Tony Valdez sent 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!

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    Tony Valdez commented on Ruth Mayfield Saves the World
    Thanks for the comments! I just feel it’s time for something a little fresh. We are inundated with sci-fi and fantasy stories of teenagers, young adults or people in their prime saving the world. I figure it would be nice to see an older person take center stage. Still working out the idea. Perhaps she was meant for a heroic destiny at a young age but never got the message? Regardless, I think this could be something special. Laughs, tears, and adventure awaits!
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      An octogenarian learns she is the chosen one, destined to save the world. A nursing home aid joins her epic quest.
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      Tony Valdez liked an update for Champions of the Third Planet

      Apparently some folks had trouble seeing this image in my earlier update so here it is again at a lower resolution. Plus why not take a second look? You got better things to do?

      --Chris

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        Tony Valdez 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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          Tony Valdez 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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