I have uploaded a new image to the gallery. I want you as a backer, supporter and reader, to follow me along on tea journey in a forthcoming book series (at least 8 books) and continue the conversation online about the evergreen shrub called Camellia sinensis (the name of the tea plant in Latin).

My goal is that you will eventually reach the 6th step (success) of the story, as described in Donald Miller's post, A Communication Tip That Makes Customers More Likely to Buy. If you have a similar problem like the character in Star Trek, Jean-Luc Picard, and want to have a "word with the fellow, Earl Grey," I am here to help, as your guide in cyberspace... [Editor's note: In the first book, I will write a short backstory on the origin of this quote.] The caricature of Jean-Luc Picard by John Cox could end up at the end of the first book on tea. The first book will be on plain black teas, e.g., African flower tea (translated from Swedish, with no flower in it), Assam, Ceylon, Keemun, Nilgiri, Yunnan, etc. The second book will be on flavored and special teas like Earl Grey, Lapsang Souchong and Pu-erh. This image could be a nice segway (pun intended) to the next book...

After talking with John regarding the progress of the crowdfunding campaign and introspection on my office hours, energy level, and the recommended self-publishing process by book experts, I have decided to extend the time table to next year around Independence Day on the Fourth of July, 2017. I will have some kind of event on December 16, 2016.

I said in my first update on December 14, 2015, that in order "to kick-start this project, I need about a couple of grand (>2000 USD $), for work of art, illustrations, editing services, publishing fees, marketing activities, etc." I have come to the insight that I need to find a designer for the book and it could take plenty of time and financial resources. I am OK with wearing many different hats as a rational "Mad Hatter" (writer, self-publisher, marketer, former purchaser turned into sales guy, fundraiser, etc.), but thinking of the daunting job of putting all the stuff together into a great looking book, is getting me a bit stressed out at the moment. I am looking forward to a "never-ending tea party"... ;)

In order to get back on track, I will start tomorrow (June 25) to write in my copy of The Freedom Journal for 100 days.

I will tell you more about my forthcoming first book on tea, in the next episode of EGO NetCast, and in a live streaming session on Snapchat (my username, TeaPartyMedia) during the Midsummer weekend.

Backers, supporters and book launch team members will be invited to a private Google+ group and a Facebook messenger group.

I would appreciate it very much if you continue to spread the good word on this crowdfunding campaign to your fellow tea drinkers, friends, family members, co-workers, and potential coffee drinkers we could convert to "the second most popular beverage in the world"...