Hey everyone! I'm so excited to share another update on my book, Under The Lifeguard’s Watch. It feels like a lifetime since I started writing it and it's been a journey of twists, turns and a whole lot of soul-searching.
Life, as it always does, has a way of throwing curveballs, right? Between work commitments and those inevitable ups and downs that come with just, well, being human, the revisions for Under The Lifeguard’s Watch have been a slower process than I initially hoped. I haven't stopped writing, not by a long shot, just had to pump the brakes a little. It’s funny, sometimes getting back into the rhythm and truly stepping into the world of Casper and Soren can be a challenge. When my own mind (much like Casper) is buzzing with real-life worries, I really have to pause and make sure I’m not accidentally injecting those anxieties into their story. Though I’ve been there many times, their world deserves to be its own unique space, untainted by my immediate reality.
But despite the detours, I’ve been diligently working on some really cool and fun elements to truly immerse you, the reader, into Soren and Casper’s world. Get ready to be pulled right into their lives, the lives of those around them and their unforgettable experiences! I'm currently on chapter 26 of revisions and also developing fun extras that will be included in the book. And for those of you with a keen eye, keep an out for some neat little, historically accurate, easter eggs sprinkled throughout the book. They might just transport you back to a time and place that feels wonderfully familiar.
From the very beginning, my vision for Under The Lifeguard’s Watch has been to create a novel that appeals to a wide audience. While it’s certainly suitable for young adults, I truly believe it’s a story that resonates with all ages – from mature preteens to adults. If this book were to ever grace the silver screen (and a guy can dream, right?), I’d confidently say it would be a PG-13 rating. There’s a touch of violence, yes, but at its heart, it’s a romance – just not the "spicy" kind, if you know what I mean. If you’re craving something with a bit more heat, I’ve got a fantastic list of my favorite LGBTQ+ spicy reads I'd be happy to recommend! Oh, and this is just the beginning of Casper and Soren's adventures! I've already got the outlines for the next four books in the series, complete with some fantastic new characters who will be introduced along the way.
For those of you who’ve been following my progress from the early days, you know how this whole adventure began. It all sparked from a vivid memory of a summer trip to Tiki Island waterpark, specifically that exhilarating first time I dared to go down a free-fall waterslide. That memory then blossomed into a fantasy version of the lifeguard I had a crush on, evolving from a simple 13-chapter love story into the 32-chapter (and possibly 33, 34 or 35 chapter!) novel it is today. To break up the monotony of just words on a page, I’m thrilled to be incorporating some fun and special artistic elements into the book. It’s a little taste of my own artistic talents, and I have to give a shout-out to my amazing 8th-grade art teacher, Mrs. Janice Griffin. She had this wonderfully sarcastic way of telling us there was "no right or wrong way to create art" as she graded our work – classic! But truly, I loved her for it. Even though I wasn’t exactly a prodigy with a pencil or crayon, her lessons to think outside the box really stuck with me, especially during my performing days. If you’ve seen me sing, you know I'm probably not what you'd imagine.
I’ve also been trying to keep up with my blog, sharing memories, reviews and other stories I'm eager to tell. However, my absolute top priority right now is getting Under The Lifeguard’s Watch published. So, my blog posts will slow down just a tiny bit over the next few weeks as I push towards the finish line.
And speaking of cool news, beyond the progress I've already shared, I’ve officially acquired the ISBN number for the paperback edition, along with the Library of Congress Control Number! It feels so incredibly real now. My initial plan is to release the paperback edition and once that's out in the world, I'll definitely explore releasing it on the various eBook platforms. Since this is a self-published venture, the printed edition will be truly special for that nostalgic feeling of holding a physical book, especially since the story itself is a delightful dive into the late 1980s. Just a heads-up, you might need your device handy to scan a few QR codes sprinkled throughout – adding a modern twist to a nostalgic journey!
I'm pouring my heart and soul into this and I can't wait for you all to experience the world of Under The Lifeguard’s Watch. Your support means the world to me, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and what you're most excited about in the comments below. Every little bit of encouragement helps fuel this journey!
