Fred Kerns sent an update for Uncharted Territory

Things have been pretty crazy the last couple of weeks. I was hoping to have another chapter finished by now, but I'm not quite there. Working on it when I can, though. The majority of this week has, of course, been taken up by Christmas stuff, plus buying a bike since I don't have a car anymore and needed to get around without pestering people for rides. That turned into a whole saga in itself, which involved a couple of eight-mile hikes to pick up the bike and, a couple days later, a bike pump I was too distracted to get the first time. Needed the pump because the guys who assembled the bike didn't inflate the tires enough and I didn't notice it until I was almost home that first day.

I should've noticed something was off, though. I was having a hell of a time pedaling the bike, but I just assumed it was because I'm just really out of shape and hadn't been on a bike in nearly ten years. ;) But the problem was resolved and now I can get to work and the grocery store without needing someone to pick me up, so yay. :D

I intend to keep working on the next chapter of Uncharted Territory and post it within the next few days. Hopefully things will smooth out now that Christmas is here and things get back to normal.

In the meantime, I want to thank everyone who's following Uncharted Territory, as well as those who followed and pre-ordered Project Revenant. The support means the world to me.

Uncharted Territory, by the way, is (as I've mentioned before) expanded and fleshed out from the short story "Mission to Bellatrix," which was first published in the paranormal/sci-fi romance anthology, Lucky Stars. A couple reader reviews of the story (which can be found on the Amazon and Goodreads pages), while I'm here .... ;)

From one review:

Mission to Bellatrix by Fred T. Kerns- Rating- 5 This was my first sci-fi book I've ever read all the way through. It's not my cup of tea, but I really enjoyed this one. Kolya has a scarred face that has been a slight hindrance in helping her meet a love interest because of this she's a hitchhiker for spaceships and ends up meeting Donovan on her way to board a ship that's going to explore a long-lost ship. This was closer to a full length novel at 18 chapters, which threw me for a loop. I kept expecting things to pick up quicker than they did. However, the novel was long enough that we got a lot of what is going on. I really enjoyed all the awesome innuendos. The crew of the ship were likable and at times had me laughing. There aren't any sex scenes in this story, it closes the door right on them. I loved the relationship between Donovan and Kolya and how we got to see it blossom slowly and sweetly. I can't believe I liked this one as much as I did, in fact I might make my husband read this one!

And from another:

Mission to Bellatrix by Fred T. Kerns - Ok, this was another sci-fi, so it was a little different for me. I did find myself getting caught up in the descriptions, the details and the imagery. I enjoyed reading it after I was a few pages in. There was a certain strength that I got from Kolya. She was a strong character, and it was nice to read that in a female character. I enjoyed reading the interactions and banter between Kolya and Donovan.

Finally, I'll draw this quick little update to a close by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.


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    Fred Kerns liked an update for Dax Harrison

    Hey friends!

    Did everyone have a great Saturday? I did! I was running back and forth between participating in the Inkshares Review-A-Thon, running errands, and deep cleaning the apartment for an ugly sweater Christmas party!

    Needless to say, it was a busy day. But a fun one! And unfortunately, I didn't get to leave nearly as many reviews for my fellow authors as I wanted to, so I will most definitely be making up for that this week.

    I DID however join in for JF Dubeau & Paul Inman's livestream broadcast. Many thanks to them, the other participating authors, and a massive thanks to A.C. Weston as well, the overworked mastermind behind this amazing event. You can watch the full video HERE. The Dax Harrison live-reading antics begin around 51:00, but I encourage you to watch the full stream if you have a chance. There are some great interviews with multiple authors and Inkshares co-founder Adam Gomolin!

    I have yet to watch the replay of the live-reading myself, but apparently we must have done something right! Dax scored 12 more orders yesterday, and 4 today! I also took the opportunity last night to bug a few folks at the Christmas party. *mwah ha ha ha!*

    Let's take a look at the countdown: 6 days left, 22 orders to go!

    Oh, we've got this. We've SO got this! There's some more good stuff brewing at Camp Dax for this final week. Stay tuned!

    -Tony

    P.S.: I know I'm a bit behind on the latest mug giveaways. After this final push, I will get caught up, probably in one big grand finale video. See ya soon! :)

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      Fred Kerns liked an update for Dax Harrison

      Good morning, Dax fans!

      DAX COUNTDOWN: 5 days, 15 orders to go!

      In my foolish, sleep-deprived state, I previously forgot to mention a few thank yous in my last update...

