May 2026 News

Happy May to you. There’s news and I’ma tell it.

Writing

V&V is still in the competition that is SPFBO XI! There have been 140 books cut (of 300) but V&V remains. Follow the competition on Mark Lawrence’s blog.

Elsewhere Nick Snape, author and all around awesome fellow, enjoyed V&V and reviewed it on FanFiAddict.com. It is a well-thought, flattering review. I particularly liked the line, “List’s book once again demonstrates the depth of indie writers out there, and that whenever risks are taken with style and talent, the outcome is something fresh.”

V&V2 is coming along. I say that every update and it certainly means very little to you. It’s hard to gage actual progress from one month to the next. All scenes are laid out. Nearly all are written. But nearly none are in their final stage. They all need attention, be it slight tinkering to smooth things out to total overhaul.

I have no idea how close I am to being done with this book. And sadly, writing will slow down for the next few months due to the day job(s) that is

Kayaks

Here comes a two-fold update.

Firstly, Lake Hartwell Kayak is pumping along despite low lake levels. We’ve just finished our second-best April of all time, and we have reservations well into summertime.

Guests canoeing to Cemetery Island on Lake Hartwell, to view the old headstones of some of their relatives

Secondly, my household has excitedly taken on the huge responsibility of managing the Sandbar on the Broad River, a kayaking outfitter that’s been ferrying kayakers up the Broad River for the last 25-30 years. Our friend Natalie - owner - has hauled about as many kayaks as she ever cares to and wants her weekends back so my wife and I will run it while she enjoys a well-deserved summer off.

Myself, Natalie (owner), Wifey at the Sandbar. 2026

Myself and Future-wifey at the Sandbar Grill likely after pulling kayaks all day. Around 2006

The Sandbar is where my wife and I got our first kayaking experience, be it as customers and employees. We’ve paddled down the Broad River at all times of day or night, rain or sunshine, when the river is at 1’ depth or 15’ (not recommended for casuals). Pulled more kayaks out of the river than I care to count, loaded them on trailers, transported them on a bus with no door, mirrors, or AC up dirt roads in the woods with no phone service in 100 degree weather. It ain’t easy but the Sandbar has the best atmosphere and dress code and scenery and coworkers of any job I’ve ever had.

David Tunes Pianos

As mentioned in previous posts, DTP is a newish endeavor born of the need to make a living when it’s too cold to kayak. It’s going really well. As the name suggests, I aim to tune. I don’t presently aspire to get technician certified and go all out with this, despite that the work is there if I want it. Maybe in time. Not in the summertime though. Because of kayaks.

Music

Something Once Sacred had two shows since last update and we have another one this month. Much to the bands’ chagrin, I pump the brakes on scheduling shows during hot months. Again, because of kayaks.

Podcast

The Four Beardsmen of the Bookpocalypse has been busy meeting and interrogating authors and working alongside Spotlight Indie to make content for your faces! Go subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss anything.

Believe it or not, I even deprive these boys of my charm and wit in the summertime due to … [drum roll] … that’s right. Kayaks.

Next Time

The next update is due for July, LHK’s busiest month and Sky Island Publishing’s slowest.
Here’s what I hope to report:
- Mad success with The Sandbar and Lake Hartwell Kayak.
- Increased skills, knowledge, experience, and client-base with David Tunes Pianos but I’m okay with 0 progress.
- Great talks and laughs and learns with new and previous guests on the Four Beardsmen of the Bookpocalypse.
- V&V makes semi-finalist and then finalist then wins SPFBO XI.
- Progress of ANY sort on V&V2.

see you then

dtl