Hey there, comrades. Today was to have been the day. While I need to relay to you that there is a delay, it’s not so disappointing (to me) because it bodes of us talking meticulous care to get everything right. Inkshares has been incredibly generous to me in the "final" steps and has allowed me latitude that I greatly appreciate. That freedom, however, came with the need for another diligent proofread, which is underway.

Langston Hughes asked what happens to a dream deferred, and while his inquiry is about something much more profound, what is happening with Disintegration is that it will become the best version of the book with which both I and Inkshares can be mutually satisfied. And with which we hope that you, after so long a wait, will also be pleased.

Thank you for your continued patience, or your failed memory of this protracted affair, whichever is more accurate. ;-) The word from Inkshares is that everything will finally culminate around this time next month, which just happens to be the week of my godmother’s and my sister’s, her son’s, and my ex’s birthdays (and also Billy Joel’s and Steve Yzerman’s, and the kid who used to live across the street from me. It’s a birthday bonanza). So, lots to celebrate.

Remember, the conflict within the book has been raging for 183 years. This little deferment? Just a drop in the bucket.  

;;;;via GIPHY;;

Howdy, folks. Only a day remains in that 72-Hour Challenge I announced on Saturday afternoon. So far, the response has been rather light. Please help me nudge that pre-order total a little higher. It will influence the editors’ decision whether or not to publish Bane of All Things.

Consider this:

“If half the people in the world who are trying to publish a novel disappeared tomorrow, publishers and agents probably wouldn’t notice.”

No, that’s not a twist on Thanos and his finger snap in Avengers. This is the hard truth spoken by a friend of mine in one of his writer workshops. As someone who is a published author and also works in the industry, he knows what he’s talking about.

His point is that publishers are overwhelmed by hopeful authors in waiting. There are more great manuscripts on their doorstep than they have the capacity to publish. Making the hard choice between this great manuscript or that one often comes down to the author – are they reliable, professional and not an a-hole?

If this sounds like an interview for that dream job everyone wants, you’re right.

Inkshares is different than a traditional publisher. Here, it is the potential of the manuscript, the character of the author AND that pre-order total. A strong pre-order total shows there is a community willing to support the author and their work. This grass-roots validation influences the Inkshares editors’ opinion about the potential of the manuscript to do well.

It’s fair to say that 400+ is a strong pre-order total, but we have the opportunity to make it even stronger as we wait for the editors to complete their review of BoAT.

So, I am asking you, hat humbly in hand, to help me nudge that pre-order total just a little higher by placing another pre-order or recruiting a friend/family member to the cause.

Cheers

Leo

Do do do do

Do do do do do

Do do do do…

The final countdooooooown!

There are now officially 10 days left in Showtime’s pre-order campaign. We’re currently sitting at 243 copies ordered (it’s sure come a long way from Day 1!) and while it’s far from the ideal 750, remember: reaching that number isn’t the only thing Inkshares looks at for publication.

As much as I hate to ask, if you have the means or are feeling particularly generous, would you consider ordering an additional copy? In addition to your book, you’ll also get a virtual high-five and the self-satisfaction of helping someone you like get one step closer to being able to leave his job and write full-time.

Also, for the next ten days, anyone who purchases (or already has purchased) an additional copy—either eBook or print—will be entered to win another Dunkin’ Donuts gift card. eBooks are only $10 and, upon publication, you’ll be able to choose what format in which to download them—so you could even send them as a gift!

A couple years ago, reaching 250 orders was enough for Inkshares to offer a “lighter” publication contract (without most of the bells and whistles). While that’s not the case anymore, 250 orders sure would make for a good case for publication. (Plus, it’s exactly one-third of the “ideal”.) 7 more and we’ll be at 250! That, combined with amount of chapter reads, reviews, and Facebook shares might get us to where we need to be.

Thanks again, everyone. We’re almost through!

Ricky

Howdy, folks. I’ve got a new contest for you – a 72-hour challenge. The prize will be a personal memento that has graced my office wall and served as my writing inspiration for two decades.

It’s a map.

