…though it’s really not fun to rewrite or re-record your book, there are advantages. My first book was so difficult to write because the entire story line and characters and setting were being created for the first time. Writing sequels wasn’t as difficult because they fed off the basics that were put in place in the first book. But here we are, the entire trilogy online with BN, iTunes, and Amazon and all three recorded and available on Audible.com. Sounds like a done deal, right? Welllll….since I’m a lot more experienced writer than I was with my first book, Consuming Fire: An Alexa Silven Novel, my editor and now manager, Dan, and I have decided to rewrite and update Consuming Fire. At first, I was disagreeable because that’s a lot of work. But as we progress, I’m actually excited to see this story evolving into something I’m really proud of. My son Dan is »
Movies I’d like to see, but…
you see, I made this promise to not go to movies that dishonor the one who suffered and died for us. And it doesn’t matter if it’s blasphemy or cursing, using the name of God or Jesus (one and the same). I just can’t picture Him going through all that and sit comfortably through any movie that abuses Him. Our words matter and someday, everyone is going to know that – without a doubt. So it’s not only what I hear but what I say that matters and for me, it’s easier to just not go to such movies because I’m very auditory and tend to eventually repeat what I hear, unless I’m extremely careful. Controlling your tongue is TOUGH and I don’t know anyone who’s accomplished this – including me. It’s a struggle, but at least I’m in the fight…and I’m in it to win it, God helping me »
Now THAT was a hurricane!
Wow! Though I was born and raised in West Palm Beach, FL, Irma was the strongest and scariest hurricane I’ve ever had the displeasure to meet. Those wind gusts, reported at 70+ mph, were continual and relentless. Streets flooded, including in our neighborhood & in front of our house, and the lake came at least 5 feet into our backyard (as you can see in these pix). The next door neighbor’s dock was also flooded and created the most unusual optical illusion. I’m downloading the picture for you to see this – it’s that strange! And no, there are no pilings in the middle of this dock…. see what I mean?
Bulletproof Wedding is…
…finally available on Audible.com! This is the last book in the Alexa Silven trilogy. Can’t tell you how difficult it was to read, remove all extraneoous noises, and edit this recording. But I’m really glad I’ve learned these new skill sets. If you’re not learning and growing, you’re stagnating…at least that’s how it seems to work for me. You know, like spinning your wheels in the mud – lots of stuff flying in all directions, but you’re really not going anywhere. Catch the action in the Alexa Silven novels!
Saddened…
Today I heard that one of my all-time favorite high school students died from a motorcycle accident. I was invited to the funeral. But what do you say to his family? To his wife & son? The only solace I can find is in knowing that when I taught over the last 29 years, I never denied my faith. People have to choose for themselves whether or not to believe and WHO to believe in. I have chosen to believe in the only one who ever loved me enough to die for me, sins and all, Jesus Christ. And I hope you’ve made that decision, too. Our time on this earth is short – he was in his 20’s – but eternity is forever. Decide where you want to live it and follow Him there!
Summer Project
We’ve been painting our house, inside and out, which has taken the past 7 weeks… and we STILL aren’t quite done! But the heat of the sun has just about “done us in!” I suggest painting interior or exterior, but not both at the same time!
Submitted for Review
This past Aug. 2nd, Dan & I submitted my recording of the 3rd and last book of the Alexa Silven trilogy, Bulletproof Wedding: An Alexa Silven Finale, to Audible.com. They are quite particular and it usually takes close to 10 days to get your recording approved. The first two books, “Consuming Fire” and “Murder by Design” are already available on Audible.com. Check them out!
Halfway There!
Now that the first two installments of the Alexa Silven novels are on Audible.com, I am recording the final novel in that trilogy. Bulletproof Wedding: An Alexa Silven Finale is more than half-way completed. I’m thinking about continuing the series with a Young Adult version of how her kids become super sleuths… thinking about it, that is. Better think about it some more! Stay tuned!
Back in the Groove!
We spent three weeks in New Jersey with Dan and Emille, helping replace their laminate flooring. Hey! Now we’ve got a few new job set skills. It was great being with them and to tell the truth, I enjoyed the time off from recording the books. So far, the first and second books in the Alexa Silven Trilogy are now available on Audible.com. This week I want to complete recording of the final book of the trilogy, Bulletproof Wedding: An Alexa Silven Finale. Then I plan to start the Young Adult comedy novellas about the quadruplets who turn a high school athletics program upside down and established relationships inside out. You don’t want to miss Too Many Choices I & II, coming soon to Audible.com!
The Consuming Fire sequel is live!!!
Got contacted that Murder by Design: Alexa Silven Returns is live and available on Audible.com! I am especially thrilled because I think this middle book of the Alexa Silven trilogy readily shows my development as a writer. It was fun to read it again as I recorded it. Hope you’ll try it and like it. If you do, don’t forget to post a review for me. And if you get the chance, contact me at cbhoffmann.com and give me some personal feedback. I’m pretty certain you’re going to like this book!