82 Pages and Going Strong

82 pages--that's about 170 real pages in a book. I've been working hard this last week on Becoming Isaac, but these last fifteen pages have been slow going, mostly because they required a lot of research to make sure I was getting things right. The last time I was in school, the internet was still pretty fresh and awkward. We had a very slow dial-up connection that was more painful than going to a library and researching whatever it was I needed to research. I still remember filling index cards with facts and figures and references for my research papers. Those were the days when the card catalog was still the fastest way to find material. Things have changed a lot in the past ten years. I love high speed internet that helps me get my information quickly and relatively painlessly.
My research has centered around the Quakers. I am not completely certain, but I think I have Quaker roots. If I don't, I wish I did. I have admired them for years, but the more I learn, the more I want to learn. I have great admiration for William Penn especially. What a man of integrity, wisdom and inspiration. Much of the material that inspired me in the beginning to set my book is a Quaker village will be included in Book III, but if you're bored and have some time to spend on the internet, I highly recommend doing some research on William Penn and the Quaker people. I think our world would be a much better place if we all would embrace the Quaker ideals.
I'm having a great time. I had a couple of people email me this week to ask if I was going to kill Amy in this book. No, I am not going to kill Amy. I think I have a crush on her. I have infused her with so many of my wife's finest qualities and I want to make sure Amy has a chance to pass those on to the next generation of Niederbippians.
I have also recieved many emails this week asking when the final book will be out. Good news! If things continue to go as they are, I should be able to have the book available my late June, early July. I hate to make promises because I know there are lot of things coming up, art shows, house projects, etc, but this is the book that the others have been written for and its messages are coming fast and strong. I promise I am working on it everyday. I hope the next couple of weeks will give me a chance to make a lot of progress. I love the days I dont have to go to book signings because I can get so much done. Six pages today as well as a lot of editing of the previous pages.
I just wanted to give a shout out again to those of you who have written reviews of the books on Amazon. As of this evening, there were 26 reviews for Remembering Isaac and 4 reviews for Discovering Isaac. If you feel so inclined, I invite you to fill out a review too. Its easy and good karma and it helps spread the word. If you don't know how, read the past two or three blogs. For now, I am signing off so I can get some sleep. I will be at the Orem Costco tomorrow and the West Valley Costco on Wednesday which is traditionally my slowest store signings. I hope I wont need anti-depressants by the time I'm done. I'll be in Murray on Friday and the 18th South Salt Lake Costco on Saturday. Noon to 6 each day unless I sell out of books or die trying.
Cheers, Ben