Hey Folks,

Just a quick reminder for all of you in Paris (and those who want an excuse to spend an exorbitant amount of money to fly to Baguette Land for the night) that the next reading is TOMORROW, APRIL 9 AT 7PM at the glorious SHAKESPEARE AND COMPANY, Kilometer Zero, Paris.

It is a major honor to speak at my favorite bookstore in the world ... yet another example of how far you guys have brought Slim and The Beast. I'll be speaking/reading/sipping a glass of wine with Yann Rousselot, a great friend and fellow Inkshares writer. His Dawn of the Algorithm  is a beautiful poetry collection complete with illustrations from around the world, including work from my girlfriend and twin brother.

NB: Speaking of Aaron, he is currently in an international music competition (Toyota is sponsoring it) and has a chance to be flown to New Zealand to spread his musical love. He needs virtual credits (no real money is spent), so if you are a fan of his music,"voting" takes about 15 seconds and could very well change his life. (In case that hyperlink didn't work, here's the original source: http://feelingthestreet.com/profile/aaron-lopez-barrantes)

Dearest Folks,

As of today, I’ve sold 1,108 books. There are 11 first edition copies left. There are just two things I wanted to mention before the second edition is air-dropped into the hands of rabid, screaming fans:

Book reviews on Amazon and Goodreads

I’ll be the first to admit: I’m not good at this. Reviewing books online is not something I’m accustomed to. BUT, for better or for worse, it makes a HUGE difference going forward. And since I created a Goodreads account, I’ve actually found that it’s a pretty awesome website (think of it as a digital library that evolves with you, reminds you of what you like, and provides great recommendations). The truth of the matter is: the more reviews I receive, the more readers I get. It’s that simple. So if you’ve read the book and have a few minutes to jump on Goodreads or swing over to Amazon to tell the world (and me) what you think, it really does make a huge difference (even if you just give me “stars”). Just as every backer counted towards the 232 who originally funded me, every review now counts in getting me to “the next step.” (Note: please be honest if you do review it … hearing actual opinions is the only way for me to improve as a writer).

(Secret double note: my twin brother, Aaron, and I are envisioning an artistic adventure, a twin tour extravaganza—a TWOUR if you will. Combining his blues/folk singer/songwriting skills, vocal harmonies, Slim and The Beast and my harmonicas, we’re hoping to travel around the U.S. and spread the brotherly love. But for this to happen, we need to gain more of a following. So pop on some tunes and write that Goodreads review—it’s a major help for the next step).

Inkshares Credit System

You may have noticed Inkshares’ new “credit system.” At its most basic level, you are being rewarded for funding a “best-seller” (we’ve sold over 1,000 copies, and that’s awesome). This is kind of like a “buy one get one free” system, except better: Inkshares is reinvesting book sales in readers. As far as I know, that’s unprecedented. So jump on your Inkshares account and bask in the glory of believing in humanity. Browse the website to see what tickles your toes ... I suggest you check out Yann Rousselot’s poetry collection, Dawn of the Algorithm, which includes beautiful, unique illustrations from around the world (Aaron was an illustrator, as was my girlfriend). Yann is one of my Parisian writers in arms. We met at a book swap. Call it romantic.