Book Update

Book Update

It’s so crazy that we are in the final stages of the book and so I thought I would give you an update.

Title

The title of the book is Dishonor. We are still trying to nail down the tag line / sub-title. How to encapsulate the entire story in one small line is a bit of a challenge.

Here are some of the ideas so far:

1. A soldier’s journey of desertion, confinement, and redemption.
2. A soldier’s story from desertion to redemption.
3. One soldier’s story from desertion and confinement to release and redemption.
4. One soldier’s story from desertion to redemption.

Feel free to comment below which one you like or if you think it should be worded differently.

Editing

My editor will be sending me the manuscript sometime this week for me to approve all the edits. This surely is a grueling job for her, since this is my first attempt at writing.

I believe that the book will go back and forth a few times between us unless it is just perfect the first time.

Book Cover

There are four book covers created by Deb Toth, who did such an amazing job. I will be revealing which one will be the winner #soon. There was a preliminary focus group that I sent them to. It has been fun seeing which cover people thought would make the most sense.

My goal, as with any author, is to have it jump out at you and say “Pick me, pick me!”

Of course, my wife’s design idea is more popular than mine, go figure.

Endorsements

One of the exciting parts of having blogged the rough draft is that many people have read the book before it is published. This allows me to ask for endorsements from people that know the story already. I am excited about the input I am receiving and the fact that some of you are willing to attach your name to my story. Thank you in advance to all who have said yes to this.

Publishing

It seems like the direction we are heading is the self-publishing route. This is still new to me so I am learning as I go. But basically in order to be picked up by a traditional publisher, there are a lot of hoops and hurdles. At this time no one has swooped down to pull me up from anonymity. This is fine by me, after having read a post by writer Jeff Goins just this morning. (Read it here)

There will be electronic formats for those who digest books using technology. There will also be a physical copy printed because, most inmates don’t have access to technology. I wanted to make those who find themselves in this situation can get their hands on a copy.

Launch

Last year I attended a conference in Nashville called Launch Out. Sitting in the audience, I watched people speak about the things they were starting or actively doing. It was amazing community of people who came together to engage with each other and support one another. This year the conference is in three locations and it looks like I will be applying to speak in St. Louis. At the same time, I will be launching the book. As I type those words, fear grips me.

So, we will see how that goes. I definitely don’t want to rush it.

God

I have no idea where all this will lead. It has been at the forefront of my mind to not let this whole thing get ahead of me. In my church life group and also church leadership meetings, I have asked for prayer that I stay focused on the fact that this is not about me. All I want from this whole experience is for, people that need to hear the message of grace, forgiveness and redemption in Christ, to be reached. Even if just one.

In the end, I may have done the things mentioned in the book, but God has clearly made it possible for me to share the story. Too many things have just, “come together” for me to be the driving force.

You

Your support has been amazing and I appreciate every form of connection you have made with me to letting me know you are right beside me in this journey.

If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing by email. Down the road, if a traditional publisher decides to look at taking this book on, they want to see a large email list. If you are on a computer, there is a banner at the very top of the screen. If you are on mobile, you probably closed the pop-up. It will reappear, if you come back later. Again, thank you in advance.

Closure

As Dishonor gets closer to publication, I ask that you continue to pray for people to be reached. For God to use my mess for His message. For the broken to be healed. And for those struggling with the guilt and shame of their past to be released from this bondage, the same way I was. Through recognizing that God’s forgiveness has already been extended, you only need to accept it.

Ephesians 1:7 NLT

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

Book Update (Click to Tweet)

If this is your first time hearing about my true life story and would like to start at the beginning, click the title below.

The Fort Leavenworth Story