Samuel DenHartog's Blog: The Road to 1,440, page 19

Take A Culinary Nightwalk with "The Vampire's Cookbook: Volume I"

Hello, connoisseurs of the night and epicurean adventurers!

Today, I'm stirring the pot on something quite out of the coffin—er, kitchen. My latest gastronomical voyage, "The Vampire's Cookbook: Volume I," is a cheeky, blood-infused journey into the kitchens of the immortal and well-traveled. Ever wondered what a vampire might nibble on after growing weary of the same old A-positive? Well, sharpen your fangs, my friends, for this is not your typical garlic-free affair.

With a cape flourish and a dash of humor, I whisk you away to the world's most fascinating culinary hotspots alongside our charismatic vampire chef, Lucien Bellerose. This toothsome tome is packed with recipes that give 'farm to table' a whole new meaning—think 'vein to vessel'. Join us as we transcend mere sustenance to savor a smorgasbord of cultural delicacies, all while keeping things light-hearted enough not to wake the dead (though they might join us for a bite if they could).

So, don your most elegant apron, light the candles (for ambiance, of course), and prepare to sauté, simmer, and sip your way through a menu that's truly to die for. As we flip through the pages of blood orange risottos and stake-less tartares, remember: it's all in good fun. No mortals were harmed in the making of this book—though I can't speak for the onions.

See you at midnight,
Samuel DenHartog

Journey deeper into the heart of Nyrithia in "Quest for the Bracelets of Thalindor"

Greetings, lovers of magical lands!

Ever since the release of "Quest for the Ring of Luminara," the journey through the enchanting realms of Nyrithia has captured the hearts of many. It is with immense excitement and a heart full of adventure that I present to you the next chapter in the Chronicles of Nyrithia series – "Quest for the Bracelets of Thalindor." This sequel is a testament to the resilience of our heroes and the enduring magic that courses through the veins of Nyrithia.

As we delve deeper into the heart of darkness that threatens to engulf Nyrithia. Aria, our fearless sorceress, alongside her loyal friend Eron and the steadfast dwarf Durgin, embarks on a quest fraught with danger and steeped in ancient magic. As they journey across the diverse landscapes of Nyrithia – from the bustling free port city of Lyrandar to the sinister Dark Woods of Blackenthorn – their bond is tested by the forces that seek to undo the fabric of their world.

Each page is a promise of intrigue, magic, and the unraveling of destinies intertwined with the fate of Nyrithia itself. So, to those who have walked with Aria and Eron through their first trial, and to those yearning for tales of courage and wonder, "Quest for the Bracelets of Thalindor" awaits.

May your heart be brave, your magic powerful, and your journey epic. Here's to the magic that binds us, the shadows we unveil, and the tales of courage that will forever echo in the halls of time.

Onward to adventure,
Samuel DenHartog

Ascend Mount Olympus with "Tales from the Greek Pantheon"

Greetings, seekers of myth and legacy!

With my latest literary adventure, "Tales from the Greek Pantheon," I invite you to climb the mythical Mount Olympus and delve into the lives of the gods and goddesses whose epics have stood the test of time. Let us navigate the cloud-wreathed peaks where Zeus thunders, Athena strategizes, and Apollo illuminates the arts. This collection of tales is a reinvigoration of the stories that have laid the foundation for much of Western culture and thought.

So lace up your sandals, fellow adventurers, for an odyssey amongst the stars and the spirits of antiquity. Here's to the odysseys that inspire, to the myths that mold our moral compass, and to the stories that remind us of the grandeur and folly of the human condition as seen through the eyes of the gods.

Join me on this epic voyage, where each chapter is a hymn to the ancient powers and the timeless tales that resonate with the echo of Olympus.

Until our paths cross in the shadow of the Acropolis,
Samuel DenHartog

Journey into the Heart of Mayan Myth with "Tales from the Mayan Divine"

Greetings, lovers of the ancient and mystical!

With "Tales from the Mayan Divine," I invite you to step into the verdant jungles and towering pyramids of the ancient Maya, a civilization whose deities and legends are intricately woven into the cosmos's very essence. Embark on a voyage through time to a world where gods and mortals intertwine in stories of creation, destruction, wisdom, and whimsy. Join me as we explore the sagas of the Feathered Serpent Kukulkan, the nurturing Moon Goddess Ixchel, and the revered Goddess of Bees, Coleb Cal. Each story opens a gateway to understanding the profound spirituality and rich cultural heritage of the Maya, promising an expedition that spans the domains of history, mythology, and the human spirit.

Tighten your hiking boots for an expedition into the enchanting heart of Mesoamerica, where the ancient world unveils the complexities and depth of the human experience. Embark on this captivating journey, where every stone carving and every star in the Mayan sky narrates a tale eager to be told.

See you under the great Ceiba tree,
Samuel DenHartog

Embark on a Mythical Journey with "Tales from the African Continent"

Hello, my fellow lovers of lore!

I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my latest literary adventure, "Tales from the African Continent," a book that invites you to embark on a journey through the heart of Africa's most enchanting myths and legends. From the shifting dunes of the Sahara to the vibrant jungles and majestic mountains, these stories are as varied and vast as the continent itself.

