Royalty for real - A Sapphire Jubilee. Royalty as fiction - my "Prince David" series of books for any young person or adult who has ever wondered where they fit into this world or how they could make an impact

Today is an anniversary never before seen in British History. For the first time, ever, a monarch celebrates a "Sapphire Jubilee." Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne 65 years ago, on Feb. 6th, 1952. It is likely my grandparents and great-grandparents took note of the day. In the preceding 65 years, there had been 5 British monarchs: Victoria (1836-1901), Edward VII (1901-1910), George V (1910-1936), Edward VIII (1936), and George VI (1936-1952). It is truly incredible that 65 years have passed with only one. 

I had not intended to create a post, but have decided I cannot let this day pass without my recognition and comment. I do this because the British royalty is the fictional setting for my "Prince David" series of Young Adult novels, staring Zac Bolitho as the protagonist, and Prince David as his key friend and sidekick. As I state in the introduction to Book 1, this is a book providing inspiration for building lasting friendships, caring about family, seeking adventure, and overcoming the challenges we all face in life. 

This is a book, and a series of books, for any young person or adult who has ever wondered where they fit into this world or how they could make an impact.

the PRINCE DAVID series:

Zac and the Reluctant Prince, Book 1 of the Prince David series...  A contemporary story about keeping friendships, seeking adventure, overcoming challenges, and making history. This novel is set in the real-life world of modern day royalty.  Published in March 2012, the eBook is now available here.

Zac and the Prince's High Adventure, Book 2 of the Prince David series... The story of Zac, his family, and Prince David continues in Book 2, profiling Prince David's continuing adventures and increasing public attention.  Still being completed.  Expected release before the end of 2017, in recognition of the year of the real-life Sapphire Jubilee of the Queen.

Prince David, Book 3: Zac and the Prince's High Impact - outline complete, but subject to change

Prince David, Book 4: A Profile in Courage - being written

I've enjoyed writing the books, and I hope some will appreciate the story and my fictional view of what might take place in the coming years.

Happy Reading, 

Wil

Refining the way I write...

I've had a whole hit and miss thing going on with my writing, recently.  Over the Easter long weekend, for example, I managed 15,000 words as I try to complete two works in progress.  (The second and third books of the Prince David series, if you have to know.)  But, at other times, I've become bogged down, and I struggle to turn out 1,000 words in a week. 

Of course, it doesn’t help that I have a demanding full time job, as well, so my writing time frequently becomes very limited.  But, a lot of the problem revolves around the fact that I’ve been also been slow to adapt to some important skills involved in writing.  As in, writing novels. 

It’s not that I can’t write, because I can.  It’s just that sometimes I get into the heart of my work-in-progress novel, and lose my way.  I find that I haven’t researched properly, or I need a name, or I lose track of what I really want out of this story line.  To help resolve this issue, I’ve started doing more outlining of my stories as I write.  However, I also realize that I need to do more of this.  Outlining, that is.  And, research.  Most importantly, I need to better outline and research before I really get going.  That way, as I get on a roll and as the words flow, I can really keep going and not have to stop for things that I should know already. 

So, having been thinking about this a bit, recently, I was quite pleasantly surprised and pleased to see a recent April 4th post by Amanda Hocking, on her blog, in which she tells of (some time ago) hearing Gary Paulsen (she thinks) describe the need to outline.  Amanda goes on to talk about what works for her, and I am certainly going to take notice of her advice.  So, now, with a big thank you to Amanda Hocking, I will redouble my efforts to plan and outline my works in progress, and let’s hope I can speed up my production a bit.  And, just for the record, here’s what I’ve got on the go, right now.

Happy Reading,

Wil