I’ve posted a blog about my lack of activity here on Inkshares, and everywhere else. I hope there are some folks here still willing to follow and engage, because Clockwork Charlie isn’t going away any time soon! Please check out the blog, and don’t be afraid to reach out and let me know what you’ve got going on. Copy and paste this link to your browser to view the blog: http://just1writer.blogspot.com/2017/09/lets-talk-about-burnout.html
It’s been a while since I’ve updated and I’m way behind in reading and replying to messages, and I’m so sorry for that.
I’ve been dealing with some health issues, and it’s been tough to find time to get on here. I did want to let everyone know that I’m still around, though, and I’ll be adding more names to the blog list as soon as I can spend more than a few minutes at the computer. Also, updates for Clockwork Charlie will be back as well!
Again, I’m sorry for being so silent. I hope you are all doing incredibly well, and I can’t wait to see how everyone’s projects are doing when I get back.
Yep, that’s what I’m calling the followers of Clockwork Charlie. I like it. I think. CLOCKWORKERS!
Anyhow, I hope you’ve all had a great week. Mine has been hectic, but good. I know we gained quite a few followers for the book during Draftshares Week, and that is amazing. This community is so special, I know that I brought Clockwork Charlie to the right place. I had so much fun during Draftshares (I even won a signed copy of Ageless by published Inkshares author, Paul Inman!) that I’ve decided to do a thing to keep the love going. More info on that later in the update.
I was hoping to start delivering character profiles, but I’m not quite ready. I’d really like to find some art to go along with them, and I still need to tighten them up and do some fact-checking in the manuscript before I’ll feel ready to put them out there. They’re coming, though! Soon I’ll have profiles for most of the major characters so that all of you lovely Clockworkers can decide who you’re going to root for as the story unfolds. Charlie (of course), Mac, Nash, Cricket, Old Richard, and several more profiles are coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled!
This week I thought I’d share a couple of projects that I’m following, just in case you haven’t found them yet on your own. I encourage you to follow these books and their authors, and make tons of pre-orders so they can get published asap. Trust me, these titles deserve your love!
Proxy by Rebekka S. Leber has a great urban-fantasy feel mixed with a plethora of mythological figures and lore. The writing is great, and the protagonist, Max, has a voice that is truly all her own.
Reset the System by Jeremy R. Strong has an excerpt that draws you in, just based on how imaginative and witty it is. This one smacks of the classic dystopian stories like ’Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?’ while still welcoming lovers of more contemporary fiction. It’s not up for pre-order yet, so follow now and be ready when it launches!
---
And this brings me to the "thing" I mentioned at the beginning of the update. Although I’ve become a poor blogger with no sense of schedule over the last year or two, I still have a blog which counts several hundred page-views even when I don’t post, every month. Much more when I do. Starting this coming monday (very much in honor of Draftshares which has so recently ended) I would like to invite Inkshares authors the chance to display themselves and their projects on my blog. Basically it would be an author profile and an introduction to their stories, with one or two images of their choosing.
Obviously, I don’t promise any specific results. It’s only a chance to spread the word of your project on another tiny piece of this infinite little internet of ours. If you are interested in taking part, message me here or post on the forum thread HERE. I can’t say that everyone will be able to do this, since I’ll only be posting one profile per week, but I’ll do my best to spread the love!
That’s it for this week, thanks so much for reading and continuing to support Clockwork Charlie!
First, let me start by saying that #Draftfest seems to be kicking along very nicely, and is a ton of fun. If you haven’t taken part in the reading, commenting, and critiquing... well, you’re missing out. Not only is it a great chance to find good stories and new authors, there are also lots of prizes to be had! Here’s the link to the thread with all the info: Quit stalling and be part of this amazing event!
Now for some Clockwork Charlie updates:
I’m writing and editing daily, then editing and writing some more. It’s going really well, and I am happily surprised pretty much every day at where the story is leading me. I think readers will certainly enjoy it as well. Gods and Goddesses, immortals, life consuming monsters, Robotic golems, heroes and villains galore...
I can’t wait to share it all with the world, and you early believers most of all. Thanks for being a part in these oh so early stages of Clockwork Charlie’s life. There are thirty-one of you as I write this, and I am amazed. Each and every one of you is my hero today!
The novel is nearly finished drafting (well, first-drafting I suppose) and will wind up being well over 100,000 words in it’s first-draft form. I’m not going to start pre-orders until the first draft is totally finished, and has begun the editing (or really the hacking and slashing) stage. Even then, I might hold off until the project has a certain number of followers. Haven’t quite decided yet, in all honesty.