      Dax received a plethora of amazing reviews during Saturday's Review-A-Thon event. Yes, a plethora, which gave me a big lump in my throat, made me a little weepy eyed, and generally left me about as happy as El Guapo on his birthday...

      You know, before the Three Amigos crashed the party.

      Thank you to Vincent Lim, Amanda Orneck, Andrew Wood, Jamison Stone, G. Derek Adams, Jason Pomerance, Shannon Saldin, Paul Inman, Landon Crutcher, Thomas J. Arnold, Alan Tucker, Steve Soldwedel, Jim McDoniel, and Chris Robinson.

      I've tagged each of their names with links directly to their respective projects, because they deserve your support too! To post all of their kind words about Dax here would be far too self-serving. But I at least have to share G. Derek Adams's epic review, as it is a bit of a hilarious work of art unto itself:

      G. DEREK ADAMS
      "Comedy is harder than drama. Drama is open to interpretation, discussion, analysis -- everyone knows funny. And you can't force funny via interpretation, discussion, analysis. It is either funny or not funny. The Grand Binary. Dax Harrison is funny. Tony Valdez is funny. I love the setting and the crazy-ass Buck Rogers pastiche, I am 100% on board with the aesthetic and the plot arc I see developing in the first excerpts. Interrogating heroism, public perception, duty - I am HERE for all these grand concepts explicated through a patently silly premise. But what's really exciting me is that this book is funny. The punch lines land, the asides are light and bouncy, it never stops and alerts me that 'THIS IS A JOKE'. This is a rare thing. A precious thing. A shiny, shiny unicorn who wants to take you to McDonalds and talk about Macross continuity. Recognize it and treasure it. Sidebar - if you can watch Tony's video and not make a pre-order then you are a mean person who can't feel joy and puppies hate you."

      Sci-fi & Fantasy author Amanda Orneck also posted a lovely review of Dax on her author blog, Immersive Cursive. READ IT HERE!

      And last but not least, another big thanks to Amanda and Inkshares team member Avalon Radys for organizing a guest post for me on the official Inkshares blog! READ IT HERE!

      Stay tuned, gang. We're in The Final Days of Dax, and we're going out with a BANG!

      -Tony

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        Fred Kerns liked an update for Dax Harrison

        Hi everyone and happy Friday evening! I hope yours is going swell, whether you're waiting in line for Star Wars or hanging at home in your PJs.

        DAX COUNTDOWN: 8 days remaining, 38 orders to publishing!!!

        First off, another quick thank you to everyone (as always). The support from friends, family and my fellow authors has grown even more as the deadline approaches. It's wonderful. You're all wonderful. I am a puddle of fuzzy feelings.

        ...*ahem* I mean, um, manly. Very manly feelings of appreciation. *hearty handshake*

        Now, a couple details I forgot to mention about tomorrow's Review-A-Thon event:
        -JF Dubeau & Paul Inman's livestream event can be viewed at THIS YOUTUBE LINK. Be sure to tune in at 3PM Pacific Time / 6PM Eastern!

        What's on the schedule? Live author interviews, Q & A's, AND (here's the part I forgot to mention before): A live reading from the original screenplay/first draft of DAX HARRISON!

        Yes! We are going to read through an action-and-goofs-packed scene from the book! Naturally, we have not rehearsed this in the slightest, and it is sure to be ridiculous, nonsensical, and plenty of fun. Don't miss it!

        The rest of the details for tomorrow's event (including prize giveaways) can be found at my previous update, HERE.

        And finally, I would like to take a minute and shout-out to several of my fellow Inkshares authors, who have not only graciously helped spread the word of Dax at one point or another, but also have amazing projects of their own that deserve your support! Some have already successfully begun production, and many still need your help to get there! Please consider all of these fine folks for your reviews tomorrow, and/or support their projects if you can spare the cash (or if you have some lovely Inkshares credits to use).

        This is by no means a complete list of everyone who has helped me out on this journey, nor a complete list of the amazing books currently funding on Inkshares, but I'll be sure to highlight some more folks another time. :)

