First and foremost, Happy New Year!!
Second, some of you have commented recently on a general slowdown in postings on this blog, particularly over the past year. I’m flattered that you’re actually reading my crazy thoughts and actually do intend to produce more blog posts in the coming year. As I don’t generally make New Years resolutions, think of this more as a goal. As well, I’m all too aware that I promised an update once retired life finally felt … well … something approaching normal. So, without further ado, my New Years SITREP follows … <over> …
Line One: Like any other year 2025 had its share of ups and downs. Getting used to living as a civilian was easier than I expected, though I must caveat that by revealing I spent most of the year either at my computer or traveling and collecting photos. You’ve no doubt seen the results on my website as I do especially like to share the less popular destinations in Korea that nonetheless bear historical significance. Still, with the September deadline for my first ever nonfiction book glaring at me like the eye of Sauron, I bent every effort to meet that suspense. Many of you are already aware, I made it just under the wire, submitting my manuscript to the publisher with two days to spare.
Line Two: With that done I immediately began drafting the final installment of “The Fulvius Chronicles” though that work was interrupted and even delayed by an odd and unexpected series of medical issues I won’t expound upon here. Needless to say, I’m now fine and easing back into my former physical fitness regimen. More importantly to you, however, yesterday I completed the first draft of the final Fulvius book and will commence revision and editing on Monday. Research for this book has taken me back into familiar territory, a longtime favorite historical time and space, Southern Ukraine during the time of Scythian domination. Much modern research has shed light on the paltry historical facts I originally learned about those formidable people growing up and it took some time to digest and work those elements into a storyline full of all the twists and turns you’ve come to expect from a Fulvius novel. I’m biased, but I think you’ll enjoy the book and appreciate the deep historical and multi-cultural tapestry upon which this final story plays out.
Line Three: 2026 looks to be exciting! The final episode in the Fulvius story should make a (fingers crossed) late-April or early-May release. I’m told my historical work on the Imjin War—Japan’s 16th Century invasion of Korea—will hit the shelves in June or July. With so much time left in the year, and a shorter follow-on project in mind, there’s a good chance my next novel could be out in time for Christmas. Three book releases in one year would mark an exceptional milestone for me as a writer, ushering in my new status as a full-time author.
Line Four: As for post-Army civilian life … well, it is what it is. I still sport the same haircut that I wore for thirty years. I’ve considered growing it out, but that only lasts about two weeks at most before I get tired of the shaggy look and shave it all off again. At 53, it’s just who I am at this point, and I don’t really see a point in changing it. Besides, my wife likes it! I stopped shaving every morning, giving my face a break after so many years of constant abuse, but still do so if I’m heading out for anything more public than exercise. Oh … and that … I exercise now and no longer do PT. In fact, I exercise more often and regularly now than I did in the Army. The lack of early morning and late-night meetings has … well … let’s just say it’s freed up my schedule. That said, I still think of it as Physical Training … I just don’t say it out loud any more.
Line Five: I’ve stopped watching the news every day. Having been for so long on the inside of policy decisions and multilateral declarations, I am all too aware that what is generally reported to the public has little to do with the facts in play or the real reasons behind those decisions. Yet without those facts, journalists these days (maybe always) simply insert whatever narrative they desire to push. Years spent laughing at media speculation and “reporting” of meetings I sat in have left me deeply distrustful of any and all media. Deprived now of the facts on hand to balance out such reports, I’ve chosen just to ignore them all, blocking out the massive amount of messaging as well as the very rare, fact-based report. While I admit that leaves me a bit behind on current events, I’ve noticed a remarkable improvement in mental health, stress levels, and even blood pressure. Having spent so long worrying over every policy-related news report, now that I no longer have official responsibilities, I’ll be the first to admit the trade-off is worth it.
Line Six: As hinted above, my effort to assimilate into the local community this past year has been hampered by the amount of individual work required to meet my publisher’s deadline. Though, if I’m honest with myself, I leaned on that excuse far more than was necessary. I did, briefly, engage with a group that met weekly with the intent of improving both Korean and English language skills though I found the age disparity made it difficult to relate. I’ve yet to pick up the bow again—another source of interaction with the local community—though I intend to do so once I’m fully recovered. If all goes well, I’ll be back on the range by early spring. If anything, I’ve found acceptance with the local cat rescue mafia. Every Korean apartment complex has its own chapter it seems and we’ve gotten to know them all. While I’ve endeavored to treat everyone I meet in the neighborhood with civility, and have no real issues with anybody here, I remain the only obvious foreigner in our huge apartment complex. And the best I think I’ve been able to achieve thus far is acceptance as “that nice but still scary-looking foreigner”. I’ll keep working on it. Smiles, everyone, smiles!
Line Seven: 2025 was an exceptional year for the website, logging some five thousand visitors, making it our best year yet. I want to thank you all for that as well as the interest in my books, all of which continued to sell throughout a year absent a new release. That said, the number of actual subscribers to the website still remains very low and I’ll have to consider how to encourage greater participation. Due to Amazon sales policies, that subscriber list remains the only way I can reward loyal readers with discounts and special deals and I intend to continue using it for that purpose. Still, for those of you who do subscribe, thank you so much! I believe I’ve upheld my promise not to spam you or otherwise fill your inbox with junk and do not intend to alter that policy going forward.
Line Eight: With a new year comes new promise. The crossing of that arbitrary temporal line in the sand brings with it renewed hope for all the things we want to see come true over the next twelve months. My fervent hope is that 2026 brings you and your family health, prosperity, and joy. And … of course … lots and lots of exciting new books to read! I’ll do my best to help with that last part.
M. G. Haynes