The following excerpt is from the acknowledgements section of Combat Codes Book Three, Blacklight Born, which was released on July 14th, 2021 (kindle and paperback)
I thought that writing a book during a pandemic, forced inside for most days, would be easier. Unfortunately, I discovered this was not the case. Not only were the troubling circumstances of the world a constant distraction, but the lack of human contact (in specific the grappling sort) seemed to stifle any creativity I could muster.
In addition, I put quite a bit of pressure on myself to give the Combat Codes saga a strong finish. These characters – Murray, Cego, Sol, Silas – they feel like old friends that I’m saying goodbye to and I wanted to give them a proper send off.
Despite the circumstances, I believe I succeeded in doing so, for myself at least, and I sincerely hope that if you made it this far you enjoyed the final book in the series. I can’t put to words how appreciative I am to all the readers who have supported the Combat Codes. You’ve given me the confidence as a new author to continue this journey.
I’d like to thank my entire family for their unending support. Katie for listening to my many impromptu (and inopportune) brainstorms, my girls, Natalie and Jane, for showing me what true creativity looks like every day. Mom and dad, I appreciate both of you for instilling in me a drive to read and learn. And thank you to Mike and Kathy for the many celebratory cakes and hugs at each milestone.
I cannot overstate how important the blogs and reviewers have been to me, those incredible SFF super-fans who gave the Combat Codes a chance. I’d like to appreciate Mark Lawrence’s Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off (SPFBO) and all the judges working on the 6th year of the contest: you have been an incredible asset to help get the Combat Codes in front of new readers.
A big thanks to the dynamic cover artist & designer duo – Felix Ortiz and Shawn T. King – without your vision and skill many might not be reading this right now.
And thank you to the many SFF authors that have welcomed, inspired and helped me, both with the craft and business savvy to sell books. In particular, thank you to my two fellow authors and beta readers – David and Joe – you were there right when I needed you.
Finally, I’d like to give thanks to those in the Brazilian jiu jitsu and martial arts communities that have supported Combat Codes so enthusiastically along the way. You were the spark that lit the fire and have continued to provide me with inspiration in my training and writing every day.
For those that are still off the mats, away from your place of tranquility, I hope you find you way back soon. And to all the martial arts schools that have closed or operated at a deficit during these times, know that you have been missed. As adults living in the modern world, we severely need a place to learn and play, test limits, develop camaraderie and seek solace in combat.
