To be honest, I’ve not been very disciplined about blogging. Most of my personal comments and thoughts about my personal life are best found on my social media pages, such as Facebook, Instagram, and X. Also, frankly, I’ve been too busy writing and editing to finish two novels, with one released already–Aziza and the Caves of Mars–and another release in January. Some of you who know me personally are aware of another event in my life that shook my entire world.
In April of 2022, I lost the love of my life when my soulmate and wife of 42 years, Carol, died suddenly from a brain aneurysm. It was an unexpected blow that shattered my happy existence for our daughter Amy and me. The former Carol Welkes was a native of New York City and through the miracle of fate, we met on a blind date. It was a fairytale existence of life, love, and laughter with her. Like me she was a writer, having published short stories. She was an accomplished artist, a beloved teacher of kindergarten and elementary-level students, and we sometimes shared the live stage in plays. When she passed, it was difficult for me to write anything new. Fortunately, my novel manuscripts and a short story were already written and I only had to focus on editing.
So now I’m in the midst of launching Aziza and the Caves of Mars, which answers the question, what would happen if the first astronauts on Mars discover an existing civilization under the surface? For astronaut Thomas Appleton and Aziza, the crown princess of Mars, the adventure is only just beginning in the first book. I hope readers will enjoy this epic tale. I’d appreciate a review on Amazon if you buy your books there.
My next novel, due for release in January 2024, will be in a very different genre. I’ve wanted for a very long time to write a coming-of-age romance inspired by my youth growing up in my hometown of Altoona, Pennsylvania. The result is Heart in the Jungle: Mountain City, set in 1966 against the backdrop of a fading railroad industry that built the mountain city, and at a time when young men were worried about the war in Vietnam. This is not a war story, but a young man’s challenges of entering adulthood and finding romance, courage, and defeating those who try to exploit him.
Meanwhile, I’ve been pulling my personal life together and learning to live without the love of my life. After 18 months, I’ve made peace with the fact that she’s never coming back, believing instead that she’s in a better place filled with contentment and happiness, knowing how much I loved her on Earth and will always love her. In recovering from grief, I wonder if I could ever be that lucky again. I have yet to go out on a real date, but I will hint that some recent correspondence has lifted my spirit to make me think I can love again. To love again after being happy for so many years, one must give themselves permission to bring someone new into their lives. After a few prayers and conversations with the spirit of my departed wife, I believe that fate may bring me happiness again. The only hint I can give, because discretion is important to me, is that the woman with whom I’m corresponding is someone of fame. No name until when it’s appropriate. It’s possible you may see my name in the news at a future date for a reason other than my books. I’m not about to jinx it at this point. You’ll just have to stay tuned!
Author Fred J. Lauver 