Dive into the world where the trickster spider Anansi weaves tales as complex as his webs, and the fearsome Grootslang guards the treasures of the earth. Sail with the alluring Mami Wata, who whispers the secrets of the waters, and march alongside Queen Amina of Zazzau, a warrior of unmatched valor. Each story pulsates with the rhythm of the African spirit, offering a tapestry of tales that have been echoed through time.

Strap on your most comfortable walking boots and prepare for an expedition into the mystical, where every beat of the drum tells a story waiting to be told.

See you on the African savannas,
Samuel DenHartog

"Barefoot at the Beach": Walking Through Poetic Shores

Hello, lovers of the sun, sea, and sand!

My latest creation is a poetic voyage that captures the essence of a day spent by the ocean's edge. "Barefoot at the Beach" invites you to shed your shoes, along with your worries, and step into a world where the boundaries between the self and the sea blur into one harmonious existence.

Imagine feeling the sun's warmth as it dances across the sky, the playful tickle of sand between your toes, and the soothing rhythm of waves that whisper tales of timeless ebb and flow. Through a series of vivid, free-form poems, we'll explore the simple pleasures and profound moments that a day at the beach can offer—from the first golden rays of sunrise to the rich hues of the setting sun.

So, grab your favorite beach chair and a cool beverage, and prepare to immerse yourself in the rhythm of the ocean and the poetry of the beach. Let's celebrate the beauty of being present, living in the moment, and finding peace in the natural world around us.

See you at the beach,
Samuel DenHartog

Discover ancient Egyptian gods with "Tales From the Divine Nile"

Hello, explorers of the ancient and the divine!

In "Tales From the Divine Nile," I beckon you to traverse the sands of time back to the land of pharaohs, pyramids, and deities whose stories are woven into the fabric of the universe itself. Sail along the life-giving waters of the Nile, where gods and goddesses play their roles in the grand tapestry of creation, love, betrayal, and mystery. Join me as we uncover the tales of Isis's boundless magic, Osiris's eternal reign in the underworld, and Horus's sky-high adventures. Each narrative is a portal into the heart of ancient Egypt, a civilization that has captivated the human imagination for millennia, promising an odyssey that spans the realms of history, mythology, and spirituality.

Strap on your sandals for a voyage into the enchanting, where the ancient world echoes the complexities of the human spirit. Here's to the journeys that enlighten, to the legends that have shaped civilizations, and to the stories that remind us of the timeless essence that connects us to the past, present, and future.

Embark on this adventure, where every whisper of the Nile tells a story waiting to be rediscovered.

Until we meet under the gaze of the Sphinx,
Samuel DenHartog

Three Months In: Reflections on My Monumental Writing Journey

Hello, my cherished community of readers and fellow dreamers!

It’s been three months since I embarked on my audacious journey, inspired by the legendary Ryoki Inoue, to etch my name beside his in the annals of prolific writing. Today, I’m here to share the raw, unfiltered truth of my quest to author 1,440 books in twelve years.

Three months ago, I set out with a fire in my heart, fueled by Ryoki’s story – a man who, with 98% sweat, 1% talent, and that crucial 1% luck, transformed from a thoracic surgeon to a literary legend. His feat of writing 1,283 books seemed like a mountain peak I was determined to climb. My goal? Transforming myself from a lifelong computer programmer, game developer, and CEO into a literary legend in my own rite, surpassing Ryoki by penning 1,440 books and diving into every genre imaginable, from the depths of science fiction to fantasy to the intricate dance of romance and human relationships.

Reflecting on Ryoki’s monumental achievement of writing his first 999 books in just his first six years brings to light the sheer magnitude of his dedication and productivity. This milestone is a stark reminder of the incredible pace he maintained, a benchmark that, by comparison, highlights the ambition of my own journey. Despite my rigorous schedule and unwavering commitment, my projections estimate that I will reach 720 books in the same timeframe. It makes me even more amazed at what he accomplished.

The initial leg of my journey has been both exhilarating and daunting. In these first three months, I’ve completed and published my first 36 books – a pace that, while impressive, has me questioning the sustainability of this marathon. Writing between 10 to 14 hours a day, every day, 7 days a week, has been a testament to my commitment but has also taken its toll, leaving me already often feeling tired and wiped out. I used to work like this when I was in my twenties, but it has been some time since I worked this hard. I feel tired at the end of every day, yet it is hard to fall asleep as I either have the book I am working on in my mind or I am thinking about what book I will start the next day. Can I keep up this pace for another twelve years, when I will be 64?

The thrill of creation has been my driving force, pushing me to explore new universes and narratives with each book. Yet, as I pause to catch my breath, I can’t help but wonder about the road ahead. How will I continue to find the inexhaustible well of ideas needed to reach my 1,440-book goal? Doubts about my ability to come up with so many unique literary concepts creeps in, yet my resolve remains unshaken. I have plenty of ideas in my mind right now, but I have not even completed my first 100 books. This is probably a much bigger worry for me than whether or not I can keep up the pace, or at least eventually make it from a physical standpoint.

