Thomas J. Arnold liked an update for Dax Harrison

Hello friends and readers!

Yes, I know, I know. It’s been a good long while since my last update. Rest assured, I have been hard at work on Dax Harrison. I did not meet my previously planned end-of-February completion goal, but I am steadily heading toward the finish line.

"Uh-oh. Tony, do you have... *dramatic gasp* ...writer’s block?"
No! Not at all! In fact, progress on the book has been happily moving along very steady! However, it is taking longer than I originally thought it would. First off, this is my first novel I’ve ever written, so I am most certainly learning and improving as I go. Also, as I’ve mentioned before, Dax was originally written as a screenplay. When I dove into this project of converting the story from script to novel, I thought, "Hey, I’m already ahead of the game! The story is already done. I’ll have this out in no time!"

Oh... silly me.

Interestingly enough, I think having written the story originally as a film script is part of what has made this a challenging journey. Scenes need restructuring and expanding, characters have inner-thoughts to be addressed, the world needs a bit more fleshing out, etc. It’s pretty much the exact opposite writing style of a screenplay, in which the only things on the page are quite literally what your audience will see and hear on screen. A bare-bones blueprint for the movie, if you will. Anyway, that mental gear-shift has taken some time and patience, but I believe I’m improving every step of the way. :)

It is also hard not to get excited about the sequel. Once book #1 is out, it won’t be long at all before I dive right into book #2. Dax’s world is going to get bigger, more fun, more dangerous, and might even make you shed a tear or two. I can’t wait!

Thank you again everyone for your support and patience in my journey to become a legitimate author. It has been an unbelievable gift and continues to fuel my creative fire every time I sit down to get some writing done.

Final thought: As of today, I have an editor lined up! Woo hoo! As soon as I’m done with the manuscript, I will pass it along and someone will be able to tell me how terrible it is! (This is actually, in fact, exciting news)

All right, gang. I will try to get these updates out a little more frequently, but for now, it’s back to the writing dungeon for me!

-Tony

OK, Final, FINAL note: I stumbled onto this beautiful digital artwork yesterday online and said, "Oh my God! It’s Logan!" I am not sure if this is a character from another already established sci-fi universe or just an original creation from the artist. Nevertheless, this is a perfect image of Lieutenant Logan Weaver in my mind, so I thought I’d share. Enjoy!

(Source)
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    Thomas J. Arnold liked an update for The Traveller’s Cup

    Space Crew, 

    We’re almost out of time. With only a couple of days remaining, this is the moment that will make or break us. 

    I need you today. Today we will plaster The Traveller’s Cup throughout the universe, everywhere we go. Crew, I issue you this quest during the next 24 hours: commit to sharing the link on your social media channels with a personal message. Commit to telling someone you haven’t yet about this book and what you love about it. Commit to getting more copies in your household, and to talking to someone in person. We are so close to the goal I can feel it, but I can’t do it alone.

    *Remember that only unique pre-orders count in the contest, so it’s more important that we get more people engaged than binge on our own copies. 

    Yesterday Was Amazing! I’m still blown away that Gary Whitta (Book of Eli, After Earth, The Walking Dead by Telltale Games, Abomination, and many more) and his Syndicate chose The Traveller’s Cup for his award. This is such a big deal, and I’m so humbled and honoured.You can see my fancy new badge on the book page. 

    Here’s the Sappy Part. You guys really are incredible. You’re the only thing keeping me going in this campaign. Sometimes it’s a bit awkward for me to pitch the book or ask people to go for a copy, and it can be even tougher to know how to thank you. I guess I do suffer from a bit of imposter syndrome, so when I get this amazing feedback from you all, I usually assume you meant to message someone else. 

    It can be confusing getting all of your great comments and feedback and still struggling to get up the ranks. But I’m accepting that this is what creative competition feels like. And something I’ve learned in all of this is how important it is to support our fellow creative people. Since this campaign started I’ve bought so many indie and Inkshares books I’m a little afraid to look at my credit card. But this industry is hard, and any support I can give to those who work hard is worth it.

    When you support my book, it’s not just a book. You’re supporting my dream, and a goal I’ve worked countless hours and days and years to achieve. I build up anxiety everyday just preparing these newsletters. If I say the wrong thing I won’t get orders today. Or...oh my gosh; yesterday’s email had three errors in it. Now they’re gonna hate me. And yet you guys stay positive and keep me grounded. 

    I almost wish money weren’t part of this, because I know that for some of you $10 can be a lot to give in the name of support. And it’s never been about dollar signs for me. If you want to contribute but find it difficult, please let me know if there’s a way I can support you back. 

    We’ve gone from total underdog to a real contender for third place, which is all we need. 

    So I truly, sincerely, from the bottom of my awkward heart, thank you for being the greatest Space Crew of all time. Of all time.

     

    Sincerely,

    Your "I have no idea what I’m doing" Captain,
    -AC





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      Thomas J. Arnold liked an update for She Is the End


      SPECIAL UPDATE: LUCKY EDITION

      Lucky by RH Webster is an amazing space opera book starring a smart, complex woman on an adventure hauling freight across the galaxy.

      I love the idea of the book and I want it to place in the current Nerdist contest!

      SO!

      The next 20 new readers to pre-order Lucky will have a 50/50 chance of winning a copy of my book, She Is the End, FREE! Those are some pretty good odds... I hope you’re feeling lucky.

      That’s right, two books for the price of one! Two space operas about strong, interesting women and dashing, conflicted men in space!

      If you’re a follower who hasn’t ordered my book or her book yet, now is the best time EVER to do it. Go on, GET LUCKY!

