The Posh Prepper Sequel: Thank You + Big News
Hello friend!
I hope you’ve been well. I wanted to reach out to share: 1) an update on The Posh Prepper sequel, 2) some big news from my personal life, and 3) a movie recommendation I think you’ll love.
Let’s start with The Posh Prepper.
As you might remember, in my Author’s Note at the end of the book, I shared how writing The Posh Prepper was a monumental undertaking—three and a half years of research, writing, and editing:
“Life was very, very busy, and there wasn’t much time to write. But Nick and Abby and their friends (and enemies) kept whispering in my ear, demanding to be brought to life.
It was not a smooth delivery—this story had to fight its way out. Inspiration struck while waiting at stoplights, emptying the dishwasher, shoveling snow, changing diapers. It was researched, written, and edited in a thousand drips and spurts. I thought about shelving it, more than once, but our friends kept calling. So my wife helped me carve out little pockets of time, and I powered through.
This is the first book I’ve ever written. It was hard. Very hard. Honestly, I don’t know yet if it was worth it. I’m afraid the story won’t move others the way it moved me.”
It’s been three months since I released The Posh Prepper, and now I have a definitive answer: It was worth it.
Sales of my debut novel have blown past my wildest expectations. In April, the book broke the top 10 sales rank in three different Amazon categories, and it continues to sell incredibly well with almost no promotion.
As I write this, the book has amassed 1,095 ratings on Amazon (4.5 stars) and 595 ratings on Goodreads (4.4 stars).
I’m truly humbled. And I know who I have to thank for my success: you.
You were one of my first fans, willing to take a chance on an unknown author with a single, new-release book to his name. You left a rating, wrote a review, spread the word, and sparked Amazon’s recommendation engines, driving The Posh Prepper up the charts and into the hands of other readers.
But, equally importantly, you took a moment from your busy life to join my email list and send me a personal note about the book. Every day I get a reader email sharing a favorite moment, asking a thoughtful question, demanding a sequel, and, most touching, encouraging me to keep writing.
I’ve never received so much praise, so quickly, for anything in my life. It’s exciting, intoxicating, overwhelming, wonderful. At nearly forty years old, I can say with confidence that The Posh Prepper is the greatest thing I’ve ever created.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
***
Last week, my wife and I had a big talk and we made a decision: I’m going to pursue a writing career, starting with the sequel to The Posh Prepper.
Today I officially start the journey. I just created a new folder on my computer titled “TPP2” (i.e., The Posh Prepper 2—just a working title), so now it feels real haha.
I’m so excited. I can’t wait to see what Nick and Abby and their family do next. I have tons of ideas, and just this week they started to flow like they did for the first book—inspiration striking while waiting at stoplights, emptying the dishwasher, changing diapers.
But…it could take a while (NOT three years, like the first book, I promise!). I’m a meticulous writer with tons of life commitments. Believe me, I wish I could write all day, every day, but I still need my full-time job to pay the bills. Plus I’ve had some big life changes in the last few months…
***
My son arrived! He was nearly two weeks late, weighed 8 lbs 5 oz, and could hold his head up at birth. He’s one strong dude.
I'm so glad he's here, but we’re SO sleep deprived. Most days my PJs are covered in spit-up and oatmeal, my ears are ringing with phantom cries, and I have no idea what month it is. But last night he gave us an amazing stretch, 10pm–6am, basically a full night. I feel like a new man.
Our (almost) two year old has adapted like a champ. He pets the baby every night before bed and helps clean up his toys. Having two boys under two is intense! Every moment they’re awake they need care, attention, and service. I’ve been thinking a lot about Abby—how is she going to survive with twins?! Good thing she has help :)
***
Before I wrap up, I wanted to share a movie recommendation I think you’ll love. Have you seen Children of Men?
Here’s a quick summary:
In 2027, in a chaotic world in which humans can no longer procreate, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea, where her child’s birth may help scientists save the future of humankind.
And here's the trailer:
If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it. For starters, the film is a visual and storytelling masterpiece—but it’s so much more than that. The theme and character arcs are similar to The Posh Prepper: a cynical hero, a pregnant orphan, a broken world, and the rediscovery of love and hope.
Also, it contains one of the most powerful scenes I’ve ever seen in film, and I’ve seen a lot!
If you watch, send me a note and let me know what you think.
***
I’ll close with a heartfelt thank you: Thank you for reading, for reviewing, for recommending, for reaching out with words of encouragement—you’ve given me one of the greatest gifts of my life.
For the next few months, all my time will be focused on family, work, and writing. You may not hear from me for a while, but rest assured, I’ll be crafting your sequel in every spare moment.
And with that, I hear our friends calling: Nick wants to go over the plan, and Abby needs some help with the twins. Gotta run!
With gratitude,
Todd
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