I love living in Spain, but after a year there I always start to think of my home in Wyoming. It usually unfolds as a simple memory—the heavy scent of evergreen trees, the sudden cold at sunset, watching thunderheads roll in over the mountains. At some point these musings become a distraction that causes me to stop writing mid-sentence whenever a friend sends backcountry photos or a report on his or her latest adventure.
The telltale sign that it’s finally time to head back to the West, however, is when I have an irresistible urge to binge-watch Lonesome Dove. There must be a specific look in my eye because even if I try to sneak an episode on my laptop, my wife seems to be able to tell. The concerned expression is always the same, as is the question. “Are you watching that again?”
So, it’s good to be back, covered in dust and mosquito bites. Wrenching on my mountain bikes and giving my trail-running shoes a workout. I think the moose missed me.
Stay Tuned For My Tour Schedule
After two years of virtual tours, I’m looking forward to hitting the road again. There’s an energy that comes with talking to fans and booksellers face-to-face that can’t be replicated online. On the other hand, virtual tours have been a great way to reach readers who aren’t able to travel to the venues I frequent.
It’s almost time to release Oath of Loyalty into the wild, and I can’t wait. This brings closure to the story arc started in Enemy at the Gates and very much begins where that book leaves off. In fact, the opening of Oath of Loyalty is a retelling of the end of Enemy at the Gates, but from Mitch’s point of view instead of Mike Nash’s. It was a really interesting exercise to see how differently Mitch saw those events.
And so far, so good. I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reviews from the Mitch Rapp Ambassadors who’ve read the prepublication copy. Now the clock is ticking down to the moment everyone can weigh in. Thanks to all the fans for many years of support. I hope to see you in a bookstore along the way!