Matthew Isaac Sobin's latest update for The Last Machine in the Solar System

Nov 26, 2015

A very Happy Thanksgiving to the Inkshares community! 

I was on the verge of an update in the early afternoon (Pacific time), asserting that my scheming in the kitchen was progressing according to plan, allowing me a few undisturbed minutes without any pots boiling over or large poultry erupting in flames. However, the minutes proved too few to complete my post even without any mishaps, so the update now follows a tasty Thanksgiving dinner. I hope everybody had an equally delicious and memorable evening with family and friends.

I am happy to announce that the conclusion to the Last Machine has been posted. I am proud that the entire story - not just a preview or glimpse - is available on Inkshares, completely free, for all to see. Ultimately I may expand this into a novel, or include the novella in a short story / poem collection (see California's Lost Gold).

I have been gratified by the interest in the story, and by the thoughtful feedback which shows that readers are enjoying digging into the ideas presented. Science fiction enables us to investigate the human condition and the psychology of man in fascinating settings and under unique circumstances. I'm personally interested in exploring characters and environments while maintaining the plausibility of realism. I think this makes for compelling reading, generating a layer of tension from the understanding that this could happen in the future or in some alternate reality or dimension.

OK, enough on writing, on to the reading! Thrilled to present the conclusion of the Last Machine. I hope you all enjoy and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Two additional quick points:

First, I want to thank those who have provided reviews for my story, namely Kandice Ohnstad, Vincent Lim and Tony Valdez. Both Vincent and Tony have books funding, so please support them (The Cora Chronicles and Dax Harrison, respectively)! Dax only has 30 days left, and I really want that book on my shelf - so let's go!!

And finally....to pump you all up for the inaugural Inkshares Review-a-Thon! 


On December 19th, all authors and readers are invited to leave reviews on currently funding Inkshares books using the Inkshares "leave a review" option. 

Throughout the day we'll be hanging out on Twitter in the #InksharesReviews tag as we share our favorite book projects, answer author Q&As, debate the merits of astronauts with swords versus cavemen with lasers, and more! 

Then, from 6 - 8pm ET, JF Dubeau and Paul Inman of the WriteBrain Podcast will be hosting a video lifestream filled with author interviews, review readings, and live announcements of prize winners! 

Prizes?!?! 

Everyone who leaves a review on December 19th by 6pm ET will be eligible to win one of our fantastic general prizes: 

  • Sword & Laser Contest Winners Package - print copies of the six winning books from the Sword & Laser Inkshares contest! 

  • Nerdiest Contest Winners Package - print copies of the five winning books from the Nerdist Inkshares contest! 

  • An immediate pre-order of the book of their choice for five winners! 

  • $30 in Inkshares credits! 

Readers: Peruse the "currently funding" books on Inkshares and leave as many reviews as you want on Dec 19th. You could even start up a "must-have" list of books to order in case you win a free pre-order or the $30 in credits! 

Authors: Join our review exchange to leave three reviews in exchange for two guaranteed reviews on your Inkshares project and a chance at author-exclusive prizes! You can email cara.c.weston@gmail.com to learn more and get on the list.

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