A Little something for everyone

Ryan, what’cha you been doing?

Oh faceless man on the internet I will tell you… but first, a story.

When I first began this journey I had a vision of what I was writing. That vision was a story that everyone can read. I see readers of all ages in a family can come together at the dinner table and discuss, laugh, and ponder, about the story of the paladins.

But Ryan - you foolish man - how is that going to happen? Some kids can’t read good.

To that I say, “First of all it’s ‘Can’t read well.’ Secondly, I’m getting to that.

As I was creating Paladins of the Plains I wrote in such a way that some would get the humor, some would understand the peril, some could connect to the characters, and some would hate the whole thing and toss the book into the chasm in which it birthed.

Can’t please everyone.

I know some of the jokes are crass, maybe a little on the nose, and some of the action can get a little intense, but nothing is overtly “adult.”

But Ryan-

Hold up, I’m getting to that. Yes, the phrases and words I use, even some of the narrative elements, maybe too long-winded or heavy for younger kids. So here is what I have been working on for about two months, though heavier last month - I have been rewriting the whole first book in the middle grade format.

My goal is to keep the heart of all the action, dialogue, and mystery of the Here-After intact, but aimed at younger readers. They can read side-by-side with their older siblings or parents and be able to have conversations about the adventures and dangers the brothers get themselves into.

There will be some descriptions that may have nuance lost, but I feel like I added some other parts that are middle grade specific. And, if a reader consumes both, they might catch some details left out of the other version. As we all know, a storyteller might change a few things, or remember key details that he didn’t have to tell the last audience he regaled a tale to.

So be on the lookout for more details.

Additionally, if you happen to know a literary agent with a sense of humor, send them my way.