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RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCEMENT!

Wait! What? Is this The Knight of Iaddash’s Release Date!?

Yes it is! And the release date is April 8th, 2025!

That’s right, The Knight of Iaddash releases on April 8th, 2025!

Its a rather quick release, but it’s been years of hard work. Everything is polished and ready to go, so why wait!? My goal was April, and I’m hitting it!

What’s the Price?

There are two prices, both with different benefits!

The Paperback is priced $12.99, this one features Veronica Verratti’s epic cover art, but also has an equally stunning back cover that e-readers won’t have access to! Plus, you get that crisp new book feel as you turn every page!

The Ebook is priced at $9.99, that is three dollars cheaper than the paperback version! If you buy it digitally, you’ll be able to read it anywhere you’d like. Phone, laptop, or on your portable e-reader! ! I’ve made a lot of good memories reading on vacations, you can stuff a lot of books in one device, maybe mine will be one of yours!

Where do I order?

Paperback should be available to order on April 8th, 2025 on Amazon. In addition to that, a kindle ebook version is available for preorder now!

I have also submitted my book to ingramspark which opens up the potential for brick and mortar stores to buy and sell my book. This also includes your local library! If you think your local library needs The Knight of Iaddash, tell them all about it!

Additionally, I am working on making sure that you can read my book on other devices outside of Kindle. Please be patient with me as I work on making this book as accessible to be read in as many ways as possible!

Would I like this story?

Quite possibly!

The Knight of Iaddash is a faith-centered novel that is aimed at young adults but is fun for anyone with a love for fantasy. Sitting at 130 pages, it makes for a great weekend read that is filled with action, like-able characters, and faith-filled themes.

The themes in this book are distinctly christian, considering that is my faith. If that appeals to you, then I think you’d really like what this book offers. However, while themes of faith are at its core, I set out to write a fun story first. I don’t believe in sacrificing the story for the message. Both should build one another up!

I also had a lot of fun playing around with classic fantasy and heroes journey tropes! This book features a magic sword, and evil wizard, and a mystical entity that is beyond human. If you like that kind of stuff, you’ll probably get a kick out of this story!

What’s the Blurb?

Ultimately, the back cover blurb is going to give you the clearest idea of what this is all about!

So, here it is!:

Kahsa hates dictators, especially the one he had sworn his life to. Forcefully brought up as a solider and reduced to a mere guardsman, Kahsa wants nothing more than to leave his old life behind and find freedom far from the endless gaze of his ruthless master, Agar.

Deciding to run, Kahsa finds himself in the Glorybud Forest at the center of a prophecy given by a God he does not know. Will this God-Iaddash-be Kahsa’s ticket to freedom, or just another master to rule his life?

The only way for him to find out is to pick up the sword!

Anything else?

Just a giant thank you to so many people, friends and family who has supported me, to my editor, Heather Pruitt, who caught my grammar mistakes, to Veronica Verratti for making such an epic cover, and to Cory Rosen for helping explore the possibility of making this story even more accessible by turning it into an audio drama.

Actually, regarding the Audio Drama, Cory and I are still working on it! The casting call went well, and we’ve got a cast read through very soon! We’re gonna need some funds to make it though, so stay tuned for a kickstarter announcement!

And also, thank you all so much. Whether you know me in person, are a friendly stranger who reads my blog, or someone entirely new, your support means the world to me. If you’re able to pick up The Knight of Iaddash, I hope you have a fun time reading it! I’m so happy to be able to share my words with you!

Grace and Peace,

Kenny

Cover Reveal: The Knight of Iaddash

The time has come!

I am so happy to be able to reveal to you the final cover art of The Knight of Iaddash!

Behold! Kahsa, The Knight of Iaddash, stands front and center as green mist flows from his sword! I couldn’t be more pleased with how this turned out, and all of the credit goes to my friend and artist, Veronica Verratti!

Book Cover: The Knight of Iaddash, stands front and center as green mist flows from his sword! - Art by Veronica Verratti!

This is what Veronica had to say about the project!

“K.A. Bechtel has crafted a world that’s as exciting as it is beautiful. It has been a privilege to help bring this adventure to life”  

It has been such a joy working with Veronica! She has such a unique style that lends well to the heroic nature of Kahsa’s story! When I asked her to do the cover art, I knew it would be good, but she exceeded every expectation! Not only did she do the front cover, but the spine and the back cover as well!

If you want to see more from Veronica and show her your support, you can find her on Instagram at The Hallowed Ink!

