Author Patrick H.T. Doyle

Are you addicted to ghosts?

2011-04-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

This is a new web series project I'm working on. Have a look.
~p

Ghost Addiction
Investigating the Investigator.

My name is Patrick Doyle and I'm an addict. For a third or my life I have researched and investigated paranormal claims.

A year ago I stepped away from it all. And when I looked back I was able to identify conclusive links between the behavior of addicts and the habits of some paranormal investigators.

To these individuals and their ghost hunting teams there compulsion to capture proof of the paranormal can be as strong as the urge for drugs and alcohol.

Their world revolves around ghosts. And this immersion has conditioned their minds. So in a moment of over stimulation,
their brains will show them exactly what they need to see and hear.

Because of this discovery I've decided to return with a new project -- Turn the cameras away from the hunted and point them at the hunters. I'll ask the questions that have been lurking in the shadows for years. Identify the causes of symptoms, isolate the problems, and offer solutions to the issues. And study the psychological and physical effects of fear, stress, isolation, and sensory deprivation that these "investigators" are subjecting themselves to during the late hours of the night.

Many whom give themselves the title of "Paranormal Investigator" share similar experiences -- seeing human figures, hearing voices, and feeling the touch or breath of an unseen force on their skin.

These sensational encounters and the person's undying commitment to prove the existence of ghosts and the afterlife have created a dependency -- A need for the chemical rush they receive during intense situation, amplified by anxiety, desire and anticipation.

This need for more, and at greater doses, leads to classic addiction behavior.

- They're intense involvement causes harm to relationships, work and family.

- They become irritable, restless and depressed when cut off from the activity, and feel guilty if not engaged everyday.

- They deny there's a problem and can lash out violently when presented with the truth.

- They feel their philosophy is the "only true way," and believe that everyone else is wrong, immoral, or "condemned" if they do not believe as they do.

- They often have low self-esteem, feel insecure, are anxious, and are looking for "something" to give their life meaning.

I have no doubt that paranormal phenomenon and anomalies are being witnessed and experienced by people all over the world, but while the investigators of these claims are reaching out for the answers, I'll be looking in -- Focusing all my equipment and cameras on them and testing my own theories during their hunt for ghosts and their examination of the evidence.

I am here to expose these behaviors and to help the investigators of paranormal claims and the people frightened by haunted activity identify these symptoms and admit to there own Ghost Addiction. Investigating the Investigator.

One of my characters has a fan page on Facebook

2011-03-22T11:50:00.000-07:00

Korson Nelbus, the entrepreneurial informant in Next Rest Stop: Earth has a fan page. Click here to check it out and become a friend of Nelbus.

~p

Where's Edgar Font?

2011-03-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Adventurers,

Edgar, Audrey and Garrett Font are in the middle of an adventure in the jungle surrounding a Mayan temple. They have made a bunch of new friends and encountered a dastardly foe who is creating trouble for the team as they race against the clock to solve a puzzle, which will soon take them into the underworld.

The writing of this adventure (#4) has been slow going, but I am almost finished with the first draft. I'll keep you posted on my progress here. Edgar Font will return strong!

Your Friend & Storyteller,

~p

The Invasion Continues!

2011-03-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Adventurers,

NEXT REST STOP: EARTH is appearing all over the country. If you have read it or seen it on the shelf at your local book store let me know and I'll add your location to the invasion map.

Copies of the Kindle version are outselling the book, and readers from all over are loving the adventure. Here's what a few have written:

"Just finished the book. It has everything! Great work."
~Ryan in LA

"Currently reading Next Rest Stop: Earth by @PatrickHTDoyle and so far, I am digging... awesome!"
~Amy from SyFy's GHOST HUNTERS

"Finally pried @PatrickHTDoyle's NEXT REST STOP EARTH from @GHINick 's sweaty hands. He loved it so much, it disappeared the day it arrived."
~Crew from WhoForted Paranormal 'Zine

Feel free to contact me and tell m what you think. I look forward to reading your reviews.

Your friend & Storyteller,
~p

www.nextreststopearth.com

And the winner is....

2011-03-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

The winner of the signed copy of "Next Rest Stop: Earth" is Erin in Philadelphia, PA!
Congratulations and I hope you enjoy the Sci-Fi adventure, Erin.

~p

The Lair of Forgotten Bears

2011-03-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Adventurers,

I have begun work on the illustrations for my children's picture book, "In the Lair of Forgotten Bears." I'm a third of the way through the pencil drawing stage. If I stay on schedule, by trying to complete five spreads a week, I should complete the book before this Fall (2011).

Here are a few pictures I took of a few of this past weekends drawings.

~p

Page 4: Something stole my bear!

Page 6a: The search begins.

Win a copy of NEXT REST STOP: EARTH!

2011-02-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

I’m giving away signed copies of my new science fiction adventure novel, NEXT REST STOP: EARTH on the day of its global release – Monday, February 28, 2011.

To enter, tweet on Twitter (mention @patrickhtdoyle) and post messages on Facebook telling your friends and followers about NEXT REST STOP: EARTH. Every time you spread the word about the invasion and direct friends to www.nextreststopearth.com you’ll receive one entry. The more messages you post, the better chance you have of getting your hands on a free copy of NRS:E.

Thank you and the best of luck!

This giveaway is open to residents of planet Earth only. These’s no limit to entries. No entries will be counted after 12:01 AM Monday, February 28, 2011. Winners will be announced Monday, February 28, 2011. Books will be mailed out within 2 weeks of announcement.

Look what I received in the mail today.

2011-01-13T19:16:00.000-08:00

Hello Adventurers,

I received the printer proof of Next Rest Stop: Earth today. It looks awesome! The book will be out on February 28th, but you can pre-order it on Amazon before then. The link to the book's Amazon page is at NextRestStopEarth.com. I also have a series of promotional videos coming out for the books and I'll be doing a few radio interviews in the upcoming months. You'll find all the details on the website.

Thanks for the continued support & enjoy the adventure.
~phtd

NEW NOVEL: Next Rest Stop: Earth

2011-01-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Adventurers,

I have completed the novel, the book has been designed & put into layout, and will be going to print early next week! I have also updated the website and you can pre-order Next Rest Stop: Earth on Amazon.com. Just go to the books website and you'll see the link to Amazon on the home page.

http://www.nextreststopearth.com/NRSE/NRSE.html

As for the next Edgar Font book. As soon as NRS:E goes out for print I will get back to completing Adventure #4. When I do, I'll be posting updates and pictures here to keep you up to date.

I believe that's all I have right now.

Your friend & storyteller,
~p

The Children's Book Bank

2011-01-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

Hello new adventurers,

This past holiday, 300 copies of Edgar Font's Hunt for a House to Haunt were donated to the Children's Book Bank of Portland , Oregon. To all of you who have joined the Edgar Font adventure, I welcome you and wish you many grand adventures in the future. If you would like to donate books to the book bank, please visit:

http://childrensbookbank.org/Home.aspx

Your friend and storyteller,
~p

What it looks like at the moment

2010-12-18T09:19:00.000-08:00

Hello Adventurers,

It's cold and rainy day here in the northwest. A perfect day to sit back and work on Adventure #4. I received an email from my editor and he promised to have Next Rest Stop: Earth back to me before Christmas. Once it's back in my hands I can make the changes and be one step closer to completing it. Until then I will focus on Edgar.

Growing up I always wondered how my favorite writers worked. Did they just barricade themselves in a room and hover over a typewriter with a pot of coffee? Did they write the entire book out by hand first? Did they retreat to a cabin in the woods to escape the world?

I unfortunately have to hold down a full time job in advertising, which makes it hard to concentrate on the books. I give them as much time as I can on the weekends and evenings, but I do have a family and life to live as well. I dream of the day when writing is my only job. I'm sure it will happen one day. There are a lot of books in my head and all I have is time. As for my process;

1. I start with a detailed outline of the entire story. I also write out a characters list and highlight all the notes from my research.

