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

This contest thing is hard. I must say that. Much respect to everyone involved, because I have been in contact with several people who have been involved with previous contests, and they all agree that pushing your book through a contest is extremely stressful.

And it’s true. I have had to transform myself from a guy who writes stories into a guy who also sells his stories. It’s waaay outside of my comfort zone, and I find myself apologizing every time I ask someone to buy a copy of my book. 

Typical conversation:

Me: "I’m sorry to bother you, (friend). Would you mind maybe, possibly buying my book? I’m sorry for asking."

Friend: "Oh sure! When can I have it?" 

Me: "Umm...I don’t know, really. The only way I can find out is if enough people buy it. Then I win a contest, and then I’ll get the book published, and then I might know when you get a copy...I’m sorry." 

Friend: "So...you want me to buy something that I may or may not get?"

Me: "I’m sorry. Yes, you may get a copy, or you may get your money refunded. It depends. I’m sorry." 

Friend: "Okay...is your book any good?" 

Me: "I think so...but I’m sorry for asking you to buy it before it’s ready." 

Friend: "I’ll think about it, okay?"

Me: "Okay...but I’ll have to keep bugging you about it every day because it’s in a contest...I’m sorry."

Friend: "Stop saying ’I’m sorry!’"

Me: "Okay...sorry about that." 

I hope I still have friends when this whole thing is over, no matter how it turns out.

Just my feelings for today as we’ve hit the halfway point in this thing. Good luck to everyone involved! 

And thank you to everyone for your support! As always, please feel free to contact me if you want to network, want to do a pre-order exchange, want to pitch your novel, or just want to vent about this contest. I’m here: madmrbutler@gmail.com

Have a great day, everybody! I’m off to the ER on a Monday, so wish me luck!

Love, love, love,

-Michael.

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

    Hello readers!

    My book and I are being featured on thewarblerbooks.com! I encourage you all to check that out. Elan (the Warbler himself) had some very nice things to say about the book and I’m humbled to be featured alongside some other great entrants in the current Nerdist contest. 

    I’m also going to be making a new pitch video so you can all see my smiling face talking enthusiastically about this book that I’m having a blast writing. On that note, the writing is going wonderfully, I’m revising and editing the heck out of the first half of the book and hope to have another sample chapter up very soon. 

    Finally, for those of you on the fence that haven’t pre-ordered yet, perhaps reading some of my other work will help alleviate that trepidation? I have three short stories up on wattapd.com, so check those out. My profile is at wattpad.com/AtomicBoyWonder. 

    Thanks for the support! Stay tuned for more fun stuff coming very soon!

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      Thomas J. Arnold liked an update for Pixilated Obsidian Roses

      Hi Everybody,

      Having introduced you to the world of Thomas Rivenport, I thought it would be good to acquaint you with his other half, so to speak, Diggory. Therefore, I have uploaded an excerpt from the sixth chapter of the book’s second half. Here, the poor boy Diggory attends a traveling carnival with Helen, his future wife and rebellious rich girl. Of course, they get into some trouble.

      Enjoy...

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        Gregory Wlasiuk and Venkat Malladi followed Thomas J. Arnold
        Thomas J. Arnold
        A bumbling madman in an unholy relationship with the written language. Author of Exile, Magus; Exi...
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        Thomas J. Arnold commented on Exile, Magus
        @Michael Sebby. No need to thank me, it was my pleasure and an enjoyable bit of reading for me.
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          Thomas J. Arnold liked a review for Exile, Magus
          What stands out the most about Exile, Magus is its unique approach to a story. Thomas Arnold has brought something new and dazzling to the world of Fantasy, and Exile, Magus will make a fine addition to any book shelf.
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            Thomas J. Arnold liked a review for Exile, Magus
            What stands out the most about Exile, Magus is its unique approach to a story. Thomas Arnold has brought something new and dazzling to the world of Fantasy, and Exile, Magus will make a fine addition to any book shelf.
            like · liked by A. and 1 other

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              Thomas J. Arnold liked a review for Exile, Magus
              Exile, Magus Chapter 1, Sections 1-3 by Thomas ArnoldThis excerpt tells the beginnings of a story about a father and son who aren't like all the other dwarfs.  They are slightly peculiar and are a bit of outcasts in their own society of Thierdenvolgenlunders.  Magic is forbidden but the son, Pentaz, has an interest in expanding his knowledge.  Somehow, currently unknown to the reader, a highborn named Kerutda - The Lady of the Hammers- has gained this knowledge and accused Pentaz of witchcraft. Pentaz father, Duertanso makes a deal with the high court that Pentaz shall fight in an on coming battle and prove his innocence by not using any magic in his moments of need.The except leaves us with a secret meeting between the High Lord and Duertanso, seemingly friends, in which they discuss the matter of their little "Pentaz Problem" and the ensuing battle.  The writing here and the level of imagery are sure to pull you into this world quickly and not let you go. I can't wait to continue reading and I'm excited to see this reach its funding goal!
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                Thomas J. Arnold liked a review for Exile, Magus
                Exile, Magus Chapter 1, Sections 1-3 by Thomas ArnoldThis excerpt tells the beginnings of a story about a father and son who aren't like all the other dwarfs.  They are slightly peculiar and are a bit of outcasts in their own society of Thierdenvolgenlunders.  Magic is forbidden but the son, Pentaz, has an interest in expanding his knowledge.  Somehow, currently unknown to the reader, a highborn named Kerutda - The Lady of the Hammers- has gained this knowledge and accused Pentaz of witchcraft. Pentaz father, Duertanso makes a deal with the high court that Pentaz shall fight in an on coming battle and prove his innocence by not using any magic in his moments of need.The except leaves us with a secret meeting between the High Lord and Duertanso, seemingly friends, in which they discuss the matter of their little "Pentaz Problem" and the ensuing battle.  The writing here and the level of imagery are sure to pull you into this world quickly and not let you go. I can't wait to continue reading and I'm excited to see this reach its funding goal!
                like · liked by A. and 1 other

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                  Thomas J. Arnold liked a review for Exile, Magus
                  Exile, Magus is a unique fantasy tale, giving new meaning to the word 'Epic'. As you follow the life of Pentaz, you will be treated to an intricate blend of myth and magic, sit on the edge of your seat through intense battles, and chuckle at the witty banter of the characters as they face a variety of threats. If you read fantasy, read this - I promise it will not disappoint!
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