Hey Everyone!

So pleased to share that I am working on the last few chapters of the first draft of Captains of Oartheca. It’s been a long journey and there’s still more to come, but progress is being made and the story is one that I am proud of, and sincerely hope you enjoy

What can you tell us about the story so far (no spoilers)?
- It is, by far, the longest instalment of the series to date.
- The story is told in two major parts (or ‘acts’). Both parts will be released together as one novel.
- There’s the action, romance and classic space adventure you’ve come to expect from this series, but also political complexities and moral conundrums we’ve not seen in previous instalments. Oartheca is not for the weak willed.

What happens next for the release?
- I need to wrap up the final chapters, and then launch the arduous process of first draft revisions. Thankfully, I’ve have some help with that, and the first few chapters are already undergoing double-checks and edits. While this process will take more time, I want to deliver a top-notch story free from silly mistakes as much as possible.
- After the edit is complete, I begin my Advance Reader Copy (ARC) cycle – and I’ll be looking for a couple of volunteers to join in on my ARC team! Stay tuned for the announcement!

What’s taken/taking so long?!
- (sigh) Work. 100% to blame. In order that I stay ‘relevant’ and ‘operating at my optimal capacity’, I’ve had to take a series of training courses and certifications for the past year, involving a lot of studying and exams. It’s robbed huge amounts of my personal time. I wish I could say it’s been worth it, but I’m a little resentful that I’ve had to invest so many weekends and late nights, just so I don’t risk losing my job. It’s the way of my industry though – stay kept up or get kicked out. I am grateful I have employment however, and my courses are going to wrap up eventually, and I will have a lot of new bells and whistles to add to my résumé – so it’s not all bad by any stretch.

When can we expect the release of the book?
- Sad to say, but stand-by for further updates in the next couple of months. Trust me, I am just as excited and eager as anyone else is for this book to get published!

What’s the sneak peek pic?!
- Just like the first two instalments, I open the book with a picture of spaceship (done by an amazing artist named Kokln K on Fiverr). Some of you may have guessed these ships are the incarnation that Blue Boy takes for the book.

As a way of thanking you for your patience, I’ve included a minor spoiler of Blue Boy’s new look for Captains. Please look at my Pictures page for the picture!
- Would anyone like to take a stab at guessing the former name of this ship? I'd love to hear your replies!

So that's all for this update, except to say a huge 'thank you' to everyone who is a fan of this series and wants to see what's next in store for Rowland and Toar. Please know that your interest and enthusiasm means the world to me, and drives me to get Captains to you as soon as possible.

All my best to you,
James Siewert