Meet Tuko & Book 11 Update

We've got a new addition to the family this past week. A pie Cockatiel that Jack has named Tuko after the character in "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly". Side note, the character is actually spelled "Tuco", but Jack thought that looked too much like Taco. We've been talking for a few months about getting a pet that was just his. His to take care of, his to feed and water, his to raise, and us to pay for (you know that goes). I had birds growing up, or rather my sister had birds, and they were pretty cool, if a bit loud depending on the type, (I'm looking at you Finches), and my husband had a dove for more years than he can remember, so a bird became a good choice. We did consider a hamster, a rat, a gerbil, a guinea pig, and a parakeet, and I even left it alone for awhile to see if he'd just forget about it, but he didn't, and so here we are. So far, so good, but we're only 5 days in. I'm sure days of "did you water the bird?" and "No, you can't go play until you clean his cage", are in my near future.

On a related note, sort of, book 11 is coming right along! I say it's a related note because I actually had a part outlined in the book where a bird helps Jed get out of a bind, and Tuko was easily written in to that part, so keep an eye out for him, or tell your kids to keep an eye out for him! 

I'm just about done with the book, which means I've got probably a weeks worth of writing to do, provided I write a chapter each day. After that, it's only about 3 days to edit and get the illustrations in, then it'll be ready to go! 

I'm very excited for this spin off because I'm working with my super-awesome cover designer to make a puzzle out of the next 6 books. When you put the books together, you get to see the whole picture, very cool! I actually saw this on another series my mother in law gave to Jack years ago and I thought it was a wonderful idea, especially since most of the book sales are paperbacks. She and I have started that work already, so I should have all 6 covers ready to go long before all 6 books are written, that'll be a first! 

Ty's Tyrants are moving along. I'm so excited to see the reviews on Amazon, the stars on Goodreads, and the new names added to the list. I'll be adding every single name in book 11 for anyone who has ever reviewed, so if you or your young reader has reviewed, tell them to look out for their name! 

Alright, I'm off to write, but here's a picture of the new bird. Isn't he a cutie?

​Ty