2. Once I have all that I open the laptop and type out a first draft. It's really rough, just me getting the basic story out of my head and into the computer.

3. I will then read through this draft and make sure I haven't missed anything from the outline and I also make sure the story flows and makes sense. At this stage I'm not worried about spelling or grammar.

4. The pages are then printed out and I read it again, but this time sentence by sentence with a pen and extra attention on the details.

5. I'll then make these changes to the file, read it one more time and then send it to my editor for their notes.

Right at this moment I'm between steps 3 and 4. Above is a picture of what I have. On the left is my marked up manuscript. On the right is the list of characters in the story.

I'd better get to it if I'm to have it completed by late summer.

Your friend and storyteller,
~p

New novel & the next Edgar Font Adventure

2010-12-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Adventurers,

I have big news. For the past six months I have been writing a new Science Fiction novel which will be in bookstores and available online in February 2011. It's called NEXT REST STOP: EARTH and you can learn all about it at nextreststopearth.com.

Also, I returned from a trip to Kenya two weeks ago. I was investigating a story I found in Garrett Font's journal and I discovered some very interesting facts. But that is a story I will be telling you later. For now I want to let you know that I have been working hard on Adventure #4 since my return and will have the book ready and in your hands by late 2011. To prepare you for what's to come I tease you with this page from the unedited manuscript.

I will be updating this blog weekly with notes, pictures, drawings and news so be sure to bookmark this page a come back often. Feel free to drop me a note while you're here. I always love hearing from you.

Your friend & storyteller,
~patrick

EDGAR FONT'S Hunt for a House to Haunt
Adventure 4: The Playhouse of Phym
By Patrick H.T. Doyle
copyright 2010, Armadillo Books

“Is there a key to the front door?” Grandpa Edgar called out to Mr. Neckritz.
“No. You’re not allowed inside tonight.” He whipped around in his chair. “If you were on time it would have been under the door mat, but I checked this morning and it’s gone.”
“Gone?” Garrett questioned.
“Removed as instructed. You’ll just have to wait until morning.” He spun back around and continued towards the cabin. “Randy. Edward. Come!”
The dogs left Grandpa Edgar’s side and raced up to the cabin.
“What are we supposed to do now?” Audrey asked.
“Let’s see what Aunt Phym wrote.” He held the note in a beam of sunlight and read out loud.

“To my most adventurous nephew Edgar on the eve of the house’s 100th anniversary (I knew you would be late). In the event of my death before this special day, I pass onto you an adventure, which began when I was an eleven-year-old girl. The enclosed painting is of a very wise woman who shared with me the secrets of the stones and treasures concealed within the ruins. If you don’t remember this painting from your past, the present adventure will never begin. I will guide you along the way if you follow the correct path, and I’m sure the fairies with help as they have me these many years if you need them.

~Phym

“Fairies,” Audrey’s face lit up. “Mr. Zare was right about them being here.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Garrett scoffed.
“Quite a turn of events, Adventures.” Grandpa Edgar started up the steps to Aunt Phym’s house.
“It’s starting to get really dark, Grandpa.” Audrey pointed out.
“And I don’t want to be in an animals belly,” Garrett stressed.

Where have I been? The answer.

2010-12-11T10:53:00.000-08:00

Where have I been? Here's the answer.

Hello Friends & Adventurers,

I have been away for nearly 2 years now. Much has happened in that time, but from today on I am focused on completing Adventure Four in the Edgar Font series. Below is a blog I posted on my Haunted Hoax sites, which explains my whereabouts and the reason for my return to what is truly important. In short, I was blinded by the prospects of fame. I was seduced by television and the chance of stardom. What was I thinking? I explain below. Just know that now I am back on track to finishing what I started. The good news is I have completed more in the past week than I have in the past two years. At this rate I should have Adventure Four ready to go before the start of Wordstock 2010 in Portland, Oregon. Please, please, please feel free to send me questions or comments if you have them. I am back! Edgar Font is back! You will soon see new content on edgarfont.com, this Myspace page and on the other social sites like Twitter and Facebook.

I'm so much happier now that I have returned to the adventures. A weight has been lifted from my shoulders and my path is clear. I can't wait to share all that I have prepared for you. Stay tuned. This adventure is going to be one to remember and hard to forget.

Cheers,
~p

“How did I get here?”

The headbeams of my car illuminate a yellow “Not a Through Street” sign in the middle of the road. I cut the engine and let the sounds of the night reclaim the darkness. In the distance to my right I see the headlights of countless cars cutting through the trees, no two on the same path but all heading in the same direction. To my left sits a single home, the glow of the full moon reflecting off the glass. A light turned on in an upstairs room and I see my wife pull back the drapes. She looks out into the night with a book in hand and smiles. I know see can’t see me from the distance, but know she must be thinking of me. I look back to the sign. Beyond it the road is consumed by a field of tall grass. The wind ripples the surface like waves, giving me brief glimpses of shapelesss creatures stalking prey. Their eyes catch the light from cars in the distance and focus on those staying from the pack. I step towards them, but they ignore my approach. As I step into the field I feel the rush of a creature as it brushes past my leg. I turn my attention back to the road. The car I was driving is gone. I reach into my pocket for the keys, but they too are missing. All I find is a house key and a ballpoint pen.

“I understand,” I whisper to the night.

I was lost. Disillustioned by the road. Hypnotised by the twists, turns and th tire-burning straight aways that faded into mountains on the infinate horizon. An endless road to nowhere, only trees to my sides and mountains ahead, which never seemed to get closer. But for a long time I couldn’t admit to myself – I was lost. And I know exactly why. Is it the pride of a man who can never admit he’s wrong or an unwillingness to ask for directions? No. It’s because the view outside my window was ever changing and mysterious. And even though I did not know where the road was heading, I could feel deep down that there was “something” over the next ridge or around the bend.

Of course there were many times when I pulled over to the side of the road and let the engine idle. But I never rested for long. Not long enough to plot my course or look at a map. I didn’t need one. I had somethnig better – so I thought.

What I had was fuel. An endless supply of fuel provided to me by people who I met along the way. The roads traveled by many others from all over the globe intesected with mine. And at these intersections these faceless supporters with nosencical names posted notes of encouragement and barrels of fuel to help me continue on my journey. Their words kept my eyes on the road ahead and voices over the radio keep me company and gave me direction on days when the fog choked the road. These people I had the pleasure speaking with, even though we have never met face-to-face, I call frineds.

Now as I stand beside the road sign finally taking the time to look back down the hill, seeing the entire course I have followed before me, I know the road back to the fork where I turned off is far, but a journey I must take. The friends I have met along the way will remain friends and what I have learned along the way will stay with me for life. Will I ever return to this road? It may interest with the new path I take from time to time, but I will stay on the path I cut out for myself now.

That’s the story of where I’ve been and where I am now, but what is it that caused me to step on the brakes and get out of the driver’s seat? The answer is simple: Happiness. Even though the fuel from supporters continues to flow I am tired of travelling this road. I no longer enjoy it. I’m not happy. I miss writing. I need to return to writing. Writing makes me happy.

I left my characters Edgar, Audrey and Garrett Font stranded on Flint Island waiting for their adventure to continue. I have neglected the characters I created and love and must focus my energy on their journey. I owe it to them and the young fans of the Edgar Font series who ask when the next book will come out.

But still I haven’t told you what triggered me to lift my foot from the exelorator and slam it down onto the brake. I will tell you that story in the blog entry following this one. I would tell it here, but this is getting too long and in good form of storytelling I must leave you with a cliffhanger – a cut back to the killer you thought was dead at the bottom of the stairs.

I end this tale with an end to Haunted Hoax. With a possible to be continued? I have no answer at this time. I’m always here for friends. If you have my number, call me. If you have my email, drop me a line. The end doesn’t mean it’s over. But for right now my video camera will be used for filming vacations with my wife, my voice recorder will be for taking story notes, and all the ghost hunting gear will be boxed and stored in the secret room of my office.

