
So, what do you do when you have 19 days to get 154 pre-orders?
If you’re me, you don’t give up, or get down! Over this 4th of July weekend, I found myself laid out sick with a nasty summer chest cold, and decided to do something productive with my time! So, I began a complete cover-to-cover re-write of Seeking the Elephant.
Working with a friend on edits & voice over work last week I realized I was tired of apologizing when it came to Seeking the Elephant’s weaknesses. It’s a GOOD book, but I know it could be better, I know because everything I wrote in the years since WAS better. So, if I want to make this dream a reality, why accept anything but the best?
Over the next 19 days, I will be releasing 1 of the new re-written chapters per day until 19 chapters are ONLINE. This will comprise the majority of the first act. With lucky, this AVALANCHE OF AWESOME will convince you to place your pre-order.
Rember, all pre-orders receive a copy of the short story Alviso as a thank-you gift an e-book level ($10.) all pre-orders receive a copy of the short story The Dread Harvester as a thank-you gift a paperback level ($20.)
With your help, we can make Seeking the Elephant a reality in the next 19 days!
It’s Wednesday! That means it’s time for me to take a minute and shine the spotlight on a fellow Inkshares author. This time, I want to give a little shout out to Mothering: The Game by Regina McMenomy, Ph.D.
I think Regina’s doing something really special here. Presenting the experience of first-time motherhood from the point of view of a gamer is something I’ve never seen before in writing, yet I know so many people who could relate so well to it. It’s really refreshing to see girl gamers get the proper recognition they deserve for their innate awesomeness, and mom gamers are even cooler. Dr. McMenomy is the kind of mom I think we’d all like to have.
I’m a single, childless male, yet I’m eagerly looking forward to getting my hands on my copy of this book. I can’t wait to see this memoir unfold, from loading screen to end credits.
Please consider placing a pre-order for Mothering: The Game. The Nerdist Video Game Contest has only 9 days to go, and she’s currently holding steady at 6th place. I think it deserves to level up.
Hello all!
There are only 9 DAYS left in the contest and things are already shaking up. Although I’m still in 2nd place, Peter Ryan’s excellent Destiny Imperfect is creeping up the ladder (only 5 behind me!). I wish there was room for all three of us, but there are only 2 spots up for grabs. I am asking each and every one of you to pre-order a copy if you haven’t done so already or to help spread the word. If you know somebody that likes video games and dragons, chances are they’ll enjoy AYSYWTQ?
As a remind, those who pre-order will receive a FREE short story titled "Mother of All," in addition to a FREE digital painting. I worked very hard on AYSYWTQ? and I want nothing more than to see this story published one day.
Let’s make sure Maggie defeats Amasarok once and for all ;) Thank you.
Best,
アリサちゃん
Greetings Destiny-followers,
The final countdown has begun. And, as with all countdowns, there’s a feeling of expectation mingled with terror. Destiny-followers have responded magnificently over the past 24 hours and we are now in 4th overtaking Matthew Poats excellent Squids In.
So, where are we right now? Here’s the snapshot. There are 9 days left. We’re 4th . There are currently only 10 orders between us and 3rd. And I’d love your help getting there. $10 is all it takes! If the project doesn’t hit its goal, then it’s your money back. Hit the link and see if Destiny Imperfect is a project you can get behind. Also, if you’ve already pre-ordered (many thanks), it’d be great if you could share Destiny Imperfect with your friends and family - they could make all the differrence!
You have all been wonderful. Have a great day!
Cheers,
Peter
Eid Mubarak to all Muslim supporters of SQUIDS IN. Peace and happiness to you all.
Unfortunately the book has dropped back into 5th place following a surge of support for Peter Ryans excellent "Destiny Imperfect" but it is still within spitting distance of finishing within the top 3. Just 16 pre-orders will see Hendrix the Octopus back up there and on the road to publication. If SQUIDS IN fails to finish in the top 3, this is what will become of Hendrix...

Don’t let this happen to Hendrix, pre-order SQUIDS IN today.
Matthew
Hello all!
News
Great news! I was just interview by the fantastic Nell Walton. Check it out! You might learn something new about me, or (more importantly) about the book.
Reviews
In case you missed it, First on Mars now has seven great reviews. Here are some highlights:
“I love it. [...]You leave us hanging, desperate to find out more - who would have thought our only hope is Earth - it leaves us so many unanswered questions. Great job.” - Bryn Hagan, author of “The Bully Book”
“With a three dimensional world and compelling characters, First on Mars draws reader in with it’s narrative structure. [...] this book is sure to delight!- Stephen Carignan, author of “The Sleeping Man”
“...It’s accurate, honest and a darn good read.” - Kendra Namednil, author of “Borehole Bazaar”
If you haven’t pre-ordered. What are you waiting for? If you have... order another?
Writing
You may have noticed Chapter 1 appear in your Inbox. This is because I finally felt it was in pretty good shape – not complete mind you, but at least readable. I plan on sending each chapter after it hits this imaginary benchmark. After completing the draft in this way, I will send it to my beta readers.
Remember, it still needs to get to 100 orders so I can post the next full chapter (in which a lot of crazy stuff happens). So tell your friends. Don’t forget you can get a $10 credit for referring people with a link (through Inkshares, twitter, facebook, or email), using the buttons on the book page.
Author Spotlight
I’d like to give a shout out to Jaye Milius and her book Terminus. It was chosen by two syndicates and it’s a staff pick, but more importantly, it’s just an awesome concept that is nicely executed.
Story Update!
The crew of The Diamelen are bringing a lot of state-of-the-art equipment on their survey mission to Tantalus 13, but nothing comes anywhere close to matching the sheer awe-inspiring power of Attila, their relativistic directed-energy drill.
Firing a beam described as "the concentrated wrath of God," this monster is powerful enough to literally carve planets to pieces.

Why did Exotech send such a powerful device to what was supposed to be a relatively low-profile survey mission? Can this drill do more than merely clear the way for the crew’s exploration into the depths of Tantalus 13? Or does it have a secret purpose even the crew doesn’t know?
You know the drill (sorry, couldn’t resist). Pre-order Tantalus Depths and share with all your friends!