Measuring the progress I've made in recent months on the third and final book of, The 13th Apostle trilogy series, I see I'm a lot further along than I thought.  I'm already at 328 pages and the work is just pouring out.  It's an incredible feeling, to be so close to completion - I'd say several more months.  It's actually hard to believe it's almost finally done, after working diligently for approximately 16 years on this series.    

Reading back through scenes of The 13th Apostle, and its sequel Divine Providence, as well as this final book of the series, it's like reflecting on experiences from my own life.  I know exactly where I was in my life, what was going well, or not, and how I felt about everything, as I researched topics and wrote the scenes in these books.  This epic story, these characters, and these life-changing scenes have become an integral part of who I am, today.  

The work I produced in these books also laid the foundation for me to be able to write another book I am incredibly proud of, The Vampire.  If it wasn't for The 13th Apostle, Divine Providence, and this new work, I would have never had the skill, or courage to tackle such a complex character or storyline, as I did in The Vampire.    

As strange as it might sound to some, writing my books is more than just a hobby, or having a product to sell...  it breathed life into my soul.  Through my books, I discovered who I truly am, who I want to be, and revealed inspirational messages I want to share with every reader.  

When your gut instinct urges you to move forward with something that inspires you, such as creating art, in any form, listen.  Through that work you will discover who you truly are, and show you the gift you are meant to share with the world.  It is transformative.       

As I continue writing BOOK III of, The 13th Apostle, trilogy series, I can't help periodically reflecting on my novel writing experience, thus far.  I've been faithfully writing for 15 years, and publishing novels for 9 years...  and it really was the best thing that ever happened to me.  When you follow your passion, you connect with your soul's purpose in this life.  Once you've discovered it, there's no denying it.  You feel more alive than ever before, and you know that your work will find its audience, seemingly all on its own.  My books also feel like they have their own soul, as if they are living, breathing, inspirational works of art, meant to enlighten the lives of those who read them.  It's hard to explain to anyone who does not create, but those who do, understand what I'm saying.  Anyone who has the passion to write a book, pen a poem, paint a portrait or landscape, carve a sculpture, compose a piece of music, act out a scene, design a building, or dance, should read the following...
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Being inspired to boldly create or do something that will turn your passionate vision into reality, has genius, power and magic in it. If you can go there in the mind, it can be done.

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I have learned deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!”  
​— William Hutchison Murray  (Scottish mountaineer and writer)

Every writer measures his or her progress, differently.  Today, I finally hit the 300 page mark in my new book (the third and final installment of, The 13th Apostle trilogy series).  Thanks to a cloudy, rainy, foggy Sunday, I've been at my computer for hours, writing the day away - one of my favorite things to do.  While still more to accomplish, I can't imagine I have more than 100 pages to go, before this novel is complete.  Although impossible to predict, my best guess says I'll be done with this new work by the end of 2019.  (PHOTO:  This is a photo I used to inspire me, while writing a particular chapter. Believe it or not, it is also the setting for one of the scariest scenes in the book)

I am a big fan of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, and to hear and watch them play during one of my all time favorite movies from childhood was sensational! ​ I find the RI Philharmonic to be incredibly inspirational, and creatively stimulating.  Any time I have the opportunity to see and hear the RI Philharmonic play is truly a joy.  There is something deeply moving about hearing classical music played live.  

The new book I'm currently writing, the third and final installment of The 13th Apostle trilogy series, is a dramatic conclusion, but a tricky story to tell, as it's set in hell.  I had to create a unique nether world that no one has ever seen or read about before - and I've done it.  Reading what I've written so far, I feel that readers will be drawn right into this story, just as they were in the first two books.  While writing this installment, it was critical to me that the story, the characters (the old ones, and some new ones), and the scenes, are every bit as compelling as they were in the first two books.  From book 1, to this one, I want my readers' emotions to soar, without interruption.  Anything short of that, and I've sacrificed the story, as well as my own talent.  This book is living up to everything it was always meant to be.

In Divine Providence, Fallon, who intentionally condemned her soul to hell, is on a never-before-attempted mission to try to save the soul of her twin brother Roarke.  Knowing full-well there is no record of any life force ever successfully freeing itself from the Place of the Damned, Fallon has no idea what to expect, as she is deposited in the afterlife location the living consider a place of torment and shame.  But one thing is for sure, Fallon has no intention of giving up until she's found a way.

So far, I have 274 pages written, with maybe another 100-150 pages to go.  My goal is to complete this work by the end of 2019, and I'm well on my way.

Every writer/author has his or her own way of inspiring themselves.  One of the things I like to do, is print out a hard copy of what I've written so far, so I can see/measure my progress.  There's something satisfying about seeing hundreds of pages stacked, knowing how much I've accomplished....  and am well on my way to completing the work.  While this will not be the book cover, it represents a scene in one of the chapters of BOOK III of, The 13th Apostle trilogy series, that touches me deeply.  Writing a novel takes intense concentration, emotional and spiritual inspiration, and prolonged commitment.  It's the little things like this, or a stirring piece of classical music, a profound photo evoking feelings of love or despair, or even a meaningful life experience that keeps me at my keyboard, typing.  If all goes well, I hope to have this final installment of my trilogy series to readers by the end of 2019.    

When I'm finished writing this book, I plan to move on to my next writing project, which will either be a sequel to, The Vampire (for which every reader has been requesting with great enthusiasm), or a UFO/alien novel, for which I've already written an outline.

There's no better way to spend a cold, snowy, January Sunday morning, afternoon and evening, then writing.  Days like today are perfect for any writer, and I think my author friends will agree.  Dressed in warm, comfy clothes, with the fireplace lit, and your computer on your lap, is a great way to spend a stormy weather day.  For me, there's no better feeling, than knowing I've produced some profound creative work, that my readers will eventually come to enjoy.  I am making my way through the final installment of my trilogy series, slowly but surely.  Hitting the 254 page mark today, is a great feeling of accomplishment, but there's still more to go.  I am eager to complete this book, so I can move on to my next book, which will either be a sequel to The Vampire, or a UFO/alien book, for which I've already written an outline.  Either way, I will be exhilarated to complete my trilogy series, which I've been working on for over 12 years.