As I say in my books, “The end of one adventure is the beginning of another.”

~patrick

The death of my TV show and the fate of others

It’s 10:21 AM on Wednesday, March 2, 2010. I should be on a plane to DC right now on the way to filming the pilot episode of my paranormal reality show. But instead I sit here writing this. Why? Because it’s over. The paranormal genre has run its course. Very soon the rebellion will take to the streets and rejoice. The warriors who fought night and day against the shows will wander through the celebration pondering what to do now that the war is over. Groups and teams who have spent years and thousands of dollars on a dream, hoping to be the next paranormal reality stars will find only closed doors and deaf ears.

How do I know this? Who am I to make such a bold statement? I am a person who has come a long way in a short time. Many of you know my tale, but I have not told you the entire story. This is it, start to finish.

I launched Haunted Hoax on April 13th 2008 in San Francisco, CA with a video entitled “Ghost girl opens door.” I made this video for a reason. It wasn’t to be famous, to get a television show or become a paranormal D-lister. I did it to fix a problem.

The first videos I made were of fake hauntings. I did a series wherein I moved objects and created ghosts with fishing line and simple computer effects. Basically everything I’ve demonstrated on Haunted Hoax. I created these fakes as promotional pieces for my book series. Each was tagged with, “I live with a ghost. His name is Edgar Font (the main character of my books).” And I ended each video with the book’s website. I never claimed that these videos were of true hauntings and even wrote, “This video is not of a real haunting. For entertainment only,” in the information section of the video page (I can’t say any other fake ghost videos post this statement). But still I would receive countless comments from people praising me for capturing such a great piece of evidence. I was sent personal messages from people asking me questions about the haunting and if I would look at their “evidence.” I grew tired of having to write to each person explaining the videos weren’t real. And I did write every person because I have been interested in paranormal research since a young age and didn’t want to muddy the waters with bogus claims and footage.

This frustration with “blind believers” who didn’t take the time to read and simply accepted Edgar Font as a real ghost gave birth to Haunted Hoax. This and the fact that many other obviously fake ghost videos, claiming to be real, were fooling people into believing lies and crippling paranormal research. The ghost girl video addressed one of the biggest frauds that continues to trick viewers: The Pantry Ghost. Many more Haunted Hoax videos followed, going after different videos found on the web and showing viewers the tricks people use to pull off convincing hoaxes. And with each new video I gained more subscribers, more followers and fans of the series asking for more.

I never imagined my concept would take off and get peoples attention. I never thought so many would be interested in my opinion or come to me with real problems. I didn’t dream of doing radio interviews or seeing myself on the news. And I definitely didn’t think that one day producers would watch my videos and contact me about a possible show. But that’s what happened – Twice.

I was first contacted back in October of 2008 by a producer in Los Angeles. The paranormal genre was hot with shows like Ghost Hunters, Paranormal State, Ghost Adventures, etc. and he was looking for a piece of the action. He saw Haunted Hoax as a perfect fit. A “possible rational explanation” Yin to the “everything is haunted” Yang. And why not? Fans of the webseries were always posting, “You should have your own show on SyFy.” So I signed a 50/50 contract with the production company and we started rolling. It was fast and furious. A Haunted Hoax trailer was filmed and presented to agents of LA’s largest talent agency within a couple months. The producer did this to gauge the interest level before presenting it to the networks. Each of the seven agents who saw the video said the same thing, “We love the characters, but as it is now it will just blend in with everything else the networks are being bombarded with.”

Tweaks were made the trailer. There was version after version, phone conferences, reshoots, and stacks of notes. What started off as a phone call or email everyday, slowly became a call once a week, to an email a week, to a email a month, and then silence. The words were never spoken aloud, but the project was dead. All that remains is a trailer that never saw the light of day. I share that trailer with you below to show you how a simple concept like Haunted Hoax is transformed into a polished turd for network executives.

My contract with the LA company expired February 3rd, 2010 without a call or email from me or the producer. But two months prior on December 1st, 2009 a production company on the east coast contacted me about doing a paranormal reality show. This time it was something new, not Haunted Hoax. It was to be a science-based paranormal program which illustrated possible explanations to hauntings given to us by nature and scientific research - a Mythbusters meets Ghosts Hunters if you will. This sounded perfect to me because I wasn’t going to be a part of a cookie-cutter para-drama like Ghost Adventures of Ghost Cops.

Again the process was fast and furious. In late December, around the holidays, the producers had spoken with and floated the idea of our show to executives at SyFy, National Geo, A&E, and Discovery (the Science Channel). All expressed interest, some more than others. It seemed golden, so the show was fast tracked. Without this acknowledgement from the networks we wouldn’t have taken another step. But within a month we had the concept nailed down, we had the “haunted” location in Alexandria, Virginia, the gear was mailed over (and still sits unopened at my Dad’s house), props and the camera crew were set, I was pumped and the plane ticket was in my hand.

This is were the truth of the television business comes in and crushes possibilities.

Yesterday. Tuesday, March 2nd 2010. I get a call from one of the producers who is putting together all the elements of the show. We speak for about a half hour going over the details, additions to the concept, show names and the shooting schedule – Thursday evening we film the science bits. Friday night we’re on location filming the investigation. All is perfect and ready to roll! Time to go to the gym so I look good on camera.

Fast forward to 1:30 PM on the same day. I receive a phone call from the executive producer on the project as I’m leaving the gym. He starts the conversation by saying, “I have the worst possible news I could give you.” At that moment I knew it was over. He had spoken with the networks on Monday to remind them of the project and test their interest level. In short there was none – no interest in anything in the paranormal space. The Discovery network just seated a new GM and he plainly stated no more paranormal shows. All the programs that have come out in the last year have had terrible rating and killed any interest in new shows. This is across the board, from Discovery to A&E. Networks that were interested two months ago saw the latest ratings numbers and dropped all inquires. They stated, “Don’t even bother sending us anything in the genre because the answer is no. If you’re filming something now, stop.”

Today. The plane tickets have been refunded, I come into work like any other day, and I shake the stars from my eyes and refocus my attention on what’s truly important: my family, my books and my personal search for answers to the paranormal.

From what I have been told (and I can’t tell you all) I predict you’ll see the following in the coming year (2010): The big three will remain (Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures and Paranormal State). The new shows (Paranormal Cops, American Paranormal and Ghost Lab) will be “re-upped” and slowly disintegrated. Shows that made a brief appearance will not be coming back. New shows have been announced, one coming from Pilgrim TV and Film, but they are taking a more spiritual direction, but these aren’t being seen as lasting longer than a season or single episode. The money is just not being spent any more.

So that’s it. No show for me. No show for you. It’s coming to an end. It’s time to find something better to do with your time. If you’ve started a group with the dream of getting a show, you might as well disband. I’m hoping this slow death of Para-TV will cause the demise of many of the thousands of amateur groups who only got into the game hoping for television fame and the possible encounter with para-celebs at ghost conferences. I hope that once the string of new paranormal shows die down we can get back to real research and study of the paranormal. I hope the best for the cast and crew of the big three. I have never held any ill-will towards the people in front of the camera and have even spoken with a few about my before mentioned journey. My best wishes to everyone who loves the paranormal as much as I do. I know we will remain friends and continue to share ideas long after this phase has past. And to the fakes and frauds who spawned Haunted Hoax, I have no words of encouragement for you. Fade away and go do something productive. I am sure there are many people happy to see me go, but they we’re never friends I wished to keep.

Now that this chapter is over I will return to what I love, writing. Yes, I will continue researching the paranormal, but I will do as I did before the world knew of Ghost Hunters. It began as a personal quest and it will continue.

This is so long to Haunted Hoax, but not goodbye.

~patrick

Video

Adventure Four!

