Readers and friends,

What a year it’s been. One year ago I was anticipating the release of my first traditionally published novel, Under False Flags. In November came Liberated: A Novel of Germany, 1945, and this summer it was The Other Oregon: A Thriller. 

One of my goals was to dedicate a book to my mother and father, and I was able to do that this year (for Liberated). For that alone, I’m grateful. 

These releases were the culmination of years and years of writing and rewriting, of rejections and near misses. I had to leave behind some of these stories and — what was saddest for me — certain characters ignored while I worked on new material. 

I’ve given up on chances at interesting careers and a more stable income so I can continue to pursue what I truly love — writing and researching and editing and rewriting. I’m grateful to my wife René for getting it.

Over these years, I’ve received invaluable support from some of you. I remain indebted to you for believing and encouraging me to let my stories and characters loose on the world. Thank you a ton.  

My characters Wendell Lett, Holger Frings, and Heloise Vérive thank you, as do Harry Kaspar, Eugene Spanner, and Katarina Buchholz, followed by Greg and Donny and Leeann, along with all the others. They thank you from straight out of the 1940s and my 2010 novel The Losing Role and from the present day, from various corners of Germany and NYC and Belgium and Oregon and wherever they may roam. 

Three novel releases is a lot in one year, and stressful as hell. But I’m stoked to have them out in the world. 

We’re just getting started.

Read on for more about what’s new and how it continues. There’s more I can’t tell you about just now. But, I assure you that you’ll be the first to know. 
 

— Steve