Hey everyone!

I figured it was time for a #tbt that highlights the inspiration for Welcome to Deadland!

In honor of the Grand Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hollywood, here’s an image from the morning of the Grand Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Orlando (or the OG Wizarding World) in which I teach Al Roker about Screaming Yo-Yos

I tried to find the actual clip, but apparently the internet doesn’t last forever. The years I spent working here ignited the spark in my mind that evolved into Deadland, and goes to show the power that one (or seven) books can have in the world. 

In Welcome to Deadland news, I have submitted my approval of the copy edits back to Girl Friday Productions and received a preview of the "pour," or what the pages of the book will look like in print. Not too much longer before the manuscript is sent to the printer!

There’s a new contest taking place right now! I encourage everyone to go check it out by entering or supporting authors currently campaigning for an amazing opportunity. And feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!

Thank you all for your support!

-Zac

You can find me on Twitter or Welcome to Deadland’s Facebook page

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.