2008-12-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

Hello Adventurers,

Winter has set in and the Portland rain has come. This is a good thing. It forces me to focus on the next adventure and get some writing done. In this tale of the Fonts, Grandpa Edgar, Audrey and Garrett are going where no one has ever ventured and will come face-to-face with a culture thought to have vanished over a thousand years ago! If you have read Adventure Three: The Flint Island Treehouse and solved the puzzle in the back of the book and on the website you will see the house they will be exploring and a few of the sites they will discover. I will post more information about the next adventure here in the future and a few illustrations once I finish them.

Until then, have an adventurous holiday.
~patrick

To all the Portland Adventurers!

2008-11-10T18:36:00.000-08:00

Hello Adventurers!

I'd like to thank all of you who stopped by to say hi to me at Wordstock in Portland this past weekend. It was great meeting you all, signing books, and sharing the adventurers. I hope you new adventurers enjoy the books and share the tales of Edgar Font, Audrey and Garrett with your friends and family. I'll be sure to let you know where I'll be in the coming year, and you can always reach me with any questions or adventures of your own at the email address listed on edgarfont.com.

Have a haunted day.
Your friend & storyteller,
~patrick

I'm taking you all to an island this summer!

2008-03-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

Now haunting the Amazon Kindle

2008-02-25T12:27:00.000-08:00

Hello friends & adventurers,

I just wanted to post a quick note to let you know that the Edgar Font series is now available for the Amazon Kindle. I don't know must about the device and I'm sure it's a few years away from really catching on, but it is cool, convenient and saves trees. You can find Adventures One and Two on the Kindle site now, and Adventure Three will be available on July 1st.

Let me know how it works and looks if you get it.
Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

COMPLETE!

2008-02-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends & Adventurers,

Five minutes ago, on this extremely rainy day, I completed the final illustration for Adventure Three. Now to layout the elements and turn it all into a glossy-covered book. There are sample chapters out there for you to read if you can find them. The ten page brochure is at many independent booksellers here in San Francisco and is full of lots of information and news. In the coming month I will also be posting Chapter One on this blog and on my page at www.goodreads.com

I must go now and face the downpour, but will write again soon. Stay warm and dry.

Your friend & storyteller,
~patrick

I tease you with a few illustrations.

2008-02-18T16:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Adventurers,

I have just one more illustration to complete and I'm done with Adventure Three in the Edgar Font series. The release date is still months away, but I have uploaded a few of the illustrations for you to check out and theorize on what may happen to the Fonts on this leg of their summer long adventure around the world. Click on the MySpace link below, have a look, and please take a moment to comment and let me know what you're thinking. I hope all is well and you are staying warm.

http://www.myspace.com/patrickhtdoyle

Your friend & storyteller,
~patrick

Adventure Three?

2008-02-06T10:36:00.000-08:00

Hello friends & Adventurers,

We are nearing the release of Adventure Three. In preparation, I have made many updates to edgarfont.com, with addition content coming in the months to come. Currently, I am finishing up the illustrations (there are nearly 100 in this book) and the text is running through the gauntlet of proofreaders. I understand Adventure Two went out with a few mistakes and it sickens me to know that. I would like to apologize for the errors and promise to keep a tighter rein on the powers that be in the future.

In addition to the Edgar Font series, I am also working on a number of other projects. Once I have news I will post it here. Until then, I invite you to explore the official website and email me any questions or comments you may have.

Have a warm day.
Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

My interview with the Spiderwick fan site: Faeriedrink.com

2008-02-06T10:30:00.000-08:00

Hello friends & Adventurers,

I was honored to speak with Devyn and the good people at faeriedrink.com — the number one Holly Black and Spiderwick Chronicle Fan Site. Here is my interview with Devyn. When have a moment please visit his site and have a look at his reviews and author interviews. (http://www.faeriedrink.com/)

Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

Q: Where did the idea of your book come from?
A: For “Edgar Font’s Hunt for a House to Haunt, “In the lair forgotten bears” and Next Rest Stop Earth” the ideas came from asking “What if...” The nugget of a idea can come from anywhere. Edgar came from a dream one night, Forgotten Bears came when I found my old teddy bear in a box in the attic and Rest Stop came from my love of the paranormal. Never stop asking questions—even if you think you have the answer. That’s what I love about the paranormal, we don’t have the answers. Perfect! Let your imagination roll.

Q: What is a typical day in your shoes?
A: There is no typical day. Some mornings it just takes a pot of coffee and I’ll write nonstop for hours. Other days I’ll stare at the last line I typed and only be able to think about unpaid bills and the people I need to call.

Q: What are your writing habits (daily goals… etc)?
A: I give myself weekly goals (write a chapter, finish 15 illustrations, call these reviewers, etc.). Some days I don’t even want to write a word, but I’ve gotten into the habit of doing at least one thing per day that gets me closer to my dream. This could be something as simple as writing a blog or talking to a local bookseller.

Q: How long did it take from the start of the book and getting it published?
A: It took me almost three years to write the first Edgar Font book. Two years was simply developing the characters and tone. If you don’t have these two things, hold off on sending letters to agents or publishers. I didn’t send a letter or email until I knew for certain my idea was unique and I was able to talk about the characters and story as if they were as real as life. All-in-all, expect to work harder than you’ve ever worked before for at least five years. Some days (even weeks) will drive you to tears, but just hold on tight to your dream and picture yourself walking into a bookstore and seeing your work on the shelf. It’s friggin’ awesome!

Q: What was your favorite part & least favorite part?
A: My favorite part is hearing from people who enjoy my stories—especially kids. Good reviews put me in a good mood for a week (hint-hint) and let me know that all those years weren’t wasted. My least favorite (thinking... thinking...) I really don’t know, because even on the worst day, I at least know I’m working towards my dream.

Q: Do you listen to music while you write?
A: Sometimes, but it has to be something without words, because after a while I’ll find myself singing along and nobody wants to hear that. So I stick to either instrumental jazz, blues, or classical. Soundtracks to movies and stage plays are also good, but I have to make sure the score matches the scene I’m writing. I can’t have Grandpa Edgar battling an evil spirit during a make out song—wrong on so many levels.

Q: Do you have any writing advice for aspiring writers?
A: CHARACTERS. Get to know your characters. Make them as real as you, your parents, your boss, and the bagger at the grocery store. If you’re not hearing their voice in your head when you’re typing out their dialog they will be one dimensional and booooooring! I like to insert the personalities of people I’ve met in my life. Larry Hammonds, in Adventure Two of the Edgar Font series, is actually my art teacher from high school. I didn’t even change his name. So just remember—characters make the story, not the other way around.

Q: What is your next project and when will it be in our hands?
A: I’m staring at four projects right now. The next one you’ll see on the shelf is “The Flint Island Treehouse,” the third adventure in the Edgar Font series. It will be available in July. Later in the year I’m hoping to have “In the lair of Forgotten bears” out. It’s a children’s picture book for ages 4-8 (forgottenbears.com). After that is another picture book (Title still in the works) and a Sci-Fi Fantasy based on a screenplay I wrote in 2005 entitled “Next Rest Stop Earth.” If you’d like to receive updates on everything I’ve got going on or have any questions for me, find me on myspace (myspace.com/patrickhtdoyle) or goodreads (search “Patrick H.T. Doyle”).

Back from the deep, dark woods

2007-08-16T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hello, Adventurers,

I return from the wilderness of Yosemite with a layer of dirt on my skin and the smell of campfires in my clothes and hair. The trip was incredible — a stream of clear, snow-melt water flowing beside my tent, the granite giants looming overhead and the stars guiding my way. I was able to focus on the adventure at hand without the distractions of the city and email. And on one particular hike on an extremely warm and dry day I was reminded of a part in Adventure Two: The Fakersville Power Station.

As Ida and I reached mile marker 6 on a deep wilderness trip I heard a branch snap up on the hill in front of us.

