Michael Haase · Author · added over 9 years ago · 16 likes

Such a great week. First things first:

Yesterday my son, Andrew Phoenix Haase was born! He is healthy and amazing, and I’m just using this email as another means for shouting it all from the mountaintops. Here he is:

Also, I recently interviewed the one and only Jim McDoniel, author of "An Unattractive Vampire." He was very generous with his time and detail in his interview. You can read and enjoy that here: http://renderositymagazine.com/news.php?viewStory=539

Other than that, my latest effort, a dark comedy about fatherhood entitled "An Adventure With Dada" is doing pretty well funding thus far, and I thank any and all of you who have already pre-ordered. If you would be so kind as to stop by the page, check it out, leave a review or make a recommendation, or perhaps even pre-order a copy in honor of my son’s birthday (manipulative much, Mr. Haase?) that would be fantastic. You can check out the page here: An Adventure With Dada!

And an enormous thank you is in order to all of you who have recently purchased Mr. Butler. Keep the word of mouth going and let me know if you have any questions/need anything. The book is still progressing well, but recent birth events will put work on the book back just a little while longer. I hope you understand. Of course you do. Thank you, I appreciate that.

As always, please keep in touch. You can direct message me on here anytime.

Fellow authors: I’d be happy to look over any of your work and perhaps leave a review, buy a copy, make a recommendation, etc...but please reach out to me. I am far too distracted at this time to initiate anything, I hope you understand.

Love to each and every one of you.

-Michael/Dada

Michael Haase · Author · added over 9 years ago · 2 likes

Just a quick email, as things are busy around these parts...

Got any credits lying around? Consider putting them into "An Adventure With Dada!"

It’s a foul-mouthed, darkly comedic adventure, and if all of you just so happen to have $10 worth of credits lying around, gathering dust, then you could get DADA FOR FREE. Plus, it would fund, which would be amazing.

What are you waiting for? Dust off those credits and get a FREE BOOK here:

https://www.inkshares.com/books/an-adventure-with-dada?referral_code=26dce7a3

Michael Haase · Author · added over 9 years ago · 9 likes

Writing, writing, and more writing!

With only a few days left until my son is born (hours if he comes early) and Mr. Butler’s revision stages being not quite complete, I expect to submit the manuscript in June. I just wanted to let you all know this in advance. It is a realistic goal, and I am growing more and more proud of the book as days progress. Mr. Butler’s tale has blossomed into something far greater than originally envisioned. I’ve pulled together the most brutal band of beta readers I could find, and once I get chapters back from them I will post revised chapters on here for your perusal. Thank you for hanging in there, everybody.

In the meantime, I’ve done something that is a little bit on the crazy side, or if you know me, I’ve done something fairly expected.

I just put another book on here for funding. This one is called "An Adventure With Dada," and it’s a foul-mouthed first-person dark comedy adventure that is complete, it just needs to be pulled out of first-draft stage and into a nice, polished manuscript to be submitted to a publisher. This book has already passed through the test of my wife reading it and enjoying it. She had some critique to give, but nothing unmanageable. My wife is not a bullshitter, so if she says it’s good, then it’s good. I don’t mean to be cocky by putting another book on here or anything. In fact, I meant to place it up as a draft but apparently hit the wrong button, and when I couldn’t find the button to revert my action, I just thought "what the hell...I really like this story, so let’s give it a shot." It is quite different from Mr. Butler...not sci-fi at all. It’s a story grown from my wife’s one-time fear from when I used to tie our dogs to our daughter’s jogging stroller. She worried that they would run off with her in some sort of deranged sleigh ride, and "An Adventure With Dada" supposes this scenario to be real. The book is finished, and I would love to see it hit quill...so feel free to check it out and pre-order over here: https://www.inkshares.com/books/an-adventure-with-dada?referral_code=26dce7a3

More to come, but it’s time to write. Thank you all for your support. Much love and happiness to all.

-Michael/Dada

Michael Haase · Author · added over 9 years ago · 9 likes

Very quick update, my lovelies:

I got to interview Jeremy Thomas, the CEO here at Inkshares, and you can read it here:

http://renderositymagazine.com/writing-wednesdays-with-michael-haase-interview-with-jeremy-thomas-ceo-of-inkshares-com-cms-487

It was quite kind and generous of him to lend his time to me for the interview. Be sure to read it, you’ll learn a thing or two about Inkshares!

Also, I apologize for any delay in responding to any of you. Writing and everything else has kept me quite busy. I am currently revamping my schedule to be more regular, and I will get back to you soon, my friends. Lots of movin’ and shakin’ going on over here!

In the meantime, go browse through the books on here and support some amazing authors!

And definitely check out the Geek & Sundry Hard Science contest, because I know from personal experience that every author involved is in a state of high stress, and a purchase from you could literally make their day.

Have a great day everybody.

-Michael.

Michael Haase · Author · added over 9 years ago · 12 likes

It’s time to answer the great question I’ve been asked several times: "When will the damned book come out?"

Here’s your unequivocal answer: "I’m not sure yet."

Perhaps I was being a little lax about my use of the word "unequivocal."