I am not contemplating surrender. Far from it. This journey is about more than breaking records; it’s about shattering the very notion of what one author can achieve. Each book is a new adventure, a unique story waiting to be told. And while the path is more challenging than I envisioned, my passion for storytelling remains undimmed.

There is nothing else I would rather be doing. I have been writing computer programs since the age of 11, with one my text adventures games became #1 on Quantum Link, a dial-up online service for the Commodore 64 (that eventually became America Online), for 3 months when I was 14. I have been coding professionally since the age of 14. After writing structured computer code almost daily for 40 years, the joy and freedom that comes with writing books is beyond compare!

To you, my readers, who are joining me or have joined me on this voyage, your support is my stronghold. Your enthusiasm, feedback, and encouragement are the winds that propel my sails forward. Despite the hurdles, I am still excited to try, to push the boundaries of creativity and endurance.

I’ve often reflected on Ryoki’s journey, drawing parallels to my own. He wrote without the lure of records in mind, driven by a pure love for storytelling. In his spirit, I remind myself that it’s not the quantity but the quality and diversity of stories that will define my legacy. I believe the quality of my books has improved substantially as I write more and more. I am a little embarrassed now by the quality of writing in some of my initial books. I feel I am learning how to create better stories with each new book I write. Some feedback, while critical, has helped me notice where I have repeated phrases too much or not paid enough attention to some details in earlier works. While I love getting 5 star ratings, I do appreciate written reviews that are critical as well, since they help me improve. Probably the worst thing is 1 star rating with no review, then I do not even know why or what to improve. As an independent author, all ratings and reviews are always appreciated.

Anyhow, here I am, three months in, standing at the foothill of my own personal Everest, looking up. The climb may be steeper than I thought, but the view from the summit – a world enriched by 1,440 stories of my making – is a vision that keeps me moving forward.

I invite you to continue this journey with me. Together, let’s embrace the challenges and celebrate the milestones. Your company on this journey is a source of inspiration and strength.

With gratitude and determination,
Samuel DenHartog 📚✨🚀

Unveiling the Heart of History with "Resurrection of Love"

Dear Travelers in Faith and Seekers of Divine Love,

In the canvas of human emotion, few themes are as enduring and profound as the power of love to transcend the boundaries of time, place, and circumstance. It is with a deep sense of humility that I introduce you to my latest literary endeavor, "Resurrection of Love." This novel is a journey back to a pivotal moment in history, where love unfolds amidst the backdrop of ancient Jerusalem's most tumultuous days.

"Resurrection of Love" invites you to walk alongside Eliora and Daniel, two souls drawn together by fate against the backdrop of the final months of Christ's life on Earth. Their tale is one of profound love, unwavering faith, and the resilience of the human spirit, set against the historic events that have shaped millennia of human belief and understanding. Through their eyes, we experience the mysteries, the challenges, and the deep spiritual awakening of a time when the very fabric of society was forever altered.

I invite you to journey with me through the pages of "Resurrection of Love," to explore the depths of human emotion and the unbreakable bonds that connect us across time and history. Let us celebrate the triumph of the spirit, the beauty of love, and the timeless nature of our shared humanity.

With heartfelt warmth,
Samuel DenHartog

The Unexpected Joy of Writing Romance Novels

My journey as a writer began with a fervent interest in science fiction, fantasy, and mystery novels. With their boundless imagination and intricate plots, these genres seemed like the perfect medium to explore the vast expanses of human creativity and curiosity. While deeply in love with my wife, I have never felt very romantic. Romance, with its stereotypical associations, didn't initially catch my interest and is not something I thought I would write about. It felt too distant from the speculative and enigmatic worlds I was drawn to. However, an unexpected revelation changed my perspective entirely.

I realized that the universal theme of human connection lies at the core of every narrative, whether set in a distant galaxy, a fantastical realm, or a mysterious setting. This epiphany led me to venture into romance writing, integrating it with historical contexts that I found fascinating. Romance, I discovered, offered a structured yet flexible foundation that allowed me to weave intricate tales of love and passion against the backdrop of significant historical events. This approach not only made history more accessible but also added a rich, emotional depth to the narrative, making the stories resonate more deeply with readers.

In retrospect, my journey from skepticism about romance novels to embracing them as a vital part of my writing repertoire has been a lesson in keeping an open mind. It has shown me that genres are not limitations, but rather, gateways to new possibilities. Romance, far from being narrow or trivial, is a genre that offers endless opportunities for creativity, for exploring the human condition, and for making history come alive in the most engaging and meaningful ways.

As I continue to write, I am grateful for this unexpected turn in my career. Romance novels have not only expanded my horizons as a writer but have also enriched my understanding of the past and the endless ways in which love can shape and be shaped by the tides of history. It gives me an excuse to write about areas of history I want to explore more and a framework that makes that possible. Moreover, writing romance novels turned out to be a lot of fun. The process of developing characters, of imagining their encounters and the blossoming of their love, is creatively fulfilling.

Finding my inner romantic,
Samuel DenHartog