On Writing and Storytelling: Decisions, Decisions…..

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 – Orlando, Florida

Hi, everyone.

It’s a gray-shrouded, rainy early autumn afternoon here in Central Florida. Fortunately, we’re getting the gentler side of the weather—steady showers rather than the crackling thunderstorms that usually roll through this time of year. The sky has been mostly overcast since morning, and the temperature is holding at 86°F (30°C). Still summer-warm, but not the punishing heat we endured at the end of August and the start of September. The forecast suggests more scattered showers through the evening, with the high staying right where it is.

I’ve been wrestling with a decision: whether to create a hardcover edition of The Jim Garraty Chronicles. Part of me loves the idea. Hardcovers last. They feel substantial. They’re the kind of book you keep on a shelf for years, or give as a gift to someone who appreciates a well-made volume. And Kindle Direct Publishing certainly encourages authors to offer multiple formats.

But the reality is that many readers now prefer Kindle e-books or audiobooks, and those who still buy physical copies often choose paperbacks because they’re less expensive. So even though producing a hardcover wouldn’t cost me anything beyond the time it takes to design a new cover and write fresh back-cover copy, there’s no guarantee that the effort would translate into more sales. Interest in the existing editions has been modest, and I’m mindful of how much time and energy I need to reserve for new stories and projects.

I haven’t made up my mind yet, but I’ll let you know when I do.

In the meantime, if you’ve followed Jim Garraty’s journey—or if you’re just discovering it—there’s a whole world waiting for you. The omnibus brings the entire arc together, but each book stands on its own, too. If you enjoy character-driven stories, quiet emotional turns, and the kind of narrative that grows with you, I hope you’ll explore the rest of the canon and share your thoughts. Independent authors thrive on word of mouth, and every reader who spends time with Jim helps keep the lights on.