And lastly, the book is on track for releasing this year. Stay tuned for more updates on The Knight of Iaddash, including the back cover & synopsis! More to come very soon!

Glory to the Glorybuds!

Kenny

Update: Iaddash, Life, and Bread (January 2025)!

It is January! It is 2025! Which means… it’s the New Year! Woooo!

It also means Kenny needs to give you a long overdo update!

The Knight of Iaddash Update:

Every single day I become more and more excited about the potential of turning The Knight of Iaddash into an Audio Drama! If you didn’t know already, Cory Rosen and I plan on turning a book I’ve written into a full fledged audio production! We announced auditions back in November, and over 90 people signed up! We were not prepared for that many people, so we’ve made a few changes to the audition process and things are well underway! We are getting closer to finding the right voice for each of the characters and I am excited for everyone to hear the finished project!

That is, assuming the finished project is made. Here is the deal, if we’re gonna get this thing to happen, we’re gonna need some support! Cory and I are currently thinking through fundraising and finding sponsors to help fund this project! We believe that it’s very important to pay our actors. If you’d like to support us, and also some really good local talent, keep your eyes and ears peeled!

The book is still coming out by the way! I am planning on releasing it early this year! I released an update on the project back in November, and not much has changed. Aside from the cover, an ebook version, and putting up the amazon listing, it’s all ready to go! I am so excited for you all to read it! I’ve had these characters in my head since high school. It’s a dream come true to know that others will finally be able to enjoy the adventures of Kahsa, Agape, and Stratia!

Any Other Writing?

It’s probably no secret that I struggle with writing blog posts. I’d love to figure out why and write some more, but I’d rather just keep creating new characters and worlds. And so, I have done just that. There’s a book I’ve been trying to map out for a few years now that has given me literal headaches. It’s way too early to reveal what it is, but I’ve been able to actually write some of it this past year! I’ve set up some goals for me to hit each week. 20 pages! It’s a lot, and honestly I’ve failed a lot, but I’ve also succeed quite a number of times too. Since it’s a new year I think it’s time to access how much writing I can actually get done in conjunction with work, rest, and our audio project. It may slow down, but I don’t want writing to stop!

Oh, I’m also mapping some comic book stories out. Pretty hyped about some of it. I have no idea if it will see the light of day, but maybe someday in the future. I’m always open to a good creative challenge!

Okay, Enough of this Writer Talk!

How a I doing outside of writing? Honestly, this past year was, well…. a lot. A lot of excitement as well as a lot of disappointment. I managed to get a new job that I enjoy, but the finances have been a bit too tight thanks to that unforgiving post-college problem called ‘student loans.’ The job is stressful, but it is also good and I’m doing something that really matters! I get to work with people who have disabilities and teach everyone about Jesus! It’s a lot of fun, but a guy’s also got to be financially sustainable too.

There’s been a few other big emotional disappointments, aside from the job hunt which is driving me crazy, but God has continued to be good through them all. I’ve been able to really jump into the Bible again! I’m loving the book of Romans right now, I like to draw lines between different words and verses to help me better understand Paul’s arguments. Honestly, doing that has really got me wanting to making a devotional someday about all the things God teaches me in his word!

Oh, also, BREAD!

Yeah, some of my coworkers at work kept bringing in sourdough bread and I’ve been determined to learn how to make some. So, over the past few weeks I’ve made a sourdough starter out of potatoes, flour, and water, and I’ve also made a few bread recipes with it. Have you ever had sourdough pancakes? OH MY GOODNESS IT IS SO GOOD! A buddy of mine joked that I’d make a great housewife someday. I thought that was pretty funny. I find a girl, I’m gonna bring home the bread and bake it too! Or at least some of it lol. Nobody can quench this creative spirit!

I also, really, truly, do love eating.

Long story short, find some hobbies you enjoy and have fun! Life is stressful, we all need some healthy outlets from time to time! And for me, homemade sourdough seems to be one of them!

That’s about all for this update! I hope you guys found some encouragement or laughter while reading it! I’m looking forward to sharing more about The Knight of Iaddash in the coming months!

Also, PS I guess. But I hope you all enjoy the green website back ground. That was like the sole result of my ‘big’ website overhaul. I’ll let you know if I ever decide to learn web design!

Grace and Peace,

Kenny

Website Update: Literally.

Hey guys!

I’m going to be making some updates to this website over the next few weeks or so. As we get closer to the launch of The Knight of Iaddash and casting for its audio adaptation we are seeking to make, this website will be getting a fresh coat of paint.

Cause whatever I did last time, somehow made it worse!

So, I’m going to fix it! So if anything is extra wonky, that is why!