In my next update, I’ll be introducing a couple of key characters. Until then, I encourage you to check out the Clockwork Charlie Pinterest Page to get an idea of what the world in the novel looks like. It will be updated randomly as things progress and I find images I like.
That’s it for this week. Don’t forget to take part in #Draftfest!
I’ll keep this update short and come back with lots of Clockwork Charlie news for you folks next week. There’s so much going on, and #DraftShares starts on the 30th! Read below for more info.
Clockwork Charlie short update: There’s a full length trailer on the project page now! Please check it out and let me know what you think. Thanks!
DraftShares update: Read below for event and prize info!
Get ready, because Draftshares is about to begin!
When: May 30th - June 4th
Readers: Check out as many drafts (projects currently in the Draft stage) as you can during the week of May 30th - June 3rd, and participate by opening and commenting on your favorite drafts’ excerpts.
Why:To encourage community engagement...and, PRIZES!
Prizes you say?: Yes! For every Draft (or synopsis*) you critique, you will be entered into a drawing for the following:
Prizes for Anyone
Three sets of a copy of Asteroid Made of Dragons, button, and shirt
Church of Technology/Deus Hex Machina swag (pins and shirts)
Copy of Shadow of the Owl
Signed copy of Ageless
Order of Dax Harrison
Order of Bones of the Past
Order of Proxy
Original drawing by Jack Katz
Ladies of Sci Fi poster from A.C. Weston
Mix CD set with custom cover art by C. Brennecke
$25 in Inkshares Credits
Prizes for Authors
Video editing by Yicheng Liu
Interview on The Warbler
Guest spot on Drinkshares: Last Call
$25 in Inkshares Credits
Drafters: Let us know if you’d like to receive a soft critique or a hard critique by messaging a member of the DLC cast or tweeting your project link @drinkshareslc with either the #critiquemekindly or #critiqueme hashtags. If you want your synopsis critiqued, include the hashtag #critiquemypage too.
Soft Critiques (#critiquemekindly): This is the default critique if the author has not specifically requested a hard critique. The tone should be supportive and curious. Point out things you like, comment on the broader story ideas, and ask questions.
Hard Critique (#critiqueme): Only give a hard critique if the author has specifically asked for one. This is where grammatical errors, typos, and oversights can be pointed out. It’s best to include elements of a soft critique too, but you can unleash your inner editor a bit more here.
*Synopsis Critique (#critiquemypage): Interested Drafters should create a thread in the Inkshares forum (https://www.inkshares.com/forum_threads?topic=promo), linked to their book draft, titled “Synopsis Edits: [Book Title Goes Here].”
Throughout the week, fellow authors will browse these threads and offer help with editing and improving your project page synopsis so you’re better prepared to switch over to funding with a fantastic, compelling, error-free introduction to your book!
Not sure where to start? Check out these Drafts first!:
First, I want to thank everyone who has followed and taken an interest in Clockwork Charlie so far. I’m kind of amazed at what I see happening on Inkshares, and you folks make it feel like a real community. Thank you.
As for actual updates: I made a short (very short) teaser trailer for the page, and I’ll use it a placeholder until I can sort a proper book trailer. Although, now that it’s up, I can’t say I hate the idea of making a series of short teasers like this and posting them once a week along with my page updates... we’ll see.
One thing I didn’t mention in the page’s "about" section is that in writing Clockwork Charlie, one of my biggest challenges (and honestly something I’ve very proud about) has been keeping Charlie away from unnecessary romance or love triangles. Now, don’t get me wrong; Clockwork Charlie is an adult book which covers adult themes. Sex may or may not be one of those themes (no spoilers). However, I’ve read far too many great stories, with equally great female protagonists, that were muddied by love stories that made no sense and did nothing to push the plot forward. I don’t want this book to have that problem. I want readers to be engaged in the story and the characters, and I don’t want them to feel like I’m wasting their time or pandering.
Frodo didn’t need romance (and no, Sam doesn’t count). Shadow from American Gods had dream-sex with a tiger-lady and talked to his zombie ex-wife a lot, but no romance. I see no reason why these stories would need to be changed in the slightest if their protagonists just happened to be women. Do you?
Wow, am I being preachy? Feel free to ignore all of that if you want to, I haven’t had nearly enough coffee this morning. Anyhow, that’s it for this week. I hope you all like the teaser.
