A Seven Keys of Hildegard Update

How are you all out there? An odd way to start a blog post I know, but in these troubling, pandemic times, entirely appropriate I think. These are worrisome times for sure. For all of us. I worry about my Sue, my two kids, their spouses, my grandchildren, my family and friends, my neighbours, my community. Little Penetanguishene has now hit 100 cases. Imagine, some bug from Wuhan, China? Nearby Barrie is approaching 2,000 cases! With the virus and its variants seemingly all around us, its certainly scary. There have been many infections (and patient deaths) at Waypoint where I used to work. A trip to the grocery store, which one has to do once in a while, has become an emotional adventure. I tell you, my truck is excellent on gas these days, it doesn't leave the driveway. Wear a mask, even double mask they say. Stay at least six feet apart. Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. I even question if I should bring in the newspaper from the driveway right away or leave it on the porch for a few days. It's never been a scarier time. Ever. Speaking of which...

Despite the distractions to a writer, of this current state of affairs, I've been pugging away. But as a political junkie and lover of history, my concentration has not been helped by the COVID virus locally and internationally, Donald Trump, the US election, the events of January 6 and the inauguration of Joe Biden. Unfortunately, as my son Jordan says, "Dad, you sure though have great material for Book 5!" Tell me about it! Problem is, there will be just so much to include in The Seven Keys, but it will be fantastic material for sure.

Though the Seven Keys turn, Book 3 has been a challenge. Whereas Book 1, "Of Mercy & Of Death" took place during WWII and a bit afterwards, Book 2, "Of Love & Of Betrayal" transpired between 1958 and 1978, Book 3 "Of Deception" takes place between 1978 and 1989. Book 3's timeline was supposed to go until 1999 but there is just so much stuff that happened in the 1980s that I couldn't include it all - the book would have been double the size of Book 2. Book 3 presently sits 25% longer than Book 2. I'm sure you all won't be disappointed.

Peter's upcoming journey sure has some major curves and intertwining lives in it. From the Vatican in Rome to New York City, Ethiopia, New Mexico, France, Philadelphia, Penetanguishene, Midland and Tiny Township, Iowa, western Canada, and yes, even Hildegard's Shrine in Germany, Book 3 has it all. As a self-published author, a work of this magnitude has its challenges, not the least of which is the financing, editing and marketing. Every writer needs a good editor and they are not cheap! But we plug away and I'm still hopeful for an early summer release. To all of you waiting patiently, I promise, Book 3 will be worth the wait. Book 4 may be called "Of Deception II" as there is just so much stuff, which means that yes, there may be seven books. I'm not sure yet. They have a life of their own!!! Maybe it's apropos since there seven Keys?...

​But the interesting news is, don't you love the new cover drawn by my good friend Theresa Schell? I love it. I wonder how many of you get the meaning of the cover and the title, "deception"? She's also the artist for the Hildegard sketch in the first two books and is doing another interior one for Book 3 and 4.

And exciting news . . . two executives (not one but two!) from television/film companies that do work for Netflicks, History & National Geographic channels, etc. have approached me, interested in optioning the rights to The Seven Keys. Its way too early to give any more details but as one of them said to me last week... "I loved Book 1! Great writing, epic story, and I mean epic!! Great characters, shocking twists! You did a great job mixing real history with your fictional story and characters. I love the overall idea and concept of The Keys and Hildegard's visions. I'm starting Book 2 now! Great work. I'm very impressed! I think Penetanguishene and St. Anne's Church is a very good setting for part of your books. I see this as big - Game of Thrones series potential big, each Key could be a season..."

So as things progress, I'm not counting any chickens but maybe, just maybe, we'll be putting Penetanguishene on the world map yet! Yikes! A few more Hildegard books to write too!

​Now hold my coffee while I get back to Book 3!

Previous
Previous

To a Man Who Was SO Much More Than Just A Funeral Director

Next
Next

Morning Thoughts & Hildegard Update