Here’s the deal: Inkshares is awesome. They want me to get my best work out to you. They are not rushing me. As of right now, I tentatively sent them a submission date for my manuscript for "sometime in May." (There I go, failing to be unequivocal again.) Once I submit my manuscript and submission packet (don’t worry about that, that’s for me to figure out), then the process begins. If you fish around on other books’ pages that are in the status of "in production," you will see a progress bar with an anticipated release date. I will only obtain such things after I submit my manuscript. So, it’s all up to me.

And when will I be submitting my manuscript? I’m not sure yet. Hopefully by May. And then hopefully the book will be out in autumn...maybe by Christmas. I’m not sure yet.

Sorry for the unequivocal level of ambiguity in this update...

The reasons for any delay are as follows, and I believe they are good reasons:

1) I want to submit the BEST book, not the fastest. I am a fast storyteller, I have written an entire novel in a month, but that does not mean that I want that version of the novel to be released upon the general public. You all are my backers, my loved ones, my friends...if there is a little longer wait, then it is out of respect for your investment. I believe Mr. Butler is an amazing story (it’s kind of grown a lot larger than I thought! It might even become a series...?), and I want it to be the best it can be. On the flip side of that coin, I promise not to be a perfectionist and keep polishing this thing into the ground up until the point of being released in 2019. I do know when to stop.

2) My son is due to be born in May. Could be any day now. Not sure. But he will require focus, and that might delay things, perhaps. Got a problem with that?

In the meantime, I’m also enjoying my time as a staff writer for Renderosity Magazine. So far, I have four articles involving me:

1) An interview with me as a novelist and my approach to writing

2) An interview with me as a new staff writer, and what I plan on bringing to the magazine

3) Four reasons why you should write every day

4) How writing improves all art

I plan on writing articles about Inkshares for the magazine, and I plan on featuring author interviews in the near future. I’m also going to be doing reviews of writing software. (I’m currently enjoying "Ulysses" for Mac and iPhone...amazing.)

I want to motivate all others to write, so please don’t hesitate to contact me at madmrbutler@gmail.com. Inkshares is an incredible opportunity if used wisely. So let’s all get wise. Also, don’t be offended if I don’t get back to you right away. I have filled my plate at present.

Good luck to all who are involved in the new Geek & Sundry contest. Those contests are beasts, so let me know if you need any advice, and don’t be afraid to connect.

Thank you all for your support and your patience.

Have a wonderful day.

-Michael.

Michael Haase · Author · added over 9 years ago · 9 likes

First and foremost, congratulations to Christopher Leone for getting the nod from Nerdist. We are all looking forward to "Champions of the Third Planet." Well done, sir.

Now that all of the intensity of the contest is out of the way, I just wanted to give you, my dear readers, a few little updates. And, of course, thank you once again...your support is the very reason I have the honor of being published.

Speaking of which, I know you are all probably curious as to when Mr. Butler will actually be published. That’s a tricky question, as there is still a lot to do. As I am honored with Inkshares’ full publication treatment, Mr. Butler will be going through full editing, design, marketing, and publishing services, and all of this takes some time. When I was in the competition I was blocked from buying my own book (rightfully so!), but now that it’s over, I bought a few copies to give away, donate to the local libraries, and give as gifts. Upon buying these copies, my receipt stated a tentative publication date of September 3rd, so, take from that what you will. It all hinges on when I submit my final manuscript and how much editing said manuscript must endure. I will update you on the progress the entire way.

Also, on a similar subject, now that the funding/contest period is over, the prices for Mr. Butler have dropped. Why? Because the initial funding period is the most essential to creating everything that has happened thus far with my novel, and all of those initial purchases laid the foundation upon which the rest of Mr. Butler’s success will be built. I have a dashboard with contact info for all of you who gave in the initial funding period, and you are always going to be there in that separate list. You are the loves of my writing life. If you bought a physical copy, you will get the only signed copies without approaching me in person. Thank you. I will be writing you all personal messages apart from everyone else...but don’t worry, not TOO often...

The price decrease is also good news! If you have been hesitating or have known a friend who has been hesitating because of the cost, well, now the e-books are only $7.99 and the paperbacks are only $13.99! So please still spread the word about Mr. Butler...he is more affordable than ever!

In other writing news, I have signed on an official beta reader and initial editor, so that will make everything all the more pleasantly efficient. I might be looking for others in the future, and if this is something that interests you, don’t hesitate to ask. I warn you in advance, the job pays a hearty nothing...

And in my final piece of exciting writing news, my new position as staff writer for Renderosity Magazine has officially begun with an interview with the editor. You can read the article by clicking here. The article describes what my position entails at the magazine, and as you will read, much of it will deal with how to approach storytelling. I intend to make the articles of interest to everyone...not just writers. We are all storytellers in some form or another, even if it is just in dreams. So, please, if you have any ideas or want to reach out in that regard, do not be afraid to email me at madmrbutler@gmail.com.

You can also email me if you just are looking for something cool to do.

Everything is exciting right now, and I thank each and every one of you for your support.

But the race is not over. Please spread the word to everyone you can...Mr. Butler is counting on you!