"Stop!" I said to Ida in a hashed voice.
"What?" She replied.
"I just heard something." All of my senses focused on the dense treeline at the top of the hill. "Up there."
Ida turned and spotted something on a fallen tree. "What is that? A fox?"
It wasn't a fox, and I didn't know what it was until the ball of fur turned and hopped down. It was a small black bear. Thankfully it trotted away from us.
"It's a bear," I said.
"Really!" Ida exclaimed.
That's when a 400 pound Momma bear stood up and stared down the hill at us.
Her eyes locked onto us and the fur on her shoulders raised. She was in control, only 100 feet away and us on the downside of a slope.
Ida and I pulled the whistles from our pockets and blew as hard as our lungs could while our stomach fell to our feet. I waved my arms, trying to look bigger than I really am and Ida beat on a log with a stick.
Momma bear didn't flinch or turn.
My mind raced with "What if's."—"What if she runs down the hill?" "What if she attacks?"
TWEEEEEEET!
BANG!
BANG!
TWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!
Momma bear took a step forward, off the log.
TWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!
"She's coming!"
"What if it's me against her?"
"I have to protect Ida—with what? A stick? A tiny pocket knife?"
I could see the headlines now—"Writer dies while on an adventure with wife."
Momma bear turned, looked back, snorted and walked away.
I looked at Ida. Fear masked her face. I probably looked the same.
With the whistle in hand I ordered, "Let's go!"
We hurried down the narrow trail, covering the next two miles in a record 12 minutes, Ida with the whistle at the ready—me scanning the trees for any movement or sound.

When we reached the Ranger Station to report the sighting the ranger told us, "Oh, you're so lucky. Usually people only see the butt of the bear as it's walking away."
"Lucky!" I thought. "I just stared down a bear twice my weight for twenty seconds."
But now that I look back and tell you this story I realize I was lucky. One for seeing something most people never will and second for experiencing an event had by Edgar, Audrey and Garrett Font in Fakersville. I imagine they were a bit more afraid facing a mountain lion, but still I thank Grandpa Edgar for telling me how to fend of a wild animal.

Until next time Adventurers, have a wild week!
Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

I return with news.

2007-08-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hello adventurers,

I return from the location of Adventure Three with news. I am close to completing the cover art and have written eight chapters! We're on schedule for its release next summer! I still can't tell you where the next house on the Font's list is, but I will share this one illustration with you. Any guesses on what Audrey and Garrett are doing?

If you have completed "Adventure Two: The Fakersville Power Station" and solved the puzzle at the end you should know where you'll be heading next. I know the puzzle was harder than the last one, but to become a great adventurer I must continuously test your skills with more difficult problems. If you need help, write me an email and I'll give you a hint (it's not cheating). Type the answer from the adventure into the shark tooth puzzle on edgarfont.com and you'll be given a special glimpse at the "house."

Coming soon -- I will be starting "The Edgar Font Adventure Club." All adventurers are welcome to join no matter where you live or what your age. I'll post more information here once the page and details are up on the website. Be sure and spread the word to your friends about Edgar Font and get them in on the adventures!

I must go now and pack for my next trip. Ida and I are heading to Yosemite for a few nights of camping under the stars. It will be good to get away from the computer for a while.

I'll write to you and tell you all about it once I get back. Have an adventurous weekend!

Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

Edgar Font at the Hollywood Book Festival

2007-08-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Adventurers!

Great news! Edgar Font's first adventure "The Castle Tower Lighthouse" has been awarded an HONORABLE MENTION at this years "Hollywood Book Festival."

"Adventure One: The Castle Tower Lighthouse" &
"Adventure Two: The Fakersville Power Station"
are available now online and at your local bookstore.
"Adventure Three" will be out next summer.

*BOOKSELLERS: You can find "Edgar Font's Hunt for a House to Haunt" series at INGRAM, Baker&Taylor, QBI, and BWI.

Thank you all for your continued support.
Have a haunted and adventurous day!

~patrick & edgar

A review from Sally Kruger, School Teacher

2007-08-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

The Edgar Font series by Patrick Doyle is sort of in the tradition of the Series of Unfortunate Events. Take one eccentric old grandfather and two adventurous grandchildren and send them out to look for a house to haunt, and you'll have what it takes for this new series.

When their father goes off on business, Audrey and Garrett find themselves shipped off to their grandfather's retirement home for the summer. They beg to be sent off to camp instead, but it's the retirement home whether they like it or not. Fortunately for the sibling pair, they are not even in the door of the home when they find out they might be in for a real adventure after all.

Grandpa Edgar is a character. He has decided he needs to be prepared for the future. He tells the children he needs to find a house suitable for him to haunt someday. On his map he has already circled the castle tower lighthouse as their first destination. They soon find out there is already at least one ghost and that's when the excitement begins.

Readers will be happy to know the second book in the series is already underway. This fast-paced, action-packed series is sure to be a success. Visit Patrick Doyle at www.edgarfont.com or http://www.myspace.com/patrickhtdoyle

Thank you Sally.
~patrick

My favorite review so far.

2007-08-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

"It's a great story, I liked everything about it, especially the ending. It was pretty dang neat!"
~ALEX, age 14, Huntsville, AL

Thank you, Adventurer Alex!

The interview

2007-08-03T12:22:00.001-07:00

Hello Adventures,

The interview with TAPS Family Radio went well. If you weren't able to listen live you can still hear it online at:

http://blogtalkradio.com/tapsfamilyradio

Feel free to contact me and tell me what you think.
~patrick

Hear me on T.A.P.S. Family Radio!

2007-06-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Adventurers,

If you've seen the show "Ghost Hunters" on the Sci-Fi channel you know about the team from T.A.P.S., The Atlantic Paranormal Society. But have you heard their radio show? The have a couple actually. Grant and Jason host "Beyond Reality" on WPRO News Talk 630 (http://www.630wpro.com/) and TAPS family memebers host a web show called "TAPS Family Radio" (http://blogtalkradio.com/tapsfamilyradio ). Both are fantastic if you're interested in the paranormal or not.

On July 18th (next month) I will be on TAPS Family Radio to talk with Mark Stinson about Edgar and the Font's adventures. If you have questions, call in. I'd love to talk with you. I'll post this message again when the day gets closer.

Until then—Adventure on!

Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

So much news for you, my adventurers.

2007-06-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Adventurers!

First and foremost I wish to welcome all the new adventurers. Grandpa Edgar also thanks you and hopes you enjoy the hunt. And I send out a very special welcome to all the booksellers who have joined us. When you're out and about this weekend visit your favorite local bookstore, say hello, and pick up some books. If you don't see Edgar Font on the shelves, ask someone at the desk. They'll know where to find him.

Secondly, I need to apologize for not writing soon. I have been in and out of airports for the last couple of weeks as I start working on Adventure Three. I have also been working with my friends at Armadillo Books to get the world out about the release of Adventure Two: The Fakersville Power Station.

And it's here!

A big box of books just showed up at my doorstep. They look great and I can't wait to get them out to you. Those of you who have solved the puzzle in the back of Adventure one and opened the safe; you already know what's in store for the Fonts. When you finish Adventure Two you'll discover another puzzle. This one is a little tougher, but I need to test your skills as an adventurer. If you want to peek at the puzzle, go to edgarfont.com and locate the shark’s teeth. My friend and web wizard, Paulo is also working day and night adding new fun stuff for you to do on the site. If you have any suggestions send me an email and I'll see if he can get it done.

There's so much more, but I can't remember it all right now. I may have to write back a little later to fill in the blanks.

Until then, have an adventurous day.
Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

Save a rejected copy of Edgar Font and I'll sign it for you.

2007-05-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Adventurers,

I have a couple boxes of "Adventure One: The Castle Tower Lighthouse" sitting here in my office just waiting to be read. Their only problem is that they have very minor scratches on the spines. You probably wouldn't even notice if I didn't point them out, but Amazon and Borders won't take them because of these small flaws.

I have set up a new account on Amazon.com in the "Used & New" section of the book's main page. They are listed under the name "Armadillo-Books" for $5.99 ($1 off list price). If you buy one of these copies I will sign it for you and throw in some stickers and postcards. And on the subject of used Edgar Font books on Amazon—please check the credibility of the seller before you give them money. I would suggest only buying used books with fulfillment by Amazon or from from the publisher, "Armadillo-Books."

