Book Update: One Step Closer to the Finish Line

Another week has passed, and Trading My Badge for a Boat continues moving closer to publication.

After reviewing the manuscript several times, I added several new stories and reflections that I felt were important to include. These additions explore the transition from law enforcement into civilian life, lessons my customers have taught me, the wildlife of Tampa Bay, hurricane-relief trips, and a few unusual adventures that could only happen aboard a charter boat.

The complete manuscript is now undergoing another thorough editorial review. This pass will focus on flow, pacing, transitions, repetition, consistency, and making sure the new material fits naturally into the story. Most importantly, the goal is to strengthen the book without polishing away my voice. I still want it to sound like a retired deputy and salty charter captain telling you the story from across the dock.

The book’s cover is also still being revised. We have a strong overall concept, but a few details are being adjusted to make sure the final cover properly reflects the story inside—the journey from a nearly 30-year law-enforcement career to finding peace, purpose, and a second career on the waters of Tampa Bay.

When the edited manuscript comes back, I will carefully review the recommended changes before returning it to Palmetto Publishing for the next stage of production.

Writing a book has turned out to be a lot like running a boat across Tampa Bay. You check your course, make adjustments when necessary, and keep moving toward your destination. Some stretches are smooth, and others test your patience, but you don’t abandon the trip just because the wind changes.

My goal remains to have Trading My Badge for a Boat: Finding Peace, Purpose, and a Second Career on the Waters of Tampa Bay completed by Christmas.

Thank you to everyone who continues to follow the journey and offer encouragement. We are getting closer, one chapter—and one careful edit—at a time.

The finish line is finally beginning to look less like a distant shoreline.

—Captain John E. Blenker