We’re not quite there, but the next time I blink it’ll be July so I figured I better drop in with an update.

Things are moving albeit slowly.

Milk Run got a shot in the arm with the publication of the short story – Exile – in the Starbound anthology and then took a dive when I realized I had a great set up and no where to go. I’ve been cogitating and I think it’s bearing fruit. We’ll see. I’m trying to trust the process that has worked in the past. Just slinging words down only seems to work when I’m ready to sling them. Apparently I’m not quite ready.

I started walking again a few days ago. My legs are complaining so I’ve taken today off but expect to be back on the road tomorrow. I need to get the body moving again after what’s been a terribly long and spotty winter. Fingers crossed and you can keep any eye open on Talking On My Morning Walk to see how well I do. One pattern I’ve noticed is that my emotional state improves when I walk regularly and that generally translates into ‘more words.’ I plan to test that theory going forward.

That’s it for now. I’ll keep you posted as things develop.

ETA:This anthology was a limited time deal. The deal expired in May. The book is no longer available. My story – “Exile” – came back to me and is now where it really belongs – as the first three chapters of Milk Run. The manuscript is with the editor now and you should look for Milk Run in early September, 2016.

If you’re in the Golden Age Facebook group, you’ve already heard that I’ve got a new short story in an anthology. Starbound released the other day.

When Audrey Faye invited me to participate in this anthology last November, I agreed immediately. While I’m not that great at writing shorts, the opportunity to explore some new characters proved irresistible. The story is “Exile.” It introduces the two main characters for the new Smuggler’s Tales series – Natalya Regyri and Zoya Usoko. It hints at some Toe-Hold space background and sets them off to begin their new adventures.

The first book in this series – Milk Run – has drawn me in and I’m hoping to get it written this month and over to the editor as soon as I can get into her queue. Don’t hold me to that.

For those who are eagerly awaiting To Fire Called, I can’t write that book until I get Milk Run down. I need to know more about that space before I send Ishmael and Pip off to get in trouble there. 🙂

I’m honored to be included in Starbound with ten other excellent authors – some of whom you’ll recognize.

And if you haven’t already heard – Audrey Faye’s next Karmacorp novel is out. You might want to grab a sample of Grower’s Omen while you’re picking up Starbound.

Sorry! The month snuck up on me and I forgot.

I spent last month working on a story which will get published in an anthology. That should be out later this week or early next. It’s a story I’ve been working on for over a month and finally got tuned in the way I wanted just a day before the deadline. Watch for news in the usual channels. No, I’m not going to tell you what the name of the anthology is. Yet. 🙂

Milk Run – the first of the Smuggler’s Tales – has taken on new life. Finishing the origin story so I have an anchor has given me a huge leg up on that book. Some of what I’ve written so far might get used but I’m loving where the new book is going.

Yes, I know you want more Ishmael. I can’t give you Ishmael until I get this Smuggler story done so I know what Ishmael finds when he takes the Chernyakova out of the yards. Just the way it goes.

Podium has selected Jeffrey Kafer as the narrator on the new audiobook editions of the Ishmael Wang stories. I’ve known Jeffrey and his work for a long time. I was surprised to learn he’d signed up for the job, but pleased that we’re getting the work moving again.

That’s it for now.

Safe Voyage.