Dear Readers,

A lot has happened in just three weeks since I wrote my first Saga blog.

First and foremost I have been granted the honor of holding the Book Launching of Book I – Searchers at the Temple Bar in Dublin on or about March 8, 2016 just in time for the centenary events for the Easter Rising of 1916 which will be held later in the month in Dublin March 26 to 29th. For more information about these events in Dublin please go to ?

I think this is a very fitting location for the launching since this Temple Bar SuperPub is instrumental in each of my four novels, with growing involvement in the latter ones. Mr. Tom Cleary, the owner of this fine establishment, has graciously agreed to support my project in this way. Thanks Tom.

Of course there will be many other Easter Rising centenary events elsewhere in Ireland and in America. I am currently aware of such an event being conducted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians in New York City and perhaps several other cities in the USA on April 23rd as well as an event in Philadelphia to be held on the anniversary date of the beginning of the Rising, April 24th. Clearly, Irish men and women worldwide recognize this Rising to have been a pivotal sacrifice in the struggle for independence in Ireland, and one well worth celebrating. Please get involved whether you have Irish blood or just a belief in the justice of freedom in the pursuit of ones heritage and country.

Secondly, a renown Irish historian, Mr. Eamonn Casey, has graciously agreed to review my work for historical accuracy prior to publication. I am very fortunate to have his expert assistance since I strive for historical accuracy both for events and for the characters of those who fought for freedom. Thanks Eamonn.

Thirdly, a renown Irish painter, Mr. Norman Teeling, has painted startling and emotional scenes of the Easter Rising. These large paintings were hanging until recently in the Dublin General Post Office Museum, the captured Headquarters for the Republicans during the Easter Rising. In fact I wanted to use one of these paintings entitled The GPO in Flames on the cover of Book II – Rising. However, recently, Mr. Teeling has just completed a series of twelve new paintings of the Easter Rising in preparation for the Centenary of this auspicious event. He has graciously allowed me to use any or all of them in my novels. You can see one of them on the updated cover for Book II currently on this website. Thanks Norman.

I am forever grateful to these three fine gentlemen for their support of my project. I just hope that I can do them proud with my writing and my story.

Here in California it has been an extremely dry and hot summer. We are in the fourth year of a drought that has left water reserves at an absolute minimum. We are praying for the forecasted El Nino condition in the Pacific Ocean to bring us much needed rain and snow in the mountains this winter season. As a result of these conditions there have been many forest fires that have burned with ferocious intensity and speed in the abundant dry forests. One such fire, called the Butte Fire is still raging very close to us here in Angels Camp. With 100 square miles burned so far and only 30% containment, this fire has consumed over a 100 homes, snuffing out the habitats and belongings of many families including that of my website builder, Ms. Rachel ArceJaeger, herself a noted writer. My editor’s home has been saved but only barely, so her life has been severely affected as well. And these are just two of the thousands of people whose lives will have been altered by just this one fire alone. I am hoping that my project will stay on schedule, yet Mother Nature has dealt a severe blow to our neck of the woods. We should pray for all those affected by this natural disaster. Those who think that climate change isn’t real please take note.

So you can see, dear readers, that I am making progress in my journey.

I’ll talk to you again in October. Until then, please let your friends know about my project and my website if you think it has merit and don’t forget to subscribe if you want to be notified of website updates.