Dear friends and followers,

One week ago, we were at 246 orders. Within 2 hours of my last update, we hit 250, and we closed the day at 251. Today, we are at 274. This means two things:

First, that this is definitely happening. When I say "this will be published", it will no longer be with the unspoken disclaimer "if I get the pre-orders". This will be published. You will get your books. And you will have my thanks: I couldn’t have done this without you, and I still can’t do this without you. The question now is whether I win the coveted Fully Funded publishing deal, or whether I settle for the light Quill publishing deal. That, too, will depend on you and others like you--whether or not I hit that shining goal of 750 pre-orders.

And second, it means that Chez Doris will be getting their cheque at the end of the month. Right now, the donation amount stands at $23. Can we make it exceed $50? I certainly hope so!

So, let’s move on now to the other books on the Inkshares funding shelf....

1) "And The Wolf Shall Dwell", by Joni Dee: a modern spy thriller set in London, in which an ordinary everyman and a retired agent find themselves drawn together in ... well, that would be the mystery. Dee’s strength is in setting and plotting: he knows where he is, and he knows where he’s going. He certainly gives an impression of knowing what he’s talking about as he paints the lives of his protagonists and the world they move in. If ever there was a book that could benefit from hitting the Full Funding goal, it would be this one.

2) "Scribbles", by Tabi Card: an eclectic collection of short stories. I’ve spoken about this book in an update before, but I believe it bears repeating: this is a good book, and it contains well-written stories. I’ve been impressed by the excerpts I’ve read, and I believe this to be true. Ms Card has had an extension to her funding period since last I spoke of her book, to this coming Thursday. She still needs 62 orders.

Folks, normally I just present books here to draw your attention to them: no pressure! This time, I’m actually going to ask you all to check your accounts for any spare credits you can throw in the direction of one or the other (or both!) of them. They need all the help they can get.

We’re all counting on you.

Aside from that ... have fun, and keep reading.