MECHCRAFT is the story of Jake, a teen whose ideal life is thrown into chaos when he discovers his ability to control a swarm of nanobots and must use his power to turn the tables on the powerful factions that want to either control or destroy him. It’s the visual intensity of The Matrix meets the wonder of Harry Potter.
The nano technology in the story is unlike anything else: the nanos are within the DNA of the wielder, summoned out through the pores by mental command to form any shape, weapon, machine the Mechcrafter has the skill to create (think Terminator 2’s liquid metal visually). The art of mastering these nanobots is Mechcraft.
I’ve been a storyteller since childhood through horror short stories, writing Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, and novel writing. I’ve been focusing solely on screenwriting the last decade and placed in the Quarter Finals in the 2014 Final Draft Big Break Contest- the top 10% out of over 7000 scripts. And more recently Mechcraft placed in the Quarter Finals in the 2015 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards contest. I've decided to convert Mechcraft into a novel, and I'm excited to explore the characters on a deeper level.
Awards
Quarterfinalist, 2015 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards
Quarterfinalist 2014 Final Draft Inc Big Break Contest
Thank you for your time!
The nighttime Los Angeles skyline buzzes with electric anticipation. Everyone feels something is about to happen- because in this town, something always does.
Leaving the SUV a good two blocks from their destination, Bex and Trent walk Sunset Boulevard. They pass clubs, strips malls, Pho restaurants, and the famous Rainbow Room grill to stop at the iconic Roxy.
The unassuming black building punches the landscape with nothing more than an outdated marquee and three polite toughs at the door. Yet, the throngs in line to get in would lead one to believe an A-Lister is inside handing out lattes and selfies.
Trent buys two tickets at the window, hands one to Bex. He looks at the line, then to the doormen.
“Time to work your magic.”
Bex, looking spectacular in a maxi skirt and tank top, takes a deep breath and strolls over to the guards.
Moments later, they are inside the thumping club. It’s EDM night- Electronic Dance Music. No bands, just a set of DJ’s with the goal of achieving legendary party status.
“I hope they’re here. I don’t want to look like a dumb ass,” yells Trent.
“Nothing can save you from that!”
“Are you sure they’re here?”
“The source is legit.”
“You know the twins aren’t going to want to come with us, right?”
“Of course. Let me do the talking.”
“No problem there.”
They move through the gyrating crowd. The DJ on stage is working them into a frenzy.
Bex tries to move forward, but a club dude- all blazer and beard- rolls up on her and starts dancing at her, not with her. She steps to the side, he blocks her path, flashing a grin. He moves in close. He’s got himself the most gorgeous girl in the club- no way is he letting her get away.
Bex sighs, looks back to Trent and gestures annoyingly at her new friend.
Trent smiles, “Got it.”
He charges right up, grabs the dude by the blazer lapels, and barks, “You’re annoying my sister! I don’t like it when my sister is annoyed!”
The dude’s grin falls, and he throws his palms up, backing away, “S-sorry man. It’s cool. Be cool.” And he fades into the crowd.
Bex fist bumps Trent. “Thanks, ‘Bro’!”
“You wish I was your brother!”
“I couldn’t take the abuse.”
“And that’s the thanks I get for saving your life. Shame.”
Obstacle overcome, they move toward the two-drink-minimum seating area.
Bex scans the tables. All these teens, not a care in the world. If they only knew. Bex actually envied their blissful ignorance. But she made her bed, now she must lie in it all her life.
A sight in the top row makes Bex go rigid and freeze her gaze, fixated. Trent senses her distress, follows her gaze up.
A woman in her thirties, gorgeous and captivating, sits like royalty, sipping a drink. She’s dressed in black and would normally fade into the background, but her whiplash grin and predatory blue eyes make her stand out. The most striking feature she possesses, however, is a silver chain that runs from her ear lobe to her lower cheek. It looks horrifying and alluring all at once.
“Sasha,” Trent whispers, but Bex...