I thank you for your continued support & hope adventure finds you, where ever you may be.

Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

p.s. If you know of any charities looking for books (libraries, schools, etc.), please send me their contact information. I would like to donate some books.

Where in the world are the Traveling Five?

2007-05-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Adventurers,

As most of you know, I have sent 5 copies of Adventure One: The Castle Tower Lighthouse on a journey arond the world. But they have gone missing! They are out there somewhere, in someones hands, but who's? If you know of their location contact me at patrick@armadillo-books.com. A reward awaits you.

Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

The release of Adventure Two is near!

2007-04-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Adventurers,

July 1st is the date to remember. But for now, here's a new wallpaper for your computer.

I'll post again soon.
Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

Edgar has his own MySpace page!

2007-02-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

Hello Adventurers,

Edgar is now haunting MySpace and he's looking for friends to join him on his latest endeavour. If you have a MySpace page look him up at:

http://www.myspace.com/edgarfont

Until next time, make every day an adventure.
patrick

Are you looking for Edgar?

2007-01-29T09:34:00.000-08:00

Hello adventurers,

Response to the videos has been amazing! If you haven't seen them yet, search "Edgar Font" at: YouTube, MySpace, AOLvideo, and iFilm. More are on the way.

If you're looking for a copy of "Adventure One: The Castle Tower Lighthouse" you can find it at Amazon.com (they're running low on stock, but will be reordering more from me this week). You can also get it at edgarfont.com by using PayPal, and you or your parents don't even need a PayPal account, just an everyday credit or debit card. As for the bookstores—I am working with a distributor now and with them hope to have Edgar in all major bookstores within the year. But if you feel like it, you can go to the counter of Borders or Barnes&Noble and ask them for it. That will help me get it on the shelves sooner.

To thank all of you for your continued support and to again welcome all my new adventurers I'm going to share with you the front cover of: "Adventure Two: The Fakersville Power Station." I still can't tell you about the house or where it is. For that information you'll have to solve the puzzle in Adventure One and open the safe on the website (edgarfont.com).

Until next time, make everyday of your life an adventure.
Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

EDGAR FONT VIDEOS!

2007-01-25T09:23:00.000-08:00

Hello Adventurers & welcome YouTubers & MySpacers,

The videos I promised you can now be seen on a number of websites (youtube, myspace, ifilm, and soon for all of you at AOL). I couldn't wait until May to share them with you, and there are more to come. If you're new to this blog, welcome and I hope you enjoy the adventure. I'm reachable at patrick@armadillo-books.com if you have any questions, but there are times in the year when I'm out researching for the upcoming books and traveling to the locations I read about in the Font's journal.

In other news. I'm a few hours away from finishing the cover art for Adventure Two. Once it's done I'll post it here for all of you to see a comment on.

I'll tell you more then. Enjoy the videos!
Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

2007-01-23T15:48:00.000-08:00

HAPPY & ADVENTUROUS NEW YEAR: 2007!

2007-01-02T14:56:00.000-08:00

Happy 2007 adventurers and Happy Birthday Kevin (my younger brother). I'm thinking this is going to be a great year. Adventure One is rolling along and #2 is on its way. I've just finished the cover drawing and will start coloring it this weekend. I received a very good book review before Christmas from Mr. Bob Spear of the Heartland Review. He wrote: "At last, a young adult midgrade series to take the place of Lemony Snicket, and it’s about 1,000% better. We rated this excellent new start to a series five hearts." Thank you, Mr. Spear. Mr. Snicket is a writer I look up to and I hope to have just as many readers one day. I live in the same city as him—San Francisco (we live about 3 miles apart) so maybe one day we'll get together.

I welcome any reviews from any of you if you'd like to send them to me (house2haunt@yahoo.com). They might even show up on edgarfont.com. And speaking of the website, I have a huge surprise for you in May—Edgar Font Videos! Other things coming up include a new puzzle, new maps, drawings, and appearances by me. I'll let you know where I'll be and when. I'll bring the photos I've taken during my trips as I trace the adventure I read about in the journal. Here's one from my exploration of the Castle Tower Lighthouse. The lighthouse is no more, but the island is. This is a picture of the coast line taken from the rocky shore.

More to come!
patrick

Merry Christmas Adventurers!

2006-12-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Adventurers,

The holiday season has kept me busy. I hope all of you are having a great Christmas and a happy new year. As for Adventure Two: I've delivered the first draft to my proofreaders and I'm currently working on the cover art. When I have somthing to share I'll post it here for you.

As for now, it's time to eat some turkey and drink eggnog.

Your friend and storyteller,
patrick

Look at this.

2006-11-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Adventurers,

What a day. First the news on Adventure Two. If you've seen what's in the safe at edgarfont.com you know where it's set. I just printed out the second draft and it will be going to the proofreader soon.

In other news (the photo), the folks at armadillo books sent me this photo. Look at that! I'm actually right next to "Book 13: The End." It was taken at Stacey's Bookstore on Market Street in San Francisco. I love Lemony Snicket's work and even live in the same city as his representative, Daniel Handler. So being next to him on the display is an honor and thrill. Wow! That's all I can say. I'll write more soon.

patrick

Speaking of Bookmarks...

2006-10-30T19:56:00.000-08:00

Since I'm online (did I mention I'm currently 100 feet off the ground, in the shadow of a live volcano?) and the satellite connection is still up, let me send you these bookmarks I made.

THE SAFE

2006-10-30T19:41:00.000-08:00

Good news, Adventures!

The safe you've been searching for at edgarfont.com is now up and working. I won't tell you exactly where it is and it's up to you to figure out the combination, but I'm sure you'll like what you find inside. Just a quick note: If you bookmarked the site you might need to trash that bookmark and retype the url for it to appear (this is what my web designer told me when it didn't work on my computer). There's more to come so check back here or visit the adventure site whenever you're not on an adventure of your own.

Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

Conservatory Puzzle Download

2006-10-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have read "Adventure One: The Castle Tower Lighthouse," here's the puzzle the Font's had to solve in the conservatory. Print it out and see if you can solve it.

WALLPAPER #3

2006-10-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

WHERE AM I?

2006-10-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

I’ve completely lost track of time. I’m working day and night on Adventure Two right now. I actually just got back from the adventure’s location. I met with the son of a man Garrett mentioned in the journal. I can’t tell you his name yet. But the good news is, I have finished writing the first draft. I’m currently meeting with people who know the story and double checking the details of the place to make sure I have all the facts right. As soon as everything checks out I need to scan and clean up Garrett’s drawings and the map. If all goes as planned, Adventure Two will be available by next summer (2007).

NOW AVAILABLE AT...

2006-10-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

Adventure One: The Castle Tower Lighthouse is now available at Amazon.com! Tell fellow adventurers the news.

EDGARFONT.COM UPDATE

2006-10-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

As for the website: edgarfont.com, the Beta test is still running. I have no idea what that means, but I’m told that the finished site will be a thousand times cooler and work perfectly. If you’ve solved the puzzle in the back of Adventure One and are looking for the safe—it’s not there yet. I promise it and other secrets will be up soon! If you have any questions for me or would like to tell me what you thought about Edgar, Audrey, Garrett and their first adventure send me an email: patrick@armadillo-books.com

GHOSTS?

