Thomas J. Arnold's latest update for Exile, Magus

May 29, 2016

I have been quiet for way too long.  Sorry about that, I’ve just head a busy work schedule.  It has been nice to see new followers to the book while I’ve been largely inactive, so to everyone following the book whether new or old follower I just want to say thank you for sticking with me.


As it stands it looks like the relaunch will likely happen around the end of July or beginning of August, when my schedule should have calmed down enough to actually manage a campaign.  By the time that happens you’ll be seeing some changes to the look of the book’s page, one of the more notable ones being the unveiling of the new cover.  Subscribers to my newsletter already got a sneak peek at that.  If you want to stay most up to date with my progress and get little snippets of background/side information on the book’s world, the best way to do so is by signing up to the newsletter here.


I’m also in collaboration with some of the other authors on Inkshares here to create something that I personally find exciting, but a more complete announcement on that will have to wait until sometime next week.


Finally, in case you haven’t already heard about it there’s an event on Inkshares starting tomorrow 5/30 and running until Saturday 6/4 called Draftshares, in which the current draft content uploaded for Exile, Magus will be participating.  Feel free to speak your mind fully about the book and project page, I have thick skin and truly critical feedback is always welcome.  Anyway, read more about Draftshares below, and thanks for your time everyone!

Readers: Check out as many drafts (projects currently in the Draft stage) as you can during the week ofMay 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!: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!