        She Is the End - by A.C. Weston
        They stole Relai's crown and used it to kill Milo's family. She wakes up. He's there to kill her.
        A God in the Shed - by JF Dubeau
        So you've inadvertently trapped an ancient trans-dimensional god in your backyard shed; what do you do? That's what Venus McKenzy and her friends would like to know.
        The Life Engineered - by JF Dubeau
        Can our robot descendants avoid repeating the mistakes of humanity?
        Motor City Chronicles - Book One: Transgressions - by Paul Inman
        In the year 2030, the world struggles to find balance after nuclear war. 17 year old orphan, Cam Blackwell, holds an ancient secret that could bring balance to the Earth. But first, he has bigger problems.
        Ageless - by Paul Inman
        A woman faces the ultimate question: Is eternal life a gift or a curse?
         Good Intentions: A Supervillain Story - by Michael Crider
        Shawn tried to be a hero and ended up a bad guy instead. Is he villainous enough to stay alive?
        The Talkers are Talking - by Janna Grace
        Forget about vampires and zombies...at the end of the world, there are cannibals
         The Children of the Forest - by Byron Gillan
        A young warrior princess is mankind's only hope as she embarks on a perilous journey to save her dying world from total ecological-collapse.
         Lola the Buhund and the Empty Sky - by Elbot Carman
        A talking farm dog living in a fantasy world without natural daylight has to uncover where the sun, moon and stars went. Joined in her journey by a carpenter, a musician, and a chicken; Lola has a rough road ahead of her to unravel the truth.
        Exile, Magus - by Thomas J. Arnold
        First in a series following a dwarven magus entering a world he grew up only hearing of. As he strives to find a place amid countless dangers (and at least one too many gnomes) his naivete in life and love may bring more danger than any foe could.
        Women Like Us - by Jason Pomerance
        A down and dirty chef and her starchy ex-mother-in-law must bond when a crisis threatens a member of the family.
        The Animal in Man - by Joseph Asphahani
        An artifact of immense power puts Maxan in the middle of a secret war between mighty guilds. To overcome the resourceful and sinister masters who would use him, use everyone, as puppets, he must decide which nature defines him. Animal, or man?
        Toasted Fiction: A Collection Of Very Short Stories (That Nobody Asked For) - by Christopher Patrick
        A flash fiction collection containing tales of unemployed wizards, modern romance, fire-starting ghosts and God’s difficult second album.
        Blood Dawn - by John Robin
        In Gholheim, where art is illegal, a weaver discovers her skill is a gateway to magic, the key to restoring a god-king's fallen empire. Hope, the very light of the world, depends on her. But will she rise to power before the ambitious destroy her?
        Prophecy of the Stars - by Melissa Berg
        After finding out the truth of her past, Mahren must leave everything behind and embark on a journey through love, betrayal, and sacrifice, while her fate may already be written in the Stars, for the Prophecy states: 'She must die, so all may live'.
        Beyond the Code - by Kelsey Rae Barthel
        Join Aurora and her comrades in their struggle to topple the corrupt Hand Council and change their world as they know it
        Asteroid Made of Dragons - by G. Derek Adams
        A preposterous fantasy crisis with resolutions remarkable and losses lamentable. May contain minotaur tea parties.
        Feyside - by Peter Birdsall
        Escape the steampunk plutocracy of the Trade Baronies. Trek across the unnumbered realms of Faerie. Dare the path through the Thinning to Feyside.
        An Unattractive Vampire - by Jim McDoniel
        A darkly comic urban fantasy of ancient horrors in suburban cities.
        Blurred Weaponry (Saints of the Void, Book 1) - by Michael Valdez
        Get up, go to work, have a life, and worry about nothing. All is well. Let us take your body, use it how we like, let us kill you if we have to, but don’t think on it too much: all is well. Do not bite the hand that feeds, or we will bite back.

        Cheers!
        -Tony
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          Fred Kerns liked an update for Dax Harrison

          Good morning everyone!

          It's time for Dax Harrison coffee mug giveaway #5! CLICK HERE TO WATCH!

          DAX COUNTDOWN: 11 days remaining, 53 orders to publishing

          Well, this is it folks. It's been a valiant effort, but we are most definitely down to the wire now. If you've been following the book and have yet to pre-order, now is the time. If you already bought the book, but you have some spare Inkshares credits to use, a 2nd order would be much appreciated. If you have friends or family who might also be interested in contributing, now is the time to spread the word and get them to order ASAP!

          Hopefully, this Saturday's Review-A-Thon event will help push those final orders through. In case you forgot about that, here's a nifty reminder courtesy of fellow author A.C. Weston...

          .

          On December 19th, all authors and readers are invited to leave reviews on currently funding Inkshares books using the Inkshares "leave a review" option.

          Throughout the day we'll be hanging out on Twitter in the #InksharesReviews tag as we share our favorite book projects, answer author Q&As, debate the merits of astronauts with swords versus cavemen with lasers, and more!

