SO CLOSE!
Order number 700 was just made meaning we’re only 50 preorders away from hitting the full publishing goal.
Dammit. @iamsteadman just ordered one as I was writing this.
Meaning we’re only 49 pre-orders away from hitting the publishing goal. (Thanks Mark!! Happy Eurovision!)
As a huge thank you for being in before the end here’s a little snippet from the book I won’t be putting up on the general page.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
LESSONS
“It’s so easy to teach you since I always know what you learned exactly four years before,” the Secretary had crowed. He instructed each version of Ambassador X in order each day so he would move from least experienced to most experienced.
The lessons usually came during physical labor.
Ambassador X would be digging up dirt to cart over for the building’s walls. The Secretary would come up and start drilling him.
“What are the four major types of Sensaurians?”
“Overmind, Command, Soldier, Worker.”
What is the name of the Progon homeworld?”
“Tiel”
What are the Sensaurian eating habits.
“We do not know as they refuse to dine in diplomatic situations.”
“Should you ever offer Progons food?”
“It is not necessary but they appreciate the courtesy. Only offer once as they see the insistence as an insult to their machine nature.”
“What are the Sensaurian wheeled containers properly called?”
“Buckets. They really are buckets even in translation. Hilarious.”
“Focus. What is unique about Progon evolution?”
“They are non-corporeal and had the lowest probability of reaching sentience of any known sentient species.”
And on and on, day after day, until the day before Ambassador X’s original arrival.
What’s the good word Pirates!!
Soooo, the Geek & Sundry contest is almost over! Honestly, I’m a bit relieved. Its been a fun, nail-biting experience for us in the trenches, and I’m looking forward to the next stage. Because of your support, we are #3!!! But, I’m not one to rest until its over, so here is my pitch:
For all those who have pre-ordered, THANK YOU! You are rock stars and we here at Team Pirates appreciate your support!!
For those on the fence, please help us get to and past QUILL!! We’re only a few copies away, and we’re so excited to meet this benchmark!
For everyone that buys today, SATURDAY MAY 14, we will donate 100% of our take to the American Cancer Society.

My mother died of cancer when I was 22. I know she would have loved that Pirates of Montana exists today. This book, this story, exists because of her. #fcukcancer (not sure if Inkshares censures this sort of thing, so yes, it is misspelled ;-))
Anyway here is a hilarious meme to lighten the mood!

We’re down to 15 pre-orders left before we get published!!! As we get down to the last few copies I’ve decided to share some alternative concept art for our story that either didn’t make the cut or are really early versions of some of the final work. Enjoy!
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Hello all! Things are going well...
"First on Mars" now has several reviews. I want to thank each and every one of you that left a review! Michael, Stephen, Joy, and Joanna, thank you!
I’m still plugging away at the book. It’s coming along nicely although still not ready for prime-time. I’m still moving things around, renaming chapters, adding more detail, etc.
"First on Mars" is only FOUR orders behind the book above in the contest and seven behind the next! If you haven’t yet pre-ordered, what are you waiting for? And if you have, please help me out by recommending, reviewing, referring people, or all of the above!
Meanwhile, here’s something pretty to look at:
Source (This is just a sample of some of the images I use for inspiration.)
Thanks again for your support!