Hello Readers!

Today’s December 1st, which means we have only 15 DAYS UNTIL THE LAUNCHPAD CONTEST ENDS, and one month until funding ends. This means that it’s crunch time, and while I’m so thankful to have so very many of you supporting and reading, I definitely need a signal boost over the next week!

If every person who has pre-ordered can recommend the book to one other person (friend, mom, dad, significant other, roommate, any human anywhere!), we will be WELL within our goal! If you refer someone and they end up buying the book, shoot me a message or an email and you’ll be added to a list to receive PERSONALIZED ARTWORK from the book once it’s released, signed by our (TBA!) cover artist and I.

So let’s get those recommendations rolling in! I’d be so appreciative--we’ve come such a long way already! 

Lots of Love,

Liz

Today I have the most amazing news to share. Yesterday, The Launch Pad announced their final winners of the 2016 Manuscript Competition — I am thrilled by the revelation Human Resources has been picked by Scott Free as one of their winners. 

To discover that a production company with such an impeccable reputation liked my novel — that they believe it has what it takes to become a successful movie — is beyond my ability to describe. Here is the official description of what that this prize is:

Ridley Scott’s company Scott Free was one of the first major companies to take e-books into the spotlight when they found The Martian and developed it into what would become a Best Picture nominee starring Matt Damon. They were also the first company to buy a Launch Pad project, when they picked up Daniel Turkewitz’s Tranquility Base. Now they’re looking to do the same for you. Our exclusive partnership with Scott Free means not only are they represented on our judging panel, they have also committed to option at least 1 project with an eye towards discovering their next break out hit.

More than 24 hours later and I still can’t fully process what has happened. There are no details to report beyond the official announcement. The novel has not — yet — been optioned, but it seems that is likely. My dreams are coming true, and you have all played a key role in enabling that to happen.

Thank you.

Bonus Feature: Advanced Field Intelligence System. 

I’ve created the second of my planned bonus features for you. This time, I’ve unearthed the wiki page for AFIS, the system used by the Special Operations Group in the novel to give them an advantage of the field. If you’ve read all the excerpts on the site, you will have encountered this under the acronym COED — the product has undergone a re-branding.

If you would like to learn a little more about AFIS, follow this link.

Crowdfunding Competition Rolls On 

The crowdfunding competition has not finished! The announcement yesterday was for the formally judged portion of The Launch Pad for 2016. The crowdfunding competition — the part you have direct control over — continues until 16 December. If you haven’t pre-ordered a copy, now is an excellent time!

You can pre-order here.

Happy Holidays! I want to extend a hearty thank you for your support. Over the last few months, I’ve continued to receive messages of how The Body of Chris has affected families with a wide range of mental health difficulties. None of this would be possible without you, and I never forget it.

Inkshares is currently running a promotion of 50% OFF selected books through December 16th, which means The Body of Chris is on sale for $8 (paperback) and $4.99 (ebook)--tough to beat! This time of year reminds me of child-like wonder, and it’s been touching to hear my boys sing Christmas carols they’re learning for their preschool play. The season can also bring up a lot of difficulty for those living with some of the issues presented in my book. If you know someone who may benefit from reading about my journey, I hope you’ll pass this email along to them. There is profound healing in simply feeling less alone.

Speaking of my boys, the International Bipolar Foundation recently asked me to write something on parenthood with bipolar disorder, and this is what I came up with:

"I remember poignant moments of deep connection and longing that marked those early days of fatherhood. At the time, I was unwilling to accept treatment for what I considered to be a sensitive, spiritual disposition unmet by the profane existence of modern society. My son was colicky, needing an extraordinary amount of devotion just to fall asleep. I would sing him songs, rock him for what seemed like hours, and then be trapped by his delicate body asleep on my chest. My arm would go numb as I drifted in and out of sleep myself. I would stare at his face, the promise of a life yet unmarred by suffering, and tears would stream down my cheeks. I felt a love fuller than I had ever known. In these fleeting moments, I became willing to commit to whatever treatment necessary for my ability to be present in his life." (read the full article here: http://www.ibpf.org/blog/fatherhood-bipolar-disorder)

I hope you all have a wonderful close to 2016; wishing you the best year yet for 2017!

Love.

Chris

OMG, I just had to report on this! Rob Batten and his Human Resources has just won one of the major prizes in the 2016 Launch Pad competition! He is one of the two recipients of the Scott Free prize. That’s Ridley Scott!!!

Congratulations, Rob! What a terrific accomplishment! I am happy for you, and actually, this helps us all on Inkshares. It helps solidify this platform as one that can deliver top-notch works, with ideas suitable for mass consumption. We are on Hollywood’s radar! Thanks, Rob!!

Again, congratulations, Rob! Great job! :D

Tonight I learned that King’s Daughter won Top Drama, one of three grand prizes in the Launch Pad Manuscript Competition! I am blown away by this humbling news! How often in life do dreams held since childhood come true? Thanks for your continued support of King’s Daughter! I will continue to keep you posted as the project progresses. Thanks to Launch Pad and its partners in the contest--I feel the journey has only just begun...!