          Then, from 3 - 5pm PST (6 - 8pm Eastern), JF Dubeau and Paul Inman of the WriteBrain Podcast will be hosting a video livestream filled with author interviews, review readings, and live announcements of prize winners!

          Prizes?!?!

          Everyone who leaves a review on December 19th by 3pm PST (6pm Eastern) will be eligible to win one of our fantastic general prizes:
          • Sword & Laser Contest Winners Package - print copies of the six winning books from the Sword & Laser Inkshares contest!
          • Nerdist Contest Winners Package - print copies of the five winning books from the Nerdist Inkshares contest!
          • An immediate pre-order of the book of their choice for five winners!
          • $30 in Inkshares credits!

          Readers: Peruse the "currently funding" books on Inkshares and leave as many reviews as you want on Dec 19th. You could even start up a "must-have" list of books to order in case you win a free pre-order or the $30 in credits!

          Authors: Join our review exchange to leave three reviews in exchange for two guaranteed reviews on your Inkshares project and a chance at author-exclusive prizes! Email AC Weston at cara.c.weston@gmail.com to learn more and get on the list.

          ----

          And finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to fellow authors Jim McDoniel, Thomas J. Arnold and Joseph Asphahani, who gave Dax some lovely shout-outs this past week. Be sure to check out their own projects at the links below. You should also keep them in mind for the Review-A-Thon!

          An Unattractive Vampire - Jim McDoniel
          The Animal in Man - Joseph Asphahani
          Exile, Magus - Thomas J. Arnold

          Cheers!
          Tony
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            S.J. Petersen
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            Fred Kerns sent an update for Uncharted Territory

            Well, things got interesting lately. Had too many everyday-life things, several other things that were horrifying to deal with, and a couple of genuinely good things, all of which kept me too distracted to keep working on this book. Not going into detail again here (I did that on my blog and in a recent update over on Project Revenant) ... but basically I almost ended up homeless several times in a three- or four-month period, so as you can imagine, I had a lot on my mind.

            But things have started to turn around in the last month or so. One very positive development is the official publication of my novel Chaser by an actual publisher, Keith Publications. It was released on November 28, and I've been focusing a lot of attention on promoting it on my blog and on Twitter and Facebook. There's a lot more I need to do, when I can figure out just how to go about it -- I'm thinking about blog tours and things like that.

            I was also approved for a Goodreads Author Page, and spent some time this morning updating several of the books with their new cover images, which for some reason still had the old, bland covers.

            Another bit of good news is more directly related to Uncharted Territory and the short story that it's based on, Mission to Bellatrix. This novel is a sequel to a book I wrote and published last year, titled Game Over. The characters of Cora, Dylan, Grishnag, Syala, Nishara, Zilaka, and Ayastal had their debut in that novelette, and I had so much fun writing it that I wanted to continue their adventures and make Mission to Bellatrix a sequel so I could bring them back. I had to leave most of them in the background in that story, just putting a brief mention of them being busy with other tasks somewhere else on the ship, and have only Dylan, Grish, and Cora in supporting roles, because it was a short story and would've been too crowded if I tried to keep them all in. But now that I'm expanding the story into a full novel with Uncharted Territory, I can bring all of them into it and give them something to do.

            So, the good news -- a few days ago, a five-star review and interview was posted on Deneale's Book Buzz. The reviewer absolutely loved the story (she also did reviews/interviews for Mission to Bellatrix and all the stories that appeared in Lucky Stars, the sci-fi/paranormal romance anthology it originally appeared in), and seems particularly fond of Cora. In the interview section, I was able to mention and link to a lot of my other works, including Chaser.


            The reviewer also asked me to send her another book, so I sent her a copy of Chaser, since it's just been published and this'll really help get the word out. When the review is posted, I'll put an announcement in an update on Project Revenant because it's more closely connected to that novel than this one.

            So, after a rather horrible 2015 (there were many good things that happened this year, but overall I consider it a net-negative), things seem to be turning around and I'm able to close out the year on a positive note. But I was so distracted for a while that I wasn't able to work on Uncharted Territory ... and then, when I had time to get back to it, I finished chapter 8 and posted it only to notice that there were only seven chapters. That's right, I'd completely forgotten to post chapter 7, so chapter 8 ended up where 7 should've been. I rushed to fix it, so now both new chapters have been posted tonight, in the proper order. I almost didn't catch the mistake, though. O_o

            Sorry for the delay and the confusion, and I hope you enjoy the new chapters.

            I'm hopeful for what 2016 brings. As the late, great Monty Oum liked to say ... keep moving forward.

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