Thank for understanding!

Kenny

THE KNIGHT OF IADDASH – AUDIO DRAMA TRYOUTS

Earlier today I released a brief update on The Knight of Iaddash, however, there is one more major thing that I’ve yet to talk about!

The Knight of Iaddash will also be an audio production!

I am happy to announce that I have been working with the award-winning composer Cory Rosen to turn The Knight of Iaddash into an audio production. We are only auditioning locals in and around the Lancaster/York area PA, so a number of you may be out of luck for this one. But if you live in one of these area and got some voice acting chops, give it a shot! Actors will be compensated for their work.

Feel free to sign up here: The Knight of Iaddash – Tryout Sheet

Oh, one more thing. We’ve got a poster.

You want to see it? Here it is!

A Casting Call for an Audio Drama: Looking for 3 male leads, 2 female lead, 6 male supporting and 4 female supporting.

Isn’t the frame stunning? That frame is actually the back cover art of the book, which is illustrated by the very talented Veronica Verratti, and should be finally launching next year! The back cover isn’t complete just yet, so consider this sneak preview. Check out more of Veronica work on her Instagram page: The Hallowed Ink. I’ll do a full fledged front cover reveal at some point in the future! I’m super hyped for that as well!

Anyways, that’s all for today, maybe I’ll see you at tryouts? And if not, hopefully we’ll have your ears!

Grace and Peace,

Kenny

A Rather Brief Update on The Knight of Iaddash!

Here’s some progress on The Knight of Iaddash!

What is done:

✅ It’s written!

✅ It’s edited!

✅ It’s formatted!

Here is what needs to be done:

💬 Waiting for the cover (it’s lit)!

💬 Amazon listing and release date!

💬 I’m determined to have the ebook ready at, or soon after launch.

Thank you for everyone’s patience! I struggle with the whole advertising and networking side of the creative process, but I’m eager to learn! You should see me ramping things up very soon.

Oh there’s one more thing… if all goes according to plan, there’s going to be one more way to enjoy this story… but that’s an announcement for, well, later today actually! Stay tuned!

-Kenny

Glimpses – Poem by K.A. Bechtel

Hi friends!

I was looking through some of the poems I wrote over the past few years, and I found one I wanted to share with my readers.

Over the past year I’ve been in a bit of a rut, feeling really down and trying to cling to Jesus the best that I can. By faith I believe I’m coming out of that season, however, that season was a very real and hard one to go through. Some days I felt like I couldn’t see any evidence that Jesus was doing anything in my life.

I was wrong of course, Jesus is always at work. And even in the darkness, I caught glimpses of his grace and the passion I once had for him. That’s what this poem is about! I hope you enjoy it!

GLIMPSES

This room is blank.

This mind is dull.

Blinded by sin, 

Dimmed by the fall.

But when I see

Glimpses of him.

My eyes let go

And smile again. 

I’ve never seen

Your face in full.

And if I had,

Then I’d be dead.

For who can peer

Behind the veil

And see his Glory

So full and rare.

For when my heart

Refused to yield

And did not care

For Christ my King.

I glimpsed the cross

And saw the thorns 

Till at his feet 

I wept and mourned

If I don’t feel

His grace for me.

His perfect gift, 

Given for free.

Then let me glimpse 

His love again

So that I know

I’m in his hand.

For though life’s shadows

Seem to grow.

Infinite love

Is by my side

And just a glimpse 

At that great promise

Still gives me hope

And joy in life.

So catch those glimpses 

Small and large

And hold them tight 

To your heart,

For risen Jesus

Will show you more

For he is with you

Evermore.

I hope you enjoyed that poem! If you’d like to read more of my poems, check out Poems for the Redeemed Heart which can be bought on Amazon!

Hope y’all have an amazing day!

Grace and Peace,

Kenny

Anything New?

Heyo! Kenny B here! I figured I’d give you a brief update of some of the things I’ve been doing! I may do this occasionally. I’m planning on prioritizing updates on the things I’m writing, but I’ll prolly share a bit more of my life from time to time as well!

Any Writing Updates?

What’s that? Did you say writing updates? Well, the answer is YES!

A while ago I’ve shared a snippet of my upcoming book ‘The Knight of Iaddash.’ I’ve been working on this book since before 2020, and I can finally say… that IT IS COMPLETELY DONE! That’s right, it’s been professionally edited, and it should be formatted. And what’s more?! I’ve got a friend with a killer art style working on its cover! I’m very excited to see how it turns out! You can expect more info about it’s release timeframe in the coming months!

