On Writing and Storytelling: What I’m Doing in My Late Summer Sabbatical

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 – Orlando, Florida

Hi, everyone. Pull up a chair, pour something cold if you’re in Florida like I am, and let’s catch up.

I’m still on a sabbatical from literary fiction after a busy three-year stretch that produced Reunion: Coda, Comings and Goings – The Art of Being Seen, The Summer of Two Movies, and my newest project, The Jim Garraty Chronicles. Writing, believe it or not, can leave the mind and body looking as if they’ve both been through a twelve-round bout with a very opinionated muse. Every so often, it’s wise to step away, breathe, and let the creative batteries recharge before they start making threatening noises.

But even though I’ve put And the Horse You Rode In On… on the back burner for a spell, that doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned my duties as a self-published author. Far from it. I’m still keeping one eye on my Kindle Direct Publishing account and the other on my book sales, which is harder than it sounds and not recommended while walking near furniture.

I wish I could report that the royalties are rolling in with the majestic thunder of a summer storm, especially now that I’ve released the fourth book in The Jim Garraty Chronicles series. The reality is a bit more modest, but still welcome: I’ll be getting an electronic payment for July’s sales sometime between now and the 15^th, and at least two readers purchased paperback copies at the end of the month, just in time for KDP to count those orders toward August’s sales. I’m truly grateful for any royalties. Still, like every indie writer who creates and sells books for a living, I wouldn’t mind seeing a cheerful little spike in sales, earnings, and—let’s not be coy—reviews.

So, yes. I may not be doing much Professional Daydreaming ™ lately, but my eyes and mind still wander over to my KDP Reports page at least once a day. For strictly professional reasons, of course. Certainly not because watching the numbers move is the indie-author equivalent of checking the cookie jar.

In other news, last night I finished Alex Shvartsman’s The Best of All Possible Planets (2026, UFO Publishing), a fast-paced and hilarious science fiction parody in the vein of Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series. It was exactly the sort of book that makes a summer evening feel a little brighter—and reminds you that the galaxy is apparently large enough to contain both cosmic peril and excellent jokes.

Per the publisher’s blurb:

Far From Now, In a Galaxy Really, Really Close…

The last denizens of Earth, aka Planet Dirt, have a problem. Their protective force shield is breaking, which will mean annihilation. Now it’s up to a small group of intrepid dilettantes to procure a new one.

From planet to planet, danger to danger, and stupid choice to stupid choice, the team blunders their way across the galaxy, trying to save the day and survive the trip.

Don’t let the Call to Adventure go to voicemail. Follow the corgis!

Funny, full of puns and references to many, many classic SF literary stories, movies, and TV series, The Best of All Possible Planets is well-written and entertaining. I will be reviewing the book at some point, of course, but for now, I’ll simply say that if you’re a science fiction fan, you are bound to enjoy Shvartsman’s wickedly funny and smart tale inspired by Voltaire’s Candide, Star Wars, Star Trek, Superman, the Marvel MCU, and countless other wellsprings of inspiration. It is the kind of romp that rewards genre knowledge without requiring you to bring a spreadsheet, which is always appreciated.

That about wraps up this report from my summer break. Remember, I have five books over on Amazon, four of which I am immensely proud of—and the fifth, well, let’s just say every creative journey has at least one interesting roadside attraction. I’d appreciate it if you wandered over to my Author Page and gave them a quick look-see. Who knows? You may pick one up and find an enjoyable, moving reading experience waiting for you. At the very least, you’ll be helping an indie author keep the lights on, the coffee flowing, and the Professional Daydreaming ™ department solvent.