Not just any map. It’s the laminated and dry-mounted wall hanger version of the map of Islaria that adorns the Story Page for Bane of All Things on Inkshares. The prize winner will get this unique item, signed by me.

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But I am not going to just give this baby away.

Here are the contest rules:

1.     To qualify for the draw, you must order one or more additional copies of BoAT, and/or bring on board a new supporter, between now and Tuesday at 5 pm EST. Do both, and your name is entered twice.

(If you are currently following BoAT but haven’t yet pre-ordered any copies, you must pre-order at least two to qualify, or, pre-order one copy and get a friend to do so, too.)

2.     We must achieve two milestones for the draw to proceed:

i)     First, there must be new pre-orders placed by at least 15 people (both existing and new supporters) within this 72-hour period. (Last weekend, we had 14 people rise to the challenge and pre-order a total of 30 copies within 52 hours).

ii)    Second, BoAT must be chosen for publication by Inkshares. If it isn’t, you all know how this works – everyone gets a full and unconditional refund.

For my 5+ pre-orders crowd

I also hinted yesterday about an additional thank you, should BoAT be chosen for publication, for everyone who has pre-ordered five or more copies.

In addition to the signed 12x18 poster of The Sword & The Skull artwork for anyone who has pre-ordered two or more copies, five+ supporters will also receive a signed poster version of the map. So, if you are sitting at four pre-orders right now, all it takes is one more ebook.

What is the story with this map?

I’ve always thought a great fantasy tale must have a map. In my youth, the first thing I would do when I picked up a new book was flip to the map –  Feist’s Midkemia, Tolkien’s Middle Earth, Brook’s Four Lands, McKiernan’s Mithgar, Donaldson’s The Land, even Varley’s living space station, Gaea (OK, that’s science fiction).

Inspired by these mythic places and the characters who inhabited them, any story I set out to write of course had to begin with a map of its own. This once involved sheets of poster board and a fresh stock of markers and art pencils. Then I went digital.

Way back in 1999, I was working at the Kingston Whig-Standard (the daily newspaper in Kingston, Ontario, for those of you who haven’t heard of it) doing photo and graphics work. In my spare time, I employed my skills in Photoshop to create the map of Islaria. 

Yep – this story has been gestating for that long. The current version is in fact the second reboot of the original. 

The story may have substantially changed, by the world in which it takes place has not. Sure, I’ve made some tweaks. The world of BoAT was originally comparable to 14th century Europe in terms of its socio-political structure and technology. Now it’s more like the 17th century, with muskets and cannon and the first hints of a steam-driven industrial revolution to come. It’s a world where Dumas’s musketeers might fit, though it is better suited to Howard’s moody and grim Solomon Kane.

It’s a world I hope to share with you, but first, we have to give Inkshares every reason to publish BoAT. Help me make this happen by nudging up that pre-order total just a little more. 

Cheers

Leo

Hey there, it’s been a while. Well, that was intentional. I grew tired of never having meaningful updates, promises for the future and how great things were going to be, blah, blah--bleh! So I wanted to wait until something worth reporting actually occurred. 

Here’s one: I turned in my manuscript to Inkshares today! So, to clarify:

• No, the book isn’t lost in the mail and you missed it.
• I haven’t abandoned the project. Quite the opposite. 
• I will now await marching orders and proceed accordingly. 
• There will be an honest to God actual timeline popping up of where the book is, and when it will be coming out.
• Welcome, and thank you to my new supporters!

That’s it. Stay well and stay tuned. Have a great weekend!

Dream on,

Kevin

Happy Friday, everyone. As promised, today I announce the winners of our various draws.

But first, allow me to re-emphasize that this campaign is not yet over. We do need to keep driving that pre-order total up! It’s been quiet since Monday ... too quiet.

Inkshares editors want to see that pre-order total continue to rise as they review the manuscript. Should Bane of All Things be chosen for publication, that pre-order revenue is used to offset the production/marketing/distribution costs, which allows Inkshares to pay me, the author, higher royalties than the industry norm once the book is out there. 