Hey everyone! Thanks again for all your support and patience as this project is a long process. As the holidays approach, I realize I am way overdue for an update on Mechcraft.
The writing progresses. I've got the entire story (and sequels) all mapped out, and I should complete this first book before the Inkshares deadline in 49 days.
Inkshares has done a great thing for us authors. They've adjusted the ebook requirement down from 750 pre-orders to just 250! My chances of achieving the target are far greater now.
Have a great Thanksgiving! Brian
Hey everyone, it's been awhile and an update is long overdue! I'm now balancing marketing Mechcraft and continuing the writing and editing process. I'm loving how the story is coming together!
I appreciate you all hanging in there with me as I work my way to the magic 1000 pre-orders. It's still a long journey ahead.
I also invite all my readers to visit my main writing page. All my projects, reviews, and new blogs are there. Check it out: http://www.writingfitz.com/home.html
Have a great week!
Brian
Hey everyone, since the contest has ended, I've gone away from an all-encompassing focus on marketing Mechcraft, now back to a balance between writing and marketing. I'm very grateful for your support, and I'm calling on you once again.
To help achieve the magic 750 pre-orders goal, I'm asking you, dear Readers, to share this page. Recommend Mechcraft to your friends, co-workers, family- anyone in your circles who enjoys science fiction and a fast-paced story. Also, the contest was all about individual readers, but publishing of the book is only concerned with pre-order numbers. If you are so inclined, ordering more copies (for friends & family) is very welcomed!
Here's the link: https://www.inkshares.com/projects/mechcraft-7532
At the bottom of the page, after the sample chapter, is a "recommend" button for your convenience.
I appreciate your help as we enter phase 2 of funding the project. I really want to put this book into your hands, and I thank you for the help in getting it there!
Don't forget, with Inkshares, you earn credit for each pre-order that can be applied to other book offerings on the site.
Thanks again for all the support!
Brian
Alright, the contest is closed and the results are in. A total of 335 books were submitted into the contest. Mechcraft placed very high, despite being 2 weeks late to the show! Although the book did not reach the coveted top 5, I am thrilled with the results nonetheless!
Thank you to everyone who supported the cause. Your efforts made all the difference!
So what's next? There are still 82 days left to fund the book. This means I must achieve 750 pre-orders (for ebook publishing) or 1000 pre-orders (for hardback publishing) by that deadline or the project fails: no contributor is charged, but no book gets published.
I will still be marketing for pre-orders, but it's time to branch out. I don't want to bombard my friends & family! LOL
Wish me luck and keep checking back for updates! Thanks again for your support!
-Brian
Final 5 days for the contest. If you haven't yet, please share the site with everyone you know and even people you don't!
Pre-orders are standing by! Remember, no money leaves your hands until funding goals are met. Here's the details:
The Deadline is 9/30. Thanks so much for your help!
https://www.inkshares.com/projects/mechcraft-7532
Hey everyone, check out the official cover of Mechcraft! My talented digital artist son, Tyler, designed it. This is the cover I've been wanting, and I'm happy to share it with you. Thank you again for your support and kind words! More to come...
I see a lot of book trailers out these days, so I decided to give it a try. Here is the trailer for Mechcraft, and I think it came out pretty good! I'd love any and all feedback on it here on the Inkshares site. Check it out:
https://youtu.be/oAoyUhPLjbA
Thanks again for your support! Brian
I've uploaded chapter 2, come check it out! Again, I cannot thank you enough for supporting this endeavor. I will keep the updates coming, and we'll go on this journey together! And please give a share to anyone who likes sci-fi. Thanks!
I'm excited for you to read this story- I think you're going to love it!
All, thank you for the support. Things have been progressing well... One day and already 30 pre-orders! You all rock! Tonight I updated the cover art, couldn't stand that template they gave. The one I designed is temporary, as Tyler is still going to do the final cover for me! More updates to come. Thanks again for your support! -Brian