Love is all you need.

-Michael

Michael Haase · Author · added over 9 years ago · 3 likes

I did not mean to disinclude "The Astronaut Insruction Manual" by Mike Mongo in my last update...my apologies!!!

Michael Haase · Author · added over 9 years ago · 12 likes

I still can’t believe it. I’m trying and failing to process the fact that I won the Space Opera contest. Incredible.

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge all of the other wonderful entries. I’m not going to be as bold as others have been to name favorites, but I want to summarize it all very simply:

EVERY BOOK IN THE CONTEST IS AMAZING. Take the time to peruse the entries. if there’s nothing that strikes your fancy, then you are entirely too picky and weird to be here...GO HOME!

Seriously...there are some incredible ideas out there, and I hope everyone puts all of their effort and love into taking them as far as they can. I know I have. I’ve had a few people email me directly to ask about the "secret to my success," and my answer is simply this:

Do you know anyone who doesn’t know you’re a writer? Do you know anyone who doesn’t know you have a book that could be published unless it doesn’t reach a certain number of pre-orders?

If your answer is "no" to either question, then you aren’t doing enough. This is your life, your story, your career as an author. Nearly all of my neighbors and every single one of my wonderful friends on Facebook and Twitter bought a copy of my book. Why? Because I asked them very nicely and directly, and I am a good person and a good writer. I believe in myself, and I told everyone I possibly could that I do. Have you done that yet? If you haven’t, you should.

That is all for now, as far as advice goes. I hope I didn’t come off as cocky; I only want the best for all of our stories, and that is seriously what has worked for me thus far.

Otherwise, my week has been exceptionally amazing in that I have also been invited to be a writer for Renderosity Magazine! Renderosity is a site that mostly focuses on computer-generated animation and art, but the magazine branches out and includes many subjects, including an article featuring yours truly. I will be starting an arts forum on their website, so look out for that...

Also worth noting is another amazing happenstance of this week in receiving a shipment of other Inkshares published books:

If you haven’t, then please go and get these works:

"An Unattractive Vampire" by Jim McDoniel

"The Life Engineered" by J.F. Dubeau

"Abomination" by Gary Whitta

"Asteroid Made Of Dragons" by G. Derek Adams

These books represent our future, and if they aren’t well received, then what should you expect? Get as many Inkshares published books as you can, and then please review them on Amazon and wherever they appear. Why? Because Inkshares is a label, and the more sales and the better reputation Inkshares gets, the better off everyone who gets published by them is!!! Do it! Got extra credits? Buy a book you’ll get in your own hands in a few days!

That’s all for now. Please let me know what you need and how we can network and help one another. Yes, I won a contest, and yes, I am completely honored, elated, and excited!!!

But I still have to go to work tomorrow, just as you do (or probably don’t, as it is the weekend).

So...until all of our dreams come true, let’s keep in touch and do as much for one another as we can. My email: madmrbutler@gmail.com

Oh yeah! Also, I revamped my page a little bit...let me know what you think. And I’ve also uploaded Chapter 9 for your reading pleasure...

I wish everyone the best. It’s been a tiring week, and my bed is calling...

Love and love with love on top,

-Michael

Michael Haase · Author · added over 9 years ago · 15 likes

Composing an appropriate "thank you" to everyone is proving to be more difficult than writing a novel. I am overwhelmed by today. Thank you for your support. i will be posting an appropriately long-winded essay of gratitude in the near future.

For now, please accept this simple statement of thanks. "The Madness of Mr. Butler" will be edited, marketed, published, and distributed in full. This win means the world to me, and I literally could not have done it without everyone’s support. I came in second, and the third place book sold the exact same number of copies that I did...I just had five more readers, and that’s what put me into second.

Literally every single one of you counted. Thank you.

If I have begun to achieve my dream, then I now know that achieving a dream only requires tireless work...

...and countless people who believe in you.

Thank you.

Michael Haase · Author · added over 9 years ago · 5 likes

My wonderful readers and followers...the day is upon us! The final day of the contest!

And, here’s the funny part...despite being a writer, I’ve read this entire time that the contest ends at midnight, whereas the fine print states that it ends at 12pm PST, or...3pm this afternoon for those of us on the east coast...which means...

LESS THAN FOUR HOURS LEFT IN THIS CONTEST!!!

This contest has been a marathon of love and labor...blood, sweat, and tears...

Thank you all for your support and love and, well, EVERYTHING throughout this contest. I still can’t believe that’s the finish line I see on the horizon.

I wish everyone in the contest the very best, no matter the outcome. This cup runneth over with outstanding talent. Let us all support each other. We can all get published.

With such little time left in this contest, I’m certain that everyone’s efforts to place will be ramped up appropriately...as should mine. It’s only appropriate, as I love my book and want the absolute best for it.

Nothing is guaranteed until 3pm EST. Until then, if you haven’t ordered a copy of Mr. Butler, please consider doing so now. If you have, please take these next couple of hours to get just one other person interested enough to pre-order.

Thank you all for your unwavering support. I really can’t believe it’s all coming to a close today.

Take care, everybody.

Have a wonderful day.

-Michael