2006-10-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

In the past two years I’ve learned a lot about ghosts. A lot of people don’t believe in them—my wife is still on the fence even though Mr. Font moves chairs and closes doors right in front of her. But others who do believe, sometimes believe too much. They think everything that can’t be explained during a stay in a so called “haunted house” is in fact a ghost. The truth is, most shadows, lights, noises, and feelings can be explained. When looking at a photo or investigating a house, you must try to disprove it as a ghost first. Only then, when you can’t find a logical answer, can you suspect a ghost. I’ve attached two photos. I took the first one at a church in Washington DC. It pictures two balls of energies called “ORBS.” Many think these are ghosts, but in most cases it’s just light from the flash bouncing off dust in the air or insects. This one happens to be snow, but it would fool a lot of people out there. I took the second photo in New Orleans. I can’t explain the streaks or the white light in the foreground. Nothing passed in front of the camera, the building in the background is clear while the streaks are blurry, and it’s not a double exposure. So I don’t know what it could be. New Orleans is thought to be one of the most haunted places in the states, so it’s possible I caught something, but I can’t be sure. If you have any photos you’d like to share, send them to me. I love a good ghost photo. And if you know of a house you think Edgar would have liked to haunt, submit your story, pictures and drawings to the “House to Haunt” section of edgarfont.com. Until next time, make everyday an adventure.

THE FIRST 2500!

2006-09-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

On Friday, September 22 the first 2500 copies of “Edgar Font’s Hunt for a House to Haunt, Adventure One: The Castle Tower Lighthouse” will be in my hands! It’s been a long wait and a lot of work the past two years. I started the first draft of Adventure One on December 7 (an important date in history), 2004 and have so many people to thank. They deserve a mention here because without them this book wouldn’t exist.

- My wife Ida for everything, and I mean everything—her love, inspiration, patience, support, understanding, input, etc.
- Mike McGinty for proofreading the first draft. It’s a tough job requiring a ton of patience and that is why he’s such a great friend.
- Nicole Ridella—Nicole McClung when she proofed the book. A fellow writer and now the mother to little Clare.
- Matt Ridella for creating the piece of music Audrey finds in the lighthouse.
- Brandie Pilapil for being the best friend anyone could have and for her help with a quick read.
- Edmund Walshe, the man with wit, charm and an eye for spotting all the mistakes everyone else overlooked. Get well soon, buddy.
- Grant Wilson, Jason Hawes, and the entire T.A.P.S. team for the inspiration and information they provide through their show “Ghost Hunters.”
- All my friends and family for their excitement and support.

With the release of Adventure One comes the launch of the website (edgarfont.com), a slew of promotional pieces, an upcoming tour, and possibly a few appearances on local shows. Check back here regularly to see where I’ll be and when.

Also track the progress of Adventure Two here. I completed the first draft last week and will be working tirelessly until its release before next summer.

Make everyday of your life an adventure.
Your friend & storyteller,
Patrick

Mistakes & Corrections

2006-09-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

In Adventure One, Grandpa Edgar says: "It's better to use a pencil instead of a pen. It allows us to erase our mistakes." But once a book goes to print, what am I supposed to do? I've listed my mistakes here.

Page 16: "The pale green paint on the twisted railings of the four balconies-—two on the third floor and two on the second-peeled away and exposed the rusted metal underneath." (not "pealed")

Page 19: "Indeed, and I must say, your impression of the of the Central American bullfrog is spot on.” (extra "of the". Capitalize "Central American")

Page 138: "He shook the webs from his hand, removed a small screwdriver from a pockets, and leaned inside." (no "s" on "pockets")

Page 165: "The backrest of knots and thorns grew up out of a dark purple seat cushion like a wild vines and trapped..." (no "a" before "wild")

"If we were all perfect, the inventor of the eraser would have died a failure." -my 10th grade art teacher

Thanks to everyone,
patrick

I've been away for a while

2006-08-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

News. News. News. That's what I have for you today. I haven't posted in a long while, but for good reason. Adventure One is at the printer as I type this, which means it can be in your hands before September! As I wait with you I have been busy preparing for its arrival. The website is near completion, a few more blogs are in the works, and extra goodies are being put together for you. I wish I had something to share with you now, but everything will be available soon enough. I'll pass along the news as I get it. Until the, make every day of your life an adventure.

Your friend and storyteller,
Patrick

Soon. Very Soon!

2006-06-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

Good day Adventurer,

The adventure is about to begin—for you!
I have been working day and night for the past two weeks building edgarfont.com. I know the door has been closed for a while now, but soon (the first week of July) Edgar’s room will be ready for you to explore. And with that, Adventure One will be available for you to read. I have already begun working on Adventure Two, and this will be the only place to learn more about it and receive updates on when it will be released. I must keep this message short—I have to get back to work. The sooner I finish, the sooner I can travel to the next house mentioned in the journal. But if you need me to answer any questions, send me an email. I’ll get back to you as soon as I find a computer connected to the web.

Until next time—make everyday of your life an adventure.

Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

Here's a second screensaver for you. Enjoy.

Yes, I'm back!

2006-05-21T16:57:00.000-07:00

Actually I flew back from Ireland last weekend, but I had some catching up to do. Plus I wanted to make sure I had some photos to share with you. I visited a bunch of castles, most in ruin, built nearly one thousand years ago. They were... words can't describe them. But do me a favor, make plans to visit Ireland some day. You will see some amazing sites from history and feel as if you stepped back in time. Here are a few photos of one of the castles I was able to spend the night at. It's called Temple House and it's just outside of Sligo, Ireland. I was lucky enough to rome freely around the house and grounds, but wasn't able to snap any pictures of ghosts. I had a feeling they where there, but they kept themselves hidden and quiet.

As for Edgar Font and Adventure One. I came home to the news that it will be ready to go to print next month! Also, the website will soon be finished and I can start telling you more about Adventure Two. I can’t wait!

Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

Temple House and the castle ruins

The main hall of Temple House

The old stables at Temple House

The Attic is clean!

2006-04-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Adventurers,

I’ve accomplished so much in the last couple of weeks. Adventure One is almost ready to go to the printers and research on Adventure Two has been organized. I’m thinking that I’ll sit down a little bit this week and start writing it. I finished cleaning the attic of my house so I have plenty of room to spread out. I’ve attached a photo of it and the passageway to the secret room. I’d love to show you that room, but I fear that the items and artifacts you’d see would give you too many clues on the adventures to come. I promise, after a few more of the Edgar Font adventures are released I’ll give you a complete tour of the secret room and all the other hidden passageways in the house. Maybe in an online video. And if we’re lucky, Mr. Font will make an appearance. He usually appears as a bright ball of light or a white mist, but there have been times when I’ve seen him in his dusty leather jacket, standing at the window as I worked in the backyard.

As for other news, the website is almost finished and there will be a lot of surprises and special extras for you to download. For my up coming trip to Ireland, I’ve booked a room at a castle in the county of Sligo. It’s not a house that Edgar, Garrett and Audrey explored. I just love castles and like to imagine how my ancestors lived on the island hundreds of years ago. I leave on the 4th of May and will be away until the 15th, so I won’t be able to response if you send me a message in that time.

Until next time, make every day of your life an adventure.
patrick

No finish line in sight yet.

2006-04-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Adventurers,

It has been a long two weeks, but I’m back on dry land and home safe. Since my last letter to you I have spent most of my time preparing Adventure One for its upcoming release. You would think that after a year of work, the finish line would be in sight—but it’s not. There’s actual more work to do in these final weeks than in all the previous months combined. Currently I’m in the secret room of my attic, surrounded by all of Grandpa Edgar’s treasures, and redrawing the cover of the book. This is my fifth or sixth drawing and I’m still not happy with it. The thing is, I want the first adventure to be perfect for you, and I have been pushing myself to make it the best it can be. The problem with the last few drawings is that they don’t match Garrett’s style—to be honest, he was a much better artist than I am, but I continue to improve. This drawing I have just started looks to be the one. I have used Garrett’s illustrations as reference instead of going off on my own. Besides the cover drawing I’m also making corrections to the Adventure. They’re mainly grammar and punctuation mistakes that my editor found. I’m sure that you can tell from reading these messages that grammar, punctuation, and spelling aren’t my specialty (good thing there’s spell check on the computer), but I’m learning and getting better.

