Have you ever been so close to achieving a goal or dream you could almost taste it? Straining and stretching to reach something that you can almost touch … with your fingertips … just a little more …

When I launched this campaign over five months ago, I had no idea how it might turn out or where it would lead. All I knew is my gut told me to give this a try. Inkshares is not the only way to get a novel published, but it seemed like the right way for me. Seeing my name on the cover of a published novel has been my dream since high school.

At several points since the new year, it seemed this campaign had run out of steam. I was ready to pull the plug. But each time came a reason that gave me the motivation to catch a breath, dig in my heels and keep pushing.

And here we are, with just a couple of days left and the 400 pre-order mark in sight. We are close – I can tell you that for a fact. But the jury is still out on whether Bane of All Things has made the grade. That’s why it is so important to drive that pre-order total as high as possible in the time that remains.

The end of the road: I can tell you with all honesty that at this moment in time, I don’t see a reason to again extend the campaign. Unless something unexpected happens between now and Tuesday morning, the crowdfund for BoAT will end as scheduled. Monday is the last full day.

Allow me to ask one more time: I have asked you several times before I and will humbly ask again. Please consider pre-ordering an additional copy for a friend or family member. Get it as a gift. What have you got to lose? If Inkshares agrees to publish BoAT, you will get your copies. If it doesn’t, you will get a full and unconditional refund. if you have followed but not yet pre-ordered BoAT, you know what to do.

New prize draw ... with a catch: Anyone who does order an additional copy of BoAT (or bring on board a new supporter) between now and the deadline will be entered into a draw for another $50 gift card (Amazon or your choice). BUT … there is a catch. This draw will only take place if we hit 400 by the deadline. And if we shoot past 400 … well, let’s see how it goes.

Again, my sincerest thanks to those of you who have already pre-ordered additional copies or recruited a friend or family member. Those prize draws previously announced will take place and the winners announced on Friday, April 5.

Let’s make this happen!

Cheers

Leo

It’s been a while, so I thought I’d give everyone an update on how work is progressing on the novel. Some people have mentioned to me that they’ve been so busy they haven’t had a chance to read the book yet. That’s ok, I haven’t finished writing it.

In February, I received detailed feedback from the publisher on the draft manuscript that I had submitted. This is what’s known in publishing as an “editorial letter.” This was an extensive (20 page) and thoughtful critique with many good ideas. The good news is that almost all of the input is actionable. The bad news is there are many months of writing and re-writing required in order to incorporate these ideas and create a truly top-notch novel. 

The publisher asked me to create a new outline which strengthens the characters and gives more of the historical context of some events during and following World War II. In particular, I have been researching the liberation of the Mittelwerk slave labor manufacturing facility by the 104th Infantry Division of the Army and Operation Paperclip, the US Government program to recruit German scientists to the US after the war. Both of these elements feature in the background of the novel. 

So that’s been the focus for the past month. I’m glad to report that the new outline is complete. It’s quite a detailed document (approximately 35 pages) which describes all the characters and every scene. While it’s still the same noir detective murder mystery, there is a more ambitious middle section and an overall faster pace.

I’ll be reviewing this new outline with the publisher in the coming weeks, and no doubt there will be some back and forth as we try to determine the best way to tell what has become a more complex story. 

In the meantime, it’s been a long winter in Northern Michigan. The snow is finally starting to melt, but I’ll keep the snow tires on for a few more weeks, just in case. Thank you everyone who supported this creative project. I’ll keep you posted on progress in the coming months. 
—Zack

      
PS. For those who are curious about Operation Paperclip, the US government program to recruit German scientists to the US after WWII, I highly recommend the book of that name by Annie Jacobsen. She provides a detailed account of many famous scientist and doctors who were recruited to the US, including Wernher von Braun, who was instrumental in developing the Saturn V rockets which powered the Apollo mission to the moon. He also ran the underground slave labor factory which made V-2 rockets at Mittelwerk and was both a Nazi party member and a Sturmbannfuhrer in the SS. 

Dear Kind Souls,

I’m writing to say thank you! With your gracious support, we’ve reached 300 pre-orders! I’m grateful that you took the time and money and effort to help me out. All of those are finite so to lend them to this project is an act of generosity not lost on me or soon forgotten. You’re a good person and a hero! There are just over fifty days left in the campaign, and still copies to sell, but thanks to you all, this already feels like an accomplishment.  And to those of you who have shared my book, that has been a tremendous help and one redeemable for a cocktail, an ice cream or a bike ride on the beach. And if you haven’t, but those things sound enticing, please give it a share, or tell a friend, or get them a copy, and I’ll be your own personal postmates. Thank you again! Enjoy your weekend and know I’ll be thinking fondly of you.

Sincerely yours,

Jake

Exciting news!

Showtime has been chosen by Inkshares staff as their Syndicate’s pick for March!

Hi Friends,

Today, Friday, March 29, from 4:30pm to game time, at the parking lot at the A’s-Angels game, I’ll be asking people, "Do you like to read great books?" and talking with them, and handing out the GOING, GOING, GONE! postcard! If you’re going to the game, email me and we’ll meet up (south parking lot).

If everybody updated here clicks one, single, solo, uno, un more pre-order, we’ll hit the mark. So, please, just one more time, and we can get on to the phase of book production. If you’ve bought ten, then please ask your husband, wife, barrista to order one.

#592. Help climb to the top! (Perhaps at the game, later, the Angels’ Albert Pujols will hit a homer; it’ll be cool to adjust his count, as well as the one for GOING, GOING, GONE!)

Barry Bonds 762

Hank Aaron 755

Babe Ruth 714

Alex Rodriguez 696

Willie Mays 660

Albert Pujols 633

Ken Griffey, Jr 630

Jim Thome 612

Sammy Sosa 609

G O I N G , G O I N G , G O N E ! 5 9 2