This campaign could not be where it is without each and every one of you. Many of you have exceeded my expectations by ordering five, six even 10 copies of BoAT. That might leave the rest of you wondering what on earth can one person do with more than copy of a book. The answer is easy – gift them.

Books make excellent gifts, especially signed by the author. Inkshares e-books make convenient gifts, too. When a title on Inkshares publishes, anyone whose pre-order includes ebooks will receive an email giving them the option to download the digital file in whatever format they prefer. This makes it easy to pass ebook copies on to friends and family.

Remember, if BoAT is chosen for publication, everyone who ordered two or more copies will get a signed souvenir poster. And I am thinking there will be something extra for everyone who has ordered five or more copies, too.

Now for the prize draws

DRAW #1 – $50 gift card: On Feb. 18, we were still looking to cross the 300 pre-order mark. I announced at the time that anyone who referred a new supporter between then and when we hit 301 (which happened on March 4) would be entered in the draw. And the winner is … Iris Cox!

Draw #2 – $50 gift card: I then announced another draw for existing supporters who pre-ordered additional copies between March 4 and March 17. And the winner is … Yves Beauchamp!   

Draw #3 – $50 gift card: Then came last weekend, with the clock ticking on what I expected to have been the final deadline for this campaign. I called on you all to help me drive past 400. Anyone who brought in a new supporter or ordered additional copies on or between May 30 and April 1 qualified for this draw. The response blew my expectations. And the winner is … Megan Alink!   

Draw #4 – Crossing 300 Pre-Orders: Back in February, I promised a draw for The Sword & The Skull artwork on canvas, signed by me and the artist, Dominic Bercier, should we cross 300 pre-orders. Anyone who had pre-ordered as of March 4 was entered into this draw. And the winner is … Sandra Markus!   

Draw #5 – Crossing 400 Pre-Orders: And I promised another draw should we pass 400, though I didn’t specify what the prize would be. Let’s go for another piece of artwork because you can’t keep a dead demigod or a sentient sword down. And the winner is … Debra Ford!   

Congratulations, all! I will be reaching out to our five winners to sort the details. 

Onward and upward! 

Cheers

Leo

"The novel will make great holiday gifts for baseball fans!" a reader emailed me. Yes, that’s the idea! 

A higher-up at Inkshares emailed last week and told me that they are impressed by what YOU HAVE BEEN DOING--the pre-orders and support. He also came up with the catchphrase, "Field of Dreams" meets "The Time Traveler’s Wife." That’s the way to talk to Hollywood!

If you’re exhausted by me cajoling you to click on the GOING, GOING, GONE! page and pre-ordering more books (I sure am), then please click on the GOING, GOING, GONE! page and pre-order more holiday gifts for baseball fans! We are at 634, see below. 763 is in sight!

And.........THANKS SO MUCH!!!!

GOING, GOING, GONE! CLIMBS THE ALL-TIME HOME RUN LEADER BOARD WITH YOUR HOMERS!!!!!!!