This week I’ll be finishing the cover illustration, handing the book back to my editor (more changes?), and taking care of some past-due paper work. I have a trip to Ireland coming up in May and I have to make sure all of this is done before I leave. Please feel free to send me a message. My address is: 660 4th street #129, San Francisco, CA 94107

I’d better get back to my drawing. Here are a few of my past attempts at the cover. Let me know what you think.
Enjoy.

Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

A quick update from the island

2006-03-21T19:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Adventurers:

It’s been a long week, but the past few days have zipped by. That’s because for most of those days I was out on a boat above the wreckage of an old pirate ship. The ship is actually inside an underwater cave and to get to it I had to stuff myself into a “stinger suit” and strap on a scuba tank. The water around the island I’m at is warm, and it attracts a lot of jellyfish — BIG jellyfish with poisonous stingers that are longer than I am tall — so I gladly wore the stinger suit, even though it was tight and extremely hot. But enough about that. I’m rambling on and on about an adventure that you won’t be able to read until “Adventure Three: . . .”. Let me focus on the adventure that’s about to hit the bookshelves this summer — Adventure One: The Castle Tower Lighthouse.

I’m so excited. A lot of hours have been spent this past year and a half to make sure that Edgar Font’s story gets out to you and fellow adventurers. I know he, Audrey, and Garrett will be proud when their adventures are in your hands. Until that day I’ll keep you informed and up to date with what’s going on. If you have any questions, send them to: house2haunt@yahoo.com

I have to get back in the water now, but when I write next I’ll tell you more about me. Until then, make everyday of your life an adventure.

Your friend & storyteller,
patrick

Thank you Armadillo Books

2006-03-12T14:02:00.000-08:00

Hello Adventurers,

This is a quick note before I catch my boat. So much has happened in the past year, and it makes my head spin with excitement knowing that the first adventure in the Edgar Font series is about to go to press. None of this would have been possible without my publisher. They're a new company and it's an honor to be a part of their team. Big thanks to everyone at Armadillo books for young readers for their hard work and support. They take care of all the business and paper work (stuff I know nothing about) which allows me to travel and explore the houses that Edgar, Audrey, and Garrett wrote about in the journal. Like now, I’m on my way out to a small island in... Opps. There’s the boat whistle. I have to go.

Your friend & storyteller,
Patrick

Edgar Font wallpaper #1

2006-03-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

The EDGAR FONT website

2006-03-11T15:42:00.000-08:00

Hello adventures,

If you click on the “Edgar Font” link you’ll discover that Mr. Font's room (the site) is still under construction. I just got off the satellite phone with my friend Paulo who’s building the site, and he told me that it should be ready in late May. Keep checking back here and I’ll let you know the second it’s ready for your visit. Until then please explore the other links listed. They should be names you already know. All three reflect the spirit of adventure that drove Edgar Font though life, and he considers them his friends.

If you send me an email addressed to house2haunt@yahoo.com I’ll send you a message when the site is open and the first adventure is out.

Make everyday of your life an adventure.

Your friend & storyteller,
Patrick

Britni's Question

2006-03-05T14:50:00.000-08:00

So now that you all know how to get a hold of me, let me answer Britni’s question. She wrote:

“What happens in the first Edgar Font adventure? And are there any drawings from the journal that I could see?”

Well, Britni, I don’t want to spoil the adventure for you, but I will tell you a little bit more.

The first entry in the journal introduces Audrey and her younger brother Garrett Font. They were looking forward to an uneventful Summer break after what seemed like an endless school year. Garrett had a bag full of new puzzle book he was looking too start and Audrey had planned on rereading a few of her favorite books. That was until Aunt Dolores told them that they would be spending the entire three months with their Grandpa Edgar while she and their father dealt with some business overseas.

From what Audrey and Garrett’s father had told them in the past, Grandpa Edgar was an extraordinary man—a traveler, adventurer, and fearless explore. He had done what others have only dreamt of, and seen things that most only believe as fantasy. But those days were long gone. Grandpa Edgar hung up his dusty leather jacket and moved into The Sterling Oaks Retirement Village. It’s a place where strange smells and the bored ghosts of past residents wander the halls.

Within a few minutes of Audrey and Garrett’s stay, Grandpa Edgar shares with them a story of an elephant graveyard and shows them a photo journal full of picture that Grandpa Edgar claims to be ghosts. Grandpa Edgar, who has lived every minute of his life in search of adventure, doesn’t plan on joining these bored spirits and will do whatever it takes to make sure that he doesn’t end up just like them. His plan, as he describes it to Audrey and Garrett, is to hunt for a house that is as unique, exciting, and unusual as he is to haunt.

And from that moment, with the help of Audrey and Garrett, he sets out to explore the first house on his list. An abandoned lighthouse full of puzzles, ghosts, and adventure. It’s the beginning of a Summer none of them will ever forget.

I don’t want to tell you too much, so I’ll stop there. In future posting I’ll tell you more about Grandpa Edgar, Audrey, and Garrett. I might even hint to what’s coming up in the upcoming adventures.

I’ll conclude with some of the drawings in Garrett’s journal. Enjoy.

Your friend & storyteller,
Patrick

Adventure One Illustrations

2006-03-05T14:43:00.000-08:00

How to find me.

2006-03-05T14:37:00.000-08:00

Hello Adventurers,

I am writing you from... I’m afraid I can’t tell you where I am at the moment. I’ll just say that it’s the house spotlighted in Adventure Two, and the town’s people here wish for it to remain a secret. You’ll have to wait for the release of that book in 2007 to understand their special request.

I received my first e-mail from Britni, a young adventurer in Ohio. I’m sorry it took so long to respond, Britni. I rarely check the mailbox that you sent it to. But my friends at Armadillo Books, knowing that I’m hard to find sometimes, forwarded your e-mail to me and has set up an address just in case you or anyone else has a question about the Edgar Font Adventure Series. Here it is:

house2haunt@yahoo.com

I’ll be checking this mailbox from time to time, and depending on if the area I am in has internet or not, will answer your questions in the order I receive them. In following the adventures of Edgar, Audrey, and Garrett Font I sometimes find myself in a town, village, or country that doesn’t even have a TV, so please be patient if days go by without an answer. I promise to answer all your questions when I’m able.

Bienvenue! Benvenuto! Willkommen! Welcome!

2006-03-01T09:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Adventurer,

Let me introduce myself. My name is Patrick and I would like to prepare you for the Edgar Font adventure series with the tale of its origin.

Two years ago I bought a beautiful, old house with a rich history. It still needs some fixing up and there are rooms in the upper floors that could use a good cleaning, but it was exactly what I was looking for. There is a fantastic library full of books, a beautiful fountain in the backyard, countless secret passageways that lead from one room to another (great for playing tricks on my friends when they visit), and a very special and playful ghost that haunts its halls.

I was exploring the attic during my first week in the house, and discovered a hidden room—a small office. In it was a large desk that had on it countless artifacts from all over the world. The walls were covered with old maps, framed fossils, and photographs of a Mr. Edgar Font at places like Stonehenge, Easter Island, and the Great Wall of China. But what I found most interesting was an old leather bag on top of a beautiful chess board. There was a hole in the front flap of the bag, and inside was a leather-bound journal. The pages were full of pencil drawings and the amazing adventures had by, Audrey and Garrett during a Summer with their grandfather, Mr. Font.

Soon, the first of their many adventures will be released*. It tells of the ghosts, traps, and puzzles that challenged them inside The Castle Tower Lighthouse. I have included with all the stories, to help you understand the clues and mysteries that they uncovered, the actual sketches from the journal. All were drawn by Garrett Font as they explored the many houses all over the world.

I proudly present the stories of Edgar, Audrey, and Garrett Font with the hope that you enjoy them, share it with your friends, and make every day of your life an adventure.

Your friend & storyteller,
Patrick

* Adventure One: The Castle Tower Lighthouse, in the Patrick Doyle presents, EDGAR FONT'S Hunt for a House to Haunt will be available at www.edgarfont.com and major online bookstores in mid-June, 2006. Check this site from time to time for updates.