Thanks for reading and coming on this adventure with me!
Thanks, Rebekka! I had a very similar reaction as I was digging through the page for Proxy. I can certainly imagine our two worlds coming together magnificently. Thanks for following!
OooOoOooh! I can’t to read this. Our books will mesh well together. I have a feeling I’m going to end up writing crossover fanfiction for my own story, where our worlds merge. lol. I’m definitely keeping my eye on this, so thanks for the follow.
Thanks so much for checking it out, Wesley! I’m glad you enjoyed it so far. Although nothing is set in stone, I probably won’t be adding more excerpts before then. You’ve got to leave them wanting more, right?!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the excerpts you have up. The first paragraph grabbed me perfectly, and when I read that this story was inspired by American Gods I knew I had to see where you were taking it. Any chance you can be convinced to post another chapter or two sooner than the 100 followers mark?
Hello again, Clockworkers!
Yep, that’s what I’m calling the followers of Clockwork Charlie. I like it. I think. CLOCKWORKERS!
Anyhow, I hope you’ve all had a great week. Mine has been hectic, but good. I know we gained quite a few followers for the book during Draftshares Week, and that is amazing. This community is so special, I know that I brought Clockwork Charlie to the right place. I had so much fun during Draftshares (I even won a signed copy of Ageless by published Inkshares author, Paul Inman!) that I’ve decided to do a thing to keep the love going. More info on that later in the update.
I was hoping to start delivering character profiles, but I’m not quite ready. I’d really like to find some art to go along with them, and I still need to tighten them up and do some fact-checking in the manuscript before I’ll feel ready to put them out there. They’re coming, though! Soon I’ll have profiles for most of the major characters so that all of you lovely Clockworkers can decide who you’re going to root for as the story unfolds. Charlie (of course), Mac, Nash, Cricket, Old Richard, and several more profiles are coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled!
This week I thought I’d share a couple of projects that I’m following, just in case you haven’t found them yet on your own. I encourage you to follow these books and their authors, and make tons of pre-orders so they can get published asap. Trust me, these titles deserve your love!
Proxy by Rebekka S. Leber has a great urban-fantasy feel mixed with a plethora of mythological figures and lore. The writing is great, and the protagonist, Max, has a voice that is truly all her own.
Reset the System by Jeremy R. Strong has an excerpt that draws you in, just based on how imaginative and witty it is. This one smacks of the classic dystopian stories like ’Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?’ while still welcoming lovers of more contemporary fiction. It’s not up for pre-order yet, so follow now and be ready when it launches!
---
And this brings me to the "thing" I mentioned at the beginning of the update. Although I’ve become a poor blogger with no sense of schedule over the last year or two, I still have a blog which counts several hundred page-views even when I don’t post, every month. Much more when I do. Starting this coming monday (very much in honor of Draftshares which has so recently ended) I would like to invite Inkshares authors the chance to display themselves and their projects on my blog. Basically it would be an author profile and an introduction to their stories, with one or two images of their choosing.
Obviously, I don’t promise any specific results. It’s only a chance to spread the word of your project on another tiny piece of this infinite little internet of ours. If you are interested in taking part, message me here or post on the forum thread HERE. I can’t say that everyone will be able to do this, since I’ll only be posting one profile per week, but I’ll do my best to spread the love!
That’s it for this week, thanks so much for reading and continuing to support Clockwork Charlie!
-Ken
First, let me start by saying that #Draftfest seems to be kicking along very nicely, and is a ton of fun. If you haven’t taken part in the reading, commenting, and critiquing... well, you’re missing out. Not only is it a great chance to find good stories and new authors, there are also lots of prizes to be had! Here’s the link to the thread with all the info: Quit stalling and be part of this amazing event!
Now for some Clockwork Charlie updates:
I’m writing and editing daily, then editing and writing some more. It’s going really well, and I am happily surprised pretty much every day at where the story is leading me. I think readers will certainly enjoy it as well. Gods and Goddesses, immortals, life consuming monsters, Robotic golems, heroes and villains galore...
I can’t wait to share it all with the world, and you early believers most of all. Thanks for being a part in these oh so early stages of Clockwork Charlie’s life. There are thirty-one of you as I write this, and I am amazed. Each and every one of you is my hero today!