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        Thomas J. Arnold liked an update for Lucky

        Dear Readers,

        Time for that big announcement from myself and AC Weston! Ms Weston has been so kind as to offer ten copies of her book, She Is The End, as a raffle for the next twenty people who order Lucky! This gives any one of you a 50/50 chance of getting not one, but two books for your order price. If there’s something better than two books for the price of one, I can’t think of it.

        Also, we’ll just go ahead and have an early Christmas today, shall we? I have completed basic edits for Chapter Seven of Lucky and am planning to post it this afternoon. Stay tuned for that as well!

        Remember, the Nerdist Space Opera contest ends at midnight on March 15, 2016. If you want your contribution to help us win the contest, don’t hesitate to preorder your copy of Lucky today!

        As always, feel free to connect on Facebook and Twitter with any comments or questions!
        Twitter: @RH_Webster
        Facebook: www.facebook.com/RHWebster.ScienceFiction

        AC Weston can be found on Twitter at @acwestonwrites!

        Happy reading!

        - Webster
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          Thomas J. Arnold liked an update for To Live and Die in Avalon

          Chapter 4 is now UP! It has been sent to all readers, but if you didn’t get it, I have linked it in the project description. 

          Penny gets a briefing from headquarters on the next phase of what she thinks is her final mission and then we get the requisite casino scene. I hope I didn’t disappoint anyone by not elaborating on the finer points of a poker game, I know how action-packed those can be. Some things that work in a movie, don’t necessarily translate well to the page.

          Also, I submitted my first chapter draft to a science fiction writing workshop and got some great feedback which helped me with my revisions. Critiques are  big part of the writing process, constructive critiques anyways, so please don’t be afraid to give me some constructive feedback on the submitted chapters and I will certainly return the favor! I will be uploading the revised first chapter sometime this coming week. I’m still working my way through all the chapters I’ve finished and giving them a once over.

          Thanks again for all the support! The Nerdist contest is just about over and I want to say a special congratulations to both Christopher Leone and my good friend Michael Haase for reaching their Quill goals! I can’t even imagine how good that must be feeling!

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            Thomas J. Arnold liked an update for Sync City

            Greetings Jackolytes,

            Two words. Inkshares syndicates. A question. What do you know about them?

            There are currently nine Inkshares syndicates backing authors from a wide variety of backgrounds. Each month these syndicates back a book to try and turn an author’s dreams into reality. They really do make a difference.

            Go check them out and see if it’s something you can be a part of. You can find them at www.inkshares.com/syndicates  There’s something there for everyone!

            Cheers,

            Peter

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              Thomas J. Arnold liked an update for The Madness of Mr. Butler

              It’s been a relatively long time since the last time I updated everyone (like maybe a couple of days...haha), but so much has happened! 

              First, I was interviewed by Renderosity Magazine about my views on writing. I cover some personal perspectives, the process of composing a novel, and some little advice I’ve gathered over the years. It’s a fairly extensive interview, and I promote Inkshares a little bit, too. You can read the interview by clicking here.

              I was honored to be part of the last blog interview for the Space Opera contest as well. This time, I had to cast Mr. Butler for the movie version. What a difficult question...I did my best, and you can read it here.

              Also, I’m working hard to get more material written and posted. I will do so as I feel it’s ready, and it’s all open to be talked about and critiqued. Please don’t hesitate to let me know what you think. 

              While we’re on the subject, I’d like to help other authors on here with support and critiquing. I put up the offer on the new Goodwill Train 2.0 thread on Goodreads. Basically, let’s reach out more directly to one another. Email me at madmrbutler@gmail.com and let me know what I can do for you, especially if you just want me to know more about your novel! Let’s network and help each other get published! There’s no reason everyone can’t reach their goals. Just let me know what I can do. 

              Finally, I wish everyone the best. This contest experience has been emotional and exhausting, and it’s coming down to the final days. If you haven’t pre-ordered your copy of The Madness of Mr. Butler, please consider doing so by clicking here. 

              I look forward to hearing from everyone, and please push your book in my direction...I have credits I’d like to use!

              All of my love,

              -Michael
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                Thomas J. Arnold liked an update for The Traveller’s Cup

                Greetings, Space Fiends! 

                Hold position for your daily update. I know I contacted some of you already today, so I hope you’ll forgive a blast message filled with good news!

                First, We’ve Been Granted the Syndicate Award! I’m so pumped! To loop you in on what that is, one of Inkshares highest selling authors of all time, Gary Whitta, has selected The Traveller’s Cup as the first ever receiver of the award. And he comes with a team full of backers, which as significantly boosted our pre-orders. If you haven’t already you need to check out his book, Abomination, which sold over 9000 copies!

                Our Position is Moving! We’re only about 20 orders away from bumping into 5th, and the road between 3rd-5th looks a lot smoother. I can’t thank you guys enough.

                The Sci-Fi Geeks Club Podcast went live last night, and we’re now in the intro ad! The initial plan was for us to be somewhere in the midst of the contest, but I’m very pumped to be given the lead-in spot. Give it a listen here if you’re the podcasting type. 

                It’s a bit crazy how I can start a day stressing about how far there is to go and end it with such celebration. You guys are all amazing supporters of me and this book, and I’m doing everything I can get to make sure it ends up in your hands. 

                Sample Chapter Coming Tonight, as usual, and there will most definitely be one tomorrow, since we’ve already zoomed past today’s 10 orders. 

                Here’s the Doodle of the Day! 

                Your Captain Who-Isn’t-Crying-I-Promise,
                -AC

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