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.

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