Barry Bonds 762

Hank Aaron 755

Babe Ruth 714

Alex Rodriguez 696

Willie Mays 660

G O I N G , G O I N G , G O N E ! 6 3 4

Albert Pujols 633

Ken Griffey, Jr 630

Bill Forr., Abuquerque Isotopes, P

Tracy Dutt., Virginia Satellites, P

Ben Kn., New Orleans Shrimp Haulers, SS

Jacob Kn., New York Chessmasters, CF

Tom Skuda, Sausalito Velvet Voicers, 1B

Sundude, Kitty Hawk Flyers, C
Ted H., Albany Bookflippers, CF
Leo V., Bane Of All Things Writermen, C
Charlie Denb., Mill Valley Educators, P
John S., California Helmar Collectors, 1B
Kris & C. Gas., Del Ray Rays, Owners
Scott Jamp., Sausalito Oyster Shuckers, P
Stefano Scali, Sausalito Floating Homers, C
Joe Burns, Sausalito Oyster Shuckers, Mayor
Linzy Coll., Iowa Soul Redeemers, SS
Paul Winst., New York Cosmos, Goalie
Jennifer F., New York Stockflippers, Mgr.
Joanna P., New York Stockflippers, Owner
Miles R., New York Stockflippers, P
Jeff Holl., Sausalito Lumber Reclaimers, P
Doug Simon, New York Frisbee Flippers, 3B
Dan Fost, Mill Valley Millers, Coach
Gerry R., Sausalito Boatriders, Cpt.
Mike Hood, Greenbrae Houseflippers, P
Bradford P., New York Dealmakers, SS
Arthur O., New York Lookouts, P
Ronald Grels., New York Kneecappers, P
Ariana C., Da Vino Coffeeslingers, P
Yovani Cast., Da Vino Coffeeslingers, Chef
Elizabeth C., Da Vino Coffeeslingers, Manager
Gordon H., Sausalito Picture Framers, SS
Lia M. & Carter J., Night Cafe Hall of Fame 
Chris Ryan, New York Cineastes, Film Crew 
Peter Gelf., New York Prop Dusters, SS
Kerry B., Mill Valley Millers, SS
Alistair G., Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers, RF
Charles Mandel, Helmar Antiquifyers, Owner
Laura M., Brattleboro Yankees, Mgr.
David B., East River Fishsnaggers, P/Captain
Charlie Craw., Toll Bros. Demolition, SS
Ed B., SF Team Brothers ’N Sisters, CF 
Beth B., SF Team Brothers ’N Sisters, LF

Brian Stadt., San Francisco Tech Reclaimers, SS

D. Krasnoff, Team Navy, Coach
E. Krasnoff, Team Navy, G.M.
Elizabeth C., Team DiVino, Nutritionist
Brian S., Prudential All-Stars, CF
Barnaby C., Washington Absinthe Sippers, P/2B
Miles R., New York Value Seekers, 3B
Charles G., New York Limo Hailers, CF
Jacqui L., Mill Valley Visionaries, SS-2B
James R., Marin County Muckrakers, P
Stefan Smith, Sports Massage Marin (his real team), 3rd base coach
Devin C., Amsterdam Guffawmen, P
Robert H., New York Skiiers, CF
Susan H., New York Museum Researchers, Mgr.
T. Wexler, L.A. Dealmakers, SS
Adam K., Ithaca Royal Palmists, CF
Bennett, J., Mill Valley Millers, 3B
Jonathan W., Mitzi Potted Parrot Fan Club, P
Jon R., Mill Valley Troubadors, P
David B., East Hampton Fly Casters, 1B 
Joe P., Sausalito Voiceovers, P
Jason A., Dalton Tigers, 2B
Stephanie A., Dalton Tigers, 1B
Jim C., San Francisco Dealmakers, P
Helen Y., Marin County Architects, P
Karin T., Sausalito Winemakers, Mgr.
Adam Tatt., Dalton Tigers, 2B
Duncan Plex., L.A. Guitar Riffers, P/OF
Ellen H., Sibling Hall of Fame, CF
Robert & Susan H., New York Giants, Owners
Kirk D., Arizona Tar Melters, LF
Adam K., Ontario Seal Pups, CF
Beth B., San Francisco Elites, RF
Kenneth Palmer, Houston Stan Keys, Team Doctor
Douglas Z., Albuquerque Isotopes, C 
John Bad., San Juan All-Stars, P
Leila S., Sausalito Sartajians, Mental Health Coach

This month’s update is a few days late because I wanted to wait until I could say I FINISHED THE REWRITE! 

That’s the second complete rewrite, for those keeping track. This one changed the whole book from first person to third, focused on the quality of prose, and added lots of historical detail. 

I’ve treated the last six months or so as a giant research project for the historical parts, reading, watching films, and interviewing people. The novel now stands at 115,416 words! The last draft was 90-something thousand, and the original manuscript I sent to Inkshares was 54k!

I’m letting the draft stand for a week before I go back and read the whole thing out loud to polish it and send it in. Please send me "take a break" vibes and also "don’t lose your mind while you’re waiting for feedback on this thing you’ve worked your ass off on for half a year" vibes. 

Thank you, as always, for your support!