, and everyone must conserve and work, these young women find ways to have fun and romance.

Each day Mollie wonders if she will ever be reunited with her brother who is a prisoner of war, or her beloved fiancé, Ron, a Navy pilot on a carrier in the Pacific.

Shooting Star by Michael Embry
Young Adult ~ 298 pages
Cover art by: Pat Evans

Jesse Christopher finds out that it’s not easy being the new kid in school, no matter how well you play basketball. When discovered shooting hoops at a school playground by a high school coach, Jesse seems to be the missing piece to the puzzle for a team that aspires to win the Kentucky state championship.

But Jesse faces an array of problems in his new environment as he tries to make friends in the classroom and become part of the school’s close-knit basketball team. Can Jesse overcome the obstacles and lead his team to a state high school basketball title?

The Pirates of Aden by Daniel Rasic
Suspense/Thriller ~ 424 pages
Cover art by: Trisha FitzGerald

Dr. Paul Alban has tried hard to forget. He’s managed to carve out a quiet and relatively anonymous existence with his girlfriend Ellen while working as a physician in Somalia. But when a Somali pirate is injured during the hijacking of a cargo ship and brought to his clinic for treatment in the coastal town of Bosasso, the demons of his past threaten to destroy the future he’s trying to protect.

Enrich your life with a good story! Any comments on newsletter, email me at rhobinlee@yahoo.com 

Rhobin