I (Tina) am the official editor for this publication Heart and Mind Matters, and that means it’s up to me to decide what we publish here. Our intent for creating this ezine in the first place was to offer people a weekly ‘uplift’; to provide an article that lifts your spirits and complement it with feel- good videos and quotes. Today’s article is something Neil wrote, sharing his excitement about the upcoming launch of his latest literary endeavour. I figure we all experience a big smile when we see someone’s dreams come true, don’t we? So, here I am sharing one of Neil’s dreams coming true:

The Final Stretch: “An Unregistered Male” Nears Completion

There are few moments in an author’s journey as exhilarating as receiving the final round of feedback from beta readers. It’s a signpost along the road, signalling that the end is near—the story has been tested, refined, and is almost ready to be released into the world.

I’m thrilled to share that “An Unregistered Male,” my upcoming dystopian fiction novel written under my pen name, Nathaniel Theos, has reached this milestone! The last of my beta readers have returned their corrections and insights, and the final tweaks are now in progress.

But that’s not the only exciting news. I’ve also taken a step I haven’t taken since my “A Warrior’s Heart” trilogy—I’ve hired a professional cover designer! For me, this is a significant moment, signalling that this novel isn’t just an idea anymore. It’s a fully fleshed-out work that is moving rapidly toward completion and publication.

A New Beginning for Nathaniel Theos

“An Unregistered Male” is the first book I’m releasing under my pen name, Nathaniel Theos. While I’ve written extensively in the realm of spiritual fiction, this new novel represents an expansion of my creative expression. Dystopian fiction has long intrigued me, and I find it an exciting way to explore deep philosophical and societal questions.

Nathaniel Theos is an identity that allows me to step into new creative spaces without the constraints of my previous work. For those unfamiliar with the name, you can find out more about this project and my work at NeilThrussell.com or specifically at An-Unregistered-Male.

What is “An Unregistered Male” About?

In a world where power is absolute, and freedom is an illusion, one man dares to challenge the rules.

Ethan has spent his life in quiet servitude, tending to the grand gardens of his master’s estate. Bound by tradition, obedience is his only path—until a single act of defiance changes everything. Stripped of his identity, hunted for his refusal to conform, Ethan becomes an unregistered male—a man without a place, a future, or the right to exist.

Now, he must navigate a society that sees him as a threat, forging unexpected alliances and uncovering secrets that could unravel the very foundations of power. But as Ethan faces impossible choices, he discovers that true freedom isn’t about escaping—it’s about choosing where you belong.

The Road to Publication

With beta reader feedback now in hand, I’m diving into the final round of revisions. Each piece of input—from plot tightening to character development to catching small inconsistencies—helps to refine and polish the novel into its best possible form.

This phase is critical. It’s where the last-minute magic happens, ensuring that the story flows seamlessly, that every sentence pulls its weight, and that the reader’s experience is as immersive and gripping as possible.

Once the final edits are done, the manuscript will head into formatting, ensuring it looks just as good on the page as it does in the mind. At the same time, my newly hired cover designer is hard at work creating a visual representation of the story’s essence—a cover that will capture the intrigue, tension, and spirit of “An Unregistered Male.”

A Dream Becoming Reality

Every book is a journey. From the first spark of an idea to the months (or years) of writing, revising, and refining, to finally seeing it materialize as a finished product, the process is both thrilling and exhausting. But when that book finally lands in the hands of readers, every late night, every re-write, every moment of self-doubt is worth it.

“An Unregistered Male” is particularly special to me because it represents a new chapter in my writing career. It’s the first of what I hope will be many novels under Nathaniel Theos. It’s a leap into a new genre, a new storytelling style, and a new way of connecting with readers who love thought-provoking fiction.

And I can’t wait for you to read it.

Stay Connected

As I move through the final stages of publication, I’ll be sharing updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and sneak peeks. If you’re as excited about “An Unregistered Male” as I am, be sure to follow along at NeilThrussell.com and An-Unregistered-Male.

This book has been a labour of love, and I’m honoured to soon share it with you. Stay tuned—the countdown to launch has begun!