2024 in review

It’s been a wild ride.  Then again, I’m sure that’s what plenty of authors say the year they published their first book.  Let’s break it down.

What we accomplished

First and foremost, Journey of Seven Circles published in June of this year.  Getting the book off the ground felt something like dragging a broken car up a steep incline.  When I finished the manuscript late in 2023, I had no idea how to turn a word document into something people could see on Amazon. 

Performing this act of transmutation required skills I did not possess.  For example, a man of my artistic talents can barely draw a stick figure let alone compose a proper book cover.  Finding and coordinating with the proper professionals was certainly a learning experience, but thanks to some talented artists and formatters, the final product looked great.  I call that one a win.

Moreover, Journey of Seven Circles has been well received.  Media and customer reviews have both been positive, leaving me both humbled and grateful to everyone who has responded to the book.  Truly, thank you.

The work yet to be done

Turns out, publishing a book feels like climbing a mountain only to realizes there’s an even bigger mountain behind the one you just finished.

I still have plenty to learn about the finer points of blogging, social media and Amazon adds.  I come a long way in the last sixth months (maybe enough to consider myself a marketing yellow belt…maybe), but there’s still a heap left to digest and master.

Naturally, I’ll be working on polishing up my internet skills over the next year, in addition to honing my writing craft.

What’s to come in 2025

The biggest news for 2025 is the release of my next novel “Dreams of the Old Explorer”.  I’ve received the first draft back from the proof reader.  It’s looking good so far, but it will probably need one more go through before we can be sure all the typos have been weeded out.  We’re still on track to publish some time early this year.  Likely early spring.  I’ll keep you all apprised.

A big thank you

Last, but certainly not least, I’d like to personally thank everyone who read Journey of Seven Circles, posted it on their social media, wrote a review, or who interacted with the book in any way.

Without readers, a book is just pages on a shelf.  Thanks a million.  Your interest in my work means the world to me.

If you’d be willing to help me out a bit more, please consider leaving a review on Amazon It truly helps.

If you’d like to stay up to date with future release and more, feel free to sign up to my email list.

May 2025 bring you all much joy.

Russell Pike