Not only that, but I’m also working on a very unique audio version of this story with a talented friend of mine. We are in the beginning stages of its production, but progress is being made. It will more than likely be released after the book itself, but I believe it will be well worth the wait!

What’s up in your life?

Honestly, quite a bit. It’s been a weird time for me. There’s been a lot of new experiences, emotions, and challenges I’ve been facing, but God has helped me work through all of them (and still is) and I think I’m finally starting to see myself grow!

I’ve also quit my job as a janitor. It was kinda bitter sweet, I was tired of a lot of it, but the things I learned and the people I worked alongside of … man, those are memories and people I’ll cherish forever. In its place, I’ve taken up a job working with individuals who have various disabilities. I feel out of my depth, but I’m learning a lot from them, and from my coworkers. Please be praying for me in this new area of work. I don’t see it as a forever job, but I’m enjoying a lot of it!

What’s been fun!?

Also, as an added bonus, here are some of my video games that I’ve been playing over the past year (and also why my writing has slowed down, whoops)!

Persona 5 Royal

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom

The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap

Spider-Man 2 (PS5)

Jedi Survior

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Xenoblade X

Xenosaga: Episode I

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder Revenge

The Stanley Parable

The Untitled Goose Game

Stray

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse of my life!

Hang on tight for some future updates!

– K. A. Bechtel

I don’t really use my blog.

Hello.

I have a blog. I do not use my blog.

Honestly, I haven’t really felt like using it. I didn’t really know what I wanted this blog to be if I’m honest. I still don’t. But I’m gonna force myself to use it anyways.

Here’s the thing. I’m an author, right? So I’m SUPPOSED to be super professional and build a following, right? I’m supposed to do that through websites, blogs, social media, etc. Basically, I’m supposed to be an advertiser. A seller! A dealer of fine literature who sings the siren’s song to lull you into buying my books!

I don’t quite like doing that.

Cause at the end of the day, I’m Kenny! I just want to write, have fun, and be happy.

But, I also want people to read the things I put a lot of hard work into. Its quite a conundrum!

So I’m gonna blog again.

But this time, I’m just gonna try to be me. Unlike my books, I’m not going to pour too much time into this. I’m not sure what I’ll do. I think the next one might be an update on what I’ve been working on, and maybe life in general?

Welp. See you soon!

Grace and Peace,

K.A. Bechtel

PS. I have written this update in under 10 minutes. This was the easiest blog I’ve ever created. I feel like I can actually do this lol.

Spider-Man: No Way Home is just OK… Please change my mind.

Like most people, Spider-Man has been a big part of my childhood and young adult years. I grew up watching the Rami films and often imagined myself jumping from building-to-building shooting webs. As a teenager I reconnected with the Web-Slinger by watching The Amazing Spider-Man films, and then going into college, I quickly became hooked on the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of Spider-Man. At my first college musical audition I wore my favorite Spider-Man jacket, infact, I wore that some Spider-Man jacket all through-out college and despite it having a few badly patched holes in its pockets, I also wore it to watch Spider-Man: No Way Home.

I was excited for Spider-Man No Way Home, albiet I was a bit concerned going into it. I wanted all my concerns to be invalid and to exit the theater feeling like I’ve just witnessed the greatest Spider-Man movie of all time. However, that is not my story. I left the theaters a bit disappointed. And so far, I seem to be in the minority.

At the time of writing this, Spider-Man No Way Home sits at a 94% fresh in Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score and its audience score is even higher. Everyone I’ve spoken to about the movie seems to adore it and many would even rank it above Infinity War and Endgame. I wish I could say the same, but for some reason I can’t. Perhaps I was a bit tired, or perhaps I overanalyzed its flaws. But something felt off for me and I wanted to figure it out.

I’m currently trying to learn what makes a story good, and the hard part about this is that art is subjective. I’ve had arguments with my friends over this, while certain things in life are objectively good or bad, there can be things that suit one person’s taste and is sours to another. I wouldn’t quite say No Way Home was sour to me, but I will say that it didn’t meet my expectations. Perhaps that is half the problem.

I’m not here to convince you that Spider-Man No Way Home is a ‘bad movie.’ Art is subjective; however, I want to lay out the reasons why it missed the mark for me and hopefully hear some opposing viewpoints to help me enjoy the film more. Also, while I have some major critiques, I also absolutely adored certain aspects of the movie, so I will be taking about that as well.

Since I’m viewing this article as more of analysis, it will be full of spoilers. So, if you haven’t seen the movie, here is your official… SPOILER ALERT!!!

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