Marking Milestones: Steve Shipley's "False Hope" Release and My 299th Book Project

Happy Book Birthday to "False Hope"! Today marks the release of Steve Shipley's latest Blake Willis Thriller, and I couldn't be more excited to celebrate this launch. Not only is this Steve's third book in the series, but it also represents my 299th book project, this one as an editor, bringing me one step closer to a significant milestone in my publishing journey.

Every book that crosses my desk teaches me something new. Not just about writing or editing, but about the journey of authors who trust me with their words. As I witness these journeys, particularly while working on "False Hope," Steve's latest thriller, I'm reminded of why I fell in love with editing in the first place.

There's something special about watching an author's craft develop, seeing their confidence grow with each new book. Steve's journey from "False Trust" to "False Hope" is a perfect example of this growth, and I feel privileged to have been part of this transformation. Today, as we celebrate the release of "False Hope," I'm not just celebrating another book launch – I'm celebrating the culmination of an author's dedication to continuing to perfect his craft.

The Journey with Steve

When Steve first approached me with his Blake Willis Thriller series, I could see the potential in his storytelling. His extensive background in corporate and IT consulting brought an authenticity to his cyber thrillers that you can't fake. But what's truly remarkable is how his writing has matured with each book in the series.

"False Hope" represents Steve at his best so far. The story weaves together religious artifacts, high-stakes art theft, and personal peril in ways that showcase just how far he's come as a writer. As his editor, I've had the unique pleasure of seeing this book transform from manuscript to polished thriller, and I can honestly say it's the strongest installment in the series yet.

About False Hope

When a priceless religious artifact vanishes without a trace, we find Blake Willis diving deep into the treacherous waters of the international art market. What I love about this installment is how Steve has masterfully balanced the technical aspects of cybersecurity with the human elements of the story. The stakes feel incredibly personal this time, especially with Blake's family connection to the case.

One of my favorite aspects of editing this book was experiencing the vivid settings Steve created. From the atmospheric European locations to the intricate details of the art world, each scene pulls you deeper into the story. An early reviewer mentioned feeling transported to the Swiss Alps while reading, and I couldn't agree more. Steve's ability to paint these scenes while maintaining the thriller's pace shows just how much his craft has developed.

The Editing Process

Working on "False Hope" was particularly rewarding because I could see how Steve had incorporated lessons learned from his previous books. The manuscript arrived with stronger baseline writing, allowing our editing focus to shift from basic mechanics to more nuanced elements of storytelling. Through the line editing process, we worked to enhance the tension in key scenes and ensure the technical aspects remained accessible to all readers.

What makes editing Steve's work unique is his willingness to dive deep into revisions. While he might not always agree with my suggestions – and there's occasionally some good-natured grumbling – he ultimately listens and makes the tough calls when needed. Take, for instance, his fascinating three-page exploration of the mathematical calculations for determining the perfect concrete amount needed for a bell tower. The engineering and mathematics were brilliant, and Steve loved that section, but it didn't advance the plot or enhance the story's tension. Despite his attachment to this "darling," he eventually agreed to cut it. These kinds of decisions show his commitment to putting the reader's experience first, even when it means sacrificing technically brilliant passages that he personally loves.

Despite dealing with long-term COVID and his wife's surgery in 2023, which delayed the publication of both "False Start" and "False Hope," Steve remained committed to polishing every aspect of his story. This dedication shows in the final product.

Steve's Publishing Journey

It's fascinating to watch Steve's evolution as an author. In just a few years, he's built an impressive portfolio spanning both fiction and non-fiction. The Blake Willis series now stands at three books strong, with "False Trust," "False Start," and "False Hope" each building upon the last. His non-fiction works, "Shadow of the Bottle" and "Wine Sense: The Art of Appreciating Wine," showcase his versatility as a writer.

What impresses me most is Steve's candid approach to his author journey. As he recently shared, "I'm starting to feel more like a real author, now with five books published, three of them in the last three months." This kind of honest reflection resonates with many authors I work with - that gradual building of confidence that comes with each new publication.

Looking Forward

Steve is already hard at work on "False Love," the fourth book in the Blake Willis Thriller series, aiming for a mid-year release. Having seen his growth through our work together, I'm excited to see where he takes Blake's story next. There's something special about working with an author who continues to push themselves, constantly striving to deliver better stories for their readers.

As I approach my 300th book milestone, working on "False Hope" reminds me why I love what I do. Each book represents not just a story, but a partnership with an author who trusts me to help shape their vision. Steve's journey from his debut to this third thriller exemplifies the kind of author growth that makes my work so rewarding.

For readers new to Steve's work, "False Hope" is available exclusively on Amazon in multiple formats - eBook (US$4.99), paperback (US$15.99), and hardback (US$24.99). If you're a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, you can read it as part of your subscription. The same goes for all of Steve's books, including the earlier Blake Willis Thriller books and his non-fiction works.

I often tell authors that publishing isn't just about releasing books - it's about growing as a storyteller with each new project. Steve's journey perfectly illustrates this point. As I prepare to hit my 300th book milestone, I'm grateful for authors like Steve who remind me why I fell in love with editing in the first place.

Join Steve's Journey

If you enjoy intelligent thrillers where cybersecurity meets international intrigue, I highly recommend giving Steve's Blake Willis Thriller series a try. Start with "False Trust" and work your way through to "False Hope" - I'd love to hear how you think his writing has evolved through the series.

Have you already read any of Steve's books? Drop a comment below and let us know what you think! Your feedback means the world to authors, and Steve particularly values hearing from his readers. Even a quick comment about what you enjoyed most can make an author's day and encourage them to keep writing.

Want to stay updated on Steve's writing journey and be the first to know when "False Love" releases? You can follow him on his social media channels where he shares updates about his writing process, behind-the-scenes insights, and his adventures in the world of wine and whisky appreciation. It's a great way to connect with him directly and join his growing community of readers.

And remember, if you've read any of his books, leaving a review on Amazon makes a huge difference. It helps other readers discover Steve's work and supports him in continuing to create more thrilling adventures for Blake Willis.

Have you read "False Hope" yet? Or any of the previous books? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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