I thought I would get a rousing start off on 2008 by making my first post in a couple of months. I have been very busy setting up not only my own imprint around Trilogus Enterprises LLC, but finalizing projects in the works to launch its initial publications under Trilogus Books. To that end, I have accomplished the following in the past month: Created, sized and laid out my cover designs, including spine width Format the interior of my novels, and review before turning cover and book into PDFs Worked extensively with my editor on finishing up the Cryptids Trilogy Expanded "Shadow of the Thunderbird" some 40 pages, without changing the story Revised "Track of the Bigfoot" with only slight edits - never mess with a 5 Star novel! Completed "Wake of the Lake Monster", after 4 years of stops and starts Compiled a 2 volume collection of all 14 L. Frank Baum Oz books for publication Created Trilogus Enterprises LLC as a means to produce my own books and music Wrote the first 3 chapters of my 4th novel, which is high tech and non-cryptofiction I am very proud of these accomplishments, and look forward to a very productive year in growing my own business. I have a three phase plan to bring my books back to market, and will definitely take the high road in doing so. It is an unfortunate thing that I had to part company with others whose paths no longer parallel my own, but I wish them every success in their own endeavors. I am grateful for those of you who have stuck by me, encouraging me with your ongoing support and asking when The Cryptids Trilogy will be complete. Well, it is finished now, with the publication of "Wake of the Lake Monster". All I lack now is to literally turn the switch and release the book to the general public. I have grown exponentially in the scope of my writing, although I have tempered my mechanics in the process. The initial response by those who have proofed or edited the last book have been struck by the epic scope of the storyline, and how themes throughout the trilogy have been intertwined to fruition. I combine storyline, in which characters change but situations remain the same, with plot, in which the opposite is true. I would be less than honest if I said that the last 6 years spent in creating "The Cryptids Trilogy" was not rife with triumphs and tragedy. I became well known in cryptozoology, with conference appearances, newspaper articles and hosted 2 radio shows. I fell away for a period of three years, when I had to put matters of family and finances first, and tend to the needs of those dearest to me. I was involved with 2 start up ventures in which I spent hundreds of hours, but ultimately could neither sustain or justify supporting them. I am still friends with those individuals, but decided thereafter against any other such arrangement. Trilogus Enterprises LLC is a dream come true for me, and an outlet for my creativity. Long before I wrote my first novel, I was a singer-songwriter, with early success in Nashville. I walked away to honor a greater commitment, with a backlog of hundreds of songs. I sang and played through the years in concerts and on television, won awards for show music and songwriting contests, but ultimately laid the guitar aside. My publishing venture will allow me to record and sell that music again. I am looking forward to promoting and growing 2 careers simultaneously, alternating 125,000 word novels with 125 word songs. Too often, I let my dreams slip away in favor of difficulties beyond my control, when I could have just as easily used these outlets as a means to restore balance in my life. Many times in the past, I used creative mediums as ways to express myself to others. I even created a comic strip based on Noah's Ark, as a microcosm of the world in its diversity. A major newspaper and comic syndicator liked it so much that a ranking editor sent me a three page rejection letter, in which the strip, a la The Far Side, was described as 'too secular for the religious, and too religious for the secular'. It did not, however, keep that same paper from taking the idea and producing their own version, 6 months later. If you have a creative thought or idea for anything from a story to an invention - get it out there! A creator is one who creates! In spite of what is going on around you, use your imagination and reorganize thoughts and matter into creative expressions unlike anyone else's, unique to you. In this digital age, if you wish to publish a book, music, video, game or art - there are means out there for you to do so. Never let anyone tell you that you are not good enough to make it. Even the most famous now started out with doubts and rejection. We seldom fail because we are defeated - we fail because we don't persevere - we quit before we win. The only way to lose in the end is by not trying. I know that I may never be rich by my books, my music or any other thing that I have done to fully utilize my creativity - but I did it. I wrote three novels, a comic strip and hundreds of songs. Those who know you will be amazed by what you have accomplished, even if they try to dissuade you, or show no interest in what you have done. Life is full of doubters, or wonder if any great thing can come out of someone they have known for so long. Your audience, strangers who come to enjoy what you do, but who may never make themselves known to you, appreciate the contribution you have made as entertainment. Trust me - you can expect as many fans as critics, and it is the silent majority in between who will want you to continue, for years to come. That is what I hope to accomplish in my writing of novels and songs. I know that I will never be the greatest that ever lived in either case, but I will be the most unique in capturing and presenting my own thoughts and ideas. If I can make you feel as I did when I created that book or music, I will have accomplished something that will hopefully enrich your life, and creating them for you has enriched mine. If you have a book in you - write! If you can dance, sing, play an instrument, sculpt or paint, let that expression become a part of your life. Who knows? It may just become a part of someone who needs what you have to offer, even if they live a thousand miles away, and you never ever meet. I am a firm believer that if I can do it - anyone can! Good luck, God bless, and a happy and prosperous 2008 to you and yours! Until next time, ~ D.L.