Over the past 25 years, I drafted five books but never published any. When my kids became adults and my job moved home, I had time to finish them. This one–The Quest for Home–is the final of those five:
Driven from her home. Stalked by enemies. Now her closest ally may be a traitor.
Based on a true story, this is the unforgettable saga of hardship and determination, conflict and passion as early man makes his way out of Africa and across Eurasia, fleeing those who would kill him. He must be bigger-than-life, prepared time and again to do the impossible because nothing less than the future of mankind is at stake.
With a planned publication of Fall 2019, here’s how I’m doing:
- I’ve had a month of tech problems. I lost my Surface Pro in South Korea while traveling with my kids. Then, came home and my desktop was dead. I borrowed my husband’s laptop which worked well but slowly (one screen instead of two; none of my bookmarks, the hated trackpad instead of a mouse). I think life is finally back to normal but we’ll see.
- I have several efriends who have offered to be beta readers for The Quest for Home. I can’t tell you how much this means to me. It’s a job I never offer to do for others because I am not good at, so I have no real way to repay their efforts. But I’m thrilled to accept.
- I’d be happy to offer an ARC copy of this book in return for a few early comments? That would be in August/September. Any takers–I’m at askatechteacher@gmail.com!
- I’m ordering the cover this month. Soon. And I can’t wait.
- I haven’t yet started on Deborah Jay’s wonderful list of 10 things to pay attention to in a series. That will probably be one of the last editing bits I do.
- Still editing… Sigh… I’m still on piecemeal editing, where I search for repeated words and phrases, cliches, repeated unusual words, word frequency, grammar, passive voice, filler words, weak adverbs, and more. This lets me zoom in on phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to fix problems. I’ll know when I’m done because I’ll stop wincing every time a edit a paragraph. Next, I’ll reread the entire book for flow, pacing, and readability. I
expecthope to start that by August. - As I edit, I’m taking note of all the plot threads that I have to resolve in Book 3 of the trilogy, In the Footsteps of Giants. Unlike one-and-done novels (books not part of a trilogy), I don’t have to tie up all the loose ends in this book.
Something I noticed: When I look at the “Customers who bought this book also bought…” slider on Amazon, I’m thrilled that both books in the Man vs. Nature saga (that would be Born in a Treacherous Time and Survival of the Fittest) are always the first in each other’s list. Isn’t that what we hope for in a series? Do you check that, too?
Click to be notified when The Quest for Home is available.
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers, and the Man vs. Nature saga. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, blog webmaster, an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for TeachHUB and NEA Today, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, The Quest for Home, Fall 2019. You can find her tech ed books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning
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Hi Jacqui – that’s great … but the troubles on your trip, or afterwards – are just the kind of things sent to try us: glad it seems to be over …
I’m so pleased to read you’re progressing on … and that cross-over between the two books works effectively – well done.
Good for you and all the best – though you’re another month ahead as I write this. I’m emailing you too … cheers Hilary
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I love checking my Amazon stats and still see each of the books are the #1 in the “Customers who bought this also bought” list. Somethings working.
Got your email and will be replying. How kind of you to reach out!
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Wow, Jacqui, you are really steaming ahead; that is fantastic 😀 Well done to you for being persistent and getting through those tech hurdles.
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I’m excited to get this book out. Then I’ll be where you are–trying to write the next book in the trilogy from scratch. I’m a bit nervous about that.
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You don’t have anything to worry about. I have every belief that you will be great at writing a trilogy. Your books are such great books to read.
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Ugh. Losing your laptop, then a dead desktop?! Sounds like things are running smoothly again, though. Keep plugging away. You’ll get things done. And please share the cover when you get it 😀
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It still hurts but like a toothache. Just getting used to it. Maybe more like a hole in the wall.
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Awesome progress, even with all the tech issues 🙂 (I couldn’t cope with using the trackpad on a laptop, I have to plug in a mouse or I go crazy!)
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I felt life click to somewhat normal as soon as I plugged in that mouse. Then, it was the one screen instead of two. Sigh.Now all of that is behind me.
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I love following along with your progress. You inspire me!!
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I will be tad late next month but I hope I’ll have a lot to report.
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It is good to know that readers look at other books in the series, Jacqui. I hope your tech issues are now sorted out and you can settle down and just write.
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They are, pretty much. I still have a new touch screen monitor that won’t but I’m calling it. I didn’t really need to touch my desktop monitor anyway.
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I have the whole series–looking forward to this one.
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Thank you so much, Damyanti. I’m excited with how this part of the trilogy is working out.
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All the best Jacqui!
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Thanks, Ankur. I’m chipping away at things.
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Oh dear, you’ve been so unlucky with the tech issues, that certainly throws a spanner in the works. Good luck with the continuing editing efforts! xx
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Last month was lousy for tech but I’m sure I’m beyond it. The rest of July will be wonderful!
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Powering ahead Jacqui like your protagonist in spite of hitches! Hambe Gahle! (Zulu I think for go well)
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Oooh I like that Zulu. Ngiyabonga, Susan. (Zulu for Thank you–I had to Google it!)
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normally we say yabonga … 🙂
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Oooh, thank you.
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I’m anxiously waiting………………….:)
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Hehee. That’s how I feel about your new book, Thunderhill. July 22nd–right?
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Jacqui,
I’m happy to read despite the many obstacles of late that you’re making progress toward your fall 2019 publication deadline. I have faith that you can do it. Best of luck, my friend!
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Thanks, Cath. It has been a slow month for writing!
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Happy to read you’ve managed to solve everything (technical problems is a bit of an understatement, but a positive attitude sure counts), and are progressing at good pace. Editing is somewhere between torture and labour of love (or both). I’ve been a beta reader a few times, but I never know if my comments are of any use as it is so subjective… Good luck!