The novel is nearly finished drafting (well, first-drafting I suppose) and will wind up being well over 100,000 words in it’s first-draft form. I’m not going to start pre-orders until the first draft is totally finished, and has begun the editing (or really the hacking and slashing) stage. Even then, I might hold off until the project has a certain number of followers. Haven’t quite decided yet, in all honesty.
In my next update, I’ll be introducing a couple of key characters. Until then, I encourage you to check out the Clockwork Charlie Pinterest Page to get an idea of what the world in the novel looks like. It will be updated randomly as things progress and I find images I like.
That’s it for this week. Don’t forget to take part in #Draftfest!
-Ken
I’ll keep this update short and come back with lots of Clockwork Charlie news for you folks next week. There’s so much going on, and #DraftShares starts on the 30th! Read below for more info.
Clockwork Charlie short update: There’s a full length trailer on the project page now! Please check it out and let me know what you think. Thanks!
DraftShares update: Read below for event and prize info!
Get ready, because Draftshares is about to begin!
When: May 30th - June 4th
Readers: Check out as many drafts (projects currently in the Draft stage) as you can during the week of May 30th - June 3rd, and participate by opening and commenting on your favorite drafts’ excerpts.
Why: To encourage community engagement...and, PRIZES!
Prizes you say?: Yes! For every Draft (or synopsis*) you critique, you will be entered into a drawing for the following:
Prizes for Anyone
Prizes for Authors
Drafters: Let us know if you’d like to receive a soft critique or a hard critique by messaging a member of the DLC cast or tweeting your project link @drinkshareslc with either the #critiquemekindly or #critiqueme hashtags. If you want your synopsis critiqued, include the hashtag #critiquemypage too.
Soft Critiques (#critiquemekindly): This is the default critique if the author has not specifically requested a hard critique. The tone should be supportive and curious. Point out things you like, comment on the broader story ideas, and ask questions.
Hard Critique (#critiqueme): Only give a hard critique if the author has specifically asked for one. This is where grammatical errors, typos, and oversights can be pointed out. It’s best to include elements of a soft critique too, but you can unleash your inner editor a bit more here.
*Synopsis Critique (#critiquemypage): Interested Drafters should create a thread in the Inkshares forum (https://www.inkshares.com/forum_threads?topic=promo), linked to their book draft, titled “Synopsis Edits: [Book Title Goes Here].”
Throughout the week, fellow authors will browse these threads and offer help with editing and improving your project page synopsis so you’re better prepared to switch over to funding with a fantastic, compelling, error-free introduction to your book!
Not sure where to start? Check out these Drafts first!:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QP0JPCCsijyIFIa0YKk4ZdQjHJPFW3mqtVvyOpNO3x4/edit?usp=sharing
Watch: Tune in at https://youtu.be/82ged3xwwew on Saturday, June 4th @ 4/3 Central to watch us discuss the drafts and announce the winners!
Good Luck & Great Drafting!
Oh my gravy, it’s my first official update!
First, I want to thank everyone who has followed and taken an interest in Clockwork Charlie so far. I’m kind of amazed at what I see happening on Inkshares, and you folks make it feel like a real community. Thank you.
As for actual updates: I made a short (very short) teaser trailer for the page, and I’ll use it a placeholder until I can sort a proper book trailer. Although, now that it’s up, I can’t say I hate the idea of making a series of short teasers like this and posting them once a week along with my page updates... we’ll see.
One thing I didn’t mention in the page’s "about" section is that in writing Clockwork Charlie, one of my biggest challenges (and honestly something I’ve very proud about) has been keeping Charlie away from unnecessary romance or love triangles. Now, don’t get me wrong; Clockwork Charlie is an adult book which covers adult themes. Sex may or may not be one of those themes (no spoilers). However, I’ve read far too many great stories, with equally great female protagonists, that were muddied by love stories that made no sense and did nothing to push the plot forward. I don’t want this book to have that problem. I want readers to be engaged in the story and the characters, and I don’t want them to feel like I’m wasting their time or pandering.
Frodo didn’t need romance (and no, Sam doesn’t count). Shadow from American Gods had dream-sex with a tiger-lady and talked to his zombie ex-wife a lot, but no romance. I see no reason why these stories would need to be changed in the slightest if their protagonists just happened to be women. Do you?
Wow, am I being preachy? Feel free to ignore all of that if you want to, I haven’t had nearly enough coffee this morning. Anyhow, that’s it for this week. I hope you all like the teaser.
Thanks for reading and coming on this adventure with me!
-Ken