Whelp - in the past two days we've shattered the 100 pre-order ceiling and haven't even slowed down! Here's my constant expression as the new backers keep coming in:

HOW. WHY. WHERE DID I GET THIS CRAVAT?

Thank you all so very much - the ones who jumped right in, and those of you that are joining us now. This wouldn't be happening without you. We're in a solid 2nd place still in the Sword & Laser Contest, and we've even attracted some attention from Inkshares itself - a few of you may have noticed this already, but they saw how much traction we were getting and offered to put together a quick cover design for us. I was getting attached to the Banana - but how could I say no? I'm going to put this up on Facebook and Twitter in the next day or so, but you guys definitely need to see this first.

SO FREAKING EXTREEEEEMEEEEE!!!!

Once again - this happened because of you guys - FALLING PREY TO MY SILVER TONGUE.  Seriously, it's only been a few days and this has already been a wild, wild ride. Please keep sharing the campaign around and convincing like-minded nerds to get on board. Also, taking time to 'like' and 'recommend' the sample chapter or other parts of the campaign itself on Inkshares will really help convince people on the fence out there in the ether. 

Don't forget! I'm sending you guys the first chapter of the book on Friday - EXCLUSIVE LIKE. It's the first chapter for the main characters, Jonas and Rime and concerns a bank heist and cannon balls.

Sic Semper Tyrannosaur,

Derek

Here it is - THE WORLD MAP!

It's a big chunky file, so you may need to open it in a new window to get a better look. Also some of the place names are 'out of date' and have changed in the books. [for a lot of reasons] You'll see many places that you recognize however - and some brand new places that haven't been mentioned before. Previous adventures all took place in Carroway - we're going to be doing a lot more 'globe-trotting' this time around!

This map was created by friend and artist W. Steven Carroll - he hasn't updated his Tumblr in quite some time, but if any of you need illustration or design work, I will absolutely set you up with his contact information.

Still sitting pretty in 2nd place - welcome to all the new backers today. Please keep sharing the campaign site - on Friday all the backers get exclusive access to the first Rime and Jonas chapter of Asteroid Made of Dragons.

Thank you all!

Quick picture of my first two books on the shelf at Avid Bookshop in Athens, GA. Won't they be so happy when they have a new sibling next to them?

Just wanted to update everyone that we are currently in 2nd Place with 75 pre-orders! YEAHHHHH. [a small Ford Pinto explodes nearby]

It's all thanks to you guys. Imagine me very solemnly and seriously taking each of you by the hand and staring into your eyes for the most uncomfortable 7 minutes of your life. Then I whisper, "You. Just you."

Still a long way to go in this contest, and I'm going to be leaning on all of you. ALSO! I'm super excited to see a trickle of people that I don't know in real life - that I didn't personally bully into supporting the book. You are the raddest - welcome to this strange company of people who like weird, weird fantasy books.

More to come! The next benchmark is 100 pre-orders, that's 10% on the way to being fully funded.

DAY TWO REPORT

Just a quick note to update you guys on our progress! Added 13 more supporters today, the exact same amount as yesterday - so props for consistency as well as cliche ominous numbers.  Between all of you, we're standing at 40 pre-orders - a solid third place. [Second place has 52 pre-orders, if we can get another 13 supporters tomorrow, we'll catch up no problem!]

Here's a link to the leaderboard, if you want to keep tabs on THE COMPETITION [dun dun dunnn].

https://www.inkshares.com/contests/the-sword-laser-collection-contest

Thank you all so much for your support. Especially those of you that have taken the time to share on Facebook and push others to chip in. Please keep it up, take some time to look at the campaign page itself and leave comments and reviews - it will really help once I burn past all of my direct friends and need to start convincing strangers.

Sic Semper Tyrannosaur,

G. Derek Adams

You are my champions. You are the ones who jumped in the first day. I strapped the page together with baling wire and spit and you threw your money DOWN. You are reckless and potent - might I even say FECKLESS. I adore you - and I hope to show through my effort my appreciation and prove worthy of your support.

If I can impose upon you further, take a long look at the InkShares page - let me know of any wonky typos or things that just seem weird. Putting comments on the overall page or on the sample chapter would be really helpful - it will encourage others to do so down the line.

We're settling in for a long siege here and you were first on the line. I won't forget it - at least until a take one too many cannon-blasts to my cranium.

Sic Semper Tyrannosaur,

G. Derek Adams