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I’m not one who does well when I push things so the 12-hour days won’t work. I just have to keep slogging forward.
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Way to keep going Jacqui, despite your loss of laptop. I too hate those track pads. I just turn them off and use a mouse. 🙂
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Once this is done, I’m looking forward to a bit of a slower pace for Book 3!
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We all need some of that! 🙂
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Hi Jacqui. The editing sounds almost as demanding, and maybe more so, than the initial writing.
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When I’m writing the story, I cut myself a lot of slack. Can’t do that in editing! So yes, it is more demanding.
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Oooh! Goodness! So excited for the next cover reveal!
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I have a few articles to finish up for clients and then I’m turning to the cover. I CAN’T WAIT!
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Yay!
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Darn computers! Glad you have yours back and can get that editing done so we can READ the book! lol.
Love, love the blurb!
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Losing my laptop, I didn’t get any work done in Southeast Asia. And not much after that until I got my desktop up. It’s just how I work…
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Oh those tech issues and losing your Surface sound horrible, but you seem to be taking it in stride, Jacqui! I’m reading Survival of the Fittest now, and enjoying every word!
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I had facial recognition on it so pretty safe. Then, I told it to lock itself if anyone got through the facial. Sigh.
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So much to do but you’ll get it done well. Best to you, Jacqui.
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And–my online summer classes are in full swing. Yikes!
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Wishing you all the best, Jacqui! It sounds like you have everything planned out and are making good progress!
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Yes to the latter! Thanks for the good wishes!
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I am always there Jacqui, count me in though you know my speed! 🙂 So happy with your upcoming book nearing its publication. All setbacks melt at the altar of our determination. All the best!
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What a great phrase, Balroop. Wow.
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Editing is the hardest part. I tend to lock myself away for days during the final stretch of it. Sorry on all your computer issues, but congrats on your upcoming release:)
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Summer is the busy time for our home business but I’m going to dump most of that on Husby. He can do it!
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I find it inspirational when one finishes a project that has been sitting for so long. Good for you, Jacqui, in making it happen.
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You are so right, Pete. That first book that I got out–Born in a Treacherous Time–a weight lifted. I didn’t care if no one bought it. I was still done.
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That’s a pain having to deal with all those computer problems – that would set me back too.
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You know what I mean, Andrew. I have to put off replacing the laptop but did buy a new desktop. An MSI Trident X Plus Gaming PC. 3 monitors, i9, 2 T drive. I know–you’re jealous. My son is!
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You need a guest spot, just let me know!
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I just wrote that down, Alex. In ink. No eraser.
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Excellent progress, Jacqui, and an intriguing premise indeed. Congrats.
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Thanks, Cynthia! I’m hoping when I finish writing this saga, I can get the stories out of my head!
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Good luck. Because people will want you to talk and write about them, at that stage!
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I hate the “wince as I read a paragraph” stage of revision. But the book is always better on the other side. Sorry to hear about all your setbacks; glad you’re finally leveling out.
And I check the also-boughts, too. My company is pretty much obsessed with them. (I’m not to that level. Yet.) Looks like yours are on point. Kudos!
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You’re right, Staci–I love the revisions. Somehow it takes that pain to achieve gain. I think I heard that somewhere…
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All your technological difficulties would have driven me nuts. And I’d have to have a mouse with a laptop to do anything. Congrats on all the progress you’re making.
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Well, ask my husband, I did go a bit off the rails. I had to apologize to a few people. Sigh.
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So cool to have ARC readers lined up, Jacqui. All the best with your editing. 🙂
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Oh I love the ARC readers. It is motivating me to finish, too–I don’t want to disappoint them!
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I hate tech problems. I hate editing too. I cover my face – and wince – whenever I find a badly written paragraph (that’s the charm of being blind, I don’t need to uncover my face).
But all in all, you sound like you’re on time and the right track.
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You made me laugh with the blind comment. Of course! Yep, I’m getting through. I feel the energy grow as the good paragraphs become pages.
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it’s what keeps me moving forward – knowing despite the torture, there’s progress.
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Best of luck. You are right on track!
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I’m actually pondering contacting my cover designer next week. Next week! Oh man…
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Count me in, Jacqui. Well done!
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You’ll see an official sign up list in a few months but I’m adding you, Gaby!
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So good to hear of your progress, Jacqui. Looks like I’m remiss in not having yet purchased Born in a Treacherous Time. I’d better fix that soon. 🙂
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Be my guest! It’s a different trilogy in Man vs. Nature (Dawn of Humanity) but it does precede this trilogy in time.
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*Smile*
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You certainly don’t lack determination, Jacqui!! Congratulations!!
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Once this book is out, you’re going to see a serious slow down in writing. I’d like to say one a year but that may be too aggressive.
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I’ll bet when you start to relax and not think about writing – ideas and plots are going to show up anyway!! Good Luck on having a “slow down”. lol
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Losing that tablet must have been horrible. I go cold just thinking about it. You do sound on-the-ball with your solutions, though. As for the work schedule you’re describing, I’m in awe. To maintain a blog on top of that suggests the power of your determination. Good luck with that editing.
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It was horrible. I still worry someone will break into it and steal everything. I had the latest draft of my current book on it so I could work on it. Sigh. I’ll hand this problem to God. I’ve done everything I can.
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Tantalisingly close, but it must seem so far away. For me your release is Spring, and that can’t come soon enough! Good luck with your last push…nearly there!
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Thanks, AJ. I am energized every day to work on it. It feels real.
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You sound so well organised, Jacquie. Is this the secret to success I wonder?
Good luck we the beta reads…
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I’m not really organized. I just don’t have a lot to do other than writing. My husband–who is a saint–covers so much of the other.
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I knew there was something I should have…
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